chiquita brands international annual

Chiquita Brands International, Inc.
1999 Annual Report and Form 10-K

Executive Message

In 1999, Chiquita Brands International experienced a difficult operating year, primarily due to an
unprecedented overallocation of European Union banana licenses in the second quarter that resulted in the
most severe price declines in five years and adversely affected the industry for the balance of the year. Weak
economies in Eastern Europe and Russia, along with larger than normal summer fruit harvests in Europe,
further contributed to pricing declines during 1999. These issues overshadowed our continued improvement
in delivered product costs. In 2000, we look for a more normal quarterly license allocation in the EU.
Our Processed Foods operating results improved in 1999 due to continued synergies from plant
consolidations, as well as modestly higher pricing for products. Improvements due to synergies are expected
to continue in 2000.
In March 2000, we announced a major business realignment that will take place over the next several months
enabling us to build a platform for profitable growth. These changes focus on the consolidation of our banana and
other fresh produce operations to serve customers in a single Chiquita Fresh organization for North America
and Europe. The most successful food retailers are looking for a broader product range, year-round supply and
expanded services through fewer points of contact. Over time, our new Chiquita Fresh organization will have
a single sales force offering the complete range of quality Chiquita produce and services to our key customers,
resulting in improved customer satisfaction.
The reorganization will also consolidate the Company’s fresh logistics and purchasing. These actions,
combined with the workforce reduction program concluded in the fourth quarter of 1999, will continue our
success at lowering delivered product costs.
Bob Kistinger is leading the Chiquita Fresh organization in North America and Europe, while Dennis
Doyle continues to head the Middle and Far East markets. David Ockleshaw recently joined the company as
President of Chiquita Processed Foods, our vegetable canning subsidiary.
On the regulatory front, we continue to believe that the EU must bring its illegal banana import regime
into compliance with laws governing international trade. The EU policy continues to be condemned around
the world, and in late 1999 the Caribbean banana-producing countries—traditional allies of the EU in this
dispute—sided with the United States in promoting a WTO consistent settlement plan. Although this
positive development has yet to bring reform to the EU’s banana import system, we remain hopeful that there
will be a solution that is satisfactory to the United States and Latin American nations.
We thank our employees worldwide for their enormous efforts to reduce costs and improve our business in the
face of trying market conditions. To our shareholders, we express our appreciation for your continued support as we
position our business to overcome the challenges confronting us.

Sincerely,

Carl H. Lindner Keith E. Lindner S t e v e n G . Wa r s h aw
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Vice Chairman President and Chief Operating Officer

Contents

Financial Inform a t i o n

Financial Report 2

M a n a g e m e n t ’s Analysis of Operations and Financial Condition 3

Consolidated Statement of Income 8

Consolidated Balance Sheet 9

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity 1 0

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow 1 1

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 1 2

Selected Financial Data 2 8

F o rm 10-K

D i rectors, Officers and Senior Operating Management 2 9

Investor Inform a t i o n 3 0

Chiquita Brands International, Inc .

Financial Report

Statement of Management Responsibility

The financial information presented in this Annual Report is the responsibility of Chiquita Brands International,
Inc. management, which believes that it presents fairly the Company’s consolidated financial position and
results of operations in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
The Company’s system of internal accounting controls, which is supported by formal financial and
administrative policies, is designed to provide reasonable assurance that the financial records are reliable for
preparation of financial statements and that assets are safeguarded against losses from unauthorized use or
disposition. Management reviews, modifies and improves these systems and controls as changes occur in
business conditions and operations. The Company’s worldwide internal audit function reviews the adequacy
and effectiveness of controls and compliance with policies.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, all of whose members are independent directors, reviews
the Company’s financial statements, accounting policies and internal controls. In performing its reviews, the
Committee meets periodically with the independent auditors, management and internal auditors to discuss
these matters.
The Company engages Ernst & Young LLP, an independent auditing firm, to audit its financial statements
and express an opinion thereon. The scope of the audit is set by Ernst & Young LLP, which has full and free
access to all Company records and personnel in conducting its audits. Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP
are free to meet with the Audit Committee, with or without members of management present, to discuss their
audit work and any other matters they believe should be brought to the attention of the Committee.

R e p o rt of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Chiquita Brands International, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Chiquita Brands International, Inc. as of
December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and
cash flow for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999. These financial statements,
appearing on pages 8 through 27, are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is
to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the
consolidated financial position of Chiquita Brands International, Inc. at December 31, 1999 and 1998, and
the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flow for each of the three years in the period ended
December31,1999, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

Cincinnati, Ohio
February 8, 2000

2

Chiquita Brands Interna tional, Inc.

M a n a g e m e n t ’s A na l ys is o f O pe ra ti o ns
and Financial Condition

Operations

This analysis of operations addresses Chiquita’s operating results shown in the Consolidated Statement of
Income and should be read in conjunction with the segment information presented in Note 13 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements.
(In thousands) 1999 1998 1997

Net sales
Fresh Produce $ 2,044,788 $ 2,243,284 $ 2,198,939
Processed Foods 511,011 477,077 234,787
$ 2,555,799 $ 2,720,361 $ 2,433,726
Operating income
Fresh Produce $ 14,544 $ 53,085 $ 82,562
Processed Foods 27,494 25,524 17,604
$ 42,038 $ 78,609 $ 100,166

Net sales in 1999 decreased 6% from the prior year primarily as a result of lower banana pricing. In 1998,
net sales increased 12% over the prior year primarily as a result of the expansion of Chiquita’s Processed Foods
business through acquisitions of vegetable canning operations in late 1997 and early 1998. (See Note 15 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion of these acquisitions.)
Operating income in 1999 declined from 1998 in the Company’s Fresh Produce business. This decrease
was primarily due to weak banana pricing, particularly in Europe as a result of the overallocation of European
Union banana import licenses early in the year and weakness in demand from Eastern Europe and Russia. A
stronger dollar in relation to major European currencies (mitigated in part by the Company’s foreign currency
hedging program) also contributed to the lower earnings. These difficult industry conditions adversely
affected the last three quarters of 1999. In early 2000, the dollar has continued to strengthen, especially in
comparison to early 1999. Chiquita’s Processed Foods business showed improved earnings in 1999 primarily
as a result of higher pricing for canned vegetables compared to the prior year.
In late 1999, the Company completed a workforce reduction program that streamlined certain corporate
and staff functions in the U.S., Central America and Europe. The program is expected to generate annual
savings of $15 to $20 million. Operating income for 1999 includes a $9 million charge representing
severance, benefits extensions and outplacement services provided by this program.
Operating income in 1998 includes write-downs and costs of $74 million, net of minimum expected
insurance recoveries, as a result of significant damage in Honduras and Guatemala caused by Hurricane
Mitch. This includes write-downs of banana cultivations and farm infrastructure assets, and costs for
employee benefits and humanitarian aid. Excluding the effect of Hurricane Mitch, Fresh Produce operating
income in 1998 improved compared to 1997 primarily as a result of lower delivered product costs for bananas
as the Company realized increased farm productivity and transportation cost reductions on higher worldwide
banana volume. Acquisitions of vegetable canning operations in late 1997 and early 1998 caused the increase
in 1998 Processed Foods operating income as compared with 1997.
Interest income for 1999 includes $10 million related to refunds to be received as a result of audits of the
Company’s federal income tax returns for 1989 through 1991. Interest expense in 1999 increased $3 million
from 1998 and 1997 as a result of the Company’s higher debt level.

