0001193125-11-134361.txt : 20110510 0001193125-11-134361.hdr.sgml : 20110510 20110510165725 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-11-134361 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 7 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20110331 FILED AS OF DATE: 20110510 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20110510 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: FARMER BROTHERS CO CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000034563 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: MISCELLANEOUS FOOD PREPARATIONS & KINDRED PRODUCTS [2090] IRS NUMBER: 950725980 STATE OF INCORPORATION: CA FISCAL YEAR END: 0630 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-34249 FILM NUMBER: 11828990 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 20333 S NORMANDIE AVE CITY: TORRANCE STATE: CA ZIP: 90502 BUSINESS PHONE: 3107875200 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 20333 SOUTH NORMANDIE AVENUE CITY: TORRANCE STATE: CA ZIP: 90502 10-Q 1 d10q.htm FORM 10-Q Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to             

Commission file number: 001-34249

 

 

FARMER BROS. CO.

(exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   95-0725980
(State of Incorporation)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

20333 South Normandie Avenue

Torrance, California

  90502
(address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (310) 787-5200

 

 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    YES  ¨    NO  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   x
Non-accelerated filer   ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    YES  ¨    NO  x

On May 6, 2011, the registrant had 16,205,357 shares outstanding of its common stock, par value $1.00 per share, which is the registrant’s only class of common stock.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

FARMER BROS. CO.

FORM 10-Q QUARTERLY REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1. Financial Statements

  

Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2011 (unaudited) and June 30, 2010

     2   

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended March  31, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited)

     3   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited)

     4   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

     5   

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     14   

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     16   

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

     18   

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1A. Risk Factors

     18   

Item 6. Exhibits

     26   

SIGNATURES

     27   

EXHIBIT INDEX

     28   


Table of Contents

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

FARMER BROS. CO.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

     March 31,
2011
    June 30,
2010
 
     (Unaudited)        

ASSETS

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 3,685      $ 4,149   

Short-term investments

     26,899        50,942   

Accounts and notes receivable, net

     43,903        42,596   

Inventories

     88,001        83,712   

Income tax receivable

     58        5,840   

Deferred income taxes

     4        4   

Prepaid expenses

     4,402        2,713   
                

Total current assets

     166,952        189,956   
                

Property, plant and equipment, net

     119,026        120,372   

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net

     22,556        25,242   

Other assets

     2,349        2,492   

Deferred income taxes

     1,059        1,059   
                

Total assets

     311,942        339,121   
                

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

     34,695        34,053   

Accrued payroll expenses

     16,292        14,661   

Short-term borrowings under revolving credit facility

     29,656        37,163   

Short-term obligations under capital leases

     1,575        724   

Deferred income taxes

     266        264   

Other current liabilities

     10,428        11,681   
                

Total current liabilities

     92,912        98,546   
                

Accrued postretirement benefits

     23,282        22,185   

Long-term obligations under capital leases

     7,459        3,137   

Accrued pension liabilities

     48,049        43,497   

Accrued workers’ compensation liabilities

     4,408        4,388   

Deferred income taxes

     1,772        1,773   
                

Total liabilities

     177,882        173,526   
                

Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)

    

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, 500,000 shares authorized and none issued

     —          —     

Common stock, $1.00 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized; 16,206,517 and 16,164,179 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2011 and June 30, 2010, respectively

     16,207        16,164   

Additional paid-in capital

     35,869        37,468   

Retained earnings

     152,120        186,900   

Unearned ESOP shares

     (30,437     (35,238

Less accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (39,699     (39,699
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     134,060        165,595   
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 311,942      $ 339,121   
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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FARMER BROS. CO.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
    Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2011     2010     2011     2010  

Net sales

   $ 116,732      $ 111,002      $ 344,702      $ 343,354   

Cost of goods sold

     74,871        61,741        213,880        188,697   
                                

Gross profit

     41,861        49,261        130,822        154,657   
                                

Selling expenses

     43,311        46,771        130,098        135,737   

General and administrative expenses

     13,013        11,778        37,749        35,809   
                                

Operating expenses

     56,324        58,549        167,847        171,546   
                                

Loss from operations

     (14,463     (9,288     (37,025     (16,889
                                

Other income (expense)

        

Dividend income

     531        849        2,128        2,382   

Interest income

     32        73        144        1,101   

Interest expense

     (529     (290     (1,412     (1,455

Other income

     1,289        1,871        4,690        9,237   
                                

Total other income, net

     1,323        2,503        5,550        11,265   
                                

Loss before taxes

     (13,140     (6,785     (31,475     (5,624

Income tax expense (benefit)

     56        (210     506        (2,665
                                

Net loss

   $ (13,196   $ (6,575   $ (31,981   $ (2,959
                                

Basic and diluted net loss per common share

   $ (0.87   $ (0.44   $ (2.13   $ (0.20
                                

Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic and diluted

     15,101,746        14,889,513        15,035,759        14,815,214   

Cash dividends declared per common share

   $ 0      $ 0.115      $ 0.175      $ 0.345   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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FARMER BROS. CO.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2011     2010  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net loss

   $ (31,981   $ (2,959

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

    

Depreciation and amortization

     23,627        19,208   

Deferred income taxes

     (1,772     —     

Loss on sales of assets

     72        368   

Share-based compensation expense

     3,245        3,711   

Net gain on investments

     (3,034     (8,864

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Short-term investments

     27,078        (2,998

Accounts and notes receivable

     (1,307     (4,960

Inventories

     (4,289     (14,958

Income tax receivable

     5,781        (2,475

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     (1,546     (855

Accounts payable

     3,613        (1,722

Accrued payroll expenses and other liabilities

     1,274        2,584   

Accrued postretirement benefits

     1,097        (360

Other long-term liabilities

     5,988        6,630   
                

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     27,846        (7,650
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (15,435     (19,715

Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment

     1,315        167   
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (14,120     (19,548
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Proceeds from revolving credit facility

     27,850        29,680   

Repayments on revolving credit facility

     (36,470     (12,757

Payments on capital lease obligations

     (913     (615

Dividends paid

     (4,657     (5,106
                

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (14,190     11,202   
                

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (464     (15,996

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     4,149        20,038   
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 3,685      $ 4,042   
                

Non-cash investing activities:

    

Additions to capital leases

   $ 5,546      $ —     
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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FARMER BROS. CO.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

Note 1. Farmer Bros. Co. and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The Company

Farmer Bros. Co. (including its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise, herein referred to as “Company,” “we,” or “our”) is a manufacturer, wholesaler and distributor of coffee, tea and culinary products to the institutional food service segment. The Company was incorporated in California in 1923, and reincorporated in Delaware in 2004.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for complete consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals, unless otherwise indicated) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the interim financial data have been included. Operating results for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011. Events occurring subsequent to March 31, 2011 have been evaluated for potential recognition or disclosure in the unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011.

These accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on September 14, 2010.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year balances to conform to the current year presentation.

Fair Value Measurements

Effective July 1, 2009, the Company implemented the requirements of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820”), of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) for its financial assets and liabilities. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants. The Company maximizes the use of observable market inputs, minimizes the use of unobservable market inputs and discloses in the form of an outlined hierarchy the details of such fair value measurements. See Note 2 for additional information.

Coffee Brewing Equipment and Service

The Company records expenses related to coffee brewing equipment provided to customers in cost of goods sold. These costs include depreciation on capitalized equipment and the cost of servicing that equipment (including service employees’ salaries, cost of transportation and the cost of supplies and parts). Cost of coffee brewing equipment and service included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 is $5.4 million and $6.2 million, respectively. Cost of coffee brewing equipment and service included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for the nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 is $19.4 million and $16.6 million, respectively. The Company capitalized coffee brewing equipment in the amounts of $10.1 million and $9.4 million during the nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Depreciation expense related to capitalized coffee brewing equipment reported as cost of goods sold was $2.5 million and $1.6 million in the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Depreciation expense related to capitalized coffee brewing equipment reported as cost of goods sold was $6.9 million and $4.1 million in the nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

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Revenue Recognition

Most products are sold and delivered to the Company’s customers at their places of business by the Company’s route sales employees. Revenue is recognized at the time the Company’s sales representatives physically deliver products to customers and title passes or upon acceptance by the customer when shipped by third party delivery.

In connection with the acquisition of the DSD Coffee Business in February 2009, the Company entered into an agreement with Sara Lee Corporation (“Sara Lee”) pursuant to which the Company performs co-packing services for Sara Lee as Sara Lee’s agent. The Company recognizes revenue from this arrangement on a net basis, net of direct costs of revenue. As of March 31, 2011 and June 30, 2010, the Company had $4.3 million and $4.1 million of receivables from Sara Lee related to this arrangement, which are included in “Other receivables” (see Note 3).

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share

Basic earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average common shares outstanding (see Note 9), excluding unallocated shares held by the Company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Diluted EPS includes the effect of any potential shares outstanding, which for the Company consists of dilutive stock options. The dilutive effect of stock options is calculated using the treasury stock method with an offset from expected proceeds upon exercise of the stock options and unrecognized compensation expense. Computation of EPS for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011 does not include the dilutive effect of 182,843 shares issuable under stock options since their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. Computation of EPS for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2010 excludes 104,481 dilutive shares issuable under stock options since their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

Effective July 1, 2009, the Company began using the “Two-Class Method” to compute EPS. The Two-Class Method considers unvested restricted stock with a right to receive non-forfeitable dividends as participating securities and allocates earnings to participating securities in the computation of EPS. The Company computed EPS using the Two-Class Method for all periods presented. The effect for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was not material.

Dividends Declared

The following dividends were declared in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 on the dates indicated (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

     Payment date      Dividend amount  

Record date

      Total      Per share  

October 22, 2010

     November 8, 2010       $ 1,858       $ 0.115   

January 28, 2011

     February 14, 2011       $ 969       $ 0.06   

In light of the Company’s current circumstances, the Company’s Board of Directors voted to omit the payment of a quarterly dividend during the upcoming fourth quarter of fiscal 2011. The amount, if any, of dividends to be paid in the future will depend upon the Company’s then available cash, anticipated cash needs, overall financial condition, loan agreement restrictions, future prospects for earnings and cash flows, as well as other relevant factors.

Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The Company performs an annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment test as of June 30 of each fiscal year. Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but instead are reviewed for impairment annually and on an interim basis if events or changes in circumstances between annual tests indicate that an asset might be impaired. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment by comparing their fair values to their carrying values. Testing for impairment of goodwill is a two-step process. The first step requires the Company to compare the fair value of its reporting units to the carrying value of the net assets of the respective reporting units, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, goodwill of the reporting unit is potentially impaired and the Company then completes step two to measure the impairment loss, if any. The second step requires the calculation of the implied fair value of goodwill by deducting the fair value of all tangible and intangible net assets of the reporting unit from the fair value of the reporting unit. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying amount of goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the difference.

In addition to an annual test, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets must also be tested on an interim basis if events or circumstances indicate that the estimated fair value of such assets has decreased below their carrying value. There were no such events or circumstances during the nine months ended March 31, 2011.

 

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Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In October 2009, the multiple-element arrangements guidance codified in ASC 605-25, “Revenue Recognition–Multiple Element Arrangements,” was modified by the FASB as a result of the final consensus reached on EITF Issue No. 08-1, “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables,” which was codified by ASU No. 2009-13. The guidance in ASU No. 2009-13 supersedes the existing guidance on such arrangements and is effective for the first annual reporting period after June 15, 2010 and was effective for the Company beginning on July 1, 2010. Adoption of ASU No. 2009-13 did not materially affect the results of operations, financial condition or cash flows of the Company.

New Accounting Pronouncements

No new accounting pronouncements were issued during the quarter ended March 31, 2011 and through the date of this filing that the Company believes are applicable or would have a material impact on the consolidated results of operations, financial condition or cash flows of the Company.

Note 2. Investments and Derivative Instruments

The Company purchases various derivative instruments as investments or to create economic hedges of its interest rate risk and commodity price risk. At March 31, 2011 and June 30, 2010, derivative instruments are not designated as accounting hedges. The fair value of derivative instruments is based upon broker quotes. The Company records unrealized gains and losses on trading securities and changes in the market value of certain coffee contracts meeting the definition of derivatives in “Other income.”

The Company groups its assets and liabilities at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are:

 

   

Level 1 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.

 

   

Level 2 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.

 

   

Level 3 — Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.

The Company’s investments have been grouped as follows at March 31, 2011 and June 30, 2010:

 

As of March 31, 2011

   Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  
(In thousands)    (Unaudited)  

Preferred stock

   $ 25,583       $ 7,104       $ 18,479       $ —     

Futures, options and other derivatives

   $ 1,316       $ 1,316       $ —         $ —     

As of June 30, 2010

   Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  
(In thousands)                            

Preferred stock

   $ 50,684       $ 11,946       $ 38,738       $ —     

Futures, options and other derivatives

   $ 258       $ 258       $ —         $ —     

There were no significant transfers of securities between Level 1 and Level 2 as of March 31, 2011 and June 30, 2010.

Investments, consisting of marketable debt and equity securities, money market instruments and various derivative instruments, are held for trading purposes and are stated at fair value. Investments are as follows:

 

(In thousands)

   March 31,
2011
     June 30,
2010
 
     (Unaudited)         

Trading securities and derivatives at fair value

     

Preferred stock

   $ 25,583       $ 50,684   

Futures, options and other derivatives

     1,316         258   
                 
   $ 26,899       $ 50,942   
                 

 

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Preferred stock investments as of March 31, 2011 consisted of securities with a fair value of $19.4 million in an unrealized gain position and securities with a fair value of $6.2 million in an unrealized loss position. Preferred stock investments as of June 30, 2010 consisted of securities with a fair value of $36.3 million in an unrealized gain position and securities with a fair value of $14.4 million in an unrealized loss position.

The following tables show gross unrealized losses (although such losses have been recognized in the statements of operations) and fair value for those investments that were in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2011 and June 30, 2010, aggregated by the length of time those investments have been in a continuous loss position:

 

     March 31, 2011 (Unaudited)  
     Less than 12 Months     Total  

(In thousands)

   Fair Value      Unrealized Loss     Fair Value      Unrealized Loss  

Preferred stock

   $ 312       $ (0   $ 6,197       $ (4,223
     June 30, 2010  
     Less than 12 Months     Total  

(In thousands)

   Fair Value      Unrealized Loss     Fair Value      Unrealized Loss  

Preferred stock

   $ 1,889       $ (97   $ 14,358       $ (6,044

Gains and losses, both realized and unrealized, are included in “Other income” in the consolidated statement of operations. Net realized and unrealized gains and losses are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
    Nine Months Ended
March  31,
 

(In thousands)

   2011      2010     2011      2010  
     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  

Net realized gains (losses)

   $ 190       $ (323   $ 190       $ 1   

Net unrealized gains

     254         2,180        2,844         8,863   
                                  

Net realized and unrealized gains

   $ 444       $ 1,857      $ 3,034       $ 8,864   
                                  

Note 3. Accounts and Notes Receivable, net

 

(In thousands)

   March 31,
2011
    June 30,
2010
 
     (Unaudited)        

Trade receivables

   $ 41,883      $ 39,600   

Other receivables

     5,541        6,289   

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (3,521     (3,293
                
   $ 43,903      $ 42,596   
                

Note 4. Inventories

 

March 31, 2011

   Processed      Unprocessed      Total  
(In thousands)    (Unaudited)  

Coffee

   $ 20,839       $ 23,507       $ 44,346   

Tea and culinary products

     27,647         3,171         30,818   

Coffee brewing equipment

     5,697         7,140         12,837   
                          
   $ 54,183       $ 33,818       $ 88,001   
                          

 

June 30, 2010

   Processed      Unprocessed      Total  
(In thousands)              

Coffee

   $ 22,230       $ 16,765       $ 38,995   

Tea and culinary products

     28,833         3,145         31,978   

Coffee brewing equipment

     5,849         6,890         12,739   
                          
   $ 56,912       $ 26,800       $ 83,712   
                          

 

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Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Costs of coffee, tea and culinary products are determined on the last in, first out (LIFO) basis. Costs of coffee brewing equipment manufactured are accounted for on the first in, first out (FIFO) basis. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method is made only at the end of each fiscal year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations must necessarily be based on management’s estimates of expected fiscal year-end inventory levels and costs. Because these estimates are subject to many forces beyond management’s control, interim results are subject to the final fiscal year-end LIFO inventory valuation.

