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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2009
Registration Number 333-      
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
 
Form S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
 
 
DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
         
Delaware   0100   99-0035300
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization
  (Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
One Dole Drive
Westlake Village, California 91362
(818) 879-6600
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s of principal executive offices)
 
David A. DeLorenzo
President and Chief Executive Officer
Dole Food Company, Inc.
One Dole Drive
Westlake Village, California 91362
(818) 879-6600
(Name, address and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
 
Copies to:
         
Jonathan K. Layne
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
2029 Century Park East
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 552-8500
  C. Michael Carter
Dole Food Company, Inc.
One Dole Drive
Westlake Village, California 91362
(818) 879-6600
  Alison S. Ressler
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
1888 Century Park East, Suite 2100
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 712-6600
 
 
 
As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
(Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public)
 
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box.  o
 
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  o
 
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  o
 
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether there registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):
             
Large accelerated filer o
 
Accelerated filer o
  Non-accelerated filer þ
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company o
 
 
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
                     
Title of Each Class of Securities
    Proposed Maximum
      Amount of
 
to be Registered     Aggregate Offering Price(1)(2)       Registration Fee  
Common Stock, $0.001 par value
    $ 500,000,000       $ 27,900  
                     
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the amount of the registration fee, in accordance with to Rule 457(o) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933.
(2) Includes offering price of additional shares that the underwriters have the option to purchase. See “Underwriting.”
 
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.
 


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The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and we and the selling stockholder are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
 
Subject to Completion. Dated August 14, 2009.
 
(DOLE FOOD COMPANY LOGO)
 
           Shares
DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
This is an initial public offering of common stock of Dole Food Company, Inc.
 
Dole Food Company, Inc. is offering           shares of common stock. The selling stockholder identified in this prospectus is offering an additional           shares of common stock. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholder.
 
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock since 2003. It is currently estimated that the initial public offering price per share will be between $      and $     .
 
We intend to apply to list the common stock on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “DOLE”.
 
 
 
See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 9 to read about factors you should consider before buying shares of our common stock.
 
 
 
 
 
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
 
 
 
                 
    Per Share     Total  
 
Initial price to public
  $                $             
Underwriting discount
  $       $    
Proceeds, before expenses, to Dole Food Company, Inc. 
  $       $    
Proceeds, before expenses, to the selling stockholder
  $       $  
 
To the extent that the underwriters sell more than           shares of common stock, the underwriters have the option to purchase up to an additional           shares of common stock from Dole Food Company, Inc. and the selling stockholder at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discount.
 
 
The underwriters expect to deliver the shares against payment in New York, New York on          , 2009.
 
Goldman, Sachs & Co. BofA Merrill Lynch Deutsche Bank Securities Wells Fargo Securities
 
 
 
Prospectus dated          , 2009.


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DOLE WORLDWIDE Sourcing/Farming Ripening/Distribution Markets Corporate EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA Albania Algeria Austria Azerbaijan Bahrain Belarus Belgium Bosnia Bulgaria Cameroon Croatia Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Egypt Finland France Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Hungary Iceland India Ireland Israel Italy Ivory Coast Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kuwait Latvia Lebanon Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Malta · Morocco Namibia Netherlands Norway Oman Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Slovakia Slovenia South Africa Spain Sweden Switzerland Tajikistan Tunisia Turkey Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom Uzbekistan LATIN AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN Argentina Chile Colombia Costa Rica Dominican Republic Ecuador Guatemala Honduras Jamaica Martinique Panama Peru Puerto Rico Uruguay ASIA Australia · China Hong Kong Japan New Zealand Philippines Singapore South Korea Sri Lanka Taiwan Thailand NORTH AMERICA Canada Mexico United States Opposite Page (Clockwise from Right to Left) Pineapple fi elds at the foot of Mount Motutu at Dolefi l, Philippines (leased and farmed by the Company). Processing line inside Chumporn cannery, Thailand (owned by a majority subsidiary). Salad processing at the salad plant (owned) in Soledad, California. Ripening and distribution center (owned) in Milan, Italy. Fincas Bananeras organic banana facility (owned), Ecuador. The Dole Colombia, one of Dole’s refrigerated container vessels (long-term lease).

 


 

 
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No dealer, salesperson or other person is authorized to give any information or to represent anything not contained in this prospectus. You must not rely on any unauthorized information or representations. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the shares offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this prospectus is current only as of its date.


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SUMMARY
 
This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus and does not contain all of the information you should consider before buying shares in this offering. You should read the entire prospectus carefully, especially the information under “Risk Factors.” References in this prospectus to “Dole,” “the Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” refer to Dole Food Company, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise.
 
As used in this prospectus, the terms “FYE” and “fiscal year ended” refer to our fiscal year, which ends on the Saturday closest to December 31. The fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 ended on January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively. The Company operates under a 52/53 week year. Fiscal 2008 was a 53-week year. Fiscal 2007 and 2006 were both 52-week years. The first half of each fiscal year is 24 weeks in duration and the first half of fiscal 2009 and 2008 ended June 20, 2009 and June 14, 2008, respectively.
 
Our Company
 
We are the world’s leading producer, marketer and distributor of fresh fruit and fresh vegetables, including an expanding line of value-added products. In the primary markets we serve, we hold the number 1 or number 2 market share position in our key product categories, including bananas, packaged salads and packaged fruit. For the last twelve months ended June 20, 2009, we had revenues of approximately $7.2 billion, Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $445 million and net income attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. of approximately $92 million. See “— Summary Unaudited Pro Forma and Historical Consolidated Financial Data.”
 
We provide wholesale, retail and institutional customers around the world with high quality food products that bear the DOLE® trademarks. We believe the DOLE trademarks and our products have global appeal as they offer value and convenience, while also benefiting from the growing focus on health and wellness among consumers worldwide.
 
Founded in 1851, we have built a fully-integrated operating platform that allows us to source, grow, process, market and distribute our nearly 200 products in more than 90 countries. We source our products worldwide both directly on Dole-owned or leased land and through associated producer and independent grower arrangements under which we provide varying degrees of farming, harvesting, packing, shipping and marketing services. We then use our global cold storage supply chain that features the largest dedicated refrigerated containerized fleet in the world, as well as an extensive network of packaging, ripening and distribution centers, to deliver fresh Dole products to market.
 
We have three business segments: fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, and packaged foods.
 
  •  Fresh Fruit:  Our fresh fruit segment is a leading worldwide producer, marketer and distributor of fresh bananas, pineapples and other tropical and deciduous fruits with operations in approximately 90 countries. We are one of the world’s largest marketers and distributors of bananas with the number 1 market share in North America and Japan. We are also a leading global producer, marketer and distributor of fresh pineapples and a leading exporter of Chilean fruit. Our fresh fruit segment had revenues of $5.0 billion for the last twelve months ended June 20, 2009.
 
  •  Fresh Vegetables:  Our fresh vegetables segment produces, markets and distributes commodity vegetables and fresh packaged salads and vegetables to retail and foodservice customers primarily in North America, Asia and, to a lesser extent, Western Europe. We have strong volumes and market positions in commodity vegetables which support our number 2 market share in packaged salads. Our fresh vegetables segment had revenues of $1.1 billion for the last twelve months ended June 20, 2009.
 
  •  Packaged Foods:  Our packaged foods segment produces and markets packaged foods, including canned fruit, fruit juices, fruit in plastic cups, jars and pouches and frozen fruit products. Our key packaged foods products are packaged pineapple products and packaged fruit products such as our FRUIT BOWLS® line of individual serving fruit cups. We have the number 1 market share in our key packaged food product categories in the U.S. Our packaged foods segment had revenues of $1.1 billion for the last twelve months ended June 20, 2009.


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Our Market Opportunity
 
The worldwide fresh produce industry enjoys consistent underlying demand and favorable growth dynamics. In recent years, the market in the U.S. for fresh produce has increased faster than the rate of population growth, supported by ongoing trends including greater consumer demand for healthy, fresh and convenient foods, increased retailer square footage devoted to fresh produce, and greater emphasis among retailers on fresh produce as a differentiating factor in attracting customers.
 
Health-conscious consumers are driving much of the growth in demand for fresh produce. Over the past several decades, the benefits of natural, preservative-free foods have become an increasingly significant element of the public dialogue on health and nutrition. As a result, consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables has markedly increased. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Americans consumed an additional 38 pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables per capita in 2006 compared to 1987.
 
Driven by consumer demand for convenient, healthy snacking options, the U.S. packaged fruit category has experienced growth of over 36% in the past ten years. Dole introduced FRUIT BOWLS plastic cups in 1999, which along with other innovative packaging items, such as fruit in resealable plastic jars, parfaits and gels, have attracted new users to this category and enabled the DOLE brand to achieve the number 1 market share position in the U.S. packaged fruit category. Dole also entered the frozen fruit category in 2004. As the leading brand, Dole was the first to invest in national consumer awareness which has supported 28% category growth since 2004.
 
As food retailers compete in a consolidating industry, they have sought to increase profits by focusing on higher growth product categories and value-added products, which generally have higher margins. As a result, some retailers are reducing the dry goods sections of the store, in favor of expanding their selections of fresh and chilled items. This trend provides Dole with new product and merchandising opportunities for fresh produce and packaged foods, especially for our value-added lines, such as packaged salads, FRUIT BOWLS and fruit in plastic jars. Fully integrated produce companies, such as Dole, are well positioned to meet the needs of large retailers through the delivery of consistent, high-quality produce, reliable service, competitive pricing and innovative products responsive to consumer demand. In addition, these companies, including Dole, have sought to strengthen relationships with leading retailers through value-added services such as banana ripening and distribution, category management, branding initiatives and establishment of long-term supply agreements.
 
Our Competitive Strengths
 
Our competitive strengths have contributed to our strong historical operating performance and should enable us to capitalize on future growth opportunities:
 
  •  Market Share Leader.  Our key products hold the number 1 or number 2 positions in their respective markets. We maintain number 1 market share positions in bananas in North America and Japan and the number 1 market share position in the U.S. in packaged fruit products, including our line of plastic fruit cups called FRUIT BOWLS, FRUIT BOWLS in Gel, Fruit Parfaits and fruit in plastic jars. Our leadership position provides us with global scale and support for our world-class production, distribution and marketing platform that would be difficult for others to replicate.
 
  •  Strong Global Brand.  The DOLE brand was introduced in 1933 and is one of the most recognized brands for fresh and packaged produce in the United States, as evidenced by DOLE’s 57% unaided consumer brand awareness — almost three times that of DOLE’s nearest competitor, according to a major global research company (TNS NFO). Consumer and institutional recognition of the DOLE trademark and related brands and the association of these brands with high quality food products contribute significantly to our leading positions in the markets that we serve. Additionally, by implementing a global marketing program, we believe we have made the distinctive red “DOLE” letters and sunburst a familiar symbol of freshness and quality recognized in the aisles of the supermarket and around the world.
 
  •  State-of-the-Art Infrastructure and Supply Chain Management.  Our production, processing, transportation and distribution infrastructure is state-of-the-art, enabling us to efficiently deliver among the highest quality and freshest product to our customers. Dole quality starts right on the farm, and that quality is preserved and


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  protected in our proprietary farm-to-customer refrigerated supply chain. Our network provides a closed-loop cold storage supply chain that enables the worldwide transport of perishable products and is the key to Dole quality and shelf life. The investments in our infrastructure, including the DOLE trademark, farms, packing houses, manufacturing facilities and shipping assets, and our market-leading logistics and distribution capabilities, allow us to act as a preferred fresh and packaged food provider to leading global supermarkets and mass merchandisers.
 
  •  Diversity of Sourcing Locations.  We currently source our fresh fruits and vegetables from 25 countries and distribute products in more than 90 countries. In addition to owning and operating our own farms, we have developed a unique worldwide network of over 9,000 farmers who proudly produce to our standards. We are not dependent on any one country for the sourcing of our products. The diversity of our production sources allows us to consistently access the highest quality products while also reducing our exposure to events unique in any given region.
 
  •  Low-Cost Production Capabilities.  Our supply chain and global sourcing network enable us to be a low cost producer in many of our major product lines, including bananas, North American fresh vegetables and packaged fruit products. Over the last several years we have undertaken various initiatives to achieve and maintain this low-cost position, including leveraging our global logistics infrastructure more efficiently. We intend to maintain these low-cost positions through a continued focus on operating efficiency.
 
  •  Strong Management Team.  Our management team has a demonstrated history of delivering strong operating results through disciplined execution. Our current management team is led by David A. DeLorenzo, who rejoined Dole as President and Chief Executive Officer in June 2007 with approximately 30 years of past experience with Dole. Under his guidance and supported by our strong management team, Dole’s net revenues have increased from $6.0 billion in 2006 to $7.2 billion for the last twelve months ended June 20, 2009. Adjusted EBITDA has increased from $293 million for fiscal year 2006 to $445 million for the last twelve months ended June 20, 2009, and net income attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. has increased to $92 million over the same periods.
 
Our Strategy
 
Key elements of our strategy include:
 
  •  Continue to Leverage our Strong Brand and Market Leadership Position.  Our key products hold the number 1 or number 2 market share positions in their respective markets. We intend to maintain those positions and continue to expand our leadership in new product areas as well as with new customers. We have a history of leveraging our strong brand to successfully enter, and in many cases become the largest player in, value-added food categories. We intend to continue to evaluate and strategically introduce other branded products in the value-added sectors of our business.
 
  •  Focus on Value-Added Products.  We intend to continue shifting our product mix toward value-added food categories while maintaining and building on our leadership positions in fresh fruits and vegetables. For example, we have successfully increased our percentage of revenue from value-added products in our fresh vegetables and packaged foods businesses, where our packaged salad lines and FRUIT BOWL and other non-canned products now account for approximately 53% and 58% of those businesses’ respective revenues. Value-added food categories are growing at a faster rate than traditional commodity businesses and typically generate stronger margins. We plan to continue to address the growing demand for convenient and innovative products by investing in our higher margin, value-added food businesses.
 
  •  Build on Strong Presence in Stable Markets and Expand in High-Growth Markets.  We intend to continue to reap the benefits of our strong brand and market position in profitable, stable markets such as North America, Western Europe, and Japan. Additionally, we are focusing on expansion in higher growth markets such as China and Eastern Europe, where we believe our capabilities in delivering fresh and high quality products that also offer health, wellness and convenience benefits, will enhance the existing growth and profitability of our business.


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  •  Focus on Improving Operating Efficiency and Cash Flow.  We intend to continue to focus on profit improvement initiatives and maximizing cash flow by:
 
  •  Analyzing our current customer base and focusing on profitable relationships with strategically important customers;
 
  •  Leveraging our purchasing power to reduce our costs of raw materials; and
 
  •  Focusing capital investments to improve productivity.
 
Summary Risk Factors
 
An investment in our common stock involves various risks. You should consider carefully the risks discussed below and under “Risk Factors” before purchasing our common stock.
 
  •  Adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, crop disease, pests and other natural conditions can impose significant costs and losses on our business.
 
  •  Our business is highly competitive and we cannot assure you that we will maintain our current market share.
 
  •  Our earnings are sensitive to fluctuations in market prices and demand for our products, as well as seasonal variability.
 
  •  Increases in commodity or raw product costs, such as fuel, paper, plastics and resins, could adversely affect our operating results.
 
  •  We face risks because we operate in numerous countries throughout the world, such as currency exchange fluctuations, political changes and economic crises, as well as legal and regulatory changes.
 
  •  Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our operations, including our ability to perform under our debt obligations, and we may incur significant additional indebtedness.
 
  •  We may be unable to generate sufficient cash flow to service our substantial debt obligations.
 
  •  There has been no prior public market for our shares since 2003 and an active market may not develop or be maintained, which could limit your ability to sell shares of our common stock.
 
Principal Stockholder and History
 
David H. Murdock acquired a controlling interest in Dole (then called Castle & Cooke, Inc.) in 1985 through the acquisition of Flexi-Van Leasing, Inc. Mr. Murdock was named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Castle & Cooke, Inc. in 1985. Castle & Cooke, Inc. changed its name to Dole Food Company, Inc. in 1991. In 1995, Dole divested most of its non-core real estate by spinning it out into a new company named Castle & Cooke, Inc. In 2000, Mr. Murdock took Castle & Cooke, Inc. private. On March 28, 2003, Mr. Murdock took Dole private in a going-private merger transaction. Mr. Murdock owns interests in a variety of other businesses and has been an active private investor for over 45 years.
 
Contemplated Transactions in Connection with the Offering
 
Prior to the consummation of this offering, we intend to complete transactions which will result in the elimination of the current cross-default provisions that exist between our senior secured facilities and certain indebtedness of our parent company, DHM Holding Company, Inc., or DHM Holdings, and its affiliates. As a result, no event of default under one of these loans would cause an event of default under our senior secured credit facilities. In addition, we are exploring certain structuring alternatives involving DHM Holdings in order to more efficiently operate as a public company, any of which would be completed prior to the consummation of this offering. Such alternatives could include a merger or other combination with DHM Holdings, but in connection with any such combination, DHM Holdings’ interests and liabilities in Westlake Wellbeing Properties, LLC, a hotel


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operating company, would be transferred to affiliates of Mr. Murdock. We may also consider transferring ownership interests in certain non-core land we currently hold, including in Hawaii, to other affiliates of Mr. Murdock.
 
Corporate Information
 
Dole Food Company, Inc. was incorporated in Delaware in July 2001. Our principal executive offices are located at One Dole Drive, Westlake Village, California 91362-7300, and our telephone number is (818) 879-6600. Our website is located at www.dole.com. The information contained on our website is not a part of this prospectus. DOLE®, the DOLE logo and other trademarks or service marks of Dole appearing in this prospectus are the property of Dole Food Company, Inc.
 
The Offering
 
Common stock offered
 
  By Dole            shares
 
  By the selling stockholder            shares
 
  Total            shares
 
Common stock to be outstanding after this offering
           shares
 
Over-allotment option            shares
 
Use of proceeds To pay down indebtedness and, if any remains thereafter, for general corporate purposes. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholder. See “Use of Proceeds” for additional information.
 
Dividends We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
 
Proposed New York Stock Exchange symbol
DOLE
 
Except as otherwise indicated, all of the information in this prospectus assumes:
 
  •  the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option; and
 
  •  a     for      stock split of our common stock.


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Summary Unaudited Pro Forma and Historical Consolidated Financial Data
 
The following table sets forth a summary of our consolidated financial data. We have derived the summary historical consolidated financial data for the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 from the audited financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. We derived the summary historical consolidated financial data as of June 20, 2009 and for the half year ended June 20, 2009 and June 14, 2008 from the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, which, in the opinion of our management, have been prepared on the same basis as the audited financial statements and reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of our results of operations and financial position for such periods. Results for the half year ended June 20, 2009 and June 14, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the entire year. The summary historical consolidated financial data set forth below are not necessarily indicative of the results of future operations and should be read in conjunction with the audited and unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included elsewhere in this prospectus and the discussion under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
 
                                         
    Half Year Ended(1)     Fiscal Year Ended(1)  
    June 20,
    June 14,
    January 3,
    December 29,
    December 30,
 
    2009     2008     2009     2007     2006  
    (Dollars in millions, except per share and share data in thousands)  
 
Statement of Operations Data:
                                       
Revenues, net:
  $ 3,311     $ 3,723     $ 7,620     $ 6,821     $ 5,991  
Operating income
    231       175       275       149       136  
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income taxes
    123       152       147       (38 )     (40 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
          1       (27 )     (16 )     (50 )
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income taxes
    2             3             3  
Net income (loss)
    125       153       123       (54 )     (87 )
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (2 )     (1 )     (2 )     (3 )     (3 )
Net income (loss) attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. 
  $ 123     $ 152     $ 121     $ (57 )   $ (90 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations per share, basic and diluted(2)
  $       $       $       $       $    
Weighted average shares used in computing basic and diluted net income (loss) per share(2)
                                       
 


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    Half Year Ended(1)     Fiscal Year Ended (1)  
    June 20,
    June 14,
    January 3,
    December 29,
    December 30,
 
    2009     2008     2009     2007     2006  
    (Dollars in millions)  
 
Other Financial Data:
                                       
Revenues, net:
                                       
Fresh Fruit
  $ 2,343     $ 2,695     $ 5,401     $ 4,737     $ 3,969  
Fresh Vegetables
    492       511       1,087       1,060       1,083  
Packaged Foods
    476       517       1,131       1,023       938  
Other
                    1       1       1  
                                         
Total revenues, net
    3,311       3,723       7,620       6,821       5,991  
EBIT:
                                       
Fresh Fruit
    195       184       306       172       105  
Fresh Vegetables
    13       (2 )     1       (21 )     (7 )
Packaged Foods
    46       31       71       80       93  
Corporate:
                                       
Unrealized gain (loss) on cross currency swap
    (7 )     (13 )     (51 )     (11 )     20  
Operating and other expenses
    (19 )     (23 )     (54 )     (59 )     (53 )
                                         
Total EBIT(3)
    228       177       273       161       158  
Reconciliation of income (loss) from continuing operations to EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA:
                                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 123     $ 152     $ 147     $ (38 )   $ (40 )
Interest expense
    88       85       174       195       175  
Income taxes
    17       (60 )     (48 )     4       23  
                                         
EBIT(3)
    228       177       273       161       158  
                                         
Depreciation and amortization from continuing operations
    55       64       138       151       144  
Net unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments
    (7 )     6       49       22       (20 )
Foreign currency exchange (gain) loss on vessel obligations
    7       (2 )     (21 )     1       11  
Gain on asset sales
    (17 )     (12 )     (27 )            
                                         
Adjusted EBITDA(3)
  $ 266     $ 233     $ 412     $ 335     $ 293  
                                         
Adjusted EBITDA margin(4)
    8.0 %     6.3 %     5.4 %     4.9 %     4.9 %
Capital expenditures from continuing operations
  $ 18     $ 24     $ 74     $ 104     $ 115  
 

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    June 20, 2009
 
    (Dollars in millions)  
 
Balance Sheet Data:
       
Total working capital (current assets less current liabilities)
  $ 492  
Total assets
    4,224  
Total debt
    2,011  
Total shareholders’ equity
    555  
Pro Forma Data:
       
Pro forma debt
       
Pro forma interest expense
       
Ratio of pro forma debt to Adjusted EBITDA
       
 
 
(1) We operate under a 52/53 week year. The first half of each fiscal year is 24 weeks in duration. Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to December 31 of the applicable year.
 
(2) Income (loss) from continuing operations per share, basic and diluted, and weighted average shares gives effect to our proposed      for      stock split.
 
(3) EBIT is calculated by adding back interest expense and income taxes to income (loss) from continuing operations. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by adding depreciation and amortization from continuing operations to EBIT, and by adding the net unrealized loss or subtracting the net unrealized gains on certain derivative instruments to EBIT (foreign currency and bunker fuel hedges and the cross currency swap), by adding the foreign currency loss or subtracting the foreign currency gain on the vessel obligations to EBIT, and by subtracting the gain on asset sales from EBIT. EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA are reconciled to income (loss) from continuing operations in the tables above. During the first quarter of 2007, all of the Company’s foreign currency and bunker fuel hedges were designated as effective hedges of cash flows as defined by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, and these designations were changed during the second quarter of 2007. Beginning in the second quarter of 2007, all unrealized gains and losses related to these instruments have been recorded in the respective consolidated statement of operations. During 2008, Dole initiated an asset sale program in order reduce the leverage of the Company with proceeds generated from the sale of non-core assets during the 2008 fiscal year and the half year ended June 20, 2009. Gains on asset sales for periods prior to the fiscal year ended January 3, 2009 were not material.
 
EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA are not calculated or presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, or GAAP, and EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA are not a substitute for net income attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc., net income, income from continuing operations, cash flows from operating activities or any other measure prescribed by GAAP. Further, EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA as used herein are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. However, we have included EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA herein because management believes that EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA are useful performance measures for us. In addition, EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA are presented because our management believes that these measures are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and others in the evaluation of our Company. Management internally uses EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA for decision making and to evaluate our performance. Refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in this prospectus for further information regarding the use of non-GAAP measures.
 
(4) Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as the ratio of Adjusted EBITDA to net revenues. We present Adjusted EBITDA margin because management believes that it is a useful performance measure for us.

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RISK FACTORS
 
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described below and the other information in this prospectus, including the consolidated financial statements and the related notes, before making a decision to buy our common stock. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business could be harmed. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
 
Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry
 
Adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, crop disease, pests and other natural conditions can impose significant costs and losses on our business.
 
Fresh produce, including produce used in canning and other packaged food operations, is vulnerable to adverse weather conditions, including windstorms, floods, drought and temperature extremes, which are quite common but difficult to predict. Unfavorable growing conditions can reduce both crop size and crop quality. This risk is particularly true with respect to regions or countries from which we source a significant percentage of our products. In extreme cases, entire harvests may be lost in some geographic areas. These factors can increase costs, decrease revenues and lead to additional charges to earnings, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
 
Fresh produce is also vulnerable to crop disease and to pests, which may vary in severity and effect, depending on the stage of production at the time of infection or infestation, the type of treatment applied and climatic conditions. For example, black sigatoka is a fungal disease that affects banana cultivation in most areas where they are grown commercially. The costs to control this disease and other infestations vary depending on the severity of the damage and the extent of the plantings affected. Moreover, there can be no assurance that available technologies to control such infestations will continue to be effective. These infestations can increase costs, decrease revenues and lead to additional charges to earnings, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
 
Our business is highly competitive and we cannot assure you that we will maintain our current market share.
 
Many companies compete in our different businesses. However, only a few well-established companies operate on both a national and a regional basis with one or several branded product lines. We face strong competition from these and other companies in all our product lines.
 
Important factors with respect to our competitors include the following:
 
  •  Some of our competitors may have greater operating flexibility and, in certain cases, this may permit them to respond better or more quickly to changes in the industry or to introduce new products and packaging more quickly and with greater marketing support.
 
  •  Several of our packaged food product lines are sensitive to competition from national or regional brands, and many of our product lines compete with imports, private label products and fresh alternatives.
 
  •  We cannot predict the pricing or promotional actions of our competitors or whether those actions will have a negative effect on us.
 
There can be no assurance that we will continue to compete effectively with our present and future competitors, and our ability to compete could be materially adversely affected by our leveraged position.
 
Our earnings are sensitive to fluctuations in market prices and demand for our products.
 
Excess supplies often cause severe price competition in our industry. Growing conditions in various parts of the world, particularly weather conditions such as windstorms, floods, droughts and freezes, as well as diseases and pests, are primary factors affecting market prices because of their influence on the supply and quality of product.


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Fresh produce is highly perishable and generally must be brought to market and sold soon after harvest. Some items, such as lettuce, must be sold more quickly, while other items can be held in cold storage for longer periods of time. The selling price received for each type of produce depends on all of these factors, including the availability and quality of the produce item in the market, and the availability and quality of competing types of produce.
 
In addition, general public perceptions regarding the quality, safety or health risks associated with particular food products could reduce demand and prices for some of our products. To the extent that consumer preferences evolve away from products that we produce for health or other reasons, and we are unable to modify our products or to develop products that satisfy new consumer preferences, there will be a decreased demand for our products. However, even if market prices are unfavorable, produce items which are ready to be, or have been harvested must be brought to market promptly. A decrease in the selling price received for our products due to the factors described above could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
 
Our earnings are subject to seasonal variability.
 
Our earnings may be affected by seasonal factors, including:
 
  •  the seasonality of our supplies and consumer demand;
 
  •  the ability to process products during critical harvest periods; and
 
  •  the timing and effects of ripening and perishability.
 
Although banana production tends to be relatively stable throughout the year, banana pricing is seasonal because bananas compete against other fresh fruit that generally comes to market beginning in the summer. As a result, banana prices are typically higher during the first half of the year. Our fresh vegetables segment experiences some seasonality as reflected by higher earnings in the first half of the year. Our packaged foods segment experiences peak demand during certain well-known holidays and observances.
 
Currency exchange fluctuations may impact the results of our operations.
 
We distribute our products in more than 90 countries throughout the world. Our international sales are usually transacted in U.S. dollars, and European and Asian currencies. Our results of operations are affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates in both sourcing and selling locations. Although we enter into foreign currency exchange forward contracts from time to time to reduce our risk related to currency exchange fluctuation, our results of operations may still be impacted by foreign currency exchange rates, primarily the yen-to-U.S. dollar and euro-to-U.S. dollar exchange rates. For instance, we currently estimate that a 10% strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Japanese yen, euro and Swedish krona would have reduced 2008 operating income by approximately $76 million excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange hedges. Because we do not hedge against all of our foreign currency exposure, our business will continue to be susceptible to foreign currency fluctuations.
 
Increases in commodity or raw product costs, such as fuel, paper, plastics and resins, could adversely affect our operating results.
 
Many factors may affect the cost and supply of fresh produce, including external conditions, commodity market fluctuations, currency fluctuations, changes in governmental laws and regulations, agricultural programs, severe and prolonged weather conditions and natural disasters. Increased costs for purchased fruit and vegetables have in the past negatively impacted our operating results, and there can be no assurance that they will not adversely affect our operating results in the future.
 
The price of various commodities can significantly affect our costs. For example, the price of bunker fuel used in shipping operations, including fuel used in ships that we own or charter, is an important variable component of transportation costs. Our fuel costs have increased substantially in recent years, and there can be no assurance that there will not be further increases in the future. In addition, fuel and transportation cost is a significant component of the price of much of the produce that we purchase from growers or distributors, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to pass on to our customers the increased costs we incur in these respects.


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The cost of paper and tinplate are also significant to us because some of our products are packed in cardboard boxes or cans for shipment. If the price of paper or tinplate increases and we are not able to effectively pass these price increases along to our customers, then our operating income will decrease. Increased costs for paper and tinplate have in the past negatively impacted our operating income, and there can be no assurance that these increased costs will not adversely affect our operating results in the future.
 
We face risks related to our former use of the pesticide DBCP.
 
We formerly used dibromochloropropane, or DBCP, a nematocide that was used on a variety of crops throughout the world. The registration for DBCP with the U.S. government was cancelled in 1979 based in part on an apparent link to male sterility among chemical factory workers who produced DBCP. There are a number of pending lawsuits in the United States and other countries against the manufacturers of DBCP and the growers, including us, who used it in the past. The cost to defend or settle these lawsuits, and the costs to pay any judgments or settlements resulting from these lawsuits, or other lawsuits which might be brought, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. See Note 11 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 included elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
The use of herbicides and other potentially hazardous substances in our operations may lead to environmental damage and result in increased costs to us.
 
We use herbicides and other potentially hazardous substances in the operation of our business. We may have to pay for the costs or damages associated with the improper application, accidental release or the use or misuse of such substances. Our insurance may not be adequate to cover such costs or damages or may not continue to be available at a price or under terms that are satisfactory to us. In such cases, payment of such costs or damages could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
 
The financing arrangements for the going-private merger transactions in 2003 may increase our exposure to tax liability.
 
A portion of our senior secured credit facilities have been incurred by our foreign subsidiaries and were used to fund the going-private merger transactions in 2003 through which Mr. Murdock became our sole, indirect stockholder. We now anticipate that the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, will challenge our tax treatment of the going-private merger transactions. The IRS could seek to characterize the going-private merger and related financing transactions in a manner that could result in the immediate recognition of taxable income to us. Any immediate recognition of taxable income would result in utilization of available tax losses and could also potentially result in a material tax liability, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. We believe, based in part upon the advice of our tax advisors, that our tax treatment of such transactions was appropriate.
 
We face other risks in connection with our international operations.
 
Our operations are heavily dependent upon products grown, purchased and sold internationally. In addition, our operations are a significant factor in the economies of many of the countries in which we operate, increasing our visibility and susceptibility to legal or regulatory changes. These activities are subject to risks that are inherent in operating in foreign countries, including the following:
 
  •  foreign countries could change laws and regulations or impose currency restrictions and other restraints;
 
  •  in some countries, there is a risk that the government may expropriate assets;
 
  •  some countries impose burdensome tariffs and quotas;
 
  •  political changes and economic crises may lead to changes in the business environment in which we operate;
 
  •  international conflict, including terrorist acts, could significantly impact our business, financial condition and results of operations;
 
  •  in some countries, our operations are dependent on leases and other agreements; and


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  •  economic downturns, political instability and war or civil disturbances may disrupt production and distribution logistics or limit sales in individual markets.
 
Banana imports from Latin America are subject to a tariff of 176 euros per metric ton for entry into the European Union, or EU, market. Under the EU, previous banana regime, banana imports from Latin America were subject to a tariff of 75 euros per metric ton and were also subject to both import license requirements and volume quotas. These license requirements and volume quotas had the effect of limiting access to the EU banana market. The increase in the applicable tariff and the elimination of the volume restrictions applicable to Latin American bananas may increase volatility in the market, which could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation — Other Matters.”
 
In 2005, we received a tax assessment from Honduras of approximately $137 million (including the claimed tax, penalty, and interest through the date of assessment) relating to the disposition of all of our interest in Cervecería Hondureña, S.A. in 2001. We have been contesting the tax assessment. See Note 11 in the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 included elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
We may be required to pay significant penalties under European antitrust laws.
 
The European Commission, or EC, issued a decision imposing a €45.6 million fine against Dole and its German subsidiary, or the Decision, on October 15, 2008. On December 24, 2008, we appealed the Decision by filing an Application for Annulment, or Application, with the European Court of First Instance, or CFI.
 
On December 3, 2008, the EC agreed in writing that if Dole made an initial payment of $10 million (€7.6 million) to the EC on or before January 22, 2009, then the EC would stay the deadline for a provisional payment, or coverage by a prime bank guaranty, of the remaining balance (plus interest as from January 22, 2009), until April 30, 2009. Dole made this initial $10 million payment on January 21, 2009, and Dole provided the required bank guaranty for the remaining balance of the fine to the EC by the deadline of April 30, 2009.
 
We believe that we have not violated the European competition laws and that our Application has substantial legal merit, both for an annulment of the Decision and fine in their entirety, or for a substantial reduction of the fine, but no assurances can be given that we will be successful on appeal. Furthermore, the ultimate resolution of these items could materially impact our liquidity. We cannot predict the timing or outcome of our appeal of the EC’s Decision. See Note 11 in the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 included elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
The current global economic downturn could continue to result in a decrease in our sales and revenue, which could continue to adversely affect the results of our operations, and we cannot predict the extent or duration of these trends.
 
As a result of the current global economic downturn, consumers may continue to reduce their purchases and seek value pricing, which may continue to affect sales and pricing of some of our products. Such trends could continue to adversely affect the results of our operations and there can be no assurance whether or when consumer confidence will return or that these trends will not increase.
 
Global capital and credit market issues could negatively affect our liquidity, increase our costs of borrowing and disrupt the operations of our suppliers and customers.
 
The global capital and credit markets have experienced increased volatility and disruption over the past year, making it more difficult for companies to access those markets. We depend in part on stable, liquid and well-functioning capital and credit markets to fund our operations. Although we believe that our operating cash flows, access to capital and credit markets and existing revolving credit agreement will permit us to meet our financing needs for the foreseeable future, there can be no assurance that continued or increased volatility and disruption in the capital and credit markets will not impair our liquidity or increase our costs of borrowing. Our business could also be negatively impacted if our suppliers or customers experience disruptions resulting from tighter capital and credit markets or a slowdown in the general economy.


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The current global economic downturn may have other impacts on participants in our industry, which cannot be fully predicted.
 
The full impact of the current global economic downturn on customers, vendors and other business partners cannot be anticipated. For example, major customers or vendors may have financial challenges unrelated to us that could result in a decrease in their business with us or, in extreme cases, cause them to file for bankruptcy protection. Similarly, parties to contracts may be forced to breach their obligations under those contracts. Although we exercise prudent oversight of the credit ratings and financial strength of our major business partners and seek to diversify our risk to any single business partner, there can be no assurance that there will not be a bank, insurance company, supplier, customer or other financial partner that is unable to meet its contractual commitments to us. Similarly, stresses and pressures in the industry may result in impacts on our business partners and competitors which could have wide ranging impacts on the future of the industry.
 
Terrorism and the uncertainty of war may have a material adverse effect on our operating results.
 
Terrorist attacks, such as the attacks that occurred in New York and Washington, D.C. on September 11, 2001, the subsequent response by the United States in Afghanistan, Iraq and other locations, and other acts of violence or war in the United States or abroad may affect the markets in which we operate and our operations and profitability. From time to time in the past, our operations or personnel have been the targets of terrorist or criminal attacks, and the risk of such attacks impacts our operations and results in increased security costs. Further terrorist attacks against the United States or operators of United States-owned businesses outside the United States may occur, or hostilities could develop based on the current international situation. The potential near-term and long-term effect these attacks may have on our business operations, our customers, the markets for our products, the United States economy and the economies of other places we source or sell our products is uncertain. The consequences of any terrorist attacks, or any armed conflicts, are unpredictable, and we may not be able to foresee events that could have an adverse effect on our markets or our business.
 
Our worldwide operations and products are highly regulated in the areas of food safety and protection of human health and the environment.
 
Our worldwide operations are subject to a broad range of foreign, federal, state and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, including laws and regulations governing the use and disposal of pesticides and other chemicals. These regulations directly affect day-to-day operations, and violations of these laws and regulations can result in substantial fines or penalties. There can be no assurance that these fines or penalties would not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. To maintain compliance with all of the laws and regulations that apply to our operations, we have been and may be required in the future to modify our operations, purchase new equipment or make capital improvements. Further, we may recall a product (voluntarily or otherwise) if we or the regulators believe it presents a potential risk. In addition, we have been and in the future may become subject to lawsuits alleging that our operations and products caused personal injury or property damage.
 
We are subject to the risk of product contamination and product liability claims.
 
The sale of food products for human consumption involves the risk of injury to consumers. Such injuries may result from tampering by unauthorized third parties, product contamination or spoilage, including the presence of foreign objects, substances, chemicals, other agents, or residues introduced during the growing, storage, handling or transportation phases. We have from time to time been involved in product liability lawsuits, none of which were material to our business. While we are subject to governmental inspection and regulations and believe our facilities comply in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, we cannot be sure that consumption of our products will not cause a health-related illness in the future or that we will not be subject to claims or lawsuits relating to such matters. For example, in the fall of 2006, a third party from whom we and others had purchased spinach recalled certain packaged fresh spinach due to contamination by E. coli. Even if a product liability claim is unsuccessful or is not fully pursued, the negative publicity surrounding any assertion that our products caused illness or injury could adversely affect our reputation with existing and potential customers and our corporate and brand image. Moreover, claims or liabilities of this sort might not be covered by our insurance or by any rights of


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indemnity or contribution that we may have against others. We maintain product liability insurance, however, we cannot be sure that we will not incur claims or liabilities for which we are not insured or that exceed the amount of our insurance coverage.
 
We are subject to transportation risks.
 
An extended interruption in our ability to ship our products could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Similarly, any extended disruption in the distribution of our products could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. While we believe we are adequately insured and would attempt to transport our products by alternative means if we were to experience an interruption due to strike, natural disasters or otherwise, we cannot be sure that we would be able to do so or be successful in doing so in a timely and cost-effective manner.
 
Events or rumors relating to the DOLE brand could significantly impact our business.
 
Consumer and institutional recognition of the DOLE trademarks and related brands and the association of these brands with high quality and safe food products are an integral part of our business. The occurrence of any events or rumors that cause consumers and/or institutions to no longer associate these brands with high quality and safe food products may materially adversely affect the value of the DOLE brand name and demand for our products. We have licensed the DOLE brand name to several affiliated and unaffiliated companies for use in the United States and abroad. Acts or omissions by these companies over which we have no control may also have such adverse effects.
 
A portion of our workforce is unionized and labor disruptions could decrease our profitability.
 
As of June 20, 2009, approximately 35% of our employees worldwide worked under various collective bargaining agreements. Our collective bargaining agreements with expirations in fiscal 2009 have each been renewed, other than one agreement that is currently under extension. Our other collective bargaining agreements will expire in later years. We cannot assure you that we will be able to negotiate these or other collective bargaining agreements on the same or more favorable terms as the current agreements, or at all, and without production interruptions, including labor stoppages. A prolonged labor dispute, which could include a work stoppage, could have a material adverse effect on the portion of our business affected by the dispute, which could impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.
 
Risks Relating to Our Indebtedness
 
Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our operations, including our ability to perform our obligations under our debt obligations.
 
We have a substantial amount of indebtedness. As of June 20, 2009, we had approximately $1.2 billion in senior secured indebtedness, $738 million in senior unsecured indebtedness, including outstanding senior notes and debentures, approximately $66 million in capital leases and approximately $53 million in unsecured notes payable.
 
Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences to you. For example, our substantial indebtedness may:
 
  •  make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations;
 
  •  limit our ability to borrow additional amounts in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements, execution of our growth strategy or other purposes or make such financing more costly;
 
  •  require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, which would reduce the availability of our cash flow to fund future working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes (by way of example, the issuance of our senior secured notes due 2014, or 2014 notes, and amendment to the senior secured credit facilities during


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  March 2009 increased our interest rates on these instruments significantly as compared to the interest rates as they existed prior to such events);
 
  •  expose us to the risk of increased interest rates, as certain of our borrowings are at variable rates of interest;
 
  •  require us to sell assets (beyond those assets currently classified as “assets held-for-sale”) to reduce indebtedness or influence our decisions about whether to do so;
 
  •  increase our vulnerability to competitive pressures and to general adverse economic and industry conditions, including fluctuations in market interest rates or a downturn in our business;
 
  •  limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industries in which we operate;
 
  •  restrict us from making strategic acquisitions or pursuing business opportunities;
 
  •  place us at a disadvantage compared to our competitors that have relatively less indebtedness; and
 
  •  limit, along with the restrictive covenants in our credit facilities and senior note indentures, among other things, our ability to borrow additional funds. Failing to comply with those covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
We may be unable to generate sufficient cash flow to service our debt obligations.
 
To service our debt, we require a significant amount of cash. Our ability to generate cash, make scheduled payments or refinance our obligations depends on our successful financial and operating performance. Our financial and operating performance, cash flow and capital resources depend upon prevailing economic conditions and various financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include among others:
 
  •  economic and competitive conditions;
 
  •  changes in laws and regulations;
 
  •  operating difficulties, increased operating costs or pricing pressures we may experience; and
 
  •  delays in implementing any strategic projects.
 
If our cash flow and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell material assets or operations, obtain additional capital or restructure our debt. If we are required to take any actions referred to above, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we cannot assure you that we would be able to take any of these actions on terms acceptable to us, or at all, that these actions would enable us to continue to satisfy our capital requirements or that these actions would be permitted under the terms of our various debt agreements, in any of which events the default and cross-default risks set forth in the immediately preceding risk factor would become relevant.
 
Despite our current indebtedness levels and the restrictive covenants set forth in agreements governing our indebtedness, we and our subsidiaries may still incur significant additional indebtedness, including secured indebtedness. Incurring more indebtedness could increase the risks associated with our substantial indebtedness.
 
Subject to the restrictions in our senior secured credit facilities and the indentures governing our senior notes due 2010, or 2010 notes, our senior notes due 2011, or 2011 notes, our debentures due 2013, or 2013 debentures, and our 2014 notes, we and certain of our subsidiaries may incur significant additional indebtedness, including additional secured indebtedness. Although the terms of our senior secured credit facilities and the indentures governing our 2010 notes, our 2011 notes, our 2013 debentures and our 2014 notes contain restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, these restrictions are subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions,


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and additional indebtedness incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be significant. If new debt is added to our and our subsidiaries’ current debt levels, the related risks that we now face could increase.
 
Restrictive covenants in our debt instruments restrict or prohibit our ability to engage in or enter into a variety of transactions, which could adversely restrict our financial and operating flexibility and subject us to other risks.
 
The indentures governing our 2010 notes, our 2011 notes, our 2013 debentures, our 2014 notes and our senior secured credit facilities, contain various restrictive covenants that limit our and our subsidiaries’ ability to take certain actions. In particular, these agreements limit our and our subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things:
 
  •  incur additional indebtedness;
 
  •  make restricted payments (including paying dividends on, redeeming or repurchasing our capital stock);
 
  •  issue preferred stock of subsidiaries;
 
  •  make certain investments or acquisitions;
 
  •  create liens on our assets to secure debt;
 
  •  engage in certain types of transactions with affiliates;
 
  •  place restrictions on the ability of restricted subsidiaries to make payments to us;
 
  •  merge, consolidate or transfer substantially all of our assets; and
 
  •  transfer and sell assets.
 
Any or all of these covenants could have a material adverse effect on our business by limiting our ability to take advantage of financing, merger and acquisition or other corporate opportunities and to fund our operations. Any future debt could also contain financial and other covenants more restrictive than those imposed under our senior secured credit facilities and the indentures governing our debt securities.
 
A breach of a covenant or other provision in any debt instrument governing our current or future indebtedness could result in a default under that instrument and, due to cross-default and cross-acceleration provisions, could result in a default under our other debt instruments. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the senior secured credit facilities or any other debt instrument, lenders representing more than 50% of our senior secured term credit facility or more than 50% of our senior secured revolving credit facility, or any indenture trustee or holders of at least 25% of any series of our debt securities could elect to declare all amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable and, with respect to the revolving credit and letter of credit components of our senior secured credit facilities, terminate all commitments to extend further credit. If we were unable to repay those amounts, the lenders could proceed against the collateral granted to them, if any, to secure the indebtedness. If the lenders under our current or future indebtedness were to so accelerate the payment of the indebtedness, we cannot assure you that our assets or cash flow would be sufficient to repay in full our outstanding indebtedness, in which event we likely would seek reorganization or protection under bankruptcy or other, similar laws.
 
Some of our debt, including the borrowings under our senior secured credit facilities, is based on variable rates of interest, which could result in higher interest expenses in the event of an increase in interest rates.
 
As of June 20, 2009, approximately $900 million, or 44% of our total indebtedness, was subject to variable interest rates. If we borrow additional amounts under the revolving portion of our senior secured credit facilities, the interest rates on those borrowings may vary depending on the base rate or Eurodollar Rate (LIBOR). A 1% increase in the weighted average interest rates on our variable rate debt outstanding as of June 20, 2009, would result in higher interest expense of approximately $9 million per year.


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Risks Relating to this Offering and Our Common Stock
 
There has not been a public market for our shares since 2003 and an active market may not develop or be maintained, which could limit your ability to sell shares of our common stock.
 
Before this offering, there has not been a public market for our shares of common stock since 2003. Although we intend to apply to list the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, an active public market for our shares may not develop or be sustained after this offering. The initial public offering price will be determined by negotiations between the underwriters, the selling stockholder and our Board of Directors and may not be representative of the market price at which our shares of common stock will trade after this offering. In particular, we cannot assure you that you will be able to resell our shares at or above the initial public offering price.
 
We are a “controlled company,” controlled by David H. Murdock, whose interests in our business may be different from yours.
 
Upon completion of this offering, David H. Murdock and his affiliates will own approximately     % of our outstanding common stock. Because of ownership, Mr. Murdock and his affiliates will, for the foreseeable future, have significant influence over our management and affairs, and will be able to control virtually all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and significant corporate transactions such as mergers or other sales of our company or assets.
 
David H. Murdock and his controlled companies are able to, subject to applicable law, designate a majority of the members of our Board of Directors and control actions to be taken by us and our Board of Directors, including amendments to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and approval of significant corporate transactions, including mergers and sales of substantially all of our assets. The directors so elected will have the authority, subject to the terms of our indebtedness and the rules and regulations of the NYSE, to issue additional stock, implement stock repurchase programs, declare dividends and make other decisions. Because Mr. Murdock will own more than 50% of our voting power after giving effect to this offering, we are considered a “controlled company” for the purposes of the NYSE listing requirements. As such, we are exempt from the NYSE corporate governance requirements that our board of directors, our compensation committee and our nominating and corporate governance committee meet the standard of independence established by those corporate governance requirements. As a result, our Board of Directors and those committees may have more directors who do not meet the NYSE independence standards than they would if those standards were to apply. The NYSE independence standards are intended to ensure that directors who meet the independence standard are free of any conflicting interest that could influence their actions as directors. It is possible that the interests of Mr. Murdock may in some circumstances conflict with our interests and the interests of our other stockholders.
 
The value of our common stock could be volatile.
 
The overall market and the price of our common stock may fluctuate greatly. The trading price of our common stock may be significantly affected by various factors, including:
 
  •  quarterly fluctuations in our operating results;
 
  •  changes in investors’ and analysts’ perception of the business risks and conditions of our business;
 
  •  our ability to meet the earnings estimates and other performance expectations of financial analysts or investors;
 
  •  unfavorable commentary or downgrades of our stock by equity research analysts;
 
  •  termination of lock-up agreements or other restrictions on the ability of our existing stockholder to sell his shares after this offering;
 
  •  fluctuations in the stock prices of our peer companies or in stock markets in general; and
 
  •  general economic or political conditions.


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Our charter documents contain provisions that may delay, defer or prevent a change of control.
 
Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us, even if the change in control would be beneficial to stockholders. These provisions include the following:
 
  •  division of our Board of Directors into three classes, with each class serving a staggered three-year term;
 
  •  removal of directors by stockholders by a supermajority of two-thirds of the outstanding shares;
 
  •  ability of the Board of Directors to authorize the issuance of preferred stock in series without stockholder approval;
 
  •  advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals and nominations for election to the Board of Directors; and
 
  •  prohibitions on our stockholders from acting by written consent and limitations on calling special meetings.
 
Future sales of our common stock may lower our stock price.
 
If our existing stockholder sells a large number of shares of our common stock following this offering, the market price of our common stock could decline significantly. In addition, the perception in the public market that our existing stockholder might sell shares of common stock could depress the market price of our common stock, regardless of the actual plans of our existing stockholder. Immediately after this offering, approximately           shares of our common stock will be outstanding, or           if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full. All of the shares held by our existing stockholder are subject to a lock-up agreement restricting the sale of those shares for      days from the date of this prospectus. However, the underwriters may waive this restriction and allow the selling stockholder to sell shares at any time.
 
After this offering, we intend to register approximately           shares of common stock that will be reserved for issuance under our stock incentive plan. Once we register these shares, they can be sold in the public market upon issuance, subject to restrictions under the securities laws applicable to resales by affiliates. See “Executive Compensation — Stock Incentive Plan.”
 
Purchasers in this offering will experience immediate and substantial dilution in net tangible book value.
 
The initial public offering price per share is expected to be substantially higher than the net tangible book value per share of our outstanding common stock. Purchasers of shares in this offering will experience immediate dilution in the net tangible book value of their shares. Based on an assumed initial public offering price of $      per share, the mid-point of the range set forth on the cover of this prospectus, dilution per share in this offering will be $      per share (or     % of the price). Further, if we issue additional equity securities to raise additional capital, your ownership interest in our company may be diluted and the value of your investment may be reduced. See “Dilution.”
 
We do not expect to pay any dividends for the foreseeable future.
 
We do not anticipate paying any dividends to our stockholders for the foreseeable future. The agreements governing our indebtedness also restrict our ability to pay dividends. Accordingly, you may have to sell some or all of your common stock in order to generate cash flow from your investment. You may not receive a gain on your investment when you sell our common stock and may lose some or all of the amount of your investment. Any determination to pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on our results of operations, financial conditions, contractual restrictions, restrictions imposed by applicable law and other factors our Board of Directors deems relevant.
 
We could incur increased costs as a result of being a publicly-traded company.
 
As a company with publicly-traded securities, we could incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses not presently incurred. In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as rules promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, and the NYSE, require us to adopt corporate governance


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practices applicable to U.S. public companies. These rules and regulations may increase our legal and financial compliance costs.
 
If we do not timely satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the trading price of our common stock could be adversely affected.
 
As a voluntary filer with the SEC, we are currently subject to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or SOX, as a non-accelerated filer. SOX requires us to document and test the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting in accordance with an established internal control framework and to report on our conclusion as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Our annual report for fiscal year ended January 3, 2009 included management’s first report of internal control over financial reporting. Beginning with the fiscal year ending January 2, 2010, our independent registered public accounting firm is also required to test, evaluate and report on Dole’s internal control over financial reporting. Any delays or difficulty in satisfying the requirements of SOX could, among other things, cause investors to lose confidence in, or otherwise be unable to rely on, the accuracy of our reported financial information, which could adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.


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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
This prospectus contains statements which, to the extent that they do not recite historical fact, constitute forward-looking statements. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and may include the words “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan” or other words or expressions of similar meaning. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations about future events. The forward-looking statements include statements that reflect management’s beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations and intentions with respect to our financial condition, results of operations, future performance and business, including statements relating to our business strategy and our current and future development plans.
 
The potential risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual financial condition, results of operations and future performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied in this prospectus include:
 
  •  changes in laws, regulations, rules, quotas, tariffs, export and import laws;
 
  •  weather conditions that affect the production, transportation, storage, import and export of fresh produce or packaged foods;
 
  •  market responses to industry volume pressures;
 
  •  DBCP litigation;
 
  •  outcome of the appeal of the European Commission’s Decision imposing a fine and assessing antitrust violations;
 
  •  product and raw materials supplies and pricing;
 
  •  energy supply and pricing;
 
  •  changes in interest and currency exchange rates;
 
  •  political changes and economic crises;
 
  •  security risks in foreign countries;
 
  •  international conflict;
 
  •  acts of terrorism;
 
  •  labor disruptions, strikes or work stoppages;
 
  •  loss of important intellectual property rights; and
 
  •  other factors disclosed in this prospectus.
 
In addition, this prospectus contains industry data related to our business and the markets in which we operate. This data includes projections that are based on a number of assumptions. If these assumptions turn out to be incorrect, actual results could differ from the projections.
 
We urge you to review carefully this prospectus, particularly the section “Risk Factors,” for a more complete discussion of the risks of an investment in our common stock.
 
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. Many factors discussed in this prospectus, some of which are beyond our control, will be important in determining our future performance. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from those that might be anticipated from forward-looking statements. In light of these and other uncertainties, you should not regard the inclusion of a forward-looking statement in this prospectus as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved, and you should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.


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USE OF PROCEEDS
 
We estimate that our net proceeds (after deducting the underwriting discount payable to the underwriters and our estimated offering expenses) from this offering will be $      million ($      million if the underwriters exercise their option to acquire additional shares from us in full), based upon an assumed initial public offering price of $      per share, which is the mid-point of the offering range indicated on the cover of this prospectus.
 
We will not receive any of the proceeds from the common stock sold by the selling stockholder in this offering.
 
We expect to use approximately $      million of the net proceeds to pay down indebtedness. We expect to use the remaining net proceeds, if any, for general corporate purposes.
 
Until we use the net proceeds as described above, we intend to invest the net proceeds in short-term securities.
 
MARKET SHARE, RANKING AND SIMILAR INFORMATION
 
The market share, ranking and other information contained in this prospectus is based either on our own estimates, independent industry publications, reports by market research firms or other published independent sources. In each case, we believe that they are reasonable estimates. Market share information is subject to change, however, and cannot always be verified with complete certainty due to limits on the availability and reliability of raw data, the voluntary nature of the data-gathering process and other limitations and uncertainties inherent in any statistical survey of market share. In addition, customer preferences can and do change and the definition of the relevant market is a matter of judgment and analysis. As a result, you should be aware that market share, ranking and other similar information set forth in this prospectus and estimates and beliefs based on such data, may not be reliable. Market share data for our fresh fruits and fresh vegetables segments is based on unit sales, while market share data for our packaged foods segment is based on dollar amount sold.
 
DIVIDEND POLICY
 
We do not anticipate paying dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain future earnings, if any, to operate our business and finance future growth strategies while also continuing to pay down indebtedness. Any determination to pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on our results of operations, financial conditions, contractual restrictions, restrictions imposed by applicable law and other factors our Board of Directors deems relevant. In addition, as described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Guarantees, Contingencies and Debt Covenants,” our ability to pay cash dividends is limited by the terms of our existing senior notes indenture and senior secured facilities indebtedness, and may be limited by the instruments governing our future indebtedness.


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CAPITALIZATION
 
The following table sets forth our capitalization and cash and cash equivalents as of June 20, 2009:
 
  •  on an actual basis; and
 
  •  on an as adjusted basis to give effect to
 
  •  the filing of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which will occur prior to the consummation of this offering, and that provides for, among other things, the authorization of      shares of common stock and      shares of preferred stock, and our proposed           for           stock split; and
 
  •  the receipt of the net proceeds from the sale of      shares of common stock by us in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $      per share, the mid-point of the range set forth on the front cover of this prospectus, and after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us and the application of the net proceeds from this offering as described under “Use of Proceeds.”
 
You should read this capitalization table together with “Use of Proceeds,” “Selected Consolidated Financial Data,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
                 
    June 20,
 
    2009  
    Actual     As Adjusted  
    (In thousands, except share data)  
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 107,919                
                 
Debt:
               
Unsecured debt:
               
7.25% notes due 2010
  $ 383,000          
8.875% notes due 2011
    200,000          
8.75% debentures due 2013
    155,000          
Secured debt:
               
13.875% notes due 2014
    349,903          
Revolving credit facility
             
Term loan facilities
    828,297          
Other debt
    119,172          
Unamortized debt discount
    (24,311 )        
                 
Total debt
    2,011,061          
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, no shares authorized or issued and outstanding, actual;      shares authorized and no shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted
             
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 1,000 shares authorized and 1,000 shares issued and outstanding, actual;      shares authorized and      shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted
               
Additional paid-in capital
    409,681          
Retained earnings
    159,087          
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    (40,488 )        
                 
Equity attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. 
    528,280          
Equity attributable to noncontrolling interests
    27,175          
                 
Total shareholders’ equity
    555,455          
                 
Total capitalization
  $ 2,566,516          
                 
 
 
(1) A $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $     , the mid-point of the range set forth on the front cover of this prospectus, would result in an approximately $      million increase or decrease in each of the as adjusted cash and cash equivalents, as adjusted additional paid-in capital, as adjusted total stockholders’ equity and as adjusted total capitalization, assuming the number of shares offered by us set forth on the front cover of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us. An increase or decrease of 1.0 million shares in the number of shares offered by us would increase or decrease as adjusted cash and cash equivalents, as adjusted additional paid-in capital, as adjusted total stockholders’ equity and as adjusted total capitalization by approximately $      million assuming the assumed initial public offering price of $      per share, the mid-point of the range set forth on the front cover of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us. The as adjusted information discussed above is illustrative only and will adjust based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering.


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DILUTION
 
Our net tangible book value at June 20, 2009 was $      million, or $      per share. Net tangible book value per share before the offering has been determined by dividing net tangible book value (total book value of tangible assets less total liabilities) by the number of shares of common stock outstanding at June 20, 2009 (after giving effect to our proposed           for           stock split).
 
After giving effect to the sale of our common stock in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $      per share, the mid-point of the range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our adjusted net tangible book value at June 20, 2009 would have been $      million or $      per share. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value per share of $      to the existing stockholder and dilution in net tangible book value per share of $      to new investors who purchase shares in the offering. The following table illustrates this per share dilution to new investors:
 
         
Assumed initial public offering price per share
  $        
Net tangible book value per share at June 20, 2009
  $    
Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to new investors
       
Adjusted net tangible book value per share
       
Dilution per share to new investors
  $  
         
 
A $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $      per share, the mid-point of the range set forth on the front cover of this prospectus, would increase or decrease as adjusted net tangible book value per share by approximately $      million, or approximately $      per share, and the dilution per share to investors in this offering by approximately $      per share, assuming that the number of shares offered by us set forth on the front cover of this prospectus remains the same and after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We may also increase or decrease the number of shares we are offering. An increase of 1.0 million shares in the number of shares offered by us would result in an as adjusted net tangible book value of approximately $      million, or approximately $      per share, and the dilution per share to investors in this offering would be approximately $      per share, assuming the assumed initial public offering price of $      per share, the mid-point of the range set forth on the front cover of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Similarly, a decrease of 1.0 million shares in the number of shares offered by us would result in an as adjusted net tangible book value of approximately $      million, or approximately $      per share, and the dilution per share to investors in this offering would be approximately $      per share, assuming the assumed initial public offering price of $      per share, the mid-point of the range set forth on the front cover of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us. The as adjusted information discussed above is illustrative only and will adjust based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering.
 
The following table sets forth, on the as adjusted basis described above, at June 20, 2009, the difference between the number of shares of common stock purchased, the total consideration paid and the average price per share paid by the existing stockholder and by investors purchasing shares in this offering, before deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
 
                                         
    Shares Purchased     Total Consideration     Average Price
 
    Number     Percent     Amount     Percent     Per Share  
 
Existing stockholder
                                  $        
New investors
                                                  $    
                                         
Total
            %             %   $    
                                         
 
A $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $      per share, the mid-point of the range set forth on the front cover of this prospectus, would increase or decrease total consideration paid by new investors and total consideration paid by all stockholders by $      million, assuming that the number of shares


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offered by us set forth on the front cover of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us. An increase or decrease of 1.0 million shares in the number of shares offered by us would increase or decrease the total consideration paid to us by new investors and total consideration paid to us by all stockholders by $      million, assuming the assumed initial public offering price of $      per share, the mid-point of the range set forth on the front cover of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us.


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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
The following table sets forth a summary of our selected consolidated financial data. We derived the selected consolidated financial data as of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007 and for the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007, and December 30, 2006 from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected consolidated financial data as of December 30, 2006, December 31, 2005, and January 1, 2005, and for the years ended December 31, 2005 and January 1, 2005 have been derived from our financial statements for such years, which are not included in this prospectus. Amounts from these previously audited financial statements have been revised to reflect the reclassifications required as a result of our adoption of FASB Statement No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51, for which the related reclassification for such years have not been audited, as well as the reclassification of certain businesses as discontinued operations, for which the related reclassifications have not been audited for the year ended January 1, 2005.
 
We derived the selected consolidated financial data for the half years ended June 20, 2009 and June 14, 2008 from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, which, in the opinion of our management, have been prepared on the same basis as the audited financial statements and reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of our results of operations and financial position for such periods. Results for the half years ended June 20, 2009 and June 14, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year.
 
The selected consolidated financial data set forth below are not necessarily indicative of the results of future operations and should be read in conjunction with the discussion under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the other financial information included elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
                                                         
    Half Year Ended     Fiscal Year Ended  
    June 20,
    June 14,
    January 3,
    December 29,
    December 30,
    December 31,
    January 1,
 
    2009     2008     2009     2007     2006     2005     2005  
    (Dollars in millions, except per share and share data in thousands)  
 
Summary of Operations:(1)(2)
                                                       
Revenues, net
  $ 3,311     $ 3,723     $ 7,620     $ 6,821     $ 5,991     $ 5,638     $ 5,093  
Operating income
    231       175       275       149       136       229       308  
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income taxes
    123       152       147       (38 )     (40 )     48       137  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
          1       (27 )     (16 )     (50 )     (1 )     5  
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income taxes
    2             3             3              
Net income (loss)
    125       153       123       (54 )     (87 )     47       142  
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(3)
    (2 )     (1 )     (2 )     (3 )     (3 )     (3 )     (7 )
Net income (loss) attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc.(3) 
    123       152       121       (57 )     (90 )     44       135  
Income (loss) from continuing operations per share, basic and diluted(4)
  $       $       $       $       $       $       $    
Weighted average shares used in computing basic and diluted net income (loss) per share(4)
                                                       
Other Financial Metrics:(1)(3)
                                                       
EBIT(5)
  $ 228     $ 177     $ 273     $ 161     $ 158     $ 236     $ 313  
Adjusted EBITDA(5)
    266       233       412       335       293       371       458  
Adjusted EBITDA margin(6)
    8.0 %     6.3 %     5.4 %     4.9 %     4.9 %     6.6 %     9.0 %
 


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    Half Year Ended     Fiscal Year Ended  
    June 20,
    June 14,
    January 3,
    December 29,
    December 30,
    December 31,
    January 1,
 
    2009     2008     2009     2007     2006     2005     2005  
    (Dollars in millions)  
 
Balance Sheet and Other Information:(3)
                                                       
Working capital (current assets less current liabilities)
  $ 492     $ 610     $ 531     $ 694     $ 688     $ 538     $ 425  
Total assets
    4,224       4,758       4,365       4,643       4,612       4,413       4,327  
Long-term debt (excludes current portion)
    1,576       1,961       1,799       2,316       2,316       2,001       1,837  
Total debt
    2,011       2,405       2,204       2,411       2,364       2,027       1,869  
Total shareholders’ equity
    555       519       433       355       366       644       705  
Cash dividends declared and paid to parent
                            164       77       20  
Proceeds from sales of assets and businesses, net
    59       32       226       42       31       19       11  
Capital additions from continuing operations
    18       24       74       104       115       141       95  
Depreciation and amortization from continuing operations
    55       64       138       151       144       144       138  
 
 
(1) Discontinued operations for the periods presented relate to the reclassification of the Company’s fresh-cut flowers and North American citrus and pistachio operations to discontinued operations during 2008 and 2007, respectively, the sale of the Company’s Pacific Coast Truck operations during 2006 and the resolution during 2005 of a contingency related to the 2001 disposition of the Company’s interest in Cerveceria Hondureña, S.A.
 
(2) Dole sold its JP Fresh and Dole France subsidiaries during the fourth quarter of 2008 to Compagnie Fruitiere Paris, an equity method affiliate. The historical periods presented include the results of these entities as part of the Fresh Fruit operating segment.
 
(3) Dole adopted FASB Statement No. 160, or FAS 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51, during the first quarter of 2009. Historical periods presented have been reclassified to conform to the 2009 presentation.
 
(4) Income (loss) from continuing operations per share, basic and diluted, and weighted average shares gives effect to our proposed      for      stock split.
 
(5) EBIT is calculated by adding back interest expense and income taxes to income (loss) from continuing operations. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by adding depreciation and amortization from continuing operations to EBIT, by adding the net unrealized loss or subtracting the net unrealized gains on certain derivative instruments to EBIT (foreign currency and bunker fuel hedges and the cross currency swap), by adding the foreign currency loss or subtracting the foreign currency gain on the vessel obligations to EBIT, and by subtracting the gain on asset sales from EBIT. During the first quarter of 2007, all of the Company’s foreign currency and bunker fuel hedges were designated as effective hedges of cash flows as defined by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, and these designations were changed during the second quarter of 2007. Beginning in the second quarter of 2007, all unrealized gains and losses related to these instruments have been recorded in the consolidated statement of operations. During 2008, Dole initiated an asset sale program in order reduce the leverage of the Company with proceeds generated from the sale of non-core assets during the 2008 fiscal year and the six months ended June 20, 2009. Gains on asset sales for periods prior to the fiscal year ended January 3, 2009 were not material.
 
EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA are not calculated or presented in accordance with GAAP and EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA are not a substitute for net income attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc., net income, income from continuing operations, cash flows from operating activities or any other measure prescribed by GAAP. Further, EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA as used herein are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures of other

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companies. However, we have included EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA herein because management believes that EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA are useful performance measures for us. In addition, EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA are presented because our management believes that these measures are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and others in the evaluation of our Company. Management internally uses EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA for decision making and to evaluate our performance. Refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in this prospectus for further information regarding the use of non-GAAP measures. EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA are calculated as follows:
 
                                                         
    Half Year Ended     Fiscal Year Ended  
    June 20,
    June 14,
    January 3,
    December 29,
    December 30,
    December 31,
    January 1,
 
    2009     2008     2009     2007     2006     2005     2005  
    (Dollars in millions)  
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations 
  $ 123     $ 152     $ 147     $ (38 )   $ (40 )   $ 48     $ 137  
Interest expense
    88       85       174       195       175       143       152  
Income taxes
    17       (60 )     (48 )     4       23       45       24  
                                                         
EBIT
    228       177       273       161       158       236       313  
                                                         
Depreciation and amortization from continuing operations
    55       64       138       151       144       144       138  
Net unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments
    (7 )     6       49       22       (20 )            
Foreign currency exchange (gain) loss on vessel obligations
    7       (2 )     (21 )     1       11       (9 )     7  
Gain on asset sales
    (17 )     (12 )     (27 )                        
                                                         
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 266     $ 233     $ 412     $ 335     $ 293     $ 371     $ 458  
                                                         
 
(6) Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as the ratio of Adjusted EBITDA to net revenues. We present Adjusted EBITDA margin because management believes that it is a useful performance measure for us.


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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
You should read the following discussion in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and other financial information included in this prospectus. In addition to historical consolidated financial information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed below and elsewhere in this prospectus, particularly in “Risk Factors.”
 
General Overview
 
We are the world’s leading producer, marketer and distributor of fresh fruit and fresh vegetables, including an expanding line of value-added products. In the markets we serve, we hold the number 1 or number 2 market share position in our key product categories, including bananas, packaged salads and packaged fruit. For the last twelve months ended June 20, 2009, we had revenues of approximately $7.2 billion, Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $445 million and net income attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. of approximately $92 million.
 
We provide wholesale, retail and institutional customers around the world with high quality food products that bear the DOLE® trademarks. We believe the DOLE trademarks and our products have global appeal as they offer value and convenience, while also benefiting from the growing focus on health and wellness among consumers worldwide.
 
Founded in 1851, we have built a fully-integrated operating platform that allows us to source, grow, process, market and distribute our nearly 200 products in more than 90 countries. We source our products worldwide both directly on Dole-owned or leased land and through associated producer and independent grower arrangements under which we provide varying degrees of farming, harvesting, packing, shipping and marketing services. We then use our global cold storage supply chain that features the largest dedicated refrigerated containerized fleet in the world, as well as an extensive network of packaging, ripening and distribution centers, to deliver fresh Dole products to market.
 