3


M a n a g e m e n t ’s A na ly si s o f O pe ra tio n s

The 1998 results also include write-offs of a non-operating investment and of long-term production assets
which were offset by a gain from a cash settlement in excess of $10million for claims against a newspaper. The
write-off of production assets is included in “Cost of sales.” “Other income, net” includes the gain from the
settlement of claims against the newspaper and the non-operating investment write-off.
Income taxes consist principally of foreign income taxes currently paid or payable. No tax benefit was
recorded for unrealized U.S. net operating loss carryforwards or other available tax credits.
Liquidity and Capital Resourc e s

Operating cash flow was $(6) million in 1999, $91million in 1998 and $67million in 1997. The decrease in
1999 operating cash flow resulted primarily from lower banana pricing in the Company’s Fresh Produce
business. The increase in 1998 operating cash flow compared to 1997 was primarily due to Fresh Produce cost
reductions.
Capital expenditures were $152 million in 1999, including $74 million to rehabilitate banana farms in
Honduras and Guatemala which were destroyed or damaged by Hurricane Mitch in late 1998. The Company
funded its capital expenditures with insurance proceeds related to Hurricane Mitch and additional
borrowings. An additional $20 million will be spent on the rehabilitation of these farms, which are expected
to return to full production during the first half of 2000. Remaining insurance proceeds of $32 to $42million
are expected to be received in 2000.
Capital expenditures were $118 million in 1998 and $76 million in 1997. The 1998 amount includes
$40 million for expansion of Chiquita’s vegetable canning operations and for farm rehabilitation in the
Company’s western Panama division following a two-month strike.
In June 1999, the Company issued $200 million principal amount of 10% senior notes due 2009 for net
proceeds of $195million. The Company used most of these proceeds to repay debt of subsidiaries and to repay
borrowings under its corporate revolving line of credit.
In September 1999, Chiquita Processed Foods, L.L.C. (“CPF”), the Company’s vegetable canning
subsidiary, entered into a five-year $200 million senior secured credit facility. The facility includes a
$135 million revolving credit line and a $65 million facility for term loans, and replaces CPF’s previous
$85million revolving credit facility.
In February 2000, the Company amended its corporate senior revolving credit facility. The amendment
sets the amount of the facility at $110million, amends certain covenants and pledges certain parent company
assets as security for its obligations. The facility is available through January 2001.
At February 25, 2000, approximately $160 million of borrowings were available to Chiquita and its
subsidiaries under committed lines of credit. At December 31, 1999, in accordance with subsidiary loan
agreements, approximately $215million of subsidiary net assets cannot be distributed to the parent company
in the form of dividends, loans or advances. This restriction does not affect the parent company’s ability to
meet its cash obligations.
In 2000, the Company expects its operating cash flow to improve compared to 1999. In addition, until
industry conditions improve, the Company has suspended its common stock dividend and currently plans to
reduce recurring capital expenditures to approximately one-half of annual depreciation and amortization charges.

4

Chi quita Brands Inte rnational, Inc.


E u ropean Union Regulatory Developments

In 1993, the European Union (“EU”) implemented a regulatory system governing the importation of bananas
into the EU. By restricting the volume of Latin American bananas imported into the EU, this quota system
had the effect of significantly decreasing the Company’s overall volume and market share in Europe. The
quota regime is administered through a licensing system and grants preferred status to producers and
importers within the EU and its former colonies, while imposing restrictive quotas, licenses and tariffs on
bananas imported from other sources, including Latin America, Chiquita’s primary source of fruit. Following
imposition of the EU quota regime, prices within the EU increased and have remained at a higher level than
the levels prevailing prior to the quota. Banana prices in other worldwide markets, however, declined as the
displaced EU volume entered those markets, and have remained lower than in years prior to the EU quota.
The EU quota regime has been determined to be in violation of a number of international trade obligations
by both the World Trade Organization (“WTO”) and its predecessor, the General Agreement on Tariffs and
Trade (“GATT”). The following chronology summarizes key developments:
1992, 1993 In two separate rulings, GATT panels find the EU banana policies to be illegal.
1994 Chiquita makes a filing with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (“USTR”) under
Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974 (the “Trade Act”) charging that the EU quota
and licensing regime is unreasonable, discriminatory, and a burden and restriction on
U.S.commerce.
1995 The USTR determines that the EU regime violates the Trade Act. Subsequently, the
United States, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico commence a challenge against the
regime using the procedures of the newly created WTO.
1996 Ecuador, the world’s largest exporter of bananas, joins these countries in the WTO action.
1997 A WTO panel rules that the EU banana regulation violates numerous international trade
obligations to the detriment of Latin American supplying countries and U.S. marketing
firms such as Chiquita. The WTO Appellate Body upholds the panel’s ruling.
1998 The EU adopts a revised quota and licensing regime for implementation in January 1999.
The five governments that filed the WTO complaint, joined by Panama, which became a
WTO member after the initial complaint was filed, oppose the revised EU regime for not
complying with the WTO rulings.
1999 In January, the United States requests WTO authorization to impose punitive duties on
selected EU products exported to the United States in retaliation for the harm to the United
States caused by the failure of the revised EU banana regime to be WTO consistent.
In April, a WTO arbitration panel rules that the revised EU banana import regime
continues the same discrimination against the United States and Latin America which
previous WTO rulings found to be in violation of the EU’s international trade
obligations. The WTO arbitrators conclude that the United States is being harmed in the
amount of approximately $190 million annually and is entitled to suspend EU trade
concessions in that amount. Accordingly, the United States imposes prohibitive (100% of
value) duties on selected EU products accounting for $190 million of annual exports to
the United States. Shortly thereafter, the EU indicates that it will modify its banana
import regime to be consistent with its international trade obligations.

The EU continues to discuss numerous proposals to reform the EU banana import regime. There can be no
assurance as to the nature, extent or timing of actions that may be taken by the EU or any other affected countries,
nor as to their impact on the EU banana import regulation or on the Company’s business.

5



EU Common Curre n c y

In 1999, eleven European countries began implementation of the EU common currency (the “euro”) by
accepting the euro as legal tender in addition to their respective national currencies. After July 1, 2002, the
euro will be the sole legal tender for these eleven countries. The Company’s affected customers continue to be
invoiced in their traditionally invoiced currencies. The Company is currently addressing euro-related issues
and their impact on information systems, currency exchange rate risk and other areas. Although the Company
is not able to predict the full implications of the euro implementation on its European operations, the
implementation has not had, and the Company does not believe it will have, a material adverse effect on its
financial statements.
Impact of Year 2000

Chiquita’s company-wide Year 2000 Project was designed to reduce the risk that the Year 2000 issue would
cause significant interruptions to the Company’s operations. As a result of the Project, the Company
experienced no significant problems affecting its business operations related to the Year 2000 issue. The
Company does not expect any future problems arising from Year 2000 issues that would have a material
impact on the Company’s financial statements. The total cost of the Project for systems that were not replaced
or upgraded in the normal course was less than $10million.
Market Risk Management

