10KSB 1 d10ksb.htm FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004 For the Year Ended December 31, 2004
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 


 

FORM 10-KSB

 


 

x Annual Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from              to             

 

Commission file number 0-27805.

 


 

KNOX NURSERY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter.)

 


 

Florida   59-1787808

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

4349 N. Hiawassee Road, Orlando, FL   32818
(Address of principle executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(407) 293-3721

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act: None

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act:

 

Common stock, par value $.001 per share, traded on the NASD OTC Bulletin Board.

 

Preferred stock, par value $.001 per share, none issued and outstanding

 


 

Based upon the $0.13 per share closing price of the registrant’s Common Stock as of March 25, 2005, the aggregate value of the shares of Common Stock held by nonaffiliates as of such date was $583,655.

 

Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of March 25, 2005 is 12,025,454.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    YES  x    NO  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained, herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-KSB or any amendment to this Form 10-KSB.  x

 

State issuer’s revenues for its most recent year - $7,834,377

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

None

 



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KNOX NURSERY, INC.

INDEX

 

PART I.            
    Item 1.   Description of Business   3
    Item 2.   Description of Property   4
    Item 3.   Legal Proceedings   5
    Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders   5
PART II.            
    Item 5.   Market for Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters   5
    Item 6.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   6
    Item 7.   Financial Statements   15
    Item 8.   Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure   15
    Item 8a.   Controls and Procedures   16
PART III.            
    Item 9.   Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters, and Control Persons; Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act   16
    Item 10.   Executive Compensation   18
    Item 11.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters   19
    Item 12.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions   20
    Item 13.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-k   20
    Item 14.   Principal Accountant Fees and Services   20
SIGNATURES   22
EXHIBITS 31.1    
EXHIBITS 32.1    


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PART I

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-KSB contains forward-looking statements that are not statements of historical fact. Forward-looking statements by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from such statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, those risks associated with economic conditions generally and the economy in those areas where the Company has or expects to have assets and operations; risks relating to changes in interest rates and in the availability, cost and terms of financing; risks related to the performance of financial markets; risks related to changes in domestic and foreign laws, regulations and taxes; risks associated with future profitability; and other factors discussed elsewhere in this report.

 

ITEM I. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

THE COMPANY

 

Knox Nursery, Inc. (the Company) is a Florida corporation established in 1962, having its offices in Orlando, Florida. The Company is a wholesale plant nursery specializing in sales of seedling annuals (plugs) to brokers and other nurseries located throughout the United States and Canada; and sales of potted annuals to wholesalers, landscapers and large final-use customers located primarily in Central Florida. Management believes its business activities constitute a single operating segment due to similar economic characteristics, products, production processes, class of customer and distribution methods. Additionally no discrete financial information is available for these operations.

 

Plug sales, which accounts for 70% of the Company’s sales, involves sowing millions of seeds annually, then precisely growing the seedlings for 4 to 10 weeks until the “pre-finished” plants are shipped to commercial growers throughout the country. These growers will transplant the plugs into larger pots and containers for resale to their customers.

 

Potted annuals are transplanted from pre-finished plugs into the appropriate containers, then carefully grown to a mature ready-to-sell condition. The target market for the finished plants includes mass merchandisers such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Wal-Mart, landscapers, and local final-use customers such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.

 

Knox Nursery’s plug facility (aka Avalon) is technologically advanced, costing the Company approximately $6,000,000 to construct. This gives Knox Nursery a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Now the total growing environment can be micro-managed. The temperature, moisture, humidity and light within the growing facility can be accurately controlled to provide optimum growing environments for maximum growth in the shortest periods. Additionally, this new facility lowers labor costs by approximately 40%, which constitutes the largest single cost to the Company. Therefore, even though the cost for the new facility was considerable, the advantages for the Company may provide greater future profits.


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Principle raw materials used in the production of plug and finished products include plastic trays and pots supplied by Blackmore Company and Florikan, a soil-less growing media supplied by Prosource One, seed supplied by the Ball Seed Company, Syngenta, and Express Seed Company, and chemicals supplied by BWI. The Company believes should it be necessary, raw materials could be procured on competitive terms with alternative suppliers.

 

Knox Nursery Inc. employs an average of 109 people, 106 full-time and 3 part-time.

 

62% of plug tray sales in 2004 came from three customers – Grolink Sales 23%; Ball Seed Company 15%; and DPT Brokerage 24%. 24% of finished plants sales were made to these customers - Walt Disney World 8%; East Coast Greenery 6%; Gude Brothers 10%.

 

MARKET ENVIRONMENT

 

The Company targets medium to large wholesale growers for its pre-finished lines of plants, however, smaller growers are not ignored. The overall floriculture industry in the United States is a $3.7 billion industry. In Florida alone, the industry generates over $700 million in sales.