We believe we are well-positioned to take advantage of worldwide growth opportunities in each of our product segments. Unlike multi-branded companies, all of our products carry the DOLE label, making DOLE one of the most recognizable brands in the world. Our brand is placed in key aisles throughout supermarkets, including center aisles with canned fruit and fruit cups, the frozen section with our growing line of frozen fruits, outer aisles in the refrigerated juice section, as well as the refrigerated salad section and the fresh produce section. In addition, we believe that our well-developed, state of the art infrastructure provides us with cost and scale benefits and is a strong platform from which we can meet worldwide demand for our products.
 
We anticipate the following factors will contribute to growth in revenues and unit sales:
 
In our fresh fruit segment, our worldwide refrigerated supply chain, and the management of this platform, are core competencies and will contribute to future growth. We believe that as the world economies improve, the consumption of fresh fruit and bananas will increase along with per capita income. In particular, demand in Eastern Europe, Russia, the Middle East and China is expected to grow at a much faster rate than elsewhere in the years ahead. We are well positioned to capitalize on these trends based on our growing worldwide distribution network supported by our integrated refrigerated supply chain and refrigerated shipping fleet.
 
In our fresh vegetables segment, we believe that operational improvements position us for future growth and increased profitability. The improvements, including the recent opening of our East Coast production facility, the introduction of a series of new salad products and increased consumer promotions, will contribute to the future growth of our fresh vegetables segment.
 
In our packaged foods segment, we have a line of multi-serve fruit in plastic jars and an expanding line of frozen fruit products. Based on our packaged foods product portfolio, we believe we will continue to benefit from consumers’ growing focus on health, wellness and convenience worldwide. Growth in our packaged foods segment is expected to come from our pipeline of new products in North America and growing international markets.


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Contemplated Transactions in Connection with the Offering
 
Prior to the consummation of this offering, we intend to complete transactions which will result in the elimination of the current cross-default provisions that exist between our senior secured facilities and certain indebtedness of our parent company, DHM Holdings, and its affiliates. As a result, no event of default under one of these loans would cause an event of default under our senior secured credit facilities. In addition, we are exploring certain structuring alternatives involving DHM Holdings in order to more efficiently operate as a public company, any of which would be completed prior to the consummation of this offering. Such alternatives could include a merger or other combination with DHM Holdings, but in connection with any such combination, DHM Holdings’ interests in Westlake Wellbeing Properties, LLC, a hotel operating company, would be transferred to affiliates of Mr. Murdock. We may also consider transferring ownership interests in certain non-core land we currently hold, including in Hawaii, to other affiliates of Mr. Murdock.
 
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
 
EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA are measures commonly used by financial analysts in evaluating the performance of companies. EBIT is calculated by adding back interest expense and income taxes to income (loss) from continuing operations. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by adding depreciation and amortization from continuing operations to EBIT, by adding the net unrealized loss or subtracting the net unrealized gains on certain derivative instruments to EBIT (foreign currency and bunker fuel hedges and the cross currency swap), by adding the foreign currency loss or subtracting the foreign currency gain on the vessel obligations to EBIT, and by subtracting the gain on asset sales from EBIT. During the first quarter of 2007, all of the Company’s foreign currency and bunker fuel hedges were designated as effective hedges of cash flows as defined by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, and these designations were changed during the second quarter of 2007. Beginning in the second quarter of 2007, all unrealized gains and losses related to these instruments have been recorded in the consolidated statement of operations. During 2008, Dole initiated an asset sale program in order reduce the leverage of the Company with proceeds generated from the sale of non-core assets during the 2008 fiscal year and the half year ended June 20, 2009. Gains on asset sales for periods prior to the fiscal year ended January 3, 2009 were not material.
 
EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA are not calculated or presented in accordance with GAAP and EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA are not a substitute for net income attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc., net income, income from continuing operations, cash flows from operating activities or any other measure prescribed by GAAP. Further, EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA as used herein are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. However, we have included EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA herein because management believes that EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA are useful performance measures for us. In addition, EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA are presented because our management believes that these measures are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and others in the evaluation of our Company. Management internally uses EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA for decision making and to evaluate our performance.
 
Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation from, or as an alternative to, operating income, cash flow or other combined income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with GAAP. Some of these limitations are:
 
  •  it does not reflect cash outlays for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;
 
  •  it does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, working capital;
 
  •  it does not reflect the interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on indebtedness;
 
  •  it does not reflect income tax expense or the cash necessary to pay income taxes;
 
  •  although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect cash requirements for such replacements; and


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  •  other companies, including other companies in our industry, may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently than as presented in this prospectus, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures.
 
Because of these limitations, Adjusted EBITDA and the related ratios presented throughout the prospectus should not be considered as measures of discretionary cash available to invest in business growth or reduce indebtedness. We compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and using Adjusted EBITDA only supplementally.
 
The SEC has adopted rules to regulate the use in filings with the SEC and public disclosures and press releases of non-GAAP financial measures, such as EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA, that are derived on the basis of methodologies other than in accordance with GAAP. These rules require, among other things:
 
  •  a presentation with equal or greater prominence of the most comparable financial measure or measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP; and
 
  •  a statement disclosing the purposes for which our management uses the non-GAAP financial measure.
 
The rules prohibit, among other things:
 
  •  exclusion of charges or liabilities that require cash settlement or would have required cash settlement absent an ability to settle in another manner, from non-GAAP liquidity measures;
 
  •  adjustment of a non-GAAP performance measure to eliminate or smooth items identified as non-recurring, infrequent or unusual, when the nature of the charge or gain is such that it is reasonably likely to recur; and
 
  •  presentation of non-GAAP financial measures on the face of any financial information.
 
For a reconciliation of EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA to its most directly comparable GAAP measure, see “Summary — Summary Unaudited Pro Forma and Historical Consolidated Financial Data” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Supplemental Financial Information”.
 
Results of Operations
 
Second Quarter and First Half of 2009
 
Overview
 
Significant highlights for our quarter and half year ended June 20, 2009 were as follows:
 
  •  We reduced our total net debt outstanding by $145 million during the second quarter of 2009. Total net debt is defined as total debt less cash and cash equivalents. Over the last five quarters, we reduced our total net debt outstanding by $480 million, or 20%, as a result of monetizing non-core assets, cost cutting initiatives and improved earnings. Net debt at the end of the second quarter of 2009 was $1.9 billion and there were no amounts outstanding under our asset based revolving credit facility of $350 million, or ABL revolver.
 
  •  Cash flows provided by operating activities for the first half of 2009 were $209.3 million compared to cash flows used in operating activities of $2.6 million during the first half of 2008. Cash flows provided by operating activities increased primarily due to higher operating income and better working capital management.
 
  •  Net revenues for the second quarter of 2009 were $1.7 billion compared to $2 billion in the second quarter of 2008. The primary reasons for the decrease were the sale of our divested businesses, and unfavorable foreign currency exchange movements in selling locations.
 
  •  Excluding the net impact of unrealized hedging activity and gains on asset sales, operating income totaled $107.1 million in the second quarter of 2009, an improvement of $5.8 million, or 6%, over the second quarter of 2008. Excluding the net impact of unrealized hedging activity and gains on asset sales, operating income totaled $200.8 million for the first half of 2009, an increase of 29% over the first half of 2008.


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  •  During the second quarter of 2009, fresh fruit earnings excluding unrealized hedging activity and gains on asset sales were $103 million, an improvement of approximately $1 million compared to strong 2008 operating results. Favorable market pricing worldwide offset increases in costs due to unfavorable weather conditions in Latin America.
 
  •  Excluding the net impact of unrealized hedging activity, packaged foods operating performance improved by $9.5 million during the second quarter of 2009. Earnings grew due to improved pricing and lower product and distribution costs.
 
  •  Packaged salads operating results in the second quarter of 2009 improved over the prior year as improved utilization and more efficient distribution were offset by increased marketing, general and administrative expenditures. Commodity vegetables earnings decreased over the prior year mainly due to lower pricing for celery and strawberries.
 
  •  During the first quarter of 2009, we closed the first phase of the sale of our fresh-cut flowers business, closed the sale of certain banana properties in Latin America and closed the sale of certain vegetable properties in California. We received net cash proceeds of approximately $83 million from these three transactions.
 
  •  During the third quarter of 2009, we signed letters of intent to sell certain operating properties in Latin America for approximately $68 million. We anticipate that the sales of these properties will not have a significant impact on ongoing earnings.
 
  •  There were also favorable developments in legal proceedings:
 
  •  On June 17, 2009, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Chaney dismissed with prejudice two remaining lawsuits brought on behalf of Nicaraguan plaintiffs who had falsely claimed they were sterile as a result of exposure to DBCP on Dole-contracted Nicaraguan banana farms, finding that the plaintiffs, and certain of their attorneys, fabricated their claims, engaged in a long-running conspiracy to commit a fraud on the court, used threats of violence to frighten witnesses and suppress the truth, and conspired with corrupt Nicaraguan judges, depriving us and the other companies of due process.
 
  •  On June 9, 2009, the First Circuit Court of Hawaii dismissed the Patrickson case, which had involved ten plaintiffs from Honduras, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Guatemala, finding that their DBCP claims were time-barred by the statute of limitations.
 
  •  In seven cases pending in Los Angeles involving 672 claimants from Ivory Coast, where we did not operate when DBCP was in use, on July 17, 2009, plaintiffs’ counsel filed a motion to withdraw as counsel of record in response to a witness who has come forward alleging fraud.
 
  •  On July 7, 2009, the California Second District Court of Appeals issued an order to show cause why the $1.58 million judgment issued against us in 2008 should not be vacated and judgment be entered in defendants’ favor on the grounds that the judgment was procured through fraud.


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Selected Results for the Second Quarter and First Half of 2009 and 2008
 
Selected results of operations for the quarters and half years ended June 20, 2009 and June 14, 2008 were as follows:
 
                                 
    Quarter Ended   Half Year Ended
    June 20,
  June 14,
  June 20,
  June 14,
    2009   2008   2009   2008
    (In thousands)
 
Revenues, net
  $ 1,714,722     $ 1,994,943     $ 3,311,312     $ 3,723,288  
Operating income
    108,331       121,664       231,430       175,024  
Other income (expense), net
    (33,046 )     23,653       (11,094 )     (5,058 )
Interest expense
    (50,242 )     (41,245 )     (87,788 )     (84,742 )
Income taxes
    (8,963 )     69,577       (17,011 )     60,200  
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
    265       4,318       387       1,497  
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income taxes
                1,308        
Net income attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. 
    20,145       180,754       122,965       151,809  
 
Second Quarter and First Half of 2009 vs. Second Quarter and First Half of 2008
 
Revenues.  For the quarter ended June 20, 2009, revenues decreased 14% to $1.7 billion from $2 billion for the quarter ended June 14, 2008. Excluding second quarter 2008 sales from our divested businesses, sales decreased 9%. Lower sales were reported in all of our three operating segments. The decrease in fresh fruit sales was attributable to lower sales in the European ripening and distribution business and Chilean deciduous fruit operations. Fresh vegetables sales decreased due to lower pricing for celery and strawberries and lower volumes sold of romaine lettuce and packaged salads. Packaged foods sales decreased due to lower worldwide volumes sold of FRUIT BOWLStm, fruit in jars and frozen fruit. Net unfavorable foreign currency exchange movements in our selling locations resulted in lower revenues of approximately $98 million. These decreases were partially offset by higher sales of bananas resulting from higher local pricing worldwide and improved volumes sold in North America and Asia.
 
For the half year ended June 20, 2009, revenues decreased 11% to $3.3 billion from $3.7 billion for the half year ended June 14, 2008. Lower sales were reported in all three of our operating segments. The decrease in fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and packaged foods revenues was due primarily to the same factors that impacted the quarter. Net unfavorable foreign currency exchange movements in our selling locations resulted in lower revenues of approximately $182 million.
 
Operating Income.  For the quarter ended June 20, 2009, operating income was $108.3 million compared to $121.7 million for the quarter ended June 14, 2008. Excluding the net impact of unrealized hedging activity and gains on asset sales of $19.2 million, operating income in the second quarter of 2009 improved $5.8 million, or 6%, over the second quarter of 2008. The fresh fruit and packaged foods operating segments reported higher operating income. Fresh fruit results increased as a result of improved operating performance in the Chilean deciduous fruit business and in the Asia fresh pineapple operations. These improvements were partially offset by lower earnings in our banana operations worldwide. Banana earnings were impacted by higher product costs due to adverse weather conditions in Latin America. Packaged foods reported higher earnings as a result of improved pricing, lower product costs attributable to lower commodity costs (tinplate and plastic) and favorable foreign currency movements in Thailand and the Philippines, where product is sourced. In addition, shipping and distribution costs decreased. Fresh vegetables reported lower earnings due to lower pricing in the North America commodity vegetables business.
 
For the half year ended June 20, 2009, operating income increased to $231.4 million from $175 million for the half year ended June 14, 2008. Excluding the net impact of unrealized hedging activity and gains on asset sales of $11.8 million, operating income for the first half of 2009 improved to $201 million, an increase of 29% over the first


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half of 2008. All three of our operating segments reported improved operating income. Fresh fruit operating results increased primarily as a result of higher pricing in our North America banana and Asia banana and fresh pineapple operations as well as lower product costs in the Chilean deciduous fruit business. Fresh vegetables reported higher earnings due to improved operating performance in the packaged salads business. In addition, fresh vegetables operating income also benefited from a gain of $9.2 million on the sale of property in California. Packaged foods operating income increased due to higher earnings worldwide as well as from lower selling and general and administrative expenses. In addition, packaged foods product costs benefited from favorable currency movements in Thailand and the Philippines.
 
Other Income (Expense), Net.  For the quarter ended June 20, 2009, other income (expense), net was an expense of $33 million compared to income of $23.7 million in the prior year. The change was primarily due to an increase in unrealized losses of $43.4 million generated on our cross currency swap and $13.1 million generated on our foreign denominated debt obligations.
 
For the half year ended June 20, 2009, other income (expense), net was an expense of $11.1 million compared to an expense of $5.1 million for the half year ended June 14, 2008. The change was due to losses of $6.5 million generated on our foreign denominated debt obligations and a $5.2 million write-off of debt issuance costs associated with our March 2009 amendment of our senior secured credit facilities. These factors were partially offset by a decrease in unrealized losses of $6.7 million generated on the cross currency swap.
 
Interest Expense.  Interest expense for the quarter ended June 20, 2009 was $50.2 million compared to $41.2 million for the quarter ended June 14, 2008. Interest expense for the half year ended June 20, 2009 was $87.8 million compared to $84.7 million for the half year ended June 14, 2008. Interest expense for both periods increased primarily as a result of higher borrowing rates resulting from our March 2009 refinancing transaction.
 
Income Taxes.  We recorded $17 million of income tax expense on $135.7 million of pretax income from continuing operations for the half year ended June 20, 2009. Income tax expense included interest expense of $1.2 million (net of associated income tax benefits of approximately $0.3 million) related to our unrecognized tax benefits. An income tax benefit of $60.2 million was recorded for the half year ended June 14, 2008 which included $61.1 million for the favorable settlement of the federal income tax audit for the years 1995 to 2001. Excluding the impact of the favorable settlement, income tax expense was $0.9 million which included interest expense of $2.1 million (net of associated income tax benefits of approximately $0.7 million) related to our unrecognized tax benefits. Our effective tax rate varies significantly from period to period due to the level, mix and seasonality of earnings generated in our various U.S. and foreign jurisdictions.
 
Under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting, or APB 28, and FASB Interpretation No. 18, Accounting for Income Taxes in Interim Periods, or FIN 18, we are required to adjust our effective tax rate for each quarter to be consistent with the estimated annual effective tax rate. Jurisdictions with a projected loss where no tax benefit can be recognized are excluded from the calculation of the estimated annual effective tax rate. Applying the provisions of APB 28 and FIN 18 could result in a higher or lower effective tax rate during a particular quarter, based upon the mix and timing of actual earnings versus annual projections.
 
For the periods presented, our income tax provision differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate applied to our pretax income primarily due to operations in foreign jurisdictions that are taxed at a rate lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate offset by the accrual for uncertain tax positions.
 
Segment Results of Operations
 
We have three reportable operating segments: fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and packaged foods. These reportable segments are managed separately due to differences in their products, production processes, distribution channels and customer bases.
 
Our management evaluates and monitors segment performance primarily through earnings before interest expense and income taxes, or EBIT. EBIT is calculated by adding interest expense and income taxes to income (loss) from continuing operations. Management believes that segment EBIT provides useful information for analyzing the underlying business results as well as allowing investors a means to evaluate the financial results of each segment in relation to the Company as a whole. EBIT is not defined under GAAP and should not be considered


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in isolation or as a substitute for net income measures prepared in accordance with GAAP or as a measure of our profitability. Additionally, our computation of EBIT may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures computed by other companies, because not all companies calculate EBIT in the same fashion.
 
Revenues from external customers and EBIT for the reportable operating segments and corporate were as follows:
 
                                 
    Quarter Ended     Half Year Ended  
    June 20,
    June 14,
    June 20,
    June 14,
 
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
Revenues from external customers:
                               
Fresh fruit
  $ 1,221,433     $ 1,466,922     $ 2,343,415     $ 2,695,450  
Fresh vegetables
    258,087       279,643       491,529       510,672  
Packaged foods
    234,892       248,118       475,742       516,623  
Corporate
    310       260       626       543  
                                 
    $ 1,714,722     $ 1,994,943     $ 3,311,312     $ 3,723,288  
                                 
EBIT:
                               
Fresh fruit
  $ 96,466     $ 131,266     $ 195,288     $ 184,153  
Fresh vegetables
    (3,509 )     1,531       12,964       (1,939 )
Packaged foods
    23,998       6,814       45,888       30,999  
                                 
Total operating segments
    116,955       139,611       254,140       213,213  
Corporate:
                               
Unrealized gain (loss) on cross currency swap
    (24,419 )     19,001       (6,703 )     (13,353 )
Operating and other expenses
    (12,474 )     (9,853 )     (19,494 )     (23,680 )
                                 
Corporate
    (36,893 )     9,148       (26,197 )     (37,033 )
Interest expense
    (50,242 )     (41,245 )     (87,788 )     (84,742 )
Income taxes
    (8,963 )     69,577       (17,011 )     60,200  
                                 
Income from continuing operations
  $ 20,857     $ 177,091     $ 123,144     $ 151,638  
                                 
 
Fresh Fruit.  Fresh fruit revenues for the quarter ended June 20, 2009 decreased 17% to $1.2 billion from $1.5 billion for the quarter ended June 14, 2008. Excluding second quarter 2008 sales from our divested businesses in the European ripening and distribution operations, fresh fruit revenues decreased 10% during the second quarter of 2009. The decrease in fresh fruit sales was attributable to lower sales in our European ripening and distribution operations as a result of unfavorable euro and Swedish krona foreign currency exchange movements and lower volumes sold in Germany due to current economic conditions. In addition, sales in the Chilean deciduous business decreased due to lower pricing of product sold in Latin America and Europe. Overall, bananas sales increased as a result of improved local pricing worldwide partially offset by a reduction in volumes sold in Europe. Fresh fruit revenues for the half year ended June 20, 2009 decreased 13% to $2.3 billion from $2.7 billion for the half year ended June 14, 2008. Excluding first half 2008 sales from our divested businesses, fresh fruit revenues during the first half of 2009 decreased 5%. The change in revenue for the first half of the year was mainly due to the same factors that impacted sales during the second quarter. Net unfavorable foreign currency exchange movements in our foreign selling locations resulted in lower revenues of approximately $95 million and $173 million during the second quarter and half year of 2009, respectively.
 
Fresh fruit EBIT for the quarter ended June 20, 2009 decreased to $96.5 million from $131.3 million for the quarter ended June 14, 2008. Excluding the net impact of unrealized hedging activity, losses on our pound sterling denominated vessel loan and gains on asset sales which totaled $36 million, EBIT in the second quarter of 2009 improved $1 million. Higher earnings in Chile’s deciduous fruit operations resulted from improved farm margins and lower product costs due in part to favorable currency exchange movements in the Chilean peso. Earnings in the


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fresh pineapples business increased primarily as a result of improved operating performance in Asia. In addition, EBIT in the European banana business improved due to lower shipping and marketing and general administrative expenses. These improvements were partially offset by lower earnings in our banana operations in North America and Asia. The decrease in banana EBIT was largely driven by adverse weather conditions in Latin America which impacted production yields and resulted in significantly higher fruit costs. Higher fruit costs were partially offset by higher local pricing worldwide. Fresh fruit EBIT for the half year ended June 20, 2009 increased to $195.3 million from $184.2 million for the half year ended June 14, 2008. Excluding the net impact of unrealized hedging activity, losses on our pound sterling denominated vessel loan and gains on asset sales of $9 million, EBIT in the first half of 2009 improved $20 million or 12% over the first half of 2008. EBIT increased primarily due to improved earnings in the Chilean deciduous fruit operations and in Asia’s banana and fresh pineapple operations. If foreign currency exchange rates in our significant fresh fruit foreign operations during the quarter and half year ended June 20, 2009 had remained unchanged from those experienced during the quarter and half year ended June 14, 2008, we estimate that fresh fruit EBIT would have been higher by approximately $8 million and $14 million, respectively.
 
Fresh Vegetables.  Fresh vegetables revenues for the quarter ended June 20, 2009 decreased 8% to $258.1 million from $279.6 million for the quarter ended of June 14, 2008. Sales decreased in both our North America commodity vegetable business as well as in packaged salads. Lower sales in the North America commodity vegetable business resulted from lower pricing for celery and lower volumes sold of romaine lettuce partially offset by higher sales of strawberries. Sales in the packaged salads operations decreased primarily due to lower volumes sold and a change in product mix resulting from a shift of purchases from higher to lower priced products. Fresh vegetables revenues for the half year ended June 20, 2009 decreased 4% to $491.5 million from $510.7 million for the half year ended June 14, 2008. The change in revenues for the first half of the year was mainly due to the same factors that impacted sales during the second quarter.
 
Fresh vegetables EBIT for the quarter ended June 20, 2009 decreased to a loss of $3.5 million from EBIT of $1.5 million for the quarter ended June 14, 2008. Excluding a workers compensation reserve adjustment of $7 million recorded in the prior year, EBIT improved $2 million in the second quarter of 2009 to a loss of $3.5 million. This improvement was primarily due to higher earnings in the packaged salads operations as a result of improved utilization and more efficient distribution. The North America commodity vegetable business had lower earnings due to lower pricing and higher strawberry growing costs. Fresh vegetables EBIT for the half year ended June 20, 2009 increased to $13 million from a loss of $1.9 million for the half year ended June 14, 2008. Excluding a gain of $9.2 million on property sold in California in the first quarter of 2009 and the workers compensation reserve adjustments recorded in the prior year, EBIT increased $12.7 million to $3.8 million in the half year ended June 20, 2009 from a loss of $8.9 million in the prior year. The increase in EBIT was primarily due to higher earnings in the packaged salads business from continued operating efficiencies. EBIT in the North America commodity vegetables business also increased due to improved pricing for iceberg and romaine lettuce.
 
Packaged Foods.  Packaged foods revenues for the quarter ended June 20, 2009 decreased 5% to $234.9 million from $248.1 million for the quarter ended June 14, 2008. The decrease in revenues was primarily due to lower worldwide volumes sold of FRUIT BOWLS, fruit in jars and frozen fruit. Lower volumes were due in part to a contraction in the overall total packaged fruit category attributable to current economic conditions. In addition, price increases have also impacted volumes. Packaged foods revenues for the half year ended June 20, 2009 decreased 8% to $475.7 million from $516.6 million for the half year ended June 14, 2008. The change in revenues for the first half of the year was mainly due to the same factors that impacted sales during the second quarter.
 
EBIT in the packaged foods segment for the quarter ended June 20, 2009 increased to $24 million from $6.8 million for the quarter ended June 14, 2008. Excluding the net impact of unrealized hedging activity, EBIT increased $9.6 million during the second quarter of 2009 over 2008. The increase in EBIT was attributable to improved pricing and lower product and shipping and distribution costs. Lower product costs benefited from lower commodity costs (tinplate and plastics) as well as favorable foreign currency movements in Thailand and the Philippines, where product is sourced. Lower shipping and distribution costs resulted from lower fuel prices. EBIT for the half year ended June 20, 2009 increased to $45.9 million from $31 million. The increase in EBIT was attributable to improved earnings worldwide and lower selling, general and administrative expenses. For the first half of 2009, the net change from unrealized foreign currency hedging activity benefited EBIT by $2 million. If foreign currency exchange rates in our packaged foods foreign operations during the quarter and half year ended


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June 20, 2009 had remained unchanged from those experienced during the quarter and half year ended June 14, 2008, we estimate that packaged foods EBIT would have been lower by approximately $7 million and $9 million, respectively.
 
Corporate.  Corporate EBIT was a loss of $36.9 million for the quarter ended June 20, 2009 compared to income of $9.1 million for the quarter ended June 14, 2008. The decrease in EBIT was primarily due to unrealized losses generated on the cross currency swap of $24.4 million compared to unrealized gains generated in the prior year of $19 million. In addition, EBIT in 2009 was impacted by unrealized losses on foreign denominated borrowings of $4 million. Corporate EBIT was a loss of $26.2 million for the half year ended June 20, 2009 compared to a loss of $37 million for the half year ended June 14, 2008. The improvement in EBIT was primarily due to a decrease in unrealized losses of $6.7 million generated on the cross currency swap, lower levels of general and administrative expenditures and unrealized gains of $1.6 million on foreign denominated borrowings, partially offset by the write-off of deferred debt issuance costs of $5.2 million associated with the March 2009 amendment of our senior secured credit facilities.
 
Discontinued Operations
 
During the second quarter of 2008, we approved and committed to a formal plan to divest our fresh-cut flowers operations. The first phase of this transaction was completed during the first quarter of 2009. During the fourth quarter of 2007, we approved and committed to a formal plan to divest our citrus and pistachio operations, or Citrus, located in central California. Prior to the fourth quarter of 2007, the operating results of Citrus were included in the fresh fruit operating segment. The Citrus sale closed during the third quarter of 2008 and we received net cash proceeds of $44 million. As the assets of Citrus were held by non-wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, our share of the proceeds was $28.1 million. The results of operations of these businesses have been reclassified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
 
During the fourth quarter of 2006, we completed the sale of our Pacific Coast Truck Center, or Pac Truck, business for $20.7 million. The Pac Truck business consisted of a full service truck dealership that provided medium and heavy-duty trucks to customers in the Pacific Northwest region. We received $15.3 million of net cash proceeds from the sale after the assumption of $5.4 million of debt and realized a gain of approximately $2.8 million on the sale, net of income taxes of $2 million. Prior to the reclassification to discontinued operations, the operating results of Pac Truck were included in the other operating segment.
 
Second Quarter and First Half of 2009 vs. Second Quarter and First Half of 2008.  The operating results of fresh-cut flowers and Citrus for the quarters and half years ended June 20, 2009 and June 14, 2008 are reported in the following table:
 
                                 
    Quarter Ended
                   
    June 20, 2009
    Quarter Ended June 14, 2008  
    Fresh-Cut Flowers     Fresh-Cut Flowers     Citrus     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
Revenues
  $ 401     $ 29,063     $ 3,148     $ 32,211  
                                 
Income (loss) before income taxes
  $ 315     $ (5,896 )   $ (294 )   $ (6,190 )
Income taxes
    (50 )     10,396       112       10,508  
                                 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
  $ 265     $ 4,500     $ (182 )   $ 4,318  
                                 
 


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    Half Year Ended
                   
    June 20, 2009
    Half Year Ended June 14, 2008  
    Fresh-Cut Flowers     Fresh-Cut Flowers     Citrus     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
Revenues
  $ 3,181     $ 62,879     $ 5,020     $ 67,899  
                                 
Income (loss) before income taxes
  $ 474     $ (9,037 )   $ (251 )   $ (9,288 )
Income taxes
    (87 )     10,691       94       10,785  
                                 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
  $ 387     $ 1,654     $ (157 )   $ 1,497  
                                 
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income taxes
  $ 1,308     $     $     $  
                                 
 
Fresh-cut flowers income before income taxes for the half year ended June 20, 2009 increased to $0.5 million from a loss of $9 million for the half year ended June 14, 2008. As a result of the January 16, 2009 close of the first phase of the flowers transaction, fresh-cut flowers operating results for the half year of 2009 consisted of only two weeks of operations compared to twelve weeks during 2008. In connection with the sale, we received cash proceeds of $21 million and recorded a note receivable of $8.3 million, which is due January 2011. We recorded a gain of $1.3 million on the sale.
 
Fiscal 2008
 
Overview
 
Significant highlights for our year ended January 3, 2009 were as follows:
 
  •  Revenues increased in all three of our operating segments resulting in record revenues of $7.6 billion, an increase of 12% compared to the prior year.
 
  •  Operating income increased to $275 million, an improvement of 84% compared to the prior year.
 
  •  Strong worldwide pricing for bananas was driven by higher worldwide demand and adverse weather conditions which led to product shortages during 2008.
 
  •  Revenues and earnings grew in our European ripening and distribution business, due to higher local pricing and favorable euro and Swedish krona foreign currency exchange rates.
 
  •  Higher pricing and volumes as well as improved utilization in production and more efficient distribution contributed to improved operating results in our packaged salads business. Earnings in our North America commodity vegetable business decreased as a result of lower sales and higher growing costs due to higher fuel and fertilizer costs.
 
  •  Higher pricing and volumes in our packaged foods segment were offset by higher product, shipping and distribution costs. Product costs during 2008 were impacted by an increase in commodity costs as well as the strengthening of the Thai baht and Philippine peso against the U.S. dollar.
 
  •  Other income (expense), net decreased $15.9 million due to an increase in the non-cash unrealized loss of $39.7 million on our cross currency swap partially offset by an increase of the foreign currency gain of $22.7 million on a British pound sterling denominated vessel lease obligation due to the weakening of the British pound sterling against the U.S. dollar in 2008. During 2006, we executed a cross currency swap to synthetically convert $320 million of Term Loan C into Japanese yen denominated debt. The increase in the non-cash unrealized loss of $39.7 million was the result of the Japanese yen strengthening against the U.S. dollar by 20% during fiscal 2008. The value of the cross currency swap will continue to fluctuate based on changes in the exchange rate and market interest rates until maturity in 2011, at which time it will settle at the then current exchange rate.
 
  •  We received cash proceeds of approximately $226.5 million for assets sold during fiscal 2008, including $214 million for assets which had been reclassified as held-for-sale. The total realized gain recorded on

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  assets classified as held-for-sale was $18 million for the year ended January 3, 2009. We also realized gains of $9 million during fiscal 2008 on sales of assets not classified as held-for-sale.
 
Selected Results for Fiscal Years 2008, 2007 and 2006
 
Selected results of operations for the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 were as follows:
 
                         
    Year Ended
  Year Ended
  Year Ended
    January 3,
  December 29,
  December 30,
    2009   2007   2006
    (In thousands)
 
Revenues, net
  $ 7,619,952     $ 6,820,812     $ 5,990,863  
Operating income
    274,618       149,284       135,978  
Other income (expense), net
    (14,066 )     1,848       15,176  
Interest expense
    (174,485 )     (194,851 )     (174,715 )
Income taxes
    48,015       (4,054 )     (22,609 )
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries
    6,388       1,696       177  
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
    (27,391 )     (15,719 )     (50,386 )
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income taxes
    3,315             2,814  
Net income (loss)
    122,849       (54,271 )     (86,425 )
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (1,844 )     (3,235 )     (3,202 )
Net income (loss) attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. 
    121,005       (57,506 )     (89,627 )
 
Fiscal Year 2008 vs. Fiscal Year 2007
 
Revenues.  For the year ended January 3, 2009, revenues increased 12% to $7.6 billion from $6.8 billion in the prior year. Higher sales were reported in all three of our operating segments. Fresh fruit revenues increased as a result of higher worldwide sales of bananas which contributed $392 million, or 49%, of the overall revenue increase. Banana sales benefited from stronger pricing in all markets as well as improved volumes in Asia. European ripening and distribution sales contributed $227 million, or 28%, of the overall revenue increase. The increase was attributable to higher local pricing, improved volumes and the impact of favorable euro and Swedish krona foreign currency exchange rates. Fresh vegetables sales increased $27 million as a result of higher pricing and improved volumes of packaged salads and strawberries sold in North America. Higher worldwide sales of packaged foods products, primarily for FRUIT BOWLS®, canned pineapple and frozen fruit accounted for approximately $108 million, or 13%, of the overall revenues increase. Revenues also benefited from an additional week as a result of a 53-week year in fiscal 2008 compared to 52 weeks in fiscal 2007. The impact on revenues of this additional week was approximately $113 million. Favorable foreign currency exchange movements in our selling locations positively impacted revenues by approximately $175 million. These increases were partially offset by lower volumes of lettuce sold in North America and broccoli sold in Asia.
 
Operating Income.  For the year ended January 3, 2009, operating income was $274.6 million compared with $149.3 million in 2007. The fresh fruit and fresh vegetables operating segments reported higher operating income. Fresh fruit operating results increased primarily as a result of strong pricing in our banana operations worldwide and in the European ripening and distribution business. In addition, fresh fruit operating income benefited from gains on asset sales of $25.5 million. Fresh vegetables reported higher earnings due to improved pricing and volumes in the packaged salads business as well as a reduction in workers compensation related accruals. These improvements were partially offset by lower earnings in our packaged foods segment and North American commodity vegetables business. Commodity vegetables earnings decreased mainly due to lower sales and higher growing and distribution costs caused by substantially higher fuel and fertilizer costs. Packaged foods operating income was lower due to higher product costs resulting from increased purchased fruit costs, commodity and shipping costs as well as


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unfavorable foreign currency exchange rate movements in Thailand and the Philippines. Additionally, all three operating segments continued to experience significant cost increases in many of the commodities they used in production, including fuel, agricultural chemicals, tinplate, containerboard and plastic resins. If foreign currency exchange rates in our significant foreign operations during 2008 had remained unchanged from those experienced in 2007, we estimate that our operating income would have been lower by approximately $38 million, excluding the impact of hedging. The $38 million is primarily related to favorable foreign currency exchange movements in our selling locations more than offsetting unfavorable foreign currency exchange movements in our sourcing locations. Operating income in 2008 also included realized foreign currency transaction losses of $4 million and foreign currency hedge losses of $16 million. In addition, we settled early our Canadian dollar hedge which generated a gain of $4 million.
 
Other Income (Expense), Net.  Other income (expense), net was expense of $14.1 million in 2008 compared to income of $1.8 million in 2007. The change was due to an increase in the unrealized loss generated on our cross currency swap of $39.7 million, partially offset by an increase in the foreign currency exchange gain on our vessel obligation of $22.7 million.
 
Interest Expense.  Interest expense for fiscal 2008 was $174.5 million compared to $194.9 million in fiscal 2007. The decrease was primarily related to lower borrowing rates on our debt facilities and a reduction in borrowings.
 
Income Taxes.  We recorded an income tax benefit of $48 million on $92.5 million of income from continuing operations before income taxes for the year ended January 3, 2009, reflecting a (51.9%) effective tax rate for the year. Income tax expense decreased $52 million in 2008 compared to 2007 due primarily to the settlement of the federal income tax audit for the years 1995 to 2001. The effective tax rate in 2007 was (11.2%). Our effective tax rate varies significantly from period to period due to the level, mix and seasonality of earnings generated in our various U.S. and foreign jurisdictions. For 2008, our income tax provision differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate applied to our pretax income due to the settlement of the federal income tax audit, operations in foreign jurisdictions that are taxed at a rate lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate offset by the accrual for uncertain tax positions.
 
For 2008, 2007 and 2006, we have not provided for U.S. federal income and foreign withholding taxes for nearly all of the excess of the amount for financial reporting over the tax basis of investments that are essentially permanent in duration. While we believe that such excess at January 3, 2009 will remain indefinitely invested at this time, if significant differences arise between our anticipated and actual earnings estimates and cash flow requirements, we may be required to provide U.S. federal income tax and foreign withholding taxes on a portion of such excess. Further, we currently project that we may be required to provide such taxes on a portion of our anticipated fiscal 2009 foreign earnings, which would result in an increase in our overall effective tax rate in 2009 versus the rate experienced by us in previous years.
 
See Note 7 in the notes to consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 3, 2009 included elsewhere in this prospectus for additional information about our income taxes.
 
Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries.  Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries for the year ended January 3, 2009 increased to $6.4 million from $1.7 million in 2007. The increase was primarily related to higher earnings generated by a European equity investment in which we hold a non-controlling 40% ownership interest.
 
Fiscal Year 2007 vs. Fiscal Year 2006
 
Revenues.  For the year ended December 29, 2007, revenues increased 14% to $6.8 billion from $6 billion in the prior year. Higher worldwide sales of fresh fruit and packaged foods products in North America and Europe drove the increase in revenues during 2007. Higher volumes of bananas and pineapples accounted for approximately $222 million or 27% of the overall revenues increase. Higher revenues in the our European ripening and distribution operations contributed an additional $528 million. This increase in the ripening and distribution business was due to the acquisition of the remaining 65% ownership in JP Fruit Distributors Limited, or JP Fresh, that we did not previously own in October 2006 as well as higher volumes in our Swedish, Spanish and Eastern European operations. JP Fresh increased 2007 revenues by approximately $230 million. Higher sales of packaged


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foods products, primarily for FRUIT BOWLS, fruit in plastic jars and frozen fruit accounted for approximately $85 million, or 10%, of the overall revenues increase. Favorable foreign currency exchange movements in our selling locations also positively impacted revenues by approximately $171 million. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in fresh vegetables sales due to lower volumes of commodity vegetables sold in North America and Asia.
 
Operating Income.  For the year ended December 29, 2007, operating income was $149.3 million compared with $136 million in 2006. The increase was primarily attributable to improved operating results in our banana operations worldwide which benefited from stronger pricing and higher volumes. In addition, operating income improved in the European ripening and distribution business due to the absence of restructuring costs of $12.8 million. These improvements were partially offset by lower earnings in our packaged salads business and packaged foods segment primarily due to higher product costs. Packaged salads operating results were impacted by higher manufacturing costs due in part to the opening of a new plant in North Carolina. Packaged foods operating income was lower due to higher product costs resulting from higher third party purchased fruit costs in Thailand and higher commodity costs. Unfavorable foreign currency exchange movements, principally in Thailand and in the Philippines, also increased sourcing costs. In addition, all of our reporting segments were impacted by higher product, distribution and shipping costs, due to higher commodity costs. Unfavorable foreign currency movements in our international sourcing locations more than offset favorable foreign currency exchange movements in our international selling locations. If foreign currency exchange rates in our significant foreign operations during 2007 had remained unchanged from those experienced in 2006, we estimate that our operating income would have been higher by approximately $7 million, excluding the impact of hedging. Operating income in 2007 also included realized foreign currency transaction gains of $7 million and foreign currency hedge losses of $10 million. We also settled early its Philippine peso and Colombian peso hedges, which generated gains of $11 million.
 
Other Income (Expense), Net.  Other income (expense), net decreased to income of $1.8 million in 2007 from income of $15.2 million in 2006. The decrease was due to a reduction in the gain generated on our cross currency swap of $22.7 million, partially offset by a reduction in the foreign currency exchange loss on our vessel obligation of $9.2 million.
 
Interest Expense.  Interest expense for the year ended December 29, 2007 was $194.9 million compared to $174.7 million in 2006. The increase was primarily related to higher levels of borrowings during 2007 on our term loan facilities and the asset based revolving credit facility.
 
Income Taxes.  Income tax expense for the year ended December 29, 2007 decreased to $4.1 million from $22.6 million in 2006 primarily due to a shift in the mix of earnings in foreign jurisdictions taxed at a lower rate than in the U.S. The effective tax rate in 2006 was (137.7%). For 2007 and 2006, our income tax provision differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate applied to our pretax losses due to operations in foreign jurisdictions that are taxed at a rate lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate offset by the accrual for uncertain tax positions.
 
As noted above, for 2008, 2007 and 2006, we have not provided for U.S. federal income and foreign withholding taxes for nearly all of the excess of the amount for financial reporting over the tax basis of investments that are essentially permanent in duration. While we believe that such excess at January 3, 2009 will remain indefinitely invested at this time, if significant differences arise between our anticipated and actual earnings estimates and cash flow requirements, we may be required to provide U.S. federal income tax and foreign withholding taxes on a portion of such excess. Further, we currently project that we may be required to provide such taxes on a portion of our anticipated fiscal 2009 foreign earnings, which would result in an increase in our overall effective tax rate in 2009 versus the rate experienced by us in previous years.
 
Refer to Note 7 in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 3, 2009 included elsewhere in this prospectus for additional information about our income taxes.
 
Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries.  Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries for the year ended December 29, 2007 increased to $1.7 million from $0.2 million in 2006. The increase was primarily related to higher earnings generated by a European equity investment in which we hold a non-controlling 40% ownership interest.


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Segment Results of Operations
 
We have three reportable operating segments: fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and packaged foods. These reportable segments are managed separately due to differences in their products, production processes, distribution channels and customer bases.
 
Our management evaluates and monitors segment performance primarily through earnings before interest expense and income taxes, or EBIT. EBIT is calculated by adding interest expense and income taxes to income (loss) from continuing operations. Management believes that segment EBIT provides useful information for analyzing the underlying business results as well as allowing investors a means to evaluate the financial results of each segment in relation to the Company as a whole. EBIT is not defined under GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income measures prepared in accordance with GAAP or as a measure of our profitability. Additionally, our computation of EBIT may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures computed by other companies, because not all companies calculate EBIT in the same fashion.
 
In the tables below, revenues from external customers and EBIT reflect only the results from continuing operations.
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
    (In thousands)  
 
Revenues from external customers
                       
Fresh fruit
  $ 5,401,145     $ 4,736,902     $ 3,968,963  
Fresh vegetables
    1,086,888       1,059,401       1,082,416  
Packaged foods
    1,130,791       1,023,257       938,336  
Corporate
    1,128       1,252       1,148  
                         
    $ 7,619,952     $ 6,820,812     $ 5,990,863  
                         
EBIT
                       
Fresh fruit
  $ 305,782     $ 172,175     $ 104,976  
Fresh vegetables
    1,123       (21,668 )     (7,241 )
Packaged foods
    70,944       80,093       93,449  
                         
Total operating segments
    377,849       230,600       191,184  
Corporate:
                       
Unrealized gain (loss) on cross currency swap
    (50,411 )     (10,741 )     20,664  
Operating and other expenses
    (54,043 )     (59,506 )     (53,377 )
                         
Total Corporate
    (104,454 )     (70,247 )     (32,713 )
Interest expense
    (174,485 )     (194,851 )     (174,715 )
Income taxes
    48,015       (4,054 )     (22,609 )
                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income taxes
  $ 146,925     $ (38,552 )   $ (38,853 )
                         
 
Fiscal Year 2008 vs. Fiscal Year 2007
 
Fresh Fruit.  Fresh fruit revenues in 2008 increased 14% to $5.4 billion from $4.7 billion in 2007. The increase in fresh fruit revenues was primarily driven by higher worldwide sales of bananas and higher sales in the European ripening and distribution operation. In addition, sales of Chilean deciduous fruit and fresh pineapple also increased. Banana sales increased approximately $392 million due to higher pricing worldwide and increased volumes sold in Asia. Higher demand for bananas, product shortages and higher fuel costs contributed to an increase in banana pricing and surcharges during 2008. European ripening and distribution sales were $227 million higher as result of increased volumes in Sweden, Germany, Italy and Eastern Europe, and stronger pricing and favorable euro and Swedish krona foreign currency exchange rates. This growth in the European ripening and distribution business was partially offset by lower revenues as a result of the sale of the JP Fresh and Dole France subsidiaries in


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November 2008. JP Fresh and Dole France revenues totaled $382 million and $480 million during fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively. Sales of Chilean deciduous fruit also increased due to improved pricing in the European and Latin American markets. Increased sales of fresh pineapple were primarily driven by higher volumes sold in North America. Favorable foreign currency exchange movements in our foreign selling locations, primarily the euro, Japanese yen and Swedish krona, benefited revenues by approximately $171 million.
 
Fresh fruit EBIT increased 79% to $305.8 million in 2008 from $172.2 million in 2007. EBIT increased due to significantly higher banana earnings and improved pricing in the European ripening and distribution operations. The increase in worldwide banana EBIT was driven by higher pricing, partially offset by increased product and shipping costs as a result of higher commodity costs. Banana EBIT also benefited from foreign currency translation gains on our vessel obligation of $22.7 million. Our Chilean deciduous fruit operations also reported an increase in EBIT as a result of higher sales and improved farm margins. Higher EBIT in the fresh fruit operating segment was also attributable to gains recorded on asset sales of $25.5 million. These increases were partially offset by lower fresh pineapple earnings due primarily to higher product, shipping and distribution costs worldwide. If foreign currency exchanges rates, primarily in our fresh fruit foreign selling locations, during 2008 had remained unchanged from those experienced in 2007, we estimate that fresh fruit EBIT would have been lower by approximately $50 million, excluding the impacts of hedging. Fresh fruit EBIT in 2008 included foreign currency hedge losses of $14 million, fuel hedge losses of $4 million and realized foreign currency transaction gains of $1 million.
 
Fresh Vegetables.  Fresh vegetables revenues for 2008 increased 3% to $1.09 billion from $1.06 billion. The increase in revenues was primarily due to improved pricing and higher volumes of packaged salads sold in North America. Packaged salad sales also benefited from the introduction of premium salad kits. In addition, higher volumes and pricing for strawberries and higher celery volumes were reported in the North American commodity business. These increases were partially offset by lower volumes of lettuce and mixed produce sold in North America and broccoli and asparagus sold in Asia.
 
Fresh vegetables EBIT for 2008 increased to $1.1 million compared to a loss of $21.7 million in 2007. The increase in EBIT was primarily due to improved pricing as well as lower distribution and production costs in the packaged salads business. EBIT also increased due to lower workers compensation related accruals of $9 million as a result of favorable closures of historical claims and a reduction in claims activity. In addition, earnings in the Asia commodity vegetable business improved due to stronger pricing. These increases were partially offset by lower earnings in the North American commodity vegetables business due to higher growing and distribution costs as a result of significantly higher fuel and fertilizer costs. In addition, the packaged salads business incurred higher selling and marketing costs due to increased promotional activities.
 
Packaged Foods.  Packaged foods revenues for 2008 increased 11% to $1.1 billion from $1 billion in 2007. Revenues increased primarily due to higher pricing and volumes of FRUIT BOWLS, canned pineapple, pineapple juice and tropical fruit sold worldwide. In addition, North America revenues benefited from higher sales of frozen food products as a result of improved pricing. Foreign currency exchange rate movements on revenues were not material in 2008.
 
Packaged foods EBIT in 2008 decreased to $70.9 million from $80.1 million in 2007. EBIT decreased due primarily to higher product, shipping and distribution costs. Increases in commodity costs (such as fuel, tinplate and plastics) continued to impact operating results. In addition, higher product costs were attributable to unfavorable foreign currency exchange movements in Thailand and the Philippines, where product is sourced. If foreign currency exchanges rates during 2008 had remained unchanged from those experienced in 2007, we estimate that packaged foods EBIT would have been higher by approximately $11 million. Packaged foods EBIT in 2008 included realized foreign currency transaction losses of $5 million and foreign currency hedge losses of $2 million. Packaged foods also settled early its Canadian dollar hedges, which generated gains of $4 million.
 
Corporate.  Corporate EBIT includes general and administrative costs not allocated to the operating segments. Corporate EBIT in 2008 was a loss of $104.5 million compared to a loss of $70.2 million in 2007. EBIT decreased primarily due to a net loss generated on our cross currency swap of $39.2 million. This decrease was partially offset by lower general and administrative expenses due primarily to a reduction in legal costs and lower unrealized losses on foreign denominated borrowings.


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Fiscal Year 2007 vs. Fiscal Year 2006
 
Fresh Fruit.  Fresh fruit revenues in 2007 increased 19% to $4.7 billion from $4 billion in 2006. The increase in fresh fruit revenues was primarily driven by higher worldwide sales of bananas and higher sales in the European ripening and distribution operation. Banana sales increased approximately $200 million due to improved volumes and higher pricing worldwide. European ripening and distribution sales were $528 million higher as result of increased volumes in Sweden, Spain and Eastern Europe as well as the October 2006 acquisition of the remaining 65% interest in JP Fresh, an importer and distributor of fresh produce in the United Kingdom. In addition, revenues benefited from higher sales of fresh pineapples in North America and Asia. The increase in fresh pineapple sales resulted from improved pricing worldwide and higher volumes sold in North America and Asia. Favorable foreign currency exchange movements in our foreign selling locations, primarily the euro and Swedish krona, benefited revenues by approximately $163 million.
 
Fresh fruit EBIT increased 64% to $172.2 million in 2007 from $105 million in 2006. EBIT increased due to improved banana earnings and the absence of restructuring costs recorded by Saba Trading AB, or Saba, during 2006. Higher earnings in our banana operations were attributable to higher sales worldwide, which were partially offset by higher purchased fruit costs. EBIT also benefited by $9.1 million due to the final settlement of our property insurance claim associated with Hurricane Katrina. These increases were partially offset by lower fresh pineapple earnings due mainly to higher product, shipping and distribution costs and a $3.8 million impairment charge for farm assets in the Chilean deciduous fruit operations. If foreign currency exchanges rates, primarily in our fresh fruit foreign sourcing locations, during 2007 had remained unchanged from those experienced in 2006, we estimate that fresh fruit EBIT would have been lower by approximately $16 million, excluding the impacts of hedging. Fresh fruit EBIT in 2007 included foreign currency hedge losses of $6 million, foreign currency exchange losses related to the vessel obligation of $1 million and realized foreign currency transaction gains of $7 million. In addition, fresh fruit EBIT benefited from fuel hedge gains of $5 million and $2 million related to the early settlement of Colombian peso hedges.
 
Fresh Vegetables.  Fresh vegetables revenues for 2007 decreased 2% to $1.06 billion from $1.08 billion. The decrease in revenues was primarily due to lower volumes sold in the North America and Asia commodity vegetables businesses, primarily for berries, lettuce, broccoli and asparagus, as well as lower surcharges in North America. These decreases were partially offset by improved pricing for commodity vegetables in both North America and Asia. In the packaged salads business, revenues were relatively unchanged as improved pricing was offset by lower volumes during the first half of 2007. Additional costs were incurred as a result of increased promotional activity, which were recorded as a reduction to revenues during 2007. Consumer demand in the packaged salads business experienced higher volumes in the second half of 2007 as the packaged salads category began to recover from a third quarter 2006 E. coli incident. In an effort to increase demand in the packaged salads category, we continued to offer incentives to our customers and consumers.
 
Fresh vegetables EBIT for 2007 was a loss of $21.7 million compared to a loss of $7.2 million in 2006. The decrease in EBIT was primarily due to higher manufacturing costs and general and administrative expenses in the packaged salads business due in part to the new salad plant in North Carolina. These decreases were partially offset by higher margins generated in the North America commodity vegetables business due to higher pricing for lettuce and celery.
 
Packaged Foods.  Packaged foods revenues for 2007 increased 9% to $1 billion from $938.3 million in 2006. The increase in revenues was primarily due to higher pricing and volumes of FRUIT BOWLS, fruit in plastic jars and packaged frozen food products, and higher volumes of canned juice sold in North America. Revenues also grew in Europe due to higher pricing and volumes of canned solid pineapple, higher pricing of FRUIT BOWLS and higher sales volumes of concentrate. Revenues in Asia were lower due primarily to the disposition of a small distribution company in the Philippines during the fourth quarter of 2006.
 
Packaged foods EBIT in 2007 decreased to $80.1 million from $93.4 million in 2006. EBIT was impacted by higher product costs in both North America and Europe, which were driven by unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates in Thailand and the Philippines, where product is sourced. EBIT in Asia was impacted by lower sales and higher product costs. If foreign currency exchanges rates, in packaged foods sourcing locations, during 2007 had remained unchanged from those experienced in 2006, we estimate that packaged foods EBIT would have been


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higher by approximately $23 million. Packaged foods EBIT in 2007 included realized foreign currency transaction gains of $4 million partially offset by foreign currency hedge losses of $2 million. Packaged foods also settled early its Philippine peso hedges, which generated gains of $8.8 million.
 
Corporate.  Corporate EBIT includes general and administrative costs not allocated to the operating segments. Corporate EBIT in 2007 was a loss of $70.2 million compared to a loss of $32.7 million in 2006. EBIT decreased primarily due to a reduction in the gain generated on our cross currency swap of $22.7 million. In addition, there were higher general and administrative expenses compared to the prior year due primarily to additional legal costs. Corporate EBIT in 2007 also included realized foreign currency transaction losses of $4 million.
 
Discontinued Operations
 
During the second quarter of 2008, we approved and committed to a formal plan to divest our fresh-cut flowers operations. The first phase of this transaction was completed during the first quarter of 2009. During the fourth quarter of 2007, we approved and committed to a formal plan to divest our citrus and pistachio operations, or Citrus, located in central California. Prior to the fourth quarter of 2007, the operating results of Citrus were included in the fresh fruit operating segment. The Citrus sale closed during the third quarter of 2008 and we received net cash proceeds of $44 million. As the assets of Citrus were held by non-wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, our share of the proceeds was $28.1 million. The results of operations of these businesses have been reclassified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
 
During the fourth quarter of 2006, we completed the sale of our Pacific Coast Truck Center, or Pac Truck, business for $20.7 million. The Pac Truck business consisted of a full service truck dealership that provided medium and heavy-duty trucks to customers in the Pacific Northwest region. We received $15.3 million of net cash proceeds from the sale after the assumption of $5.4 million of debt and realized a gain of approximately $2.8 million on the sale, net of income taxes of $2 million. Prior to the reclassification to discontinued operations, the operating results of Pac Truck were included in the other operating segment.
 
The operating results of fresh-cut flowers, Citrus and Pac Truck for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006 are reported in the following table:
 
                                 
    Fresh-Cut Flowers     Citrus     Pac Truck     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
2008
                               
Revenues
  $ 106,919     $ 5,567     $     $ 112,486  
                                 
Loss before income taxes
  $ (43,235 )   $ (1,408 )   $     $ (44,643 )
Income taxes
    16,936       316             17,252  
                                 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
  $ (26,299 )   $ (1,092 )   $     $ (27,391 )
                                 
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income taxes of $4.3 million
  $     $ 3,315     $     $ 3,315  
                                 
2007
                               
Revenues
  $ 110,153     $ 13,586     $     $ 123,739  
                                 
Income (loss) before income taxes
  $ (19,146 )   $ 733     $     $ (18,413 )
Income taxes
    2,994       (300 )           2,694  
                                 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
  $ (16,152 )   $ 433     $     $ (15,719 )
                                 
2006
                               
Revenues
  $ 160,074     $ 20,527     $ 47,851     $ 228,452  
                                 


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    Fresh-Cut Flowers     Citrus     Pac Truck     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
  $ (57,001 )   $ 3,767     $ 397     $ (52,837 )
Income taxes
    4,379       (1,765 )     (163 )     2,451  
                                 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
  $ (52,622 )   $ 2,002     $ 234     $ (50,386 )
                                 
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income taxes of $2 million
  $     $     $ 2,814     $ 2,814  
                                 
 
Fresh-cut flowers loss before income taxes in 2008 increased to $43.2 compared to a loss of $19.1 million in 2007. The change was due primarily to a $17 million impairment charge on long-lived assets related to the flowers transaction, of which the first phase closed during the first quarter of 2009. Product costs also increased as a result of unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates in Colombia, where the product is sourced. In addition, there were foreign currency hedge losses in 2008 of $0.3 million compared to foreign currency hedge gains of $6 million in 2007. These factors were partially offset by gains generated from the sale of the Miami headquarters building and a farm in Mexico as well as lower distribution costs due to changes in the customer base. If foreign currency exchange rates, in Colombia, during 2008 had remained unchanged from those experienced in 2007, we estimate that our fresh-cut flowers loss before taxes would have been lower by approximately $4 million, excluding the impacts of hedging.
 
Fresh-cut flowers loss before income taxes in 2007 improved to a loss of $19.1 million from a loss of $57 million in 2006. The lower loss is primarily due to the absence of restructuring-related and asset impairment charges recorded in 2006 of $29 million. Lower shipping expenses, due in part to the renegotiation of an airfreight contract, also contributed to the improvement of the loss. These improvements were partially offset by higher product costs resulting from damage to roses in Colombia caused by adverse weather conditions. If foreign currency exchange rates, in Colombia, during 2007 had remained unchanged from those experienced in 2006, we estimate that our fresh-cut flowers loss before taxes would have been lower by approximately $7 million, excluding the impacts of hedging. Fresh-cut flowers also benefited from foreign currency hedge gains of $4 million and $2 million related to the early settlement of the Colombian peso hedges.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Overview
 
As of June 20, 2009, Dole had a cash balance of $107.9 million and an ABL revolver borrowing base of $320 million. After taking into account approximately $76.4 million of outstanding letters of credit issued under the ABL revolver, Dole had approximately $243.6 million available for borrowings as of June 20, 2009. The ABL revolver is secured by and is subject to a borrowing base consisting of up to 85% of eligible accounts receivable plus a predetermined percentage of eligible inventory, as defined in the credit facility.
 
Amounts outstanding under the term loan facilities were $828.3 million at June 20, 2009. In addition, Dole had approximately $97 million of letters of credit and bank guarantees outstanding under its $100 million pre-funded letter of credit facility at June 20, 2009.
 
In addition to amounts available under the revolving credit facility, as of January 3, 2009 our subsidiaries had uncommitted lines of credit of approximately $142.9 million at various local banks, of which $85.3 million was available. These lines of credit are used primarily for short-term borrowings, foreign currency exchange settlement and the issuance of letters of credit or bank guarantees. Several of our uncommitted lines of credit expire in 2009 while others do not have a commitment expiration date. These arrangements may be cancelled at any time by us or the banks. Our ability to utilize these lines of credit may be impacted by the terms of its senior secured credit facilities and bond indentures.
 
During the second quarter of 2009, we reclassified to current liabilities its $400 million 7.25% notes due June 2010, or the 2010 Notes. During the second quarter of 2009, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up

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to $95 million of the 2010 Notes. We subsequently repurchased $17 million and $20 million of the 2010 Notes during the second and third quarters of 2009, respectively.
 
We believe that available borrowings under our revolving credit facility and subsidiaries’ uncommitted lines of credit, together with our existing cash balances, future cash flow from operations, planned asset sales and access to capital markets will enable us to meet our working capital, capital expenditure, debt maturity and other commitments and funding requirements. Management’s plan is dependent upon the occurrence of future events which will be impacted by a number of factors including the availability of refinancing, the general economic environment in which we operate, our ability to generate cash flows from our operations, and our ability to attract buyers for assets being marketed for sale. Factors impacting our cash flow from operations include such items as commodity prices, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, among other things, as more fully set forth in “Risk Factors” elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
 
For the half year ended June 20, 2009, cash flows provided by operating activities were $209.3 million compared to cash flows used in operating activities of $2.6 million for the half year ended June 14, 2008. Cash flows provided by operating activities increased $211.9 million primarily due to higher operating income and better working capital management. Cash from operating activities improved due to better collections of receivables and lower levels of crop inventory. These improvements were partially offset by lower levels of accounts payable and accrued liabilities due in part to the timing of payments.
 
Cash flows provided by operating activities were $44.6 million in 2008 compared to cash flows provided by operating activities of $46.3 million in the prior year. The change was primarily due to net income in 2008 compared with a net loss in 2007, lower levels of accounts receivable and a smaller increase in inventory balances offset by lower levels of accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The change in inventories was driven primarily by a reduction of raw material purchases in the packaged foods segment. Lower levels of accounts payable and accrued liabilities were attributable to the timing of payments to suppliers and growers and reduced inventory purchases at year-end. Cash flows provided by operations in 2007 were $46.3 million compared to cash flows provided by operating activities of $15.9 million in 2006. The increase was primarily due to a lower net loss during 2007 and higher levels of accounts payable partially offset by higher levels of accounts receivable and an increase in the investment in inventory. Higher accounts payable was attributable to the timing of payments to suppliers and growers and additional inventory-related purchases. The increase in inventory was driven mainly by a build up in finished goods inventory in the packaged foods segment in anticipation of 2008 sales and the impact of higher product costs. In addition, there were higher crop growing costs in the fresh fruit segment due to the timing of plantings.
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
 
Cash flows provided by investing activities were $28.3 million for the half year ended June 20, 2009, compared to cash flows used in investing activities of $3.5 million for the half year ended June 14, 2008. The change during 2009 was primarily due to an increase in cash proceeds received on asset sales and lower levels of capital expenditures.
 
Cash flows provided by investing activities increased to $141.1 million in 2008 from $61.4 million used in investing activities in the prior year. The increase during 2008 was primarily due to $214 million of cash proceeds received from the sale of assets held-for-sale during 2008. Capital expenditures in 2008 were also lower by $21.7 million. Cash flows used in investing activities in 2007 decreased to $61.4 million from $117 million in 2006. The decrease in cash outflow during 2007 was primarily due to $30.5 million of cash proceeds received on the sale of land parcels in central California by two limited liability companies in which the company is a majority owner, $11 million of cash proceeds received on sales of other assets and lower levels of capital expenditures of $18.2 million.


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Cash Flows from Financing Activities
 
Cash flows used in financing activities were $219.7 million for the half year ended June 20, 2009, compared to cash flows used in financing activities of $14.6 million for the half year ended June 14, 2008. As a result of improved earnings and proceeds received from asset sales during the first half of 2009, we repaid $150.5 million under the ABL revolver and repurchased $17 million of the 7.25% senior notes due June 2010, or 2010 Notes. In addition, We repaid all of the outstanding 8.625% senior notes due 2009, or 2009 Notes, and issued 13.875% senior secured notes due March 2014, or 2014 Notes, resulting in a net repayment of $20 million. We also incurred $18 million of debt issuance costs associated with our March 2009 refinancing transaction.
 
Cash flows used in financing activities increased to $185.5 million in 2008 from $16 million provided by financing activities in the prior year. The increase was primarily due to higher current year debt principal payments, net of borrowings of $172 million versus 2007 net borrowings of $26.5 million. Cash flows provided by financing activities in 2007 decreased to $16 million from $142.8 million in 2006. The decrease was primarily due to lower 2007 borrowings, net of repayments of $26.5 million versus 2006 net borrowings of $339.4 million and the absence of an equity contribution of $28.4 million made by Dole Holding Company, LLC, our immediate parent, during 2006. These items were partially offset by the absence of $163.7 million of dividends paid to DHC during 2006 as well as a net return of capital payment to DHC of $31 million.
 
Recent Transactions Affecting Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
2009 Debt Maturity and Debt Issuance.  During the second quarter of 2008, we reclassified to current liabilities our $350 million 8.625% notes due May 2009, or 2009 Notes. We also completed the early redemption of $5 million of the 2009 Notes during the third quarter of 2008.
 
On February 13, 2009, we commenced a tender offer to purchase for cash any and all of the outstanding 2009 Notes for a purchase price equal to $980 per $1,000 of 2009 Notes validly tendered, with an additional payment of $20 per $1,000 of 2009 Notes tendered early in the process. In connection with the tender offer, we sought consents to certain amendments to the indenture governing the 2009 Notes to eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants and certain events of default contained therein. On March 4, 2009, we announced that we had received the required consents necessary to amend the indenture with respect to the 2009 Notes and, accordingly, executed the supplemental indenture effecting such amendments, which became operative on March 18, 2009, when we accepted and paid for the tendered 2009 Notes. The tender offer expired on March 17, 2009.
 
On March 18, 2009, we completed the sale and issuance of $350 million aggregate principal amount of 13.875% Senior Secured Notes due March 2014, or 2014 Notes, at a discount of $25 million. The 2014 Notes were sold to qualified institutional investors pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, or Securities Act, and to persons outside the United States in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. The sale was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Interest on the 2014 Notes will be paid semiannually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning on September 15, 2009. The 2014 Notes have the benefit of a lien on certain of our U.S. assets that is junior to the liens of our senior secured credit facilities, and are senior obligations ranking equally with our existing senior debt. We used the net proceeds from this offering, together with cash on hand and/or borrowings under the revolving credit facility, to purchase all of the tendered 2009 Notes and to irrevocably deposit with the trustee of the 2009 Notes funds sufficient to repay the remaining outstanding 2009 Notes, which matured on May 1, 2009.
 
In connection with these refinancing transactions, we amended our senior secured credit facilities. Such amendments, among other things, (i) permit debt securities secured by a junior lien to be issued to refinance our senior notes due in 2009 and 2010 in an amount up to the greater of (x) $500 million and (y) the amount of debt that would not cause the senior secured leverage ratio to exceed 3.75 to 1.00; (as of March 18, 2009, the amounts in clauses (x) and (y) were approximately equal); (ii) added a new restricted payments basket of up to $50 million to be used to prepay our senior notes due in 2009 and 2010 subject to pro forma compliance with the senior secured credit facilities and $70 million of unused availability under the revolving credit facility; (iii) increased the applicable margin for (x) the term loan facilities to LIBOR plus 5.00% or the base rate plus 4.00% subject to a 50 basis point step down when the priority senior secured leverage ratio is less than or equal to 1.75 to 1.00 and (y) for the revolving credit facility, to a range of LIBOR plus 3.00% to 3.50% or the base rate plus 2.00% to 2.50%; (iv) provide


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for a LIBOR floor of 3.00% per annum for the term loan facilities; (v) added a first priority secured leverage maintenance covenant to the term loan facilities; and (vi) provide for other technical and clarifying changes. These amendments became effective concurrently with the closing of the 2014 Notes offering.
 
See Note 8 in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 3, 2009 included elsewhere in this prospectus for additional details of our outstanding debt.
 
Other Items
 
On June 22, 2009, we declared a dividend of $15 million to our parent, DHM Holdings. We paid $7.5 million on June 23, 2009 and $2.5 million on July 20, 2009, and expect to pay the remaining $5.0 million prior to August 31, 2009. As a result of this dividend, we do not at present have the ability to declare future dividends under the terms of our senior notes indentures and senior secured credit facilities.
 
During the second quarter of 2009, we reclassified to current liabilities $400 million of our 2010 Notes. During the second quarter of 2009, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $95 million of the 2010 Notes. We subsequently repurchased $17 million and $20 million of the 2010 Notes during the second and third quarters of 2009, respectively.
 
On April 30, 2009, we obtained letters of credit to support a bank guarantee issued to the European Commission in connection with their Decision that imposed a fine on us. These letters of credit were issued under the ABL revolver and the pre-funded letter of credit facility.
 
See Note 8 in the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for the second quarter of 2009 included elsewhere in this prospectus for additional details of our outstanding debt.
 
Cash Requirements
 
The following table summarizes the Company’s contractual obligations and commitments at January 3, 2009:
 
                                         
    Payments Due by Period  
    Less Than
                After
       
    1 Year     1-2 Years     3-4 Years     4 Years     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
Contractual obligations:
                                       
Fixed rate debt
  $ 345,000     $ 600,000     $ 155,000     $     $ 1,100,000  
Variable rate debt
    8,785       169,738       812,294       4,039       994,856  
Notes payable
    48,789                         48,789  
Capital lease obligations
    2,963       5,565       6,114       45,806       60,448  
Non-cancelable operating lease commitments
    143,054       195,762       110,519       115,034       564,369  
Purchase obligations
    781,559       877,660       403,283       131,404       2,193,906  
Minimum required pension funding
    19,422       53,033       56,535       104,955       233,945  
Postretirement benefit payments
    4,271       8,293       7,910       18,457       38,931  
Interest payments on fixed and variable rate debt
    107,388       134,986       62,585       22,190       327,149  
                                         
Total contractual cash obligations
  $ 1,461,231     $ 2,045,037     $ 1,614,240     $ 441,885     $ 5,562,393  
                                         
 
Long-Term Debt
 
Details of amounts included in long-term debt can be found in Note 12 in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 3, 2009 included elsewhere in this prospectus. The table assumes that long-term debt is held to maturity. The variable rate maturities include amounts payable under our senior secured credit facilities. During the half year ended June 20, 2009, we completed the sale and issuance of $350 million of 13.875% senior notes due March 2014 and repaid our 2009 Notes. We also modified our term loan facilities in


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connection with the issuance of the 13.875% senior notes. The amounts included in the table above do not reflect the impact of these transactions on our contractual obligations including interest payments.
 
Capital Lease Obligations
 
Our capital lease obligations include $58.5 million related to two vessel leases. The obligations under these leases, which continue through 2024, are denominated in British pound sterling. The lease obligations are presented in U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect on January 3, 2009 and therefore will continue to fluctuate based on changes in the exchange rate.
 
Operating Lease Commitments
 
We have obligations under cancelable and non-cancelable operating leases, primarily for land, machinery and equipment, vessels and containers and office and warehouse facilities. The leased assets are used in our operations where leasing offers advantages of operating flexibility and is less expensive than alternate types of funding. A significant portion of our operating lease payments are fixed. Lease payments are charged to operations, primarily through cost of products sold. Total rental expense, including rent related to cancelable and non-cancelable leases, was $204.2 million, $169.2 million and $153 million (net of sublease income of $17.1 million, $16.6 million and $16.4 million) for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
We modified the terms of our corporate aircraft lease agreement during 2007. The modification primarily extended the lease period from 2010 to 2018. Our corporate aircraft lease agreement includes a residual value guarantee of up to $4.8 million at the termination of the lease in 2018. We do not currently anticipate any future payments related to this residual value guarantee.
 
