Form 6-k
Table of Contents

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 6-K

 


REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarter ended September 29, 2006

 


Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 


The Cayman Islands

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

Walker House, Mary Street

P.O. Box 908GT

George Town, Grand Cayman

(Address of Registrant’s Principal Executive Office)

c/o Del Monte Fresh Produce Company

241 Sevilla Avenue

Coral Gables, Florida 33134

(Address of Registrant’s U.S. Executive Office)

 


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F      X            Form 40-F              

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes                      No      X    

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-            .

 



Table of Contents

Forward-Looking Statements

This Report on Form 6-K (this “Report”), information included in future filings by Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. (“Fresh Del Monte”) and information contained in written material, press releases and oral statements, issued by or on behalf of Fresh Del Monte contains, or may contain, statements that constitute forward-looking statements. These statements may appear in a number of places in this Report and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Fresh Del Monte or its officers (including statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates” or similar expressions) with respect to various matters, including without limitation (i) Fresh Del Monte’s anticipated needs for, and the availability of, cash, (ii) its liquidity and financing plans, (iii) its ability to successfully integrate acquisitions into our operations, (iv) trends affecting its financial condition or results of operations, including anticipated fresh produce sales price levels and anticipated expense levels, (v) its plans for expansion of its businesses (including through acquisitions) and cost savings, (vi) the impact of competition and (vii) the resolution of certain legal and environmental proceedings. All forward-looking statements in this Report are based on information available to Fresh Del Monte on the date hereof, and Fresh Del Monte assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. It is important to note that Fresh Del Monte’s actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. The accompanying information contained in this Report identifies important factors that could cause Fresh Del Monte’s actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page

Consolidated Financial Statements:

  

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 29, 2006 (unaudited) and December 30, 2005

   1

Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the quarter and nine months ended September 29, 2006 and September 30, 2005

   2

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the nine months ended September 29, 2006 and September 30, 2005

   3

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

   4

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (unaudited)

   22

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

   28

Signatures

   29


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FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(U.S. dollars in millions, except share and per share data)

 

     September 29,
2006
    December 30,
2005
 
     (Unaudited)        

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 39.7     $ 24.5  

Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance of $25.7 and $20.1, respectively

     247.3       288.9  

Advances to growers and other receivables, net of allowance of $23.8 and $20.4, respectively

     52.4       59.1  

Inventories

     396.2       388.7  

Deferred income taxes

     15.4       6.5  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     26.8       56.1  
                

Total current assets

     777.8       823.8  
                

Investments in and advances to unconsolidated companies

     12.8       13.8  

Property, plant and equipment, net

     867.5       893.0  

Deferred income taxes

     38.7       38.0  

Other noncurrent assets

     108.8       106.9  

Goodwill

     249.2       249.3  
                

Total assets

   $ 2,054.8     $ 2,124.8  
                

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 381.3     $ 371.1  

Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations

     8.2       11.7  

Deferred income taxes

     15.8       16.1  

Income and other taxes payable

     14.2       8.7  
                

Total current liabilities

     419.5       407.6  
                

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations

     390.5       349.1  

Retirement benefits

     97.8       95.7  

Other noncurrent liabilities

     44.0       43.4  

Deferred income taxes

     70.3       65.9  
                

Total liabilities

     1,022.1       961.7  
                

Minority interests

     11.8       10.2  
                

Commitments and contingencies

     —         —    

Shareholders’ equity:

    

Preferred shares, $0.01 par value; 50,000,000 authorized; none issued

     —         —    

Ordinary shares, $0.01 par value; 200,000,000 authorized; 58,039,180 issued as of September 29, 2006 and 58,013,180 issued and outstanding as of December 30, 2005

     0.6       0.6  

Paid-in capital

     386.0       380.5  

Retained earnings

     663.7       774.9  

Less: 341,346 treasury shares at cost as of September 29, 2006

     (5.8 )     —    

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (23.6 )     (3.1 )
                

Total shareholders’ equity

     1,020.9       1,152.9  
                

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 2,054.8     $ 2,124.8  
                

See accompanying notes.

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

(U.S. dollars in millions, except share and per share data)

 

     Quarter ended     Nine months ended  
     September 29,
2006
    September 30,
2005
    September 29,
2006
    September 30,
2005
 

Net sales

   $ 729.6     $ 740.5     $ 2,476.7     $ 2,501.8  

Cost of products sold

     738.4       690.0       2,347.6       2,230.8  
                                

Gross profit (loss)

     (8.8 )     50.5       129.1       271.0  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     56.7       46.5       152.6       143.7  

Asset impairment and other charges

     18.4       —         50.5       2.1  
                                

Operating income (loss)

     (83.9 )     4.0       (74.0 )     125.2  

Interest expense

     6.7       2.7       18.9       11.7  

Interest income

     0.4       0.1       1.0       0.5  

Other income (expense), net

     3.6       —         7.7       (2.4 )
                                

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (86.6 )     1.4       (84.2 )     111.6  

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

     (3.0 )     (4.3 )     1.0       1.5  
                                

Net income (loss)

   $ (83.6 )   $ 5.7     $ (85.2 )   $ 110.1  
                                

Net income (loss) per ordinary share - Basic

   $ (1.45 )   $ 0.10     $ (1.47 )   $ 1.90  
                                

Net income (loss) per ordinary share - Diluted

   $ (1.45 )   $ 0.10     $ (1.47 )   $ 1.90  
                                

Dividends declared per ordinary share

   $ 0.05     $ 0.20     $ 0.45     $ 0.60  
                                

Weighted average number of ordinary shares:

        

Basic

     57,697,834       58,003,667       57,859,944       57,898,573  
                                

Diluted

     57,697,834       58,106,339       57,859,944       58,069,914  
                                

See accompanying notes.

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(U.S. dollars in millions)

 

     Nine months ended  
     September 29,
2006
    September 30,
2005
 

Operating activities:

    

Net income (loss)

   $ (85.2 )   $ 110.1  

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     63.7       66.6  

Stock-based compensation expense

     5.1       —    

Asset impairment charges

     47.4       2.1  

Other, net

     (8.4 )     (11.0 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Receivables

     48.0       9.5  

Inventories

     (10.0 )     (45.2 )

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (2.8 )     (3.2 )

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     16.7       8.1  

Other noncurrent assets and liabilities

     (6.9 )     (9.3 )
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     67.6       127.7  
                

Investing activities:

    

Capital expenditures

     (71.6 )     (54.9 )

Proceeds from sales of assets

     13.2       1.7  

Other investing activities, net

     —         (0.6 )
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (58.4 )     (53.8 )
                

Financing activities:

    

Proceeds from debt issuances

     514.8       535.8  

Payments on debt

     (477.8 )     (587.4 )

Proceeds from stock options exercised

     0.3       3.6  

Purchases of treasury shares

     (5.8 )     —    

Payments of dividends

     (26.0 )     (34.8 )
                

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     5.5       (82.8 )
                

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     0.5       1.8  
                

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     15.2       (7.1 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     24.5       42.1  
                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 39.7     $ 35.0  
                

Supplemental cash flow information:

    

Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized

   $ 18.5     $ 10.4  
                

Cash paid for income taxes

   $ 1.6     $ 2.7  
                

Non-cash financing and investing activities:

    

Purchases of assets under capital lease obligations

   $ —       $ 6.1  
                

See accompanying notes.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

1. General

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. (“Fresh Del Monte”) was incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands on August 29, 1996 and is 43.6% owned by IAT Group Inc., which is 100% owned by members of the Abu-Ghazaleh family. In addition, members of the Abu-Ghazaleh family directly own 8.5% of the outstanding ordinary shares of Fresh Del Monte.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Fresh Del Monte and its subsidiaries include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly their consolidated financial position as of September 29, 2006 and their operating results and cash flows for the nine- and three-month periods then ended. Interim results are subject to significant seasonal variations and may not be indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for the entire 2006 year.

For additional information, see Fresh Del Monte’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in Fresh Del Monte’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 30, 2005.

2. Recent Developments

Hawaii Exit Activity included in Cost of Goods Sold

In January 2006, Fresh Del Monte announced its decision to exit its Hawaiian production operations. During the third quarter and first nine months of 2006, Fresh Del Monte recorded charges in cost of goods sold related to the previously announced decision to cease pineapple planting operations in Hawaii of $24.6 million and $25.7 million, respectively. Due to further analysis of the Hawaiian operation, during the third quarter, Fresh Del Monte evaluated the need for a lower of cost or market adjustment to the deferred growing crops inventory in Hawaii in light of changes in circumstances resulting from inefficiencies associated with employee turnover, reductions in forecasted volume and a decline in pineapple market prices. Based on its evaluation, Fresh Del Monte recorded a lower of cost or market adjustment to deferred growing crop inventory of approximately $23.1 million and recorded charges of $1.5 million related to Hawaii exit activities including one-time termination benefits and contract termination costs during the third quarter of 2006, respectively. For the first nine months of 2006, $2.7 million of non-cash charges were recorded related to Hawaii exit activity charges for termination benefits and contract termination costs.

