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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
Quarterly Report Filed Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

     
For the quarterly (thirteen week) period ended June 26, 2004   Commission File Number 0-398

LANCE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

     
North Carolina
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  56-0292920
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
8600 South Boulevard
P.O. Box 32368
Charlotte, North Carolina
(Address of principal executive offices)
  28232
(Zip Code)

704-554-1421
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes x          No o

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes x          No o

     The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s $0.83-1/3 par value Common Stock, its only outstanding class of Common Stock, as of July 20, 2004, was 29,569,478 shares.

 


 

LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

             
        Page
       
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
       
 
       
 
Item 1. Financial Statements
       
 
       
   
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets — June 26, 2004 (Unaudited) and December 27, 2003
    3  
 
       
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) – Thirteen and Twenty-Six Weeks Ended June 26, 2004 and June 28, 2003
    4  
 
       
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) – Twenty-Six Weeks Ended June 26, 2004 and June 28, 2003
    5  
 
       
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) – Twenty-Six Weeks Ended June 26, 2004 and June 28, 2003
    6  
 
       
   
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
    7  
 
       
 
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
    12  
 
       
 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
    20  
 
       
 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
    20  
 
       
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
       
 
       
 
Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds
    21  
 
       
 
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
    21  
 
       
 
Item 5. Other Information
    21  
 
       
 
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
    21  
 
       
SIGNATURES
    23  

2


 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of June 26, 2004 (Unaudited) and December 27, 2003

(In thousands, except share data)

                       
          June 26,   December 27,
          2004   2003
         
 
ASSETS                
Current assets
               
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 21,817     $ 25,479  
 
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts)
    51,141       42,653  
 
Inventories
    26,771       24,269  
 
Prepaid income taxes
    667       1,907  
 
Deferred income tax benefit
    8,275       9,336  
 
Prepaid expenses and other
    4,508       3,727  
 
   
     
 
     
Total current assets
    113,179       107,371  
 
               
Other assets
               
 
Property, plant & equipment, net
    159,686       160,677  
 
Goodwill, net
    44,118       45,070  
 
Other intangible assets, net
    7,576       7,744  
 
Other assets
    2,915       2,785  
 
   
     
 
   
Total assets
  $ 327,474     $ 323,647  
 
   
     
 
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                
Current liabilities
               
 
Current portion of long-term debt
  $     $ 5,570  
 
Accounts payable
    15,341       12,059  
 
Accrued compensation
    14,275       15,161  
 
Accrued profit-sharing retirement plan
    1,993       3,904  
 
Accrual for insurance claims
    5,189       5,189  
 
Accrual for medical insurance claims
    2,872       2,882  
 
Income taxes payable
    5,253       2,156  
 
Other payables and accrued liabilities
    13,309       11,139  
 
   
     
 
     
Total current liabilities
    58,232       58,060  
 
   
     
 
Other liabilities and deferred credits
               
 
Long-term debt
    37,037       38,168  
 
Deferred income taxes
    25,561       27,455  
 
Accrued postretirement health care costs
    4,497       5,401  
 
Accrual for insurance claims
    8,076       7,296  
 
Other long-term liabilities
    4,519       4,667  
 
   
     
 
     
Total other liabilities and deferred credits
    79,690       82,987  
 
   
     
 
Stockholders’ equity
               
 
Common stock, $0.83 1/3 par value (authorized: 75,000,000 shares; 29,540,526 and 29,156,957 shares outstanding at June 26, 2004 and December 27, 2003)
    24,616       24,296  
 
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value (authorized: 5,000,000 shares; 0 shares outstanding at June 26, 2004 and December 27, 2003)
           
 
Additional paid-in capital
    8,526       3,690  
 
Unamortized portion of restricted stock awards
    (444 )     (1,116 )
 
Retained earnings
    156,271       155,007  
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    583       723  
 
   
     
 
     
Total stockholders’ equity
    189,552       182,600  
 
   
     
 
   
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 327,474     $ 323,647  
 
   
     
 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

3


 

LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
For the Thirteen and Twenty-Six Weeks Ended June 26, 2004 and June 28, 2003

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

                                   
      Thirteen   Thirteen   Twenty-Six   Twenty-Six
      Weeks Ended   Weeks Ended   Weeks Ended   Weeks Ended
      June 26, 2004   June 28, 2003   June 26, 2004   June 28, 2003
     
 
 
 
Net sales and other operating revenue
  $ 152,064     $ 143,647     $ 296,160     $ 276,506  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Cost of sales and operating expenses:
                               
Cost of sales
    81,176       73,593       160,298       144,633  
Selling, marketing and delivery
    51,254       49,023       101,272       99,459  
General and administrative
    7,861       6,666       15,261       14,437  
Provisions for employees’ retirement plans
    1,113       1,031       1,932       2,111  
Amortization of intangibles
          192       167       370  
Loss on asset impairment
                      6,354  
Other (income)/expense, net
    (52 )     209       (252 )     379  
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
Total costs and expenses
    141,352       130,714       278,678       267,743  
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
                               
Earnings before interest and income taxes
    10,712       12,933       17,482       8,763  
 
                               
Interest expense, net
    596       849       1,359       1,532  
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
                               
Earnings before income taxes
    10,116       12,084       16,123       7,231  
 
                               
Income taxes
    3,442       4,280       5,466       2,479  
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
                               
Net income
  $ 6,674     $ 7,804     $ 10,657     $ 4,752  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Earnings per share
                               