Purchase Obligations
 
In order to secure sufficient product to meet demand and to supplement our own production, we enter into non-cancelable agreements with independent growers, primarily in Latin America and North America, to purchase substantially all of their production subject to market demand and product quality. Prices under these agreements are generally tied to prevailing market rates and contract terms range from one to ten years. Total purchases under these agreements were $658.8 million, $564.5 million and $474.5 million for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
In order to ensure a steady supply of packing supplies and to maximize volume incentive rebates, we enter into contracts for the purchase of packing supplies; some of these contracts run through 2010. Prices under these agreements are generally tied to prevailing market rates. Purchases under these contracts for 2008, 2007 and 2006 were approximately $292.6 million, $272.7 million and $207.6 million, respectively.
 
Interest payments on fixed and variable rate debt
 
Commitments for interest expense on debt, including capital lease obligations, were determined based on anticipated annual average debt balances, after factoring in mandatory debt repayments. Interest expense on variable-rate debt has been based on the prevailing interest rates at January 3, 2009. For the secured term loan facilities, interest payments reflect the impact of both the interest rate swap and cross currency swap. No interest payments were calculated on the notes payable due to the short term nature of these instruments. The unsecured notes and debentures as well as the secured term loans and revolving credit facility mature at various times between 2009 and 2013.
 
Other Obligations and Commitments
 
We have obligations with respect to our pension and OPRB plans. During 2008, we did not make any contributions to our qualified U.S. pension plan. Under the minimum funding requirements of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, no contribution was required for fiscal 2008. We expect to contribute $8 million to our U.S. qualified plan in 2009, which is the estimated minimum funding requirement calculated under the Pension Protection Act of 2006. We also have nonqualified U.S. and international pension and OPRB plans. During 2008, we made payments of $25.4 million related to these pension and OPRB plans. We expect to make payments related


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to our other U.S. and foreign pension and OPRB plans of $15.7 million in 2009. The table includes pension and other postretirement payments through 2018. See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 3, 2009 included in this prospectus.
 
We have numerous collective bargaining agreements with various unions covering approximately 35% of our hourly full-time and seasonal employees. Of the unionized employees, 35% are covered under a collective bargaining agreement that will expire within one year and the remaining 65% are covered under collective bargaining agreements expiring beyond the upcoming year. These agreements are subject to periodic negotiation and renewal. Failure to renew any of these collective bargaining agreements may result in a strike or work stoppage; however management does not expect that the outcome of these negotiations and renewals will have a material adverse impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
 
We had approximately $143 million of total gross unrecognized tax benefits, including interest that is not included in the table above, based on Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, or FIN 48. The timing of any payments which could result from these unrecognized tax benefits will depend on a number of factors, and accordingly the amount and timing of any future payments cannot be reasonably estimated. We do not expect a significant tax payment related to these benefits within the next year. See Note 7 in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 3, 2009 included elsewhere in this prospectus for additional information regarding income taxes.
 
Guarantees, Contingencies and Debt Covenants
 
We are a guarantor of indebtedness of some of our key fruit suppliers and other entities integral to our operations. At June 20, 2009, guarantees of $1.8 million consisted primarily of amounts advanced under third-party bank agreements to independent growers that supply us with product. We have not historically experienced any significant losses associated with these guarantees.
 
We issue letters of credit and bank guarantees through our ABL revolver and its pre-funded letter of credit facilities, and, in addition, separately through major banking institutions. We also provide insurance company issued bonds. These letters of credit, bank guarantees and insurance company bonds are required by certain regulatory authorities, suppliers and other operating agreements. As of June 20, 2009, total letters of credit, bank guarantees and bonds outstanding under these arrangements were $205.7 million, of which $97 million were issued under our pre-funded letter of credit facility.
 
We also provide various guarantees, mostly to foreign banks, in the course of our normal business operations to support the borrowings, leases and other obligations of our subsidiaries. We guaranteed $213.2 million of our subsidiaries’ obligations to their suppliers and other third parties as of June 20, 2009.
 
We have change of control agreements with certain key executives, under which severance payments and benefits would become payable in the event of specified terminations of employment following a change of control (as defined) of the Company. See “Executive Compensation” for additional information concerning the change of control agreements.
 
As disclosed in Note 11 in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for the quarter and half year ended June 20, 2009 included in this prospectus, we are subject to legal actions, most notably related to our prior use of the agricultural chemical dibromochloropropane, or DBCP. Although no assurance can be given concerning the outcome of these cases, in the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel and based on past experience defending and settling DBCP claims, the pending lawsuits are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
Provisions under our senior secured credit facilities and the indentures to the senior notes and debentures require us to comply with certain covenants. These covenants include limitations on, among other things, indebtedness, investments, loans to subsidiaries, employees and third parties, the issuance of guarantees and the payment of dividends, some of which are discussed in further detail below. We could borrow approximately an additional $320 million at January 3, 2009 and remain within these covenants; this figure represents the unused


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capacity under our revolving credit facility plus the unused portion of the exception baskets pursuant to the indebtedness covenant under our senior secured credit facilities.
 
Our senior secured revolving credit facility contains a “springing covenant,” but that covenant has never been effective and would only become effective if the availability under the revolving credit facility were to fall below $35 million for any eight consecutive business days, which it has never done during the life of such facility. In the event that such availability were to fall below $35 million for such eight consecutive business day period, the “springing covenant” would require that our fixed charge coverage ratio, defined as (x) consolidated EBITDA for the four consecutive fiscal quarters then ending divided by (y) consolidated fixed charges for such four fiscal quarter period, equal or exceed 1.00:1.00. We expect such fixed charge coverage ratio to continue to be in excess of 1.00:1.00. At June 20, 2009, we were in compliance with all applicable covenants contained in the indentures and senior secured credit facilities.
 
Effective concurrently with the closing of our 2014 Notes offering, we amended our senior secured credit facilities to, among other things, permit us to issue a certain amount of junior lien notes. The amendment to the term loan facilities impose a first priority secured leverage maintenance covenant on us, which we expect to continue to be able to satisfy. This requires us to keep our first priority senior secured leverage ratio at or below: 3.25 to 1.00 as of the last day of the fiscal quarters ending March 28, 2009 through October 10, 2009; 3.00 to 1.00 as of the last day of the fiscal quarters ending January 2, 2010 through March 26, 2011; 2.75 to 1.00 as of the last day of the fiscal quarters ending June 18, 2011 through March 24, 2012; and 2.50 to 1.00 as of the last day of the fiscal quarters ending June 16, 2012 through March 23, 2013. The first priority senior secured leverage ratio, for each such date, is the ratio of our Consolidated First Priority Secured Debt to our Consolidated EBITDA (as such terms are defined in the amended senior secured term credit facility) for the four consecutive fiscal quarter period most recently ended on or prior to such date. At June 20, 2009, the first priority senior secured leverage ratio was less than 2.25 to 1.00.
 
Pursuant to the indenture governing our 2014 Notes, we cannot incur indebtedness, other than “Permitted Indebtedness” (as defined in the indenture), unless, before and after giving effect to the proposed indebtedness, our consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio exceeds 2.0:1.0. As of June 20, 2009, that ratio was approximately 2.45 to 1.00. Pursuant to our senior secured credit facilities, we cannot incur indebtedness, other than “Permitted Indebtedness” (as defined in the credit facilities), unless, before and after giving effect to the proposed indebtedness, the total leverage ratio at such time does not exceed 5.50:1.00 (as of June 20, 2009, it was approximately 4.5:1.0, excluding the effect of our discontinued, and now sold, fresh-cut flowers business); (ii) the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio at such time does not exceed 3.00:1.00 (as of June 20, 2009, it was less than 3.00:1.00).
 
Pursuant to the indenture governing our 2014 Notes, we also cannot pay a dividend (other than a stock dividend payable in qualified capital stock) if there is a continuing default or event of default, if our consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio would be less than or equal to 2.0:1.0 (as of June 20, 2009, that ratio exceeded 2.45:1.00), or if the sum of all dividends paid after March 18, 2009 would exceed the sum of: $15 million; plus (after our 2010 Notes are no longer outstanding, and only if our consolidated leverage ratio would be less than or equal to 4.00:1.00 (at June 20, 2009, that ratio was approximately 4.50:1.0)) 50% of our cumulative consolidated net income (or, if negative, 100% of such loss) beginning March 29, 2009; plus 100% of the value of any contribution to capital received or proceeds from the issuance of qualified capital stock (or, from the sale of warrants, options, or other rights to acquire the same); plus 100% of the net cash proceeds of any equity contribution received from a holder of our capital stock; plus the aggregate amount returned in cash on or with respect to investments (other than “Permitted Investments,” as defined in the indenture) made after March 18, 2009; plus the value we receive from the disposition of all or any portion of such investments; plus the fair market value of any unrestricted subsidiary that is redesignated as a restricted subsidiary. We currently expect that as a result of these provisions the amount of dividends that we will be able to pay from March 18, 2009 through the end of 2009 will be limited to no more than $15 million. As of August 4, 2009, we had paid aggregate dividends of $10 million since March 18, 2009.
 
With respect to limitations on asset sales, we are permitted by our senior secured credit facilities and our note and debenture indentures to sell up to $150 million of any of our assets in any fiscal year, and we are permitted to sell an unlimited amount of additional assets that are not material to the operations of Dole Food Company, Inc. and its subsidiaries, so long as we comply, on a pro forma basis, with the first priority senior secured leverage ratio test set forth in the preceding paragraph, as of the last day of the most recently completed four fiscal quarter test period for


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which financial statements are available. In general, 75% of any asset sale proceeds must be in the form of cash, cash equivalents or replacement assets, and the proceeds must be reinvested in the business within 12 months (pending which they may be used to repay revolving debt), in the case of asset sales of up to $100 million per year, or used to permanently pay down term debt or revolving debt under our senior secured credit facilities.
 
A breach of a covenant or other provision in a debt instrument governing our current or future indebtedness could result in a default under that instrument and, due to cross-default and cross-acceleration provisions, could result in a default under our other debt instruments. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the senior secured credit facilities or other debt instrument, the lenders or holders of such other debt instruments could elect to declare all amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit. If we were unable to repay those amounts, the lenders could proceed against the collateral granted to them, if any, to secure the indebtedness. If the lenders under our current indebtedness were to accelerate the payment of the indebtedness, we cannot give assurance that our assets or cash flow would be sufficient to repay in full our outstanding indebtedness, in which event we likely would seek reorganization or protection under bankruptcy or other, similar laws.
 
Our 7.25% senior notes are due on June 15, 2010, or 2010 Notes. At present, $363 million in principal amount of these senior notes are outstanding. If we are not able to pay off or refinance the 2010 Notes, and some or all of the 2010 Notes remain outstanding after their maturity date, an event of default would occur under the indenture governing the 2010 Notes. If such an event of default were to occur, it would constitute an event of default under the cross-default provisions of our other senior notes and debentures indentures and of our senior secured credit facilities, in which event the indenture trustee or holders of at least 25% of the senior notes or debentures of any series, or lenders representing more than 50% of our senior secured term credit facility or more than 50% of our senior secured revolving debt facility could give notice of acceleration with respect to such series or facility, as appropriate, in which event we likely would seek reorganization or protection under bankruptcy or other, similar laws.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts. These estimates and assumptions are evaluated on an ongoing basis and are based on historical experience and on other factors that management believes are reasonable. Estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, the areas of customer and grower receivables, inventories, impairment of assets, useful lives of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, marketing programs, income taxes, self-insurance reserves, retirement benefits, financial instruments and commitments and contingencies.
 
We believe that the following represent the areas where more critical estimates and assumptions are used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note 2 in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 3, 2009 included elsewhere in this prospectus for a summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies.
 
Application of Purchase Accounting
 
Our acquisitions require the application of purchase accounting in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141(R), Business Combinations. This results in tangible and identifiable intangible assets and liabilities of the acquired entity being recorded at fair value. The difference between the purchase price and the fair value of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.
 
In determining the fair values of assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination, we use a variety of valuation methods including present value, depreciated replacement cost, market values (where available) and selling prices less costs to dispose. Valuations are performed by either independent valuation specialists or by our management, where appropriate.
 
Assumptions must often be made in determining fair values, particularly where observable market values do not exist. Assumptions may include discount rates, growth rates, cost of capital, royalty rates, tax rates and


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remaining useful lives. These assumptions can have a significant impact on the value of identifiable assets and accordingly can impact the value of goodwill recorded. Different assumptions could result in materially different values being attributed to assets and liabilities. Since these values impact the amount of annual depreciation and amortization expense, different assumptions could also significantly impact our statement of operations and could impact the results of future impairment reviews.
 
Grower Advances
 
We make advances to third-party growers primarily in Latin America and Asia for various farming needs. Some of these advances are secured with property or other collateral owned by the growers. We monitor these receivables on a regular basis and record an allowance for these grower receivables based on estimates of the growers’ ability to repay advances and the fair value of the collateral. These estimates require significant judgment because of the inherent risks and uncertainties underlying the growers’ ability to repay these advances. These factors include weather-related phenomena, government-mandated fruit prices, market responses to industry volume pressures, grower competition, fluctuations in local interest rates, economic crises, security risks in developing countries, political instability, outbreak of plant disease, inconsistent or poor farming practices of growers, and foreign currency fluctuations. The aggregate amounts of grower advances made during fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 were approximately $170.7 million, $172.4 million and $156.5 million, respectively. Net grower advances receivable were $49.5 million and $51.8 million at January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, respectively.
 
Long-Lived Assets
 
Our long-lived assets consist of property, plant and equipment and amortized intangibles and goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets.
 
Property, Plant and Equipment and Amortized Intangibles:  We depreciate property, plant and equipment and amortize intangibles principally by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of these assets. Estimates of useful lives are based on the nature of the underlying assets as well as our experience with similar assets and intended use. Estimates of useful lives can differ from actual useful lives due to the inherent uncertainty in making these estimates. This is particularly true for our significant long-lived assets such as land improvements, buildings, farming machinery and equipment, vessels and containers and customer relationships. Factors such as the conditions in which the assets are used, availability of capital to replace assets, frequency of maintenance, changes in farming techniques and changes to customer relationships can influence the useful lives of these assets. See Notes 10 and 11 of the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for a summary of useful lives by major asset category and for further details on our intangible assets, respectively. We incurred depreciation expense from continuing operations of approximately $133.4 million, $146.9 million and $139 million in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and amortization expense of approximately $4.3 million, $4.5 million and $4.5 million in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006.
 
We review property, plant and equipment and amortizable intangibles to be held and used for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If an evaluation of recoverability is required, the estimated total undiscounted future cash flows directly associated with the asset is compared to the asset’s carrying amount. If this comparison indicates that there is an impairment, the amount of the impairment is calculated by comparing the carrying value to the discounted expected future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition or comparable market values, depending on the nature of the asset. Changes in commodity pricing, weather-related phenomena and other market conditions are events that have historically caused us to assess the carrying amount of its long-lived assets.
 
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets:  Our indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of the DOLE® brand trade name, with a carrying value of $689.6 million. In determining whether intangible assets have indefinite lives, we consider the expected use of the asset, legal or contractual provisions that may limit the life of the asset, length of time the intangible has been in existence, as well as competitive, industry and economic factors. The determination as to whether an intangible asset is indefinite-lived or amortizable could have a


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significant impact on our statement of operations in the form of amortization expense and potential future impairment charges.
 
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually and whenever events or circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred. Indefinite-lived intangibles are tested for impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset to the carrying value.
 
Goodwill is tested for impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its net book value including goodwill. Fair values of reporting units are determined based on discounted cash flows, market multiples or appraised values, as appropriate, which requires making estimates and assumptions including pricing and volumes, industry growth rates, future business plans, profitability, tax rates and discount rates. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, then goodwill of that reporting unit is not considered to be impaired. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then the implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination is determined. An impairment loss is recognized if the implied fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying amount. Changes to assumptions and estimates can significantly impact the fair values determined for reporting units and the implied value of goodwill, and consequently can impact whether or not an impairment charge is recognized, and if recognized, the size thereof. Management believes that the assumptions used in our annual impairment review are appropriate.
 
Income Taxes
 
Deferred income taxes are recognized for the income tax effect of temporary differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the income tax bases of assets and liabilities. Our provision for income taxes is based on domestic and international statutory income tax rates in the jurisdictions in which we operate. We regularly review our deferred income tax assets to determine whether future taxable income will be sufficient to realize the benefits of these assets. A valuation allowance is provided for deferred income tax assets for which it is deemed more likely than not that future taxable income will not be sufficient to realize the related income tax benefits from these assets. In making such determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. In the event it is determined that we will not be able to realize our net deferred tax assets in the future, we will reduce such amounts through a charge to income in the period such determination is made. Conversely, if it is determined that we will be able to realize deferred tax assets in excess of the carrying amounts, we will decrease the recorded valuation allowance through a credit to income in the period that such determination is made.
 
At January 3, 2009, our estimates of future taxable income to recover its existing U.S. federal deferred tax assets totaling approximately $114 million are principally related to the realization of income on appreciated non-core assets, including income to be generated from the reversal of the related existing taxable temporary differences upon the sale of such assets. Although we currently believe we will be able to sell such assets in amounts sufficient to realize our U.S. federal deferred tax assets, the ultimate sale prices for such assets are dependent on future market conditions and may vary from those currently expected by us. If we are unable to sell such assets at the amounts currently anticipated, additional valuation allowances would be necessary which would result in the recognition of additional income tax expense in our consolidated statements of operations.
 
Significant judgment is required in determining income tax provisions under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, and in evaluating tax positions. We establish additional provisions for income taxes when, despite the belief that tax positions are fully supportable, there remain certain positions that do not meet the minimum probability threshold, as defined by FIN 48, which is a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority. In the normal course of business, we and our subsidiaries are examined by various federal, state and foreign tax authorities. We regularly assess the potential outcomes of these examinations and any future examinations for the current or prior years in determining the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. We continually assesses the likelihood and amount of potential adjustments and adjusts the income tax provision, the current tax liability and deferred taxes in the period in which the facts that give rise to a revision become known.


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Refer to Note 7 of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 3, 2009 included in this prospectus for additional information about the Company’s income taxes.
 
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
 
We have qualified and nonqualified defined benefit pension plans covering some of our full-time employees. Benefits under these plans are generally based on each employee’s eligible compensation and years of service, except for hourly plans, which are based on negotiated benefits. In addition to pension plans, we have other postretirement benefit, or OPRB, plans that provide health care and life insurance benefits for eligible retired employees. Covered employees may become eligible for such benefits if they fulfill established requirements upon reaching retirement age. Pension and OPRB costs and obligations are calculated based on actuarial assumptions including discount rates, health care cost trend rates, compensation increases, expected return on plan assets, mortality rates and other factors.
 
Pension obligations and expenses are most sensitive to the expected return on pension plan assets and discount rate assumptions. OPRB obligations and expenses are most sensitive to discount rate assumptions and health care cost trend rates. We determine the expected return on pension plan assets based on an expectation of average annual returns over an extended period of years for the asset classes in which the plan’s assets are invested. In the absence of a change in our asset allocation or investment philosophy, this estimate is not expected to vary significantly from year to year. Our 2008 and 2007 pension expense was determined using an expected rate of return on U.S. plan assets of 8%. At January 3, 2009, our U.S. pension plan investment portfolio was invested approximately 45% in equity securities, 53% in fixed income securities and 2% in private equity and venture capital funds. A 25 basis point change in the expected rate of return on pension plan assets would impact annual pension expense by $0.5 million.
 
Our U.S. pension plan’s discount rate of 6.75% in 2008 and 6.25% in 2007 was determined based on a hypothetical portfolio of high-quality, non-callable, zero-coupon bond indices with maturities that approximate the duration of the liabilities in the Company’s pension plans. A 25 basis point decrease in the assumed discount rate would increase the projected benefit obligation by $5.8 million and increase the annual expense by $0.2 million.
 
Our foreign pension plans’ weighted average discount rate was 8.3% and 7.52% for 2008 and 2007, respectively. A 25 basis point decrease in the assumed discount rate of the foreign plans would increase the projected benefit obligation by approximately $3.5 million and increase the annual expense by approximately $0.5 million.
 
While management believes that the assumptions used are appropriate, actual results may differ materially from these assumptions. These differences may impact the amount of pension and OPRB and future expense. Refer to Note 13 of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 3, 2009 included in this prospectus for additional details of our pension and OPRB plans.
 
Litigation
 
We are involved from time to time in claims and legal actions incidental to our operations, both as plaintiff and defendant. We have established what management currently believes to be adequate reserves for pending legal matters. These reserves are established as part of an ongoing worldwide assessment of claims and legal actions that takes into consideration such items as changes in the pending case load (including resolved and new matters), opinions of legal counsel, individual developments in court proceedings, changes in the law, changes in business focus, changes in the litigation environment, changes in opponent strategy and tactics, new developments as a result of ongoing discovery, and past experience in defending and settling similar claims. Changes in accruals are part of the ordinary, recurring course of business, in which management, after consultation with legal counsel, is required to make estimates of various amounts for business planning purposes, as well as for accounting and SEC reporting purposes. These changes are reflected in the reported earnings each quarter. The litigation accruals at any time reflect updated assessments of the then existing pool of claims and legal actions. Actual litigation settlements could differ materially from these accruals.


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Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
 
See Note 2 in the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for the second quarter of 2009 included elsewhere in this prospectus for information regarding our adoption of new accounting pronouncements and recently issued accounting pronouncements as of June 20, 2009.
 
See Note 2 in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 3, 2009 included elsewhere in this prospectus for information regarding our adoption of new accounting pronouncements and recently issued accounting pronouncements as of January 3, 2009.
 
Other Matters
 
European Union Banana Import Regime
 
On January 1, 2006, the European Union, or EU, implemented a “tariff only” import regime for bananas. The 2001 Understanding on Bananas between the European Communities and the United States required the EU to implement a tariff only banana import system by this date.
 
Banana imports from Latin America are currently subject to a tariff of 176 euro per metric ton for entry into the EU market. Under the EU’s previous banana regime, banana imports from Latin America were subject to a tariff of 75 euro per metric ton and were also subject to import license requirements and volume quotas. License requirements and volume quotas had the effect of limiting access to the EU banana market.
 
Although all Latin bananas are subject to a tariff of 176 euro per metric ton under the “tariff only” regime, the EU had allowed up to 775,000 metric tons of bananas from African, Caribbean, and Pacific, or ACP, countries to be imported annually into the EU duty-free. This preferential treatment of a zero tariff on up to 775,000 metric tons of ACP banana imports, as well as the 176 euro per metric ton tariff applied to Latin banana imports, was challenged by Panama, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Colombia in consultation proceedings at the World Trade Organization, or WTO. In addition, both Ecuador and the United States formally requested the WTO Dispute Settlement Body, or DSB, to appoint panels to review the matter.
 
The DSB issued final and definitive written rulings in favor of Ecuador and the United States on November 27, 2008, concluding that the 176 euro per metric ton tariff is inconsistent with WTO trade rules. The DSB also considered that the prior duty-free tariff reserved for ACP countries was inconsistent with WTO trade rules but also recognized that, with the current entry into force of Economic Partnership Agreements between the EU and ACP countries, ACP bananas now may have duty-free, quota-free access to the EU market.
 
We expect that the current tariff applied to Latin banana imports will be lowered in order that the EU may comply with these DSB rulings and with the WTO trade rules. The DSB rulings did not indicate the amount the EU banana tariff should be lowered, and we encourage a timely resolution through negotiations among the EU, the U.S., and the Latin banana producing countries. Press reports indicate that the EU desires to reach resolution on the tariff by the end of August 2009; however the Latin banana producing countries and the EU have not yet agreed on the amount or specific timetable for any proposed resolution. Without such specifics, we cannot yet determine what potential effects this outcome will have for us. Notwithstanding, we strongly support the continued efforts to resolve this dispute and believe that the EU banana tariff, once lowered, will be a favorable result for us.
 
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
 
We use derivative instruments to hedge against fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rate movements and bunker fuel prices. We do not utilize derivatives for trading or other speculative purposes.
 
Through the first quarter of 2007, all of our derivative instruments, with the exception of the cross currency swap, were designated as effective hedges of cash flows as defined by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended, or FAS 133. However, during the second quarter of 2007, we elected to discontinue our designation of both our foreign currency and bunker fuel hedges as cash flow hedges under FAS 133. The interest rate swap continues to be accounted for as a cash flow hedge under FAS 133. As a result, all changes in the fair value of our derivative financial instruments from the time of discontinuation of hedge accounting are reflected in our consolidated statements of operations.


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Unrealized gains (losses) on our foreign currency and bunker fuel hedges and the cross currency swap by reporting segment were as follows:
 
                                                                 
    Quarter Ended  
    June 20, 2009     June 14, 2008  
    Foreign
    Bunker
    Cross
          Foreign
    Bunker
    Cross
       
    Currency
    Fuel
    Currency
          Currency
    Fuel
    Currency
       
    Hedges     Hedges     Swap     Total     Hedges     Hedges     Swap     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
Fresh fruit
  $ (2,357 )   $ 3,101     $     $ 744     $ 14,192     $ 3,613     $     $ 17,805  
Packaged foods
    346                   346       (7,224 )                 (7,224 )
Corporate
                (24,419 )     (24,419 )                 19,001       19,001  
                                                                 
    $ (2,011 )   $ 3,101     $ (24,419 )   $ (23,329 )   $ 6,968     $ 3,613     $ 19,001     $ 29,582  
                                                                 
 
                                                                 
    Half Year Ended  
    June 20, 2009     June 14, 2008  
    Foreign
    Bunker
    Cross
          Foreign
    Bunker
    Cross
       
    Currency
    Fuel
    Currency
          Currency
    Fuel
    Currency
       
    Hedges     Hedges     Swap     Total     Hedges     Hedges     Swap     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
Fresh fruit
  $ 6,993     $ 6,342     $     $ 13,335     $ 4,237     $ 4,051     $     $ 8,288  
Packaged foods
    498                   498       (1,062 )                 (1,062 )
Corporate
                (6,703 )     (6,703 )                 (13,353 )     (13,353 )
                                                                 
    $ 7,491     $ 6,342     $ (6,703 )   $ 7,130     $ 3,175     $ 4,051     $ (13,353 )   $ (6,127 )
                                                                 
 
Annual Information
 
                                 
    Year Ended January 3, 2009  
    Foreign
    Bunker
    Cross
       
    Currency
    Fuel
    Currency
       
    Hedges     Hedges     Swap     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
Fresh fruit
  $ 4,074     $ (4,325 )   $     $ (251 )
Packaged foods
    1,928                   1,928  
Corporate
                (50,411 )     (50,411 )
                                 
    $ 6,002     $ (4,325 )   $ (50,411 )   $ (48,734 )
                                 
 
                                 
    Year Ended December 29, 2007  
    Foreign
    Bunker
    Cross
       
    Currency
    Fuel
    Currency
       
    Hedges     Hedges     Swap     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
Fresh fruit
  $ (9,253 )   $ 749     $     $ (8,504 )
Packaged foods
    (2,812 )                 (2,812 )
Corporate
                (10,741 )     (10,741 )
                                 
    $ (12,065 )   $ 749     $ (10,741 )   $ (22,057 )
                                 
 


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    Year Ended December 30, 2006  
    Foreign
    Bunker
    Cross
       
    Currency
    Fuel
    Currency
       
    Hedges     Hedges     Swap     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
Fresh fruit
  $     $ (1,088 )   $     $ (1,088 )
Packaged foods
                       
Corporate
                20,664       20,664  
                                 
    $     $ (1,088 )   $ 20,664     $ 19,576  
                                 
 
For information regarding our derivative instruments and hedging activities, refer to Note 13 in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for the quarter and half year ended June 20, 2009 included in this prospectus.
 
For information regarding our derivative instruments and hedging activities, refer to Note 17 in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 3, 2009 included in this prospectus.
 
Supplemental Financial Information
 
The following financial information has been presented, as management believes that it is useful information to some readers of our consolidated financial statements:
 
                         
    June 20,
  January 3,
  December 29,
    2009   2009   2007
    (In thousands)
 
Balance Sheet Data:
                       
Total working capital (current assets less current liabilities)
  $ 491,731     $ 531,047     $ 693,782  
Total assets
  $ 4,223,840     $ 4,364,619     $ 4,642,884  
Total debt
  $ 2,011,061     $ 2,204,093     $ 2,411,397  
Total shareholders’ equity
  $ 555,455     $ 433,159     $ 354,886  
 
                 
    Half Year Ended  
    June 20,
    June 14,
 
Other Financial Data:
  2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations 
  $ 123,144     $ 151,638  
Interest expense
    87,788       84,742  
Income taxes
    17,011       (60,200 )
                 
EBIT
    227,943       176,180  
                 
Depreciation and amortization from continuing operations
    54,822       64,441  
Net unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments
    (7,130 )     6,127  
Foreign currency exchange (gain) loss on vessel obligations
    6,983       (2,075 )
Gain on asset sales
    (16,793 )     (11,643 )
                 
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 265,825     $ 233,030  
                 
Adjusted EBITDA margin
    8.0 %     6.3 %
Capital expenditures from continuing operations
  $ 17,581     $ 23,847  
 

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    Fiscal Year Ended  
    January 3,
    December 29,
    December 30,
 
    2009     2007     2006  
    (In thousands)  
 
Other Financial Data:
                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations 
  $ 146,925     $ (38,552 )   $ (38,853 )
Interest expense
    174,485       194,851       174,715  
Income taxes
    (48,015 )     4,054       22,609  
                         
EBIT
    273,395       160,353       158,471  
                         
Depreciation and amortization from continuing operations
    137,660       151,380       143,530  
Net unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments
    48,734       22,057       (19,576 )
Foreign currency exchange (gain) loss on vessel obligations
    (21,300 )     1,414       10,591  
Gain on asset sales
    (26,976 )            
                         
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 411,513     $ 335,204     $ 293,016  
                         
Adjusted EBITDA margin
    5.4 %     4.9 %     4.9 %
Capital expenditures from continuing operations
  $ 73,899     $ 104,015     $ 114,979  
 
EBIT is calculated by adding back interest expense and income taxes to income (loss) from continuing operations. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by adding depreciation and amortization from continuing operations to EBIT, by adding the net unrealized loss or subtracting the net unrealized gains on certain derivative instruments to EBIT (foreign currency and bunker fuel hedges and the cross currency swap), by adding the foreign currency loss or subtracting the foreign currency gain on the vessel obligations to EBIT, and by subtracting the gain on asset sales from EBIT. During the first quarter of 2007, all of the Company’s foreign currency and bunker fuel hedges were designated as effective hedges of cash flows as defined by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, and these designations were changed during the second quarter of 2007. Beginning in the second quarter of 2007, all unrealized gains and losses related to these instruments have been recorded in the consolidated statement of operations. During 2008, Dole initiated an asset sale program in order reduce the leverage of the Company with proceeds generated from the sale of non-core assets during the 2008 fiscal year and the six months ended June 20, 2009. Gains on asset sales for periods prior to the fiscal year ended January 3, 2009 were not material.
 
EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA are not calculated or presented in accordance with GAAP and EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA are not a substitute for net income attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc., net income, income from continuing operations, cash flows from operating activities or any other measure prescribed by GAAP. Further, EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA as used herein are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. However, we have included EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA herein because management believes that EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA are useful performance measures for us. In addition, EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA are presented because our management believes that these measures are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and others in the evaluation of our Company. Management internally uses EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA for decision making and to evaluate our performance. Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as the ratio of Adjusted EBITDA to net revenues. We present Adjusted EBITDA margin because management believes that it is a useful performance measure for us. Refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in this prospectus for further information regarding the use of non-GAAP measures.
 
Financial Market Risks
 
As a result of our global operating and financing activities, we are exposed to market risks including fluctuations in interest rates, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and changes in commodity pricing. We use derivative instruments to hedge against fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rate movements and bunker fuel prices. We do not utilize derivatives for trading or other speculative purposes.

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Interest Rate Risk
 
As a result of our normal borrowing and leasing activities, our operating results are exposed to fluctuations in interest rates. We have short-term and long-term debt with both fixed and variable interest rates. Short-term debt primarily comprises the current portion of long-term debt maturing within twelve months from the balance sheet date. Short-term debt also includes unsecured notes payable to banks and bank lines of credit used to finance working capital requirements. Long-term debt represents publicly held unsecured notes and debentures, as well as amounts outstanding under our senior secured credit facilities.
 
As of January 3, 2009, we had $1.1 billion of fixed-rate debt and $1.8 million of fixed-rate capital lease obligations and other debt with a combined weighted-average interest rate of 8.2% and a fair value of $820.3 million. We currently estimate that a 100 basis point increase in prevailing market interest rates would decrease the fair value of its fixed-rate debt by approximately $12.3 million.
 
As of January 3, 2009, we had the following variable-rate arrangements: $986 million of variable-rate debt with a weighted-average interest rate of 3.3% and $58.6 million of variable-rate capital lease obligations with a weighted-average interest rate of 6.6%. Interest expense under the majority of these arrangements is based on the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR. We currently estimate that a 100 basis point increase in LIBOR would lower pretax income by $10.5 million.
 
As part of our strategy to manage the level of exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement that effectively converted $320 million of variable-rate term loan debt to a fixed-rate basis. The interest rate swap fixed the interest rate at 7.2%. The paying and receiving rates under the interest rate swap were 5.49% and 4.82% as of January 3, 2009. The fair value of the interest rate swap at January 3, 2009 was a liability of $26.5 million.
 
We also executed a cross currency swap to synthetically convert $320 million of term loan debt into Japanese yen denominated debt in order to effectively lower the U.S. dollar fixed interest rate of 7.2% to a Japanese yen interest rate of 3.6%. The fair value of the cross currency swap was a liability of $40.5 million at January 3, 2009.
 
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
 
We have production, processing, distribution and marketing operations worldwide in more than 90 countries. Our international sales are usually transacted in U.S. dollars and major European and Asian currencies. Some of our costs are incurred in currencies different from those received from the sale of products. Results of operations may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates in both sourcing and selling locations.
 
We have significant sales denominated in Japanese yen as well as European sales denominated primarily in euro and Swedish krona. Product and shipping costs associated with a significant portion of these sales are U.S. dollar-denominated. In 2008, we had approximately $680 million of annual sales denominated in Japanese yen, $1.8 billion of annual sales denominated in euro, and $525 million of annual sales denominated in Swedish krona. If U.S. dollar exchange rates versus the Japanese yen, euro and Swedish krona during 2008 had remained unchanged from 2007, our revenues and operating income would have been lower by approximately $216 million and $70 million, respectively, excluding the impact of hedges. In addition, we currently estimate that a 10% strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Japanese yen, euro and Swedish krona would lower operating income by approximately $76 million, excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange hedges.
 
We source the majority of our products in foreign locations and accordingly are exposed to changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and currencies in these sourcing locations. Our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations in these sourcing locations is partially mitigated by entering into U.S. dollar denominated contracts for third-party purchased product and most other major supply agreements, including shipping contracts. However, we are still exposed to those costs that are denominated in local currencies. The most significant production currencies to which we have exchange rate risk are the Thai baht, Philippine peso, Chilean peso and South African rand. If U.S. dollar exchange rates versus these currencies during 2008 had remained unchanged from 2007, our operating income would have been higher by approximately $20 million. In addition, we currently estimate that a 10% weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to these currencies would lower operating income by approximately $50 million, excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange hedges.


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At January 3, 2009, we had British pound sterling denominated capital lease obligations. The British pound sterling denominated capital lease of $58.5 million is owed by foreign subsidiaries whose functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Fluctuations in the British pound sterling to U.S. dollar exchange rate resulted in gains that were recognized through results of operations. In 2008, we recognized $21.3 million in foreign currency exchange gains related to the British pound sterling denominated capital lease. We currently estimate that the weakening of the value of the U.S. dollar against the British pound sterling by 10% as it relates to the capital lease obligation would lower operating income by approximately $6 million.
 
Some of our divisions operate in functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The net assets of these divisions are exposed to foreign currency translation gains and losses, which are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareholders’ equity. Such translation resulted in unrealized losses of $15.1 million in 2008. We have historically not attempted to hedge this equity risk.
 
The ultimate impact of future changes to these and other foreign currency exchange rates on 2009 revenues, operating income, net income, equity and comprehensive income is not determinable at this time.
 
As part of our risk management strategy, we use derivative instruments to hedge certain foreign currency exchange rate exposures. Our objective is to offset gains and losses resulting from these exposures with losses and gains on the derivative contracts used to hedge them, thereby reducing volatility of earnings. We use foreign currency exchange forward contracts and participating forward contracts to reduce our risk related to anticipated dollar equivalent foreign currency cash flows, specifically forecasted revenue transactions and forecasted operating expenses. Participating forwards are the combination of a put and call option, structured such that there is no premium payment, there is a guaranteed strike price, and we can benefit from positive foreign currency exchange movements on a portion of the notional amount.
 
At January 3, 2009, our foreign currency hedge portfolio was as follows:
 
                                         
    Gross Notional Value              
    Participating
                Fair Market Value
    Average Strike
 
    Forwards     Forwards     Total     Assets (Liabilities)     Price  
    (In thousands)              
 
Foreign Currency Hedges(Buy/Sell):
                                       
U.S. Dollar/Japanese Yen
  $ 147,474     $     $ 147,474     $ (9,800 )   JPY 104  
U.S. Dollar/Euro
    100,207             100,207       5,206     EUR 1.43  
Euro/Swedish Krona
          4,709       4,709       (153 )   SEK 11.09  
Chilean Peso/U.S. Dollar
          22,495       22,495       419     CLP 668  
Colombian Peso/U.S. Dollar
          52,262       52,262       (441 )   COP 2,294  
Philippine Peso/U.S. Dollar
          39,053       39,053       (846 )   PHP 47.5  
                                         
Total
  $ 247,681     $ 118,519     $ 366,200     $ (5,615 )        
                                         
 
For the year ended January 3, 2009, net unrealized gains on our foreign currency hedge portfolio totaled $6.5 million.
 
We also recorded net realized foreign currency hedging losses of $15.3 million as a component of cost of products sold in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended January 3, 2009. In addition, during 2008, we settled early our Canadian dollar hedges which were expected to settle during 2009, realizing gains of $4.1 million. This gain was also included as a component of cost of products sold in our consolidated statement of operations.
 
Commodity Sales Price Risk
 
Commodity pricing exposures include the potential impacts of weather phenomena and their effect on industry volumes, prices, product quality and costs. We manage our exposure to commodity price risk primarily through our regular operating activities, however, significant commodity price fluctuations, particularly for bananas, pineapples and commodity vegetables could have a material impact on our results of operations.


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Commodity Purchase Price Risk
 
We use a number of commodities in its operations including tinplate in its canned products, plastic resins in our fruit bowls, containerboard in its packaging containers and bunker fuel for its vessels. We are most exposed to market fluctuations in prices of containerboard and fuel. We currently estimate that a 10% increase in the price of containerboard would lower operating income by approximately $17 million and a 10% increase in the price of bunker fuel would lower operating income by approximately $20 million.
 
We enter into bunker fuel hedges to reduce our risk related to price fluctuations on anticipated bunker fuel purchases. At January 3, 2009, bunker fuel hedges had an aggregate outstanding notional amount of 15,018 metric tons. The fair value of the bunker fuel hedges at January 3, 2009 was a liability of $3.6 million. For the year ended January 3, 2009, we recorded unrealized losses of $4.3 million and realized gains of $0.7 million.
 
Counterparty Risk
 
The counterparties to our derivative instruments contracts consist of a number of major international financial institutions. We have established counterparty guidelines and regularly monitors its positions and the financial strength of these institutions. While counterparties to hedging contracts expose us to credit-related losses in the event of a counterparty’s non-performance, the risk would be limited to the unrealized gains on such affected contracts. We do not anticipate any such losses.


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BUSINESS
 
Dole Food Company, Inc. was founded in Hawaii in 1851 and was incorporated under the laws of Hawaii in 1894. Dole reincorporated as a Delaware corporation in July 2001. Our operations are described below. For detailed financial information with respect to our business and its operations, see our consolidated financial statements and the related notes to consolidated financial statements, which are included in this prospectus beginning on page F-1.
 
Overview
 
We are the world’s leading producer, marketer and distributor of fresh fruit and fresh vegetables, including an expanding line of value-added products. In the primary markets we serve, we hold the number 1 or number 2 market share position in our key product categories, including bananas, packaged salads and packaged fruit. For the last twelve months ended June 20, 2009, we had revenues of approximately $7.2 billion, Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $445 million and net income attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. of approximately $92 million.
 
We provide wholesale, retail and institutional customers around the world with high quality food products that bear the DOLE® trademarks. We believe the DOLE trademarks and our products have global appeal as they offer value and convenience, while also benefiting from the growing focus on health and wellness among consumers worldwide.
 
Founded in 1851, we have built a fully-integrated operating platform that allows us to source, grow, process, market and distribute our nearly 200 products in more than 90 countries. We source our products worldwide both directly on Dole-owned or leased land and through associated producer and independent grower arrangements under which we provide varying degrees of farming, harvesting, packing, shipping and marketing services. We then use our global cold storage supply chain that features the largest dedicated refrigerated containerized fleet in the world, as well as an extensive network of packaging, ripening and distribution centers, to deliver fresh Dole products to market.
 
Industry
 
The worldwide fresh produce industry enjoys consistent underlying demand and favorable growth dynamics. In recent years, the market in the U.S. for fresh produce has increased faster than the rate of population growth, supported by ongoing trends including greater consumer demand for healthy, fresh and convenient foods, increased retailer square footage devoted to fresh produce, and greater emphasis among retailers on fresh produce as a differentiating factor in attracting customers.
 
Health-conscious consumers are driving much of the growth in demand for fresh produce. Over the past several decades, the benefits of natural, preservative-free foods have become an increasingly significant element of the public dialogue on health and nutrition. As a result, consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables has markedly increased. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Americans consumed an additional 38 pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables per capita in 2006 compared to 1987.
 
Driven by consumer demand for convenient, healthy snacking options, the U.S. packaged fruit category has experienced growth of over 36% in the past ten years. Dole introduced FRUIT BOWLS plastic cups in 1999, which along with other innovative packaging items, such as fruit in resealable plastic jars, parfaits and gels, have attracted new users to this category and enabled the DOLE brand to achieve the number 1 market share position in the U.S. packaged fruit category. Dole also entered the frozen fruit category in 2004. As the leading brand, Dole was the first to invest in national consumer awareness which has supported 28% category growth since 2004.
 
As food retailers compete in a consolidating industry, they have sought to increase profits by focusing on higher growth product categories and value-added products, which generally have higher margins. As a result, some retailers are reducing the dry goods sections of the store, in favor of expanding their selection of fresh and chilled items. This trend provides Dole with new product and merchandising opportunities for fresh produce and packaged foods, especially for our value-added lines, such as packaged salads, FRUIT BOWLS and fruit in plastic jars. Fully integrated produce companies, such as Dole, are well positioned to meet the needs of large retailers through the delivery of consistent, high-quality produce, reliable service, competitive pricing and innovative products responsive to consumer demand. In addition, these companies, including Dole, have sought to strengthen relationships


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with leading retailers through value-added services such as banana ripening and distribution, category management, branding initiatives and establishment of long-term supply agreements.
 
Competitive Strengths
 
Our competitive strengths have contributed to our strong historical operating performance and should enable us to capitalize on future growth opportunities:
 
  •  Market Share Leader.  Our key products hold the number 1 or number 2 positions in their respective markets. We maintain number 1 market share positions in bananas in North America and Japan and the number 1 market share position in the U.S. in packaged fruit products, including our line of plastic fruit cups called FRUIT BOWLS, FRUIT BOWLS in Gel, Fruit Parfaits and fruit in plastic jars. Our leadership position provides us with global scale and support for our world-class production, distribution and marketing platform that would be difficult for others to replicate.
 
  •  Strong Global Brand.  The DOLE brand was introduced in 1933 and is one of the most recognized brands for fresh and packaged produce in the United States, as evidenced by DOLE’s 57% unaided consumer brand awareness — almost three times that of DOLE’s nearest competitor, according to a major global research company (TNS NFO). Consumer and institutional recognition of the DOLE trademark and related brands and the association of these brands with high quality food products contribute significantly to our leading positions in the markets that we serve. Additionally, by implementing a global marketing program, we believe we have made the distinctive red “DOLE” letters and sunburst a familiar symbol of freshness and quality recognized in the aisles of the supermarket and around the world.
 
  •  State-of-the-Art Infrastructure and Supply Chain Management.  Our production, processing, transportation and distribution infrastructure is state-of-the-art, enabling us to efficiently deliver among the highest quality and freshest product to our customers. Dole quality starts right on the farm, and that quality is preserved and protected in our proprietary farm-to-customer refrigerated supply chain. Our network provides a closed-loop cold storage supply chain that enables the worldwide transport of perishable products and is the key to Dole quality and shelf life. The investments in our infrastructure, including the DOLE trademark, farms, packing houses, manufacturing facilities and shipping assets, and our market-leading logistics and distribution capabilities, allow us to act as a preferred fresh and packaged food provider to leading global supermarkets and mass merchandisers.
 
  •  Diversity of Sourcing Locations.  We currently source our fresh fruits and vegetables from 25 countries and distribute products in more than 90 countries. In addition to owning and operating our own farms, we have developed a unique worldwide network of over 9,000 farmers who proudly produce to our standards. We are not dependent on any one country for the sourcing of our products. The diversity of our production sources allows us to consistently access the highest quality products while also reducing our exposure to events unique in any given region.
 
  •  Low-Cost Production Capabilities.  Our supply chain and global sourcing network enable us to be a low cost producer in many of our major product lines, including bananas, North American fresh vegetables and packaged fruit products. Over the last several years we have undertaken various initiatives to achieve and maintain this low-cost position, including leveraging our global logistics infrastructure more efficiently. We intend to maintain these low-cost positions through a continued focus on operating efficiency.
 
  •  Strong Management Team.  Our management team has a demonstrated history of delivering strong operating results through disciplined execution. Our current management team is led by David A. DeLorenzo, who rejoined Dole as President and Chief Executive Officer in June 2007 with approximately 30 years of past experience with Dole. Under his guidance and supported by our strong management team, Dole’s net revenues have increased from $6.0 billion in 2006 to $7.2 billion for the last twelve months ended June 20, 2009. Adjusted EBITDA has increased from $293 million for fiscal year 2006 to $445 million for the last twelve months ended June 20, 2009, and net income attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. has increased to $92 million over the same periods.


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Business Strategy
 
Key elements of our strategy include:
 
  •  Continue to Leverage our Strong Brand and Market Leadership Position.  Our key products hold number 1 or number 2 market positions in their respective markets. We intend to maintain those positions and continue to expand our leadership in new product areas as well as with new customers. We have a history of leveraging our strong brand to successfully enter, and in many cases become the largest player in value-added food categories. We intend to continue to evaluate and strategically introduce other branded products in the value-added sectors of our business.
 
  •  Focus on Value-Added Products.  We intend to continue shifting our product mix toward value-added food categories while maintaining and building on our leadership positions in fresh fruits and vegetables. For example, we have successfully increased our percentage of revenue from value-added products in our fresh vegetables and packaged foods businesses, where our packaged salad lines and FRUIT BOWL and other non-canned products now account for approximately 53% and 58% of those businesses’ respective revenues. Value-added food categories are growing at a faster rate than traditional commodity businesses and typically generate stronger margins. We plan to continue to address the growing demand for convenient and innovative products by investing in our higher margin, value-added food businesses.
 
  •  Build on Strong Presence in Stable Markets and Expand in High-Growth Markets.  We intend to continue to reap the benefits of our strong brand and market position in profitable, stable markets such as North America, Western Europe, and Japan. Additionally, we are focusing on expansion in higher growth markets such as China and Eastern Europe, where we believe our capabilities in delivering fresh and high quality products that also offer health, wellness and convenience benefits, will enhance the existing growth and profitability of our business.
 
  •  Focus on Improving Operating Efficiency and Cash Flow. We intend to continue to focus on profit improvement initiatives and maximizing cash flow by:
 
  •  Analyzing our current customer base and focusing on profitable relationships with strategically important customers;
 
  •  Leveraging our purchasing power to reduce our costs of raw materials; and
 
  •  Focusing capital investments to improve productivity.
 
Asset Sales
 
We have established the reduction of our leverage as a key goal. This initiative has two principal dimensions: improving operating results, through leveraging of our strong global brand and market leadership, coupled with a sharp focus on cost reduction and increased operating efficiencies, and paying down debt with the proceeds of asset sales and the increased earnings resulting from improved operating performance. With respect to asset sales, we set a goal of selling $200 million in non-core or underperforming assets in 2008, which we have exceeded. During 2008, cash consideration related to our asset sale program totaled approximately $236 million, including sales of land in Hawaii, our fresh-cut flowers headquarters building in Miami, Florida, our citrus and pistachio operations in California, two farms in Chile, a land parcel in Turkey, two older refrigerated ships, a distribution facility in Europe, our JP Fresh and Dole France subsidiaries, and additional acreage located in California.
 
For 2009, we have set a target of $200 million in additional asset sales. During the first half of 2009, we achieved significant progress toward this goal, having completed the first phase of the sale of our fresh-cut flowers business, and completed the sale of some of our banana properties in Latin America and vegetable property in California. We received net proceeds of $82 million for these three transactions, which were used to pay down Dole’s revolving credit facility pending reinvestment in our businesses. When all phases of these transactions are complete, net proceeds to Dole will be approximately $130 million.


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During the third quarter of 2009, we signed letters of intent to sell certain operating properties in Latin America for approximately $68 million. We anticipate that the sales of these properties will not have a significant impact on earnings.
 
Business Segments
 
We have three business segments: fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and packaged foods. The fresh fruit segment contains several operating divisions that produce and market fresh fruit to wholesale, retail and institutional customers worldwide. The fresh vegetables segment contains two operating divisions that produce and market commodity vegetables and packaged vegetables and salads to wholesale, retail and institutional customers, primarily in North America, Europe and Asia. The packaged foods segment contains several operating divisions that produce and market packaged foods including fruit, juices and snack foods. During the second quarter of 2008, we approved and committed to a formal plan to divest our fresh-cut flowers operations, and during the third quarter of 2008 we signed a binding letter of intent to sell these operations. Closing of the first phase of this transaction occurred early in the first quarter of 2009. Accordingly, the results of operations of the fresh-cut flowers segment are reflected as discontinued operations for all periods presented. All of the related assets and liabilities of that segment have been reclassified as held-for-sale. See Note 15 in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 3, 2009 included elsewhere in this prospectus for revenues and assets by geographic location.
 
Fresh Fruit
 
Our fresh fruit business segment has four primary operating divisions: bananas, European Ripening and Distribution, fresh pineapples and Dole Chile. We believe that we are the industry leader in growing, sourcing, shipping and distributing consistently high-quality fresh fruit. The fresh fruit business segment represented approximately 71% of 2008 consolidated total revenues.
 
Bananas
 
We are one of the world’s largest producers of bananas, growing and selling approximately 165 million boxes of bananas annually. We sell most of our bananas under the DOLE brand. We primarily sell bananas to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. We are the number 1 brand of bananas in both the U.S. (an approximate 36% market share) and Japan (an approximate 31% market share) and the number 2 provider in Europe (an approximate 12% market share). In Latin America, we source our bananas primarily in Honduras, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Colombia, Guatemala and Peru, growing on approximately 38,800 acres of company-owned farms and over 90,000 acres of independent producers’ farms. We ship our Latin American bananas to North America and Europe in our refrigerated and containerized shipping fleet. In Asia, we source our bananas primarily in the Philippines. Bananas accounted for approximately 41% of our fresh fruit business segment revenues in 2008.
 
Consistent with our strategy to focus on value-added products, we have continued to expand our focus on higher margin, niche bananas. While the traditional “green” bananas still comprise the majority of our banana sales, we have successfully introduced niche bananas (e.g., organic). We have also improved the profitability of our banana business by focusing on profitable customer relationships and markets.
 
While bananas are sold year round, there is a seasonal aspect to the banana business. Banana prices and volumes are typically higher in the first and second calendar quarters before the increased competition from summer fruits.
 
Approximately 90% of our total retail volume in North America is sold under contract. The contracts are typically one year in duration and help to insulate us from fluctuations in the banana spot market. Our principal competitors in the international banana business are Chiquita Brands International, Inc. and Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc.
 
European Ripening and Distribution
 
Our European Ripening and Distribution business distributes DOLE and non-DOLE branded fresh produce in Europe. This business operates 24 ripening and distribution centers in eight countries, predominantly in Western


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Europe. This is a value-added business for us since European retailers generally do not self-distribute or self-ripen. This business assists us in firmly establishing our European customer relationships. In 2008, European Ripening and Distribution accounted for approximately 41% of our fresh fruit business segment’s revenues.
 
Fresh Pineapples
 
We are the number 2 global marketer of fresh pineapples, growing and selling more than 34 million boxes annually. We source our pineapples primarily from Dole-operated farms and independent growers in Latin America, Hawaii, the Philippines and Thailand. We produce and sell several different varieties, including the sweet yellow pineapple. We introduced the sweet yellow pineapple in 1999, and now market a substantial portion of this fruit under the DOLE TROPICAL GOLD® label. Varieties of pineapple other than the sweet pineapples are also used in our packaged products. Our primary competitor in fresh pineapples is Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc. Pineapples accounted for approximately 7% of our fresh fruit business segment’s revenues in 2008.
 
Dole Chile
 
We began our Chilean operations in 1982 and we are a leading exporter of Chilean fruit. We export grapes, apples, pears, stone fruit (e.g., peaches and plums) and kiwifruit from approximately 1,600 Dole-owned or -leased acres and 12,300 contracted acres. The weather and geographic features of Chile are similar to those of the Western United States, with opposite seasons. Accordingly, Chile’s harvest is counter-seasonal to that in the northern hemisphere, offsetting the seasonality in our other fresh fruit. We primarily export Chilean fruit to North America, Latin America and Europe. Our Dole Chile business division accounted for approximately 6% of our fresh fruit business segment’s revenues in 2008.
 
Fresh Vegetables
 
Our fresh vegetables business segment operates through two divisions: commodity vegetables and value-added. We source fresh vegetables from Dole-owned and contracted farms. Our value-added products are produced in state-of-the-art processing facilities in Yuma, Arizona, Soledad, California, Springfield, Ohio and Bessemer City, North Carolina. Under arrangements with independent growers, we purchase fresh produce at the time of harvest and are generally responsible for harvesting, packing and shipping the product to our central cooling and distribution facilities. We pursue a balanced growth strategy between our commodity and value-added divisions. In 2008, the value-added division accounted for 53% of our revenues for this segment. The fresh vegetables business segment accounted for approximately 14% of 2008 consolidated total revenues.
 
Commodity Vegetables
 
We source, harvest, cool, distribute and market more than 20 different types of fresh and fresh-cut vegetables, including iceberg lettuce, red and green leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, butter lettuce, celery, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, brussels sprouts, green onions, asparagus, snow peas and artichokes, as well as fresh strawberries. We sell our commodity products primarily in North America, Asia and, to a lesser extent, Western Europe. Our primary competitors in this category include: Tanimura & Antle Fresh Foods, Inc., Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc., Salyer American Fresh Foods and Ocean Mist Farms.
 
Value-Added
 
Our value-added vegetable products include packaged salads and packaged fresh-cut vegetables. Our U.S. unit market share of the packaged salads category reported by IRI was approximately 34% for the 2008 fiscal year. New product development continues to drive growth in this area. Our primary competitors in packaged salads include Chiquita Brands International, Inc. (which markets Fresh Express), Ready Pac Produce, Inc. and Taylor Fresh Foods, Inc.


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Packaged Foods
 
Our packaged foods segment produces canned pineapple, canned pineapple juice, fruit juice concentrate, fruit in plastic cups, jars and pouches and fruit parfaits. Most of our significant packaged foods products hold the number 1 market position in the U.S.. We remain the market leader in the plastic fruit cup category with six of the top ten items in the category. Fruit for our packaged food products is sourced primarily in the Philippines, Thailand, the United States and China and packed primarily in four Asian canneries, two in Thailand and two in the Philippines. We have continued to focus on expanding our product range beyond our traditional canned fruit and juice products. FRUIT BOWL and other non-canned products accounted for approximately 58% of the segment’s 2008 revenues.
 
The trend towards convenience and healthy snacking has generated strong growth in the plastic fruit cup category, which now significantly exceeds the applesauce cup and shelf-stable gelatin cup categories. In fact, Dole now produces more plastic cups than traditional cans. Our FRUIT BOWLS products, introduced in 1998, have achieved significant market share, as evidenced by our 50% market share in the United States during 2008, as reported by IRI. In 2003, Dole introduced fruit in a 24.5 oz. plastic jar, which has attained a 42% market share in the refrigerated and shelf-stable jar category, and a 74% share in the shelf-stable jar category, as reported by IRI. To keep up with demand, we have made substantial investments in our Asian canneries, significantly increasing our FRUIT BOWLS capacity in the past four years. These investments should enable us to continue as an industry innovator and low-cost producer.
 
In the frozen fruit category, Dole is now the number 1 brand in North America and is positioned for continued growth as the innovation leader. New product introductions include our new WILDLY NUTRITIOUStm fruit blends, which offer targeted health benefits, as well as our Sliced Strawberries, which drive consumer convenience. The brand is also in the process of transitioning into a new consumer-friendly, easy-open standup bag.
 
Our packaged foods segment accounted for approximately 15% of 2008 consolidated revenues.
 
Discontinued Operations
 
During the fourth quarter of 2007, we approved and committed to a formal plan to divest Citrus. During March 2008, we entered into an agreement to sell land and other related assets of Citrus. The sale was completed during the third quarter of 2008, and we received net proceeds of $28.1 million. In addition, during the second quarter of 2008, we approved and committed to a formal plan to divest our fresh-cut flowers operations, and during the third quarter of 2008 we signed a binding letter of intent to sell these operations. The first phase of the transaction closed early in the first quarter of 2009.
 
Global Logistics
 
We have significant product sourcing and related operations in Cameroon, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, Ivory Coast, the Philippines, South Africa, Spain, Thailand and the United States. Significant volumes of Dole’s fresh fruit and packaged products are marketed in Canada, Western Europe, Japan and the United States, with lesser volumes marketed in Australia, China, Hong Kong, New Zealand, South Korea, and other countries in Asia, Europe, and Central and South America.
 
The produce that we distribute internationally is transported primarily by 24 owned or leased ocean-going vessels. We ship our tropical fruit in owned or chartered refrigerated vessels. All of our tropical fruit shipments into the North American and core European markets are delivered using pallets or containers. This increases efficiency and minimizes damage to the product from handling. Most of the vessels are equipped with controlled atmosphere technology, to ensure product quality. “Backhauling” services, transporting our own and third-party cargo primarily from North America and Europe to Latin America, reduce net transportation costs. We use vessels that are both owned or operated under long-term leases, as well as vessels chartered under contracts that typically last one year.
 
Customers
 
Our top 10 customers in 2008 accounted for approximately 30% of total revenues. No one customer accounted for more than 6% of total 2008 revenues. Our customer base is highly diversified, both geographically and in terms


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of product mix. Each of our segments’ largest customers accounted for no more than approximately 20% of that segment’s revenues. Our largest customers are leading global and regional mass merchandisers and supermarkets in North America, Europe and Asia.
 
Sales and Marketing
 
We sell and distribute our fruit and vegetable products through a network of fresh produce operations in North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America. Some of these operations involve the sourcing, distribution and marketing of fresh fruits and vegetables while others involve only distribution and marketing. We have regional sales organizations dedicated to servicing major retail and wholesale customers. We also use the services of brokers in certain regions, primarily for sales of packaged fruits and packaged salads. Retail customers include large chain stores with which Dole enters into product and service contracts, typically for a one- or two-year term. Wholesale customers include large distributors in North America, Europe and Asia. We use consumer advertising, marketing and trade spending, to promote new items, bolster our exceptional brand awareness and promote nutrition knowledge. See information by geographic location in Note 15 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements for the three years ended January 3, 2009.
 
Competition
 
The global fresh and packaged produce markets are intensely competitive, and generally have a small number of global producers, filled out with independent growers, packers and middlemen. Our large, international competitors are Chiquita Brands International, Inc., Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc. and Del Monte Foods. In some product lines, we compete with smaller national producers. In fresh vegetables, a limited number of grower shippers in the United States and Mexico supply a significant portion of the United States market, with numerous smaller independent distributors also competing. We also face competition from grower cooperatives and foreign government sponsored producers. Competition in the various markets in which we operate is affected by reliability of supply, product quality, brand recognition and perception, price and the ability to satisfy changing customer preferences through innovative product offerings.
 
Employees
 
At January 3, 2009, we had approximately 40,900 full-time permanent employees and 34,900 full-time seasonal or temporary employees, worldwide. Approximately 35% of our employees work under collective bargaining agreements. Our collective bargaining agreements with expirations in fiscal 2009 have each been renewed, other than one agreement that is currently under extension. We believe our relations with our employees are generally good.
 
Trademark Licenses
 
In connection with the sale of the majority of our juice business to Tropicana Products, Inc. in May of 1995, we received cash payments up front and granted to Tropicana a license, requiring no additional future royalty payments, to use certain DOLE trademarks on certain beverage products. We continue to produce and market DOLE canned pineapple juice and pineapple juice blend beverages, which were not part of the 1995 sale. We have a number of additional license arrangements worldwide, none of which is material to Dole and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
 
Research and Development
 
Our research and development programs concentrate on sustaining the productivity of our agricultural lands, food safety, nutrition science, product quality, value-added product development and packaging design. Agricultural research is directed toward sustaining and improving product yields and product quality by examining and improving agricultural practices in all phases of production (such as development of specifically adapted plant varieties, land preparation, fertilization, cultural practices, pest and disease control, post-harvesting, handling, packing and shipping procedures), and includes on-site technical services and the implementation and monitoring of recommended agricultural practices. Research efforts are also directed towards integrated pest management and


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biological pest control. We develop specialized machinery for various phases of agricultural production and packaging that reduce labor costs, increase efficiency and improve product quality. We conduct agricultural research at field facilities primarily in California, Hawaii, Latin America and Asia. We also sponsor research related to environmental improvements and the protection of worker and community health. The aggregate amounts we spent on research and development in each of the last three years have not been material in any of such years.
 
Food Safety
 
Dole is undertaking strong measures to improve food safety. We spearheaded the industry-wide Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement in California and the pending Agreement in Arizona. We developed and adopted enhanced Good Agricultural Practices, which include raw material testing in the fields, expanded buffer zones and increased water testing. We also use radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags to track leafy greens as they move from fields to trucks and through processing.
 
Dole salad plants are sanitized and inspected daily. We wash our leafy greens three times in chilled, purified water that includes anti-bacterial chlorine exposure before thorough rinsing.
 
Environmental and Regulatory Matters
 
Our agricultural operations are subject to a broad range of evolving environmental laws and regulations in each country in which we operate. In the United States, these laws and regulations include the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act.
 
Compliance with these foreign and domestic laws and related regulations is an ongoing process that is not expected to have a material effect on our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position. Environmental concerns are, however, inherent in most major agricultural operations, including those conducted by us, and there can be no assurance that the cost of compliance with environmental laws and regulations will not be material. Moreover, it is possible that future developments, such as increasingly strict environmental laws and enforcement policies thereunder, and further restrictions on the use of agricultural chemicals, could result in increased compliance costs.
 
Our food operations are also subject to regulations enforced by, among others, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and state, local and foreign counterparts and to inspection by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other federal, state, local and foreign environmental, health and safety authorities. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration enforces statutory standards regarding the labeling and safety of food products, establishes ingredients and manufacturing procedures for certain foods, establishes standards of identity for foods and determines the safety of food substances in the United States. Similar functions are performed by state, local and foreign governmental entities with respect to food products produced or distributed in their respective jurisdictions.
 
In the United States, portions of our fresh fruit and vegetable farm properties are irrigated by surface water supplied by local government agencies using facilities financed by federal or state agencies, as well as from underground sources. Water received through federal facilities is subject to acreage limitations under the 1982 Reclamation Reform Act. Worldwide, the quantity and quality of water supplies varies depending on weather conditions and government regulations. We believe that under normal conditions these water supplies are adequate for current production needs.
 
Legal Proceedings
 
We are involved from time to time in claims and legal actions incidental to our operations, both as plaintiff and defendant. We have established what management currently believes to be adequate reserves for pending legal matters. These reserves are established as part of an ongoing worldwide assessment of claims and legal actions that takes into consideration such items as changes in the pending case load (including resolved and new matters), opinions of legal counsel, individual developments in court proceedings, changes in the law, changes in business


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focus, changes in the litigation environment, changes in opponent strategy and tactics, new developments as a result of ongoing discovery, and past experience in defending and settling similar claims. In the opinion of management, after consultation with outside counsel, the claims or actions to which we are a party are not expected to have a material adverse effect, individually or in the aggregate, on our financial condition or results of operations.
 
DBCP Cases
 
A significant portion of Dole’s legal exposure relates to lawsuits pending in the United States and in several foreign countries, alleging injury as a result of exposure to the agricultural chemical DBCP (1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane). DBCP was manufactured by several chemical companies including Dow and Shell and registered by the U.S. government for use on food crops. Dole and other growers applied DBCP on banana farms in Latin America and the Philippines and on pineapple farms in Hawaii. Specific periods of use varied among the different locations. Dole halted all purchases of DBCP, including for use in foreign countries, when the U.S. EPA cancelled the registration of DBCP for use in the United States in 1979. That cancellation was based in part on a 1977 study by a manufacturer which indicated an apparent link between male sterility and exposure to DBCP among factory workers producing the product, as well as early product testing done by the manufacturers showing testicular effects on animals exposed to DBCP. To date, there is no reliable evidence demonstrating that field application of DBCP led to sterility among farm workers, although that claim is made in the pending lawsuits. Nor is there any reliable scientific evidence that DBCP causes any other injuries in humans, although plaintiffs in the various actions assert claims based on cancer, birth defects and other general illnesses.
 
Currently there are 245 lawsuits, in various stages of proceedings, alleging injury as a result of exposure to DBCP or seeking enforcement of Nicaragua judgments. In addition, there are 111 labor cases pending in Costa Rica under that country’s national insurance program.
 
Thirty of the 245 lawsuits are currently pending in various jurisdictions in the United States. On June 17, 2009, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Chaney formalized her April 23, 2009 oral ruling by issuing written Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, formally ordering dismissal with prejudice of the two remaining lawsuits brought on behalf of Nicaraguan plaintiffs who had falsely claimed they were sterile as a result of exposure to DBCP on Dole-contracted Nicaraguan banana farms, finding that the plaintiffs, and certain of their attorneys, fabricated their claims, engaged in a long-running conspiracy to commit a fraud on the court, used threats of violence to frighten witnesses and suppress the truth, and conspired with corrupt Nicaraguan judges, depriving Dole and the other companies of due process. On June 9, 2009, the First Circuit Court of Hawaii dismissed the Patrickson case, which had involved ten plaintiffs from Honduras, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Guatemala, finding that their DBCP claims were time-barred by the statute of limitations. In seven cases pending in Los Angeles involving 672 claimants from Ivory Coast, where Dole did not operate when DBCP was in use, plaintiffs’ counsel, on July 17, 2009, has filed a motion to withdraw as counsel of record in response to a witness who has come forward alleging fraud. The remaining cases are pending in Latin America and the Philippines. Claimed damages in DBCP cases worldwide total approximately $44.2 billion, with lawsuits in Nicaragua representing approximately 88% of this amount. Typically in these cases Dole is a joint defendant with the major DBCP manufacturers. Except as described below, none of these lawsuits has resulted in a verdict or judgment against Dole.
 
One case pending in Los Angeles Superior Court with 12 Nicaraguan plaintiffs initially resulted in verdicts which totaled approximately $5 million in damages against Dole in favor of six of the plaintiffs. As a result of the court’s March 7, 2008 favorable rulings on Dole’s post-verdict motions, including, importantly, the court’s decision striking down punitive damages in the case on U.S. Constitutional grounds, the damages against Dole were reduced to $1.58 million in total compensatory awards to four of the plaintiffs; and the court granted Dole’s motion for a new trial as to the claims of one of the plaintiffs. On July 7, 2009, the Second District Court Appeals issued an order to show cause why this $1.58 million judgment should not be vacated and judgment be entered in defendants’ favor on the grounds that the judgment was procured through fraud. Plaintiffs are to provide their response to the order to show cause to the trial court within 30 days of the issuance of the order. In that order, the Court of Appeals stated that the trial court need not hold a hearing to decide whether the judgment was procured by fraud, but instead can rely on the record that was presented in support of Dole’s request to have the case sent back to the trial court.


