Seneca Foods Corp - FORM 10-Q

Attached files

file	filename
EX-32 - 906 CERTIFICATION - Seneca Foods Corp	ex3210q010111.htm
EX-31.1 - CERTIFICATION CEO - Seneca Foods Corp	ex31110q010111.htm
EX-31.2 - CERTIFICATION CFO - Seneca Foods Corp	ex31210q010111.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

Form 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarter Ended January 1, 2011

Commission File Number 0-01989

Seneca Foods Corporation

(Exact name of Company as specified in its charter)

New York	16-0733425
(State or other jurisdiction of	(I. R. S. Employer
incorporation or organization)	Identification No.)

3736 South Main Street, Marion, New York	14505
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

Company's telephone number, including area code 315/926-8100

Not Applicable

Former name, former address and former fiscal year,

if changed since last report

Indicate by check mark whether the Company (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 Company was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes þ No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  No * (*Registrant is not subject to the requirements of Rule 405 of Regulation S-T at this time.)

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

Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer þ Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Company is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ¨ No þ

The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock at the latest practical date are:

Class	Shares Outstanding at January 26, 2011
Common Stock Class A, $.25 Par	9,587,709
Common Stock Class B, $.25 Par	2,147,922

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION, ITEM 1 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

	Unaudited			Unaudited
	January 1, 2011			December 26, 2009			March 31, 2010
ASSETS

Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	8,115		$	18,233		$	7,421
Accounts Receivable, Net		55,654			60,503			73,460
Inventories (Note 3):
Finished Goods		500,135			532,723			338,891
Work in Process		19,397			10,758			8,176
Raw Materials and Supplies		85,184			60,312			99,397
Off-Season (Note 4)		(59,644	)		(59,099	)		-
Total Inventories		545,072			544,694			446,464
Deferred Income Tax Asset, Net		7,382			6,840			10,032
Other Current Assets		7,268			15,186			2,850
Total Current Assets		623,491			645,456			540,227
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net		190,136			177,976			178,113
Other Assets		560			1,270			993
Total Assets	$	814,187		$	842,702		$	719,333
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities:
Notes Payable	$	4,188		$	13,197		$	-
Accounts Payable		82,574			86,028			67,674
Other Accrued Expenses		38,166			38,575			32,608
Accrued Vacation		9,949			9,678			10,059
Accrued Payroll		3,718			6,620			12,798
Income Taxes Payable		3,293			6,853			6,122
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt		186,815			6,231			6,356
Total Current Liabilities		328,703			167,182			135,617
Long-Term Debt, Less Current Portion		91,828			293,856			207,924
Deferred Income Taxes, Net		1,676			4,844			3,085
Other Long-Term Liabilities		37,586			28,813			37,697
Total Liabilities		459,793			494,695			384,323
Commitments
10% Preferred Stock, Series A, Voting, Cumulative,
Convertible, $.025 Par Value Per Share		102			102			102
10% Preferred Stock, Series B, Voting, Cumulative,
Convertible, $.025 Par Value Per Share		100			100			100
6% Preferred Stock, Voting, Cumulative, $.25 Par Value		50			50			50
Convertible, Participating Preferred Stock, $12.00
Stated Value Per Share		1,217			1,500			1,217
Convertible, Participating Preferred Stock, $15.50
Stated Value Per Share		4,856			5,344			4,856
Convertible, Participating Preferred Stock, $24.39
Stated Value Per Share		-			25,000			25,000
Common Stock $.25 Par Value Per Share		4,118			3,847			3,861
Additional Paid-in Capital		90,753			65,134			65,910
Treasury Stock, at cost		(257	)		(257	)		(257	)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss		(15,271	)		(13,731	)		(15,030	)
Retained Earnings		268,726			242,918			249,201
Stockholders' Equity		354,394			330,007			335,010
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	814,187		$	824,702		$	719,333

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

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET EARNINGS
(Unaudited)
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	January 1, 2011			December 26, 2009			January 1, 2011			December 26, 2009

Net Sales	$	446,250		$	447,027		$	941,640		$	1,000,760

Costs and Expenses:
Cost of Product Sold		411,736			398,421			862,715			877,552
Selling and Administrative		15,913			16,210			45,006			49,228
Plant Restructuring		109			17			1,320			17
Other Operating Income		(720	)		(43	)		(804	)		(74	)
Total Costs and Expenses		427,038			414,605			908,237			926,723
Operating Income		19,212			32,422			33,403			74,037
Interest Expense, Net		2,414			2,006			6,590			7,189
Earnings Before Income Taxes		16,798			30,416			26,813			66,848

