Table of Contents

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

x       QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended: June 30, 2018

 

o       TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from __________ to __________

 

Commission File Number: 000-17363

 

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

Illinois 36-3442829

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

6431 West Oakton, Morton Grove, IL 60053

(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Zip Code)

 

(847) 967-1010

(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 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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o

 

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

 

  Large accelerated filer  o Accelerated filer  o
  Non-accelerated filer  o Smaller reporting company  x
  Emerging growth company  o  

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  o No x

 

As of August 5, 2018, 15,879,391 shares of the registrant’s common stock, no par value, were outstanding.

 

 

 

   

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
Item 1. Financial Statements. 3
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 17
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. 23
Item 4. Controls and Procedures. 23
   
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION  
Item 1. Legal Proceedings. 24
Item 1 A. Risk Factors. 24
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds. 24
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities. 24
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure. 24
Item 5. Other Information. 24
Item 6. Exhibits. 24
  Signatures. 25
  Index of Exhibits. 26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 2 

 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017

(In thousands)

 

  

June 30,

2018

(Unaudited)

  

December 31,

2017

 
Current assets          
Cash and cash equivalents  $3,632   $4,978 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts and discounts & allowances of $1,700 and $2,010 at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 respectively   8,590    8,676 
Inventories, net   7,183    7,697 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   1,599    983 
Refundable income taxes   2,811    2,347 
Total current assets   23,815    24,681 
           
Property, plant and equipment, net   25,243    24,645 
           
Intangible assets          
Goodwill & indefinite-lived intangibles   14,068    14,068 
Other intangible assets, net   648    975 
Total intangible assets   14,716    15,043 
           
Other assets   150    150 
Total assets  $63,924   $64,519 
           
Current liabilities          
Current maturities of notes payable  $–   $3,166 
Accounts payable   7,271    6,848 
Accrued expenses   3,388    2,984 
Accrued income taxes   82    203 
Total current liabilities   10,741    13,201 
           
Line of credit   5,984    – 
Notes payable   –    3,113 
Deferred income taxes, net   840    840 
Other long-term liabilities   554    775 
Total liabilities   18,119    17,929 
           
Stockholders' equity          
Preferred stock, no par value; 2,500 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively   –    – 
Common stock, no par value; 40,000 shares authorized; 17,274 shares issued; 15,879 and 16,008 outstanding at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively   6,509    6,509 
Paid-in capital   2,184    2,244 
Treasury stock, at cost   (12,777)   (11,812)
Retained earnings   49,889    49,649 
Total stockholders' equity   45,805    46,590 
           
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $63,924   $64,519 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

 

 

 3 

 

 

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

  

Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
   2018   2017   2018   2017 
                 
Net sales  $27,096   $31,733   $55,838   $63,850 
                     
Cost of goods sold   19,495    21,857    39,520    44,931 
Depreciation expense   725    597    1,405    1,183 
Total cost of goods sold   20,220    22,454    40,925    46,114 
                     
Gross profit   6,876    9,279    14,913    17,736 
                     
Selling expenses   3,383    3,400    7,401    7,638 
General and administrative   2,996    3,813    6,701    7,598 
Amortization expense   164    168    327    336 
Total operating expenses   6,543    7,381    14,429    15,572 
                     
Income from operations   333    1,898    484    2,164 
                     
Other income (expense):                    
Interest expense   (75)   (61)   (138)   (118)
Loss on sale of property and equipment   (1)   –    14    (5)
Other income, net   3    –    8    – 
Total other income (expense)   (73)   (61)   (116)   (123)
                     
Income before provision for income taxes   260    1,837    368    2,041 
                     
Provision for income taxes   90    801    128    881 
                     
Net income  $170   $1,036   $240   $1,160 
                     
Earnings per common share:                    
Basic  $0.01   $0.06   $0.02   $0.07 
Diluted  $0.01   $0.06   $0.02   $0.07 
                     
Weighted average common shares:                    
Basic   15,879    16,154    15,893    16,154 
Diluted   15,992    16,203    16,026    16,211 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

 

 

 4 

 

 

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity 

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

   Common Stock             
   Issued   In treasury   Paid-In   Retained   Total 
   Shares   $   Shares   $   Capital   Earnings   Equity 
                             
Balance, January 1, 2017   17,274   $6,509    (1,120)  $(10,340)  $2,198   $49,995   $48,362 
                                    
Stock-based compensation   –    –    –    –    38    –    38 
                                    
Net income   –    –    –    –    –    1,160    1,160 
                                    
Balance, June 30, 2017   17,274   $6,509    (1,120)  $(10,340)  $2,236   $51,155   $49,560 
                                    
Balance, January 1, 2018   17,274   $6,509    (1,266)  $(11,812)  $2,244   $49,649   $46,590 
                                    
Issuance of common stock in connection with stock-based compensation   –    –    22    203    (71)   –    132 
                                    
Treasury stock purchased   –    –    (151)   (1,168)   –    –    (1,168)
                                    
Stock-based compensation   –    –    –    –    11    –    11 
                                    
Net income   –    –    –    –    –    240    240 
                                    
Balance, June 30, 2018   17,274   $6,509    (1,395)  $(12,777)  $2,184   $49,889   $45,805 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

 

 

 

 5 

 

 

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

   2018   2017 
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income  $240   $1,160 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to operating cash flow:          
Depreciation and amortization   1,732    1,519 
Non-cash interest expense   3    – 
Bad debt expense   20    – 
Reserve for inventory obsolescence   271    131 
Stock-based compensation   495    775 
Deferred revenue   (48)   – 
(Gain) loss on sale of property and equipment   (14)   5 
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:          
Accounts receivable   66    (793)
Inventories   243    (185)
Refundable income taxes   (463)   (33)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   (584)   (500)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:          
Accounts payable   423    564 
Accrued expenses   (153)   1,259 
Accrued income taxes   (121)   (579)
Net cash provided by operating activities   2,109    3,323 
           