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In Nicaragua, 196 cases are currently filed (of which 20 are active) in various courts throughout the country, all but one of which were brought pursuant to Law 364, an October 2000 Nicaraguan statute that contains substantive and procedural provisions that Nicaragua’s Attorney General formally opined are unconstitutional. In October 2003, the Supreme Court of Nicaragua issued an advisory opinion, not connected with any litigation, that Law 364 is constitutional. Thirty-two cases have resulted in judgments in Nicaragua: $489.4 million (nine cases consolidated with 468 claimants) on December 11, 2002; $82.9 million (one case with 58 claimants) on February 25, 2004; $15.7 million (one case with 20 claimants) on May 25, 2004; $4 million (one case with four claimants) on May 25, 2004; $56.5 million (one case with 72 claimants) on June 14, 2004; $64.8 million (one case with 86 claimants) on June 15, 2004; $27.7 million (one case with 39 claimants) on March 17, 2005; $98.5 million (one case with 150 claimants) on August 8, 2005; $46.4 million (one case with 62 claimants) on August 20, 2005; $809 million (six cases consolidated with 1,248 claimants) on December 1, 2006; $38.4 million (one case with 192 claimants) on November 14, 2007; and $357.7 million (eight cases with 417 claimants) on January 12, 2009, which Dole recently learned of unofficially. Except for the latest one, Dole has appealed all judgments, with Dole’s appeal of the August 8, 2005 $98.5 million judgment and of the December 1, 2006 $809 million judgment currently pending before the Nicaragua Court of Appeal. Dole will appeal the $357.7 million judgment once it has been served.
 
Of the 20 active cases currently pending in civil courts in Nicaragua, all have been brought under Law 364 except for one. In all of the active cases where the proceeding has reached the appropriate stage (7 of 20 cases), Dole has sought to have the cases returned to the United States. In three of the cases where Dole has sought return to the United States, the courts have denied Dole’s request and Dole has appealed that decision. Dole’s requests remain pending in the other four cases.
 
The claimants’ attempted enforcement of the December 11, 2002 judgment for $489.4 million in the United States resulted in a dismissal with prejudice of that action by the United States District Court for the Central District of California on October 20, 2003. The claimants have voluntarily dismissed their appeal of that decision, which was pending before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Defendants’ motion for sanctions against Plaintiffs’ counsel is still pending before the Court of Appeals in that case. A Special Master appointed by the Court of Appeals has recommended that Plaintiffs’ counsel be ordered to pay Defendants’ fees and costs up to $130,000 each to Dole and the other two defendants; and following such recommendation, the Court of Appeals has appointed a special prosecutor.
 
There is one case pending in the U.S. District Court in Miami, Florida seeking enforcement of the August 8, 2005 $98.5 million Nicaraguan judgment. Commencing on September 1, 2009, there will be an evidentiary hearing to consider Dole’s request that the Court deny enforcement of this judgment, contending that Nicaragua’s judicial system does not provide due process or an impartial judiciary, which also lacks transparency and is corrupt. Miami District Court Judge Paul C. Huck is already aware of the evidence of fraud detailed in Judge Chaney’s June 17, 2009 written Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law.
 
Claimants have also sought to enforce the Nicaraguan judgments in Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. In Venezuela, the claimants have attempted to enforce five of the Nicaraguan judgments in that country’s Supreme Court: $489.4 million (December 11, 2002); $82.9 million (February 25, 2004); $15.7 million (May 25, 2004); $56.5 million (June 14, 2004); and $64.8 million (June 15, 2004). The Venezuela Supreme Court has ordered the plaintiffs to properly serve the defendants, or have their request for recognition of these Nicaragua judgments dismissed. An action filed to enforce the $27.7 million Nicaraguan judgment (March 17, 2005) in the Colombian Supreme Court was dismissed. In Ecuador, the claimants attempted to enforce the five Nicaraguan judgments issued between February 25, 2004 through June 15, 2004 in the Ecuador Supreme Court. The First, Second and Third Chambers of the Ecuador Supreme Court issued rulings refusing to consider those enforcement actions on the ground that the Supreme Court was not a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of a foreign judgment. The plaintiffs subsequently refiled those five enforcement actions in the civil court in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Two of these subsequently filed enforcement actions have been dismissed by the 3rd Civil Court — $15.7 million (May 25, 2004) — and the 12th Civil Court — $56.5 million (June 14, 2004) — in Guayaquil; plaintiffs have sought reconsideration of those dismissals. The remaining three enforcement actions are still pending.
 
Dole believes that none of the Nicaraguan judgments will be enforceable against any Dole entity in the U.S. or in any other country, because Nicaragua’s Law 364 is unconstitutional and violates international principles of due


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process. Among other things, Law 364 is an improper “special law” directed at particular parties; it requires defendants to pay large, non-refundable deposits in order to even participate in the litigation; it provides a severely truncated procedural process; it establishes an irrebuttable presumption of causation that is contrary to the evidence and scientific data; and it sets unreasonable minimum damages that must be awarded in every case.
 
On October 23, 2006, Dole announced that Standard Fruit de Honduras, S.A. reached an agreement with the Government of Honduras and representatives of Honduran banana workers. This agreement establishes a Worker Program that is intended by the parties to resolve in a fair and equitable manner the claims of male banana workers alleging sterility as a result of exposure to DBCP. The Honduran Worker Program will not have a material effect on Dole’s financial condition or results of operations. The official start of the Honduran Worker Program was announced on January 8, 2007. On August 15, 2007, Shell Oil Company was included in the Worker Program.
 
As to all the DBCP matters, Dole has denied liability and asserted substantial defenses. While Dole believes there is no reliable scientific basis for alleged injuries from the agricultural field application of DBCP, Dole continues to seek reasonable resolution of pending litigation and claims in the U.S. and Latin America. For example, as in Honduras, Dole is committed to finding a prompt resolution to the DBCP claims in Nicaragua, and is prepared to pursue a structured worker program in Nicaragua with science- based criteria. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Chaney had previously appointed a mediator to explore possible settlement of all DBCP cases currently pending before the court. Although no assurance can be given concerning the outcome of these cases, in the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel and based on past experience defending and settling DBCP claims, the pending lawsuits are not expected to have a material adverse effect on Dole’s financial condition or results of operations.
 
European Union Antitrust Inquiry
 
On October 15, 2008, the European Commission, or EC, adopted a Decision against Dole Food Company, Inc. and Dole Fresh Fruit Europe OHG and against other unrelated banana companies, finding violations of the European competition (antitrust) laws. The Decision imposes €45.6 million in fines on Dole.
 
The Decision follows a Statement of Objections, issued by the EC on July 25, 2007, and searches carried out by the EC in June 2005 at certain banana importers and distributors, including two of Dole’s offices.
 
Dole received the Decision on October 21, 2008 and appealed the Decision to the European Court of First Instance in Luxembourg on December 24, 2008.
 
Dole made an initial $10 million (€7.6 million) provisional payment towards the €45.6 million fine on January 22, 2009. As agreed with the European Commission (DG Budget), Dole provided the required bank guaranty for the remaining balance of the fine to the European Commission by the deadline of April 30, 2009. The bank guaranty renews annually during the appeals process (which may take several years) and carries interest of 6.15% (accrued from January 23, 2009). If the European Court of First Instance fully agrees with Dole’s arguments presented in its appeal, Dole will be entitled to the return of all monies paid, plus interest.
 
On November 28 and 29, 2007, the EC conducted searches of Dole offices in Italy and Spain, as well as of other companies’ offices located in these countries. Dole continues to cooperate with the EC’s requests for information.
 
Although no assurances can be given, and although there could be a material adverse effect on Dole, Dole believes that it has not violated the European competition laws. No accrual for the Decision has been made in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, since Dole cannot determine at this time the amount of probable loss, if any, incurred as a result of the Decision.
 
Honduran Tax Case
 
In 2005, Dole received a tax assessment from Honduras of approximately $137 million (including the claimed tax, penalty, and interest through the date of assessment) relating to the disposition of all of our interest in Cervecería Hondureña, S.A. in 2001. Dole believes the assessment is without merit and filed an appeal with the Honduran tax authorities, which was denied. As a result of the denial in the administrative process, in order to negate the tax assessment, on August 5, 2005, Dole proceeded to the next stage of the appellate process by filing a


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lawsuit against the Honduran government in the Honduran Administrative Tax Trial Court. The Honduran government sought dismissal of the lawsuit and attachment of assets, which Dole challenged. The Honduran Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the Honduran intermediate appellate court that a statutory prerequisite to challenging the tax assessment on the merits is the payment of the tax assessment or the filing of a payment plan with the Honduran courts; Dole has challenged the constitutionality of the statute requiring such payment or payment plan. Although no assurance can be given concerning the outcome of this case, in the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, the pending lawsuits and tax-related matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on Dole’s financial condition or results of operations.
 
Trade Issues
 
Our foreign operations are subject to risks of expropriation, civil disturbances, political unrest, increases in taxes and other restrictive governmental policies, such as import quotas. Loss of one or more of our foreign operations could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. We strive to maintain good working relationships in each country in which we operate. Because our operations are a significant factor in the economies of certain countries, our activities are subject to intense public and governmental scrutiny and may be affected by changes in the status of the host economies, the makeup of the government or public opinion in a particular country.
 
The EU maintains banana regulations that impose tariffs on bananas. On January 1, 2006, the EU implemented a “tariff only” import regime for bananas. The 2001 Understanding on Bananas between the European Communities and the United States required the EU to implement a tariff only banana import system by this date.
 
Banana imports from Latin America are currently subject to a tariff of 176 euro per metric ton for entry into the EU market. Under the EU’s previous banana regime, banana imports from Latin America were subject to a tariff of 75 euro per metric ton and were also subject to import license requirements and volume quotas. License requirements and volume quotas had the effect of limiting access to the EU banana market.
 
Although all Latin bananas are subject to a tariff of 176 euro per metric ton under the “tariff only” regime, the EU had allowed up to 775,000 metric tons of bananas from African, Caribbean, and Pacific, or ACP, countries to be imported annually into the EU duty-free. This preferential treatment of a zero tariff on up to 775,000 metric tons of ACP banana imports, as well as the 176 euro per metric ton tariff applied to Latin banana imports, was challenged by Panama, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Colombia in consultation proceedings at the World Trade Organization, or WTO. In addition, both Ecuador and the United States formally requested the WTO Dispute Settlement Body, or DSB, to appoint panels to review the matter.
 
The DSB issued final and definitive written rulings in favor of Ecuador and the United States on November 27, 2008, concluding that the 176 euro per metric ton tariff is inconsistent with WTO trade rules. The DSB also considered that the prior duty-free tariff reserved for ACP countries was inconsistent with WTO trade rules but also recognized that, with the current entry into force of Economic Partnership Agreements between the EU and ACP countries, ACP bananas now may have duty-free, quota-free access to the EU market.
 
Dole expects that the current tariff applied to Latin banana imports will be lowered in order that the EU may comply with these DSB rulings and with the WTO trade rules. The DSB rulings did not indicate the amount the EU banana tariff should be lowered, and Dole encourages a timely resolution through negotiations among the EU, the U.S., and the Latin banana producing countries. Press reports indicate that the EU desires to reach resolution on the tariff by the end of August 2009; however the Latin banana producing countries and the EU have not yet agreed on the amount or specific timetable for any proposed resolution. Without such specifics, Dole cannot yet determine what potential effects this outcome will have for Dole. Notwithstanding, Dole strongly supports the continued efforts to resolve this dispute and believes that the EU banana tariff, once lowered, will be a favorable result for Dole.
 
Seasonality
 
Our sales volumes remain relatively stable throughout the year. We experience seasonal earnings characteristics, predominantly in the fresh fruit segment, because fresh fruit prices traditionally are lower in the second half


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of the year, when summer fruits are in the markets. Our packaged foods segment experiences peak demand during certain well-known holidays and observances; the impact is less than in the fresh-fruit segment.
 
Properties
 
The following is a description of our significant properties.
 
North America
 
We own our executive office facility in Westlake Village, California, and lease a divisional office in Monterey, California, from an affiliate.
 
Our Hawaii operations are located on the island of Oahu and total approximately 26,000 acres, which we own. Of the total acres owned, we farm pineapples on 2,700 acres and coffee and cacao on an additional 195 acres. The remaining acres are leased or are in pastures and forest reserves. As of January 3, 2009, approximately 9,000 acres were classified as assets held-for-sale. Other Hawaii land parcels are currently under evaluation for potential sale.
 
We own approximately 200 acres of farmland in California, and lease approximately 12,600 acres of farmland in California and 4,300 acres in Arizona in connection with our vegetable and berry operations. The majority of this acreage is farmed under joint growing arrangements with independent growers, while we farm the remainder. We own cooling, packing and shipping facilities in Marina, Gonzales and Huron, California. Additionally, we have partnership interests in facilities in Yuma, Arizona and Salinas, California, and leases in facilities in the following California cities: Oxnard, Monterey and Watsonville. We own and operate state-of-the-art, packaged salad and vegetable plants in Yuma, Arizona, Soledad, California, Springfield, Ohio and Bessemer City, North Carolina.
 
We own approximately 2,600 acres of peach orchards in California of which we farm 1,200 acres. At January 3, 2009, approximately 600 acres were classified as assets held-for-sale. We also own and operate a plant in Atwater, California that produces individually quick frozen fruit, and lease a production facility located in Decatur, Michigan.
 
Latin America
 
We own offices in San Jose, Costa Rica, and La Ceiba, Honduras. We also lease offices in Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Guatemala.
 
We produce bananas directly from owned plantations in Costa Rica, Ecuador and Honduras as well as through associated producers or independent growing arrangements in those countries and others, including Guatemala and Colombia. We own approximately 33,600 acres in Costa Rica, 3,900 acres in Ecuador and 28,400 acres in Honduras, all related to banana production, although some of the acreage is not presently under production.
 
We own approximately 8,100 acres of land in Honduras, 7,300 acres of land in Costa Rica and 3,000 acres of land in Ecuador, all of which is related to pineapple production, although some of the acreage is not presently under production. We also own a juice concentrate plant in Honduras for pineapple and citrus. Pineapple is grown primarily for the fresh produce market.
 
We grow grapes, stone fruit, kiwi and pears on approximately 1,600 acres owned or leased by us in Chile. We own or operate 11 packing and cold storage facilities, a corrugated box plant and a wooden box plant in Chile. In addition, we operate a fresh-cut salad plant and a small local fruit distribution company in Chile. We own or operate a packing and cooling plant and a local fruit distribution company in Argentina.
 
We also own and operate corrugated box plants in Costa Rica, Ecuador and Honduras.
 
We indirectly own 35% of Bananapuerto, an Ecuadorian port, and operate the port pursuant to a port services agreement signed in 2002, the term of which is up to 30 years.
 
Dole Latin America operates a fleet of seven refrigerated container ships, of which four are owned, two are under long-term capital leases and one is long-term chartered. In addition, Dole Latin America operates a fleet of 17 breakbulk refrigerated ships, of which seven are owned, nine are long-term chartered and one is chartered for one year. We also cover part of our requirements under contracts with existing liner services and occasionally charter


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vessels for short periods on a time or voyage basis as and when required. We own or lease approximately 15,300 refrigerated containers, 2,000 dry containers, 5,900 chassis and 4,800 generator sets worldwide.
 
Asia
 
We operate a pineapple plantation of approximately 33,900 leased acres in the Philippines. Approximately 18,500 acres of the plantation are leased to us by a cooperative of our employees that acquired the land pursuant to agrarian reform law. The remaining 15,400 acres are leased from individual land owners. Two multi-fruit canneries, a blast freezer, cold storage, a juice concentrate plant, a box forming plant, a can and drum manufacturing plant, warehouses, wharf and a fresh fruit packing plant, each owned by us, are located at or near the pineapple plantation.
 
We own and operate a tropical fruit cannery and a multi-fruit processing factory in central Thailand and a second tropical fruit cannery in southern Thailand. Dole also grows pineapple in Thailand on approximately 3,800 acres of owned land, not all of which are currently under cultivation.
 
We produce bananas and papaya from 32,400 acres of leased land in the Philippines and also source these products through associated producers or independent growing arrangements in the Philippines. A plastic extruding plant and a box forming plant, both owned by us, are located near the banana plantations. We also operate banana ripening and distribution centers in Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, The People’s Republic of China, the Philippines and New Zealand.
 
Bananas are also grown on 1,000 acres of leased land in Australia.
 
Additionally, we source products from over 1,100 Japanese farmers through independent growing arrangements.
 
Europe
 
We maintain our European headquarters in Paris, France and have major regional offices in Antwerp, Belgium, Prague, Czech Republic, Hamburg, Germany, Lübeck, Germany, Milan, Italy, Madrid, Spain, Athens, Greece, Helsingborg, Sweden and Cape Town, South Africa, which are leased from third parties.
 
We operate and own one banana ripening, produce and flower distribution center in Sweden, two banana ripening and produce distribution facilities in Spain, two in Germany, one in Turkey and one in Italy. We also operate and lease three banana ripening, produce and flower distribution centers in Sweden, four banana ripening and produce distribution facilities in Spain, one in Portugal, three in Italy, one in Belgium, two in Austria, and three in Germany. We have a minority interest in a French company, Compagnie Fruitière, that owns a majority interest in banana and pineapple plantations in Cameroon, Ghana and the Ivory Coast. During the fourth quarter of 2008, Compagnie Fruitière acquired our JP Fresh subsidiary in the United Kingdom and Dole France subsidiary which operate banana ripening and distribution facilities. We are also the majority owner in a company operating a port terminal and distribution facility in Livorno, Italy.
 
In addition, we own Saba Fresh Cuts AB, which owns and operates a state-of-the-art, packaged salad and vegetable plant in Helsingborg, Sweden.


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MANAGEMENT
 
Board of Directors and Executive Officers
 
The names, ages and positions of our directors and executive officers as of August 11, 2009 are as follows:
 
             
Name
 
Age
 
Position
 
David H. Murdock
    86     Chairman of the Board; Director
David A. DeLorenzo
    62     President and Chief Executive Officer; Director
C. Michael Carter
    66     Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary; Director
Andrew J. Conrad
    45     Director
Scott A. Griswold
    56     Executive Vice President, Corporate Development; Director
Justin M. Murdock
    36     Vice President, New Products and Corporate Development; Director
Edward C. Roohan
    46     Director
Joseph S. Tesoriero
    56     Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Roberta Wieman
    63     Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff; Director
 
Below is a list of the names and ages of all of our directors and executive officers as of August 11, 2009, indicating their positions with Dole and their principal occupations during the past five years. The current terms of the executive officers will expire at the next organizational meeting of our Board of Directors or at such time as their successors are elected.
 
David H. Murdock, Chairman of the Board.  Mr. Murdock, 86, joined Dole as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer in July 1985. In June 2007, David A. DeLorenzo was elected President and Chief Executive Officer of Dole, at which time Mr. Murdock continued as a director and officer of Dole in the capacity of Chairman of the Board. He has been Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Castle & Cooke, Inc., a Hawaii corporation, since October 1995 (Mr. Murdock has beneficially owned all of the capital stock of Castle & Cooke, Inc. since September 2000). Since June 1982, he has been Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Flexi-Van Leasing, Inc., a Delaware corporation wholly owned by Mr. Murdock. Mr. Murdock also is the developer of the Sherwood Country Club in Ventura County, California, and numerous other real estate developments. Mr. Murdock also is the sole stockholder of numerous corporations engaged in a variety of business ventures and in the manufacture of industrial and building products. Mr. Murdock is Chairman of the Executive Committee and of the Corporate Compensation and Benefits Committee of Dole’s Board of Directors.
 
David A. DeLorenzo, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Director.  Mr. DeLorenzo, 62, rejoined Dole as its President and Chief Executive Officer in June 2007. Mr. DeLorenzo originally joined Dole in 1970. He was President of Dole Fresh Fruit Company from September 1986 to June 1992, President of Dole Food Company from July 1990 to March 1996, President of Dole Food Company-International from September 1993 to March 1996, President and Chief Operating Officer of Dole from March 1996 to February 2001, and Vice Chairman of Dole from February 2001 through December 2001, at which time Mr. DeLorenzo became a consultant for Dole under contract for the period from January 2002 through January 2007. He has been a director of Dole since February 1991.
 
C. Michael Carter, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, and Director.  Mr. Carter, 66, became Dole’s Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary in July 2003, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary in July 2004, and a director of Dole in April 2003. Mr. Carter joined Dole in October 2000 as Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Prior to his employment by Dole, Mr. Carter had served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Pinkerton’s Inc. Prior to Pinkerton’s, Inc., Mr. Carter held positions at Concurrent Computer Corporation, Nabisco Group Holdings, The Singer Company and the law firm of Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam and Roberts.
 
Andrew J. Conrad, Ph.D., Director.  Dr. Conrad, 45, became a director in July 2003. Dr. Conrad was a co-founder of the National Genetics Institute, a provider of advanced genetics testing services for blood screening,


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medical testing and clinical research, and has been its chief scientific officer since 1992. The National Genetics Institute is now a subsidiary of Laboratory Corporation of America, where Dr. Conrad is Chief Scientific Officer.
 
Scott A. Griswold, Executive Vice President, Corporate Development, and Director.  Mr. Griswold, 56, became Dole’s Vice President, Acquisitions and Investments in July 2003, Executive Vice President, Corporate Development in July 2004, and a director in April 2003. Mr. Griswold has been Executive Vice President of Finance of Castle & Cooke, Inc., which is wholly owned by David H. Murdock, since 2000, and previously, from 1993, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Pacific Holding Company, a sole proprietorship of David H. Murdock. Since 1987, he has served as an officer and/or director of various other companies held by Mr. Murdock.
 
Justin M. Murdock, Vice President, New Products and Corporate Development, and Director.  Mr. Murdock, 36, became Dole’s Vice President, New Products and Corporate Development in November 2004, and a director in April 2003. Mr. Murdock has been Vice President of Investments of Castle & Cooke, Inc., which is wholly owned by David H. Murdock, since 2001, and previously, from 1999, Vice President of Mergers and Acquisitions of Pacific Holding Company, a sole proprietorship of David H. Murdock.
 
Edward C. Roohan, Director.  Mr. Roohan, 46, became a director of Dole in April 2003. Mr. Roohan was President and Chief Operating Officer of Castle & Cooke, Inc., which is wholly owed by David H. Murdock, from December 2000 until August 2009. He was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Castle & Cooke, Inc. from April 1996 to December 2000. He has served as an officer and/or director of various companies held by Mr. Murdock for more than five years. Mr. Roohan is Chairman of the Audit Committee of Dole’s Board of Directors.
 
Joseph S. Tesoriero, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.  Mr. Tesoriero, 56, became Dole’s Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in July 2004, after joining Dole as Vice President of Taxes in October 2002. Prior to his employment by Dole, Mr. Tesoriero was Senior Vice President of Tax at Global Crossing. Mr. Tesoriero also held tax positions at Coleman Camping Equipment, Revlon Cosmetics and International Business Machines.
 
Roberta Wieman, Executive Vice President, Chief of Staff, and Director.  Ms. Wieman, 63, joined Dole in 1991 as Executive Assistant to the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. She became a Vice President of Dole in 1995, Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff in July 2004, and a director in April 2003. Ms. Wieman has been Executive Vice President of Castle & Cooke, Inc. since August 2001; Vice President and Corporate Secretary of Castle & Cooke, Inc. from April 1996 to August 2001; Executive Vice President, Administrative and Corporate Secretary of Castle & Cooke, Inc. from April 1996 to present; and a Director of Flexi-Van Leasing, Inc., which is wholly owned by Mr. Murdock, since August 1996, and Assistant Secretary thereof for more then five years.
 
All directors serve a term from the date of their election until the next annual meeting. Our executive officers (as defined in the SEC’s Rule 3b-7) are David H. Murdock, C. Michael Carter, David A. DeLorenzo and Joseph S. Tesoriero.
 
Justin M. Murdock is a son of David H. Murdock. Otherwise, there is no family relationship between any other officer or director of Dole.
 
Dole’s Board of Directors has determined that Dole has at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its Audit Committee, Edward C. Roohan, who is not independent. The other members of the Audit Committee are Scott A. Griswold and Justin M. Murdock.
 
Dole has adopted a code of ethics (as defined in Item 406 of the SEC’s Regulation S-K) applicable to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. A copy of the code of ethics, which we call our Code of Conduct, and which applies to all employees of Dole, is available on Dole’s web site at www.dole.com. We intend to post on our web site any amendments to, or waivers (with respect to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer) from, this code of ethics within four business days of any such amendment or waiver.
 
Composition of the Board of Directors
 
Upon the consummation of this offering, the terms of office of members of our Board of Directors will be divided into three classes:
 
  •  Class I directors, whose terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2012;


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  •  Class II directors, whose terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2011; and
 
  •  Class III directors, whose terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2010.
 
Our Class I directors will be          , our Class II directors will be          , and our Class III directors will be          . At each annual meeting of stockholders, the successors to the directors whose terms will then expire will be elected to serve from the time of election and qualification until the third annual meeting following such election. Any vacancies in our classified Board of Directors will be filled by the remaining directors and the elected person will serve the remainder of the term of the class to which he or she is appointed. Any additional directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors will be distributed among the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of one-third of the directors.
 
The Company has traditionally used the standards of independence provided by the NYSE to determine whether a director is independent, since Dole securities were listed on the NYSE prior to Dole’s going-private merger transaction in 2003. Prior to the consummation of this offering, our Board of Directors will make a determination with respect to the independence of the existing and new members of the Board by reference to the standards of the NYSE:          .
 
Board Structure and Committee Composition
 
As of the date of this prospectus, our Board of Directors has eight directors and the following committees: Audit and Corporate Compensation and Benefits. Prior to the consummation of this offering, we will also constitute a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The composition of these committees during the last fiscal year and the function of each of the committees are described below. During fiscal 2008, our Board of Directors held four meetings. Except for Mr. Andrew J. Conrad, each director attended at least 75% of all Board and applicable committee meetings.
 
         
        Corporate
    Audit
  Compensation and
    Committee   Benefits Committee
 
C. Michael Carter
       
Andrew J. Conrad
      X
David A. DeLorenzo
      X
Scott A. Griswold
  X    
David H. Murdock
      Chairman
Justin M. Murdock
  X    
Edward C. Roohan
  Chairman    
Roberta Wieman
      X
 
Audit Committee.  The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors consists of Messrs. Scott A. Griswold, Justin M. Murdock and Edward C. Roohan. The Audit Committee, which upon consummation of this offering will have at least     independent director(s), makes recommendations to our Board of Directors regarding the selection of independent auditors, reviews the results and scope of the audit and other services provided by our independent auditors, and reviews and evaluates our audit and control functions. Our Audit Committee held four meetings during fiscal year 2008. Our Board of Directors has determined Mr. Roohan qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The background and experience of each of our audit committee members are set forth above. Prior to the consummation of this offering, our Board of Directors will adopt a written charter under which the Audit Committee will operate. A copy of the charter, which will satisfy the applicable standards of the SEC and the NYSE, will be available on our website.
 
Corporate Compensation and Benefits Committee.  The Corporate Compensation and Benefits Committee of our Board of Directors consists of Messrs. Andrew J. Conrad, David A. DeLorenzo and David H. Murdock and Ms. Roberta Wieman. The Corporate Compensation and Benefits Committee, which upon consummation of this offering will have at least      independent director(s), oversees our compensation plans and organizational matters. Such oversight includes decisions regarding executive management salaries, incentive compensation and long-term compensation plans as well as company wide incentive and equity plans for our employees and consultants and appointments and promotions for senior management. Our Corporate Compensation and Benefits Committee held two meetings during fiscal year 2008. Prior to the consummation of this offering, our Board of Directors will adopt a written charter under which the Corporate Compensation and Benefits Committee will


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operate. A copy of the charter, which will satisfy the applicable standards of the SEC and the NYSE, will be available on our website.
 
Nominating and Governance Committee.  The Nominating and Governance Committee of our Board of Directors will consist of          . The Nominating and Governance Committee, which upon consummation of the offering will have at least      independent director(s), will be responsible for recruiting and retention of qualified persons to serve on our Board of Directors, including proposing such individuals to the Board of Directors for nomination for election as directors, for evaluating the performance, size and composition of the Board of Directors and for oversight of our compliance activities. The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider written suggestions from stockholders, including potential nominees for election, and oversee the corporation’s governance programs. Prior to the consummation of this offering, our Board of Directors will adopt a written charter under which the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will operate. A copy of the charter, which will satisfy the applicable standards of the SEC and the NYSE, will be available on our website.
 
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
 
Our Corporate Compensation and Benefits Committee consisted of Messrs. Andrew J. Conrad, David A. DeLorenzo and David H. Murdock and Ms. Roberta Wieman during fiscal year 2008. During fiscal year 2008, Mr. Murdock served as our Chairman, Mr. DeLorenzo served as our President and Chief Executive Officer and Ms. Wieman served as our Executive Vice President, Chief of Staff. Mr. Murdock is the father of Justin M. Murdock, our Vice President, New Products and Corporate Development. Information with respect to the related party transactions involving the members of our Corporate Compensation and Benefits Committee is set forth below under “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.”
 
Limitation of Directors’ Liability and Indemnification
 
The Delaware General Corporation Law authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors to corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of directors’ fiduciary duties. Our certificate of incorporation includes a provision that eliminates the personal liability of directors for monetary damages for actions taken as a director, except for liability:
 
  •  for breach of duty of loyalty;
 
  •  for acts or omissions not in good faith or involving intentional misconduct or knowing violation of law;
 
  •  under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (unlawful dividends); or
 
  •  for transactions from which the director derived improper personal benefit.
 
Our bylaws provide that we must indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized by the Delaware General Corporation Law. We are also expressly authorized to carry directors’ and officers’ insurance providing indemnification for our directors, officers and certain employees for some liabilities. We believe that these indemnification provisions and insurance are useful to attract and retain qualified directors and officers.
 
The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. These provisions may also have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our stockholders.
 
In addition to the indemnification provided by our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, prior to the consummation of this offering, we will enter into agreements to indemnify our directors and executive officers. These agreements, among other things, will require us to indemnify these directors and officers for certain expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and settlement amounts incurred by any such person in any action or proceeding, including any action by or in our right, arising out of that person’s services as a director or officer of us or any of our subsidiaries or any other company or enterprise to which the person provides services at our request.
 
There is currently no pending material litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors, officers or employees for which indemnification is sought.


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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
Compensation Discussion & Analysis
 
Objectives
 
Dole has historically compensated its Named Executive Officers through a mix of cash programs: base salary, annual incentives and long-term incentives. These programs are designed to be competitive with both general industry and food and consumer products companies and to align the Named Executive Officers incentives with the long-term interests of Dole. The Company’s compensation policies are intended to enable Dole to attract and retain top quality management as well as to motivate management to set and achieve aggressive goals in their respective areas of responsibility. The compensation setting process consists of targeting total compensation for each Named Executive Officer and reviewing each component of compensation both individually and as a piece of overall compensation.
 
In connection with becoming a public company, certain aspects of our compensation mix will likely change, primarily in connection with our adoption of the Dole Food Company Inc. 2009 Stock Incentive Plan, or the 2009 Stock Plan, pursuant to which we intend to grant equity awards to our Named Executive Officers, other employees and directors effective upon the consummation of this offering using the initial offering price.
 
The Company’s “Named Executive Officers” refers to those officers identified in the “Summary Compensation Table” below. Our Named Executive Officers for 2008 were: David H. Murdock, Chairman; David A. DeLorenzo, President and Chief Executive Officer; C. Michael Carter, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary; and Joseph S. Tesoriero, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
 
Corporate Compensation and Benefits Committee Role
 
The Corporate Compensation and Benefits Committee, or the Committee, meets as often as required during the year in furtherance of its duties, including an annual review of compensation for the Named Executive Officers. The Committee retains the services of Hewitt Associates, an executive compensation consulting firm, to review periodically the competitiveness of the Company’s executive compensation programs relative to comparable companies. Hewitt provides the Committee with the relevant market data for each Named Executive Officer’s position, as well as for other key executives within Dole. Hewitt also responds to requests generated by the Committee through management. Hewitt also provides administrative employee benefit services and actuarial valuations to the Company.
 
Role of Named Executive Officers in Compensation Decisions
 
Mr. Murdock annually reviews Mr. DeLorenzo’s performance and receives input from Mr. DeLorenzo with respect to the performance of Messrs. Carter and Teroriero. Recommendations with respect to each component of pay are presented to the Committee for approval. The Committee can exercise its discretion in modifying recommendations made for any Named Executive Officer. The Committee alone makes decisions with regard to Mr. Murdock’s compensation.
 
Benchmarking
 
The Committee compares each component of its pay program against a group of food and consumer products companies. The Committee also compares pay components to other general industry companies. For comparison purposes, Dole’s revenue is slightly below the median of the group and data is size-regressed to adjust the compensation data for differences in revenue. Annual revenues range from approximately $1 billion to $17 billion. The companies in the group are as follows and represent the relevant companies found in Hewitt’s database:
 
             
Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. 
  Del Monte Foods Company   Kellogg Company   TreeHouse Foods, Inc.
Campbell Soup Company
  General Mills, Inc.   McCormick & Company, Inc.   UST Inc.
Chiquita Brands International, Inc. 
  H. J. Heinz Company   Molson Coors Brewing Co.   Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
ConAgra Foods, Inc. 
  The Hershey Company   Reynolds American Inc.    
Corn Products International Inc. 
  Hormel Foods Corporation   Sara Lee Corporation    


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Dole competes with many larger public companies for executive talent. Historically, the Committee has determined that, because Dole was a privately-held enterprise, Dole would rely on base salary and annual incentives that are targeted at or above the median of other similarly sized companies and that long-term incentive compensation would trail the median.
 
Total Direct Pay Compensation
 
Total direct pay at Dole has three components: base salary and annual and long-term incentive programs.
 
Based on the analysis of the competitive review, targeted 2008 total direct pay is as follows: for the Chairman, approximately $3.4 million; for the President and Chief Executive Officer, approximately $4.3 million; for the Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, approximately $1.9 million; and, for the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, approximately $1.5 million. Base salary and annual incentives for Mr. DeLorenzo are targeted slightly above the median of the similar compensation for similarly situated executive officers at other comparably sized companies.
 
In establishing award levels for the other Named Executive Officers, the Committee uses a similar process. Base salaries and annual incentives are targeted approximately at or above the median for the other Named Executive Officers.
 
Under Dole’s current total compensation structure, the approximate mix of base salary, annual incentive and long-term incentive programs for the Named Executive Officers is as follows: 25% — 35% to base salary, 25% — 30% to annual incentives and 40% — 45% to long-term incentives. In allocating total compensation among these components of pay, the Committee believes the compensation package should be predominantly performance-based since these individuals have the greatest ability to affect and influence the financial performance of the Company.
 
Base Salary
 
The Committee wants to provide a base salary that is commensurate with the position in the Company and is comparable to what other individuals in similarly situated positions might receive. Base salaries are approximately 25 — 35% of total direct compensation. The Committee considers each Named Executive Officer’s position relative to the market, his responsibilities and performance in the job and other subjective factors. Mr. Tesoriero received a salary adjustment in July 2008 based on both his level of pay relative to the benchmarking data and his level of performance. Based on benchmarking data, base salary changes to other Named Executive Officers were determined not to be necessary. Based on market data and factors noted above, the Committee decided on the pay levels noted in the “Summary Compensation Table.”
 
Annual Incentives
 
General
 
Dole’s annual incentive program, the One-Year Management Incentive Plan, or the One-Year Plan, has target bonuses for the Named Executive Officers, as a percentage of salary, ranging from 75% to 110%. Payments are generally made if the specified minimum level of financial performance is realized and may be increased to maximum levels only if substantially higher performance levels are attained, subject to the discretion of the Committee. Historically, payments could range from 0% to 300% of target. Maximums over 200% were used at Dole because of the lack of equity upside.
 
Annual financial performance goals are recommended by management and set by the Committee. Financial performance goals are structured to present a challenging, yet achievable profitability scenario for the Company. The Committee sets the minimum, target and maximum levels such that the relative difficulty of achieving the target level is consistent from year to year.
 
Consistent with the approach for allocating total target compensation among the three components of compensation, target annual cash incentive levels for the Named Executive Officers under the One-Year Plan are approximately 25% to 30% of total direct compensation.


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The Named Executive Officers have identical financial performance goals for their incentives and may earn 100% of their targeted incentives if established targets for financial performance goals are met. The Committee may approve discretionary payments to the Named Executive Officers if the financial performance goal in a given fiscal year is not attained, in recognition of their respective overall performance at the Company. See the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table” below.
 
Metrics for Fiscal 2008
 
For fiscal 2008, the incentive pool was funded based on a Cash Flow Return on Investment, or CFROI, target of 13.56%. Actual results were 15.79%. CFROI was chosen because management believes it provides a comprehensive view of annual consolidated performance and focuses management on cash generation and debt reduction. In determining the funding of the bonus pool, the Committee compares actual consolidated results with the target performance level for CFROI. For incentive purposes, CFROI is our annual budgeted EBITDA divided by budgeted investment. The annual budget is the budget we use for operating and planning purposes and is not a special budget used for compensation purposes.
 
In determining the achievement of CFROI goals in 2008, the Committee approved the incentive pool based on CFROI results adjusted for unusual or non-recurring items such as unanticipated costs related to weather events and book gains from various asset sales. Although 2008 adjusted CFROI was significantly above budget (due to Dole’s success in increasing EBITDA and paying down debt), resulting in an incentive pool of approximately 180% of their target incentives. The Committee, in its discretion, reduced the awards to each Named Executive Officer.
 
As in 2008, CFROI was again selected as the fiscal 2009 financial performance metric for annual incentive payments because management continues to believe it provides the best view of annual consolidated performance. Any such payments will be considered only to the extent they do not reduce consolidated EBITDA below $440 million, adjusted for unusual or non-recurring items.
 
Long-Term Incentives
 
The Sustained Profit Growth Plan, or the Growth Plan, contemplates annual grants each with three-year Incentive Periods. Each Named Executive Officer’s final award in connection with each grant is determined as of the end of the Incentive Period for that grant, and is paid in a lump sum no later than 90 days following the end of the Incentive Period. The performance measures and targets are recommended by management and set by the Committee. The Committee has authorized all of the Named Executive Officers to participate in the Growth Plan.
 
Consistent with the approach for allocating total target compensation among the three components of compensation, target long-term cash incentive levels for the Named Executive Officers under the Growth Plan are set as a percentage of base salary so as to constitute approximately 40% to 45% of total targeted direct compensation.
 
The Named Executive Officers have identical performance goals and will earn 100% of their targeted long-term incentive payments if financial performance goals are achieved. Payments range from 0% to 300% of a Named Executive Officer’s target. There is no discretionary pay component available under the Growth Plan. Achievement of target awards under this plan requires company performance, on a consolidated basis, to meet three-year performance goals. Such goals are driven by the Company’s three-year financial and operating plan.
 
We disclose performance targets with respect to incentive periods that have concluded, but not with respect to incentive periods that have not yet concluded. We do provide information about business trends and outlooks in this prospectus but do not provide specific performance guidance or forward-looking statements on our projected operating results. Disclosure of numerical performance targets under our long-term incentive plans would pose a risk of competitive harm in that our competitors, suppliers and key customers might be able to estimate planned pricing, and other competitively sensitive information. This is particularly true in our industry, where there are a relatively small number of global competitors, some of which are not subject to public disclosure regulations. Our suppliers could use information concerning our expected financial performance, including expected pricing to our customers, to gain an unfair advantage in their negotiations with us for the supply of fruit and other input commodities. In addition, our customers could unfairly use information in negotiations with us.


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Metrics for Incentive Period ended 2008
 
The Growth Plan for the 2006 — 2008 Incentive Period, or the 2006 Incentive Period, was calculated based on achievement of consolidated revenue in fiscal year 2008 and average CFROI over the three-year period. The consolidated revenue goal was $7.2 billion and the average CFROI goal for the same period was 22%. The combined achievement relative to targeted performance under the Growth Plan for the 2006 — 2008 Incentive Period was 38% of target and will be paid based on consolidated revenue of $7.6 billion and average CFROI of 13.35%.
 
Payment under the Growth Plan for the 2006 — 2008 Incentive Period will be paid in 2009 as follows: Mr. Murdock will receive $541,500; Mr. DeLorenzo will receive $0, since he was rehired by the Company in 2007 and was not, therefore, an award recipient for the 2006 Incentive Period; Mr. Carter will receive $254,125; and Mr. Tesoriero will receive $185,725.
 
Metrics for Other Incentive Periods Outstanding
 
2007 — 2009 Incentive Period.  Like the 2006 Incentive Period, the Growth Plan for the 2007 — 2009 Incentive Period is based on consolidated revenue in the last fiscal year of the three year period and average CFROI over the three-year period.
 
2008 — 2010 Incentive Period.  The Growth Plan for the 2008 — 2010 Incentive Period is based on two factors: (a) the ending leverage ratio (net debt at the end of the three year period, divided by EBITDA for the last year of the three year period), and (b) the average annual EBITDA for the three year period, in each case adjusted for unusual or non-operational items.
 
The 2008 — 2010 performance measures were changed from previous incentive periods, which used consolidated revenue and average CFROI. Management recommended this change to the Committee in order to recognize the need to better align executive pay with the Company’s overall strategy of increasing operating performance and paying down debt. The targets are set aggressively and require successful achievement of asset sales and management focus on effective and profitable use of capital.
 
Degree of Difficulty
 
Generally, the Committee sets the minimum, target and maximum levels such that the relative difficulty of achieving the target level is consistent from year to year. Maximum awards reflect very ambitious goals which can only be attained when business results are exceptional, thus justifying the higher award payments. Similarly, if performance targets fall short of specified levels, there will be no payout under the Growth Plan.
 
Achievement of the Company’s three-year financial plan can be difficult to reach and is subject to the volatile nature of Dole’s businesses, which can be impacted by numerous factors, such as exposure to commodity input costs like fuel, shipping and packaging, as well as product supplies which can be impacted by weather, political risk, currency fluctuations and other factors.
 
Perhaps the most useful indicator of the degree of difficulty in achieving the performance targets is Dole’s track record: Dole has not hit its ambitious performance targets in any of the last three incentive period cycles. The payout percentage has been between approximately 26% and 46% of the participant’s target award opportunity with an average payout over the past three incentive periods of approximately 37% of target.
 
Retirement Plan
 
Until December 31, 2001, Dole maintained a traditional defined benefit pension plan. Subsequent to that time no new participants were added to the plan and benefits under the plan for existing participants were frozen. The Company did institute a five-year transition benefit plan for long-term employees and that concluded at the end of 2006. Mr. Tesoriero had not accrued any benefit under the benefit pension plan prior to the freeze. Mr. Carter is entitled to receive an annual retirement benefit of approximately $5,747. Mr. DeLorenzo received $344,991 in pension benefit payments in 2008. Mr. Murdock is over the age of 701/2 and, as required by the Internal Revenue Code, is receiving his current annual retirement benefit of $208,604. If any individual’s benefit under the pension


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plan exceeds the maximum annual benefit or the maximum compensation limit, Dole will pay the excess from an unfunded excess and supplemental benefit plan. Additional details regarding the supplemental retirement plan are provided below following the Pension Plan Table.
 
Savings Plans
 
Dole matches contributions to the 401(k) plan up to 6% of eligible compensation. Effective July 1, 2009, Dole reduced its match to the 401(k) plan to $0.50 of each dollar contributed up to 6% of eligible compensation.
 
The Named Executive Officers, as well as other U.S. based senior executives, are eligible to participate in the Excess Savings Plan where eligible employees can contribute up to 100% of eligible earnings (base pay and annual incentive). Additional details regarding the Excess Savings Plan can be found below under “— Nonqualified Deferred Compensation.”
 
Perquisite and Other Agreements
 
Perquisites for the Named Executive Officers (except for Mr. Murdock) are the reimbursement of $5,000 per year for financial planning and a company-paid annual executive physical not to exceed $6,000. Messrs. Carter and Tesoriero are provided with company cars, insurance costs and maintenance. Messrs. Murdock and Carter receive an annual car allowance of $5,000. Dole paid an annual subscription to the New York Metropolitan Opera on behalf of Mr. Murdock.
 
The Dole airplane (co-leased by an affiliate of Dole) was used by Mr. Murdock in 2008 solely for business purposes. The costs to Dole of these expenses are discussed under “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.”
 
The Named Executive Officers participate in the Company’s other benefit plans on the same terms as other employees. These plans include medical and dental insurance, life insurance, and charitable gift matching (limited to $500 per employee per year).
 
Employment Agreements
 
As of end of the 2008 fiscal year, Dole was not party to any employment agreements with the Named Executive Officers.
 
Severance and Change of Control Arrangements
 
Our Named Executive Officers participate in the same severance program, on the same terms, as all other eligible employees. The program provides for severance pay upon certain involuntary terminations based upon years of service.
 
Double-trigger change of control agreements are in place for the Named Executive Officers, except Mr. DeLorenzo. As discussed below under “— Change of Control,” we believe these change of control agreements are important in order to keep these executives focused on the business of Dole should a change of control occur.
 
Our change of control benefits include a gross-up payment in connection with Internal Revenue Code Section 280G (referred to as the Section 280G gross-up). The Section 280G tax on “excess parachute payments” is assessed, in part, based on Form W-2 income over the five year period (or lesser period if the executive officer has not been employed with the employer for a full five years) preceding a termination in connection with a change of control. Thus, the amount of tax imposed varies depending on factors such as whether the executive officer elected to defer compensation or to exercise stock options and how long the executive officer has been employed with the Company. The Section 280G gross-up payments are intended to make certain that the payments and benefits actually received by our Named Executive Officers, net of tax, are consistent with our compensation decisions and do not vary arbitrarily due to the operation of the tax rules. For these reasons, we believe that the provision of the Section 280G gross-up payments for our Named Executive Officers, is appropriate.
 
See the discussion below under “ — Severance” and “ — Change of Control” for further information on our severance and change of control arrangements.


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Stock Ownership Guidelines
 
There are currently no equity ownership requirements or guidelines that any of our Named Executive Officers or other employees must meet or maintain.
 
Policy Regarding Restatements
 
We do not currently have a formal policy requiring a fixed course of action with respect to compensation adjustments following later restatements of financial results. Under those circumstances, the Board of Directors or Committee would evaluate whether compensation adjustments were appropriate based upon the facts and circumstances surrounding the restatement.
 
Tax Deductibility
 
The Committee has considered the potential future effects of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code on the compensation paid to our Named Executive Officers. Section 162(m) places a limit of $1.0 million on the amount of compensation that a publicly held corporation may deduct in any one year with respect to its chief executive officer and each of the next three most highly compensated executive officers (other than its chief financial officer). In general, certain performance-based compensation approved by stockholders is not subject to this deduction limit. As we are not currently publicly-traded, the Committee has not previously taken the deductibility limit imposed by Section 162(m) into consideration in making compensation decisions. We expect that following this offering, the Committee will adopt a policy that, where reasonably practicable, we will seek to qualify the variable compensation paid to our named executive officers for an exemption from the deductibility limitations of Section 162(m). However, we may authorize compensation payments that do not comply with the exemptions in Section 162(m) when we believe that such payments are appropriate to attract and retain executive talent.


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Summary Compensation Table
 
The table below summarizes total compensation paid, earned or awarded to each of the Named Executive Officers for the fiscal years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006.
 
                                                         
                    Change in
       
                    Pension Value
       
                    and
       
                Non Equity
  Nonqualified
       
                Incentive Plan
  Deferred
  All Other
   
        Salary
  Bonus
  Compensation
  Compensation
  Compensation
   
Name and Principal Position
  Year   ($)(1)   ($)(2)   ($)(4)   Earnings ($)(5)   ($)(6)(7)(8)   Total ($)
 
David H. Murdock
    2008       968,269       1,269,226       541,500       (114,009 )     33,057       2,698,043  
Chairman
    2007       950,000       489,250 (3)     247,950       (85,159 )     29,415       1,631,456  
Dole Food Company, Inc. 
    2006       950,000       0       437,950       (7,972 )     26,795       1,406,773  
David A. DeLorenzo
    2008       1,223,077       1,374,199       0       (272,894 )     76,965       2,401,347  
President & Chief
    2007       687,692       618,000 (3)     0       (122,773 )     41,352       1,224,271  
Executive Officer
    2006       0       0       0       0       0       0  
Dole Food Company, Inc. 
                                                       
C. Michael Carter
    2008       611,538       619,431       254,125       25,693       53,929       1,564,716  
Executive Vice President,
    2007       600,000       300,000       118,690       78,891       80,805       1,178,386  
General Counsel &
    2006       562,500       450,000       195,925       63,095       305,893       1,577,413  
Corporate Secretary
                                                       
Dole Food Company, Inc.
                                                       
Joseph S. Tesoriero
    2008       482,692       505,464       185,725       4,955       38,995       1,217,831  
Vice President & Chief
    2007       444,231       350,000       36,703       11,944       62,293       905,171  
Financial Officer
    2006       425,000       100,000       50,134       7,665       112,248       695,047  
Dole Food Company, Inc. 
                                                       
 
 
(1) Base salary adjustments are made based on performance, internal equity and market data. Mr. Tesoriero received a salary adjustment in July 2008 based on both his level of pay relative to the benchmarking data and his level of performance. None of the other Named Executive Officers received a pay increase in 2008. Messrs. Murdock and Carter’s salaries were higher in 2008 solely due to fiscal 2008 being a 53-week fiscal year in contrast to fiscal 2007 and 2006 which were both 52-week fiscal years. Mr. DeLorenzo rejoined the Company’s management team on June 4, 2007.
 
(2) Bonus amounts shown for each fiscal year reflect cash payments made or to be made in the subsequent fiscal year with respect to performance for such fiscal year under the One-Year Plan.
 
(3) The Committee has approved the payment of 2007 bonus amounts for Messrs. Murdock and DeLorenzo, previously deferred.
 
(4) Amounts shown reflect awards earned for the 2006 — 2008 incentive period (paid in 2009) under the Growth Plan.
 
(5) The amounts shown reflect the actuarial decrease or increase in the present value of Mr. Murdock’s, Mr. DeLorenzo’s and Mr. Carter’s benefits under all pension plans established by the Company using interest rate and mortality rate assumptions consistent with those used in the Company’s financial statements and includes amounts which the Named Executive Officer may not currently be entitled to receive. In general, the present value of the benefits under the pension plans increase until attainment of age 65 and thereafter decrease due to the mortality assumptions. Also reflected in the amounts shown are the annual earnings on each Named Executive Officer’s deferred compensation balance. The 2008 change in actuarial value for each of the Named Executive Officers is as follows: for Mr. Murdock ($123,223); for Mr. DeLorenzo ($277,146); and, for Mr. Carter ($3,623). Mr. Tesoriero joined Dole after the defined benefit plans were frozen and therefore does not have a benefit. The amounts shown also include above market earnings on non-qualified deferred compensation as follows: for Mr. Murdock $9,214; for Mr. DeLorenzo $4,252; for Mr. Carter $29,316; and, for Mr. Tesoriero $4,955.
 
(6) The 2008 amounts shown include the following: (1) on behalf of Mr. Murdock an amount of $27,687 for an annual subscription to the New York Metropolitan Opera; (2) Dole’s matching contributions to both the 401(k)


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and Excess Savings Plans of Dole Food Company, Inc. (see “— Compensation Discussion & Analysis — Savings Plans” and “— Nonqualified Deferred Compensation”) on behalf of Mr. Murdock $0, Mr. Carter $33,846, Mr. DeLorenzo $73,355, and Mr. Tesoriero $25,154; (3) for Mr. DeLorenzo, $24,622 interest earned on deferred compensation as an outside director prior to June 2007 when he was rehired as an employee; (4) the value attributable to personal use of the company-provided automobiles for Mr. Carter $598, and Mr. Tesoriero $4,404; (5) an annual car allowance to Mr. Murdock $5,000, and Mr. Carter $5,000; (6) the cost of financial planning services reimbursed (amounts are included in the executive’s W-2 and taxes are borne by the executive) by the Company for Mr. Murdock $0, Mr. Carter $10,000 (which includes reimbursement for 2009), Mr. DeLorenzo $0 and Mr. Tesoriero $4,975; and (7) the cost of an annual executive physical for Mr. Murdock $370, Mr. Carter $4,485, Mr. DeLorenzo $3,580 and Mr. Tesoriero $4,462.
 
(7) The 2007 amounts shown include the following: (1) on behalf of Mr. Murdock an amount of $24,415 for an annual subscription to the New York Metropolitan Opera; (2) Dole’s matching contributions to both the 401(k) and Excess Savings Plans of Dole Food Company, Inc. (see “— Compensation Discussion & Analysis — Savings Plans” and “— Nonqualified Deferred Compensation”) on behalf of Mr. Murdock $0, Mr. Carter $63,043, Mr. DeLorenzo $41,262 and Mr. Tesoriero $33,000; (3) the value attributable to personal use of the company-provided automobiles for Mr. Carter $2,464, and Mr. Tesoriero $20,693; (4) an annual car allowance to Mr. Murdock $5,000, and Mr. Carter $5,000; (5) the cost of financial planning services reimbursed (amounts are included in the executive’s W-2 and taxes are borne by the executive) by the Company for Mr. Murdock $0, Mr. Carter $5,000, Mr. DeLorenzo $0 and Mr. Tesoriero $4,850; and (6) the cost of an annual executive physical for Mr. Murdock $0, Mr. Carter $5,298, Mr. DeLorenzo $90 and Mr. Tesoriero $3,750.
 
(8) The 2006 amounts shown include the following (1) on behalf of Mr. Murdock an amount of $21,795 for an annual subscription to the New York Metropolitan Opera; (2) Dole’s matching contributions to both the 401(k) and Excess Savings Plans of Dole Food Company, Inc, (see “— Compensation Discussion & Analysis — Savings Plans” and “— Nonqualified Deferred Compensation”) on behalf of Mr. Murdock $0, Mr. Carter $37,518, and Mr. Tesoriero $33,132; (3) the value attributable to personal use of the company-provided automobiles for Mr. Carter $3,162, and Mr. Tesoriero $19,691; (4) the cost of financial planning services reimbursed (amounts are included in the executive’s W-2 and taxes are borne by the executive) by the Company for Mr. Murdock $0, Mr. Carter $5,000, and Mr. Tesoriero $1,300; (5) an annual car allowance to Mr. Murdock $5,000, and Mr. Carter $5,000; (6) the cost of an annual executive physical for Mr. Murdock $0, Mr. Carter $3,213, and Mr. Tesoriero $5,925; and (7) the delayed payout of 35% under the 2003 executive incentive plan paid in January 2006 for Mr. Murdock $0, Mr. Carter $252,000, and Mr. Tesoriero $52,200.
 
Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table
 
                                     
            Estimated Future Payout Under
    Grant
      Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards
Name
  Date(1)   Incentive Period   Threshold   Target   Maximum
 
David H. Murdock
    12/31/07     2008 Fiscal Year(2)(3)   $ 0     $ 1,045,000     $ 3,135,000  
      12/31/07     2008-2010(4)(5)(6)   $ 0     $ 1,425,000     $ 4,275,000  
David A. DeLorenzo
    12/31/07     2008 Fiscal Year(2)(3)   $ 0     $ 1,320,000     $ 3,960,000  
      12/31/07     2008-2010(4)(5)(6)   $ 0     $ 1,800,000     $ 5,400,000  
C. Michael Carter
    12/31/07     2008 Fiscal Year(2)(3)   $ 0     $ 510,000     $ 1,530,000  
      12/31/07     2008-2010(4)(5)(6)   $ 0     $ 750,000     $ 2,250,000  
Joseph S. Tesoriero
    12/31/07     2008 Fiscal Year(2)(3)   $ 0     $ 375,000     $ 1,125,000  
      12/31/07     2008-2010(4)(5)(6)   $ 0     $ 517,500     $ 1,552,500  
 
 
(1) The first day of fiscal year 2008 was Sunday, December 30, 2007.
 
(2) Under the One-Year Plan, target incentives for the Named Executive Officers range from 75% to 110% of base salary. Incentive awards for Named Executive Officers are determined based on the consolidated financial performance and are generally payable only if the specified minimum level of the Company’s financial performance is realized and may be increased to maximum levels only if substantially higher performance levels are attained. Incentive awards can range from 0% to 300% of target incentives.
 
(3) Under the One-Year Plan, amounts are based on annual salary at the end of the relevant year.


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(4) Under the Growth Plan, target incentives for the Named Executive Officers range from 115% to 150% of base salary. The performance matrix established for the Incentive Period 2008 — 2010 consists of two factors: (1) the leverage ratio at the end of the three year period and (2) the average EBITDA for the three year period. Incentive awards can range from 0% to 300% of target incentives. If both of the two performance measures fall short of specified levels, there will be no payout under the Growth Plan.
 
(5) The threshold, zero, applies if both performance measures fall below specified levels.
 
(6) Under the Growth Plan, contingent award amounts are based on annual salary at the beginning of the Incentive Period.
 
Pension Benefits
 
The Company sponsors both a qualified and nonqualified defined benefit plan. The accrued benefit under the qualified plan is 1.1% of final average compensation multiplied by years of service, plus .33% of final average compensation multiplied by years of service in excess of 15 years. The nonqualified plan is a restoration plan, providing benefits that cannot be provided under the qualified plan on account of Internal Revenue Code limits on compensation and benefits.
 
Participation in both defined benefit plans was frozen on December 31, 2001. Benefits were also frozen for most employees at that time, although some long-service employees received additional benefit accruals over the next five years. No benefits accrued under either defined benefit plan after December 31, 2006. All participants were fully vested as of that date.
 
Participants may receive their full benefit upon normal retirement at age 65 or a reduced benefit upon early retirement on or after age 55.
 
The amounts in the table below reflect the actuarial change in present value of the Named Executive Officer’s benefits under all defined benefit pension plans sponsored by the Company and are determined using the interest rate and mortality rate assumptions used for U.S. pension plans discussed in Note 13 in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 3, 2009 included elsewhere in this prospectus.
 
                                 
        Number of
       
        Years of
  Present Value of
  Payments
        Credited
  Accumulated
  During Last
Name(1)
  Plan Name   Service   Benefit   Fiscal Year
 
David H. Murdock(2)
    Plan 29       8.5     $ 1,226,111     $ 93,973  
      SERP       8.5     $ 683,270     $ 52,368  
David A. DeLorenzo(3)
    Plan 29       31.5     $ 885,983     $ 75,621  
      SERP       31.5     $ 2,843,727     $ 240,616  
C. Michael Carter
    Plan 29       1.25     $ 29,332     $  
      SERP       1.25     $ 28,502     $  
 
 
(1) Mr. Tesoriero joined Dole after the defined benefit plans were frozen and is not shown in the table as he does not have an accrued benefit under the qualified or nonqualified defined benefits plan.
 
(2) As required by the Internal Revenue Code, Mr. Murdock, who is over the age of 701/2, is receiving his current annual retirement benefit as a joint and survivor annuity.
 
(3) Mr. DeLorenzo retired from Dole on December 29, 2001 and began receiving retirement benefit payments. Mr. DeLorenzo was rehired on June 4, 2007 and continues to receive retirement benefit payments.
 
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
 
Named Executive Officers and certain other executives are eligible to participate in the Excess Savings Plan, or the ESP. This plan is a nonqualified savings plan that provides participants with the opportunity to contribute amounts on a deferred tax basis which are in excess of the limits that apply to the 401(k) Plan. The ESP is coordinated with the Salaried 401(k) Plan so that, on a combined plan basis, participants may defer up to 100% of eligible earnings (generally, base salary and annual incentives) and will receive a Company match of the first 6% of eligible earnings. Effective July 1, 2009, Dole reduced its match to the 401(k) plan to $0.50 of each dollar


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contributed up to 6% of eligible compensation. Amounts contributed to the ESP received a fixed rate of interest. For 2008, the interest rate was 7.2%. The interest rate in 2009 has been set at 7.2%, the same as the previous year. Such rate is declared annually by the Committee and is based on the Company’s weighted average cost of long-term debt.
 
                                         
                    Aggregate
    Executive
  Registrant
  Aggregate
  Aggregate
  Balance at
    Contributions
  Contributions
  Earnings
  Withdrawals/
  Last Fiscal
Name
  in Last FY(3)   in Last FY(3)   in Last FY   Distributions   Year End
 
David H. Murdock
  $     $     $ 19,686     $     $ 293,108  
David A. DeLorenzo
  $ 85,615     $ 59,585     $ 8,001     $     $ 209,037  
C. Michael Carter
  $ 18,346     $ 20,046     $ 60,386     $ 1,207,477 (1)(2)   $ 41,918  
Joseph S. Tesoriero
  $ 9,654     $ 11,354     $ 9,773     $ 133,097 (1)   $ 96,238  
 
 
(1) The Company permitted a one-time election for participants to withdraw deferrals for years 2005 — 2008 in recognition of the fact that rules governing distributions for elections were not available at the time the deferral elections were made. Mr. Carter received a distribution of $270,071 and Mr. Tesoriero $133,097.
 
(2) Mr. Carter requested a nonemergency early withdrawal of $937,406. Such payment was reduced by a penalty of 10% for early distribution.
 
(3) Executive contributions and company match are also reflected in the “Summary Compensation Table.“
 
By irrevocable election, an executive may elect to receive benefits under the ESP in either a lump sum payment or annual installments up to fifteen years. Lump-sum benefits under the ESP will be paid the earlier of the beginning of the year following the executive’s retirement or termination or a year as specified by the executive. Effective January 1, 2009, new participants in the ESP may only elect a lump sum payment to be paid in the year following the participant’s retirement or termination. However, upon a showing of financial hardship and receipt of approval from the Compensation Committee, an executive may be allowed to access funds deferred, earlier than previously elected by the executive. A nonemergency withdrawal may be elected prior to termination of employment but only from benefits accrued prior to January 1, 2005. Such nonemergency withdrawal is subject to a penalty of 10%.
 
There are no investment options available under the ESP.
 
Payments upon Termination or Change of Control
 
The tables below reflect the amount of compensation that would become payable to each of the Named Executive Officers under existing plans and arrangements if the Named Executive Officer’s employment had terminated on January 3, 2009, given the Named Executive Officer’s compensation and service levels as of such date. These benefits are in addition to benefits available prior to the occurrence of any termination of employment, including benefits generally available to salaried employees, such as distributions under the company’s 401(k) plan and frozen pension plans, and previously accrued and vested benefits under the Company’s nonqualified deferred compensation plan, as described in the tables above. In addition, in connection with any actual termination of employment, the Company may determine to enter into an agreement or to establish an arrangement providing additional benefits or amounts, or altering the terms of benefits described below, as the Committee determines appropriate. The actual amounts that would be paid upon a Named Executive Officer’s termination of employment can be determined only at the time of such executive’s separation from the Company. Due to the number of factors that affect the nature and amount of any benefits provided upon the events discussed below, any actual amounts paid or distributed may be higher or lower than reported below. Factors that could affect these amounts include the timing during the year of any such event and the executive’s age.
 
Severance
 
The Severance Pay Plan for Employees of Dole Food Company, Inc. and Participating Divisions and Subsidiaries, or the Severance Plan, is in place for all eligible employees and provides for payment if an employee’s, including a Named Executive Officer, employment is involuntarily terminated as a result a workforce reduction, elimination of operations or job elimination. There are no other severance plans or severance agreements covering the Named Executive Officers. In the unlikely circumstance that a Named Executive Officer is


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involuntarily terminated under the qualifications of the Severance Plan, the Severance Plan provides for benefits in an amount equal to the weekly base compensation determined according to the following schedule:
 
     
Years of Service
  Severance Pay Benefit
 
1 to 4
  2 weeks for each year of service plus 2 weeks
5 to 14
  2 weeks for each year of service plus 4 weeks
15 or more
  2 weeks for each year of service plus 6 weeks
 
In no event will the severance benefits under the Severance Plan exceed either of the following: (i) an amount equal to a total of 104 weeks of weekly base compensation; or (ii) an amount equal to twice the Named Executive Officer’s compensation (including wages, salary, and any other benefit of monetary value) during the twelve-month period immediately preceding his termination of service.
 
Health and other insurance benefits are continued for up to six months corresponding to the termination benefits.
 
Change of Control
 
In line with the practice of numerous companies of Dole’s size, we recognize that the possibility of a change of control of Dole may result in the departure or distraction of management to the detriment of Dole. In March 2001, Dole put in place a program to offer change of control agreements to each Named Executive Officer and certain other officers and employees of Dole. At the time the program was put in place, Dole was advised by its executive compensation consultants that the benefits provided under the change of control agreements were within the range of customary practices of other public companies. The benefits under the change of control agreements are paid in a lump sum and are based on a multiple of three for each of the Named Executive Officers with change of control agreements.
 
In order to receive a payment under the change of control agreement, two triggers must occur. The first trigger is a change of control, as defined below. The second trigger is that the Named Executive Officer must be terminated without cause or with good reason, each as defined below, during the period beginning on the change of control date and ending on the second anniversary of the date on which the change of control becomes effective.
 
The payments to the Named Executive Officers would be in the form of a lump sum cash payment, determined as follows:
 
  •  Three times the Named Executive Officer’s base salary;
 
  •  Three times the Named Executive Officer’s target bonus;
 
  •  $30,000, in lieu of any other health and welfare benefits, fringe benefits and perquisites (including medical, life, disability, accident and other insurance, car allowance or other health and welfare plan, programs, policies or practices or understandings but excluding the Named Executive Officer’s rights relative to the option of acquiring full ownership of the company car) and other taxable perquisites and fringe benefits that the Named Executive Officer or his family may have been entitled to receive;
 
  •  The pro-rata portion of the greater of (i) the Named Executive Officer’s target amounts under the Growth Plan and (ii) the Named Executive Officer’s actual benefits under the Growth Plan;
 
  •  Accrued obligations (any unpaid base salary to date of termination, any accrued vacation pay or paid time off), and deferred compensation — including interest and earnings and pursuant to outstanding elections;
 
  •  Pro-rata portion of the Named Executive Officer’s target bonus for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs;
 
  •  Reimbursement for outstanding reimbursable expenses; and
 
  •  A gross-up payment to hold the Named Executive Officer harmless against the impact, if any, of federal excise taxes imposed on the executive as a result of the payments contingent on a change of control.


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There are four events that could constitute a change of control at Dole. The occurrence of any of these events would be deemed a change of control. These events were carefully reviewed by both internal and external experts and were deemed to best capture those situations in which control of the company would be altered. Below, we provide a general summary of the events that constitute a change of control.
 
1) An acquisition of 20% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s stock. Excluded from the 20% acquisition rule is Mr. Murdock, or following his death, any trust or trustees designated by Mr. Murdock.
 
2) A change in the majority constitution of the Board of Directors, unless the changes are approved by two-thirds of the incumbent Board of Directors.
 
3) A merger, reorganization, consolidation, recapitalization, exchange offer or other extraordinary transaction where the current beneficial owners of the outstanding securities of the Company do not own at least 50 percent of the outstanding securities of the new organization.
 
4) A sale, transfer, or distribution of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets.
 
For purposes of the change of control agreements:
 
“Cause” is defined as Dole’s termination of the executive’s employment related to the occurrence of any one or more of the following: (1) conviction of, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony; (2) commission of an act of gross misconduct in connection with the performance of duties; (3) demonstration of habitual negligence in the performance of duties; (4) commission of an act of fraud, misappropriation of funds or embezzlement in connection with employment by Dole; (5) death; or (6) Disability.
 
“Good Reason” is defined as the executive’s resignation of employment with Dole related to the occurrence of one or more of the following: (1) subject to certain exceptions, whether direct or indirect, a significant diminution of authority, duties, responsibilities or status inconsistent with and below those held, exercised and assigned in the ordinary course during the 90 day period immediately preceding the change of control date; (2) the assignment of duties that are inconsistent (in any significant respect) with, or that impair (in any significant respect) ability to perform, the duties customarily assigned to an executive holding the position held immediately prior to the change of control date in a corporation of the size and nature of Dole or the applicable subsidiary or business unit of Dole; (3) relocation of primary office more than 35 miles from current office on the change of control date; (4) any material breach by Dole of the change of control agreement or any other agreement with the executive; (5) the failure of a successor to Dole (in any transaction that constitutes a change of control), to assume in writing Dole’s obligations to the executive under the change in control agreement or any other agreement with the executive, if the same is not assumed by such successor by operation of law; (6) any reduction in base salary below base salary in effect on the change of control date (or if base salary was reduced within 180 days before the change of control date, the base salary in effect immediately prior to such reduction); or (7) any non de minimis reduction in aggregate benefits and other compensation, provided that a reduction in the aggregate of not more than 5% in aggregate benefits in connection with across-the-board reductions or modifications affecting similarly situated persons of comparable rank in Dole or a combined organization will not constitute good reason.


