Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a
smaller reporting company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company"
in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ¨
|
Accelerated filer ¨
|
Non-accelerated filer ¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
|
Smaller reporting company x
|
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
YES ¨
NO x
As of May 15, 2013, 11,584,603 shares of the registrant's common stock were outstanding.
S&W SEED COMPANY
Table of Contents
1
Part I -- FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
S&W SEED COMPANY
(A NEVADA CORPORATION)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
14,075,372 |
|
$ |
8,235,495 |
Accounts receivable, net |
|
|
8,843,523 |
|
|
2,716,985 |
Inventories, net |
|
|
3,532,389 |
|
|
6,116,785 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
129,004 |
|
|
138,236 |
Deferred tax asset |
|
|
600,347 |
|
|
215,688 |
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS |
|
|
27,180,635 |
|
|
17,423,189 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation |
|
|
9,679,275 |
|
|
2,441,186 |
Goodwill |
|
|
1,402,000 |
|
|
- |
Other intangibles, net |
|
|
5,231,661 |
|
|
606,653 |
Crop production costs, net |
|
|
2,642,880 |
|
|
1,098,292 |
Deferred tax asset - long term |
|
|
1,029,331 |
|
|
464,375 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS |
|
$ |
47,165,782 |
|
$ |
22,033,695 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable |
|
$ |
1,701,490 |
|
$ |
1,141,162 |
Accounts payable - related parties |
|
|
2,246,913 |
|
|
307,589 |
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
|
|
361,758 |
|
|
454,512 |
Current portion of long-term debt |
|
|
263,671 |
|
|
- |
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES |
|
|
4,573,832 |
|
|
1,903,263 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-compete payment obligation, less current portion |
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
- |
Long-term debt, less current portion |
|
|
2,840,354 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES |
|
|
7,614,186 |
|
|
1,903,263 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; |
|
|
|
|
|
|
no shares issued and outstanding |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; |
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,059,506 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2013; 6,873,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
issued and outstanding at June 30, 2012 |
|
|
10,060 |
|
|
6,873 |
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
40,851,962 |
|
|
19,796,976 |
Retained earnings (deficit) |
|
|
(1,310,426) |
|
|
326,583 |
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |
|
|
39,551,596 |
|
|
20,130,432 |
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |
|
$ |
47,165,782 |
|
$ |
22,033,695 |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
2
S&W SEED COMPANY
(A NEVADA CORPORATION)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
Revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Seed and crop revenue |
|
$ |
4,185,976 |
|
$ |
2,533,581 |
|
$ |
24,115,384 |
|
$ |
12,492,758 |
Milling and other revenue |
|
|
22,759 |
|
|
15,607 |
|
|
498,969 |
|
|
900,138 |
Total revenue |
|
|
4,208,735 |
|
|
2,549,188 |
|
|
24,614,353 |
|
|
13,392,896 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of seed and crop revenue |
|
|
5,657,217 |
|
|
1,740,130 |
|
|
23,261,553 |
|
|
8,998,932 |
Cost of milling and other revenue |
|
|
20,192 |
|
|
7,514 |
|
|
158,620 |
|
|
317,335 |
Total cost of revenue |
|
|
5,677,409 |
|
|
1,747,644 |
|
|
23,420,173 |
|
|
9,316,267 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
(1,468,674) |
|
|
801,544 |
|
|
1,194,180 |
|
|
4,076,629 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
|
1,280,563 |
|
|
633,024 |
|
|
3,096,003 |
|
|
2,102,742 |
Research and development expenses |
|
|
69,835 |
|
|
44,393 |
|
|
275,302 |
|
|
198,898 |
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
154,423 |
|
|
64,775 |
|
|
374,572 |
|
|
201,386 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
1,504,821 |
|
|
742,192 |
|
|
3,745,877 |
|
|
2,503,026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operations |
|
|
(2,973,495) |
|
|
59,352 |
|
|
(2,551,697) |
|
|
1,573,603 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss on disposal of fixed assets |
|
|
- |
|
|
(1,830) |
|
|
- |
|
|
24,532 |
Interest expense, net |
|
|
8,804 |
|
|
4,363 |
|
|
30,901 |
|
|
12,785 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) |
|
|
(2,982,299) |
|
|
56,819 |
|
|
(2,582,598) |
|
|
1,536,286 |
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
|
(1,109,925) |
|
|
36,178 |
|
|
(945,589) |
|
|
549,816 |
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
(1,872,374) |
|
$ |
20,641 |
|
$ |
(1,637,009) |
|
$ |
986,470 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) per common share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
(0.21) |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
$ |
(0.21) |
|
$ |
0.17 |
Diluted |
|
$ |
(0.21) |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
$ |
(0.21) |
|
$ |
0.17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
9,087,463 |
|
|
5,800,000 |
|
|
7,898,123 |
|
|
5,800,000 |
Diluted |
|
|
9,087,463 |
|
|
5,879,894 |
|
|
7,898,123 |
|
|
5,848,161 |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
3
S&W SEED COMPANY
(A NEVADA CORPORATION)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional |
|
|
Retained |
|
|
Total |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
|
Paid-In |
|
|
Earnings |
|
|
Stockholders' |
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Capital |
|
|
(Deficit) |
|
|
Equity |
Balance, June 30, 2011 |
|
5,800,000 |
|
$ |
5,800 |
|
$ |
14,604,716 |
|
$ |
(48,252) |
|
$ |
14,562,264 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock-based compensation - options |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
165,363 |
|
|
- |
|
|
165,363 |
Restricted stock grant to executives |
|
73,000 |
|
|
73 |
|
|
21,586 |
|
|
- |
|
|
21,659 |
Proceeds from equity offering net of underwriter fees and expenses |
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
5,005,311 |
|
|
- |
|
|
5,006,311 |
Net income for the year ended June 30, 2012 |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
374,835 |
|
|
374,835 |
Balance, June 30, 2012 |
|
6,873,000 |
|
|
6,873 |
|
|
19,796,976 |
|
|
326,583 |
|
|
20,130,432 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock-based compensation - options, restricted stock, and RSUs |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
368,812 |
|
|
- |
|
|
368,812 |
Proceeds from equity offering net of expenses |
|
600,000 |
|
|
600 |
|
|
3,461,986 |
|
|
- |
|
|
3,462,586 |
Common stock issued for IVS acquisition |
|
400,000 |
|
|
400 |
|
|
2,431,600 |
|
|
- |
|
|
2,432,000 |
Proceeds from equity offering net of underwriter fees and expenses |
|
1,400,000 |
|
|
1,400 |
|
|
9,412,238 |
|
|
- |
|
|
9,413,638 |
Common stock issued for A warrant exercise net of fees and expenses |
|
724,409 |
|
|
724 |
|
|
5,166,738 |
|
|
- |
|
|
5,167,462 |
Common stock issued for exercise of underwriter warrant and A warrant |
|
31,500 |
|
|
32 |
|
|
213,643 |
|
|
- |
|
|
213,675 |
Cashless exercise of other warrants |
|
30,597 |
|
|
31 |
|
|
(31) |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
Net loss for the nine months ended March 31, 2013 |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
(1,637,009) |
|
|
(1,637,009) |
Balance, March 31, 2013 |
|
10,059,506 |
|
$ |
10,060 |
|
$ |
40,851,962 |
|
$ |
(1,310,426) |
|
$ |
39,551,596 |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
4
S&W SEED COMPANY
(A NEVADA CORPORATION)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
(1,637,009) |
|
$ |
986,470 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from operating activities to net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock-based compensation |
|
|
368,812 |
|
|
116,333 |
Change in allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
|
10,445 |
|
|
(3,587) |
Stevia inventory impairment charge |
|
|
2,140,209 |
|
|
- |
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
374,572 |
|
|
201,386 |
Loss on disposal of fixed assets |
|
|
- |
|
|
24,532 |
Changes in: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable |
|
|
(6,136,983) |
|
|
(1,271,691) |
Inventories |
|
|
1,616,484 |
|
|
1,526,711 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
9,232 |
|
|
(53,927) |
Crop production costs |
|
|
(2,716,885) |
|
|
(767,021) |
Deferred tax asset |
|
|
(949,615) |
|
|
505,316 |
Accounts payable |
|
|
560,328 |
|
|
1,405,511 |
Accounts payable - related parties |
|
|
1,939,324 |
|
|
159,333 |
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
|
|
(142,754) |
|
|
(4,892) |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
|
|
(4,563,840) |
|
|
2,824,474 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions to property, plant and equipment |
|
|
(7,400,169) |
|
|
(177,682) |
Acquisition of customer list |
|
|
- |
|
|
(165,000) |
Acquisition of business |
|
|
(3,000,000) |
|
|
- |
Acquisition of germ plasm |
|
|
(57,500) |
|
|
- |
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment |
|
|
- |
|
|
6,500 |
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(10,457,669) |
|
|
(336,182) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net proceeds from sale of common stock in equity offerings |
|
|
12,876,224 |
|
|
- |
Net proceeds from warrant exercises |
|
|
5,381,137 |
|
|
- |
Borrowings of long-term debt |
|
|
2,669,572 |
|
|
- |
Repayments of long-term debt |
|
|
(65,547) |
|
|
- |
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
|
20,861,386 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCREASE OR (DECREASE) IN CASH |
|
|
5,839,877 |
|
|
2,488,292 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of the period |
|
|
8,235,495 |
|
|
3,738,544 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period |
|
$ |
14,075,372 |
|
$ |
6,226,836 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid during the period for: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest |
|
$ |
73,435 |
|
$ |
19,167 |
Income taxes |
|
|
- |
|
|
800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-cash investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Technology/IP |
|
$ |
1,044,000 |
|
$ |
- |
Customer relationships |
|
|
756,333 |
|
|
- |
Supply agreement |
|
|
1,512,667 |
|
|
- |
Trade-name and brands |
|
|
1,118,000 |
|
|
- |
Non-compete |
|
|
349,000 |
|
|
- |
Goodwill |
|
|
1,402,000 |
|
|
- |
Unsecured five-year promissory note |
|
|
(500,000) |
|
|
- |
Non-compete payment obligation |
|
|
(250,000) |
|
|
- |
Common stock issued for acquisition |
|
|
(2,432,000) |
|
|
- |
Cash paid for acquisitions |
|
$ |
3,000,000 |
|
$ |
- |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
5
S&W SEED COMPANY
(A NEVADA CORPORATION)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
NOTE 1 - BACKGROUND AND ORGANIZATION
Organization
The original business of the Company, that is, breeding, growing, processing and selling agricultural commodities, such as
alfalfa seed, and to a lesser extent, wheat and small grains, began as S&W Seed Company, a general partnership, in July 1980.
The corporate entity, S&W Seed Company, was incorporated in Delaware in October 2009. The corporation is the
successor entity to Seed Holding, LLC, which had purchased a majority interest in the general partnership between June 2008 and
December 2009. Following the Company's initial public offering in May 2010, the Company purchased the remaining general
partnership interests and became the sole owner of the business. Seed Holding, LLC is a consolidated subsidiary of the Company.
In December 2011, S&W Seed Company consummated a merger (the "Reincorporation") with and into its wholly-owned
subsidiary, S&W Seed Company, a Nevada corporation, pursuant to the terms and conditions of an Agreement and Plan of
Merger. As a result of the Reincorporation, the Company is now a Nevada corporation.
Business Overview
Since its establishment, the Company, including its predecessor entities, has been principally engaged in breeding,
growing, processing and selling agricultural commodities, including alfalfa seed, and to a lesser extent, wheat and small grains. The
Company owns a 40-acre seed cleaning and processing facility located in Five Points, California that it has operated since its inception.
The Company's products are primarily grown under contract by farmers in the San Joaquin and Imperial Valleys of California, as well as
by the Company itself under a small direct farming operation. The Company began its stevia initiative in fiscal 2010 and moved from a
pilot program to commercial production in fiscal 2011. The Company recorded its first stevia revenue in the second quarter of fiscal
2012 under a commercial supply agreement with a major stevia processor. The Company's current stevia crops have suffered
substantial herbicide damage; as a result the Company has decided to focus on breeding improved varieties of stevia, improving its
harvesting and milling techniques, and developing marketing and distribution programs for its stevia products.
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The Company maintains its accounting records on an accrual basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP").
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Seed Holding, LLC and its other wholly-owned subsidiary,
Stevia California, LLC. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Unaudited Interim Financial Information
The accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2013, consolidated statements of operations for the three
and nine months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, consolidated statement of owners' equity for the nine months ended March 31, 2013
and consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 are unaudited. These unaudited
interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America ("GAAP"). In the opinion of the Company's management, the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements
have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments necessary for the
fair presentation of the Company's statement of financial position at March 31, 2013 and its results of operations and its cash flows for
the nine months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012. The results for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2013 are not necessarily
indicative of the results to be expected for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013.
6
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Estimates are adjusted to reflect actual experience when necessary. Significant estimates and assumptions affect
many items in the financial statements. These include allowance for doubtful trade receivables, sales returns and allowances, inventory
obsolescence, asset impairments, provisions for income taxes, grower accruals (an estimate of amounts payable to farmers who grow
seed for the Company), contingencies and litigation. Significant estimates and assumptions are also used to establish the fair value and
useful lives of depreciable tangible and certain intangible assets as well as valuing stock-based compensation. Actual results may differ
from those estimates and assumptions, and such results may affect income, financial position or cash flows.