Note 5. Employee Benefit Plans

The Company provides pension plans for most full-time employees. Generally the plans provide benefits based on years of service and/or a combination of years of service and earnings. Certain retirees are also eligible for medical, dental and vision benefits.

Company Pension Plans

The Company has a defined benefit pension plan for the majority of its employees who are not covered under a collective bargaining agreement (Farmer Bros. Co. Pension Plan) and two defined benefit pension plans for certain hourly employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement (Brewmatic Pension Plan and Farmer Bros. Co. Hourly Employees’ Pension Plan ). The net periodic benefit costs for the defined benefit pension plans are as follows:

Components of net periodic benefit cost

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
    Nine Months
Ended
March 31,
 
     2011     2010     2011     2010  
(In thousands)    (Unaudited)  

Service cost

   $ 1,300      $ 1,097      $ 3,900      $ 3,292   

Interest cost

     1,569        1,527        4,708        4,581   

Expected return on plan assets

     (1,329     (1,204     (3,987     (3,613

Amortization of net (gain)/loss*

     836        856        2,507        2,567   

Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)*

     41        41        123        124   
                                

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 2,417      $ 2,317      $ 7,251      $ 6,951   
                                

 

* These amounts represent the estimated portion of the net (gain)/loss and net prior service cost/(credit) remaining in accumulated other comprehensive income that is expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost over the current fiscal year.

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost

 

     Fiscal  
     2011     2010  

Discount rate

     5.60     6.25

Expected long-term rate of return

     8.25     8.25

Rate of compensation increase

     3.00     3.00

Basis used to determine expected long-term return on plan assets

Historical and future expected rates of return of multiple asset classes were analyzed to develop a risk-free real rate of return and risk premiums for each asset class. The overall rate for each asset class was developed by combining a long-term inflation component, the risk-free real rate of return, and the associated risk premium. A weighted average rate of return was developed based on those overall rates of return and the target asset allocation of the plans.

The Company intends to freeze benefit accruals under the Farmer Bros. Co. Pension Plan as of June 30, 2011 and stop the accrual of future benefits. As a result of this action, the Company expects to record approximately $1.4 million in estimated curtailment loss in the upcoming fourth quarter of fiscal 2011.

Postretirement Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits

The Company sponsors an unfunded postretirement medical, dental and vision plan that covers qualified non-union retirees and certain qualified union retirees. Under this postretirement plan, the Company’s contributions toward premiums for retiree medical, dental and vision coverage for participants and dependents are scaled based on length of service, with greater Company contributions for retirees with greater length of service, but subject to a maximum monthly Company contribution.

 

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The following table shows the components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:

Components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
    Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2011     2010     2011     2010  
(In thousands)    (Unaudited)  

Service cost

   $ 474      $ 373      $ 1,422      $ 1,119   

Interest cost

     314        310        942        930   

Expected return on plan assets

     —          —          —          —     

Amortization of net (gain)/loss

     (180     (258     (540     (774

Amortization of transition (asset)/obligation

     —          —          —          —     

Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)

     (58     (58     (174     (174
                                

Net periodic postretirement benefit cost

   $ 550      $ 367      $ 1,650      $ 1,101   
                                

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic postretirement benefit cost

 

     Fiscal  
     2011     2010  

Discount rate

     5.52     6.61

Note 6. Bank Loan

On March 2, 2009, the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Coffee Bean International, Inc. (“CBI”), as Borrowers, entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”), with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, successor by merger to Wachovia Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”), as Lender, providing for a $50 million senior secured revolving credit facility expiring in February 2012 to help finance the DSD Coffee Business acquisition and for general corporate purposes.

All outstanding obligations under the Loan Agreement are collateralized by perfected security interests in the assets of the Borrowers, excluding the preferred stock held in investment accounts. The revolving line provides for advances of 85% of eligible accounts receivable and 65% of eligible inventory, as defined. The Loan Agreement has an unused commitment fee of 0.375%. The interest rate was 3.75% at March 31, 2011.

On August 31, 2010, the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries entered into Amendment No. 4 to Loan and Security Agreement (the “Amendment”) with Wells Fargo pursuant to which effective March 31, 2010, certain collateral reporting, dividend payment, and financial covenants were modified. Effective September 1, 2010, the Amendment also amended the range of interest rates on the line usage based on modified Monthly Average Excess Availability levels. The range is PRIME + 0.25% to PRIME + 0.75% or Adjusted Eurodollar Rate + 2.5% to Adjusted Eurodollar Rate + 3.0%. As of March 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with all restrictive covenants under the Loan Agreement.

On March 31, 2011, the Company was eligible to borrow up to a total of $50.0 million under the credit facility. As of March 31, 2011, the Company had borrowed $29.7 million of this amount, utilized $3.1 million of its letters of credit sub-limit, and had excess availability of $17.2 million under the credit facility.

As described above, the Company maintains a $50 million senior secured revolving credit facility with Wells Fargo. Although the Company expects further synergies from integrating the DSD Coffee Business with its operations, and additional operating cost reductions, the realization and timing of these improvements are uncertain. Based on the Company’s current operations and anticipated cost management and operating improvements, management believes this credit facility, to the extent available, in addition to the Company’s cash flow from operations and other liquid assets will be adequate to meet its liquidity needs through the current term of the credit facility. However, there can be no assurance that the Company’s business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that anticipated cost savings and operating improvements will be realized or that future borrowings will be available to the Company in an amount sufficient to enable the Company to pay its indebtedness or to fund its other liquidity needs. The Company’s credit facility will expire in February 2012. Management cannot provide assurances that the Company will be able to refinance any of its indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

 

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Note 7. Stock-Based Compensation

Stock Options

On December 9, 2010, the Company granted 207,656 shares issuable upon the exercise of non-qualified stock options with an exercise price of $18.03 per share to eligible employees, officers and directors under the Farmer Bros. Co. 2007 Omnibus Plan (the “Plan”). Shares under the options ratably vest over a three-year period. Following are the weighted average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes Merton valuation model for the grants issued during the nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:

 

     Nine Months Ended March 31,  
     2011     2010  

Weighted average fair value of options

   $ 8.17      $ 6.14   

Pre-vest forfeiture rate

     6.50     6.50

Risk-free interest rate

     2.80     2.57

Dividend yield

     2.00     2.50

Average expected life

     6.00 years        6.00 years   

Expected stock price volatility

     54.90     41.20

The Company estimates the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service period in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. The Company estimates forfeitures based on its historical pre-vest forfeiture rate and will revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The Company’s assumption regarding expected stock price volatility is based on the historical volatility of its stock price. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues at the date of grant with a remaining term equal to the expected life of the stock options.

The following table summarizes stock option activity for the nine months ended March 31, 2011:

 

(Unaudited)

   Number of Stock
Options
    Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
     Weighted
Average
Fair Value
     Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life (Years)
     Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(In thousands)
 

Outstanding at June 30, 2010

     404,943      $ 20.17       $ 6.25         5.8       $ —     

Granted

     207,656      $ 18.03       $ 8.17         —         $ —     

Cancelled/forfeited

     (80,839   $ 20.24       $ 6.42         —         $ —     
                   

Outstanding at March 31, 2011

     531,760      $ 19.32       $ 6.97         5.7       $ —     
                   

Vested and exercisable, March 31, 2011

     182,843      $ 21.18       $ 6.32         4.7       $ —     

Vested and expected to vest, March 31, 2011*

     361,162      $ 19.75       $ 6.78         5.6       $ —     

 

* Excludes Mr. Laverty’s 134,713 unvested shares issuable under stock options that are expected to be cancelled when he retires on June 30, 2011.

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pretax intrinsic value, based on the Company’s closing stock price of $12.12 at March 31, 2011, representing the last trading day of the quarter, which would have been received by award holders had all award holders exercised their awards that were in-the-money as of that date. As of March 31, 2011, there was approximately $1.9 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options and 104,124 shares vested during the nine months ended March 31, 2011. Compensation expense recognized in general and administrative expenses in each of the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $0.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively, and in each of the nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $0.6 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

Restricted Stock

Shares of restricted stock vest at the end of three years from the grant date for eligible employees and officers who are employees. Shares of restricted stock vest ratably over a period of three years for directors and officers who are not employees. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the service period based on the estimated fair value of the restricted stock that is ultimately expected to vest. Restricted stock based compensation expense recognized in general and administrative expenses in each of the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively. Restricted stock based compensation expense recognized in general and administrative expenses in each of the nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $0.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2011, there was approximately $1.2 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock. During the nine months ended March 31, 2011, 20,274 shares of restricted stock vested.

 

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The following table summarizes restricted stock activity for the nine months ended March 31, 2011:

 

(Unaudited)

   Shares
Awarded
    Weighted
Average
Fair Value
     Weighted
Average
Remaining Life
(Years)
     Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value*
(In thousands)
 

Outstanding at June 30, 2010

     80,208      $ 19.91         2.0       $ 1,210   

Granted

     53,595      $ 18.03         —         $ 966   

Vested

     (20,274   $ 21.49         —         $ 327   

Cancelled/Forfeited

     (11,257   $ 19.87         —         $ 175   
                

Outstanding at March 31, 2011

     102,272      $ 18.62         2.1       $ 1,240   
                

Expected to vest, March 31, 2011**

     63,356      $ 18.52         2.0       $ 768   

 

  * Aggregate intrinsic value is based on closing price of the Company’s common stock on each of the transaction dates.
  ** Excludes Mr. Laverty’s 28,944 unvested shares that are expected to be cancelled when he retires on June 30, 2011.

Note 8. Severance Costs

On March 31, 2011, Roger M. Laverty III notified the Board of Directors of his intent to step down as an executive officer of the Company effective April 19, 2011, and retire as a director effective June 30, 2011. Pursuant to the Separation Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2011, (the “Separation Agreement”), between the Company and Mr. Laverty, Mr. Laverty will be entitled to receive salary continuation of $425,000 over a twelve-month period commencing August 19, 2011, a $300,000 lump-sum payment to be paid on August 1, 2011, and an $18,750 lump-sum payment to be paid on January 1, 2012. In addition, Mr. Laverty is entitled to partially Company-paid COBRA continuation of company-provided health coverage. The Company has accrued these severance costs totaling $0.7 million in accrued payroll expenses and included them in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2011, the Company realigned its sales division and reduced its headcount by approximately 80 full-time employees in an effort to focus on customer retention and increase market share in key markets. In connection with this realignment, the Company recorded severance costs of approximately $1.0 million, of which $0.7 million was recorded in selling expenses, $0.2 million was recorded in general and administrative expenses and $0.1 million was recorded in cost of goods sold in the consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011. Approximately $0.2 million of these severance costs have been paid through March 31, 2011, $0.7 million is expected to be paid in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 and $0.1 million is expected to be paid in fiscal 2012.

The following table shows activity in the accrued severance costs related to the reduction in workforce:

 

(Unaudited)

   (In thousands)  

Beginning balance

   $ —     

Accrued severance costs-workforce reduction

     968   

Payments

     (177
        

Ending balance at March 31, 2011

   $ 791   
        

Note 9. Income Taxes

The Company adjusts its effective tax rate each quarter based on its current estimated annual effective tax rate. The Company also records the tax impact of certain discrete items, unusual or infrequently occurring tax events and the effects of changes in tax laws or rates, in the interim period in which they occur. In addition, the Company evaluates its deferred tax assets quarterly to determine if a valuation allowance is required.

The Company considered whether a valuation allowance should be recorded against deferred tax assets based on the likelihood that the benefits of the deferred tax assets would or would not ultimately be realized in future periods. In making this assessment, significant weight was given to evidence that could be objectively verified such as recent operating results and less consideration was given to less objective indicators such as future earnings projections.

After consideration of positive and negative evidence, including the recent history of losses, the Company cannot conclude that it is more likely than not to generate future earnings sufficient to realize the Company’s deferred tax assets. Accordingly, the Company increased its valuation allowance by $5.0 million in the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2011 to $56.8 million.

 

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A summary of the income tax expense (benefit) recorded in the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:

 

(In thousands)

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
    Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2011     2010     2011     2010  
     (Unaudited)  

Loss before taxes

   $ (13,140   $ (6,785   $ (31,475   $ (5,624
                                

Income tax provision at federal statutory rate

     (4,467     (2,307     (10,701     (1,913

State income taxes and credits

     (522     292        (1,305     514   

Dividends received deduction

     (4     1,367        (500     1,022   

Valuation allowance

     5,047        2,565        12,943        2,255   

Change in valuation allowance from refund as a result of tax law change

     —          (1,582     —          (4,086

Other permanent items

     2        (545     69        (457
                                

Income tax expense (benefit)

   $ 56      $ (210   $ 506      $ (2,665
                                

As of March 31, 2011 and June 30, 2010, the Company had not recognized the following tax benefits in its consolidated financial statements:

 

     As of  

(In thousands)

   March 31,
2011
     June 30,
2010
 
     (Unaudited)         

Total unrecognized tax benefits*

   $ 5,218       $ 5,218   

Unrecognized benefits that, if recognized, would affect the Company’s effective tax rate*

   $ 4,953       $ 4,953   
____________      

*  Excluding interest and penalties

     

The Company is currently appealing the results of an Internal Revenue Service audit of the Company’s amended federal returns filed in September 2009, and the State of California is conducting a state examination of the Company’s open tax years. The Company believes it is reasonably possible that $4.9 million of its total unrecognized tax benefits could be released in the next twelve months upon the conclusion of the appeal and the examination.

Note 10. Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share

The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
    Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 

(In thousands, except per share data)

   2011     2010     2011     2010  
     (Unaudited)  

Net loss attributable to common stockholders - basic

   $ (13,116   $ (6,538   $ (31,746   $ (2,947

Effect of dilutive securities:

        

Net loss attributable to unvested restricted stockholders

     (80     (37     (235     (12
                                

Total net loss

   $ (13,196   $ (6,575   $ (31,981   $ (2,959
                                

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

     15,101,746        14,889,513        15,035,759        14,815,214   

Effect of dilutive securities:

        

Shares issuable under stock options

     —          —          —          —     
                                

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted

     15,101,746        14,889,513        15,035,759        14,815,214   
                                

Basic net loss per common share

   $ (0.87   $ (0.44   $ (2.13   $ (0.20
                                

Diluted net loss per common share

   $ (0.87   $ (0.44   $ (2.13   $ (0.20
                                

 

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Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies

Contractual obligations for the remainder of the current fiscal year ending June 30, 2011 and future fiscal years are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Contractual Obligations
(Unaudited)
 
     Capital
Lease
Obligations
    Operating
Lease
Obligations
     Pension
Plan
Obligations
 

Three months ending June 30, 2011

   $ 579      $ 1,574       $ 5,285   

Year ending June 30, 2012

     2,210        5,018         5,449   

Year ending June 30, 2013

     2,171        4,012         5,759   

Year ending June 30, 2014

     2,042        3,309         5,987   

Year ending June 30, 2015

     1,994        2,497         6,410   

Thereafter

     2,102        4,778         39,900   
                   
     $ 21,188       $ 68,790   
                         

Total minimum lease payments

   $ 11,098        

Less: imputed interest (4.1% to 13.6%)

     (2,064     
             

Present value of future minimum lease payments

   $ 9,034        

Less: current portion

     1,575        
             

Long-term capital lease obligations

   $ 7,459        
             

The Company is a party to various pending legal and administrative proceedings. It is management’s opinion that the outcome of such proceedings will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward-Looking Statements

The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period. The following discussion should be read in combination with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in Part I Item 1 of this report and with the “Risk Factors” described in Part II Item 1A of this report.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Credit Facility

On March 2, 2009, we entered into a Loan Agreement with Wells Fargo, as Lender, providing for a $50 million senior secured revolving credit facility expiring in February 2012 to help finance the DSD Coffee Business acquisition and for general corporate purposes. The Loan Agreement contains a variety of restrictive covenants customary in an asset based lending facility, including a minimum excess availability requirement and a minimum total liquidity requirement, and it places limits on dividends.

