Item 1. Business.
Unless otherwise indicated, references in this Annual Report to 2008, 2007, 2006 or “fiscal” 2008, 2007, 2006 or other years refer to our fiscal year ended June 30 of that year and references to 2009 or “fiscal” 2009 refer to our fiscal year ending June 30, 2009.
General
The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company,” and herein referred to as “we,” “us,” and “our”) manufacture, market, distribute and sell natural and organic food products and natural and organic personal care products under brand names which are sold as “better-for-you” products. We are a leader in many of the top natural food categories, with such well-known food brands as Celestial Seasonings®, Hain Pure Foods®, Westbrae Natural®, WestSoy®, Rice Dream® , Soy Dream®, Imagine®, Walnut Acres Organic®, Ethnic Gourmet®, Rosetto®, Little Bear Organic Foods®, Bearitos®, Arrowhead Mills®, MaraNatha®, SunSpire®, Health Valley®, Breadshop’s®, Casbah® , Spectrum Naturals®, Spectrum Essentials®, Hollywood®, Garden of Eatin’®, Terra®, Harry’s Premium Snacks®, Boston’s The Best You’ve Ever Tasted®, Lima®, Grains Noirs®, Natumi®, Yves Veggie Cuisine®, DeBoles®, Earth’s Best®, Nile Spice®, Linda McCartney® (under license), Daily Bread™, Realeat®, Granose® and TofuTown®. Our natural and organic personal care products are marketed under the Avalon Organics®, Alba Botanica® , JASON®, Zia®, Orjene®, Shaman Earthly Organics®, Heather’s®, Queen Helene®, Batherapy®, Shower Therapy®, Footherapy®, Tushies® and TenderCare® brands. The Company’s principal specialty product lines include Estee® sugar-free products and Alba® non-fat dry milk and flavored shakes. Our natural and organic antibiotic-free chicken is marketed under the FreeBird™ brand and our antibiotic-free turkey is marketed under the Plainville Farms® brand. We operate in one segment, the sale of natural and organic products, including food, beverage and personal care products. See Notes 1 and 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 15 of this Form 10-K for additional information about our segments, as well as information about our geographic operations.
Our products are sold primarily to specialty and natural food distributors and are marketed nationally to supermarkets, natural food stores, and other retail classes of trade including mass-market retailers, drug store chains, food service channels and club stores. During 2008, 2007 and 2006, approximately 47%, 46% and 47%, respectively, of our revenues were derived from products manufactured within our own facilities. The remaining 53%, 54% and 53%, for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, of our revenues were derived from products which are produced by independent manufacturers (“co-packers”) using proprietary formulas and specifications.
The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. was incorporated in Delaware on May 19, 1993. Our worldwide headquarters office is located at 58 South Service Road, Melville, New York 11747. Since our formation, we have completed a number of acquisitions of companies and brands. In the last three fiscal years, we have acquired the following companies and brands:
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On April 2, 2008, we acquired Daily Bread, Ltd., a London-based producer of branded fresh prepared foods for the foodservice channel in the United Kingdom. The acquisition of Daily Bread broadens our existing prepared foods operations with a branded fresh platform which we expect will strengthen our ability to expand our fresh operations across the United Kingdom and Europe.
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On March 10, 2008, Hain Pure Protein Corporation, a 50.1%-owned subsidiary (“Hain Pure Protein”), acquired the turkey production facility and distribution center of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation in New Oxford, Pennsylvania. The New Oxford acquisition provides additional scale with the capacity to meet increasing volume demands and expands our ability to offer branded, premium poultry products.
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On March 6, 2008, we acquired nSpired Natural Foods, Inc., with its MaraNatha and SunSpire brands. MaraNatha is a leading brand of natural and organic nut butters and SunSpire is a leader in natural and organic
chocolate products. The addition of MaraNatha is expected to strengthen our position in the growing nut butter category and SunSpire provides us entry into the natural candy category.
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On December 7, 2007, we acquired TenderCare International, Inc., a marketer and distributor of chlorine-free and gel-free natural diapers and baby wipes under the TenderCare and Tushies brand names. The acquisition is expected to strengthen our position in the natural and organic sector with the expansion into diapers and wipes, allowing us to expand the range of products offered under our Earth’s Best brand.
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On August 29, 2007, Hain Pure Protein acquired the assets and business of Plainville Turkey Farm, Inc., a leading supplier of natural and antibiotic-free whole turkeys and deli turkey products to the natural and grocery channels in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. The Plainville acquisition expands our specialty poultry business with a well-recognized industry leader.
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On June 8, 2007 we acquired the tofu and meat-alternative business of WhiteWave Foods Company. The product line includes baked and grilled tofu, seitan, tempeh and other traditional tofu items which are sold under the TofuTown® and WestSoy® brand names.
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On January 11, 2007 we acquired Avalon Natural Products, Inc., including the Avalon Organics® and Alba Botanica® brands, a leader in the natural personal care products category in the areas of skin care, hair care, bath and body and sun care.
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On December 8, 2006 we acquired the business and certain assets of Haldane Foods Limited, a producer of meat-free food and non-dairy beverage products.
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On June 12, 2006 we acquired the Linda McCartney® brand (under license) frozen meat-free business from the H.J. Heinz Company, L.P. (“Heinz”), including a manufacturing facility based in Fakenham, England.
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On April 30, 2006 we acquired the fresh prepared food business based in Luton, England from Heinz.
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On March 3, 2006 we acquired the business and assets of Para Laboratories, Inc., including the Queen Helene®, Batherapy®, Shower Therapy® and Footherapy® brands of skin care, hair care, and body care products for professional and personal use.
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On December 16, 2005 we acquired Spectrum Organic Products, Inc., a leading manufacturer and marketer of natural and organic culinary oils, vinegars, condiments and butter substitutes under the Spectrum Naturals® brand and nutritional supplements under the Spectrum Essentials® brand.
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On July 1, 2005 we acquired a 50.1% controlling interest in Hain Pure Protein, which specializes in natural and organic antibiotic-free poultry.
Our brand names are well recognized in the various market categories they serve. We have acquired numerous brands since our formation (in addition to those mentioned above), and we will seek future growth through internal expansion as well as the acquisition of complementary brands.
Our mission is to be the leading marketer, manufacturer and seller of natural and organic food and personal care products by anticipating and exceeding consumer expectations in providing quality, innovation, value and convenience. We are committed to growing our Company while continuing to implement environmentally sound business practices and manufacturing processes. Our business strategy is to integrate all of our brands under one management team and employ a uniform marketing, sales and distribution program. We capitalize on our brand equity and the distribution achieved through each of our acquired businesses with strategic introductions of new products that complement existing lines to enhance revenues and margins.
We believe that by integrating our various brands, we will achieve economies of scale and enhanced market penetration. We consider the acquisition of natural and organic food and personal care companies and product lines to be
an integral part of our business strategy. To that end, we do, from time to time, review and conduct discussions with acquisition candidates.
As of June 30, 2008, we employed a total of 2,986 full-time employees. Of these employees, 186 were in sales and 2,012 in production, with the remaining 788 employees filling management, accounting, marketing, operations and clerical positions.
Products
Grocery
We develop, manufacture, market and distribute a comprehensive line of branded natural and organic grocery products in numerous categories including non-dairy beverages (such as soy, rice and oat) popcorn cakes, cookies, crackers, flour and baking mixes, hot and cold cereals, pasta, baby food, condiments, cooking and culinary oils, granolas, granola bars, cereal bars, canned, aseptic and instant soups, chilis, packaged grain, nut butters and nutritional oils, juices, frozen desserts, pastas and ethnic meals, as well as other food products. Our Hain®, Westbrae Natural®, WestSoy®, Imagine®, Rice Dream®, Soy Dream®, Walnut Acres Organic®, Ethnic Gourmet®, MaraNatha®, SunSpire®, Bearitos®, Arrowhead Mills®, DeBoles®, Rosetto®, Ethnic Gourmet®, Health Valley® , Hollywood®, Casbah®, Spectrum Naturals®, Spectrum Essentials®, Breadshop’s®, Nile Spice®, Earth’s Best® and Lima® brands comprise this full line of natural or organic grocery products. We are a leader in many of the top natural food categories. Natural foods are defined as foods that are minimally processed, largely or completely free of artificial ingredients, preservatives, and other non-naturally occurring chemicals, and are not genetically modified and as near to their whole natural state as possible. Many of our products are also made with organic ingredients that are grown without dependence upon artificial pesticides, chemicals or fertilizers. Grocery products accounted for approximately 51% of total net sales in 2008, 2007, and 2006.
Snacks
We develop, manufacture, market and distribute a full line of branded snack products including a variety of potato and vegetable chips, organic tortilla style chips, pretzels and popcorn under the Terra®, Garden of Eatin’®, Little Bear Organic Foods®, Boston’s The Best You’ve Ever Tasted®, Bearitos® and Harry’s Premium Snacks® names. Terra natural snack food products consist of varieties of potato chips, sweet potato chips and other vegetable chips. Garden of Eatin’ natural snack food products consist of organic tortilla chip products and other snacks. Boston’s The Best You’ve Ever Tasted Popcorn and Harry’s Premium Snacks products consist of popcorn, potato chips, tortilla chips and other snack food items. Snacks accounted for approximately 9% of total net sales in 2008, 11% in 2007 and 13% in 2006.
Teas and Coffees
Our tea products are 100% natural and are made from high-quality, natural flavors and ingredients and are generally offered in 10, 20 and 40 count packages. We are a leading manufacturer and marketer of specialty tea in North America. Our teas are sold in mass-market retailers, drugstore chains, grocery, natural foods and other retail stores. We develop flavorful, unique blends with attractive, colorful and thought-provoking packaging. Our products include herb teas such as Sleepytime®, Lemon Zinger®, Peppermint, Chamomile, Mandarin Orange Spice®, Cinnamon Apple Spice™, Red Zinger®, Raspberry Zinger®, Tension Tamer®, Country Peach Passion® and Wild Berry Zinger®, a line of green teas, a line of wellness teas, a line of organic teas, a line of specialty black teas, chais and our Go Stix™ for kids. In early fiscal 2008, we introduced our new Saphara™ super premium teas, which are certified fair trade and organic whole leaf teas in a pyramid tea bag. Our tea products include over 90 flavors made from 100% natural ingredients. The types of teas offered include herb, red (rooibos), honeybush, white, green, black and chai. Our teas are offered both with and without caffeine. We also offer Cool Brew iced teas and natural ciders. Tea beverages accounted for approximately 9% of total net sales in 2008, 10% 2007 and 14% in 2006.
In addition to our traditional tea products, in fiscal 2008 we expanded our offerings to include a new line of Celestial Seasonings Coffee, consisting of five certified fair trade and organic, whole bean blends.
Personal Care Products
We develop, manufacture, market and distribute a full line of personal care products including skin care, hair care, body care, oral care, deodorants and diapers under the Avalon Organics®, Alba Botanica®, JASON®, Earth’s Best Organic® Baby Body Care, Zia®, Orjene®, Shaman Earthly Organics®, Queen Helene®, Batherapy®, Shower Therapy®, Footherapy® and TenderCare® brands. Our personal care products are sold in mass-market retailers, drug store chains, grocery, natural foods and other retail stores. We also manufacture and market a brand of natural cleaning products under the Heather’s® brand. Personal care products accounted for approximately 11% of total net sales in 2008, 10% in 2007, and 6% in 2006.
Protein
We process natural and organic, antibiotic- and hormone-free chickens which are marketed and distributed to natural food stores, supermarkets and food service providers under the FreeBird™ brand. During fiscal 2008, we expanded our offerings to include antibiotic-free turkeys and turkey deli products with the acquisition of the Plainville Farms® brand. We significantly increased our capacity to process turkeys with our acquisition of a turkey processing operation in New Oxford, Pennsylvania in March 2008. Our poultry products accounted for approximately 9% of total net sales in 2008, 4% in 2007 and 4% in 2006.
Other
Meat Alternative Products
We manufacture, market and distribute a full line of soy protein meat alternative products under the Yves Veggie Cuisine® brand name including such well-known products as The Good Dog®, The Good Lunch™ and The Good Slice®, among others. We produce a line of tofu products which are sold under the TofuTown® and WestSoy® brand names. We also manufacture, market and distribute a full line of meat-free frozen products with the Linda McCartney® (under license), Realeat® and Granose® brands. Meat alternative products provide consumers with the health benefits of soy without the health concerns associated with traditional meat products. Our meat alternative products and other meat-free ingredients include veggie burgers, veggie wieners, veggie slices, veggie entrees, veggie ground round and veggie skewers. Our Yves Veggie Cuisine® meat alternative brand operates from our facility in Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada. Our TofuTown® and WestSoy® brands are produced in our Boulder, Colorado facility. Our Linda McCartney®, Realeat® and Granose® brands operate from our facility in Fakenham, England.
Fresh
We process, market and distribute fresh prepared foods from our facility in Luton, England, from our Daily Bread™ facility in London, England and from our Grains Noirs facility in Brussels, Belgium. Our meals-to-go products include fresh sandwiches, appetizers and full-plated meals for distribution to retailers, caterers, and food service providers, such as those in the transportation business.
Medically-Directed and Weight Management Products
Our Estee® and Featherweight® brands market and distribute a line of sugar-free, fructose-sweetened and low-sodium products targeted towards diabetic and health conscious consumers and persons on medically-restricted diets.
We continuously evaluate our existing products for quality, taste, nutritional value and cost and make improvements where possible. We discontinue products or stock keeping units (“SKUs”) when sales of those items do not warrant further production.
New Product Initiatives Through Research and Development
We consider research and development of new products to be a significant part of our overall philosophy and we are committed to developing high-quality products. A team of professional product developers, including microbiologists, nutritionists, food scientists, chefs and chemists, work to develop products to meet consumers’ changing needs. Our Research and Development staff incorporates product ideas from all areas of our business in order to formulate new products. In addition to developing new products, the Research and Development staff routinely reformulates and revises existing products. We incurred approximately $1.7 million in Company-sponsored research and development activities in 2008, $1.5 million in 2007 and $1.2 million in 2006. Our research and development expenditures do not include the expenditures on such activities undertaken by co-packers who develop numerous products on their own initiative with the expectation that we will accept their new product ideas and market them under our brands. These efforts by co-packers have resulted in a substantial number of our new product introductions. We are unable to estimate the amount of expenditures made by co-packers on research and development; however, we believe such activities and expenditures are important to our continuing ability to introduce new products.
Sales and Distribution
Our products are sold in all 50 states and in more than 50 countries. Our customer base consists principally of natural food distributors, mass-market retailers, supermarkets, drug store chains, club stores and grocery wholesalers. While the natural food channel continues to grow, growth in the grocery, mass-market and other alternative channels has accelerated as increased consumer awareness and demand has resulted in more mainstream retailers providing more natural and organic products.
In the United States, our products are sold through a combination of our retail direct sales force and internal sales professionals, supported by third-party food brokers. Food brokers act as agents for us within designated territories, usually on a non-exclusive basis, and receive commissions. We utilize our retail direct sales force for sales into natural food stores, which has allowed us to reduce our reliance on food brokers.
A majority of the products marketed by us are sold through independent food distributors. Food distributors purchase products from us for resale to retailers. Because food distributors take title to the products upon purchase, product pricing decisions on sales of our products by the distributors to the retailers are generally made in their sole discretion. We may influence product pricing with the use of promotional incentives. In fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, one of our distributors, United Natural Foods, Inc., accounted for approximately 20%, 20% and 21% of net sales, respectively.
Our subsidiaries in Canada and Europe sell to all major channels of distribution in the countries they serve. International sales represented approximately 22.9% of total net sales in 2008, 24.9% in 2007 and 19.3% in 2006.
Certain of our product lines have seasonal fluctuations. Hot tea, baking, hot cereal and soup sales are stronger in colder months while sales of snack foods and certain of our prepared food products are stronger in the warmer months. Sales of our turkey products are strongest in the second quarter of our fiscal year, coinciding with seasonal holidays.
Marketing
We use a combination of trade and consumer promotions as well as media advertising to market our products. We use trade advertising and promotion, including placement fees, cooperative advertising and feature advertising in distribution catalogs. We also utilize advertising and sales promotion expenditures via national and regional consumer promotion through television and magazine advertising, couponing and other trial use programs. In each of 2008, 2007 and 2006 we have increased our investment in consumer spending to enhance brand equity while closely monitoring our trade spending. These consumer spending categories include, but are not limited to, consumer advertising using television, radio and print, coupons, direct mailing and e-consumer relationship programs and other forms of promotions. During fiscal 2006, we initiated sponsorship programs including Earth’s Best® with PBS Kids and Sesame Street, and Terra® as The Official Chip of Madison Square Garden. We are continuing these
sponsorship programs. Hain Celestial Canada has been named the official supplier of natural and organic packaged grocery products for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games to be held in Vancouver, Canada. There is no guarantee that these promotional investments in consumer spending will be successful.