Kenya Voluntary Withdrawal and Disposal Program included in Cost of Goods Sold

During the third quarter of 2006, an investigation of a low level contamination of Fresh Del Monte’s canned pineapple product from its Kenyan operation was concluded, in which such low level contamination was confirmed. In connection with that matter, Fresh Del Monte launched a voluntary product withdrawal and disposal program with respect to its Kenyan canned pineapple prepared food products, which resulted in charges of $16.2 million included in cost of goods sold. No contamination was detected in any other canned pineapple product tested as part of the investigation. The withdrawal was confined to certain European countries. Of the $16.2 million of charges, $13.5 million related to contaminated inventory on hand and the remaining $2.7 million related to inventory destruction and other costs. Fresh Del Monte at this time cannot estimate any future costs it may incur as a result of the Kenya voluntary withdrawal and disposal program. Fresh Del Monte maintains product contamination insurance for these purposes, but cannot estimate any possible recoveries it may obtain with respect to this matter. Based on information currently available, Fresh Del Monte believes that no additional reserves with respect to this matter are currently required.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)(Unaudited)

 

2. Recent Developments (continued)

Asset Impairment and Other Charges

During the third quarter and first nine months of 2006, Fresh Del Monte recorded asset impairment and other charges totaling $18.4 million and $50.5 million, respectively. These charges were the result of exit activities and asset impairments occurring during the third quarter and the first nine months of 2006.

The following represents details of asset impairment and other charges for the quarter and nine months ended September 29, 2006 (U.S. dollars in millions):

 

     Quarter ended    Nine months ended
     September 29, 2006    September 29, 2006
    

Asset

Impairment

Charges

  

Other

Charges

   Totals   

Asset

Impairment

Charges

  

Other

Charges

   Totals
                   
                   

Charges related to asset impairments

   $ 18.4    $ —      $ 18.4    $ 38.3    $ —      $ 38.3

Charges related to exit activities

     —        —        —        9.1      3.1      12.2
                                         

Total asset impairment and other charges

   $ 18.4    $ —      $ 18.4    $ 47.4    $ 3.1    $ 50.5
                                         

Included in the $18.4 million of asset impairment charges for the third quarter of 2006 are $9.1 million of charges relating to underutilized facilities and other assets in South Africa and North America that have a recent history of operating losses and $9.3 million of charges relating to the write-downs of underutilized finite-lived intangible assets in North America and Europe.

Included in the $50.5 million of asset impairment charges for the first nine months of 2006 are $38.3 million of asset impairment charges relating to underutilized facilities and other assets in Europe, South Africa and North America that have a recent history of operating losses, the write-off of certain capitalized software costs in Europe and the United States due to actions taken during the first nine months of 2006 to cease using and replace the software, and the write-downs of underutilized finite-lived intangible assets in North America and Europe.

Also included in the $50.5 million of asset impairment and other charges for the first nine months of 2006 are $12.2 million of charges related to exit activities resulting from Fresh Del Monte’s decision to shut-down and dispose of the assets of certain production facilities in the United Kingdom and United States. This decision reflects the recent history of operating losses of these facilities and Fresh Del Monte’s conclusion that it would not be economically feasible to continue operations at these locations. Of the $12.2 million of total exit activity related charges, $9.1 million represents asset impairment charges and $3.1 million represents other charges, including termination benefits and contract termination costs. The $9.1 million of impairment charges includes $6.2 million related to goodwill impairment associated with the facility closure in the United Kingdom.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)(Unaudited)

 

2. Recent Developments (continued)

Stock Repurchase Program

On February 14, 2006, Fresh Del Monte amended its credit agreement to increase the allowable repurchase of its stock in an aggregate amount not to exceed $300 million. On March 3, 2006, Fresh Del Monte’s Board of Directors authorized an initial stock repurchase program of up to $300 million of the common stock of Fresh Del Monte. Fresh Del Monte is under no obligation to purchase any shares under this program. During the first nine months of 2006 under this program, Fresh Del Monte purchased 341,346 shares of its common stock in open market transactions at an average purchase price of $16.99 per share. During the third quarter of 2006, there were no purchases under this program. Fresh Del Monte accounts for treasury stock using the cost method.

3. Stock-Based Compensation

Effective upon the completion of its initial public offering in October 1997, Fresh Del Monte established a share option plan pursuant to which options to purchase ordinary shares may be granted to certain directors, officers and key employees of Fresh Del Monte chosen by the Board of Directors (the “1997 Plan”). Under the 1997 Plan, the Board of Directors is authorized to grant options to purchase an aggregate of 2,380,030 ordinary shares. Under the 1997 plan, options have been granted to directors, officers and other key employees to purchase ordinary shares of Fresh Del Monte at the fair market value of the ordinary shares on the date of grant.

On May 11, 1999, Fresh Del Monte’s shareholders approved and ratified the 1999 Share Incentive Plan (the “1999 Plan”). Under the 1999 Plan, as amended on May 1, 2002, the Board of Directors is authorized to grant options to purchase an aggregate of 4,000,000 ordinary shares. Under the 1999 plan, options have been granted to directors, officers and other key employees to purchase ordinary shares of Fresh Del Monte at the fair market value of the ordinary shares on the date of grant.

Under both the 1997 Plan and the 1999 Plan, 20% of the options usually vest immediately, and the remaining options vest in equal installments over the next four years and may be exercised over a period not in excess of ten years.

Effective December 31, 2005 (the first day of its 2006 fiscal year), Fresh Del Monte adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payments” (“SFAS 123R”). Fresh Del Monte’s share-based payments are composed entirely of stock-based compensation expense as all equity awards granted to employees and members of its Board of Directors, each of whom meets the definition of an employee under the provisions of SFAS 123R, are stock options. Fresh Del Monte adopted SFAS 123R using the modified prospective basis. Under this method, compensation costs recognized beginning December 31, 2005 included costs related to 1) all share-based payments granted prior to but not yet vested as of December 31, 2005, based on previously estimated grant-date fair values and 2) all share-based payments granted subsequent to December 30, 2005 based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123R. Fresh Del Monte has continued to use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock options granted subsequent to the date of adoption of SFAS 123R.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)(Unaudited)

 

3. Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options for the quarter and nine-months ended September 29, 2006 included in the determination of net loss before taxes and net loss totaled $2.5 million and $5.1 million, respectively, on the straight-line, single award basis, or $0.04 and $0.09 per diluted share, respectively, and are included in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the quarter and nine-months ended September 29, 2006 in selling, general and administrative expenses. Fresh Del Monte is in a net operating loss position in the relevant jurisdictions. Therefore, for the third quarter and first nine months of 2006, deferred tax assets related to stock-based compensation expense have been fully reserved and there was no reduction in taxes currently payable or related effect on cash flows as the result of excess tax benefits from stock options exercised in these periods. The amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options was $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 29, 2006. There were no stock option exercises during the third quarter ended September 29, 2006.

