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| LNDC > SEC Filings for LNDC > Form 10-Q on 8-Apr-2009 | All Recent SEC Filings |
8-Apr-2009
Quarterly Report
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in Part I-Item 1 of this Form 10-Q and the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in Landec's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 25, 2008.
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this report are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those mentioned in this report and in particular the factors described below in Part II - Item 1A of this Form 10-Q and those mentioned in Landec's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 25, 2008. Landec undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this report.
Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
There have been no material changes to the Company's critical accounting policies which are included and described in the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 25, 2008 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 8, 2008.
The revenue recognition policy has been expanded as follows:
Revenue Recognition
Revenue from product sales is recognized when there is persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, title has transferred, the price is fixed and determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Allowances are established for estimated uncollectible amounts, product returns, and discounts.
Licensing revenue is recognized in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, Revenue Recognition (a replacement of SAB 101), (SAB 104). Initial license fees are deferred and amortized to revenue over the period of the agreement when a contract exists, the fee is fixed and determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Noncancellable, nonrefundable license fees are recognized over the period of the agreement, including those governing research and development activities and any related supply agreement entered into concurrently with the license when the risk associated with commercialization of a product is non-substantive at the outset of the arrangement.
Contract revenue for research and development (R&D) is recorded as earned, based on the performance requirements of the contract. Non-refundable contract fees for which no further performance obligations exist, and there is no continuing involvement by the Company, are recognized on the earlier of when the payments are received or when collection is assured.
The goodwill and other intangibles policy has been expanded as follows:
Goodwill and Other Intangibles
The Company's intangible assets are comprised primarily of goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives (collectively, "intangible assets"), which the Company recognized in accordance with the guidelines in SFAS No. 141, "Business Combinations" ("SFAS 141") (i) upon the acquisition, in December 1999, of all the assets of Apio, Inc. ("Apio"), which consists of the Food Products Technology and Commodity Trading reporting units and (ii) from the repurchase of all minority interests in the common stock of Landec Ag, Inc. ("Landec Ag"), a subsidiary of the Company, in December 2006. SFAS 141 defines goodwill as "the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the net of the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at date of acquisition." All intangible assets, including goodwill, associated with the Apio acquisition were allocated to the Food Products Technology reporting unit pursuant to SFAS 141 based upon the allocation of assets and liabilities acquired and consideration paid for the Food Products Technology reporting unit. The consideration paid for the Commodity Trading reporting unit approximated its fair market value at the time of acquisition, and therefore no intangible assets were recorded in connection with the Company's acquisition of this reporting unit. Goodwill associated with the Technology Licensing reporting unit consists entirely of goodwill resulting from the repurchase of the Landec Ag minority interests.
The Company tests its intangible assets for impairment at least annually, in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets ("SFAS 142"). When evaluating indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, SFAS 142 requires the Company to compare the fair value of the asset to its carrying value to determine if there is an impairment loss. When evaluating goodwill for impairment, SFAS 142 requires the Company to first compare the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value to determine if there is an impairment loss. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not considered impaired; thus application of the second step of the two-step approach in SFAS 142 is not required. Application of the intangible assets impairment tests requires significant judgment by management, including identification of reporting units, assignment of assets and liabilities to reporting units, assignment of intangible assets to reporting units, and the determination of the fair value of each indefinite-lived intangible asset and reporting unit based upon projections of future net cash flows, discount rates and market multiples, which judgments and projections are inherently uncertain.
The Company tested its intangible assets for impairment as of July 20, 2008 and determined that no adjustments to the carrying values of the intangible assets were necessary as of that date. On a quarterly basis, the Company considers the need to update its most recent annual tests for possible impairment of its intangible assets, based on management's assessment of changes in its business and other economic factors since the most recent annual evaluation. Such changes, if significant or material, could indicate a need to update the most recent annual tests for impairment of the intangible assets during the current period. The results of these tests could lead to write-downs of the carrying values of the intangible assets in the current period.
