EX-99.1 2 dex991.htm PRESS RELEASE Press Release

Exhibit 99.1

 

For Immediate Release:

ASG Consolidated LLC and American Seafoods Group LLC

 

For further information contact:

Brad Bodenman or Amy Humphreys

Phone: 206.374.1515/fax: 206.374.1516

 

Email to: brad.bodenman@americanseafoods.com or amy.humphreys@americanseafoods.com

 

Seattle, WA –Tuesday, November 8, 2005 – ASG Consolidated and its wholly-owned subsidiary American Seafoods Group (together, “American Seafoods”) today announced their results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005. American Seafoods Group and its subsidiaries conduct substantially all the operations of American Seafoods. As a result, there are only limited differences between the consolidated financial results of the two companies, which are noted herein. Holders of ASG Consolidated’s Senior Discount Notes and American Seafoods Group’s Senior Subordinated Notes are encouraged to review the financial results of each company contained in their respective quarterly reports on Form 10-Q to be filed with the SEC.

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004

 

Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 increased $22.2 million, or 6.2%, to $377.4 million as compared to $355.2 million for the same prior year period. At-sea processing sales increased as a result of higher prices for our pollock surimi and block products, as well as higher sales volumes of hake and yellowfin sole products. Land-based processing sales increased primarily due to higher sales volumes and prices generated from our secondary processed block-cut products and higher prices for our scallop products.

 

Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 increased $6.0 million, or 7.0%, to $91.1 million as compared to $85.1 million for the same prior year period. The increase in gross profit was due primarily to the increases in product sales prices partially offset by an increase in operational costs, such as fuel, freight and purchased fish costs. Gross margin of 24.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 is comparable to the same prior year period gross margin of 24.0%. Gross margins for both the at-sea and land-based segments were in line with the prior year.

 

Adjusted EBITDA (which pursuant to the American Seafood’s Group’s Credit Agreement is calculated as earnings before net interest expense, income tax benefit or provision, depreciation, amortization, unrealized foreign exchange and other derivatives gains or losses, loss from debt repayment and related write-offs, equity-based compensation, the write-off of certain financing costs and goodwill and other non-cash charges or gains) for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 increased $4.0 million, or 4.3%, to $96.3 million as compared to $92.3 million for the same prior year period. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to the operational factors discussed above, partially offset by higher general and administrative expenses consisting primarily of higher corporate transportation expenses and professional fees.


Net income for ASG Consolidated for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 increased $37.5 million to $46.2 million as compared to $8.7 million for the same prior year period for reasons discussed above and due to the absence in 2005 of write-offs of recapitalization transaction costs and goodwill incurred in 2004. Additionally, during 2005 there was a net increase in gains on foreign exchange and other derivative contracts. These increases are partially offset by interest expense related to the Senior Discount Notes, which were not outstanding during the first three quarters of 2004.

 

Net income for American Seafoods Group for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 was $57.7 million. The $11.5 million difference in net income between the two companies is comprised substantially of interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs related to ASG Consolidated’s Senior Discount Notes.

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2005 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2004

 

Net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2005 increased $7.4 million, or 8.0%, to $100.4 million as compared to $93.0 million during the same prior year period due mainly to higher prices for surimi and block products and higher volumes of hake surimi and pollock block products. Land-based processing sales increased slightly for the third quarter of 2005 primarily due to higher sales prices generated from our scallop products.

 

Gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2005 increased $2.6 million, or 13.7%, to $21.4 million as compared to $18.8 million for the same prior year period. The increase in gross profit was due primarily to the increases in product sales prices partially offset by an increase in operational costs, such as fuel, freight and purchased fish costs. Gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2005 increased to 21.3% as compared to the prior year period gross margin of 20.2%, primarily as a result of the increase in product sales prices and the operational factors discussed above.

 

Adjusted EBITDA (as defined above) for the three months ended September 30, 2005 increased $2.3 million, or 14.8%, to $17.5 million as compared to $15.3 million for the same prior year period primarily due to the increase in revenue and the operational factors discussed above. This increase was partially offset by higher general and administrative expenses consisting primarily of higher corporate transportation costs and professional fees.

 

Net income for ASG Consolidated for the three months ended September 30, 2005 increased $22.2 million to $5.9 million as compared to a loss of $16.3 million for the same prior year period for reasons discussed above and due to the absence in 2005 of write-offs of recapitalization transaction costs and goodwill incurred in 2004. Additionally, during the third quarter of 2005 there was a net increase in gains on foreign exchange and other derivative contracts. These increases are partially offset by interest expense related to the Senior Discount Notes, which were not outstanding in the third quarter of 2004.