Prior to December 31, 2005, Fresh Del Monte measured stock-based compensation expense using the intrinsic value method of accounting as prescribed in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, and related interpretations, but disclosed the pro forma effects on net earnings and earnings per share as if stock-based compensation expense had been recognized based upon the fair value-based method at the date of grant for stock options awarded consistent with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.123 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Expense” (“SFAS 123”). Fresh Del Monte’s reported and pro forma information for the quarter and nine-months ended September 30, 2005 follows (U.S. dollars in millions, except per share data):

 

     Quarter ended     Nine months ended  
     September 30, 2005     September 30, 2005  

Reported net income

   $ 5.7     $ 110.1  

Deduct: Stock-based compensation expense under fair value method

     (0.8 )     (4.9 )
                

Net income, pro forma

   $ 4.9     $ 105.2  
                

Net income per ordinary share, reported:

    

Basic

   $ 0.10     $ 1.90  
                

Diluted

   $ 0.10     $ 1.90  
                

Net income per ordinary share, pro forma:

    

Basic

   $ 0.08     $ 1.82  
                

Diluted

   $ 0.08     $ 1.81  
                

The fair value for stock options was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which requires management to make certain assumptions. Volatility is estimated based on the historical volatility of Fresh Del Monte’s stock over the past five years. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected term of grant. The expected term of grant was based on the contractual term of the stock option and expected employee

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)(Unaudited)

 

3. Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

exercise and post-vesting employment termination trends. Forfeitures are estimated based on historical experience. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R, forfeitures were recognized as they occurred for purposes of estimating pro forma compensation expense under SFAS 123. The following are the weighted average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model for the periods indicated:

 

     Nine months ended  
     September 29,     September 30,  
     2006     2005  

Dividend yield

   1.31 %   2.68 %

Volatility

   36.22 %   48.54 %

Risk-free rate

   4.84 %   3.87 %

Expected term of grant

   5 years     5 years  

Information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at September 29, 2006 is as follows (intrinsic values in millions):

 

Exercise Price   Remaining
Contractual
Life
  Outstanding   Outstanding
Intrinsic
Value
  Exercisable   Exercisable
Intrinsic
Value
$ 5.95   4.6 Years   35,750   $ 0.4   35,750   $ 0.4
$ 8.38   3.1 Years   12,000     0.1   12,000     0.1
$ 9.28   3.1 Years   6,000     —     6,000     —  
$ 14.22   2.6 Years   20,000     0.1   20,000     0.1
$ 15.78   9.9 Years   1,290,000     2.1   258,000     0.4
$ 18.31   9.8 Years   191,000     —     38,200     —  
$ 19.76   6.4 Years   185,700     —     123,700     —  
$ 19.76   9.4 Years   31,250     —     31,250     —  
$ 22.01   6.2 Years   30,000     —     24,000     —  
$ 23.82   7.6 Years   161,000     —     96,600     —  
$ 25.83   7.4 Years   20,000     —     12,000     —  
$ 29.84   8.6 Years   1,335,000     —     536,400     —  
$ 32.28   8.4 Years   31,250     —     31,250     —  
                     
    3,348,950   $ 2.7   1,225,150   $ 1.0
                     

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 29, 2006 and September 30, 2005 was $0.2 million and $6.0 million, respectively. The total fair value of options granted during the nine months ended September 29, 2006 and September 30, 2005 was $8.6 million, with a weighted-average fair value of $5.68 per option, and $17.7 million, with a weighted-average fair value of $11.26 per option, respectively. The total fair value of options vesting during the nine months ended September 29, 2006 and September 30, 2005 was $6.0 million, with a weighted-average fair value of $8.23 per option, and $5.7

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)(Unaudited)

 

3. Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

million, with a weighted-average fair value of $8.35 per option, respectively. As of September 29, 2006, the total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options amounted to $14.1 million, which will be amortized over the weighted-average remaining requisite service period of 3.2 years. The following table summarizes stock option activity for the nine-month period ended September 29, 2006:

 

     Number of
Options
    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   Weighted
Average
Fair
Value

Options outstanding at December 30, 2005

   1,979,950     $ 27.12    $ 10.35

Granted

   1,518,500     $ 16.19    $ 5.68

Exercised

   (26,000 )   $ 13.42    $ 5.98

Forfeited/Expired

   (123,500 )   $ 26.73    $ 10.21
           

Options outstanding at September 29, 2006

   3,348,950     $ 22.29    $ 8.27
           

Exercisable at September 29, 2006

   1,225,150     $ 23.37    $ 8.81
           

On August 14, 2006, Fresh Del Monte granted 1,290,000 stock options from its 1999 Share Incentive Program. There were no stock option grants to Fresh Del Monte’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in the August 14, 2006 stock option grant. These options vested 20% on the grant date and then 20% on each of the next four anniversary dates. These options may be exercised over a period not in excess of ten years. Based on their grant date fair value of $5.53 per option, Fresh Del Monte recognized $1.5 million of stock-based compensation expense related to this grant which is included in Selling, general and administrative expenses for the third quarter and first nine months of 2006.

4. Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following (U.S. dollars in millions):

 

     September 29,
2006
   December 30,
2005

Finished goods

   $ 182.8    $ 177.5

Raw materials and packaging supplies

     113.2      101.4

Growing crops

     100.2      109.8
             

Total inventories

   $ 396.2    $ 388.7
             

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)(Unaudited)

 

5. Long-Term Debt

On March 21, 2003, Fresh Del Monte, and certain wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into a $400.0 million, four-year syndicated revolving credit facility, with Rabobank Nederland, New York Branch, as administrative agent. On November 9, 2004, the facility was amended to increase the total commitment to $600.0 million, to add a term loan commitment of up to $400.0 million, to extend its maturity to November 10, 2009 and to increase the letter of credit facility to $100.0 million (collectively, the “Credit Facility”). On February 14, 2006, the Credit Facility was amended to increase the allowable repurchase by Fresh Del Monte of its common stock in an aggregate amount not to exceed $300.0 million.

On May 10, 2006, the Credit Facility was amended to permit borrowing under the term loan commitment of up to $150.0 million. On May 10, 2006, Fresh Del Monte borrowed $150.0 million of the available term loan commitment and used the proceeds to re-pay a portion of the revolving facility. The term loan is a five- year amortizing loan with quarterly payments of principal and interest. Interest (7.125% at September 29, 2006) is based on a spread over London Interbank Offer Rate (“LIBOR”).

The Credit Facility is collateralized directly or indirectly by substantially all of Fresh Del Monte’s assets and is guaranteed by certain of Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiaries. The Credit Facility permits borrowings with an interest rate (7.133% at September 29, 2006), depending on Fresh Del Monte’s leverage ratio, based on a spread over LIBOR. At September 29, 2006, there was $371.5 million outstanding under the Credit Facility.

The Credit Facility requires Fresh Del Monte to be in compliance with various financial and other covenants and limits the amount of future dividends. As of September 29, 2006, Fresh Del Monte was in compliance with all of the financial and other covenants contained in the Credit Facility.

At September 29, 2006, Fresh Del Monte had $345.8 million available under committed working capital facilities, primarily all of which is represented by the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility also includes a swing line facility and a letter of credit facility. At September 29, 2006, Fresh Del Monte applied $32.5 million to the letter of credit facility, comprised primarily of certain contingent obligations and other governmental agencies guarantees combined with guarantees for purchases of raw materials and equipment.

As of September 29, 2006, Fresh Del Monte had $398.7 million of long-term debt and capital lease obligations, including the current portions, consisting of $371.5 million outstanding under the Credit Facility, $14.5 million of capital lease obligations and $12.7 million of other long-term debt and notes payable.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)(Unaudited)

 

6. Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table sets forth comprehensive income (loss) of Fresh Del Monte for the quarter and nine months ended September 29, 2006 and September 30, 2005 (U.S. dollars in millions):

 

    Quarter ended     Nine months ended  
    September 29,     September 30,     September 29,     September 30,  
    2006     2005     2006     2005  

Comprehensive income (loss):

       

Net income (loss)

  $ (83.6 )   $ 5.7     $ (85.2 )   $ 110.1  

Net unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives

    (1.6 )     (1.3 )     (31.0 )     56.3  

Net unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses)

    (3.5 )     (3.2 )     10.5       (39.1 )

Reduction in additional minimum pension liability

    —         —         —         1.0  
                               

Comprehensive income (loss)

  $ (88.7 )   $ 1.2     $ (105.7 )   $ 128.3  
                               

7. Contingencies

DBCP Litigation

Beginning in December 1993, certain of Fresh Del Monte’s U.S. subsidiaries were named among the defendants in a number of actions in courts in Texas, Louisiana, Hawaii, California and the Philippines involving allegations by numerous non-U.S. plaintiffs that they were injured as a result of exposure to a nematocide containing the chemical dibromochloropropane (“DBCP”) during the period from 1965 to 1990.

On February 16, 1999, two of Fresh Del Monte’s U.S. subsidiaries were served in the Philippines in an action entitled Davao Banana Plantation Workers’ Association of Tiburcia, Inc. v. Shell Oil Co., et al. The action was brought by the Banana Workers’ Association (the “Association”) on behalf of its 34,852 members for injuries they allege to have incurred as a result of DBCP exposure. Approximately 13,000 members of the Association claim employment on a farm that was under contract to one of Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiaries at the time of the alleged DBCP use. Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiaries filed motions to dismiss and for reconsideration on jurisdictional grounds, which were denied. Accordingly, Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiaries answered the complaint denying all of the plaintiff’s allegations. Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiaries believe substantial defenses exist to the claims asserted by the Association. On October 3, 2002, the Philippine Court of Appeals ruled that the method of service used by the Association to serve the defendants was improper and dismissed the Association’s complaint. As a result of this decision, the trial court suspended the proceedings indefinitely. In 2002, the Association filed a motion for reconsideration of the dismissal of its complaint, which remains pending.