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David H. Murdock
 
                                                 
                    Termination in
   
            Involuntary
      Connection
   
            Termination
      with a
   
Executive Payments
  Voluntary
  Normal
  Without
  For Cause
  Change of
  Death &
Upon Separation
  Termination   Retirement   Cause   Termination   Control   Disability
 
One-Year Management Incentive Plan(1)
  $     $ 950,000     $     $     $ 950,000     $ 950,000  
Sustained Profit Growth Plan(2)
  $ 541,500     $ 2,850,000     $ 2,850,000     $     $ 2,850,000     $ 2,850,000  
Health and Welfare Benefits, Fringe Benefits and other perquisites
  $     $     $ 1,981     $     $     $  
Cash Severance(5)
  $     $     $ 968,242     $     $ 6,015,000     $  
Excise Tax and Gross-Up
  $     $     $     $     $ 3,465,896     $  
 
David A. DeLorenzo
 
                                                 
            Involuntary
      Termination in
   
            Termination
      Connection
   
Executive Payments
  Voluntary
  Normal
  Without
  For Cause
  with Change
  Death and
Upon Separation
  Termination(3)   Retirement   Cause   Termination   of Control(4)   Disability
 
One-Year Management Incentive Plan(1)
  $     $ 1,200,000     $     $     $     $ 1,200,000  
Sustained Profit Growth Plan(2)(3)
  $     $     $ 1,800,000     $     $     $ 1,800,000  
Health and Welfare Benefits, Fringe Benefits and other perquisites
  $     $     $ 891     $     $     $  
Cash Severance
  $     $     $ 119,220     $     $     $  
Excise Tax and Gross-Up
  $     $     $     $     $     $  
 
C. Michael Carter
 
                                                 
                    Termination in
   
            Involuntary
      Connection
   
            Termination
      with a
   
Executive Payments
  Voluntary
  Normal
  Without
  For Cause
  Change of
  Death and
Upon Separation
  Termination   Retirement   Cause   Termination   Control   Disability
 
One-Year Management Incentive Plan(1)
  $     $ 510,000     $     $     $ 450,000     $ 450,000  
Sustained Profit Growth Plan(2)
  $ 254,125     $ 1,418,750     $ 1,418,750     $     $ 1,418,750     $ 1,418,750  
Health and Welfare Benefits, Fringe Benefits and other perquisites
  $     $     $ 2,996     $     $     $  
Cash Severance(5)
  $     $     $ 236,537     $     $ 3,360,000     $  
Excise Tax and Gross-Up
  $     $     $     $     $ 1,811,880     $  


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Joseph S. Tesoriero
 
                                                 
                    Termination in
   
            Involuntary
      Connection
   
            Termination
      with a
   
Executive Payments
  Voluntary
  Normal
  Without
  For Cause
  Change of
  Death and
Upon Separation
  Termination   Retirement   Cause   Termination   Control   Disability
 
One-Year Management Incentive Plan(1)
  $     $ 375,000     $     $     $ 375,000     $ 375,000  
Sustained Profit Growth Plan(2)
  $ 185,725     $ 1,006,250     $ 1,006,250     $     $ 1,006,250     $ 1,006,250  
Health and Welfare Benefits, Fringe Benefits and other perquisites
  $     $     $ 2,901     $     $     $  
Cash Severance(5)
  $     $     $ 125,479     $     $ 2,655,000     $  
Excise Tax and Gross-Up
  $     $     $     $     $ 1,570,749     $  
 
(1) For purposes of illustration, target amounts are shown. Payments made in the event of retirement, death or disability would be based on actual results for the plan year, 2008.
 
(2) Awards for the Sustained Profit Growth Plan are made annually and numbers shown above include amounts for incentive periods that overlap. For purposes of illustration, targets amounts are shown. Payments made in the event of retirement, death, disability or involuntary termination without cause would be based on actual results for the applicable incentive periods and the number of months of participation in any applicable incentive period. Amounts shown for retirement, death, disability, and involuntary termination without cause are payable following the termination and calculation of the applicable incentive period. Awards, if any, are prorated based on the applicable termination date for the Named Executive Officer.
 
(3) Mr. DeLorenzo rejoined Dole in 2007 and became eligible for contingent awards in 2007.
 
(4) Mr. DeLorenzo does not have a change of control agreement.
 
(5) Includes $30,000 in lieu of health and welfare, and other fringe benefits and perquisites.
 
Non-Employee Director Compensation
 
The Company uses cash compensation to attract and retain qualified non-employee candidates to serve on the Board of Directors. In setting outside director compensation, the Company considers the significant amount of time that directors expend in fulfilling their duties to the Company, as well as the skill sets each outside director brings as a member of the Board.
 
Members of the Board of Directors who were not employees of the Company are entitled to receive an annual cash retainer of $50,000 and a Board meeting fee of $2,000 for each Board meeting attended. Telephonic Board meeting fees are $1,000. Directors receive $4,000 annually for service as chairman of committees of the Board in addition to the cash retainer, except in the case of the chairman of the audit committee who receives $10,000 annually. Committee meeting fees are $1,000 per meeting attended, either in person or telephonically. Directors who are employees of the Company receive no compensation for their service as directors.
 
Deferred Compensation
 
The Non-Employee Deferred Cash Compensation Plan is a program in which each non-employee director may defer up to 100% of his or her total annual retainer and meeting fees. In 2008, each non-employee director who defers his or her annual retainer or fees through this program has an interest rate of 7.2%, the same as the interest rate used for management’s Excess Savings Plan. In 2009, the interest rate for this plan will be the same as 2008, 7.2%. None of the non-employee directors have elected to defer the annual retainer or fees in 2009.
 
Amounts deferred under this program are distributed to each non-employee director at the termination of service as a Director, either as a lump-sum, or in equal annual cash installments over a period not to exceed five years.


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Annual Physical
 
Each non-employee director has an annual executive physical benefit.
 
Director — Summary Compensation Table
 
                                         
            Change in Pension
       
    Fees Earned
  Non-Equity
  Value and Non-
       
    or Paid in
  Incentive Plan
  Qualified Deferred
  All Other
   
Name(1)
  Cash(1)   Compensation   Compensation Earnings   Compensation   Total
 
Andrew J. Conrad
  $ 57,000     $     $ 3,171 (2)   $     $ 60,171  
Edward C. Roohan
  $ 72,000     $     $     $     $ 72,000  
 
 
(1) David H. Murdock, the Company’s Chairman of the Board, David A. DeLorenzo, President and Chief Executive Officer, C. Michael Carter, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Scott Griswold, Executive Vice President, Corporate Development, Justin Murdock, Vice President, New Products and Corporate Development and Roberta Wieman, Executive Vice President, Chief of Staff, are not included in this table because they are employees of the Company and do not receive any compensation for their service as Directors. Compensation for Messrs. Murdock, DeLorenzo, and Carter is included in the “Summary Compensation Table” above.
 
(2) In 2008, interest earnings in excess of 120% of the January 2008 Applicable Federal Rate were $3,171. Earnings in total were $6,679.
 
Stock Incentive Plan
 
2009 Stock Incentive Plan.  The following is a summary of the material terms of our 2009 Stock Incentive Plan, which we refer to as the 2009 Stock Plan. This description is not complete. For more information, we refer you to the full text of the 2009 Stock Plan, which we will file as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. We intend to adopt the 2009 Stock Plan effective immediately prior to the consummation of this offering and grant equity awards to employees and directors effective upon the consummation of this offering using the initial offering price.
 
The 2009 Stock Plan authorizes the grant of nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, or SARs, restricted stock, restricted stock units, or RSUs, and incentive bonuses to employees, officers, non-employee directors and other service providers. The number of shares of common stock issuable pursuant to all awards granted under the 2009 Stock Plan shall not exceed          . The number of shares issued or reserved pursuant to the 2009 Stock Plan (or pursuant to outstanding awards) is subject to adjustment as a result of mergers, consolidations, reorganizations, stock splits, stock dividends and other changes in our common stock. Shares subject to awards that have been terminated, expired unexercised, forfeited or settled in cash do not count as shares issued under the 2009 Stock Plan. In addition, (i) shares subject to awards that have been retained or withheld by the Company in payment or satisfaction of the exercise price, purchase price or tax withholding obligation of an award, and (ii) shares subject to awards that otherwise do not result in the issuance of shares in connection with payment or settlement thereof do not count as shares issued under the 2009 Stock Plan. Further, shares that have been delivered to the Company in payment or satisfaction of the exercise price, purchase price or tax withholding obligation of an award will be available for awards under the 2009 Stock Plan.
 
Administration.  The 2009 Stock Plan is administered by the Corporate Compensation and Benefits Committee, or the Committee. The Committee has the discretion to determine the individuals to whom awards may be granted under the 2009 Stock Plan, the manner in which such awards will vest and the other conditions applicable to awards. Options, SARs, restricted stock, RSUs and incentive bonuses may be granted by the Committee to participants in such numbers and at such times during the term of the 2009 Stock Plan as the Committee shall determine. The Committee is authorized to interpret the 2009 Stock Plan, to establish, amend and rescind any rules and regulations relating to the 2009 Stock Plan and to make any other determinations that it deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the 2009 Stock Plan. All decisions, determinations and interpretations by the Committee, and any rules and regulations under the 2009 Stock Plan and the terms and conditions of or operation of


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any award, are final and binding on all participants, beneficiaries, heirs, assigns or other persons holding or claiming rights under the 2009 Stock Plan or any award.
 
Options.  The Committee will determine the exercise price and other terms for each option and whether the options are nonqualified stock options or incentive stock options. Incentive stock options may be granted only to employees and are subject to certain other restrictions. To the extent an option intended to be an incentive stock option does not so qualify, it will be treated as a nonqualified option. A participant may exercise an option by written notice and payment of the exercise price in shares, cash or a combination thereof, as determined by the Committee, including an irrevocable commitment by a broker to pay over such amount from a sale of the shares issuable under an option, the delivery of previously owned shares and withholding of shares deliverable upon exercise.
 
Stock Appreciation Rights.  The Committee may grant SARs independent of or in connection with an option. The exercise price per share of a SAR will be an amount determined by the Committee, and the Committee will determine the other terms applicable to SARs. Generally, each SAR will entitle a participant upon exercise to an amount equal to:
 
  •  the excess of the fair market value on the exercise date of one share of common stock over the exercise price, times
 
  •  the number of shares of common stock covered by the SAR.
 
Payment shall be made in common stock or in cash, or partly in common stock and partly in cash, all as shall be determined by the Committee.
 
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units.  The Committee may award restricted common stock and RSUs. Restricted stock awards consist of shares of stock that are transferred to the participant subject to restrictions that may result in forfeiture if specified conditions are not satisfied. RSUs result in the transfer of shares of cash or stock to the participant only after specified conditions are satisfied. The Committee will determine the restrictions and conditions applicable to each award of restricted stock or RSUs, which may include performance vesting conditions.
 
Incentive Bonuses.  An incentive bonus is an opportunity for a participant to earn a future payment tied to the level of achievement with respect to one or more performance criteria established for a performance period set by the Committee. The terms of any incentive bonus will be set forth in an award agreement that will include provisions regarding (i) the target and maximum amount payable to the participant, (ii) the performance criteria and level of achievement versus these criteria that shall determine the amount of such payment, (iii) the term of the performance period as to which performance shall be measured for determining the amount of any payment, (iv) the timing of any payment earned by virtue of performance, (v) restrictions on the alienation or transfer of the incentive bonus prior to actual payment, (vi) forfeiture provisions and (vii) such further terms and conditions as determined by the Committee. Payment of the amount due under an incentive bonus may be made in cash or in shares, as determined by the Committee. Incentive bonuses may be payable pursuant to a subplan.
 
Performance Criteria.  Vesting of awards granted under the 2009 Stock Plan may be subject to the satisfaction of one or more performance goals established by the Committee. The performance goals may vary from participant to participant, group to group, and period to period.
 
Transferability.  Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, awards granted under the 2009 Stock Plan are not transferable other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.
 
Change of Control.  The Committee may provide, either at the time an award is granted or thereafter, that a change of control (as defined in the 2009 Stock Plan) that occurs after the offering shall have such effect as specified by the Committee, or no effect, as the Committee in its sole discretion may provide.
 
Effectiveness of the 2009 Stock Plan; Amendment and Termination.  The 2009 Stock Plan will become effective when it is approved by the Company’s stockholders at a meeting of the Company’s stockholders or by written consent in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware. The 2009 Stock Plan will remain available for the grant of awards until the tenth (10th) anniversary of the effective date. The board may amend, alter or discontinue the 2009 Stock Plan in any respect at any time, but no amendment may diminish any of the rights of a


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participant under any awards previously granted, without his or her consent. In addition, stockholder approval is required for any amendment that would increase the maximum number of shares available for awards, reduce the price at which options may be granted, change the class of eligible participants, or otherwise when stockholder approval is required by law or under stock exchange listing requirements.
 
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
Related Party Transaction Policy
 
In addition to the procedures with respect to related party transactions described below, in connection with this offering we will adopt a written related party transaction policy, which covers transactions between us and our directors, executive officers, 5% or greater stockholders and parties related to the foregoing, such as immediate family members and entities they control. The policy will require that any such transaction be considered and approved by our Audit Committee prior to entry into such transaction. In reviewing such transactions, the policy will require the Audit Committee to consider all of the relevant facts and circumstances available to the Audit Committee, including (if applicable) but not limited to the benefits to the Company, the availability of other sources for comparable products or services the terms of the transaction and the terms available to unrelated third parties or to employees generally.
 
Under the policy, if we should discover related party transactions that have not been approved, the Audit Committee will be notified and will determine the appropriate action, including ratification, rescission or amendment of the transaction.
 
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
 
David H. Murdock, the Company’s Chairman, owns, inter alia, Castle & Cooke, Inc., or Castle, a transportation equipment leasing company, a private dining club and a hotel. During the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, the Company paid Mr. Murdock’s companies an aggregate of approximately $9.3 million, $7.2 million and $7.6 million, respectively, primarily for the rental of truck chassis, generator sets and warehousing services. In addition, during the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, the Company paid Mr. Murdock’s companies an aggregate of approximately $0.5 million, $0.22 million and $0.12 million, respectively, for land services, entitlement services and landscape maintenance services. Castle purchased approximately $0.7 million, $0.7 million and $1.1 million of products from the Company during fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and Mr. Murdock’s companies paid the Company approximately $0.13 million during fiscal year 2008 in connection with transfers related to land exchanges.
 
The Company and Castle are responsible for 68% and 32%, respectively, of all obligations under an aircraft lease arrangement. Each party is responsible for the direct costs associated with its use of this aircraft, and all other indirect costs are shared proportionately. During fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company’s proportionate share of the direct and indirect costs for this aircraft was $2.2 million, $2 million and $1.9 million, respectively.
 
The Company and Castle operate their risk management departments on a joint basis. Insurance procurement and premium costs are based on the relative risk borne by each company as determined by the insurance underwriters. Administrative costs of the risk management department are shared on a 50-50 basis, and during fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company’s share of these costs was $0.2 million, $0.16 million and $0.2 million, respectively.
 
The Company retains risk for commercial property losses sustained by the Company and Castle totaling $3 million in the aggregate and $3 million per occurrence, above which the Company has coverage provided through third-party insurance carriers. The arrangement provides for premiums to be paid to the Company by Castle in exchange for the Company’s retained risk. The Company received approximately $0.5 million, $0.6 million and $0.6 million from Castle during fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
The Company had outstanding net accounts receivable of $1.2 million and a note receivable of $5.7 million due from Castle at January 3, 2009 and outstanding net accounts receivable of $0.5 million and a note receivable of $6 million due from Castle at December 29, 2007.


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During June 2006, the Company and Castle executed a lease agreement pursuant to which the Company’s fresh vegetables operations occupy an office building in Monterey, California, which is owned by Castle. Rent expense for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 totaled $1.4 million, $1 million and $0.6 million, respectively.
 
Mr. Murdock is a director and executive officer of Dole and also serves as a director and executive officer of privately held entities that he owns or controls. Mr. Scott Griswold, Ms. Roberta Wieman and Mr. Justin Murdock, each a director and officer of Dole, also serve as directors and officers of privately held entities controlled by Mr. Murdock. Mr. Edward C. Roohan is a director of Dole and was until August 2009 a director and executive officer of Castle. Any compensation paid by such other entities is within the discretion of their respective boards of directors.
 
During December 2006, Dole entered into a five-year lease with Laboratory Corporation of America, pursuant to which the latter is leasing approximately 1,483 rentable square feet in Dole’s World Headquarters building in Westlake Village, California, at a rental rate of $115,674 per year, subject to annual inflation adjustments. The lease provides that the tenant may renew the lease for two additional five-year terms. Dr. Conrad, a director of Dole, is the tenant’s Chief Scientific Officer.
 
Prior to the consummation of the offering, we will enter into a registration rights agreement with Mr. Murdock which is described in detail below under the heading “Description of Capital Stock — Registration Rights.”
 
Limitations on Transactions with Affiliates
 
Dole’s secured credit facilities and its unsecured senior notes and debenture indentures impose substantive and procedural requirements with respect to the entry by the Company and its subsidiaries into transactions with affiliates. The credit facilities generally requires that, except as expressly permitted in the credit facilities, all such transactions with affiliates be entered into in the ordinary course of business and on terms and conditions substantially as favorable to Dole as would reasonably be expected to be obtainable at the time in a comparable arms-length transaction with an unaffiliated third party. The indentures generally require that, except as expressly permitted in the indentures, all transactions with affiliates must satisfy the requirements set forth above pursuant to Dole’s credit facilities and, in addition, any transaction or series of related transactions with an affiliate involving aggregate payments with a fair market value in excess of $7.5 million must be approved by a Board of Directors resolution stating that the Board of Directors has determined that the transaction complies with the preceding requirements; further, if such aggregate payments have a fair market value of more than $20 million, the Board of Directors must, prior to the consummation of the transaction, have obtained a favorable opinion as to the fairness of the transaction to the Company from a financial point of view, from an independent financial advisor, and such opinion must be filed with the indenture trustee. In addition, the Company’s legal department and finance department review all transactions with related parties to ensure that they comply with the preceding requirements. The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors annually receives and reviews a detailed summary of all transactions with related parties, which provides a basis for the Audit Committee’s approval of the disclosure in respect of related party transactions contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.


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PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDER
 
The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of          , 2009 by the existing stockholder.
 
                                             
        Amount and Nature of
  Number of
       
        Beneficial Ownership   Shares
  Percent of Class
    Name and Address of
  Prior to the
  After the
  Included in
  Prior to the
  After the
Title of Class
  Beneficial Owner   Offering   Offering   this Offering   Offering   Offering
 
Common Stock, $0.001 par value
  David H. Murdock(1)     1,000                       100 %        
    Dole Food Company, Inc.
One Dole Drive
Westlake Village, CA
91362
                                       
 
 
(1) Mr. Murdock beneficially owns these shares through one or more affiliates, and has effective sole voting and dispositive power with respect to the shares. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Mr. Murdock is Dole’s Chairman of the Board of Directors.
 
All of the outstanding shares of common stock of Dole have been pledged pursuant to Dole’s Credit Agreement and ancillary documents thereto. The Company contemplates that consent of the lenders under such Credit Agreement will be obtained prior to the consummation of this offering.


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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
Our certificate of incorporation as will be in effect immediately prior to the consummation of this offering authorizes us to issue           shares of common stock, par value $      per share and           shares of preferred stock, par value $      per share, or Preferred Stock. Our Board of Directors, without further approval of the stockholders, may establish the powers, preferences, rights, qualifications and limitations, including the dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, conversion prices, voting rights and redemption rights, of any series of Preferred Stock and may authorize the issuance of any such series.
 
Common Stock
 
Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted on by our stockholders. All shares of common stock have equal voting rights.
 
Subject to the rights pertaining to any series of preferred stock, in the event of our liquidation, holders of our common stock are entitled to share ratably in our assets legally available for distribution after the payment of our debts. The shares of common stock have no preemptive, subscription, conversion or redemption rights.
 
Subject to the rights of the holders of preferred stock, the holders of the common stock are entitled to receive dividends, when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors, from funds legally available for such dividend payments.
 
Preferred Stock
 
We have never had and immediately following this offering, we will not have any shares of Preferred Stock outstanding. Our Board of Directors, without any further vote or action by our stockholders, has the authority to issue up to an aggregate of           shares of preferred stock from time to time, in one or more classes or series or shares, on terms that it may determine, including among other things:
 
  •  its dividend rate;
 
  •  its liquidation preference;
 
  •  whether or not the shares will be convertible into, or exchangeable for, any other securities; and
 
  •  whether or not the shares will have voting rights, and, if so, determine the extent of the voting powers and the conditions under which the shares will vote as a separate class.
 
We believe that our Board of Directors’ ability to issue Preferred Stock on such a wide variety of terms will enable the Preferred Stock to be used for important corporate purposes, such as financing acquisitions or raising additional capital. However, were it inclined to do so, our Board of Directors could issue all or part of the Preferred Stock with, among other things, substantial voting power or advantageous conversion rights. This stock could be issued to persons deemed by our Board of Directors likely to support our current management in a context for control of us, either as a precautionary measure or in response to a specific takeover threat. We have no current plans to issue Preferred Stock for any purpose.
 
Registration Rights
 
Prior to the consummation of this offering, we will enter into a registration rights agreement with Mr. David H. Murdock, the only current stockholder. This agreement will provide Mr. Murdock with certain rights with respect to the registration of his shares under the Securities Act, including demand, piggyback and Form S-3 shelf registration rights when available.
 
Delaware Law
 
We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested stockholder” for a period of three years after the date on which the person becomes an interested stockholder, unless (i) prior to the time that such stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, the Board of


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Directors approves such transaction or business combination, (ii) the stockholder acquires more than 85% of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation (excluding shares held by directors who are officers or held in employee stock plans) upon consummation of such transaction, or (iii) at or subsequent to the time such stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, the business combination is approved by the Board of Directors and by two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation (excluding shares held by the interested stockholder) at a meeting of stockholders (and not by written consent). A “business combination” includes a merger, asset sale or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to such interested stockholder. For purposes of Section 203, “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns (or within three years prior, did own) 15% or more of the corporation’s voting stock.
 
The Delaware General Corporation Law contains provisions enabling a corporation to avoid Section 203’s restrictions if stockholders holding a majority of the corporation’s voting stock approve an amendment to the corporation’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws to avoid the restrictions. We have not and do not currently intend to elect out of the application of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law.
 
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
 
Various provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, in the forms they will be in effect immediately prior to the consummation of this offering, which are summarized in the following paragraphs, may be deemed to have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, defer or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt that a stockholder might consider in its best interest, including those attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares held by stockholders.
 
No Cumulative Voting.  The Delaware General Corporation Law provides that stockholders are denied the right to cumulate votes in the election of directors unless our certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Our certificate of incorporation does not expressly address cumulative voting.
 
No Stockholder Action by Written Consent; Calling of Special Meetings of Stockholders.  Our certificate of incorporation prohibits stockholder action by written consent. It also provides that special meetings of our stockholders may be called only by the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer.
 
Advance Notice Requirements for Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations.  Our bylaws provide that stockholders seeking to bring business before an annual meeting of stockholders must provide timely notice of their proposal in writing to the corporate secretary. Our bylaws also specify requirements as to the form and content of a stockholder’s notice. These provisions may impede stockholders’ ability to bring matters before an annual meeting of stockholders or make nominations for directors at an annual meeting of stockholders.
 
Classified Board of Directors.  Our certificate of incorporation divides our Board of Directors into three classes of directors who are elected for three-year terms. Therefore, the full Board of Directors is not subject to re-election at each annual meeting of our stockholders.
 
Limits on Ability of Stockholders to Elect and Remove Directors.  Our Board of Directors has the sole right to elect a director to fill a vacancy created by the expansion of the Board of Directors or the resignation, death or removal of a director, which prevents stockholders from being able to fill vacancies on our Board of Directors. In addition, directors may only be removed by the action of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of our capital stock, voting together as a single class.
 
Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors.  The Delaware General Corporation Law authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors to corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of directors’ fiduciary duties. Our certificate of incorporation includes a provision that eliminates the personal liability of directors for monetary damages for actions taken as a director, except for liability:
 
  •  for breach of duty of loyalty;
 
  •  for acts or omissions not in good faith or involving intentional misconduct or knowing violation of law;


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  •  under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (unlawful dividends); or
 
  •  for transactions from which the director derived improper personal benefit.
 
Our bylaws provide that we must indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized by the Delaware General Corporation Law. We are also expressly authorized to carry directors’ and officers’ insurance providing indemnification for our directors, officers and certain employees for some liabilities. We believe that these indemnification provisions and insurance are useful to attract and retain qualified directors and officers.
 
The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. These provisions may also have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our stockholders.
 
There is currently no pending material litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors, officers or employees for which indemnification is sought.
 
Authorized But Unissued Shares.  Our authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock will be available for future issuance without the approval of holders of Common Stock. We may use these additional shares for a variety of corporate purposes, including future offerings to raise additional capital, corporate acquisitions and employee benefit plans.
 
Supermajority Requirement for Amendment of Bylaws.  Under our bylaws, the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of our capital stock, voting together as a single class, must act to amend our bylaws by stockholder action. The Board of Directors also has the ability to amend the bylaws without stockholder consent.
 
Transfer Agent and Registrar
 
The Transfer Agent and Registrar for our common stock is     .


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MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
FOR NON-UNITED STATES HOLDERS
 
The following is a general discussion of the material United States federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of our common stock to a non-United States holder. This discussion assumes that non-United States holders will hold our common stock issued pursuant to the offering as a capital asset (generally, property held for investment). This discussion does not address all aspects of United States federal income taxation that may be relevant in light of a non-United States holder’s special tax status or special tax situations. For example, United States expatriates, life insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, dealers in securities or currency, banks or other financial institutions, pass-through entities, trusts, estates and investors that hold common stock as part of a hedge, straddle or conversion transaction are among those categories of potential investors that are subject to special rules not covered in this discussion. In addition, this discussion does not address tax consequences to a holder of the use of a functional currency other than the United States dollar. This discussion does not address any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-United States taxing jurisdiction or any taxes other than income taxes. Furthermore, the following discussion is based on current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, legislative history and Treasury Regulations and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, all as in effect on the date hereof, and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Accordingly, we urge each non-United States Holder to consult a tax advisor regarding the United States federal, state, local and non-United States income and other tax consequences of acquiring, holding and disposing of shares of our common stock.
 
For the purpose of this discussion, a non-United States holder is any individual, corporation, estate or trust that is a beneficial holder of our common stock and that for United States federal income tax purposes is not a United States person. For purposes of this discussion, the term United States person means:
 
  •  an individual citizen or resident of the United States;
 
  •  a corporation or other entity taxable as a corporation created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof;
 
  •  an estate whose income is subject to United States federal income tax regardless of its source; or
 
  •  a trust (i) whose administration is subject to the primary supervision of a United States court and which has one or more United States persons who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (ii) which has made an election to be treated as a United States person.
 
If a partnership (or an entity treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes) holds our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. Accordingly, we urge partnerships which hold our common stock and partners in such partnerships to consult their tax advisors.
 
Investors considering the purchase of our common stock should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the United States federal income tax laws to their particular situations and the consequences of United States federal estate and gift tax laws, foreign, state and local laws, and tax treaties.
 
Dividends
 
Distributions on our common stock, if any, generally will constitute dividends for United States federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under United States federal income tax principles. Amounts not treated as dividends for United States federal income tax purposes will constitute a return of capital and will first be applied against and reduce a holder’s adjusted tax basis in the common stock, but not below zero, and then the excess, if any, will be treated as gain from the sale of the common stock.
 
Amounts treated as dividends paid to a non-United States holder of common stock generally will be subject to United States withholding at a rate of 30% of the gross amount of the dividend, unless either: (a) an applicable income tax treaty reduces or eliminates such tax, and the non-United States holder properly claims the benefit of that treaty by providing a valid IRS Form W-8BEN (or suitable successor or substitute form) establishing


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qualification for the reduced rate, or (b) the dividend is effectively connected with the non-United States holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States and the non-United States holder provides an appropriate statement to that effect on a valid IRS Form W-8ECI (or suitable successor form).
 
Dividends received by a non-United States holder that are effectively connected with a United States trade or business conducted by the non-United States holder are generally taxed at the same graduated rates applicable to United States persons, net of certain deductions and credits, subject to an applicable income tax treaty providing otherwise. In that case, the 30% withholding tax described above will not apply, provided the appropriate statement is provided to us. If a non-United States holder is eligible for the benefits of a tax treaty between the United States and its country of residence, any dividend income that is effectively connected with a United States trade or business will be subject to United States federal income tax in the manner specified by the treaty and generally will only be subject to such tax if such income is attributable to a permanent establishment (or a fixed base in the case of an individual) maintained by the non-United States holder in the United States and the non-United States holder claims the benefit of the treaty by properly submitting an IRS Form W-8BEN. In addition, dividends received by a corporate non-United States holder that are effectively connected with a United States trade or business of the corporate non-United States holder may also be subject to a branch profits tax at a rate of 30% or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable tax treaty.
 
A non-United States holder may obtain a refund from the IRS to the extent that the amounts withheld as described above exceed that holder’s tax liability if an appropriate claim for refund is timely filed with the IRS.
 
If a non-United States holder holds our common stock through a foreign partnership or other passthrough entity or a foreign intermediary, the foreign partnership or passthrough entity or foreign intermediary may also be required to comply with additional certification requirements.
 
Gain on Disposition of Common Stock
 
A non-United States holder generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax on any gain realized upon the sale or other disposition of our common stock unless:
 
  •  the non-United States holder is an individual who holds his or her common stock as a capital asset (generally, an asset held for investment purposes) and who is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the calendar year in which the sale or disposition occurs and certain other conditions are met;
 
  •  the gain is effectively connected with a United States trade or business of the non-United States holder; or
 
  •  our common stock constitutes a United States real property interest by reason of our status as a “United States real property holding corporation,” a USRPHC, for United States federal income tax purposes and the non-United States holder held, directly or indirectly, at any time during the five-year period preceding the disposition more than 5% of our common stock and the holder is not eligible for a treaty exemption. The determination of whether we are a USRPHC depends on the fair market value of our United States real property interests relative to the fair market value of our other trade or business assets and foreign real property interests.
 
We believe that we are not currently, and that we will not become, a USRPHC for United States federal income tax purposes.
 
If the first of these exceptions applies, the non-United States holder generally will be subject to tax at a rate of 30% on the amount by which the United States-source capital gains exceed capital losses allocable to United States sources.
 
If the second exception applies, generally the non-United States holder will be required to pay United States federal income tax on the net gain derived from the sale in the same manner as a United States person. If a non-United States Holder is eligible for the benefits of a tax treaty between the United States and its country of residence, any such gain will be subject to United States federal income tax in the manner specified by the treaty and generally will only be subject to such tax if such gain is attributable to a permanent establishment (or a fixed base in the case of an individual) maintained by the non-United States holder in the United States and the non-United States


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holder claims the benefit of the treaty by properly submitting an IRS Form W-8BEN (or suitable successor form). Additionally, non-United States holders that are treated for United States federal income tax purposes as corporations and that are engaged in a trade or business or have a permanent establishment in the United States could be subject to a branch profits tax on such income at a 30% rate or a lower rate if so specified by an applicable income tax treaty.
 
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
 
Generally, we must report annually to the IRS the amount of dividends paid, the name and address of the recipient, and the amount, if any, of tax withheld. Subject to certain exceptions, a similar report is sent to the holder. Pursuant to tax treaties or other agreements, the IRS may make its reports available to tax authorities in the recipient’s country of residence.
 
Payments of dividends or of proceeds on the disposition of stock made to a non-United States holder may be subject to backup withholding unless the non-United States holder establishes an exemption, for example, by properly certifying its non-United States status on a valid IRS Form W-8BEN or another appropriate version of IRS Form W-8. Notwithstanding the foregoing, backup withholding may apply if either we or our paying agent has actual knowledge, or reason to know, that the holder is a United States person.
 
Additional information reporting and backup withholding may apply in the case of dispositions of our common stock by non-United States brokers effected through certain brokers or a United States office of a broker. The backup withholding rate currently is 28%.
 
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the United States income tax liability of persons subject to backup withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.


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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
Upon the consummation of this offering, we will have           shares of common stock outstanding (assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option). All of the shares of common stock sold in the offering will be freely tradable under the Securities Act. Upon the expiration of a lock-up agreement between our existing stockholder and the underwriters, which will occur   days after the date of this prospectus, all of the shares of common stock owned by this stockholder, or Restricted Shares, will become eligible for sale, subject to compliance with Rule 144 of the Securities Act as described below.
 
In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, a person (or persons whose shares are aggregated) who has beneficially owned Restricted Shares for at least one year, will be entitled to sell in any three-month period a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of: (i) 1% of the number of shares of common stock then outstanding (           shares immediately after the offering or           if the underwriters’ over-allotment is exercised in full) or (ii) the average weekly trading volume of our common stock on the NYSE during the four calendar weeks immediately preceding the date on which the notice of sale is filed with the SEC (or the date of receipt of the order to execute the transaction if no such notice is required). All of the Restricted Shares have been held for over one year. Sales pursuant to Rule 144 are subject to requirements relating to manner of sale, notice and availability of current public information about us. A person (or persons whose shares are aggregated) who is not deemed to be an affiliate of ours preceding the sale, and who has beneficially owned shares for at least one year is entitled to sell such shares pursuant to Rule 144(b)(1) without regard to the limitations and requirements described above.
 
The existing stockholder has agreed with the underwriters, subject to certain exceptions, not to dispose of or hedge any of its common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock during the period from the date of this prospectus continuing through the date           days after the date of this prospectus without the prior written consent of           until          , 200 .
 
Not earlier than 90 days after the date of completion of this offering, we intend to file a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our Stock Incentive Plan, thus permitting the resale of such shares by non-affiliates in the public market without restriction under the Securities Act. As of          , 2009,           shares are reserved for issuance under our Stock Incentive Plan. This registration statement will become effective immediately upon filing.
 
We are unable to estimate the number of shares that may be sold in the future by the existing stockholder or the effect, if any, that sales of shares by such stockholder will have on the market price of our common stock. Sales of substantial amounts of common stock by the existing stockholder could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.


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UNDERWRITING
 
Dole Food Company, Inc., the selling stockholder and the underwriters named below have entered into an underwriting agreement with respect to the shares being offered. Subject to certain conditions, each underwriter has severally agreed to purchase the number of shares indicated in the following table.
 
                 
          Number of
 
    Number of
    Shares Purchased
 
    Shares Purchased
    from the Selling
 
Underwriters
  from the Company     Stockholder  
 
Goldman, Sachs & Co. 
               
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
               
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. 
               
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC
               
 
The underwriters are committed to take and pay for all of the shares being offered, if any are taken, other than the shares covered by the option described below unless and until this option is exercised.
 
If the underwriters sell more shares than the total number set forth above, the underwriters have an option to buy up to an additional           shares from us and the selling stockholder. The underwriters may exercise that option for 30 days.
 
The following tables show the per share and total underwriting discount to be paid to the underwriters by us and the selling stockholder. Such amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares.
 
Paid by the Company
 
                 
    No
  Full
    Exercise   Exercise
 
Per share
  $           $        
Total
  $       $  
 
Paid by the Selling Stockholder
 
                 
    No
  Full
    Exercise   Exercise
 
Per share
  $           $        
Total
  $       $  
 
Shares sold by the underwriters to the public will initially be offered at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus. Any shares sold by the underwriters to securities dealers may be sold at a discount of up to $      per share from the initial public offering price. Any such securities dealers may resell any shares purchased from the underwriters to certain other brokers or dealers at a discount of up to $      per share from the initial public offering price. If all the shares are not sold at the initial public offering price, the underwriters may change the offering price and the other selling terms. The offering of the shares by the underwriters is subject to receipt and acceptance and subject to the underwriters’ right to reject any order in whole or in part.
 
We currently anticipate that we will undertake a directed share program, pursuant to which we will direct           to reserve up to           shares of common stock for sale at the initial public offering price to directors, officers, employees and friends through a directed share program. The number of shares of common stock available for sale to the general public in the public offering will be reduced to the extent these persons purchase any reserved shares. Any shares not so purchased will be offered by           to the general public on the same basis as other shares offered hereby.
 
We and our officers, directors and the selling stockholder have agreed with the underwriters, subject to certain exceptions, not to dispose of or hedge any of their common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock during the period from the date of this prospectus continuing through the date      days


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after the date of this prospectus, except with the prior written consent of the underwriters. See “Shares Eligible for Future Sale” for a discussion of certain transfer restrictions.
 
The  -day restricted period described in the preceding paragraph will be automatically extended if: (1) during the last 17 days of the     -day restricted period we issue an earnings release or announce material news or a material event; or (2) prior to the expiration of the     -day restricted period, the Company announces that it will release earnings results during the 15-day period following the last day of the     -day period, in which case the restrictions described in the preceding paragraph will continue to apply until the expiration of the     -day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the announcement of the material news or material event.
 
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the shares since 2003. The initial public offering price has been negotiated between us, the selling stockholder and the underwriters. Among the factors to be considered in determining the initial public offering price of the shares, in addition to prevailing market conditions, are our historical performance, estimates of our business potential and earnings prospects, an assessment of our management and the consideration of the above factors in relation to market valuation of companies in related businesses.
 
We intend to apply to list the common stock on the NYSE under the symbol “DOLE”. In order to meet one of the requirements for listing the common stock on the NYSE, the underwriters will undertake to sell lots of 100 or more shares to a minimum of 2,000 beneficial holders.
 
In connection with this offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell shares of common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than they are required to purchase in the offering. “Covered” short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares from us and the selling stockholder in this offering. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional shares or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase additional shares pursuant to the option granted to them. “Naked” short sales are any sales in excess of such option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in this offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids for or purchases of common stock made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of this offering.
 
The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representatives have repurchased shares sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short cover transactions.
 
Purchases to cover a short position and stabilizing transactions, as well as other purchases by the underwriters for their own account, may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our stock and may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the common stock. As a result, the price of the common stock may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If these activities are commenced, they may be discontinued at any time. These transactions may be effected on NYSE, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.
 
Each of the underwriters may arrange to sell common stock offered hereby in certain jurisdictions outside the United States, either directly or through affiliates, where they are permitted to do so.
 
In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive, or each, a Relevant Member State, the underwriters have represented and agreed that with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that Relevant Member State, or the Relevant Implementation Date, it has not made and will not make an offer of shares to the public in that Relevant Member State prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the shares which has been approved by the competent authority in that Relevant Member State or, where appropriate, approved in another Relevant Member State and notified to the competent authority in that Relevant Member State, all in accordance with the Prospectus Directive, except that it may,


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with effect from and including the Relevant Implementation Date, make an offer of shares to the public in that Relevant Member State at any time:
 
(a) to legal entities which are authorised or regulated to operate in the financial markets or, if not so authorised or regulated, whose corporate purpose is solely to invest in securities;
 
(b) to any legal entity which has two or more of (1) an average of at least 250 employees during the last financial year; (2) a total balance sheet of more than €43,000,000 and (3) an annual net turnover of more than €50,000,000, as shown in its last annual or consolidated accounts;
 
(c) to fewer than 100 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Directive) subject to obtaining the prior consent of the representatives for any such offer; or
 
(d) in any other circumstances which do not require the publication by the Issuer of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.
 
For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer of shares to the public” in relation to any shares in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the shares, as the same may be varied in that Relevant Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Relevant Member State and the expression Prospectus Directive means Directive 2003/71/EC and includes any relevant implementing measure in each Relevant Member State.
 
Each of the underwriters has represented and agreed that:
 
(a) it has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be communicated an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the FSMA) received by it in connection with the issue or sale of the shares in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to the Issuer; and
 
(b) it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA with respect to anything done by it in relation to the shares in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.
 
The shares may not be offered or sold by means of any document other than (i) in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), or (ii) to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder, or (iii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), and no advertisement, invitation or document relating to the shares may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to shares which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder.
 
This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the shares may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the shares be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore, or the SFA, (ii) to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.
 
Where the shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 by a relevant person which is: (a) a corporation (which is not an accredited investor) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or (b) a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary is an


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accredited investor, shares, debentures and units of shares and debentures of that corporation or the beneficiaries’ rights and interest in that trust shall not be transferable for 6 months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the shares under Section 275 except: (1) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the SFA or to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA; (2) where no consideration is given for the transfer; or (3) by operation of law.
 
The shares have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan, or the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law, and each underwriter has agreed that it will not offer or sell any shares, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan (which term as used herein means any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan), or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to a resident of Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law and any other applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines of Japan.
 
The underwriters do not expect sales to discretionary accounts to exceed five percent of the total number of shares offered. Sales of shares outside the United States may be made by affiliates of the underwriters.
 
We and the selling stockholder estimate that our share of the total expenses of this offering, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $      million.
 
We and the selling stockholder have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
 
The underwriters and their affiliates have, from time to time, performed, and may in the future perform, various financial advisory and investment banking services for the Company, for which they received or will receive customary fees and expenses. In addition, affiliates of certain of the underwriters are lenders and/or agents under our senior secured credit facilities and our unsecured lines of credit.


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VALIDITY OF COMMON STOCK
 
The validity of the shares of common stock offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, Los Angeles, California. The validity of the shares of common stock offered hereby will be passed upon for the underwriters by Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, Los Angeles, California.
 
EXPERTS
 
The consolidated financial statements of Dole Food Company, Inc. as of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, and for each of the three years in the period ended January 3, 2009, included in this prospectus, and the related financial statement schedule for each of those respective years, included elsewhere in the registration statement have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing herein (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the adoption of new accounting standards for noncontrolling interests, fair value measurements, uncertainty in income taxes, planned major maintenance activities, and retirement benefits). Such financial statements and financial statement schedule have been so included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
We file annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference rooms at the following location:
 
Public Reference Room
100 F. Street, N.E.
Washington D.C. 20549
 
Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operations of the public reference rooms. Dole’s SEC filings also are available to the public at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov.


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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
OF DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
         
    Page
 
Unaudited Financial Statements for the Quarter and Half Years Ended June 20, 2009 and June 14, 2008:
       
    F-2  
    F-3  
    F-4  
    F-5  
    F-6  
    F-7  
Audited Financial Statements for the Three Years Ended January 3, 2009:
       
    F-35  
    F-36  
    F-37  
    F-38  
    F-40  
    F-41  
Supplementary Data:
       
    F-96  


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
 
                                 
    Quarter Ended     Half Year Ended  
    June 20,
    June 14,
    June 20,
    June 14,
 
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
Revenues, net
  $ 1,714,722     $ 1,994,943     $ 3,311,312     $ 3,723,288  
Cost of products sold
    (1,492,606 )     (1,761,707 )     (2,885,325 )     (3,320,392 )
                                 
Gross margin
    222,116       233,236       425,987       402,896  
Selling, marketing and general and administrative expenses
    (113,944 )     (121,411 )     (211,350 )     (239,515 )
Gain on asset sales (Note 12)
    159       9,839       16,793       11,643  
                                 
Operating income
    108,331       121,664       231,430       175,024  
Other income (expense), net (Note 3)
    (33,046 )     23,653       (11,094 )     (5,058 )
Interest income
    1,500       1,109       3,136       2,878  
Interest expense
    (50,242 )     (41,245 )     (87,788 )     (84,742 )
                                 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity earnings
    26,543       105,181       135,684       88,102  
Income taxes
    (8,963 )     69,577       (17,011 )     60,200  
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries
    3,277       2,333       4,471       3,336  
                                 
Income from continuing operations
    20,857       177,091       123,144       151,638  
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
    265       4,318       387       1,497  
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income taxes
                1,308        
                                 
Net income
    21,122       181,409       124,839       153,135  
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (977 )     (655 )     (1,874 )     (1,326 )
                                 
Net income attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. 
  $ 20,145     $ 180,754     $ 122,965     $ 151,809  
                                 
Earnings per share — Basic and Diluted:
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 21     $ 177     $ 123     $ 152  
Net income attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc.
  $ 20     $ 181     $ 123     $ 152  
 
See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
 
                 
    June 20,
    January 3,
 
    2009     2009  
    (In thousands,
 
    except share data)  
 
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 107,919     $ 90,829  
Receivables, net of allowances of $54,599 and $41,357, respectively
    803,897       807,235  
Inventories
    725,999       796,407  
Prepaid expenses
    76,640       69,347  
Deferred income tax assets
    22,180       21,273  
Assets held-for-sale (Note 12)
    94,382       202,876  
                 
Total current assets
    1,831,017       1,987,967  
Restricted deposits
    6,070        
Investments
    76,537       73,085  
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,075,889 and $1,027,345, respectively
    1,017,062       1,050,331  
Goodwill
    406,540       406,540  
Intangible assets, net
    713,923       708,458  
Other assets, net
    172,691       138,238  
                 
Total assets
  $ 4,223,840     $ 4,364,619  
                 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accounts payable
  $ 485,213     $ 510,773  
Liabilities held-for-sale (Note 12)
    2,115       50,465  
Accrued liabilities
    416,922       490,145  
Current portion of long-term debt
    390,896       356,748  
Notes payable
    44,140       48,789  
                 
Total current liabilities
    1,339,286       1,456,920  
Long-term debt
    1,576,025       1,798,556  
Deferred income tax liabilities
    257,512       254,205  
Other long-term liabilities
    495,562       421,779  
Contingencies (Note 11)
               
Shareholders’ equity
               
Common stock — $0.001 par value; 1,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding
           
Additional paid-in capital
    409,681       409,681  
Retained earnings
    159,087       36,122  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (40,488 )     (42,903 )
                 
Equity attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. 
    528,280       402,900  
Equity attributable to noncontrolling interests
    27,175       30,259  
                 
Total shareholders’ equity
    555,455       433,159  
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 4,223,840     $ 4,364,619  
                 
 
See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
                 
    Half Year Ended  
    June 20,
    June 14,
 
    2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
Operating Activities
               
Net income
  $ 124,839     $ 153,135  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    54,822       65,608  
Net unrealized (gains) losses on financial instruments
    (966 )     5,806  
Asset write-offs and net (gain) loss on sale of assets
    (18,120 )     (11,597 )
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries
    (4,471 )     (3,336 )
Amortization of debt issuance costs
    2,270       1,895  
Write-off of debt issuance costs
    5,222        
Provision for deferred income taxes
    2,056       (24,634 )
Unrecognized tax benefits on federal income tax audit settlement
          (61,083 )
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan expense
    6,231       9,227  
Other
    699       (310 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Receivables
    (5,844 )     (171,968 )
Inventories
    67,415       (36,584 )
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    (21,822 )     (11,875 )
Income taxes
    4,186       6,715  
Accounts payable
    (8,551 )     74,728  
Accrued liabilities
    4,040       12,954  
Other long-term liabilities
    (2,692 )     (11,263 )
                 
Cash flow provided by (used in) operating activities
    209,314       (2,582 )
Investing Activities
               
Cash received from sales of assets and businesses, net of cash disposed
    59,308       31,976  
Capital additions
    (24,936 )     (35,312 )
Restricted deposits
    (6,070 )      
Repurchase of common stock in going-private merger transaction
    (49 )     (137 )
                 
Cash flow provided by (used in) investing activities
    28,253       (3,473 )
Financing Activities
               
Short-term debt repayments, net of borrowings
    (754 )     (9,996 )
Long-term debt borrowings, net of debt issuance costs
    825,178       603,849  
Long-term debt repayments
    (1,039,172 )     (607,225 )
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests
    (4,955 )     (1,194 )
                 
Cash flow used in financing activities
    (219,703 )     (14,566 )
                 
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash
    (774 )     916  
                 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    17,090       (19,705 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    90,829       97,061  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 107,919     $ 77,356  
                 
 
See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)
 
                                                                         
                      Accumulated Other
                   
                      Comprehensive Income (Loss)                    
                      Pension &
                Equity
             
          Additional
    Retained
    Other
    Cumulative
    Unrealized
    Attributable
    Total
       
    Common
    Paid-In
    Earnings
    Postretirement
    Translation
    Gains (Losses)
    to Noncontrolling
    Shareholders’
    Comprehensive
 
    Stock     Capital     (Deficit)     Benefits     Adjustment     on Hedges     Interests     Equity     Income  
    (In thousands)  
 
Balance at December 29, 2007
  $     $ 409,907     $ (84,883 )   $ (26,752 )   $ 42,261     $ (15,525 )   $ 29,878     $ 354,886          
Net income
                151,809                         1,326       153,135     $ 153,135  
Noncontrolling interests in discontinued operations
                                        (151 )     (151 )      
Dividends paid
                                        (1,194 )     (1,194 )      
Unrealized foreign currency translation and hedging gains
                            7,897       3,238       6       11,141       11,141  
Reclassification of realized cash flow hedging losses to net income
                                  820             820       820  
                                                                         
Balance at June 14, 2008
  $     $ 409,907     $ 66,926     $ (26,752 )   $ 50,158     $ (11,467 )   $ 29,865     $ 518,637     $ 165,096  
                                                                         
Balance at January 3, 2009
  $     $ 409,681     $ 36,122     $ (40,960 )   $ 27,187     $ (29,130 )   $ 30,259     $ 433,159          
Net income
                122,965                         1,874       124,839     $ 124,839  
Dividends paid
                                        (4,955 )     (4,955 )      
Unrealized foreign currency translation and hedging gains (losses)
                            (2,386 )     852       (3 )     (1,537 )     (1,537 )
Reclassification of realized cash flow hedging losses to net income
                                  4,007             4,007       4,007  
Change in employee benefit plans, net of income taxes
                      (58 )                       (58 )     (58 )
                                                                         
Balance at June 20, 2009
  $     $ 409,681     $ 159,087     $ (41,018 )   $ 24,801     $ (24,271 )   $ 27,175     $ 555,455     $ 127,251  
                                                                         
 
See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
 
                                 
    Quarter Ended     Half Year Ended  
    June 20,
    June 14,
    June 20,
    June 14,
 
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
Net income
  $ 21,122     $ 181,409     $ 124,839     $ 153,135  
Unrealized foreign currency translation and hedging gains (losses)
    10,808       9,689       (1,537 )     11,141  
Reclassification of realized cash flow hedging losses to net income
    3,461       983       4,007       820  
Change in employee benefit plans, net of income taxes
                (58 )      
                                 
Comprehensive income
    35,391       192,081       127,251       165,096  
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (990 )     (463 )     (1,871 )     (1,181 )
                                 
Comprehensive income attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. 
  $ 34,401     $ 191,618     $ 125,380     $ 163,915  
                                 
 
See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
NOTE 1 — BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Dole Food Company, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (“Dole” or the “Company”) include all adjustments necessary, which are of a normal recurring nature, to present fairly Dole’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Dole operates under a 52/53-week year. The quarters ended June 20, 2009 and June 14, 2008 are twelve weeks in duration. For a summary of significant accounting policies and additional information relating to Dole’s financial statements, refer to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of Dole’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Form 10-K”) for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2009.
 
Interim results are subject to seasonal variations and are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for a full year. Dole’s operations are sensitive to a number of factors including weather-related phenomena and their effects on industry volumes, prices, product quality and costs. Operations are also sensitive to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates in both sourcing and selling locations as well as economic crises and security risks.
 
In March 2003, Dole completed a going-private merger transaction (“going-private merger transaction”). The privatization resulted from the acquisition by David H. Murdock, Dole’s Chairman, of the approximately 76% of the shares of common stock of Dole Food Company, Inc. that he and his affiliates did not already own. As a result of the transaction, Dole became wholly-owned by Mr. Murdock through DHM Holding Company, Inc.
 
Certain amounts in the prior year financial statements and related footnotes have been reclassified to conform to the 2009 presentation. Dole adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“FAS”) No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements (“FAS 160”) during the first quarter of 2009 (see Note 2 for further information).
 
NOTE 2 — RECENTLY ISSUED AND ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
During June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FAS No. 168, FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162 (“FAS 168”), which establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification as the single official source of authoritative US GAAP (other than guidance issued by the SEC), superseding existing FASB, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Emerging Issues Task Force, and related literature. FAS 168 will become effective during Dole’s third quarter of 2009. Dole expects that the adoption of FAS 168 will not have an impact on its results of operations or financial position.
 
During June 2009, the FASB issued FAS No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R) (“FAS 167”), which changes the approach in determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and requires companies to more frequently assess whether they must consolidate VIEs. FAS 167 is effective for annual periods beginning after November 15, 2009. Dole is evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of FAS 167 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
 
During May 2009, the FASB issued FAS No. 165, Subsequent Events (“FAS 165”), to establish general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. FAS 165 requires the disclosure of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events and the basis for that date. Dole adopted FAS 165 during its second fiscal quarter and it had no impact on Dole’s results of operations or financial position. In the preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements, Dole evaluated subsequent events after the balance sheet date of June 20, 2009 through August 14, 2009.
 
During April 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Financial Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (“FSP”), which amends FASB Statement No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, to require disclosures about the fair value of financial


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Table of Contents

 
DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
instruments for interim reporting periods as well as in annual financial statements. Dole adopted the FSP during its second fiscal quarter of 2009 and the disclosures required by the FSP are included in Note 14 to the condensed consolidated financial statements. The adoption had no impact on Dole’s results of operations or financial position.
 
During March 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, Disclosures About Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (“FAS 161”). This new standard requires enhanced disclosures for derivative instruments, including those used in hedging activities. Dole adopted FAS 161 at the beginning of its first fiscal quarter of 2009. The disclosures required by FAS 161 are included in Note 13 to the condensed consolidated financial statements and had no impact on Dole’s results of operations or financial position.
 
During December 2007, the FASB issued FAS 160. FAS 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Dole adopted the provisions of FAS 160 as of the beginning of its 2009 fiscal year. FAS 160 is to be applied prospectively as of the beginning of 2009 except for the presentation and disclosure requirements which are to be applied retrospectively. The condensed consolidated financial statements now conform to the presentation required under FAS 160. Other than the change in presentation of noncontrolling interests, the adoption of FAS 160 had no impact on Dole’s results of operations or financial position.
 
During December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations (“FAS 141R”). FAS 141R provides revised guidance for recognizing and measuring assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. FAS 141R will be applied prospectively to business combinations with acquisition dates on or after January 1, 2009. As a result of the adoption, changes to valuation allowances and unrecognized tax benefits established in business combinations will be recognized in earnings.
 
NOTE 3 — OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
 
Included in other income (expense), net in Dole’s condensed consolidated statements of operations for the quarters and half years ended June 20, 2009 and June 14, 2008 are the following items:
 
                                 
    Quarter Ended     Half Year Ended  
    June 20,
    June 14,
    June 20,
    June 14,
 
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on cross currency swap
  $ (24,419 )   $ 19,001     $ (6,703 )   $ (13,353 )
Realized gain on cross currency swap
    2,621       2,696       4,941       5,619  
Gain (loss) on foreign denominated borrowings
    (11,538 )     1,584       (4,406 )     2,075  
Write-off of debt issuance costs
                (5,222 )      
Other
    290       372       296       601  
                                 
Other income (expense), net
  $ (33,046 )   $ 23,653     $ (11,094 )   $ (5,058 )
                                 
 
Refer to Note 13 — Derivative Financial Instruments for further discussion regarding Dole’s cross currency swap.
 
NOTE 4 — DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
 
During the second quarter of 2008, Dole approved and committed to a formal plan to divest its fresh-cut flowers operations (“Flowers transaction”). The first phase of the Flowers transaction was completed during the first quarter of 2009 (refer to Note 12 — Assets Held-For-Sale). In addition, during the fourth quarter of 2007, Dole approved and committed to a formal plan to divest its citrus and pistachio operations (“Citrus”) located in central


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Table of Contents

 
DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
California. The operating results of Citrus were included in the fresh fruit operating segment. The sale of Citrus was completed during the third quarter of 2008. In evaluating the two businesses, Dole concluded that they each met the definition of a discontinued operation as defined in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (“FAS 144”). Accordingly, the results of operations of these businesses have been reclassified for all periods presented. The operating results of fresh-cut flowers and Citrus for the quarters and half years ended June 20, 2009 and June 14, 2008 are reported in the following tables:
 
                                 
    Quarter Ended     Quarter Ended  
    June 20, 2009     June 14, 2008  
    Fresh-Cut
    Fresh-Cut
             
    Flowers     Flowers     Citrus     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
Revenues
  $ 401     $ 29,063     $ 3,148     $ 32,211  
                                 
Income (loss) before income taxes
  $ 315     $ (5,896 )   $ (294 )   $ (6,190 )
Income taxes
    (50 )     10,396       112       10,508  
                                 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
  $ 265     $ 4,500     $ (182 )   $ 4,318  
                                 
 
                                 
    Half Year Ended     Half Year Ended  
    June 20, 2009     June 14, 2008  
    Fresh-Cut
    Fresh-Cut
             
    Flowers     Flowers     Citrus     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
Revenues
  $ 3,181     $ 62,879     $ 5,020     $ 67,899  
                                 
Income (loss) before income taxes
  $ 474     $ (9,037 )   $ (251 )   $ (9,288 )
Income taxes
    (87 )     10,691       94       10,785  
                                 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
  $ 387     $ 1,654     $ (157 )   $ 1,497  
                                 
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income taxes
  $ 1,308     $     $     $  
                                 
 
For all periods presented, noncontrolling interests were not material.
 
NOTE 5 — INCOME TAXES
 
Dole recorded $17 million of income tax expense on $135.7 million of pretax income from continuing operations for the half year ended June 20, 2009. Income tax expense included interest expense of $1.2 million (net of associated income tax benefits of approximately $0.3 million) related to Dole’s unrecognized tax benefits. An income tax benefit of $60.2 million was recorded for the half year ended June 14, 2008 which included $61.1 million for the favorable settlement of the federal income tax audit for the years 1995 to 2001. Excluding the impact of the favorable settlement, income tax expense was $0.9 million, which included interest expense of $2.1 million (net of associated income tax benefits of approximately $0.7 million) related to Dole’s unrecognized tax benefits. Dole’s effective tax rate varies significantly from period to period due to the level, mix and seasonality of earnings generated in its various U.S. and foreign jurisdictions.
 
Under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting (“APB 28”), and FASB Interpretation No. 18, Accounting for Income Taxes in Interim Periods (“FIN 18”), Dole is required to adjust its


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Table of Contents

 
DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
effective tax rate for each quarter to be consistent with the estimated annual effective tax rate. Jurisdictions with a projected loss where no tax benefit can be recognized are excluded from the calculation of the estimated annual effective tax rate. Applying the provisions of APB 28 and FIN 18 could result in a higher or lower effective tax rate during a particular quarter, based upon the mix and timing of actual earnings versus annual projections.
 
For the periods presented, Dole’s income tax provision differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate applied to Dole’s pretax income primarily due to operations in foreign jurisdictions that are taxed at a rate lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate offset by the accrual for uncertain tax positions.
 
Dole recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to its unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income taxes in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Accrued interest and penalties before tax benefits were $27.5 million and $26.9 million at June 20, 2009 and January 3, 2009, respectively, and are included as a component of other long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Dole Food Company, Inc. or one or more of its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various states and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, Dole is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2001.
 
Income Tax Audits:  Dole believes its tax positions comply with the applicable tax laws and that it is adequately provided for all tax related matters. Matters raised upon audit may involve substantial amounts and could result in material cash payments if resolved unfavorably; however, management does not believe that any material payments will be made related to these matters within the next twelve months. Management considers it unlikely that the resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on Dole’s results of operations.
 
Internal Revenue Service Audit:  Dole is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for the tax years 2002-2005 and it is anticipated that the examination will be completed by the end of 2009.
 
Although the timing and ultimate resolution of any issues that might arise from the ongoing IRS examination are highly uncertain, at this time, Dole does not anticipate that total unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change within the next twelve months.
 
NOTE 6 — INVENTORIES
 
The major classes of inventories were as follows:
 
                 
    June 20,
    January 3,
 
    2009     2009  
    (In thousands)  
 
Finished products
  $ 364,624     $ 344,643  
Raw materials and work in progress
    141,472       168,670  
Crop-growing costs
    155,059       210,263  
Operating supplies and other
    64,844       72,831  
                 
    $ 725,999     $ 796,407  
                 
 
NOTE 7 — GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
Goodwill has been allocated to Dole’s reporting segments as follows:
 
                                 
        Fresh
  Packaged
   
    Fresh Fruit   Vegetables   Foods   Total
    (In thousands)
 
Balance as of January 3, 2009 and June 20, 2009
  $ 274,723     $ 71,206     $ 60,611     $ 406,540  
                                 


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Details of Dole’s intangible assets were as follows:
 
                 
    June 20,
    January 3,
 
    2009     2009  
    (In thousands)  
 
Amortized intangible assets:
               
Customer relationships
  $ 38,501     $ 38,501  
Other amortized intangible assets
    9,217       2,042  
                 
      47,718       40,543  
Accumulated amortization — customer relationships
    (21,945 )     (20,248 )
Other accumulated amortization
    (1,465 )     (1,452 )
                 
Accumulated amortization — intangible assets
    (23,410 )     (21,700 )
                 
Amortized intangible assets, net
    24,308       18,843  
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
               
Trademark and trade names
    689,615       689,615  
                 
Total identifiable intangible assets, net
  $ 713,923     $ 708,458  
                 
 
During May 2009, Dole acquired all of the assets of Distrifruit, a distributor of fresh fruit located in Romania, in exchange for trade receivables due from the seller. Dole acquired the assets primarily to obtain control and gain access over Distrifruit’s customer base in Romania. At the date of acquisition, the total fair value of the assets acquired was $10 million, consisting of $2.9 million of inventory and property, plant and equipment, net and $7.1 million of intangible assets. Dole expects to finalize its allocation of the acquisition during the third quarter of 2009. The revenues and earnings of Distrifruit from the acquisition date through June 20, 2009 were not material. Distrifruit revenues and earnings for the 2009 and 2008 fiscal years also were not material for pro forma disclosure.
 
Amortization expense of intangible assets totaled $0.9 million and $1 million for the quarters ended June 20, 2009 and June 14, 2008, respectively, and $1.7 million and $2 million for the half years ended June 20, 2009 and June 14, 2008, respectively.
 
As of June 20, 2009, the estimated remaining amortization expense associated with Dole’s intangible assets for the remainder of 2009 and in each of the next four fiscal years is as follows (in thousands):
 
         
Fiscal Year
  Amount
 
2009
  $ 1,980  
2010
  $ 3,677  
2011
  $ 3,677  
2012
  $ 3,677  
2013
  $ 1,498  
 
Dole performed its annual impairment review of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, during the second quarter of fiscal 2009. This review indicated no impairment to goodwill or any of Dole’s indefinite-lived intangible assets.


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
NOTE 8 — NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT
 
Notes payable and long-term debt consisted of the following amounts:
 
                 
    June 20,
    January 3,
 
    2009     2009  
    (In thousands)  
 
Unsecured debt:
               
8.625% notes due 2009
  $     $ 345,000  
7.25% notes due 2010
    383,000       400,000  
8.875% notes due 2011
    200,000       200,000  
8.75% debentures due 2013
    155,000       155,000  
Secured debt:
               
13.875% notes due 2014
    349,903        
Revolving credit facility
          150,500  
Term loan facilities
    828,297       835,444  
Contracts and notes, at a weighted-average interest rate of 6% in 2009 (6.1% in 2008) through 2014
    9,219       9,221  
Capital lease obligations
    65,813       60,448  
Notes payable
    44,140       48,789  
Unamortized debt discount
    (24,311 )     (309 )
                 
      2,011,061       2,204,093  
Current maturities
    (435,036 )     (405,537 )
                 
    $ 1,576,025     $ 1,798,556  
                 
 
2010 Debt Maturity
 
During the second quarter of 2009, Dole reclassified to current liabilities its $400 million 7.25% notes due June 2010 (“2010 Notes”). During the second quarter of 2009, Dole’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $95 million of the 2010 Notes. Dole subsequently repurchased $17 million and $20 million of the 2010 Notes during the second and third quarters of 2009, respectively.
 
Dole’s current plan is to offer senior secured notes during the third quarter of 2009. Dole plans to use the net proceeds from this offering, together with cash on hand and/or borrowings under the revolving credit facility, to redeem the bulk of the outstanding 2010 notes. Dole intends to redeem or repurchase any remaining 2010 notes during the third and/or fourth quarters of 2009 with cash on hand and/or borrowings under the revolving credit facility. A failure by Dole to timely redeem, repurchase or repay the 2010 Notes at or before maturity could lead to an event of default which would have a material adverse effect on Dole’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
2009 Debt Refinancing
 
On March 18, 2009, Dole completed the sale and issuance of $350 million aggregate principal amount of 13.875% Senior Secured Notes due March 2014 (“2014 Notes”) at a discount of $25 million. The 2014 Notes were sold to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”) and to persons outside the United States in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. The sale was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Interest on the 2014 Notes will be paid semiannually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning on September 15, 2009. The 2014 Notes have the


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
benefit of a lien on certain U.S. assets of Dole that is junior to the liens of Dole’s senior secured credit facilities (revolving credit and term loan facilities), and are senior obligations of Dole ranking equally with Dole’s existing senior debt. Dole used the net proceeds from this offering, together with cash on hand and/or borrowings under the revolving credit facility, to purchase all of the tendered 8.625% notes due May 2009 (“2009 Notes”) and to irrevocably deposit with the trustee of the 2009 Notes funds that were used to repay the remaining outstanding 2009 Notes at maturity on May 1, 2009.
 
In connection with these refinancing transactions, Dole amended its senior secured credit facilities, which amendments, among other things, permitted the issuance of new secured debt securities, increased the interest rate on the term and revolving credit facilities and added a leverage maintenance covenant.
 
Debt Issuance Costs
 
In connection with the issuance of the 2014 Notes and the amendment of Dole’s senior secured credit facilities, Dole incurred debt issuance costs of $17.8 million. Debt issuance costs are capitalized and amortized into interest expense over the term of the underlying debt.
 
Dole wrote off $5.2 million of deferred debt issuance costs during the quarter ended March 28, 2009 resulting from the amendment of its senior secured credit facilities. This amendment was accounted for as an extinguishment of debt in accordance with EITF 96-19, Debtor’s Accounting for a Modification or Exchange of Debt Instruments. This write-off was recorded to other income (expense), net in the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the half year ended June 20, 2009.
 
Dole amortized deferred debt issuance costs of $1.4 million and $2.3 million during the quarter and half year ended June 20, 2009, respectively. Dole amortized deferred debt issuance costs of $0.9 million and $1.9 million during the quarter and half year ended June 14, 2008.
 
Term Loans and Revolving Credit Facility
 
As of June 20, 2009, the term loan facilities consisted of $175.3 million of Term Loan B and $653 million of Term Loan C. The term loan facilities bear interest, at Dole’s option, at a rate per annum equal to either (i) a base rate plus 3.5% to 4%; or (ii) LIBOR (subject to a minimum of 3%) plus 4.5% to 5%, in each case, based upon Dole’s senior secured leverage ratio. The weighted average variable interest rate at June 20, 2009 for Term Loan B and Term Loan C was 8.3%. The term loan facilities require quarterly principal payments, plus a balloon payment due in 2013. Dole has an interest rate swap to hedge future changes in interest rates and a cross currency swap to effectively lower the U.S. dollar fixed interest rate to a Japanese yen fixed interest rate on Term Loan C. Refer to Note 13 — Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information related to these instruments.
 
As of June 20, 2009, the asset based revolving credit facility (“ABL revolver”) borrowing base was $320 million. There were no amounts outstanding under the ABL revolver at June 20, 2009. The ABL revolver bears interest, at Dole’s option, at a rate per annum equal to either (i) a base rate plus 2% to 2.5%, or (ii) LIBOR plus 3% to 3.5%, in each case, based upon Dole’s historical borrowing availability under this facility. The ABL revolver matures in April 2011. After taking into account approximately $76.4 million of outstanding letters of credit issued under the ABL revolver, Dole had approximately $243.6 million available for borrowings as of June 20, 2009. In addition, Dole had approximately $97 million of letters of credit and bank guarantees outstanding under its $100 million pre-funded letter of credit facility as of June 20, 2009.
 
Capital Lease Obligations
 
At June 20, 2009 and January 3, 2009, included in capital lease obligations were $64.1 million and $58.5 million, respectively, of vessel financing related to two vessel leases denominated in British pound sterling. The increase in the capital lease obligation was due to the strengthening of the British pound sterling against the


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
U.S. dollar during 2009, which resulted in Dole recognizing $6.8 million of unrealized losses. These unrealized losses were recorded as other income (expense), net in the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the half year ended June 20, 2009.
 
Covenants
 
Provisions under the indentures governing Dole’s senior notes and debentures require Dole to comply with certain covenants. These covenants include limitations on, among other things, indebtedness, investments, loans to subsidiaries, employees and third parties, the issuance of guarantees and the payment of dividends. The ABL revolver contains a “springing covenant,” but that covenant has never been effective and would only become effective if the availability under the ABL revolver were to fall below $35 million for any eight consecutive business days, which it has never done during the life of such facility. At June 20, 2009, Dole had $243.6 million of availability under the ABL revolver.
 
In addition, as a result of the March 2009 amendment to Dole’s senior secured term facilities, Dole is now subject to a first priority senior secured leverage ratio that must be at or below 3.25 to 1.00 as of the last day of the fiscal quarters ending March 28, 2009 through October 10, 2009 and steps down to 3.00 to 1.00 as of the last day of the fiscal quarter ending January 2, 2010. At June 20, 2009, the first priority senior secured leverage ratio was less than 2.25 to 1.00.
 
A breach of a covenant or other provision in a debt instrument governing Dole’s current or future indebtedness or pursuant to certain debt instruments under which our parent and an affiliate of its majority stockholder are borrowers, could result in a default under that instrument and, due to cross-default and cross-acceleration provisions, could result in a default under Dole’s other debt instruments. Such debt instruments of our parent, currently $115 million, and an affiliate of its majority stockholder, currently $90 million, mature on March 3, 2010 and December 23, 2009, respectively. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the senior secured credit facilities or other debt instrument, the lenders or holders of such other debt instruments could elect to declare all amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit. If Dole were unable to repay those amounts, the lenders could proceed against the collateral granted to them, if any, to secure the indebtedness. If the lenders under Dole’s current indebtedness were to accelerate the payment of the indebtedness, Dole cannot give assurance that its assets or cash flow would be sufficient to repay in full its outstanding indebtedness, in which event Dole likely would seek reorganization or protection under bankruptcy or other, similar laws.
 
Dividends
 
On June 22, 2009, Dole declared a dividend of $15 million to its parent, DHM Holding Company, Inc. Dole paid $7.5 million on June 23, 2009 and $2.5 million on July 20, 2009, and expects to pay the remaining $5.0 million prior to August 31, 2009. As a result of this dividend, Dole does not at present have the ability to declare future dividends, pursuant to the terms of its senior notes indentures and senior secured credit facilities.