All outstanding obligations under the Loan Agreement are collateralized by perfected security interests in our assets, excluding the preferred stock held in investment accounts. The revolving line provides for advances of 85% of eligible accounts receivable and 65% of eligible inventory, as defined. The Loan Agreement has an unused commitment fee of 0.375%. The interest rate varies based upon line usage, borrowing base availability and market conditions. The interest rate on the Company’s outstanding borrowings was 3.75% at March 31, 2011. Due to the short-term nature of the credit facility and the variable interest rate, fair value of the balance outstanding approximates carrying value.

On August 31, 2010, we entered into Amendment No. 4 to Loan and Security Agreement with Wells Fargo (the “Amendment”) pursuant to which effective March 31, 2010, certain collateral reporting, dividend payment, and financial covenants were modified. Effective September 1, 2010, the Amendment also amended the range of interest rates on the line usage based on modified Monthly Average Excess Availability levels. The range is PRIME + 0.25% to PRIME + 0.75% or Adjusted Eurodollar Rate + 2.5% to Adjusted Eurodollar Rate + 3.0%. As of March 31, 2011, we were in compliance with all restrictive covenants under the Loan Agreement.

On March 31, 2011, we were eligible to borrow up to a total of $50.0 million under the credit facility. As of March 31, 2011, we had borrowed $29.7 million, utilized $3.1 million of our letters of credit sub-limit, and had excess availability under the credit facility of $17.2 million. As of April 16, 2011, approximately $32.8 million was outstanding under this credit facility.

 

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Liquidity

In the first nine months of fiscal 2011, we continued to focus on streamlining our operations including, where appropriate, expense reductions, asset redeployment and improvements in operating efficiencies and automation intended to improve our operating results. We increased our selling prices in response to substantial increases in the cost of raw materials for coffee, tea and culinary products. In addition, we implemented a number of initiatives intended to reduce the cost of our operations, including headcount reductions, initiatives to reduce inventory levels and tighten our management of accounts receivables, cost-sharing measures to address increases in employee healthcare costs, reduction in severance benefits, automation of certain functions including the centralization of certain IT functions, and initiatives to reduce the use of outside services. We intend to freeze benefit accruals under the Farmer Bros. Co. Pension Plan as of June 30, 2011 and stop the accrual of future benefits. We also intend to continue to sell our excess real estate where appropriate and have renegotiated lease arrangements on real estate on more favorable terms in light of current market conditions. In the first nine months of fiscal 2011, we sold a portion of our investments in preferred stock in order to diversify our liquid assets and to pay down a portion of the outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility.

During the nine months ended March 31, 2011, we capitalized $15.4 million in property and equipment purchases which included $10.1 million in expenditures to replace normal wear and tear of coffee brewing equipment, $3.4 million in building and facility improvements, $1.3 million in expenditures for vehicles, and machinery and equipment, and $0.5 million in information technology related expenditures. In addition, during the nine months ended March 31, 2011, we acquired equipment and trucks under capital leases totaling $5.5 million.

Our expected capital expenditures for fiscal 2011 included completion of the installation of the two roasters and other production equipment at our Torrance facility and expenditures to replace normal wear and tear of coffee brewing equipment, vehicles, and machinery and equipment. As of December 31, 2010, we had substantially completed all capital expenditures associated with installation of the two roasters.

As described above, we maintain a $50 million senior secured revolving credit facility with Wells Fargo. Although we expect further synergies from integrating the DSD Coffee Business with our operations, and additional operating cost reductions, the realization and timing of these improvements are uncertain. Based on our current operations and anticipated cost management and operating improvements, we believe this credit facility, to the extent available, in addition to our cash flow from operations and other liquid assets, will be adequate to meet our liquidity needs through the current term of our credit facility. However, there can be no assurance that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that anticipated cost savings and operating improvements will be realized or that future borrowings will be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs. Our credit facility will expire in February 2012. We cannot provide assurances that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

Our working capital is comprised of the following:

 

(In thousands)

   As of March 31,
2011
     As of June 30,
2010
 
     (Unaudited)         

Current assets

   $ 166,952       $ 189,956   

Current liabilities

     92,912         98,546   
                 

Working capital

   $ 74,040       $ 91,410   
                 

Liquidity Information

 

(In thousands)

   For the Nine Months Ended
March 31, 2011
     For the Twelve Months Ended
June 30, 2010
 
     (Unaudited)         

Capital expenditures

   $ 15,435       $ 28,484   

Dividends paid

   $ 4,657       $ 6,939   

(In thousands)

   As of March 31,
2011
     As of June 30,
2010
 
     (Unaudited)         

Dividends payable

   $ —         $ 1,849   

In light of the Company’s current circumstances, the Company’s Board of Directors voted to omit the payment of a quarterly dividend during the upcoming fourth quarter of fiscal 2011. The amount, if any, of dividends to be paid in the future will depend upon the Company’s then available cash, anticipated cash needs, overall financial condition, loan agreement restrictions, future prospects for earnings and cash flows, as well as other relevant factors.

As of March 31, 2011, we had no material commitments for capital expenditures other than those described above.

 

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Results of Operations

Our net sales in the three months ended March 31, 2011 increased $5.7 million, or 5%, to $116.7 million as compared to $111.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010. Although sales in dollars increased 5% in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in the prior year, sales in units decreased 4%. Our net sales in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 increased $1.3 million, or 0.4%, to $344.7 million as compared to $343.4 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2010. Although sales in dollars increased 0.4% in the nine months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in the prior year, sales in units decreased 0.5%. The increases were primarily due to the increases in list prices of our coffee, cappuccino, cocoa and selected spice products, offset in part by the effect of a decrease in the number of customers who purchased our products as compared to the same periods in the prior year.

Gross profit in the three months ended March 31, 2011 decreased $7.4 million, or 15%, to $41.9 million, as compared to $49.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010. Gross margin decreased to 36% in the three months ended March 31, 2011 from 44% in the comparable period in the prior fiscal year. There was a $0.90 per pound increase in the list price of coffee products effective March 2011. Gross profit during the first nine months of fiscal 2011 decreased $23.8 million, or 15%, to $130.8 million, as compared to $154.6 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2010. Gross margin decreased to 38% in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 from 45% in the first nine months of fiscal 2010. This decrease in gross margin is primarily due to (1) increased raw material costs including a 78% increase in the cost of green coffee beans since the start of the current fiscal year which has only been partly offset by price increases for finished goods, (2) increased coffee brewing equipment and service costs, and (3) changes in the mix of our customers and the products we sell to them.

Operating expenses in the three months ended March 31, 2011 decreased $2.2 million, or 4%, to $56.3 million, or 48% of sales, from $58.5 million, or 53% of sales, in the comparable period of fiscal 2010. During the first nine months of fiscal 2011, operating expenses decreased $3.7 million, or 2%, to $167.8 million, or 49% of sales, as compared to $171.5 million, or 50% of sales, in the first nine months of fiscal 2010. The reduction in operating expenses in the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011, as compared to the same periods in the prior year, is primarily due to lower payroll and related expenses resulting from a reduction in number of employees offset in part by higher freight and fuel costs, and severance costs. Operating expenses in the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011 include severance costs associated with the realignment of our sales division and reduction in headcount by approximately 80 full-time employees in the amount of $0.8 million recorded during the third quarter ended March 31, 2011. Operating expenses in the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011 also include severance costs in the amount of $0.7 million recorded pursuant to the Separation Agreement between the Company and Mr. Laverty as described above in Note 8 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.

Loss from operations in the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011 was $(14.5) million and $(37.0) million, respectively, as compared to $(9.3) million and $(16.9) million, respectively, during the three and nine months ended March 31, 2010, primarily due to decline in gross profit.

Total other income in the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011 was $1.3 million and $5.6 million, respectively, as compared to $2.5 million and $11.3 million, respectively, in the three and nine months ended March 31, 2010. These changes were primarily due to higher interest expense and lower net realized and unrealized gains on a smaller investment portfolio in the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011, as compared to the three and nine months ended March 31, 2010.

During the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011, we recorded income tax expense of $0.1 million and $0.5 million compared to income tax benefit of $0.2 million and $2.7 million, respectively, recorded during the three and nine months ended March 31, 2010. Income tax benefit for the three and nine month periods ended March 31, 2010 was primarily attributable to federal legislation allowing a five year net operating loss carryback period for net operating losses incurred in tax years that ended in 2008 and 2009. This legislation allowed us to claim additional income tax receivable and record a corresponding decrease in our deferred tax assets relating to our net operating loss carryovers, thereby reducing the valuation allowance recorded as of June 30, 2009 and resulting in income tax benefit for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2010.

As a result of the forgoing factors, we recorded a net loss of $(13.2) million, or $(0.87) per common share, for the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared to $(6.6) million, or $(0.44) per common share, for the three months ended March 31, 2010. Net loss in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 was $(32.0) million, or $(2.13) per common share, as compared to $(3.0) million, or $(0.20) per common share, in the first nine months of fiscal 2010.

 

Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

        We are exposed to market value risk arising from changes in interest rates on our securities portfolio. Our portfolio of preferred securities has sometimes included investments in derivatives that provide a natural economic hedge of interest rate risk. We review the interest rate sensitivity of these securities and (a) may enter into “short positions” in futures contracts on U.S. Treasury securities or (b) may hold put options on such futures contracts in order to reduce the impact of certain interest rate changes on such preferred stocks. Specifically, we attempt to manage the risk arising from changes in the general level of interest rates. We do not transact in futures contracts or put options for speculative purposes.

 

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The number and type of futures and options contracts entered into depends on, among other items, the specific maturity and issuer redemption provisions for each preferred stock held, the slope of the U.S. Treasury yield curve, the expected volatility of U.S. Treasury yields, and the costs of using futures and/or options. As of March 31, 2011 there were no futures or options contracts in place as an interest rate hedge.

The following table demonstrates the impact of varying interest rate changes based on the preferred stock holdings and market yield and price relationships at March 31, 2011. This table is predicated on an instantaneous change in the general level of interest rates and assumes predictable relationships between the prices of preferred securities holdings and the yields on U.S. Treasury securities.

 

     Market Value at March 31, 2011      Changes in Market
Value of Total
Portfolio
 

Interest Rate Changes

   Preferred
Securities
     Futures and
Options
     Total
Portfolio
    
     (In thousands)  

–150 basis points

   $ 26,357       $ —         $ 26,357       $ 774   

–100 basis points

   $ 26,267       $ —         $ 26,267       $ 684   

Unchanged

   $ 25,583       $ —         $ 25,583       $ —     

+100 basis points

   $ 24,324       $ —         $ 24,324       $ (1,259

+150 basis points

   $ 23,553       $ —         $ 23,553       $ (2,030

Our revolving credit facility with Wells Fargo is at a variable rate. The interest rate varies based upon line usage, borrowing base availability and market conditions. Effective September 1, 2010, the interest rate on the line usage was amended to a range of PRIME + 0.25% to PRIME + 0.75% or Adjusted Eurodollar Rate + 2.5% to Adjusted Eurodollar Rate + 3.0%, based on modified Monthly Average Excess Availability levels. As of March 31, 2011, we had borrowed $29.7 million, utilized $3.1 million of our letters of credit sub-limit, and had excess availability of $17.2 million under the credit facility. The interest rate on the Company’s outstanding borrowings at March 31, 2011 was 3.75%.

The following table demonstrates the impact of interest rate changes on our interest expense under the revolving credit facility for a full year based on the outstanding balance and interest rate as of March 31, 2011:

 

Interest Rate Changes

   Interest
Rate
    Annual
Interest
Expense
 
           (In thousands)  

–150 basis points

     2.25   $ 738   

–100 basis points

     2.75   $ 902   

Unchanged

     3.75   $ 1,230   

+100 basis points

     4.75   $ 1,558   

+150 basis points

     5.25   $ 1,722   

Commodity Price Risk

We are exposed to commodity price risk arising from changes in the market price of green coffee. We price green coffee inventory on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) basis. In the normal course of business we hold a large green coffee inventory and enter into forward commodity purchase agreements with suppliers. We are subject to price risk resulting from the volatility of green coffee prices. Due to competition and market conditions, price increases cannot always be passed on to our customers. From time to time we may hold a mix of futures contracts and options to protect against volatile green coffee price changes. Gains and losses on these derivative instruments are realized immediately in “Other income (expense).”

The following table demonstrates the impact of hypothetical changes in the market value of coffee cost on the market value of our coffee inventory and coffee forward purchase contracts as of March 31, 2011:

 

     Market Value      Change in Market Value  

Coffee Cost Change

   Coffee
Inventory
     Futures &
Options
    Total      Derivatives     Inventory  
     (In thousands)  

–10%

   $ 40,000       $ (1,406   $ 38,594       $ (1,406   $ (4,346

Unchanged

   $ 44,346       $ 1,316      $ 45,662       $ —        $ —     

10%

   $ 49,000       $ 1,406      $ 50,406       $ 1,406      $ 4,654   

 

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. In January 2010, we adopted Disclosure Controls and Procedures that included the organization of a Disclosure Committee designed to enhance our process of documenting our compliance with Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act. The Disclosure Committee performed its duties as prescribed by our Disclosure Controls and Procedures in preparing this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2011.

As of March 31, 2011, our management, with the participation of our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act. Based upon this evaluation, our Interim Co-Chief Executive Officers and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of March 31, 2011, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management has determined that there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act) during our fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Certain statements contained in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q are not based on historical fact and are forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws and regulations. These statements are based on management’s current expectations, assumptions, estimates and observations of future events and include any statements that do not directly relate to any historical or current fact. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words like “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “expects,” “plans,” “believes,” “intends,” “will,” “assumes” and other words of similar meaning. Owing to the uncertainties inherent in forward-looking statements, actual results could differ materially from those set forth in forward-looking statements. We intend these forward-looking statements to speak only at the time of this report and do not undertake to update or revise these statements as more information becomes available except as required under federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, fluctuations in availability and cost of green coffee, competition, organizational changes, our failure to realize synergies from the integration of the CBI and DSD Coffee Business acquisitions, our ability to refinance or replace our existing credit facility upon its expiration, the impact of a weaker economy, business conditions in the coffee industry and food industry in general, our continued success in attracting new customers, variances from budgeted sales mix and growth rates, weather and special or unusual events, changes in the quality or dividend stream of third parties’ securities and other investment vehicles in which we have invested our assets, as well as other risks described in this report and other factors described from time to time in our filings with the SEC.

You should consider each of the following factors as well as the other information in this report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010, including our financial statements and the related notes, in evaluating our business and our prospects. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently consider immaterial may also negatively affect our business operations. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline.

INCREASES IN THE COST OF GREEN COFFEE COULD REDUCE OUR GROSS MARGIN AND PROFIT.

Our primary raw material is green coffee, an agricultural commodity. Green coffee is mainly grown outside the United States and can be subject to volatile price fluctuations. Weather, real or perceived shortages, political unrest, labor actions, currency fluctuations, armed conflict in coffee producing nations, and government actions, including treaties and trade controls between the U.S. and coffee producing nations, can affect the price of green coffee. Green specialty coffees sell at a premium to other green coffees due to the inability of producers to increase supply in the short run to meet rising demand. As a result, the price spread between specialty coffee and non-specialty coffee is likely to widen as demand continues to increase.

 

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Green coffee prices can also be affected by the actions of producer organizations. The most prominent of these are the Colombian Coffee Federation, Inc. (CCF) and the International Coffee Organization (ICO). These organizations seek to increase green coffee prices largely by attempting to restrict supplies, thereby limiting the availability of green coffee to coffee consuming nations. As a result, these organizations or others may succeed in raising green coffee prices.

In the past, we generally have been able to pass on increases in green coffee costs to our customers. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in passing such fluctuations on to our customers without losses in sales volume or gross margin in the future. Similarly, rapid, sharp decreases in the cost of green coffee could also force us to lower sales prices before realizing cost reductions in our green coffee inventory. Additionally, if green coffee beans from a region become unavailable or prohibitively expensive, we could be forced to use alternative coffee beans or discontinue certain blends, which could adversely impact our sales.