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Purchases of property and equipment   (2,024)   (2,400)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment   35    34 
Net cash used in investing activities   (1,989)   (2,366)
           
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Borrowings under revolving credit facility   6,050    – 
Payment of deferred financing costs   (69)   – 
Purchase of treasury stock   (1,168)   – 
Repayment of notes payable   (6,279)   (420)
Net cash used in financing activities   (1,466)   (420)
           
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents   (1,346)   537 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period   4,978    8,812 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period  $3,632   $9,349 
           
Supplemental cash flow information:          
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds  $712   $1,493 
Cash paid for interest  $108   $118 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

 

 

 6 

 

 

LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation

 

Basis of presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information, and do not include all of the information and disclosures required for complete, audited financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation, have been included. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and disclosures included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017. Certain amounts in prior-year financial statements were reclassified to conform to the current-year presentation. The results for the period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for other interim periods or the full year.

 

Principles of consolidation

 

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Lifeway Foods, Inc. and all its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively “Lifeway” or the “Company”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

 

Note 2 – Significant Accounting Policies

 

Use of estimates

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates made in preparing the consolidated financial statements include the reserve for promotional allowances, the valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, stock-based and incentive compensation, and deferred income taxes.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

We sell food and beverage products across select product categories to customers predominantly within the United States (see Note 11, Segments, Products and Customers). We also sell bulk cream, a byproduct of our fluid milk manufacturing process. We recognize revenue when control over the products transfers to our customers, which generally occurs upon delivery to our customers or their common carriers. We account for product shipping and handling as fulfillment activities with revenues for these activities recorded within net revenue and costs recorded within cost of goods sold. Any taxes collected on behalf of government authorities are excluded from net revenues.

 

Revenues are recorded net of discounts and allowances to our customers and consumers. Known or expected pricing or revenue adjustments, such as trade discounts, allowances for non-saleable products, product returns, and coupon redemption, are estimated at the time of sale. We base these estimates of expected amounts principally on historical utilization and redemption rates. Estimates that affect revenue, such as trade incentives and coupon redemptions, are monitored and adjusted each period until the incentives realized or the coupons expire.

 

Key sales terms, such as pricing and quantities ordered, are established on a frequent basis such that most customer arrangements and related incentives have a one year or shorter duration. As such, we do not capitalize contract inception costs and we capitalize product fulfillment costs in accordance with U.S. GAAP and our inventory policies. We do not have any significant deferred revenue or unbilled receivables at the end of a period. We generally do not receive noncash consideration for the sale of goods nor do we grant payment financing terms greater than one year.

 

 

 

 7 

 

 

Deferred Financing Costs

 

We record deferred financing costs incurred in conjunction with its debt obligations. These costs are capitalized and amortized over the lives of the associated debt to interest expense using the effective interest method. Debt issuance costs associated with term debt and lines of credit are recorded as a direct deduction from the face amount of the debt. Total deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization, at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were $66 and $0, respectively.

 

Advertising and promotional costs

 

Lifeway expenses advertising costs as incurred. For the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 total advertising expenses were $2,585 and $2,811 respectively. For the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 total advertising expenses were $1,196 and $1,043 respectively.

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

 

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The new guidance is intended to simplify aspects of accounting for share-based payments to nonemployees by aligning it with the accounting for share-based payments to employees, with certain exceptions. The new guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than an entity’s adoptions of Topic 606. We adopted this new standard in June 2018. The adoption of this amendment had no impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB”) issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting. The new guidance provides clarity and reduces both diversity in practice and cost of complexity when accounting for a change to the terms of or conditions of a share-based payment award. The amendments in this update provide guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. This guidance was effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of this amendment had no impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The new guidance is intended to address the diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows, such as debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, contingent consideration payments made after an acquisition, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, and other topics. This guidance was effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of this amendment had no impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The new guidance modifies how entities measure equity investments and present changes in the fair value of financial liabilities. Under the new guidance, entities will have to measure equity investments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted under the equity method at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income unless certain conditions exist. This guidance was effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of this amendment had no impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, including most industry-specific requirements. ASU 2014-09 establishes a five-step revenue recognition process in which an entity will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard allows for either “full retrospective” adoption, meaning the standard is applied to all of the periods presented, or “modified retrospective” adoption, meaning the standard is applied only to the most current period presented in the financial statements. ASU 2014-09 also requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows from contracts with customers. On August 12, 2015 the FASB approved a one year delay of the effective date to reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, while permitting companies to voluntarily adopt the new standard as of the original effective date. In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which clarifies narrow aspects of ASC 606 or corrects unintended application of the guidance. The effective date and transition requirements for ASU 2016-20 are the same as the effective date and transition requirements for ASU 2014-09. Under the delayed effective date, this guidance was effective January 1, 2018. We adopted the new standard on January 1, 2018 on a modified retrospective basis. The adoption of this amendment had no impact on the consolidated financial statements. Refer to the Revenue Recognition section above and Note 11, Segment, Products, and Customers for additional information.

 

 

 

 8 

 

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The new guidance simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two-step impairment test. The amendment requires an entity to perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The new guidance will be effective for annual periods or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The amendment should be applied on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The adoption of this amendment is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

   

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases. The guidance requires lessees to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities in the balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements, such as information about variable lease payments and options to renew and terminate leases. The amended guidance will require both operating and finance leases to be recognized in the balance sheet. A lessee should recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The new guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments in this ASU should be adopted using a modified retrospective transition approach, which requires application of the new guidance at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the year of adoption. Management is currently evaluating the impact that the new guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements.