Income Taxes		5,336			11,810			7,265			24,731
Net Earnings	$	11,462		$	18,606		$	19,548		$	42,117

Earnings Attributable to Common Stock	$	11,064		$	16,306		$	18,497		$	33,361

Basic Earnings per Common Share	$	0.94		$	1.53		$	1.61		$	3.47

Diluted Earnings per Common Share	$	0.94		$	1.52		$	1.60		$	3.44

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(In Thousands)

	Nine Months Ended
	January 1, 2011			December 26, 2009
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Earnings	$	19,548		$	42,117
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Earnings to
Net Cash Used in Operations:
Depreciation & Amortization		16,755			16,413
Gain on the Sale of Assets		(172	)		(62	)
Deferred Income Tax Expense		1,241			7,644
Changes in operating assets and liabilities (net of acquisition):
Accounts Receivable		21,221			16,210
Inventories		(147,961	)		(210,838	)
Off-Season		59,644			59,099
Other Current Assets		(4,275	)		(9,220	)
Income Taxes		(2,676	)		5,305
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses
and Other Liabilities		3,151			17,417
Net Cash Used in Operations		(33,524	)		(55,915	)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Cash Paid for Acquisition (Net of Cash Acquired)		(20,348	)		-
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment		(15,538	)		(14,641	)
Proceeds from the Sale of Assets		1,203			84
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities		(34,683	)		(14,557	)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Long-Term Borrowing		319,344			408,814
Payments on Long-Term Debt		(254,981	)		(339,529	)
Borrowings on Notes Payable		4,188			13,197
Other		362			386
Dividends		(12	)		(12	)
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities		68,901			82,856
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents		694			12,384
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of the Period		7,421			5,849
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of the Period	$	8,115		$	18,233

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

(In Thousands)

						Additional					Accumulated Other
	Preferred			Common		Paid-In		Treasury			Comprehensive			Retained
	Stock			Stock		Capital		Stock			Loss			Earnings
Balance March 31, 2010	$	31,325		$	3,861	$	65,910	$	(257	)	$	(15,030	)	$	249,201
Net earnings		-			-		-		-			-			19,548
Cash dividends paid
on preferred stock		-			-		-		-			-			(23	)
Equity incentive program		-			-		67		-			-			-
Stock issued for bonus program		-			-		33		-			-			-
Stock conversions (Note 6)		(25,000	)		257		24,743		-			-			-
Change in 401(k) stock
adjustment(net of tax $153)		-			-		-		-			(241	)		-
Balance January 1, 2011	$	6,325		$	4,118	$	90,753	$	(257	)	$	(15,271	)	$	268,726

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these

unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

January 1, 2011

1. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, which are normal and recurring in nature, necessary to present fairly the financial position of Seneca Foods Corporation (the “Company”) as of January 1, 2011 and statements of stockholders’ equity, results of its operations and its cash flows for the interim periods presented. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. The March 31, 2010 balance sheet was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements. Certain previously reported amounts for the period ended December 26, 2009 have been reclassified to conform to the current period classification.

The results of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended January 1, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

During the nine months ended January 1, 2011, the Company sold $179,243,000 of Green Giant finished goods inventory to General Mills Operations, LLC (“GMOL”) for cash, on a bill and hold basis, as compared to $209,760,000 for the nine months ended December 26, 2009. Under the terms of the bill and hold agreement, title to the specified inventory transferred to GMOL. The Company believes it has met the revenue recognition criteria required for bill and hold treatment. During the quarter ended October 2, 2010, the Company received a cash advance from GMOL of $50 million against the corn mandatory purchase which was completed in October 2010 (subsequent to the closing of the second quarter ended October 2, 2010). This advance did not impact the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings but did reduce the amount of cash received during the third quarter of fiscal 2011 from the sale of finished goods inventory.

The accounting policies followed by the Company are set forth in Note 1 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Other footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the Company's 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

On August 6, 2010, the Company completed its acquisition of 100% of the partnership interest in Lebanon Valley Cold Storage, LP and the assets of Unilink, LLC (collectively “Lebanon”) from Pennsylvania Food Group, LLC and related entities. The rationale for the acquisition was twofold: (1) to broaden the Company’s product offerings in the frozen food business; and (2) to take advantage of distribution efficiencies by combining shipments since the customer bases of the Company and Lebanon are similar. The purchase price totaled $20.3 million plus the assumption of certain liabilities. This acquisition was financed with proceeds from our revolving credit facility. The purchase price to acquire Lebanon was allocated based on the internally developed fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired and the independent valuation of property, plant, and equipment. The purchase price of $20.3 million has been allocated as follows (in millions):

Purchase Price-Cash (net of cash received)

20.3

The total purchase price of the transaction has been allocated as follows:
Current assets	$	13.8
Property, plant and equipment		13.9
Current liabilities		(7.4	)
Total	$	20.3

During the quarter ended January 1, 2011, the Company recorded a $632,000 gain as a result of the estimated fair market value of the assets acquired exceeding the purchase price. This gain is included in other operating income on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings.