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
NOTE 9 — EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
The components of net periodic benefit cost for Dole’s U.S. and international pension plans and other postretirement benefit (“OPRB”) plans were as follows:
 
                                                 
          International
       
    U.S. Pension Plans     Pension Plans     OPRB Plans  
    Quarter Ended     Quarter Ended     Quarter Ended  
    June 20,
    June 14,
    June 20,
    June 14,
    June 20,
    June 14,
 
    2009     2008     2009     2008     2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
                                               
Service cost
  $ 38     $ 34     $ 1,361     $ 1,439     $ 52     $ 66  
Interest cost
    4,003       4,288       1,683       2,355       615       905  
Expected return on plan assets
    (3,898 )     (4,186 )     (98 )     (583 )            
Amortization of:
                                               
Unrecognized net loss (gain)
    54       341       138       116       (119 )     (2 )
Unrecognized prior service cost (benefit)
                77       19       (797 )     (211 )
Unrecognized net transition obligation
                11       14              
                                                 
    $ 197     $ 477     $ 3,172     $ 3,360     $ (249 )   $ 758  
                                                 
 
                                                 
          International
       
    U.S. Pension Plans     Pension Plans     OPRB Plans  
    Half Year Ended     Half Year Ended     Half Year Ended  
    June 20,
    June 14,
    June 20,
    June 14,
    June 20,
    June 14,
 
    2009     2008     2009     2008     2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
                                               
Service cost
  $ 76     $ 68     $ 2,720     $ 2,893     $ 104     $ 132  
Interest cost
    8,006       8,576       3,359       4,734       1,230       1,810  
Expected return on plan assets
    (7,796 )     (8,372 )     (196 )     (1,170 )            
Amortization of:
                                               
Unrecognized net loss (gain)
    108       682       276       233       (238 )     (4 )
Unrecognized prior service cost (benefit)
                154       39       (1,594 )     (422 )
Unrecognized net transition obligation
                22       28              
                                                 
    $ 394     $ 954     $ 6,335     $ 6,757     $ (498 )   $ 1,516  
                                                 
 
NOTE 10 — SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
Dole has three reportable operating segments: fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and packaged foods. These reportable segments are managed separately due to differences in their products, production processes, distribution channels and customer bases.


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Management evaluates and monitors segment performance primarily through, among other measures, earnings before interest expense and income taxes (“EBIT”). EBIT is calculated by adding interest expense and income taxes to income from continuing operations. Management believes that segment EBIT provides useful information for analyzing the underlying business results as well as allowing investors a means to evaluate the financial results of each segment in relation to Dole as a whole. EBIT is not defined under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income or cash flow measures prepared in accordance with GAAP or as a measure of Dole’s profitability. Additionally, Dole’s computation of EBIT may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures computed by other companies, because not all companies calculate EBIT in the same fashion.
 
Revenues from external customers and EBIT for the reportable operating segments and corporate were as follows:
 
                                 
    Quarter Ended     Half Year Ended  
    June 20,
    June 14,
    June 20,
    June 14,
 
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
Revenues from external customers:
                               
Fresh fruit
  $ 1,221,433     $ 1,466,922     $ 2,343,415     $ 2,695,450  
Fresh vegetables
    258,087       279,643       491,529       510,672  
Packaged foods
    234,892       248,118       475,742       516,623  
Corporate
    310       260       626       543  
                                 
    $ 1,714,722     $ 1,994,943     $ 3,311,312     $ 3,723,288  
                                 
 
                                 
    Quarter Ended     Half Year Ended  
    June 20,
    June 14,
    June 20,
    June 14,
 
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
EBIT:
                               
Fresh fruit
  $ 96,466     $ 131,266     $ 195,288     $ 184,153  
Fresh vegetables
    (3,509 )     1,531       12,964       (1,939 )
Packaged foods
    23,998       6,814       45,888       30,999  
                                 
Total operating segments
    116,955       139,611       254,140       213,213  
Corporate:
                               
Unrealized gain (loss) on cross currency swap
    (24,419 )     19,001       (6,703 )     (13,353 )
Operating and other expenses
    (12,474 )     (9,853 )     (19,494 )     (23,680 )
                                 
Corporate
    (36,893 )     9,148       (26,197 )     (37,033 )
Interest expense
    (50,242 )     (41,245 )     (87,788 )     (84,742 )
Income taxes
    (8,963 )     69,577       (17,011 )     60,200  
                                 
Income from continuing operations
  $ 20,857     $ 177,091     $ 123,144     $ 151,638  
                                 
 
Dole’s equity earnings in unconsolidated subsidiaries, which have been included in EBIT in the table above, relate primarily to the fresh fruit operating segment.


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Total assets for the three reportable operating segments, corporate and fresh-cut flowers were as follows:
 
                 
    June 20,
    January 3,
 
    2009     2009  
    (In thousands)  
 
Total assets:
               
Fresh fruit
  $ 2,293,130     $ 2,322,899  
Fresh vegetables
    389,331       460,221  
Packaged foods
    663,420       686,801  
                 
Total operating segments
    3,345,881       3,469,921  
Corporate
    865,320       832,709  
Fresh-cut flowers — discontinued operation
    12,639       61,989  
                 
    $ 4,223,840     $ 4,364,619  
                 
 
NOTE 11 — CONTINGENCIES
 
Dole is a guarantor of indebtedness of some of its key fruit suppliers and other entities integral to Dole’s operations. At June 20, 2009, guarantees of $1.8 million consisted primarily of amounts advanced under third-party bank agreements to independent growers that supply Dole with product. Dole has not historically experienced any significant losses associated with these guarantees.
 
Dole issues letters of credit and bank guarantees through its ABL revolver and its pre-funded letter of credit facilities, and, in addition, separately through major banking institutions. Dole also provides insurance-company-issued bonds. These letters of credit, bank guarantees and insurance company bonds are required by certain regulatory authorities, suppliers and other operating agreements. As of June 20, 2009, total letters of credit, bank guarantees and bonds outstanding under these arrangements were $205.7 million, of which $97 million was issued under its pre-funded letter of credit facility.
 
Dole also provides various guarantees, mostly to foreign banks, in the course of it normal business operations to support the borrowings, leases and other obligations of its subsidiaries. Dole guaranteed $213.2 million of its subsidiaries’ obligations to their suppliers and other third parties as of June 20, 2009.
 
Dole has change of control agreements with certain key executives, under which severance payments and benefits would become payable in the event of specified terminations of employment in connection with a change of control (as defined) of Dole.
 
Dole is involved from time to time in claims and legal actions incidental to its operations, both as plaintiff and defendant. Dole has established what management currently believes to be adequate reserves for pending legal matters. These reserves are established as part of an ongoing worldwide assessment of claims and legal actions that takes into consideration such items as changes in the pending case load (including resolved and new matters), opinions of legal counsel, individual developments in court proceedings, changes in the law, changes in business focus, changes in the litigation environment, changes in opponent strategy and tactics, new developments as a result of ongoing discovery, and past experience in defending and settling similar claims. In the opinion of management, after consultation with outside counsel, the claims or actions to which Dole is a party are not expected to have a material adverse effect, individually or in the aggregate, on Dole’s financial condition or results of operations.
 
DBCP Cases:  A significant portion of Dole’s legal exposure relates to lawsuits pending in the United States and in several foreign countries, alleging injury as a result of exposure to the agricultural chemical DBCP (1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane). DBCP was manufactured by several chemical companies including Dow and Shell and registered by the U.S. government for use on food crops. Dole and other growers applied DBCP on banana


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Table of Contents

 
DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
farms in Latin America and the Philippines and on pineapple farms in Hawaii. Specific periods of use varied among the different locations. Dole halted all purchases of DBCP, including for use in foreign countries, when the U.S. EPA cancelled the registration of DBCP for use in the United States in 1979. That cancellation was based in part on a 1977 study by a manufacturer which indicated an apparent link between male sterility and exposure to DBCP among factory workers producing the product, as well as early product testing done by the manufacturers showing testicular effects on animals exposed to DBCP. To date, there is no reliable evidence demonstrating that field application of DBCP led to sterility among farm workers, although that claim is made in the pending lawsuits. Nor is there any reliable scientific evidence that DBCP causes any other injuries in humans, although plaintiffs in the various actions assert claims based on cancer, birth defects and other general illnesses.
 
Currently there are 245 lawsuits, in various stages of proceedings, alleging injury as a result of exposure to DBCP or seeking enforcement of Nicaragua judgments. In addition, there are 111 labor cases pending in Costa Rica under that country’s national insurance program.
 
Thirty of the 245 lawsuits are currently pending in various jurisdictions in the United States. On June 17, 2009, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Chaney formalized her April 23, 2009 oral ruling by issuing written Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, formally ordering dismissal with prejudice of the two remaining lawsuits brought on behalf of Nicaraguan plaintiffs who had falsely claimed they were sterile as a result of exposure to DBCP on Dole-contracted Nicaraguan banana farms, finding that the plaintiffs, and certain of their attorneys, fabricated their claims, engaged in a long-running conspiracy to commit a fraud on the court, used threats of violence to frighten witnesses and suppress the truth, and conspired with corrupt Nicaraguan judges, depriving Dole and the other companies of due process. On June 9, 2009, the First Circuit Court of Hawaii dismissed the Patrickson case, which had involved ten plaintiffs from Honduras, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Guatemala, finding that their DBCP claims were time-barred by the statute of limitations. In seven cases pending in Los Angeles involving 672 claimants from Ivory Coast, where Dole did not operate when DBCP was in use, plaintiffs’ counsel, on July 17, 2009, has filed a motion to withdraw as counsel of record in response to a witness who has come forward alleging fraud. The remaining cases are pending in Latin America and the Philippines. Claimed damages in DBCP cases worldwide total approximately $44.2 billion, with lawsuits in Nicaragua representing approximately 88% of this amount. Typically in these cases Dole is a joint defendant with the major DBCP manufacturers. Except as described below, none of these lawsuits has resulted in a verdict or judgment against Dole.
 
One case pending in Los Angeles Superior Court with 12 Nicaraguan plaintiffs initially resulted in verdicts which totaled approximately $5 million in damages against Dole in favor of six of the plaintiffs. As a result of the court’s March 7, 2008 favorable rulings on Dole’s post-verdict motions, including, importantly, the court’s decision striking down punitive damages in the case on U.S. Constitutional grounds, the damages against Dole were reduced to $1.58 million in total compensatory awards to four of the plaintiffs; and the court granted Dole’s motion for a new trial as to the claims of one of the plaintiffs. On July 7, 2009, the Second District Court Appeals issued an order to show cause why this $1.58 million judgment should not be vacated and judgment be entered in defendants’ favor on the grounds that the judgment was procured through fraud. Plaintiffs are to provide their response to the order to show cause to the trial court within 30 days of the issuance of the order. In that order, the Court of Appeals stated that the trial court need not hold a hearing to decide whether the judgment was procured by fraud, but instead can rely on the record that was presented in support of Dole’s request to have the case sent back to the trial court.
 
In Nicaragua, 196 cases are currently filed (of which 20 are active) in various courts throughout the country, all but one of which were brought pursuant to Law 364, an October 2000 Nicaraguan statute that contains substantive and procedural provisions that Nicaragua’s Attorney General formally opined are unconstitutional. In October 2003, the Supreme Court of Nicaragua issued an advisory opinion, not connected with any litigation, that Law 364 is constitutional. Thirty-two cases have resulted in judgments in Nicaragua: $489.4 million (nine cases consolidated with 468 claimants) on December 11, 2002; $82.9 million (one case with 58 claimants) on February 25, 2004; $15.7 million (one case with 20 claimants) on May 25, 2004; $4 million (one case with four claimants) on May 25,


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
2004; $56.5 million (one case with 72 claimants) on June 14, 2004; $64.8 million (one case with 86 claimants) on June 15, 2004; $27.7 million (one case with 39 claimants) on March 17, 2005; $98.5 million (one case with 150 claimants) on August 8, 2005; $46.4 million (one case with 62 claimants) on August 20, 2005; $809 million (six cases consolidated with 1,248 claimants) on December 1, 2006; $38.4 million (one case with 192 claimants) on November 14, 2007; and $357.7 million (eight cases with 417 claimants) on January 12, 2009, which Dole recently learned of unofficially. Except for the latest one, Dole has appealed all judgments, with Dole’s appeal of the August 8, 2005 $98.5 million judgment and of the December 1, 2006 $809 million judgment currently pending before the Nicaragua Court of Appeal. Dole will appeal the $357.7 million judgment once it has been served.
 
Of the 20 active cases currently pending in civil courts in Nicaragua, all have been brought under Law 364 except for one. In all of the active cases where the proceeding has reached the appropriate stage (7 of 20 cases), Dole has sought to have the cases returned to the United States. In three of the cases where Dole has sought return to the United States, the courts have denied Dole’s request and Dole has appealed that decision. Dole’s requests remain pending in the other four cases.
 
The claimants’ attempted enforcement of the December 11, 2002 judgment for $489.4 million in the United States resulted in a dismissal with prejudice of that action by the United States District Court for the Central District of California on October 20, 2003. The claimants have voluntarily dismissed their appeal of that decision, which was pending before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Defendants’ motion for sanctions against Plaintiffs’ counsel is still pending before the Court of Appeals in that case. A Special Master appointed by the Court of Appeals has recommended that Plaintiffs’ counsel be ordered to pay Defendants’ fees and costs up to $130,000 each to Dole and the other two defendants; and following such recommendation, the Court of Appeals has appointed a special prosecutor.
 
There is one case pending in the U.S. District Court in Miami, Florida seeking enforcement of the August 8, 2005 $98.5 million Nicaraguan judgment. Commencing on September 1, 2009, there will be an evidentiary hearing to consider Dole’s request that the Court deny enforcement of this judgment, contending that Nicaragua’s judicial system does not provide due process or an impartial judiciary, which also lacks transparency and is corrupt. Miami District Court Judge Paul C. Huck is already aware of the evidence of fraud detailed in Judge Chaney’s June 17, 2009 written Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law.
 
Claimants have also sought to enforce the Nicaraguan judgments in Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. In Venezuela, the claimants have attempted to enforce five of the Nicaraguan judgments in that country’s Supreme Court: $489.4 million (December 11, 2002); $82.9 million (February 25, 2004); $15.7 million (May 25, 2004); $56.5 million (June 14, 2004); and $64.8 million (June 15, 2004). The Venezuela Supreme Court has ordered the plaintiffs to properly serve the defendants, or have their request for recognition of these Nicaragua judgments dismissed. An action filed to enforce the $27.7 million Nicaraguan judgment (March 17, 2005) in the Colombian Supreme Court was dismissed. In Ecuador, the claimants attempted to enforce the five Nicaraguan judgments issued between February 25, 2004 through June 15, 2004 in the Ecuador Supreme Court. The First, Second and Third Chambers of the Ecuador Supreme Court issued rulings refusing to consider those enforcement actions on the ground that the Supreme Court was not a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of a foreign judgment. The plaintiffs subsequently refiled those five enforcement actions in the civil court in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Two of these subsequently filed enforcement actions have been dismissed by the 3rd Civil Court — $15.7 million (May 25, 2004) — and the 12th Civil Court — $56.5 million (June 14, 2004) — in Guayaquil; plaintiffs have sought reconsideration of those dismissals. The remaining three enforcement actions are still pending.
 
Dole believes that none of the Nicaraguan judgments will be enforceable against any Dole entity in the U.S. or in any other country, because Nicaragua’s Law 364 is unconstitutional and violates international principles of due process. Among other things, Law 364 is an improper “special law” directed at particular parties; it requires defendants to pay large, non-refundable deposits in order to even participate in the litigation; it provides a severely


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
truncated procedural process; it establishes an irrebuttable presumption of causation that is contrary to the evidence and scientific data; and it sets unreasonable minimum damages that must be awarded in every case.
 
On October 23, 2006, Dole announced that Standard Fruit de Honduras, S.A. reached an agreement with the Government of Honduras and representatives of Honduran banana workers. This agreement establishes a Worker Program that is intended by the parties to resolve in a fair and equitable manner the claims of male banana workers alleging sterility as a result of exposure to DBCP. The Honduran Worker Program will not have a material effect on Dole’s financial condition or results of operations. The official start of the Honduran Worker Program was announced on January 8, 2007. On August 15, 2007, Shell Oil Company was included in the Worker Program.
 
As to all the DBCP matters, Dole has denied liability and asserted substantial defenses. While Dole believes there is no reliable scientific basis for alleged injuries from the agricultural field application of DBCP, Dole continues to seek reasonable resolution of pending litigation and claims in the U.S. and Latin America. For example, as in Honduras, Dole is committed to finding a prompt resolution to the DBCP claims in Nicaragua, and is prepared to pursue a structured worker program in Nicaragua with science- based criteria. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Chaney had previously appointed a mediator to explore possible settlement of all DBCP cases currently pending before the court. Although no assurance can be given concerning the outcome of these cases, in the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel and based on past experience defending and settling DBCP claims, the pending lawsuits are not expected to have a material adverse effect on Dole’s financial condition or results of operations.
 
European Union Antitrust Inquiry:  On October 15, 2008, the European Commission (“EC”) adopted a Decision against Dole Food Company, Inc. and Dole Fresh Fruit Europe OHG and against other unrelated banana companies, finding violations of the European competition (antitrust) laws. The Decision imposes €45.6 million in fines on Dole.
 
The Decision follows a Statement of Objections, issued by the EC on July 25, 2007, and searches carried out by the EC in June 2005 at certain banana importers and distributors, including two of Dole’s offices. Dole received the Decision on October 21, 2008 and appealed the Decision to the European Court of First Instance in Luxembourg on December 24, 2008.
 
Dole made an initial $10 million (€7.6 million) provisional payment towards the €45.6 million fine on January 22, 2009. As agreed with the European Commission (DG Budget), Dole provided the required bank guaranty for the remaining balance of the fine to the European Commission by the deadline of April 30, 2009. The bank guaranty renews annually during the appeals process (which may take several years) and carries interest of 6.15% (accrued from January 23, 2009). If the European Court of First Instance fully agrees with Dole’s arguments presented in its appeal, Dole will be entitled to the return of all monies paid, plus interest.
 
On November 28 and 29, 2007, the EC conducted searches of Dole offices in Italy and Spain, as well as of other companies’ offices located in these countries. Dole continues to cooperate with the EC’s requests for information.
 
Although no assurances can be given, and although there could be a material adverse effect on Dole, Dole believes that it has not violated the European competition laws. No accrual for the Decision has been made in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, since Dole cannot determine at this time the amount of probable loss, if any, incurred as a result of the Decision.
 
Honduran Tax Case:  In 2005, Dole received a tax assessment from Honduras of approximately $137 million (including the claimed tax, penalty, and interest through the date of assessment) relating to the disposition of all of our interest in Cervecería Hondureña, S.A. in 2001. Dole believes the assessment is without merit and filed an appeal with the Honduran tax authorities, which was denied. As a result of the denial in the administrative process, in order to negate the tax assessment, on August 5, 2005, Dole proceeded to the next stage of the appellate process by filing a lawsuit against the Honduran government in the Honduran Administrative Tax Trial Court. The


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Honduran government sought dismissal of the lawsuit and attachment of assets, which Dole challenged. The Honduran Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the Honduran intermediate appellate court that a statutory prerequisite to challenging the tax assessment on the merits is the payment of the tax assessment or the filing of a payment plan with the Honduran courts; Dole has challenged the constitutionality of the statute requiring such payment or payment plan. Although no assurance can be given concerning the outcome of this case, in the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, the pending lawsuits and tax-related matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on Dole’s financial condition or results of operations.
 
NOTE 12 — ASSETS HELD-FOR-SALE
 
Dole continuously reviews its assets in order to identify those assets that do not meet Dole’s future strategic direction or internal economic return criteria. As a result of this review, Dole has identified and is in the process of selling specific businesses and long-lived assets. In accordance with FAS 144, Dole has reclassified these assets as held-for-sale.
 
Total assets held-for-sale by segment were as follows:
 
                                         
                      Fresh-Cut
       
                      Flowers -
       
          Fresh
    Packaged
    Discontinued
    Total Assets
 
    Fresh Fruit     Vegetables     Foods     Operation     Held-For-Sale  
    (In thousands)  
 
Balance as of January 3, 2009
  $ 98,105     $ 38,600     $ 4,182     $ 61,989     $ 202,876  
Additions
    1,611                         1,611  
Sales
    (24,438 )     (35,349 )     (968 )     (49,350 )     (110,105 )
                                         
Balance as of June 20, 2009
  $ 75,278     $ 3,251     $ 3,214     $ 12,639     $ 94,382  
                                         
 
At June 20, 2009, assets held-for-sale related primarily to property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation.
 
Total liabilities held-for-sale by segment were as follows:
 
                                         
                      Fresh-Cut
       
                      Flowers -
       
          Fresh
    Packaged
    Discontinued
    Total Liabilities
 
    Fresh Fruit     Vegetables     Foods     Operation     Held-For-Sale  
    (In thousands)  
 
Balance as of January 3, 2009
  $ 5,247     $     $     $ 45,218     $ 50,465  
Additions
    2,115                         2,115  
Sales
    (5,247 )                 (45,218 )     (50,465 )
                                         
Balance as of June 20, 2009
  $ 2,115     $     $     $     $ 2,115  
                                         
 
Dole received total cash proceeds of approximately $84 million on assets sold during the half year ended June 20, 2009, which had been classified as held-for-sale. The total realized gain recorded on assets classified as held-for-sale was $18.1 million for the half year ended June 20, 2009, which included $1.3 million related to the fresh-cut flowers discontinued operation. Realized gains related to continuing operations for the half year ended June 20, 2009, of $16.8 million, are shown as a separate component of operating income in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.
 
Fresh Fruit
 
During the second quarter of 2009, Dole reclassified one Chilean farm and the assets and liabilities of an Italian port operation to held-for-sale.


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Dole completed the sale of a portion of its Latin American banana operations during January 2009. Net proceeds from the sale totaled approximately $25.8 million. To date, Dole has collected $18 million in cash ($2 million in 2008 and $16 million in 2009) and has recorded a $7.8 million receivable which will be collected through January 2010. Dole also sold a wood box plant in Chile for $0.6 million. Total realized gains recorded on these sales approximated $6.7 million for the half year ended June 20, 2009.
 
Third Quarter 2009 Sales
 
During the third quarter of 2009, Dole signed letters of intent to sell some operating properties located in Latin America for approximately $68 million. As of June 20, 2009, the assets and liabilities of these operating properties have not been included in assets or liabilities held-for-sale. The sale of these operating properties are expected to close during the third quarter of 2009.
 
Fresh Vegetables
 
During the first quarter of 2009, Dole completed the sale of 1,100 acres of property located in California. Dole received net cash proceeds of $44.5 million and recorded a gain on the sale of $9.2 million, which is included in gain on asset sales in the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the half year ended June 20, 2009.
 
Packaged Foods
 
During the first half of 2009, Dole sold approximately 160 acres of peach orchards located in California for approximately $1.9 million and recorded a gain on the sale of $0.9 million.
 
Fresh-Cut Flowers — Discontinued Operation
 
During January 2009, the first phase of the Flowers transaction was completed. Dole only retains some of the real estate of the former flowers divisions to be sold in the subsequent phases of the transaction. Net proceeds from the sale totaled approximately $29.3 million. Of this amount, $21 million was collected in cash and the remaining $8.3 million was recorded as a receivable, which will be repaid during January 2011. Dole recorded a gain on the sale of $1.3 million, which is included as a component of gain on disposal from discontinued operations, net of income taxes in the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the half year ended June 20, 2009.
 
NOTE 13 — DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
Dole is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, bunker fuel price fluctuations and interest rate changes in the normal course of its business. As part of its risk management strategy, Dole uses derivative instruments to hedge certain foreign currency, bunker fuel and interest rate exposures. Dole’s objective is to offset gains and losses resulting from these exposures with losses and gains on the derivative contracts used to hedge them, thereby reducing volatility of earnings. Dole does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
 
All of Dole’s derivative instruments, with the exception of the interest rate swap, are not designated as effective hedges of cash flows as defined by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended (“FAS 133”). The interest rate swap is accounted for as a cash flow hedge under FAS 133 and accordingly, unrealized gains or losses are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
 
Dole entered into an interest rate swap in 2006 to hedge future changes in interest rates. This agreement effectively converted $320 million of borrowings under Term Loan C, which was variable-rate debt, to a fixed-rate basis through 2011. The interest rate swap fixed the interest rate at 7.2%. The paying and receiving rates under the interest rate swap were 5.5% and 1.1% as of June 20, 2009, with an outstanding notional amount of $320 million.


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Dole executed a cross currency swap during 2006 to synthetically convert $320 million of Term Loan C into Japanese yen denominated debt in order to effectively lower the U.S. dollar fixed interest rate of 7.2% to a Japanese yen interest rate of 3.6%. Payments under the cross currency swap were converted from U.S. dollars to Japanese yen at an exchange rate of ¥111.9.
 
During the second quarter of 2009, Dole amended its cross currency and interest rate swap agreements. The amendments removed early termination provisions which would have allowed the counterparty to settle the swaps at certain specified dates prior to maturity. In addition, the rate at which payments under the cross currency swap were converted from U.S. dollars to Japanese yen increased to ¥114.9 from ¥111.9. In connection with these amendments, Dole also entered into a collateral arrangement which requires Dole to provide collateral to its counterparties when the fair market value of the cross currency and interest rate swap exceed a combined liability of $35 million. The measurement date for the collateral required at June 20, 2009 was June 16, 2009, and the fair value of the swaps at the measurement date was a liability of approximately $76 million. Dole provided cash collateral of $6.1 million, which was recorded as restricted deposits in the condensed consolidated balance sheet, and the remaining $35 million of collateral was issued through letters of credit.
 
At June 20, 2009, the exchange rate of the Japanese yen to U.S. dollar was ¥96.5. The value of the cross currency swap will fluctuate based on changes in the U.S. dollar to Japanese yen exchange rate and market interest rates until maturity in 2011, at which time it will settle in cash at the then current exchange rate.
 
At June 20, 2009, the gross notional value and fair market value of Dole’s derivative instruments were as follows:
 
                         
              Derivative Assets (Liabilities)  
    Average Strike
  Notional
    Balance Sheet
  Fair Market
 
    Price   Amount     Classification   Value  
              (In thousands)  
 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
                       
Interest rate swap
      $ 320,000     Other long-term liabilities   $ (23,253 )
                         
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
                       
Foreign currency hedges (Buy/Sell):
                       
U.S. Dollar/Euro
  EUR 1.44     48,354     Receivables, net   $ 1,990  
U.S. Dollar/Canadian Dollar
  CAD 1.12     10,706     Receivables, net     104  
Chilean Peso/U.S. Dollar
  CLP 671     9,989     Receivables, net     2,588  
U.S. Dollar/Japanese Yen
  JPY 101.2     171,249     Accrued Liabilities     (2,801 )
Philippine Peso/U.S. Dollar
  PHP 47.9     21,407     Accrued Liabilities     (452 )
Cross currency swap — interest
              Receivables, net     1,815  
Cross currency swap
        320,000     Other long-term liabilities     (49,007 )
Bunker fuel hedges
  $277     26,544     Receivables, net     2,765  
                         
    (per metric ton)     (metric tons)              
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
                    (42,998 )
                         
Total
                  $ (66,251 )
                         


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Settlement of the foreign currency and bunker fuel hedges will occur during 2009 and 2010.
 
The effect of the interest rate swap on the condensed consolidated balance sheet and statement of operations for the quarter and half year ended June 20, 2009 was as follows:
 
                                 
    Gain
           
    Recognized in
           
    AOCI as of
  Losses Reclassified into Income
    June 20,
  Income Statement
  Quarter
  Half Year
    2009   Classification   Ended   Ended
        (In thousands)
 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
                               
Interest rate swap
  $ 4,859       Interest expense     $ 3,461     $ 4,007  
 
Unrecognized losses of $13 million related to the interest rate swap are expected to be realized into earnings over the next twelve months. These losses will be primarily offset by gains related to the cross currency swap.
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) and realized gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments for the quarters and half years ended June 20, 2009 and June 14, 2008 were as follows:
 
                                     
        Quarter Ended  
        Unrealized Gains
    Realized Gains
 
        (Losses)     (Losses)  
    Income Statement
  June 20,
    June 14,
    June 20,
    June 14,
 
    Classification   2009     2008     2009     2008  
        (In thousands)  
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
                                   
Foreign currency exchange contracts
  Cost of products sold   $ (2,011 )   $ 6,968     $ 1,049     $ (5,998 )
Bunker fuel contracts
  Cost of products sold     3,101       3,613       (250 )     711  
Cross currency swap
  Other income (expense), net     (24,419 )     19,001       2,621       2,696  
                                     
Total
      $ (23,329 )   $ 29,582     $ 3,420     $ (2,591 )
                                     
 
                                     
        Half Year Ended  
        Unrealized Gains
    Realized Gains
 
        (Losses)     (Losses)  
    Income Statement
  June 20,
    June 14,
    June 20,
    June 14,
 
    Classification   2009     2008     2009     2008  
        (In thousands)  
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
                                   
Foreign currency exchange contracts
  Cost of products sold   $ 7,491     $ 3,175     $ 1,295     $ (8,971 )
Bunker fuel contracts
  Cost of products sold     6,342       4,051       (2,784 )     1,798  
Cross currency swap
  Other income (expense), net     (6,703 )     (13,353 )     4,941       5,619  
                                     
Total
      $ 7,130     $ (6,127 )   $ 3,452     $ (1,554 )
                                     
 
NOTE 14 — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
Dole’s financial instruments primarily comprise short-term trade and grower receivables, trade payables, notes receivable and notes payable, as well as long-term grower receivables, capital lease obligations, term loans, a


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
revolving credit facility, and notes and debentures. For short-term instruments, the carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. For the other long-term financial instruments, excluding Dole’s secured and unsecured notes and debentures, and term loans, the carrying amount approximates the fair value since they bear interest at variable rates or fixed rates which approximate market.
 
Dole adopted FAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”) as of December 30, 2007 for financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis. Dole adopted FAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and liabilities at the beginning of fiscal year 2009. FAS 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable and unobservable inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. These levels, in order of highest to lowest priority are described below:
 
Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities.
 
Level 2: Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data.
 
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
 
The fair values of Dole’s derivative instruments are determined using Level 2 inputs, which are defined as “significant other observable inputs.” The fair values of the foreign currency exchange contracts, bunker fuel contracts, interest rate swap and cross currency swap were estimated using internal discounted cash flow calculations based upon forward foreign currency exchange rates, bunker fuel futures, interest-rate yield curves or quotes obtained from brokers for contracts with similar terms less any credit valuation adjustments. Dole recorded a credit valuation adjustment at June 20, 2009 which reduced the derivative liability balances. The credit valuation adjustment was $3.2 million and $16.3 million at June 20, 2009 and January 3, 2009, respectively. The net change in the credit valuation adjustment resulted in a loss of $13.1 million during the half year ended June 20, 2009. Of this loss, $1.6 million was recorded as interest expense and $11.5 million was recorded as other income (expense), net. For the quarter ended June 20, 2009, the net change in the credit valuation adjustment resulted in a loss of $5.6 million. Of this loss, $1 million was recorded as interest expense and $4.6 million was recorded as other income (expense), net.


F-25


Table of Contents

 
DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
The following table provides a summary of the fair values of assets and liabilities under the FAS 157 hierarchy:
 
                         
          Fair Value
    Fair Value
 
          Measurements at
    Measurements at
 
          June 20, 2009
    June 20, 2009
 
          Using Significant
    Using Significant
 
    June 20,
    Other Observable
    Unobservable
 
    2009     Inputs (Level 2)     Inputs (Level 3)  
    (In thousands)  
 
Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis
                       
Assets:
                       
Foreign currency exchange contracts
  $ 4,682     $ 4,682     $  
Bunker fuel contracts
    2,765       2,765        
                         
    $ 7,447     $ 7,447     $  
                         
Liabilities:
                       
Foreign currency exchange contracts
  $ 3,253     $ 3,253     $  
Interest rate swap
    23,253       23,253        
Cross currency swap
    47,192       47,192        
                         
    $ 73,698     $ 73,698     $  
                         
Assets Measured on a Nonrecurring Basis
                       
Distrifruit assets
  $ 10,037     $     $ 10,037  
                         
 
Nonfinancial Items Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
 
Nonfinancial assets such as goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are measured at fair value when there is an indicator of impairment and recorded at fair value only when an impairment is recognized. Dole performed a goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment analysis during the second quarter of 2009 and determined that its goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets were not impaired at June 20, 2009.
 
The goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment analysis was performed using a combination of discounted cash flow models and market multiples. As discussed in Note 7, the fair value of the Distrifruit business was also determined based on a discounted cash flow model. The discounted cash flow models used estimates and assumptions including pricing and volume data, anticipated growth rates, profitability levels, tax rates and discount rates.
 
Credit Risk
 
The counterparties to the foreign currency and bunker fuel forward contracts and the interest rate and cross currency swaps consist of a number of major international financial institutions. Dole has established counterparty guidelines and regularly monitors its positions and the financial strength of these institutions. While counterparties to hedging contracts expose Dole to credit-related losses in the event of a counterparty’s non-performance, the risk would be limited to the unrealized gains on such affected contracts. Dole does not anticipate any such losses.
 
Fair Value of Debt
 
Dole estimates the fair value of its secured and unsecured notes and debentures based on current quoted market prices. The term loans are traded between institutional investors on the secondary loan market, and the fair values of


F-26


Table of Contents

 
DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
the term loans are based on the last available trading price. The carrying value and estimated fair values of Dole’s debt is summarized below:
 
                                 
    June 20, 2009   January 3, 2009
    Carrying
  Estimated
  Carrying
  Estimated
    Value   Fair Value   Value   Fair Value
    (In thousands)
 
Secured and unsecured notes and debentures
  $ 1,087,903     $ 1,091,559     $ 1,100,000     $ 809,400  
Term loans
    828,297       828,297       835,444       585,855  
 
NOTE 15 — GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
In connection with the issuance of the 2011 Notes in March 2003 and the 2010 Notes in May 2003, all of Dole’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries (“Guarantors”) have fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, Dole’s obligations under the indentures related to such Notes and to Dole’s 2013 Debentures and 2014 Notes (the “Guarantees”). Each Guarantee is subordinated in right of payment to the Guarantors’ existing and future senior debt, including obligations under the senior secured credit facilities, and will rank pari passu with all senior subordinated indebtedness of the applicable Guarantor.
 
The accompanying guarantor consolidating financial information is presented on the equity method of accounting for all periods presented. Under this method, investments in subsidiaries are recorded at cost and adjusted for Dole’s share in the subsidiaries’ cumulative results of operations, capital contributions and distributions and other changes in equity. Elimination entries relate to the elimination of investments in subsidiaries and associated intercompany balances and transactions as well as cash overdraft and income tax reclassifications.
 
The following are condensed consolidating statements of operations of Dole for the quarters and half years ended June 20, 2009 and June 14, 2008; condensed consolidating balance sheets as of June 20, 2009 and January 3, 2009; and condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the half years ended June 20, 2009 and June 14, 2008.


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Table of Contents

 
DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Quarter Ended June 20, 2009
 
                                         
    Dole Food
          Non
             
    Company, Inc.     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
Revenues, net
  $ 16,445     $ 741,287     $ 1,304,894     $ (347,904 )   $ 1,714,722  
Cost of products sold
    (13,852 )     (669,486 )     (1,154,323 )     345,055       (1,492,606 )
                                         
Gross margin
    2,593       71,801       150,571       (2,849 )     222,116  
Selling, marketing and general and administrative expenses
    (13,115 )     (44,950 )     (58,728 )     2,849       (113,944 )
Gain on asset sales
          159                   159  
                                         
Operating income (loss)
    (10,522 )     27,010       91,843             108,331  
Equity in subsidiary income
    50,400       32,275             (82,675 )      
Other income (expense), net
    137             (33,183 )           (33,046 )
Interest income
    279       35       1,186             1,500  
Interest expense
    (31,132 )     (25 )     (19,085 )           (50,242 )
                                         
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity earnings
    9,162       59,295       40,761       (82,675 )     26,543  
Income taxes
    10,982       (9,324 )     (10,621 )           (8,963 )
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries
    1       (27 )     3,303             3,277  
                                         
Income from continuing operations
    20,145       49,944       33,443       (82,675 )     20,857  
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
                265             265  
                                         
Net income
    20,145       49,944       33,708       (82,675 )     21,122  
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
                (977 )           (977 )
                                         
Net income attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. 
  $ 20,145     $ 49,944     $ 32,731     $ (82,675 )   $ 20,145  
                                         
 
For the Quarter Ended June 14, 2008
 
                                         
    Dole Food
          Non
             
    Company, Inc.     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
Revenues, net
  $ 18,367     $ 803,391     $ 1,565,676     $ (392,491 )   $ 1,994,943  
Cost of products sold
    (18,167 )     (750,569 )     (1,382,254 )     389,283       (1,761,707 )
                                         
Gross margin
    200       52,822       183,422       (3,208 )     233,236  
Selling, marketing and general and administrative expenses
    (15,004 )     (38,745 )     (70,870 )     3,208       (121,411 )
Gain on asset sales
    974             8,865             9,839  
                                         
Operating income (loss)
    (13,830 )     14,077       121,417             121,664  
Equity in subsidiary income
    145,256       120,865             (266,121 )      
Other income (expense), net
                23,653             23,653  
Interest income
    25       (106 )     1,190             1,109  
Interest expense
    (27,163 )     (158 )     (13,924 )           (41,245 )
                                         
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity earnings
    104,288       134,678       132,336       (266,121 )     105,181  
Income taxes
    76,467       (762 )     (6,128 )           69,577  
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries
    (1 )     (7 )     2,341             2,333  
                                         
Income from continuing operations
    180,754       133,909       128,549       (266,121 )     177,091  
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
          10,072       (5,754 )           4,318  
                                         
Net income
    180,754       143,981       122,795       (266,121 )     181,409  
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
                (655 )           (655 )
                                         
Net income attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. 
  $ 180,754     $ 143,981     $ 122,140     $ (266,121 )   $ 180,754  
                                         


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Half Year Ended June 20, 2009
 
                                         
    Dole Food
          Non
             
    Company, Inc.     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
Revenues, net
  $ 31,596     $ 1,460,930     $ 2,497,605     $ (678,819 )   $ 3,311,312  
Cost of products sold
    (27,540 )     (1,308,632 )     (2,222,408 )     673,255       (2,885,325 )
                                         
Gross margin
    4,056       152,298       275,197       (5,564 )     425,987  
Selling, marketing and general and administrative expenses
    (24,057 )     (85,477 )     (107,380 )     5,564       (211,350 )
Gain on asset sales
          10,093       6,700             16,793  
                                         
Operating income (loss)
    (20,001 )     76,914       174,517             231,430  
Equity in subsidiary income
    181,002       118,749             (299,751 )      
Other income (expense), net
    (441 )           (10,653 )           (11,094 )
Interest income
    535       68       2,533             3,136  
Interest expense
    (56,981 )     (57 )     (30,750 )           (87,788 )
                                         
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity earnings
    104,114       195,674       135,647       (299,751 )     135,684  
Income taxes
    18,852       (15,716 )     (20,147 )           (17,011 )
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries
    (1 )     166       4,306             4,471  
                                         
Income from continuing operations
    122,965       180,124       119,806       (299,751 )     123,144  
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
                387             387  
Gain on discontinued operations, net of income taxes
                1,308             1,308  
                                         
Net income
    122,965       180,124       121,501       (299,751 )     124,839  
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
                (1,874 )           (1,874 )
                                         
Net income attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. 
  $ 122,965     $ 180,124     $ 119,627     $ (299,751 )   $ 122,965  
                                         
 
For the Half Year Ended June 14, 2008
 
                                         
    Dole Food
          Non
             
    Company, Inc.     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
Revenues, net
  $ 36,063     $ 1,505,072     $ 2,874,048     $ (691,895 )   $ 3,723,288  
Cost of products sold
    (34,331 )     (1,376,375 )     (2,595,562 )     685,876       (3,320,392 )
                                         
Gross margin
    1,732       128,697       278,486       (6,019 )     402,896  
Selling, marketing and general and administrative expenses
    (30,497 )     (83,059 )     (131,978 )     6,019       (239,515 )
Gain on asset sales
    974             10,669             11,643  
                                         
Operating income (loss)
    (27,791 )     45,638       157,177             175,024  
Equity in subsidiary income
    155,647       97,516             (253,163 )      
Other income (expense), net
                (5,058 )           (5,058 )
Interest income
    87       85       2,706             2,878  
Interest expense
    (55,074 )     (539 )     (29,129 )           (84,742 )
                                         
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity earnings
    72,869       142,700       125,696       (253,163 )     88,102  
Income taxes
    78,944       1,470       (20,214 )           60,200  
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries
    (4 )     156       3,184             3,336  
                                         
Income from continuing operations
    151,809       144,326       108,666       (253,163 )     151,638  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
          10,467       (8,970 )           1,497  
                                         
Net income
    151,809       154,793       99,696       (253,163 )     153,135  
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
                (1,326 )           (1,326 )
                                         
Net income attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. 
  $ 151,809     $ 154,793     $ 98,370     $ (253,163 )   $ 151,809  
                                         


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Table of Contents

 
DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
As of June 20, 2009
 
                                         
    Dole Food
          Non
             
    Company, Inc.     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 16,156     $     $ 92,359     $ (596 )   $ 107,919  
Receivables, net of allowances
    414,658       128,698       551,200       (290,659 )     803,897  
Inventories
    6,137       257,288       462,574             725,999  
Prepaid expenses
    9,459       11,290       55,891             76,640  
Deferred income tax assets
    18,891       25,566             (22,277 )     22,180  
Assets held-for-sale
    72,526       6,465       15,391             94,382  
                                         
Total current assets
    537,827       429,307       1,177,415       (313,532 )     1,831,017  
Restricted deposits
                6,070             6,070  
Investments
    2,426,100       1,944,617       75,979       (4,370,159 )     76,537  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    162,067       265,176       589,819             1,017,062  
Goodwill
          131,818       274,722             406,540  
Intangible assets, net
    689,614       16,720       7,589             713,923  
Other assets, net
    65,240       7,767       99,684             172,691  
                                         
Total assets
  $ 3,880,848     $ 2,795,405     $ 2,231,278     $ (4,683,691 )   $ 4,223,840  
                                         
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accounts payable
  $ 4,676     $ 432,079     $ 361,990     $ (313,532 )   $ 485,213  
Liabilities held-for-sale
                2,115             2,115  
Accrued liabilities
    60,835       162,305       193,782             416,922  
Current portion of long-term debt
    381,181       270       9,445             390,896  
Notes payable
                44,140             44,140  
                                         
Total current liabilities
    446,692       594,654       611,472       (313,532 )     1,339,286  
Intercompany payables (receivables)
    1,570,762       (304,127 )     (1,266,635 )            
Long-term debt
    857,671       3,375       714,979             1,576,025  
Deferred income tax liabilities
    202,328       7,926       47,258             257,512  
Other long-term liabilities
    275,115       39,281       181,166             495,562  
Equity attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. 
    528,280       2,454,296       1,915,863       (4,370,159 )     528,280  
Equity attributable to noncontrolling interests
                27,175             27,175  
                                         
Total shareholders’ equity
    528,280       2,454,296       1,943,038       (4,370,159 )     555,455  
                                         
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 3,880,848     $ 2,795,405     $ 2,231,278     $ (4,683,691 )   $ 4,223,840  
                                         


F-30


Table of Contents

 
DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
As of January 3, 2009
 
                                         
    Dole Food
          Non
             
    Company, Inc.     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 16,811     $     $ 85,460     $ (11,442 )   $ 90,829  
Receivables, net of allowances
    410,286       133,198       577,890       (314,139 )     807,235  
Inventories
    7,971       299,048       489,388             796,407  
Prepaid expenses
    9,374       14,489       45,484             69,347  
Deferred income tax assets
    18,891       25,566             (23,184 )     21,273  
Assets held-for-sale
    72,526       55,366       74,984             202,876  
                                         
Total current assets
    535,859       527,667       1,273,206       (348,765 )     1,987,967  
Investments
    2,172,994       1,786,868       72,708       (3,959,485 )     73,085  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    173,850       262,269       614,212             1,050,331  
Goodwill
          131,818       274,722             406,540  
Intangible assets, net
    689,615       18,426       417             708,458  
Other assets, net
    38,084       7,542       92,612             138,238  
                                         
Total assets
  $ 3,610,402     $ 2,734,590     $ 2,327,877     $ (4,308,250 )   $ 4,364,619  
                                         
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accounts payable
  $ 5,411     $ 438,991     $ 415,136     $ (348,765 )   $ 510,773  
Liabilities held-for-sale
          3,688       46,777             50,465  
Accrued liabilities
    67,206       173,920       249,019             490,145  
Current portion of long-term debt
    346,684       288       9,776             356,748  
Notes payable
                48,789             48,789  
                                         
Total current liabilities
    419,301       616,887       769,497       (348,765 )     1,456,920  
Intercompany payables (receivables)
    1,225,590       (133,650 )     (1,091,940 )            
Long-term debt
    1,080,296       3,506       714,754             1,798,556  
Deferred income tax liabilities
    207,073       7,926       39,206             254,205  
Other long-term liabilities
    275,242       37,853       108,684             421,779  
Equity attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. 
    402,900       2,202,068       1,757,417       (3,959,485 )     402,900  
Equity attributable to noncontrolling interests
                30,259             30,259  
                                         
Total shareholders’ equity
    402,900       2,202,068       1,787,676       (3,959,485 )     433,159  
                                         
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 3,610,402     $ 2,734,590     $ 2,327,877     $ (4,308,250 )   $ 4,364,619  
                                         


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Half Year Ended June 20, 2009
 
                                         
    Dole Food
          Non
             
    Company, Inc.     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Cash flow provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ 202,273     $ (49,388 )   $ 45,583     $ 10,846     $ 209,314  
                                         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Cash received from sales of assets and businesses, net of cash disposed
          46,512       12,796             59,308  
Capital additions
    (1,525 )     (5,128 )     (18,283 )           (24,936 )
Restricted deposits
                (6,070 )           (6,070 )
Repurchase of common stock in going-private merger transaction
    (49 )                       (49 )
                                         
Cash flow provided by (used in) investing activities
    (1,574 )     41,384       (11,557 )           28,253  
                                         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Short-term debt repayments, net of borrowings
    620       8,026       (9,400 )           (754 )
Long-term debt borrowings, net of debt issuance costs
    829,704             (4,526 )           825,178  
Long-term debt repayments
    (1,031,678 )     (22 )     (7,472 )           (1,039,172 )
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests
                (4,955 )           (4,955 )
                                         
Cash flow provided by (used in) financing activities
    (201,354 )     8,004       (26,353 )           (219,703 )
                                         
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash
                (774 )           (774 )
                                         
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (655 )           6,899       10,846       17,090  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    16,811             85,460       (11,442 )     90,829  
                                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 16,156     $     $ 92,359     $ (596 )   $ 107,919  
                                         


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Half Year Ended June 14, 2008
 
                                         
    Dole Food
          Non
             
    Company, Inc.     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Cash flow provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ (1,625 )   $ 24,460     $ (25,417 )   $     $ (2,582 )
                                         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Cash received from sales of assets and businesses, net of cash disposed
    982       41       30,953             31,976  
Capital additions
    (91 )     (10,442 )     (24,779 )           (35,312 )
Repurchase of common stock in going-private merger transaction
    (137 )                       (137 )
                                         
Cash flow provided by (used in) investing activities
    754       (10,401 )     6,174             (3,473 )
                                         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Short-term debt repayments, net of borrowings
          (14,036 )     (774 )     4,814       (9,996 )
Long-term debt borrowings, net of debt issuance costs
    603,800             49             603,849  
Long-term debt repayments
    (601,325 )     (23 )     (5,877 )           (607,225 )
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests
                (1,194 )           (1,194 )
                                         
Cash flow provided by (used in) financing activities
    2,475       (14,059 )     (7,796 )     4,814       (14,566 )
                                         
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash
                916             916  
                                         
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    1,604             (26,123 )     4,814       (19,705 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    16,424             95,801       (15,164 )     97,061  
                                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 18,028     $     $ 69,678     $ (10,350 )   $ 77,356  
                                         


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Note 16.   Earnings Per Share
 
The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share including a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator are as follows:
 
                                 
          Half Year Ended  
    Quarter Ended  
    (Amounts in thousands)
 
    June 20, 2009     June 14, 2008     June 20, 2009     June 14, 2008  
 
Numerator:
                               
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 20,857     $ 177,091     $ 123,144     $ 151,638  
Income from discontinued operations
    265       4,318       387       1,497  
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations
                1,308        
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (977 )     (655 )     (1,874 )     (1,326 )
                                 
Net income attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. 
  $ 20,145     $ 180,754     $ 122,965     $ 151,809  
                                 
Denominator:
                               
Basic and Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
    1       1       1       1  
                                 
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share:
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 21     $ 177     $ 123     $ 152  
Income from discontinued operations
          5       1       1  
Gain on sale of discontinued operations
                1        
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (1 )     (1 )     (2 )     (1 )
                                 
Net income attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. 
  $ 20     $ 181     $ 123     $ 152  
                                 


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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of Dole Food Company, Inc.:
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Dole Food Company, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007, and December 30, 2006. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in Item 16. These financial statements and the financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedule 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. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, 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, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007, and December 30, 2006, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
 
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51, at the beginning of its fiscal 2009 year. Additionally, the Company adopted a new accounting standard for fair value measurements during the year ended January 3, 2009, new accounting standards for uncertainty in income taxes and planned major maintenance activities effective at the beginning of its fiscal 2007 year, and effective December 30, 2006, a new accounting standard for retirement benefits.
 
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
Los Angeles, California
March 18, 2009
(August 14, 2009 as to the effects of the retrospective adjustment for the adoption of SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51, and the inclusion of Earnings Per Share information on the consolidated statements of operations and in Note 22)


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Years Ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
    (In thousands)  
 
Revenues, net
  $ 7,619,952     $ 6,820,812     $ 5,990,863  
Cost of products sold
    (6,862,892 )     (6,189,938 )     (5,420,502 )
                         
Gross margin
    757,060       630,874       570,361  
Selling, marketing and general and administrative expenses
    (509,418 )     (481,590 )     (434,383 )
Gain on asset sales (Note 9)
    26,976              
                         
Operating income
    274,618       149,284       135,978  
Other income (expense), net
    (14,066 )     1,848       15,176  
Interest income
    6,455       7,525       7,140  
Interest expense
    (174,485 )     (194,851 )     (174,715 )
                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity earnings
    92,522       (36,194 )     (16,421 )
Income taxes
    48,015       (4,054 )     (22,609 )
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries
    6,388       1,696       177  
                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    146,925       (38,552 )     (38,853 )
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
    (27,391 )     (15,719 )     (50,386 )
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income taxes
    3,315             2,814  
                         
Net income (loss)
    122,849       (54,271 )     (86,425 )
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (1,844 )     (3,235 )     (3,202 )
                         
Net income attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. 
  $ 121,005     $ (57,506 )   $ (89,627 )
                         
Earnings per share — Basic and Diluted:
                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 147     $ (39 )   $ (39 )
Net income (loss) attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc.
  $ 121     $ (58 )   $ (90 )
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007
 
                 
    2008     2007  
    (In thousands,
 
    except share data)  
 
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 90,829     $ 97,061  
Receivables, net of allowances of $41,357 and $61,720, respectively
    807,235       839,153  
Inventories
    796,407       750,675  
Prepaid expenses
    69,347       71,296  
Deferred income tax assets
    21,273       12,085  
Assets held-for-sale
    202,876       76,244  
                 
Total current assets
    1,987,967       1,846,514  
Investments
    73,085       69,336  
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,027,345 and $980,390, respectively
    1,050,331       1,340,139  
Goodwill
    406,540       509,518  
Intangible assets, net
    708,458       721,790  
Other assets, net
    138,238       155,587  
                 
Total assets
  $ 4,364,619     $ 4,642,884  
                 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accounts payable
  $ 510,773     $ 542,959  
Liabilities held-for-sale
    50,465        
Accrued liabilities
    490,145       514,584  
Current portion of long-term debt
    356,748       14,171  
Notes payable
    48,789       81,018  
                 
Total current liabilities
    1,456,920       1,152,732  
Long-term debt
    1,798,556       2,316,208  
Deferred income tax liabilities
    254,205       277,824  
Other long-term liabilities
    421,779       541,234  
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 16 and 18)
               
Shareholders’ equity
               
Common stock — $0.001 par value; 1,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding
           
Additional paid-in capital
    409,681       409,907  
Retained earnings (deficit)
    36,122       (84,883 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (42,903 )     (16 )
                 
Equity attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. 
    402,900       325,008  
Equity attributable to noncontrolling interests
    30,259       29,878  
                 
Total shareholders’ equity
    433,159       354,886  
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 4,364,619     $ 4,642,884  
                 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
    (In thousands)  
 
Operating Activities
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 122,849     $ (54,271 )   $ (86,425 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    138,828       155,605       149,347  
Net unrealized (gains) losses on financial instruments
    25,086       31,473       (10,671 )
Asset write-offs and net (gain) loss on sale of assets
    (50,751 )     6,826       (1,814 )
Impairment of discontinued operations
    17,000             22,574  
Noncontrolling interests in discontinued operations and gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income taxes
    12,760       400       2,331  
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries
    (6,388 )     (1,696 )     (177 )
Amortization of debt issuance costs
    4,085       4,106       4,411  
Write-off of debt issuance costs
                8,133  
Provision for deferred income taxes
    (43,120 )     (35,932 )     (23,151 )
Unrecognized tax benefits on federal income tax audit settlement (Note 7)
    (60,906 )            
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan expense
    21,656       19,539       15,383  
Gain on settlement of Hurricane Katrina
          (5,200 )      
Other
    (128 )     505       2,062  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and dispositions:
                       
Receivables
    (37,073 )     (68,794 )     (48,708 )
Inventories
    (59,243 )     (96,992 )     (47,859 )
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    (10,943 )     (9,178 )     (3,040 )
Income taxes
    27,641       13,573       19,542  
Accounts payable
    30,487       86,447       (274 )
Accrued liabilities
    (45,856 )     25,660       27,136  
Other long-term liabilities
    (41,421 )     (25,749 )     (12,879 )
                         
Cash flow provided by operating activities
    44,563       46,322       15,921  
Investing Activities
                       
Proceeds from sales of assets and businesses, net of cash disposed
    226,483       41,718       31,273  
Hurricane Katrina insurance proceeds
          5,200        
Acquisitions and investments, net of cash acquired
                (22,950 )
Capital additions
    (85,096 )     (106,821 )     (125,056 )
Repurchase of common stock in going-private merger transaction
    (245 )     (1,480 )     (267 )
                         
Cash flow provided by (used in) investing activities
    141,142       (61,383 )     (117,000 )
Financing Activities
                       
Short-term debt borrowings
    94,943       119,389       101,381  
Short-term debt repayments
    (132,266 )     (91,176 )     (52,872 )
Long-term debt borrowings, net of debt issuance costs
    1,348,050       1,167,530       2,260,545  
Long-term debt repayments
    (1,482,800 )     (1,169,213 )     (1,969,698 )
Capital contribution from parent
                28,390  
Return of capital to parent
                (59,390 )
Dividends paid to minority shareholders
    (13,447 )     (10,485 )     (1,833 )
Dividends paid to parent
                (163,691 )
                         
Cash flow provided by (used in) financing activities
    (185,520 )     16,045       142,832  
                         
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash
    (6,417 )     3,663       1,849  
                         
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (6,232 )     4,647       43,602  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    97,061       92,414       48,812  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 90,829     $ 97,061     $ 92,414  
                         


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 — (Continued)
 
Supplemental cash flow information
 
At January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, accounts payable included approximately $6.7 million, $17.8 million and $18 million, respectively, for capital expenditures. Of the $17.8 million of capital expenditures included in accounts payable at December 29, 2007, approximately $16.7 million had been paid during fiscal 2008. Of the $18 million of capital expenditures included in accounts payable at December 30, 2006, approximately $17.4 million had been paid during fiscal 2007.
 
Income tax payments, net of refunds, for the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 were $15.5 million, $23.7 million and $25.7 million, respectively.
 
Interest payments on borrowings totaled $175.5 million, $189.5 million and $159.5 million during the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively.
 
During the year ended January 3, 2009, the Company recorded $77.8 million of tax related adjustments that resulted from changes to unrecognized tax benefits that existed at the time of the going-private merger transaction. This tax-related adjustment resulted in a decrease to goodwill and a decrease to the liability for unrecognized tax benefits. Refer to Note 7 — Income Taxes for additional information.
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the Years Ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006
 
                                                                         
                      Accumulated Other
                   
                      Comprehensive Income (Loss)     Equity
             
          Additional
    Retained
    Pension & Other
    Cumulative
    Unrealized
    Attributable to
    Total
       
    Common
    Paid-In
    Earnings
    Postretirement
    Translation
    Gains (Losses)
    Noncontrolling
    Shareholders
    Comprehensive
 
    Stock     Capital     (Deficit)     Benefits     Adjustment     on Hedges     Interests     Equity     Income (Loss)  
    (In thousands)  
 
Balance at December 31, 2005
  $     $ 440,032     $ 199,506     $ (22,735 )   $ 3,433     $ 2,822     $ 21,487     $ 644,545          
Net loss
                (89,627 )                       3,202       (86,425 )     (86,425 )
Noncontrolling interests in discontinued operations
                                        2,331       2,331        
Dividends paid
                (163,691 )                       (1,834 )     (165,525 )      
Unrealized foreign currency translation and hedging gains (losses)
                            17,557       (3,965 )     53       13,645       13,645  
Reclassification of realized gains to net loss
                                  (3,204 )           (3,204 )     (3,204 )
Change in employee benefit plans, net of income taxes
                      (4,799 )                       (4,799 )     (4,799 )
Adjustment to adopt FAS 158, net of income taxes
                      (3,246 )                       (3,246 )      
Capital contribution from parent
          28,390                                     28,390        
Return of capital to parent
          (59,390 )                                   (59,390 )      
Other
                                        94       94        
                                                                         
Balance at December 30, 2006
  $     $ 409,032     $ (53,812 )   $ (30,780 )   $ 20,990     $ (4,347 )   $ 25,333     $ 366,416     $ (80,783 )
                                                                         
Net income (loss)
                (57,506 )                       3,235       (54,271 )   $ (54,271 )
Noncontrolling interests in discontinued operations
                                        400       400        
Dividends paid
                                        (10,485 )     (10,485 )      
Unrealized foreign currency translation and hedging gains (losses)
                            21,271       (1,362 )     57       19,966       19,966  
Reclassification of realized gains to net loss
                                  (9,816 )           (9,816 )     (9,816 )
Change in employee benefit plans, net of income taxes
                      4,028                         4,028       4,028  
FIN 48 adoption
                26,435                               26,435        
Gain on sale of land to affiliate, net of income taxes
          875                               11,338       12,213        
                                                                         
Balance at December 29, 2007
  $     $ 409,907     $ (84,883 )   $ (26,752 )   $ 42,261     $ (15,525 )   $ 29,878     $ 354,886     $ (40,093 )
                                                                         
Net income
                121,005                         1,844       122,849     $ 122,849  
Noncontrolling interests in discontinued operations
                                        481       481        
Noncontrolling interests gain on sale of discontinued operations
                                        12,279       12,279        
Dividends paid
                                        (14,108 )     (14,108 )      
Unrealized foreign currency translation and hedging losses
                            (17,452 )     (18,877 )     (19 )     (36,348 )     (36,348 )
Reclassification of realized losses to net income
                                  5,272             5,272       5,272  
Change in employee benefit plans, net of income taxes
                      (12,580 )                       (12,580 )     (12,580 )
Business dispositions
                      (1,628 )     2,378                   750       750  
Loss on sale of land to affiliate, net of income taxes
          (226 )                             (96 )     (322 )      
                                                                         
Balance at January 3, 2009
  $     $ 409,681     $ 36,122     $ (40,960 )   $ 27,187     $ (29,130 )   $ 30,259     $ 433,159     $ 79,943  
                                                                         
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS
 
Note 1 — Nature of Operations
 
Dole Food Company, Inc. was incorporated under the laws of Hawaii in 1894 and was reincorporated under the laws of Delaware in July 2001.
 
Dole Food Company, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (the “Company”) are engaged in the worldwide sourcing, processing, distributing and marketing of high quality, branded food products, including fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as packaged foods.
 
Operations are conducted throughout North America, Latin America, Europe (including eastern European countries), Asia (primarily in Japan, Korea, the Philippines and Thailand), the Middle East and Africa (primarily in South Africa). As a result of its global operating and financing activities, the Company is exposed to certain risks including changes in commodity pricing, fluctuations in interest rates, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, as well as other environmental and business risks in both sourcing and selling locations.
 
The Company’s principal products are produced on both Company-owned and leased land and are also acquired through associated producer and independent grower arrangements. The Company’s products are primarily packed and processed by the Company and sold to wholesale, retail and institutional customers and other food product companies.
 
In March 2003, the Company completed a going-private merger transaction (“going-private merger transaction”). The privatization resulted from the acquisition by David H. Murdock, the Company’s Chairman, of the approximately 76% of the Company that he and his affiliates did not already own. As a result of the transaction, the Company became wholly-owned by Mr. Murdock through David H. Murdock (“DHM”) Holding Company, Inc.
 
Note 2 — Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Basis of Consolidation:  The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Dole Food Company, Inc. and its controlled subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Annual Closing Date:  The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to December 31. The fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 ended on January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively. The Company operates under a 52/53 week year. Fiscal 2008 was a 53-week year. Fiscal 2007 and 2006 were both 52-week years. The impact of the additional week in fiscal 2008 was not material to the Company’s consolidated statement of operations or consolidated statement of cash flows.
 
Revenue Recognition:  Revenue is recognized at the point title and risk of loss is transferred to the customer, collection is reasonably assured, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists and the price is fixed or determinable.
 
Sales Incentives:  The Company offers sales incentives and promotions to its customers (resellers) and to its consumers. These incentives include consumer coupons and promotional discounts, volume rebates and product placement fees. The Company follows the requirements of Emerging Issues Task Force No. 01-09, Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (including a Reseller of the Vendor’s Products). Consideration given to customers and consumers related to sales incentives is recorded as a reduction of revenues. Estimated sales discounts are recorded in the period in which the related sale is recognized. Volume rebates are recognized as earned by the customer, based upon the contractual terms of the arrangement with the customer and, where applicable, the Company’s estimate of sales volume over the term of the arrangement. Adjustments to estimates are made periodically as new information becomes available and actual sales volumes become known. Adjustments to these estimates have historically not been significant to the Company.
 
Agricultural Costs:  Recurring agricultural costs include costs relating to irrigation, fertilizing, disease and insect control and other ongoing crop and land maintenance activities. Recurring agricultural costs are charged to


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
operations as incurred or are recognized when the crops are harvested and sold, depending on the product. Non- recurring agricultural costs, primarily comprising of soil and farm improvements and other long-term crop growing costs that benefit multiple harvests, are deferred and amortized over the estimated production period, currently from two to seven years.
 
Shipping and Handling Costs:  Amounts billed to third-party customers for shipping and handling are included as a component of revenues. Shipping and handling costs incurred are included as a component of cost of products sold and represent costs incurred by the Company to ship product from the sourcing locations to the end consumer markets.
 
Marketing and Advertising Costs:  Marketing and advertising costs, which include media, production and other promotional costs, are generally expensed in the period in which the marketing or advertising first takes place. In limited circumstances, the Company capitalizes payments related to the right to stock products in customer outlets or to provide funding for various merchandising programs over a specified contractual period. In such cases, the Company amortizes the costs over the life of the underlying contract. The amortization of these costs, as well as the cost of certain other marketing and advertising arrangements with customers, are classified as a reduction in revenues. Advertising and marketing costs, included in selling, marketing and general and administrative expenses, amounted to $72.9 million, $77.1 million and $70.6 million during the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006.
 
Research and Development Costs:  Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs were not material for the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006.
 
Income Taxes:  The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Income taxes, which would be due upon the repatriation of foreign subsidiary earnings, have not been provided where the undistributed earnings are considered indefinitely invested. A valuation allowance is provided for deferred income tax assets for which it is deemed more likely than not that future taxable income will not be sufficient to realize the related income tax benefits from these assets. The Company establishes additional provisions for income taxes when, despite the belief that tax positions are fully supportable, there remain certain positions that do not meet the minimum probability threshold, as defined by Financial Accounting Standards Boards (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”), which is a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority. The impact of provisions for uncertain tax positions, as well as the related net interest and penalties, are included in “Income taxes” in the consolidated statements of operations.
 
Dole Food Company, Inc. and subsidiaries file its U.S. federal income tax return and various state income tax returns as part of the DHM Holding Company, Inc. consolidated tax group. Dole Food Company, Inc. and subsidiaries calculate current and deferred tax provisions on a stand-alone basis.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents:  Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and highly liquid investments, primarily money market funds and time deposits, with original maturities of three months or less.
 
Grower Advances:  The Company makes advances to third-party growers primarily in Latin America and Asia for various farming needs. Some of these advances are secured with property or other collateral owned by the growers. The Company monitors these receivables on a regular basis and records an allowance for these grower receivables based on estimates of the growers’ ability to repay advances and the fair value of the collateral. Grower advances are stated at the gross advance amount less allowances for potentially uncollectible balances.


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Inventories:  Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Costs related to certain packaged foods products are determined using the average cost basis. Costs related to other inventory categories, including fresh fruit and vegetables are determined on the first-in, first-out basis. Specific identification and average cost methods are also used primarily for certain packing materials and operating supplies. Crop growing costs primarily represent the costs associated with growing bananas on company-owned farms or growing vegetables on third-party farms where the Company bears substantially all of the growing risk.
 
Investments:  Investments in affiliates and joint ventures with ownership of 20% to 50% are recorded on the equity method, provided the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence. All other non-consolidated investments are accounted for using the cost method. At January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, substantially all of the Company’s investments have been accounted for under the equity method.
 
Property, Plant and Equipment:  Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost plus the fair value of asset retirement obligations, if any, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of these assets. The Company reviews long-lived assets to be held and used for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If an evaluation of recoverability is required, the estimated undiscounted future cash flows directly associated with the asset are compared to the asset’s carrying amount. If this comparison indicates that there is an impairment, the amount of the impairment is calculated by comparing the carrying value to discounted expected future cash flows or comparable market values, depending on the nature of the asset. All long-lived assets, for which management has committed itself to a plan of disposal by sale, are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Long-lived assets to be disposed of other than by sale are classified as held and used until the date of disposal. Routine maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
 
Goodwill and Intangibles:  Goodwill represents the excess cost of a business acquisition over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment annually, or more frequently if certain impairment indicators arise. Goodwill is allocated to various reporting units, which are either the operating segment or one reporting level below the operating segment. Fair values for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are determined based on discounted cash flows, market multiples or appraised values, as appropriate.
 
The Company’s indefinite-lived intangible asset, consisting of the DOLE brand, is considered to have an indefinite life because it is expected to generate cash flows indefinitely and as such is not amortized. The Company’s intangible assets with a definite life consist primarily of customer relationships. Amortizable intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life. The weighted average useful life of the Company’s customer relationships is 11 years.
 
Concentration of Credit Risk:  Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk principally consist of cash equivalents, derivative contracts, grower advances and trade receivables. The Company maintains its temporary cash investments with high quality financial institutions, which are invested primarily in short-term U.S. government instruments and certificates of deposit. The counterparties to the Company’s derivative contracts are major financial institutions. Grower advances are principally with farming enterprises located throughout Latin America and Asia and are secured by the underlying crop harvests. Credit risk related to trade receivables is mitigated due to the large number of customers dispersed worldwide. To reduce credit risk, the Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers but does not generally require advance payments or collateral. Additionally, the Company maintains allowances for credit losses. No individual customer accounted for greater than 10% of the Company’s revenues during the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006. No individual customer accounted for greater than 10% of accounts receivable as of January 3, 2009 or December 29, 2007.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments:  The Company’s financial instruments are primarily composed of short-term trade and grower receivables, trade payables, notes receivable and notes payable, as well as long-term grower


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
receivables, capital lease obligations, term loans, revolving credit facility, notes and debentures. For short-term instruments, the carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. For the other long-term financial instruments, excluding the Company’s unsecured notes and debentures, and term loans, the carrying amount approximates the fair value since they bear interest at variable rates or fixed rates which approximate market.
 
The Company also holds derivative instruments to hedge against foreign currency exchange, fuel pricing and interest rate movements. The Company’s derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value (Refer to Note 17 for additional information). The Company estimates the fair values of its derivatives based on quoted market prices or pricing models using current market rates less any credit valuation adjustments.
 
Foreign Currency Exchange:  For subsidiaries with transactions that are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency, the net foreign currency exchange transaction gains or losses resulting from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities to the functional currency are included in determining net income. Net foreign currency exchange gains or losses resulting from the translation of assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar are recorded as a part of cumulative translation adjustment in shareholders’ equity. Unrealized foreign currency exchange gains and losses on certain intercompany transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature (i.e. settlement is not planned or anticipated in the foreseeable future) are also recorded in cumulative translation adjustment in shareholders’ equity.
 