 

Note 3 – Inventories, net

 

Inventories consisted of the following:

 

   June 30,
2018		   December 31,
2017		 
Ingredients  $1,659   $1,717 
Packaging   2,229    2,453 
Finished goods   3,295    3,527 
Total inventories  $7,183   $7,697 

 

Note 4 – Property, Plant and Equipment, net

 

Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:

 

   June 30,
2018		   December 31,
2017		 
Land  $1,747   $1,747 
Buildings and improvements   17,379    17,260 
Machinery and equipment   29,774    27,539 
Vehicles   901    901 
Office equipment   879    734 
Construction in process   1,089    1,683 
    51,769    49,864 
Less accumulated depreciation   (26,526)   (25,219)
Total property, plant and equipment, net  $25,243   $24,645 

 

 

 

 9 

 

 

Note 5 – Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill & indefinite-lived intangible assets consisted of the following:

 

   June 30,
2018		   December 31,
2017		 
Goodwill  $10,368   $10,368 
Brand names   3,700    3,700 
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets  $14,068   $14,068 

 

Other intangible assets, net consisted of the following:

 

   June 30,
2018		   December 31,
2017		 
Recipes  $44   $44 
Customer lists and other customer related intangibles   4,529    4,529 
Customer relationship   985    985 
Trade names   2,248    2,248 
Formula   438    438 
    8,244    8,244 
Accumulated amortization   (7,596)   (7,269)
Other intangible assets, net  $648   $975 

 

Note 6 – Accrued Expenses

 

Accrued expenses consisted of the following:

 

   June 30,
2018		  

December 31,

2017

 
Payroll and incentive compensation  $2,474   $2,208 
Real estate taxes   374    371 
Other   540    405 
   $3,388   $2,984 

 

Note 7 – Debt

 

Notes Payable

 

  

June 30,

2018

  

December 31,

2017

 
         
Variable rate term loan due May 31, 2018. Principal and interest payable monthly with a balloon payment due at maturity. Paid in full.  $–   $2,832 
Variable rate term loan due May 31, 2019. Principal and interest payable monthly with a balloon payment due at maturity. Paid in full.   –    3,447 
Total term loans   –    6,279 
Less current portion   –    (3,166)
Total long-term portion  $–   $3,113 

 

 

 

 10 

 

 

The variable rate term loans were subject to interest at the prime rate or at the LIBOR plus 2.5% and were collateralized by substantially all of Lifeway’s assets. The two term loans were refinanced and paid in full on May 7, 2018. See Line of Credit below.

 

Line of Credit

 

On May 7, 2018, Lifeway entered into an Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with its existing lender. The Revolving Credit Facility provides for a revolving line of credit up to a maximum of $10 million (the “Revolving Loan”) with an incremental facility not to exceed $5 million (the “Incremental Facility” and together with the Revolving Loan, the “Loans”). The proceeds of the Loans were used to pay off Lifeway’s existing debt with the lender under the Loan and Security Agreement, Revolving Note, and Term Note entered into on February 6, 2009, and for general working capital purposes. Upon closing, we retired all the then-outstanding term loans described above.

 

As of June 30, 2018, we have $5,984, net of $66 of unamortized deferred financing costs, outstanding under the New Revolving Credit Facility. We have approximately $3,950 available under the Borrowing Base for future borrowings as of June 30, 2018.

 

All outstanding amounts under the Loans bear interest, at Lifeway’s election, at either the lender Base Rate (the greater of either the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%, or the Prime Rate) or the LIBOR plus 2.50%, payable monthly in arrears. Lifeway is also required to pay a quarterly unused line fee and, in conjunction with the issuance of any letters of credit, a letter of credit fee. Lifeway’s average interest rate on debt outstanding under our Credit Agreement for the period May 7, 2018 through June 30, 2018 was 4.52% - 4.86%.

 

The commitment under the Revolving Credit Facility matures May 7, 2021. The new revolving line of credit is presented as a long-term debt obligation as of June 30, 2018. The Loans and all other amounts due and owed under the Revolving Credit Facility and related documents are secured by substantially all of our assets.

 

Amounts available for borrowing under the Loans equal the lesser of (i) the Borrowing Base (as defined below), or (ii) $10 million (plus the amount of any Incremental Facility requested by Lifeway and approved by lender), in each case, as the same is reduced by the aggregate principal amount outstanding under the Loans. “Borrowing Base” under the Revolving Credit Facility means, generally, an amount equal to our cash and cash equivalents plus our eligible accounts receivable and eligible inventory, less certain reserves, divided by 1.5.

 

The Revolving Credit Facility contains customary representations, warranties, and covenants on the part of Lifeway, including financial covenants requiring us to achieve a minimum EBITDA threshold for each of the fiscal quarters through December 31, 2018; maintain (a) a fixed charge coverage ratio of no less than 1.25 to 1.0, and (b) a Senior Debt to EBITDA ratio of not more than 3.00 to 1.0 at December 31, 2018 and for each of the succeeding fiscal quarters ending through the expiration date. The Revolving Credit Facility also provides for events of default, including failure to repay principal and interest when due and failure to perform or violation of the provisions or covenants of the agreement, as a result of which amounts due under the Revolving Credit Facility may be accelerated.

 

Note 8 – Commitments and contingencies

 

Lease obligations

 

We lease three retail stores for our Lifeway Kefir Shop subsidiary, certain machinery and equipment, and office space under operating leases. Total lease expense was $375 and $322 for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Total lease expense was $195 and $165 for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

 

 

 11 

 

 

Litigation

 

Lifeway is engaged in various legal actions, claims, and proceedings arising in the normal course of business, including commercial disputes, product liabilities, intellectual property matters and employment-related matters resulting from our business activities.