 
Basic
  $ 0.23     $ 0.27     $ 0.36     $ 0.16  
 
Diluted
  $ 0.22     $ 0.27     $ 0.36     $ 0.16  
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding — basic
    29,432,000       29,134,000       29,309,000       29,116,000  
 
Weighted average shares outstanding — diluted
    29,751,000       29,208,000       29,636,000       29,254,000  

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

4


 

LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited) For the Twenty-Six Weeks Ended June 26, 2004 and June 28, 2003

(In thousands, except share data)

                                                           
                              Unamortized                        
                              Portion of           Accumulated        
                      Additional   Restricted           Other        
              Common   Paid-in   Stock   Retained   Comprehensive        
      Shares   Stock   Capital   Awards   Earnings   Income (Loss)   Total
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 28, 2002
    29,098,582     $ 24,248     $ 3,025     $ (693 )   $ 155,372     $ (1,411 )   $ 180,541  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
 
Net income
                            4,752             4,752  
 
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap, net of tax effect of $(36)
                                  (60 )     (60 )
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                                  1,709       1,709  
 
                                                   
 
 
Total comprehensive income
                                                    6,401  
 
                                                   
 
 
                                                       
Cash dividends paid to stockholders
                            (9,316 )           (9,316 )
 
                                                       
Issuance of restricted stock, net of cancellations
    35,100       30       89       (238 )                 (119 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
                                                       
Balance, June 28, 2003
    29,133,682     $ 24,278     $ 3,114     $ (931 )   $ 150,808     $ 238     $ 177,507  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
                                                       
Balance, December 27, 2003
    29,156,957     $ 24,296     $ 3,690     $ (1,116 )   $ 155,007     $ 723     $ 182,600  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
 
Net income
                            10,657             10,657  
 
Unrealized gain on interest rate swap, net of tax effect of $160
                                  271       271  
 
Unrealized loss on forward exchange contracts, net of tax effect of $(74)
                                  (133 )     (133 )
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                                  (278 )     (278 )
 
                                                   
 
 
Total comprehensive income
                                                    10,517  
 
                                                   
 
 
                                                       
Cash dividends paid to stockholders
                            (9,393 )           (9,393 )
 
                                                       
Stock options exercised
    411,769       343       5,211                         5,554  
 
                                                       
Issuance of restricted stock, net of cancellations
    (28,200 )     (23 )     (375 )     672                   274  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
                                                       
Balance, June 26, 2004
    29,540,526     $ 24,616     $ 8,526     $ (444 )   $ 156,271     $ 583     $ 189,552  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

5


 

LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
For the Twenty-Six Weeks Ended June 26, 2004 and June 28, 2003

(In thousands)

                     
        Twenty-Six Weeks   Twenty-Six Weeks
        Ended   Ended
        June 26, 2004   June 28, 2003
       
 
Operating Activities
               
 
Net income
  $ 10,657     $ 4,752  
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
               
   
Depreciation and amortization
    15,074       14,838  
   
Loss on asset impairment
          6,354  
   
Gain on sale of property, net
    (326 )     (167 )
   
Deferred income taxes
    (831 )     (5,369 )
   
Imputed interest on deferred notes
    97       162  
   
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
    (4,492 )     2,077  
 
   
     
 
Net cash flow provided by operating activities
    20,179       22,647  
 
   
     
 
Investing Activities
               
 
Purchases of property and equipment
    (14,426 )     (10,716 )
 
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
    620       439  
 
   
     
 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (13,806 )     (10,277 )
 
   
     
 
Financing Activities
               
 
Dividends paid
    (9,393 )     (9,316 )
 
Issuance of common stock, net
    4,926        
 
Repayments of debt
    (5,648 )     (55 )
 
   
     
 
Net cash used in financing activities
    (10,115 )     (9,371 )
 
   
     
 
 
               
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    80       595  
 
   
     
 
(Decrease)/Increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (3,662 )     3,594  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    25,479       3,023  
 
   
     
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 21,817     $ 6,617  
 
   
     
 
Supplemental cash flow information:
               
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds of $850 and $0, respectively
  $ 1,292     $ 3,048  
Cash paid for interest
  $ 1,224     $ 1,134  
Stock option exercise tax benefit included in Stockholders’ equity
  $ 628     $  

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

6


 

LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

  1.   The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Lance, Inc. (the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. These condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 2003 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 20, 2004. In the opinion of the Company, these condensed financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of only normal, recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the condensed consolidated financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries as of June 26, 2004 and December 27, 2003, and the condensed consolidated statements of income for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2004 and June 28, 2003 and the condensed statements of stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income and cash flows for the twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2004 and June 28, 2003. Certain prior year amounts shown in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been reclassified for consistent presentation.
 
  2.   The consolidated results of operations for the twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full year.
 
  3.   Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Examples include customer programs, customer returns and promotions, provisions for bad debts, inventories, useful lives of fixed assets, hedge transactions, supplemental retirement benefits, investments, intangible assets, incentive compensation, income taxes, insurance, post-retirement benefits, contingencies and litigation. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
 
  4.   The principal raw materials used in the manufacture of the Company’s snack food products are flour, vegetable oils, sugar, potatoes, nuts, peanut butter, cheese and seasonings. The principal supplies used are flexible film, cartons, trays, boxes and bags. These raw materials and supplies are generally available in adequate quantities in the open market either from sources in the United States or from other countries and are generally contracted up to a year in advance.
 
