10-Q 1 a09-30825_110q.htm 10-Q

Table of Contents

 

 

 

U.S. 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 September 26, 2009

 

OR

 

o

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: 1-14556

 

THE INVENTURE GROUP, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

Delaware

 

86-0786101

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Organization)

 

Identification No.)

 

 

 

5050 N. 40th Street, Suite # 300 Phoenix, Arizona

 

85018

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code:  (623) 932-6200

 

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 o

 

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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes o  No o

 

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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer o

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer o

 

Smaller reporting company x

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes o  No x

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:  18,254,526 as of November 9, 2009.

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

Table of Contents

 

Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1. Financial Statements - Unaudited

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 26, 2009 and December 27, 2008

3

 

Condensed consolidated statements of income for the quarters and nine months ended September 26, 2009 and September 27, 2008

4

 

Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 26, 2009 and September 27, 2008

5

 

Notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

6

 

 

 

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

15

 

 

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

19

 

 

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

19

 

 

 

Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

19

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

20

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

20

 

 

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

20

 

 

 

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

20

 

 

 

Item 5.

Other Information

20

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

20

 

2



Table of Contents

 

PART I.         FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.    Financial Statements

 

THE INVENTURE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)

 

 

 

September 26,

 

December 27,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

780,792

 

$

683,567

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $149,224 in 2009 and $80,740 in 2008

 

10,834,210

 

9,767,750

 

Inventories

 

21,093,135

 

13,979,526

 

Deferred income tax asset

 

635,733

 

831,779

 

Other current assets

 

873,926

 

777,192

 

Total current assets

 

34,217,796

 

26,039,814

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

24,094,488

 

24,548,060

 

Goodwill

 

11,616,225

 

11,616,225

 

Trademarks and other intangibles, net

 

2,767,660

 

2,799,160

 

Other assets

 

266,453

 

257,783

 

Total assets

 

$

72,962,622

 

$

65,261,042

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

7,538,415

 

$

7,629,321

 

Line of credit

 

11,422,629

 

8,188,990

 

Accrued liabilities

 

6,824,285

 

4,520,347

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

1,202,618

 

1,204,080

 

Total current liabilities

 

26,987,947

 

21,542,738

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, less current portion

 

10,339,655

 

11,251,510

 

Interest rate swaps

 

588,387

 

886,222

 

Deferred income tax liability

 

2,851,919

 

2,529,266

 

Total liabilities

 

40,767,908

 

36,209,736

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 18,254,526 and 18,252,386 shares issued and outstanding at September 26, 2009 and December 27, 2008 respectively

 

183,415

 

182,525

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

25,947,000

 

25,740,911

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(269,293

)

(448,610

)

Retained earnings

 

6,804,787

 

3,576,480

 

 

 

32,665,909

 

29,051,306

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasury stock, at cost: 367,957 shares at September 26, 2009 and -0- shares at December 27, 2008

 

(471,195

)

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

32,194,714

 

29,051,306

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

72,962,622

 

$

65,261,042

 

 

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

 

3



Table of Contents

 

THE INVENTURE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(unaudited)

 

 

 

Quarter Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 26,

 

September 27,

 

September 26,

 

September 27,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues

 

$

29,937,411

 

$

29,822,135

 

$

93,075,776

 

$

85,241,866

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of revenues

 

23,214,654

 

22,710,078

 

73,908,543

 

67,753,250

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

6,722,757

 

7,112,057

 

19,167,233

 

17,488,616

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

4,282,591

 

4,994,732

 

13,148,891

 

12,776,064

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

2,440,166

 

2,117,325

 

6,018,342

 

4,712,552

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

(267,306

)

(318,890

)

(681,259

)

(1,000,127

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income tax provision

 

2,172,860

 

1,798,435

 

5,337,083

 

3,712,425

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax provision

 

(869,099

)

(695,197

)

(2,108,776

)

(1,475,350

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

1,303,761

 

$

1,103,238

 

$

3,228,307

 

$

2,237,075

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.07

 

$

0.06

 

$

0.18

 

$

0.12

 

Diluted

 

$

0.07

 

$

0.06

 

$

0.18

 

$

0.12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

17,885,440

 

18,750,919

 

17,978,031

 

18,790,591

 

Diluted

 

18,041,679

 

18,750,919

 

18,225,781

 

18,790,591

 

 

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

 

4



Table of Contents

 

THE INVENTURE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 26,
2009

 

September 27,
2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

3,228,307

 

$

2,237,075

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

2,516,727

 

2,015,655

 

Amortization

 

46,831

 

18,082

 

Provision for bad debts

 

19,603

 

24,045

 

Deferred income taxes

 

518,698

 

1,180,349

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

182,272

 

262,962

 

Amortization of deferred compensation expense

 

17,718

 

31,813

 

Gain on disposition of equipment

 

 

(4,377

)

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(1,086,062

)

(2,413,013

)

Inventories

 

(7,113,610

)

(4,942,144

)

Other assets and liabilities

 

(64,376

)

(119,425

)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

2,038,157

 

3,441,244

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

304,265

 

1,732,266

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of property and equipment

 

(2,063,155

)

(2,830,921

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(2,063,155

)

(2,830,921

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Line of credit borrowings, net

 

3,233,639

 

1,866,041

 

Payments made on long-term debt

 

(913,318

)

(874,120

)

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

 

6,989

 

 

Treasury stock purchases

 

(471,195

)

(164,532

)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

1,856,115

 

827,389

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

97,225

 

(271,266

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

683,567

 

494,918

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

780,792

 

$

223,652

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for interest

 

$

239,901

 

$

851,289

 

Cash paid during the period for income taxes

 

$

1,335,000

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of non-cash activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net accrual for interest expense resulting from interest rate swap

 

$

 

138,528

 

 

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

 

5



Table of Contents

 

THE INVENTURE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.             Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

 

The Inventure Group, Inc., (“the Company”) a Delaware corporation, was formed in 1995 as a holding company to acquire a potato chip manufacturing and distribution business, which had been founded by Donald and James Poore in 1986.  The Company changed its name from Poore Brothers, Inc. to The Inventure Group, Inc. on April 10, 2006.