 

INDUSTRY ANALYSIS

 

The bedding plant industry consists of a small group of independent producers, many of whom are customers of Knox Nursery. The industry is currently being consolidated by large growers who are expanding and beginning to direct their sales effort to large, mass marketers. These large marketers are important to the Company, and it is the plan of Knox Nursery to take advantage of its Avalon facility, to further its share of the larger, mass marketer business.

 

MARKET SEGMENT

 

Knox Nursery does business with over 200 independent brokers selling its pre-finished products throughout the United States. The Company has certain advantages in the Southeastern United States because of its location, and the Company run distribution system of delivery trucks. Also, with its Florida location and its warm climate, the Company escapes the high-energy costs of northern areas. This competitive advantage allows the Company to offer better prices than many of its competitors. In one popular area, the supplying of Gerbera Daisies, Knox Nursery is the largest grower and supplier of this species in the United States.

 

ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY

 

The Company maintains the following facilities:

 

Principle corporate offices  

4349 N. Hiawassee Rd.

Orlando, Florida

  2,500 sq. ft.

 

The Company does not anticipate that it will require any additional office facilities. However, if additional office space is required in the future, the available property will allow for expansion.


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Hiawassee Nursery  

4359 N. Hiawassee Rd.

Orlando, Florida

 

240,000 sq. ft.

(9 structures)

 

The 12 1/2 acres at this location have been fully developed.

 

Avalon Nursery  

940 Avalon Road

Winter Garden, Florida

  280,000 sq. ft.

 

The entire Avalon Road property is a “Master Planned Project”, which will consist of four phases when fully developed.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The Company was involved in routine litigation that is incidental to the business at December 31, 2004, and on the date of this report. In the opinion of management, the outcome of this litigation will not have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s financial position.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

No matters were submitted to security holders during the fourth quarter of 2004.

 

PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

The Company’s Common Stock is traded on The NASD OTC Bulletin Board, under the symbol “KNUR.” The first active trading in the shares of the Company began in the fourth quarter of 1998. The high and low closing inter-dealer sales prices for each quarter of the last two fiscal years are as follows:

 

     2004

   2003

     high

   low

   high

   low

1st qtr

   $ .13    .13    .13    .09

2nd qtr

     .12    .12    .16    .09

3rd qtr

     .11    .11    .18    .11

4th qtr

     .12    .11    .20    .14

 

As of December 31, 2004 the number of shareholders of record was 75.

 

The Company has not paid any cash dividends on its Common Stock since inception and does not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The future payment of dividends is directly dependent upon future earnings of the Company, its financial requirements and other factors to be determined by the Company’s Board of Directors, in its sole discretion. For the foreseeable future, it is anticipated that any earnings, which may be generated from the Company’s operations, will be used to finance the growth of the Company, and that cash dividends will not be paid to Common stockholders.


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ITEM 6. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

The following is a discussion of the financial condition and results of operation of the Company as of December 31, 2004. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited Financial Statements with accompanying Notes, which are included elsewhere in this Form 10-KSB.

 

GENERAL

 

Knox Nursery, Inc. founded in 1962, is located in Central Florida and has two product lines: 1) Plug trays, with sales of seedling annuals (plugs) to brokers and other nurseries throughout the United States; and 2) Finished Product, with sales of four inch annuals to wholesalers, landscapers and large final-use customers located primarily in Central Florida.

 

REVENUE

 

For the year ended December 31, 2004, revenue was $7,834,377, an decrease of $66,575, or <1% from the $7,900,952 posted for the year ended December 31, 2003. The overall decrease in 2004 sales is composed of a Plug tray revenue decrease of 14% or $921,702, and a Finished Product revenue increase of 58% or $855,127 from 2003, respectively. Plug sales declined due to a major customer shifting to in-house plug production and decreased demand from many customers over the prior year. Finished products demand is benefiting from the installation of vegetative product lines in 2003 and the new pot-less plant tray specialization provided by the acquisition and installation of the Ellegaard ellepot system in 2003.

 

COSTS AND EXPENSES

 

For the year ended December 31, 2004, cost of sales was $5,459,162, a decrease of $66,533, or 1.2% from the $5,525,695 posted for the year ended December 31, 2003. By product line, Cost of sales Plugs increased $16,636 (<1%). Cost of sales Finished Products decreased $204,021 (14%). Maintenace increased $120,852 (40%) from the prior year.

 

Cost factors analysis for all products shows plastic product purchases (trays, pots, flats) declined $35,635 (10%); soil and growing media up $11,504 (6%); seed down $444,746 (20%) cuttings and plants purchased up $64,152 (26%); fertilizer, chemicals, other supplies, and testing up $2,714 (2%); labels and boxes up $6,163 (3%); transport & racks down $50,072 (32%); and labor down $127,025 (7%). Costs decreased generally due to lower production levels for plugs and converting to ellepot production within finished products.