Chiquita’s products are distributed in more than 60 countries. Its international sales are made primarily in
U.S. dollars and major European currencies (see “EU Common Currency”). The Company reduces currency
exchange risk from sales originating in currencies other than the dollar by exchanging local currencies for
dollars promptly upon receipt. The Company further reduces its exposure to exchange rate fluctuations by
purchasing foreign currency option contracts (principally euro contracts) to hedge sales denominated in
foreign currencies.
Chiquita’s interest rate risk arises primarily from its debt. The Company reduces its exposure to interest
rate fluctuations on its long-term variable rate debt by entering into interest rate swap agreements to fix the
amount of interest payments.
The foreign currency option contracts and interest rate swap agreements are derivative financial
instruments that change in value in the opposite direction of the underlying transactions being hedged.
Chiquita uses a value at risk (“VAR”) model to estimate the potential loss the Company could incur as a result
of adverse changes in foreign currency exchange and interest rates, based on a 95% confidence level, over a
given period of time. The VAR calculations do not consider the potential effect of favorable changes in these
rates or the offsetting increase in the dollar realization of an underlying foreign currency sale. Therefore, the
VAR calculations are not intended to represent actual losses the Company expects to incur.
As of December 31, 1999 and 1998 and for the year ended December 31, 1999, the Company estimates
that the fair value of foreign currency option contracts would decline by less than $2 million over a one-day
period due to an adverse change in foreign currency exchange rates. However, the Company expects that any
decline in the fair value of these contracts would typically be offset by an increase in the dollar realization of
the underlying sales denominated in foreign currencies.
As of December 31, 1999 and 1998 and for the year ended December 31, 1999, the Company estimates
that the combined adverse change in fair value of its debt and interest rate swaps would be less than $3million
over a one-day period due to an unfavorable change in interest rates.
(See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion of the Company’s
hedging activities.)

6



*****

This Annual Report contains certain information that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements”
within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995. These statements reflect management’s
current views and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions and Company performance.
They are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of
Chiquita. The assumptions, risks and uncertainties include product pricing, cost to purchase or grow (and
availability of) fresh produce and other raw materials, currency exchange rate fluctuations, natural disasters and
unusual weather conditions, operating efficiencies, labor relations, access to capital, actions of governmental
bodies, and other market and competitive conditions. Actual results or developments may differ materially
from the expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.

7

Chi quita Brands International, Inc.

Consolidated Statement of Income

(In thousands, except per share amounts) 1999 1998 1997

Net sales $ 2,555,799 $ 2,720,361 $ 2,433,726
Operating expenses
Cost of sales 2,094,406 2,206,047 1,935,870
Selling, general and administrative 328,467 343,227 311,568
Depreciation 90,888 92,478 86,122
2,513,761 2,641,752 2,333,560
Operating income 42,038 78,609 100,166

Interest income 19,574 12,866 16,540
Interest expense (112,033) (108,757) (108,913)
Other income, net 339 7,370 750
Income (loss) before income taxes (50,082) (9,912) 8,543
Income taxes (8,300) (8,500) (8,200)
Net income (loss) $ (58,382) $ (18,412) $ 343

Less dividends on preferred and preference stock (17,102) (17,102) (16,949)
Net loss attributed to common shares $ (75,484) $ (35,514) $ (16,606)

Net loss per common share – basic and diluted $ (1.15) $ (.55) $ (.29)

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

8

Chiquita Brands International , Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheet

December 31,
(In thousands, except share amounts) 1999 1998

Assets
Current assets
Cash and equivalents $ 97,863 $ 88,906
Trade receivables, less allowances of
$12,214 and $10,603, respectively 209,741 201,574
Other receivables, net 151,457 128,293
Inventories 421,806 387,293
Other current assets 22,000 34,168
Total current assets 902,867 840,234
Property, plant and equipment, net 1,177,823 1,122,847
Investments and other assets 333,257 356,228
Intangibles, net 182,180 189,824
Total assets $ 2,596,127 $ 2,509,133

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities
Notes and loans payable $ 89,519 $ 131,768
Long-term debt due within one year 40,235 37,511
Accounts payable 217,327 217,266
Accrued liabilities 141,341 144,884
Total current liabilities 488,422 531,429
Long-term debt of parent company 883,815 683,294
Long-term debt of subsidiaries 343,186 319,312
Accrued pension and other employee benefits 68,162 90,382
Other liabilities 107,256 90,736
Total liabilities 1,890,841 1,715,153
Shareholders’ equity
Preferred and preference stock 253,475 253,475
Common stock, $.01 par value
(65,921,791 and 65,447,875 shares outstanding, respectively) 659 654
Capital surplus 761,079 755,660
Accumulated deficit (303,607) (214,967)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (6,320) (842)
Total shareholders’ equity 705,286 793,980
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,596,127 $ 2,509,133


9


Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity

Accumulated
Preferred and other Total
preference Common Capital Accumulated comprehensive shareholders’
(In thousands) stock stock surplus deficit income (loss) equity

December 31, 1996 $ 249,256 $ 18,614 $ 591,667 $(138,502) $ 3,218 $ 724,253
Net income — — — 343 — 343
Unrealized translation loss — — — — (6,626) (6,626)
Comprehensive loss (6,283)
Share issuances
Option exercises — 170 6,045 — — 6,215
Acquisitions of businesses 3,983 1,528 67,258 — — 72,769
Other — 77 11,382 — — 11,459
Dividends
Common stock — — — (11,395) — (11,395)
Preferred and preference stock — — — (16,932) — (16,932)
December 31, 1997 253,239 20,389 676,352 (166,486) (3,408) 780,086
Net loss — — — (18,412) — (18,412)
Unrealized translation gain — — — — 2,566 2,566
Reduction in par value
of common stock — (19,777) 19,777 — — —
Share issuances
Option exercises — 1 1,482 — — 1,483
Acquisitions of businesses 236 41 58,049 — — 58,326
Dividends
Common stock — — — (12,970) — (12,970)
December 31, 1998 253,475 654 755,660 (214,967) (842) 793,980
Net loss — — — (58,382) — (58,382)
Unrealized translation loss — — — — (5,478) (5,478)
Share issuances
Option exercises — 1 57 — — 58
Other — 4 5,362 — — 5,366
Dividends
Common stock — — — (13,156) — (13,156)
December 31, 1999 $ 253,475 $ 659 $ 761,079 $(303,607) $ (6,320) $ 705,286


10

C hi qu it a B ra n ds I nt e rna t io n al , I nc .