 

Net income for American Seafoods Group for the three months ended September 30, 2005 was $9.9 million. The $4.0 million difference in net income between the two companies is comprised primarily of interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs related to ASG Consolidated’s Senior Discount Notes.


Quarterly Conference Call Information:

 

American Seafoods will host its conference call in conjunction with the release of its third quarter financial results live on Thursday, November 10th at 10:00 am PST (1:00 pm EST). In order to participate, call (800) 474-8920 and enter access code 9836422. We expect the call to start no later than 10:15 am PST. There will also be a replay of the conference call available for 30 days by dialing (888) 203-1112 and entering access code 9836422.

 

About American Seafoods

 

American Seafoods is a leader in the harvesting, processing, preparation and supply of quality seafood. Harvesting a variety of fish species, the Company processes seafood into an array of finished products, both on board its state-of-the-art fleet of vessels and at its HACCP-approved production facilities located in both Massachusetts and Alabama. The Company produces a diverse range of fillet, surimi, roe and block product offerings, made from Alaska pollock, Pacific cod, sea scallops, and U.S. farm raised catfish. Finished products are sold worldwide through an extensive global distribution and customer support network. From the ocean to the plate, American Seafoods has established a global sourcing, selling, marketing and distribution network bringing quality seafood to consumers worldwide. For more information, please visit us at www.americanseafoods.com.

 

This press release contains forward-looking statements. The words “will,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “expects,” “projects,” “plans,” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All statements in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including statements which address our strategy, future operations, future financial position, estimated sales, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management and events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will occur, are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. They rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of the Company’s control and could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements.


ASG Consolidated LLC

Financial Highlights

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands)

 

    

As of and for the

Nine Months Ended
September 30,


       
     2004

    2005

    Change

 

Statement of Operations Data:

                      

Net sales

   $ 355,175     $ 377,356     5.6 %

Cost of sales, including depreciation expense of $25,955 and $27,406, respectively

     245,961       261,319        

Shipping & Handling

     24,056       24,919        
    


 


     

Total Cost of Sales

     270,017       286,238        
    


 


     

Gross profit

     85,158       91,118     5.1 %

Gross margin

     24.0 %     24.1 %      

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     21,623       30,191        

Depreciation and amortization (1)

     2,320       2,377        

Goodwill impairment

     7,171       —          
    


 


     

Operating income

     54,044       58,550     1.1 %

Interest expense, net

     (28,744 )     (43,173 )      

Foreign exchange gains, net

     3,762       18,717        

Other derivatives gains (losses), net

     (1,162 )     13,084        

Write off of recapitalization transaction costs

     (18,948 )     —          

Other expense, net

     (249 )     (1,000 )      
    


 


     

Net income

   $ 8,703     $ 46,178     61.2 %
    


 


     

Adjusted EBITDA calculations:

                      

Net income

   $ 8,703     $ 46,178        

Interest expense, net

     28,744       43,173        

Income tax provision

     32       30        

Depreciation and amortization

     28,275       29,783        

Unrealized losses (gains) on derivatives, net

     3,782       (23,588 )      

Equity-based compensation expense (benefit)

     (3,334 )     996        

Other

     13       (225 )      

Goodwill impairment

     7,171       —          

Writeoff of recapitalization transaction costs

     18,948       —          
    


 


     

Adjusted EBITDA (2)

   $ 92,334     $ 96,347     2.3 %
    


 


     

Adjusted EBITDA margin

     26.0 %     25.5 %      

Other Data:

                      

Capital expenditures

   $ 10,914     $ 13,169        

Pollock production (metric tons)

     89,155       92,890        

Pollock sales (metric tons)

     74,279       65,641        

Reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to cash flow from operating activities (2):

                      

Cash flows from operating activities

   $ 43,034     $ 34,858        

Interest expense, net

     28,744       43,173        

Net change in operating assets and liabilities

     24,398       33,929        

Amortization of deferred financing costs in interest expense

     (3,959 )     (4,429 )      

Amortization of debt discounts in interest expense

     —         (11,120 )      

Other

     117       (64 )      
    


 


     

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 92,334     $ 96,347        
    


 


     

 

(1) Amortization of intangibles and depreciation of other assets.

 

(2) Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of operating income, operating performance or liquidity under generally accepted accounting principles. We include Adjusted EBITDA because we understand it is used by some investors to determine a company’s historical ability to service indebtedness and fund ongoing capital expenditures, and because certain covenant measures in our note indenture and credit agreement are based upon Adjusted EBITDA. In addition, it should be noted that companies calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently and, therefore, Adjusted EBITDA presented by us may not be comparable to Adjusted EBITDA as reported by other companies.