Leases:  The Company leases fixed assets for use in operations where leasing offers advantages of operating flexibility and is less expensive than alternative types of funding. The Company also leases land in countries where land ownership by foreign entities is restricted. The Company’s leases are evaluated at inception or at any subsequent modification and, depending on the lease terms, are classified as either capital leases or operating leases, as appropriate under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 13, Accounting for Leases. For operating leases that contain rent escalations, rent holidays or rent concessions, rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease. The majority of the Company’s leases are classified as operating leases. The Company’s principal operating leases are for land and machinery and equipment. The Company’s capitalized leases primarily consist of two vessel leases. The Company’s decision to exercise renewal options is primarily dependent on the level of business conducted at the location and the profitability thereof. The Company’s leasehold improvements were not significant at January 3, 2009 or December 29, 2007.
 
Guarantees:  The Company makes guarantees as part of its normal business activities. These guarantees include guarantees of the indebtedness of some of its key fruit suppliers and other entities integral to the Company’s operations. The Company also issues bank guarantees as required by certain regulatory authorities, suppliers and other operating agreements as well as to support the borrowings, leases and other obligations of its subsidiaries. The majority of the Company’s guarantees relate to guarantees of subsidiary obligations and are scoped out of the initial measurement and recognition provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 45, Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others.
 
Use of Estimates:  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts and disclosures reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, the areas of customer and grower receivables, inventories, impairment of assets, useful lives of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, marketing programs, income taxes, self-insurance reserves, retirement benefits, financial instruments and commitments and contingencies. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
 
Reclassifications:  Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 2008 presentation.


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
 
During September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires enhanced disclosures about fair value measurements. FAS 157 requires companies to disclose the fair value of financial instruments according to a fair value hierarchy as defined in the standard. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position 157-1, Application of FASB Statement No. 157 to FASB Statement No. 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13 (“FSP 157-1”) and FSP 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157 (“FSP 157-2”). FSP 157-1 amends FAS 157 to remove certain leasing transactions from its scope. FSP 157-2 delays the effective date of FAS 157 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis, until fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. These nonfinancial items include assets and liabilities such as reporting units measured at fair value in a goodwill impairment test and nonfinancial assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. FAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and was adopted by the Company, as it applies to its financial instruments, effective December 30, 2007. Refer to Note 17 — Derivative Financial Instruments.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
 
During May 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“FAS 162”). FAS 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting principles to be used in the preparation and presentation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. This statement will be effective 60 days after the Securities and Exchange Commission approves the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s amendments to AU Section 411, The Meaning of ‘Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles’. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of FAS 162 will have an effect on its consolidated financial statements.
 
During March 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, Disclosures About Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (“FAS 161”). This new standard requires enhanced disclosures for derivative instruments, including those used in hedging activities. It is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, and will be applicable to the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of FAS 161 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
 
During December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“FAS 160”). FAS 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Dole adopted the provisions of FAS 160 as of the beginning of its 2009 fiscal year. FAS 160 is to be applied prospectively as of the beginning of 2009 except for the presentation and disclosure requirements which are to be applied retrospectively. The consolidated financial statements now conform to the presentation required under FAS 160. Other than the change in presentation of noncontrolling interests, the adoption of FAS 160 had no impact on Dole’s results of operations or financial position.
 
During December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations (“FAS 141R”). FAS 141R provides revised guidance for recognizing and measuring assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. It establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed and also requires the acquirer to disclose to investors and other users all of the information they need to evaluate and understand the nature and financial effect of the business combination. Changes in acquired tax contingencies, including those existing at the date of adoption, will be recognized in earnings if outside the maximum measurement period (generally one year). FAS 141R will be applied prospectively to business combinations with acquisition dates on or after January 1, 2009. Following the


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
date of adoption of FAS 141R, the resolution of such items at values that differ from recorded amounts will be adjusted through earnings, rather than goodwill.
 
Note 3 — 2009 Debt Maturity and Debt Issuance
 
During the second quarter of 2008, the Company reclassified to current liabilities its $350 million 8.625% notes due May 2009 (“2009 Notes”). The Company also completed the early redemption of $5 million of the 2009 Notes during the third quarter of 2008.
 
On February 13, 2009, the Company commenced a tender offer to purchase for cash any and all of the outstanding 2009 Notes for a purchase price equal to $980 per $1,000 of 2009 Notes validly tendered, with an additional payment of $20 per $1,000 of 2009 Notes tendered early in the process. In connection with the tender offer, the Company sought consents to certain amendments to the indenture governing the 2009 Notes to eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants and certain events of default contained therein. On March 4, 2009, the Company announced that it had received the required consents necessary to amend the indenture with respect to the 2009 Notes and, accordingly, executed the supplemental indenture effecting such amendments, which became operative on March 18, 2009, when the Company accepted and paid for the tendered 2009 Notes. The tender offer expired on March 17, 2009.
 
On March 18, 2009, the Company completed the sale and issuance of $350 million aggregate principal amount of 13.875% Senior Secured Notes due March 2014 (“2014 Notes”) at a discount of $25 million. The 2014 Notes were sold to qualified institutional investors pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”) and to persons outside the United States in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. The sale was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Interest on the 2014 Notes will be paid semiannually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning on September 15, 2009. The 2014 Notes have the benefit of a lien on certain U.S. assets of the Company that is junior to the liens of the Company’s senior secured credit facilities, and are senior obligations of the Company ranking equally with the Company’s existing senior debt. The Company used the net proceeds from this offering, together with cash on hand and/or borrowings under the revolving credit facility, to purchase all of the tendered 2009 Notes and to irrevocably deposit with the trustee of the 2009 Notes funds that will be sufficient to repay the remaining outstanding 2009 Notes at maturity on May 1, 2009.
 
In connection with these refinancing transactions, the Company amended its senior secured credit facilities. Such amendments, among other things, (i) permit debt securities secured by a junior lien to be issued to refinance its senior notes due in 2009 and 2010 in an amount up to the greater of (x) $500 million and (y) the amount of debt that would not cause the senior secured leverage ratio to exceed 3.75 to 1.00; (ii) add a new restricted payments basket of up to $50 million to be used to prepay its senior notes due in 2009 and 2010 subject to pro forma compliance with the senior secured credit facilities and $70 million of unused availability under the revolving credit facility; (iii) increase the applicable margin for (x) the term loan facilities to LIBOR plus 5.00% or the base rate plus 4.00% subject to a 50 basis point step down when the priority senior secured leverage ratio is less than or equal to 1.75 to 1.00 and (y) for the revolving credit facility, to a range of LIBOR plus 3.00% to 3.50% or the base rate plus 2.00% to 2.50%; (iv) provide for a LIBOR floor of 3.00% per annum for the term loan facilities; (v) add a first priority secured leverage maintenance covenant to the term loan facilities; and (vi) provide for other technical and clarifying changes. These amendments became effective concurrently with the closing of the 2014 Notes offering.


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Note 4 — Other Income (Expense), Net
 
Included in other income (expense), net in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006 are the following items:
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
    (In thousands)  
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on the cross currency swap
  $ (50,411 )   $ (10,741 )   $ 20,664  
Realized gain on the cross currency swap
    11,209       12,780       4,102  
Gains (losses) on foreign denominated borrowings
    24,889       (1,414 )     (9,270 )
Other
    247       1,223       (320 )
                         
Other income (expense), net
  $ (14,066 )   $ 1,848     $ 15,176  
                         
 
Refer to Note 17 — Derivative Financial Instruments for further discussion regarding the Company’s cross currency swap.
 
Note 5 — Discontinued Operations
 
During the second quarter of 2008, the Company approved and committed to a formal plan to divest its fresh-cut flowers operations (“Flowers transaction”). The first phase of the Flowers transaction was completed during the first quarter of 2009. In addition, during the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company approved and committed to a formal plan to divest its citrus and pistachio operations (“Citrus”) located in central California. The operating results of Citrus were included in the fresh fruit operating segment. The sale of Citrus was completed during the third quarter of 2008 and the sale of the fresh-cut flowers operations was completed during the first quarter of 2009. Refer to Note 9 — Assets Held-For-Sale. In evaluating the two businesses, the Company concluded that they each met the definition of a discontinued operation as defined in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (“FAS 144”). Accordingly, the results of operations of these businesses have been reclassified for all periods presented.
 
During the fourth quarter of 2006, the Company completed the sale of its Pacific Coast Truck Center (“Pac Truck”) business for $20.7 million. The Pac Truck business consisted of a full service truck dealership that provided medium and heavy-duty trucks to customers in the Pacific Northwest region. The Company received $15.3 million of net proceeds from the sale after the assumption of $5.4 million of debt and realized a gain of approximately $2.8 million on the sale, net of income taxes of $2 million. The sale of Pac Truck qualified for discontinued operations treatment under FAS 144. Accordingly, the historical results of operations of this business have been reclassified for all periods presented. The operating results of Pac Truck were included in the other operating segment:
 
The operating results of fresh-cut flowers, Citrus and Pac Truck for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006 are reported in the following table:
 
                                 
    Fresh-Cut Flowers     Citrus     Pac Truck     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
2008
                               
Revenues
  $ 106,919     $ 5,567     $     $ 112,486  
                                 
Loss before income taxes
  $ (43,235 )   $ (1,408 )   $     $ (44,643 )
Income taxes
    16,936       316             17,252  
                                 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
  $ (26,299 )   $ (1,092 )   $     $ (27,391 )
                                 
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income taxes of $4.3 million
  $     $ 3,315     $     $ 3,315  
                                 


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
                                 
    Fresh-Cut Flowers     Citrus     Pac Truck     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
2007
                               
Revenues
  $ 110,153     $ 13,586     $     $ 123,739  
                                 
Income (loss) before income taxes
  $ (19,146 )   $ 733     $     $ (18,413 )
Income taxes
    2,994       (300 )           2,694  
                                 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
  $ (16,152 )   $ 433     $     $ (15,719 )
                                 
2006
                               
Revenues
  $ 160,074     $ 20,527     $ 47,851     $ 228,452  
                                 
Income (loss) before income taxes
  $ (57,001 )   $ 3,767     $ 397     $ (52,837 )
Income taxes
    4,379       (1,765 )     (163 )     2,451  
                                 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
  $ (52,622 )   $ 2,002     $ 234     $ (50,386 )
                                 
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income taxes of $2 million
  $     $     $ 2,814     $ 2,814  
                                 
 
Included in the fresh-cut flowers loss before income taxes for fiscal 2008 is a $17 million impairment charge. Refer to Note 9 — Assets Held-For-Sale for further information.
 
Included in the fresh-cut flowers loss before income taxes for fiscal 2007 and 2006 are $1.1 million and $29 million, respectively, of charges related to restructuring costs and impairment charges associated with the write-off of certain long-lived assets, intangible assets and inventory. During the third quarter of 2006, the Company restructured its fresh-cut flowers division to better focus on high-value products and flower varieties, and position the business unit for future growth. In connection with the restructuring, fresh-cut flowers ceased its farming operations in Ecuador, closed two farms in Colombia and downsized other Colombian farms.
 
Minority interest expense included in Citrus income (loss) from discontinued operations was $0.5 million, $0.4 million and $2.3 million for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income taxes, for Citrus for fiscal 2008 included minority interest expense of $12.3 million.
 
Note 6 — Restructurings and Related Asset Impairments
 
During the first quarter of 2006, the commercial relationship substantially ended between the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Saba, and Saba’s largest customer. Saba is a leading importer and distributor of fruit, vegetables and flowers in Scandinavia. Saba’s financial results are included in the fresh fruit reporting segment. The Company restructured certain lines of Saba’s business and as a result, incurred $12.8 million of total related costs. Of the $12.8 million incurred during the year ended December 30, 2006, $9 million is included in cost of products sold and $3.8 million in selling, marketing, and general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations. Total restructuring costs include $9.9 million of employee severance costs which impacted 275 employees, $2.4 million of contractual lease obligations as well as $0.5 million of fixed asset write-offs. At December 29, 2007 all of the restructuring costs had been paid.
 
In connection with the Company’s ongoing farm optimization programs in Asia, $2.8 million and $6.7 million of crop-related costs were written-off during 2007 and 2006, respectively. These non-cash charges have been recorded in cost of products sold in the consolidated statements of operations.

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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Note 7 — Income Taxes
 
Income tax expense (benefit) was as follows:
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
    (In thousands)  
 
Current
                       
Federal, state and local
  $ 835     $ 735     $ 406  
Foreign
    22,753       15,399       18,644  
                         
      23,588       16,134       19,050  
                         
Deferred
                       
Federal, state and local
    (16,218 )     (29,122 )     (15,690 )
Foreign
    (3,723 )     (3,573 )     (5,581 )
                         
      (19,941 )     (32,695 )     (21,271 )
                         
Non-current tax expense
    (51,662 )     20,615       24,830  
                         
    $ (48,015 )   $ 4,054     $ 22,609  
                         
 
Pretax earnings attributable to foreign operations including earnings from discontinued operations, equity method investments and minority interests were $185.5 million, $53.9 million and $30.7 million for the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively. The Company has not provided for U.S. federal income and foreign withholding taxes on approximately $2.3 billion of the excess of the amount for financial reporting over the tax basis of investments that are essentially permanent in duration. Generally, such amounts become subject to U.S. taxation upon the remittance of dividends and under certain other circumstances. It is currently not practicable to estimate the amount of deferred tax liability related to investments in these foreign subsidiaries.
 
The Company’s reported income tax expense (benefit) on continuing operations differed from the expense calculated using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the following reasons:
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
    (In thousands)  
 
Expense (benefit) computed at U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35%
  $ 32,383     $ (12,668 )   $ (5,748 )
Foreign income taxed at different rates
    (40,236 )     8,963       27,440  
State and local income tax, net of federal income taxes
    (8,467 )     (3,948 )     (1,854 )
Valuation allowances
    9,787       11,071       6,842  
U.S. Appeals Settlement and Other FIN 48 Related
    (36,993 )            
Permanent items and other
    (4,489 )     636       (4,071 )
                         
Income tax expense (benefit)
  $ (48,015 )   $ 4,054     $ 22,609  
                         


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Deferred tax assets (liabilities) comprised the following:
 
                 
    January 3,
    December 29,
 
    2009     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
Intangibles
  $ (295,362 )   $ (293,666 )
Property, plant and equipment
    (134,819 )     (154,771 )
Investment and other asset basis differences
    34,534       20,394  
Postretirement benefits
    59,132       56,538  
Operating accruals
    71,698       65,743  
Tax credit carryforwards
    21,753       20,889  
Net operating loss and other carryforwards
    106,383       167,424  
Valuation allowances
    (144,083 )     (174,398 )
Other, net
    47,832       26,108  
                 
    $ (232,932 )   $ (265,739 )
                 
 
The Company has gross federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $82.4 million, $1 billion and $119.9 million, respectively, at January 3, 2009. The Company has recorded deferred tax assets of $29.8 million for federal net operating loss and other carryforwards, which, if unused, will expire between 2023 and 2028. The Company has recorded deferred tax assets of $45.8 million for state operating loss carryforwards, which, if unused, will start to expire in 2009. The Company has recorded deferred tax assets of $30.8 million for foreign net operating loss carryforwards which are subject to varying expiration rules. Tax credit carryforwards of $21.8 million include foreign tax credit carryforwards of $18.4 million which will expire in 2011, U.S. general business credit carryforwards of $0.3 million which expire between 2023 and 2027, and state tax credit carryforwards of $3.1 million with varying expiration dates. The Company has recorded a U.S. deferred tax asset of $35.8 million for disallowed interest expense which, although subject to certain limitations, can be carried forward indefinitely.
 
A valuation allowance has been established to offset foreign tax credit carryforwards, state net operating loss carryforwards, certain foreign net operating loss carryforwards and certain other deferred tax assets in foreign jurisdictions. The Company has deemed it more likely than not that future taxable income in the relevant taxing jurisdictions will be insufficient to realize all of the related income tax benefits for these assets.


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Total deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities were as follows:
 
                 
    January 3,
    December 29,
 
    2009     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
Deferred tax assets
  $ 489,343     $ 499,899  
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance
    (144,083 )     (174,398 )
                 
      345,260       325,501  
Deferred tax liabilities
    (578,192 )     (591,240 )
                 
Net deferred tax liabilities
  $ (232,932 )   $ (265,739 )
                 
Current deferred tax assets consist of:
               
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance
  $ 54,508     $ 47,763  
Deferred tax liabilities
    (33,235 )     (35,678 )
                 
Net current deferred tax assets
    21,273       12,085  
Non-current deferred tax liabilities consist of:
               
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance
    290,752       277,738  
Deferred tax liabilities
    (544,957 )     (555,562 )
                 
Net non-current deferred tax liabilities
    (254,205 )     (277,824 )
                 
Net deferred tax liabilities
  $ (232,932 )   $ (265,739 )
                 
 
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the total amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
 
                 
    January 3,
    December 29,
 
    2009     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
Unrecognized tax benefits — opening balance
  $ 204,421     $ 200,641  
Gross increases — tax positions in prior period
    14,361       10,837  
Gross decreases — tax positions in prior period
    (346 )     (13,448 )
Gross increases — tax positions in current period
    4,654       8,284  
Settlements*
    (105,139 )     (1,793 )
Lapse of statute of limitations
    (2,083 )     (100 )
                 
Unrecognized tax benefits — ending balance
  $ 115,868     $ 204,421  
                 
 
 
* 2008 activity includes $110 million reduction in gross unrecognized tax benefits due to the settlement of the federal income tax audit for the years 1995 to 2001 less a cash refund received of $6 million on this settlement plus various state and foreign audit settlements totaling approximately $1 million.
 
The total for unrecognized tax benefits, including interest, was $143 million and $269 million at January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, respectively. The change is primarily due to the settlement of the federal income tax audit for the years 1995 to 2001. If recognized, approximately $131.5 million, net of federal and state tax benefits, would be recorded as a component of income tax expense and accordingly impact the effective tax rate.
 
The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to its unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income taxes in the consolidated statements of operations. Accrued interest and penalties before tax benefits were $26.9 million and $64.6 million at January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, respectively, and are included as a component of other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. The decrease is primarily attributable to


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
the reduction in liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits associated with the settlement of the federal income tax audit for the years 1995-2001. Interest and penalties recorded in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for 2008, 2007 and 2006 were ($32.2) million, including the impact of the settlement, $17.2 million and $6.9 million, respectively.
 
Dole Food Company or one or more of its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various states and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2001.
 
Income Tax Audits:  The Company believes its tax positions comply with the applicable tax laws and that it is adequately provided for all tax related matters. Matters raised upon audit may involve substantial amounts and could result in material cash payments if resolved unfavorably; however, management does not believe that any material payments will be made related to these matters within the next year. Management considers it unlikely that the resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.
 
1995 — 2001 Federal Income Tax Audit:  In June 2006, the IRS completed an examination of the Company’s federal income tax returns for the years 1995 to 2001 and issued a Revenue Agent’s Report (“RAR”) that included various proposed adjustments. The net tax deficiency associated with the RAR was $175 million for which the Company provided $110 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, plus penalties and interest. The Company filed a protest letter contesting the proposed adjustments contained in the RAR. During January 2008, the Company was notified that the Appeals Branch of the IRS had finalized its review of the Company’s protest and that the Appeals Branch’s review supported the Company’s position in all material respects. On June 13, 2008, the Appeals review was approved by the Joint Committee on Taxation. The impact of the settlement on the Company’s year ended January 3, 2009 consolidated financial statements is $136 million, which includes a $110 million reduction in gross unrecognized tax benefits recorded in other long-term liabilities plus a reduction of $26 million for interest and penalties, net of federal and state tax benefits. Of this amount, $61 million reduced the Company’s income tax provision and effective tax rate for the year ended January 3, 2009 and the remaining $75 million reduced goodwill.
 
2002 — 2005 Federal Income Tax Audit:  The Company is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service for the tax years 2002-2005 and it is anticipated that the examination will be completed by the end of 2009.
 
At this time, the Company does not anticipate that total unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change due to the settlement of audits and the expiration of statutes of limitations within the next twelve months.
 
Note 8 — Details of Certain Assets and Liabilities
 
Details of receivables and inventories were as follows:
 
                 
    January 3,
    December 29,
 
    2009     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
Receivables
               
Trade
  $ 684,053     $ 708,545  
Notes and other
    126,601       145,624  
Grower advances
    34,861       41,302  
Income tax refund
    3,077       5,402  
                 
      848,592       900,873  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (41,357 )     (61,720 )
                 
    $ 807,235     $ 839,153  
                 


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
                 
    January 3,
    December 29,
 
    2009     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
Inventories
               
Finished products
  $ 344,643     $ 355,502  
Raw materials and work in progress
    168,670       155,166  
Crop-growing costs
    210,263       172,980  
Operating supplies and other
    72,831       67,027  
                 
    $ 796,407     $ 750,675  
                 
 
Accounts payable consists primarily of trade payables.
 
Accrued liabilities included the following:
 
                 
    January 3,
    December 29,
 
    2009     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
Employee-related costs and benefits
  $ 127,162     $ 147,329  
Amounts due to growers
    64,746       98,130  
Marketing and advertising
    64,256       60,972  
Shipping related costs
    49,622       51,427  
Materials and supplies
    27,217       34,678  
Interest
    25,820       31,299  
Unrealized hedging losses
    80,760       28,462  
Other
    50,562       62,287  
                 
    $ 490,145     $ 514,584  
                 
 
Other long-term liabilities were as follows:
 
                 
    January 3,
    December 29,
 
    2009     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
Accrued postretirement and other employee benefits
  $ 245,357     $ 249,230  
Liability for unrecognized tax benefits
    90,767       217,570  
Other
    85,655       74,434  
                 
    $ 421,779     $ 541,234  
                 
 
Note 9 — Assets Held-for-Sale
 
The Company continuously reviews its assets in order to identify those assets that do not meet the Company’s future strategic direction or internal economic return criteria. As a result of this review, the Company has identified and is in the process of selling certain businesses and long-lived assets. In accordance with FAS 144, the Company has reclassified these assets as held-for-sale.

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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Total assets held-for-sale by segment were are follows:
 
                                         
                      Fresh-Cut
       
                      Flowers —
       
          Fresh
    Packaged
    Discontinued
    Total Assets
 
    Fresh Fruit     Vegetables     Foods     Operation     Held-For-Sale  
    (In thousands)  
 
Balance as of December 29, 2007
  $ 34,159     $ 3,251     $     $ 38,834     $ 76,244  
Additions
    252,581       35,349       4,452       71,833       364,215  
Sales
    (188,635 )           (270 )     (31,678 )     (220,583 )
Long-lived asset impairment
                      (17,000 )     (17,000 )
                                         
Balance as of January 3, 2009
  $ 98,105     $ 38,600     $ 4,182     $ 61,989     $ 202,876  
                                         
 
Total liabilities held-for-sale by segment were are follows:
 
                                         
                      Fresh-Cut
       
                      Flowers —
       
          Fresh
    Packaged
    Discontinued
    Total Liabilities
 
    Fresh Fruit     Vegetables     Foods     Operation     Held-For-Sale  
    (In thousands)  
 
Balance as of December 29, 2007
  $     $     $     $     $  
Additions
    56,879                   45,218       102,097  
Sales
    (51,632 )                       (51,632 )
                                         
Balance as of January 3, 2009
  $ 5,247     $     $     $ 45,218     $ 50,465  
                                         
 
The major classes of assets and liabilities held-for-sale included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at January 3, 2009 were as follows:
 
                                         
                      Fresh-Cut
       
                      Flowers —
       
          Fresh
    Packaged
    Discontinued
       
    Fresh Fruit     Vegetables     Foods     Operation     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
Assets held-for-sale:
                                       
Receivables
  $ 3,314     $     $     $ 14,000     $ 17,314  
Inventories
    6,301                   2,883       9,184  
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
    85,629       38,600       4,182       30,069       158,480  
Other assets, net
    2,861                   15,037       17,898  
                                         
Total assets held-for-sale
  $ 98,105     $ 38,600     $ 4,182     $ 61,989     $ 202,876  
                                         
Liabilities held-for-sale:
                                       
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
  $ 5,037     $     $     $ 18,028     $ 23,065  
Long-term debt
                      25,857       25,857  
Deferred income tax and other liabilities
    210                   1,333       1,543  
                                         
Total liabilities held-for-sale
  $ 5,247     $     $     $ 45,218     $ 50,465  
                                         


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The Company received cash proceeds of $226.5 million on assets sold during the year ended January 3, 2009, including $214 million on assets which had been reclassified as held-for-sale. The total realized gain recorded on assets classified as held-for-sale, excluding the 2008 amortization of the deferred gain on the ship discussed below, was $18 million for the year ended January 3, 2009. The Company also realized gains on assets not classified as held-for-sale, totaling $9 million for fiscal 2008. Total realized gains on asset sales of $27 million are shown as a separate component of operating income in the consolidated statement of operations for 2008. The net book value associated with these sales from continuing operations was approximately $103 million.
 
Fresh Fruit
 
During the year ended January 3, 2009, the Company added $252.6 million to the assets held-for-sale balance in the fresh fruit reporting segment. These assets primarily consist of a packing and cooling facility and wood box plant located in Chile and approximately 11,000 acres of Hawaiian land.
 
During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company entered into a binding letter of intent to sell certain portions of its Latin American banana operations. The related assets and liabilities from these operations were reclassified to held-for-sale during the fourth quarter of 2008. The sale closed during the first quarter of 2009.
 
During the third quarter ended October 4, 2008, the Company entered into a definitive purchase and sale agreement to sell its JP Fresh subsidiary in the United Kingdom and its Dole France subsidiary which were in the European ripening and distribution business to Compagnie Fruitière Paris. Compagnie Fruitière Paris is a subsidiary of Compagnie Financière de Participations, a company in which Dole holds a non-controlling 40% ownership interest. The sale closed during the fourth quarter of 2008.
 
2008 Sales and First Quarter 2009 Sales
 
The Company sold the following assets during the year ended January 3, 2009, which had been classified as held-for-sale: approximately 2,200 acres of land parcels in Hawaii, additional agricultural acreage in California, two Chilean farms, property located in Turkey and a breakbulk refrigerated ship. In addition, the Company sold its JP Fresh and Dole France subsidiaries. The amount of cash collected on these sales totaled approximately $133.6 million. The total sales proceeds of $133.6 million includes $12.7 million for the sale of the ship. The Company also entered into a lease agreement for the same ship and recognized a deferred gain of $11.9 million on the sale. The deferred gain is amortized over the 3 year lease term.
 
During the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company reclassified approximately 4,400 acres of land and other related assets of its citrus and pistachio operations located in central California as assets held-for-sale. These assets were held by non-wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company. In March 2008, the Company entered into an agreement to sell these assets. The sale was completed during the third quarter of 2008 and the subsidiaries received net proceeds of $44 million. The Company’s share of these net proceeds was $28.1 million. The Company recorded a gain of $3.3 million, net of income taxes, which was recorded as gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income taxes, for the year ended January 3, 2009.
 
During January 2009, the Company completed the sale of certain portions of its Latin American banana operations. Net sales proceeds from the sale totaled approximately $27.3 million. Of this amount, $15.8 million was collected in cash and the remaining $11.5 million was recorded as a receivable, to be collected over the next twelve months.
 
Fresh Vegetables
 
During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company reclassified approximately 1,100 acres of vegetable property located in California as assets held-for-sale and signed a definitive purchase and sale agreement to sell this property. The sale closed during March 2009 and the Company received net cash proceeds of $44.5 million.


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Packaged Foods
 
During the second quarter of 2008, the Company reclassified approximately 600 acres of peach orchards located in California as assets held-for-sale. During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company sold 40 acres for approximately $0.7 million.
 
Fresh-Cut Flowers — Discontinued Operation
 
During the second quarter of 2008, the Company approved and committed to a formal plan to divest its fresh-cut flowers operating segment. Accordingly, all the assets and liabilities were reclassified as held-for-sale.
 
During the third quarter of 2008, the Company signed a binding letter of intent to sell its fresh-cut flowers division (“Flowers transaction”). The sale of the fresh-cut flowers division is expected to take place in phases. The first phase closed during the first quarter of 2009 as a stock-sale transaction. The remaining assets can be purchased by the same buyer under separate option contracts that expire in one year. The remaining phases are expected to close within the next year. If the options on the remaining assets are exercised, the Company will receive additional sales proceeds of approximately $26 million on assets with a net book value of $10 million.
 
Included in liabilities held-for-sale of $45.2 million is $25.9 million of long-term debt of the former flowers subsidiaries. This debt ceased to be an obligation of the Company upon the closing of the first phase of the Flowers transaction.
 
The Company recorded an impairment loss of $17 million on the assets sold in the first phase of the Flowers transaction. The impairment charge represents the amount by which the net book value exceeds the fair market value less cost to sell. The fair market value of the assets was determined by the sales price agreed upon in the binding letter of intent. The impairment loss was recorded as a component of loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes, for the year ended January 3, 2009.
 
2008 Sales and First Quarter 2009 Sales
 
The Company reclassified its fresh-cut flowers headquarters facility, located in Miami, Florida as assets held-for-sale during the third quarter of 2007. The Company completed the sale of this facility during the third quarter of 2008 and received net cash proceeds of $34 million. In addition, the Company received net cash proceeds of $1.9 million on the sale of two farms. The gain realized on the sale of these assets, net of income taxes, was approximately $3.1 million and is included as a component of loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended January 3, 2009.
 
During January 2009, the first phase of the Flowers transaction was completed. The Company retains only certain real estate of the former flowers divisions to be sold in the subsequent phases of the transaction. Net sales proceeds from the sale totaled approximately $30 million. Of this amount, $21.7 million was collected in cash and the remaining $8.3 million was recorded as a receivable, to be collected over the next two years.


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Note 10 — Property, Plant and Equipment
 
Major classes of property, plant and equipment were as follows:
 
                 
    January 3,
    December 29,
 
    2009     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
Land and land improvements
  $ 523,355     $ 698,853  
Buildings and leasehold improvements
    398,371       430,968  
Machinery and equipment
    810,722       803,353  
Vessels and containers
    201,178       218,970  
Vessels and equipment under capital leases
    91,392       98,006  
Construction in progress
    52,658       70,379  
                 
      2,077,676       2,320,529  
Accumulated depreciation
    (1,027,345 )     (980,390 )
                 
    $ 1,050,331     $ 1,340,139  
                 
 
Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
 
     
    Years
 
Land improvements
  5 to 40
Buildings and leasehold improvements
  2 to 50
Machinery and equipment
  2 to 35
Vessels and containers
  5 to 20
Vessels and equipment under capital leases
  Shorter of useful life
or life of lease
 
Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment for continuing operations totaled $133.4 million, $146.9 million and $139 million for the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively. Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment for discontinued operations totaled $1.1 million, $4.2 million and $5.8 million for the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively.
 
Note 11 — Goodwill and Intangible Assets
 
Goodwill has been allocated to the Company’s reporting segments as follows:
 
                                 
          Fresh
    Packaged
       
    Fresh Fruit     Vegetables     Foods     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
Balance as of December 30, 2006
  $ 386,625     $ 93,874     $ 65,241     $ 545,740  
Adoption of FIN 48
    (22,965 )     (6,000 )     (1,226 )     (30,191 )
Tax-related adjustments
    (4,588 )     (1,199 )     (244 )     (6,031 )
                                 
Balance as of December 29, 2007
  $ 359,072     $ 86,675     $ 63,771     $ 509,518  
Tax-related adjustments
    (59,208 )     (15,469 )     (3,160 )     (77,837 )
Transfer to assets held-for-sale
    (24,751 )                 (24,751 )
Other
    (390 )                 (390 )
                                 
Balance as of January 3, 2009
  $ 274,723     $ 71,206     $ 60,611     $ 406,540  
                                 


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The tax-related adjustments in 2007 resulted from changes to deductible temporary differences, operating loss or tax credit carryforwards and contingencies that existed at the time of the going-private merger transaction. The tax-related adjustments in 2008 resulted from changes to unrecognized tax benefits that existed at the time of the going- private merger transaction which were due to the settlement of the federal income tax audit as discussed in Note 7 — Income Taxes.
 
During the third quarter of 2008, the Company reclassified all of the assets and liabilities of JP Fresh to assets held-for-sale. The sale of JP Fresh was completed during the fourth quarter of 2008. Goodwill and intangible assets related to JP Fresh totaled $24 million and $7.3 million, respectively.
 
Details of the Company’s intangible assets were as follows:
 
                 
    January 3,
    December 29,
 
    2009     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
Amortized intangible assets:
               
Customer relationships
  $ 38,501     $ 48,906  
Other amortized intangible assets
    2,042       2,135  
                 
      40,543       51,041  
Accumulated amortization — customer relationships
    (20,248 )     (17,483 )
Other accumulated amortization
    (1,452 )     (1,383 )
                 
Accumulated amortization — intangible assets
    (21,700 )     (18,866 )
                 
Amortized intangible assets, net
    18,843       32,175  
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
               
Trademark and trade names
    689,615       689,615  
                 
Total identifiable intangible assets, net
  $ 708,458     $ 721,790  
                 
 
Amortization expense of identifiable intangibles totaled $4.3 million, $4.5 million and $4.5 million for the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively. Estimated remaining amortization expense associated with the Company’s identifiable intangible assets in each of the next five fiscal years is as follows (in thousands):
 
         
Fiscal Year
  Amount
 
2009
  $ 3,677  
2010
  $ 3,677  
2011
  $ 3,677  
2012
  $ 3,677  
2013
  $ 1,498  
 
The Company performed its annual impairment review of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“FAS 142”), during the second quarter of fiscal 2008. This review indicated no impairment to goodwill or any of the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets. As market conditions change, the Company continues to monitor and perform updates of its impairment testing of recoverability of goodwill and long-lived assets.


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Note 12 — Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt
 
Notes payable and long-term debt consisted of the following amounts:
 
                 
    January 3,
    December 29,
 
    2009     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
Unsecured debt:
               
8.625% notes due 2009
  $ 345,000     $ 350,000  
7.25% notes due 2010
    400,000       400,000  
8.875% notes due 2011
    200,000       200,000  
8.75% debentures due 2013
    155,000       155,000  
Secured debt:
               
Revolving credit facility
    150,500       176,400  
Term loan facilities
    835,444       960,375  
Contracts and notes, at a weighted-average interest rate of 6.1% in 2008 (8.4% in 2007) through 2014
    9,221       3,255  
Capital lease obligations
    60,448       85,959  
Unamortized debt discount
    (309 )     (610 )
Notes payable
    48,789       81,018  
                 
      2,204,093       2,411,397  
Current maturities
    (405,537 )     (95,189 )
                 
    $ 1,798,556     $ 2,316,208  
                 
 
Notes Payable
 
The Company borrows funds on a short-term basis to finance current operations. The terms of these borrowings range from one month to three months. The Company’s notes payable at January 3, 2009 consist primarily of foreign borrowings in Asia and Latin America.
 
Notes and Debentures
 
In April 2002, the Company completed the sale and issuance of $400 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes due 2009 (the “2009 Notes”). The 2009 Notes are redeemable, at the discretion of the Company, at par plus a make-whole amount, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest, any time prior to maturity. The 2009 Notes were issued at 99.50% of par. In 2005 in conjunction with an amendment and restatement of its senior secured credit agreement, the Company repurchased $50 million of its 2009 Notes. During September 2008, the Company completed the early redemption of $5 million of its 2009 Notes at a price of 99% of the principal amount plus accrued interest through the date of redemption. Refer to Note 3 — 2009 Debt Maturity and Debt Issuance.
 
In May 2003, the Company issued and sold $400 million aggregate principal amount of 7.25% Senior Notes due 2010 (the “2010 Notes”). The 2010 Notes were issued at par. The Company may redeem some or all of the 2010 Notes at a redemption price of 100% of their principal amount during 2009 and thereafter, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
 
In connection with the going-private merger transaction of 2003, the Company issued $475 million aggregate principal amount of 8.875% Senior Notes due 2011 (the “2011 Notes”). The 2011 Notes were issued at par. The Company may redeem some or all of the 2011 Notes at a redemption price of 100% of their principal amount during 2009 and thereafter, plus accrued and unpaid interest. In 2005 in conjunction with an amendment and restatement of its senior secured credit agreement, the Company repurchased $275 million of its 2011 Notes.


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
In July 1993, the Company issued and sold debentures due 2013 (the “2013 Debentures”). The 2013 Debentures are not redeemable prior to maturity and were issued at 99.37% of par.
 
Interest on the notes and debentures is paid semi-annually.
 
None of the Company’s notes or debentures are subject to any sinking fund requirements. The notes and debentures are guaranteed by the Company’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries (Note 21).
 
April 2006 Amendments to Credit Facilities
 
In April 2006, the Company completed an amendment and restatement of its senior secured credit agreement. The purposes of this refinancing included increasing the combined size of the Company’s revolving credit and letter of credit facilities, eliminating certain financial maintenance covenants, realizing currency gains arising out of the Company’s then existing yen-denominated term loan, and refinancing the higher-cost bank indebtedness of the Company’s immediate parent, Dole Holding Company, LLC (“DHC”) at the lower-cost Dole Food Company, Inc. level. The Company obtained $975 million of term loan facilities and $100 million in a pre-funded letter of credit facility, both of which mature in April 2013. The proceeds of the term loans were used to repay the then outstanding term loans and revolving credit facilities, as well as pay a dividend of $160 million to DHC, which proceeds were used to repay its existing debt facility.
 
In addition, the Company entered into a new asset based revolving credit facility (“ABL revolver”) of $350 million. The facility is secured by and is subject to a borrowing base consisting of up to 85% of eligible accounts receivable plus a predetermined percentage of eligible inventory, as defined in the credit facility. The ABL revolver matures in April 2011.
 
Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loans
 
As of January 3, 2009, the term loan facilities consisted of $176.8 million of Term Loan B and $658.6 million of Term Loan C, bearing interest at LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.75% to 2%, dependent upon the Company’s senior secured leverage ratio. The weighted average variable interest rates at January 3, 2009 for Term Loan B and Term Loan C were LIBOR plus 2%, or 4.3%. The term loan facilities require quarterly principal payments, plus a balloon payment due in 2013. Related to the term loan facilities, the Company holds an interest rate swap to hedge future changes in interest rates and a cross currency swap to effectively lower the U.S. dollar fixed interest rate of 7.2% to a Japanese yen fixed interest rate of 3.6%. Refer to Note 17 — Derivative Financial Instruments for additional discussion of the Company’s hedging activities.
 
As of January 3, 2009, the ABL revolver borrowing base was $328.6 million and the amount outstanding under the ABL revolver was $150.5 million, bearing interest at LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.25% to 1.75%, dependent upon the Company’s historical borrowing availability under this facility. At January 3, 2009, the weighted average variable interest rate for the ABL revolver was LIBOR plus 1.5%, or 2.2%. The ABL revolver matures in April 2011. After taking into account approximately $5.3 million of outstanding letters of credit issued under the ABL revolver, the Company had approximately $172.8 million available for borrowings as of January 3, 2009. In addition, the Company had approximately $71 million of letters of credit and bank guarantees outstanding under its pre-funded letter of credit facility as of January 3, 2009.
 
A commitment fee, which fluctuated between 0.25% and 0.375%, was paid based on the total unused portion of the revolving credit facility. In addition, there is a facility fee on the pre-funded letter of credit facility. The Company paid a total of $1 million, $0.7 million and $1 million in commitment and facility fees for the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006.
 
The revolving credit facility and term loan facilities are collateralized by substantially all of the Company’s tangible and intangible assets, other than certain intercompany debt, certain equity interests and each of the Company’s U.S. manufacturing plants and processing facilities that has a net book value exceeding 1% of the


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Company’s net tangible assets. Refer to Note 3 — 2009 Debt Maturity and Debt Issuance — for information on the March 2009 amendments to the credit facilities.
 
Capital Lease Obligations
 
At January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, included in capital lease obligations was $58.5 million and $83.4 million, respectively, of vessel financing related to two vessel leases denominated in British pound sterling. The reduction in the capital lease obligation was primarily due to the weakening of the British pound sterling against the U.S. dollar during 2008, which resulted in the Company recognizing $21.3 million of unrealized gains. These unrealized gains were recorded as other income (expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations. The interest rates on these leases are based on LIBOR plus a spread. The remaining $1.9 million of capital lease obligations relate primarily to machinery and equipment. Interest rates under these leases are fixed. The capital lease obligations are collateralized by the underlying leased assets. Total payments, including principal and interest, through the remaining life of the lease total approximately $98.7 million. These leases expire in 2024.
 
Covenants
 
Provisions under the indentures to the Company’s senior notes and debentures require the Company to comply with certain covenants. These covenants include limitations on, among other things, indebtedness, investments, loans to subsidiaries, employees and third parties, the issuance of guarantees and the payment of dividends. The senior secured revolving credit facility contains a “springing covenant,” but that covenant has never been effective and would only become effective if the availability under the revolving credit facility were to fall below $35 million for any eight consecutive business days, which it has never done during the life of such facility. In the event that such availability were to fall below $35 million for such eight consecutive business day period, the “springing covenant” would require that the Company’s fixed charge coverage ratio, defined as (x) consolidated EBITDA for the four consecutive fiscal quarters then ending divided by (y) consolidated fixed charges for such four fiscal quarter period, equal or exceed 1.00:1.00. The Company expects such fixed charge coverage ratio to continue to be in excess of 1.00:1.00. At January 3, 2009, the Company was in compliance with all applicable covenants. The Company amended its senior secured credit facilities to, among other things, permit the Company to issue a certain amount of junior lien notes; the amendment became effective concurrently with the closing of the 2014 Notes offering. The amendment to the term loan facilities will impose a first priority secured leverage maintenance covenant on the Company, which the Company expects to continue to be able to satisfy.
 
A breach of a covenant or other provision in a debt instrument governing the Company’s current or future indebtedness could result in a default under that instrument and, due to cross-default and cross-acceleration provisions, could result in a default under the Company’s other debt instruments. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the senior secured credit facilities or other debt instrument, the lenders or holders of such other debt instruments could elect to declare all amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit. If the Company were unable to repay those amounts, the lenders could proceed against the collateral granted to them, if any, to secure the indebtedness. If the lenders under the Company’s current indebtedness were to accelerate the payment of the indebtedness, the Company cannot give assurance that its assets or cash flow would be sufficient to repay in full its outstanding indebtedness, in which event the Company likely would seek reorganization or protection under bankruptcy or other, similar laws.
 
The Company’s parent, DHM Holding Company, Inc. (“HoldCo”), entered into an amended and restated loan agreement for $135 million on March 17, 2008 in connection with its investment in Westlake Wellbeing Properties, LLC. The obligations under such loan agreement mature on March 3, 2010. In addition, a $20 million principal payment on the loan is due on June 17, 2009. Failure to make this payment when due would give lenders under this loan agreement the right to accelerate that debt. Because HoldCo is a party to the Dole’s senior secured credit facilities, any failure of Holdco to pay the $20 million principal payment by June 17, 2009 or any other default under the Holdco agreement would result in a default under the Company’s senior secured credit facilities under the


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
existing cross-default and cross-acceleration provisions set forth in those senior secured credit facilities. If such a default were to occur, the Company’s senior secured credit facilities could be declared due at the request of the lenders holding a majority of the senior secured debt under the applicable agreement and unless the default were waived the Company would no longer have the ability to request advances or letters of credit under its revolving credit facility. The acceleration of the indebtedness under the senior secured credit facilities would, if not cured within 30 days, also allow the holders of 25% or more in principal amount of any series of the Company’s notes or debentures to accelerate the maturity of such series. Although HoldCo has assured the Company that it expects to have sufficient funds available from its shareholders to timely make the $20 million principal payment by June 17, 2009, there is no assurance that it will occur.
 
Debt Issuance Costs
 
Expenses related to the issuance of long-term debt are capitalized and amortized to interest expense over the term of the underlying debt. During the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, the Company amortized deferred debt issuance costs of $4.1 million, $4.1 million and $4.4 million, respectively.
 
The Company wrote off $8.1 million of deferred debt issuance costs during the year ended December 30, 2006. The 2006 write-off was a result of a refinancing transaction that occurred in April 2006. This write-off was recorded to other income (expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 30, 2006.
 
Fair Value of Debt
 
The Company estimates the fair value of its unsecured notes and debentures based on current quoted market prices. The term loans are traded between institutional investors on the secondary loan market, and the fair values of the term loans are based on the last available trading price. The carrying value and estimated fair values of the Company’s debt is summarized below:
 
                                 
    January 3, 2009   December 29, 2007
    Carrying
  Estimated
  Carrying
  Estimated
    Value   Fair Value   Value   Fair Value
    (In thousands)
 
Unsecured notes and debentures
  $ 1,100,000     $ 809,400     $ 1,105,000     $ 1,029,350  
Term loans
    835,444       585,855       960,375       902,753  
 
Maturities of Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt
 
Maturities with respect to notes payable and long-term debt as of January 3, 2009 were as follows (in thousands):
 
         
Fiscal Year
  Amount  
 
2009
  $ 405,537  
2010
    412,114  
2011
    363,189  
2012
    12,910  
2013
    960,498  
Thereafter
    49,845  
         
Total
  $ 2,204,093  
         
 
Other
 
In addition to amounts available under the revolving credit facility, the Company’s subsidiaries have uncommitted lines of credit of approximately $142.9 million at various local banks, of which $85.3 million


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
was available at January 3, 2009. These lines of credit are used primarily for short-term borrowings, foreign currency exchange settlement and the issuance of letters of credit or bank guarantees. Several of the Company’s uncommitted lines of credit expire in 2009 while others do not have a commitment expiration date. These arrangements may be cancelled at any time by the Company or the banks. The Company’s ability to utilize these lines of credit may be impacted by the terms of its senior secured credit facilities and bond indentures.
 
Note 13 — Employee Benefit Plans
 
The Company sponsors a number of defined benefit pension plans covering certain employees worldwide. Benefits under these plans are generally based on each employee’s eligible compensation and years of service, except for certain hourly plans, which are based on negotiated benefits. In addition to pension plans, the Company has other postretirement benefit (“OPRB”) plans that provide certain health care and life insurance benefits for eligible retired employees. Covered employees may become eligible for such benefits if they fulfill established requirements upon reaching retirement age.
 
The Company sponsors one qualified pension plan for U.S. employees, which is funded. All but one of the Company’s international pension plans and all of its OPRB plans are unfunded.
 
All pension benefits for U.S. salaried employees were frozen in 2002. The assumption for the rate of compensation increase of 2.5% on the U.S. plans represents the rate associated with those participants whose benefits are negotiated under collective bargaining arrangements.
 
The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for all of its plans.
 
Adoption of FAS 158
 
As of December 30, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (“FAS 158”), which changed the accounting rules for reporting and disclosures related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans. FAS 158 requires an employer to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit 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 as a component of comprehensive income. The standard also requires an employer to measure the funded status as of the date of its year-end statement of financial position. The adoption in 2006 had no effect on the computation of net periodic benefit expense for pensions and postretirement benefits.
 
Pension Protection Act of 2006 and Worker, Retiree, and Employer Recovery Act of 2008
 
In August 2006, the Pension Protection Act of 2006 was signed into law. This legislation changed the method of valuing the U.S. qualified pension plan assets and liabilities for funding purposes, as well as the minimum funding requirements. The Worker, Retiree, and Employer Recovery Act of 2008 was signed into law in December 2008. The combined effect of these laws will be larger contributions over the next eight to ten years, with the goal of being fully funded by the end of that period. The amount of unfunded liability in future years will be affected by future contributions, demographic changes, investment returns on plan assets, and interest rates, so full funding may be achieved sooner or later. The Company anticipates funding pension contributions with cash from operations.
 
As a result of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 and the decrease in the value of the U.S. qualified plan’s assets, the Company anticipates contributions averaging approximately $12 million per year over the next nine years. The Company also anticipates that certain forms of benefit payments, such as lump sums, will be partially restricted over the next few years.


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
OPRB Plan Amendment
 
During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company amended its domestic OPRB Plan. This amendment became effective January 1, 2009. The Company replaced health care coverage (including prescription drugs) for Medicare eligible retirees and surviving spouses who are age 65 and older with a new Health Reimbursement Arrangement (“HRA”), whereby each participant will be provided an annual amount in an HRA account. The HRA account will be used to offset health care costs. This plan amendment will reduce the benefit obligation by $21.8 million. The amortization of this reduction in liability, combined with a lower interest cost, will reduce the expense for this plan by approximately $4.2 million for the next 8 years and by $1.5 million thereafter.


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Obligations and Funded Status — The status of the Company’s defined benefit pension and OPRB plans was as follows:
 
                                                 
    U.S. Pension Plans     International Pension Plans     OPRB Plans  
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
 
    January 3,
    December 29,
    January 3,
    December 29,
    January 3,
    December 29,
 
    2009     2007     2009     2007     2009     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
Change in projected benefit obligation
                                               
Benefit obligation at beginning of period
  $ 308,097     $ 310,186     $ 141,714     $ 134,098     $ 63,803     $ 68,628  
Service cost
    149       149       7,069       6,947       284       308  
Interest cost
    18,481       17,139       10,314       8,820       3,920       4,639  
Participant contributions
                      458              
Plan amendments
                3,448             (20,960 )      
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
                (11,721 )     10,298              
Actuarial (gain) loss
    (34,261 )     5,778       2,822       (7,736 )     (1,610 )     (5,194 )
Divestitures
                (44,158 )                  
Curtailments, settlements and terminations, net
                            (158 )      
Benefits paid
    (25,404 )     (25,155 )     (14,666 )     (11,171 )     (5,254 )     (4,578 )
                                                 
Benefit obligation at end of period
  $ 267,062     $ 308,097     $ 94,822     $ 141,714     $ 40,025     $ 63,803  
                                                 
Change in plan assets
                                               
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period
  $ 237,881     $ 236,712     $ 38,485     $ 35,036     $     $  
Actual return on plan assets
    (49,237 )     17,451       2,123       1,167              
Company contributions
    2,293       8,873       17,874       11,826       5,254       4,578  
Participant contributions
                      458              
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
                (3,001 )     1,169              
Benefits paid
    (25,404 )     (25,155 )     (14,666 )     (11,171 )     (5,254 )     (4,578 )
Divestitures
                (36,891 )                  
                                                 
Fair value of plan assets at end of period
  $ 165,533     $ 237,881     $ 3,924     $ 38,485     $     $  
                                                 
Funded status
  $ (101,529 )   $ (70,216 )   $ (90,898 )   $ (103,229 )   $ (40,025 )   $ (63,803 )
                                                 
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
                                               
Current liabilities
  $ (2,224 )   $     $ (5,729 )   $     $ (4,271 )   $  
Long-term liabilities
    (99,305 )     (70,216 )     (85,169 )     (103,229 )     (35,754 )     (63,803 )
                                                 
    $ (101,529 )   $ (70,216 )   $ (90,898 )   $ (103,229 )   $ (40,025 )   $ (63,803 )
                                                 


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company sold two European businesses, each of which had defined benefit plans. The sale of these businesses has been reflected in the tables above as divestitures. Refer to Note 9 — Assets Held-For-Sale.
 
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007 are as follows:
 
                                                 
    U.S. Pension Plans     International Pension Plans     OPRB Plans  
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
 
    January 3,
    December 29,
    January 3,
    December 29,
    January 3,
    December 29,
 
    2009     2007     2009     2007     2009     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
Net actuarial loss (gain)
  $ 74,383     $ 42,754     $ 11,592     $ 7,970     $ (8,091 )   $ (6,136 )
Prior service cost (benefit)
    1       1       3,718       392       (25,506 )     (5,460 )
Net transition obligation
                81       149              
Income taxes
    (27,894 )     (16,034 )     (584 )     (208 )     13,260       3,324  
                                                 
Total
  $ 46,490     $ 26,721     $ 14,807     $ 8,303     $ (20,337 )   $ (8,272 )
                                                 
 
All of the Company’s pension plans were underfunded at January 3, 2009, having accumulated benefit obligations exceeding the fair value of plan assets. The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $333.8 million and $417.6 million at January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, respectively. The aggregate projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were as follows:
 
                 
    January 3,
  December 29,
    2009   2007
    (In thousands)
 
Projected benefit obligation
  $ 361,884     $ 449,811  
Accumulated benefit obligation
  $ 333,814     $ 417,581  
Fair value of plan assets
  $ 169,457     $ 276,366  


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Changes Recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss
 
The components of net periodic benefit cost and other changes recognized in other comprehensive loss for the Company’s U.S. and international pension plans and OPRB plans were as follows:
 
                                                 
    U.S. Pension Plans     International Pension Plans  
    Year
    Year
    Year
    Year
    Year
    Year
 
    Ended
    Ended
    Ended
    Ended
    Ended
    Ended
 
    January 3,
    December 29,
    December 30,
    January 3,
    December 29,
    December 30,
 
    2009     2007     2006     2009     2007     2006  
    (In thousands)  
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
                                               
Service cost
  $ 149     $ 149     $ 1,550     $ 7,069     $ 6,947     $ 4,443  
Interest cost
    18,481       17,139       16,878       10,314       8,820       7,165  
Expected return on plan assets
    (18,139 )     (17,721 )     (18,021 )     (2,378 )     (2,473 )     (905 )
Amortization of:
                                               
Unrecognized net loss
    1,485       1,236       652       493       525       201  
Unrecognized prior service cost
    1       1       1       79       79       69  
Unrecognized net transition obligation
                      59       56       51  
Curtailments, settlements and terminations, net
                      918       653       1,197  
                                                 
    $ 1,977     $ 804     $ 1,060     $ 16,554     $ 14,607     $ 12,221  
                                                 
Other changes recognized in other comprehensive loss:
                                               
Net loss (gain)
  $ 33,115     $ 6,049             $ 3,030     $ (6,430 )        
Prior service cost
                        3,449                
Amortization of:
                                               
Unrecognized net loss (gain)
    (1,485 )     (1,236 )             698       (1,178 )        
Unrecognized prior service cost
    (1 )     (1 )             (79 )     (79 )        
Unrecognized net transition obligation
                        (59 )     (56 )        
Foreign currency adjustment
                        (159 )     646          
Income taxes
    (11,860 )     (499 )             (376 )     860          
                                                 
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss
  $ 19,769     $ 4,313             $ 6,504     $ (6,237 )        
                                                 
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes
  $ 21,746     $ 5,117             $ 23,058     $ 8,370          
                                                 
 


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
                         
    OPRB Plans  
          Year
       
          Ended
       
    January 3,
    December 29,
    December 30,
 
    2009     2007     2006  
    (In thousands)  
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
                       
Service cost
  $ 284     $ 308     $ 282  
Interest cost
    3,921       4,639       3,908  
Amortization of:
                       
Unrecognized net loss (gain)
    (8 )     95       (112 )
Unrecognized prior service benefit
    (914 )     (914 )     (914 )
Curtailments, settlements and terminations, net
    (158 )           (1,062 )
                         
    $ 3,125     $ 4,128     $ 2,102  
                         
Other changes recognized in other comprehensive loss:
                       
Net gain
  $ (1,963 )   $ (5,194 )        
Prior service benefit
    (20,960 )              
Amortization of:
                       
Unrecognized net (loss) gain
    8       (95 )        
Unrecognized prior service benefit
    914       914          
Income taxes
    9,936       2,271          
                         
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss
  $ (12,065 )   $ (2,104 )        
                         
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes
  $ (8,940 )   $ 2,024          
                         
 
The estimated net loss, prior service cost and transition obligation for the defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is $1.3 million of expense. The estimated actuarial net gain and prior service benefit for the OPRB plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is $4.1 million of income.
 
Assumptions
 
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007 are as follows:
 
                                                 
    U.S. Pension
  International
   
    Plans   Pension Plans   OPRB Plans
    2008   2007   2008   2007   2008   2007
 
Rate assumptions:
                                               
Discount rate
    6.75 %     6.25 %     8.30 %     7.52 %     7.03 %     6.44 %
Rate of compensation increase
    2.50 %     2.50 %     6.00 %     5.22 %            

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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007 are as follows:
 
                                                 
    U.S. Pension
  International
   
    Plans   Pension Plans   OPRB Plans
    2008   2007   2008   2007   2008   2007
 
Rate assumptions:
                                               
Discount rate
    6.25 %     5.75 %     8.47 %     6.61 %     6.44 %     5.91 %
Compensation increase
    2.50 %     2.50 %     5.85 %     5.15 %            
Rate of return on plan assets
    8.00 %     8.00 %     7.70 %     6.73 %            
 
International plan discount rates, assumed rates of increase in future compensation and expected long-term return on assets differ from the assumptions used for U.S. plans due to differences in the local economic conditions in the countries in which the international plans are based.
 
The APBO for the Company’s U.S. OPRB plan in 2008 and 2007 was determined using the following assumed annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits:
 
                 
    Year Ended
  Year Ended
    January 3,
  December 29,
Fiscal Year
  2009   2007
 
Health care costs trend rate assumed for next year
    8 %     9 %
Rate of increase to which the cost of benefits is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)
    5.5 %     5.5 %
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate
    2012       2012  
 
The health care plan offered to retirees in the U.S. who are age 65 or older was changed effective January 1, 2009 to provide the reimbursement of health care expenses up to a certain fixed amount. There is no commitment to increase the fixed dollar amount and no increase was assumed in determining the APBO. Therefore, the trend rate applies only to benefits for U.S. retirees prior to age 65 and to foreign retirees.
 
A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following impact on the Company’s OPRB plans:
 
                 
    One-Percentage-Point
  One-Percentage-Point
    Increase   Decrease
    (In thousands)
 
Increase (decrease) in service and interest cost
  $ 110     $ (98 )
Increase (decrease) in postretirement benefit obligation
  $ 1,470     $ (1,292 )
 
Plan Assets
 
The following is the plan’s target asset mix, which management believes provides the optimal tradeoff of diversification and long-term asset growth:
 
         
    Target
Asset Class
  Allocation
 
Fixed income securities
    40 %
Equity securities
    55 %
Private equity and venture capital funds
    5 %


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Table of Contents

 
DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The Company’s U.S. pension plan weighted-average asset allocations at January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007 by asset category, are as follows:
 
                 
    Plan Assets at
    January 3,
  December 29,
Asset Class
  2009   2007
 
Fixed income securities
    53 %     41 %
Equity securities
    45 %     57 %
Private equity and venture capital funds
    2 %     2 %
                 
Total
    100 %     100 %
                 
 
The plan’s asset allocation includes a mix of fixed income investments designed to reduce volatility and equity investments designed to maintain funding ratios and long-term financial health of the plan. The equity investments are diversified across U.S. and international stocks as well as growth, value, and small and large capitalizations.
 
Private equity and venture capital funds are used to enhance long-term returns while improving portfolio diversification. The Company employs a total return investment approach whereby a mix of fixed income and equity investments is used to maximize the long-term return of plan assets with a prudent level of risk. The objectives of this strategy are to achieve full funding of the accumulated benefit obligation, and to achieve investment experience over time that will minimize pension expense volatility and minimize the Company’s contributions required to maintain full funding status. Risk tolerance is established through careful consideration of plan liabilities, plan funded status and corporate financial condition. Investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through annual liability measurements, periodic asset/liability studies and quarterly investment portfolio reviews.
 
The Company’s actual weighted average asset allocation varied from the Company’s target allocation at January 3, 2009 due to the economic volatility in the stock and bond markets during 2008. The Company is currently assessing its positions and expects to rebalance its portfolio during 2009.
 
The pension plan did not hold any of the Company’s common stock at January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007.
 
The Company determines the expected return on pension plan assets based on an expectation of average annual returns over an extended period of years. The Company also considers the weighted-average historical rate of returns on securities with similar characteristics to those in which the Company’s pension assets are invested.
 
The Company applies the “10% corridor” approach to amortize unrecognized actuarial gains (losses) on both its U.S. and international pension and OPRB plans. Under this approach, only actuarial gains (losses) that exceed 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of the plan assets are amortized. The amortization period is based on the average remaining service period of active employees expected to receive benefits under each plan or over the life expectancy of inactive participants where all, or nearly all, participants are inactive. For the year ended January 3, 2009, the average remaining service period used to amortize unrecognized actuarial gains (losses) for its domestic plans was approximately 10.5 years.
 
Plan Contributions and Estimated Future Benefit Payments
 
During 2008, the Company did not make any contributions to its qualified U.S. pension plan. Under the minimum funding requirements of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, no contribution was required for fiscal 2008. The Company expects to contribute approximately $8 million to its U.S. qualified plan in 2009, which is the estimated minimum funding requirement calculated under the Pension Protection Act of 2006. Future contributions to the U.S. pension plan in excess of the minimum funding requirement are voluntary and may change depending on the Company’s operating performance or at management’s discretion. The Company expects to make $15.7 million of payments related to its other U.S. and foreign pension and OPRB plans in 2009.


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The following table presents estimated future benefit payments:
 
                         
          International
       
    U.S. Pension
    Pension
       
Fiscal Year
  Plans     Plans     OPRB Plans  
    (In thousands)  
 
2009
  $ 23,126     $ 8,471     $ 4,271  
2010
    22,848       8,941       4,179  
2011
    22,385       8,546       4,114  
2012
    22,375       9,110       3,999  
2013
    22,039       9,268       3,911  
2014-2018
    106,662       57,967       18,457  
                         
Total
  $ 219,435     $ 102,303     $ 38,931  
                         
 
Defined Contribution Plans
 
The Company offers defined contribution plans to eligible employees. Such employees may defer a percentage of their annual compensation in accordance with plan guidelines. Some of these plans provide for a Company match that is subject to a maximum contribution as defined by the plan. Company contributions to its defined contribution plans totaled $8.1 million, $7.6 million and $7.3 million in the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively.
 
Multi-Employer Plans
 
The Company is also party to various industry-wide collective bargaining agreements that provide pension benefits. Total contributions to these plans for eligible participants were approximately $1.6 million, $2.8 million and $3.7 million in the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively.
 
Note 14 — Shareholders’ Equity
 
The Company’s authorized share capital as of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007 consisted of 1,000 shares of $0.001 par value common stock of which 1,000 shares were issued and outstanding. All issued and outstanding shares are owned by DHC, a Delaware limited liability company and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of DHM Holding Company, Inc. (“HoldCo”).
 
Dividends
 
The Company did not declare or pay a dividend to its parent during either of the years ended January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007. During the year ended December 30, 2006, the Company declared and paid dividends of $163.7 million to DHC.
 
The Company’s ability to declare dividends is limited under the terms of its senior secured credit facilities and senior notes indentures. As of January 3, 2009, the Company had no ability to declare and pay dividends or other similar distributions.
 
Capital Contributions and Return of Capital
 
There were no capital contributions or return of capital transactions during either of the years ended January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007.
 
On March 3, 2006, HoldCo executed a $150 million senior secured term loan agreement. In March 2006, HoldCo contributed $28.4 million to its wholly-owned subsidiary, DHC, the Company’s immediate parent, which contributed the funds to the Company. As planned, in October 2006, the Company declared a cash capital


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Table of Contents

 
DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
repayment of $28.4 million to DHC, returning the $28.4 million capital contribution made by DHC in March 2006. The Company repaid this amount during the fourth quarter of 2006.
 
On October 4, 2006, the Company loaned $31 million to DHC, which then dividended the funds to HoldCo for contribution to Westlake Wellbeing Properties, LLC. In connection with this funding, an intercompany loan agreement was entered into between DHC and the Company. DHC has no operations and would need to repay the loan with a dividend from the Company, a contribution from HoldCo, or through a financing transaction. It is currently anticipated that amounts under the intercompany loan agreement will be replaced with dividend proceeds or the loan would be forgiven in the future. The Company has accounted for the intercompany loan as a distribution of additional paid-in capital.
 
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Comprehensive income (loss) consists of changes to shareholders’ equity, other than contributions from or distributions to shareholders, and net income (loss). The Company’s other comprehensive income (loss) principally consists of unrealized foreign currency translation gains and losses, unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedging instruments and pension liability. The components of, and changes in, accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are presented in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity.
 
Note 15 — Business Segments
 
As discussed in Note 5, the Company approved and committed to a formal plan to divest its fresh-cut flowers operating segment and accordingly reclassified the results of operations to discontinued operations. As a result of this reclassification of the fresh-cut flowers segment, the Company now has three reportable operating segments.
 
The Company has three reportable operating segments: fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and packaged foods. These reportable segments are managed separately due to differences in their products, production processes, distribution channels and customer bases.
 
Management evaluates and monitors segment performance primarily through, among other measures, earnings before interest expense and income taxes (“EBIT”). EBIT is calculated by adding interest expense and income taxes to income (loss) from continuing operations. Management believes that segment EBIT provides useful information for analyzing the underlying business results as well as allowing investors a means to evaluate the financial results of each segment in relation to the Company as a whole. EBIT is not defined under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income or cash flow measures prepared in accordance with GAAP or as a measure of the Company’s profitability. Additionally, the Company’s computation of EBIT may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures computed by other companies, because not all companies calculate EBIT in the same fashion.
 
In the tables below, only revenues from external customers and EBIT reflect results from continuing operations. Total assets, depreciation and amortization and capital additions reflect results from continuing and discontinued operations for 2008, 2007 and 2006.


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The results of operations and financial position of the three reportable operating segments and corporate were as follows:
 
Results of Operations:
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
    (In thousands)  
 
Revenues from external customers
                       
Fresh fruit
  $ 5,401,145     $ 4,736,902     $ 3,968,963  
Fresh vegetables
    1,086,888       1,059,401       1,082,416  
Packaged foods
    1,130,791       1,023,257       938,336  
Corporate
    1,128       1,252       1,148  
                         
    $ 7,619,952     $ 6,820,812     $ 5,990,863  
                         
EBIT
                       
Fresh fruit
  $ 305,782     $ 172,175     $ 104,976  
Fresh vegetables
    1,123       (21,668 )     (7,241 )
Packaged foods
    70,944       80,093       93,449  
                         
Total operating segments
    377,849       230,600       191,184  
Corporate:
                       
Unrealized gain (loss) on cross currency swap
    (50,411 )     (10,741 )     20,664  
Operating and other expenses
    (54,043 )     (59,506 )     (53,377 )
                         
Corporate
    (104,454 )     (70,247 )     (32,713 )
Interest expense
    (174,485 )     (194,851 )     (174,715 )
Income taxes
    48,015       (4,054 )     (22,609 )
                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income taxes
  $ 146,925     $ (38,552 )   $ (38,853 )
                         
 
Corporate EBIT includes general and administrative costs not allocated to operating segments.
 
Substantially all of the Company’s equity earnings in unconsolidated subsidiaries, which have been included in EBIT in the table above, relate to the fresh fruit operating segment.
 
Financial Position:
 
                 
    January 3,
    December 29,
 
    2009     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
Total assets
               
Fresh fruit
  $ 2,322,899     $ 2,528,169  
Fresh vegetables
    460,221       476,501  
Packaged foods
    686,801       693,515  
                 
Total operating segments
    3,469,921       3,698,185  
Corporate
    832,709       832,121  
Fresh-cut flowers — discontinued operations
    61,989       112,578  
                 
    $ 4,364,619     $ 4,642,884  
                 


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Table of Contents

 
DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Depreciation and amortization and capital additions by segment were as follows:
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
    (In thousands)  
 
Depreciation and amortization
                       
Fresh fruit
  $ 90,289     $ 96,480     $ 92,196  
Fresh vegetables
    19,420       18,414       15,744  
Packaged foods
    25,419       32,989       31,454  
                         
Total operating segments
    135,128       147,883       139,394  
Corporate
    2,532       3,498       4,136  
Discontinued operations
    1,168       4,224       5,817  
                         
    $ 138,828     $ 155,605     $ 149,347  
                         
Capital additions
                       
Fresh fruit
  $ 44,381     $ 52,511     $ 41,286  
Fresh vegetables
    9,152       27,433       52,990  
Packaged foods
    20,111       23,913       19,728  
                         
Total operating segments
    73,644       103,857       114,004  
Corporate
    255       158       975  
Discontinued operations
    3,016       3,215       4,356  
                         
    $ 76,915     $ 107,230     $ 119,335  
                         
 
The Company’s revenues from external customers and tangible long-lived assets by country/region were as follows:
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
    (In thousands)  
 
Revenues from external customers
                       
United States
  $ 2,982,968     $ 2,669,932     $ 2,580,820  
Japan
    723,195       590,218       578,504  
Sweden
    564,499       474,139       354,390  
Germany
    551,555       470,570       439,741  
United Kingdom
    242,258       329,999       108,040  
Canada
    287,758       262,217       222,846  
Other Euro zone countries
    944,470       817,082       744,416  
Other international
    1,323,249       1,206,655       962,106  
                         
    $ 7,619,952     $ 6,820,812     $ 5,990,863  
                         
 
No individual country in the Other international category above had material revenues from external customers.
 


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
                 
    January 3,
    December 29,
 
    2009     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
Tangible long-lived assets
               
United States
  $ 480,000     $ 654,051  
Oceangoing assets
    134,681       161,531  
Philippines
    144,114       148,786  
Costa Rica
    96,916       97,576  
Honduras
    79,298       77,093  
Chile
    48,647       56,974  
Ecuador
    64,426       54,254  
Other international
    140,487       245,461  
                 
    $ 1,188,569     $ 1,495,726  
                 
 
Note 16 — Operating Leases and Other Commitments
 
In addition to obligations recorded on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 3, 2009, the Company has commitments under cancelable and non-cancelable operating leases, primarily for land, machinery and equipment, vessels and containers and office and warehouse facilities. A significant portion of the Company’s lease payments are fixed. Total rental expense, including rent related to cancelable and non-cancelable leases, was $204.2 million, $169.2 million and $153 million (net of sublease income of $17.1 million, $16.6 million and $16.4 million) for the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively.
 