 

In December 1996, the Company completed an initial public offering of its Common Stock.  In November 1998, the Company acquired the business and certain assets (including the Bob’s Texas Style® potato chip brand) of Tejas Snacks, L.P. (“Tejas”), a Texas-based potato chip manufacturer.  In October 1999, the Company acquired Wabash Foods, LLC (“Wabash”) including the Tato Skins®, O’Boisies®, and Pizzarias® trademarks and the Bluffton, Indiana manufacturing operation and assumed all of Wabash Foods’ liabilities.  In June 2000, the Company acquired Boulder Natural Foods, Inc. (“Boulder”) and the Boulder Canyon Natural Foods™brand of totally natural potato chips.

 

In October 2000, the Company launched its T.G.I. Friday’s® brand snacks pursuant to a license agreement with TGI Friday’s Inc., which expires in 2014.

 

In May 2007, the Company acquired Rader Farms, Inc. including the Rader Farms® trademark and the Lynden, Washington frozen fruit processing operation, for a total cost of $20.9 million.

 

In October 2007, the Company launched its BURGER KING™  brand snack products pursuant to a license agreement with Burger King Corporation, which expires in 2012.

 

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Saturday occurring in the month of December of each calendar year.  Accordingly, the third quarter of 2009 commenced June 28, 2009 and ended September 26, 2009.

 

Business

 

The Company is a $100+ million marketer and manufacturer of healthy/all natural and indulgent specialty food brands. The Company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona with plants in Arizona, Indiana and Washington.  The Company’s goal is to build a rapidly growing specialty brand company that specializes on evolving consumer eating habits in two primary product segments: 1) Healthy/Natural Food Products 2) Indulgent Specialty Snack Food Brands.  The Company sells its products nationally through a number of channels including: Grocery, Natural, Mass, Drug, Club, Vending, Food Service, Convenience Stores and International.

 

In the Healthy/Natural portfolio, products include Rader Farms frozen berries and Boulder Canyon Natural Foods™ brand kettle cooked potato chips. In the Indulgent Specialty category, products include TGI Friday’s® brand snacks under license from TGI Friday’s Inc., BURGER KING™  brand snack products under license from Burger King Corporation, Poore Brother’s® kettle cooked potato chips, Bob’s Texas Style®kettle cooked chips, Tato Skins® brand potato snacks and O’Boises® potato snacks.   The Company also manufactures private label snacks for certain grocery retail chains and distributes in Arizona snack food products that are manufactured by others.

 

The Inventure Group, Inc.’s frozen berry products are manufactured by Rader Farms, Inc. (“Rader Farms”) a Washington corporation located in Whatcom County, and acquired by the Company in May of 2007.   Rader Farms grows, processes and markets premium berry blends, raspberries, blueberries, and rhubarb and purchases marionberries, cherries, cranberries, strawberries and other fruits from a select network of fruit growers for resale. The fruit is processed, frozen and packaged for sale and distribution to wholesale customers. The Company also uses third party processors for certain products.

 

The Company’s snack products are manufactured at the Arizona and Indiana plants as well as some third party plants for certain products.

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Inventure Group, Inc. and all of its wholly owned subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany amounts and transactions have been eliminated.  The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and, therefore, do not include all the information and

 

6



Table of Contents

 

footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  In the opinion of management, the condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary in order to make the condensed consolidated financial statements not misleading.  A description of the Company’s accounting policies and other financial information is included in the audited financial statements filed with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2008.  The results of operations for the quarter and nine months ended September 26, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year.

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company adopted new accounting guidance on the measurement of fair value on December 29, 2007.  The guidance, among other things, defines fair value, establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure for each major asset and liability category measured at fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis. It also clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, a three-tier fair value hierarchy was established, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

 

Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;

 

Level 2: Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and

 

Level 3: Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

 

The Company measures certain assets and liabilities at fair value consisting of cash and equivalents and interest rate swaps.

 

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In August 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance on the measurement of liabilities at fair value. The guidance provides clarification that in circumstances in which a quoted market price in an active market for an identical liability is not available, an entity is required to measure fair value using a valuation technique that uses the quoted price of an identical liability when traded as an asset or, if unavailable, quoted prices for similar liabilities or similar assets when traded as assets. If none of this information is available, an entity should use a valuation technique in accordance with existing fair valuation principles. The Company adopted this guidance in the quarter ended September 26, 2009 and there was no material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance related to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). Effective for interim or annual financial periods ending after September 15, 2009, the ASC is the single source of authoritative generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and changes the referencing of accounting standards. The ASC is not intended to change or alter existing U.S. GAAP; however the way authoritative literature is referred to has changed effective in the third quarter of 2009. The Company has adopted the provisions of the ASC effective September 26, 2009 and there was no material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

 In May 2009, the FASB issued guidelines on subsequent  event accounting which defines subsequent events as events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued, and establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of subsequent events. The new guidance also includes a required disclosure of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events, which for public entities is the date upon which the financial statements are issued. The guidance is effective for interim or annual financial periods ending after June 15, 2009, and shall be applied prospectively. The Company adopted this guidance for the interim period ended June 27, 2009 and there was no material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

In April 2009, the FASB issued three related sets of accounting guidance which sets forth rules related to determining the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities when the activity levels have significantly decreased in relation to the normal market, guidance related to the determination of other-than-temporary impairments to include the intent and ability of the holder as an indicator in the determination of whether an other-than-temporary impairment exists and interim disclosure requirements for the fair value of financial instruments.  The adoption of the three sets of accounting guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

7



Table of Contents

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued new disclosure requirements regarding derivative instruments and hedging activities. The new guidance applies to all entities and requires enhanced disclosures about how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for and their effect on an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. This guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008 and the adoption of this guidance had no impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued new guidance on non-controlling interests in consolidated financial statements.  This guidance establishes accounting and reporting standards for the non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary.  It also establishes disclosure requirements that clearly identify and distinguish between the controlling and non-controlling interests and requires the separate disclosure of income attributable to controlling and non-controlling interests. The guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008 and the adoption had no impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