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow

(In thousands) 1999 1998 1997

Cash provided (used) by:
Operations
Net income (loss) $ (58,382) $ (18,412) $ 343
Depreciation and amortization 97,304 99,138 91,588
Write-downs of banana production assets,
net of expected insurance recoveries — 43,400 —
Changes in current assets and liabilities
Trade receivables (4,222) (19,089) (10,796)
Other receivables (6,085) (23,052) (2,020)
Inventories (16,789) 3,556 4,062
Other current assets 1,877 10,408 (3,776)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (15,095) (15,359) (22,613)
Other (4,651) 10,620 10,155
Cash flow from operations (6,043) 91,210 66,943
Investing
Capital expenditures (152,080) (118,250) (76,248)
Hurricane Mitch insurance proceeds 32,500 — —
Acquisitions of businesses (21,619) (26,199) (14,819)
Long-term investments (11,531) (4,563) (8,475)
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment 14,903 2,371 6,494
Proceeds from sale of non-core business — 18,249 —
Refundable deposits for container equipment 9,745 (9,745) —
Other 4,266 7,096 (7,974)
Cash flow from investing (123,816) (131,041) (101,022)
Financing
Debt transactions
Issuances of long-term debt 284,327 78,858 12,234
Repayments of long-term debt (68,389) (108,627) (98,034)
Increase (decrease) in notes and loans payable (46,922) 61,390 (17,865)
Stock transactions
Issuances of common stock 58 1,483 6,215
Dividends (30,258) (30,069) (28,327)
Cash flow from financing 138,816 3,035 (125,777)
Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents 8,957 (36,796) (159,856)
Balance at beginning of year 88,906 125,702 285,558
Balance at end of year $ 97,863 $ 88,906 $ 125,702


11


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

American Financial Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries owned approximately 36% of the outstanding common
stock of Chiquita Brands International, Inc. (“Chiquita” or the “Company”) as of December31,1999.
Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned
subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments representing
minority interests are accounted for by the equity method when Chiquita has the ability to exercise
significant influence in the investees’ operations; otherwise, they are accounted for at cost.
Use of Estimates The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States, which require management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the amounts and disclosures reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.
Cash and Equivalents Cash and equivalents include cash and highly liquid investments with a maturity
when purchased of three months or less.
Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost for growing crops and certain fresh
produce inventories is determined principally on the “last-in, first-out” (LIFO) basis. Cost for other inventory
categories is determined on the “first-in, first-out” (FIFO) or average cost basis.
Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and, except for land, are
depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.
Intangibles Intangibles consist primarily of goodwill and trademarks which are amortized over not more
than 40 years. Accumulated amortization was $60 million and $54million at December31,1999 and 1998,
respectively. The carrying value of intangibles is evaluated periodically in relation to the operating
performance and future undiscounted cash flows of the underlying businesses.
Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized on sales of products when the customer receives title to the
goods, generally upon delivery.
Income Taxes Deferred income taxes are recognized at currently enacted tax rates for temporary differences
between the financial reporting and income tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred taxes are not provided
on the undistributed earnings of subsidiaries operating outside the U.S. that have been or are intended to be
permanently reinvested.
Foreign Exchange Chiquita generally utilizes the U.S. dollar as its functional currency. Net foreign exchange
gains (losses) of $(5) million in 1999, $6 million in 1998 and $(7) million in 1997 are included in income.
The Company enters into foreign currency option contracts to hedge transactions denominated in foreign
currencies. These option contracts are specifically designated as hedges and offset the losses or gains from currency
risk associated with the hedged transactions. The Company does not enter into option contracts for speculative
purposes. Amounts paid for options and any gains realized thereon are deferred until the hedged transaction occurs.
Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share is calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of
shares of common stock outstanding during the year reduced by nonvested restricted shares. The assumed
conversions to common stock of the Company’s 7% convertible subordinated debentures, preferred and
preference stock, stock options and other stock awards are excluded from diluted earnings per share
computations for periods in which these items, on an individual basis, have an anti-dilutive effect.
New Accounting Pronouncements In 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS
No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” This standard requires the
recognition of all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. Adoption of SFAS No. 133 is required by
January 1,2001 and is currently under review by the Company.

12



Note 2 — Earnings Per Share

Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated as follows:
(In thousands, except per share amounts) 1999 1998 1997

Net income (loss) $ (58,382) $ (18,412) $ 343
Dividends on preferred and preference stock (17,102) (17,102) (16,949)
Net loss attributed to common shares $ (75,484) $ (35,514) $ (16,606)

Weighted average common shares outstanding 65,768 64,734 57,185
Nonvested restricted shares — (71) (160)
Shares used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share 65,768 64,663 57,025

Basic and diluted net loss per common share $ (1.15) $ (.55) $ (.29)

The assumed conversions to common stock of the Company’s preferred stock, preference stock and 7%
convertible subordinated debentures and the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and other stock
awards would have an anti-dilutive effect on diluted earnings per share and, therefore, have not been included
in the above calculations. For additional information regarding the 7% convertible subordinated debentures,
stock options and other stock awards and preferred and preference stock, see Notes 8, 10 and 11.

Note 3 — Invent or ies

Inventories consist of the following:
December 31,
(In thousands) 1999 1998

Fresh produce $ 39,762 $ 43,052
Processed food products 215,365 184,438
Growing crops 104,699 109,891
Materials, supplies and other 61,980 49,912
$ 421,806 $ 387,293

The carrying value of inventories valued by the LIFO method was $112million at December31,1999 and
$115 million at December31,1998. If these inventories were stated at current costs, total inventories would
have been approximately $30million and $33million higher than reported at December31,1999 and 1998,
respectively.

13



N o t e 4 — P r o p e rt y, P l a n t a n d E q u i p m e n t

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:

Weighted
average
December 31,
depreciable
(In thousands) 1999 1998 lives

Land $ 102,935 $ 104,212
Buildings and improvements 257,204 240,016 25 years
Machinery and equipment 473,335 439,600 10 years
Ships and containers 680,224 678,861 24 years
Cultivations 304,232 235,500 29 years
Other 74,799 70,672 19 years
1,892,729 1,768,861
Accumulated depreciation (714,906) (646,014)
$ 1,177,823 $ 1,122,847

Note 5 — Leases

Total rental expense consists of the following:
(In thousands) 1999 1998 1997

Gross rentals
Ships and containers $ 96,101 $ 94,047 $ 79,746
Other 36,937 36,854 35,509
133,038 130,901 115,255
Less sublease rentals (16,095) (21,269) (14,359)
$ 116,943 $ 109,632 $ 100,896

Future minimum rental payments re q u i red under operating leases having initial or re m a i n i n g
non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year at December31, 1999 are as follows:
Ships and
(In thousands) containers Other Total

2000 $ 35,779 $ 20,507 $ 56,286
2001 21,933 16,862 38,795
2002 22,096 14,849 36,945
2003 17,382 13,034 30,416
2004 16,469 8,444 24,913
Later years 24,113 16,125 40,238

Portions of the minimum rental payments for ships constitute reimbursement for ship operating costs paid
by the lessor.