The Company uses the discounted cash flow ("DCF") approach to develop an estimate of fair value. The DCF approach recognizes that current value is premised on the expected receipt of future economic benefits. Indications of value are developed by discounting projected future net cash flows to their present value at a rate that reflects both the current return requirements of the market and the risks inherent in the specific investment. The market approach was not used to value the Food Products Technology and Technology Licensing reporting units (the "Reporting Units") because insufficient market comparables exist to enable the Company to develop a reasonable fair value of its intangible assets due to the unique nature of each of the Company's Reporting Units.
The DCF approach requires the Company to exercise judgment in determining future business and financial forecasts and the related estimates of future net cash flows. Future net cash flows depend primarily on future product sales, which are inherently difficult to predict. These net cash flows are discounted at a rate that reflects both the current return requirements of the market and the risks inherent in the specific investment.
The DCF associated with the Technology Licensing reporting unit is based on the Company's current license agreement with Monsanto (the "License Agreement"). Under the License Agreement, Landec Ag receives a license fee of $2.6 million in cash per year for five years beginning in December 2006, and a fee payable to Landec of $4.0 million if Monsanto elects to terminate the License Agreement, or $8.0 million if Monsanto elects to purchase all of the outstanding stock of Landec Ag. If the purchase option is exercised before the fifth anniversary of the License Agreement, or if Monsanto elects to terminate the License Agreement, all annual license fees that have not been paid to Landec Ag will become due upon the purchase or termination. As of May 25, 2008, the fair value of the Technology Licensing reporting unit, as determined by the DCF approach, is more than double its book value, and therefore, no intangible asset impairment was deemed to exist. The discount rate utilized approximates the risk free interest rate as the cash flow stream is guaranteed under the terms of the License Agreement. A 1% increase in the discount rate would result in approximately a 2% decline in the fair value of the reporting unit.
The DCF associated with the Food Products Technology reporting unit is based on management's five-year projection of revenues, gross profits and operating profits by fiscal year and assumes a 40% effective tax rate for each year. Management takes into account the historical trends of Apio and the industry categories in which Apio operates along with inflationary factors, current economic conditions, new product introductions, cost of sales, operating expenses, capital requirements and other relevant data when developing its projection. As of May 25, 2008, the fair value of the Food Products Technology reporting unit, as determined by the DCF approach, was more than triple its carrying value, and therefore, no intangible asset impairment was deemed to exist. A 1% increase in the discount rate would result in approximately a 4% decline in the fair value of the reporting unit. Therefore, even significant negative changes in the Company's revenue and margin projections for the Food Products Technology business or discount rate utilized would be unlikely to result in the impairment of the intangible assets of the Food Products Technology reporting unit as of May 25, 2008.
Although general economic conditions have deteriorated since May 25, 2008, management determined, after considering relevant facts and circumstances, that the deterioration in the economy had not significantly altered the previous assumptions for the Company's impairment testing. Thus, management concluded that it is not necessary to update impairment tests as of March 1, 2009. The Company will perform its routine comprehensive review of its intangible assets for impairment as of July 19, 2009 for the Food Products Technology and Technology Licensing segments.
The Company
Landec Corporation and its subsidiaries ("Landec" or the "Company") design, develop, manufacture and sell temperature-activated and other specialty polymer products for a variety of food products, agricultural products, and licensed partner applications. This proprietary polymer technology is the foundation, and a key differentiating advantage, upon which Landec has built its business.
Landec's core polymer products are based on its patented proprietary Intelimer polymers, which differ from other polymers in that they can be customized to abruptly change their physical characteristics when heated or cooled through a pre-set temperature switch. For instance, Intelimer polymers can change within the range of one or two degrees Celsius from a non-adhesive state to a highly tacky, adhesive state; from an impermeable state to a highly permeable state; or from a solid state to a viscous state. These abrupt changes are repeatedly reversible and can be tailored by Landec to occur at specific temperatures, thereby offering substantial competitive advantages in Landec's target markets.