Certain Risks and Concentrations
The Company's revenue is principally derived from the sale of alfalfa seed, the market for which is highly competitive. The
Company depends on a core group of significant customers. Three customers accounted for 48% of its net revenue for the three
months ended March 31, 2013, and one different customer accounted for 77% of its net revenue for the three months ended March 31,
2012. One customer accounted for 37% and 69% of the Company's net revenue for the nine months ended March 31, 2013 and
2012, respectively.
One customer comprised 31% and 78% of the Company's accounts receivable at March 31, 2013 and June 30, 2012, respectively.
Sales direct to international customers represented 89% and 70% of revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and
2012, respectively. Sales direct to international customers represented 81% and 72% of revenue during the nine months ended March
31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. All of the Company's sales to international customers are transactions which are denominated in U.S.
Dollars. Accordingly, the Company's operations are not subject to foreign currency transactions or foreign currency translation.
Revenue Recognition
The Company derives its revenue primarily from sale of seed and other crops and milling services. Revenue from seed
and other crop sales is recognized when risk and title to the product is transferred to the customer, which usually occurs at the time
shipment is made from the Company's facilities.
When the right of return exists in the Company's seed business, sales revenue is reduced at the time of sale to reflect expected
returns. In order to estimate the expected returns, management analyzes historical returns, economic trends, market conditions and
changes in customer demand. At March 31, 2013, no customers had the right of return.
The Company recognizes revenue from milling services according to the terms of the sales agreements and when delivery has
occurred, performance is complete, no right of return exists and pricing is fixed or determinable at the time of sale.
Additional conditions for recognition of revenue for all sales include the requirements that the collection of sales proceeds must be
reasonably assured based on historical experience and current market conditions, the sales price is fixed and determinable and that
there must be no further performance obligations under the sale.
Shipping and Handling Costs
The Company records purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs and warehousing costs in cost of goods sold. In
some instances, the Company is not obligated to pay for shipping or any costs associated with delivering its products to its customers.
In these instances, costs associated with the shipment of products are not included in the Company's consolidated financial statements.
When the Company is required to pay for outward freight and/or the costs incurred to deliver products to its customers, the costs are
included in cost of goods sold.
Sales Commissions
Sales commission expenses are accrued for when the applicable sale is completed, and all such expenses are classified
as selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
7
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For financial statement presentation purposes, the Company considers time deposits, certificates of deposit and all highly
liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist
of the following:
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash |
|
$ |
12,651,352 |
|
$ |
5,014,771 |
Money market funds
|
|
|
1,424,020 |
|
|
3,220,724 |
|
|
$ |
14,075,372 |
|
$ |
8,235,495 |
The Company maintains cash balances at financial institutions that are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation ("FDIC"). Accounts are guaranteed by the FDIC up to $250,000 under current regulations. Cash equivalents held in money
market funds are not FDIC insured. Cash deposits with these banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits;
however, these deposits typically may be redeemed upon demand and, therefore, bear minimal risk. The Company had approximately
$12,401,352 and $4,764,771 in excess of FDIC insured limits at March 31, 2013 and June 30, 2012, respectively.
Accounts Receivable
The Company provides an allowance for doubtful trade receivables equal to the estimated uncollectible amounts. That
estimate is based on historical collection experience, current economic and market conditions and a review of the current status of each
customer's trade accounts receivable. The allowance for doubtful trade receivables was $10,445 and $0 at March 31, 2013 and June
30, 2012, respectively.
Inventories
Inventory
Inventories consist of alfalfa seed purchased from the Company's growers under production contracts, alfalfa seed produced
from its own farming operations, and packaging materials.
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, and an inventory reserve would permanently reduce the cost basis of
inventory. Inventories are valued as follows: Actual cost is used to value raw materials such as packaging materials, as well as goods in
process. Costs for substantially all finished goods, which include the cost of carryover crops from the previous year, are valued at actual
cost. Actual cost for finished goods includes plant conditioning and packaging costs, direct labor and raw materials and manufacturing
overhead costs based on normal capacity. The Company records abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and
wasted material (spoilage) as current period charges and allocates fixed production overhead to the costs of finished goods based on
the normal capacity of the production facilities.
Inventory is periodically reviewed to determine if it is marketable, obsolete or impaired. Inventory that is determined to not be
marketable is written down to market value. Inventory that is determined to be obsolete or impaired is written off to expense at the time
the impairment is identified. Because the germination rate, and therefore the quality, of alfalfa seed improves over the first year of
proper storage, inventory obsolescence for alfalfa seed is not a material concern. The Company sells its inventory to distributors,
dealers and directly to growers. During the three and nine months ended March 31, 2013, the Company recorded an impairment charge
of $1,840,209 and $2,140,209, respectively, for its stevia product line. Of the $2,140,209 stevia impairment charge, $967,912 has been
netted against growing crops in the inventory line item on the balance sheet, and the remaining $1,172,297 has been netted against
stevia crop production costs.
Growing Crops
Expenditures on growing crops are valued at the lower of cost or market and are deferred and charged to cost of products sold
when the related crop is harvested and sold. The deferred growing costs included in inventories in the consolidated balance sheets
consist primarily of labor, lease payments on land, interest expense on farmland, cultivation, on-going irrigation, harvest and fertilization
costs. Costs included in growing crops relate to the current crop year. Costs that are to be realized over the life of the crop are reflected
in crop production costs.
8
Components of inventory are:
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
Raw materials and supplies |
|
$ |
40,711 |
|
$ |
73,386 |
Work in progress and growing crops |
|
|
665,925 |
|
|
4,122,506 |
Finished goods |
|
|
2,825,753 |
|
|
1,920,893 |
|
|
$ |
3,532,389 |
|
$ |
6,116,785 |
Crop Production Costs
Expenditures on stevia and other crop production costs are valued at the lower of cost or market and are deferred and
charged to cost of products sold when the related crop is harvested and sold. The deferred crop production costs included in the
consolidated balance sheets consist primarily of the cost of plants and the transplanting, stand establishment costs, intermediate life
irrigation equipment and land amendments and preparation. Crop production costs are estimated to have useful lives of three to five
years depending on the crop and nature of the expenditure and are amortized to growing crop inventory each year over the estimated
life of the crop.
Components of crop production costs are:
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
Stevia |
|
$ |
55,339 |
|
$ |
935,466 |
Alfalfa seed production |
|
|
2,488,555 |
|
|
73,031 |
Alfalfa hay |
|
|
98,986 |
|
|
46,067 |
Wheat and triticale |
|
|
- |
|
|
43,728 |
Total crop production costs, net |
|
$ |
2,642,880 |
|
$ |
1,098,292 |
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. The cost of plant and equipment is
depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset - periods of approximately 18-28 years for
buildings, 3-7 years for machinery and equipment and 3-5 years for vehicles. Long-lived assets are reviewed for
impairment whenever in management's judgment conditions indicate a possible loss. Such impairment tests compare estimated
undiscounted cash flows to the recorded value of the asset. If an impairment is indicated, the asset is written down to its fair value or, if
fair value is not readily determinable, to an estimated fair value based on discounted cash flows. Fully depreciated assets are retained
in property, plant and equipment and accumulated depreciation accounts until they are removed from service. In case of disposals of
assets, the assets and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and the net amounts after proceeds from
disposal are credited or charged to income.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets acquired in business acquisitions are reported at their initial fair value less accumulated amortization.
Intangible assets acquired in the acquisition of the customer list in July 2011 and the acquisition of proprietary alfalfa germ-plasm in
August 2012 are reported at their initial cost less accumulated amortization. See Note 3 for further discussion. The intangible assets are
amortized based on useful lives ranging from 3-20 years.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization
The Company periodically reviews the carrying value of intangible assets not subject to amortization, including goodwill, to
determine whether impairment may exist. Goodwill and certain intangible assets are assessed annually, or when certain triggering
events occur, for impairment using fair value measurement techniques. These events could include a significant change in the business
climate, legal factors, a decline in operating performance, competition, sale or disposition of a significant portion of the business, or
other factors. Specifically, goodwill impairment is determined using a two-step process. The first step of the goodwill impairment test is
used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The
Company uses Level 3 inputs and a discounted cash flow methodology to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit. A discounted cash
flow analysis requires one to make various judgmental assumptions including assumptions about future cash flows, growth rates, and
discount rates. The assumptions about future cash flows and growth rates are based on the Company's budget and long-term plans.
Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in the respective reporting units. If the fair value of a
reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired and the second step of the
9
impairment test is unnecessary. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill
impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test
compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the
reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that
excess. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business
combination. That is, the fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit (including any
unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting
unit was the purchase price paid to acquire the reporting unit.
Purchase Accounting
The Company accounts for acquisitions pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") No. 805, Business
Combinations. The Company records all acquired tangible and intangible assets and all assumed liabilities based upon their
estimated fair values.
Research and Development Costs
The Company is engaged in ongoing research and development ("R&D") of proprietary seed and stevia varieties. The
Company accounts for R&D under standards issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"). Under these
standards, all R&D costs must be charged to expense as incurred. Accordingly, internal R&D costs are expensed as incurred.
Third-party R&D costs are expensed when the contracted work has been performed or as milestone results have been achieved.
The costs associated with equipment or facilities acquired or constructed for R&D activities that have alternative future uses are
capitalized and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset. The amortization and depreciation for
such capitalized assets are charged to R&D expenses.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company has in effect a stock incentive plan under which incentive stock options have been granted to employees
and non-qualified stock options have been granted to employees and non-employees, including members of the Board of Directors.
The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation plan by expensing the estimated fair value of stock-based awards over the
requisite service period, which is the vesting period. The measurement of stock-based compensation expense is based on several
criteria including, but not limited to, the valuation model used and associated input factors such as expected term of the award, stock
price volatility, dividend rate, risk-free interest rate, attrition rate and exercise price. The input factors to use in the valuation model are
based on subjective future expectations combined with management judgment. The Company estimates the fair value of stock options
using the binomial lattice valuation model and the assumptions shown in Note 10. The excess tax benefits recognized in equity related
to equity award exercises are reflected as financing cash inflows. See Note 10 for a detailed discussion of stock-based compensation.
Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share Data
Basic net income (loss) per common share, or earnings per share ("EPS"), is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by
the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS is calculated by adjusting outstanding
shares, assuming any dilutive effects of options and common stock warrants calculated using the treasury stock method. Under the
treasury stock method, an increase in the fair market value of the Company's common stock results in a greater dilutive effect from
outstanding options, restricted stock awards and common stock warrants.
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
(1,872,374) |
|
$ |
20,641 |
|
$ |
(1,637,009) |
|
|
986,470 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) per common share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
(0.21) |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
$ |
(0.21) |
|
$ |
0.17 |
Diluted |
|
$ |
(0.21) |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
$ |
(0.21) |
|
$ |
0.17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
9,087,463 |
|
|
5,800,000 |
|
|
7,898,123 |
|
|
5,800,000 |
Diluted |
|
|
9,087,463 |
|
|
5,879,894 |
|
|
7,898,123 |
|
|
5,848,161 |
10
Potentially dilutive securities not included in the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share because to do so would be anti-dilutive are as follows:
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
Class A warrants |
|
|
675,591 |
|
|
1,400,000 |
Class B warrants |
|
|
1,410,500 |
|
|
1,400,000 |
Underwriter warrants - units |
|
|
129,500 |
|
|
140,000 |
Underwriter warrants |
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
- |
Stock options |
|
|
852,000 |
|
|
- |
Total |
|
|
3,117,591 |
|
|
2,940,000 |
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with standards of disclosure propounded by the FASB and any
related interpretations of those standards sanctioned by the FASB. Accordingly, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based
on differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities, as well as a consideration of net operating loss
and credit carry forwards, using enacted tax rates in effect for the period in which the differences are expected to impact taxable
income. A valuation allowance is established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not
to be realized.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company has adopted Accounting Standards Codification subtopic 360-10, Property, Plant and Equipment ("ASC
360-10"). ASC 360-10 requires that long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles held and used by the Company be reviewed for
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The
Company evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment annually or more often if events and circumstances warrant. Events relating to
recoverability may include significant unfavorable changes in business conditions, recurring losses or a forecasted inability to achieve
break-even operating results over an extended period. The Company evaluates the recoverability of long-lived assets based upon
forecasted undiscounted cash flows. Should impairment in value be indicated, the carrying value of long-lived assets will be adjusted,
based on estimates of future discounted cash flows resulting from the use and ultimate disposition of the asset. ASC 360-10 also
requires assets to be disposed of be reported at the lower of the carrying amount or the fair value less costs to sell. The Company
performed an annual review for impairment and none existed as of June 30, 2012.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
In the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification subtopic 820-10, Fair
Value Measurements and Disclosures ("ASC 820-10"). ASC 820-10 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value
and enhances fair value measurement disclosure. ASC 820-10 delays, until the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, the effective date for
ASC 820-10 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in
the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). The adoption of ASC 820-10 did not have a material impact on the
Company's consolidated financial position or operations, but does require that the Company disclose assets and liabilities that are
recognized and measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, presented in a three-tier fair value hierarchy, as follows:
- Level 1. Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;
- Level 2. Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and
- Level 3. Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own
assumptions.