14



Note 6 — Equity Method Investments

The Company has investments in a number of affiliates which are accounted for by the equity method. These
affiliates are primarily engaged in the distribution of fresh produce. Chiquita’s share of the earnings of these
affiliates was $5 million in 1999, $8 million in 1998 and $1 million in 1997, and its investment in these
companies totaled $121 million at December 31, 1999 and $103 million at December 31, 1998. The
Company’s share of undistributed earnings of these affiliates totaled $28 million at December 31, 1999 and
$23million at December 31, 1998. The excess of the carrying value of Chiquita’s investment over its share of
the fair value of the investees’ net assets at the date of acquisition is being amortized over periods ranging from
10 to 40 years ($34 million and $31 million, net of accumulated amortization, at December 31, 1999 and
1998, respectively).
Summarized unaudited financial information of these affiliates follows:
(In thousands) 1999 1998 1997

Revenue $ 978,180 $ 707,358 $ 510,282
Gross profit 109,608 104,836 78,225
Net earnings 16,016 22,289 6,909

Current assets 205,270 174,110
Total assets 382,815 345,119
Current liabilities 164,596 116,773
Total liabilities 205,226 175,061

Note 7 — Hedging

Chiquita has interest rate swap agreements maturing in 2000 and 2001 which fix the rate of interest on
approximately $14 million of its variable rate ship loans. At December 31, 1999, the Company had
euro-denominated option contracts which ensure conversion of approximately a200million of sales in 2000
at rates not lower than 1.04dollars per euro or higher than 1.18dollars per euro.
The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company’s debt, associated interest rate swap
agreements and foreign currency option contracts are summarized below:
December 31, 1999 December 31, 1998
Carrying Estimated Carrying Estimated
(In thousands) value fair value value fair value

Debt $(1,356,755) $(1,120,000) $(1,171,885) $ (1,186,000)
Interest rate swap agreements — (100) — (800)
Foreign currency option contracts 2,980 8,400 5,890 (800)

Fair values for the Company’s publicly traded debt and foreign currency option contracts are based on
quoted market prices. Fair value for other debt is estimated based on the current rates offered to the Company
for debt of similar maturities. The fair values of interest rate swap agreements are estimated based on the cost
to terminate the agreements.
The Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties on interest rate
swap agreements. However, because the Company’s hedging activities are transacted only with highly rated
institutions, Chiquita does not anticipate nonperformance by any of these counterparties. The amount of any
credit exposure is limited to unrealized gains on these agreements.

15



Note 8 — Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:
December 31,

Parent Company
9 1/8% senior notes, due 2004 $ 175,000 $ 175,000
9 5/8% senior notes, due 2004 247,771 247,341
10% senior notes, due 2009 200,000 —
101/4% senior notes, due 2006 149,034 148,943
7% subordinated debentures, due 2001 112,010 112,010
Long-term debt of parent company $ 883,815 $ 683,294

Subsidiaries
Loans secured by ships and containers, due in installments from
2000 to 2009 – average effective interest rate of 8.6% (8.5% in 1998) $ 193,954 $ 221,546
Loan to Costa Rican farm subsidiaries, due 2001
– variable interest rate of 9.2% (7.8% in 1998) 55,000 55,000
Loan secured by vegetable canning assets,
due in installments from 2000 to 2004
– variable interest rate of 7.9% 50,000 —
Long-term portion of revolving credit facility secured
by vegetable canning assets, due 2004
– variable interest rate of 7.7% 35,000 —
Foreign currency loans maturing through 2008
– average interest rate of 6% (7% in 1998) 10,774 18,666
Other loans maturing through 2012
– average interest rate of 8% (9% in 1998) 38,693 61,611
Less current maturities (40,235) (37,511)
Long-term debt of subsidiaries $ 343,186 $ 319,312

In June 1999, the Company issued $200 million principal amount of 10% senior notes due 2009 for net
proceeds of $195 million. The unsecured notes rank equally with existing and future senior unsecured
indebtedness of the Company. The Company used most of these proceeds to repay borrowings under its
corporate revolving line of credit and to repay debt of subsidiaries.
The 10% senior notes are callable beginning in 2004 at a price of 105% of face value declining to face value
in 2007. The 10 1/4% senior notes are callable beginning in 2001 at a price of 105 1/8% of face value
declining to face value in 2004. The 7% subordinated debentures are callable at face value and convertible
into common stock at $43 per share.
At December31,1999, $75 million of loans secured by ships, including $35million of fixed rate ship debt
denominated in pounds sterling, had interest rates fixed at an average of 8.3% by the terms of the loans or by
the operation of interest rate swap agreements (see Note7).

16



Maturities on long-term debt during the next five years are as follows:
Parent
(In thousands) Company Subsidiaries Total

2000 $ — $ 40,235 $ 40,235
2001 112,010 105,151 217,161
2002 — 41,377 41,377
2003 — 32,374 32,374
2004 425,000 85,664 510,664

In 1999, Chiquita Processed Foods, L.L.C. (“CPF”), the Company’s vegetable canning subsidiary, entered
into a five-year $200 million senior secured credit facility. The facility includes a $135 million revolving
credit line and a $65million facility for term loans, and replaces CPF’s previous $85million revolving credit
facility. At December 31, 1999, $103 million of borrowings were outstanding under the revolving credit
line, of which $35 million is classified as long-term debt, and a $50 million term loan was outstanding.
Borrowings under this facility are collateralized by a security interest in CPF’s receivables, finished goods
inventory and certain machinery and equipment. Interest under the facility is based on, at the Company’s
option, either the bank corporate base rate or prevailing interbank Eurodollar offering rates. An annual fee of
up to 1/2% is payable on the unused portion of the commitment. This facility contains covenants that limit
capital expenditures and the payment of dividends by CPF and require CPF to maintain certain financial
ratios related to net worth and debt coverage.
In February 2000, the Company amended its corporate senior revolving credit facility. The amendment
sets the amount of the facility at $110million, amends certain covenants and provides for the pledge of certain
assets, primarily the equity of CPF and parent company cash, as security for the borrowings. The facility is
available through January 2001. Interest on borrowings under the facility is based on, at the Company’s
option, the bank corporate base rate, the federal funds effective rate or prevailing interbank Eurodollar
offering rates. An annual fee of up to 3/4% is payable on the unused portion of the facility. The credit facility
contains covenants which limit capital expenditures in 2000 to $75 million and require the Company to
satisfy certain ratios related to net worth, senior debt-to-total capitalization and interest coverage. At
December31,1999, no amounts were outstanding under the facility.
Certain of Chiquita’s borrowing agreements restrict the payment of cash dividends. Under Chiquita’s
amended corporate senior revolving credit facility, dividend payments are limited to $30 million in 2000. At
December 31, 1999, under the most restrictive covenants of the Company’s long-term debt agreements,
approximately $300 million was available for dividend payments.
The Company maintains various other lines of credit with domestic and foreign banks for borrowing funds
on a short-term basis. The average interest rates for all short-term notes and loans payable outstanding were
7.5% and 7.9% at December 31,1999 and 1998, respectively.
At December 31, 1999, in accordance with subsidiary loan agreements, approximately $215 million of
subsidiary net assets cannot be distributed to the parent company in the form of dividends, loans or advances.
Cash payments relating to interest expense were $105 million in 1999 and 1998 and $104 million in 1997.

17



Note 9 — Pension and Severance Benefits

The Company and its subsidiaries have several defined benefit and contribution pension plans covering
approximately 5,500 domestic and foreign employees. Approximately 21,000 employees are covered by
Central and South American severance plans. Pension plans covering eligible salaried employees and Central
and South American severance plans for all employees call for benefits to be based upon years of service and
compensation rates.
Pension and severance expense consists of the following:
Foreign Plans Domestic Plans
(In thousands) 1999 1998 1997 1999 1998 1997

Defined benefit and severance plans:
Service cost $ 3,768 $ 5,070 $ 4,795 $ 1,084 $ 1,057 $ 593
Interest on projected benefit obligation 5,122 6,070 5,835 3,034 2,838 2,561
Expected return on plan assets (139) (136) (89) (3,424) (2,697) (2,441)
Recognized actuarial loss 368 757 299 317 365 501
Amortization of prior service cost
and transition obligation 525 1,556 1,239 109 91 62
9,644 13,317 12,079 1,120 1,654 1,276
Curtailment loss — 14,061 — — — —
Settlement loss — 4,666 — — — —
9,644 32,044 12,079 1,120 1,654 1,276
Defined contribution plans 604 768 654 4,786 3,726 3,234
Total pension and severance expense $ 10,248 $ 32,812 $ 12,733 $ 5,906 $ 5,380 $ 4,510

As a result of Hurricane Mitch, the Company recognized curtailment and settlement losses in 1998 related
to Central American employee benefit plans.
The Company’s pension and severance benefit obligations relate primarily to Central and South American
benefits which, in accordance with local government regulations, are generally not funded until benefits are
paid. Domestic pension plans are funded in accordance with the requirements of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act. Plan assets consist primarily of corporate debt securities, U.S. Government and agency
obligations and collective trust funds.