  5.   The Company utilizes the dollar value last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of determining the cost of the majority of its inventories. Because inventory calculations under the LIFO method are based on annual determinations, the determination of interim LIFO valuations requires that estimates be made of year-end costs and levels of inventories. The possibility of variation between estimated year-end costs and levels of LIFO inventories and the actual year-end amounts may materially affect the results of operations as finally determined for the full year.

7


 

LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

      Inventories consist of (in thousands):

                 
       June 26,      December 27,
    2004   2003
   
 
Finished goods
  $ 19,602     $ 17,136  
Raw materials
    3,528       3,303  
Supplies, etc.
    8,073       8,020  
 
   
     
 
Total inventories at FIFO cost
    31,203       28,459  
Less: Adjustments to reduce FIFO cost to LIFO cost
    (4,432 )     (4,190 )
 
   
     
 
Total inventories
  $ 26,771     $ 24,269  
 
   
     
 

  6.   The following table provides a reconciliation of the denominator used in computing basic earnings per share to the denominator used in computing diluted earnings per share for the thirteen weeks ended June 26, 2004 and June 28, 2003 (there were no reconciling items for the numerator amounts of basic and diluted earnings per share):

                 
    June 26, 2004   June 28, 2003
   
 
Weighted average number of common shares used in computing basic earnings per share
    29,432,000       29,134,000  
 
               
Effect of dilutive stock options and non-vested restricted stock
    319,000       74,000  
 
   
     
 
 
               
Weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common stock used in computing diluted earnings per share
    29,751,000       29,208,000  
 
   
     
 
 
               
Stock options excluded from the above reconciliation because they are anti-dilutive
    1,150,000       2,766,000  
 
   
     
 

  7.   During the twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2004 and June 28, 2003, the Company included in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) an unrealized (loss)/gain due to foreign currency translation of ($0.3 million) and $1.7 million, respectively. Income taxes on the foreign currency translation adjustment in other comprehensive income were not recognized because the earnings are intended to be indefinitely reinvested in those operations. Also included in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) for the twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2004 and June 28, 2003, was an unrealized gain/(loss) of $138,000, net of tax effect of $86,000, and ($60,000), net of tax effect of ($36,000), respectively, related to an interest rate swap and forward exchange contracts accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 133.
 
  8.   During the twenty-six weeks ended June 28, 2003, the Company recorded severance charges of $1.2 million related to a workforce reduction. Severance charges are included in general and administrative expenses ($0.7 million), costs of goods sold ($0.2 million) and selling, marketing and delivery expenses ($0.3 million) on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income.

8


 

LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

  9.   During the twenty-six weeks ended June 28, 2003, the Company discontinued distribution of its mini-sandwich cracker product line through its route sales system. The discontinuation resulted in pre-tax charges of approximately $8.4 million for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2003. These charges include a fixed asset impairment of $6.4 million, which is shown as a loss on asset impairment on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The assets are classified as held for use and are included in Property, Plant and Equipment in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, provisions for inventory-related items of $1.4 million were included in cost of sales, provisions for sales returns of $0.5 million were included in net sales and other operating revenue and provisions for selling and marketing expenses of $0.1 million were included in selling, marketing and delivery expenses. The fixed asset impairment was accounted for under the provisions of Statements of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” Discontinuation of the product line resulted in the performance of a recoverability test to determine if an impairment charge was needed. The fair value of the impaired assets was determined based on historical sales of comparable assets.
 
  10.   In 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” which requires that goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives no longer be amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142. The criteria provided in SFAS No. 142 require the testing of impairment based on fair value. The Company tests goodwill and intangible assets for impairment, no less than annually, as required under the provisions of SFAS No. 142. These tests indicated that there was no impairment of goodwill or intangible assets. SFAS No. 142 also requires that intangible assets with estimable useful lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values.
 
      As of June 26, 2004, the Company had trademarks with a carrying value of $7.6 million. Trademarks are deemed to have an indefinite useful life because they are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely. Therefore, under the provisions of SFAS 142, the trademarks are no longer amortized.
 
      The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2004 are as follows:

         
(in thousands)   Gross Carrying Amount

 
Balance as of December 27, 2003
  $ 45,070  
Changes in foreign currency exchange rates
    (952 )
 
   
 
Balance as of June 26, 2004
  $ 44,118  
 
   
 

9


 

LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

  11.   Sales to the Company’s largest customer (Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.) were approximately 18.2% of revenue for the twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2004 and 15.3% of revenue for the twenty-six weeks ended June 28, 2003. Accounts receivable at June 26, 2004 and December 27, 2003 included receivables from Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. totaling $12.0 million and $10.3 million, respectively.
 
  12.   The Company’s total bad debt expense for the thirteen weeks ended June 26, 2004 and June 28, 2003 was $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively. For the twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2004 and June 28, 2003, total bad debt expense was $0.6 million and $0.5 million, respectively.
 
  13.   The Company has adopted SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” which permits entities to recognize as expense over the vesting period the fair value of all stock option awards on the date of grant. Alternatively, SFAS No. 123 also allows entities to continue to apply the intrinsic value-based method of accounting prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations including FASB Interpretation No. 44, “Accounting for Certain Transactions involving Stock Based Compensation, an interpretation of APB Opinion No. 25.” The Company has elected to continue to apply the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25 and provide the pro forma net income and pro forma earnings per share disclosures for employee stock options as if the fair value based method defined under the provisions of SFAS No. 123 had been applied. The Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 in accounting for its plans and, accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for its stock options in the financial statements. The table below presents the pro-forma net income effect of the options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model prescribed under SFAS No. 123.