 

We record accruals for outstanding legal matters when we believe it is probable that a loss will be incurred and the amount of such loss can be reasonably estimated. We evaluate, on a periodic basis, developments in legal matters that could affect the amount of any accrual and developments that would make a loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. If a loss contingency is not both probable and estimable, we do not establish an accrued liability. Currently, none of our accruals for outstanding legal matters are material individually or in the aggregate to our financial position and it is management’s opinion that the ultimate resolution of these outstanding legal matters will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. However, if we ultimately are required to make payments in connection with an adverse outcome, it is possible that it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Lifeway’s contingencies are subject to substantial uncertainties, including for each such contingency the following, among other factors: (i) the procedural status of the case; (ii) whether the case has or may be certified as a class action suit; (iii) the outcome of preliminary motions; (iv) the impact of discovery; (v) whether there are significant factual issues to be determined or resolved; (vi) whether the proceedings involve a large number of parties and/or parties and claims in multiple jurisdictions or jurisdictions in which the relevant laws are complex or unclear; (vii) the extent of potential damages, which are often unspecified or indeterminate; and (viii) the status of settlement discussions, if any, and the settlement posture of the parties. Consequently, Lifeway cannot predict with any reasonable certainty the timing or outcome of such contingencies, and we are unable to estimate a possible loss or range of loss.

 

In a letter dated May 19, 2016, Lifeway received a request to voluntarily produce documents in connection with a confidential, informal inquiry by the Division of Enforcement of the SEC concerning Lifeway’s internal controls, disclosure controls procedures, and internal control over financial reporting for fiscal years 2013 through the date of the letter. The SEC has informed Lifeway that the inquiry should not be construed as an indication that any violation of any federal securities law has occurred or as a reflection upon the merits of any person, company, or securities involved. Since receiving the letter, Lifeway has been cooperating with the SEC and will continue to do so.

 

Note 9 – Income taxes

 

For each interim period, Lifeway estimates the effective tax rate (“ETR”) expected to be applicable for the full year and applies that rate to income before provision for income taxes for the period. Additionally, we record discrete income tax items such as enacted tax rate changes and completed tax audits in the period in which they occur.

 

The effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was 34.6% compared to 43.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2017. The effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was 34.8% compared to 43.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2017. On December 22, 2017, Congress enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The Act contains several key tax provisions that affected us, including without limitation a reduction of the federal corporate income tax rate to 21% effective January 1, 2018, and the repeal of the domestic manufacturing deduction for 2018. In 2018, our effective income tax rate reflects the current federal statutory rate of 21%, while the rate for 2017 reflects the then-current federal statutory rate of 35%. The relative mix of pre-tax earnings (or losses), the underlying income tax rates applicable to various state and local taxing jurisdictions, and the impact of non-deductible items can also affect our periodic effective income tax rate.

 

 

 

 12 

 

 

Note 10 – Stock-based and Other Compensation

 

Stock Options

 

In December 2015, Lifeway shareholders approved the 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan, which authorized the issuance of an aggregate of 3.5 million shares to satisfy awards of stock options, stock appreciation rights, unrestricted stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares and performance units. At June 30, 2018, 3.469 million shares remain available under the Omnibus Incentive Plan. We have not established a pace for the frequency of awards under the Omnibus Incentive Plan, and may choose to suspend the issuance of new awards in the future and may grant additional awards at any time including issuing special grants of restricted stock, restricted stock units, and stock options to attract and retain new and existing executives.

 

The following table summarizes stock option activity during the six months ended June 30, 2018:

 

    Options     Weighted
average
exercise price		     Weighted
average
remaining contractual life		     Aggregate
intrinsic value		  
                         
Outstanding at December 31, 2017     45     $ 10.45                  
Granted     –     $ –                  
Exercised     –     $ –                  
Forfeited     (3)     $ 11.10                  
Outstanding at June 30, 2018     42     $ 10.40       7.70     $ –  
Exercisable at June 30, 2018     33     $ 10.50       7.70     $ –  

  

For the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations was $7 and $29, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 tax-related benefits of $2 and $11 were also recognized. For the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations was $3 and $14, respectively. For the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 tax-related benefits of $0 and $5 were also recognized. As of June 30, 2018, the total remaining unearned compensation related to non-vested stock options was $6, which is expected to be amortized over the weighted-average remaining service period of 0.82 years.

 

Restricted Stock Units

 

Lifeway granted 20 Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) to certain independent directors in June 2018. An RSU represents the right to receive one share of common stock in the future. RSUs have no exercise price.

 

The following table summarizes RSU activity during the six months ended June 30, 2018:

 

    RSU’s  
       
Outstanding at December 31, 2017     –  
Granted     20  
Shares issued upon vesting     –  
Forfeited     –  
Outstanding at June 30, 2018     20  
Weighted average grant date fair value per share   $ 6.18  

 

 

 

 13 

 

 

We expense RSU’s over the service period. For the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations was $4 and $9, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 tax-related benefits of $1 and $4 were also recognized. For the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations was $3 and $4, respectively. For the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 tax-related benefits of $1 and $2 were also recognized. As of June 30, 2018, the total remaining unearned compensation related to non-vested RSU’s was $118, which is expected to be amortized over the weighted-average remaining service period of 2.90 years.

 

Incentive Compensation

 

In January 2017, Lifeway established an incentive-based compensation program for fiscal year 2017 (the “2017 Plan”) for certain senior executives and key employees (the “participants”). We established a similar plan for participants for fiscal year 2018 (the “2018” Plan). Under both the 2017 Plan and the 2018 Plan, incentive compensation is based on (a) Lifeway’s achievement of certain sales and adjusted EBITDA performance levels versus respective targets established by the Board for each fiscal year, and (b) for certain senior executives other than our CEO and COO, the achievement of individual performance objectives.