18



Financial information with respect to the Company’s foreign and domestic defined benefit pension and
severance plans is as follows:
Foreign Plans Domestic Plans
(In thousands) 1999 1998 1999 1998

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 3,028 $ 2,803 $ 41,653 $ 35,912
Actual return on plan assets 111 40 3,756 5,650
Employer contributions 21,596 28,080 2,679 2,374
Benefits paid (21,137) (27,895) (2,794) (2,451)
Other — — 154 168
Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 3,598 $ 3,028 $ 45,448 $ 41,653

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 64,856 $ 67,188 $ 43,414 $ 39,904
Service and interest cost 8,890 11,140 4,118 3,895
Actuarial (gain) loss (4,585) 409 (1,624) 1,456
Benefits paid (21,137) (27,895) (2,794) (2,451)
Curtailment — 12,515 — —
Settlement — 1,499 — —
Other — — 134 610
Projected benefit obligation at end of year $ 48,024 $ 64,856 $ 43,248 $ 43,414

Plan assets in excess of (less than)
projected benefit obligation $ (44,426) $ (61,828) $ 2,200 $ (1,761)
Unrecognized actuarial loss 4,925 10,401 3,334 5,682
Unrecognized prior service cost 1,077 1,229 285 494
Unrecognized transition obligation 172 543 436 518
Adjustment required to recognize
minimum pension liability — — (826) (3,099)
(38,252) (49,655) 5,429 1,834
Prepaid pension asset — — 6,423 5,064
Accrued pension liability $ (38,252) $ (49,655) $ (994) $ (3,230)

Included in the table above are plans whose benefit obligation exceeds plan assets. These plans are primarily
foreign pension and severance plans that are generally not required to be funded until benefits are paid. The
accumulated benefit obligation, projected benefit obligation and fair value of assets of plans for which benefits
exceed assets were $59 million, $70 million and $21 million, respectively, as of December 31, 1999 and
$72million, $88million and $19million, respectively, as of December31,1998.
The projected benefit obligations of Central and South American pension and severance plans in 1999 and
1998 were determined using discount rates of approximately 9 1/4%. The assumed long-term rate of
compensation increase was 6% for both years. The projected benefit obligations of the Company’s domestic
pension plans were determined using a discount rate of approximately 7 1/2% in 1999 and 7 1/4% in 1998.
The assumed long-term rate of compensation increase was 5 1/2% in 1999 and 1998 and the assumed
long-term rate of return on plan assets was approximately 8% for both years.

19



Note 10 — Stock Options

Under its non-qualified stock option and incentive plans, the Company may grant up to an aggregate of
25 million shares of common stock in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights and stock awards.
Under these plans, options have been granted to directors, officers and other key employees to purchase shares
of the Company’s common stock at the fair market value at the date of grant. The options generally vest over
ten years and may be exercised over a period not in excess of 20years.
A summary of the Company’s stock option activity and related information follows:
1999 1998 1997
Weighted Weighted Weighted
average average average
(In thousands, except exercise exercise exercise
per share amounts) Shares price Shares price Shares price

Under option at beginning of year 9,479 $ 13.32 8,403 $ 13.44 6,893 $ 13.09
Options granted 2,875 8.90 1,858 12.92 2,539 14.08
Options exercised (6) 10.31 (123) 12.06 (509) 12.21
Options canceled or expired (1,351) 11.92 (659) 13.86 (520) 13.15
Under option at end of year 10,997 $ 12.34 9,479 $ 13.32 8,403 $ 13.44
Options exercisable at end of year 4,926 $ 12.71 3,705 $ 13.30 2,943 $ 13.45
Shares available for future grants 9,482 11,041 2,536

Options outstanding as of December 31, 1999 have exercise prices ranging from $4.25 to $34.44 and a
weighted average remaining contractual life of 16 years. More than 90% of these options have exercise prices
in the range of $9.34 to $15.69.
Under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” because
the exercise price of the Company’s stock options equals the market price of the underlying stock on the date of
grant, no compensation expense is recognized. SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,”
requires disclosure of the estimated fair value of stock options granted after 1994 and pro forma financial
information assuming compensation expense was recorded using these fair values.
The estimated weighted average fair value per option share granted is $3.66 for 1999, $5.24 for 1998 and
$6.34 for 1997 using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: weighted
average risk-free interest rates of 5.0% for 1999, 5.6% for 1998 and 6.5% for 1997; dividend yield of 1.5%;
volatility factor for the Company’s common stock price of approximately 37%; and a weighted average
expected life of eight years for options not forfeited. The estimated pro forma compensation expense based on
these option fair values would be approximately $5 million ($.07 per share) in 1999, $4 million ($.06 per
share) in 1998 and $3million ($.05 per share) in 1997. Because SFAS No.123 applies only to options granted
after 1994, the effect of applying this standard to current year pro forma information is not necessarily
indicative of the effect in future years.

20

C hi qu i ta B r an ds I nte r na t io n al , I nc .


Note 11 — Shareholders’ Equity

At December 31, 1999, 200 million shares of common stock were authorized, including unissued shares
reserved for the following purposes:

Issuance under stock option and employee benefit plans 24 million
Conversion of 7% subordinated debentures 3 million
Conversion of preferred and preference stock 26 million

In 1998, the Company’s shareholders approved a change of title and par value of the Company’s Capital
Stock, $.33par value, to Common Stock, $.01par value.
In 1997, Chiquita issued 4,585,210 shares of common stock and 79,659 shares of $2.50 Convertible
Preference Stock, Series C to the former owners of acquired canning companies. In 1998, Chiquita issued
182,735commonshares and 4,712 shares of Series C preference stock as final payment for the 1997 acquisitions
and issued 2,966,533 common shares in connection with the 1998 acquisition of another canning company.
In 1998, Chiquita also issued 873,710commonshares to acquire a fresh mushroom business. (See Note 15.)
At December 31, 1999, three series of preferred and preference stock are outstanding, each share of which
has a liquidation preference of $50.00, and has an annual dividend rate and is convertible at the holder’s
option into a number of shares of Chiquita common stock as follows:
Annual Holders’
Shares dividend conversion
outstanding rate rate

$2.875 Non-Voting Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A 2,875,000 $ 2.875 2.6316
$3.75 Convertible Preferred Stock, Series B 2,300,000 3.750 3.3333
$2.50 Convertible Preference Stock, Series C 84,371 2.500 2.9220