Following the sale of Landec's former direct marketing and sales seed corn company, FCD, to Monsanto in fiscal year 2007, Landec now has three core businesses - Food Products Technology, Commodity Trading and Technology Licensing (see note 11 of the unaudited financial statements).
Our Food Products Technology business is operated through a subsidiary, Apio, Inc., and combines our proprietary food packaging technology with the capabilities of a large national food supplier and value-added produce processor. Value-added processing incorporates Landec's proprietary packaging technology with produce that is processed by washing, and in some cases cutting and mixing, resulting in packaged produce to achieve increased shelf life and reduced shrink (waste) and to eliminate the need for ice during the distribution cycle. This combination was consummated in 1999 when the Company acquired Apio, Inc. and certain related entities (collectively, "Apio").
Our Commodity Trading business is operated through Apio and combines Apio's export company, Cal Ex Trading Company ("Cal-Ex") with Apio's domestic buy-sell commodity business that purchases and sells whole fruit and vegetable products to Asia and domestically to Wal-Mart.
Our Technology Licensing business includes our proprietary Intellicoat seed coating technology which we have licensed to Monsanto and our Intelimer polymer business that licenses and/or supplies products outside of our Food Products Technology business to companies such as Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. ("Air Products") and Nitta Corporation ("Nitta").
Landec was incorporated on October 31, 1986. We completed our initial public
offering in 1996 and our Common Stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Select
Market under the symbol "LNDC." Our principal executive offices are located at
3603 Haven Avenue, Menlo Park, California 94025 and our telephone number is
(650) 306-1650.
Description of Core Business
Landec participates in three core business segments- Food Products Technology, Commodity Trading and Technology Licensing.
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Food Products Technology Business
The Company began marketing its proprietary Intelimer-based BreatheWay® membranes in 1996 for use in the fresh-cut produce packaging market, one of the fastest growing segments in the produce industry. Landec's proprietary BreatheWay packaging technology when combined with fresh-cut or whole produce results in packaged produce with increased shelf life and reduced shrink (waste) without the need for ice during the distribution cycle. The resulting products are referred to as "value-added" products. In 1999, the Company acquired Apio, its then largest customer in the Food Products Technology business and one of the nation's leading marketers and packers of produce and specialty packaged fresh-cut vegetables. Apio utilizes state-of-the-art fresh-cut produce processing technology and year-round access to specialty packaged produce products which Apio distributes to the top U.S. retail grocery chains, major club stores and to the foodservice industry. The Company's proprietary BreatheWay packaging business has been combined with Apio into a subsidiary that retains the Apio, Inc. name. This vertical integration within the Food Products Technology business gives Landec direct access to the large and growing fresh-cut and whole produce market. During the fiscal year ended May 25, 2008, Apio shipped more than nineteen million cartons of produce to leading supermarket retailers, wholesalers, foodservice suppliers and club stores throughout the United States and internationally, primarily in Asia.
There are four major distinguishing characteristics of Apio that provide competitive advantages in the Food Products Technology market:
· Value-Added Supplier: Apio has structured its business as a marketer and seller of fresh-cut and whole value-added produce. It is focused on selling products under its Eat Smart® brand and other brands for its fresh-cut and whole value-added products. As retail grocery and club store chains consolidate, Apio is well positioned as a single source of a broad range of products.
· Reduced Farming Risks: Apio reduces its farming risk by not taking ownership of farmland, and instead, contracts with growers for produce. The year-round sourcing of produce is a key component to the fresh-cut and whole value-added processing business.
· Lower Cost Structure: Apio has strategically invested in the rapidly growing fresh-cut and whole value-added business. Apio's 96,000 square foot value-added processing plant is automated with state-of-the-art vegetable processing equipment. Virtually all of Apio's value-added products utilize Apio's proprietary BreatheWay packaging technology. Apio's strategy is to operate one large central processing facility in one of California's largest, lowest cost growing regions (Santa Maria Valley) and use packaging technology to allow for the nationwide delivery of fresh produce products.