Manufacturing Facilities
We currently manage and operate the following manufacturing facilities located throughout the United States: Celestial Seasonings®, in Boulder, Colorado, which produces specialty teas; Terra®, in Moonachie, New Jersey, which produces vegetable chips; Arrowhead Mills®, in Hereford, Texas, which produces cereals and baking ingredients; DeBoles®, in Shreveport, Louisiana, which produces organic and gluten-free pasta; a frozen foods facility in West Chester, Pennsylvania, which produces Ethnic Gourmet® frozen meals and Rosetto® and All Natural Gluten-Free Café™ frozen entrees; MaraNatha® in Ashland, Oregon, which produces nut butters, a tofu facility in Boulder, Colorado, which produces our TofuTown® and WestSoy® fresh meat-free alternative products; JASON®, in Culver City, California, which produces personal care products and Hain Pure Protein in Fredericksburg and New Oxford, Pennsylvania, Troy, North Carolina and Plainville, New York, which processes natural and organic antibiotic-free chickens and turkeys.
Outside the United States, we have the following manufacturing facilities: Yves Veggie Cuisine® in Vancouver, British Columbia, which produces soy-based meat alternative products; Hain Celestial Belgium, with its Grains Noirs® facility in Brussels, Belgium, which prepares fresh organic appetizers, salads, sandwiches and other full-plated dishes; Natumi in Eitorf, Germany, which produces soymilk and other non-dairy beverages; our London and Luton, England facilities where we produce fresh prepared foods; our Fakenham, England facility where we produce meat-free frozen foods; and our Manchester, England facility, where we produce soy beverages.
We own the manufacturing facilities in Moonachie, New Jersey; Boulder, Colorado; Hereford, Texas; Shreveport, Louisiana; West Chester, Pennsylvania; Ashland, Oregon; Vancouver, British Columbia and Fakenham, England. Our 50.1%-owned Hain Pure Protein Corporation owns processing facilities in Fredericksburg and New Oxford, Pennsylvania; Troy, North Carolina and Plainville, New York. During 2008, 2007 and 2006, approximately 47%, 46% and 47%, respectively, of our revenue was derived from products manufactured at our owned manufacturing facilities.
Suppliers of Ingredients and Packaging
Our natural and organic ingredients and our packaging materials and supplies are obtained from various sources and suppliers located principally in the United States and locally in Canada and Europe for our operations in these areas. Certain of our packaging, a limited number of ingredients not available domestically and items purchased to complement our domestic supply not sufficient to meet our demand, are purchased from the Far East, including China.
All of our ingredients are purchased based upon requirements designed to meet rigid specifications for food safety and comply with applicable regulations. The Company works with reputable suppliers who assure the quality and safety of their ingredients. These assurances are supported by signed affidavits, certificates of analysis and analytical testing. Additionally, many of our food products receive independent third-party organic and kosher certification.
Our tea ingredients are purchased from numerous foreign and domestic manufacturers, importers and growers, with the majority of those purchases occurring outside of the United States.
We maintain long-term relationships with most of our suppliers. Purchase arrangements with ingredient suppliers are generally made annually and in the local currency of the country in which we operate. Purchases are made through purchase orders or contracts, and price, delivery terms and product specifications vary.
Our organic and botanical purchasers visit major suppliers around the world annually to procure ingredients and to assure quality by observing production methods and providing product specifications. We perform laboratory analyses on selected incoming ingredient shipments for the purpose of assuring that they meet both our own quality standards and those of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), as well as the equivalent international regula-
tory agencies in the countries in which we operate. Our quality assurance staff audits significant suppliers on a regular basis to ensure adherence to our requirements.
Co-Packed Product Base
Currently, independent manufacturers, who are referred to in our industry as co-packers, manufacture many of our products, including our Health Valley®, Breadshop’s®, Casbah®, Bearitos®, Nile Spice®, Harry’s Premium Snacks®, Boston’s The Best You’ve Ever Tasted®, Alba®, Estee®, Earth’s Best’s®, Garden of Eatin’®, Hain Pure Foods®, Hollywood®, Little Bear Organic Foods®, Westbrae Natural®, WestSoy®, Rice Dream®, Soy Dream®, Imagine®, Walnut Acres Organic®, Spectrum Naturals®, Spectrum Essentials®, SunSpire®, MaraNatha® fruit spreads, Saphara ™ tea, Celestial® coffee, Lima®, Avalon Organics®, Alba Botanica®, Queen Helene®, Batherapy®, Shower Therapy®, Footherapy®, Zia® and some of our Terra®, Rosetto®, Arrowhead Mills®, Yves Veggie Cuisine® and Ethnic Gourmet® product lines. During 2008, 2007 and 2006, approximately 53%, 54% and 53%, respectively, of our revenue was derived from products manufactured at independent co-packers.
Key co-packers are audited by our quality assurance staff to ensure our products are manufactured in accordance with our specifications.
Trademarks
We believe that brand awareness is a significant component in a consumer’s decision to purchase one product over another in highly competitive consumer products industries. Our trademarks and brand names for the product lines referred to herein are registered in the United States and a number of foreign countries and we intend to keep these filings current and seek protection for new trademarks to the extent consistent with business needs. We also copyright certain of our artwork and package designs. We own the trademarks for our principal products, including Arrowhead Mills®, Bearitos®, Breadshop’s®, Casbah®, Spectrum Naturals®, Spectrum Essentials®, MaraNatha®, SunSpire®, Celestial Seasonings®, DeBoles® , Earth’s Best®, Estee®, Ethnic Gourmet®, Garden of Eatin’®, Hain Pure Foods®, Health Valley®, Imagine®, JASON®, Zia®, Orjene®, Shaman Earthly Organics®, Heather’s®, Little Bear Organic Foods®, Nile Spice®, Harry’s Premium Snacks®, Boston’s The Best You’ve Ever Tasted®, Rice Dream®, Rosetto®, Soy Dream®, Terra®, Walnut Acres Organic®, Westbrae Natural®, WestSoy®, Lima®, Grains Noirs®, Natumi®, Granose®, Realeat®, FreeBird™, Plainville Farms®, Yves Veggie Cuisine®, Avalon Organics®, Alba Botanica®, Queen Helene®, Batherapy®, Shower Therapy®, Footherapy®, Tushies® and TenderCare® brands.
Celestial Seasonings® has trademarks for most of its best-selling teas, including Sleepytime®, Lemon Zinger®, Mandarin Orange Spice®, Red Zinger®, Wild Berry Zinger®, Tension Tamer®, Country Peach Passion® and Raspberry Zinger®.
We market the Linda McCartney® brand under license.
Competition
We operate in highly competitive geographic and product markets, and some of these markets are dominated by competitors with greater resources. For example, we compete for limited retailer shelf space for our products. Larger competitors include mainstream food companies such as Dean Foods Company, General Mills, Inc., Nestlé S.A., Kraft Foods, Inc., Groupe Danone, Kellogg Company, Unilever PLC, Pepsico, Inc., The J. M. Smucker Company, Campbell Soup Company and Sara Lee Corporation. The principal competitors in natural personal care products include Kiss My Face, Colgate-Palmolive’s Tom’s of Maine, Nature’s Gate and The Clorox Company’s Burt’s Bees. These products also compete with natural and conventional personal care products from much larger competitors such as Johnson & Johnson and Estee Lauder Inc. Retailers also market competitive products under their own private labels.
The beverage market for tea is large and highly competitive. Competitive factors in the tea industry include product quality and taste, brand awareness among consumers, variety of specialty tea flavors, interesting or unique product names, product packaging and package design, supermarket and grocery store shelf space, alternative distribution
channels, reputation, price, advertising and promotion. Celestial Seasonings currently competes in the specialty tea market segment which includes herb tea, green tea, wellness tea, black tea and organic tea. Celestial Seasonings specialty tea products, like other specialty tea products, are priced higher than most commodity black tea products.
The principal competitors of Celestial Seasonings on a national basis in the specialty teas market are Thomas J. Lipton Company (a division of Unilever PLC), Twinings (a division of Associated British Grocers) and R.C. Bigelow, Inc. Additional competitors include a number of regional specialty tea companies such as Golden Temple of Oregon, Inc., with its Yogi brand, Traditional Medicinals, Tazo and The Stash Tea Company.
Government Regulation
Along with our manufacturers, brokers, distributors and co-packers, we are subject to extensive regulation in the United States by federal, state and local authorities. The federal agencies governing our business include the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), FDA, USDA and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”). These agencies regulate, among other things, the production, sale, safety, advertising, labeling of, and ingredients used in, our products. Under various statutes, these agencies prescribe the requirements and establish the standards for quality, purity and labeling. Among other requirements, the USDA, in certain circumstances, must not only approve our products, but also review the manufacturing processes and facilities used to produce these products before these products can be marketed in the United States. In addition, advertising of our business is subject to regulation by the FTC. Our activities are also regulated by state agencies as well as county and municipal authorities.
Internationally, we are subject to the laws of the foreign jurisdictions in which we manufacture and sell our products. In Europe, we must comply with the requirements of the European Commission, as well as the local requirements in each of the countries in which our products are sold.
Independent Certification
We rely on independent certification, such as certifications of our products as “organic” or “kosher,” to differentiate our products in natural and specialty food categories. The loss of any independent certifications could adversely affect our market position as a natural and specialty food company, which could harm our business.
We must comply with the requirements of independent organizations or certification authorities in order to label our products as certified. We utilize organizations such as Quality Assurance International (“QAI”), Certsys, QC&I International Services and Oregon Tilth to certify our products as organic under the guidelines established by the USDA and international agencies. Similarly, we utilize appropriate kosher supervision organizations, such as The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations, The Organized Kashruth Laboratories, “KOF-K” Kosher Supervision, Star K Kosher Certification, Kosher Overseers Associated of America and Upper Midwest Kashruth.
Available Information
The following information can be found on our corporate website at http://www.hain-celestial.com:
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our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”);
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our policies related to corporate governance, including our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applying to our directors, officers and employees (including our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer) that we have adopted to meet the requirements set forth in the rules and regulations of the SEC; and
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the charters of the Audit, Compensation and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committees of our Board of Directors.
We intend to satisfy the applicable disclosure requirements regarding amendments to, or waivers from, provisions of our Code of Ethics by posting such information on our website.
Item 1A.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Our business, operations and financial condition are subject to various risks and uncertainties. The most significant of these risks include those described below; however, there may be additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently consider immaterial. If any of the following risks and uncertainties develop into actual events, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In such case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. These risk factors should be read in conjunction with the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the other documents that we file from time to time with the SEC.
Our Markets Are Highly Competitive
We operate in highly competitive geographic and product markets, and some of our markets are dominated by competitors with greater resources. We cannot be certain that we will successfully compete for sales to distributors or stores that purchase from larger, more established companies that have greater financial, managerial, sales and technical resources. In addition, we compete for limited retailer shelf space for our products. Larger competitors, such as mainstream food companies including but not limited to Dean Foods Company, General Mills, Inc., Nestle S.A., Kraft Foods Inc., Groupe Danone, Kellogg Company, PepsiCo, Inc., The J.M. Smucker Company, Campbell Soup Company and Sara Lee Corporation and mainstream personal care products companies including but not limited to Johnson & Johnson and Estee Lauder Inc., also may be able to benefit from economies of scale, pricing advantages or the introduction of new products that compete with our products. Retailers also market competitive products under their own private labels.
One example of the competitiveness of the markets in which we participate is in the tea portion of the beverage market. Competitive factors in the tea industry include product quality and taste, brand awareness among consumers, variety of specialty tea flavors, interesting or unique product names, product packaging and package design, supermarket and grocery store shelf space, alternative distribution channels, reputation, price, advertising and promotion. Our principal competitors on a national basis in the U.S. specialty tea market are Thomas J. Lipton Company, a division of Unilever PLC, and R.C. Bigelow, Inc. Unilever has substantially greater financial resources than we do. Additional competitors include a number of regional specialty tea companies. There may be potential entrants which are not currently in the specialty tea market who may have substantially greater resources than we do. Private label competition in the specialty tea category is currently minimal, but growing.
In the future, competitors may introduce other products that compete with our products and these competitive products may have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We also compete with other manufacturers in the procurement of natural and organic product ingredients, which may be less plentiful in the open market than conventional product ingredients. This competition may increase in the future along with increasing public demand for natural and organic products. This could cause our expenses to increase or could limit the amount of product that we can manufacture and sell.
Consumer Preferences for Our Products Are Difficult to Predict and May Change
A significant shift in consumer demand away from our products or our failure to maintain our current market position could reduce our sales or the prestige of our brands in our markets, which could harm our business. While we continue to diversify our product offerings, we cannot be certain that demand for our products will continue at current levels or increase in the future.
Our business is primarily focused on sales of natural and organic products in markets geared to consumers of natural foods, specialty teas, non-dairy beverages, cereals, breakfast bars, canned soups and vegetables, snacks, cooking oils and personal care products which, if consumer demand for such categories were to decrease, could harm our business. Consumer trends could change based on a number of possible factors, including:
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nutritional values, such as a change in preference from fat free to reduced fat to no reduction in fat; and
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a shift in preference from organic to non-organic and from natural products to non-natural products.
In addition, we have other product categories, such as meat alternative products, medically-directed food products and other specialty food items which are subject to evolving consumer preferences.
Our Acquisition Strategy Exposes Us to Risk
We intend to continue to grow our business in part through the acquisition of new brands, both in the United States and internationally. Our acquisition strategy is based on identifying and acquiring brands with products that complement our existing product mix. We cannot be certain that we will be able to successfully:
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identify suitable acquisition candidates;
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negotiate identified acquisitions on terms acceptable to us; or
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integrate acquisitions that we complete.
We may encounter increased competition for acquisitions in the future, which could result in acquisition prices we do not consider acceptable. We are unable to predict whether or when any prospective acquisition candidate will become available or the likelihood that any acquisition will be completed.
Our Future Success May Be Dependent on Our Ability to Integrate Brands That We Acquire
Our future success may be dependent upon our ability to effectively integrate new brands that we acquire, including our ability to realize potentially available marketing opportunities and cost savings, some of which may involve operational changes. We cannot be certain:
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as to the timing or number of marketing opportunities or amount of cost savings that may be realized as the result of our integration of an acquired brand;
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that a business combination will enhance our competitive position and business prospects;
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that we will not experience difficulties with customers, personnel or other parties as a result of a business combination; or
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that, with respect to our acquisitions outside the United States, we will not be affected by, among other things, exchange rate risk.
In addition, we cannot be certain that we will be successful in:
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integrating an acquired brand’s distribution channels with our own;
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coordinating sales force activities of an acquired brand or in selling the products of an acquired brand to our customer base; or
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integrating an acquired brand into our management information systems or integrating an acquired brand’s products into our product mix.
Additionally, integrating an acquired brand into our existing operations will require management resources and may divert our management from our day-to-day operations. If we are not successful in integrating the operations of acquired brands, our business could be harmed.
We are Dependent Upon the Services of Our Chief Executive Officer
We are highly dependent upon the services of Irwin D. Simon, our Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer. We believe Mr. Simon’s reputation as our founder and his expertise and knowledge in the natural and organic products market are critical factors in our continuing growth. The loss of the services of Mr. Simon could harm our business.
We Rely on Independent Brokers and Distributors for a Substantial Portion of Our Sales
We rely upon sales efforts made by or through non-affiliated food brokers to distributors and other customers, in addition to our own retail sales organization. The loss of, or business disruption at, one or more of these distributors or brokers may harm our business. If we are required to obtain additional or alternative distribution and food brokerage agreements or arrangements in the future, we cannot be certain that we will be able to do so on satisfactory terms or in a timely manner. One of our distributors, United Natural Foods, Inc., which redistributes products to natural foods supermarkets, independent natural retailers and other retailers, accounted for approximately 20%, 20% and 21% of our net sales for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. Our inability to enter into satisfactory brokerage agreements may inhibit our ability to implement our business plan or to establish markets necessary to develop products successfully. Food brokers act as selling agents representing specific brands on a non-exclusive basis under oral or written agreements generally terminable at any time on 30 days’ notice, and receive a percentage of net sales as compensation. Distributors purchase directly for their own account for resale. In addition, the success of our business depends, in large part, upon the establishment and maintenance of a strong distribution network.
Loss of One or More of Our Manufacturing Facilities or Independent Co-Packers Could Harm Our Business
For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, approximately 47%, 46% and 47%, respectively, of our revenue was derived from products manufactured at our manufacturing facilities. An interruption in or the loss of operations at one or more of these facilities, or the failure to maintain our labor force at one or more of these facilities, could delay or postpone production of our products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition until such time as an alternate source of production could be secured.
During fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, approximately 53%, 54% and 53%, respectively, of our revenue was derived from products manufactured at independent co-packers. In some cases an individual co-packer may produce all of our requirements for a particular brand; however, no co-packer manufactured products representing as much as 10% of our revenue. The loss of one or more co-packers, or our failure to retain co-packers for newly acquired products or brands, could delay or postpone production of our products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition until such time as an alternate source could be secured, which may be on less favorable terms.