The Company implemented the Last-In, First-Out (“LIFO”) inventory valuation method during fiscal 2008. First-In, First-Out (“FIFO”) based inventory costs exceeded LIFO based inventory costs by $90.8 million as of the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2011 as compared to $99.9 million as of the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2010. The change in the LIFO Reserve for the three months ended January 1, 2011 was a reduction of $2,113,000 as compared to an increase of $3,967,000 for the three months ended December 26, 2009. The change in the LIFO Reserve for the nine months ended January 1, 2011 was a reduction of $6,890,000 as compared to an increase of $13,396,000 for the nine months ended December 26, 2009. These decreases for the current fiscal year reflect the projected impact of reduced inflationary cost increases expected in fiscal 2011 versus fiscal 2010.

The seasonal nature of the Company's food processing business results in a timing difference between expenses (primarily overhead expenses) incurred and absorbed into product cost. These “off-season” variances are accounted for in an inventory account and are included in inventories on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Depending on the time of year, the off-season account reflects either the excess of absorbed expenses over incurred expenses to date resulting in a credit balance, or the excess of incurred expenses over absorbed expenses to date resulting in a debit balance as well as standard cost differences between prior and current pack. Other than at the end of the first and fourth fiscal quarters of each year, absorbed expenses exceed incurred expenses due to timing of production. All off-season balances are zero at fiscal year end.

The Company’s revolving credit facility (“Revolver”) totaling $250,000,000, with a January 1, 2011 balance of $180,095,000, has a maturity date of August 18, 2011, and therefore is included in Current Portion of Long-Term Debt which is classified as a current liability on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Prior to the second quarter of fiscal 2011 it was classified as Long-Term Debt.

The changes in the stockholders’ equity accounts for the nine months period ended January 1, 2011 are included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity. During the nine-month period ended January 1, 2011, there were 1,025,220 shares, or $25,000,000, of Convertible Participating Preferred Stock converted to Class A Common Stock and 30,000 shares, or $7,500, of Class B Common Stock (at par), converted to Class A Common Stock. During that period, there were 1,086 shares, or $33,000 of Class B Common Stock issued related to the Company’s Profit Sharing Bonus Plan.

As previously disclosed, on July 21, 2009 certain shareholders of the Company closed on the sale of 3,756,332 shares of Class A Common Stock (including the shares sold pursuant to the underwriters' over allotment option) pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement among the Company, the selling shareholders, Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc. and Piper Jaffray & Co. The Company received none of the proceeds of the offering. During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, 2,607,156 shares, or $31,104,000, of Convertible Participating Preferred Stock and 556,088 shares, or $139,000, of Class B Common Stock (at par), were converted to Class A Common Stock in connection with this secondary stock offering.

7.	The following schedule presents comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine-month periods ended January 1, 2011 and December 26, 2009:

	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	January 1, 2011		December 26, 2009			January 1, 2011			December 26, 2009
	(In thousands)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net earnings	$	11,462	$	18,606		$	19,548			$	42,117
Change in 401(k) stock adjustment (net of tax)		18		(103	)		(241	)			(47	)
Change in pension and post retirement benefits adjustment (net of tax)		-		-			-				5,476
Total	$	11,480	$	18,503		$	19,307			$	47,546

8.	The net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s pension plan consisted of:

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	January 1, 2011			December 26, 2009			January 1, 2011			December 26, 2009
	(In thousands)
Service Cost	$	1,300		$	1,346		$	3,900		$	4,069
Interest Cost		1,637			1,157			4,911			3,469
Expected Return on Plan Assets		(1,844	)		(997	)		(5,531	)		(2,992	)
Amortization of Actuarial Loss		364			603			1,091			1,809
Amortization of Transition Asset		(69	)		(69	)		(207	)		(207	)
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	1,388		$	2,040		$	4,164		$	6,148

The Company made a $5,000,000 contribution during the first quarter of fiscal 2010 and a $16,000,000 contribution during the third quarter of fiscal 2010. No contributions were required or made in the three and nine month periods ended January 1, 2011.