· Expanded Product Line Using Technology: Apio, through the use of its BreatheWay packaging technology, is introducing on average fifteen new value-added products each year. These new product offerings range from various sizes of fresh-cut bagged products, to vegetable trays, to whole produce, to vegetable salads and snack packs. During the last twelve months, Apio has introduced 24 new products.
Apio established its Apio Packaging division of the Food Products Technology business in 2005 to advance the sales of BreatheWay packaging technology for shelf-life sensitive vegetables and fruit. The technology also includes unique packaging solutions for produce in large packages including shipping and pallet-sized containers.
Apio Packaging's first program has concentrated on bananas and was formally consummated when Apio entered into an agreement to supply Chiquita Brands International, Inc. ("Chiquita") with its proprietary banana packaging technology on a worldwide basis for the ripening, conservation and shelf-life extension of bananas for most applications on an exclusive basis and for other applications on a non-exclusive basis. In addition, Apio provides Chiquita with ongoing research and development and process technology support for the BreatheWay membranes and bags, and technical service support throughout the customer chain in order to assist in the development and market acceptance of the technology.
For its part, Chiquita provides marketing, distribution and retail sales support for Chiquita® bananas sold worldwide in BreatheWay packaging. To maintain the exclusive license, Chiquita must meet quarterly minimum purchase thresholds of BreatheWay banana packages.
The initial market focus for the BreatheWay banana packaging technology using Chiquita bananas has been commercial outlets that normally do not sell bananas because of their short shelf-life - outlets such as quick serve restaurants, convenience stores and coffee chain outlets. Chiquita is currently developing packaging designs for bananas packaged with Landec's BreatheWay technology for sale in quick serve restaurants and retail grocery chains.
During fiscal year 2008, the Company expanded the use of its BreatheWay technology to avocados under an expanded licensing agreement with Chiquita. Commercial sales of avocados into the food service industry began in the fall of 2008 and retail grocery store trials recently began.
In May 2007, Apio entered into an 18-month research and development agreement with Natick Soldier Research, Development & Engineering Center, a branch of the U.S. Military, to develop commercial uses for Landec's BreatheWay packaging technology within the U.S. Military by significantly increasing the shelf life of produce for overseas shipments.
In June 2008, Apio entered into a collaboration agreement with Seminis Vegetable Seeds, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Monsanto, to develop novel broccoli and cauliflower products for the exclusive sale by Apio in the North American market. These novel products will be packaged in Landec's proprietary BreatheWay packaging and will be sold to retail grocery chains, club stores and the food service industry. Field trials for the initial target varieties began in the fall of 2008.
In addition, the Company has commercialized new lines of fresh cut vegetable side dishes, vegetable salads and vegetable snacks.
Commodity Trading Business
Commodity Trading revenues consist of revenues generated from the purchase and sale of primarily whole commodity fruit and vegetable products to Asia through Apio's export company, Cal-Ex and from the purchase and sale of whole commodity fruit and vegetable products domestically to Wal-Mart. The Commodity Trading business is a buy/sell business that realizes a commission-based margin on average in the 5-6% range.
Technology Licensing Businesses
The Technology and Market Opportunity: Intellicoat Seed Coatings
Following the sale of FCD, our strategy has been to work closely with Monsanto to further develop our patented, functional polymer coating technology that can be broadly sold and/or licensed to the seed industry. In accordance with our license, supply and R&D agreement with Monsanto, we are currently focused on commercializing products for the seed corn market and then plan to broaden the technology to other seed crop applications.
Landec's Intellicoat seed coating applications are designed to control seed germination timing, increase crop yields, reduce risks and extend crop-planting windows. These coatings are currently available on hybrid corn, soybeans and male inbred corn used for seed production. In fiscal year 2000, Landec Ag launched its first commercial product, Pollinator Plus† coatings, which is a coating application used by seed companies as a method for spreading pollination to increase yields and reduce risk in the production of hybrid seed corn. There are approximately 650,000 acres of seed production in the United States and in 2008 Pollinator Plus was used by 25 seed companies on approximately 17% of the seed corn production acres in the U.S.