Some of the Arabica coffee beans of the quality we purchase do not trade directly on the commodity markets. Rather, we purchase the high-end Arabica coffee beans that we use on a negotiated basis. We depend on our relationships with coffee brokers, exporters and growers for the supply of our primary raw material, high quality Arabica coffee beans. If any of our relationships with coffee brokers, exporters or growers deteriorate, we may be unable to procure a sufficient quantity of high quality coffee beans at prices acceptable to us or at all. In such case, we may not be able to fulfill the demand of our existing customers, supply new customers or expand other channels of distribution. A raw material shortage could result in a deterioration of our relationship with our customers, decreased revenues or could impair our ability to expand our business.

OUR EFFORTS TO SECURE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF QUALITY COFFEES MAY BE UNSUCCESSFUL AND EXPOSE US TO COMMODITY PRICE RISK.

Maintaining a steady supply of green coffee is essential to keep inventory levels low and secure sufficient stock to meet customer needs. To help ensure future supplies, we may purchase coffee on forward contracts for delivery as long as twelve months in the future. Non-performance by suppliers could expose us to credit and supply risk. Additionally, entering into such future commitments exposes us to purchase price risk. Because we are not always able to pass price changes through to our customers due to competitive pressures, unpredictable price changes can have an immediate effect on operating results that cannot be corrected in the short run. To reduce our potential price risk exposure we have, from time to time, entered into futures contracts to hedge coffee purchase commitments. Open contracts associated with these hedging activities are described in Part I Item 3 of this report.

WE RELY ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND ARE DEPENDENT ON ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING SOFTWARE IN OUR OPERATIONS. ANY MATERIAL FAILURE, INADEQUACY, INTERRUPTION OR SECURITY FAILURE OF THAT TECHNOLOGY COULD AFFECT OUR ABILITY TO EFFECTIVELY OPERATE OUR BUSINESS.

We rely on information technology systems across our operations, including management of our supply chain, point-of-sale processing, and various other processes and transactions. Our ability to effectively manage our business and coordinate the production, distribution and sale of our products depends significantly on the reliability and capacity of these systems. The failure of these systems to operate effectively, problems with transitioning to upgraded or replacement systems, or a breach in security of these systems could result in delays in processing replenishment orders from our branches, our inability to record product sales and reduced operational efficiency. Significant capital investments could be required to remediate any potential problems.

OUR EXISTING CREDIT FACILITY EXPIRES IN FEBRUARY 2012. WE MAY BE UNABLE TO REPLACE OR RENEGOTIATE THIS CREDIT FACILITY ON ACCEPTABLE TERMS.

Our existing credit facility expires in February 2012. We may be unable to extend or replace this credit facility on terms acceptable to us, or at all, and there can be no assurance that additional lines-of-credit or financing instruments will be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. A lack or high cost of credit could limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, or other purposes in the future, as needed. If future cash flow from operations and other sources of funds are insufficient to fund our liquidity needs, we may be forced to reduce or delay our business activities and capital expenditures, sell assets, or obtain additional equity capital. A return to recent tight credit markets may make replacement financing more expensive and difficult to obtain. There can be no assurance that we will be able to refinance our credit facility on a timely basis or on satisfactory terms, if at all. The inability to obtain additional or replacement financing could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity.

 

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OUR LEVEL OF INDEBTEDNESS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR ABILITY TO RAISE ADDITIONAL CAPITAL TO FUND OUR OPERATIONS, AND LIMIT OUR ABILITY TO REACT TO CHANGES IN THE ECONOMY OR OUR INDUSTRY.

We have a $50 million senior secured revolving credit facility. As of April 16, 2011, approximately $32.8 million was outstanding under this credit facility. Maintaining a large loan balance under our credit facility could adversely affect our business and limit our ability to plan for or respond to changes in our business. Additionally, our borrowings under the credit facility are at variable rates of interest, exposing us to the risk of interest rate volatility, which could lead to a decrease in our net income. Our debt obligations could also:

 

   

increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

 

   

require us to dedicate a portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow for other purposes, including the payment of dividends, funding daily operations, investing in future business opportunities and capital expenditures;

 

   

limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate thereby placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that may have less debt or debt with less restrictive debt covenants;

 

   

limit, by the financial and other restrictive covenants in our loan agreement, our ability to borrow additional funds; and

 

   

have a material adverse effect on us if we fail to comply with the covenants in our loan agreement because such failure could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in our indebtedness becoming immediately due and payable.

OUR BUSINESS IS SUBJECT TO RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CURRENT ECONOMIC CLIMATE.

Our success depends to a significant extent on a number of factors that affect discretionary consumer spending, including economic conditions, disposable consumer income and consumer confidence, which have deteriorated due to current economic conditions. In a slow economy, businesses and individuals scale back their discretionary spending on travel and entertainment, including “dining out” as well as the purchase of high-end consumables like specialty coffee. Economic conditions may also cause businesses to reduce travel and entertainment expenses, and may even cause office coffee benefits to be eliminated. The current economic downturn and decrease in consumer spending may continue to adversely impact our revenues, and may affect our ability to market our products or otherwise implement our business strategy. Additionally, many of the effects and consequences of the global financial crisis and a broader global economic downturn are currently unknown; any one or all of them could potentially have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and capital resources, including our ability to sell third party securities in which we have invested some of our short-term assets or raise additional capital, if needed, or the ability of our lender to honor draws on our credit facility, or otherwise negatively affect our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

VOLATILITY IN THE EQUITY MARKETS COULD REDUCE THE VALUE OF OUR INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO.

We maintain a significant portfolio of fixed-income based investments disclosed as cash equivalents and short-term investments on our consolidated balance sheet. The value of our investments may be adversely affected by interest rate fluctuations, downgrades in credit ratings, illiquidity in the capital markets and other factors which may result in other than temporary declines in the value of our investments. Any of these events could cause us to record impairment charges with respect to our investment portfolio or to realize losses on the sale of investments. We seek to mitigate these risks with the help of our investment advisors by generally investing in high quality securities and continuously monitoring the overall risk of our portfolio. To date, we have not realized any material impairment within our investment portfolio. If the Company’s operating losses continue, a portion or this entire investment portfolio may be liquidated to fund those losses.

WE ARE LARGELY RELIANT ON MAJOR FACILITIES IN CALIFORNIA, TEXAS AND OREGON FOR PRODUCTION OF OUR PRODUCT LINE.

A significant interruption in operations at our manufacturing facilities in Torrance, California (our largest facility); Houston, Texas; or Portland, Oregon, whether as a result of an earthquake, hurricane, natural disaster, terrorism or other causes, could significantly impair our ability to operate our business. The majority of our green coffee comes through the Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, Houston, San Francisco and Portland. Any interruption to port operations, highway arteries, gas mains or electrical service in these areas could restrict our ability to supply our branches with product and would adversely impact our business.

 

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WE MAY FAIL TO REALIZE THE EXPECTED SYNERGIES AND OTHER BENEFITS OF THE INTEGRATION OF THE DSD COFFEE BUSINESS, WHICH COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR FUTURE RESULTS.

In fiscal 2010, we completed the integration of the DSD Coffee Business into our existing business. This was a complex, costly and time-consuming process which presented significant challenges and risks to our business, including:

 

   

distraction of management from ongoing business concerns;

 

   

assimilation and retention of employees and customers of the DSD Coffee Business;

 

   

differences in the culture of the DSD Coffee Business and the Company’s culture;

 

   

unforeseen difficulties in integrating the DSD Coffee Business, including information systems and accounting controls;

 

   

failure of the DSD Coffee Business to continue to generate income at the levels upon which we based our acquisition decision;

 

   

managing the DSD Coffee Business operations through offices in Downers Grove, Illinois, which is distant from the Company’s headquarters in Torrance, California;

 

   

expansion into new geographical markets in which we have limited or no experience;

 

   

integration of technologies, services and products; and

 

   

achievement of appropriate internal control over financial reporting.

We may fail to realize the operating efficiencies, synergies, economies of scale, cost savings and other benefits expected from the acquisition. We may fail to grow and build profits in the DSD Coffee Business or achieve sufficient cost savings through the integration of customers or administrative and other operational activities. Furthermore, we must achieve these objectives without adversely affecting our revenues. If we are not able to successfully achieve these objectives, the anticipated benefits of the acquisition may not be realized fully or at all, or it may take longer to realize them than expected, and our results of operations could be adversely affected.

INCREASED SEVERE WEATHER PATTERNS MAY INCREASE COMMODITY COSTS, DAMAGE OUR FACILITIES, AND IMPACT OR DISRUPT OUR PRODUCTION CAPABILITIES AND SUPPLY CHAIN.

There is increasing concern that a gradual increase in global average temperatures due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have caused and will continue to cause significant changes in weather patterns around the globe and an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Major weather phenomena like El Niño and La Niña are dramatically affecting coffee growing countries. The wet and dry seasons are becoming unpredictable in timing and duration causing improper development of the coffee cherries. Decreased agricultural productivity in certain regions as a result of changing weather patterns may affect the quality, limit availability or increase the cost of key agricultural commodities, such as green coffee, sugar and tea, which are important ingredients for our products. Increased frequency or duration of extreme weather conditions could also damage our facilities, impair production capabilities, disrupt our supply chain or impact demand for our products. As a result, the effects of climate change could have a long-term adverse impact on our business and results of operations.

RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS IN OUR CREDIT FACILITY MAY RESTRICT OUR ABILITY TO PURSUE OUR BUSINESS STRATEGIES.

Our senior secured revolving credit facility contains various covenants that limit our ability and/or our subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things:

 

   

incur additional indebtedness;

 

   

pay dividends on or make distributions in respect of capital stock or make certain other restricted payments or investments;

 

   

sell assets;

 

   

create liens on certain assets to secure debt; and

 

   

consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets.

Our credit facility also contains restrictive covenants that require the Company and its subsidiaries to satisfy financial condition and liquidity tests. Our ability to meet those tests may be affected by events beyond our control, and there can be no assurance that we will meet those tests. The breach of any of these covenants or our failure to meet the financial condition or liquidity tests could result in a default under the credit facility, and the lender could elect to declare all amounts borrowed thereunder, together with accrued interest, to be due and payable and could proceed against the collateral securing that indebtedness.

 

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OUR INDUSTRY IS HIGHLY COMPETITIVE AND WE MAY NOT HAVE THE RESOURCES TO COMPETE EFFECTIVELY.

We primarily compete with other coffee companies, including multi-national firms with substantially greater financial, marketing and operating resources than the Company. We face competition from many sources including the food service divisions of multi-national manufacturers of retail products such as The J.M. Smucker Company (Folgers Coffee), Kraft Foods Inc. (Maxwell House Coffee) and Sara Lee Corporation, wholesale grocery distributors such as Sysco Corporation and U.S. Food Service, regional coffee roasters such as S & D Coffee, Inc. and Boyd Coffee Company, and specialty coffee suppliers such as Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. and Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Inc. If we do not succeed in differentiating ourselves from our competitors or our competitors adopt our strategies, then our competitive position may be weakened. In addition, from time to time, we may need to reduce our prices in response to competitive and customer pressures and to maintain our market share. Competition and customer pressures, however, also may restrict our ability to increase prices in response to commodity and other cost increases. Our results of operations will be adversely affected if our profit margins decrease, as a result of a reduction in prices or an increase in costs, and if we are unable to increase sales volumes to offset those profit margin decreases.

VOLATILITY IN THE EQUITY MARKETS OR INTEREST RATE FLUCTUATIONS COULD SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE OUR PENSION COSTS AND NEGATIVELY IMPACT OUR OPERATING RESULTS.

At the end of fiscal 2010, the projected benefit obligation of our defined benefit pension plans was $114.7 million and assets were $66.0 million. The difference between plan obligations and assets, or the funded status of the plans, significantly affects the net periodic benefit costs of our pension plans and the ongoing funding requirements of those plans. Among other factors, changes in interest rates, mortality rates, early retirement rates, investment returns and the market value of plan assets can affect the level of plan funding, cause volatility in the net periodic pension costs, and increase our future funding requirements. We expect to make approximately $4.9 million in contributions to our pension plans in fiscal 2011 and record an accrued expense of approximately $9.8 million in fiscal 2011. We have made approximately $4.4 million in contributions to pension plans and recorded accrued pension expense of approximately $6.6 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2011. These payments are expected to continue at this level for several years, and the current economic environment increases the risk that we may be required to make even larger contributions in the future.

OUR SALES AND DISTRIBUTION NETWORK IS COSTLY TO MAINTAIN.

Our sales and distribution network requires a large investment to maintain and operate. Costs include the fluctuating cost of gasoline, diesel and oil, costs associated with managing, purchasing, leasing, maintaining and insuring a fleet of delivery vehicles, the cost of maintaining distribution centers and branch warehouses throughout the country, and the cost of hiring, training and managing our route sales professionals. Many of these costs are beyond our control, and others are fixed rather than variable. Some competitors use alternate methods of distribution that eliminate many of the costs associated with our method of distribution.

EMPLOYEE STRIKES AND OTHER LABOR-RELATED DISRUPTIONS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR OPERATIONS.

We have union contracts relating to a significant portion of our workforce. Although we believe union relations have been amicable in the past, there is no assurance that this will continue in the future. There are potential adverse effects of labor disputes with our own employees or by others who provide transportation (shipping lines, truck drivers) or cargo handling (longshoremen), both domestic and foreign, of our raw materials or other products. These actions could restrict our ability to obtain process and/or distribute our products.

IMPAIRMENT CHARGES RELATED TO OUR GOODWILL OR LONG-LIVED ASSETS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR FUTURE OPERATING RESULTS.

We perform an analysis on our goodwill balances to test for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events occur that may indicate impairment possibly exists. Goodwill is deemed to be impaired if the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds the estimated fair value. A long-lived intangible asset (other than goodwill) is only deemed to have become impaired if the sum of the forecasted undiscounted future cash flows related to the asset are less than its carrying value. If the forecasted cash flows are less than the carrying value, then we must write down the carrying value to its estimated fair value.

For the purposes of analysis of our goodwill balances, our estimates of fair value were based on a combination of the income approach, which estimates the fair value of our reporting units based on the future discounted cash flows, and the market approach, which estimates the fair value of our reporting units based on comparable market prices. Our estimates of future cash flows included estimated growth rates and assumptions about the extent and duration of the current economic downturn and operating results of our subsidiary, CBI.

 

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As of March 31, 2011, we had a goodwill balance of $5.3 million. Goodwill impairment analysis and measurement is a process that requires significant judgment and the use of significant estimates related to valuation such as discount rates, long-term growth rates and the level and timing of future cash flows. As a result, several factors could result in impairment of a material amount of our $5.3 million goodwill balance in future periods, including, but not limited to:

 

   

a decline in our stock price and resulting market capitalization, if we determine that the decline is sustained and is indicative of a reduction in the fair value of any of our reporting units below its carrying value; and

 

   

further weakening of the economy or the failure of CBI to reach our internal forecasts thereby impacting our ability to achieve our forecasted levels of cash flows and reducing the estimated discounted cash flow value of our reporting units.

It is not possible at this time to determine if any such future impairment charge would result from these factors, or, if it does, whether such charge would be material. We will continue to review our goodwill and other intangible assets for possible impairment. We cannot be certain that a future downturn in CBI’s business, changes in market conditions or a longer-term decline in the quoted market price of our stock will not result in an impairment of goodwill and the recognition of resulting expenses in future periods, which could adversely affect our results of operations for those periods.

We also test our other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may be impaired. Failure to achieve our forecasted operating results, due to further weakness in the economic environment or other factors, could result in impairment of a significant amount of our long-lived intangible or tangible assets. As of March 31, 2011, we had $22.6 million of long-lived intangible assets, including $5.3 million of goodwill.

POSSIBLE LEGISLATION OR REGULATION INTENDED TO ADDRESS CONCERNS ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, CASH FLOWS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.