9.	The following table summarizes the restructuring charges recorded and the accruals established:


	Severance			Other Costs			Total
	(In thousands)
Total expected
restructuring charge	$	1,319		$	5,137		$	6,456

Balance March 31, 2010	$	-		$	794		$	794
First Quarter Charge		-			1			1
Second Quarter Charge		1,210			-			1,210
Third Quarter Charge		109			-			109
Cash payments/write offs		(599	)		(206	)		(805	)
Balance January 1, 2011	$	720		$	589		$	1,309

Total costs incurred
to date	$	599		$	4,548		$	5,147

During the second quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company implemented workforce reductions at its plants in Buhl, Idaho and Mayville, Wisconsin and certain other locations that resulted in a restructuring charge of $1,319,000 for severance costs during the nine months ended January 1, 2011. During the quarter ended January 1, 2011, the Company increased the accrual by $109,000 and incurred a restructuring charge.

The Other Costs above relate to lease obligations of plant closures that are expected to be paid over the next five years.

10.

During the nine months ended January 1, 2011 and December 26, 2009, the Company sold some unused fixed assets which resulted in a gain of $172,000 and $62,000, respectively. In addition, during the three and nine months ended January 1, 2011, a gain of $632,000 was recorded related the acquisition of Lebanon and is discussed above in Note 2. These gains are included in other operating income in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings.

11.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards – In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06, “Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements,” which requires additional disclosures about the amounts of and reasons for significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements. This standard also clarifies existing disclosure requirements related to the level of disaggregation of fair value measurements for each class of assets and liabilities and disclosures about inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value for both recurring and non-recurring Level 2 and Level 3 measurements. Since this new accounting standard only required additional disclosure, the adoption of the standard in the first quarter of 2011 did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Additionally, effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2010, this standard will require additional disclosure and require an entity to present disaggregated information about activity in Level 3 fair value measurements on a gross basis, rather than one net amount.

12.	Earnings per share for the Quarters and Year-to-Date periods Ended January 1, 2011 and December 26, 2009 are as follows:

Quarters and Year-to-date Periods Ended	Q U A R T E R				Y E A R T O D A T E
January 1, 2011 and December 26, 2009	Fiscal 2011		Fiscal 2010		Fiscal 2011		Fiscal 2010
	(In thousands, except share amounts)
Basic

Net Earnings	$	11,462	$	18,606	$	19,548	$	42,117
Deduct preferred stock dividends paid		6		6		17		17

Undistributed earnings		11,456		18,600		19,531		42,100
Earnings attributable to participating preferred		392		2,294		1,034		8,739

Earnings attributable to common shareholders	$	11,064	$	16,306	$	18,497	$	33,361

Weighted average common shares outstanding		11,736		10,648		11,507		9,624

Basic earnings per common share	$	0.94	$	1.53	$	1.61	$	3.47

Diluted

Earnings attributable to common shareholders	$	11,064	$	16,306	$	18,497	$	33,361
Add dividends on convertible preferred stock		5		5		15		15

Earnings attributable to common stock on a diluted basis	$	11,069	$	16,311	$	18,512	$	33,376

Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic		11,736		10,648		11,507		9,624
Additional shares issuable related to the equity compensation plan		4		2		4		2
Additional shares to be issued under full conversion of preferred stock		67		67		67		67

Total shares for diluted		11,807		10,717		11,578		9,693

Diluted Earnings per common share	$	0.94	$	1.52	$	1.60	$	3.44

13.

As required by FSP No. FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” codified in ASC 825, “Financial Instruments,” the Company estimates the fair values of financial instruments on a quarterly basis. Long-term debt, including current portion, had a carrying amount of $278,643,000 and an estimated fair value of $277,138,000 as of January 1, 2011. As of March 31, 2010, the carrying amount was $214,280,000 and the estimated fair value was $212,035,000.

14.

In June, 2010, the Company received a Notice of Violation of the California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, commonly known as Proposition 65, from the Environmental Law Foundation (ELF). This notice was made to the California Attorney General and various other government officials, and to 49 companies including Seneca Foods Corporation whom ELF alleges manufactured, distributed or sold packaged peaches, pears, fruit cocktail and fruit juice that contain lead without providing a clear and reasonable warning to consumers. Under California law, proper notice must be made to the State and involved firms at least 60 days before any suit under Proposition 65 may be filed by private litigants like ELF. That 60-day period has expired and to date neither the California Attorney General nor any appropriate district attorney or city attorney, nor any private litigants like ELP, has initiated an action against the Company. If an action is commenced under Proposition 65, the Company will defend itself vigorously. As this matter is at a very early stage, we are not able to predict the probability of the outcome or estimate of loss, if any, related to this matter. Additionally, in the ordinary course of its business, the Company is made party to certain legal proceedings seeking monetary damages, including proceedings invoking product liability claims, either directly or through indemnification obligations, and we are not able to predict the probability of the outcome or estimate of loss, if any, related to any such matter.