Our Tea Ingredients Are Subject to Import Risk
Our tea brand purchases its ingredients from numerous foreign and domestic manufacturers, importers and growers, with the majority of those purchases occurring outside of the United States. We maintain long-term relationships with most of our suppliers. Purchase arrangements with ingredient suppliers are generally made annually and in U.S. currency. Purchases are made through purchase orders or contracts, and price, delivery terms and product specifications vary.
Our botanical purchasers visit major suppliers around the world annually to procure ingredients and to assure quality by observing production methods and providing product specifications. Many ingredients are presently grown in countries where labor-intensive cultivation is possible, and where we often must educate the growers about product standards. We perform laboratory analyses on incoming ingredient shipments for the purpose of assuring that they meet our quality standards and those of the FDA.
Our ability to ensure a continuing supply of ingredients at competitive prices depends on many factors beyond our control, such as foreign political situations, embargoes, changes in national and world economic conditions, currency fluctuations, forecasting adequate need of seasonal raw material ingredients and climate conditions. We take steps and will continue to take steps intended to lessen the risk of an interruption of botanical supplies, including identification of alternative sources and maintenance of appropriate inventory levels. We have, in the past, maintained sufficient supplies for our ongoing operations.
Our failure to maintain relationships with our existing suppliers or to find new suppliers, observe production standards for our foreign-procured products or continue our supply of botanicals from foreign sources could harm our business.
Our Future Results of Operations May be Adversely Affected by Escalating Fuel and Commodity Costs and the Availability of Organic Ingredients
Many aspects of our business have been, and continue to be, directly affected by the continuously rising cost of fuel and commodities. Increased fuel costs have translated into increased costs for the products and services we receive from our third party providers including, but not limited to, increased distribution costs for our products and increased packaging costs. Commodities are subject to price volatility which can be caused by commodity market fluctuations, crop yields, changes in currency exchange rates, imbalances between supply and demand and government programs among other factors. Increased demand for organic ingredients may result in our inability to procure adequate supplies, which may result in our inability to satisfy customer orders. As the cost of doing business increases, we may not be able to pass these higher costs on to our customers and, therefore, any such cost increase may adversely affect our earnings.
We are Subject to Risks Associated with Our International Sales and Operations, Including Foreign Currency Risks
Operating in international markets involves exposure to movements in currency exchange rates, which are volatile at times. The economic impact of currency exchange rate movements is complex because such changes are often linked to variability in real growth, inflation, interest rates, governmental actions and other factors. Consequently, isolating the effect of changes in currency does not incorporate these other important economic factors. These changes, if material, could cause adjustments to our financing and operating strategies. During fiscal 2008, approximately 22.9% of our net sales were generated outside the United States, while such sales outside the U.S. were 24.9% of net sales in 2007 and 19.3% in 2006.
Sales from outside our U.S. markets may represent an increasing portion of our total net sales in the future. Our non-U.S. sales and operations are subject to risks inherent in conducting business abroad, many of which are outside our control, including:
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periodic economic downturns and unstable political environments;
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price and currency exchange controls;
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fluctuations in the relative values of currencies;
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unexpected changes in trading policies, regulatory requirements, tariffs and other barriers;
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compliance with applicable foreign laws; and
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difficulties in managing a global enterprise, including staffing, collecting accounts receivable and managing distributors.
Our Inability to Use Our Trademarks Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on Our Business
We believe that brand awareness is a significant component in a consumer’s decision to purchase one product over another in the highly competitive food, beverage and personal care industry. Although we endeavor to protect our trademarks and trade names, there can be no assurance that these efforts will be successful, or that third parties will not challenge our right to use one or more of our trademarks or trade names. We believe that our trademarks and trade names are significant to the marketing and sale of our products and that the inability to utilize certain of these names could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our Products Must Comply with Government Regulation
The USDA adopted regulations with respect to a national organic labeling and certification program which became effective in February 2001, and fully implemented in October 2002. Amendments to Canada’s Organic Products regulations as administered by the Canada Organic Office of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will become effective in December 2008. Although the implementation period has not yet been defined, we will be required to
apply for recertification of our organic products under the new regulations and update any affected packaging. In addition, similar regulations and requirements exist in the other countries in which we market our products. We currently manufacture over 1,300 organic products worldwide which are covered by these various regulations. Future developments in the regulation of labeling of organic foods could require us to further modify the labeling of our products, which could affect the sales of our products and thus harm our business.
In addition, in January 2001, the FDA proposed new policy guidelines regarding the labeling of genetically engineered foods. The FDA is currently considering the comments it received before issuing final guidance. These guidelines, if adopted, could require us to modify the labeling of our products, which could affect the sales of our products and thus harm our business.
In the Untied States, the FDA’s Nutritional Labeling regulations require the declaration of “Trans Fatty Acids” in the nutritional label of conventional foods and dietary supplements. Additionally, an allergen labeling law requires that eight major allergens be clearly labeled. All of our labels are in compliance with these rules. Canadian food labeling regulations require a Nutritional Facts panel be on our packages. Our Yves Veggie Cuisine® products are subject to these regulations, as are all of our other products sold into Canada. Similar labeling regulations exist throughout the rest of the world. We continually monitor and modify packaging to be in compliance with the rules of the various countries where we sell our products. Our ability to meet local packaging regulations may impact our ability to sell products in these regions. Any change in labeling requirements for our products may lead to an increase in packaging costs or interruptions or delays in packaging deliveries.
Furthermore, new government laws and regulations may be introduced in the future 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. 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 business, results of operations and financial condition.
Product Recalls or Withdrawals Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on Our Business
Manufacturers and distributors of products in our industry are sometimes subject to the recall of their products for a variety of reasons, including for product defects, such as ingredient contamination, packaging safety and inadequate labeling disclosure. If any of our products are recalled or withdrawn due to a product defect or for any other reason, we could be required to incur the expense of the recall or withdrawal and the expense of any resulting legal proceeding. Additionally, if one of our significant brands were subject to recall or withdrawal, the image of that brand and our image could be harmed, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Product Liability Suits, If Brought, Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on Our Business
If a product liability claim exceeding our insurance coverage were to be successfully asserted against us, it could harm our business. There can be no assurances that such coverage will be sufficient to insure against claims which may be brought against us, or that we will be able to maintain such insurance or obtain additional insurance covering existing or new products. As a marketer of food, beverage and personal care products, we are subject to the risk of claims for product liability. We maintain product liability insurance and generally require that our co-packers maintain product liability insurance naming us as an additional insured.
We Rely on Independent Certification for a Number of Our Food Products
We rely on independent certification, such as certifications of our products as “organic” or “kosher,” to differentiate our products from others. The loss of any independent certifications could adversely affect our market position as a natural and organic food company, which could harm our business.
We must comply with the requirements of independent organizations or certification authorities in order to label our products as certified. For example, we can lose our “organic” certification if a manufacturing plant becomes contaminated with non-organic materials, or if it is not properly cleaned after a production run. In addition, all raw
materials must be certified organic. Similarly, we can lose our “kosher” certification if a manufacturing plant and raw materials do not meet the requirements of the appropriate kosher supervision organization.
Due to the Seasonality of Many of Our Products and Other Factors, Our Operating Results Are Subject to Quarterly Fluctuations
Our tea brand manufactures and markets hot tea products and, as a result, our quarterly results of operations reflect seasonal trends resulting from increased demand for our hot tea products in the cooler months of the year. In addition, some of our other products (e.g., baking and cereal products and soups) also show stronger sales in the cooler months while our snack food product lines and certain of our prepared food products are stronger in the warmer months. Sales of our turkey products are strongest in the second quarter of our fiscal year, coinciding with seasonal holidays.
Quarterly fluctuations in our sales volume and operating results are due to a number of factors relating to our business, including the timing of trade promotions, advertising and consumer promotions and other factors, such as seasonality, inclement weather and unanticipated increases in labor, commodity, energy, insurance or other operating costs. The impact on sales volume and operating results due to the timing and extent of these factors can significantly impact our business. For these reasons, you should not rely on our quarterly operating results as indications of our future performance.
Our Growth is Dependent on Our Ability to Introduce New Products and Improve Existing Products
Our growth depends in large part on our ability to generate and implement improvements to our existing products and to introduce new products to consumers. The innovation and product improvements are affected by the level of funding that can be made available, the technical capability of our Research and Development Department in developing and testing product prototypes, and the success of our management in rolling out the resulting improvements in a timely manner. If we are unsuccessful in implementing product improvements that satisfy the demands of consumers, our business could be harmed.
The Profitability of Our Operations is Dependent on Our Ability to Manage Our Inventory
Our profit margins depend on our ability to manage our inventory efficiently. As part of our effort to manage our inventory more efficiently, we carried out SKU rationalization programs in fiscal 2008 and in fiscal 2005, which resulted in the discontinuation of numerous lower-margin or low-turnover SKUs. However, a number of factors, such as changes in customers’ inventory levels, access to shelf space and changes in consumer preferences, may lengthen the number of days we carry certain inventories, hence impeding our effort to manage our inventory efficiently.
Our Officers and Directors May Be Able to Control Our Actions
Our officers and directors beneficially owned (assuming the exercise of all stock options held by them) approximately 11% of our common stock as of June 30, 2008. Accordingly, our officers and directors may be in a position to influence the election of our directors and otherwise influence stockholder action.
Our Ability to Issue Preferred Stock May Deter Takeover Attempts
Our board of directors is empowered to issue, without stockholder approval, preferred stock with dividends, liquidation, conversion, voting or other rights which could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for distribution to holders of our common stock and adversely affect the relative voting power or other rights of the holders of our common stock. In the event of issuance, the preferred stock could be used as a method of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of up to 5,000,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock with such designations, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by our board of directors. Although we have no present intention to issue any shares of our preferred stock, we may do so in the future under appropriate circumstances.
An Impairment in the Carrying Value of Goodwill or Other Acquired Intangibles Could Negatively Affect our Consolidated Operating Results and Net Worth.
The carrying value of goodwill represents the fair value of acquired businesses in excess of identifiable assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date. The carrying value of other intangibles represents the fair value of trademarks, trade names, and other acquired intangibles as of the acquisition date. Goodwill and other acquired intangibles expected to contribute indefinitely to our cash flows are not amortized, but must be evaluated by management at least annually for impairment. If the carrying value of these assets exceeds current fair value, the asset is considered impaired and is reduced to fair value, resulting in a non-cash charge to earnings. Events and conditions which could result in an impairment include increased competition or loss of market share, a significant product liability or intellectual property claim or other factors that would result in a significant reduction in sales or profitability over the product life. Should the value of one or more of the acquired intangibles become impaired, our consolidated earnings and net worth may be materially adversely affected.
The Ongoing Government Inquiry Relating to our Historical Stock Option Practices is Time Consuming and Expensive and Could Result in Additional Litigation, Regulatory Proceedings and Government Enforcement Actions.
As a result of an informal inquiry by the SEC into our historical stock option granting practices and the related accounting and disclosures, four of our independent directors, with the assistance of independent counsel, conducted an investigation into the Company’s historical stock option granting practices. The findings of the investigation resulted in revisions to the measurement dates for certain options granted in prior years, requiring us to restate our fiscal 2006 and prior financial statements as filed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2007. This has exposed us to greater risks associated with litigation, regulatory proceedings and government enforcement actions. While we intend to continue to cooperate with the SEC, we do not know what further actions the SEC may take or what may be required of us in order to resolve this inquiry.
No assurance can be given regarding the outcomes from litigation, regulatory proceedings or government enforcement actions relating to our past stock option practices. The resolution of these matters has been and may continue to be time consuming and expensive, and may distract management from the conduct of our business. We have incurred substantial expenses for legal, accounting and other professional services related to the investigation, restatement and related activities to date. Furthermore, if we are subject to adverse findings in litigation, regulatory proceedings or government enforcement actions, we could be required to pay damages or penalties or have other remedies imposed, which could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We Have Civil Litigation Pending that Relates to our Stock Option Granting Practices, and We Cannot Predict the Ultimate Outcome of this Litigation, or Whether Additional Similar Lawsuits will be Filed.
Two purported shareholder derivative actions were filed in September and October 2006 against the Company (solely as a nominal defendant) and certain current and former officers and directors in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Suffolk, alleging breaches of fiduciary duties and unjust enrichment in connection with the Company’s past stock option practices. The complaints seek unspecified damages, disgorgement of options, attorneys fees and expenses, and other unspecified equitable relief from the defendants. These actions have been consolidated into one action, which is in its preliminary stages. We could be required to pay significant legal fees and damages in connection with this litigation. We could also become subject to additional lawsuits in the future relating to our stock option practices.
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties.
Our primary facilities, which are leased except where otherwise indicated, are as follows:
We own 614,000 sq. ft. of barns and lease another 91,000 sq. ft. of barns in Plainville, NY used in our turkey production.
We also lease space for other smaller offices and facilities in the United States, Canada and Europe.
In addition to the foregoing distribution facilities operated by us, we also utilize bonded public warehouses from which deliveries are made to customers.
For further information regarding our lease obligations, see Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
From time to time, we are involved in litigation incidental to the ordinary conduct of our business.
A purported shareholder derivative action was filed against the Company (solely as a nominal defendant) and certain current and former officers and directors on September 21, 2006 in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Suffolk, alleging breaches of fiduciary duties and unjust enrichment in connection with the Company’s past stock option practices. The plaintiff seeks unspecified damages, disgorgement of options, attorneys’ fees and expenses, and other unspecified equitable relief from the defendants. A second purported shareholder derivative action was filed on October 31, 2006 in the same court, against substantially the same defendants and containing substantially the same allegations, adding a claim of breach of fiduciary duty. The two actions were consolidated by a Court Order dated March 3, 2008. In the consolidated complaint served on April 18, 2008, the defendant’s time to respond to the consolidated complaint has been extended, with the understanding that a date for such response will be set at a conference with the Court scheduled for October 22, 2008.
Disposition of pending litigation related to these matters is not expected by management to have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
On June 15, 2007 the Company announced that it had been informed by the SEC that it was conducting an informal inquiry into its stock option practices. The Company is cooperating with the SEC’s investigation.
Item 4.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held on April 1, 2008. The Company submitted the following matters to a vote of security holders:
1. To elect a Board of Directors to serve until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified;
2. To act on a stockholder proposal regarding stockholder ratification of executive compensation.
3. To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our registered independent accountants for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008.
The stockholders elected the persons named below, the Company’s nominees, as directors of the Company, casting votes as shown below:
The stockholders did not approve the stockholder proposal recommending an annual shareholder advisory vote to ratify compensation, casting 13,281,602 votes in favor, 15,841,895 votes against, 3,093,656 abstaining and 5,054,033 not voted.
The stockholders ratified the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP, casting 33,632,121 votes in favor, 1,421,704 votes against, and 21,921 abstaining.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of
Equity Securities.
Outstanding shares of our Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, are listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “HAIN”. The following table sets forth the reported high and low sales prices for our Common Stock for each fiscal quarter from July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2008.
As of August 27, 2008, there were 405 holders of record of our Common Stock.
We have not paid any dividends on our Common Stock to date. We intend to retain all future earnings for use in the development of our business and do not anticipate declaring or paying any dividends in the foreseeable future. The payment of all dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on, among other things, future earnings, operations, capital requirements, contractual restrictions, including restrictions under our Credit Facility (as defined below) and our outstanding senior notes, our general financial condition and general business conditions.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
We made no purchases of our Common Stock during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. As of June 30, 2008, there remained 900,300 shares authorized for repurchase under our publicly-announced Common Stock repurchase plan.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table sets forth certain information, as of June 30, 2008, concerning shares of common stock authorized for issuance under all of the Company’s equity compensation plans.
(1) Of the 1,497,851 shares available for future issuance under our equity compensation plans, 1,233,351 shares are available for grant under the Amended and Restated 2002 Long Term Incentive and Stock Award Plan and 264,500 shares are available for grant under the 2000 Directors Stock Option Plan.
Performance Graph
The following graph compares the performance of our common stock to the S&P 500 Index and to the Standard & Poor’s Packaged Foods and Meats Index (in which we are included) for the period from June 30, 2003 through June 30, 2008. The comparison assumes $100 invested on June 30, 2003.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
On September 6, 2005, the Company and Yeo Hiap Seng Limited (“YHS”), a Singapore based natural food and beverage company listed on the Singapore Exchange, exchanged $2 million in equity investments in each other resulting in the issuance of an aggregate of 100,482 shares of the Company’s common stock to YHS and one of its subsidiaries and the issuance of 1,326,938 ordinary shares of YHS (representing less than 1% of the outstanding shares) to the Company. On May 30, 2007, the Company and YHS exchanged an additional $6 million in equity investments in each other, resulting in the issuance of an aggregate of 196,464 shares of the Company’s common stock to YHS and one of its subsidiaries and the issuance of 4,044,800 ordinary shares of YHS to the Company. These issuances of the Company’s common stock were effected in reliance upon an exemption from registration provided by Section 4(2) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as the issuances did not involve a public offering.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
The following information has been summarized from our financial statements. The information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of results of future operations, and should be read in conjunction with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K to fully understand factors that may affect the comparability of the information presented below.