Monsanto has formed a new business called the Seed Treatment Business which will allow Monsanto to develop its seed treatment requirements internally. The concept of seed treatments is to place an insecticide or fungicide directly onto the seed surface in order to protect the seed and the seedling as it emerges. Landec's Intellicoat seed coating technology could be an integral and proprietary part of Monsanto's commitment to building a major position in seed treatments worldwide by using Landec's seed coatings as a "carrier" of insecticides/fungicides which can be dispensed at the appropriate time based on time or soil temperature.
The Technology and Market Opportunity: Intelimer Polymer Applications
We believe our technology has commercial potential in a wide range of industrial, consumer and medical applications beyond those identified in our core businesses. For example, our core patented technology, Intelimer materials, can be used to trigger catalysts, insecticides or fragrances just by changing the temperature of the Intelimer materials or to activate adhesives through controlled temperature change. In order to exploit these opportunities, we have entered into and will enter into licensing and collaborative corporate agreements for product development and/or distribution in certain fields. However, given the infrequency and unpredictability of when the Company may enter into any such licensing and research and development arrangements, the Company is unable to disclose its financial expectations in advance of entering into such arrangements.
Industrial Materials and Adhesives
Landec's industrial product development strategy is to focus on coatings, catalysts, resins, additives and adhesives in the polymer materials market. During the product development stage, the Company identifies corporate partners to support the ongoing development and testing of these products, with the ultimate goal of licensing the applications at the appropriate time.
Intelimer Polymer Systems
Landec has developed latent catalysts useful in extending pot-life, extending shelf life, reducing waste and improving thermoset cure methods. Some of these latent catalysts are currently being distributed by Akzo-Nobel Chemicals B.V. through a licensing agreement with Air Products. The Company has also developed Intelimer polymer materials useful in enhancing the formulating options for various personal care products. The rights to develop and sell Landec's latent catalysts and personal care technologies were licensed to Air Products in March 2006.
Personal Care and Cosmetic Applications
Landec's personal care and cosmetic applications strategy is focused on supplying Intelimer materials to industry leaders for use in lotions and creams, and potentially color cosmetics, lipsticks and hair care. The Company's partner, Air Products, is currently shipping products to L'Oreal for use in lotions and creams.
Medical Applications
On December 23, 2005, Landec entered into a licensing agreement with Aesthetic Sciences Corporation ("Aesthetic Sciences") for the exclusive rights to use Landec's Intelimer materials technology for the development of dermal fillers worldwide. In exchange for the exclusive right to use Landec's Intelimer technology, the Company received shares of preferred stock valued at $1.8 million which as of March 1, 2009 represented a 17.3% ownership interest in Aesthetic Sciences. At this time, the Company is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of the collaboration with Aesthetic Sciences and the timing or amount of future revenues, if any.
Results of Operations
Revenues (in thousands):
Three months Three months Nine months Nine months
ended 3/1/09 ended 2/24/08 Change ended 3/1/09 ended 2/24/08 Change
Apio Value Added $ 43,936 $ 46,889 (6 )% $ 124,252 $ 125,547 (1 )%
Apio Packaging 586 1,873 (69 )% 2,055 2,203 (7 )%
Technology Subtotal 44,522 48,762 (9 )% 126,307 127,750 (1 )%
Apio Trading 7,650 8,974 (15 )% 52,301 48,279 8 %
Total Apio 52,172 57,736 (10 )% 178,608 176,029 1 %
Tech. Licensing 1,739 1,871 (7 )% 5,093 5,198 (2 )%
Total Revenues $ 53,911 $ 59,607 (10 )% $ 183,701 $ 181,227 1 %
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Apio Value Added
Apio's value-added revenues consist of revenues generated from the sale of specialty packaged fresh-cut and whole value-added processed vegetable products that are washed and packaged in our proprietary packaging and sold under Apio's Eat Smart brand and various private labels. In addition, value-added revenues include the revenues generated from Apio Cooling, LP, a vegetable cooling operation in which Apio is the general partner with a 60% ownership position.
The decrease in Apio's value-added revenues for the three and nine months ended . . .
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