 

Under the 2017 Plan, collectively the participants had the opportunity to earn cash and equity-based incentive compensation in amounts ranging from $0 to $11,025 depending on Lifeway’s performance levels compared to the respective targets and the senior executive’s performance compared to their individual objectives. The equity portion of the incentive compensation is payable in restricted stock that vests one-third in each of the three years from the 2017 grant dates. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, $412 was expensed under the 2017 Plan as stock-based compensation expense in the consolidated statements of operations. For the six months ended June 30, 2017, $1,985 was expensed under the 2017 Plan, of which $1,248 was recorded as cash bonus expense and $737 was recorded as stock-based compensation expense in the consolidated statements of operations. For the three months ended June 30, 2018, $126 was expensed under the 2017 Plan as stock-based compensation expense in the consolidated statements of operations. For the three months ended June 30, 2017, $1,167 was expensed under the 2017 Plan, of which $859 was recorded as cash bonus expense and $308 was recorded as stock-based compensation expense in the consolidated statements of operations. As of June 30, 2018, the total remaining unearned compensation related to the 2017 Plan was $633, of which $278 is expected to be recognized through the balance of fiscal year 2018 subject to vesting; and $303 and $52 is expected to be recognized in 2019 and 2020, respectively, subject to vesting.

 

Under the 2018 Plan, collectively the participants have the opportunity to earn cash and equity-based incentive compensation in amounts ranging from $0 to $11,200 depending on Lifeway’s performance levels compared to the respective targets and the senior executive’s performance compared to their individual objectives. The equity portion of the incentive compensation is payable in restricted stock that vests one-third in each of the three years from the 2018 grant dates. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, $146 was expensed under the 2018 Plan, of which $76 was recorded as cash bonus expense and $70 was recorded as stock-based compensation expense in the consolidated statements of operations. For the three months ended June 30, 2018, $(25) was expensed under the 2018 Plan as stock-based compensation expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

Retirement Benefits

 

Lifeway has a defined contribution plan which is available to substantially all full-time employees. Under the terms of the plan, we match employee contributions under a prescribed formula. For the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 total contribution expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations was $229 and $237, respectively. For the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 total contribution expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations was $97 and $134, respectively, due to timing of bonus payments.

 

Note 11 – Segments, Products and Customers

 

Lifeway’s primary product is drinkable kefir, a cultured dairy product. Lifeway Kefir is a tart and tangy cultured milk smoothie that is high in protein, calcium and vitamin D. Thanks to our exclusive blend of kefir cultures, each cup of kefir contains 12 live and active cultures and 15 to 20 billion beneficial CFU (Colony Forming Units) at the time of manufacture.

 

 

 

 14 

 

 

We manufacture (directly or through co-packers) our products under our own brand, as well as under private labels on behalf of certain customers. Lifeway offers over 50 varieties of our kefir products including more than 20 flavors. In addition to our core drinkable kefir products, we offer Kefir Cups, a strained, cupped version of our kefir; and Organic Farmer Cheese Cups, a cupped version of our soft cheeses, both served in resealable 5 oz. containers with mini-spoons. We also offer Lifeway Elixir, a line of non-dairy, sparkling organic probiotic beverages, as well as probiotic supplements for adults and children. In late 2017, we also announced that we would begin offering Skyr, a strained cupped Icelandic yogurt, and Plantiful, a plant-based probiotic beverage made from organic and non-GMO pea protein with 10 vegan kefir cultures.

 

Our product categories are:

 

  · Drinkable Kefir, sold in a variety of organic and non-organic sizes, flavors, and types, including low fat, non-fat, whole milk, protein, BioKefir (a 3.5 oz. kefir with additional probiotic cultures), and Kefir with Oats.
     
  · Cheese, which includes European-style soft cheeses, and farmer cheese in resealable cups.
     
  · Cream and other, consists primarily of cream, a byproduct of our fluid milk manufacturing process, and non-dairy products.
     
  · ProBugs, a line of kefir products in drinkable, frozen, and freeze dried formats, designed for children.
     
  · Cupped Kefir and Skyr, which include Cupped Kefir and Icelandic Skyr, a line of strained kefir and yogurt products in resealable cups.
     
  · Frozen Kefir, available in both bars and pint-size containers.

 

Lifeway has determined that it has one reportable segment based on how our chief operating decision maker manages the business and in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision maker. The chief operating decision maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing our performance, has been identified collectively as the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Executive Officer, and Chairperson of the board of directors. Substantially all of our consolidated revenues relate to the sale of cultured dairy products that we produce using the same processes and materials and are sold to consumers through a common network of distributors and retailers in the United States.

 

Net sales of products by category were as follows for the six months ended June 30:

 

   Six months ended June 30, 
   2018   %   2017   % 
Drinkable Kefir other than ProBugs  $42,378    76%   $49,405    77% 
Cheese   5,787    10%    5,698    9% 
Cream and other   2,698    5%    3,438    5% 
Cupped Kefir and Skyr   2,455    4%    1,490    2% 
ProBugs Kefir   1,695    3%    2,857    5% 
Frozen Kefir (a)   825    2%    962    2% 
Net Sales  $55,838    100%   $63,850    100% 

 

(a) Includes Lifeway Kefir Shop sales

 

 

 

 15 

 

 

Net sales of products by category were as follows for the three months ended June 30:

 

   Three months ended June 30, 
   2018   %   2017   % 
Drinkable Kefir other than ProBugs  $20,715    76%   $24,354    77% 
Cheese   2,853    11%    2,864    9% 
Cream and other   1,206    4%    1,714    5% 
Cupped Kefir and Skyr   1,118    4%    897    3% 
ProBugs Kefir   743    3%    1,378    4% 
Frozen Kefir (a)   461    2%    526    2% 
Net Sales  $27,096    100%   $31,733    100% 

 

(a) Includes Lifeway Kefir Shop sales

 

Significant Customers – Sales are predominately to companies in the retail food industry, located within the United States. Two major customers accounted for approximately 22% and 23% of net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and 23% and 22% of net sales for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

Note 12 – Related party transactions

 

Lifeway obtains consulting services from the Chairperson of its board of directors. Fees earned by the Chairperson are included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and were $500 during each of the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. Fees earned by the Chairperson are included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and were $250 during each of the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017.