No assets were valued at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis as of March 31, 2013 or June 30, 2012, respectively.
Effective October 1, 2008, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification subtopic 820-10, Fair Value
Measurements and Disclosures ("ASC 820-10") and Accounting Standards Codification subtopic 825-10, Financial Instruments
("ASC 825-10"), which permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value.
Neither of these statements had an impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The carrying value
of cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and short-term borrowings, as reflected in the balance sheets, approximate fair value
because of the short-term maturity of these instruments.
11
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In October 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-04, "Technical Corrections and Improvements" in Accounting Standards
Update No. 2012-04. The amendments in this update cover a wide range of Topics in the Accounting Standards Codification. These
amendments include technical corrections and improvements to the Accounting Standards Codification and conforming amendments
related to fair value measurements. The amendments in this update is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2012.
The adoption of ASU 2012-04 did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-03, "Technical Amendments and Corrections to SEC Sections: Amendments to SEC
Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 114, Technical Amendments Pursuant to SEC Release No. 33-9250,
and Corrections Related to FASB Accounting Standards Update 2010-22 (SEC Update)" in Accounting Standards Update No. 2012-03.
This update amends various SEC paragraphs pursuant to the issuance of SAB No. 114. The adoption of ASU 2012-03 is not expected
to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible
Assets for Impairment" in Accounting Standards Update No. 2012-02. This update amends ASU 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and
Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment and permits an entity first to assess qualitative factors
to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired as a basis for determining whether it is
necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test in accordance with Subtopic 350-30, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other -
General Intangibles Other than Goodwill. The amendments are effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal
years beginning after September 15, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2012-02 is not expected to have a material impact on its consolidated
financial statements.
NOTE 3 - BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
On October 1, 2012, the Company purchased substantially all of the assets of Imperial Valley Seeds, Inc. ("IVS"). Pursuant to
the acquisition agreement, the Company purchased substantially all of the assets of IVS not including cash on hand, all accounts and
other receivables of IVS, and all inventory of the IVS alfalfa seed business. The Company did not assume any IVS liabilities. The
acquisition expanded the Company's sourcing capabilities, product offerings and sales distribution.
Pursuant to the acquisition agreement, the Company paid the following consideration: cash in the amount of $3,000,000,
a five-year unsecured, subordinated promissory note in the principal amount of $500,000, 400,000 shares of the Company's unregistered
common stock valued at $2,432,000 and $250,000 to be paid over a five-year period for a non-competition agreement, for total
consideration of $6,182,000. The non-compete portion of the consideration will be paid in five annual installments of $50,000 to Fred
Fabre, who joined the Company as Vice President of Sales and Marketing concurrently with the closure of IVS.
The acquisition has been accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting, and the Company valued all assets and
liabilities acquired at their estimated fair values on the date of acquisition. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities of the acquired entity
were recorded at their estimated fair values at the date of the acquisition. The operating results for IVS have been included in the
Company's consolidated financial statements since the acquisition date.
The purchase price allocation is based on estimates of fair value as follows:
Technology/IP |
|
$ |
1,044,000 |
Customer relationships |
|
|
756,333 |
Supply agreement |
|
|
1,512,667 |
Trade-name and brands |
|
|
1,118,000 |
Non-compete |
|
|
349,000 |
Goodwill |
|
|
1,402,000 |
Total acquisition cost allocated
|
|
$ |
6,182,000 |
The purchase price consists of the following:
Cash |
|
$ |
3,000,000 |
Unsecured five-year promissory note
|
|
|
500,000 |
Non-compete payment obligation |
|
|
250,000 |
Common stock |
|
|
2,432,000 |
|
|
$ |
6,182,000 |
The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired, amounting to $1,402,000, was recorded as goodwill
on the consolidated balance sheet. Goodwill is not amortized for financial reporting purposes, but is amortized for tax purposes.
12
Management assigned fair values to the identifiable intangible assets through a combination of the relief from royalty method and
the multi-period excess earnings method.
The useful lives of the acquired intangibles are as follows:
|
|
|
Useful Lives |
Technology/IP |
|
|
12 |
Customer relationships |
|
|
20 |
Supply agreement |
|
|
20 |
Trade-name and brands
|
|
|
20 |
Non-compete |
|
|
5 |
In fiscal 2013, the Company incurred $185,285 of acquisition costs, of which $132,536 was expensed in
operations during the third quarters of fiscal 2013.
The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents results as if the acquisition of IVS had occurred on July 1, 2011.
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended March 31, |
(Unaudited) |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue
|
|
$ |
29,127,984 |
|
$ |
27,989,294 |
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
(1,318,492) |
|
$ |
1,832,147 |
For purposes of the pro forma disclosures above, the primary adjustments for
the nine months ended March 31, 2013 include: i) the elimination of acquisition-related charges of $181,285; ii) amortization of acquired intangibles of
$81,538; iii) additional interest expense of $2,250 for the unsecured promissory
note issued in the acquisition; and iv) adjustments to reflect the additional
income tax expense assuming a combined Company's effective tax rate of 37%. The
primary adjustments for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 include: i)
amortization of acquired intangibles of $244,613; ii) additional interest
expense of $8,438 for the unsecured promissory note issued in the acquisition;
and iii) adjustments to reflect the additional income tax expense assuming a
combined Company's effective tax rate of 36%.
13
NOTE 4 - OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Other intangible assets consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at |
|
|
|
|
|
July 1, 2011 |
|
|
Additions |
|
|
Amortization |
|
|
June 30, 2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade name |
|
|
|
$ |
210,351 |
|
$ |
- |
|
$ |
(12,372) |
|
$ |
197,979 |
Customer relationships |
|
|
|
|
108,620 |
|
|
- |
|
|
(6,396) |
|
|
102,224 |
Technology/IP |
|
|
|
|
183,465 |
|
|
- |
|
|
(26,208) |
|
|
157,257 |
Non-compete |
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
43,214 |
|
|
(8,644) |
|
|
34,570 |
GI customer list |
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
121,786 |
|
|
(7,163) |
|
|
114,623 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
502,436 |
|
$ |
165,000 |
|
$ |
(60,783) |
|
$ |
606,653 |
|
|
|
Balance at |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at |
|
|
|
July 1, 2012 |
|
|
Additions |
|
|
Amortization |
|
|
March 31, 2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade name |
|
$ |
197,979 |
|
$ |
1,118,000 |
|
$ |
(37,229) |
|
$ |
1,278,750 |
Customer relationships |
|
|
102,224 |
|
|
756,333 |
|
|
(23,701) |
|
|
834,856 |
Technology/IP |
|
|
157,257 |
|
|
1,101,500 |
|
|
(66,990) |
|
|
1,191,767 |
Non-compete |
|
|
34,570 |
|
|
349,000 |
|
|
(41,383) |
|
|
342,187 |
GI customer list |
|
|
114,623 |
|
|
- |
|
|
(5,373) |
|
|
109,250 |
Supply agreement |
|
|
- |
|
|
1,512,667 |
|
|
(37,816) |
|
|
1,474,851 |
|
|
$ |
606,653 |
|
$ |
4,837,500 |
|
$ |
(212,492) |
|
$ |
5,231,661 |
Amortization expense totaled $98,169 and $15,196 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Amortization expense totaled $212,492 and $45,587 for the nine months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Estimated
aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows:
|
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2014 |
|
|
2015 |
|
|
2016 |
|
|
2017 |
Amortization expense |
|
$ |
310,661 |
|
$ |
392,676 |
|
$ |
392,676 |
|
$ |
392,676 |
|
$ |
384,032 |
14
NOTE 5 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
In July 2012, the Company purchased 640 acres of farmland in the Imperial Valley of California to be used for alfalfa seed
production. During the nine months ended March 31, 2013, the Company incurred costs of $5,474,205 in connection with the land
purchase.
On December 31, 2012, the Company closed a transaction for the purchase of 182 acres of farmland in the Imperial Valley of
California. The Company purchased the property as a tenant-in-common with a third party and paid $843,453--an amount equal to fifty
percent of the total purchase price plus certain closing costs and fees--for its interest in the property.
On February 28, 2013, the Company closed a transaction for the purchase of 119 acres of farmland in the Imperial Valley of
California. The Company incurred costs of $834,771 in connection with the land purchase.
Components of property, plant and equipment were as follows:
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
Land and improvements |
|
$ |
7,442,256 |
|
$ |
289,827 |
Buildings and improvements |
|
|
2,021,018 |
|
|
2,021,018 |
Machinery and equipment |
|
|
827,820 |
|
|
677,407 |
Vehicles |
|
|
220,879 |
|
|
123,551 |
Total property, plant and equipment |
|
|
10,511,973 |
|
|
3,111,803 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: accumulated depreciation |
|
|
(832,698) |
|
|
(670,617) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment, net |
|
$ |
9,679,275 |
|
$ |
2,441,186 |
Depreciation expense totaled $56,254 and $49,579 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Depreciation expense totaled $162,076 and $155,799 for the nine months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
NOTE 6 - DEBT
Total debts outstanding are presented on the balance sheet as follows:
|
|
|
March 31, 2013 |
|
|
June 30, 2012 |
Current portion of long-term debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Term loan - Wells Fargo |
|
$ |
155,252 |
|
$ |
- |
Term loan - Ally |
|
|
8,419 |
|
|
- |
Unsecured subordinate promissory note - related party |
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
- |
Total current portion |
|
|
263,671 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt, less current portion |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Term loan - Wells Fargo |
|
|
2,404,892 |
|
|
- |
Term loan - Ally |
|
|
35,462 |
|
|
- |
Unsecured subordinate promissory note - related party |
|
|
400,000 |
|
|
- |
Total long-term portion |
|
|
2,840,354 |
|
|
- |
Total debt |
|
$ |
3,104,025 |
|
$ |
- |
15
The Company entered into a credit agreement and related loan documents, dated April 1, 2011 (the "Credit Agreement") with Wells
Fargo Bank, National Association ("Wells Fargo"). The Credit Agreement provided the Company with a revolving credit facility of up to $5,000,000 that
can be used for working capital requirements. Effective April 1, 2012, the Company entered into a First Amendment to Credit
Agreement, increasing the revolving credit facility to $7,500,000 (the "Amended Credit Facility"). The Amended Credit Facility
terminates on April 1, 2014, at which time all amounts outstanding become due and payable. Any borrowings will bear interest at a rate
per annum equal to the daily one month LIBOR rate for the applicable interest period plus two percent. Interest is payable each month
in arrears. In the event of a default, as defined in the Amended Credit Facility, the principal balance will thereafter bear interest at an
increased rate per annum equal to four percent above the interest rate that would otherwise have been in effect from time to time under
the terms of the Amended Credit Facility. There is no borrowing base under the terms of the Amended Credit Facility. Under the
Amended Credit Agreement, the Company incurs certain fees, including, without limitation, a fee of 0.5% of the unused portion of the
credit facility, calculated quarterly.
Borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility are secured by all of the Company's existing and after-acquired goods, tools,
machinery, furnishings, furniture and other equipment. The Company has also granted Wells Fargo a continuing security interest in all
existing and after-acquired rights to payment and inventory. The Amended Credit Facility contains customary representations and
warranties, affirmative and negative covenants and customary events of default that permit the Lender to accelerate the Company's
outstanding obligations, all as set forth in the Amended Credit Agreement.
In July 2012, the Company entered into a new Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo (the "July 2012 Credit Agreement") and related
term loan. The July 2012 Credit Facility amends and restates the Amended Credit Agreement covering the $7,500,000 revolving line of
credit for working capital and adds a new term loan in the amount of $2,625,000 (the "Term Loan"). The Term Loan bears interest at a
rate per annum equal to 2.35% above LIBOR as specified in the Term Loan. Under the Term Loan, the Company is also required to
pay both monthly and annual principal reduction as follows: The first installment of monthly principal repayments commenced in August
2012 and will continue at a fixed amount per month until the first annual increase in July 2013. Thereafter the amount of monthly
principal reduction will increase in August of each year through August 2018. The last monthly payment will be made in July 2019. The
monthly principal repayments will range from $8,107 per month through the July 2013 payment up to a high of $9,703 per month in the
final year (August 2018 through July 2019). Annual principal payments will be payable in August 2013 and 2014 in the amount of
$56,000, with a final installment, consisting of all remaining unpaid principal due and payable in full on July 5, 2019. The Company may
prepay the principal at any time, provided that a minimum of the lesser of $100,000 or the entire outstanding principal balance is
prepaid at any one time.
The Company applied the proceeds from the Term Loan to pay a portion of the purchase price for 640 acres of farmland it
purchased in July 2012. In connection therewith, the Company executed and delivered a Deed of Trust and Assignment of Rents and
Leases to American Securities Company for the benefit of the Bank.