Earnings Per Common Share

 

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by including all dilutive common shares such as stock options and restricted stock.  Stock options outstanding of 765,500 and unvested  restricted shares outstanding of 89,000 were excluded from the weighted average per share calculation for purposes of diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended September 26, 2009 because inclusion of such would be anti-dilutive.  Stock options outstanding of 1,130,500 and unvested restricted shares outstanding of 89,000 were excluded from the weighted average per share calculation for purposes of diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended  September 26, 2009  because inclusion of such would be anti-dilutive.  Stock options outstanding of 1,645,833 were excluded from the weighted average per share calculation for the quarter and nine months ended September 27, 2008 because inclusion of such would be anti-dilutive.  Exercises of outstanding stock options or warrants are assumed to occur for purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share for periods in which their effect would not be anti-dilutive.  Earnings per common share was computed as follows for the quarters and nine months ended September 26, 2009 and September 27, 2008:

 

 

 

Quarter Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 26,
2009

 

September 27,
2008

 

September 26,
2009

 

September 27,
2008

 

Basic Earnings Per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

1,303,761

 

$

1,103,238

 

$

3,228,307

 

$

2,237,075

 

Weighted average number of common shares

 

17,885,440

 

18,750,919

 

17,978,031

 

18,790,591

 

Earnings per common share

 

$

0.07

 

$

0.06

 

$

0.18

 

$

0.12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

1,303,761

 

$

1,103,238

 

$

3,228,307

 

$

2,237,075

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares

 

17,885,440

 

18,750,919

 

17,978,031

 

18,790,591

 

Incremental shares from assumed conversions of stock options and non- vested shares of restricted stock

 

156,239

 

 

247,750

 

 

Adjusted weighted average number of common shares

 

18,041,679

 

18,750,919

 

18,225,781

 

18,790,591

 

Earnings per common share

 

$

0.07

 

$

0.06

 

$

0.18

 

$

0.12

 

 

8



Table of Contents

 

Stock Options, Stock-Based Compensation and Shareholders’ Equity

 

The Company’s 1995 Stock Option Plan (the “1995 Plan”), as amended, provided for the issuance of options to purchase 3,500,000 shares of Common Stock. The options granted pursuant to the 1995 Plan expire over a five-year period and generally vest over three years. In addition to options granted under the 1995 Plan, the Company also issued non-qualified options (non-plan options) to purchase Common Stock to certain Directors and Officers which are exercisable and expire either five or ten years from date of grant. All options are issued at an exercise price of fair market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant and are non-compensatory. The 1995 Plan expired in May 2005 with 410,518 reserved but unissued shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the 1995 Plan, and was replaced by the Inventure Group, Inc. 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”) as described below.

 

The 2005 Plan was approved at the Company’s 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and reserved for issuance that number of shares of Common Stock determined by adding (a) 410,518, which is the number of reserved but unissued shares available for issuance under the 1995 Plan, (b) 500,000, which is the number of additional shares approved by the stockholders on May 23, 2006 to be added to the 2005 Plan, (c) 500,000, which is the number of additional shares approved by the stockholders on May 19, 2008 to be added to the 2005 Plan and (d) 500,000, which is the number of additional shares approved by the stockholders on May 19, 2009 to be added to the 2005 Plan.   If any shares of Common Stock subject to awards granted under the 1995 Plan or the 2005 Plan are canceled, those shares will be available for future awards under the 2005 Plan.  The 2005 Plan expires in May 2015, and awards granted under the 2005 Plan may include nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, performance units and stock-reference awards.  Prior to May 2008, all stock option grants had a 5-year term. The fair value of these stock option grants is amortized to expense over the vesting period, generally three years for employees and one year for the Board of Directors.  In May 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a 10 year term for all future stock option grants, with vesting periods of five years and one year for employees and Board of Director members, respectively.

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued new guidance on stock options which requires that compensation cost related to all share-based payment arrangements, including employee stock options, be recognized in the financial statements based on the fair value method of accounting. In addition, it requires that excess tax benefits related to share-based payment arrangements be classified as cash inflows from financing activities and cash outflows from operating activities.

 

On June 1, 2009, the Company issued to its Chief Executive Officer 52,000 shares of restricted stock under the Company’s 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, subject to vesting in equal installments over three years.  The restricted stock was valued at the fair market value of the Common Stock on the close of business of the day prior to the date of grant, and the resulting deferred compensation expense of $124,280 was included in additional paid-in-capital and is being amortized over the vesting period.  As of September 26, 2009, amortization expense of $13,809 is included in selling, general, and administrative expenses.

 

On June 1, 2009, the Company issued to its Chief Financial Officer 37,000 shares of restricted stock under the company’s 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, subject to vesting in equal installments over three years.  The restricted stock was valued at the fair market value of the Common Stock on the close of business of the day prior to the date of grant, and the resulting deferred compensation expense of $88,430 was included in additional paid-in-capital and is being amortized over the vesting period.  As of September 26, 2009, amortization expense of $9,823 is included in selling, general, and administrative expenses.

 

During the nine months ending September 26, 2009 and September 27, 2008, the total share-based compensation expense recognized from restricted stock awards in the financial statements was $23,632 and $31,813 respectively, and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses.  There were no share-based compensation costs which were capitalized.  As of September 26, 2009 and September 27, 2008 the total unrecognized costs related to non-vested restricted stock awards granted was $189,078 and zero, respectively.

 

There were no restricted stock awards granted during the quarter and nine months ended September 27, 2008.

 

During the nine months ended September 26, 2009 and September 27, 2008, the Company recorded $182,272 and $262,962 of share-based compensation expense, respectively related to stock options.  During the quarters ended September 26, 2009 and September 27, 2008, the Company recorded $66,101 and $102,588 of share-based compensation expense, respectively, related to stock options.

 

There were 2,140 and zero stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 26, 2009 and September 27, 2008, respectively.