Item 7.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
General
We manufacture, market, distribute and sell natural, organic, specialty and snack food products and natural personal care products under brand names which are sold as “better-for-you” products. We are a leader in many of the top natural food and personal care products categories. Our products are sold primarily to specialty and natural food distributors and are marketed to supermarkets, natural food stores, and other retail classes of trade including mass-market retailers, drug store chains, food service channels and club stores. We manufacture internationally and our products are sold in more than 50 countries. Our brand names are well recognized in the various market categories they serve. We have acquired numerous brands since our formation and we will seek future growth through internal expansion as well as the acquisition of complementary brands. We consider the acquisition of natural and organic food and personal products companies and product lines as an integral part of our business strategy. We believe that by integrating our various brands, we will achieve economies of scale and enhanced market penetration. Our business strategy is to integrate all of our brands under one management team and employ a uniform marketing, sales and distribution program. We capitalize on our brand equity and the distribution achieved through each of our acquisitions with strategic introductions of new products that complement existing lines to enhance revenues and margins.
Our consolidated net sales increased 17.3% in fiscal 2008 compared to the year earlier period as a result of growth in our existing brands and the impact of acquisitions. During the three fiscal years ended June 30, 2008, we made a number of acquisitions, which expanded our product offerings in fast growing categories and complemented our existing brands:
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We acquired Avalon Natural Products, Inc., with its Avalon Organics and Alba Botanica brand of personal care products, nSpired Natural Foods, Inc., with its MaraNatha natural and organic nut butters and SunSpire natural and organic chocolate products and Spectrum Organic Products, Inc., a leading manufacturer and marketer of natural and organic culinary oils, vinegars, condiments and butter substitutes under the Spectrum Naturals brand and nutritional supplements under the Spectrum Essentials brand.
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We expanded the scope of our European operations with the acquisitions of the fresh prepared food business based in Luton, England from the H.J. Heinz Company, L.P., the Linda McCartney brand (under license) frozen meat-free business based in the United Kingdom and Daily Bread, Ltd., a London-based producer of branded fresh prepared foods for the foodservice channel in the United Kingdom.
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We entered the specialty poultry business with the formation of Hain Pure Protein Corporation, a 50.1%-owned subsidiary. Hain Pure Protein has since acquired the natural, organic and antibiotic-free chicken business of College Hill Poultry; the assets and business of Plainville Turkey Farm, Inc., a leading supplier of natural and antibiotic-free whole turkeys and deli turkey products and a turkey production facility and distribution center in New Oxford, Pennsylvania.
All of our acquisitions have been accounted for as purchases. Consequently, their operations are included in our results of operations from the respective dates of acquisition.
In August, 2007, we sold our interest in a joint venture in Belgium that manufactured and sold rice cakes. In September 2007, we sold our minority interest in Halo, Purely for Pets, Inc., which we had acquired in fiscal 2006. In
August, 2006, we sold our Biomarché operations, a Belgium-based provider of fresh organic fruits and vegetables, which we acquired in fiscal 2002.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. The policies below have been identified as the critical accounting policies we use which require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting periods presented. We believe in the quality and reasonableness of our critical accounting policies; however, it is possible that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or using assumptions different from those that we have consistently applied. Our critical accounting policies are as follows, including our methodology for estimates made and assumptions used:
Revenue Recognition and Sales Incentives
Sales are recognized when the earnings process is complete, which occurs when products are shipped in accordance with terms of agreements, title and risk of loss transfer to customers, collection is probable and pricing is fixed or determinable. Sales are reported net of sales incentives, which include trade discounts and promotions and certain coupon costs. Shipping and handling costs billed to customers are included in reported sales. Allowances for cash discounts are recorded in the period in which the related sale is recognized.
Valuation of Accounts and Chargebacks Receivable
We perform ongoing credit evaluations on existing and new customers daily. We apply reserves for delinquent or uncollectible trade receivables based on a specific identification methodology and also apply a general reserve based on the experience we have with our trade receivables aging categories. Credit losses have been within our expectations in recent years. While one of our customers represented approximately 13% of our trade receivable balance at June 30, 2008, we believe there is no credit exposure at this time.
Based on cash collection history and other statistical analysis, we estimate the amount of unauthorized deductions that our customers have taken to be repaid and collectible in the near future in the form of a chargeback receivable. While our estimate of this receivable balance could be different had we used different assumptions and judgments, historically our cash collections of this type of receivable have been within our expectations and no significant write-offs have occurred during the most recent three fiscal years.
There can be no assurance that we would have the same experience with our receivables during different economic conditions, or with changes in business conditions, such as consolidation within the food industry and/or a change in the way we market and sell our products.
Inventory
Our inventory is valued at the lower of actual cost or market, utilizing the first-in, first-out method. We provide write-downs for finished goods expected to become non-saleable due to age and specifically identify and provide for slow moving or obsolete raw ingredients and packaging.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Our property, plant and equipment is carried at cost and depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the estimated useful lives or lease life, whichever is shorter. We believe the asset lives assigned to our property, plant and equipment are within the ranges/guidelines generally used in food manufacturing and distribution businesses. Our manufacturing plants and distribution centers, and their related assets, are periodically reviewed to determine if any impairment exists by analyzing underlying cash flow projections. At this time, we believe no impairment exists on the carrying value of such assets. Ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.
Accounting for Acquisitions
Part of our growth strategy has included the acquisition of numerous businesses. The purchase price of these acquisitions has been determined after due diligence of the acquired business, market research, strategic planning, and the forecasting of expected future results and synergies. Estimated future results and expected synergies are subject to revisions as we integrate each acquisition and attempt to leverage resources.
Our acquisitions have been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting as defined under SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations.” We estimated the fair values of the assets acquired in each acquisition as of the date of acquisition and these estimates are subject to adjustment. These estimates are subject to final assessments of the fair value of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, operating leases and deferred income taxes. We complete these assessments as soon as practical. We are not aware of any information that would indicate that the final purchase price allocations for acquisitions completed in fiscal 2008 would differ meaningfully from preliminary estimates. See Note 6 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
In connection with some of our acquisitions, we have undertaken certain restructurings of the acquired businesses to realize efficiencies and potential cost savings. Our restructuring activities include the elimination of duplicate facilities, reductions in staffing levels, and other costs associated with exiting certain activities of the businesses we acquire. The estimated cost of these restructuring activities are included as costs of the acquisition and, as such, affect the ultimate recording of goodwill consistent with the guidance of Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 95-3, “Recognition of Liabilities in Connection with a Purchase Business Combination.”
It is typical for us to rationalize the product lines of businesses acquired within the first year or two after an acquisition. These rationalizations often include elimination of portions of the product lines acquired, the reformulation of recipes and formulas used to produce the products, and the elimination of customers that do not meet our credit standards. In certain instances, it is necessary to change co-packers used to produce the products. Each of these activities soon after an acquisition may have the effect of reducing sales to a level lower than that of the business acquired and operated prior to our acquisition. As a result, pro forma information regarding sales cannot and should not be construed as representative of our growth rates.
Stock Based Compensation
We provide compensation benefits in the form of stock options and restricted stock to employees and non-employee directors under several stock based plans. We account for stock based awards in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), “Share Based Payment.” SFAS No. 123(R) requires that share based compensation be measured at fair value at the date of grant and expensed in the consolidated statement of income over the requisite service period. The fair value of stock option awards is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and is recognized in expense over the vesting period of the options using the straight-line method. The Black-Scholes option pricing model requires various assumptions, including the expected volatility of our stock, the expected term of the option, the risk-free interest rate and the expected dividend yield. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of our common stock. The risk-free rate for the expected term of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The fair value of restricted stock awards is equal to the market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant and is recognized in expense over the vesting period using the straight-line method.
SFAS No. 123(R) also requires that we recognize compensation expense for only that portion of stock based awards that are expected to vest. We utilize historical employee termination behavior to determine our estimated forfeiture rates. If the actual forfeitures differ from those estimated by management, adjustments to compensation expense will be made in future periods.
Segments
SFAS No. 131 defines an operating segment as that component of an enterprise (i) that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, (ii) whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the enterprise’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and (iii) for which discrete financial information is available. SFAS No. 142
defines a reporting unit as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment if the component constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of that component. The Company has determined that it operates in one segment, the sale of natural and organic products, including food, beverage and personal care products, and further that such single segment includes six reporting units in the annual test of Goodwill for impairment. Characteristics of the Company’s operations which are relied on in making these determinations include the similarities apparent in the Company’s products in the natural and organic consumer markets, the commonality of the Company’s customers across brands, the Company’s unified marketing strategy, and the nature of the financial information used by the CODM, described below, other than information on sales and direct product costs, by brand. The Company’s six reporting units are Grocery (including snacks); Tea; Personal Care; Protein; Canada; and Europe. The Company has further determined that its Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer is the Company’s CODM as defined in SFAS No. 131, and is also the manager of the Company’s single segment. In making decisions about resource allocation and performance assessment, the Company’s CODM focuses on sales performance by brand using internally generated sales data as well as externally developed market consumption data acquired from independent sources, and further reviews certain data regarding standard costs and standard gross margins by brand. In making these decisions, the CODM receives and reviews certain Company consolidated quarterly and year-to-date information; however, the CODM does not receive or review any discrete financial information by geographic location, business unit, subsidiary, division or brand. The CODM reviews and approves capital spending on a Company consolidated basis rather than at any lower unit level. The Company’s Board of Directors receives the same quarterly and year-to-date information as the Company’s CODM.
Intangibles
Goodwill is no longer amortized and the value of an identifiable intangible asset is amortized over its useful life unless the asset is determined to have an indefinite useful life. The carrying value of goodwill, which is allocated to the Company’s six reporting units, and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested annually for impairment.
The identification and measurement of goodwill impairment involves the estimation of the fair value of reporting units. The estimates of fair value of our reporting units are based on the best information available as of the date of the assessment, and include the use of management projections, estimates and assumptions as to the future performance and expected cash flows of the operations. Future cash flows can be affected by changes in industry or market conditions, the rate and extent to which anticipated synergies or cost savings are realized with newly acquired entities and other factors.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure of fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements and accordingly, does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We have not yet assessed the impact, if any, that the implementation of SFAS No. 157 will have on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 allows companies to choose to measure certain financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The statement requires that unrealized gains and losses are reported in earnings for items measured using the fair value option and establishes presentation and disclosure requirements. SFAS No. 159 is effective July 1, 2008 for the Company. We have not yet assessed the impact, if any, SFAS No. 159 may have on our consolidated financial statements.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141(R)”). SFAS No. 141(R) replaces SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations,” however, it retains the basic requirements of SFAS No. 141 that the acquisition method of accounting (previously referred to as the purchase method) be used for all business combinations. SFAS No. 141(R) requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the business acquired at their ac-
quisition-date fair values and generally requires acquisition-related costs to be expensed as incurred. SFAS No. 141(R) also provides guidance for recognizing and measuring the goodwill acquired in a business combination and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. The provisions of SFAS No. 141(R) must be applied prospectively and are effective for the Company’s fiscal year ending June 30, 2010 for all business combinations occurring on or after July 1, 2009. We have not yet assessed the impact that the implementation of SFAS No. 141(R) will have on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
In December 2007, the FASB also issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an Amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 establishes new accounting and reporting standards for a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary, which is sometimes referred to as minority interest, and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Among other requirements, SFAS No. 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards that require noncontrolling interests to be reported as a separate component of equity in the consolidated financial statements, changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling interest be accounted for as equity transactions and that consolidated net income include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling interest, with disclosure of those amounts on the face of the consolidated statement of income. SFAS No. 160 is effective beginning in the Company’s fiscal year ending June 30, 2010 and must be applied prospectively, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements, which will be applied retrospectively for all periods presented. We have not yet assessed the impact that the implementation of SFAS No. 160 will have on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
Results of Operations
Fiscal 2008 Compared to Fiscal 2007
NET SALES
Net sales for the year ended June 30, 2008 were $1.056 billion, an increase of $155.9 million, or 17.3%, over net sales of $900.4 million for the year ended June 30, 2007.
Net sales of our grocery brands increased 15.5% to $534.0 million, as a result of strong performance from our Earth’s Best, Arrowhead Mills, Imagine Soup and Rice Dream and Spectrum brands, successful new product introductions and the inclusion of sales of the Maranatha and Sunspire brands acquired in March 2008. Sales of our snacks brands increased 3.4% to $99.8 million, led by increased sales of our Garden of Eatin’ and Terra brands. Net sales of our Celestial Seasonings tea brand increased modestly to $93.1 million despite sluggish consumption and a highly competitive environment for shelf space. Net sales of our personal care brands increased almost 25% in fiscal 2008 to $117.2 million. Sales growth of our Alba and Avalon brands have accelerated since we acquired them at the beginning of the third quarter of fiscal 2007, as we have successfully expanded the distribution of these brands into additional channels.
Sales by our Hain Pure Protein unit increased to $90.6 million, from $34.7 million in 2007, as we expanded our product offerings with the acquisition of Plainville Turkey Farms in early fiscal 2008. In March 2008, we significantly increased our capacity to process turkeys with the acquisition of Pilgrim’s Pride’s New Oxford, PA processing operations.
Sales of our products in the United States increased 21.8% to $824.1 million in fiscal 2008 from $676.5 million in the prior year.
Sales of our brands in Canada increased 17.1%, as we recorded sales growth for almost all of our brands. We saw strong sales growth in our snacks, tea, soups and our Spectrum brands. Sales in Europe increased 8.5%, to $180.2 million, including sales in the fourth quarter from our newly-acquired Daily Bread brand.
GROSS PROFIT
Gross profit for the year ended June 30, 2008 was $284.3 million, an increase of $22.9 million, or 8.8%, from last year’s gross profit of $261.4 million. Gross profit in fiscal 2008 was 26.9% of net sales compared to 29.0% of net sales for 2007.
The decrease in gross profit percentage resulted from a number of factors, including $6.9 million, or 70 basis points, of charges recorded in connection with our SKU rationalization program. Increased sales of lower margin poultry products from our expanded Hain Pure Protein unit impacted our gross margin by approximately 60 basis points. Lower relative contribution from our Celestial Seasonings tea brand, approximately $7.5 million of start-up costs incurred associated with a new production line at our Fakenham, England frozen foods facility and higher ingredient and packaging costs, increasing health care costs, as well as higher energy, logistics and other transportation costs also impacted our gross profit unfavorably. We implemented price increases across all of our operating units which, together with ongoing cost savings initiatives, partially offset these cost increases.
SELLING, GENERAL and ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $30.1 million, or 17.0%, to $207.6 million in 2008 from $177.5 million in 2007. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 19.6% in fiscal 2008 as compared to 19.7% in fiscal 2007.
Selling, general and administrative expenses have increased as a result of costs brought on with the acquisitions we made in fiscal 2008 and 2007, including increased amortization expense on purchased intangibles. Selling, general and administrative expense in fiscal 2008 includes $2.1 million of equity compensation expense recorded in accordance with SFAS No. 123R. We recorded $3.9 million of charges related to our SKU rationalization and reorganization activities during fiscal 2008. We also incurred $5.8 million of additional professional fees related to the review of our stock option practices and defense of the related derivative lawsuits during the year ended June 30, 2008.
OPERATING INCOME
Operating income was $76.8 million in 2008 compared to $84.0 million in 2007. Operating income as a percentage of net sales was 7.3% in 2008 compared to 9.3% in 2007. The decrease in operating income was primarily a result of the SKU rationalization charges, the professional fees incurred in connection with our stock options review and litigation and the equity compensation expenses recognized.
INTEREST AND OTHER EXPENSES, NET
Interest and other expenses, net were $11.3 million for the year ended June 30, 2008 compared to $6.9 million for fiscal 2007.
Interest expense in fiscal 2008 was approximately $13.8 million and was partially offset by interest income earned of $1.7 million. Interest expense totaled $11.3 million in 2007 and was partially offset by $2.5 million of interest income earned. Our interest expense was primarily related to the $150 million of 5.98% senior notes we issued in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 and borrowings under our revolving credit facility. We realized approximately $2.3 million of foreign currency gains during fiscal 2008. We recognized a gain of approximately $2.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 on the sale of an equity interest in a joint venture which manufactures rice cakes in Belgium. At the end of August 2006 we sold Biomarché, our Belgium-based provider of fresh organic fruits and vegetables, and recognized a gain on the disposal of approximately $3.4 million, net of a $3.3 million charge for goodwill allocated to that component of the reporting unit.
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
Income before income taxes in 2008 amounted to $65.4 million compared to $77.1 million in 2007. The decrease is attributable to the aforementioned decrease in operating income and the increase in interest and other expenses, net.
INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes includes Federal, foreign, state and local income taxes. Our income tax expense was $24.2 million in fiscal 2008 compared to $29.6 million in 2007. Our effective tax rate was 37.0% in 2008 compared to 38.4% in 2007.
The effective rate differs from statutory rates due to the effect of state and local taxes, tax rates in foreign jurisdictions and certain nondeductible expenses. Our effective tax rate will change from year to year based on factors including, but not limited to, the geographical mix of earnings, enacted tax legislation and tax audit settlements. Our effective tax rate in 2008 decreased as a result of the mix of the Company’s income in foreign jurisdictions and a higher utilization of available foreign tax credits. Our effective tax rate in 2007 included the unfavorable impact of the $3.3 million of nondeductible goodwill expensed in connection with the sale of Biomarché.