 

Cost factors analysis for maintenance include vehicle and equipment repairs, up $28,196(104%); finished product operations maintenance, up $60,858 (87%); and plug product operations maintenance, down $5,631 (8%). In house maintenance labor expenses were up significantly at $37,359 (28%) over the year 2003.


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Operating expenses for 2004 amounted to $2,494,815, an increase of $207,300 or 9% from the $2,287,515 recorded in 2003. Within operating expenses depreciation expense is down $41,486 (7%) as older equipment continues to reach full depreciation. Insurance expense was up $100,204 (23%) as insurance premiums have risen in general due to higher gross wages under workman’s comp coverage, and health insurance premium increases. Office salaries and related taxes are up $110,065 (17%) due to added staff in outside sales and computer services. Propane and natural gas expense were down $19,374 (20%) due to fewer boiler running days in 2004. Electric utilities were up $14,069 (17%) due to rising energy prices in 2004.

 

“Other, net” on the Statement of Operations decreased $ 16,299 for the year ending 2004, and includes the following items:

 

     2004

   2003

   change

 

miscellaneous income

     4,485      33,443      (28,958 )

net vending income

     1,326      2,344      (1,018 )

net finance charges income

     38,097      24,420      13,677  
    

  

  


Other income

   $ 43,908    $ 60,207    $ 16,299  

 

The Company recorded a net loss from operations in 2004 of $260,046 compared to a net loss of $15,533 in 2003, a 1,574% increase of $244,513. Non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization were $589,102 in 2004 and $627,823 in 2003.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

As of December 31, 2004, the Company had a working capital surplus of $617,161, compared to a working capital surplus of $287,238 at December 31, 2003. Working capital is up at the end of 2004 compared to 2003 due to one time outlays for fixed assets as noted in last year’s annual report. The company contracted for the construction of a new shade house and a roof repair for the retract area at the Avalon Plug facility in 2003 at a cost of $305,000. This construction project was 95% completed at December 31, 2003. The company also purchased $93,000 in trucks and trailers to meet growing order fulfillment. The company expended $143,000 on equipment, most notably for the acquisition of an Ellepot machine for the elimination of plastic pots in the finished goods product line.

 

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 151, Inventory Costs — an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4 (“FAS 151”). FAS 151 amends the guidance in Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) No. 43, Chapter 4, to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage). FAS 151 requires that these costs be recognized as current period charges regardless of whether they are abnormal. In addition, FAS 151 requires that allocation of fixed production overheads

 

 


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to the costs of manufacturing be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of FAS 151 are effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company does not expect this new standard to have a material effect on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS FOR PURPOSES OF THE SAFE HARBOR

 

In addition to statements of historical fact, this annual report contains forward-looking statements which are inherently subject to change, based on known and unknown risks, including but not limited to changes in the market and industry. Please refer to documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for additional information on factors that could materially affect the Company’s financial results.


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ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Knox Nursery, Inc.

 

Financial Statements

 

December 31, 2004 and 2003

 

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Report of Independent Registered Certified Public Accounting Firm

   1

Financial Statements:

    

Balance Sheet

   2

Statements of Operations

   3

Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

   4

Statements of Cash Flows

   5

Notes to Financial Statements

   7

 

 


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Report of Independent Registered Certified Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors of

Knox Nursery, Inc.:

 

We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Knox Nursery, Inc. as of December 31, 2004, and the related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Knox Nursery, Inc. as of December 31, 2004 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

/s/ Tedder, James, Worden & Associates, P.A.

Orlando, Florida

March 16, 2005, except for Note 5 as to which
the date is April 8, 2005

 

 


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KNOX NURSERY, INC.

 

Balance Sheet

 

December 31, 2004

 

Assets         

Current assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 65,092  

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $150,000

     1,087,177  

Refundable income tax

     21,000  

Inventories

     1,308,768  

Prepaid expenses

     11,994  
    


Total current assets

     2,494,031  

Property, plant, and equipment, net

     4,174,520  

Due from officer

     17,883  

Deferred loan cost, net of accumulated amortization of $57,191

     47,012  

Investment in cooperative

     79,224  

Deposits and other assets

     2,420  
    


Total assets

   $ 6,815,090  
    


Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity         

Current liabilities:

        

Accounts payable

   $ 1,349,781  

Accrued expenses

     138,995  

Current installments of long-term debt

     369,247  

Current installments of capital lease obligations

     18,847  
    


Total current liabilities

     1,876,870  

Long term liabilities:

        

Long-term debt, excluding current installments

     3,501,457  

Capital lease obligations, excluding current installments

     22,698  
    


Total liabilities

     5,401,025  

Stockholders’ equity:

        

Preferred stock, $.001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding

     —    

Common stock, $.001 par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized, 12,025,454 shares issued and outstanding

     12,025  

Additional paid-in capital

     1,807,678  

Accumulated deficit

     (405,638 )
    


Total stockholders’ equity

     1,414,065  
    


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 6,815,090  
    


 

See the accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

 

2


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KNOX NURSERY, INC.