The Company modified the terms of its corporate aircraft lease agreement during 2007. The modification primarily extended the lease period from terminating in 2010 to 2018. The Company’s corporate aircraft lease agreement includes a residual value guarantee of up to $4.8 million at the termination of the lease in 2018.
 
As of January 3, 2009, the Company’s non-cancelable minimum lease commitments, including the residual value guarantee, before sublease income, were as follows (in thousands):
 
         
Fiscal Year
  Amount  
 
2009
  $ 143,054  
2010
    110,736  
2011
    85,026  
2012
    62,842  
2013
    47,677  
Thereafter
    115,034  
         
Total
  $ 564,369  
         
 
Total expected future sublease income expected to be earned over 7 years is $42.6 million.
 
In order to secure sufficient product to meet demand and to supplement the Company’s own production, the Company has entered into non-cancelable agreements with independent growers, primarily in Latin America and North America, to purchase substantially all of their production subject to market demand and product quality. Prices under these agreements are generally tied to prevailing market rates and contract terms generally range from one to ten years. Total purchases under these agreements were $658.8 million, $564.5 million and $474.5 million for the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively.

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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
At January 3, 2009, aggregate future payments under such purchase commitments (based on January 3, 2009 pricing and volumes) are as follows (in thousands):
 
         
Fiscal Year
  Amount  
 
2009
  $ 622,921  
2010
    395,143  
2011
    348,642  
2012
    218,687  
2013
    184,596  
Thereafter
    131,404  
         
Total
  $ 1,901,393  
         
 
In order to ensure a steady supply of packing supplies and to maximize volume incentive rebates, the Company has entered into contracts for the purchase of packing supplies; some of these contracts run through 2010. Prices under these agreements are generally tied to prevailing market rates. Purchases under these contracts for the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 were approximately $292.6 million, $272.7 million and $207.6 million, respectively.
 
Under these contracts, the Company was committed at January 3, 2009, to purchase packing supplies, assuming current price levels, as follows (in thousands):
 
         
Fiscal Year
  Amount  
 
2009
  $ 158,638  
2010
    133,875  
         
Total
  $ 292,513  
         
 
The Company has numerous collective bargaining agreements with various unions covering approximately 35% of the Company’s hourly full-time and seasonal employees. Of the unionized employees, 35% are covered under a collective bargaining agreement that will expire within one year and the remaining 65% are covered under collective bargaining agreements expiring beyond the upcoming year. These agreements are subject to periodic negotiation and renewal. Failure to renew any of these collective bargaining agreements may result in a strike or work stoppage; however, management does not expect that the outcome of these negotiations and renewals will have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
 
Note 17 — Derivative Financial Instruments
 
The Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, bunker fuel price fluctuations and interest rate changes in the normal course of its business. As part of its risk management strategy, the Company uses derivative instruments to hedge certain foreign currency, bunker fuel and interest rate exposures. The Company’s objective is to offset gains and losses resulting from these exposures with losses and gains on the derivative contracts used to hedge them, thereby reducing volatility of earnings. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
 
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended (“FAS 133”), establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every derivative instrument be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability and measured at fair value. FAS 133 also requires that changes in the derivative’s fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific criteria are met and that a company must formally document, designate and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting. For those instruments that qualify for hedge accounting as cash flow hedges, any unrealized gains or losses are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), with the corresponding asset or


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
liability recorded on the balance sheet. Any portion of a cash flow hedge that is deemed to be ineffective is recognized into current period earnings. When the transaction underlying the hedge is recognized into earnings, the related other comprehensive income (loss) is reclassified to current period earnings.
 
Through the first quarter of 2007, all of the Company’s derivative instruments, with the exception of the cross currency swap, were designated as effective hedges of cash flows as defined by FAS 133. However, during the second quarter of 2007, the Company elected to discontinue its designation of both its foreign currency and bunker fuel hedges as cash flow hedges under FAS 133. The interest rate swap continues to be accounted for as a cash flow hedge under FAS 133. As a result, all changes in the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments from the time of discontinuation of hedge accounting are reflected in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Gains and losses on foreign currency and bunker fuel hedges are recorded as a component of cost of products sold in the consolidated statement of operations. Gains and losses related to the interest rate swap are recorded as a component of interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
 
Foreign Currency Hedges
 
Some of the Company’s divisions operate in functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar. As a result, the Company enters into cash flow derivative instruments to hedge portions of anticipated revenue streams and operating expenses. At January 3, 2009, the Company had forward contract hedges for forecasted revenue transactions denominated in the Japanese yen, the Euro and the Swedish krona and for forecasted operating expenses denominated in the Chilean peso, Colombian peso and the Philippine peso. The Company uses foreign currency exchange forward contracts and participating forward contracts to reduce its risk related to anticipated dollar equivalent foreign currency cash flows.
 
In addition, the net assets of some of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are exposed to foreign currency translation gains and losses, which are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity. The Company has historically not attempted to hedge this equity risk.
 
At January 3, 2009, the gross notional value and fair market value of the Company’s foreign currency hedges were as follows:
 
                                         
    Gross Notional Value           Average
 
    Participating
                Fair Market Value
    Strike
 
    Forwards     Forwards     Total     Assets (Liabilities)     Price  
    (In thousands)              
 
Foreign Currency Hedges(Buy/Sell):
                                       
U.S. Dollar/Japanese Yen
  $ 147,474     $     $ 147,474     $ (9,800 )   JPY 104  
U.S. Dollar/Euro
    100,207             100,207       5,206     EUR 1.43  
Euro/Swedish Krona
          4,709       4,709       (153 )   SEK 11.09  
Chilean Peso/U.S. Dollar
          22,495       22,495       419     CLP 668  
Colombian Peso/U.S. Dollar
          52,262       52,262       (441 )   COP 2,294  
Philippine Peso/U.S. Dollar
          39,053       39,053       (846 )   PHP 47.5  
                                         
Total
  $ 247,681     $ 118,519     $ 366,200     $ (5,615 )        
                                         
 
At December 29, 2007 the Company had outstanding hedges denominated in the Japanese yen, the Euro, the Canadian dollar, the Chilean peso and the Thai baht. The fair market value of these hedges was a liability of $12.1 million at December 29, 2007.


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Bunker Fuel Hedges
 
The Company enters into bunker fuel hedges for its shipping operations to reduce its risk related to price fluctuations on anticipated bunker fuel purchases. At January 3, 2009, the notional volume and the fair market value of the Company’s bunker fuel hedges were as follows:
 
                         
        Fair Market
   
    Notional Volume   Value   Average Price
    (metric tons)   (In thousands)   (per metric ton)
 
Bunker Fuel Hedges:
                       
Rotterdam
    15,018     $ (3,576 )   $ 418  
 
At December 29, 2007, the fair market value of the bunker fuel hedges was an asset of $1.1 million, which included $0.4 million related to unsettled bunker fuel hedges that received FAS 133 treatment prior to the discontinuation of hedge accounting during the second quarter of 2007.
 
For both the foreign currency and bunker fuel hedges, the fair market value of these instruments is recorded in the consolidated balance sheet as either a current asset or current liability. Settlement of these hedges will occur during 2009.
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) and realized gains (losses) included as a component of cost of products sold in the consolidated statement of operations on the foreign currency and bunker fuel hedges for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006 were as follows:
 
                                 
    2008     2007     2006        
    (In thousands)        
 
Unrealized Gains (Losses):
                               
Foreign currency exchange contracts and other
  $ 6,002     $ (12,065 )   $          
Foreign currency exchange contracts — discontinued operations
    447             (492 )        
Bunker fuel contracts
    (4,325 )     749       (1,088 )        
                                 
      2,124       (11,316 )     (1,580 )        
Realized Gains (Losses):
                               
Foreign currency exchange contracts
    (11,255 )     12,719       2,203          
Foreign currency exchange contracts — discontinued operations
    (736 )     6,098       (1,436 )        
Bunker fuel contracts
    678       3,903       (3,465 )        
                                 
      (11,313 )     22,720       (2,698 )        
                                 
    $ (9,189 )   $ 11,404     $ (4,278 )        
                                 
 
With the exception of some Colombian peso hedges, all unrealized gains (losses) on foreign currency and bunker fuel hedges for 2006 were included as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity. Unrealized losses for 2006 included in the table above relate to Colombian peso hedges that did not receive FAS 133 treatment and the ineffective portion of bunker fuel hedges. The realized and unrealized gains (losses) related to discontinued operations were included as a component of loss from discontinued operations.
 
Interest Rate and Cross Currency Swaps
 
As discussed in Note 12, the Company completed an amendment and restatement of its senior secured credit facilities in April 2006. As a result of this refinancing transaction, the Company recognized a gain of $6.5 million related to the settlement of its interest rate swap associated with its then existing Term Loan A. This amount was


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
recorded to other income (expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 30, 2006.
 
In June 2006, subsequent to the refinancing transaction, the Company entered into an interest rate swap in order to hedge future changes in interest rates. This agreement effectively converted $320 million of borrowings under Term Loan C, which was variable-rate debt, to a fixed-rate basis through June 2011. The interest rate swap fixed the interest rate at 7.24%. The paying and receiving rates under the interest rate swap were 5.49% and 4.82% as of January 3, 2009, with an outstanding notional amount of $320 million. The critical terms of the interest rate swap were substantially the same as those of Term Loan C, including quarterly principal and interest settlements. The interest rate swap hedge has been designated as an effective hedge of cash flows as defined by FAS 133. The fair value of the interest rate swap was a liability of $26.5 million and $15.9 million at January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, respectively. Net payments of the interest rate swap are recorded as a component of interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations for 2008 and 2007. Net payments were $5.6 million and $0.4 million for the years ended January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, respectively.
 
In addition, in June 2006, the Company executed a cross currency swap to synthetically convert $320 million of Term Loan C into Japanese yen denominated debt in order to effectively lower the U.S. dollar fixed interest rate of 7.24% to a Japanese yen interest rate of 3.6%. Payments under the cross currency swap were converted from U.S. dollars to Japanese yen at an exchange rate of ¥111.9. At January 3, 2009, the exchange rate of the Japanese yen to U.S. dollar was ¥90.6. The value of the cross currency swap will fluctuate based on changes in the U.S. dollar to Japanese yen exchange rate and market interest rates until maturity in 2011, at which time it will settle in cash at the then current exchange rate. The fair market value of the cross currency swap was a liability of $40.5 million and an asset of $9.9 million at January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, respectively.
 
The unrealized gains (losses) and realized gains on the cross currency swap for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006 were as follows:
 
                         
    2008     2007     2006  
    (In thousands)  
 
Unrealized gains (losses)
  $ (50,411 )   $ (10,741 )   $ 20,664  
Realized gains
    11,209       12,780       4,102  
                         
    $ (39,202 )   $ 2,039     $ 24,766  
                         
 
Realized and unrealized gains and losses on the cross currency swap are recorded through other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations.
 
FAS 157
 
As discussed in Note 2, the Company adopted FAS 157 as of December 30, 2007 for financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis and the impact of the adoption was not material. FAS 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable and unobservable inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. These levels, in order of highest to lowest priority are described below:
 
Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities.
 
Level 2: Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data.
 
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
 
The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments are determined using Level 2 inputs, which are defined as “significant other observable inputs.” The fair values of the foreign currency exchange contracts, bunker fuel contracts, interest rate swap and cross currency swap were estimated using internal discounted cash flow


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
calculations based upon forward foreign currency exchange rates, bunker fuel futures, interest-rate yield curves or quotes obtained from brokers for contracts with similar terms less any credit valuation adjustments. The Company recorded a credit valuation adjustment at January 3, 2009 which reduced the derivative liability balances by approximately $16.3 million and resulted in a corresponding decrease in the unrealized loss recorded for the derivative instruments. Approximately $2.7 million of the credit valuation adjustment was recorded as a component of interest expense and $13.6 million was recorded as a component of other income (expense), net.
 
The following table provides a summary of the fair values of assets and liabilities under the FAS 157 hierarchy:
 
                 
          Fair Value
 
          Measurements at
 
          January 3, 2009
 
          Using Significant
 
          Other Observable
 
    January 3,
    Inputs
 
    2009     (Level 2)  
    (In thousands)  
 
Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis
               
Assets:
               
Foreign currency exchange contracts
  $ 5,625     $ 5,625  
                 
Liabilities:
               
Foreign currency exchange contracts
  $ 11,240     $ 11,240  
Bunker fuel contracts
    3,576       3,576  
Interest rate swap
    26,467       26,467  
Cross currency swap
    40,488       40,488  
                 
    $ 81,771     $ 81,771  
                 
 
Credit Risk
 
The counterparties to the foreign currency exchange forward contracts, bunker fuel hedges and the interest rate swap consist of a number of major international financial institutions. The Company has established counterparty guidelines and regularly monitors its positions and the financial strength of these institutions. While counterparties to hedging contracts expose the Company to credit-related losses in the event of a counterparty’s non-performance, the risk would be limited to the unrealized gains on such affected contracts. The Company does not anticipate any such losses.
 
Note 18 — Contingencies
 
The Company is a guarantor of indebtedness to some of its key fruit suppliers and other entities integral to the Company’s operations. At January 3, 2009, guarantees of $3.2 million consisted primarily of amounts advanced under third-party bank agreements to independent growers that supply the Company with product. The Company has not historically experienced any significant losses associated with these guarantees.
 
The Company issues letters of credit and bank guarantees through its ABL revolver and its pre-funded letter of credit facilities, and, in addition, separately through major banking institutions. The Company also provides insurance company issued bonds. These letters of credit, bank guarantees and insurance company bonds are required by certain regulatory authorities, suppliers and other operating agreements. As of January 3, 2009, total letters of credit, bank guarantees and bonds outstanding under these arrangements were $107.3 million, of which $71 million were issued under its pre-funded letter of credit facility.


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The Company also provides various guarantees, mostly to foreign banks, in the course of its normal business operations to support the borrowings, leases and other obligations of its subsidiaries. The Company guaranteed $218.8 million of its subsidiaries’ obligations to their suppliers and other third parties as of January 3, 2009.
 
The Company has change of control agreements with certain key executives, under which severance payments and benefits would become payable in the event of specified terminations of employment following a change of control (as defined) of the Company.
 
The Company is involved from time to time in claims and legal actions incidental to its operations, both as plaintiff and defendant. The Company has established what management currently believes to be adequate reserves for pending legal matters. These reserves are established as part of an ongoing worldwide assessment of claims and legal actions that takes into consideration such items as changes in the pending case load (including resolved and new matters), opinions of legal counsel, individual developments in court proceedings, changes in the law, changes in business focus, changes in the litigation environment, changes in opponent strategy and tactics, new developments as a result of ongoing discovery, and past experience in defending and settling similar claims. In the opinion of management, after consultation with outside counsel, the claims or actions to which the Company is a party are not expected to have a material adverse effect, individually or in the aggregate, on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
 
DBCP Cases:  A significant portion of the Company’s legal exposure relates to lawsuits pending in the United States and in several foreign countries, alleging injury as a result of exposure to the agricultural chemical DBCP (1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane). DBCP was manufactured by several chemical companies including Dow and Shell and registered by the U.S. government for use on food crops. The Company and other growers applied DBCP on banana farms in Latin America and the Philippines and on pineapple farms in Hawaii. Specific periods of use varied among the different locations. The Company halted all purchases of DBCP, including for use in foreign countries, when the U.S. EPA cancelled the registration of DBCP for use in the United States in 1979. That cancellation was based in part on a 1977 study by a manufacturer which indicated an apparent link between male sterility and exposure to DBCP among factory workers producing the product, as well as early product testing done by the manufacturers showing testicular effects on animals exposed to DBCP. To date, there is no reliable evidence demonstrating that field application of DBCP led to sterility among farm workers, although that claim is made in the pending lawsuits. Nor is there any reliable scientific evidence that DBCP causes any other injuries in humans, although plaintiffs in the various actions assert claims based on cancer, birth defects and other general illnesses.
 
Currently there are 249 lawsuits, in various stages of proceedings, alleging injury as a result of exposure to DBCP or seeking enforcement of Nicaragua judgments. In addition, there are 150 labor cases pending in Costa Rica under that country’s national insurance program.
 
Thirty-three of the 249 lawsuits are currently pending in various jurisdictions in the United States. Eighteen lawsuits in Los Angeles Superior Court brought by foreign workers who alleged exposure to DBCP in countries where Dole did not even have operations during the relevant period, are to be dismissed without prejudice by March 30, 2009 pursuant to a tolling agreement which terminates on December 31, 2012. Two additional lawsuits in Texas and in Hawaii were also dismissed. On April 21-23, 2009 the Los Angeles Superior Court will hold a scheduled hearing on an order to show cause as why the two pending lawsuits (including the case with a previous trial date of September 10, 2009) brought by Nicaraguan plaintiffs should not be terminated with prejudice, pursuant to the court’s stated inherent power and responsibility to terminate litigation if deliberate and egregious misconduct makes any sanctions other than dismissal inadequate to ensure a fair trial. One of two U.S. law firms representing the plaintiffs in these two pending lawsuits has filed a notice of discharge of attorneys of record; and the second law firm has filed a motion to be relieved as counsel for the plaintiffs. Another case pending in Hawaii Superior Court with 10 plaintiffs from Costa Rica, Guatemala, Ecuador and Panama currently has a trial date of January 18, 2010. The remaining cases are pending in Latin America and the Philippines. Claimed damages in DBCP cases worldwide total approximately $44.5 billion, with lawsuits in Nicaragua representing approximately


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
88% of this amount. Typically in these cases the Company is a joint defendant with the major DBCP manufacturers. Except as described below, none of these lawsuits has resulted in a verdict or judgment against the Company.
 
One case pending in Los Angeles Superior Court with 12 Nicaraguan plaintiffs initially resulted in verdicts which totaled approximately $5 million in damages against Dole in favor of six of the plaintiffs. As a result of the court’s March 7, 2008 favorable rulings on Dole’s post-verdict motions, including, importantly, the court’s decision striking down punitive damages in the case on U.S. Constitutional grounds, the damages against Dole have now been reduced to $1.58 million in total compensatory awards to four of the plaintiffs; and the court granted Dole’s motion for a new trial as to the claims of one of the plaintiffs. The parties in this lawsuit have filed appeals. Once the court makes its determination of costs, the Company will file an appeal bond, which will further stay the judgment pending the resolution of the appeal. Additionally, the court appointed a mediator to explore possible settlement of all DBCP cases currently pending before the court.
 
In Nicaragua, 196 cases are currently filed (of which 20 are active) in various courts throughout the country, all but one of which were brought pursuant to Law 364, an October 2000 Nicaraguan statute that contains substantive and procedural provisions that Nicaragua’s Attorney General formally opined are unconstitutional. In October 2003, the Supreme Court of Nicaragua issued an advisory opinion, not connected with any litigation, that Law 364 is constitutional. Thirty-two cases have resulted in judgments in Nicaragua: $489.4 million (nine cases consolidated with 468 claimants) on December 11, 2002; $82.9 million (one case with 58 claimants) on February 25, 2004; $15.7 million (one case with 20 claimants) on May 25, 2004; $4 million (one case with four claimants) on May 25, 2004; $56.5 million (one case with 72 claimants) on June 14, 2004; $64.8 million (one case with 86 claimants) on June 15, 2004; $27.7 million (one case with 39 claimants) on March 17, 2005; $98.5 million (one case with 150 claimants) on August 8, 2005; $46.4 million (one case with 62 claimants) on August 20, 2005; $809 million (six cases consolidated with 1,248 claimants) on December 1, 2006; $38.4 million (one case with 192 claimants) on November 14, 2007; and $357.7 million (eight cases with 417 claimants) on January 12, 2009, which the Company recently learned of unofficially. Except for the latest one, the Company has appealed all judgments, with Dole’s appeal of the August 8, 2005 $98.5 million judgment and of the December 1, 2006 $809 million judgment currently pending before the Nicaragua Court of Appeal. Dole will appeal the $357.7 million judgment once it has been served.
 
The 20 active cases are currently pending in civil courts in Managua (9), Chinandega (10) and Puerto Cabezas (1), all of which have been brought under Law 364 except for one of the cases pending in Chinandega. In 2 of the 9 cases in Managua (Dole has not been ordered to answer in seven cases), the Company has sought to have the cases returned to the United States pursuant to Law 364. Dole’s requests are still pending and the Company expects to make similar requests in the remaining seven cases at the appropriate time. In four of the 10 cases in Chinandega (Dole has not been ordered to answer in six cases), the Company has sought to have the cases returned to the United States pursuant to Law 364. In one case, the Chinandega court has ordered the plaintiffs to respond to our request; in two cases, the court had denied the Company’s requests, and Dole has appealed that decision; and in the other case, the court has not yet ruled on Dole’s request. In the one case in Puerto Cabezas, the Company has sought to have the case returned to the United States, and Dole has appealed the court’s denial of the Company’s request.
 
The claimants’ attempted enforcement of the December 11, 2002 judgment for $489.4 million in the United States resulted in a dismissal with prejudice of that action by the United States District Court for the Central District of California on October 20, 2003. The claimants have voluntarily dismissed their appeal of that decision, which was pending before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Defendants’ motion for sanctions against Plaintiffs’ counsel is still pending before the Court of Appeals in that case. A Special Master appointed by the Court of Appeals has recommended that Plaintiffs’ counsel be ordered to pay Defendants’ fees and costs up to $130,000 each to Dole and the other two defendants; and following such recommendation, the Court of Appeals has appointed a special prosecutor.
 
Claimants have also sought to enforce the Nicaraguan judgments in Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. In addition, there is one case pending in the U.S. District Court in Miami, Florida seeking enforcement of the August 8,


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
2005 $98.5 million Nicaraguan judgment. This case is currently stayed. In Venezuela, the claimants have attempted to enforce five of the Nicaraguan judgments in that country’s Supreme Court: $489.4 million (December 11, 2002); $82.9 million (February 25, 2004); $15.7 million (May 25, 2004); $56.5 million (June 14, 2004); and $64.8 million (June 15, 2004). These cases are currently inactive. An action filed to enforce the $27.7 million Nicaraguan judgment (March 17, 2005) in the Colombian Supreme Court was dismissed. In Ecuador, the claimants attempted to enforce the five Nicaraguan judgments issued between February 25, 2004 through June 15, 2004 in the Ecuador Supreme Court. The First, Second and Third Chambers of the Ecuador Supreme Court issued rulings refusing to consider those enforcement actions on the ground that the Supreme Court was not a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of a foreign judgment. The plaintiffs subsequently refiled those five enforcement actions in the civil court in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Two of these subsequently filed enforcement actions have been dismissed by the 3rd Civil Court — $15.7 million (May 25, 2004) — and the 12th Civil Court — $56.5 million (June 14, 2004) — in Guayaquil; plaintiffs have sought reconsideration of those dismissals. The remaining three enforcement actions are still pending.
 
The Company believes that none of the Nicaraguan judgments will be enforceable against any Dole entity in the U.S. or in any other country, because Nicaragua’s Law 364 is unconstitutional and violates international principles of due process. Among other things, Law 364 is an improper “special law” directed at particular parties; it requires defendants to pay large, non-refundable deposits in order to even participate in the litigation; it provides a severely truncated procedural process; it establishes an irrebuttable presumption of causation that is contrary to the evidence and scientific data; and it sets unreasonable minimum damages that must be awarded in every case.
 
On October 23, 2006, Dole announced that Standard Fruit de Honduras, S.A. reached an agreement with the Government of Honduras and representatives of Honduran banana workers. This agreement establishes a Worker Program that is intended by the parties to resolve in a fair and equitable manner the claims of male banana workers alleging sterility as a result of exposure to DBCP. The Honduran Worker Program will not have a material effect on Dole’s financial condition or results of operations. The official start of the Honduran Worker Program was announced on January 8, 2007. On August 15, 2007, Shell Oil Company was included in the Worker Program.
 
As to all the DBCP matters, the Company has denied liability and asserted substantial defenses. While Dole believes there is no reliable scientific basis for alleged injuries from the agricultural field application of DBCP, Dole continues to seek reasonable resolution of other pending litigation and claims in the U.S. and Latin America. For example, as in Honduras, Dole is committed to finding a prompt resolution to the DBCP claims in Nicaragua, and is prepared to pursue a structured worker program in Nicaragua with science-based criteria. Although no assurance can be given concerning the outcome of these cases, in the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel and based on past experience defending and settling DBCP claims, the pending lawsuits are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
 
European Union Antitrust Inquiry:  On October 15, 2008, the European Commission (“EC”) adopted a Decision against Dole Food Company, Inc. and Dole Fresh Fruit Europe OHG (collectively “Dole”) and against other unrelated banana companies, finding violations of the European competition (antitrust) laws. The Decision imposes €45.6 million in fines on Dole.
 
The Decision follows a Statement of Objections, issued by the EC on July 25, 2007, and searches carried out by the EC in June 2005 at certain banana importers and distributors, including two of Dole’s offices. On November 28 and 29, 2007, the EC conducted searches of certain of the Company’s offices in Italy and Spain, as well as of other companies’ offices located in these countries.
 
Dole received the Decision on October 21, 2008 and appealed the Decision on December 24, 2008.
 
On December 3, 2008, the EC agreed in writing that if Dole makes an initial payment of $10 million to the EC on or before January 22, 2009, the EC will stay the deadline for a provisional payment, or coverage by a prime bank guaranty, of the remaining balance (plus interest as from January 22, 2009), until April 30, 2009. Dole made this


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
initial $10 million (€7.6 million) payment on January 21, 2009 and it will be included in other assets in the Company’s first quarter 2009 consolidated balance sheet.
 
Although no assurances can be given, and although there could be a material adverse effect on the Company, the Company believes that it has not violated the European competition laws. No accrual for the Decision has been made in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, since the Company cannot determine at this time the amount of probable loss, if any, incurred as a result of the Decision.
 
Honduran Tax Case:  In 2005, the Company received a tax assessment from Honduras of approximately $137 million (including the claimed tax, penalty, and interest through the date of assessment) relating to the disposition of all of our interest in Cervecería Hondureña, S.A. in 2001. Dole believes the assessment is without merit and filed an appeal with the Honduran tax authorities, which was denied. As a result of the denial in the administrative process, in order to negate the tax assessment, on August 5, 2005, the Company proceeded to the next stage of the appellate process by filing a lawsuit against the Honduran government in the Honduran Administrative Tax Trial Court. The Honduran government sought dismissal of the lawsuit and attachment of assets, which Dole challenged. The Honduran Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the Honduran intermediate appellate court that a statutory prerequisite to challenging the tax assessment on the merits is the payment of the tax assessment or the filing of a payment plan with the Honduran courts; Dole has challenged the constitutionality of the statute requiring such payment or payment plan. Although no assurance can be given concerning the outcome of this case, in the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, the pending lawsuits and tax-related matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
 
Hurricane Katrina Cases:  Dole was one of a number of parties sued, including the Mississippi State Port Authority as well as other third-party terminal operators, in connection with the August 2005 Hurricane Katrina. The plaintiffs asserted that they suffered property damage because of the defendants’ alleged failure to reasonably secure shipping containers at the Gulfport, Mississippi port terminal before Hurricane Katrina hit. Dole prevailed in its motions to dismiss several of these cases, and the remainder were voluntarily withdrawn. No further litigation is pending against the Company related to Hurricane Katrina, and any new claims would now be time-barred.
 
Spinach E. coli Outbreak:  On September 15, 2006, Natural Selection Foods LLC recalled all packaged fresh spinach that Natural Selection Foods produced and packaged with Best-If-Used-By dates from August 17 through October 1, 2006, because of reports of illness due to E. coli O157:H7 following consumption of packaged fresh spinach produced by Natural Selection Foods. These packages were sold under 28 different brand names, only one of which was ours. At that time, Natural Selection Foods produced and packaged all of our spinach items. Dole has no ownership or other economic interest in Natural Selection Foods.
 
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on September 29, 2006 that all spinach implicated in the current outbreak has traced back to Natural Selection Foods. The FDA stated that this determination was based on epidemiological and laboratory evidence obtained by multiple states and coordinated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The trace back investigation has narrowed to four implicated fields on four ranches. FDA and the State of California announced October 12, 2006 that the test results for certain samples collected during the field investigation of the outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in spinach were positive for E. coli O157:H7. Specifically, samples of cattle feces on one of the implicated ranches tested positive based on matching genetic fingerprints for the same strain of E. coli O157:H7 found in the infected persons. To date, 204 cases of illness due to E. coli O157:H7 infection have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (203 in 26 states and one in Canada) including 31 cases involving a type of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), 104 hospitalizations, and three deaths. The vast majority of the spinach E. coli O157:H7 claims were handled outside the formal litigation process, and Dole expects that to continue to be true for the few remaining claims. Since Natural Selection Foods, not Dole, produced and packaged the implicated spinach products, Dole has tendered the defense of these and other claims to Natural Selection Foods and its insurance carriers and has sought indemnity from Natural Selection Foods, based on the provisions of the contract between Dole and Natural Selection Foods. The company (and its insurance carriers) that grew the implicated spinach for Natural Selection Foods is involved in the resolution


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
of the E. coli O157:H7 claims. Dole expects that the spinach E. coli O157:H7 matter will not have a material adverse effect on Dole’s financial condition or results of operations.
 
Note 19 — Related Party Transactions
 
David H. Murdock, the Company’s Chairman, owns, inter alia, Castle & Cooke, Inc. (“Castle”), a transportation equipment leasing company, a private dining club and a hotel. During the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, the Company paid Mr. Murdock’s companies an aggregate of approximately $9.3 million, $7.2 million and $7.6 million, respectively, primarily for the rental of truck chassis, generator sets and warehousing services. Castle purchased approximately $0.7 million, $0.7 million and $1.1 million of products from the Company during the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively.
 
The Company and Castle are responsible for 68% and 32%, respectively, of all obligations under an aircraft lease arrangement. Each party is responsible for the direct costs associated with its use of this aircraft, and all other indirect costs are shared proportionately. During the year ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, the Company’s proportionate share of the direct and indirect costs for this aircraft was $2.2 million, $2 million and $1.9 million, respectively.
 
The Company and Castle operate their risk management departments on a joint basis. Insurance procurement and premium costs are based on the relative risk borne by each company as determined by the insurance underwriters. Administrative costs of the risk management department, which were not significant, are shared on a 50-50 basis.
 
The Company retains risk for commercial property losses sustained by the Company and Castle totaling $3 million in the aggregate and $3 million per occurrence, above which the Company has coverage provided through third-party insurance carriers. The arrangement provides for premiums to be paid to the Company by Castle in exchange for the Company’s retained risk. The Company received approximately $0.5 million, $0.6 million and $0.6 million from Castle during 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
The Company had a number of other transactions with Castle and other entities owned by Mr. Murdock, generally on an arms-length basis, none of which, individually or in the aggregate, were material. The Company had outstanding net accounts receivable of $1.2 million and a note receivable of $5.7 million due from Castle at January 3, 2009 and outstanding net accounts receivable of $0.5 million and a note receivable of $6 million due from Castle at December 29, 2007.
 
During the first quarter of 2007, the Company and Castle executed a lease agreement pursuant to which the Company’s fresh vegetables operations occupy an office building in Monterey, California, which is owned by Castle. Rent expense for the years ended January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007 totaled $1.4 million and $1 million, respectively.
 
Note 20 — Impact of Hurricane Katrina
 
During the third quarter of 2005, the Company’s operations in the Gulf Coast area of the United States were impacted by Hurricane Katrina. The Company’s fresh fruit division utilizes the Gulfport, Mississippi port facility to receive and store product from its Latin American operations. The Gulfport facility, which is leased from the Mississippi Port Authority, incurred significant damage from Hurricane Katrina. As a result of the damage sustained at the Gulfport terminal, the Company diverted shipments to other Dole port facilities including Freeport, Texas; Port Everglades, Florida; and Wilmington, Delaware. The Company resumed discharging shipments of fruit and other cargo in Gulfport during the fourth quarter of 2005. The rebuilding of the Company’s Gulfport facility was completed during 2007.


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The financial impact to the Company’s fresh fruit operations included the loss of cargo and equipment, property damage and additional costs associated with re-routing product to other ports in the region. Equipment that was destroyed or damaged included refrigerated and dry shipping containers, as well as chassis and generator-sets used for land transportation of the shipping containers. The Company maintains customary insurance for its property, including shipping containers, as well as for business interruption.
 
The Hurricane Katrina related expenses, insurance proceeds and net gain (loss) on the settlement of the claims for 2007, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:
 
                                 
    2007     2006     2005     Cumulative  
    (In thousands)  
 
Total Cargo and Property Policies:
                               
Expenses
  $ (551 )   $ (1,768 )   $ (10,088 )   $ (12,407 )
Insurance proceeds
    9,607       8,004       6,000       23,611  
                                 
Net gain (loss)
  $ 9,056     $ 6,236     $ (4,088 )   $ 11,204  
                                 
 
Total charges of $12.4 million include direct incremental expenses of $6.1 million, write-offs of owned assets with a net book value of $4.1 million and leased assets of $2.2 million representing amounts due to lessors. The Company settled all of its cargo claim for $9.2 million in December 2006 and, as a result, recognized a gain of $5.2 million in 2006. In December 2007, the Company settled all of its property claim for $14.4 million. The Company realized a gain of $9.1 million in 2007 associated with the settlement of its property claim, of which $5.2 million was for the reimbursement of lost and damaged property. The realized gains associated with the settlements of both the cargo and property claims are recorded in cost of products sold in the consolidated statement of operations in 2007 and 2006.
 
Note 21 — Guarantor Financial Information
 
In connection with the issuance of the 2011 Notes in March 2003 and the 2010 Notes in May 2003, all of the Company’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries (“Guarantors”) have fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, the Company’s obligations under the indentures related to such Notes and to the Company’s 2009 Notes, 2013 Debentures and 2014 Notes (the “Guarantees”). Each Guarantee is subordinated in right of payment to the Guarantors’ existing and future senior debt, including obligations under the senior secured credit facilities, and will rank pari passu with all senior subordinated indebtedness of the applicable Guarantor.
 
The accompanying guarantor consolidating financial information is presented on the equity method of accounting for all periods presented. Under this method, investments in subsidiaries are recorded at cost and adjusted for the Company’s share in the subsidiaries’ cumulative results of operations, capital contributions and distributions and other changes in equity. Elimination entries relate primarily to the elimination of investments in subsidiaries and associated intercompany balances and transactions as well as cash overdraft and income tax reclassifications.
 
The following are consolidating statements of operations of the Company for the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006; condensed consolidating balance sheets as of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007 and condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006.


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Year Ended January 3, 2009
 
                                         
    Dole Food
          Non
             
    Company, Inc.     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
Revenues, net
  $ 79,671     $ 3,121,814     $ 5,849,443     $ (1,430,976 )   $ 7,619,952  
Cost of products sold
    (77,252 )     (2,841,837 )     (5,362,463 )     1,418,660       (6,862,892 )
                                         
Gross margin
    2,419       279,977       486,980       (12,316 )     757,060  
Selling, marketing and general and administrative expenses
    (72,823 )     (181,028 )     (267,883 )     12,316       (509,418 )
Gain on asset sales
    2,346       2,491       22,139             26,976  
                                         
Operating income (loss)
    (68,058 )     101,440       241,236             274,618  
Equity in subsidiary income
    195,324       143,631             (338,955 )      
Other income (expense), net
    (89 )           (13,977 )           (14,066 )
Interest income
    147       233       6,075             6,455  
Interest expense
    (116,996 )     (569 )     (56,920 )           (174,485 )
                                         
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity earnings
    10,328       244,735       176,414       (338,955 )     92,522  
Income taxes
    111,844       (26,141 )     (37,688 )           48,015  
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries
    (2 )     (12 )     6,402             6,388  
                                         
Income from continuing operations
    122,170       218,582       145,128       (338,955 )     146,925  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
    (1,165 )     (27,672 )     1,446             (27,391 )
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income taxes
          3,315                   3,315  
                                         
Net income
    121,005       194,225       146,574       (338,955 )     122,849  
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
                (1,844 )           (1,844 )
                                         
Net income attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. 
  $ 121,005     $ 194,225     $ 144,730     $ (338,955 )   $ 121,005  
                                         


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Year Ended December 29, 2007
 
                                         
    Dole Food
          Non
             
    Company, Inc.     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
Revenues, net
  $ 76,585     $ 2,823,183     $ 5,161,424     $ (1,240,380 )   $ 6,820,812  
Cost of products sold
    (58,461 )     (2,562,406 )     (4,797,872 )     1,228,801       (6,189,938 )
                                         
Gross margin
    18,124       260,777       363,552       (11,579 )     630,874  
Selling, marketing and general and administrative expenses
    (75,227 )     (163,925 )     (254,017 )     11,579       (481,590 )
                                         
Operating income (loss)
    (57,103 )     96,852       109,535             149,284  
Equity in subsidiary income
    79,619       11,993             (91,612 )      
Other income (expense), net
    415             1,433             1,848  
Interest income
    271       263       6,991             7,525  
Interest expense
    (125,131 )     (42 )     (69,678 )           (194,851 )
                                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity earnings
    (101,929 )     109,066       48,281       (91,612 )     (36,194 )
Income taxes
    44,413       (25,543 )     (22,924 )           (4,054 )
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries
    10       132       1,554             1,696  
                                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    (57,506 )     83,655       26,911       (91,612 )     (38,552 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
          (6,452 )     (9,267 )           (15,719 )
                                         
Net income (loss)
    (57,506 )     77,203       17,644       (91,612 )     (54,271 )
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
                (3,235 )           (3,235 )
                                         
Net income attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. 
  $ (57,506 )   $ 77,203     $ 14,409     $ (91,612 )   $ (57,506 )
                                         


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Year Ended December 30, 2006
 
                                         
    Dole Food
          Non
             
    Company, Inc.     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
Revenues, net
  $ 66,151     $ 2,723,397     $ 4,443,397     $ (1,242,082 )   $ 5,990,863  
Cost of products sold
    (58,484 )     (2,440,423 )     (4,138,044 )     1,216,449       (5,420,502 )
                                         
Gross margin
    7,667       282,974       305,353       (25,633 )     570,361  
Selling, marketing and general and administrative expenses
    (61,050 )     (176,287 )     (222,679 )     25,633       (434,383 )
                                         
Operating income (loss)
    (53,383 )     106,687       82,674             135,978  
Equity in subsidiary income
    20,325       (41,363 )           21,038        
Other income (expense), net
    (3,207 )           18,383             15,176  
Interest income
    849       302       5,989             7,140  
Interest expense
    (115,505 )     (70 )     (59,140 )           (174,715 )
                                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity earnings
    (150,921 )     65,556       47,906       21,038       (16,421 )
Income taxes
    61,157       (38,293 )     (45,473 )           (22,609 )
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries
    137       801       (761 )           177  
                                         
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    (89,627 )     28,064       1,672       21,038       (38,853 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
          (11,322 )     (39,064 )           (50,386 )
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income taxes
          2,814                   2,814  
                                         
Net income
    (89,627 )     19,556       (37,392 )     21,038       (86,425 )
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
          (60 )     (3,142 )           (3,202 )
                                         
Net income (loss) attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc.
  $ (89,627 )   $ 19,496     $ (40,534 )   $ 21,038     $ (89,627 )
                                         


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
As of January 3, 2009
 
                                         
    Dole Food
          Non
             
    Company, Inc.     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 16,811     $     $ 85,460     $ (11,442 )   $ 90,829  
Receivables, net of allowances
    410,286       133,198       577,890       (314,139 )     807,235  
Inventories
    7,971       299,048       489,388             796,407  
Prepaid expenses
    9,374       14,489       45,484             69,347  
Deferred income tax assets
    18,891       25,566             (23,184 )     21,273  
Assets held-for-sale
    72,526       55,366       74,984             202,876  
                                         
Total current assets
    535,859       527,667       1,273,206       (348,765 )     1,987,967  
Investments
    2,172,994       1,786,868       72,708       (3,959,485 )     73,085  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    173,850       262,269       614,212             1,050,331  
Goodwill
          131,818       274,722             406,540  
Intangible assets, net
    689,615       18,426       417             708,458  
Other assets, net
    38,084       7,542       92,612             138,238  
                                         
Total assets
  $ 3,610,402     $ 2,734,590     $ 2,327,877     $ (4,308,250 )   $ 4,364,619  
                                         
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accounts payable
  $ 5,411     $ 438,991     $ 415,136     $ (348,765 )   $ 510,773  
Liabilities held-for-sale
          3,688       46,777             50,465  
Accrued liabilities
    67,206       173,920       249,019             490,145  
Current portion of long-term debt
    346,684       288       9,776             356,748  
Notes payable
                48,789             48,789  
                                         
Total current liabilities
    419,301       616,887       769,497       (348,765 )     1,456,920  
Intercompany payables (receivables)
    1,225,590       (133,650 )     (1,091,940 )            
Long-term debt
    1,080,296       3,506       714,754             1,798,556  
Deferred income tax liabilities
    207,073       7,926       39,206             254,205  
Other long-term liabilities
    275,242       37,853       108,684             421,779  
Equity attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. 
    402,900       2,202,068       1,757,417       (3,959,485 )     402,900  
Equity attributable to noncontrolling interests
                30,259             30,259  
                                         
Total shareholders’ equity
    402,900       2,202,068       1,787,676       (3,959,485 )     433,159  
                                         
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 3,610,402     $ 2,734,590     $ 2,327,877     $ (4,308,250 )   $ 4,364,619  
                                         


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
As of December 29, 2007
 
                                         
    Dole Food
          Non
             
    Company, Inc.     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 16,424     $     $ 95,801     $ (15,164 )   $ 97,061  
Receivables, net of allowances
    358,695       134,168       595,027       (248,737 )     839,153  
Inventories
    7,080       321,075       422,520             750,675  
Prepaid expenses
    5,318       16,322       49,656             71,296  
Deferred income tax assets
    16,942       23,686             (28,543 )     12,085  
Assets held-for-sale
    546       36,520       39,178             76,244  
                                         
Total current assets
    405,005       531,771       1,202,182       (292,444 )     1,846,514  
Investments
    2,130,680       1,733,717       68,884       (3,863,945 )     69,336  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    286,222       319,107       734,810             1,340,139  
Goodwill
          151,271       358,247             509,518  
Intangible assets, net
    689,616       22,128       10,046             721,790  
Other assets, net
    42,140       5,944       124,698       (17,195 )     155,587  
                                         
Total assets
  $ 3,553,663     $ 2,763,938     $ 2,498,867     $ (4,173,584 )   $ 4,642,884  
                                         
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accounts payable
  $ 8,339     $ 404,698     $ 422,366     $ (292,444 )   $ 542,959  
Accrued liabilities
    74,479       223,050       217,055             514,584  
Current portion of long-term debt
    1,950       102       12,119             14,171  
Notes payable
                81,018             81,018  
                                         
Total current liabilities
    84,768       627,850       732,558       (292,444 )     1,152,732  
Intercompany payables (receivables)
    983,062       (61,695 )     (921,367 )            
Long-term debt
    1,500,466       2,271       813,471             2,316,208  
Deferred income tax liabilities
    284,167       10,852             (17,195 )     277,824  
Other long-term liabilities
    376,192       44,082       120,960             541,234  
Equity attributable to Dole Food Company Inc. 
    325,008       2,140,578       1,723,367       (3,863,945 )     325,008  
Equity attributable to noncontrolling interests
                29,878             29,878  
                                         
Total shareholders’ equity
    325,008       2,140,578       1,753,245       (3,863,945 )     354,886  
                                         
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 3,553,663     $ 2,763,938     $ 2,498,867     $ (4,173,584 )   $ 4,642,884  
                                         


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended January 3, 2009
 
                                         
    Dole Food
          Non
             
    Company, Inc.     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Cash flow provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ 285     $ (4,763 )   $ 49,041     $     $ 44,563  
                                         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Proceeds from sales of assets and businesses, net of cash disposed
    42,404       41,209       142,870             226,483  
Capital additions
    (313 )     (21,071 )     (63,712 )           (85,096 )
Repurchase of common stock in going-private merge transaction
    (245 )                       (245 )
                                         
Cash flow provided by investing activities
    41,846       20,138       79,158             141,142  
                                         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Short-term debt borrowings
                94,943             94,943  
Short-term debt repayments
          (15,286 )     (120,702 )     3,722       (132,266 )
Long-term debt borrowings, net of debt issuance costs
    1,322,100             25,950             1,348,050  
Long-term debt repayments
    (1,397,788 )     (89 )     (84,923 )           (1,482,800 )
Borrowings between subsidiaries
    33,944             (33,944 )            
Dividends paid to minority shareholders
                (13,447 )           (13,447 )
                                         
Cash flow used in financing activities
    (41,744 )     (15,375 )     (132,123 )     3,722       (185,520 )
                                         
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash
                (6,417 )           (6,417 )
                                         
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    387             (10,341 )     3,722       (6,232 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    16,424             95,801       (15,164 )     97,061  
                                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 16,811     $     $ 85,460     $ (11,442 )   $ 90,829  
                                         


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended December 29, 2007
 
                                         
    Dole Food
          Non
             
    Company, Inc.     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Intercompany dividend income
  $ 17,543     $ 17,543     $     $ (35,086 )   $  
Operating activities
    (14,441 )     40,914       19,849             46,322  
                                         
Cash flow provided by operating activities
    3,102       58,457       19,849       (35,086 )     46,322  
                                         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Proceeds from sales of assets and businesses, net of cash disposed
    980       674       40,064             41,718  
Hurricane Katrina insurance proceeds
          5,200                   5,200  
Capital additions
    (612 )     (44,309 )     (61,900 )           (106,821 )
Repurchase of common stock in going-private merge transaction
    (1,480 )                       (1,480 )
                                         
Cash flow used in investing activities
    (1,112 )     (38,435 )     (21,836 )           (61,383 )
                                         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                                     
Short-term debt borrowings
          11,968       119,389       (11,968 )     119,389  
Short-term debt repayments
          (16,419 )     (74,757 )           (91,176 )
Long-term debt borrowings, net of debt issuance costs
    1,165,200       2,015       315             1,167,530  
Long-term debt repayments
    (1,158,088 )     (43 )     (11,082 )           (1,169,213 )
Intercompany dividends
          (17,543 )     (17,543 )     35,086        
Dividends paid to minority shareholders
                (10,485 )           (10,485 )
                                         
Cash flow provided by (used in) financing activities
    7,112       (20,022 )     5,837       23,118       16,045  
                                         
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash
                3,663             3,663  
                                         
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
    9,102             7,513       (11,968 )     4,647  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    7,322             88,288       (3,196 )     92,414  
                                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 16,424     $     $ 95,801     $ (15,164 )   $ 97,061  
                                         


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended December 30, 2006
 
                                         
    Dole Food
          Non
             
    Company, Inc.     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Cash flow provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ (83,110 )   $ 38,300     $ 60,731     $     $ 15,921  
                                         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Proceeds from sales of assets and businesses, net of cash disposed
    2,318       15,630       13,325             31,273  
Acquisitions and investments, net of cash acquired
                (22,950 )           (22,950 )
Capital additions
    (1,154 )     (59,505 )     (64,397 )           (125,056 )
Repurchase of common stock in going-private merge transaction
    (267 )                       (267 )
                                         
Cash flow provided by (used in) investing activities
    897       (43,875 )     (74,022 )           (117,000 )
                                         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Short-term debt borrowings
          13,032       88,349             101,381  
Short-term debt repayments
          (7,957 )     (51,181 )     6,266       (52,872 )
Long-term debt borrowings, net of debt issuance costs
    1,269,405       1,535       989,605             2,260,545  
Long-term debt repayments
    (997,877 )     (1,035 )     (970,786 )           (1,969,698 )
Capital contribution from parent
    28,390                         28,390  
Return of capital to parent
    (59,390 )                       (59,390 )
Dividends paid to minority shareholders
                (1,833 )           (1,833 )
Dividends paid to parent
    (163,691 )                       (163,691 )
                                         
Cash flow provided by financing activities
    76,837       5,575       54,154       6,266       142,832  
                                         
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash
                1,849             1,849  
                                         
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (5,376 )           42,712       6,266       43,602  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    12,698             45,576       (9,462 )     48,812  
                                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 7,322     $     $ 88,288     $ (3,196 )   $ 92,414  
                                         


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DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Note 22 — Earnings Per Share
 
The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share including a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator are as follows:
 
                         
    Fiscal Year Ended  
    January 3,
    December 29,
    December 30,
 
    2009     2007     2006  
    (Amounts in thousands)  
 
Numerator:
                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 146,925     $ (38,552 )   $ (38,853 )
Loss from discontinued operations
    (27,391 )     (15,719 )     (50,386 )
Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations
    3,315             2,814  
Net Income Attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (1,844 )     (3,235 )     (3,202 )
                         
Net income attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. 
  $ 121,005     $ (57,506 )   $ (89,627 )
                         
Denominator:
                       
Basic and Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
    1       1       1  
                         
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share:
                       
Income from Continuing Operations
  $ 147     $ (39 )   $ (39 )
Loss from discontinued operations
    (27 )     (16 )     (51 )
Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations
    3             3  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (2 )     (3 )     (3 )
                         
Net Income Attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. 
  $ 121     $ (58 )   $ (90 )
                         


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II. Supplementary Data

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
 
 
The following table presents summarized quarterly results:
 
                                 
    Quarter Ended  
    March 22,
    June 14,
    October 4,
    January 3,
 
2008
  2008     2008     2008     2009  
    (In thousands)  
 
Revenues, net
  $ 1,728,345     $ 1,994,943     $ 2,256,334     $ 1,640,330  
Gross margin
    169,660       233,236       182,273       171,891  
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income taxes
    (25,453 )     177,091       (2,342 )     (2,371 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
    (2,821 )     4,318       (21,760 )     (7,128 )
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income taxes
                3,315        
Net income (loss) attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. 
    (28,945 )     180,754       (21,318 )     (9,486 )
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. 
    (29 )     181       (21 )     (9 )
 
                                 
    Quarter Ended  
    March 24,
    June 16,
    October 6,
    December 29,
 
2007
  2007     2007     2007     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
Revenues, net
  $ 1,517,406     $ 1,735,302     $ 1,985,179     $ 1,582,925  
Gross margin
    141,738       184,951       161,431       142,754  
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income taxes
    (9,322 )     53,896       (55,716 )     (27,410 )
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
    (553 )     (4,020 )     (6,784 )     (4,362 )
Net income (loss) attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. 
    (10,215 )     49,055       (63,327 )     (33,019 )
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Dole Food Company, Inc. 
    (10 )     49       (63 )     (33 )
 
During the second quarter of 2008, the Company approved and committed to a formal plan to divest its fresh-cut flowers operations (“Flowers transaction”). The first phase of the Flowers transaction was completed during the first quarter of 2009. During the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company approved and committed to a formal plan to divest its citrus and pistachio operations (“Citrus”) located in central California. Prior to the fourth quarter of 2007, the operating results of Citrus were included in the fresh fruit operating segment. The Citrus sale closed during the third quarter of 2008. The results of operations of these businesses have been reclassified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.


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(PHOTO)

 


Table of Contents

 
           Shares
 
DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
Common Stock
 
 
 
 
(DOLE FOOD COMPANY LOGO)
 
 
 
 
Goldman, Sachs & Co. BofA Merrill Lynch Deutsche Bank Securities Wells Fargo Securities
 
 
 
 
Through and including          , 2009 (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to a dealer’s obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.
 
 


Table of Contents

PART II
 
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 13.   OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
The table below lists various expenses, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, we expect to incur in connection with the sale and distribution of the securities being registered hereby. All the expenses are estimates, except the Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee, the FINRA filing fee and the NYSE listing fee.
 
         
Type
  Amount  
 
Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee
  $ 27,900  
FINRA Filing Fee
    50,500  
NYSE Fee
        *      
Legal fees and expenses
    *      
Accounting fees and expenses
    *      
Printing and engraving expenses
    *      
Transfer agent and registrar fees
    *      
Miscellaneous expenses
    *      
         
Total
  $     *      
 
 
* To be filed by amendment
 
ITEM 14.   INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
Section 102 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or the DGCL, allows a corporation to eliminate the personal liability of directors of a corporation to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except where the director breached the duty of loyalty, failed to act in good faith, engaged in intentional misconduct or knowingly violated a law, authorized the payment of a dividend or approved a stock repurchase in violation of Delaware corporate law or obtained an improper personal benefit.
 
Section 145 of the DGCL provides for the indemnification of officers, directors and other corporate agents in terms sufficiently broad to indemnify such persons under circumstances for liabilities (including reimbursement for expenses incurred) arising under the Securities Act. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide for indemnification of our officers, directors, employees and agents to the extent and under the circumstances permitted under the Delaware General Corporation Law.
 
In addition to the indemnification provided by our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, prior to the consummation of this offering, we will enter into agreements to indemnify our directors and executive officers. These agreements, among other things will require us to indemnify these directors and officers for certain expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and settlement amounts incurred by any such person in any action or proceeding, including any action by or in our right, arising out of that person’s services as a director or officer of us or any of our subsidiaries or any other company or enterprise to which the person provides services at our request.
 
The Underwriting Agreement (Exhibit 1.1) provides for indemnification by the underwriters of us, our directors and officers, and by us and the selling stockholder of the underwriters, for some liabilities arising under the Securities Act, and affords some rights of contributions with respect thereto.


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ITEM 15.   RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.
 
On March 18, 2009, the Company completed the sale and issuance of $350 million aggregate principal amount of 13.875% Senior Secured Notes due March 2014, or the 2014 Notes, at a discount of $25 million. The 2014 Notes were sold to qualified institutional investors pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and to persons outside the United States in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. The sale of the 2014 Notes to the initial purchasers was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(2) thereof. Interest on the 2014 Notes will be paid semiannually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning on September 15, 2009. The 2014 Notes have the benefit of a lien on certain U.S. assets of the Company that is junior to the liens of the Company’s senior secured credit facilities, and are senior obligations of the Company ranking equally with the Company’s existing senior debt. The Company used the net proceeds from this offering, together with cash on hand and/or borrowings under the revolving credit facility, to purchase all of the tendered 8.625% notes due May 2009 , or the 2009 Notes, and to irrevocably deposit with the trustee of the 2009 Notes funds that was sufficient to repay the remaining outstanding 2009 Notes at maturity on May 1, 2009.
 
ITEM 16.   EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
 
         
Exhibit
   
Number
 
Title
 
 
  1.1**
    Form of Underwriting Agreement.
 
  3.1*
    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Dole Food Company, Inc.
 
  3.2*
    By-Laws of Dole Food Company, Inc.
 
  4.1*
    Indenture, dated as of July 15, 1993, between Dole and Chase Manhattan Bank and Trust Company (formerly Chemical Trust Company of California).
 
  4.2*
    Form of First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2002, between Dole and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, to the Indenture dated as of July 15, 1993, pursuant to which $400 million of Dole’s senior notes due 2009 were issued.
 
  4.3*
    Officers’ Certificate, dated August 3, 1993, pursuant to which $175 million of Dole’s debentures due 2013 were issued.
 
  4.4*
    Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 28, 2003, between Dole and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (successor trustee to J.P. Morgan Trust Company), to the Indenture dated as of July 15, 1993.
 
  4.5
    Agreement of Removal, Appointment and Acceptance, dated as of March 28, 2003, by and among Dole, J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, successor in interest to Chemical Trust Company of California, as Prior Trustee, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Dole’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed with the Commission on June 25, 2003, File No. 333-106493).
 
  4.6
    Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 25, 2003, by and among Dole, Miradero Fishing Company, Inc., the guarantors signatory thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to Dole’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed with the Commission on June 25, 2003, File No. 333-106493).
 
  4.7*
    Indenture, dated as of March 28, 2003, among Dole, the guarantors signatory thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which $475 million of Dole’s 87/8% senior notes due 2011 were issued.
 
  4.8
    First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 25, 2003, by and among Dole, Miradero Fishing Company, Inc., the guarantors signatory thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to Dole’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed with the Commission on June 25, 2003, File No. 333-106493).
 
  4.9*
    Form of Global Note and Guarantee for Dole’s new 87/8% senior notes due 2011 (included as Exhibit B to Exhibit Number 4.7 hereto).


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Exhibit
   
Number
 
Title
 
 
  4.10
    Indenture, dated as of May 29, 2003, among Dole, the guarantors signatory thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which $400 million of Dole’s 71/4% senior notes due 2010 were issued (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to Dole’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed with the Commission on June 25, 2003, File No. 333-106493).
 
  4.11
    First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 25, 2003, by and among Dole, Miradero Fishing Company, Inc., the guarantors signatory thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to Dole’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed with the Commission on June 25, 2003, File No. 333-106493).
 
  4.12
    Form of Global Note and Guarantee for Dole’s 71/4% senior notes due 2010 (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit Number 4.11 hereto).
 
  4.13*
    Form of Dole Food Company, Inc. Master Retirement Savings Trust Agreement, dated as of February 1, 1999, between Dole and The Northern Trust Company.
 
  4.14
    Indenture, dated as of March 18, 2009, among Dole Food Company, Inc., the guarantors signatory thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which $349,903,000 of Dole’s 13.875% senior secured notes due 2014 were issued (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.15 to Dole’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on March 24, 2009).
 
  4.15
    Form of Global Note for Dole’s 13.875% senior secured notes due 2014 (included as Exhibits A to Exhibit 4.14 hereto).
 
  4.16
    Form of Guarantee for Dole’s 13.875% senior secured notes due 2014 (included as Exhibit D to Exhibit 4.14 hereto).
 
  4.17
    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 18, 2009, among Dole Food Company, Inc. and the guarantors named therein, as issuers, and Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc., Banc of America Securities LLC, Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., Rabo Securities USA, Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co., as initial purchasers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.17 to Dole’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on March 24, 2009).
 
  4.18**
    Form of Common Stock Certificate.
 
  5.1**
    Opinion of Company Counsel.
 
10.1
    Credit Agreement, dated as of March 28, 2003, amended and restated as of April 18, 2005 and further amended and restated as of April 12, 2006, among DHM Holding Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Dole Holding Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Dole Food Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Solvest, Ltd., a company organized under the laws of Bermuda, the Lenders from time to time party hereto, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Deposit Bank, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, Banc Of America Securities LLC, as Syndication Agent, The Bank of Nova Scotia, as Documentation Agent and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as Lead Arranger and Sole Book Runner (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Dole’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005).
 
10.2
    Amendment No. 1, dated as of March 18, 2009, to the Credit Agreement included as Exhibit 10.1 hereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Dole’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on March 24, 2009).
 
10.3
    Credit Agreement, dated as of April 12, 2006, among DHM Holding Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Dole Holding Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Dole Food Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation, the Lenders party hereto from time to time, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, Banc of America Securities LLC, as Syndication Agent, Deutsche Bank Securities LLC and Banc of America Securities LLC, as Joint Book Running Managers and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. as Lead Arranger (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Dole’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005).
 
10.4
    Amendment No. 1, dated as of March 18, 2009, to the Credit Agreement included as Exhibit 10.3 hereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Dole’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on March 24, 2009).


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Exhibit
   
Number
 
Title
 
 
10.5*
    Dole’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, Fourth Restatement, effective January 1, 2009.
 
10.6*
    Dole’s Excess Savings Plan, Restated, effective January 1, 2009.
 
10.7*
    Amendment 2009-1, effective July 1, 2009, to Dole’s Excess Savings Plan.
 
10.8*
    Dole’s Non-Employee Directors Deferred Cash Compensation Plan, as Amended and Restated, effective January 1, 2009.
 
10.9*
    Severance Pay Plan for Employees of Dole Food Company, Inc. and Participating Divisions and Subsidiaries, effective January 1, 2006.
 
10.10*
    Amendment to Severance Pay Plan for Employees of Dole Food Company, Inc. and Participating Divisions and Subsidiaries, dated December 30, 2008.
 
10.11*
    Form of Change of Control Agreement entered into with Messrs. David H. Murdock, C. Michael Carter and Joseph S. Tesoriero.
 
10.12*
    Form of Indemnification Agreement.
 
21*
    Subsidiaries of Dole Food Company, Inc.
 
23.1**
    Consent of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP (included as part of Exhibit 5.1).
 
23.2*
    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
 
24.1
    Power of Attorney (included on signature page of Registration Statement hereto).
 
 
* Filed herewith
 
** To be filed by amendment


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ITEM 16.  
 
DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
                                         
    Balance at
                Charged to
    Balance at
 
    Beginning
                Other
    End of
 
    of Period     Additions     Deductions(A)     Accounts(B)     Period  
    (In thousands)  
 
Year Ended January 3, 2009
                                       
Allowance for doubtful accounts
                                       
Trade receivables
  $ 47,238     $ 8,438     $ (25,513 )   $ (1,245 )   $ 28,918  
Notes and other current receivables
    14,482       2,362       (2,764 )     (1,641 )     12,439  
Long-term notes and other receivables
    18,536       3,362       (3,005 )     1,295       20,188  
Year Ended December 29, 2007
                                       
Allowance for doubtful accounts
                                       
Trade receivables
  $ 47,806     $ 18,060     $ (18,918 )   $ 290     $ 47,238  
Notes and other current receivables
    14,826       3,098       (3,428 )     (14 )     14,482  
Long-term notes and other receivables
    17,927       4,011       (7,205 )     3,803       18,536  
Year Ended December 30, 2006
                                       
Allowance for doubtful accounts
                                       
Trade receivables
  $ 44,154     $ 16,259     $ (9,857 )   $ (2,750 )   $ 47,806  
Notes and other current receivables
    14,431       2,382       (1,936 )     (51 )     14,826  
Long-term notes and other receivables
    12,583       2,045       (1,161 )     4,460       17,927  
 
 
Note:
 
(A) Includes write-offs of uncollectible amounts
 
(B) Includes purchase accounting and transfers among balance sheet accounts


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ITEM 17.   UNDERTAKINGS.
 
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriters at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement, certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriters to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
 
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, or the Act, may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
(a) For purposes of determining any liability under the Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective; and
 
(b) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Westlake Village, California, on August 13, 2009.
 
DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC.
 
  By: 
/s/  David A. DeLorenzo
David A. DeLorenzo
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints David A. DeLorenzo and C. Michael Carter, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the following persons have signed this Registration Statement in the capacities and on the date indicated.
 
             
 
         
/s/  David H. Murdock

David H. Murdock
  Chairman and Director   August 13, 2009
         
/s/  David A. DeLorenzo

David A. DeLorenzo
  President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Director   August 13, 2009
         
/s/  C. Michael Carter

C. Michael Carter
  Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary and Director   August 13, 2009
         
/s/  Scott A. Griswold

Scott A. Griswold
  Executive Vice President, Corporate Development and Director   August 13, 2009
         
/s/  Roberta Wieman

Roberta Wieman
  Executive Vice President,
Chief of Staff and Director
  August 13, 2009
         
/s/  Joseph S. Tesoriero

Joseph S. Tesoriero
  Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
  August 13, 2009


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/s/  Yoon J. Hugh

Yoon J. Hugh
  Vice President, Controller and
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  August 13, 2009
         
/s/  Andrew J. Conrad

Andrew J. Conrad
  Director   August 13, 2009
         
/s/  Justin Murdock

Justin Murdock
  Vice President, New Products and Corporate Development and Director   August 13, 2009
         
/s/  Edward C. Roohan

Edward C. Roohan
  Director   August 13, 2009


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EXHIBIT INDEX
 
         
Exhibit
   
Number
 
Title
 
 
  1.1**
    Form of Underwriting Agreement.
 
  3.1*
    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Dole Food Company, Inc.
 
  3.2*
    By-Laws of Dole Food Company, Inc.
 
  4.1*
    Indenture, dated as of July 15, 1993, between Dole and Chase Manhattan Bank and Trust Company (formerly Chemical Trust Company of California).
 
  4.2*
    Form of First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2002, between Dole and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, to the Indenture dated as of July 15, 1993, pursuant to which $400 million of Dole’s senior notes due 2009 were issued.
 
  4.3*
    Officers’ Certificate, dated August 3, 1993, pursuant to which $175 million of Dole’s debentures due 2013 were issued.
 
  4.4*
    Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 28, 2003, between Dole and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (successor trustee to J.P. Morgan Trust Company), to the Indenture dated as of July 15, 1993.
 
  4.5
    Agreement of Removal, Appointment and Acceptance, dated as of March 28, 2003, by and among Dole, J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, successor in interest to Chemical Trust Company of California, as Prior Trustee, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Dole’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed with the Commission on June 25, 2003, File No. 333-106493).
 
  4.6
    Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 25, 2003, by and among Dole, Miradero Fishing Company, Inc., the guarantors signatory thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to Dole’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed with the Commission on June 25, 2003, File No. 333-106493).
 
  4.7*
    Indenture, dated as of March 28, 2003, among Dole, the guarantors signatory thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which $475 million of Dole’s 87/8% senior notes due 2011 were issued.
 
  4.8
    First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 25, 2003, by and among Dole, Miradero Fishing Company, Inc., the guarantors signatory thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to Dole’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed with the Commission on June 25, 2003, File No. 333-106493).
 
  4.9*
    Form of Global Note and Guarantee for Dole’s new 87/8% senior notes due 2011 (included as Exhibit B to Exhibit Number 4.7 hereto).
 
  4.10
    Indenture, dated as of May 29, 2003, among Dole, the guarantors signatory thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which $400 million of Dole’s 71/4% senior notes due 2010 were issued (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to Dole’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed with the Commission on June 25, 2003, File No. 333-106493).
 
  4.11
    First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 25, 2003, by and among Dole, Miradero Fishing Company, Inc., the guarantors signatory thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to Dole’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed with the Commission on June 25, 2003, File No. 333-106493).
 
  4.12
    Form of Global Note and Guarantee for Dole’s 71/4% senior notes due 2010 (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit Number 4.11 hereto).
 
  4.13*
    Form of Dole Food Company, Inc. Master Retirement Savings Trust Agreement, dated as of February 1, 1999, between Dole and The Northern Trust Company.
 
  4.14
    Indenture, dated as of March 18, 2009, among Dole Food Company, Inc., the guarantors signatory thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, pursuant to which $349,903,000 of Dole’s 13.875% senior secured notes due 2014 were issued (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.15 to Dole’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on March 24, 2009).
 
  4.15
    Form of Global Note for Dole’s 13.875% senior secured notes due 2014 (included as Exhibits A to Exhibit 4.14 hereto).
 
  4.16
    Form of Guarantee for Dole’s 13.875% senior secured notes due 2014 (included as Exhibit D to Exhibit 4.14 hereto).


Table of Contents

         
Exhibit
   
Number
 
Title
 
 
  4.17
    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 18, 2009, among Dole Food Company, Inc. and the guarantors named therein, as issuers, and Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc., Banc of America Securities LLC, Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., Rabo Securities USA, Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co., as initial purchasers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.17 to Dole’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on March 24, 2009).
 
  4.18**
    Form of Common Stock Certificate.
 
  5.1**
    Opinion of Company Counsel.
 
10.1
    Credit Agreement, dated as of March 28, 2003, amended and restated as of April 18, 2005 and further amended and restated as of April 12, 2006, among DHM Holding Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Dole Holding Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Dole Food Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Solvest, Ltd., a company organized under the laws of Bermuda, the Lenders from time to time party hereto, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Deposit Bank, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, Banc Of America Securities LLC, as Syndication Agent, The Bank of Nova Scotia, as Documentation Agent and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as Lead Arranger and Sole Book Runner (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Dole’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005).
 
10.2
    Amendment No. 1, dated as of March 18, 2009, to the Credit Agreement included as Exhibit 10.1 hereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Dole’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on March 24, 2009).
 
10.3
    Credit Agreement, dated as of April 12, 2006, among DHM Holding Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Dole Holding Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Dole Food Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation, the Lenders party hereto from time to time, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, Banc of America Securities LLC, as Syndication Agent, Deutsche Bank Securities LLC and Banc of America Securities LLC, as Joint Book Running Managers and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. as Lead Arranger (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Dole’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005).
 
10.4
    Amendment No. 1, dated as of March 18, 2009, to the Credit Agreement included as Exhibit 10.3 hereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Dole’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on March 24, 2009).
 
10.5*
    Dole’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, Fourth Restatement, effective January 1, 2009.
 
10.6*
    Dole’s Excess Savings Plan, Restated, effective January 1, 2009.
 
10.7*
    Amendment 2009-1, effective July 1, 2009, to Dole’s Excess Savings Plan.
 
10.8*
    Dole’s Non-Employee Directors Deferred Cash Compensation Plan, as Amended and Restated, effective January 1, 2009.
 
10.9*
    Severance Pay Plan for Employees of Dole Food Company, Inc. and Participating Divisions and Subsidiaries, effective January 1, 2006.
 
10.10*
    Amendment to Severance Pay Plan for Employees of Dole Food Company, Inc. and Participating Divisions and Subsidiaries, dated December 30, 2008.
 
10.11*
    Form of Change of Control Agreement entered into with Messrs. David H. Murdock, C. Michael Carter and Joseph S. Tesoriero.
 
10.12*
    Form of Indemnification Agreement.
 
21*
    Subsidiaries of Dole Food Company, Inc.
 
23.1**
    Consent of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP (included as part of Exhibit 5.1).
 
23.2*
    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
 
24.1
    Power of Attorney (included on signature page of Registration Statement hereto).
 
 
* Filed herewith
 
** To be filed by amendment