 

     December 31,
2004


   September 30,
2005


Selected Balance Sheet Data:

             

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,577    $ 6,046

Accounts receivable, trade

     38,042      34,252

Inventories

     50,647      104,689

Property, vessels and equipment, net

     198,335      179,134

Cooperative rights, other intangibles and goodwill, net

     120,713      118,750

Total assets

     463,139      514,993

Total debt

     608,805      605,549


American Seafoods Group LLC

Financial Highlights

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands)

 

    

As of and for the

Nine Months Ended
September 30,


       
     2004

    2005

    Change

 

Statement of Operations Data:

                      

Net sales

   $ 355,175     $ 377,356     6.2 %

Cost of sales, including depreciation expense of $25,955 and $27,406, respectively

     245,961       261,319        

Shipping & Handling

     24,056       24,919        
    


 


     

Total Cost of Sales

     270,017       286,238        
    


 


     

Gross profit

     85,158       91,118     7.0 %

Gross margin

     24.0 %     24.1 %      

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     21,623       30,187        

Depreciation and amortization (1)

     2,320       2,377        

Goodwill impairment

     7,171       —          
    


 


     

Operating income

     54,044       58,554     8.3 %

Interest expense, net

     (28,744 )     (31,638 )      

Foreign exchange gains, net

     3,762       18,717        

Other derivatives gains (losses), net

     (1,162 )     13,084        

Write off of recapitalization transaction costs

     (18,948 )     —          

Other expense, net

     (249 )     (1,000 )      
    


 


     

Net income

   $ 8,703     $ 57,717     563.2 %
    


 


     

Adjusted EBITDA calculations:

                      

Net income

   $ 8,703     $ 57,717        

Interest expense, net

     28,744       31,638        

Income tax provision

     32       30        

Depreciation and amortization

     28,275       29,783        

Unrealized losses (gains) on derivatives, net

     3,782       (23,588 )      

Equity-based compensation expense (benefit)

     (3,334 )     996        

Other

     13       (225 )      

Goodwill impairment

     7,171       —          

Writeoff of recapitalization transaction costs

     18,948       —          
    


 


     

Adjusted EBITDA (2)

   $ 92,334     $ 96,351     4.3 %
    


 


     

Adjusted EBITDA margin

     26.0 %     25.5 %      

Other Data:

                      

Capital expenditures

   $ 10,914     $ 13,169        

Pollock production (metric tons)

     89,155       92,890        

Pollock sales (metric tons)

     74,279       65,641        

Reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to cash flow from operating activities (2):

                      

Cash flows from operating activities

   $ 43,034     $ 34,865        

Interest expense, net

     28,744       31,638        

Net change in operating assets and liabilities

     24,262       33,927        

Amortization of deferred financing costs in interest expense

     (3,959 )     (4,015 )      

Other

     253       (64 )      
    


 


     

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 92,334     $ 96,351        
    


 


     

 

(1) Amortization of intangibles and depreciation of other assets.

 

(2) Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of operating income, operating performance or liquidity under generally accepted accounting principles. We include Adjusted EBITDA because we understand it is used by some investors to determine a company’s historical ability to service indebtedness and fund ongoing capital expenditures, and because certain covenant measures in our note indenture and credit agreement are based upon Adjusted EBITDA. In addition, it should be noted that companies calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently and, therefore, Adjusted EBITDA presented by us may not be comparable to Adjusted EBITDA as reported by other companies.

 

     December 31,
2004


   September 30,
2005


Selected Balance Sheet Data:

             

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 740    $ 5,799

Accounts receivable, trade

     38,042      34,252

Inventories

     50,647      104,689

Property, vessels and equipment, net

     198,335      179,134

Cooperative rights, other intangibles and goodwill, net

     120,713      118,750

Total assets

     458,078      510,353

Total debt

     481,122      466,746


ASG Consolidated LLC

Financial Highlights

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands)

 

    

For the Quarter Ended

September 30,


       
     2004

    2005

    Change

 

Statement of Operations Data:

                      

Net sales

   $ 92,986     $ 100,403     8.0 %

Cost of sales, including depreciation expense of $4,181 and $5,286, respectively

     66,845       71,187        

Shipping & Handling

     7,325       7,815        
    


 


     

Total Cost of Sales

     74,170       79,002        
    


 


     