In 1997, plaintiffs from Costa Rica and Guatemala named certain of Fresh Del Monte’s U.S. subsidiaries in a class action in Hawaii. The action was dismissed by a federal district court on grounds of forum non conveniens in favor of the courts of the plaintiffs’ home countries and the plaintiffs appealed this decision. As a result of the dismissal of the Hawaiian action, several Costa Rican and Guatemalan individuals filed the same type of actions in those countries. The Guatemalan action was dismissed for plaintiff’s failure to prosecute the action. On April 22, 2003, the Supreme Court of the United States affirmed the plaintiffs’ appeal of the dismissal, thereby remanding the action to the Hawaiian state court. A status conference was held in Hawaiian state court on June 2, 2006. On September 12, 2006, defendants motion to transfer venue from the state court in Maui to the state court in Oahu was granted.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)(Unaudited)

 

On June 19, 1995, a group of several thousand plaintiffs in an action entitled Lucas Pastor Canales Martinez, et al. v. Dow Chemical Co. et al. sued one of Fresh Del Monte’s U.S. subsidiaries along with several other defendants in the District Court for the Parish of St. Charles, Louisiana, asserting injuries due to the alleged exposure to DBCP. The Fresh Del Monte subsidiary answered the complaint and asserted substantial defenses, eventually settling with all but 13 of the Canales Martinez plaintiffs in federal court. On October 25, 2001, defendants filed a motion to dismiss the action on grounds of forum non conveniens in favor of plaintiffs’ home countries. On July 16, 2002, the district court denied that motion and the defendants filed a motion requesting immediate review by the Court of Appeals, which was denied by the district court on August 21, 2002. On August 28, 2002, defendants filed a petition for a writ of mandamus before the Court of Appeals with respect to the district court’s denial of defendants’ motion to dismiss the action on grounds of forum non conveniens. As a result of the Supreme Court’s decision in the Hawaiian action, the district court remanded these actions to state court in Louisiana. The plaintiffs have taken no further action.

On November 15, 1999, one of Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiaries was served in two actions entitled, Godoy Rodriguez, et al. v. AMVAC Chemical Corp., et al. and Martinez Puerto, et al. v. AMVAC Chemical Corp., et al., in the 29th Judicial District Court for the Parish of St. Charles, Louisiana. These actions were removed to federal court, where they have been consolidated. As a result of the Supreme Court’s decision in the Hawaiian action, the district court remanded these actions to state court in Louisiana. At this time, it is not known how many of the 2,962 Godoy Rodriguez and Martinez Puerto plaintiffs are making claims against the Fresh Del Monte subsidiary.

On October 14, 2004, two of Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiaries were served with a complaint in an action styled Angel Abarca, et al. v. Dole Food Co., et al. filed in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles on behalf of more than 2,600 Costa Rican banana workers who claim injury from exposure to DBCP. On October 8, 2004 (prior to service on Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiaries), a co-defendant removed the action to the United States District Court for the Central District of California. An initial review of the plaintiffs in the Abarca action found that a substantial number of the plaintiffs were claimants in prior DBCP actions in Texas and may have participated in the settlement of those actions. On December 9, 2004, plaintiffs’ counsel served notices of voluntary dismissal pursuant to Federal Rule 41(a)(1) to all defendants except for The Dow Chemical Co. (“Dow”). The same day, the District Court granted plaintiffs’ motion to remand. Fresh Del Monte, its subsidiaries and the other defendants apart from Dow, jointly moved to quash service before the state court on the grounds that they have been dismissed from the action. The state court denied the motion on September 2, 2005, and the California Court of Appeals subsequently rejected defendants’ petition for a writ of mandate.

On April 25, 2005, two of Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiaries were served with a complaint styled Juan Jose Abrego, et.al. v. Dole Food Company, et al. filed in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles on behalf of 955 Guatemalan residents who claim injury from exposure to DBCP. An initial review of the Plaintiffs in the Abrego action found that a substantial number of the plaintiffs released their claims with prejudice as part of the December 1998 settlement with Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiaries as well as in prior settlement with other defendants. On May 13, 2005, co-defendant Dow removed the action to the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Plaintiffs filed a motion to remand on June 15, 2005, which Dow opposed. On October 6, 2005, the District Court remanded the action to the state court of California. Dow has appealed the remand order to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which remains pending.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)(Unaudited)

 

On April 25, 2005, two of Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiaries were served in a complaint styled Antonio Abrego, et al. v. Dole Food Company, et al. filed in the Superior Court of California for the County of Los Angeles on behalf of 612 Panamanian residents who claim injury from exposure to DBCP. On May 6, 2005, plaintiffs amended the complaint to add an additional 548 plaintiffs, for a total of 1,160. Fresh Del Monte and its subsidiaries have never owned, managed or otherwise been involved with any banana growing operations in Panama. On May 13, 2005, co-defendant Dow removed the action to the United States District Court for the Central District of California. On June 10, 2005, the Court directed Dow to show cause in writing as to why the amount in controversy requirement had been sufficiently met to invoke federal jurisdiction, which Dow subsequently filed on June 17, 2005. On October 11, 2005, the District Court remanded the action to the state court of California.

On April 25, 2005, two of Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiaries were served with a complaint styled Miguel Jose Acosta et al. v. Dole Food Company, et al. filed in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles on behalf of 633 Honduran residents who claim exposure to DBCP. Fresh Del Monte and its subsidiaries have never owned, managed or otherwise been involved with any banana growing operations in Honduras. The complaint was subsequently amended to add an additional 469 plaintiffs (for a total of 1,102), and re-styled Prospero Aceituno Linares, et al. v. Dole Food Company, et al. On May 13, 2005, co-defendant Dow removed the action to the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The District Court sua sponte remanded the action on May 16, 2005.

The state court in the Abarca action has found all four of the above California actions to be “related” and has transferred all four actions to the California state court department normally responsible for hearing complex litigations.

Former Shareholders Litigation

On December 30, 2002, Fresh Del Monte was served with a complaint filed on December 18, 2002 in the Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit in and for Miami-Dade County, Florida by seven Mexican individuals and corporations, who claim to have been former indirect shareholders of Fresh Del Monte’s predecessor. In addition to being filed against Fresh Del Monte, the complaint was also filed against certain of its current and former directors, officers and shareholders and that of its predecessor (the “Florida Complaint”).

The Florida Complaint alleges that instead of proceeding with a prospective buyer who offered superior terms, the former chairman of Fresh Del Monte’s predecessor and majority shareholder, agreed to sell Fresh Del Monte’s predecessor to its current majority shareholder at a below market price as the result of commercial bribes allegedly paid by Fresh Del Monte’s current majority shareholder and chief executive officer to Fresh Del Monte’s predecessor’s former chairman. On February 20, 2003, Fresh Del Monte filed a motion to dismiss the Florida Complaint and the oral argument was heard on June 19, 2003. On July 22, 2003, the court granted in part and denied in part Fresh Del Monte’s motion to dismiss the Florida Complaint, dismissing two of the 11 counts. Mediation of the Florida Complaint occurred on September 9, 2005, but was unsuccessful. The trial in the case commenced on October 30, 2006. Fresh Del Monte believes that the allegations of the remaining Florida Complaint are entirely without merit.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)(Unaudited)

 

Class Action Litigation

a. Pineapple Class Actions

On April 16, 2004, four fruit wholesalers filed a consolidated complaint against two of Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiaries in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The plaintiffs claim to have purchased Del Monte Gold® pineapples from Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiaries. This consolidated action is brought as a putative class action on behalf of all direct purchasers of Del Monte Gold® pineapples from March 1, 1996 through the present. The court directed the plaintiffs to file a new consolidated complaint, which was filed on August 2, 2004 and consists of the four fruit wholesalers and two individual consumers who had filed their complaints in the federal court for the Southern District of New York. In addition to these six actions, other class actions against Fresh Del Monte were transferred to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (“JPML”) and then remanded as described below. The new consolidated complaint alleges claims for: (1) monopolization and attempted monopolization; (2) restraint of trade; (3) unfair and deceptive trade practices; and (4) unjust enrichment. On May 27, 2005, Fresh Del Monte filed a motion to dismiss the indirect and direct purchasers’ claims for unjust enrichment which remains pending.