On October 1, 2012, the Company issued a five-year subordinated promissory note to Imperial Valley Seeds, Inc. in the principal
amount of $500,000 (the " IVS Note"), with a maturity date of October 1, 2017 (the "Maturity Date"). The IVS Note will accrue interest at
a rate per annum equal to one-month LIBOR at closing plus 2% (2.2%). Interest will be payable in five annual installments, in arrears,
commencing on October 1, 2013, and on each succeeding anniversary thereof through and including the Maturity Date (each, a
"Payment Date"), and on the Maturity Date. Amortizing payments of the principal of $100,000 will also be made on each Payment Date,
with any remaining outstanding principal and accrued interest payable on the Maturity Date.
In March 2013, the Company entered into a term loan for a vehicle purchase. The loan is payable in 59 monthly installments and
matures in February 2018. The loan bears interest at a rate of 2.94% per annum.
NOTE 7 - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
On May 7, 2010, the Company closed its initial public offering ("IPO") of 1,400,000 units, which priced at $11.00 per unit,
raising gross proceeds of $15,400,000. Each unit consisted of two shares of common stock, one Class A warrant and one Class B
warrant. In connection with the IPO, the Company issued Representative's Warrants to Paulson Investment Company, Inc. and Feltl
and Company to purchase up to an aggregate of 140,000 units at $13.20, expiring May 3, 2015.
Each Class A warrant entitles its holder to purchase one share of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of
$7.15. Each Class B warrant entitles its holder to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise price of $11.00. The
Class A warrants and Class B warrants are exercisable at any time until their expiration on May 3, 2015. The
Class A warrants and Class B warrants are redeemable at the Company's option for $0.25 upon 30 days' prior
written notice beginning November 3, 2010, provided certain conditions are met. The Class A warrants are redeemable provided
that the Company's common stock has closed at a price at least equal to $8.80 for at least five consecutive trading days. The
Class B warrants are redeemable on the same terms, provided the Company's common stock has closed at a price at least equal
to $13.75 for five consecutive trading days.
16
On May 7, 2012, the Company issued 73,000 shares of restricted common stock to certain members of
the executive management team. The restricted common shares vest annually in equal installments over a three-year period,
commencing one year from the date of the grant. The Company recorded $36,500 and $109,500 of stock-based compensation
expense associated with this grant during the three and nine months ended March 31, 2013, respectively. The value of the award was
based on the closing stock price on the date of grant.
On May 23, 2012, the Company closed its underwritten confidentially marketed public offering ("CMPO") of 1,000,000 common
shares, which priced at $5.50 per share. The Company received total proceeds, net of underwriting discounts and equity offering costs,
of $5,006,311. In connection with the CMPO, the Company issued Representative's Warrants to Rodman & Renshaw LLC to
purchase up to an aggregate of 50,000 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $6.875 per share, which expire
on February 8, 2017.
On September 24, 2012, the Company sold 600,000 unregistered shares of its common stock for $5.85 per share, to one
accredited investor. The Company received total proceeds, net of equity offering costs, of $3,462,586.
On October 1, 2012, the Company issued 400,000 shares of the Company's unregistered common stock pursuant to the acquisition
agreement with IVS. The common stock issued was valued at $2,432,000.
On January 16, 2013, the Company closed its underwritten public offering of 1,400,000 common shares, which priced at $7.50 per
share. The Company received total proceeds, net of underwriting discounts and equity offering costs, of $9,413,638.
On March 12, 2013, the Company announced that it had exercised its option to call for redemption the Class A warrants. As of
March 31, 2013, 724,409 shares of common stock were issued as a result of 724,409 Class A warrants being exercised. The
Company received proceeds, net of fees and expenses, of $5,167,462 as of March 31, 2013. See Note 11 for further discussion on the
Class A warrant activity subsequent to March 31, 2013.
On March 16, 2013, the Company issued 280,000 restricted stock units to certain members of the executive management team.
The restricted stock units have varying vesting periods whereby 34,000 restricted stock units vest on July 1, 2013 and the remaining
246,000 restricted stock units vest quarterly in equal installments over a four and one-half year period, commencing on July 1, 2013.
The Company recorded $65,866 of stock-based compensation expense associated with this grant during the three and nine months
ended March 31, 2013, respectively. The fair value of the award was $2,984,800 and was based on the closing stock price on the date
of grant.
During March 2013, the Company issued 30,597 shares of common stock pursuant to a cashless exercise of a total of 50,000 other
warrants which were issued in May 2010 at an exercise price of $4.00. The 50,000 warrants have been cancelled and they are no
longer outstanding. The common stock issuance was recorded at par value with no change to net equity balances.
During March 2013, Paulson Investment Company, Inc exercised 10,500 of its underwriter warrants at an exercise price of $13.20
which resulted in the Company issuing 21,000 shares of common stock, 10,500 newly issued A warrants and 10,500 newly issued B
warrants. The Company received $138,600 in proceeds from this exercise. During March 2013, Paulson Investment Company, Inc
also exercised 10,500 of the newly issued A warrants generating proceeds of $75,075.
The following table summarizes the warrants outstanding at March 31, 2013:
|
|
|
Grant |
|
Warrants |
|
|
Exercise Price |
|
Expiration |
|
|
|
Date |
|
Outstanding |
|
|
Per Share / Unit |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A warrants |
|
|
May 2010 |
|
675,591 |
|
$ |
7.15 |
|
May 2015 |
Class B warrants |
|
|
May 2010 |
|
1,410,500 |
|
$ |
11.00 |
|
May 2015 |
Underwriter warrants - units |
|
|
May 2010 |
|
129,500 |
|
$ |
13.20 |
|
May 2015 |
Underwriter warrants |
|
|
May 2012 |
|
50,000 |
|
$ |
6.88 |
|
Feb 2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,265,591 |
|
|
|
|
|
The Company is authorized to issue up to 50,000,000 shares of its $0.001 par value common stock. At March 31, 2013, there were
10,059,506 shares issued and outstanding. At June 30, 2012, there were 6,873,000 shares issued and outstanding.
See Note 10 for discussion on equity-based compensation.
17
NOTE 8 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Contingencies
The Company is not currently a party to any pending or threatened legal proceedings. Based on information currently
available, management is not aware of any matters that would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition,
results of operations or cash flows.
Lease of Imperial Valley Farmland
On July 27, 2012, the Company entered into a five-year farmland lease effective as of July 1, 2012, covering
approximately 1,240 acres on two parcels located in the Imperial Valley owned by Coast Imperial Partners. The two parcels are
adjacent to the 640 acres of farmland the Company purchased concurrently from Coast Imperial Partners. The Company intends to use
the leased and purchased farmland to further expand the production of its proprietary alfalfa seed varieties. The lease provides for
annual escalating rental rates per acre ranging from $150 per acre per year in the first year of the lease, when 920 acres will be
available for production, to $275 per acre per year in the fifth year. The full 1,240 acres will be available to the Company beginning in
the second year and thereafter for the duration of the lease term and any extensions thereof. Rents are recorded on a straight-line
basis over the life of the lease.
NOTE 9 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Grover T. Wickersham, the Company's Chairman of the Board, has a non-controlling ownership interest in
Triangle T Partners, LLC ("Triangle T") and served as a member of its Board of Managers until his resignation in December 2012.
Prior to fiscal 2013, Triangle T was one of the Company's alfalfa seed growers and a customer. The Company previously entered
into annual alfalfa seed production contracts with Triangle T on the same commercial terms and conditions as with the other
growers with whom the Company contracts for alfalfa seed production. For the nine months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, the
Company purchased from Triangle T $0 and $1,430,984, respectively, of alfalfa seed Triangle T grew and sold to the Company
under one-year production agreements. The Company entered into agreements with Triangle T to plant 893 acres of various
alfalfa seed varieties as part of its calendar 2011 production for which the Company paid Triangle T the same price it agreed to
pay its other growers. Mr. Wickersham did not personally receive any portion of these funds.
As one of the Company's previous customers, Triangle T purchased certified alfalfa seed from the Company to plant alfalfa on its
own property for the production of alfalfa hay and to grow alfalfa seed for the Company. The Company previously sold certified alfalfa
seed to Triangle T under the same commercial terms and conditions as other alfalfa seed customers in the San Joaquin Valley. The
Company also previously generated revenue from selling milling services to Triangle T under the same commercial terms and
conditions as other milling customers. The Company sold $0 and $138,578 of certified alfalfa seed and milling services to Triangle T
during the nine months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Triangle T also worked with the Company as the initial
service provider for the Company's stevia cultivation program, and the Company has planted its stevia plantings on Triangle T property.
The Company incurred $195,289 of charges from Triangle T during the nine months ended March 31, 2013 for its services and costs in
connection with the stevia cultivation program, including $3,420 in monthly rent charges for the use of the 114-acre main plot being
used for stevia production. The Company incurred $71,057 of charges from Triangle T during the nine months ended March 31, 2012
for its services and costs in connection with the stevia cultivation program. Mr. Wickersham personally did not receive any portion
of these funds.
Amounts due to Triangle T totaled $37,597 and $307,589 at March 31, 2013 and June 30, 2012, respectively.
On November 22, 2011, the Company entered into a one-year Agricultural Sub-Sublease Agreement with Triangle T under the
terms of which the Company agreed to sublease approximately 1,400 acres of farmland in Madera County for seed alfalfa production
and approximately 1,000 acres for the planting of other crops (collectively, the "Leased Property") owned by John Hancock Life
Insurance Company (U.S.A.) ("John Hancock"). John Hancock purchased the property known as Triangle T Ranch from Triangle T in
2010, and the parties entered into an Agricultural Sublease in connection with that purchase transaction. The Company subleased a
portion of the Leased Property (the "Subleased Property").
The sub-sublease provided for a lump sum payment of $352,000 in exchange for the right to farm the Subleased Property through
November 15, 2012. Although the sub-sublease was between the Company and Triangle T, payment was made directly to John
Hancock, with Triangle T receiving no payment as the lessor. In addition to the annual rent payment, the Company paid for all farming
operations and was responsible for keeping, maintaining and repairing the Subleased Property, including buildings, roads, pumping
drainage and irrigation systems, equipment, as well as paying the costs of insurance, utilities, assessments and other costs incidental
to the farming and maintenance of the Subleased Property. The Company was entitled to all income and proceeds from the farming
operations on the Subleased Property, including but not limited to income and proceeds from all crops, crop insurance, government
payments and subsidies. The Company used the services of TTP employees and TTP equipment in connection with farming the
Subleased Property, as needed. The Company incurred $837,542 of charges from Triangle T for its services and costs in connection
with farming operations during the nine months ended March 31, 2013.
18
Glen D. Bornt, who recently joined the Company's Board of Directors, is the founder and President of Imperial Valley Milling Co.
("IVM"). He is its majority shareholder and a member of its Board of Directors. Fred Fabre, the Company's Vice President of
Sales and Marketing, is a minority shareholder of IVM. IVM had a 15-year supply agreement with Imperial Valley Seeds, Inc.,
and this agreement was assigned by IVS to the Company when it purchased the assets of IVS in October 2012. IVM contracts with
alfalfa seed growers in California's Imperial Valley and sells its growers' seed to the Company pursuant to a supply agreement. Under
the terms of the supply agreement, IVM's entire certified and uncertified alfalfa seed production will be offered and sold to the
Company, and the Company will have the exclusive option to purchase all or any portion of IVM's seed production. The
Company paid $8,275,714 to IVM during the nine months ended March 31, 2013. Total amounts due to IVM at March 31,
2013 totaled $2,209,315.
NOTE 10 - EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION
2009 Equity Incentive Plan
In October 2009 and January 2010, the Company's Board of Directors and stockholders, respectively, approved the 2009
Equity Incentive Plan (the "2009 Plan"). The plan authorized the grant and issuance of options, restricted shares and other equity
compensation to the Company's directors, employees, officers and consultants, and those of the Company's subsidiaries and parent, if
any. In December 2012, the Company's Board of Directors and stockholders, respectively, approved the amendment and restatement
of the 2009 Plan, including an increase in the number of shares available for issuance as grants and awards under the Plan to 1,250,000 shares.
The term of incentive stock options granted under the 2009 Plan may not exceed ten years, or five years for incentive stock options
granted to an optionee owning more than 10% of the Company's voting stock. The exercise price of options granted under the 2009
Plan must be equal to or greater than the fair market value of the shares of the common stock on the date the option is granted. An
incentive stock option granted to an optionee owning more than 10% of voting stock must have an exercise price equal to or greater
than 110% of the fair market value of the common stock on the date the option is granted.
On October 24, 2011, the Company granted 259,500 stock options to its directors, officers, employees and certain consultants at
an exercise price of $4.20, which was the closing price for the Company's common stock on the date of grant. These options vest in
equal quarterly installments over one- and two-year periods, commencing on January 1, 2012, and expire five years from the
date of grant.
On December 8, 2012, the Company granted 175,000 stock options to its directors, officers, and employees at an exercise price of
$7.20, which was the closing price for the Company's common stock on the date of grant. These options vest in equal quarterly
installments over one- and three-year periods, commencing on January 1, 2013, and expire five years from the date of
grant.
On May 7, 2012, the Company issued 73,000 shares of restricted common stock to certain members of the executive management
team. The restricted common shares vest annually in equal installments over a three-year period, commencing one year from the date
of the grant. The Company recorded $36,500 and $109,500 of stock-based compensation expense associated with this grant during the
three and nine months ended March 31, 2013, respectively. The value of the award was based on the closing stock price on the date of
grant.