 

Lifeway is also a party to a royalty agreement with the Chairperson of its board of directors under which we pay the Chairperson a royalty based on the sale of certain Lifeway products, not to exceed $50 in any fiscal month. Royalties earned by the Chairperson are included in selling expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and were $300 during the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, and $150 during the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 16 

 

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) in this Form 10-Q is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our audited consolidated financial statements, the accompanying notes, and the MD&A included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 (the “Form 10-K”). Unless otherwise specified, any description of “our”, “we”, and “us” in this MD&A refer to Lifeway Foods, Inc. and our subsidiaries.

 

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

In addition to historical information, this quarterly report contains “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "from time to time," "future," "intend," "plan," "likely," "may," "ongoing," "realize," "should," "will," and similar terms or terminology, or the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding:

 

  · Expectations of the effect on our financial condition of claims, litigation, environmental costs, contingent liabilities and governmental and regulatory investigations and proceedings;
  · Strategy for acquisitions, customer retention, growth, product development, market position, financial results and reserves; Estimates of the amounts of sales allowances and discounts to our customers and consumers;
  · Our belief that we will maintain compliance with our loan agreements and have sufficient liquidity to fund our business operations;

 

Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:

 

  · The impact of investigative and legal proceedings;
  · Developments and changes in laws and regulations, including regulation of the dairy or food industries through legislative action and revised rules and standards applied by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA);
  · Economic and financial conditions, including volatility in interest and exchange rates, commodity and equity prices, and the value of our assets;
  · Changes in the price of milk and other key materials and disruptions in supply chains for these materials;
  · Strategic actions, including acquisitions and dispositions and our success in launching new products;
  · The impact on our competitive position if we do not maintain compliance with our loan agreements and/or sufficient liquidity to fund our business operations;
  · Such other factors as discussed throughout Part I, Item 1 “Business”; Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors”; and Part II, Item 7 “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and that are described from time to time in our filings with the SEC.

 

These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. Other unknown or unpredictable factors could also have material adverse effects on future results. We intend these forward-looking statements to speak only at the date made. Except as otherwise required to be disclosed in periodic reports required to be filed by public companies with the SEC pursuant to the SEC's rules, we have no duty to update these statements, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

 

 

 

 17 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2017

 

Results of Operations

(In thousands)

 

    June 30,     Favorable / (Unfavorable)  
    2018     2017     $     %  
Net sales   $ 27,096     $ 31,733     $ (4,637 )     (14.6% )
                                 
Cost of goods sold   $ 19,495     $ 21,857     $ 2,362          
Depreciation expense     725       597       (128 )        
Total cost of goods sold   $ 20,220     $ 22,454     $ 2,234       9.9%  
                                 
Gross profit   $ 6,876     $ 9,279     $ (2,403 )     (25.9% )
Gross Profit % to net sales     25.4%       29.2%                  
                                 
Selling expenses   $ 3,383     $ 3,400     $ 17       0.5%  
Selling expenses % to net sales     12.5%       10.7%                  
                                 
General & administrative expenses   $ 2,996     $ 3,813     $ 817       21.4%  
General & administrative % to net sales     11.1%       12.0%                  
                                 
Amortization expense   $ 164     $ 168     $ 4       2.4%  
                                 
Total operating expenses   $ 6,543     $ 7,381     $ 838       11.4%  
Total operating expense % to net sales     24.1%       23.3%                  
Income from operations   $ 333     $ 1,898     $ (1,565 )     (82.5% )
Income from operations % to net sales     1.2%       6.0%                  

 

Net Sales

 

Net sales were $27,096 for the three-month period ended June 30, 2018, a decrease of $4,637 or 14.6%. The decline was primarily due to volume / mix of 16.1% and higher spend in trade promotion and allowances 0.7%, partially offset by pricing increase of 2.2%. The decline in volume / mix was primarily driven by volume softness in our branded and ProBugs drinkable kefir, partially offset by incremental volume of new item introductions. The volume decline reflects lower consumption of our products that is consistent with the overall volume decline in dairy and cultured dairy product categories.

 

Pricing includes the favorable impact of a price increase effective the second quarter of 2018. The increased promotional activity reflects a coupon program in the second quarter of 2018 that did not occur in the second quarter of 2017, partially offset by lower trade promotion.

 

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to 25.4% during the three-month period ended June 30, 2018 from 29.2% during the same period in 2017. The lower gross profit percentage primarily reflects the coupon spend in the second quarter 2018 that did not occur in the second quarter 2017, partially offset by lower trade spend. Additionally, gross profit was adversely impacted by lower volumes relative to fixed costs.

 

 

 

 18 

 

 

Selling Expenses

 

Selling expenses decreased by $17 or 0.5% to $3,383 during the three-month period ended June 30, 2018. The decreased selling expenses reflect lower broker commissions, partially offset by higher advertising and marketing spending.  The increase in advertising and marketing spending reflects coupon production costs that were incurred in the second quarter of 2018 that did not occur in the second quarter 2017.

 

General and administrative expenses

 

General and administrative expenses decreased $817 or 21.4% to $2,996 during the three-month period ended June 30, 2018 from $3,813 during the same period in 2017. The decrease is primarily a result of lower incentive compensation.

 

Income from operations and net income

 

Lifeway reported income from operations of $333 during the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $1,898 during the same period in 2017. Provision for income taxes was $90 during the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to a provision for income taxes of $801 during the same period in 2017. Our effective tax rate (ETR) for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was 34.6% compared to an ETR of 43.6% in the same period last year.

 

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was signed into law. The Act significantly changed U.S. income tax law by, among other things, reducing the U.S. federal income tax rate from 35% to 21%, transitioning from a global tax system to a modified territorial tax system, eliminating the domestic manufacturing deduction, reduction in the dividend received deduction, and limiting the tax deductions for interest expense and executive compensation.