On March 5, 2004, an alleged individual consumer filed a putative class action complaint against Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiaries in the state court of Tennessee on behalf of consumers who purchased (other than for resale) Del Monte Gold® pineapples in Tennessee from March 1, 1996 to May 6, 2003. The complaint alleges violations of the Tennessee Trade Practices Act and the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act. On April 14, 2004, Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiaries removed this action to federal court. The plaintiffs filed a motion for remand to state court which was granted by the court on July 7, 2004. This action is pending in a Tennessee state court. On February 18, 2005, Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiaries filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. On May 25, 2006, the court granted the motion in part dismissing plaintiffs’ claim under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act.

Between March 17, 2004 and March 18, 2004, three alleged individual consumers separately filed putative class action complaints against Fresh Del Monte and its subsidiaries in the state court of California on behalf of residents of California who purchased (other than for re-sale) Del Monte Gold® pineapples between March 1, 1996 and May 6, 2003. The complaints allege violations of the Cartwright Act, common law monopolization, unfair competition in violation of the California Business and Professional Code, unjust enrichment and violations of the Consumer Legal Remedies Act. On April 19, 2004, Fresh Del Monte removed these actions to federal court. The plaintiffs filed a motion for remand to the state court of California which was granted by the court on July 8, 2004 in one of the actions and on July 12, 2004 in the other two actions. These actions will now proceed in the state court of California. In one of the three actions, Fresh Del Monte filed a motion to dismiss the plaintiff’s complaint which was granted in part and denied in part. On November 9, 2005, the three actions were consolidated under one amended complaint with a single claim for unfair competition in violation of the California Business and Professional Code. Fresh Del Monte filed a motion to dismiss this one remaining claim, which was denied on January 6, 2006. The request for an interlocutory appeal was denied by the appellate court on March 2, 2006.

On April 19, 2004, an alleged individual consumer filed a putative class action complaint against Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiaries in the state court of Florida on behalf of Florida residents who purchased (other than for re-sale) Del Monte Gold® pineapples between March 1, 1996 and May 6, 2003. The complaint alleges fraudulent concealment/tolling of statute of limitations, violations of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and unjust enrichment. On May 11, 2004, Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiaries removed

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)(Unaudited)

 

this action to federal court. The plaintiffs filed a motion for remand to state court and Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiaries opposed that motion. The court granted plaintiffs’ motion to remand. The case will now proceed in the state court of Florida. On October 27, 2004, Fresh Del Monte filed a motion to dismiss the plaintiffs’ complaint, which motion was granted on January 23, 2006 with leave for plaintiffs to amend. Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on February 13, 2006. On March 10, 2006, Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiary filed a motion to dismiss in part the amended complaint. On September 27, 2006, the state court granted the motion and dismissed with prejudice plaintiffs’ claims for unjust enrichment and for violation of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act relating to pineapples purchased before April 19, 2000, Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiary filed an answer to the remaining claims of the amended complaint on October 12, 2006.

On April 29, 2004, an alleged individual consumer filed a putative class action complaint against Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiaries in the state court of Arizona on behalf of residents of Arizona who purchased (other than for re-sale) Del Monte Gold® pineapples between November 1997 and January 2003. The complaint alleges monopolization and attempted monopolization in violation of the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act, and unjust enrichment in violation of common law. On May 24, 2004, Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiaries removed this action to federal court. The plaintiffs filed a motion for remand and Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiaries opposed that motion. Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiaries are not required to respond to the complaint until 20 days after the resolution of plaintiffs’ motion to remand. On October 25, 2004, this action was transferred to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by the JPML. The plaintiffs filed a motion for remand which was granted by the court on April 20, 2005. This action will now proceed in Arizona state court. On July 25, 2005, Fresh Del Monte filed a motion to dismiss the claim for violation of the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act which was granted by the state court on February 16, 2006.

On July 2, 2004, an alleged individual consumer filed a putative class action which was served on August 24, 2004 against Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiaries in the state court of Nevada on behalf of residents of Nevada who purchased (other than for re-sale) Del Monte Gold® pineapples between November 1997 and January 2003. The complaint alleges restraint of trade in violation of Nevada statutes, common law monopolization and unjust enrichment. On September 13, 2004, Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiaries removed this action to federal court. On November 15, 2004, this action was transferred to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by the JPML. The plaintiffs filed a motion for remand which was granted by the court on April 20, 2005. This action will now proceed in Nevada state court. On April 11, 2006, the court granted in part Fresh Del Monte’s motion to dismiss the complaint dismissing the claims for common law monopolization, unjust enrichment and violation of Nevada’s Unfair Trade Practices Act in its application prior to July 1, 2001.

b. Banana Class Actions

Between July 25, 2005 and August 22, 2005, several plaintiffs served putative class action complaints against Fresh Del Monte, certain subsidiaries and several other corporations all in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida on behalf of all direct purchasers of bananas for the period from May 2003 to the present. The complaints allege that the defendants engaged in a continuing agreement, understanding and conspiracy to restrain trade by artificially raising, fixing and maintaining the prices of, and otherwise restricting the sale of, bananas in the United States in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act. A similar action was brought by a New York corporation for the period from July 2001 to the present.

 

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Additionally, between October 21, 2005 and November 10, 2005, Arizona, California, Minnesota, New York, Tennessee and Kansas residents filed a putative class action complaint against Fresh Del Monte, one of its subsidiaries and several other corporations in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida on behalf of all indirect purchasers of bananas in their respective states for the period from May 2003 to the present. That complaint alleges violations of numerous state antitrust, competition, and unjust enrichment statutes. A similar action was brought by a California resident for the period from July 2001 to the present.

The cases on behalf of the direct purchasers have been consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The cases on behalf of the indirect purchasers have been transferred to the same judge in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

In the consolidated direct purchaser cases, the court has entered a case management order and a scheduling order under which trial in this matter has been set for the two-week trial period commencing February 4, 2008 and discovery on the merits of the action is scheduled to take place before class certification proceedings.

In the indirect purchaser actions, plaintiffs filed an amended, consolidated complaint on March 3, 2006. Fresh Del Monte has filed a motion to dismiss the complaint, which remains pending.

Germany’s European Union Antitrust Investigation

On June 2, 2005, one of Fresh Del Monte’s German subsidiaries was visited by the antitrust authority of the European Union (“EU”) which is investigating Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiary as well as other produce companies for possible violations of the EU’s competition laws. Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiary received requests for additional information from the EU antitrust authority on February 17 and June 6, 2006 and has responded fully to the requests. Fresh Del Monte and its subsidiary will continue to fully cooperate with the investigation.

Freight Broker Litigation

In September 1997, a freight broker formerly engaged by one of Fresh Del Monte’s non-U.S. subsidiaries filed suit against the subsidiary in Guatemala claiming $1.9 million in damages and in Costa Rica claiming $1.3 million in damages as indemnification for constructive wrongful termination of the general agency agreement between the broker and the subsidiary. Under the agreement, the broker arranged third party cargo to be booked for carriage on ships owned or chartered by Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiary. The Guatemala action has been dismissed for being time barred by the statute of limitations. In the Costa Rica action, Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiary filed several motions to dismiss which were denied. The trial of the action has now concluded, and the trial court has entered judgment against Fresh Del Monte in the amount of $0.8 million plus interest and costs. Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiary is appealing this decision. The costs of defense in this action are covered by insurance.

Kunia Well Site

In 1980, elevated levels of certain chemicals were detected in the soil and ground-water at a plantation leased by one of Fresh Del Monte’s U.S. subsidiaries in Honolulu, Hawaii (“Kunia Well Site”). Shortly thereafter, Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiary discontinued the use of the Kunia Well Site and provided an alternate water source to area well users and the subsidiary commenced its own voluntary

 

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cleanup operation. In 1993, the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) identified the Kunia Well Site for potential listing on the National Priorities List (“NPL”) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended. On December 16, 1994, the EPA issued a final rule adding the Kunia Well Site to the NPL. On September 28, 1995, Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiary entered into an order (the “Order”) with the EPA to conduct the remedial investigation and the feasibility study of the Kunia Well Site. Under the terms of the Order, Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiary submitted a remedial investigation report in November 1998 and a final draft feasibility study in December 1999 (which was updated from time to time) for review by the EPA. The EPA approved the remedial investigation report in February 1999 and the feasibility study on April 22, 2003.

As a result of communications with the EPA in 2001, Fresh Del Monte recorded a charge of $15.0 million in the third quarter of 2001 to increase the recorded liability to the estimated expected future cleanup cost for the Kunia Well Site to $19.1 million. Based on conversations with the EPA in the third quarter of 2002 and consultation with Fresh Del Monte’s legal counsel and other experts, Fresh Del Monte recorded a charge of $7.0 million during the third quarter of 2002 to increase the accrual for the expected future clean-up costs for the Kunia Well Site to $26.1 million.