On March 16, 2013, the Company issued 280,000 restricted stock units to certain members of the executive management team.
The restricted stock units have varying vesting periods whereby 34,000 restricted stock units vest on July 1, 2013 and the remaining
246,000 restricted stock units vest quarterly in equal installments over a four and one-half year period, commencing on July 1, 2013.
The Company recorded $65,866 of stock-based compensation expense associated with this grant during the three and nine months
ended March 31, 2013, respectively. The fair value of the award was $2,984,800 and was based on the closing stock price on the date
of grant.
As of March 31, 2013, options to purchase 852,000 shares of common stock were outstanding and unexercised, 73,000 restricted
shares of common stock were outstanding and 280,000 restricted stock units were outstanding. As of March 31, 2013 there were
45,000 shares available under the 2009 Plan for future grants and awards.
The Company has adopted ASC 718, Stock Compensation, ("ASC 718"). ASC 718 requires companies to measure the cost of
employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. That cost
will be recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award.
19
The Company accounts for equity instruments, including stock options, issued to non-employees in accordance with authoritative
guidance for equity-based payments to non-employees (FASB ASC 505-50). Stock options issued to non-employees are accounted for
at their estimated fair value. The fair value of options granted to non-employees is re-measured as they vest.
For stock-based awards granted, the Company amortizes stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the
requisite service period.
The fair value of employee option grants are estimated on the date of grant and the fair value of options granted to non-employees
are re-measured as they vest. Fair value is calculated using a binomial lattice model. The weighted average assumptions used in the
models are outlined in the following table:
|
|
|
Employee Options |
|
|
Non-Employee Options |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
Risk-free rate of interest |
|
|
0.63% |
|
|
1.10% |
|
|
- |
|
|
1.10% |
Dividend yield |
|
|
0% |
|
|
0% |
|
|
- |
|
|
0% |
Volatility of common stock |
|
|
45% |
|
|
63% |
|
|
- |
|
|
56% |
Exit / attrition rates |
|
|
20% - 25% |
|
|
20% - 30% |
|
|
- |
|
|
20% |
Target exercise factor |
|
|
1.5 - 1.75 |
|
|
1.25 - 1.75 |
|
|
- |
|
|
1.25 |
A summary of activity related to the Company's 2009 Plan for the year ended June 30, 2012 and nine months ended March 31,
2013 is presented below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted- |
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
Remaining |
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
Exercise Price |
|
|
Contractual |
|
|
|
Oustanding |
|
|
Per Share |
|
|
Life (Years) |
Outstanding at June 30, 2011 |
|
|
417,500 |
|
$ |
4.00 |
|
|
3.75 |
Granted |
|
|
259,500 |
|
|
4.20 |
|
|
4.33 |
Exercised |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
Canceled/forfeited/expired |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
Outstanding at June 30, 2012 |
|
|
677,000 |
|
$ |
4.08 |
|
|
3.36 |
Granted |
|
|
175,000 |
|
|
7.20 |
|
|
4.71 |
Exercised |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
Canceled/forfeited/expired |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
Outstanding at March 31, 2013 |
|
|
852,000 |
|
$ |
4.72 |
|
|
3.04 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options vested and exercisable at March 31, 2013 |
|
|
596,979 |
|
$ |
4.21 |
|
|
2.62 |
The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted and outstanding at March 31, 2013 was $0.81. At March 31, 2013,
the Company had $215,311 of unrecognized stock compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, related to the options under the
2009 Plan, which will be recognized over the weighted average remaining service period of 0.5 years. At March 31, 2013, the Company
had $306,841 of unrecognized stock compensation expense related to the restricted stock grants, which will be recognized over the
weighted average remaining service period of 2.1 years. At March 31, 2013, the Company had $2,918,934 of unrecognized stock
compensation expense related to the restricted stock units, which will be recognized over the weighted average remaining service
period of 4.5 years. Stock-based compensation expense recorded for stock options and restricted stock grants for the three months
ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 totaled $178,851 and $49,030, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense recorded for stock
options and restricted stock grants for the nine months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 totaled $368,811 and $116,333, respectively.
The Company settles employee stock option exercises with newly issued shares of common stock.
20
NOTE 11 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Acquisition of Seed Genetics International
On April 1, 2013, the Company, together with its wholly owned subsidiary, S&W Seed Australia Pty Ltd, an Australia
corporation ("S&W Australia"), closed the previously announced acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares of
Seed Genetics International Pty Ltd, an Australia corporation ("SGI"), from SGI's shareholders (the "Acquisition"). The Acquisition was
completed pursuant to the terms of the Share Acquisition Agreement, dated March 14, 2013 (the "Acquisition Agreement"), by and
among SGI's shareholders, the Company, S&W Australia and SGI.
At closing, the SGI shareholders were paid a purchase price of approximately US$16.7 million. The purchase price consisted of the
following: US$5.0 million in cash; 864,865 newly issued shares of the Company's common stock (with a market value of US$8,709,191
based upon the closing price of the Company's common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market on April 1, 2013); and US$3.0
million in the form of a three-year, non-interest bearing, unsecured promissory note.
Class A Warrant Exercises and Redemption
During April and May 2013, 648,232 shares of common stock were issued as a result of 648,232 Class A warrants being
exercised at a price of $7.15. The Company received gross proceeds of $4,634,859 from these warrant exercises.
The 27,359 remaining Class A Warrants that were not exercised by the deadline were redeemed by the Company for a price of
$0.25 each, for an aggregate redemption cost to S&W of $6,840. There are no remaining Class A Warrants outstanding.
Termination of Consulting Agreement
On April 9, 2013, the Company entered into an agreement to terminate a sales consulting agreement with Richard Penner
Consulting, Inc. In consideration for the early termination of the consulting agreement, the Company issued 12,000 unregistered
shares of S&W common stock to Richard Penner.
21
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including, but not limited to, this "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations," contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as
assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or
implied by such forward-looking statements. The statements contained in this Report that are not purely historical are forward-looking
statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). All statements other than statements of historical fact are
statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including but not limited to any projections of revenue, margins,
expenses, tax provisions, earnings, cash flows and other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of
management for future operations; any statements regarding our ability to raise capital in the future; any statements concerning
expected development, performance or market acceptance relating to our products or services or our ability to expand our grower or
customer bases; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements of expectation or belief; any
statements regarding our ability to retain key employees; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. These
forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of words such as, but not limited to, "anticipate," "believe," "can," "continue,"
"could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "will," "plan," "project," "seek," "should," "target," "will," "would," and similar expressions or
variations intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current
expectations about future events. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other important factors that
could cause actual results and the timing of certain events to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-
looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include the possibility that certain foreign markets into which our seed is sold
could be adversely impacted by discounted pricing of non-proprietary seed by competitors, our alfalfa seed growers could choose to
grow more profitable crops instead of our alfalfa seed and the dairy industry decline might not recover as quickly as we anticipate.
Other risks, uncertainties and assumptions include macro-economic and geopolitical trends and events; the execution and performance
of contracts by our company and our customers, suppliers and partners; the challenge of managing asset levels, including inventory;
the difficulty of aligning expense levels with revenue changes; the outcome of pending or future legislation or court decisions and
pending or future accounting pronouncements; and other risks that are described herein, including but not limited to the items
discussed in the Risk Factors set forth in our Prospectus Supplement dated and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "SEC") on January 11, 2013 (as supplemented by the Supplement to the Prospectus Supplement dated and filed with the SEC on
January 15, 2013) and that are otherwise described or updated from time to time in our SEC reports.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future
results, level of activity, performance or achievements. Many factors discussed in this Report, some of which are beyond our control,
will be important in determining our future performance. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from those that might be
anticipated from the forward-looking statements. In light of these and other uncertainties, you should not regard the inclusion of a
forward-looking statement in this Report as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved, and you should not
place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Furthermore, such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of
this Report. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Executive Overview
Our business includes (i) our core alfalfa seed business, which was expanded in fiscal 2012 to include our own farming
operations; (ii) our more recently initiated stevia breeding and production operations; and (iii) our seed and small grain cleaning and
processing operations that leverage the excess capacity in our mill. Until we incorporated in 2009, our business was operated for
almost 30 years as a general partnership and was owned by five general partners. We incorporated in October 2009, bought out
the former partners between June 2008 and May 2010 and raised capital in our May 2010 initial public offering in order both to grow the
existing alfalfa seed business and take the company in a new direction. Since our initial public offering, we have raised additional
capital to help fund the purchase of Imperial Valley farmland, the acquisition of Imperial Valley Seeds in October 2013, the acquisition
of Seed Genetics International in April 2013 and for working capital purposes.
22
Our alfalfa seed business consists of breeding our proprietary alfalfa seed varieties in order to be able to offer seed with the traits
sought by our customers such as high salt and heat tolerance and high yields, fulfilling our seed requirements both by contracting with
farmers in the San Joaquin and Imperial Valleys of California and internally farming acreage we have leased or purchased, processing
and bagging the seed at our facility and marketing and selling it as certified seed to agribusiness firms and farmers throughout the
world. Our principal business is subject to uncertainty caused by the following factors, among others: (i) our seed growers may decide
to grow different crops when prices for alternative commodities are on the rise, which can create a shortage of our certified seed; (ii)
farmers who typically purchase our seed to grow alfalfa hay may plant alternative crops either in reaction to a decline in the dairy
industry, which in turn causes shrinking demand for alfalfa hay or because they can make a higher profit planting alternative crops,
either way, with the result that smaller quantities of our seed are purchased; (iii) farmers may choose to convert their hay crops to
non-certified common seed, and an overabundance of non-certified seed entering the market can drive down the overall market price for
alfalfa seed, including the market for certified alfalfa seed; or (iv) the risks of internally farmed operations such as adverse agronomic
decisions, weather conditions, natural disasters, crop disease, pests, lack of water and other natural conditions as well as other factors
outside our control. While we are attempting to mitigate these risks, agricultural risks will always remain. As a result of these factors and
others, including but not limited to the items discussed in the Risk Factors set forth in our Prospectus Supplement dated and filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on January 11, 2013 (as supplemented by the Supplement to the Prospectus
Supplement dated and filed with the SEC on January 15, 2013) and that are otherwise described or updated from time to time in our
SEC reports our revenue and margins can be difficult to project.
In connection with our alfalfa seed operations since our May 2010 IPO, we have (i) leased acreage in Kern and Madera Counties in
California's San Joaquin Valley and in California's Imperial Valley, on which we are producing a portion of our alfalfa seed supply
ourselves; (ii) purchased farmland in the Imperial Valley; (iii) purchased the customer list of our principal international distributor from its
owner in order to sell our alfalfa seed directly to customers in Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern and African countries such as
Sudan, Egypt and Morocco; (iv) acquired the rights to a portfolio of dormant alfalfa seed varieties in order to expand our product
offerings into new geographic regions; (v) contracted with additional farmers to grow our proprietary seed; (vi) completed our first
material acquisition by purchasing substantially all of the assets of Imperial Valley Seeds, Inc.; (vii) expanded our sales and marketing
efforts; and (vii) on April 1, 2013 completed our largest and most strategic acquisition to date by acquiring 100% of Seed Genetics
International, based in Adelaide Australia. We began direct international sales in June 2011. Our first crop of internally-produced alfalfa
seed was planted in the second fiscal quarter of 2012 and was harvested, cleaned, bagged and made available for sale to our
customers in the first and second quarters of fiscal 2013, along with the seed we purchased from our contract growers.
While the dairy business on which our alfalfa seed business is largely dependent is subject to significant cycles of over-supply and
under-supply, these fluctuations are generally localized. Consequently, although we are subject to the volatility of local markets, the
breadth of our market and the quality niche of our certified seed have resulted in relatively stable demand in most years. However, the
supply of seed in the marketplace is subject to substantial swings. Fiscal 2011 proved to be a particularly challenging year, but fiscal
2012 and the first nine months of fiscal 2013 reflected a significant turnaround in seed revenue.
From inception until 2003, almost all our seed sales were to distributors who exported our products to international markets. Modest
sales efforts in the western U.S. were initiated around 2003, and in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010, our seed shipments were
allocated approximately 51% to the domestic market and 49% to distributors who sold into international markets. In fiscal 2011, both
markets were negatively impacted by events beyond our control: The domestic market continued to be impacted by the dairy industry
downturn that began in fiscal 2009 when dairy prices declined due to over-supply. While in normal years, we are typically able to offset
this situation with sales to our distributors in our international markets, in fiscal 2011, our Middle East distributor experienced the most
challenging year in its history due to an over-supply of uncertified common seed being sold at significantly reduced prices. We and our
distributor elected to hold back much of our certified proprietary seed rather than sell into that depressed market in fiscal 2011. As a
result of all of these factors, seed sales were down in fiscal 2011 compared to the prior year. However, because of our decisions in
fiscal 2011, we had strong levels of certified seed inventory available for sale in fiscal 2012 when most of the common seed that glutted
those markets in fiscal 2011 had been sold out. This allowed us to meet expected demand and, to some extent, control pricing during
our first year selling directly into international markets. We plan to continue to expand our served markets and therefore minimize the
risks associated with any specific geographic market.