 

An estimated provisional impact of the remeasurement of deferred income taxes was recorded in the provision (benefit) for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2017. However, our review of the implications of the Act will be ongoing throughout 2018 as additional clarification and guidance are provided on how the IRS and state authorities will implement tax reform. We will also watch for additional guidance from the SEC or the FASB related to tax reform. Effective January 1, 2018, we currently estimate that the impact of the Act will lower our combined statutory federal income tax rate plus an estimate for state, local and foreign income taxes from approximately 39.5% to 27.7%. Among other effects, the Act’s lower federal statutory rate is partially offset by the adverse impact of the Act’s elimination of the domestic manufacturing deduction. In future periods, we expect the Act to favorably impact net earnings, diluted earnings per share, and cash flows, primarily due to the Act’s reduction of the federal corporate tax rate.

 

Income taxes are discussed in Note 9 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

We reported net income of $170 or $0.01 per basic and diluted common share for the three-month period ended June 30, 2018 compared to net income of $1,036 or $0.06 per basic and diluted common share in the same period in 2017.

 

 

 

 19 

 

 

Comparison of the six-month period ended June 30, 2018 compared to the six-month period ended June 30, 2017

 

Results of Operations

(In thousands) 

 

    June 30,     Favorable / (Unfavorable)  
    2018     2017     $     %  
Net sales   $ 55,838     $ 63,850     $ (8,012 )     (12.5% )
                                 
Cost of goods sold   $ 39,520     $ 44,931     $ 5,411          
Depreciation expense     1,405       1,183       (222 )        
Total cost of goods sold   $ 40,925     $ 46,114     $ 5,189       11.3%  
                                 
Gross profit   $ 14,913     $ 17,736     $ (2,823 )     (15.9% )
Gross Profit % to net sales     26.7%       27.8%                  
                                 
Selling expenses   $ 7,401     $ 7,638     $ 237       3.1%  
Selling expenses % to net sales     13.3%       12.0%                  
                                 
General & administrative expenses   $ 6,701     $ 7,598     $ 897       11.8%  
General & administrative % to net sales     12.0%       11.9%                  
                                 
Amortization expense   $ 327     $ 336     $ 9       2.7%  
                                 
Total operating expenses   $ 14,429     $ 15,572     $ 1,143       7.3%  
Total operating expense % to net sales     25.8%       24.4%                  
Income from operations   $ 484     $ 2,164     $ (1,680 )     (77.6% )
Income from operations % to net sales     0.9%       3.4%                  

 

Net Sales

 

Net sales were $55,838 for the six-month period ended June 30, 2018, a decrease of $8,012 or 12.5%. The decline was primarily due to volume / mix of 14.8%, partially offset by lower spend in trade promotion and allowances of 1.7%, and pricing increase of 0.6%. The decline in volume / mix was primarily driven by volume softness in our branded and ProBugs drinkable kefir, partially offset by the incremental volume of new item introductions. The volume decline reflects lower consumption of our products that is consistent with the overall volume decline in dairy and cultured dairy product categories.

 

Pricing primarily includes the favorable impact of a second quarter 2018 price increase to recover higher input costs. This increase was partially offset by the lapping of a price reduction driven by the shift in delivery method for select customers in the first quarter 2017. The favorable promotional activity reflects lower trade spending, partially offset by the increased redemptions on our 2018 coupon program.

 

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to 26.7% during the six-month period ended June 30, 2018 from 27.8% during the same period in 2017. The lower gross profit percentage primarily reflects category sales softness, product mix, and incremental coupon activity. This was partially offset by lower trade spend and lower freight expense (shift in delivery method for select customers). Additionally, gross profit was adversely impacted by lower volumes relative to fixed costs.

 

 

 

 20 

 

 

Selling Expenses

 

Selling expenses decreased by $237 or 3.1% to $7,401 during the six-month period ended June 30, 2018 from $7,638 during the same period in 2017. The decreased selling expenses primarily reflect lower advertising spend related to an advertising campaign that aired in the first quarter 2017 and did not occur in 2018, and lower broker commissions.

 

General and administrative expenses

 

General and administrative expenses decreased $897 or 11.8% to $6,701 during the six-month period ended June 30, 2018 from $7,598 during the same period in 2017. The decrease is primarily a result of lower incentive compensation.

 

Income from operations and net income

 

Lifeway reported income from operations of $484 during the six-months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $2,164 during the same period in 2017. Provision for income taxes was $128 during the six-months ended June 30, 2018, compared to a provision for income taxes of $881 during the same period in 2017. Our effective tax rate (ETR) for the six-months ended June 30, 2018 was 34.8% compared to an ETR of 43.1% in the same period last year.

 

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law. The Act significantly changed U.S. income tax law by, among other things, reducing the U.S. federal income tax rate from 35% to 21%, transitioning from a global tax system to a modified territorial tax system, eliminating the domestic manufacturing deduction, reduction in the dividend received deduction, and limiting the tax deductions for interest expense and executive compensation.

 

An estimated provisional impact of the remeasurement of deferred income taxes was recorded in the provision (benefit) for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2017. However, our review of the implications of the Act will be ongoing throughout 2018 as additional clarification and guidance are provided on how the IRS and state authorities will implement tax reform. We will also watch for additional guidance from the SEC or the FASB related to tax reform. Effective January 1, 2018, we currently estimate that the impact of the Act will lower our combined statutory federal income tax rate plus an estimate for state, local and foreign income taxes from approximately 39.5% to 27.7%. Among other effects, the Act’s lower federal statutory rate is partially offset by the adverse impact of the Act’s elimination of the domestic manufacturing deduction. In future periods, we expect the Act to favorably impact net earnings, diluted earnings per share, and cash flows, primarily due to the Act’s reduction of the federal corporate tax rate.

 

Income taxes are discussed in Note 9 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

We reported net income of $240 or $0.02 per basic and diluted common share for the six-month period ended June 30, 2018 compared to net income of $1,160 or $0.07 per basic and diluted common share in the same period in 2017.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We expect to meet our foreseeable liquidity and capital resource requirements through anticipated cash flows from operations; our revolving credit facility; and cash and cash equivalents. The success of our business and financing strategies will continue to provide us with the financial flexibility to take advantage of various opportunities as they arise.