Governmental agencies are evaluating changes in laws to address concerns about the possible effects of greenhouse gas emissions on climate. Increased public awareness and concern over climate change may increase the likelihood of more proposals to reduce or mitigate the emission of greenhouse gases. Laws enacted that directly or indirectly affect our suppliers (through an increase in the cost of production or their ability to produce satisfactory products) or our business (through an impact on our inventory availability, cost of goods sold, operations or demand for the products we sell) could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Compliance with any new or more stringent laws or regulations, or stricter interpretations of existing laws, including increased government regulations to limit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions as a result of concern over climate change, could require us to reduce emissions and to incur compliance costs which could affect our profitability or impede the production or distribution of our products, which could affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. In addition, public expectations for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions could result in increased energy, transportation and raw material costs and may require us and to make additional investments in facilities and equipment.

CHANGES IN CONSUMER PREFERENCES COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS.

Our continued success depends, in part, upon the demand for coffee. We believe that competition from other beverages continues to dilute the demand for coffee. Consumers who choose soft drinks, juices, bottled water, teas and other beverages all reduce spending on coffee. Consumer trends away from coffee could negatively impact our business.

WE ARE SELF-INSURED. OUR RESERVES MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO COVER FUTURE CLAIMS.

We are self-insured for many risks up to significant deductible amounts. The premiums associated with our insurance continue to increase. General liability, fire, workers’ compensation, directors and officers liability, life, employee medical, dental and vision and automobile risks present a large potential liability. While we accrue for this liability based on historical experience, future claims may exceed claims we have incurred in the past. Should a different number of claims occur compared to what was estimated or the cost of the claims increase beyond what was anticipated, reserves recorded may not be sufficient and the accruals may need to be adjusted accordingly in future periods.

OUR ROASTING AND BLENDING METHODS ARE NOT PROPRIETARY, SO COMPETITORS MAY BE ABLE TO DUPLICATE THEM, WHICH COULD HARM OUR COMPETITIVE POSITION.

We consider our roasting and blending methods essential to the flavor and richness of our coffees and, therefore, essential to our brand. Because our roasting methods cannot be patented, we would be unable to prevent competitors from copying these methods if such methods became known. If our competitors copy our roasts or blends, the value of our brand may be diminished, and we may lose customers to our competitors. In addition, competitors may be able to develop roasting or blending methods that are more advanced than our production methods, which may also harm our competitive position.

 

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OUR OPERATING RESULTS MAY HAVE SIGNIFICANT FLUCTUATIONS FROM QUARTER TO QUARTER WHICH COULD HAVE A NEGATIVE EFFECT ON OUR STOCK PRICE.

Our operating results may fluctuate from period to period or within certain periods as a result of a number of factors, including fluctuations in the price and supply of green coffee, fluctuations in the selling prices of our products, the success of our hedging strategy, competition from existing or new competitors in our industry, changes in consumer preferences, and our ability to manage inventory and fulfillment operations and maintain gross margins. Fluctuations in our operating results as a result of these factors or for any other reason, could cause our stock price to decline. Accordingly, we believe that period-to-period comparisons of our operating results are not necessarily meaningful, and such comparisons should not be relied upon as indicators of future performance.

OPERATING LOSSES MAY CONTINUE AND, AS A RESULT, THE PRICE OF OUR STOCK MAY BE NEGATIVELY AFFECTED.

We have incurred an operating loss and a net loss for each of the prior three fiscal years. If our current strategies are unsuccessful we may not achieve the levels of sales and earnings we expect. As a result, we could suffer additional losses in future years and our stock price could decline.

FUTURE FUNDING DEMANDS UNDER PENSION PLANS FOR CERTAIN UNION EMPLOYEES ARE UNKNOWN.

We participate in several multi-employer defined benefit plans for certain union employees. The management, funding status and future viability of these plans is not known at this time. The nature of the contract with these plans allows for future funding demands that are outside our control or ability to estimate.

WE DEPEND ON THE EXPERTISE OF KEY PERSONNEL. THE UNEXPECTED LOSS OF ONE OR MORE OF THESE KEY EMPLOYEES COULD HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR OPERATIONS AND COMPETITIVE POSITION.

Our continued success largely depends on the efforts and abilities of our executive officers and other key personnel. There is limited management depth in certain key positions throughout the Company. We must continue to recruit, retain and motivate management and other employees sufficient to maintain our current business and support our projected growth. The loss of key employees could adversely affect our operations and competitive position. We do not maintain key person life insurance policies on any of our executive officers.

CONCENTRATION OF OWNERSHIP AMONG OUR PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS MAY PREVENT NEW INVESTORS FROM INFLUENCING SIGNIFICANT CORPORATE DECISIONS AND MAY RESULT IN A LOWER TRADING PRICE FOR OUR STOCK THAN IF OWNERSHIP OF OUR STOCK WAS LESS CONCENTRATED.

As of May 6, 2011, members of the Farmer family or entities controlled by the Farmer family (including trusts and a family partnership) as a group beneficially owned approximately 40% of our outstanding common stock. As a result, these stockholders, acting together, may be able to influence the outcome of stockholder votes, including votes concerning the election and removal of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions. This level of concentrated ownership may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in the management or voting control of the Company. In addition, this significant concentration of share ownership may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock if investors perceive disadvantages in owning stock in a company with such concentrated ownership.

FUTURE SALES OF SHARES BY EXISTING STOCKHOLDERS COULD CAUSE OUR STOCK PRICE TO DECLINE.

All of our outstanding shares are eligible for sale in the public market, subject in certain cases to limitations under Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Also, shares subject to outstanding options and restricted stock under the Farmer Bros. Co. 2007 Omnibus Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”) are eligible for sale in the public market to the extent permitted by the provisions of various vesting agreements, our stock ownership guidelines, and Rule 144 under the Securities Act. If these shares are sold, or if it is perceived that they will be sold in the public market, the trading price of our common stock could decline.

ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS COULD MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT FOR A THIRD PARTY TO ACQUIRE US.

We have adopted a stockholder rights plan (the “Rights Plan”) pursuant to which each share of our outstanding common stock is accompanied by one preferred share purchase right (a “Right”). Each Right, when exercisable, will entitle the registered holder to purchase from the Company one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value per share, at a purchase price of $112.50, subject to adjustment. The Rights expire on March 28, 2015, unless they are earlier redeemed, exchanged or terminated as provided in the Rights Plan. Because the Rights may substantially dilute the stock ownership of a person or group attempting to take us over without the approval of our Board of Directors, our Rights Plan could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us (or a significant percentage of our outstanding capital stock) without first negotiating with our Board of Directors regarding such acquisition.

 

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In addition, our Board of Directors has the authority to issue up to 500,000 shares of preferred stock (of which 200,000 shares have been designated as Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock) and to determine the price, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, including voting rights, of those shares without any further vote or action by stockholders. The rights of the holders of our common stock may be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any preferred stock that may be issued in the future. The issuance of preferred stock may have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change of control of the Company without further action by stockholders and may adversely affect the voting and other rights of the holders of our common stock.

Further, certain provisions of our charter documents, including a classified board of directors, provisions eliminating the ability of stockholders to take action by written consent, and provisions limiting the ability of stockholders to raise matters at a meeting of stockholders without giving advance notice, may have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in control or management of the Company, which could have an adverse effect on the market price of our stock. In addition, our charter documents do not permit cumulative voting, which may make it more difficult for a third party to gain control of our Board of Directors. Further, we are subject to the anti-takeover provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which will prohibit us from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested stockholder” for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, even if such combination is favored by a majority of stockholders, unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. The application of Section 203 also could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control or management.

QUALITY CONTROL PROBLEMS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BRANDS THEREBY NEGATIVELY IMPACTING OUR SALES.

Our success depends on our ability to provide customers with high quality products and service. Although we take measures to ensure that we sell only fresh coffee, tea and culinary products, we have no control over our products once they are purchased by our customers. Accordingly, customers may store our products for longer periods of time, potentially affecting product quality. If consumers do not perceive our products and service to be of high quality, then the value of our brands may be diminished and, consequently, our operating results and sales may be adversely affected.

ADVERSE PUBLIC OR MEDICAL OPINIONS ABOUT CAFFEINE AND REPORTS OF INCIDENTS INVOLVING FOOD BORNE ILLNESS AND TAMPERING MAY HARM OUR BUSINESS.

Coffee contains significant amounts of caffeine and other active compounds, the health effects of some of which are not fully understood. A number of research studies conclude or suggest that excessive consumption of caffeine may lead to increased adverse health effects. An unfavorable report on the health effects of caffeine or other compounds present in coffee could significantly reduce the demand for coffee which could harm our business and reduce our sales.

Similarly, instances or reports, whether true or not, of unclean water supply, food-borne illnesses and food tampering have in the past severely injured the reputations of companies in the food processing sector and could in the future affect us as well. Any report linking us to the use of unclean water, food-borne illnesses or food tampering could damage the value of our brands, negatively impact sales of our products, and potentially lead to product liability claims. Clean water is critical to the preparation of coffee beverages. We have no ability to ensure that our customers use a clean water supply to prepare coffee beverages.

PRODUCT RECALLS AND INJURIES CAUSED BY PRODUCTS COULD REDUCE OUR SALES AND HARM OUR BUSINESS.

Selling products for human consumption involves inherent legal risks. We could be required to recall products due to product contamination, spoilage or other adulteration, product misbranding or product tampering. We may also suffer losses if our products or operations violate applicable laws or regulations, or if our products cause injury, illness or death. A significant product liability claim against us, whether or not successful, or a widespread product recall may reduce our sales and harm our business.

GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS COULD RESULT IN ADDITIONAL COSTS THEREBY AFFECTING OUR PROFITABILITY.

New laws and regulations may be introduced that could result in additional compliance costs, seizures, confiscations, recalls or monetary fines, any of which could prevent or inhibit the development, distribution and sale of our products. We continually monitor and modify our packaging to be in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Any change in labeling requirements for our products may lead to an increase in packaging costs or interruptions or delays in packaging deliveries. If we fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations, we may be subject to civil remedies, including fines, injunctions, recalls or seizures, as well as potential criminal sanctions, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

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FAILURE TO MAINTAIN EFFECTIVE INTERNAL CONTROLS IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 404 OF THE SARBANES OXLEY ACT OF 2002 COULD HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS AND STOCK PRICE.

As directed by Section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 (“SOX”), the SEC adopted rules requiring us, as a public company, to include a report of management on our internal controls over financial reporting in our annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q that contains an assessment by management of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. In addition, our independent auditors must attest to and report on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting as of the end of the fiscal year. Compliance with SOX Section 404 has been a challenge for many companies. Our ability to continue to comply is uncertain as we expect that our internal controls will continue to evolve as our business activities change. If, during any year, our independent auditors are not satisfied with our internal controls over financial reporting or the level at which these controls are designed, documented, operated, tested or assessed, or if the independent auditors interpret the requirements, rules or regulations differently than we do, then they may decline to attest to management’s assessment or may issue a report that is qualified. In addition, if we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, we may not be able to ensure that we can conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with SOX Section 404. Failure to maintain an effective internal control environment could have a material adverse effect on our stock price. In addition, there can be no assurance that we will be able to remediate material weaknesses, if any, which may be identified in future periods.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

See Exhibit Index.

 

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SIGNATURES

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

 

Name

 

Title

 

Date

/s/    JEFFREY A. WAHBA

Jeffrey A. Wahba

 

Interim Co-Chief Executive Officer,

(principal executive officer)

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

(principal financial officer)

  May 10, 2011
   

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

  3.1    Certificate of Incorporation (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 filed with the SEC on May 11, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
  3.2    Amended and Restated Bylaws (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 25, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
  4.1    Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 filed with the SEC on May 10, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
  4.2    Rights Agreement, dated March 17, 2005, by and between Farmer Bros. Co. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Rights Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 filed with the SEC on May 10, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
  4.3    Specimen Stock Certificate (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-A/A filed with the SEC on February 6, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.1    Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of December 2, 2008, by and among Sara Lee Corporation, Saramar, LLC and Farmer Bros. Co. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 filed with the SEC on February 10, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.2    Amendment No. 1 to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated February 27, 2009, by and among Sara Lee Corporation, Saramar, LLC and Farmer Bros. Co. (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 filed with the SEC on September 15, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.3    Second Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated December 17, 2009, by and among Sara Lee Corporation, Saramar, LLC and Farmer Bros. Co. (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 filed with the SEC on February 9, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.4    Stock Purchase Agreement, dated April 27, 2007, by and among Farmer Bros. Co., Coffee Bean Holding Co., Inc., and the Stockholders of Coffee Bean Holding Co., Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 1, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.5    Loan and Security Agreement, dated March 2, 2009, by and among Farmer Bros. Co. and Coffee Bean International, Inc., as Borrowers, Coffee Bean Holding Co., Inc., FBC Finance Company and SL Realty, LLC, as Guarantors, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, successor by merger to Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Lender (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 filed with the SEC on February 10, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.6    Amendment No. 1 to Loan and Security Agreement and Consent, dated March 2, 2009, by and among Farmer Bros. Co. and Coffee Bean International, Inc., as Borrowers, Coffee Bean Holding Co., Inc. and FBC Finance Company, as Guarantors, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, successor by merger to Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Lender (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 filed with the SEC on September 15, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.7    Amendment No. 2 to Loan and Security Agreement and Consent, dated July 27, 2009, by and among Farmer Bros. Co. and Coffee Bean International, Inc., as Borrowers, Coffee Bean Holding Co., Inc. and FBC Finance Company, as Guarantors, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, successor by merger to Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Lender (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 filed with the SEC on November 9, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

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10.8    Amendment No. 3 to Loan and Security Agreement, dated November 20, 2009, by and among Farmer Bros. Co. and Coffee Bean International, Inc., as Borrowers, Coffee Bean Holding Co., Inc. and FBC Finance Company, as Guarantors, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, successor by merger to Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Lender (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 filed with the SEC on February 9, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.9    Amendment No. 4 to Loan and Security Agreement and Consent, dated August 31, 2010, by and among Farmer Bros. Co. and Coffee Bean International, Inc., as Borrowers, Coffee Bean Holding Co., Inc. and FBC Finance Company, as Guarantors, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, successor by merger to Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Lender (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended June 30, 2010 filed with the SEC on September 14, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.10    Letter Agreement regarding Waiver of Event of Default dated May 7, 2010, by and among Farmer Bros. Co. and Coffee Bean International, Inc., as Borrowers, Coffee Bean Holding Co., Inc. and FBC Finance Company, as Guarantors, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, successor by merger to Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Lender (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 filed with the SEC on May 10, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.11    Farmer Bros. Co. 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan (Amended and Restated as of December 31, 2008) (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 filed with the SEC on February 10, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.12    Farmer Bros. Co. Amended and Restated Employee Stock Ownership Plan, as adopted by the Board of Directors on December 9, 2010 and effective as of January 1, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 filed with the SEC on February 9, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.13    ESOP Loan Agreement including ESOP Pledge Agreement and Promissory Note, dated March 28, 2000, between Farmer Bros. Co. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Trustee for the Farmer Bros Co. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 filed with the SEC on February 9, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.14    Amendment No. 1 to ESOP Loan Agreement, dated June 30, 2003, between Farmer Bros. Co. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Trustee for the Farmer Bros Co. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 filed with the SEC on February 9, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.15    ESOP Loan Agreement No. 2 including ESOP Pledge Agreement and Promissory Note, dated July 21, 2003 between Farmer Bros. Co. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Trustee for the Farmer Bros Co. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 filed with the SEC on February 9, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.16    Employment Agreement, dated as of June 2, 2006, by and between Farmer Bros. Co. and Roger M. Laverty III (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 8, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.17    Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement, dated as of December 5, 2007, by and between Farmer Bros. Co. and Roger M. Laverty III (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on December 11, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference).*

 

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10.18    Amendment No. 2 to Employment Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2008, by and between Farmer Bros. Co. and Roger M. Laverty III (filed as Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 filed with the SEC on February 10, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.19    Separation Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2011, by and between Farmer Bros. Co. and Roger M. Laverty III (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 6, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.20    Consulting Agreement, dated as of March 2, 2009, by and between Farmer Bros. Co. and Michael J. King (filed as Exhibit 10.16 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 filed with the SEC on September 15, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.21    Interim Services Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2009, by and between Farmer Bros. Co. and Tatum, LLC (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 10, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.22    2007 Omnibus Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 29, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.23    Form of 2007 Omnibus Plan Stock Option Grant Notice and Stock Option Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 26, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.24    Form of 2007 Omnibus Plan Restricted Stock Award Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Award Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 26, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.25    Stock Ownership Guidelines for Directors and Executive Officers (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 26, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.26    Form of Target Award Notification Letter (Fiscal 2011) under Farmer Bros. Co. 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 30, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.27    Form of Target Award Notification Letter (Fiscal 2010) under Farmer Bros. Co. 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 16, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.28    Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement for Executive Officers of the Company (with schedule of executive officers attached) (filed herewith).*
10.29    Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors and Officers of the Company, as adopted on May 18, 2006 and as amended on December 31, 2008 (with schedule of indemnitees attached) (filed herewith).*
31.1    Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer Certification Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
31.2    Principal Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
32.1    Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).