 

Statements of Operations

 

For the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003

 

     2004

    2003

 

Sales

   $ 7,834,377     $ 7,900,952  

Cost of sales

     5,459,162       5,525,695  
    


 


Gross profit

     2,375,215       2,375,257  

Operating expenses (income):

                

General and administrative

     2,573,606       2,287,515  

Gain on involuntary conversion

     (78,791 )     —    
    


 


Total operating expenses

     2,494,815       2,287,515  
    


 


Income (loss) from operations

     (119,600 )     87,742  

Other income (expense):

                

Interest expense

     (185,343 )     (165,351 )

Interest and dividend income

     989       1,869  

Other

     43,908       60,207  
    


 


Other expense, net

     (140,446 )     (103,275 )
    


 


Loss before income taxes

     (260,046 )     (15,533 )

Income tax expense

     —         —    
    


 


Net loss

   $ (260,046 )   $ (15,533 )
    


 


Basic and diluted loss per common share

   $ (0.022 )   $ (0.001 )
    


 


Weighted average common shares outstanding

     12,025,454       12,025,454  
    


 


 

See the accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

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KNOX NURSERY, INC.

 

Statements of Stockholders' Equity

 

For the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003

 

     Common
stock


   Additional
paid-in
capital


   Accumulated
Deficit


    Total

 

Balances, December 31, 2002

   $ 12,025    1,807,678    (130,059 )   1,689,644  

Net loss

     —      —      (15,533 )   (15,533 )
    

  
  

 

Balances, December 31, 2003

     12,025    1,807,678    (145,592 )   1,674,111  

Net loss

     —      —      (260,046 )   (260,046 )
    

  
  

 

Balances, December 31, 2004

   $ 12,025    1,807,678    (405,638 )   1,414,065  
    

  
  

 

 

See the accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

 

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KNOX NURSERY, INC.

 

Statements of Cash Flows

 

For the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003

 

     2004

    2003

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                

Net loss

   $ (260,046 )   $ (15,533 )

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

                

Depreciation and amortization

     589,102       627,823  

Gain on involuntary conversion

     (78,791 )     —    

(Decrease) increase in the provision for bad debts

     94,722       (87,422 )

Noncash patronage dividend receivable

     (32,743 )     (44,200 )

Cash provided by (used for) changes in:

                

Accounts receivable

     (205,908 )     27,135  

Refundable income tax

     (21,000 )     —    

Inventories

     313,121       (71,890 )

Prepaid expenses

     1,488       12,920  

Deposits and other assets

     (300 )     —    

Accounts payable

     89,472       338,321  

Accrued expenses

     14,653       11,505  
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     503,770       798,659  

Cash flows from investing activities:

                

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (191,283 )     (434,826 )

Proceeds received from disposal of property, plant, and equipment

     346,844       —    

Collections on due from officer

     4,046       8,765  
    


 


Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     159,607       (426,061 )

Cash flows from financing activities:

                

Payment of deferred loan costs

     (5,159 )     (3,000 )

Decrease in bank overdrafts

     —         (136,913 )

Net proceeds (repayments) on line of credit

     (303,615 )     130,058  

Repayment of note payable to stockholder

     (350,000 )     (25,000 )

Repayment of long-term debt

     (328,334 )     (275,143 )

Proceeds from long-term debt

     350,000       —    

Repayment of capital lease obligations

     (34,796 )     (19,268 )
    


 


Net cash used in financing activities

     (671,904 )     (329,266 )
    


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (8,527 )     43,332  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     73,619       30,287  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 65,092     $ 73,619  
    


 


 

See the accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

 

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KNOX NURSERY, INC.

 

Statements of Cash Flows, Continued

 

For the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003

 

     2004

   2003

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

             

Cash paid for:

             

Interest, exclusive of amounts paid to stockholder

   $ 175,080    $ 209,984
    

  

Income taxes

   $ 21,000    $ —  
    

  

Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:

             

Acquisition of equipment under capital lease

   $ —      $ 73,835
    

  

Acquisition of equipment through seller financed debt

   $ 19,228    $ 36,242
    

  

 

See the accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

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KNOX NURSERY, INC.

 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

December 31, 2004 and 2003

 

(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

  (a) Description of Business

 

Knox Nursery, Inc. (the “Company”) is a Florida corporation established in 1962, having its offices in Orlando, Florida. The Company is a wholesale plant nursery specializing in sales of seedling annuals (plugs) to brokers and other nurseries located throughout the United States and Canada; and sales of potted annuals to wholesalers, landscapers, and large final-use customers located primarily in Central Florida.

 

  (b) Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue is recognized when the product is shipped and the risk of loss transfers to the customer.

 

  (c) Cash Equivalents

 

Cash equivalents represent short-term, highly liquid commercial paper readily convertible to cash.