                 
    For the thirteen weeks ended
   
(in thousands, except per share data)   June 26, 2004   June 28, 2003

Net income as reported
  $ 6,674     $ 7,804  
Earnings per share as reported — basic
  $ 0.23     $ 0.27  
Earnings per share as reported — diluted
  $ 0.22     $ 0.27  
 
               
Stock based compensation costs, net of income tax, that would have been included in net income if the fair value method had been applied
  $ 102     $ 56  
Pro-forma net income
  $ 6,572     $ 7,748  
Pro-forma earnings per share — basic
  $ 0.22     $ 0.27  
Pro-forma earnings per share — diluted
  $ 0.22     $ 0.27  

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LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

                 
    For the twenty-six weeks ended
   
(in thousands, except per share data)   June 26, 2004   June 28, 2003

Net income as reported
  $ 10,657     $ 4,752  
Earnings per share as reported — basic
  $ 0.36     $ 0.16  
Earnings per share as reported — diluted
  $ 0.36     $ 0.16  
 
               
Stock based compensation costs, net of income tax, that would have been included in net income if the fair value method had been applied
  $ 157     $ 192  
Pro-forma net income
  $ 10,500     $ 4,560  
Pro-forma earnings per share — basic
  $ 0.36     $ 0.16  
Pro-forma earnings per share — diluted
  $ 0.35     $ 0.16  

  14.   The Company entered into a long-term guaranteed payment commitment during 1999 with a supplier. Under the terms of this agreement, to the extent the Company’s purchases exceed an agreed upon amount, no additional amount is due from the Company. However, if purchases are below this amount, the Company is required to compensate the supplier. In addition, the Company has provided a guarantee to a third party for fixed asset financing for the supplier. The maximum annual payment guarantees to both the supplier and third party are $0.8 million per year through 2007 and $0.2 million in 2008. The total amount outstanding under these guarantees was $3.3 million as of June 26, 2004. For the quarters ended June 26, 2004 and June 28, 2003, the Company paid $73,000 and $117,000, respectively, related to the minimum guarantees under this commitment.
 
  15.   Net periodic benefit cost (benefit) for the Company’s post-retirement medical benefit plan for the twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2004 and June 28, 2003 consists of the following:

                 
    For the twenty-six weeks ended
   
(in thousands)   June 26, 2004   June 28, 2003

Components of net periodic benefit cost
               
Service cost
  $ 46     $ 84  
Interest cost
    68       92  
Recognition of prior service costs
    (125 )     (242 )
Recognized net gain
    (489 )     (447 )

Net periodic benefit
  $ (500 )   $ (513 )

      For the twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2004, the Company paid $0.6 million in retiree benefit claims and received $0.2 million in plan participant contributions.

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LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

    Management’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments about future events that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, management’s determination of estimates and judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities requires the exercise of judgment in the selection and application of assumptions based on various factors, including historical experience, current and expected economic conditions and other factors believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Company routinely evaluates its estimates, including those related to customer programs, customer returns and promotions, provisions for bad debts, inventories, useful lives of fixed assets, hedge transactions, supplemental retirement benefits, investments, intangible assets, incentive compensation, income taxes, insurance, post-retirement benefits, contingencies and litigation. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
 
    Results of Operations
 
    Thirteen Weeks Ended June 26, 2004 Compared to Thirteen Weeks Ended June 28, 2003

                                                   
      Thirteen weeks ended                
     
               
      June 26,   June 28,                
($ In thousands)   2004   2003   Difference

Revenue
  $ 152,064       100.0 %   $ 143,647       100.0 %   $ 8,417       5.9 %
Cost of sales
    81,176       53.4 %     73,593       51.2 %     (7,583 )     (10.3 %)

 
Gross margin
    70,888       46.6 %     70,054       48.8 %     834       1.2 %
Selling, marketing and delivery expenses
    51,254       33.7 %     49,023       34.1 %     (2,231 )     (4.6 %)
General and administrative expenses
    7,861       5.2 %     6,666       4.7 %     (1,195 )     (17.9 %)
Provision for employees’ retirement plans
    1,113       0.7 %     1,031       0.7 %     (82 )     (8.0 %)
Amortization of intangibles
          0 %     192       0.1 %     192       100.0 %
Other (income) expense, net
    (52 )     0 %     209       0.2 %     261       124.9 %

Earnings before interest and taxes
    10,712       7.0 %     12,933       9.0 %     (2,221 )     (17.2 %)
Interest expense, net
    596       0.4 %     849       0.6 %     253       29.8 %
Income taxes
    3,442       2.3 %     4,280       3.0 %     838       19.6 %

 
Net income
  $ 6,674       4.4 %   $ 7,804       5.4 %   $ (1,130 )     (14.5 %)

    Revenue for the thirteen weeks ended June 26, 2004 increased $8.4 million or 5.9% compared to the thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2003. The Company’s non-branded product revenue increased $7.8 million or 15.3% and branded revenue increased $0.6 million. The branded product revenue increase was driven by growth in sales of sandwich crackers and cookies ($1.7 million), nut products ($1.0 million) and salty snacks ($0.8 million). These increases were largely offset by reductions in revenue from sales of meat products ($0.9 million), cakes ($0.9 million), restaurant style crackers ($0.6 million) and candy ($0.5 million). The non-branded product revenue increase of $7.8 million was driven by continued private label sales growth ($5.0 million) and increased sales to other manufacturers ($2.8 million). The private label revenue increase was driven by increased sales to a major customer ($3.0 million) and expansion of the private label customer base due to increased sales development activities as well as discontinuation of a competitor’s operations.