15.

The Company reached a settlement with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) during the quarter ended October 2, 2010 for the 2006, 2007 and 2008 tax years. As a result, the Company recorded the tax benefits of those settlements as a reduction to income tax expense of $1.5 million and reductions to unrecognized tax benefits amounting to $5.2 million for the quarter ended October 2, 2010. The Company is generally no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for any year before 2009.

16.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company entered into some interim lease notes which financed down payments for various equipment orders at market rates. As of January 1, 2011, these interim notes had not been converted into operating leases since the equipment was not delivered. These notes, which total $4,188,000 as of January 1, 2011, are included in notes payable in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. These notes are expected to be substantially converted into operating leases by the end of Company’s fiscal year. Excluding the $4,188,000, the Company has an additional purchase commitment of $4,017,000 related to these projects.

ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Seneca Foods Corporation (the “Company”) is a leading low cost producer and distributor of high quality processed fruits and vegetables. The Company’s product offerings include canned, frozen and bottled produce and snack chips and its products are sold under private label as well as national and regional brands that the Company owns or licenses, including Seneca®, Libby’s®, Aunt Nellie’s Farm Kitchen®, Stokely’s®, Read® and Diamond A®. The Company’s canned fruits and vegetables are sold nationwide by major grocery outlets, including supermarkets, mass merchandisers, limited assortment stores, club stores and dollar stores. The Company also sells its products to foodservice distributors, industrial markets, other food processors, export customers in over 70 countries and federal, state and local governments for school and other food programs. In addition, the Company packs Green Giant®, Le Sueur® and other brands of canned vegetables as well as select Green Giant® frozen vegetables for General Mills Operations, LLC (“GMOL”) under a long-term Alliance Agreement.

The Company’s raw product is harvested mainly between June through November. The Company experienced unfavorable growing conditions this summer and early fall reflecting a combination of high temperatures and uneven moisture. These difficult growing conditions unfavorably impacted crop yields and plant recovery rates which resulted in unfavorable manufacturing variances.

Results of Operations:

Sales:

Third fiscal quarter 2011 results include net sales of $446.3 million, which represents a 0.2%, or $0.7 million, decrease from the third quarter of fiscal 2010. The decrease in sales is attributable to decreased selling prices and less favorable sales mix of $16.7 million partially offset by a sales volume increase of $16.0 million. The decrease in sales is primarily from a $11.9 million decrease in Green Giant Alliance sales primarily due to decreased corn volume, a $6.9 million decrease in Canned Vegetable sales primarily due to decreased net unit selling prices, and a $1.2 million decrease in Snack sales due to the loss of a co-pack customer, partially offset a $16.5 million increase in Frozen sales as a result of the Lebanon acquisition.

Nine months ended January 1, 2011 results include net sales of $941.6 million, which represents a 5.9%, or $59.2 million, decrease from the nine months ended December 26, 2009. The decrease in sales is attributable to decreased selling prices and less favorable sales mix of $48.1 million and a sales volume decrease of $11.1 million. The decrease in sales is primarily from a $39.7 million decrease in Green Giant Alliance sales primarily due to decreased corn and pea volume, $31.9 million decrease in Canned Vegetable sales primarily due to decreased net unit selling prices, and an $9.4 million decrease in Snack sales due to the loss of a co-pack customer partially offset by a $22.4 million increase in Frozen sales as a result of the Lebanon acquisition.

The following table presents sales by product category (in millions):

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	January 1, 2011		December 26, 2009		January 1, 2011		December 26, 2009
Canned Vegetables	$	213.3	$	220.2	$	528.3	$	560.2
Green Giant Alliance		144.0		155.9		192.2		231.9
Frozen		28.2		11.7		57.3		34.9
Fruit Products		55.1		51.7		145.8		145.4
Snack		2.5		3.7		8.4		17.8
Other		3.2		3.8		9.6		10.6
	$	446.3	$	447.0	$	941.6	$	1,000.8

Operating Income:

The following table presents components of operating income as a percentage of net sales:

		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
	January 1, 2011		December 26, 2009		January 1, 2011	December 26, 2009
Gross Margin	7.7%		10.9%		8.4%	12.3%