 

9



Table of Contents

 

The fair value of each stock option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions for the quarter and nine months ended:

 

 

 

Quarter Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 26,
2009

 

September 27,
2008

 

September 26,
2009

 

September 27,
2008

 

Expected dividend yield

 

0

%

0

%

0

%

0

%

Expected volatility

 

73

%

46

%

73

%

46

%

Risk-free interest rate

 

3.3% - 3.7

%

3.1

%

2.9% - 3.7

%

2.5% - 3.5

%

Expected life – Employees options

 

6.5 years

 

1.8 years

 

6.5 years

 

1.8 years

 

Expected life – Board of directors options

 

1.2 years

 

1.6 years

 

1.2 years

 

1.6 years

 

 

The expected dividend yield was based on the Company’s expectation of future dividend payouts. The volatility assumption was based on historical volatility during the time period that corresponds to the expected life of the option. The expected life (estimated period of time outstanding) of stock options granted was estimated based on historical exercise activity. The risk-free interest rate assumption was based on the interest rate of U.S. Treasuries on the date the option was granted.

 

As of September 26, 2009, the amount of unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options to be recognized over the next two years is approximately $0.4 million. This expected compensation expense does not reflect any new awards, or modifications to existing awards, that could occur in the future. Generally, the Company issues new shares upon the exercise of stock options as opposed to reissuing treasury shares.

 

The following table summarizes stock option activity during the nine months ended September 26, 2009:

 

 

 

Plan Options

 

 

 

Options
Outstanding

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

 

Balance, December 27, 2008

 

2,223,833

 

$

2.34

 

Granted

 

360,000

 

$

2.19

 

Forfeited

 

(446,193

)

$

2.62

 

Exercised

 

(2,140

)

$

2.24

 

Balance, September 26, 2009

 

2,135,500

 

$

2.25

 

 

The intrinsic value related to total stock options outstanding was $1,338,055 as of September 26, 2009 and zero as of September 27, 2008.  The intrinsic value related to vested stock options outstanding was $242,167 as of September 26, 2009 and zero as of September 27, 2008.  The aggregate intrinsic value is based on the exercise price and the Company’s closing stock price of $2.86 as of September 26, 2009 and $1.72 as of September 27, 2008.

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

The Company’s Board of Directors approved a stock re-purchase program that was publicly announced on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 26, 2008 whereby up to $2 million of common stock could be purchased from time to time at the discretion of management (the “2008 program”).  The repurchased shares are generally held as treasury stock and are available for general corporate purposes unless and until such shares are retired by the Board.   The 2008 program expired August 23, 2009 and the Company continues to evaluate its share repurchase opportunities.  Below is a table showing repurchased shares for each month included in the period covered by this report:

 

Period

 

Total Number
of Shares
Repurchased

 

Weighted
Average
Price Paid
Per Share

 

Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Programs

 

Maximum that
may yet be
Purchased Under
the 2008 Program

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12/28/08 – 1/31/09

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,272,878

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/1/09 – 2/28/09

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,272,878

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3/1/09 - 03/28/09

 

367,957

 

$

1.28

 

367,957

 

$

(471,195

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3/29/09 – 6/27/09

 

 

$

 

 

$

801,683

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6/28/09 – 8/23/09

 

 

$

 

 

$

801,683

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

801,683

 

 

10



Table of Contents

 

On December 27, 2008 the Company’s Board of Directors approved the retirement of all treasury stock shares purchased under the 2006, 2007, and 2008 programs.   A total of 1,933,827 shares were retired at cost.  The Company’s treasury stock balance of shares held as of December 27, 2008 was zero.

 

Deferred Compensation Plan

 

Effective January 1, 2007 the Company entered into a deferred compensation plan.  The assets are vested in mutual funds and are reflected in other current assets and the related obligation is reflected in accrued liabilities in the balance sheet.

 

2.             Inventories:

 

Inventories consisted of the following as of September 26, 2009 and December 27, 2008:

 

 

 

September 26,

 

December 27,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

Finished goods

 

$

3,740,363

 

$

7,846,073

 

Raw materials

 

17,352,772

 

6,133,453

 

 

 

$

21,093,135

 

$

13,979,526

 

 

3.             Goodwill, Trademarks and Other Intangibles, Net:

 

Goodwill, trademarks and other intangibles, net consisted of the following as of September 26, 2009 and December 27, 2008:

 

 

 

Estimated
Useful Life

 

September 26,
2009

 

December 27,
2008

 

Goodwill:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Inventure Group, Inc.

 

 

 

$

5,986,252

 

$

5,986,252

 

Rader Farms, Inc.

 

 

 

5,629,973

 

5,629,973

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Goodwill

 

 

 

$

11,616,225

 

$

11,616,225

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trademarks:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Inventure Group, Inc.

 

 

 

$

1,535,659

 

$

1,535,659

 

Rader Farms, Inc.

 

 

 

$

1,070,000

 

$

1,070,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other intangibles:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rader - Covenant-not-to-compete, gross carrying amount

 

5 years

 

$

160,000

 

$

160,000

 

Rader - Covenant-not-to-compete, accum. amortization

 

 

 

(74,676

)

(50,673

)

Rader - Customer relationship, gross carrying amount

 

10 years

 

100,000

 

100,000

 

Rader - Customer relationship, accum. amortization

 

 

 

(23,323

)

(15,826

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Trademarks and other intangibles, net

 

 

 

$

2,767,660

 

$

2,799,160

 

 

11



Table of Contents

 

Amortization expense for the nine months ended September 26, 2009 and September 27, 2008 amounted to $46,831 and $18,082, respectively. As of December 27, 2008, we expect amortization expense on these intangible assets over the next five years to be as follows:

 

2009

 

$

42,000

 

2010

 

$

42,000

 

2011

 

$

42,000

 

2012

 

$

23,327

 

2013

 

$

10,000

 

 

Goodwill and trademarks are reviewed for impairment annually in the second fiscal quarter, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. Goodwill is required to be tested for impairment between the annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that more-likely-than-not reduces the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are required to be tested for impairment between the annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change indicating that the asset might be impaired.  The carrying values were not impaired as of September 26, 2009.