Through February 14, 2001, each SeriesA share is convertible at the Company’s option into 2.6316shares
of common stock provided the market value of Chiquita common stock exceeds $24.70per share. Thereafter,
each Series A share is convertible at the Company’s option into a number of shares of common stock (not
exceeding 10 shares) having a total market value of $50.00.
Through September 9, 2000, each Series B share is convertible at the Company’s option into a number of
shares of common stock (not exceeding 10 shares) having a total market value of $51.50 ( $50.75 if converted
on or after September 10, 2000 and $50.00 if converted on or after September 10, 2001). However, this
conversion is permitted only if the market value of Chiquita common stock exceeds $7.00 per share when
notice of the conversion is given.
Beginning on June 30, 2000, each Series C share is convertible at the Company’s option into a number of
shares of common stock (not exceeding 10 shares) having a total market value of $51.50( $50.75 if converted
on or after June 30, 2001 and $50.00 if converted on or after June 30, 2002).
The Series A and SeriesB shares are non-voting. The SeriesC shares have one vote per share, voting with the
common stock. In certain circumstances if the Company fails to pay quarterly dividends on Series A, B and C
shares, the holders of such shares, voting as a class, have the right to elect two directors in addition to the
regular directors. The Board of Directors has the authority to fix the terms of 4,825,000 additional shares of
Non-Voting Cumulative Preferred Stock and 3,915,629 additional shares of Cumulative Preference Stock.

21



N o t e 1 2 — I n c o m e Ta x e s

Income taxes consist of the following:
(In thousands) U.S. Federal U.S. State Foreign Total

1999
Current tax expense $ 235 $ 1,161 $ 6,144 $ 7,540
Deferred tax expense — — 760 760
$ 235 $ 1,161 $ 6,904 $ 8,300
1998
Deferred tax benefit — — (975) (975)
$ 369 $ 1,100 $ 7,031 $ 8,500
1997
Deferred tax expense — — 624 624
$ 375 $ 1,125 $ 6,700 $ 8,200

Income tax expense differs from income taxes computed at the U.S. federal statutory rate for the
following reasons:
(In thousands) 1999 1998 1997

Income tax expense (benefit)
computed at U.S. federal
statutory rate $ (17,529) $ (3,469) $ 2,990
State income taxes, net of
federal benefit 755 715 731
U.S. losses for which no tax
benefit has been recognized — 20,734 13,723
Foreign tax differential 25,056 (8,816) (12,728)
Goodwill amortization 1,651 1,850 1,148
Other (1,633) (2,514) 2,336
Income tax expense $ 8,300 $ 8,500 $ 8,200

22



Income (loss) from operations before income taxes consists of the following:
(In thousands) 1999 1998 1997

Subject to tax in:
United States $ 6,230 $ (51,326) $ (39,211)
Foreign jurisdictions (56,312) 41,414 47,754
$ (50,082) $ (9,912) $ 8,543

The components of deferred income taxes included on the balance sheet are as follows:
December 31,

Deferred tax benefits
Employee benefits $ 26,434 $ 31,726
Accrued expenses 27,055 25,143
Other 20,651 24,631
74,140 81,500
Deferred tax liabilities
Depreciation and amortization (32,470) (25,452)
Growing crops (18,983) (19,601)
Long-term debt (2,525) (6,167)
Other (14,385) (7,227)
(68,363) (58,447)
5,777 23,053
Valuation allowance (8,142) (23,795)
Net deferred tax liability $ (2,365) $ (742)

Net deferred taxes do not reflect the benefit that would be available to the Company from the use of its U.S.
operating loss carryforwards of $303 million, capital loss carryforwards of $43 million and alternative
minimum tax credits of $6 million. The operating loss carryforwards expire from 2007 through 2019 and the
capital loss carryforwards expire from 2000 through 2002. Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries
which have been, or are intended to be, permanently reinvested in operating assets, if remitted, are expected to
result in little or no tax by operation of relevant statutes and the carryforward attributes described above. Cash
payments for income taxes, net of refunds, were $9 million in 1999, $7 million in 1998 and $5 million in 1997.

23



Note 13 — Segment Information

The Company conducts business in two business segments, organized primarily on a product line basis, with
each segment offering a variety of different but related products. The Fresh Produce segment includes the
production, transportation, distribution and marketing of Chiquita bananas and a wide variety of other fresh
fruits and vegetables. The Processed Foods segment consists of the production, distribution and marketing of
the Company’s private-label and branded canned vegetables, branded fruit and vegetable juices and beverages,
processed bananas and edible oil based consumer products. The Company evaluates the performance of its
business segments based on operating income before unusual items. Intercompany transactions between
segments are eliminated. Financial information for each segment follows:
Fresh Processed
(In thousands) Produce Foods Consolidated

1999
Net sales $ 2,044,788 $ 511,011 $ 2,555,799
Operating income before unusual items (1) 23,129 27,909 51,038
Income from equity investments 4,161 1,246 5,407
Total assets 2,079,903 516,224 2,596,127
Net operating assets (2) 1,533,397 430,781 1,964,178
Investment in equity affiliates 103,527 17,306 120,833
Expenditures for long-lived assets 148,490 42,207 190,697

1998
Net sales $ 2,243,284 $ 477,077 $ 2,720,361
Operating income before unusual items (1) 126,685 25,524 152,209
Income from equity investments 6,515 1,221 7,736
Total assets 2,055,854 453,279 2,509,133

1997
Net sales $ 2,198,939 $ 234,787 $ 2,433,726
Operating income 82,562 17,604 100,166
Income from equity investments (245) 1,263 1,018
Total assets 2,083,080 318,533 2,401,613

(1) Operating income before unusual items excludes the following: in 1999, $9 million of charges resulting from a workforce reduction
program; in 1998, write-downs and costs totaling $74 million, net of the minimum of the range of expected insurance recoveries of
$60to $75million, resulting from significant damage in Honduras and Guatemala caused by Hurricane Mitch.
(2) Net operating assets consist of total assets less (i) cash and equivalents and (ii) total liabilities other than debt.

24



Financial information by geographic area is as follows:
(In thousands) 1999 1998 1997

Net sales
United States $ 1,552,320 $ 1,558,973 $ 1,277,513
Central and South America 8,124 47,336 54,946
Europe and other international 995,355 1,114,052 1,101,267
$ 2,555,799 $ 2,720,361 $ 2,433,726
Long-lived assets
United States $ 427,542 $ 410,068 $ 341,815
Central and South America 532,504 507,641 534,836
Europe and other international 285,082 278,527 243,154
Shipping operations 448,132 472,663 498,342
$ 1,693,260 $ 1,668,899 $ 1,618,147

The Company’s products are sold throughout the world and its principal production and processing
operations are conducted in Central and South America and the United States. Chiquita’s earnings are heavily
dependent upon products grown and purchased in Central and South America. These activities, a significant
factor in the economies of the countries where Chiquita produces bananas and related products, are subject to
the risks that are inherent in operating in such foreign countries, including government regulation, currency
restrictions and other restraints, risk of expropriation and burdensome taxes. Certain of these operations are
substantially dependent upon leases and other agreements with these governments.
The Company is also subject to a variety of government regulations in certain countries where it markets
bananas and other products, including import quotas and tariffs, currency exchange controls and taxes.