Selling	2.3%		2.1%		2.8%	2.7%
Administrative	1.3%		1.5%		2.1%	2.2%
Plant Restructuring	0.0%		0.0%		0.1%	0.0%
Other Operating Income	-0.2%		0.0%		-0.1%	0.0%

Operating Income	4.3%		7.3%		3.5%	7.4%

Interest Expense, Net	0.5%		0.4%		0.7%	0.7%

For the three month period ended January 1, 2011, the gross margin decreased from the prior year quarter from 10.9% to 7.7% due primarily to lower net selling prices (after considering promotions) compared to the prior year which was partially offset by a LIFO credit in the current year as compared to a charge in prior year. The LIFO credit for the third quarter ended January 1, 2011 was $2,113,000 as compared to a charge of $3,967,000 for the third quarter ended December 26, 2009 and reflects the impact on the current quarter of reduced inflationary cost increases expected in fiscal 2011, compared to fiscal 2010. On an after-tax basis, LIFO increased net earnings by $1,373,000 for the quarter ended January 1, 2011 and reduced net earnings by $2,579,000 for the quarter ended December 26, 2009, based on the statutory federal income tax rate.

For the nine month period ended January 1, 2011, the gross margin decreased from the prior year period from 12.3% to 8.4% due primarily to lower net selling prices (after considering promotions) compared to the prior year which was partially offset by a LIFO credit in the current year as compared to a charge in prior year. The LIFO credit for the nine months ended January 1, 2011 was $6,890,000 as compared to a charge of $13,396,000 for the nine months ended December 26, 2009 and reflects the impact on the current nine months of reduced inflationary cost increases expected in fiscal 2011, compared to fiscal 2010. On an after-tax basis, LIFO increased net earnings by $4,479,000 for the nine months ended January 1, 2011 and reduced net earnings by $8,707,000 for the nine months ended December 26, 2009, based on the statutory federal income tax rate.

For the three month period ended January 1, 2011, selling costs as a percentage of sales increased from 2.1% to 2.3% from the same period in the prior year as a result of lower Green Giant Alliance sales which don’t incur brokerage commissions. For the nine month period ended January 1, 2011, selling costs as a percentage of sales increased from 2.7% to 2.8%.

For the three month period ended January 1, 2011, administrative expense as a percentage of sales decreased from 1.5% to 1.3% from the same period in the prior year. For the nine month period ended January 1, 2011, administrative expense as a percentage of sales decreased from 2.2% to 2.1% from the same period in the prior year. Administrative expense decreased for the three and nine month periods ended January 1, 2011 due primarily to higher employment costs in the prior period.

During the nine months ended January 1, 2011, the Company sold some unused fixed assets which resulted in a gain of $172,000. During the nine months ended December 26, 2009, the Company sold some unused fixed assets which resulted in a gain of $62,000. In addition, in the nine months ended January 1, 2011, a gain of $632,000 was recorded related the acquisition of Lebanon and is discussed above. These gains are included in other operating income in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings.

Interest expense for the three months ended January 1, 2011 as a percentage of sales, increased from 0.4% for the three months ended December 26, 2009 to 0.5% for the three months ended January 1, 2011. This increase was due to higher interest expense related to the Company’s Revolver offset, in part, by the pay-off of the $32.1 million note balance to GMOL. Interest expense, as a percentage of sales, for the nine month period ended January 1, 2011 was unchanged at 0.7% from the nine month period ended December 26, 2009.

Income Taxes:

The effective tax rate was 27.1% and 37.0% for the nine month periods ended January 1, 2011 and December 26, 2009, respectively. Of the 9.9 percentage point decrease in the effective tax rate for the current period, the major portion was due to the settlement of an IRS audit for the 2006, 2007 and 2008 tax years during the quarter ended October 2, 2010. As a result, the Company recorded the tax benefits of those settlements as a reduction to income tax expense of $1.5 million and reductions to unrecognized tax benefits amounting to $5.2 million in the quarter ended October 2, 2010. The Company is generally no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for any year before 2009.