 

4.             Accrued Liabilities:

 

Accrued liabilities consisted of the following as of September 26, 2009 and December 27, 2008:

 

 

 

September 26,
2009

 

December 27,
2008

 

Accrued payroll and payroll taxes

 

$

2,294,215

 

$

1,531,079

 

Accrued royalties and commissions

 

812,336

 

679,152

 

Accrued advertising and promotion

 

934,169

 

669,256

 

Accrued other

 

2,783,565

 

1,640,860

 

 

 

$

6,824,285

 

$

4,520,347

 

 

5.             Long-Term Debt:

 

Long-term debt consisted of the following as of September 26, 2009 and December 27, 2008:

 

 

 

September 26,

 

December 27,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

Mortgage loan due monthly through July, 2012; interest at 9.03%; collateralized by land and building in Goodyear, AZ

 

$

1,531,109

 

$

1,577,093

 

Mortgage loan due monthly through December, 2016; interest rate at 30 day LIBOR plus 165 basis points, fixed through a swap agreement to 6.85%; collateralized by land and building in Bluffton, IN

 

2,237,406

 

2,284,909

 

Equipment term loan due monthly through May, 2014; interest at LIBOR plus 165 basis points; collateralized by equipment at Rader Farms in Lynden, WA

 

4,071,429

 

4,714,286

 

Real Estate term loan due monthly through July, 2017; interest at LIBOR plus 165 basis points; fixed through a swap agreement to 4.28%; secured by a leasehold interest in the real property in Lynden, WA

 

3,654,580

 

3,780,919

 

Vehicle term loan and other miscellaneous loans due in various monthly installments through February, 2011; collateralized by vehicles

 

39,736

 

88,183

 

Office Equipment leases due June 2012

 

8,013

 

10,200

 

 

 

11,542,273

 

12,455,590

 

Less current portion of long-term debt

 

(1,202,618

)

(1,204,080

)

Long-term debt, less current portion

 

$

10,339,655

 

$

11,251,510

 

 

To fund the acquisition of Rader Farms, the Company entered into a Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with U.S. Bank National Association (“U.S. Bank”). Each of our subsidiaries is a guarantor of the Loan Agreement, which is secured by a pledge of all of the assets of our consolidated group. The borrowing capacity available to us under the Loan Agreement consists of notes representing:

 

12



Table of Contents

 

·      a $15,000,000 revolving line of credit maturing on June 30, 2011; $11,422,629 was outstanding at September 26, 2009.  Based on eligible assets, the amount available under the line of credit was $3,577,371 at September 26, 2009. As defined in the revolving credit facility note, all borrowings under the revolving line of credit will bear interest at either (i) the prime rate of interest announced by U.S. Bank from time to time or (ii) LIBOR plus the LIBOR Rate Margin.

·      Equipment term loan due May 2014 noted above.

·      Real estate term loan due July 2017 noted above.

 

U.S. Bank may terminate its commitments and accelerate the repayment of amounts outstanding and exercise other remedies upon the occurrence of an event of default (as defined in the Loan Agreement), subject, in certain instances, to the expiration of an applicable cure period. The agreement requires the Company to maintain compliance with certain financial covenants, including a minimum tangible net worth, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and a maximum leverage ratio. At September 26, 2009, the Company was in compliance with all of the financial covenants. Deferred financing fees totaling $119,744, which are included in Other Assets, were recorded in connection with the Loan Agreement and are being amortized over the life of the loan.

 

Interest Rate Swaps

 

To manage exposure to changing interest rates, the Company selectively enters into interest rate swap agreements.  The Company’s interest rate swaps qualify for and are designated as cash flow hedges.  Changes in the fair value of a swap that is highly effective and that is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge to the extent that the hedge is effective, are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss).

 

The Company entered into an interest rate swap in December 2006 to convert the interest rate of the mortgage to purchase the Bluffton, Indiana plant from the contractual rate of 30 day LIBOR plus 165 basis points to a fixed rate of 6.85%. On September 28, 2008, the Company’s first day of its fiscal fourth quarter, the Company prospectively redesignated the hedging relationship to a cash flow hedge.  The swap has a fixed pay-rate of 6.85% and a notional amount of approximately $2.2 million at September 26, 2009 and expires in December, 2016. We evaluate the effectiveness of the hedge on a quarterly basis and at September 26, 2009 the hedge is highly effective.  The interest rate swap had fair value of ($300,522) at September 26, 2009, which is recorded as a liability on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.  The swap value was determined in accordance with the fair value measurement guidance discussed earlier using Level 2 observable inputs and approximates the net loss that would have been realized if the contract had been settled on September 26, 2009.

 

The Company entered into another interest rate swap in January 2008 to effectively convert the interest rate of the real estate term loan to a fixed rate of 4.28%.  The interest rate swap is structured with a decreasing notional amount to match the expected pay down of the debt.  The notional value of the swap at September 26, 2009 was $3.7 million.  The interest rate swap is accounted for as a cash flow hedge derivative.  We evaluate the effectiveness of the hedge on a quarterly basis and at September 26, 2009 the hedge is highly effective.  The interest rate swap had fair value of ($287,865) at September 26, 2009, which is recorded as a liability on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, and was recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss,” all of which represents the change in fair value as of September 26, 2009.  This value was determined in accordance with the fair value measurement guidance discussed earlier using Level 2 observable inputs and approximates the net loss that would have been realized if the contract had been settled on September 26, 2009.

 

The only component of other comprehensive income/loss for the periods presented is the change in fair value of the interest rate swaps.  The effect of such is as follows:

 

13



Table of Contents

 

 

 

Quarter ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 26, 2009

 

September 27, 2008

 

September 26, 2009

 

September 27, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

1,303,761

 

$

1,103,238

 

$

3,228,307

 

$

2,237,075

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in fair value of interest rate swaps (net of tax)

 

(59,430

)

(37,259

)

179,317

 

(14,691

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income

 

$

1,244,331

 

$

1,065,979

 

$

3,407,624

 

$

2,222,384

 

 

6.             Litigation:

 

The Company is periodically a party to various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business.  Management believes, based on discussions with legal counsel, that the resolution of such lawsuits, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

The Inventure Group, Inc. was one of eight companies sued by the Environmental Law Foundation in August, 2006 in the Superior Court for the State of California for the County of Los Angeles by the Attorney General of the State of California for alleged violations of California Proposition 65. California Proposition 65 is a state law that, in part, requires companies to warn California residents if a product contains chemicals listed within the statute.  The matter was resolved in March 2009, and the Company incurred a settlement liability of $0.2 million.