On September 25, 2003, the EPA issued the Record of Decision (“ROD”). The EPA estimates in the ROD that the remediation costs associated with the clean up of the Kunia Well Site will range from $12.9 million to $25.4 million and will last approximately 10 years. As of September 29, 2006, $22.4 million is included in other long-term liabilities for the Kunia Well Site clean-up. Fresh Del Monte expects to expend approximately $2.0 million in cash per year for the next five years. Certain portions of the EPA’s estimates have been discounted using a 5% interest rate. The undiscounted estimates are between $14.8 million and $28.7 million. The undiscounted estimate on which Fresh Del Monte’s accrual is based totals $25.1 million. On January 13, 2004, the EPA deleted a portion of the Kunia Well Site (Northeast section) from the NPL. On May 2, 2005, Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiary signed a Consent Decree with the EPA for the performance of the clean up work for the Kunia Well Site. On September 27, 2005, the U.S. District Court for Hawaii approved and entered the Consent Decree. Based on findings from remedial investigations at the Kunia Well Site, Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiary continues to evaluate with the EPA the clean up work currently in progress in accordance with the Consent Decree.

Other

In addition to the foregoing, Fresh Del Monte and its subsidiaries are involved from time to time in various claims and legal actions incident to Fresh Del Monte and its subsidiaries’ operations, both as plaintiff and defendant. In the opinion of management, after consulting with legal counsel, none of these other claims are currently expected to have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, financial position or cash flows of Fresh Del Monte and its subsidiaries.

Fresh Del Monte and its subsidiaries intend to vigorously defend themselves in all of the above matters. At this time, management is not able to evaluate the likelihood of a favorable or unfavorable outcome in any of the above-described matters. Accordingly, management is not able to estimate the range or amount of loss, if any, from any of the above-described matters and no accruals or expenses have been recorded as of September 29, 2006, except as related to the Kunia Well Site.

 

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8. Earnings Per Share

Basic and diluted per share income are calculated as follows (U.S. dollars in millions, except share and per share data):

 

     Quarter ended    Nine months ended
     September 29,     September 30,    September 29,     September 30,
     2006     2005    2006     2005

Numerator:

         

Net income (loss)

   $ (83.6 )   $ 5.7    $ (85.2 )   $ 110.1
                             

Denominator:

         

Weighted average ordinary shares - Basic

     57,697,834       58,003,667      57,859,944       57,898,573

Effect of dilutive securities - stock options (1)

     —         102,672      —         171,341
                             

Weighted average ordinary shares - Diluted

     57,697,834       58,106,339      57,859,944       58,069,914
                             

Net income (loss) per ordinary share:

         

Basic

   $ (1.45 )   $ 0.10    $ (1.47 )   $ 1.90
                             

Diluted

   $ (1.45 )   $ 0.10    $ (1.47 )   $ 1.90
                             

(1) - Because of net losses in each of the quarter and nine months ended September 29, 2006, the calcualtion of diluted earnings per share in each period is anti-dilutive. Therefore, the effect of dilutive securities for the third quarter and nine months of 2006 is zero.

 

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9. Retirement and Other Employee Benefits

The following table sets forth the net periodic cost of Fresh Del Monte’s defined benefit pension plans and postretirement plan for the quarter and nine months ended September 29, 2006 and September 30, 2005 (U.S. dollars in millions):

 

     Pension Plans     Postretirement Plan
     Quarter ended     Quarter ended
     September 29,     September 30,     September 29,     September 30,
     2006     2005     2006     2005

Service cost

   $ 0.2     $ 0.6     $ —       $ 0.1

Interest cost

     1.1       1.1       0.1       0.3

Expected return on assets

     (0.8 )     (0.7 )     —         —  

Net amortization

     0.2       —         (0.5 )     —  
                              

Net periodic costs

   $ 0.7     $ 1.0     $ (0.4 )   $ 0.4
                              
     Nine months ended     Nine months ended
     September 29,     September 30,     September 29,     September 30,
     2006     2005     2006     2005

Service cost

   $ 0.4     $ 1.8     $ 0.1     $ 0.1

Interest cost

     3.1       3.5       0.7       0.8

Expected return on assets

     (2.4 )     (2.2 )     —         —  

Net amortization

     0.6       —         (0.5 )     —  
                              

Net periodic costs

   $ 1.7     $ 3.1     $ 0.3     $ 0.9
                              

Effective June 30, 2006, Fresh Del Monte amended its retiree medical and life insurance plans to eliminate coverage for its non-union employees and retirees.

10. Business Segment Data

Fresh Del Monte is principally engaged in the business of the production, distribution and marketing of bananas, other fresh produce and prepared food. Fresh Del Monte’s products are sold in markets throughout the world, with its major producing operations located in North, Central and South America, Asia and Africa.

Fresh Del Monte’s operations are aggregated on the basis of its products: bananas, other fresh produce, prepared food and other products and services. Other fresh produce includes pineapples, melons, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, strawberries, non-tropical fruit (including grapes, citrus, apples, avocados, pears, peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots and kiwis), fresh-cut produce and other fruit and vegetables. Other products and services include a third-party ocean freight business, a plastic product and box manufacturing business, a poultry business and a grain business.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)(Unaudited)

 

10. Business Segment Data (continued)

Fresh Del Monte evaluates performance based on several factors, of which net sales and gross profit are the primary financial measures (U.S. dollars in millions):

 

     Quarter ended  
     September 29, 2006     September 30, 2005  
     

Net

Sales

  

Gross Profit

(Loss)

   

Net

Sales

  

Gross Profit

(Loss)

 
            

Product net sales and gross profit (loss):

          

Bananas

   $ 259.6    $ (9.2 )   $ 247.5    $ (2.0 )

Other fresh produce

     356.9      8.6       382.6      40.4  

Prepared food

     74.1      (11.8 )     72.0      11.8  

Other products and services

     39.0      3.6       38.4      0.3  
                              

Totals

   $ 729.6    $ (8.8 )   $ 740.5    $ 50.5  
                              
     Nine months ended  
     September 29, 2006     September 30, 2005  
    

Net

Sales

  

Gross Profit

(Loss)

   

Net

Sales

  

Gross Profit

(Loss)

 
            

Product net sales and gross profit (loss):

          

Bananas

   $ 851.1    $ 13.8     $ 829.3    $ 56.3  

Other fresh produce

     1,272.9      103.8       1,308.9      166.8  

Prepared food

     229.9      2.2       240.6      41.2  

Other products and services

     122.8      9.3       123.0      6.7  
                              

Totals

   $ 2,476.7    $ 129.1     $ 2,501.8    $ 271.0  
                              
    

September 29,

2006

  

December 30,

2005

            
                

Identifiable assets:

          

North America

   $ 350.4    $ 402.9       

Europe and the Middle East

     687.1      709.9       

Africa

     125.9      118.2       

Asia-Pacific

     110.8      87.2       

Central and South America

     570.7      576.2       

Maritime equipment (including containers)

     109.5      123.3       

Corporate

     100.4      107.1       
                    

Total identifiable assets

   $ 2,054.8    $ 2,124.8       
                    

11. New Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” (“FIN 48”) which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. This interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. Fresh Del Monte is currently evaluating the impact of FIN 48, if any, of adopting FIN 48.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)(Unaudited)

 

11. New Accounting Pronouncements (continued)

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans” (“SFAS 158”). SFAS 158 requires an employer to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. SFAS 158 also requires an employer to measure the funded status of a plan as of the date of its year-end statement of financial position. Fresh Del Monte is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of adopting SFAS 158.

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157,” Fair Value Measures” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and enhances disclosures about fair value measures required under other accounting pronouncements, but does not change existing guidance as to whether or not an instrument is carried at fair value. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Fresh Del Monte is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of adopting SFAS No. 157.

In September 2006, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. AUG AIR-1, “Accounting for Planned Major Maintenance Activities” (“FSP AUG AIR-1”). FSP AUG AIR-1 eliminates the “accrue –in-advance” method of accounting for planned major maintenance activities that is permitted in the AICPA Industry Audit Guide, Audits of Airlines. As a result of the elimination of the accrue-in-advance method, the Airline Guide currently permits the use of one of the following three remaining methods: (1) direct expensing, (2) built-in overhaul, and (3) deferral. The effective date of FSP AUG AIR-1 is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The guidance in FSP AUG AIR-1 should be applied retrospectively. Fresh Del Monte is currently evaluating the impact of adopting FSP AUG AIR-1.