NET INCOME
Net income in 2008 was $41.2 million, or $0.99 per diluted share, compared to $47.5 million, or $1.16 per diluted share in 2007. The decrease was attributable to the aforementioned decrease in income before income taxes.
Fiscal 2007 Compared to Fiscal 2006
NET SALES
Net sales for the year ended June 30, 2007 were $900.4 million, an increase of $161.8 million, or 21.9%, over net sales of $738.6 million for the year ended June 30, 2006. Sales of grocery and snacks increased with the strong performance of our Earth’s Best, Garden of Eatin’, Arrowhead Mills, Health Valley and Spectrum brands and from successful new product introductions. Net sales of our Celestial Seasonings tea brand were down principally as a result of continued warmer than normal temperatures in North America and lower consumption of green tea. Sales of our personal care brands increased as a result of strong growth from our Jason brand, sales of the brands we acquired from Para Laboratories in the third quarter of 2006 and the inclusion of sales of our Avalon and Alba brands, acquired during the third quarter of fiscal 2007. Sales for our brands in Canada were flat, with increased sales of our refrigerated and frozen products offset by decreased sales of tea. Sales in Europe increased primarily as a result of the inclusion of our United Kingdom operations, acquired during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 and the second quarter of fiscal 2007.
GROSS PROFIT
Gross profit for the year ended June 30, 2007 was $261.4 million, an increase of $48.1 million, or 22.5%, from last year’s gross profit of $213.4 million. Gross profit in fiscal 2007 was 29.0% of net sales compared to 28.9% of net sales for 2006. The increase in gross profit percentage was principally the result of the addition of higher margin personal care products from our recently acquired Avalon and Alba brands, partially offset by approximately $1.7 million of start-up costs incurred in the first half of the year associated with a new production line at our West Chester frozen foods facility, lower relative contribution from our Celestial Seasonings tea brand and the inclusion of our United Kingdom operations which were acquired after the third quarter of fiscal 2006, for a full year. In the United Kingdom, we continued to co-pack for the previous owner at one of the facilities under an agreement allowing for a minimal margin. Our gross margin generated in the United Kingdom was depressed even though the arrangement helped absorb what otherwise would be unabsorbed overhead. The effect on our gross profit percentage for the year ended June 30, 2007 was a 100 basis point reduction from the lower margins in the United Kingdom. Gross margin in 2006 included $0.9 million, or 0.1%, of charges for our 2005 SKU rationalization program. Our gross margin performance has also been negatively impacted by the increasing costs of petroleum, ingredients, health care and other input costs. We have offset these increasing costs with the successful implementation of price increases for selected products we sell, and with a sharper focus on operating efficiencies, including the positive effects of our 2005 SKU rationalization program.
SELLING, GENERAL and ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $29.2 million, or 19.7%, to $177.5 million in 2007 from $148.3 million in 2006. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased primarily as a result of costs associated with the businesses we acquired in fiscal 2007 and 2006. In addition, we had increased amortization ex-
pense on purchased intangibles related to our recent acquisitions and increased professional fees during the year ended June 30, 2007. Selling, general and administrative expenses in fiscal 2006 included a $3.2 million expense for stock option compensation under SFAS No. 123(R). Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales declined to 19.7% in fiscal 2007 as compared to 20.1% in fiscal 2006, primarily as a result of the reduction in stock option compensation expense.
OPERATING INCOME
Operating income was $84.0 million in 2007 compared to $65.1 million in 2006. Operating income as a percentage of net sales was 9.3% in 2007 compared to 8.8% in 2006. The increase in operating income was a result of our increased net sales and gross profit.
INTEREST AND OTHER EXPENSES, NET
Interest and other expenses, net were $6.9 million for the year ended June 30, 2007 compared to $5.9 million for fiscal 2006. Interest expense totaled $11.3 million in 2007, which was primarily related to the $150 million of 5.98% senior notes we issued in the fourth quarter of last fiscal year and borrowings we made early in the third quarter of fiscal 2007 under our revolving credit facility to partially fund the acquisition of Avalon Natural Products, Inc. The interest expense was partially offset by $2.5 million of interest income earned. Interest expense in fiscal 2006 was approximately $6.5 million and was partially offset by interest income earned of $0.9 million. In the first quarter of fiscal 2007, we sold Biomarché, our Belgium-based provider of fresh organic fruits and vegetables and recognized a gain on the disposal of approximately $3.4 million, net of a $3.3 million write-off of allocated goodwill.
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
Income before income taxes in 2007 amounted to $77.1 million compared to $59.1 million in 2006. The increase was attributable to the aforementioned increase in operating income offset by the increase in interest and other expenses, net.
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
Our income tax expense was $29.6 million in fiscal 2007 compared to $22.8 million in 2006. Our effective tax rate was 38.4% in 2007 compared to 38.5% in 2006. Our effective tax rate in 2007 included the unfavorable impact of the $3.3 million of nondeductible goodwill expensed in connection with the sale of Biomarché.
NET INCOME
Net income in 2007 was $47.5 million, or $1.16 per diluted share, compared to $36.4 million, or $0.93 per diluted share in 2006. The increase was attributable to the aforementioned increase in income before income taxes, and for per share amounts, offset by a 5.6% increase in the number of weighted average shares outstanding used in the computation.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We finance our operations and growth primarily with the cash flows we generate from our operations and from both long-term fixed-rate borrowings and borrowings available to us under our Credit Facility.
Our working capital was $246.7 million at June 30, 2008, an increase of $48.2 million from $198.5 million at the end of fiscal 2007. This was due principally to a $46.6 million increase in inventories, a $23.5 million increase in accounts receivable and an $8.9 million increase in other current assets, offset by a $28.8 million increase in accounts payable and other current liabilities and a decrease of $2.0 million in cash. The increases in our accounts receivable, inventories and accounts payable were partially attributable to the recent acquisitions we made. Our inventories also increased as a result of higher levels of ingredient inventory carried for our Earth’s Best brand and the
increases in the costs of ingredients. Accounts receivable also increased as a result of our higher sales volume. Our days’ sales in receivables improved to 41 days compared to 43 days in the year-ago period.
Our cash balance decreased $2.0 million during the year ended June 30, 2008 to $58.5 million as of June 30, 2008. We maintain our cash and cash equivalents primarily in money market funds or their equivalent. As of June 30, 2008, all of our investments mature in less than three months. Accordingly, we do not believe that our investments have significant exposure to interest rate risk. Cash provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities is summarized below.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $24.5 million for the year ended June 30, 2008, compared to $66.4 million provided in fiscal 2007 and $54.2 million provided in fiscal 2006. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities in 2008 resulted from the decrease in our net income and other non-cash items and the increases in our operating assets, as described above. The increase in cash provided by operations in 2007 compared to 2006 resulted from the increase in our net income and other non-cash items, such as depreciation and amortization.
We used $116.1 million of cash in investing activities in fiscal 2008, principally for acquisitions and capital additions. We acquired Daily Bread Ltd., the turkey processing facility of Pilgrim’s Pride, nSpired Natural Foods, Inc., Tendercare International, Inc. and the assets and business of Plainville Turkey Farms during 2008, using a total of $102.2 million of cash. We used $19.8 million in cash for capital additions. These uses were partially offset by proceeds of dispositions totaling $3.0 million. We used $139.7 million of cash in investing activities in the year ended June 30, 2007. We used $137.8 million of cash in connection with the acquisitions of Avalon Natural Products, Inc. (“Avalon”) in January 2007, the assets and business of Haldane Foods in the United Kingdom in December 2006 and the tofu and meat-alternative business of WhiteWave Foods Company in June 2007, $11.4 million for capital expenditures and $1.9 million for a loan to an affiliated joint venture (subsequently repaid in August 2007). This was partially offset by $8.2 million of proceeds from the sale of Biomarché, our Belgium-based provider of fresh organic fruits and vegetables, and $3.3 million of proceeds from the disposals of fixed assets. In the year ended June 30, 2006, we used $100.6 million of cash in investing activities, including $84.5 million for acquisitions and $14.5 million for the purchase of property, plant and equipment.
Net cash of $91.9 million was provided by financing activities for the year ended June 30, 2008, $83.6 million was provided for the year ended June 30, 2007 and $71.0 million was provided for the year ended June 30, 2006. During all three fiscal years, we incurred borrowings to fund acquisitions. During the year ended June 30, 2008, we borrowed $90.5 million under our Credit Facility and received proceeds of $2.4 million from the exercise of stock options. Treasury stock increased by 84,334 shares ($2.7 million) in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 as a result of stock surrendered to pay employee payroll withholding taxes in connection with stock-based compensation transactions. During fiscal 2007, we borrowed $75.0 million under our Credit Facility and received $18.4 million of proceeds from the exercise of stock options. During 2006, we received the proceeds of our $150.0 million of fixed rate senior notes and repaid $89.7 million of borrowings under the Credit Facility. In addition, during 2006 we received $15.1 million of proceeds from the exercise of stock options and we incurred $1.2 million of costs in connection with our new financing arrangements.
On May 2, 2006, we issued $150 million in aggregate principal amount of senior notes due May 2, 2016 in a private placement. The notes bear interest at 5.98%, payable semi-annually on November 2 and May 2. We also have a credit agreement which provides us with a $250 million revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) expiring in May 2011. The Credit Facility provides for an uncommitted $100 million accordion feature, under which the facil-
ity may be increased to $350 million. The Credit Facility and the senior notes are guaranteed by substantially all of our current and future direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries. Loans under the Credit Facility bear interest at a base rate (greater of the applicable prime rate or Federal Funds Rate plus an applicable margin) or, at our option, the reserve adjusted LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin. As of June 30, 2008 and June 30, 2007, $150.0 million was outstanding under the senior notes at an interest rate of 5.98%. As of June 30, 2008, there were $155.5 million of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility. We are required by the terms of the Credit Facility and the senior notes to comply with customary affirmative and negative covenants for facilities and notes of this nature.
Obligations for all debt instruments, capital and operating leases and other contractual obligations as of June 30, 2008 are as follows:
We believe that our cash on hand of $58.5 million at June 30, 2008, as well as projected cash flows from operations and availability under our Credit Facility are sufficient to fund our working capital needs in the ordinary course of business, anticipated fiscal 2009 capital expenditures of approximately $20 million, and the $8.7 million of debt and lease obligations described in the table above, during the 2009 fiscal year.
Note Regarding Forward Looking Information
Certain statements contained in this Annual Report constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1934 (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following:
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general economic and business conditions;
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our ability to implement our business strategy;
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our ability to integrate acquisitions;
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our reliance on third party distributors, manufacturers, and suppliers;
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competition;
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changes in customer preferences;
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international sales and operations;
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availability and retention of key personnel;
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escalating fuel and commodity costs;
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the resolution of the SEC’s inquiry and litigation regarding our stock option practices;
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changes in or the failure to comply with government regulations; and
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the other risk factors described in Item 1A above.
As a result of the foregoing and other factors, no assurance can be given as to the future results, levels of activity and achievements and neither the Company nor any person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of these statements.
Supplementary Quarterly Financial Data:
Unaudited quarterly financial data (in thousands, except per share amounts) for fiscal 2008 and 2007 is summarized as follows:
(a) Gross profit was negatively impacted by approximately $1.1 million ($0.7 million net of tax) for the three months ended September 30, 2007, $2.1 million ($1.3 million net of tax) for the three months ended December 31, 2007, $1.8 million ($1.1 million net of tax) for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and $2.5 million ($2.3 million net of tax) for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as a result of start-up and integration costs at our Fakenham, UK frozen foods factory. Gross profit was also negatively impacted by approximately $6.0 million ($3.7 million net of tax) for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and $0.9 million ($0.6 million net of tax) for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as a result of SKU rationalization and reorganization actions.
(b) Operating income was also negatively impacted by approximately $2.3 million ($1.4 million net of tax) for the three months ended September 30, 2007, $1.7 million ($1.1 million net of tax) for the three months ended December 31, 2007, $0.7 million ($0.4 million net of tax) for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and $1.1 million ($0.6 million net of tax) for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as a result of expenses incurred in connection with the review of the Company’s stock option practices and defense of the related derivative lawsuits and $0.4 million ($0.3 million net of tax) for the three months ended September 30, 2007, $(0.1) million ($(0.1) million net of tax) for the three months ended December 31, 2007, $(0.5) million ($(0.3) million net of tax) for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and $2.3 million ($2.9 million net of tax) for the three months ended June 30, 2008 for stock compensation related expenses. Operating income was negatively impacted by approximately $2.5 million ($1.5 million net of tax) for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and $1.4 million ($0.8 million net of tax) for the three months ended June 30, 2008 as a result of SKU rationalization and reorganization actions.
(c) Income before income taxes includes a gain of $2.0 million ($1.2 million net of tax) in the three months ended September 30, 2007 on the disposal of the Company’s investment in a rice cake manufacturing joint venture.
(d) Gross profit was negatively impacted by approximately $1.1 million ($0.7 million net of tax) for the three months ended September 30, 2006, and $0.6 million ($0.4 million net of tax) for the three months ended December 31, 2006, as the result of start-up costs associated with a new production line at the Company’s West Chester, PA frozen foods facility.
(e) Income before income taxes includes a gain of $3.4 million ($1.2 million net of tax) in the three months ended September 30, 2006 on the disposal of Biomarché, a Belgium-based provider of fresh organic fruits and vegetables.
Seasonality
Our tea brand primarily manufactures and markets hot tea products and, as a result, its quarterly results of operations reflect seasonal trends resulting from increased demand for its hot tea products in the cooler months of the year. In addition, some of our other products (e.g., baking and cereal products and soups) also show stronger sales in the cooler months while our snack food and certain of our prepared food product lines are stronger in the warmer months. In years where there are warm winter seasons, our sales of cooler weather products, which typically increase in our second and third fiscal quarters, may be negatively impacted. Sales of our turkey products are strongest in the second quarter of our fiscal year, coinciding with seasonal holidays.
Quarterly fluctuations in our sales volume and operating results are due to a number of factors relating to our business, including the timing of trade promotions, advertising and consumer promotions and other factors, such as seasonality, inclement weather and unanticipated increases in labor, commodity, energy, insurance or other operating costs. The impact on sales volume and operating results due to the timing and extent of these factors can significantly impact our business. For these reasons, you should not rely on our quarterly operating results as indications of future performance.
Impact of Inflation
Inflation has caused increased ingredient, fuel, labor and benefits costs and in some cases has materially increased our operating expenses. For more information regarding ingredient costs, see “Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Market Risk
The principal market risks (i.e., the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices) to which the Company is exposed are:
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interest rates on debt and cash equivalents,
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foreign exchange rates, generating translation and transaction gains and losses, and
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ingredient inputs.
Interest Rates
We centrally manage our debt and cash equivalents, considering investment opportunities and risks, tax consequences and overall financing strategies. Our cash equivalents consist primarily of commercial paper and obligations of U.S. Government agencies. As of June 30, 2008, we had $155.5 million of variable rate debt outstanding. Assuming current cash equivalents and variable rate borrowings, a hypothetical change in average interest rates of one percentage point would not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows over the next fiscal year.
Foreign Operations
Operating in international markets involves exposure to movements in currency exchange rates, which are volatile at times. The economic impact of currency exchange rate movements is complex because such changes are often linked to variability in real growth, inflation, interest rates, governmental actions and other factors. Consequently, isolating the effect of changes in currency does not incorporate these other important economic factors. These changes, if material, could cause adjustments to our financing and operating strategies. During fiscal 2008, approximately 22.9% of our net sales were generated from sales outside the United States, while such sales outside the United States were 24.9% of net sales in 2007 and 19.3% of net sales in 2006.
We expect sales from non-U.S. markets to possibly represent an increasing portion of our total net sales in the future. Our non-U.S. sales and operations are subject to risks inherent in conducting business abroad, many of which are outside our control, including:
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periodic economic downturns and unstable political environments;
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price and currency exchange controls;
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fluctuations in the relative values of currencies;
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unexpected changes in trading policies, regulatory requirements, tariffs and other barriers;
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compliance with applicable foreign laws; and
•
difficulties in managing a global enterprise, including staffing, collecting accounts receivable and managing distributors.