 

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32.2    Principal Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).

 

* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

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EX-10.28 2 dex1028.htm FORM OF CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement

Exhibit 10.28

[FORM OF EXECUTIVE OFFICER]

CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

THIS CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), effective as of                     , (the “Effective Date”), is made by and between FARMER BROS. CO., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and                      (the “Executive”).

WHEREAS, the Company considers it essential to foster the continued employment of well qualified, senior executive management personnel; and

WHEREAS, the Company has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to foster such continued employment by setting forth the benefits and compensation to be awarded to such personnel in the event of a voluntary or involuntary termination within the meaning of this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Company further recognizes that the possibility of a Change in Control of the Company exists and that such possibility, and the uncertainty and questions that it may raise among executive management, may result in the departure or distraction of executive personnel to the detriment of the Company; and

WHEREAS, the Company has further determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and encourage the continued attention and dedication of members of the Company’s executive management, including the Executive, to their assigned duties without distraction in the face of potentially disturbing circumstances arising from the possibility of a Change in Control;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, the Company and the Executive hereby agree as follows:

1. Term of Agreement. The term of this Agreement shall commence as of the date hereof and expire on the close of business on                     , 20    ; provided, however, that (i) commencing on January 1,                      and each January 1 thereafter, the term of this Agreement will automatically be extended for an additional year unless, not later than September 30 of the immediately preceding year, the Company (provided no Change in Control has occurred and no Threatened Change in Control is pending) or the Executive shall have given notice that it or the Executive, as the case may be, does not wish to have the Term extended; (ii) if, prior to a Change in Control, the Executive ceases for any reason to be an employee of the Company, thereupon without further action the Term shall be deemed to have expired and this Agreement will immediately terminate and be of no further effect.

2. Definitions

(a) “Base Salary” shall mean the Executive’s salary, which excludes Bonuses, at the rate in effect when an event triggering benefits under Section 3 of this Agreement occurs.

(b) “Beneficial Owner” or “Beneficial Ownership” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act.

(c) “Board” or “Board of Directors” shall mean the Board of Directors of Farmer Bros. Co., or its successor.

 

1


(d) “Bonus(es)” shall mean current cash compensation over and above Base Salary whether awarded under the Company’s Incentive Compensation Plan or otherwise awarded.

(e) “Cause” shall mean:

(i) the Executive’s material fraud, malfeasance, or gross negligence, willful and material neglect of Executive’s employment duties or Executive’s willful and material misconduct with respect to business affairs of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company or

(ii) Executive’s conviction of or failure to contest prosecution for a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude.

A termination of Executive for “Cause” based on clause (i) of the preceding sentence can be made only by delivery to Executive of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three quarters of the Board then in office at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose, after reasonable notice to the Executive and an opportunity for the Executive, together with the Executive’s counsel (if the Executive chooses to have counsel present at such meeting), to be heard before the Board, finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive had committed an act constituting “Cause” as herein defined and specifying the particulars thereof in detail. Nothing herein will limit the right of the Executive or [his/her] beneficiaries to contest the validity or propriety of any such determination. A termination for Cause based on clause (ii) above shall take effect immediately upon giving of the termination notice. No act or omission shall be deemed “willful” if it was due primarily to an error in judgment or ordinary negligence.

(f) “Change in Control” shall mean:

(i) An acquisition by any Person (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, including a “group” as defined in Section 13(d) thereof) of Beneficial Ownership of the Shares then outstanding (the “Company Shares Outstanding”) or the voting securities of the Company then outstanding entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Company Voting Securities Outstanding”), if such acquisition of Beneficial Ownership results in the Person beneficially owning (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) fifty percent (50%) or more of the Company Shares Outstanding or fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company Voting Securities Outstanding; excluding, however, any such acquisition by a trustee or other fiduciary holding such Shares under one or more employee benefit plans maintained by the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or

(ii) The approval of the stockholders of the Company of a reorganization, merger, consolidation, complete liquidation, or dissolution of the Company, the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or any similar corporate transaction (in each case referred to in this Section 2(f) as a “Corporate Transaction”), other than a Corporate Transaction that would result in the outstanding common stock of the Company immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into common stock of the surviving entity or a parent or affiliate thereof) at least fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding common stock of the Company or such surviving entity or parent or affiliate thereof immediately after such Corporate Transaction; provided, however, if the consummation of such Corporate Transaction is subject, at the time of such approval by stockholders, to the consent of any government or governmental agency, the Change in Control shall not occur until the obtaining of such consent (either explicitly or implicitly); or

 

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(iii) A change in the composition of the Board such that the individuals who, as of the Effective Date, constitute the Board (such Board shall be hereinafter referred to as the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, for purposes of this Section 2(f) that any individual who becomes a member of the Board subsequent to the Effective Date whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of those individuals who are members of the Board and who were also members of the Incumbent Board (or deemed to be such pursuant to this proviso) shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board; but, provided, further, that any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of either an actual or threatened election contest (as such terms are used in Rule 14a-11 of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act, including any successor to such Rule), or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board, shall not be so considered as a member of the Incumbent Board.

(g) “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

(h) “Disability” shall mean the Executive’s inability as a result of physical or mental incapacity to substantially perform [his/her] duties for the Company on a full-time basis for a period of six (6) months.

(i) “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, or any successor act thereto.

(j) “Involuntary Termination” shall mean a termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company that occurs for reasons other than for Cause, Disability or death.

(k) “Threatened Change in Control” shall mean any bona fide pending tender offer for any class of the Company’s outstanding Shares, or any pending bona fide offer to acquire the Company by merger or consolidation, or any other pending action or plan to effect, or which would lead to, a Change in Control of the Company as determined by the Incumbent Board. A Threatened Change in Control Period shall commence on the first day the actions described in the preceding sentence become manifest and shall end when such actions are abandoned or the Change in Control occurs.

(l) “Shares” shall mean the shares of common stock of the Company.

(m) “Resignation for Good Reason” shall mean a termination of the Executive’s employment by the Executive due to:

(i) a significant reduction of the Executive’s responsibilities, duties or authority;

(ii) a material reduction in the Executive’s Base Salary; or

(iii) a Company-required material relocation of the Executive’s principal place of employment;

provided, however, that any such condition shall not constitute “Good Reason” unless both (x) the Executive provides written notice to the Company describing the condition claimed to constitute Good Reason in reasonable detail within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of such condition, and (y) the Company fails to remedy such condition within thirty (30) days of receiving such written notice thereof; and provided, further, that in all events the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company shall not be treated as a termination for “Good Reason” unless such termination occurs not more than one (1) year following the initial existence of the condition claimed to constitute “Good Reason.

 

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3. Events That Trigger Benefits Under This Agreement. The Executive shall be eligible for the compensation and benefits described in Section 4 of this Agreement as follows:

(a) A Change in Control occurs and Executive’s employment is Involuntarily Terminated or terminated by Resignation for Good Reason within twenty-four (24) months following the occurrence of the Change in Control; or

(b) A Threatened Change in Control occurs and the Executive’s employment is Involuntarily Terminated or terminated by Resignation for Good Reason during the Threatened Change in Control Period.

4. Benefits Upon Termination. If the Executive becomes eligible for benefits under Section 3 above, the Company shall pay or provide to the Executive the following compensation and benefits:

(a) Salary. The Executive will receive as severance an amount equal to [his/her] Base Salary at the rate in effect on the date of termination for a period of twenty-four (24) months, such payment to be made in installments in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices, such installments to commence, subject to Section 9(j)(ii), in the month following the month in which the Executive’s Separation from Service occurs. The Executive shall also receive a payment equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Executive’s target Bonus for the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs (or, if no target Bonus has been assigned to the Executive as of the date of termination, the average Bonus paid by the Company to the Executive for the last three (3) completed fiscal years or for the number of completed fiscal years that Executive has been in the employ of the Company if fewer than three, prior to the termination date), such payment to be made, subject to Section 9(j)(ii), in a lump sum within thirty (30) days after the end of the Company’s fiscal year in which the Executive’s date of termination occurs. As used herein, a “Separation from Service” occurs when the Executive dies, retires, or otherwise has a termination of employment with the Company that constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(1), without regard to the optional alternative definitions available thereunder.

(b) Qualified and Non-Qualified Plan Coverage. Subject to the eligibility provisions of the plans, the Executive shall continue to participate in the tax-qualified and non-qualified retirement, savings and employee stock ownership plans of the Company during the twenty four (24) month period following the Executive’s date of termination unless the Executive commences Employment prior to the end of the twenty four (24) month period, in which case, such participation shall end on the date of [his/her] new employment. The Executive shall inform the Company promptly upon commencing new employment.

(c) Health, Dental, and Life Insurance Coverage. The health, dental, and life insurance benefits coverage provided to the Executive at [his/her] date of termination shall be continued by the Company during the twenty-four (24) month period following the Executive’s date of termination unless the Executive commences employment prior to the end of the twenty four (24) month period and qualifies for substantially equivalent insurance benefits with the Executive’s new employer , in which case, such insurance coverages shall end on the date of qualification. The Executive shall inform the Company promptly of [his/her] qualification for any of such insurance coverages. . The Company shall provide for such insurance coverages at its expense at the same level and in the same manner as if the Executive’s employment had not terminated (subject to the customary changes in such coverages if the

 

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Executive retires under a Company retirement plan, reaches age 65, or similar events and subject to Executive’s right to make any changes in such coverages that an active employee is permitted to make). Any additional coverages the Executive had at termination, including dependent coverage, will also be continued for such period on the same terms, to the extent permitted by the applicable policies or contracts. Any costs the Executive was paying for such coverages at the time of termination shall be paid by the Executive by separate check payable to the Company each month in advance. If the terms of any benefit plan referred to in this Section do not permit continued participation by the Executive, the Company will arrange for other coverage at its expense providing substantially similar benefits. If the Executive is covered by a split-dollar or similar life insurance program at the date of termination, [he/she] shall have the option in [his/her] sole discretion to have such policy transferred to him upon termination, provided that the Company is paid for its interest m the policy upon such transfer.

(d) Outplacement Services. The Company shall provide the Executive with outplacement services by a firm selected by the Executive, at the expense of the Company, in an amount up to $25,000.

(e) No Mitigation Obligation. The Company hereby acknowledges that it will be difficult and may be impossible for the Executive to find reasonably comparable employment following termination of Executive’s employment by the Company and that the non-solicitation covenant contained in Section 6 may further limit the employment opportunities for the Executive. Accordingly, the payment of the compensation and benefits by the Company to the Executive in accordance with the terms of this Agreement is hereby acknowledged by the Company to be reasonable, and the Executive will not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor will any profits, income, earnings or other benefits from any source whatsoever create any mitigation, offset, reduction or any other obligation on the part of the Executive hereunder or otherwise, except as expressly provided in the first sentence of Section 4(c).

5. Parachute Payments. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that the compensation and benefits provided for in this Agreement to Executive together with all other payments and the value of any benefit received or to be received by Executive:

(a) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and

(b) but for this Section, would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, the Executive’s compensation and benefits pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall be payable either:

(i) in full, or

(ii) in such lesser amount which would result in no portion of such compensation and benefits being subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code, whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the excise tax imposed by Section 4999, results in the receipt by Executive on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of compensation and benefits under this Agreement, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such compensation and benefits may be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code. Unless the Company and Executive otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section 5 shall be made in writing by the Company’s independent public accountants serving immediately before the Change in Control (the “Accountants”), whose determination shall be conclusive and binding upon Executive and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required by this Section 5, the Accountants may make reasonable assumptions and approximations

 

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concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable good faith interpretations concerning the applications of Section 280G and 4999 of the Code. The Company shall cause the Accountants to provide detailed supporting calculations of its determination to Executive and the Company. Executive and the Company shall furnish to the Accountants such information and documents as the Accountants may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section. The Company shall bear all costs the Accountants may reasonably incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section 5.

6. Obligation Not to Solicit

(a) Executive hereby agrees that while Executive is receiving compensation and benefits under this Agreement, Executive shall not in any manner attempt to induce or assist others to attempt to induce any officer, employee, customer or client of the Company to terminate its association with the Company, nor do anything directly or indirectly to interfere with the relationship between the Company and any such persons or concerns.

(b) In the event that the Executive engages in any activity in violation of Section 6(a), all compensation and benefits described in Section 4 shall immediately cease.

7. Confidentiality. The terms of this Agreement are to be of the highest confidentiality. In order to insure and maintain such confidentiality, it is agreed that neither party, including all persons and entities under a party’s control, shall, directly or indirectly, publicize or disclose to third persons the terms of this Agreement or the substance of negotiations with respect to it; provided, however, that nothing herein shall be construed to prevent disclosures which are reasonably necessary to enforce the terms of this Agreement or which are otherwise required by law to be made to governmental agencies or others; moreover, nothing herein shall be construed to prevent the parties hereto, or their attorneys, from making such disclosures for legitimate business purposes to their respective insurers, financial institutions, accountants and attorneys or, in the case of a corporation, limited liability company or partnership, to its respective officers, directors, employees, managers, members and agents or any of its respective subsidiaries, group or divisions, provided that each such recipient of such disclosures agrees to be bound by the requirements concerning disclosure of confidential information as set forth in this Paragraph 7.

8. Settlement of Disputes; Arbitration

(a) All disputes arising under or in connection with this Agreement, shall be submitted to binding arbitration in Los Angeles County before an arbitrator selected by mutual agreement of the parties. If the parties are unable to agree mutually on an arbitrator within thirty (30) days after a written demand for arbitration is made, the matter shall be submitted to JAMS/ENDISPUTE (“JAMS”) or successor organization for binding arbitration in Los Angeles County by a single arbitrator who shall be a former California Superior Court judge. The arbitrator shall be selected by JAMS in an impartial manner determined by it. Except as may be otherwise provided herein, the arbitration shall be conducted under the California Arbitration Act, Code of Civil Procedure §1280 et seq. The parties shall have the discovery rights provided in Code of Civil Procedure §§1283.05 and 1283.1. The arbitration hearing shall be commenced within ninety (90) days of the appointment of the arbitrator, and a decision shall be rendered by the arbitrator within thirty (30) days of the conclusion of the hearing. The arbitrator shall have complete authority to render any and all relief, legal and equitable, appropriate under California law, including the award of punitive damages where legally available and warranted. The arbitrator shall award costs of the proceeding, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, to the party or parties determined to have substantially prevailed, but such award for attorneys’ fees shall not exceed One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000). Judgment on the award can be entered in a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

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(b) The foregoing notwithstanding, if the amount in controversy exceeds $200,000, exclusive of attorneys’ fees and costs, the matter shall be litigated in the Los Angeles County Superior Court as a regular civil action except that a former California Superior Court Judge selected by JAMS in an impartial manner shall be appointed as referee to determine, sitting without a jury (a jury being waived by all parties hereto), all issues pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure §638(1). Judgment entered on the decision of the referee shall be appealable as a judgment of the Superior Court. The prevailing party shall be entitled to receive its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs from the other party, but such award for attorneys’ fees shall not exceed One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000).