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LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

    The Company expects modest revenue growth in the last half of the year, as pressure on branded sales from the route sales system realignment is more than offset by continued growth in non-branded products. This is a forward-looking statement subject to the risk factors described below.
 
    For the thirteen weeks ended June 26, 2004, sales of the Company’s branded products represented 61% of total revenue, private label sales represented 26%, sales to other manufacturers represented 9% and sales of third-party brands represented 4%. For the thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2003, sales of the Company’s branded products represented 64% of total revenue, private label sales represented 23%, sales to other manufacturers represented 8% and sales of third-party brands represented 5%.
 
    Gross margin increased $0.8 million compared to the prior thirteen week period as increased volume ($3.7 million) and improved manufacturing efficiencies ($1.0 million) more than offset net unfavorable commodity and packaging costs ($2.1 million), unfavorable mix ($1.6 million) and changes in pricing and promotions ($0.2 million). Gross margin as a percent of revenue declined 2.2 points driven by a higher mix of non-branded product sales and increased commodity costs. In the second half of the year, the Company expects lower gross margin as compared to the last half of 2003 due to higher commodity costs and changing sales mix.
 
    Selling, marketing and delivery expenses increased $2.2 million compared to prior year principally due to increased incentive compensation ($0.8 million), freight charges ($0.7 million) and advertising expenses ($0.7 million). The Company expects selling, marketing and delivery expenses to remain above prior year’s levels for the remainder of 2004, reflecting higher sales volume, continued investment in the route sales system realignment process and higher advertising expenses.
 
    General and administrative expenses increased $1.2 million from the prior year due to increased incentive compensation provisions linked to improved full-year financial performance.
 
    Other income includes foreign currency gains and losses and gains on the disposition of fixed assets. During the thirteen weeks ended June 26, 2004 foreign currency losses were $0.1 million compared to $0.4 million for the thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2003.
 
    Interest expense decreased $0.3 million compared to the prior year due to lower debt levels. See discussion in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section below.
 
    The effective income tax rate decreased from 35.4% for the thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2003 to 34.0% for the thirteen weeks ended June 26, 2004. The reduction in the tax rate reflects an increase in the utilization of tax credits, net operating loss carry-backs, favorable tax adjustments and a favorable mix of earnings among the consolidated entities.

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LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

    Twenty-Six Weeks Ended June 26, 2004 Compared to Twenty-Six Weeks Ended June 28, 2003

                                                 
    Twenty-Six weeks ended                
   
               
    June 26,   June 28,                
($ In thousands)   2004   2003   Difference

Revenue
  $ 296,160       100.0 %   $ 276,506       100.0 %   $ 19,654       7.1 %
Cost of sales
    160,298       54.1 %     144,633       52.3 %     (15,665 )     (10.8 %)

   Gross margin
    135,862       45.9 %     131,873       47.7 %     3,989       3.0 %
Selling, marketing and delivery expenses
    101,272       34.2 %     99,459       36.0 %     (1,813 )     (1.8 %)
General and administrative expenses
    15,261       5.2 %     14,437       5.2 %     (824 )     (5.7 %)
Provision for employees’ retirement plans
    1,932       0.7 %     2,111       0.8 %     179       8.5 %
Amortization of intangibles
    167       0.1 %     370       0.1 %     203       54.9 %
Loss on asset impairment
          0 %     6,354       2.3 %     6,354       100.0 %
Other (income) expense, net
    (252 )     (0.1 %)     379       0.1 %     631       166.5 %

Earnings before interest and taxes
    17,482       5.9 %     8,763       3.2 %     8,719       99.5 %
Interest expense, net
    1,359       0.5 %     1,532       0.6 %     173       11.3 %
Income taxes
    5,466       1.8 %     2,479       0.9 %     (2,987 )     (120.5 %)

   Net income
  $ 10,657       3.6 %   $ 4,752       1.7 %   $ 5,905       124.3 %

    During the twenty-six weeks ended June 28, 2003, the Company recorded pre-tax charges of $8.4 million due to discontinuing route sales distribution of its mini-sandwich cracker product line. These discontinuation charges included $6.4 million for fixed asset impairment and other charges recorded in revenue ($0.5 million), cost of sales ($1.4 million) and selling, marketing and delivery expenses ($0.1 million). In addition, the Company recorded severance charges of $1.2 million related to a workforce reduction announced in February of 2003. Severance charges were recorded in cost of sales ($0.2 million), selling marketing and delivery expenses ($0.3 million) and general and administrative expenses ($0.7 million). During the twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2004, the Company recorded additional severance charges of approximately $0.4 million.
 
    Revenue for the twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2004 increased $19.7 million or 7.1% compared to the twenty-six weeks ended June 28, 2003. The Company’s non-branded product revenue increased $20.8 million or 21.6% while branded product revenue declined $1.1 million.
 
    The branded product decline was primarily due to lower revenue from sales of meat products ($2.0 million), cakes ($1.9 million), candy ($1.0 million) and restaurant style crackers ($0.7 million) partially offset by increases in sales of nuts ($2.0 million), sandwich crackers ($1.6 million) and salty snacks ($0.9 million).
 
    The non-branded product increase of $20.8 million resulted from continued private label sales growth ($17.9 million), increased sales of third-party brands ($1.8 million) and increased sales to other manufacturers ($1.1 million). The private label revenue increase was driven by increased sales to a major customer ($6.7 million) and expansion of the private label customer base due to increased sales development activities as well as discontinuation of a competitor’s operations.
 