 

7.             Business Segments:

 

The Company’s operations consist of three reportable segments: manufactured snack products, berry products and distributed products.  The manufactured products segment produces potato chips, potato crisps and potato skins for sale primarily to snack food distributors and retailers.  The berry products segment produces frozen berries for sale primarily to groceries, mass merchandisers and club stores.  The distributed products segment sells snack food products manufactured by other companies to the Company’s Arizona snack food distributors.  The Company’s reportable segments offer different products and services.  The majority of the Company’s revenues are attributable to external customers in the United States.  The Company does sell to customers in Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America, South America, the Middle East, Malta, Germany, India, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Philippines, and the United Kingdom as well, however the revenues attributable to those customers are immaterial.  In October 2009, the company expanded overseas distribution of the snacks it produces under its BURGER KING(tm) licensing agreement.  The snacks will be available in 17 new countries in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, including China, Turkey, and the Scandinavian countries.  All of the Company’s assets are located in the United States.  The Company does not allocate any assets to the distributed products segment.

 

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Note 1).  The Company does not allocate assets, selling, general and administrative expenses, income taxes or other income and expense to segments.

 

 

 

Manufactured
Snack Products

 

Berry Products

 

Distributed
Products

 

Consolidated

 

Quarter ended September 26, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues from external customers

 

$

20,115,695

 

$

9,073,730

 

$

747,986

 

$

29,937,411

 

Depreciation and amortization in segment gross profit

 

282,706

 

168,658

 

 

451,364

 

Segment gross profit

 

4,292,288

 

2,224,840

 

205,629

 

6,722,757

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarter ended September 27, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues from external customers

 

$

19,371,582

 

$

9,739,006

 

$

711,547

 

$

29,822,135

 

Depreciation and amortization in segment gross profit

 

209,716

 

110,929

 

 

320,645

 

Segment gross profit

 

4,095,023

 

2,802,033

 

215,001

 

7,112,057

 

 

14



Table of Contents

 

Nine months ended September 26, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues from external customers

 

$

59,007,933

 

$

31,499,559

 

$

2,568,284

 

$

93,075,776

 

Depreciation and amortization in segment gross profit

 

794,980

 

477,972

 

 

1,272,952

 

Segment gross profit

 

11,740,822

 

6,784,389

 

642,022

 

19,167,233

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 27, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues from external customers

 

$

53,654,586

 

$

29,482,087

 

$

2,105,193

 

$

85,241,866

 

Depreciation and amortization in segment gross profit

 

662,683

 

278,926

 

 

941,609

 

Segment gross profit

 

10,904,333

 

5,986,068

 

598,215

 

17,488,616

 

 

The following table reconciles reportable segment gross profit to the Company’s consolidated income before income tax provision for the quarters and nine months ended September 26, 2009 and September 27, 2008:

 

 

 

Quarter Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 26,
2009

 

September 27,
2008

 

September 26,
2009

 

September 27,
2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment gross profit

 

$

6,722,757

 

$

7,112,057

 

$

19,167,233

 

$

17,488,616

 

Unallocated amounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

(4,282,591

)

(4,994,732

)

(13,148,891

)

(12,776,064

)

Interest expense, net

 

(267,306

)

(318,890

)

(681,259

)

(1,000,127

)

Income before income tax provision

 

$

2,172,860

 

$

1,798,435

 

$

5,337,083

 

$

3,712,425

 

 

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

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including all documents incorporated by reference, includes “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and The Inventure Group, Inc. (the “Company”) desires to take advantage of the “safe harbor” provisions thereof.  Therefore, the Company is including this statement for the express purpose of availing itself of the protections of the safe harbor with respect to all of such forward-looking statements. In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the words “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “estimates,” “projects,” “will likely result,” “will continue,” “future” and similar terms and expressions identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and financial performance. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including specifically the possibility that the Company will need additional financing due to future operating losses or in order to implement the Company’s business strategy, the possible diversion of management resources from the day-to-day operations of the Company as a result of strategic acquisitions, potential difficulties resulting from the integration of acquired businesses with the Company’s business, other acquisition-related risks, lack of consumer acceptance of existing and future products, dependence upon key license agreements, dependence upon major customers, significant competition, risks related to the food products industry, deteriorating economic conditions, volatility of the market price of the Company’s common stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Common Stock”), the possible de-listing of the Common Stock from the Nasdaq Capital Market if the Company fails to satisfy the applicable listing criteria (including a minimum share price) in the future and those other risks and uncertainties discussed herein, that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated.  In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q will in fact transpire or prove to be accurate.  Readers are cautioned to consider the specific risk factors described herein and in “Risk Factors” in the Company’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2008 and not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained herein, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date hereof. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this section.

 

15



Table of Contents

 

Results of Operations

 

Quarter ended September 26, 2009 compared to the quarter ended September 27, 2008

 

Net revenues for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 were $29.9 million, up $0.1 million, or 0.4% higher than the same period last year.

 

Snack division net revenues were $20.8 million, up 3.9% versus the same period last year.  Key contributors were the Boulder Canyon Natural Foods™ brand, up 8% versus the same period last year,  TGI Fridays, up 11% over last year, and private label sales which were up 61% for the quarter. These increases were partially offset by declines for both BURGER KING™ and Poore Brothers® branded products, both of which were compared in the quarter ended September 26, 2009 against last year’s sales increase following the launch of these product lines in a national drug chain.

 

As anticipated, Rader Farms sales were soft for the quarter with revenues of $9.1million, down 6.8% versue last year. Typically Rader sales of frozen berries are lowest in the third quarter due to the availability of fresh berries at this time of year. This year there was a large increase in the availability of fresh berries at much lower prices, causing a decline in sales compared to last year.

