landec_8k-010312.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 8-K
 
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):   January 3, 2012
 
LANDEC CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
0-27446 
  94-3025618
(Commission file number)   (IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
3603 Haven Avenue, Menlo Park, California 94025
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
 
(650) 306-1650
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed from last report)
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
 
o
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
o
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
o
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
o
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 
 

 
 
Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On January 3, 2012, Landec Corporation (the “Registrant”) issued a press release announcing its consolidated financial results for the second quarter and first half of fiscal year 2012.  The press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
The information in this Current Report  including Exhibit 99.1 is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section. The information in this Current Report  including Exhibit 99.1 shall not be incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.
 
 
 

 
 
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
 
(d) Exhibit.
 
The following exhibit is furnished as part of this report:

 
Exhibit Number
 
Description
 
99.1
 
Registrant’s Press Release dated January 3, 2012

 
 

 
 
SIGNATURE
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
  LANDEC CORPORATION  
  Registrant  
       
Date: January 3, 2012
By:
/s/ Gregory S. Skinner  
   
Gregory S. Skinner
Vice President of Finance and
Chief Financial Officer
 
       
       
                                                      
 
 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX
 
 
Exhibit Number
 
Description
 
99.1
 
Registrant’s Press Release dated January 3, 2012

ex99-1.htm
Exhibit 99.1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Information:
 
At the Company:                                                                           
Gregory S. Skinner
Vice President Finance and CFO
(650) 261-3677

LANDEC CORPORATION REPORTS SECOND QUARTER AND FIRST HALF FISCAL YEAR 2012 RESULTS

Revenues increase 16% and net income increases 63% during second quarter of 2012

MENLO PARK, CA – January 3, 2012 -- Landec Corporation (Nasdaq: LNDC), today reported results for the second quarter and first half of fiscal year 2012.  Revenues for the second quarter of fiscal year 2012 increased 16% to $81.6 million compared to revenues of $70.2 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2011.  Net income increased 63% to $3.3 million, or $0.13 per share, compared to net income of $2.1 million, or $0.08 per share, during the second quarter of fiscal year 2011.

The revenue growth of $11.4 million was due to growth in Landec’s food and biomaterials businesses, specifically: (1) a $6.0 million increase in Apio’s value-added business, which includes the fresh-cut specialty packaged vegetable business, Apio Cooling, and Apio Packaging, (2) a $4.6 million increase in Apio’s export business, and (3) an $813,000 increase in Lifecore’s biomaterials business.

The $1.2 million increase in net income resulted from $1.4 million of pre-tax income from our investment in Windset Farms and a $1.1 million increase in pre-tax income from Apio’s value-added and export businesses.  These increases were partially offset by an $840,000 increase in the income tax expense due to higher pre-tax income and by an increase of approximately $400,000 in marketing and business development expenses.

Gary Steele, Landec’s Chairman and CEO, commented, “We had a very good second quarter, achieving revenue growth of 16% and net income growth of 63%.  Our Apio food business grew revenues and profits in both its value-added business and its export business.  The growth for these businesses can be primarily attributed to increased sales volumes and normal weather patterns so far this year.  Overall Apio’s revenues increased 18% and its pre-tax net income more than doubled during the quarter compared to the second quarter of last year.  Our Lifecore business increased revenues 10% during the quarter and pre-tax income was flat with the second quarter of last year due to the timing of production, which resulted in reduced absorption of overhead costs during the quarter.”
 
Revenues for the first six months of fiscal year 2012 increased $19.8 million, or 15%, to $154.9 million compared to revenues of $135.1 million for the same period a year ago.  Net income for the first six months increased 18% to $5.2 million or $0.20 per diluted share compared to net income of $4.4 million or $0.16 per diluted share for the same period last year.
 
The increase in revenues during the first six months of fiscal year 2012 compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2011 resulted from: (1) an $8.8 million increase in Apio’s value-added business, (2) a $9.5 million increase in Apio’s export business, and (3) a $1.6 million increase in Lifecore’s biomaterials business.
 
 
 

 

Net income for the first six months of fiscal year 2012 increased $793,000 compared to the first six months of last year, primarily due to $1.7 million of pre-tax income from our investment in Windset Farms and a $679,000 increase in pre-tax income from Apio’s value-added and export businesses.  These increases were partially offset by (1) a $650,000 decrease in pre-tax income as a result of accruing performance-based bonuses at Apio and Corporate which were not accrued during the first six months of last year, (2) a $598,000 increase in the income tax expense due to higher pre-tax income, and (3) a $236,000 decrease in pre-tax income for Lifecore due to the timing of production, which resulted in reduced absorption of overhead costs.  Production levels for Lifecore are projected to be higher in the second half of fiscal year 2012 resulting in higher absorption of overhead costs.
 