In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements” (“SAB 108”), which provides interpretive guidance on the consideration of the effects of prior year misstatements in quantifying current year misstatements for the purpose of a materiality assessment. SAB 108 is effective for fiscal years ending after November 15, 2006, allowing a one-time transitional cumulative effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings as of January, 2006 for errors that were not previously deemed material, but are material under the guidance in SAB 108. Fresh Del Monte is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of adopting SAB 108.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)(Unaudited)

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Net cash provided by operating activities was $67.6 million for the first nine months of 2006 as compared to $127.7 million for the first nine months of 2005. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to the net loss in 2006 partially offset by lower increases in trade accounts receivable and inventory combined with higher accounts payable and accrued expenses.

Working capital was $358.3 million at September 29, 2006 compared to working capital of $416.2 million at December 30, 2005. The decrease in working capital of $57.9 million was primarily attributable to higher accounts payable and accrued expenses combined with lower prepaid expenses and other current assets partially offset by higher seasonal levels of inventory.

Net cash used in investing activities for the first nine months of 2006 was $58.4 million compared with net cash used in investing activities of $53.8 million for the first nine months of 2005. Net cash used in investing activities for the first nine months of 2006 consisted primarily of capital expenditures of $71.6 million partially offset by proceeds from sale of assets of $13.2 million. Capital expenditures for the first nine months of 2006 were primarily for distribution and fresh-cut facilities in the Middle East and Europe and for the expansion of production operations in South America, Africa and Asia. Net cash used in investing activities for the first nine months of 2005 consisted primarily of capital expenditures of $54.9 million for the expansion of production operations in South America and fresh-cut facilities in North America and for information technology initiatives.

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities for the first nine months of 2006 was $5.5 million compared with $82.8 million of net cash used in financing activities for the first nine months of 2005. Net cash provided in financing activities for the first nine months of 2006 consisted primarily of cash proceeds of $37.0 million from net borrowings under the Company’s credit facilities partially offset by cash payments of dividends of $26.0 million combined with purchases of treasury shares of $5.8 million. Net cash used in financing activities for the first nine months of 2005 consisted primarily of net repayments of debt of $51.6 million and $34.8 million of cash payments of dividends partially offset by $3.6 million in cash proceeds received from stock options exercised.

On March 21, 2003, Fresh Del Monte, and certain wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into a $400.0 million, four-year syndicated revolving credit facility, with Rabobank Nederland, New York Branch, as administrative agent. On November 9, 2004, the facility was amended to increase the total commitment to $600.0 million, to add a term loan commitment of up to $400.0 million, to extend its maturity to November 10, 2009 and to increase the letter of credit facility to $100.0 million (collectively, the “Credit Facility”). On February 14, 2006, the Credit Facility was amended to increase the allowable repurchase by Fresh Del Monte of its stock in an aggregate amount not to exceed $300.0 million.

On May 10, 2006, the Credit Facility was modified to amend certain financial covenants. On May 10, 2006 Fresh Del Monte borrowed $150.0 million of the available term loan commitment and used the proceeds to re-pay a portion of the revolving facility. The term loan is a five year amortizing loan with quarterly payments of principal and interest. Interest (7.125% at September 29, 2006) is based on a spread over London Interbank Offer Rate (“LIBOR”).

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)(Unaudited)

 

The Credit Facility is collateralized directly or indirectly by substantially all of Fresh Del Monte’s assets and is guaranteed by certain of Fresh Del Monte’s subsidiaries. The Credit Facility permits borrowings with an interest rate (7.133% at September 29, 2006), depending on Fresh Del Monte’s leverage ratio, based on a spread over LIBOR. At September 29, 2006, there was $371.5 million outstanding under the Credit Facility.

The Credit Facility requires Fresh Del Monte to be in compliance with various financial and other covenants and limits the amount of future dividends. As of September 29, 2006, Fresh Del Monte was in compliance with all of the financial and other covenants contained in the Credit Facility.

At September 29, 2006, Fresh Del Monte had $345.8 million available under committed working capital facilities, primarily all of which is represented by the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility also includes a swing line facility and a letter of credit facility. At September 29, 2006, Fresh Del Monte applied $32.5 million to the letter of credit facility, comprised primarily of certain contingent obligations and other governmental agencies guarantees combined with guarantees for purchases of raw materials and equipment.

As of September 29, 2006, Fresh Del Monte had $398.7 million of long-term debt and capital lease obligations, including the current portions, consisting of $371.5 million outstanding under the Credit Facility, $14.5 million of capital lease obligations and $12.7 million of other long-term debt and notes payable.

As of September 29, 2006, Fresh Del Monte had cash and cash equivalents of $39.7 million.

Results of operation

Third Quarter 2006 Compared with Third Quarter 2005

Net Sales. Net sales for the third quarter of 2006 were $729.6 million compared with $740.5 million for the third quarter of 2005. The decrease in net sales of $10.9 million was primarily attributable to lower net sales of other fresh produce partially offset by higher net sales of bananas, prepared food and other products and services. Net sales of the other fresh produce segment decreased $25.7 million, principally as a result of lower net sales of vegetables, tomatoes and non-tropical fruit partially offset by a 2% increase in net sales of gold pineapples. Net sales of tomatoes and vegetables decreased principally as a result of adverse weather conditions in the western U.S. growing regions combined with the discontinuation of certain unprofitable products. Net sales of non-tropical fruit decreased principally due to lower sales volume of avocados and grapes as a result of adverse growing conditions. Net sales of gold pineapples increased principally as a result of higher per unit sales prices in Europe.

Banana segment net sales increased by $12.1 million, principally due to higher sales volume and per unit sales prices in North America and higher per unit sales prices in Asia partially offset by lower per unit sales price in Europe. The decline in per unit sales prices in Europe reflects increased competition and supply in the market that has resulted from the change in the European Union (“EU”) import regulations to a tariff-only system. Net sales of the prepared food segment increased $2.1 million due to increased net sales of juices in the U.K. market. Net sales of other products and services increased $0.6 million, primarily as a result of higher net sales in the Jordan poultry business.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)(Unaudited)

 

Cost of Products Sold. Cost of products sold was $738.4 million for the third quarter of 2006 compared with $690.0 million for the third quarter of 2005, an increase of $48.4 million. Based on the previously announced closing of the Company’s Hawaii pineapple operations and as a result of changes in circumstances caused by the inefficiencies from employee turnover, reductions in forecasted production volume and a decline in market prices, an impairment of deferred growing crops of $23.1 million was recorded during the third quarter of 2006 in addition to severance and shut-down expenses of $1.5 million. Additionally, as a result of low level contamination of the Company’s prepared food segment canned pineapple products from the Kenyan operation, a voluntary product withdrawal and disposal program was initiated during the third quarter of 2006 resulting in a charge of $16.2 million . The remaining increase in cost of products sold of $7.5 million was primarily attributable to increased fruit and ocean freight costs which resulted from higher raw materials costs, fuel costs and vessel operating expenses. Ocean freight costs have increased 22% during the third quarter of 2006 as compared with the third quarter of 2005. These higher costs may continue in the near-term.

Gross Profit (Loss). Gross profit (loss) was a loss of $8.8 million for the third quarter of 2006 compared with a profit of $50.5 million for the third quarter of 2005, a decrease of $59.3 million. The decrease in gross profit was principally attributable to the charges associated with the closure of the Company’s Hawaii pineapple operations and the Kenya voluntary product withdrawal and disposal program referred to above. During the third quarter of 2006 the Hawaii and Kenya charges combined negatively affected gross profit by $40.8 million. Excluding the Hawaii and Kenya related charges included in cost of products sold during the third quarter of 2006, the gross profit reduction of $18.4 million was primarily attributable to the Company’s inability to offset cost increases with higher per unit sales prices. Gross profit on bananas decreased by $7.3 million, gross profit on other fresh produce decreased by $7.2 million and gross profit on prepared food decreased by $7.4 million. These decreases in gross profit were partially offset by higher gross profit of $3.4 million on the other products and services segment. Banana gross profit was negatively affected by a 13% reduction in selling prices in the EU, primarily due to increased competition that was a direct result of the new tariff-only system combined with increased ocean freight and inland transportation costs. Partially offsetting the lower gross profit on bananas in the EU during the third quarter of 2006 was higher gross profit on bananas in North America and Asia that resulted from higher per unit sales prices. Gross profit on the other fresh produce segment decreased principally as a result of lower gross profit on melons and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables due to higher fruit, ocean freight and inland transportation costs. Gross profit on the prepared food segment decreased due to higher production costs across all product lines combined with continued competitive pressure in the U.K. market in the canned fruit and shelf-stable juice product lines. Gross profit on the other products and services segment increased principally due to the rationalization of the U.S. inland transportation business and improvements in the Jordan poultry business.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $10.2 million from $46.5 million for the third quarter of 2005 to $56.7 million for the third quarter of 2006. The increase was principally due to higher spending on advertising and product promotions in the Europe Region as a result of a brand image campaign. Also contributing to the increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was $2.5 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense incurred in 2006 as a result of SFAS No. 123R.