 

Sources and Uses of Cash

 

Lifeway had a net decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $1,346 during the six-month period ended June 30, 2018 compared to a net increase in cash and cash equivalents of $537 in the same period in 2017. The drivers of the year over year change are as follows:

 

 

 

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Net cash provided by operating activities was $2,109 during the six-month period ended June 30, 2018 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $3,323 in the same period in 2017. The decline in cash provided by operating activities reflects lower net income and timing of accrued expenses, partially offset by inventory reduction.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $1,989 during the six-month period ended June 30, 2018 compared to net cash used in investing activities of $2,366 in the same period in 2017. The lower level of net cash used in investing activities in the 2018 period reflects lower capital spending. Capital spending was $2,024 during the period ended June 30, 2018 compared to $2,400 in 2017. Our capital spending is focused in three core areas, growth, cost reduction, and facility improvements. Growth capital spending supports new product innovation and enhancements. Cost reduction spending supports manufacturing efficiency, safety and productivity.

 

Net cash used in financing activities was $1,466 during the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to net cash used in financing activities of $420 in the same period in 2017. On November 1, 2017, Lifeway’s Board approved an increase in the aggregate amount under our previously announced 2015 stock repurchase program (the “2017 Repurchase Plan Amendment”), by adding to (i.e., exclusive of the shares previously authorized under the 2015 stock repurchase program) the authorization the lesser of $5,185 or 625 shares. We repurchased approximately 150 shares of common stock at a cost of $1,168 during the six-month period ended June 30, 2018 under the 2017 Repurchase Plan Amendment. We may execute transactions from time to time in the open market or by private negotiation, in accordance with all applicable securities laws and regulations. We intend to hold repurchased shares in treasury for general corporate purposes, including issuances under our 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan. Treasury shares are accounted for using the cost method.

 

Revolving credit facility. On May 7, 2018 Lifeway entered into an Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with its existing lender. The Revolving Credit Facility provides for a revolving line of credit up to a maximum of $10 million (the “Revolving Loan”) with an incremental facility not to exceed $5 million (the “Incremental Facility” and together with the Revolving Loan, the “Loans”).

 

The Revolving Credit Facility contains financial covenants requiring us to achieve a minimum EBITDA threshold for each of the fiscal quarters during the year ended December 31, 2018 and maintain (a) a fixed charge coverage ratio of no less than 1.25 to 1.0, and (b) a senior debt to EBTIDA ratio of not more than 3.0 to 1.0 at December 31, 2018 and for each of the succeeding fiscal quarters ending through the expiration date. We were in compliance with the applicable covenants as of June 30, 2018.

 

We used the revolving credit facility to retire all the then-outstanding term loans described in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements. The revolving credit facility provides us advantages over our prior debt facilities, including that it does not require scheduled principal payments, gives us access to unused credit capacity, and does not require costly annual amendments or extensions. Additionally, we have no debt maturities until May 2021.

 

We have been able to deploy capital resources to take advantage of targeted growth opportunities, including the development of our cupped kefir and cheese products, and to improve our manufacturing platform’s capacity and capabilities. We believe we have ample access to additional capital, as evidenced by our revolving credit facility transaction in May 2018, and we may issue debt or equity securities from time to time when we determine that market conditions and the opportunity to utilize the proceeds from the issuance of such securities are favorable. Such opportunities could include refinancing existing indebtedness, funding capital expenditures, extending our debt maturities in a favorable interest rate environment, or taking advantage of acquisition opportunities that generate favorable returns.

 

 

 

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

 

There have been no material changes to our market risk during the second quarter of 2018. For information regarding our exposure to certain market risk, see Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”, in the 2017 Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our senior management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. The purpose of disclosure controls and procedures is to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Based upon our most recent controls evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that our Disclosure Controls were effective as of June 30, 2018.

 

(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the second quarter of 2018 that were identified in connection with management’s evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

 

 

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

 

From time to time we are engaged in litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of business. While the results of litigation and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, Lifeway believes that no such matter is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

 

There have been no material changes to the Risk Factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of the 2017 Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

None.

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

 

None.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE.

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.

 

None.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.

 

No. Description   Form   Period Ending   Exhibit   Filing Date
                   
10.1 Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of May 7, 2018 among Lifeway Foods, Inc., Fresh Made, Inc., The Lifeway Kefir Shop, LLC, Lifeway Wisconsin, Inc., and CIBC Bank USA, as Lender.   8-K       10.1   5/11/18
                   
31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Julie Smolyansky   Filed Herewith
               
31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Neha Clark   Filed Herewith
               
32.1 Section 1350 Certification of Julie Smolyansky   Filed Herewith
               
32.2 Section 1350 Certification of Neha Clark   Filed Herewith
               
99.1 Press release dated August 16, 2018 reporting Lifeway’s financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2018.   Furnished Herewith
               
101 Interactive Data Files   Filed Herewith

 

 

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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

 

  LIFEWAY FOODS, INC.  
     
     
       
Date: August 16, 2018 By:   /s/ Julie Smolyansky  
    Julie Smolyansky  
    Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director  
    (Principal Executive Officer)  
       
       
       
Date: August 16, 2018 By:   /s/ Neha Clark  
    Neha Clark  
    Chief Financial Officer  
    (Principal Financial Officer)  

 

 

 

 

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INDEX OF EXHIBITS

 

10.1 Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of May 7, 2018 among Lifeway Foods, Inc., Fresh Made, Inc., The Lifeway Kefir Shop, LLC, Lifeway Wisconsin, Inc., and CIBC Bank USA, as Lender.
   
31.1 Officer’s Certificate Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 7241, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
31.2 Officer’s Certificate Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 7241, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
99.1* Press release dated August 16, 2018 reporting Lifeway’s financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2018.
   
101 Interactive Data Files.

 

 

* This exhibit is furnished and will not be deemed "filed.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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