9. Miscellaneous

(a) Notices. Any notice or other communication required or permitted under this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered personally or seven days after mailing if mailed first class by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

 

If to the Company:    Farmer Bros. Co
   20333 South Normandie Avenue
   Torrance, CA 90502
   Attn: Chief Executive Officer
with a copy to:    John M. Anglin, Esq.
   Anglin, Flewelling, Rasmussen, Campbell & Trytten LLP
   199 South Los Robles Avenue, Suite 600
   Pasadena, CA 91101-2459

 

If to the Executive:  

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 

or to such other address as any party may designate by notice to the others.

(b) Assignment. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective executors, administrators, heirs, personal representatives, and successors, but, except as hereinafter provided, neither this Agreement nor any right hereunder may be assigned or transferred by either party thereto, or by any beneficiary or any other person, nor be subject to alienation, anticipation, sale, pledge, encumbrance, execution, levy, or other legal process of any kind against the Executive, [his/her] beneficiary or any other person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any person or business entity succeeding to substantially all of the business of the Company by purchase, merger, consolidation, sale of assets, or otherwise, shall be bound by and shall adopt and assume this Agreement and the Company shall cause the assumption of this Agreement by such successor. If Executive shall die while any amount would still be payable to Executive hereunder (other than amounts that, by their terms, terminate upon the death of Executive) if Executive had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the executors, personal representatives or administrators of Executive’s estate.

(c) No Obligation to Fund. The agreement of the Company (or its successor) to make payments to the Executive hereunder shall represent solely the unsecured obligation of the Company (and its successor), except to the extent the Company (or its successors) in its sole discretion elects in whole or in part to fund its obligations under this Agreement pursuant to a trust arrangement or otherwise.

 

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(d) Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without giving effect to conflict of law principles.

(e) Amendment. This Agreement may only be amended by a written instrument signed by the parties hereto, which makes specific reference to this Agreement.

(f) Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not invalidate or render unenforceable any other provisions hereof.

(g) Withholding. The Company shall have the right to withhold any and all local, state and federal taxes which may be withheld in accordance with applicable law.

(h) Other Benefits. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or replace the compensation or benefits payable to Executive, or otherwise adversely affect Executive’s rights, under any other benefit plan, program, or agreement to which Executive is a party.

(i) Employment Rights. Nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement will create any right or duty on the part of the Company or the Executive to have the Executive remain in the employment of the Company or any Subsidiary prior to or following any Change in Control. [The Company and Executive are parties to an Employment Agreement executed concurrently herewith. Except as provided in Section 11 of the Employment Agreement, the provisions of the Employment Agreement and this Agreement are cumulative.]

(j) Section 409A

(i) It is intended that any amounts payable under this Agreement shall either be exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Code (including the Treasury regulations and other published guidance relating thereto) (“Code Section 409A”) so as not to subject the Executive to payment of any additional tax, penalty or interest imposed under Code Section 409A. The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted to avoid the imputation of any such additional tax, penalty or interest under Code Section 409A yet preserve (to the nearest extent reasonably possible) the intended benefit payable to the Executive.

(ii) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i) as of the date of the Executive’s Separation from Service, the Executive shall not be entitled to any payment or benefit pursuant to Section 4 until the earlier of (i) the date which is six (6) months after the Executive’s Separation from Service for any reason other than death, or (ii) the date of the Executive’s death. Any amounts otherwise payable to the Executive upon or in the six (6) month period following the Executive’s Separation from Service that are not so paid by reason of this Section 9(j)(ii) shall be paid (without interest) as soon as practicable (and in all events within thirty (30) days) after the date that is six (6) months after the Executive’s Separation from Service (or, if earlier, as soon as practicable, and in all events within thirty (30) days, after the date of the Executive’s death). The provisions of this Section 9(j)(ii) shall only apply if, and to the extent, required to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest pursuant to Code Section 409A.

 

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(iii) To the extent that any benefits or reimbursements pursuant to Section 4(c) or Section 4(d) are taxable to the Executive, any reimbursement payment due to the Executive pursuant to any such provision shall be paid to the Executive on or before the last day of the Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the related expense was incurred. The benefits and reimbursements pursuant to such provisions are not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and the amount of such benefits and reimbursements that the Executive receives in one taxable year shall not affect the amount of such benefits or reimbursements that the Executive receives in any other taxable year.

[SIGNATURES FOLLOW]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed on its behalf by its duly authorized officers and the Executive has hereunder set [his/her] hand, as of the date first above written.

 

Company:       FARMER BROS. CO.,
      a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

 

 

Name:  

 

 

Title:  

 

 

 

Executive:      

 

      [Name of Executive]

 

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SCHEDULE OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Patrick G. Criteser

Larry B. Garrett

Mark A. Harding

Jeffrey A. Wahba

 

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EX-10.29 3 dex1029.htm FORM OF INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT FOR DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors and Officers of the Company

Exhibit 10.29

[FORM OF]

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

THIS INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of                     , by and between Farmer Bros. Co., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and                      (“Indemnitee”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, highly competent persons have become more reluctant to serve publicly-held corporations as directors, officers or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance or adequate indemnification against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of the corporation;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) has determined that, in order to attract and retain qualified individuals, the Company will attempt to maintain on an ongoing basis, at its sole expense, liability insurance to protect persons serving the Company and its subsidiaries from certain liabilities. Although the furnishing of such insurance has been a customary and widespread practice among United States-based corporations and other business enterprises, the Company believes that, given current market conditions and trends, such insurance may be available to it in the future only at higher premiums and with more exclusions. At the same time, directors, officers and other persons in service to corporations or business enterprises are being increasingly subjected to expensive and time-consuming litigation relating to, among other things, matters that traditionally would have been brought only against the Company or business enterprise itself. The Certificate of Incorporation (the “Charter”) and the Bylaws of the Company require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company. Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”). The Charter, the Bylaws and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive, and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the board of directors, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification;

WHEREAS, the uncertainties relating to such insurance and to indemnification have increased the difficulty of attracting and retaining such persons;

WHEREAS, the Board has determined that the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining such persons is detrimental to the best interests of the Company’s stockholders and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future;

WHEREAS, it is reasonable, prudent and necessary for the Company contractually to obligate itself to indemnify, and to advance expenses on behalf of, such persons to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law so that they will serve or continue to serve the Company free from undue concern that they will not be so indemnified;

WHEREAS, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Charter, the Bylaws of the Company and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder; and

WHEREAS, Indemnitee does not regard the protection available under the Company’s Charter, Bylaws and insurance as adequate in the present circumstances, and may not be willing to serve as an officer or director without adequate protection, and the Company desires Indemnitee to serve in such capacity. Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that he or she be so indemnified;


NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein and Indemnitee’s agreement to serve as a director or officer after the date hereof, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

1. Definitions. As used in this Agreement:

(a) References to “agent” shall mean any person who is or was a director, officer, or employee of the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company or other person authorized by the Company to act for the Company, to include such person serving in such capacity as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or other official of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise at the request of, for the convenience of, or to represent the interests of the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company.

(b) The terms “Beneficial Owner” and “Beneficial Ownership” shall have the meanings set forth in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act as in effect on the date hereof.

(c) A “Change in Control” shall be deemed to occur upon the earliest to occur after the date of this Agreement of any of the following events:

(i) Acquisition of Stock by Third Party. Any Person is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifteen percent (15%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, unless (1) the change in the relative Beneficial Ownership of the Company’s securities by any Person results solely from a reduction in the aggregate number of outstanding shares of securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, or (2) such acquisition was approved in advance by the Continuing Directors and such acquisition would not constitute a Change in Control under part (iii) of this definition;

(ii) Change in Board of Directors. Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board, and any new director whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two thirds of the directors then still in office who were directors on the date hereof or whose election for nomination for election was previously so approved (collectively, the “Continuing Directors”), cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board;

(iii) Corporate Transactions. The effective date of a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company (a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination: (1) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the Beneficial Owners of securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 51% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more Subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination, of the securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors; (2) no Person (excluding any corporation resulting from such Business Combination) is the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of 15% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of such corporation except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination; and (3) at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination were Continuing Directors at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board of Directors, providing for such Business Combination;

(iv) Liquidation. The approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement or series of agreements for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (or, if such approval is not required, the decision by the Board to proceed with such a liquidation, sale, or disposition in one transaction or a series of related transactions); or

(v) Other Events. There occurs any other event of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A (or a response to any similar item on any similar schedule or form) promulgated under the Exchange Act, whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement.

 

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(d) “Corporate Status” describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, trustee, general partner, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of the Company or of any other Enterprise which such person is or was serving at the request of the Company.

(e) “Delaware Court” shall mean the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware.

(f) “Disinterested Director” shall mean a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

(g) “Enterprise” shall mean the Company and any other corporation, constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger to which the Company (or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries) is a party, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, trustee, general partner, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent.

(h) “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(i) “Expenses” shall include all direct and indirect costs, fees and expenses of any type or nature whatsoever, including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and costs, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees and disbursements of experts, witness fees, fees and disbursements of private investigators and professional advisors, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone and fax transmission charges, postage, delivery service fees, secretarial services, reasonable compensation for time spent by Indemnitee for which he is not otherwise compensated for by the Company or any third party, and all other disbursements or expenses in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding or enforcing a right to indemnification under this Agreement. Expenses also shall include Expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from any Proceeding, including without limitation the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedeas bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent. Expenses, however, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee.

(j) “Independent Counsel” shall mean a law firm or a member of a law firm that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements); or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Independent Counsel” shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees of the Independent Counsel referred to above and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and all Expenses, claims, liabilities and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

(k) References to “fines” shall include any excise tax assessed on Indemnitee with respect to any employee benefit plan; references to “serving at the request of the Company” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Company” as referred to in this Agreement.

(l) The term “Person” shall have the meaning as set forth in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act as in effect on the date hereof; provided, however, that “Person” shall exclude: (i) the Company; (ii) any Subsidiary of the Company; (iii) any employee benefit plan of the Company including, without limitation, the Company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan, or of any Subsidiary of the Company, or any Person or entity organized, appointed or established by the Company for or pursuant to the terms of any such plan; (iv) a corporation owned directly or indirectly by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their

 

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ownership of stock of the Company; and (v) Roy F. Farmer, deceased, his widow Emily Farmer and their descendants (collectively, “Farmer Family Members”), the estates of Farmer Family Members and the personal representatives thereof, and trusts, partnerships and other entities created by or for the benefit of Farmer Family Members and the trustees, partners and members thereof.

(m) A “Potential Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if: (i) the Company enters into an agreement or arrangement, the consummation of which would result in the occurrence of a Change in Control; (ii) any Person or the Company publicly announces an intention to take or consider taking actions which if consummated would constitute a Change in Control; (iii) any Person who becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 5% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors increases its Beneficial Ownership of such securities by 5% or more over the percentage so owned by such Person on the date hereof; or (iv) the Board adopts a resolution to the effect that, for purposes of this Agreement, a Potential Change in Control has occurred.

(n) The term “Proceeding” shall include any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, arbitration, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed proceeding, whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise and whether of a civil (including intentional or unintentional tort claims), criminal, administrative or investigative nature, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be involved as a party or otherwise by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Company, by reason of any action (or failure to act) taken by him or of any action (or failure to act) on his part while acting as a director or officer of the Company, or by reason of the fact that he is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, trustee, general partner, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other Enterprise, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement, or advancement of expenses can be provided under this Agreement.

(o) The term “Subsidiary,” with respect to any Person, shall mean any corporation or other entity of which a majority of the voting power of the voting equity securities or equity interest is owned, directly or indirectly, by that Person.

2. Agreement To Serve. Indemnitee agrees to serve and/or continue to serve as an agent of the Company, at its will (or under separate agreement, if such agreement exists), in the capacity Indemnitee currently serves as an agent of the Company; provided, however, that nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to or shall (i) restrict the ability of Indemnitee to resign at any time and for any reason from any current or future position or positions, (ii) create any right to continued employment of Indemnitee in any current or future position or positions, or (iii) restrict the ability of the Company to terminate the employment or agency of Indemnitee at any time and for any reason (subject to compliance with the terms of any employment or other applicable agreement to which the Company (or any of its Subsidiaries) and Indemnitee are parties).

3. Indemnification in Third-Party Proceedings. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3 if, by reason of his Corporate Status, Indemnitee was, is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant (as a witness or otherwise) in any Proceeding, other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 3, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on his behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company and, in the case of a criminal Proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

4. Indemnification in Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 4 if, by reason of his Corporate Status, Indemnitee was, is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant (as a witness or otherwise) in any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 4, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on his

 

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behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no indemnification shall be made under this Section 4 in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudged by a court to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that any court in which the Proceeding was brought or the Delaware Court shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification for such Expenses as the court shall deem proper.

5. Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of his Corporate Status, a party to (or a participant in) and is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, in whole or in part, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection therewith. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, as to one or more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such Proceeding, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection with each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding, the Company also shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee against all Expenses reasonably incurred in connection with a claim, issue or matter related to any claim, issue or matter on which Indemnitee was successful. For purposes of this Section and without limitation, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

6. Indemnification for Expenses of a Witness. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of his Corporate Status, a witness in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party, he shall be indemnified and held harmless against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection therewith.

7. Additional Indemnification

(a) Notwithstanding any limitation in Sections 3, 4 or 5, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee if, by reason of his Corporate Status, Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to or participant in any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) against all Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the Proceeding. No indemnity shall be made under this Section 7(a) on account of Indemnitee’s conduct which constitutes a breach of Indemnitee’s duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders or is an act or omission not in good faith or which involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law.

(b) Notwithstanding any limitation in Sections 3, 4, 5 or 7(a), the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) against all Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the Proceeding.

8. Contribution

(a) Whether or not the indemnification provided in Sections 3, 4, 5 and 7 hereof is available, in respect of any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding), the Company shall pay, in the first instance, the entire amount of any judgment or settlement of such action, suit or proceeding without requiring Indemnitee to contribute to such payment and the Company hereby waives and relinquishes any right of contribution it may have against Indemnitee. The Company shall not enter into any settlement of any action, suit or proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding) unless such settlement provides for a full and final release of all claims asserted against Indemnitee.

 

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(b) Without diminishing or impairing the obligations of the Company set forth in the preceding subparagraph, if, for any reason, Indemnitee shall elect or be required to pay all or any portion of any judgment or settlement in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding), the Company shall contribute to the amount of expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred and paid or payable by Indemnitee in proportion to the relative benefits received by the Company and all officers, directors or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who are jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding), on the one hand, and Indemnitee, on the other hand, from the transaction from which such action, suit or proceeding arose; provided, however, that the proportion determined on the basis of relative benefit may, to the extent necessary to conform to law, be further adjusted by reference to the relative fault of the Company and all officers, directors or employees of the Company other than Indemnitee who are jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding), on the one hand, and Indemnitee, on the other hand, in connection with the events that resulted in such expenses, judgments, fines or settlement amounts, as well as any other equitable considerations which the Law may require to be considered. The relative fault of the Company and all officers, directors or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who are jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding), on the one hand, and Indemnitee, on the other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, the degree to which their actions were motivated by intent to gain personal profit or advantage, the degree to which their liability is primary or secondary and the degree to which their conduct is active or passive.

(c) The Company hereby agrees to fully indemnify and hold Indemnitee harmless from any claims of contribution which may be brought by officers, directors or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who may be jointly liable with Indemnitee.

(d) To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for judgments, fines, penalties, excise taxes, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement and/or for Expenses, in connection with any claim relating to an indemnifiable event under this Agreement, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (i) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and/or transaction(s) giving cause to such Proceeding; and/or (ii) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and/or transaction(s).

9. Exclusions. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to make any indemnity in connection with any claim made against Indemnitee:

(a) for which payment has actually been received by or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy or other indemnity provision, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount actually received under any insurance policy, contract, agreement, other indemnity provision or otherwise;

(b) for an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law;

(c) except as otherwise provided in Sections 14(e) and (f) hereof, prior to a Change in Control, in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation or (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law;

(d) for any Expenses, judgments, liabilities, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement resulting from Indemnitee’s conduct which is finally adjudged to have been willful misconduct, knowingly fraudulent or deliberately dishonest; or

 

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(e) if a court of competent jurisdiction shall finally determine that any indemnification hereunder is unlawful.