    For the twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2004, sales of the Company’s branded products represented 60% of total revenue, private label sales represented 28%, sales to other manufacturers represented 7% and sales of third-party brands represented 5%. For the twenty-six weeks ended June 28, 2003, sales of the Company’s branded product represented 65% of total revenue, private label sales represented 23%, sales to other manufacturers represented 7% and sales of third-party brands represented 5%.

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LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

    Gross margin increased $4.0 million but decreased 1.8 points as a percentage of revenue compared to the prior twenty-six week period. Excluding the impact of severance and product discontinuation discussed above of $2.1 million, gross margin increased $1.9 million. The increase was due to increased volume ($7.5 million), manufacturing efficiencies ($1.5 million) and pricing and promotions ($1.1 million) partially offset by unfavorable mix ($4.7 million) and a net increase in commodities and packaging costs ($3.3 million).
 
    Selling, marketing and delivery expenses increased $1.8 million compared to the prior year. The increase in expenses was primarily due to increased freight charges ($1.6 million), incentive compensation ($1.3 million) and advertising expenses ($1.1 million) offset by reductions in expenses associated with the route sales system ($1.8 million) and various other expenses ($0.4 million).
 
    General and administrative expenses increased $0.8 million from the prior year principally due to increased incentive compensation ($1.5 million) offset by reductions in severance charges ($0.4 million) and salaries ($0.3 million).
 
    The effective tax rate decreased from 34.3% for the twenty-six weeks ended June 28, 2003 to 33.9% for the twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2004. The reduction in the tax rate reflects an increase in the utilization of tax credits, net operating loss carry-backs, favorable tax adjustments and a favorable mix of earnings among the consolidated entities.
 
    LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
    Liquidity
For the twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2004, the principal sources of liquidity for the Company’s operating needs were provided from operating activities. Cash flows from operating activities are believed to be sufficient for the foreseeable future to enable the Company to meet its obligations, to fund capital expenditures and to pay dividends. As of June 26, 2004, cash and cash equivalents totaled $21.8 million.
 
    Cash Flow
Net cash flow provided by operating activities was $20.2 million for the twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2004. Net cash flow provided by operating activities was $22.6 million for the twenty-six weeks ended June 28, 2003. The $2.4 million decrease was primarily due to increased working capital requirements related to a 5.9% revenue increase for the thirteen weeks ended June 26, 2004 compared to the thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2003. Working capital (other than cash and cash equivalents and current maturities of long-term debt) increased to $33.1 million from $29.4 million at December 27, 2003.
 
    Net cash flow used in investing activities was $13.8 million for the twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2004. Cash expenditures for fixed assets and other capital expenditures (principally manufacturing equipment, step-vans for field sales representatives and sales displays) totaled $14.4 million, partially funded by proceeds from the sale of real and personal property of $0.6 million.
 
    Cash used in financing activities for the twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2004 and June 28, 2003 totaled $10.1 million and $9.4 million, respectively. During the twenty-six weeks ended June 26,

15


 

LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

    2004 and June 28, 2003 the Company paid dividends of $0.16 per share totaling $9.4 million and $9.3 million, respectively. During the twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2004, proceeds from the issuance of 411,769 shares of common stock from the exercise of non-qualified stock options provided cash of $4.9 million. During the twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2004, cash used for the retirement of the current portion of long-term debt was $5.6 million.
 
    Stock Repurchases
On January 29, 2004, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock. For the twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2004 and June 28, 2003, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock and currently has no active program for the repurchase of shares of its common stock.
 
    Dividends
On July 22, 2004, the Board of Directors declared a $0.16 regular quarterly cash dividend payable on August 20, 2004 to stockholders of record on August 10, 2004.
 
    Capital Expenditures
The Company’s capital expenditures are expected to continue at a level sufficient to support its strategic and operating needs. Projected 2004 capital expenditures of $30 to $35 million will be funded by net cash flow from operating activities and cash on hand. There were no material long-term commitments for capital expenditures as of June 26, 2004.
 
    Debt
Through the Company’s unsecured revolving credit agreement, the Company has the ability to borrow up to $60 million and Canadian (“Cdn”) $25 million through February 2007. At June 26, 2004 and December 27, 2003, there were no amounts outstanding on these revolving credit facilities. Borrowing and repayments under these revolving credit facilities are similar in nature to short-term credit lines; however, due to the nature and terms of the agreements allowing repayment through February 2007, all borrowings under these facilities are generally classified as long-term debt.
 
    At June 26, 2004 and December 27, 2003, the Company had the following debt outstanding:

                 
    June 26,   December 27,
(in thousands)   2004   2003

Cdn $50 million unsecured term loan
  $ 37,037       38,168  
Deferred notes payable
          5,570  

 
               
Total debt
    37,037       43,738  
Less: current portion of long-term debt
          (5,570 )

Total long-term debt
  $ 37,037     $ 38,168  

    As of June 26, 2004, cash and cash equivalents totaled $21.8 million. Additional borrowings available under all credit facilities totaled $78.2 million. The Company has complied with all financial covenants contained in the financing agreements.

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LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

    The carrying amount of the long-term debt, which is denominated in Canadian dollars, decreased by $6.7 million from December 27, 2003 due to repayment of the deferred notes of $5.6 million and changes in the US dollar – Canadian dollar foreign exchange rate of $1.1 million.
 