Our alfalfa seed business is seasonal, and historical sales have been concentrated in the first six months of our fiscal year (July
through December) when customers are planting their fields. This coincides with the period during which seed growers harvest and
deliver seed to us. We contract with growers based upon our anticipated market demand; we mill, clean and stock the seed during the
harvest season and ship from inventory throughout the year. The acquisition of Seed Genetics International on April 1, 2013 provides
us with a geographically diversified and year-round production cycle. This will likely partially mitigate this seasonality of our business as
the fourth quarter is typically a significant sales quarter for our newly acquired Australian operation. Tests show that seed that has been
held in inventory for over one year improves in quality. Therefore, provided that we have sufficient capital to carry additional
inventory, we may increase our seed purchases and planned season end inventory if, in our judgment, we can generate increased
margins and revenue with the aged seed. This will also reduce the potential for inventory shortages in the event that we have higher
than anticipated demand or other factors, such as growers electing to plant alternative, higher priced crops, reducing our available seed
supply in a particular year.
23
Although we believe an opportunity exists to materially expand our alfalfa seed business without substantially overhauling our
operations, we could nevertheless encounter unforeseen problems. For example, in fiscal 2011 and 2012, some of our seed growers
elected to grow alternative crops, such as cotton, that yielded greater profit than alfalfa seed, and this could reoccur from time to time
as commodity prices shift. However, by first leasing farmland in fiscal 2011, and then gaining long-term access to additional farmland in
the San Joaquin and Imperial Valleys of California through additional leases entered into in fiscal 2012 and farmland purchases in fiscal
2013, we now have the ability to grow a portion of our alfalfa seed production ourselves, which could partially mitigate this risk in future
years. Although we have an experienced farming management and operations staff, this recently implemented direct farming
opportunity poses new challenges. As we obtain additional farmland, by lease or purchase, both our farming costs and risks could
continue to climb, and as our direct farming operations account for an increasingly significant portion of our seed requirements, the
farming decisions we make could have a significant negative impact on our results of operations. Nevertheless, we believe that by
vertically integrating our alfalfa seed business to include our own production, we can leverage our management infrastructure, our
experienced agronomics team and our milling capacity, while reducing our costs and more directly controlling our inventory.
Beginning in fiscal 2011, we also faced the new challenge created by the availability of Roundup Ready alfalfa ("RRA") in the U.S.
We are still uncertain as to the extent to which RRA might negatively impact our business, if at all, but lack of regulations regarding field
isolation could raise concerns about contamination of our non-genetically modified organism ("GMO") seed. In fiscal 2012,
the first year in which RRA was planted in the San Joaquin Valley, some field contamination was discovered. Moreover, we sell into
regions of the world that have a zero tolerance policy regarding GMO seed, so we will have to be able to maintain the integrity of our
seed in order to sell in certain parts of the world. We have entered into a series of agreements with Monsanto Corporation and Forage
Genetics International to produce and sell GMO alfalfa seed. Due to issues surrounding field contamination and the widespread ban of
GMO-based crops in many international markets, including markets that are critical to our business, we will be required to take
particular care in the planting of any GMO-based alfalfa seed we grow.
We currently are using less than 25% of our mill capacity, leaving room for substantial revenue growth without having to incur
significant capital costs. In particular, we clean, process and bag seed and small grains for growers in the Five Points, California area
during the periods in which we are not using the mill for our alfalfa seed business.
We have also been developing our stevia business, working closely with PureCircle, one of the world's top stevia breeders and the
world's largest stevia processor, in an effort to breed and select the best stevia varieties for the climate, soil and water conditions in the
San Joaquin Valley. In July 2010, we entered into a five-year supply agreement with PureCircle under which it agreed to purchase our
dried stevia leaf produced from seeds, plants and plant materials sourced from the processor or its agents that meets the contractual
specifications, up to 130% of the quantity agreed upon by the parties on an annual basis. In May 2011, we commenced the planting of
our first commercial crop of stevia on a 114-acre property near Chowchilla, CA and harvested a portion of that crop in the fall of 2011.
We earned a modest amount of revenue from that harvest during the second quarter of fiscal 2012 when the dried leaf was shipped to
our customer. In that initial commercial planting operation, our agronomists focused their efforts on ensuring our plantation had a
healthy stand for the first winter months, not on maximizing yield. This was essentially a test harvest in which we cut only the top portion
of the plants and experimented with harvesting methods and equipment settings. In April 2012, we leased a second property, of
approximately 156 acres near Los Banos, CA to expand our stevia production. Our second trial harvest took place during the second
quarter of fiscal 2013. We again experimented with a different harvesting method and equipment usage.
Our strategy for our stevia operations has been to utilize our research and breeding expertise to develop varieties that can thrive in
the state of California, while obtaining attractive taste and yield profiles. Recently, due to weeding control practices, damage to a
majority of the fields occurred and we believe it is unlikely that the existing plants will produce the desired levels of leaf that will make it
economically viable to continue farming these fields. Stevia plants on the properties in Chowchilla and Los Banos have not emerged
from the ground as expected, and we have tentatively concluded that the plants have suffered damage from application of certain
herbicides. We are carefully examining the variables related to this year's application of the herbicides and believe that our eventual
findings will improve our ongoing research and development of the stevia business. We currently believe that the field in Chowchilla will
not produce a commercially viable harvest. We estimate that the Los Banos field has suffered an 80 to 90% loss rate, and expect that
we will be able to maintain approximately 20 to 30 acres of stevia production at that site.
Based on our preliminary estimates of the damage to the stevia crops, we recorded an impairment charge of $1,840,209 and
$2,140,209 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2013, respectively. Our harvest of the surviving stevia acreage in Los
Banos is expected to occur in August 2013, although the exact timing of the completion of such harvest will depend on the success of
our efforts to quantify and mitigate the effects of the herbicides and on factors such as bloom rate and results of our internal tests, as
we continue to evaluate and settle upon best farming practices. Our efforts are focused on breeding improved varieties of stevia,
perfecting our harvesting and milling techniques, and developing our marketing and distribution programs for stevia products.
In order to minimize risk going forward, we have decided to delay new commercial replanting until we have optimized our
farming methodology and our new stevia varieties under development are ready for production.
24
Because this is a new line of business for us, and the incorporation of stevia extracts into food and beverages sold in the U.S. is still
a relatively new industry, our plans may not succeed to the extent we expect or on the time schedule we have planned, or at all. We
incurred substantial expenses and earned no revenue during the 2011 fiscal year as we entered the stevia production business. In
fiscal 2012, we moved into commercial production of stevia leaf, but we earned only nominal revenue from our stevia operations. In
fiscal 2013, we increased our spending on research and development, but also recorded a stevia inventory impairment charge of
$2,140,209. We expect our stevia revenue will be nominal in fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2014, but that our stevia expenditures will be
substantially lower for these periods as we focus our spending on research and development.
Results of Operations
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
Revenue and Cost of Revenue
Seed and Crop Revenue and Milling and Other Services
Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $4,208,735 compared to $2,549,188 for the three months ended
March 31, 2012. The $1,659,547, or 65%, increase in revenue for the 2013 third quarter was primarily due to the acquisition of IVS on
October 1, 2012 which contributed $3,803,942 of seed revenue. This was offset by a $2,151,547 decrease in seed and crop revenue
from S&W's existing ("organic") business. The $2,151,547 decrease in organic seed and crop revenue resulted from a decrease in
volumes primarily due to timing of shipments to our customers internationally, primarily in Saudi Arabia. We continue to expect large
orders out of Saudi Arabia, however, the timing of these shipments will likely take place in the company's fourth fiscal quarter this
year.
Total international sales accounted for 89% of our current period revenue compared to 70% in the comparable period in the prior
year. Domestic revenue accounted for 11% and 30% of our total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012,
respectively. The increase in the international sales percentage was due to the acquisition of IVS. Revenue for the three months ended
March 31, 2013 included approximately $22,759 of milling and other services compared to $15,607 for the three months ended March
31, 2012.
The following table is a summary of revenue, costs of revenue and gross profits:
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S&W |
|
|
IVS |
|
|
Consolidated |
|
|
S&W |
Alfalfa seed and other crop revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alfalfa seed and other crop revenues |
|
$ |
382,034 |
|
$ |
3,803,942 |
|
$ |
4,185,976 |
|
$ |
2,533,581 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of seed and other crop revenue |
|
|
2,234,419 |
|
|
3,422,798 |
|
|
5,657,217 |
|
|
1,740,130 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit on alfalfa seed and other crop revenue |
|
|
(1,852,385) |
|
|
381,144 |
|
|
(1,471,241) |
|
|
793,451 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total GP% on seed and other crop revenue |
|
|
-484.9% |
|
|
10.0% |
|
|
-35.1% |
|
|
31.3% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total GP% excluding stevia impairment charge |
|
|
-3.2% |
|
|
|
|
|
8.8% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Milling and other revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Milling and other revenue |
|
|
22,759 |
|
|
- |
|
|
22,759 |
|
|
15,607 |
Costs of milling and other revenue |
|
|
20,192 |
|
|
- |
|
|
20,192 |
|
|
7,514 |
Gross profit on milling and other revenue |
|
|
2,567 |
|
|
- |
|
|
2,567 |
|
|
8,093 |
|
|
|
11% |
|
|
- |
|
|
11% |
|
|
52% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue |
|
$ |
404,793 |
|
$ |
3,803,942 |
|
$ |
4,208,735 |
|
$ |
2,549,188 |
Total cost of revenue |
|
|
2,254,611 |
|
|
3,422,798 |
|
|
5,677,409 |
|
|
1,747,644 |
Total gross profit |
|
$ |
(1,849,818) |
|
$ |
381,144 |
|
$ |
(1,468,674) |
|
$ |
801,544 |
Total GP % |
|
|
-457.0% |
|
|
10.0% |
|
|
-34.9% |
|
|
31.4% |
Total GP% excluding stevia impairment charge |
|
|
-2.4% |
|
|
|
|
|
8.8% |
|
|
|
25
Cost of revenue of $5,677,409 in the three months ended March 31, 2013 was 135% of revenue, while the cost of revenue of
$1,747,644 in the three months ended March 31, 2012 was 69% of revenue. The dollar increase in cost of revenue for the current year
was primarily attributable to the $1,840,209 stevia inventory impairment charge taken during the quarter as well as the cost of revenue
from IVS, offset by decreased cost of revenue from S&W's organic business.
Excluding the charge for the stevia impairment, total gross profit margins for the current period totaled 8.8% versus 31.4% in the
comparable period of the prior year. The decrease in gross profit margins can be attributed to the following factors: 1) the newly
acquired IVS business, which represented over 90% of the revenues for the quarter and generated gross profit margins of 10.0%; 2) an
increase in seed costs in the current year on S&W's organic operations due to higher average costs paid to third party contract
growers as well as higher costs of production on internally operated fields that have been in production less than one year; 3) while the
Company has obtained increases in seed sales prices to offset increased costs of production, these increases have not yet offset the
increased costs of production; and 4) the company had to burden its cost of goods sold during the third quarter with additional farming
related expenses of approximately $70,000 not previously recognized.
We expect to obtain stable or increased sales pricing for the remainder of the fiscal year and anticipate that we will improve gross
margins in our core business for the remainder of the fiscal year. Gross margins from our IVS operations improved in the third quarter
of fiscal 2013 from 10.0% compared to the preceding second quarter of fiscal 2013 of 8.5%. Gross margins in S&W's organic
business, excluding the stevia reserve, were a negative 2.4% in the third quarter of fiscal 2013. As mentioned above, the
company had to burden its cost of goods sold during the third quarter with additional farming related expenses of $70,000 not
previously recognized that negatively impacted the third quarters gross margins.
Stevia Breeding and Production Program
We began our stevia initiative in fiscal 2010 on a leased 114-acre property near Chowchilla. We moved from a pilot program to
commercial production in fiscal 2011, planting the first commercial crop in the spring and summer of 2011. We earned our first stevia
revenue of $25,382 during the second fiscal quarter of 2012 under a commercial supply agreement with a major stevia processor. Our
agronomists focused their efforts on ensuring our plantation had a healthy stand for the first winter months, not on maximizing yield.
This was essentially a test harvest in which we cut only the top portion of the plants and experimented with harvesting methods
and equipment settings. In April of 2012, we leased a second property, of approximately 156 acres near Los Banos, to expand our
stevia production. Our second trial harvest took place during the second quarter of fiscal 2013. We again experimented with a different
harvesting method and equipment usage. We have experienced substantial herbicide damage to our current stevia crops on both the
Chowchilla and Los Banos properties, and currently expect that we will be able to maintain limited commercial production of stevia on
approximately 20 to 30 acres of the Los Banos property. We expect to ship modest quantities of stevia leaf to PureCircle in the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2013. Based on our current preliminary estimates of the damage to the stevia crops, we recorded an impairment
charge of $1,840,209 for the three months ended March 31, 2013. Our next harvest is expected to occur in August 2013, although the
exact timing of the completion of such harvest will depend on the success of our efforts to quantify and mitigate the effects of the
herbicides, and on factors such as bloom rate and results of our internal tests, as we continue to evaluate and settle upon best farming
practices.