 

  (d) Accounts Receivable

 

Accounts receivable are recorded at net realizable value. The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated using the allowance method based upon historical experience. The allowance is reviewed periodically and adjusted for accounts deemed uncollectible by management.

 

  (e) Inventories

 

Inventories of plants, seeds, and supplies are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market.

 

  (f) Property, Plant, and Equipment

 

Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Assets are depreciated using the straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives of each class of depreciable asset are as follows:

 

     Estimated useful lives

Building and improvements

   5 – 40 years

Machinery and equipment

   5 – 10 years

Automotive equipment

   5 – 10 years

Office furniture and equipment

   3 – 10 years

 

 

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(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

  (g) Deferred Loan Costs

 

Deferred loan costs are amortized over the life of the related loan using a method which closely approximates the effective interest method.

 

  (h) Income Taxes

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

General business credits, which include investment tax credits and job credits, are accounted for as a reduction of income tax liability in the year realized.

 

  (i) Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

  (j) Basic Income (Loss) per Common Share

 

Basic per share amounts are based on the weighted average number of common stock issued and outstanding during each year. Diluted income per share would be computed in a manner consistent with that of basic per share amounts while giving effect to the potential dilution that could occur if the company had instruments, that if exercised, would dilute the issued and outstanding common stock. The Company has no such instruments.

 

  (k) Impairment

 

The Company periodically reviews long-lived assets to be held and used in operations for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized when the estimated undiscounted future cash flows from the assets are less than the carrying value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

  (l) Advertising Costs

 

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in operating expenses in the accompanying statements of operations.

 

  (m) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

Fair value estimates discussed herein are based upon certain market assumptions and pertinent information available to management. The respective carrying value of certain on-balance-sheet financial instruments approximate their fair values. These financial instruments include cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses. Fair values were assumed to approximate carrying values for these financial instruments since they are short-term in nature or they are receivable or payable on demand. The fair value of the Company’s debt, including amount due to stockholder, is estimated based upon the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities. Fair value of these financial instruments also approximates their carrying values due to their proximity to current market rates.

 

  (n) Concentrations of Risk

 

Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and trade receivables. The Company places its cash with high quality financial institutions. At various times throughout fiscal 2004 and 2003, cash balances held at financial institutions were in excess of federally insured limits.

 

The Company delivers products throughout the United States of America. The majority of the Company’s sales are credit sales which are primarily to customers whose ability to pay is dependent upon the industry economics prevailing in their areas.

 

The Company’s three primary plug customers account for 62% of total plug sales. The Company’s three largest finished plant customers account for 24% of finished plant sales.

 

The nursery industry is subject to various factors over which growers have limited or no control, including weather conditions, disease, pestilence, water supply, and market price fluctuations.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

 

  (o) Reclassifications

 

Certain amounts in the 2003 financial statements have been reclassified for comparitive purposes to conform to the presentation in the 2004 financial statements. These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported total assets, liabilities, stockholder’s equity, net income, or cash flows.

 

(2) Inventories

 

Inventories at December 31, 2004 consisted of the following:

 

Work in process

   $ 1,188,888

Materials and supplies

     119,880
    

Total inventories

   $ 1,308,768
    

 

(3) Property, Plant, and Equipment

 

Property, plant, and equipment at December 31, 2004 consisted of the following:

 

Land

   $ 272,169  

Buildings and improvements

     7,590,203  

Machinery and equipment

     2,052,525  

Automotive equipment

     408,566  

Office furniture and equipment

     418,120  

Construction in progress

     76,695  
    


       10,818,278  

Less accumulated depreciation

     (6,643,758 )
    


Total property, plant and equipment, net

   $ 4,174,520  
    


 

Depreciation expense amounted to $567,127 and $608,614 for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Management has reviewed long-lived assets for impairment and determined the company’s assets are not impaired.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

4) Line of Credit

 

Line of credit consisted of the following at December 31, 2004:

 

Line of credit ($600,000 limit at December 31, 2004) with interest only payments equal to the three-month U.S. LIBOR rate plus margin points (5.75%) as of December 31, 2004. Margin points are determined in May of each year (3.5% at December 31, 2004) and are based on the Company’s debt leverage ratio on the reset date. The line of credit matures in July 2005, at which time all unpaid principal and accrued interest are due. The credit line is collateralized by a real estate security agreement, and is also personally guaranteed by the majority stockholders.    $           —  
    

 

(5) Long-Term Debt

 

Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31, 2004:

 

Commercial loan at a variable rate of interest equal to the three-month U.S. LIBOR rate plus margin points (5.75% as of December 31, 2004). Margin points are fixed at 3.5% on July 1, 2004. Due in 60 monthly principal installments of $23,844 plus interest with a final balloon payment of all unpaid principal and accrued interest on March 1, 2007. The loan is collateralized by a real estate security agreement and is personally guaranteed by the majority stockholders. The loan is subject to restrictive financial covenants including debt coverage, leverage, current and quick ratios, as well as the maintenance of working capital and net worth at specified levels.    $ 3,505,134
Commercial loan with interest at a fixed rate of 0.0%, due in 60 equal monthly installments of $604 ending August 4, 2008. A vehicle collateralizes the loan.      25,973