    The Company also maintains standby letters of credit in connection with its self-insurance reserves for casualty claims. The total amount of these letters of credit was $13.1 million as of June 26, 2004.
 
    Commitments and Contingencies
The Company leases certain facilities and equipment classified as operating leases. The future minimum lease commitments for operating leases as of June 26, 2004 were $2.7 million.
 
    The Company has entered into agreements with suppliers for the purchase of certain commodities and packaging materials used in the production process. These agreements are entered into in the normal course of business and consist of agreements to purchase a certain quantity over a certain period of time. As of June 26, 2004, the Company had outstanding purchase commitments totaling approximately $36.3 million. These commitments range in length from a few weeks to 15 months.
 
    Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
    The Company entered into a long-term guaranteed payment commitment during 1999 with a supplier. Under the terms of this agreement, to the extent the Company’s purchases exceed an agreed upon amount, no additional amount is due from the Company. However, if purchases are below this amount, the Company is required to compensate the supplier. In addition, the Company has provided a guarantee to a third party for fixed asset financing for the supplier. The maximum annual payment guarantees to both the supplier and third party are $0.8 million per year through 2007 and $0.2 million in 2008. The total amount outstanding under these guarantees was $3.3 million as of June 26, 2004. For the quarters ended June 26, 2004 and June 28, 2003, the Company paid $73,000 and $117,000, respectively, related to the minimum guarantees under this commitment.
 
    Market Risk
 
    The principal market risks to which the Company is exposed that may adversely impact results of operations and financial position are changes in certain raw material prices, interest and foreign exchange rates and credit risks. The Company selectively uses derivative financial instruments to enhance its ability to manage these risks. The Company has no market risk sensitive instruments held for trading purposes.
 
    The Company is exposed to the impact of changing commodity prices for raw materials. At times, the Company enters into commodity futures and option contracts to manage fluctuations in prices of anticipated purchases of certain raw materials. The Company’s policy is to use such commodity derivative financial instruments only to the extent necessary to manage these exposures. The Company does not use these financial instruments for trading purposes. As of June 26, 2004, the Company had no outstanding commodity futures or option contracts.

17


 

LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

    Most of the Company’s ongoing long-term debt obligations incur interest at floating rates, based on changes in U.S. Dollar LIBOR, Canadian Dollar LIBOR and prime rate interest. To manage exposure to changing interest rates, the Company selectively enters into interest rate swap agreements to maintain a desirable proportion of fixed to variable rate debt. In September 2001, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement in order to manage the risk associated with variable interest rates. The variable-to-fixed interest rate swap is accounted for as a cash flow hedge, with effectiveness assessed based on changes in the present value of interest payments on the underlying debt. The notional amount, interest payment and maturity dates of the swap match the principal, interest payment and maturity dates of the related debt. The interest rate on the swap was fixed at 5.9%, including applicable margin. The underlying notional amount of the swap agreement is Cdn $50 million. The fair value of the interest rate swap, determined by a third party financial institution, was $0.9 million as of June 26, 2004 and $1.4 million as of December 27, 2003, and is included in other long-term liabilities.
 
    At June 26, 2004 the Company’s total debt was $37.0 million with an interest rate of 5.90%. At December 27, 2003, the Company’s total debt was $43.7 million with interest rates ranging from 5.90% to 7.00%, and a weighted average interest rate of 6.04%. The $37.0 million in long-term debt at June 26, 2004 is effectively fixed at 5.90% through an interest rate swap agreement. The $5.6 million current portion of long-term debt at December 27, 2003 was paid during the thirteen weeks ended June 26, 2004. A 10% increase in U.S. LIBOR and Canadian LIBOR would have had an immaterial impact on interest expense for the twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2004 and June 28, 2003.
 
    The Company is exposed to certain credit risks related to its accounts receivable. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers to minimize the potential exposure. As of June 26, 2004 and December 27, 2003, the Company had allowances for doubtful accounts of $1.7 million and $1.8 million, respectively.
 
    Through the operations of the Company’s Canadian subsidiary, the Company has an exposure to foreign exchange rate fluctuations, primarily between U.S. dollars and Canadian dollars. During the twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2004, the Company entered into a series of forward contracts to mitigate a portion of this foreign exchange rate exposure. These contracts have maturities through December 23, 2004.
 
    The indebtedness used to finance the acquisition of the Company’s Canadian subsidiary is denominated in Canadian dollars and serves as an economic hedge of the net asset investment in the subsidiary. Due to foreign currency fluctuations during the twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2004 and June 28, 2003, the Company recorded a $0.3 million loss and a $1.7 million gain, respectively, in other comprehensive income as a result of the translation of the subsidiary’s financial statements into U.S. dollars.
 
    Inflation and changing prices have not had a material impact on the Company’s net sales and income for the last three years, except for the increase in commodity costs during 2003 and the first half of 2004. Through the twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2004, commodity costs were up $4.5 million compared to the twenty-six weeks ended June 28, 2003. The impact of commodity cost increases on gross margin is expected to be less significant in the second half of 2004. This is a forward-looking statement subject to the risk factors discussed below.

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LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

    Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors
 
    The Company, from time to time, makes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements, which may be written or oral, reflect expectations of management of the Company at the time such statements are made. The Company is filing this cautionary statement to identify certain important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company.
 
    Price Competition and Industry Consolidation
The sales of most of the Company’s products are subject to intense competition primarily through discounting and other price cutting techniques by competitors, many of whom are significantly larger and have greater resources than the Company. In addition, there is a continuing consolidation by the major companies in the food industry, which could increase competition. The intense competition increases the possibility that the Company could lose one or more major customers, which could have an adverse impact on the Company’s results.
 