Landec Second Quarter 2012 Earnings Conference Call
 
A conference call will follow this release at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 during which senior management of Landec will present an overview of results for the first half and second quarter of fiscal year 2012.  Interested parties have the opportunity to listen to the conference call live on the Internet at www.landec.com by selecting Investors and the Financial Releases & Events page.  A replay of the webcast will be available for 30 days.  Additionally, investors can listen to the call by dialing (866) 238-1645 or (703) 639-1163 at least 5 minutes prior to the start.  A replay of the call will be available through Wednesday, January 11, 2012 by calling (888) 266-2081 or (703) 925-2533, code #1561486.

Landec Corporation is a materials science company that leverages its proprietary polymer technologies, application development and innovation capabilities to develop and commercialize new products in biomedical, agricultural and industrial markets. Landec has two proprietary polymer technology platforms: Intelimer Polymers® and Sodium Hyaluronate (“NaHy”) that are the foundation for its business. Landec’s subsidiary, Apio, has become the leader in US fresh-cut specialty packaged vegetables by combining Landec’s proprietary food packaging technology with the capabilities of a large national food supplier, processor and distributor. Through its subsidiary, Lifecore Biomedical, Landec is now a premium supplier of hyaluronan-based materials and medical products to ophthalmic, orthopedic and veterinary markets worldwide. Landec’s Licensing Partnerships work closely with market-leading companies to develop and commercialize differentiated polymer-based products.  For more information about the Company, visit Landec’s website at www.landec.com.

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including such factors among others, as the timing and expenses associated with operations, the ability to achieve acceptance of the Company's new products in the market place, the severity of the current economic slowdown, weather conditions that can affect the supply and price of produce, the amount and timing of research and development funding and license fees from the Company's collaborative partners, the timing of regulatory approvals, the mix between domestic and international sales, and the risk factors listed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 29, 2011 (See item 1A: Risk Factors) which may be updated in Part II.  Item 1A Risk Factors in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.  As a result of these and other factors, the Company expects to continue to experience significant fluctuations in quarterly operating results and there can be no assurance that the Company will remain consistently profitable.  The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new developments or otherwise.

--Tables and Q&A to Follow--
 
 
 

 
 
LANDEC CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)

   
November 27, 2011
   
May 29, 2011
 
   
(unaudited)
       
ASSETS
           
Current Assets:
           
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities
  $ 28,471     $ 36,259  
Accounts and income taxes receivable, net
    29,764       22,672  
Inventories, net
    20,175       20,161  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    8,767       6,534  
Total Current Assets
    87,177       85,626  
                 
Property and equipment, net
    52,247       51,779  
Intangible assets, net
    52,102       52,256  
Investments in non-public companies
    17,629       16,455  
Other assets
    253       196  
Total Assets
  $ 209,408     $ 206,312  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Current Liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 19,219     $ 17,047  
Accrued compensation
    3,385       3,080  
Other accrued liabilities
    13,301       3,581  
Deferred revenue
    355       2,657  
Current portion of long-term debt
    4,330       4,330  
Total Current Liabilities
    40,590       30,695  
                 
Long-term debt
    13,170       15,500  
Deferred taxes
    12,014       11,338  
Other non-current liabilities
    1,217       11,053  
                 
Stockholders' Equity
               
Common stock
    26       27  
Additional paid-in capital
    118,695       119,169  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes
    (235 )     (267 )
Retained earnings
    22,278       17,126  
Total Stockholders' Equity
    140,764       136,055  
Non controlling interest
    1,653       1,671  
Total Equity
    142,417       137,726  
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
  $ 209,408     $ 206,312  
 
 
 

 

LANDEC CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per-share data)
(unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
November 27,
   
November 28,
   
November 27
   
November 28
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Revenues:
                       
 Product sales
  $ 79,352     $ 67,720     $ 150,211     $ 129,980  
 Services revenues
    805       986       1,785       2,051  
 License fees
    1,413       1,462       2,875       3,089  
 Total revenues
    81,570       70,168       154,871       135,120  
                                 
Cost of revenue:
                               
 Cost of product sales
    67,894       57,438       129,163       109,724  
 Cost of services revenues
    666       875       1,448       1,725  
 Total cost of revenue
    68,560       58,313       130,611       111,449  
                                 