 

Gross profit for the quarter ended September 26, 2009 decreased $0.4 million as compared to the quarter ended September 27, 2008, and also decreased as a percentage of net revenues (22.5% of net revenue for 2009 and 23.8% of net revenue for 2008).  The decrease was attributable to the lower Rader sales for the quarter.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $4.3 million in the third quarter of 2009 as compared to $5.0 million in the third quarter of 2008.  These expenses decreased to 14.3% of net revenues in 2009, as compared to 16.7% of net revenues in 2008.

 

Net interest expense was $267,306 in the third quarter of 2009 compared to $318,890 in the third quarter of 2008.  The decrease primarily relates to a change in accounting treatment of swap instruments.  See “Interest Rate Swaps” for further detail.

 

Net income was $1.3 million, or $0.07 per basic and diluted share, compared to net income of $1.1 million, or $0.06 per basic and diluted share in the third quarter of last year.

 

Nine months ended September 26, 2009 compared to the nine months ended September 27, 2008

 

For the nine months ended September 26, 2009 net revenues increased 9.2%, or $7.9 million, to $93.1 million, compared with net revenue of $85.2 million in the first nine months of the previous year.  Total net revenues for the nine months ended September 26, 2009 include $31.5 million from Rader Farms, representing an increase of 7%, versus the same period last year.  For the snack business, total net revenues for the nine months ended September 26, 2009 were $61.6 million, representing an increase of 10.6%, from the $55.7 million of snack net revenues for the first nine months of 2008.

 

Gross profit for the nine months ended September 26, 2009 was $19.2 million, or 20.6% of net revenues, compared to $17.5 million, or 20.5% of net revenues for the nine months ended September 27, 2008.  This increase of $1.7 million, or 9.6%, was attributable to the revenue growth at both the snack and Rader divisions, and the growth in pounds processed through the snack division plant.  These gains were partially offset by a shift in sales in the snack division to lower margin channels, a result of the current economic environment and price increases in certain commodities.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $13.1 million for the nine months ended September 26, 2009 from $12.8 million for the nine months ended September 27, 2008.  Selling, general and administrative expenses were 14.1% of total net revenues for the nine months ended September 26, 2009 and 15.0% for the nine months ended September 27, 2008.

 

Net interest expense was $0.7 million in the first nine months of 2009 compared to $1.0 million in the first nine months of 2008.  The Company changed its accounting treatment of swap instruments.  See “Interest Rate Swaps” for further detail.  The Company recognized $0.1 million of interest expense as a result of an interest rate swap in the first nine months of 2008, with no similar expense incurred in the first nine months of 2009.

 

16



Table of Contents

 

Net income for the nine months ended September 26, 2009 was $3.2 million, or $0.18 per basic and diluted share, compared with net income of $2.2 million, or $0.12 per basic and diluted share, in the prior-year period.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Net working capital was $7.2 million (a current ratio of 1.3:1) at September 26, 2009 and $4.5 million (a current ratio of 1.2:1) at December 27, 2008.  For the nine months ended September 26, 2009, the Company generated cash flow of $0.3 million from operating activities, invested $2.1 million in equipment, borrowed a net $3.2 million on its line of credit, utilized $0.9 million to pay down other debt and purchased $0.5 million of treasury shares.   For the nine months ended September 27, 2008, the Company generated cash flow of $1.7 million from operating activities, invested $2.8 million in equipment, borrowed a net $1.9 million on its line of credit and utilized $0.9 million to pay down other debt.   Inventories increased $7.1 million as compared to December 27, 2008 balances, primarily due to the processing of the 2009 Rader harvest season, which commenced in June.

 

The Company’s Goodyear, Arizona manufacturing and distribution facility is subject to a $1.5 million mortgage loan from Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, bears interest at 9.03% per annum and is secured by the building and the land on which it is located. The loan matures on July 1, 2012; however monthly principal and interest installments of $16,825 are determined based on a twenty-year amortization period.

 

The Company’s Bluffton, Indiana manufacturing and distribution facility was purchased for $3.0 million in December, 2006. The facility is subject to a $2.2 million mortgage loan from U.S. Bank National Association, bears interest at the 30 day LIBOR plus 165 basis points and is secured by the building and the land on which it is located. The interest rate associated with this debt instrument was fixed to 6.85% via an interest rate swap agreement with U.S. Bank National Association in December 2006.  The loan matures in December, 2016; however monthly principal and interest installments of $18,392 are determined based on a twenty-year amortization period.

 

To fund the acquisition of Rader Farms the Company entered into a Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with U.S. Bank National Association (“U.S. Bank”). Each of our subsidiaries is a guarantor of the Loan Agreement, which is secured by a pledge of all of the assets of our consolidated group. The borrowing capacity available to us under the Loan Agreement consists of notes representing:

 

·      a $15,000,000 revolving line of credit maturing on June 30, 2011; based on asset eligibility, there was $3.6 million of borrowing availability under the line of credit at September 26, 2009,

·      an equipment term loan, secured by the equipment acquired, subject to a $5.8 million term loan from U.S. Bank National Association, and bearing interest at the 30 day LIBOR plus 165 basis points. The loan matures in May, 2014 and monthly principal installments are $71,429 plus interest and

·      a real estate term loan, secured by a leasehold interest in the real property we are leasing from the former owners of Rader Farms in connection with the acquisition, subject to a $4.0 million real estate term loan from U.S. Bank National Association, and bearing interest at the 30 day LIBOR plus 165 basis points.  The interest rate associated with this debt instrument was fixed to 4.28% via an interest rate swap agreement with U.S. Bank National Association in January 2008. The loan matures in July, 2017; however monthly principal and interest installments of $36,357 are determined based on a fifteen-year amortization period.

 

All borrowings under the revolving line of credit will bear interest at either (i) the prime rate of interest announced by U.S. Bank from time to time or (ii) LIBOR, plus the LIBOR Rate Margin (as defined in the revolving credit facility note). The term loan will bear interest at LIBOR, plus the LIBOR Rate Margin (as defined in the term loan note).

 

As is customary in such financings, U.S. Bank may terminate its commitments and accelerate the repayment of amounts outstanding and exercise other remedies upon the occurrence of an event of default (as defined in the Loan Agreement), subject, in certain instances, to the expiration of an applicable cure period. The agreement requires the Company to maintain compliance with certain financial covenants, including a minimum tangible net worth, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and a maximum leverage ratio. At September 26, 2009, the Company was in compliance with all of the financial covenants.