    Raw Material Costs
The Company’s cost of sales can be adversely impacted by changes in the cost of raw materials, principally flour, vegetable oils, sugar, potatoes, nuts, peanut butter, cheese and seasonings. While the Company obtains substantial commitments for the future delivery of certain of its raw materials and engages in limited hedging to reduce the price risk of these raw materials, long-term increases in the costs of raw materials could adversely impact the Company’s cost of sales.
 
    Food Industry Factors
Food industry factors including obesity and nutritional concerns, diet trends and the presence of trans-fatty acids in food products could adversely affect the Company’s revenues and cost of sales.
 
    Effectiveness of Sales and Marketing Activities
The Company’s plans for long-term profitable sales growth depend on the ability of the Company to improve the effectiveness of its distribution systems, to develop and execute effective marketing strategies, to develop and introduce successful new products and to obtain increased distribution through significant trade channels such as mass merchandisers, convenience and grocery stores. During 2003, the Company began the implementation of a sales route realignment plan to improve the overall effectiveness of its route sales system by improving route sales averages through account rationalization and reducing the overall costs of operating the route sales system. As of June 26, 2004, the Company had completed the realignment in eight of eighteen districts and there is no assurance that targeted results will be achieved. Also, distribution of the Company’s products through vending machines remains a significant outlet for its products and a continued decline in revenue from this source could have an adverse effect upon the Company’s results.
 
    Interest Rate, Foreign Exchange Rate and Credit Risks
The Company is exposed to interest rate volatility with regard to variable rate debt facilities. The Company is exposed to foreign exchange rate volatility primarily through the operations of its Canadian subsidiary. In addition, the Company is exposed to certain credit risks related to the collection of its accounts receivable.

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LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

    There are other important factors not described above that could also cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statement made by or on behalf of the Company.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The principal market risks to which the Company is exposed that may adversely impact results of operations and financial position include changes in certain raw material prices, interest and foreign exchange rates and credit risks. Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about these market risks are included under “Market Risks” in Item 2 above, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company’s filings under the Exchange Act.

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 26, 2004 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

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LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

The Registrant’s Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated February 8, 2002, restricts payment of cash dividends and repurchases of common stock by the Registrant if, after payment of any such dividends or any such repurchases of common stock, the Registrant’s consolidated stockholders’ equity would be less than $125,000,000. At June 26, 2004, the Registrant’s consolidated stockholders’ equity was $189,552,000.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

At the Registrant’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on April 22, 2004, the following matters were submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Registrant:

1.   Election of nominees to the Board of Directors of the Registrant:

                 
For Term Ending in 2007   Shares Voted in Favor   Shares Withheld

 
 
David V. Singer
    26,405,449       113,057  
Dan C. Swander
    25,414,435       1,104,071  
S. Lance Van Every
    26,396,639       121,867  

2.   Ratification of the selection of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2004, which was approved by a vote of 25,889,559 shares in favor, 586,543 shares against and 42,404 shares abstaining.

Item 5. Other Information

The 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held on April 22, 2004 and the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is scheduled for April 21, 2005.

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

  (a)   Exhibits

             
      3.1     Restated Articles of Incorporation of Lance, Inc. as amended through April 17, 1998, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the twelve weeks ended June 13, 1998.
             
      3.2     Articles of Amendment of Lance, Inc. dated July 14, 1998 designating rights, preferences and privileges of the Registrant’s Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 1998.

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LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

             
      3.3     Bylaws of Lance, Inc., as amended through April 25, 2002, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended June 29, 2002.
             
      10.1*     Lance, Inc. 2004 Annual Performance Incentive Plan for Officers.
             
      10.2*     Lance, Inc. 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Officers.
             
      10.3*     Lance, Inc. Compensation Deferral and Benefit Restoration Plan.
             
      31.1     Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a).
             
      31.2     Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a).
             
      32     Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b), as required by 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
            * Management Contract

  (b)   Reports on Form 8-K
 
      During the quarter ended June 24, 2004, a Current Report on Form 8-K was filed with the Commission on April 22, 2004 reporting the issuance of a press release reporting financial results for the quarter ended March 27, 2004.

Items 1 and 3 are not applicable and have been omitted.

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LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Signatures

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

         
    LANCE, INC.
         
    By:   /s/ B. Clyde Preslar
       
        B. Clyde Preslar
        Vice President, Chief
        Financial Officer and Secretary
         
Dated: July 22, 2004        

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.

EXHIBITS
Item 6(a)

FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT

     
For the quarterly period ended
June 26, 2004
  Commission File Number
0-398

LANCE, INC.

EXHIBIT INDEX

     
Exhibit    
No.   Exhibit Description

 
     
3.1   Restated Articles of Incorporation of Lance, Inc. as amended through April 17, 1998, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the twelve weeks ended June 13, 1998.
     
3.2   Articles of Amendment of Lance, Inc. dated July 14, 1998 designating rights, preferences and privileges of the Registrant’s Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 1998.
     
3.3   Bylaws of Lance, Inc., as amended through April 25, 2002, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended June 29, 2002.
     
10.1*   Lance, Inc. 2004 Annual Performance Incentive Plan for Officers.
     
10.2*   Lance, Inc. 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Officers.
     
10.3*   Lance, Inc. Compensation Deferral and Benefit Restoration Plan.
     
31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a).
     
31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a).

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32   Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b), as required by 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
* Management Contract

25