Ingredient Inputs Price Risk
The Company purchases ingredient inputs such as wheat, corn, soybeans, canola oil and fruit as well as packaging materials to be used in its operations. These inputs are subject to price fluctuations that may create price risk. We do not attempt to hedge against fluctuations in the prices of the ingredients by using future, forward, option or other derivative instruments. As a result, the majority of our future purchases of these items are subject to changes in price. We may enter into fixed purchase commitments in an attempt to secure an adequate supply of specific ingredients. These agreements are tied to specific market prices. Market risk is estimated as a hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in the weighted-average cost of our primary inputs as of June 30, 2008. Based on our cost of goods sold during the twelve months ended June 30, 2008, such a change would have resulted in an increase or decrease to cost of sales of approximately $41 million. We attempt to offset the impact of input cost increases with a combination of cost savings initiatives and efficiencies and price increases to our customers.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The following consolidated financial statements of The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. and subsidiaries are included in Item 8:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets-June 30, 2008 and 2007
Consolidated Statements of Income-Years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity-Years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows-Years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following consolidated financial statement schedule of The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. and subsidiaries is included in Item 15 (a):
Schedule II Valuation and qualifying accounts
All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the SEC are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Stockholders and Board of Directors of
The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (the “Company”) and Subsidiaries as of June 30, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2008. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries at June 30, 2008 and 2007, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
As described in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements, during the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company adopted Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in the Current Year Financial Statements (“SAB No. 108”). In accordance with the transition provisions of SAB No. 108, the Company recorded an adjustment to retained earnings effective July 1, 2006 for the correction of prior period misstatements.
As described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, during the first quarter of 2008, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Financial Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN No. 48”). In accordance with the provisions of FIN No. 48, the Company recorded an adjustment to retained earnings effective July 1, 2007.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated August 28, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Melville, New York
August 28, 2008
THE HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
JUNE 30, 2008 and 2007
(In thousands, except share amounts)
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
THE HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
THE HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(In thousands, except per share and share data)
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
THE HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(In thousands)
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
THE HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BUSINESS
The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company,” and herein referred to as “we,” “us,” and “our”) manufacture, market, distribute and sell natural and organic food and personal care products under brand names which are sold as “better-for-you” products. We are a leader in many of the top natural food categories, with such well-known food brands as Celestial Seasonings®, Hain Pure Foods®, Westbrae Natural®, WestSoy®, Rice Dream®, Soy Dream®, Imagine®, Walnut Acres Organic®, Ethnic Gourmet®, Rosetto®, Little Bear Organic Foods®, Bearitos®, Arrowhead Mills®, MaraNatha® , SunSpire®, Health Valley®, Breadshop’s®, Casbah®, Spectrum Naturals®, Spectrum Essentials®, Hollywood®, Garden of Eatin’®, Terra®, Harry’s Premium Snacks®, Boston’s The Best You’ve Ever Tasted®, Lima®, Grains Noirs®, Natumi®, Yves Veggie Cuisine®, DeBoles®, Earth’s Best®, Nile Spice®, Linda McCartney® (under license), Daily Bread™, Realeat®, Granose®, and TofuTown®. The Company’s principal specialty product lines include Estee® sugar-free products and Alba®. Our natural and organic personal care products are marketed under the Avalon Organics®, Alba Botanica® , JASON®, Zia®, Orjene®, Shaman Earthly Organics®, Heather’s®, Queen Helene®, Batherapy®, Shower Therapy®, Footherapy®, Tushies® and TenderCare® brands. Our natural and organic antibiotic-free chicken is marketed under the FreeBird™ brand and our antibiotic-free turkey is marketed under the Plainville Farms® brand.
We operate in one business segment: the sale of natural and organic food and personal care products. During the three years ended June 30, 2008, approximately 47%, 46% and 47% of our revenues were derived from products that are manufactured within our own facilities with 53%, 54% and 53% produced by various co-packers. In fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, there was no co-packer who manufactured 10% or more of our products.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
In the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, all dollar amounts, except per share data, are in thousands unless otherwise indicated.
Consolidation Policy
Our accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in affiliated companies in which the company exercises significant influence, but which it does not control, are accounted for in the accompanying consolidated financial statements under the equity method of accounting. As such, consolidated net income includes the company’s equity portion of current earnings or losses of such companies. Investments in which the company does not exercise significant influence (generally less than a 20 percent ownership interest) are accounted for under the cost method.
Use of Estimates
The financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The accounting principles we use require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting periods presented. We believe in the quality and reasonableness of our critical accounting policies; however, it is likely that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or using assumptions different from those that we have consistently applied.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers cash and cash equivalents to include cash in banks, commercial paper and deposits with financial institutions that can be liquidated without prior notice or penalty. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Valuation of Accounts and Chargebacks Receivable and Concentration of Credit Risk
We perform ongoing credit evaluations on existing and new customers daily. We apply reserves for delinquent or uncollectible trade receivables based on a specific identification methodology and also apply an additional reserve based on the experience we have with our trade receivables aging categories. Credit losses have been within our expectations in recent years. While one of our customers represented 13% of our trade receivables balance as of June 30, 2008 and 16% of our trade receivables balance as of June 30, 2007, we believe there is no credit exposure at this time.
Based on cash collection history and other statistical analysis, we estimate the amount of unauthorized deductions our customers have taken that we expect to be repaid in the near future in the form of a chargeback receivable. Our estimate of this receivable balance ($2.5 million at June 30, 2008 and $2.4 million at June 30, 2007) could be different had we used different assumptions and judgments.
During the year ended June 30, 2008, sales to one customer and its affiliates approximated 20% of net sales. In fiscal 2007 sales to one customer and its affiliates approximated 20% of net sales. In fiscal 2006, sales to one customer and its affiliates approximated 21% of net sales.
Inventory
Our inventory is valued at the lower of actual cost or market, utilizing the first-in, first-out method. We provide write-downs for finished goods expected to become non-saleable due to age and specifically identify and provide for slow moving or obsolete raw ingredients and packaging.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Our property, plant and equipment is carried at cost and depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives or lease life, whichever is shorter. We believe the asset lives assigned to our property, plant and equipment are within ranges generally used in consumer products manufacturing and distribution businesses. Our manufacturing plants and distribution centers, and their related assets, are periodically reviewed to determine if any impairment exists by analyzing underlying cash flow projections. At this time, we believe no impairment of the carrying value of such assets exists. Ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. We utilize the following ranges of asset lives:
Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the respective initial lease term or the estimated useful life of the assets, and generally range from 3 to 15 years.
Intangibles
Goodwill is no longer amortized and the value of an identifiable intangible asset is amortized over its useful life unless the asset is determined to have an indefinite useful life. The carrying value of goodwill, which is allocated to reporting units, and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested annually for impairment.
Revenue Recognition and Sales Incentives
Sales are recognized when the earnings process is complete, which occurs when products are shipped in accordance with terms of agreements, title and risk of loss transfer to customers, collection is probable and pricing is fixed or determinable. Sales are reported net of sales incentives, which include trade discounts and promotions and certain coupon costs. Shipping and handling costs billed to customers are included in reported sales. Allowances for cash discounts are recorded in the period in which the related sale is recognized.
Foreign Currency Translation
Financial statements of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at current rates, except that revenues, costs and expenses are translated at average rates during each reporting period. Net exchange gains or losses resulting from the translation of foreign financial statements and the effect of exchange rate changes on intercompany transactions of a long-term investment nature are accumulated and credited or charged directly to a separate component of stockholders’ equity and other comprehensive income.
Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Research and development costs amounted to $1.7 million in fiscal 2008, $1.5 million in fiscal 2007 and $1.2 million in fiscal year 2006. Our research and development expenditures do not include the expenditures on such activities undertaken by co-packers who develop numerous products on their own initiative with the expectation that we will accept their new product ideas and market them under our brands. These efforts by co-packers have resulted in a substantial number of our new product introductions. We are unable to estimate the amount of expenditures made by co-packers on research and development; however, we believe such activities and expenditures are important to our continuing ability to introduce new products.
Advertising Costs
Media advertising costs, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses, amounted to $8.2 million in fiscal 2008, $7.5 million in fiscal 2007 and $5.4 million in fiscal year 2006. Such costs are expensed as incurred.
Income Taxes
We follow the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the liability method, deferred taxes are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities at enacted rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are provided for deferred tax assets to the extent it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be recoverable against future taxable income.
We adopted FASB Financial Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN No. 48)”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” at the beginning of fiscal year 2008. As a result of the adoption of FIN No. 48, we recognize liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on the two-step process prescribed by the interpretation. The first step requires us to determine if the weight of available evidence indicates that the tax position has met the threshold for recognition; therefore, we must evaluate whether it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. The second step requires us to measure the tax benefit of the tax position taken, or expected to be taken, in an income tax return as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We reevaluate the uncertain tax positions each quarter based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, effectively settled issues under audit, and new audit activity. Depending on the jurisdiction, such a change in recognition or measurement may result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision in the period. We record interest and penalties in our provision for income taxes.
Shipping and Handling Costs
We include the costs associated with shipping and handling of our inventory as a component of cost of sales.
Fair Values of Financial Instruments
Financial instruments consist primarily of investments in cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable and debt obligations. The Company estimates the fair value of financial instruments based on interest rates available to the Company and by comparison to quoted market prices. At June 30, 2008 and 2007, we had $25.0 million and $40.5 million invested in corporate money market securities, including commercial paper, repurchase agreements, variable rate instruments and bank instruments. These securities are classified as cash equivalents as their maturities when purchased are less than three months. At June 30, 2008 and 2007, the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, income taxes receivable and payable and accounts payable are considered to be representative of their respective fair values due to their short-term nature. The carrying amounts of the notes payable to banks are considered to be representative of their respective fair values as their interest rates are based on market rates. The estimated fair value of the Company’s senior notes payable was approximately $150 million at June 30, 2008 and June 30, 2007.
Stock Based Compensation
The Company has employee and director stock based compensation plans which are more fully described in Note 14. Effective July 1, 2005, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R) (“SFAS No. 123(R)”), “Share Based Payment,” to account for stock-based compensation, using the modified prospective transition method. Under that transition method, compensation cost is recognized for the vested portion of stock-based payments granted on or after July 1, 2005, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R) and for all stock-based payments granted prior to, but not yet vested as of July 1, 2005, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the vesting of all outstanding options was accelerated during the year ended June 30, 2005. As a result, there is no compensation expense recognized in operating results during the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 for stock options granted prior to July 1, 2005.
The fair value of stock based compensation awards is recognized in expense over the vesting period of the award, using the straight-line method. The fair value of employee stock options is determined on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company has used historical volatility in its estimate of expected volatility. The expected life represents the period of time (in years) for which the options granted are expected to be outstanding. The Company used the simplified method for determining expected life as permitted in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin 107 for options qualifying for such treatment (“plain-vanilla” options) due to the limited history the Company currently has with option exercise activity. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve. Restricted stock awards are valued at the market value of our common stock on the date of grant and recognized in expense over the vesting period of the awards using the straight-line method.
SFAS No. 123(R) also requires that compensation expense be recognized for only that portion of stock based awards that are expected to vest. Therefore, we apply estimated forfeiture rates that are derived from historical employee termination activity to reduce the amount of compensation expense recognized. If the actual forfeitures differs from the estimate, additional adjustments to compensation expense may be required in future periods.
The Company receives an income tax deduction for restricted stock grants when they vest and for stock options exercised by employees in certain tax jurisdictions equal to the excess of the market value of our common stock on the date of exercise over the option price. Excess tax benefits (tax benefits resulting from tax deductions in excess of compensation cost recognized) are classified as a cash flow provided by financing activities in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R).
Valuation of Long-Lived Assets
We periodically evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used in the business, other than goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives, when events and circumstances occur indicating that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. An impairment is recognized when the estimated undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset or group of assets is less than their carrying value. If the carrying value of a long-lived asset is considered impaired, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair market value for assets to be held and used.
Deferred Financing Costs
Eligible costs associated with obtaining debt financing are capitalized and amortized over the related term of the applicable debt instruments, which approximates the effective interest method.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure of fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements and accordingly, does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We have not yet assessed the impact, if any, that the implementation of SFAS No. 157 will have on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 allows companies to choose to measure certain financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The statement requires that unrealized gains and losses are reported in earnings for items measured using the fair value option and establishes presentation and disclosure requirements. SFAS No. 159 is effective July 1, 2008 for the Company. We have not yet assessed the impact that SFAS No. 159 may have on our consolidated financial statements.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141(R)”). SFAS No. 141(R) replaces SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations,” however, it retains the basic requirements of the former Statement that the acquisition method of accounting (previously referred to as the purchase method) be used for all business combinations. SFAS No. 141(R) requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the business acquired at their acquisition-date fair values and generally requires acquisition-related costs to be expensed as incurred. SFAS No. 141(R) also provides guidance for recognizing and measuring the goodwill acquired in a business combination and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. The provisions of SFAS No. 141(R) must be applied prospectively and are effective for the Company’s fiscal year ending June 30, 2010 for all business combinations occurring on or after July 1, 2009. We have not yet assessed the impact that the implementation of SFAS No. 141(R) may have on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
In December 2007, the FASB also issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an Amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 establishes new accounting and reporting standards for a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary, which is sometimes referred to as minority interest, and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Among other requirements, SFAS No. 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards that require noncontrolling interests to be reported as a separate component of equity in the consolidated financial statements, changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling interest be accounted for as equity transactions and that consolidated net income include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling interest, with disclosure of those amounts on the face of the consolidated statement of income. SFAS No. 160 is effective beginning in the Company’s fiscal year ending June 30, 2010 and must be applied prospectively, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements, which will be applied retrospectively for all periods presented. We have not yet assessed the impact that the implementation of SFAS No. 160 may have on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
3. EARNINGS PER SHARE
We report basic and diluted earnings per share in accordance with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings Per Share” (“SFAS No. 128”). Basic earnings per share excludes the dilutive effects of options and warrants. Diluted earnings per share includes only the dilutive effects of common stock equivalents such as stock options and warrants.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share pursuant to SFAS No. 128.
Options totaling 222,000 in 2008, 491,000 in 2007 and 2,131,000 in 2006 were excluded from our earnings per share computations as their effects would have been anti-dilutive.
4. STOCK KEEPING UNIT RATIONALIZATION AND REORGANIZATION
During the third quarter of fiscal 2008, we implemented a Stock Keeping Unit (“SKU”) rationalization and a reorganization, principally in our personal care locations, and recorded charges of $10.8 million. The SKU rationalization resulted from our review of the positioning of the personal care products operations we acquired during the last several years. The review included identification of SKUs which we believe should be eliminated based on their low volume of sales or insufficient margins, development of a plan to optimize the production of product between the Company’s own manufacturing facilities and by outside contract manufacturers and implementation of the optimal organization structure to position the unit for future growth. As a result, cost of sales for fiscal 2008 includes charges of approximately $6.9 million related to ingredient, packaging and finished goods inventories, including the costs of disposal, for SKUs being eliminated. Selling, general and administrative expense includes charges of $2.3 million related to assets that will not have continuing value and $1.6 million for severance.
The change in the liability for the SKU rationalization activities for the year ended June 30, 2008 was as follows:
5. STAFF ACCOUNTING BULLETIN NO. 108, CONSIDERING THE EFFECTS OF PRIOR YEAR MISSTATEMENTS WHEN QUANTIFYING MISSTATEMENTS IN CURRENT YEAR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements” (“SAB No. 108”). SAB No. 108 provides guidance on how prior year misstatements should be taken
into consideration when quantifying misstatements in current year financial statements for purposes of determining whether the current year’s financial statements are materially misstated. The transition provisions of SAB No. 108 permit the Company to adjust for the cumulative effect on retained earnings of immaterial errors relating to prior years. SAB No. 108 also requires the adjustment of any prior quarterly financial statements within the fiscal year of adoption for the effects of such errors on the quarters when the information is next presented. Such adjustments do not require previously filed reports with the SEC to be amended.
We adopted SAB No. 108 in fiscal 2007 and elected to record the effects of applying SAB No. 108 using the cumulative effect transition method which resulted in the correction of the carrying values of assets and liabilities as of July 1, 2006 with an offsetting adjustment recorded to the opening balance of retained earnings. We adjusted the beginning retained earnings for fiscal 2007 for “Accrued Trade Promotional Expenses,” described below.
Historically, we have evaluated uncorrected differences utilizing the “rollover” approach. The rollover approach quantifies a misstatement based on the amount of the error originating in the current year income statement. Thus, this approach ignores the effects of correcting the portion of the current year balance sheet misstatement that originated in prior years (i.e., it ignores the “carryover effects” of prior year misstatements). We believe that our assessment of uncorrected differences in periods prior to the adoption of SAB No. 108 and the conclusions reached regarding the qualitative and quantitative effects of such uncorrected differences were appropriate.
Accrued Trade Promotional Expense
We adjusted our beginning retained earnings for fiscal 2007 to recognize a reserve for expected trade promotional expenses for certain locations. The Company determined that two of its reporting units were not recording trade promotional expenses on a basis consistent with the Company’s other reporting units. The total cumulative impact, net of tax, as of July 1, 2006 was as follows:
6. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS
We account for acquisitions using the purchase method of accounting, and accordingly, the results of operations for each acquisition have been included in our consolidated results from their respective acquisition dates.