Gross profit
    13,010       11,855       24,260       23,671  
                                 
Operating costs and expenses:
                               
 Research and development
    2,337       2,255       4,670       4,487  
 Selling, general and administrative
    6,464       6,072       12,508       11,725  
 Total operating costs and expenses
    8,801       8,327       17,178       16,212  
Operating income
    4,209       3,528       7,082       7,459  
                                 
Dividend income
    281             563        
Interest income
    81       117       157       224  
Interest expense
    (163 )     (209 )     (340 )     (435 )
Other income (expense)
    1,079       (44 )     1,088       (102 )
Net income before taxes
    5,487       3,392       8,550       7,146  
Income taxes
    (2,049 )     (1,209 )     (3,159 )     (2,561 )
Consolidated net income
    3,438       2,183       5,391       4,585  
Non controlling interest
    (98 )     (128 )     (239 )     (226 )
Net income available to common stockholders
  $ 3,340     $ 2,055     $ 5,152     $ 4,359  
                                 
Diluted net income per share
  $ 0.13     $ 0.08     $ 0.20     $ 0.16  
                                 
Shares used in diluted per share computations
    26,135       26,560       26,399       26,639  

 
 

 

LANDEC CORPORATION
SECOND QUARTER ENDED NOVEMBER 27, 2011
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1)
What are your revenue and net income projections for the second half of fiscal year 2012?

We are projecting that revenues will be approximately 5% to 10% lower in the second half of fiscal year 2012 compared to the first half due primarily to lower projected revenues in Apio’s export business, which typically realizes two-thirds of its revenues during the first half of our fiscal year because there are more fruit and vegetables to export during the summer and fall than in the winter and spring.  For net income, we are projecting that both the third quarter and the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012 will be approximately the same as the second quarter due to some high margin revenues for Lifecore that were originally anticipated in the fourth quarter, shifting to the third quarter.  We expect to meet or exceed our guidance of 5% or better revenue growth and net income growth of 30% to 40%, after adding back the one-time impairment charge of $4.8 million to net income for fiscal year 2011.

2)
Is the fresh-cut produce category returning to a growth mode and how has the weather been in California during the first part of fiscal year 2012?

We have seen produce category growth over the last six months and we are hopeful this is a trend that will continue during fiscal year 2012.  The overall fresh-cut produce category experienced a 5% growth in volume during the last six months.  While this growth is occurring mostly in the bagged fresh-cut vegetable category, the fresh-cut vegetable tray demand has just recently begun to show some small positive growth.  For Apio, our unit volume growth over the last six months has been 13%, more than double the category growth.  Weather patterns were normal during the first six months of fiscal year 2012. However, the desert area of California has experienced much higher than normal rainfall during December, which could impact production yields during January and February.

3)
What is the status of Windset’s new Santa Maria, California operation in which Landec has a 20% ownership interest?

 
Windset has completed construction on the first 64 acres of greenhouses, which equates to three million square feet, along with completion of the processing facility and the water treatment plant.  All 64 acres have been planted with different varieties of tomatoes. Harvesting began on the first 32 acres in October and on the second 32 acres in December.  Production performance is meeting expectations.  We are very pleased with the progress Windset is making with their new California operation.  In addition to the dividend on our Windset preferred stock, during the second quarter of fiscal year 2012, we recognized $1.1 million of income from our percentage of the increase in Windset’s fair market value.

4)
Are you considering new investments or acquisition initiatives?

 
Yes.  Our investment search is focused on opportunities where we can accelerate growth in our core businesses of food and biomaterials while increasing our overall margins.  We are focused on identifying potential investment targets that have technology and commercial products that are synergistic with our polymer technologies and/or a business that benefits from our existing channels of distribution.

 
 

 
 
5) 
How are the Chiquita programs progressing?

The Chiquita-to-Go® banana program continues to grow and is a higher margin program for Chiquita.  The Fresh and Ready® avocado program is a strategic focus for Chiquita.  Landec’s BreatheWay® technology for avocados continues to demonstrate good performance in the marketplace, although customer and consumer adoption of the product is proceeding slower than we had originally expected.  In connection with renewing the agreement for an additional five years, the companies have agreed to add the use of our BreatheWay technology for creating an optimal atmosphere within shipping containers in the field of global transport of bananas.  Chiquita has a sizable shipping container technology business that fits well with Landec’s long-term interest in using modified atmosphere technology for preserving produce during global transport.  Chiquita purchased their first order of BreatheWay membranes for containers during the second quarter of fiscal year 2012.  The container program is still in the initial commercial testing phase.