Our strategy for our stevia operations has been to utilize our research and breeding expertise to develop varieties that can thrive in
the state of California, while obtaining attractive taste and yield profiles. Recently, due to weeding control practices, damage to a
majority of the fields occurred and we believe it is unlikely that the existing plants will produce the desired levels of leaf that will make it
economically viable to continue farming these fields. Stevia plants on the properties in Chowchilla and Los Banos have not emerged
from the ground as expected, and we have tentatively concluded that the plants have suffered damage from application of certain
herbicides. We are carefully examining the variables related to this year's application of the herbicides and believe that our eventual
findings will improve our ongoing research and development of the stevia business. We currently believe that the field in Chowchilla will
not produce a commercially viable harvest. We estimate that the Los Banos field has suffered an 80 to 90% loss rate, and expect that
we will be able to maintain approximately 20 to 30 acres of stevia production at that site.
Based on our preliminary estimates of the damage to the stevia crops, we recorded an impairment charge of $1,840,209 and
$2,140,209 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2013, respectively. Our harvest of the surviving stevia acreage in Los
Banos is expected to occur in August 2013, although the exact timing of the completion of such harvest will depend on the success of
our efforts to quantify and mitigate the effects of the herbicides and on factors such as bloom rate and results of our internal tests, as
we continue to evaluate and settle upon best farming practices.
Our efforts are focused on breeding improved varieties of stevia, perfecting our harvesting and milling techniques, and
developing our marketing and distribution programs for stevia products. In order to minimize risk going forward, we have
decided to delay new commercial replanting until we have optimized our farming methodology and our new stevia varieties under
development are ready for production.
26
As of March 31, 2013, we have incurred $967,912 in stevia expenditures that are included in work in process inventories but these
balances have been fully reserved for as part of the impairment charge and as such the net stevia balance in work in process inventory
is $0. As of March 31, 2013, we have also incurred $1,167,636 of stevia expenditures which have been recorded as crop production
costs, which is a long-term asset on the balance sheet. The net stevia crop production costs balance is $55,339 after deducting the
$1,112,297 valuation reserve which was recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2013. The remaining costs have been
expensed to research and development expense on the consolidated statement of operations.
Because we are still in the earliest stages of commercial stevia development and the current crops have suffered substantial
herbicide damage, it is currently unknown whether the remaining stevia crop will produce multiple cuttings and whether the cuttings will
result in improved yields, although we expect future harvests will provide crop improvements as we develop best agronomic practices
for stevia. We further expect that our costs will decline in the remainder of fiscal 2013 and in fiscal 2014 as we delay the expansion of
our commercial production and focus on breeding improved varieties of stevia, improving our harvesting and milling techniques, and
developing our marketing and distribution programs for stevia products.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") for the three months ended March 31, 2013 totaled $1,280,563
compared to $633,024 for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The $647,539, or 102%, increase in SG&A expense versus
the comparable period prior year was primarily due to an increase in non-cash stock-based compensation which totaled $178,851 in the
current period versus $49,030 in the comparable period of the prior year and $132,536 of non-recurring transaction costs associated
with the acquisition of Seed Genetics International. In addition the Company had an increase in personnel costs as the Company
continues to invest in personnel to support its overall growth. As a percentage of revenue, SG&A expenses were 30% in the
current period compared to 25% in the third quarter ended March 31, 2012.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses ("R&D") for the three months ended March 31, 2013 totaled $69,835 compared to
$44,393 in the comparable period in the prior year. R&D expenses increased $25,442 in the current quarter due to a $13,495
increase in our alfalfa seed product development expenses and an $11,947 increase in stevia product development expenses.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $154,423 compared to $64,775 for the
three months ended March 31, 2012. Included in the amount was amortization expense for intangibles assets, which totaled $98,169 in
the current quarter and $15,196 in comparable period of the prior year. The $82,973 increase in amortization expense in the current
quarter was directly attributable to the addition of intangible assets acquired in the IVS business combination.
Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net during the three months ended March 31, 2013 totaled $8,804 compared to $4,363 for the three months
ended March 31, 2012. Interest expense consisted of interest incurred on the Company's credit facility plus the fees for the unused
credit facility, partially offset by interest income derived from cash and cash equivalents.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax benefit totaled $1,109,925 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to income tax expense of $36,178
for the three months ended March 31, 2012.
Net Income (Loss)
We had a net loss of $1,872,374 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to net income of $20,641 for the three
months ended March 31, 2012. The decrease in profitability was attributable primarily to the stevia inventory impairment charge and
overall decreased gross profit margins, as discussed above. The net loss per basic and diluted common share for the current quarter
was $0.21, compared to net income per basic and diluted common share of $0.00 for the three months ended March 31, 2012.
27
Nine Months Ended March 31, 2013 Compared to the Nine Months Ended March 31, 2012
Revenue and Cost of Revenue
Seed and Crop Revenue and Milling and Other Services
Revenue for the nine months ended March 31, 2013 was $24,614,353 compared to $13,392,896 for the nine months ended
March 31, 2012. The $11,221,457 or 84%, increase in revenue for the 2013 period was primarily due to acquisition of IVS on October 1,
2012 which contributed $11,102,595 of seed revenue and the remainder of the increase was due to a $520,031 increase in seed and
crop revenue from S&W's existing ("organic") business partially offset by a $401,169 decrease in milling and other services. The
$520,031 or 4% increase in organic seed and crop revenue was due to an increase in pricing partially offset by a decrease in volumes
sold. The improved results were partially offset by limited seed inventory levels. International sales accounted for 81% of our current
period revenue compared to 72% in the comparable period in the prior year. Domestic revenue accounted for 19% and 18% of our total
revenue for the nine months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The increase in the international sales percentage was due
to the acquisition of IVS. Revenue for the nine months ended March 31, 2013 included approximately $498,969 of milling and other
services compared to $900,138 for the nine months ended March 31, 2012. The decrease was due to lower volumes of grain
processing.
The following table is a summary of revenue, costs of revenue and gross profits:
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S&W |
|
|
IVS |
|
|
Consolidated |
|
|
S&W |
Alfalfa seed and other crop revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alfalfa seed and other crop revenues |
|
$ |
13,012,789 |
|
$ |
11,102,595 |
|
$ |
24,115,384 |
|
$ |
12,492,758 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of seed and other crop revenue |
|
|
13,160,353 |
|
|
10,101,200 |
|
|
23,261,553 |
|
|
8,998,932 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit on alfalfa seed and other crop revenue |
|
|
(147,564) |
|
|
1,001,395 |
|
|
853,831 |
|
|
3,493,826 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total GP% on seed and other crop revenue |
|
|
-1.1% |
|
|
9.0% |
|
|
3.5% |
|
|
28.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total GP% excluding stevia impairment charge |
|
|
15.3% |
|
|
|
|
|
12.4% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Milling and other revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Milling and other revenue |
|
|
498,969 |
|
|
- |
|
|
498,969 |
|
|
900,138 |
Costs of milling and other revenue |
|
|
158,620 |
|
|
- |
|
|
158,620 |
|
|
317,335 |
Gross profit on milling and other revenue |
|
|
340,349 |
|
|
- |
|
|
340,349 |
|
|
582,803 |
|
|
|
68% |
|
|
- |
|
|
68% |
|
|
65% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue |
|
$ |
13,511,758 |
|
$ |
11,102,595 |
|
$ |
24,614,353 |
|
$ |
13,392,896 |
Total cost of revenue |
|
|
13,318,973 |
|
|
10,101,200 |
|
|
23,420,173 |
|
|
9,316,267 |
Total gross profit |
|
$ |
192,785 |
|
$ |
1,001,395 |
|
$ |
1,194,180 |
|
$ |
4,076,629 |
Total GP % |
|
|
1.4% |
|
|
9.0% |
|
|
4.9% |
|
|
30.4% |
Total GP% excluding stevia impairment charge |
|
|
17.3% |
|
|
|
|
|
13.5% |
|
|
|
Cost of revenue of $23,420,173 in the nine months ended March 31, 2013 was 95% of revenue, while the cost of revenue of
$9,316,267 in the nine months ended March 31, 2012 was 70% of revenue. The dollar increase in cost of revenue for the current year
was primarily attributable to the acquisition of IVS and an increase in the costs paid to third-party contract growers coupled with higher
costs of production on internally operated fields that had been in production less than one year. Our average cost per pound of seed
sold in S&W's organic business increased approximately 31% from the comparable period in the prior year. Margins on seed and
crop revenue totaled 12.4% (excluding the $2,140,209 stevia impairment charge) in the current period versus 28.0% in the comparable
period in the prior year.
28
Excluding the charge for the stevia impairment, total gross profit margins for the current period totaled 13.5% versus 30.4% in the
comparable period of the prior year. The decrease in gross profit margins can be attributed to the following factors: 1) the newly
acquired IVS business generated gross profit margins of 9.0% which lowered the overall profit margins of the combined business; 2)
the significant increase in seed costs in the current year contributed to the decrease in the total gross profit margins in the current
period; and 3) the Company's milling revenues decreased from the comparable period of the prior year, and although they are a small
portion of overall revenues, milling services have historically generated higher gross profit margins. The Company expects to obtain
stable or increased sales pricing for the remainder of the fiscal year and anticipates that it will improve gross margins for the remainder
of the fiscal year.
Stevia Breeding and Production Program
We have experienced substantial herbicide damage to our current stevia crops on both the Chowchilla and Los Banos
properties, and currently expect that we will be able to maintain limited commercial production of stevia on approximately 20 to 30 acres
of the Los Banos property. We expect to ship modest quantities of stevia leaf to PureCircle in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. Based on
our current preliminary estimates of the damage to the stevia crops, we recorded an impairment charge of $1,840,209 for the three
months ended March 31, 2013. Our next harvest is expected to occur in August 2013, although the exact timing of the completion of
such harvest will depend on the success of our efforts to quantify and mitigate the effects of the herbicides, and on factors such as
bloom rate and results of our internal tests, as we continue to evaluate and settle upon best farming practices.
Our strategy for our stevia operations has been to utilize our research and breeding expertise to develop varieties that can thrive in
the state of California, while obtaining attractive taste and yield profiles. Recently, due to weeding control practices, damage to a
majority of the fields occurred and we believe it is unlikely that the existing plants will produce the desired levels of leaf that will make it
economically viable to continue farming these fields. Stevia plants on the properties in Chowchilla and Los Banos have not emerged
from the ground as expected, and we have tentatively concluded that the plants have suffered damage from application of certain
herbicides. We are carefully examining the variables related to this year's application of the herbicides and believe that our eventual
findings will improve our ongoing research and development of the stevia business. We currently believe that the field in Chowchilla will
not produce a commercially viable harvest. We estimate that the Los Banos field has suffered an 80 to 90% loss rate, and expect that
we will be able to maintain approximately 20 to 30 acres of stevia production at that site.
Based on our preliminary estimates of the damage to the stevia crops, we recorded an impairment charge of $2,140,209 for the
nine months ended March 31, 2013, respectively. Our harvest of the surviving stevia acreage in Los Banos is expected to occur in
August 2013, although the exact timing of the completion of such harvest will depend on the success of our efforts to quantify and
mitigate the effects of the herbicides and on factors such as bloom rate and results of our internal tests, as we continue to evaluate and
settle upon best farming practices.
Our efforts are focused on breeding improved varieties of stevia, perfecting our harvesting and milling techniques, and
developing our marketing and distribution programs for stevia products. In order to minimize risk going forward, we have
decided to delay new commercial replanting until we have optimized our farming methodology and our new stevia varieties under
development are ready for production.
As of March 31, 2013, we have incurred $967,912 in stevia expenditures that are included in work in process inventories, but these
balances have been fully reserved for as part of the impairment charge and as such the net stevia balance in work in process inventory
is $0. As of March 31, 2013, we have also incurred $1,167,636 of stevia expenditures which have been recorded as crop production
costs, which is a long-term asset on the balance sheet. The net stevia crop production costs balance is $55,339 after deducting the
$1,112,297 valuation reserve which was recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2013. The remaining costs have been
expensed to research and development expense on the consolidated statement of operations.
Because we are still in the earliest stages of commercial stevia development and the current crops have suffered substantial
herbicide damage, it is currently unknown whether the remaining stevia crop will produce multiple cuttings and whether the cuttings will
result in improved yields, although we expect future harvests will provide crop improvements as we develop best agronomic practices
for stevia. We further expect that our costs will decline in the remainder of fiscal 2013 and in fiscal 2014 as we delay the expansion of
our commercial production and focus on breeding improved varieties of stevia, improving our harvesting and milling techniques, and
developing our marketing and distribution programs for stevia products.