Earnings per Share:

Basic earnings per share were $0.94 and $1.53 for the three months ended January 1, 2011 and December 26, 2009, respectively. Diluted earnings per share were $0.94 and $1.52 for the three months ended January 1, 2011 and December 26, 2009, respectively. Basic earnings per share were $1.61 and $3.47 for the nine months ended January 1, 2011 and December 26, 2009, respectively. Diluted earnings per share were $1.60 and $3.44 for the nine months ended January 1, 2011 and December 26, 2009, respectively. For details of the calculation of these amounts, refer to footnote 12 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Liquidity and Capital Resources:

The financial condition of the Company is summarized in the following table and explanatory review (in thousands except ratios):


	January 1, 2011		December 26, 2009		March 31, 2010		March 31, 2009
Working capital:
Balance	$	294,788	$	478,274	$	404,610	$	332,082
Change during quarter		12,417		71,879		-		-
Long-term debt, less current portion		91,828		293,856		207,924		191,853
Total stockholders' equity per equivalent
common share (see Note)		29.01		27.02		27.43		23.13
Stockholders' equity per common share		29.66		27.97		28.37		28.10
Current ratio		1.90		3.86		3.98		3.13

Note: Equivalent common shares are either common shares or, for convertible preferred shares, the number of common shares that the preferred shares are convertible into. See Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K for conversion details.

As shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, net cash used in operating activities was $33.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2011, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $55.9 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2010. The $22.4 million decrease in cash used is primarily attributable to, a $62.8 million decrease in cash used for inventory, and a $5.0 million increase in cash provided by accounts receivable as compared to the first nine months ended December 26, 2009, partially offset an $8.0 million increase in cash used for income taxes as compared to the first nine months ended December 26, 2009, by a $14.3 million decrease in cash provided by accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities as compared to the first nine months ended December 26, 2009, and decreased net earnings of $22.6 million as previously discussed.

As compared to December 26, 2009, inventory decreased $9.9 million excluding the acquisition related increase of $10.3 million. Excluding this acquisition related increase, the components of the inventory decrease reflect a $33.1 million decrease in finished goods (net of off-season), an $8.6 million increase in work in process and a $24.9 million increase in raw materials and supplies. The finished goods decrease reflects lower inventory quantities attributable to decreased production during the last harvest season partially offset by decreased sales volume as compared to the prior year. The raw materials and supplies increase is primarily due to an increase in cans and raw steel quantities compared to the prior year. FIFO based inventory costs exceeded LIFO based inventory costs by $90.8 million as of the end of the third quarter of 2011 as compared to $99.9 million as of the end of the third quarter of 2010. The off-season balance increased by $0.5 million, as compared to December 26, 2009, due to the timing of certain expenses. Refer to the Critical Accounting Policies section of this Form 10-Q for further details on the off-season.

Cash used in investing activities was $34.7 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to $14.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2010. The acquisition of Lebanon for $20.3 million in cash in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 was the major reason for this change. Additions to property, plant and equipment were $15.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 as compared to $14.6 million in first nine months of fiscal 2010.

Cash provided by financing activities was $68.9 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2011, which included borrowings of $319.3 million and the repayment of $255.0 million of long-term debt principally consisting of borrowings and repayments on the Revolver. There was no new long-term debt.

In connection with the August 18, 2006 acquisition of Signature Fruit Company, LLC, the Company expanded its Revolver from $100 million to $250 million with a five-year term to finance its seasonal working capital requirements. The interest rate on the Revolver is based on LIBOR or Bank of America’s prime rate plus an applicable margin based on overall Company leverage. As of January 1, 2011, the interest rate was approximately 1.51% on a balance of $180.1 million. At January 20, 2011, the interest rate on the Revolver was 1.51% on a balance of $189.3 million. The Revolver’s maturity date is August 18, 2011, and therefore is now included in Current Portion of Long-Term Debt which is classified as a current liability on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Previously it was classified as Long-Term Debt. The Company has begun preliminary discussions with banks regarding renewal of the Revolver and believes that a new Revolver agreement will be implemented on or before the maturity date of the current Revolver. We believe that cash flows from operations, availability under the Revolver and other financing sources will provide adequate funds for our working capital needs, planned capital expenditures, and debt obligations for at least the next 12 months.

The Company’s credit facilities contain standard representations and warranties, events of default, and certain affirmative and negative covenants, including various financial covenants. At January 1, 2011, the Company was in compliance with all such financial covenants.

New Accounting Standards

Refer to footnote 11 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Seasonality

The Company's revenues typically have been higher in the second and third fiscal quarters. This is due in part because the Company sells, on a bill and hold basis, Green Giant canned and frozen vegetables to GMOL at the end of each pack cycle, which typically occurs during these quarters. GMOL buys the product from the Company at cost plus a specified fee for each equivalent case. See the Critical Accounting Policies section below for further details. The Company’s non-Green Giant sales also exhibit seasonality with the third fiscal quarter generating the highest sales due to retail sales during the holiday period.