 

Interest Rate Swaps

 

See Footnote 5 “Long-Term Debt” in the Company’s “Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for detail regarding the Company’s interest rate swaps.

 

17



Table of Contents

 

Contractual Obligations

 

The Company’s future contractual obligations consist principally of long-term debt, operating leases, minimum commitments regarding third party warehouse operations services, remaining minimum royalty payments due licensors pursuant to brand licensing agreements and severance charges to terminated executives.  As of September 26, 2009 there have been no material changes to the Company’s contractual obligations since its December 27, 2008 fiscal year end, other than scheduled payments.  The Company currently has no material marketing or capital expenditure commitments.

 

Management’s Plans

 

In connection with the implementation of the Company’s business strategy, the Company may incur operating losses in the future and may require future debt or equity financings (particularly in connection with future strategic acquisitions, new brand introductions or capital expenditures).  Expenditures relating to acquisition-related integration costs, market and territory expansion and new product development and introduction may adversely affect promotional and operating expenses and consequently may adversely affect operating and net income.  These types of expenditures are expensed for accounting purposes as incurred, while revenue generated from the result of such expansion or new products may benefit future periods.  Management believes that the Company will generate positive cash flow from operations during the next twelve months, which, along with its existing working capital and borrowing facilities, will enable the Company to meet its operating cash requirements for the next twelve months, including planned capital expenditures and recent improvements to our Goodyear, Arizona facility in 2009.  The belief is based on current operating plans and certain assumptions, including those relating to the Company’s future revenue levels and expenditures, industry and general economic conditions and other conditions. For instance, if current general economic conditions continue or worsen, we believe that our sales forecasts may prove to be less reliable than they have in the past as consumers may change their buying habits with respect to snack food products. Unexpected price increases for commodities used in our snack products, or adverse weather conditions affecting our Rader Farms crop yield could also impact our financial condition.  If any of these factors change, the Company may require future debt or equity financings to meet its business requirements. There can be no assurance that any required financings will be available or, if available, will be on terms attractive to the Company.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

There have been no significant changes to the Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates since the filing of its Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 2008.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In August 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance on the measurement of liabilities at fair value. The guidance provides clarification that in circumstances in which a quoted market price in an active market for an identical liability is not available, an entity is required to measure fair value using a valuation technique that uses the quoted price of an identical liability when traded as an asset or, if unavailable, quoted prices for similar liabilities or similar assets when traded as assets. If none of this information is available, an entity should use a valuation technique in accordance with existing fair valuation principles. The Company adopted this guidance in the quarter ended September 26, 2009 and there was no material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance related to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). Effective for interim or annual financial periods ending after September 15, 2009, the ASC is the single source of authoritative generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and changes the referencing of accounting standards. The ASC is not intended to change or alter existing U.S. GAAP; however the way authoritative literature is referred to has changed effective in the third quarter of 2009. The Company has adopted the provisions of the ASC effective September 26, 2009 and there was no material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

In May 2009, the FASB issued guidelines on subsequent event accounting which defines subsequent events as events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued, and establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of subsequent events. The new guidance also includes a required disclosure of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events, which for public entities is the date upon which the financial statements are issued. The guidance is effective for interim or annual financial periods ending after June 15, 2009, and shall be applied prospectively. The Company adopted this guidance for the interim period ended June 27, 2009 and there was no material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

18



Table of Contents

 

In April 2009, the FASB issued three related sets of accounting guidance which sets forth rules related to determining the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities when the activity levels have significantly decreased in relation to the normal market, guidance related to the determination of other-than-temporary impairments to include the intent and ability of the holder as an indicator in the determination of whether an other-than-temporary impairment exists and interim disclosure requirements for the fair value of financial instruments.  The adoption of the three sets of accounting guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued new disclosure requirements regarding derivative instruments and hedging activities. The new guidance applies to all entities and requires enhanced disclosures about how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for and their effect on an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. This guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008 and the adoption of this guidance had no impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued new guidance on non-controlling interests in consolidated financial statements.  This guidance establishes accounting and reporting standards for the non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary.  It also establishes disclosure requirements that clearly identify and distinguish between the controlling and non-controlling interests and requires the separate disclosure of income attributable to controlling and non-controlling interests. The guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008, and the adoption of this guidance had no impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

This information has been omitted pursuant to Item 305(e) of Regulation S-K, promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

 

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report have been designed and are functioning effectively to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

 

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer do not expect that the Company’s internal controls will prevent all errors and all fraud.  A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.  Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of internal controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that internal controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

No change occurred in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Part II.   Other Information

 

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

 

The Company is periodically a party to various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business.  Management believes, based on discussions with legal counsel, that the resolution of such lawsuits, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

19



Table of Contents

 

The Inventure Group, Inc. was one of eight companies sued by the Environmental Law Foundation in August, 2006 in the Superior Court for the State of California for the County of Los Angeles by the Attorney General of the State of California for alleged violations of California Proposition 65. California Proposition 65 is a state law that, in part, requires companies to warn California residents if a product contains chemicals listed within the statute.  The matter was resolved in March 2009, and the Company incurred a settlement liability of $0.2 million.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

During the quarter and nine months ended September 26, 2009, there were no material changes from the risk factors as previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2008.

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

 

 

None.

 

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

 

 

None.

 

 

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

 

 

None.

 

 

Item 5.

Other Information

 

 

 

None.

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

 

 

(a)

Exhibits:

 

 

 

 

 

31.1 — Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15(d)-14(a).

 

 

 

 

 

31.2 — Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15(d)-14(a).

 

 

 

 

 

32.1 — Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

20



Table of Contents

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

 

Dated:

November 10, 2009

 

THE INVENTURE GROUP, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Terry McDaniel

 

 

 

 

Terry McDaniel

 

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

21



Table of Contents

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

31.1 — Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15(d)-14(a).

 

31.2 — Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15(d)-14(a).

 

32.1 — Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

22