Fiscal 2008
On April 2, 2008, we acquired Daily Bread, Ltd., a London-based producer of branded fresh prepared foods for the foodservice channel in the United Kingdom, for approximately $36.5 million in cash plus transaction costs. The acquisition of Daily Bread broadens our existing prepared foods operations with a branded fresh platform which we expect will strengthen our ability to expand our fresh operations across the United Kingdom and Europe. The purchase price excludes contingency payments we may be obligated to pay. The contingency payments are based on the achievement by the acquired business of certain financial targets over an approximate two-year period following the date of acquisition. Such payments, which could total £5.0 million (approximately $10.0 million at the June 30, 2008 exchange rate), will be charged to goodwill if and when paid. No such contingency payments have been made since the acquisition. The Company is in the process of obtaining a valuation for acquired intangible assets. Based on our preliminary purchase price allocation, we recorded goodwill of $28.3 million at June 30, 2008, which is not deductible for tax purposes.
On March 10, 2008, Hain Pure Protein Corporation (“Hain Pure Protein”), a 50% owned subsidiary, acquired certain assets including the turkey production facility and distribution center of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation in New Oxford, Pennsylvania for a total consideration of $19.1 million in cash, including transaction costs. This acquisition provides additional scale with the capacity to meet increasing volume demands and expands our ability to offer branded, premium poultry products.
On March 6, 2008, we acquired nSpired Natural Foods, Inc., with its MaraNatha and SunSpire brands, for approximately $37.6 million in cash, including transaction costs. MaraNatha is a leading brand of natural and organic nut butters and SunSpire is a leader in natural and organic chocolate products. The addition of MaraNatha is expected to strengthen our position in the growing nut butter category and SunSpire provides us entry into the natural candy category. We are in the process of obtaining valuations for acquired tangible and intangible assets and allocating the purchase price. Based on estimated fair values at the acquisition date, our preliminary purchase price allocation includes goodwill of $24.1 million, which is not deductible for tax purposes.
On December 7, 2007, we acquired TenderCare International, Inc., a marketer and distributor of chlorine-free and gel-free natural diapers and baby wipes under the TenderCare and Tushies brand names, for approximately $3.9 million in cash. The acquisition is expected to strengthen our position in the natural and organic sector with the expansion into diapers and wipes. The purchase price was allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired, including $4.8 million of goodwill, which is not deductible for tax purposes.
The purchase price allocations for these acquisitions are preliminary and may be revised as additional information becomes available. Any change in the fair value of the net assets acquired will change the amount of the purchase price allocable to goodwill. The balance sheet at June 30, 2008 includes the assets acquired and liabilities assumed valued on a preliminary basis at fair market value at the dates of purchase. We are in the process of performing the procedures required to finalize the purchase price allocations for the above fiscal 2008 acquisitions; however, these procedures are in the early stages and are expected to be completed during fiscal 2009. Any required adjustments to the preliminary purchase price will be recorded in the period finalized.
On August 29, 2007, Hain Pure Protein acquired the assets and business of Plainville Turkey Farm, Inc., a leading supplier of natural and antibiotic-free whole turkeys and deli turkey products to the natural and grocery channels in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. The purchase price was approximately $26.3 million in cash, including transaction costs, plus contingent future earn-out payments based on the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of Plainville for the first five fiscal years after acquisition, with a maximum potential payment of $3 million. The Plainville acquisition expands our specialty poultry business with a well-recognized industry leader. During the quarter ended June 30, 2008, the Company finalized the purchase price allocation and assigned $7.1 million to identifiable intangible assets, of which $1.3 million have been assigned finite lives and are being amortized. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired was $1.0 million and was recorded as goodwill, which is deductible for tax purposes.
On August 4, 2007, we completed the sale of our interest in a joint venture in Belgium that manufactured and sold rice cakes and was accounted for using the equity method. We recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $2.0 million in connection with the sale in the first quarter of fiscal 2008, which is included in “Interest and other expenses, net” in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
In September 2007, we sold our minority interest in Halo, Purely for Pets, Inc. for approximately $1.7 million. This investment was made in June 2006 and accounted for using the equity method. The Company recognized a pretax gain of $0.3 million on the sale, which is included in “Interest and other expenses, net” in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
Fiscal 2007
On June 8, 2007, we acquired the tofu and meat-alternative business of WhiteWave Foods Company, a subsidiary of Dean Foods Company. The product line includes baked and grilled tofu, seitan, tempeh and other traditional tofu items which are sold under the TofuTown® and WestSoy® brand names. The acquisition complements our existing Yves Veggie Cuisine® product line, strengthening and expanding our fresh, meat-free alternative product offerings. The total consideration paid was approximately $2.2 million, including transaction costs. No goodwill resulted from the transaction since assets acquired exceeded consideration paid. The excess of the net assets required over the purchase price was allocated as a reduction of fixed assets.
On January 11, 2007, we acquired Avalon Natural Products, Inc. (“Avalon”), a leader in the natural products category in the areas of skin care, hair care, bath and body and sun care, for approximately $126.1 million in cash, including transaction costs. We believe that the addition of the Avalon Organics®, Alba Botanica® and Alba Organ-
ics™ brands provides us with a stronger, broader product portfolio in the natural and organic personal care products category. The acquisition was funded with available cash balances and borrowings under our Credit Facility (see Note 11). During the quarter ended March 31, 2008, the Company finalized the purchase price allocation and has assigned $27.9 million to identifiable intangible assets, of which $2.3 million have been assigned finite lives and are being amortized. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired was $92.8 million and was recorded as goodwill, which is not deductible for tax purposes. The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed of Avalon as of the date of acquisition:
On December 8, 2006, we acquired the business and certain assets of Haldane Foods Limited, a producer of meat-free food and non-dairy beverage products, for approximately $10.1 million in cash, including transaction costs. Haldane’s product lines include Realeat frozen foods and Granose non-dairy beverages. Employee termination and exit costs relating to the acquired business in the amount of $1.5 million were recorded as costs of the acquisition. During fiscal 2007 we utilized $0.2 million and during fiscal 2008, we utilized $0.2 million of this reserve. During the quarter ended December 31, 2007, the Company finalized the purchase price allocation and assigned $2.4 million to identifiable intangible assets, of which $1.2 million have been assigned finite lives and are being amortized. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired was $1.9 million and was recorded as goodwill, which is deductible for tax purposes.
On August 31, 2006, we completed the sale of Biomarché, our Belgium-based provider of fresh organic fruits and vegetables, to Pro Natura, a French company specializing in the distribution of organic produce. Biomarché generated approximately $18.0 million in sales for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006. Total consideration received was 6.5 million (approximately $8.3 million). We also earned a contingent additional payment of approximately 0.7 million ($0.9 million) based on sales achieved for the year ended June 30, 2007. We recognized a pretax gain of $3.4 million, net of a $3.3 million charge for allocated goodwill ($1.2 million after tax) in connection with the sale, which is included in “Interest and other expenses, net” in the accompanying consolidated statement of income. The results of operations and cash flows for Biomarché for the two months ended August 31, 2006, which were not material, are included in the consolidated statements of income and of cash flows, respectively.
Fiscal 2006
On June 12, 2006, we acquired the Linda McCartney® brand (under license) of frozen meat-free business from the H.J. Heinz Company, including its manufacturing facility based in Fakenham, England. A leader in the meat-free category with its range of sausages, ready meals, and pastry products, the Linda McCartney brand is recognized for its vegetarian credentials while providing healthy and tasty meal solutions. Total consideration paid was approximately $6.6 million including transaction costs. No goodwill resulted from this transaction since assets acquired exceeded consideration paid. The excess of the net assets acquired over the purchase price of approximately $13.1 million was allocated as a reduction of fixed and intangible assets.
On April 30, 2006, we acquired the fresh prepared foods business based in Luton, England, from the H.J. Heinz Company. Total consideration paid was approximately $2.7 million including transaction costs. No goodwill resulted from this transaction since assets acquired exceeded consideration paid. The excess of net assets acquired over the purchase price of approximately $8.5 million was allocated as a reduction of fixed and intangible assets.
On March 3, 2006, we acquired the business and assets of Para Laboratories, Inc., including the Queen Helene®, Batherapy®, Shower Therapy® and Footherapy® brands of skin care, hair care, and body care products, which are sold through drug stores, supermarkets and mass retailers. The total consideration paid was approximately $28.1 million in cash, $2.5 million in stock, plus the assumption of certain liabilities. The purchase price includes contingent consideration of $3.0 million paid during fiscal 2008 based on the achievement by the acquired business of certain financial targets over the approximate two-year period following the date of acquisition. The purchase price was allocated to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values at the acquisition date. The Company has assigned $10.3 million to identifiable intangible assets, predominantly trade names which are not being amortized. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired was $16.9 million and was recorded as goodwill, which is deductible for tax purposes.
On December 16, 2005, we acquired Spectrum Organic Products, Inc. Spectrum is a California-based leading manufacturer and marketer of natural and organic culinary oils, vinegars, condiments and butter substitutes under the Spectrum Naturals® brand and nutritional supplements under the Spectrum Essentials® brand. Spectrum’s products are sold mainly through natural food retailers. Spectrum shareholders received $0.7035 per share, consisting of $0.3485 per share in cash and $0.355 per share in Hain shares, valuing the Hain shares at $19.80 per share as provided in the merger agreement. We issued approximately 900,000 shares in connection with this acquisition. The total consideration paid was approximately $29.3 million in cash, $17.4 million in stock plus the assumption of certain liabilities. The purchase price was allocated to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values at the acquisition date. The Company has assigned $18.3 million to identifiable intangible assets, predominantly trade names which are not being amortized. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired was $16.5 million and was recorded as goodwill, which is not deductible for tax purposes.
On July 1, 2005, we acquired the assets of College Hill Poultry of Fredericksburg, PA through Hain Pure Protein Corporation, which is a joint venture with Pegasus Capital Advisors, LP, a private equity firm. We control 50.1% of the joint venture. Hain Pure Protein’s brand of natural and organic antibiotic-free chickens are raised on family farms and grain-fed without antibiotics or animal by-products. FreeBird™ customers include supernaturals and conventional supermarkets, natural food stores and foodservice outlets. The purchase price consisted of approximately $4.7 million in cash as well as the assumption of certain liabilities.
The following table presents unaudited pro forma information about net sales and net income had the operations of the acquisitions described above been combined with our business on the first day of the periods shown. The following pro forma combined results of operations have been provided for illustrative purposes only, and do not purport to be indicative of the actual results that would have been achieved by the Company for the periods presented or that will be achieved by the combined company in the future.
This information has not been adjusted to reflect any changes in the operations of these businesses and brands subsequent to their acquisition by us. Changes in operations of these acquired businesses and brands include, but are not limited to, discontinuation of products (including discontinuation resulting from the integration of acquired and existing brands with similar products, and discontinuation of sales of private label products), integration of systems and personnel, changes in trade practices, application of our credit policies, changes in manufacturing processes or locations, and changes in marketing and advertising programs. Had any of these changes been implemented by the
former management of the businesses acquired prior to acquisition by us, the sales and net income information might have been materially different than the actual results achieved and from the pro forma information provided. Further, the pro forma sales and net income information for the prior periods has not been adjusted to reflect, among other things, brands which have been disposed of or licensed to others, reductions in sales due to losses of customers upon acquisition of businesses by us due to change in pricing policies and practices, discontinuation by us of co-pack arrangements for certain products after acquisition by us, or items no longer sold by us as the result of our SKU rationalization programs. As a result, sales as presented for the prior periods appear higher than what would have been presented had these adjustments been reflected.
In management’s opinion, these unaudited pro forma results of operations are not intended to represent or to be indicative of the actual results that would have occurred had the acquisitions been consummated at the beginning of the periods presented or of future operations of the combined companies under our management.
7. INVENTORIES
Inventories consisted of the following at June 30:
8. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following at June 30:
Included in property, plant and equipment are assets held under capital leases, as follows:
9. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill and indefinite-life intangible assets are tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” We perform our annual test for impairment during the fourth
quarter of our fiscal year. We have evaluated the fair value of our goodwill and indefinite-life intangible assets and, based on such evaluations, no impairment existed through June 30, 2008. Amounts assigned to indefinite-life intangible assets primarily represent the values of trademarks.
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:
The additions to goodwill in fiscal 2008 included $63.0 million related to acquisitions made during the year and a $3.0 million earn-out payment made in connection with the acquisition of the business and assets of Para Laboratories, Inc. During the year ended June 30, 2008, we reallocated approximately $27.9 million preliminarily allocated to goodwill related to the acquisition of Avalon Natural Products, Inc., and approximately $0.7 million preliminarily allocated to goodwill related to the acquisition of the business and assets of Haldane Foods, to other intangibles, predominantly non-amortized trademarks. During the year ended June 30, 2007, we reallocated approximately $10.6 million preliminarily allocated to goodwill related to the acquisition of the business and assets of Para Laboratories, Inc., and approximately $17.0 million preliminarily allocated to goodwill related to the acquisition of Spectrum Organic Products, Inc., to other intangibles, predominantly non-amortized trademarks. Included in translation and other adjustments are the impacts of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on goodwill, adjustments of certain purchase accounting liabilities, the realization of certain tax positions and adjustments to our estimates of fair value of net assets acquired.
We are continuing to evaluate the initial purchase price allocations of certain other acquisitions made during fiscal 2008 and will adjust the allocations as additional information relative to the fair values of the assets and liabilities of the acquired businesses becomes known. Accordingly, management has used its best estimate in the initial purchase price allocation for these acquisitions as of the date of these financial statements.
At June 30, 2008, included in trademarks and other intangible assets on the balance sheet are approximately $22.6 million of intangible assets deemed to have a finite life which are being amortized over their estimated useful lives. The following table reflects the components of trademarks and other intangible assets:
Amortization of intangible assets with finite lives amounted $2.9 million in fiscal 2008, $2.0 million in 2007 and $0.6 million in 2006. The weighted average amortization period of amortized intangible assets is 8.6 years. The expected aggregate amortization expense in each of the next five fiscal years is $3.0 million in 2009, $2.8 million in 2010, $2.6 million in 2011, $2.1 million in 2012 and $1.3 million in 2013.
10. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following:
11. LONG-TERM DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITY
Long-term debt at June 30 consists of the following:
On May 2, 2006, we issued $150 million in aggregate principal amount of senior notes due May 2, 2016 in a private placement. Proceeds from the senior notes were used to repay outstanding borrowings of $131.7 million under the Company’s previous revolving credit facility. The notes bear interest at 5.98%, payable semi-annually on November 2 and May 2. Also on May 2, 2006, we entered into a new Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, providing us with a $250 million revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) expiring in May 2011. The Credit Facility provides for an uncommitted $100 million accordion feature, under which the facility may be increased to $350 million. The Credit Facility and the notes are guaranteed by substantially all of our current and future direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries. Loans under the Credit Facility bear interest at a base rate (greater of the applicable prime rate or Federal Funds Rate plus an applicable margin) or, at our option, the reserve adjusted LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin. The Credit Facility provides for reductions in the applicable margin as compared to the Credit Facility prior to its amendment and restatement. As of June 30, 2008 and 2007, $150.0 million of the senior notes was outstanding. As of June 30, 2008, there were $155.5 million of borrowings outstanding and as of June 30, 2007, there were $65.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility. We are required by the terms of the Credit Facility and the senior notes to comply with customary affirmative and negative covenants for facilities and notes of this nature.
Our other debt instruments aggregate $2.9 million and are primarily for obligations under capitalized leases for buildings, machinery and equipment.
Maturities of all debt instruments at June 30, 2008, are as follows:
Interest paid (which approximates the related expense) during the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 amounted to $13.9 million, $11.1 million and $5.6 million, respectively.
12. INCOME TAXES
The components of income before income taxes for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
The provision for income taxes for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 is presented below.
The current tax benefit realized upon the exercise of stock options charged to additional paid in capital amounted to $0.4 million in 2008, $3.0 million in 2007 and $1.7 million in 2006.
Income taxes paid during the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 amounted to $20.9 million, $20.6 million and $8.0 million.
Reconciliations of expected income taxes at the U.S. federal statutory rate to the Company’s provision for income taxes for the years ended June 30 are as follows:
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Components of our deferred tax assets (liabilities) as of June 30 are as follows:
We have U.S. tax credit carryforwards of $3.0 million at June 30, 2008 with various expiration dates through 2018. We have U.S. federal tax net operating losses available for carryforward at June 30, 2008 of $14.4 million that were generated by certain subsidiaries prior to their acquisition and have expiration dates through 2028. The use of pre-acquisition operating losses is subject to limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. We do not anticipate that these limitations will affect utilization of the carryforwards prior to their expiration. The Company and various subsidiaries have state tax net operating loss carryforwards of $6.2 million at June 30, 2008 with varying expiration dates. We also have foreign net operating losses of approximately $2.5 million which are available to reduce future income tax payments in Germany and Belgium. Of the $11.7 million deferred tax asset for credit and net operating loss carryforwards at June 30, 2008, the Company considers it unlikely that a portion of these tax benefits will be realized; a $4.4 million valuation allowance has been established against these respective deferred tax assets.
As of June 30, 2008, the Company had approximately $35.0 million of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries for which taxes have not been provided as the Company has invested or expects to invest these undistributed earnings indefinitely. If in the future these earnings are repatriated to the U.S., or if the Company determines such earnings will be remitted in the foreseeable future, additional tax provisions would be required. Due to complexities in the tax laws and the assumptions that would have to be made, it is not practicable to estimate the amounts of income taxes that might be payable if some or all of such earnings were to be remitted.