6)
What are the future plans for your seed business now that the Monsanto agreement has terminated?

We are working with an Ag consulting firm to investigate strategic options for our Intellicoat® technology.  The consulting firm is actively arranging meetings with top seed treatment and crop protection companies.  Our technology team is continuing to advance our controlled release technology for agricultural applications.  We should know by the end of fiscal year 2012 the future direction of our Ag business.

7)
Why did cash and marketable securities decrease by $7.8 million during the first six months of fiscal year 2012 when the Company generated $5.2 million of net income?

While we generated $5.2 million of net income, cash decreased because of the following: (1) cash used in financing activities included the purchase of $4.8 million of our Common Stock on the open market through our stock buy-back plan and the pay back of $2.3 million of debt, (2) the purchase of $3.0 million of equipment, and (3) cash flow from operations was reduced by a $7.4 million increase in trade receivables due to shipments of product in late November, partially offset by $5.0 million in non-cash expenses items such as depreciation and amortization and the tax benefit from stock-based compensation.  Cash flow from operations is subject to variability in working capital which can shift from quarter to quarter.

8) 
What are Landec’s priorities for the next 12 to 24 months?

Our goals are as follows: (1) grow Lifecore’s business by utilizing Lifecore’s strengths in ophthalmology, viscoelastic materials and sterile filling, (2) grow Apio’s food business and maintain Apio’s margins, (3) determine Landec Ag’s strategic direction, (4) find new applications for BreatheWay packaging technology and Intelimer polymer technology that can be commercialized through Landec’s subsidiaries or third party partners, (5) find new investment opportunities for growth and margin enhancement, and (6) maintain a strong balance sheet.  We see growth opportunities and are continuing to expand our investment in R&D to take advantage of these opportunities, while continuing the shift in revenue mix to higher margin businesses.
 
 
 

 

9)
How do the results by line of business for the three and six months ended November 27, 2011 compare with the same periods last year?
 
The results are as follows (unaudited and in thousands):
 
   
Three months ended 11/27/11
   
Three months ended 11/28/10
   
Six months
ended 11/27/11
   
Six months
ended 11/28/10
 
Revenues:
                       
Apio Value Added(a)
  $ 46,693     $ 40,649     $ 90,056     $ 81,207  
Apio Export
    24,229       19,635       45,584       36,118  
Total Apio
    70,922       60,284       135,640       117,325  
Lifecore
    9,235       8,422       16,356       14,806  
Tech. Licensing (b)
    1,413       1,462       2,875       2,989  
  Total Revenues
    81,570       70,168       154,871       135,120  
                                 
Gross Profit:
                               
Apio Value Added
    4,531       3,752       10,590       10,115  
Apio Export
    1,802       1,230       2,816       2,161  
Total Apio
    6,333       4,982       13,406       12,276  
Lifecore
    5,264       5,411       7,979       8,406  
Tech. Licensing
    1,413       1,462       2,875       2,989  
 Total Gross Profit
    13,010       11,855       24,260       23,671  
R&D:
                               
Apio
    243       246       513       469  
Lifecore
    1,157       1,091       2,243       2,145  
Tech. Licensing
    937       918       1,914       1,873  
  Total R&D
    2,337       2,255       4,670       4,487  
                                 
S,G&A:
                               
Apio
    3,686       3,190       7,036       6,211  
Lifecore
    1,119       1,263       2,113       2,252  
Tech. Licensing
    112       100       223       219  
Corporate
    1,547       1,519       3,136       3,043  
  Total S,G&A
    6,464       6,072       12,508       11,725  
                                 
Other (c):
                               
Apio
    1,326       (85 )     1,527       (156 )
Lifecore
    (150 )     (216 )     (323 )     (473 )
Corporate
    (2,045 )     (1,172 )     (3,134 )     (2,471 )
  Total Other
    (869 )     (1,473 )     (1,930 )     (3,100 )
                                 
Net Income (Loss):
                               
Apio
    3,730       1,461       7,384       5,440  
Lifecore
    2,838       2,841       3,300       3,536  
Tech. Licensing
    364       444       738       897  
Corporate
    (3,592 )     (2,691 )     (6,270 )     (5,514 )
  Net Income
  $ 3,340     $ 2,055     $ 5,152     $ 4,359  

a)
Apio’s Value-Added business includes revenues and gross profit from Apio Cooling LP. and Apio Packaging.
b)
Included in Tech. Licensing are the Intellicoat license fees from Monsanto.
c)
Included in Other is net interest income/(expense), dividend income, change in the FMV of Windset, non-operating income/(expense) and income tax expense.