Note 14 — Litigation

A number of legal actions are pending against the Company. Based on information currently available to the
Company and advice of counsel, management does not believe such litigation will, individually or in the
aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the financial statements of the Company.

25



Note 15 — Acquisitions and Divestitures

In April 1999, CPF acquired certain canning assets of Agripac, Inc. The purchase price of approximately
$20million was funded with borrowings under CPF’s revolving credit facility.
In early 1998, Chiquita acquired Stokely USA, Inc., previously a publicly-owned vegetable canning
business. In connection with the acquisition, Chiquita issued $11million of common stock (.8million shares)
in exchange for all outstanding Stokely shares, and issued $33 million of common stock (2.2 million shares)
and paid $18 million of cash to retire corresponding amounts of Stokely debt.
Also during 1998, the Company acquired Campbell Soup Company’s Australian fresh mushroom
business. In connection with this acquisition, Chiquita issued $12 million (.9 million shares) of common
stock and paid $5million of cash in exchange for all of the outstanding capital stock of this business.
During 1997, the Company acquired separately the Owatonna Canning group of companies and American
Fine Foods, Inc., privately-owned companies engaged primarily in the vegetable canning business. Chiquita
issued $72 million (4.8 million shares) of common stock, including $3 million (.2 million shares) issued in
1998, and preference stock valued at $4 million (.1 million shares) to acquire these companies, and paid
$19million to retire debt of the acquired businesses.
Each of these transactions was accounted for as a purchase. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed in
the 1999 acquisition of the canning assets of Agripac, Inc. and the 1998 acquisitions of Stokely and the
Australian fresh mushroom business are summarized below:

Trade receivables $ —$ 13,728
Inventories 18,524 62,020
Property, plant and equipment 7,426 49,936
Intangibles — 44,479
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (4,429) (48,101)
Debt (1,110) (36,414)
Other, net (917) (2,351)
Net assets acquired $ 19,494 $ 83,297

In December 1998, the Company sold its Central American plastic products operations for $18million in
cash, which approximated carrying value.

26



Note 16 — Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

The following quarterly financial data are unaudited, but in the opinion of management include all necessary
adjustments for a fair presentation of the interim results, which are subject to significant seasonal variations.

1999
(In thousands, except per share amounts) March 31 June 30 Sep. 30 Dec. 31

Net sales $ 693,002 $ 676,857 $ 567,238 $ 618,702
Cost of sales (514,775) (536,049) (483,922) (559,660)
Operating income (loss) 77,224 36,171 (20,306) (51,051)
Net income (loss) 48,708 7,324 (36,654) (77,760)

Basic earnings (loss) per share .68 .05 (.62) (1.25)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share .60 .05 (.62) (1.25)

Dividends per common share .05 .05 .05 .05
Common stock market price
High 11.75 10.81 8.50 6.00
Low 8.31 7.69 5.50 3.38

1998
(In thousands, except per share amounts) March 31 June 30 Sep. 30 Dec. 31

Net sales $ 717,217 $ 744,191 $ 632,126 $ 626,827
Cost of sales (540,587) (561,900) (509,973) (593,587)
Operating income (loss) 69,770 74,216 12,548 (77,925)
Net income (loss) 41,078 52,842 (10,756) (101,576)

Basic earnings (loss) per share .58 .75 (.23) (1.62)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share .52 .66 (.23) (1.62)

Dividends per common share .05 .05 .05 .05
Common stock market price
High 16.00 14.44 14.25 12.44
Low 12.63 13.06 10.25 9.50

The operating losses in the third and fourth quarters of 1999 include charges of $6 million and $3 million, respectively, from a workforce
reduction program.
The 1998 Cost of sales includes $74 million of fourth quarter write-downs and costs, net of minimum expected insurance recoveries,
resulting from significant damage in Honduras and Guatemala caused by Hurricane Mitch.
Per share results include the dilutive effect of assumed conversion of preferred and preference stock, convertible debentures and options into
common stock during the period presented. The effects of assumed conversions are determined independently for each respective quarter
and year and may not be dilutive during every period due to variations in operating results. Therefore, the sum of quarterly per share results
will not necessarily equal the per share results for the full year.

27


Selected Financial Data

(In thousands, except per share amounts) 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995

F in ancial C on dit i on
Working capital $ 414,445 $ 308,805 $ 300,348 $ 379,977 $ 366,893
Capital expenditures 152,080 118,250 76,248 74,641 64,640
Total assets 2,596,127 2,509,133 2,401,613 2,466,934 2,623,533
Capitalization
Short-term debt 129,754 169,279 152,564 135,089 172,333
Long-term debt 1,227,001 1,002,606 961,972 1,079,251 1,242,046
Shareholders’ equity 705,286 793,980 780,086 724,253 672,207

O p e r at i o n s
Net sales $ 2,555,799 $ 2,720,361 $ 2,433,726 $ 2,435,248 $ 2,565,992
Operating income* 42,038 78,609 100,166 84,336 175,770
Income (loss) from
continuing operations (58,382) (18,412) 343 (27,728) 27,969
Discontinued operations — — — — (11,197)
Extraordinary loss from
debt refinancing — — — (22,838) (7,560)
Net income (loss)* (58,382) (18,412) 343 (50,566) 9,212

S h a r e D ata
Shares used to calculate diluted
earnings (loss) per common share 65,768 64,663 57,025 55,195 53,650
Diluted earnings (loss)
per common share:
– Continuing operations $ (1.15) $ (.55) $ (.29) $ (.72) $ .37
– Discontinued operations — — — — (.21)
– Extraordinary items — — — (.41) (.14)
– Net income (loss) (1.15) (.55) (.29) (1.13) .02

Dividends per common share .20 .20 .20 .20 .20
Market price per common share:
High 11.75 16.00 18.00 16.38 18.00
Low 3.38 9.50 12.75 11.50 12.25
End of year 4.75 9.56 16.31 12.75 13.75

* See Management’s Analysis of Operations and Financial Condition and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of
significant items included in operating income in 1999 and 1998.

28

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.20549

FORM 10-K

Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities ExchangeAct of 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended Commission File
December 31, 1999 Number 1-1550

CHIQUITA BRANDS INTERNATIONAL,INC.
Incorporated under the I.R.S. Employer I.D.
Laws of New Jersey No. 04-1923360

250 East Fifth Street,Cincinnati,Ohio 45202
(513) 784-8000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Name of Each Exchange
Title of Each Class On Which Registered
Common Stock ($.01 par value) NewYork, Pacific, Boston
$2.875 Non-Voting Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A NewYork
$3.75 Convertible Preferred Stock, Series B NewYork

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

Other securities for which reports are submitted pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
9-1/8% Senior Notes due March 1, 2004
9-5/8% Senior Notes due January 15, 2004
10% Senior Notes due June 15, 2009
10-1/4% Senior Notes due November 1, 2006

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No _____

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

As of March 15, 2000, there were 66,431,497 shares of Common Stock outstanding. The aggregate market value of
Common Stock held by non-affiliates at March 15, 2000 was approximately $163 million.

Documents Incorporated by Reference
Portions of the Chiquita Brands International, Inc. 1999 Annual Report to Shareholders are incorporated by
reference in Parts I and II. Portions of the Chiquita Brands International, Inc. Proxy Statement for the 2000 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III.

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