As disclosed in Note 2, the Company adopted the provisions of FIN No. 48 effective July 1, 2007. As a result, we recognized a decrease of approximately $0.1 million in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which was accounted for as a cumulative effect adjustment to reduce retained earnings. The total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits at the date of adoption was $2.6 million, including interest and penalties of $0.2 million. Included in this balance is $0.5 million that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate. Unrecognized tax benefits activity for the year ended June 30, 2008 is summarized below:
If all of the unrecognized tax benefits at June 30, 2008 were recognized, approximately $0.3 million would impact the effective tax rate.
The Company records interest and penalties on tax uncertainties as a component of the provision for income taxes. The Company recognized approximately $0.1 million of interest and penalties related to the above unrecognized
benefits within income tax expense for the year ended June 30, 2008. The Company had accrued approximately $0.4 million and $0.3 million for interest and penalties at the end of fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively.
The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various U.S. state jurisdictions and several foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2003. Given the uncertainty regarding when tax authorities will complete their examinations and the possible outcomes of their examinations, a current estimate of the range of reasonably possible significant increases or decreases of income tax that may occur within the next twelve months cannot be made. The Company’s federal income tax returns for fiscal years 2004 through 2006 are currently being audited by the Internal Revenue Service. Although proposed adjustments have not been received for these years and the outcome of in-progress tax audits is always uncertain, management believes the ultimate outcome of the audit will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
13. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred Stock
We are authorized to issue “blank check” preferred stock (up to 5 million shares) with such designations, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the Board of Directors is empowered to issue, without stockholder approval, preferred stock with dividends, liquidation, conversion, voting, or other rights which could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for distribution to holders of our Common Stock. At June 30, 2008 and 2007, no preferred stock was issued or outstanding.
Common Stock Issued - Business Acquisitions
As part of the Spectrum and Para Laboratories acquisitions consummated during fiscal 2006, a total of 998,092 common shares were issued to the sellers, valued at approximately $20.1 million in the aggregate. (See Note 6)
In connection with our strategic alliance with Yeo Hiap Seng, Limited, we issued 100,482 common shares in September 2005 valued at approximately $2.0 million and 196,464 common shares in May 2007 valued at approximately $6.0 million. (See Note 15)
14. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
The Company has various plans under which the Company’s officers, senior management, other key employees and directors may be granted options to purchase the Company’s common stock or other forms of equity-based awards. We had stock option and restricted stock awards outstanding under seven long-term incentive plans as of June 30, 2008.
2002 Long-Term Incentive and Stock Award Plan, as amended. In October 2002, we adopted the 2002 Long-Term Incentive and Stock Award Plan. The plan provides for the granting of stock options and other equity awards to employees, directors and consultants to purchase shares of our common stock. An aggregate of 1,600,000 shares of common stock were originally reserved for issuance under this plan. In December 2003, the plan was amended to increase the number of shares issuable by 1,500,000 shares and in November 2005, the plan was further amended to increase the number of shares issuable by 750,000 shares bringing the total shares issuable under this plan to 3,850,000. At the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the plan was amended to increase the number of shares issuable by 2,000,000 shares to 5,850,000 shares. All of the options granted to date under the plan have been incentive or non-qualified stock options providing for the exercise price equal to the fair market price at the date of grant and expiration ten years after the date of grant. Effective December 1, 2005, new stock option awards granted under the plan expire seven years after the date of grant. Vesting terms are determined at the discretion of the Company. No awards shall be granted under this plan after December 1, 2015. During fiscal years 2006 and 2007, no options were granted under this plan. During fiscal year 2008, options to purchase 590,839 shares were granted under this plan at a price of $30.35 per share, as well as 417,829 shares of restricted stock. At June
30, 2008, 1,945,185 options and 409,004 unvested restricted shares were outstanding under this plan. There were 1,233,351 options available for grant under this plan.
2000 Directors Stock Option Plan, as amended. In May 2000, we adopted the 2000 Directors Stock Option Plan. The plan originally provided for the granting of stock options to non-employee directors to purchase up to an aggregate of 750,000 shares of our common stock. In December 2003, the plan was amended to increase the number of shares issuable by 200,000 shares to 950,000 shares. All of the options granted to date under the plan have been non-qualified stock options providing for the exercise price equal to the fair market price at the date of grant and expiration ten years after the date of grant. Effective December 1, 2005, new awards granted under the plan will expire seven years after the date of grant. During fiscal years 2006, 2007 and 2008, no options were granted under this plan. At June 30, 2008, 482,500 options were outstanding. There were 264,500 options available for grant under this plan.
At June 30, 2008 there were 3,666,536 options outstanding that were granted under five other prior Hain and Celestial Seasonings plans. Although no further awards can be granted under those plans, the options outstanding continue in accordance with the terms of the respective plans.
Total stock-based compensation expenses included in selling, general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of income were $(1,871) for 2008, $1,031 for 2007 and $4,213 for 2006. At June 30, 2008 there was $14,759 of unrecognized compensation expense, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 3 years.
SFAS No. 123(R) requires that contractual commitments to issue stock options be recorded as compensation cost whether or not the options have been granted. The Company’s employment agreement with Irwin Simon, its Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), contains such a commitment; however the options which were to be awarded in July 2005, July 2006 and July 2007 were not granted at the those times. Under SFAS No. 123(R), regardless of whether the options are ever granted, either currently or in the future, a non-cash accounting expense is required to be recorded during the year leading up to the anticipated grant date under the contract. This period is defined in SFAS No. 123(R) as the “requisite service period.” The requisite service period related to the July 2005 un-granted options was completed on June 30, 2005, which was prior to the required implementation of SFAS No. 123(R) and, therefore, no expense has been recorded for the July 2005 options. The requisite service period related to the July 2006 un-granted options was completed during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006. On April 1, 2008, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors recommended and the Board approved equity grants and a cash payment to the Company’s CEO as a replacement for 900,000 un-granted stock options due to Mr. Simon under his employment agreement. The Board determined that Mr. Simon should receive the equivalent of the Black-Scholes value of the 900,000 options had they been granted when contractually due pursuant to Mr. Simon’s employment agreement on July 1, 2005, 2006 and 2007, aggregating $12,000 in value. Such amount was split equally whereby (a) 472,671 stock options were granted at an exercise price of $30.35 per share (equal to the closing market price of the stock on April 1, 2008) with a seven-year term that vest annually over four years, (b) 131,796 shares of restricted stock were granted that vest annually over three years and (c) a cash payment of $4,000 was made. The granting of the 900,000 stock options to Mr. Simon had been deferred due in part to the lack of shares available and in part pending the completion of a study on the appropriate manner of settling these awards. During fiscal year 2006 and in subsequent periods, the Company accrued amounts related to the July 1, 2006 un-granted options as required under SFAS No. 123(R). The Company had recognized $3,135 of compensation expense through the period ended March 31, 2008, which was reversed in the quarter ended June 30, 2008 as a result of the aforementioned replacement award.
Our CEO was granted options to purchase 125,000 shares of common stock at $4.8125 per share on June 30, 1997, pending approval of an increase in the number of shares available for grant (approved by shareholders on December 9, 1997). We incurred a straight line non-cash compensation charge of $46 annually over the ten-year vesting period ended June 30, 2007 based on the excess ($0.5 million) of the market value of the stock options ($8.50 per share) on December 9, 1997 over the $4.8125 per share market value on the date of grant.
A summary of our stock option plans’ activity for the three years ended June 30, 2008 follows:
The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pretax intrinsic value (the difference between the closing stock price on the last day of trading in the year ended June 30, 2008 and the exercise price) that would have been received by the option holders had all options been exercised on June 30, 2008. This value will change based on the fair market value of the Company’s common stock. The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $4.4 million during the year ended June 30, 2008, $12.0 million during the year ended June 30, 2007 and $7.5 million during the year ended June 30, 2006. During fiscal year 2008, the cash received from stock option exercises was $2.4 million. The tax benefit expected to be realized from the tax deductions for stock option exercises totaled $0.4 million for the year ended June 30, 2008 and is reflected as a component of shareholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheet.
The average fair value of options granted was $8.46 per share during the year ended June 30, 2008. The fair value was estimated using the Black-Sholes option pricing model based on the weighted average assumptions of:
Restricted stock
Awards of restricted stock may be either grants of restricted stock or restricted stock units that are issued at no cost to the recipient. For restricted stock grants, at the date of grant, the recipient has all rights of a stockholder, subject to certain restrictions on transferability and a risk of forfeiture. Restricted stock grants typically have been made with vesting over a three-year period beginning on the date of grant. For restricted stock units, legal ownership of the shares is not transferred to the employee until the unit vests, which is generally over a three-year period. The compensation cost of these awards is determined using the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant. Compensation expense for restricted stock awards with a service condition is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting term.
Non-vested Restricted Stock Activity - Non-vested restricted stock awards at June 30, 2008 and activities during Fiscal 2008 were as follows:
The total fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units granted during the year ended June 30, 2008 was $12.6 million. There were no awards of restricted stock or restricted stock units during the year ended June 30, 2007. Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards of $1.0 million is included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended June 30, 2008.
At June 30, 2008, $10.1 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, related to non-vested restricted stock awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.8 years.
In accordance with the terms of the employment agreement with our CEO, on February 24, 2004 we granted 150,000 shares of restricted common stock to our CEO. On the grant date, the market value of our common stock was $20.90 per share and, therefore, the total market value of the grant approximated $3.1 million. These shares vested ratably from the date of grant through expiration of the employment agreement on June 30, 2007. For the years ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, approximately $0.9 million and $0.9 million of compensation expense, respectively, are included in general and administrative expenses.
There were 8,001,076 shares of Common Stock reserved for future issuance in connection with stock based awards as of June 30, 2008.
15. EQUITY INVESTMENTS
On September 6, 2005, the Company and Yeo Hiap Seng Limited (“YHS”), a Singapore based natural food and beverage company listed on the Singapore Exchange, exchanged $2 million in equity investments in each other resulting in the issuance of an aggregate of 100,482 shares of the Company’s common stock to YHS and one of its subsidiaries and the issuance of 1,326,938 ordinary shares of YHS (representing less than 1% of the outstanding shares) to the Company. On May 30, 2007, the Company and YHS exchanged an additional $6 million in equity investments in each other, resulting in the issuance of an aggregate of 196,464 shares of the Company’s common stock to YHS and one of its subsidiaries and the issuance of 4,044,800 ordinary shares of YHS to the Company. The Company’s investment in YHS shares is carried at cost and is included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, since the Company is restricted from selling these shares before the second anniversary of the dates of purchase. In addition, YHS has granted to the Company an option to acquire up to 5% of its issued and outstanding shares, and the Company has granted to YHS an option to acquire a number of shares equal in value to the investment made by the Company. Each of the companies has a right of first refusal on the sale of its shares. These investments represent the continuation of an alliance between the Company and YHS to explore the expansion of distribution channels and geographical markets and to pursue joint interests in product development and marketing and distribution of food and beverages.
On June 30, 2006, the Company made an investment in Halo, Purely for Pets, Inc. (“Halo”), a company specializing in natural and organic pet food and pet products. The investment consisted of $1.6 million for which the Company received a 33.6% non-controlling interest in the joint venture. In September 2007, the Company disposed of this investment for approximately $1.7 million.
On August 2, 2007, the Company sold 50% its interest in a Belgium-based rice cakes manufacturing joint venture which it entered into at the beginning of fiscal 2007 for which the Company received approximately 1.8 million (approximately $2.4 million) in cash.
16. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER MATTERS
Leases
Our corporate headquarters is located in approximately 35,000 square feet of leased office space in Melville, New York, under a lease which expires in December 2012. In addition, the Company leases manufacturing and warehouse space under leases which expire through 2014. These leases provide for additional payments of real estate taxes and other operating expenses over a base period amount.
The aggregate minimum future lease payments for these operating leases at June 30, 2008, are as follows:
Rent expense charged to operations for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was approximately $8.9 million, $7.1 million and $5.4 million, respectively.
Defined Contribution Plans
We have a 401(k) Employee Retirement Plan (“Plan”) to provide retirement benefits for eligible employees. All full-time employees of Hain and our wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries that have attained the age of 21 are eligible to participate upon completion of 30 days of service. On an annual basis, we may, in our sole discretion, make certain matching contributions. For the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, we made contributions to the Plan of $0.4 million, $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
Our subsidiary, Hain Celestial Canada ULC, has its own separate Registered Retirement Employee Savings Plan for those employees residing in Canada. Employees of Hain Celestial Canada who meet eligibility requirements may participate in that plan.
Foreign Exchange Risk Management
We have no involvement with derivative financial instruments and do not use them for trading purposes. We may enter into foreign currency options or forward exchange contracts to hedge certain foreign currency transactions. The intent of this practice would be to minimize the impact of foreign exchange rate movements on our operating results. As of June 30, 2008, we had no outstanding forward exchange contracts.
During the year ended June 30, 2008 we realized approximately $2.3 million of foreign currency gains.
17. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, we are involved in litigation incidental to the ordinary conduct of our business.
A purported shareholder derivative action was filed against the Company (solely as a nominal defendant) and certain current and former officers and directors on September 21, 2006 in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Suffolk, alleging breaches of fiduciary duties and unjust enrichment in connection with the Company’s past stock option practices. The plaintiff seeks unspecified damages, disgorgement of options, attorneys’ fees and expenses, and other unspecified equitable relief from the defendants. A second purported shareholder derivative action was filed on October 31, 2006 in the same court, against substantially the same defendants and containing substantially the same allegations, adding a claim of breach of fiduciary duty. The two actions were consolidated by a Court Order dated March 3, 2008. In the consolidated complaint served on April 18, 2008, the defendant’s time to respond to the consolidated complaint has been extended, with the understanding that a date for such response will be set at a conference with the Court scheduled for October 22, 2008.
Disposition of pending litigation related to these matters is not expected by management to have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
On June 15, 2007 the Company announced that it had been informed by the SEC that it was conducting an informal inquiry into its stock option practices. The Company is cooperating with the SEC’s investigation.
18. SEGMENT INFORMATION
Our company is engaged in one business segment: the manufacturing, distribution and marketing of natural and organic food and personal care products. We define business segments as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated on a regular basis by our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”). Our chief operating decision maker is the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. Characteristics of our operations which are relied on in making this determination include the similarities apparent in the Company’s products in the natural and organic consumer markets, the commonality of the Company’s customers across brands, the Company’s unified marketing strategy, and the nature of the financial information used by the CODM, described below, other than information on sales and direct product costs, by brand. In making decisions about resource allocation and performance assessment, the Company’s CODM focuses on sales performance by brand using internally generated sales data as well as externally developed market consumption data acquired from independent sources, and further reviews certain data regarding standard costs and standard gross margins by brand. In making these decisions, the CODM receives and reviews certain Company consolidated quarterly and year-to-date information; however, the CODM does not receive or review any discrete financial information by geographic location, business unit, subsidiary, division or brand. The CODM reviews and approves capital spending on a Company consolidated basis rather than at any lower unit level.
The Company’s sales by product category are as follows:
The “other” category in the above table includes, but is not limited to, sales in such product categories as, meat alternative products and fresh prepared foods. Sales of each of these categories were less than 10% of total sales in each year.
Outside the United States, we primarily conduct business in Canada and Europe. Selected information related to our operations by geographic area is as follows:
(1) Includes $13,366 for the year ended June 30, 2007 and $13,965 for the year ended June 30, 2006 of sales made directly to customers in the United States, which for the year ended June 30, 2008 are now recorded in the United States.
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have reviewed our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon this review, these officers concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of the published financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2008. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee on Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment, we believe that, as of June 30, 2008, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.
The Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2008 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm who also audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Ernst & Young’s attestation report on management’s assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting follows.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Stockholders and Board of Directors of
The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
We have audited The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.’s (the “Company”) and Subsidiaries internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2008, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of June 30, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2008 of the Company and our report dated August 28, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/Ernst & Young LLP
Melville, New York
August 28, 2008
Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting.
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information
Not applicable.
PART III
Item 10, “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance of the Registrant,” Item 11, “Executive Compensation,” Item 12, “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters,” Item 13, “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence” and Item 14, “Principal Accountant Fees and Services” have been omitted from this report inasmuch as the Company will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report a definitive Proxy Statement for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company, at which meeting the stockholders will vote upon the election of the directors. This information in such Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a) (1) List of Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets-June 30, 2008 and 2007
Consolidated Statements of Income-Years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity-Years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows-Years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(2) List of Financial Statement Schedules
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Schedule II)
(3) List of Exhibits
a - Filed herewith
The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(1) Allowance for doubtful accounts at dates of acquisitions of acquired brands.
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.
THE HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP, INC.
By:
/s/ Irwin D. Simon
Irwin D. Simon
President, Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board of Directors
By:
/s/ Ira J. Lamel
Ira J. Lamel
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Date: August 29, 2008
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.