Asset Impairment and Other Charges. Based on the underutilization of production facilities and other assets in South Africa, North America and Europe, asset impairment charges of $18.4 million related to the prepared food and other fresh produce segments were recorded during the third quarter of 2006.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)(Unaudited)

 

Operating Income (Loss). Operating income (loss) for the quarter of 2006 decreased by $87.9 million to an operating loss of $83.9 million compared with operating income of $4.0 million for the third quarter of 2005. The decrease in operating income was due to lower gross profit, higher selling, general and administrative expenses and asset impairment and other charges recorded during the third quarter of 2006.

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased by $4.0 million to $6.7 million for the third quarter of 2006 compared with $2.7 million for the third quarter of 2005. The increase in interest expense was attributable to higher average debt balances and higher interest rates.

Other Income (Expense), Net. Other income (expense), net, was $3.6 million for the third quarter of 2006 was principally attributable to foreign exchange gains combined with higher equity income from unconsolidated subsidiaries. The Company did not record any Other income (expense), net for the comparable prior period.

Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes. Benefit from income taxes decreased from a $4.3 million benefit for the third quarter of 2005 to a benefit of $3.0 million for the third quarter of 2006. The benefit for income taxes for the third quarter of 2006 and 2005 was primarily due to increases in net deferred tax assets as a result of net operating losses expected to be utilized against future taxable income in certain jurisdictions.

First Nine Months of 2006 Compared with First Nine Months of 2005

Net Sales. Net sales for the first nine months of 2006 were $2,476.7 million compared with $2,501.8 million for the first nine months of 2005. The decrease in net sales of $25.1 million was primarily attributable to lower net sales of other fresh produce and prepared food partially offset by higher net sales of bananas. Net sales of the other fresh produce segment decreased by $36.0 million, primarily due to lower net sales of fresh-cut fruit and vegetables and other vegetables that resulted from lower sales volume, partially offset by higher net sales of gold pineapples as a result of increased volumes. Net sales of prepared food decreased by $10.8 million due to lower sales of industrial products (puree, fruit pulp, concentrate) as a result of over-supply in the global markets combined with lower net sales in the U.K. resulting from increased competition in the canned fruit and shelf-stable juice product lines. Net sales of bananas increased $21.8 million, principally as a result of higher per unit sales price and sales volume in North America and Asia, partially offset by lower sales volume and a 7% decrease in per unit sales price in Europe.

Cost of Products Sold. Cost of products for the first nine months of 2006 was $2,347.6 million compared with $2,230.8 million for the first nine month of 2005, an increase of $116.8 million. Based on the previously announced closing of the Company’s Hawaii pineapple operations and as a result of changes in circumstances caused by the inefficiencies from employee turnover, reductions in forecasted production volume and a decline in market prices, an impairment of deferred growing crops of $23.1 million and additional severance and shut-down expenses of $2.6 million were recorded during the first nine months of 2006. Additionally, as a result of low level contamination of the Company’s prepared food segment canned pineapple products from the Kenyan operation, a voluntary product withdrawal and disposal program was initiated during the third quarter of 2006 resulting in a charge of $16.2 million. The remaining increase in cost of products sold of $74.9 million was primarily attributable to increased ocean freight and inland transportation which resulted from higher fuel costs and vessel operating costs combined with higher fruit procurement and production costs. These higher costs may continue in the near-term.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)(Unaudited)

 

Gross Profit. Gross profit was $129.1 million for the first nine months of 2006 compared with $271.0 million for the first nine months of 2005, a decrease of $141.9 million. The decrease in gross profit was primarily attributable to a charge of $25.7 million related to the previously announced shut-down of the Company’s Hawaiian pineapple operations combined with a charge of $16.2 million related to the Company’s voluntary product withdrawal and disposal program of Kenyan canned pineapple prepared food products. During the first nine months of 2006 the Hawaii and Kenya charges combined, negatively affected gross profit by $41.9 million. Also contributing to the decrease in gross profit for the first nine months of 2006 was lower gross profit on bananas of $42.4 million, lower gross profit on other fresh produce of $37.3 million and lower gross profit on prepared food of $22.8 million, partially offset by increased gross profit on other products and services of $2.6 million. Gross profit on bananas decreased principally due to lower per unit sales prices in the EU due to increased competition that was a direct result of the new tariff-only system. Another contributing factor to the decline in gross profit on bananas was higher ocean freight, inland transportation and raw material costs that resulted from higher fuel costs and vessel operating costs. Gross profit on other fresh produce segment decreased primarily due to lower gross profit on gold pineapples due to lower per unit sales price resulting from increased competition and higher costs, combined with lower gross profit on grapes and melons resulting from higher costs. Also contributing to the decrease in gross profit in the other fresh produce segment was lower gross profit on fresh-cut fruit and vegetables resulting from lower sales volume. Gross profit on the prepared food segment decreased due to higher production costs combined with continued competitive pressure in the U.K. market in the canned fruit and shelf-stable juice product lines and lower sales. The increase in gross profit in the other products and services segment was primarily attributed to higher gross profit in the Jordan poultry business.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $8.9 million from $143.7 million for the first nine months of 2005 to $152.6 million for the first nine months of 2006. The increase was principally attributable to higher spending on advertising and product promotions in the Europe Region combined with $5.1 million of stock-based compensation expense partially offset by lower professional fees and information technology expenses.

Asset Impairment and Other Charges. Based on the underutilization of production facilities, equipment, software and other assets in Europe, North America and Africa related to the other fresh produce, banana and prepared food segments, charges totaling $47.4 million for impairment of long-lived assets were recorded during the first nine months of 2006. Also included in asset impairment and other charges during the first nine months of 2006 was $3.1 million for severance and contract termination costs for the shut-down of the Methwold, U.K. facility and a U.S. production facility related to the other fresh produce segment. In total, asset impairment and other charges of $50.5 million were recorded in the first nine months of 2006. In the first nine months of 2005, due to the underutilization of a facility and equipment in North America related to the other fresh produce segment, charges totaling $2.1 million for impairment of long-lived assets were recorded.

Operating Income (Loss). Operating income (loss) for the first nine months of 2006 decreased by $199.2 million to an operating loss of $74.0 million compared with operating income of $125.2 million for the first nine months of 2005. The decrease in operating income was due to lower gross profit, increased asset impairment and other charges combined with higher selling, general and administrative expense.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)(Unaudited)

 

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased by $7.2 million to $18.9 million for the first nine months of 2006 compared with $11.7 million for the first nine months of 2005. The increase in interest expense was attributable to higher average debt balances and higher interest rates.

Other Income (Expense), Net. Other income (expense), net, was other income of $7.7 million for the first nine months of 2006 as compared with other expense of $2.4 million for the first nine months of 2005. This improvement of $10.1 million in other income (expense), net, was principally attributable to foreign exchange gains combined with gains on sales of assets and higher equity income from unconsolidated subsidiaries.

Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes. Provision for (benefit from) income taxes decreased from a provision of $1.5 million in the first nine months of 2005 to a provision of $1.0 million in the first nine months of 2006, principally due to lower taxable income in certain jurisdictions.

Seasonality

Interim results are subject to significant variations and may not be indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for the entire 2006 year.

Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in the risk factors as previously disclosed in Fresh Del Monte’s Form 20-F for the year ended December 30, 2005.

 

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DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Fresh Del Monte carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of September 29, 2006. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Based upon that evaluation, Fresh Del Monte’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that it files or submits under the SEC rules and forms is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the SEC rules and forms. Such officers also confirm that there was no change in Fresh Del Monte’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 29, 2006 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Fresh Del Monte’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

  Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.
Date: November 1, 2006   By:  

/s/ Hani El-Naffy

    Hani El-Naffy
    President & Chief Operating Officer
  By:  

/s/ John F. Inserra

    John F. Inserra
    Executive Vice President &
    Chief Financial Officer

 

29