 

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Index to Financial Statements
Commercial loan at a variable rate of interest equal to the three-month U.S. LIBOR rate plus margin points (5.25% as of December 31, 2004). Margin points are fixed at 3.0% on July 1, 2004. Due in 59 monthly principal installments of $5,833 plus interest with a final payment of all unpaid principal and accrued interest on July 1, 2009. The loan is collateralized by a real estate security agreement and is personally guaranteed by the majority stockholders. The loan is subject to restrictive financial covenants including debt coverage, leverage, current and quick ratios, as well as the maintenance of working capital and net worth at specified levels.      320,833
Commercial loan with interest at a fixed rate of 9.4%, due in 36 equal monthly installments of $615 ending November 16, 2007. The loan is collateralized by a vehicle.      18,764
    

Total long-term debt

     3,870,704

Less current installments

     369,247
    

Total long-term debt, excluding current installments

   $ 3,501,457
    

 

Loan costs of $104,203 were paid in conjunction with the above long-term debt and are being amortized over the life of the loan using a method that closely approximates the effective interest method. For the year ended December 31, 2004, amortization expense totaled $21,975.

 

Aggregate principal maturities for the years subsequent to December 31, 2004 are as follows:

 

2005

   $ 369,247

2006

     369,822

2007

     3,016,573

2008

     74,229

2009

     40,833
    

     $ 3,870,704
    

 

As of December 31, 2004, the Company was in non-compliance with the debt coverage ratio and the minimum net worth and working capital requirements of its long-term debt. The Company as requested and received waivers from the lender for the non-compliance.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

(6) Lease Commitments

 

The Company leases various office equipment and nursery equipment under non-cancelable capital leases. The gross amount of assets and accumulated amortization recorded under capital leases are $97,241 and $14,932, respectively. Amortization expense related to assets recorded under capital leases is included as a component of depreciation expense and totaled $6,439 for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003.

 

The following is a schedule of future minimum lease payments under capital lease obligations, together with the present value of the net minimum lease payments:

 

Year ended December 31,


    

2005

   $ 20,804

2006

     20,804

2007

     3,510
    

Total minimum lease payments

     45,118

Less amount-representing interest (5.0% - 9.1%)

     3,573
    

Present value of net minimum lease payments

     41,545

Less current installments

     18,847
    

Capital lease obligations, excluding current installments

   $ 22,698
    

 

(7) Income Taxes

 

For the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company incurred no current or deferred income tax expense. Total income tax for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 differed from amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 34% to net income before income taxes as a result of the following:

 

     2004

    2003

 

Computed “expected” tax benefit

   $ (88,415 )   (5,281 )

Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from:

              

Non-deductible expenses

     2,225     2,544  

General business credits

     13,055     23,653  

Change in valuation allowance

     78,603     (15,893 )

Other

     (5,468 )   (5,023 )
    


 

     $ —       —    
    


 

 

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Index to Financial Statements

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to a significant portion of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2004 were as follows:

 

Deferred tax assets:

        

General business credits

   $ 37,285  

Net operating loss carry forward

     1,619,301  

Allowance for bad debts

     56,445  

Related party accrued interest

     12,038  

Other

     338  
    


Total gross deferred tax assets

     1,725,407  

Less valuation allowance

     (338,320 )
    


Net deferred tax assets

     1,387,087  

Deferred tax liabilities:

        

Inventory

     492,489  

Property, plant, and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation

     865,661  

Deferred gain on involuntary conversion

     28,937  
    


Total gross deferred tax liabilities

     1,387,087  
    


Net deferred tax

   $ —    
    


 

At December 31, 2004, the Company had net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $5,350,000 for the State of Florida and $4,125,000 for federal income tax purposes, which are available to offset future taxable income, if any, through 2024. The Company also had general business credit carry forwards for federal income tax purposes of $37,285 which are available to reduce future federal income taxes, if any, through 2010.

 

(8) Profit Sharing Plan

 

The Company has established a voluntary employee 401(k) savings plan available to all employees who meet certain eligibility requirements. The plan provides for a matching contribution by the Company of the employee’s contribution to the plan not to exceed certain specified limits. During the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, total Company contributions to the plan were $30,998 and $27,318, respectively.

 

(9) Advertising Costs

 

Advertising costs for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 amounted to $13,598 and $10,253, respectively.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

(10) Related Party Transactions

 

As of December 31, 2004, the Company had an amount due from an officer of $17,883. The Company also had a payable to a stockholder for accrued interest of $13,348.