Forward-Looking Information

The information contained in this report contains, or may contain, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements appear in a number of places in this report and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company or its officers (including statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates” or similar expressions) with respect to various matters, including (i) the Company’s anticipated needs for, and the availability of, cash, (ii) the Company’s liquidity and financing plans, (iii) the Company’s ability to successfully integrate acquisitions into its operations, (iv) trends affecting the Company’s financial condition or results of operations, including anticipated sales price levels and anticipated expense levels, in particular higher production, fuel and transportation costs, (v) the Company’s plans for expansion of its business (including through acquisitions) and cost savings, and (vi) the impact of competition.

Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are:

·	general economic and business conditions;

·	cost and availability of commodities and other raw materials such as vegetables, steel and packaging materials;

·	transportation costs;

·	climate and weather affecting growing conditions and crop yields;

·	the availability of financing;

·	leverage and the Company’s ability to service and reduce its debt;

·	foreign currency exchange and interest rate fluctuations;

·	effectiveness of the Company’s marketing and trade promotion programs;

·	changing consumer preferences;

·	competition;

·	product liability claims;

·	the loss of significant customers or a substantial reduction in orders from these customers;

·	changes in, or the failure or inability to comply with, U.S., foreign and local governmental regulations, including environmental and health and safety regulations; and

·	other risks detailed from time to time in the reports filed by the Company with the SEC.

Except for ongoing obligations to disclose material information as required by the federal securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the filing of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Critical Accounting Policies

The seasonal nature of the Company's food processing business results in a timing difference between expenses (primarily overhead expenses) incurred and absorbed into product cost. These “off-season” variances are accounted for in an inventory account and are included in inventories on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Depending on the time of year, the off-season account reflects the excess of absorbed expenses over incurred expenses to date resulting in a credit balance, or the excess of incurred expenses over absorbed expenses to date resulting in a debit balance as well as standard cost differences between prior and current pack. Other than at the end of the first and fourth fiscal quarter of each year, absorbed expenses exceed incurred expenses due to timing of production. All off-season balances are zero at fiscal year end.

Trade promotions are an important component of the sales and marketing of the Company’s branded products, and are critical to the support of the business. Trade promotion costs, which are recorded as a reduction of net sales, include amounts paid to encourage retailers to offer temporary price reductions for the sale of our products to consumers, amounts paid to obtain favorable display positions in retailers’ stores, and amounts paid to retailers for shelf space in retail stores. Accruals for trade promotions are recorded primarily at the time of sale of product to the retailer based on expected levels of performance. Settlement of these liabilities typically occurs in subsequent periods primarily through an authorized process for deductions taken by a retailer from amounts otherwise due to us. As a result, the ultimate cost of a trade promotion program is dependent on the relative success of the events and the actions and level of deductions taken by retailers for amounts they consider due to them. Final determination of the permissible deductions may take extended periods of time.

ITEM 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is exposed to various market risk factors, including changes in general economic conditions, competition and raw material pricing and availability. In addition, the Company is exposed to fluctuations in interest rates, primarily related to its revolving credit facility. To manage interest rate risk, the Company uses both fixed and variable interest rate debt. There have been no material changes to the Company’s exposure to market risk since March 31, 2010.

ITEM 4 Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains a system of internal and disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis. The Company’s Board of Directors, operating through its Audit Committee, which is composed entirely of independent outside directors, provides oversight to the financial reporting process.

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of January 1, 2011, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

There have been no changes during the period covered by this report to the Company's internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

None.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the period ended March 31, 2010.

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)		Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) or Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
Period	Class A Common	Class B Common	Class A Common	Class B Common
10/01/10 – 10/31/10	-	-	-	-	N/A
11/01/10 – 11/30/10	-	-	-	-	N/A
12/01/10 – 12/31/10	7,200	-	$25.14	-	N/A
Total	7,200	-	$25.14	-	N/A	486,500

__________

(1) These purchases were made in open market transactions by the trustees under the Seneca Foods Corporation Employees' Savings Plan 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to provide employee matching contributions under the plan.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Reserved

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits

31.1 Certification of Kraig H. Kayser pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)

31.2 Certification of Roland E. Breunig pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)

32 Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)

SIGNATURES

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

Seneca Foods Corporation

(Company)

/s/Kraig H. Kayser

January 27, 2011

Kraig H. Kayser

President and

Chief Executive Officer

/s/Roland E. Breunig

January 27, 2011

Roland E. Breunig

Chief Financial Officer

Seneca Foods Corp - FORM 10-Q - January 27, 2011

Attached files

Seneca Foods Corp Reports