Gross profit

     18,816       21,401     13.7 %

Gross margin

     20.2 %     21.3 %      

Selling, general and administration expenses

     3,303       9,083        

Depreciation and amortization (1)

     792       771        

Goodwill impairment

     7,171       —          
    


 


     

Operating income

     7,550       11,547     52.9 %

Interest expense, net

     (9,502 )     (14,572 )      

Foreign exchange gains, net

     5,850       4,940        

Other derivatives gains (losses), net

     (1,162 )     4,499        

Write off of recapitalization transaction costs

     (18,948 )     —          

Other

     (41 )     (459 )      
    


 


     

Net income (loss)

   $ (16,253 )   $ 5,955        
    


 


     

Adjusted EBITDA calculations:

                      

Net income (loss)

   $ (16,253 )   $ 5,955        

Interest expense, net

     9,502       14,572        

Income tax provision

     19       13        

Depreciation and amortization

     4,973       6,057        

Unrealized gains on derivatives, net

     (5,211 )     (8,686 )      

Equity-based compensation benefit

     (3,900 )     (160 )      

Other

     13       (225 )      

Goodwill impairment

     7,171       —          

Writeoff of recapitalization transaction costs

     18,948       —          
    


 


     

Adjusted EBITDA (2)

   $ 15,262     $ 17,526     14.6 %
    


 


     

Adjusted EBITDA margin

     16.4 %     17.5 %      

Other Data (quarter ended):

                      

Capital expenditures

   $ 1,994     $ 2,037        

Pollock production (metric tons)

     43,065       47,609        

Pollock sales (metric tons)

     24,108       21,009        

Reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to cash flow from operating activities (2):

                      

Cash flows from operating activities

   $ (17,324 )   $ (21,512 )      

Interest expense, net

     9,502       14,572        

Net change in operating assets and liabilities

     24,318       29,993        

Amortization of deferred financing costs in interest expense

     (1,304 )     (1,473 )      

Amortization of debt discounts in interest expense

     —         (3,838 )      

Other

     70       (216 )      
    


 


     

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 15,262     $ 17,526        
    


 


     


American Seafoods Group LLC

Financial Highlights

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands)

 

     For the Quarter Ended
September 30,


       
     2004

    2005

    Change

 

Statement of Operations Data:

                      

Net sales

   $ 92,986     $ 100,403     8.0 %

Cost of sales, including depreciation expense of $4,181 and $5,286, respectively

     66,845       71,187        

Shipping & Handling

     7,325       7,815        
    


 


     

Total Cost of Sales

     74,170       79,002        
    


 


     

Gross profit

     18,816       21,401     13.7 %

Gross margin

     20.2 %     21.3 %      

Selling, general and administration expenses

     3,303       9,083        

Depreciation and amortization (1)

     792       771        

Goodwill impairment

     7,171       —          
    


 


     

Operating income

     7,550       11,547     52.9 %

Interest expense, net

     (9,502 )     (10,598 )      

Foreign exchange gains, net

     5,850       4,940        

Other derivatives gains (losses), net

     (1,162 )     4,499        

Write off of recapitalization transaction costs

     (18,948 )     —          

Other expense, net

     (41 )     (459 )      
    


 


     

Net income (loss)

   $ (16,253 )   $ 9,929        
    


 


     

Adjusted EBITDA calculations:

                      

Net income (loss)

   $ (16,253 )   $ 9,929        

Interest expense, net

     9,502       10,598        

Income tax provision

     19       13        

Depreciation and amortization

     4,973       6,057        

Unrealized gains on derivatives, net

     (5,211 )     (8,686 )      

Equity-based compensation benefit

     (3,900 )     (160 )      

Other

     13       (225 )      

Goodwill impairment

     7,171       —          

Writeoff of recapitalization transaction costs

     18,948       —          
    


 


     

Adjusted EBITDA (2)

   $ 15,262     $ 17,526     14.8 %
    


 


     

Adjusted EBITDA margin

     16.4 %     17.5 %      

Other Data (quarter ended):

                      

Capital expenditures

   $ 1,994     $ 2,037        

Pollock production (metric tons)

     43,065       47,609        

Pollock sales (metric tons)

     24,108       21,009        

Reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to cash flow from operating activities (2):

                      

Cash flows from operating activities

   $ (17,324 )   $ (21,502 )      

Interest expense, net

     9,502       10,598        

Net change in operating assets and liabilities

     24,318       29,984        

Amortization of deferred financing costs in interest expense

     (1,304 )     (1,339 )      

Other

     70       (216 )      
    


 


     

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 15,262     $ 17,526