 

(11) Contingencies

 

The Company is involved in routine litigation that is incidental to the business at December 31, 2004, and on the date of this report. In the opinion of management, the outcome of this litigation will not have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s financial position.

 

(12) Recent Accounting Pronouncements, Continued

 

In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 151, Inventory Costs — an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4 (“FAS 151”). FAS 151 amends the guidance in Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) No. 43, Chapter 4, to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage). FAS 151 requires that these costs be recognized as current period charges regardless of whether they are abnormal. In addition, FAS 151 requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of manufacturing be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of FAS 151 are effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company does not expect this new standard to have a material effect on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

ITEM 8. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

There have been no changes in, or disagreements with, the accountants for the Company.

 

ITEM 8A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s Security Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding

 

 

15


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Index to Financial Statements

required disclosure. In designating and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

 

During the 90-day period prior to the date of this report, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective. Subsequent to the date of this evaluation, there have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls, and no corrective actions taken with regard to significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in such controls.

 

PART III

 

ITEM 9. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS, AND CONTROL PERSONS

 

Our directors, executive officers, and key employees are as follows:

 

Name


   Age

  

Position with the Company


   Directors Since

Bruce R. Knox

   39    President and Director    1986

James M. Knox, III

   43    Vice President and Director    1983

M. Nadine Knox

   70    Director    1978

 

BRUCE R. KNOX, PRESIDENT

 

Bruce R. Knox was born in Orlando, Florida on October 5, 1965. He graduated from Bishop Moore High School in May 1983 and soon entered the family business. Bruce began in production and has been a supervisor in all areas of the nursery, culminating with his appointment as President in March 1995.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

Bruce has served the state floriculture industry as well. He has previously served on the State Board of Directors for the Florida Ornamental Growers Association, and the Board of Directors of the Action Chapter of the Florida Nurseryman and Growers Association. Bruce is a widely respected speaker on industry topics and has been a featured speaker at such forums as the Seeley Conference, the Professional Plant Growers Association, and the Southeast Greenhouse Conference.

 

Bruce has done extensive travel researching nursery automation systems in the United States and Europe. The benefits of this research resulted in the construction of one of the most technologically advanced greenhouse ranges in the world, Knox Nursery’s Avalon Plug Production Facility, which opened in February 1997.

 

JAMES M. (MONTY) KNOX, III, VICE PRESIDENT

 

Monty Knox was born on January 23, 1962 in Orlando, Florida. Monty graduated from Bishop Moore High School in May 1980 and attended the University of Central Florida. He joined Knox Nursery in October 1983. Monty started in production, planning and sales. Monty was appointed Vice President in January 1987.

 

Monty has served the nursery industry extensively in the State of Florida. Monty has served on the Florida Nurseryman and Growers Association State Board of Directors, Marketing Committee and FNATS Trade Show. He has served on the Action Chapter of FNGA’s Board of Directors, culminating as President in 1998. Monty serves on the Florida Farm Bureau’s State Water Advisory Committee, Tax Advisory Committee, the Orange County Farm Bureau’s Board of Directors and is Vice Chairman of the Orange County Farm Bureau PAC. Monty also serves on Orange County’s Planning and Zoning Commission and Local Planning Agency. Monty has been Chairman of Orange County’s Agricultural Board since 1995.

 

M. NADINE KNOX, DIRECTOR

 

M. Nadine Knox was born August 5, 1934 and is a founder of Knox Nursery beginning in 1962. She was the office manager until 1999 and remains a director of the Company today. She is the mother of Bruce R. Knox and James M. Knox, III.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

ITEM 10. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The following table sets forth certain information relating to the compensation paid by the Company for the years 2003 and 2004, as well as proposed compensation for 2005.

 

Name and Principal Position


  

Year


   Annual Compensation

      Salary

   Bonus

   Other

Bruce R. Knox

President, Director

   2005
2004
2003
   100,000
90,862
78,000
   -0-
-0-
-0-
   -0- -0-
-0-

James M. Knox, III

VP, Director

   2005
2004
2003
   40,000
37,847
28,600
   -0-
-0-
-0-
   -0- -0-
10,000

M. Nadine Knox

Secretary/Treasurer

Director

   2005
2004
2003
   -0-
-0-
-0-
   -0-
-0-
-0-
   -0- -0-
-0-

 

Footnotes:

 

1. James M. Knox borrowed $38,500 in 2000, the Company purchased a car from Mr. Knox for $6,000, applying the payment to his outstanding loan balance. Mr. Knox received 1099s reflecting $10,000, and $5,000 of forgiven debt for 2003.