10. Advances of Expenses; Defense of Claim

(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Company shall advance all Expenses incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee (or reasonably expected by Indemnitee to be incurred by Indemnitee within three months) in connection with any Proceeding by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status within ten (10) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting such advances from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of any Proceeding. Advances shall be unsecured and interest free. Advances shall be made without regard to Indemnitee’s ability to repay the Expenses and without regard to Indemnitee’s ultimate entitlement to indemnification under the other provisions of this Agreement. Advances shall include any and all reasonable Expenses incurred pursuing a Proceeding to enforce this right of advancement, including Expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to the Company to support the advances claimed. Indemnitee shall qualify for advances, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, solely upon the execution and delivery to the Company of an undertaking providing that Indemnitee undertakes to repay the advance to the extent that it is ultimately determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company under the provisions of this Agreement, the Charter, the Bylaws of the Company, applicable law or otherwise. This Section 10(a) shall not apply to any claim made by Indemnitee for which indemnity is excluded pursuant to Section 9.

(b) The Company shall be entitled to participate in any Proceeding at its own expense.

(c) The Company shall not settle any action, claim or Proceeding (in whole or in part) which would impose any Expense, judgment, fine, penalty or limitation on Indemnitee without Indemnitee’s prior written consent.

11. Procedure for Notification and Application for Indemnification

(a) Indemnitee agrees to notify promptly the Company in writing upon being served with any summons, citation, subpoena, complaint, indictment, information or other document relating to any Proceeding or matter which may be subject to indemnification or advancement of Expenses covered hereunder. The failure of Indemnitee to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of any obligation which it may have to Indemnitee under this Agreement, or otherwise.

(b) Indemnitee may deliver to the Company a written application to indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee in accordance with this Agreement. Such application(s) may be delivered from time to time and at such time(s) as Indemnitee deems appropriate in his sole discretion. Following such a written application for indemnification by Indemnitee, Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification shall be determined according to Section 12(a) of this Agreement.

12. Procedure Upon Application for Indemnification

(a) A determination, if required by applicable law, with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification shall be made in the specific case by one of the following methods, which shall be at the election of the Board: (i) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board or (ii) by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee. The Company promptly shall advise Indemnitee in writing with respect to any determination that Indemnitee is or is not entitled to indemnification, including a description of any reason or basis for which indemnification has been denied. If it is so determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten (10) days after such determination. Indemnitee shall reasonably cooperate with the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any costs or Expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements) incurred by

 

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Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom.

(b) In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 12(a) hereof, the Independent Counsel shall be selected as provided in this Section 12(b). The Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Board of Directors, and the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising him of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected and certifying that the Independent Counsel so selected meets the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in Section 1 of this Agreement. Indemnitee may, within ten (10) days after such written notice of selection shall have been received, deliver to the Company a written objection to such selection; provided, however, that such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in Section 1 of this Agreement, and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If such written objection is so made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel so selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or a court of competent jurisdiction has determined that such objection is without merit. If, within twenty (20) days after submission by Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 11(b) hereof, no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to, either the Company or Indemnitee may petition the Delaware Court for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by Indemnitee to the Company’s selection of Independent Counsel and/or for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a person selected by the Delaware Court, and the person with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the person so appointed shall act as Independent Counsel under Section 12(a) hereof. Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to Section 14(a) of this Agreement, Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing). The Company shall pay any and all reasonable fees and expenses of Independent Counsel incurred by such Independent Counsel in connection with acting pursuant to Section 12(a) hereof, regardless of the manner in which such Independent Counsel was selected or appointed.

13. Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings

(a) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person, persons or entity making such determination shall presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with Section 11(b) of this Agreement, and the Company shall have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption in connection with the making by any person, persons or entity of any determination contrary to that presumption. Neither the failure of the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

(b) If the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under Section 12 of this Agreement to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefor, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a final judicial determination that any or all such indemnification is expressly prohibited under applicable law; provided, however, that such 30-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional fifteen (15) days, if the person, persons or entity making the determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification in good faith requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluating of documentation and/or information relating thereto.

 

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(c) The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) of itself adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

(d) For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee’s action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the officers of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected by the Enterprise. The provisions of this Section 13(d) shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which Indemnitee may be deemed or found to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement.

(e) The knowledge and/or actions, or failure to act, of any other director, officer, trustee, partner, managing member, fiduciary, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.

14. Remedies of Indemnitee

(a) In the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 12 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement of Expenses, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, is not timely made pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Section 5, 6, or the last sentence of Section 12(a) of this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, (v) a contribution payment is not made in a timely manner pursuant to Section 8 of this Agreement, or (vi) payment of indemnification pursuant to Section 3 or 4 of this Agreement is not made within ten (10) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by the Delaware Court to such indemnification, contribution or advancement of Expenses. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at his option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. Except as set forth herein, the provisions of Delaware law (without regard to its conflict of laws rules) shall apply to any such arbitration. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.

(b) In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14, Indemnitee shall be presumed to be entitled to indemnification under this Agreement and the Company shall have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement of Expenses, as the case may be, and the Company may not refer to or introduce into evidence any determination pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement adverse to Indemnitee for any purpose. If Indemnitee commences a judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to this Section 14, Indemnitee shall not be required to reimburse the Company for any advances pursuant to Section 10 until a final determination is made with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification (as to which all rights of appeal have been exhausted or lapsed).

(c) If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

 

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(d) The Company shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14 that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement.

(e) The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law against all Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within ten (10) days after the Company’s receipt of such written request) advance to Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, such Expenses which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any judicial proceeding or arbitration brought by Indemnitee (i) to enforce his rights under, or to recover damages for breach of, this Agreement or any other indemnification, advancement or contribution agreement or provision of the Charter, or the Company’s Bylaws now or hereafter in effect; or (ii) for recovery or advances under any insurance policy maintained by any person for the benefit of Indemnitee, regardless of whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advance, contribution or insurance recovery, as the case may be.

(f) Interest shall be paid by the Company to Indemnitee at the legal rate under Delaware law for amounts which the Company indemnifies or is obliged to indemnify for the period commencing with the date on which Indemnitee requests indemnification, contribution, reimbursement or advancement of any Expenses and ending with the date on which such payment is made to Indemnitee by the Company.

15. Establishment of Trust. In the event of a Potential Change in Control, the Company shall, upon written request by Indemnitee, create a “Trust” for the benefit of Indemnitee and from time to time upon written request of Indemnitee shall fund such Trust in an amount sufficient to satisfy any and all Expenses reasonably anticipated at the time of each such request to be incurred in connection with investigating, preparing for, participating in or defending any Proceedings, and any and all judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such judgments, fines penalties and amounts paid in settlement) in connection with any and all Proceedings from time to time actually paid or claimed, reasonably anticipated or proposed to be paid. The trustee of the Trust (the “Trustee”) shall be a bank or trust company or other individual or entity chosen by Indemnitee and reasonably acceptable to the Company. Nothing in this Section 15 shall relieve the Company of any of its obligations under this Agreement. The amount or amounts to be deposited in the Trust pursuant to the foregoing funding obligation shall be determined by mutual agreement of Indemnitee and the Company or, if the Company and Indemnitee are unable to reach such an agreement, by Independent Counsel selected in accordance with Section 12(b) of this Agreement. The terms of the Trust shall provide that, except upon the consent of both Indemnitee and the Company, upon a Change in Control: (a) the Trust shall not be revoked or the principal thereof invaded, without the written consent of Indemnitee; (b) the Trustee shall advance, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, within two (2) business days of a request by Indemnitee and upon the execution and delivery to the Company of an undertaking providing that Indemnitee undertakes to repay the advance to the extent that it is ultimately determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company, any and all Expenses to Indemnitee; (c) the Trust shall continue to be funded by the Company in accordance with the funding obligations set forth above; (d) the Trustee shall promptly pay to Indemnitee all amounts for which Indemnitee shall be entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise; and (e) all unexpended funds in such Trust shall revert to the Company upon mutual agreement by Indemnitee and the Company or, if Indemnitee and the Company are unable to reach such an agreement, by Independent Counsel selected in accordance with Section 12(b) of this Agreement, that Indemnitee has been fully indemnified under the terms of this Agreement. The Trust shall be governed by Delaware law (without regard to its conflicts of laws rules) and the Trustee shall consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court in accordance with Section 23 of this Agreement.

16. Security. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, to the extent requested by Indemnitee and approved by the Board, the Company may at any time and from time to time provide security to Indemnitee for the Company’s obligations hereunder through an irrevocable bank line of credit, funded trust or other collateral. Any such security, once provided to Indemnitee, may not be revoked or released without the prior written consent of Indemnitee.

 

10


17. Non-Exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Insurance; Subrogation

(a) The rights of indemnification and to receive advancement of Expenses as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Charter, the Company’s Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in his Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent that a change in applicable law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification or advancement of Expenses than would be afforded currently under the Charter, the Company’s Bylaws or this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

(b) The DGCL, the Charter and the Company’s Bylaws permit the Company to purchase and maintain insurance or furnish similar protection or make other arrangements including, but not limited to, providing a trust fund, letter of credit, or surety bond (“Indemnification Arrangements”) on behalf of Indemnitee against any liability asserted against him or incurred by or on behalf of him or in such capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify him against such liability under the provisions of this Agreement or under the DGCL, as it may then be in effect. The purchase, establishment, and maintenance of any such Indemnification Arrangement shall not in any way limit or affect the rights and obligations of the Company or of Indemnitee under this Agreement except as expressly provided herein, and the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and Indemnitee shall not in any way limit or affect the rights and obligations of the Company or the other party or parties thereto under any such Indemnification Arrangement.

(c) To the extent that the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance for directors, officers, trustees, partners, managing members, fiduciaries, employees, or agents of the Company or of any other Enterprise which such person serves at the request of the Company, Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer, trustee, partner, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent under such policy or policies. If, at the time the Company receives notice from any source of a Proceeding as to which Indemnitee is a party or a participant (as a witness or otherwise), the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of such Proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

(d) In the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all papers required and take all action necessary to secure such rights, including execution of such documents as are necessary to enable the Company to bring suit to enforce such rights.

(e) The Company’s obligation to indemnify or advance Expenses hereunder to Indemnitee who is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, trustee, partner, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other Enterprise shall be reduced by any amount Indemnitee has actually received as indemnification or advancement of expenses from such Enterprise.

18. Duration of Agreement. All agreements and obligations of the Company contained herein shall continue during the period Indemnitee serves as a director or officer of the Company or as a director, officer, trustee, partner, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other Enterprise which Indemnitee serves at the request of the Company and shall continue thereafter so long as Indemnitee shall be subject to any possible Proceeding (including any rights of appeal thereto and any Proceeding commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 14 of this Agreement) by reason of his Corporate Status, whether or not he is acting in any such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification can be provided under this Agreement.

 

11


19. Severability. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section, paragraph or sentence of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law; (b) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (c) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section, paragraph or sentence of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.

20. Enforcement and Binding Effect

(a) The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as a director or officer of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as a director or officer of the Company.

(b) Without limiting any of the rights of Indemnitee under the Charter or Bylaws of the Company as they may be amended from time to time, this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. If the DGCL or any other applicable law is amended after the date hereof to permit the Company to indemnify Indemnitee for Expenses or liabilities, or to indemnify Indemnitee with respect to any action or Proceeding, not contemplated by this Agreement, then this Agreement (without any further action by either party hereto) shall automatically be deemed to be amended to require that the Company indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL.

(c) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by or granted pursuant to this Agreement shall be binding upon and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns (including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company), shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or of any other Enterprise at the Company’s request, and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and his spouse, assigns, heirs, devisees, executors and administrators and other legal representatives.

(d) The Company shall require and cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all, substantially all or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.

(e) The Company and Indemnitee agree herein that a monetary remedy for breach of this Agreement, at some later date, may be inadequate, impracticable and difficult of proof, and further agree that such breach may cause Indemnitee irreparable harm. Accordingly, the parties hereto agree that Indemnitee may enforce this Agreement by seeking injunctive relief and/or specific performance hereof, without any necessity of showing actual damage or irreparable harm and that by seeking injunctive relief and/or specific performance, Indemnitee shall not be precluded from seeking or obtaining any other relief to which he may be entitled. The Company and Indemnitee further agree that Indemnitee shall be entitled to such specific performance and injunctive relief, including temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions and permanent injunctions, without the necessity of posting bonds or other undertaking in connection therewith. The Company acknowledges that in the absence of a waiver, a bond or undertaking may be required of Indemnitee by the court, and the Company hereby waives any such requirement of such a bond or undertaking.

 

12


21. Modification and Waiver. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions of this Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

22. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) if delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, or (ii) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third (3rd) business day after the date on which it is so mailed:

(a) If to Indemnitee, at the address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement, or such other address as Indemnitee shall provide in writing to the Company.

 

(b) If to the Company, to:

 

      Farmer Bros. Co.

      20333 South Normandie Avenue

      Torrance, CA 90502 Attention: Corporate Secretary

or to any other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee in writing by the Company.

23. Applicable Law and Consent to Jurisdiction. This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 14(a) of this Agreement, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally: (a) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Delaware Court and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country; (b) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement; (c) appoint irrevocably, to the extent such party is not a resident of the State of Delaware, RL&F Service Corp., One Rodney Square, 10th Floor, 10th and King Streets, P.O. Box 551, Wilmington, Delaware 19899 as its agent in the State of Delaware as such party’s agent for acceptance of legal process in connection with any such action or proceeding against such party with the same legal force and validity as if served upon such party personally within the State of Delaware; (d) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court; and (e) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum, or is subject (in whole or in part) to a jury trial.

24. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement.

25. Miscellaneous. Use of the masculine pronoun shall be deemed to include usage of the feminine pronoun where appropriate. The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

13


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed as of the day and year first above written.

 

FARMER BROS. CO.
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

INDEMNITEE

 

 

Name:

 
Address:  

 

 

 

 

 

 

14


SCHEDULE OF INDEMNITEES

John M. Anglin

Guenter W. Berger

Kenneth R. Carson

Lewis A. Coffman

Patrick G. Criteser

Larry B. Garrett

Hortensia R. Gómez

Jeanne Farmer Grossman

Mark A. Harding

Michael J. King

Peter B. Knepper

Roger M. Laverty III

Martin A. Lynch

Thomas A. Maloof

James J. McGarry

John H. Merrell

Heidi L. Modaro

John Samore, Jr.

John E. Simmons

Jeffrey A. Wahba

Carol Farmer Waite

Drew H. Webb

 

15

EX-31.1 4 dex311.htm SECTION 302 CEO AND CFO CERTIFICATION Section 302 CEO and CFO Certification

Exhibit 31.1

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Jeffrey A. Wahba, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Farmer Bros. Co.;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation;

 

  (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 10, 2011

 

/s/ Jeffrey A. Wahba

Jeffrey A. Wahba
Interim Co-Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
EX-31.2 5 dex312.htm SECTION 302 CEO CERTIFICATION Section 302 CEO Certification

Exhibit 31.2

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Patrick G. Criteser, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Farmer Bros. Co.;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation;

 

  (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 10, 2011

 

/s/ Patrick G. Criteser

Patrick G. Criteser
Interim Co-Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
EX-32.1 6 dex321.htm SECTION 906 CEO AND CFO CERTIFICATION Section 906 CEO and CFO Certification

Exhibit 32.1

Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Farmer Bros. Co. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2011, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Jeffrey A. Wahba, Interim Co-Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer and Chief Financial of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

  1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: May 10, 2011

 

/s/ Jeffrey A. Wahba

Jeffrey A. Wahba
Interim Co-Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

EX-32.2 7 dex322.htm SECTION 906 CEO CERTIFICATION Section 906 CEO Certification

Exhibit 32.2

Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Farmer Bros. Co. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2011, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Patrick G. Criteser, Interim Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

  1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: May 10, 2011

 

/s/ Patrick G. Criteser

Patrick G. Criteser
Interim Co-Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.