 

2. No other forms of compensation were received by the above principals.

 

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance:

 

The Company is not aware of any director, officer, or beneficial owner of more than ten percent of the Company’s Common Stock that, during fiscal year 2003, failed to file on a timely basis reports required by Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

ITEM 11. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

The following tables set forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of the Company’s Common Stock as of December 31, 2004 by (1) each person (or group of affiliated persons) who to the knowledge of the Company is the beneficial owner of five percent or more of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock, (2) each Director and each named Executive Officer of the Company. Except as otherwise noted, the Company believes that the persons listed in this table have sole voting and investment power respecting all shares of Common Stock owned by them. The business address of each Director and Executive Officer listed below is the Company’s corporate address, 4349 N. Hiawassee Road, Orlando, Florida, 32818.

 

Table 1. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

 

Title of Class


  

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner


  

Amount and Nature

of Beneficial Owner


  

Percent

of Class


 
Common Stock   

James M. Knox, Jr.

(Former President)

11056 Bayshore Drive

Windermere, Florida

   603,950    5.0 %
Table 2. Security Ownership of Management and Director  
Common Stock   

Bruce R. Knox

6613 Abeydon Ct.

Orlando, Florida 32818

   2,310,616    19.2 %
Common Stock   

James M. Knox, III

4349 N. Hiawassee Rd.

Orlando, Florida 32818

   2,310,616    19.2 %
Common Stock   

M. Nadine Knox

11056 Bayshore Drive

Windermere, Florida

   2,310,618    19.2 %

 

 

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Index to Financial Statements

ITEM 12. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

The Company had the following transactions with related parties:

 

M. Nadine Knox (director) loaned the Company $295,000 in 1999 and $352,000 in 2000 and was repaid $310,000 in 2000. M. Nadine Knox loaned the Company $85,000 on 1/31/01. M. Nadine Knox received a principle payment of $47,000 on 12/31/02, and $25,000 on 12/31/03. The balance payable to M. Nadine Knox was $350,000 at December 31, 2003 and was paid January 2004.

 

On 10/8/02 Bruce R. Knox borrowed $12, 500 from the Company and repaid the loan on 12/31/02. On 6/12/03 the company paid Bruce R. Knox $5,407 for the trade in value of 1993 Lexus LS400 used to acquire a 2003 Ford F150.

 

James M. Knox, III (officer) borrowed $38,500 in 2000. In 2000 the Company purchased a car from James M. Knox III, and applied the purchase price to interest and principle owed leaving an outstanding balance $33,943. On 9/30/02 $5,000 of the principal was repaid through a bonus and on 12/31/02 $2,000 was repaid. $10,000 of the principal was repaid through a bonus on 6/30/03. $5,000 of the principal was repaid on 6/30/04.

 

ITEM 13. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

 

No current reports on Form 8-K were filed by the Company during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2004.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

Independent Accountant Fees

 

The Company’s board of directors reviews and approves audit and permissible non-audit services performed by its independent accountants, as well as the fees charged for such services. In its review of non-audit service fees and its appointment of Tedder, James & Worden, P.A. as the Company’s independent accountants, the board of directors considered whether the provision of such services is compatible with maintaining independence. All of the services provided and fees charged by Tedder, James & Worden, P.A. in 2004 were approved by the board of directors. The following table presents fees for audit services rendered by Tedder, James, Worden & Associates, P.A. for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 and fees billed for other services rendered by Tedder, James, Worden & Associates, P.A. during those periods.

 

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Index to Financial Statements
     Fiscal 2004

   Fiscal 2003

Audit Fees(1)

   $ 38,621    $ 34,658

Audit-Related Fees(2)

     —        —  

Tax Fees(3)

     5,500      4,125
    

  

Subtotal

     44,121      38,783

All other Fees

     150      —  
    

  

Total

   $ 44,271    $ 38,783
    

  


(1) Audit Fees – Audit fees billed to the Company by Tedder, James, Worden & Associates, P.A. for auditing the Company’s annual financial statements and reviewing the financial statements included in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.
(2) Audit-Related Fees – There were no other fees were billed by Tedder, James, Worden & Associates, P.A. during the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services that were reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s financial statements and not reported under “Audit Fees” above.
(3) Tax Fees – Tax fees billed to the Company by Tedder, James, Worden & Associates, P.A. include the preparation of all state and federal returns for 2003. The Company anticipates billings by Tedder, James, Worden & Associates, P.A. for the preparation of all state and federal returns for 2004 to be approximately $6,000.

 

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Index to Financial Statements

KNOX NURSERY, INC.

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirement of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

        KNOX NURSERY, INC.
        Registrant
Date: April 12, 2005      

/s/ BRUCE R. KNOX


        Bruce R. Knox
        President
        (Principal Executive Officer)

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report Is signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant on the dates and in the capacities indicated.

 

Name


 

Title


 

Dates


/s/ Bruce R. Knox


  President Director   April 12, 2005
Bruce R. Knox        

/s/ James M. Knox, III


  Vice President Director   April 12, 2005
James M. Knox, III        

/s/ M. Nadine Knox


  Director   April 12, 2005
M. Nadine Knox        

 

22