29
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") for the nine months ended March 31, 2013 totaled $3,096,003
compared to $2,102,742 for the nine months ended March 31, 2012. The $993,261 or 47% increase in SG&A expense versus the
comparable period prior year was primarily due to 1) the acquisition of IVS which contributed $165,335 of additional expenses; 2) a
$252,479 increase in non-cash stock-based compensation which totaled $368,812 in the current period versus $116,333 in the
comparable period of the prior year; 3) $185,285 of non-recurring transaction costs associated with the acquisition of IVS and SGI; and
4) an increase in personnel costs as the Company continues to invest in personnel to support its overall growth. As a percentage of
revenue, SG&A expenses were 13% in the current period compared to 16% in the prior year period.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses ("R&D") for the nine months ended March 31, 2013 totaled $275,302 compared to
$198,898 in the comparable period in the prior year. R&D expenses increased $76,404 in the current period due to a $52,088
increase in our alfalfa seed product development expenses and a $24,316 increase in stevia product development expenses.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense for the nine months ended March 31, 2013 was $374,572 compared to $201,386 for the
nine months ended March 31, 2012. Included in the amount is amortization expense for intangibles assets, which totaled $212,492 in
the current period and $45,587 in comparable period of the prior year. The $166,905 increase in amortization expense in the current
period is directly attributable to the addition of intangible assets acquired in the IVS business combination.
Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net during the nine months ended March 31, 2013 totaled $30,901 compared to $12,785 for the nine months
ended March 31, 2012. Interest expense consisted of interest incurred on the Company's credit facility plus the fees for the unused
credit facility, partially offset by interest income derived from cash and cash equivalents.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax benefit totaled $945,589 for the nine months ended March 31, 2013 compared to income tax expense of $549,816
for the nine months ended March 31, 2012. The effective tax rate was 36.6% versus 35.8% in the prior year.
Net Income (Loss)
We had a net loss of $1,637,009 for the nine months ended March 31, 2013 compared to net income of $986,470 for the nine
months ended March 31, 2012. The decrease in profitability was attributable primarily to the stevia inventory impairment charge and
overall decreased gross profit margins, as discussed above. The net loss per basic and diluted common share for the current period
was $0.21, compared to net income per basic and diluted common share of $0.17 for the nine months ended March 31, 2012.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our working capital and working capital requirements fluctuate from quarter to quarter depending on the phase of the growing
and sales cycle that falls during a particular quarter. Our need for cash has historically been highest in the second and third fiscal
quarters (October through March) because we typically pay our contracted growers progressively, starting in the second quarter. In
fiscal 2013, we paid our growers approximately 50% in October 2012, and the remaining 50% was paid in February 2013. Our U.S.
alfalfa seed harvest occurs during our first fiscal quarter (August and September), and we typically process most of our alfalfa seed
during September, October and November. Therefore, the value of U.S. inventory is the highest in the first and second quarters, as are
our labor costs. But we also typically generate the greatest amount of revenue during the first and second quarters and cash receipts
during the second and third fiscal quarters (October through March). The acquisition of Seed Genetics International, an Australian-based
alfalfa seed company, in April 2013 provides the Company with a geographically diversified and year-round production cycle
which will likely result in less quarter-to-quarter fluctuation in our working capital and working capital requirements.
Historically, due to the concentration of sales to certain distributors and key customers, which typically represented a significant
percentage of alfalfa seed sales, our month-to-month and quarter-to-quarter sales and associated cash receipts were highly dependent
upon the timing of deliveries to and payments from these distributors and customers, which varied significantly from year to year.
We continuously monitor and evaluate our credit policies with all of our customers based on historical collection experience, current
economic and market conditions and a review of the current status of the respective trade accounts receivable balance. Our principal
working capital components include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid expense and other current
assets and accounts payable.
30
In May 2012, we sold 1,000,000 shares of our common stock in a confidentially marketed public offering that priced at $5.50 per
share. We received total proceeds, net of underwriting discounts and equity offering costs, of $5,006,311. In September 2012, we sold
600,000 shares of our common stock in a private placement to one accredited investor, which was priced at $5.85 per share, resulting
in net proceeds received by us of $3,463,100.
On January 16, 2013, we closed on an underwritten public offering of 1,400,000 common shares, which priced at $7.50 per share.
We received total proceeds, net of underwriting discounts and equity offering costs, of approximately $9.4 million.
On March 12, 2013, we announced that we were exercising our option to call for redemption the Class A warrants. As of March 31,
2013, 724,409 shares of common stock were issued as a result of 724,409 Class A warrants being exercised. We received proceeds,
net of fees and expenses, of $5,167,462 as of March 31, 2013.
During April and May 2013, 648,232 shares of common stock were issued as a result of 648,232 Class A warrants being exercised
at a price of $7.15. The Company received gross proceeds of $4,634,859 from these warrant exercises during our fourth quarter of FY
`13.
In fiscal 2012, we increased our working capital line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank under the terms of which we are able to draw
down up to $7,500,000 to fund our seasonal working capital needs. The outstanding principal balance of the line of credit bears interest
at the one month LIBOR plus 2%, which equaled 2.2% per annum as of May 10, 2013. The line of credit bears a standby fee on one-
half percent per annum on the average daily unused amount of the line of credit, for a maximum of $25,000 if the line is not utilized.
There are no amounts outstanding on the line of credit at March 31, 2013.
In July 2012, we obtained a term loan from Wells Fargo in a principal amount of up to $2,625,000 (the "Term Loan"), which we
used to fund a portion of the purchase of the 640 acres of Imperial Valley farmland. The Term Loan bears interest at a rate per annum
equal to 2.35% above LIBOR as specified in the term note. Under the term loan, we are also required to pay both monthly and annual
principal reduction as follows: The first installment of monthly principal repayments commenced in August 2012 and will continue at a
fixed amount per month until the first annual increase in July 2013. Thereafter, the amount of monthly principal reduction will increase in
August of each year through August 2018. The last monthly payment will be made in July 2019. The monthly principal repayments will
range from $8,107 per month through the July 2013 payment up to a high of $9,703 per month in the final year (August 2018 through
July 2019). Annual principal payments will be payable in August 2013 and 2014 in the amount of $56,000, with a final installment,
consisting of all remaining unpaid principal due and payable in full on July 5, 2019. We may prepay the principal at any time, provided
that a minimum of the lesser of $100,000 or the entire outstanding principal balance is prepaid at any one time.
Summary of Cash Flows
The following table shows a summary of our cash flows for the nine months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
Cash flows from operating activities |
|
$ |
(4,563,840) |
|
$ |
2,824,474 |
Cash flows from investing activities |
|
|
(10,457,669) |
|
|
(336,182) |
Cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
20,861,386 |
|
|
- |
Net increase in cash |
|
|
5,839,877 |
|
|
2,488,292 |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
|
|
8,235,495 |
|
|
3,738,544 |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |
|
$ |
14,075,372 |
|
$ |
6,226,836 |
As of March 31, 2013, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $14.1 million. Cash and cash equivalents consist
of cash and money market accounts. To date we have experienced no loss or lack of access to our invested cash or cash equivalents;
however, we can provide no assurances that access to our invested cash and cash equivalents will not be impacted by adverse
conditions in the financial markets.
Amounts deposited with third-party financial institutions exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, and Securities
Investor Protection Corporation, or SIPC, insurance limits, as applicable. These cash and cash equivalents balances could be impacted
if the underlying financial institutions fail or are subjected to other adverse conditions in the financial markets. To date we have
experienced no loss or lack of access to our cash and cash equivalents.
31
Operating Activities
For the nine months ended March 31, 2013, operating activities used $4,563,840 in cash, as a result of a net loss of $1,637,009
and an increase in accounts receivable of $6,136,983 and an increase in crop production costs of $2,716,885 partially offset by a
decrease in inventories of $1,616,484 and an increase in accounts payable (including related parties) of $2,499,652. For the nine
months ended March 31, 2012, operating activities provided $2,824,474 in cash, as a result of net income of $986,470 and an increase
in accounts payable (including related parties) of $1,564,844, partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable of $1,271,691.
Due to the seasonality of our business, our inventory and accounts payable balances are typically at their highest levels during the
first and second quarters of the fiscal year. Because the germination rate, and therefore the quality, of alfalfa seed improves over the
first year of storage, inventory obsolescence is not a material concern. We do not see any recoverability issues with respect to our
current inventory balances of alfalfa seed on hand. We may choose to carry higher levels of inventory in future periods to meet
anticipated demand, although the anticipated timing of such possible increased demand, if any, cannot be ascertained.
Our largest customer, which is located in Saudi Arabia, owed us approximately $2.7 million at March 31, 2013. In April 2013, we
received payments of approximately $1.2 million and expect the remaining balances to be collected during the fourth quarter. These
outstanding invoices have 90-day payment terms. Our relationship with this customer is strong, and we intend to continue to do a
significant amount of business together.
Investing Activities
Our investing activities during the nine months ended March 31, 2013 totaled $10,457,669. These activities consisted primarily
of: 1) the purchase of 640 acres of farmland in the Imperial Valley of California which will be used for alfalfa seed production; 2) the
acquisition of Imperial Valley Seeds on October 1, 2012; 3) the purchase of additional farmland in Imperial Valley in December 2012; 4)
the acquisition of additional farmland in Imperial Valley in February 2013; and 5) the acquisition of proprietary dormant alfalfa seed
varieties. Our investing activities during the nine months ended March 31, 2012 totaled $336,182. These activities consisted primarily of
the purchase of our distributor's customer list for $165,000 and the purchase of bee trailers and irrigation equipment totaling $177,682.
During fiscal 2013 and 2014, we expect to have ongoing capital expenditure requirements to support our alfalfa seed production plans
and other infrastructure needs.
Financing Activities
Our financing activities during the nine months ended March 31, 2013 consisted of a private placement of 600,000 common
shares, which was completed in September 2012. We received proceeds, net of equity offering costs, of $3.5 million from this
transaction. In January 2013, we closed on an underwritten public offering of 1,400,000 common shares, which priced at $7.50 per
share. We received total proceeds, net of underwriting discounts and equity offering costs, of approximately $9.4 million. On March 12,
2013, we announced that we exercised our option to call for redemption the Class A warrants. As of March 31, 2013, 724,409 shares
of common stock were issued as a result of 724,409 Class A warrants being exercised. We received proceeds, net of fees and
expenses, of $5,167,462 as of March 31, 2013. We also entered into a long-term loan with Wells Fargo generating proceeds of
$2,625,000 all of which were used for the purchase of Imperial Valley farmland. We did not have any financing activities during the nine
months ended March 31, 2012.
32
Inflation Risk
We do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
However, if our costs were to become subject to significant inflationary pressures, we may not be able to fully offset such higher costs
through price increases. Our inability or failure to do so could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
We did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements during the three and nine months ended March 31, 2013.
Capital Resources and Requirements
Our future liquidity and capital requirements will be influenced by numerous factors, including:
- the extent and duration of future operating income;
- the level and timing of future sales and expenditures;
- working capital required to support our growth;
- investment capital for plant and equipment;
- our sales and marketing programs;
- investment capital for potential acquisitions;
- competition; and
- market developments.
Critical Accounting Policies
The accounting policies and the use of accounting estimates are set forth in the footnotes to the unaudited consolidated
financial statements.
In preparing our financial statements, we must select and apply various accounting policies. Our most significant policies are
described in Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies set forth in the notes to the financial statements. In order to apply our
accounting policies, we often need to make estimates based on judgments about future events. In making such estimates, we rely on
historical experience, market and other conditions, and on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable. However, the estimation
process is by its nature uncertain given that estimates depend on events over which we may not have control. If market and other
conditions change from those that we anticipate, our results of operations, financial condition and changes in financial condition may be
materially affected. In addition, if our assumptions change, we may need to revise our estimates, or to take other corrective actions,
either of which may also have a material effect on our results of operations, financial condition or changes in financial condition.
Members of our senior management have discussed the development and selection of our critical accounting estimates, and our
disclosure regarding them, with the audit committee of our board of directors, and do so on a regular basis.
We believe that the following estimates have a higher degree of inherent uncertainty and require our most significant judgments. In
addition, had we used estimates different from any of these, our results of operations, financial condition or changes in financial
condition for the current period could have been materially different from those presented.
Intangible Assets: All amortizable intangible assets are assessed for impairment whenever events
indicate a possible loss. Such an assessment involves estimating undiscounted cash flows over the remaining useful life of the
intangible. If the review indicates that undiscounted cash flows are less than the recorded value of the intangible asset, the carrying
amount of the intangible is reduced by the estimated cash-flow shortfall on a discounted basis, and a corresponding loss is charged to
the consolidated statement of operations. Significant changes in key assumptions about the business, market conditions and prospects
for which the intangible asset is currently utilized or expected to be utilized could result in an impairment charge.
33
Stock-Based Compensation: We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with Financial Accounting
Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 Stock Compensation, which establishes accounting for equity
instruments exchanged for employee services. Under such provisions, stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date,
based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense, under the straight-line method, over the employee's
requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity grant).
We account for equity instruments, including stock options, issued to non-employees in accordance with authoritative guidance for
equity based payments to non-employees (FASB ASC 505-50). Stock options issued to non-employees are accounted for at their
estimated fair value. The fair value of options granted to non-employees is re-measured as they vest.
We use the binomial lattice valuation model to estimate the fair value of options granted under share-based compensation plans.
The binomial lattice valuation model requires us to estimate a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the expected term of the
award, stock price volatility, dividend rate, risk-free interest rate, attrition rate, and exercise rate. The input factors to use in the valuation
model are based on subjective future expectations combined with management judgment. The expected term used represents the
weighted-average period that the stock options are expected to be outstanding. We use the historical volatility of a comparable peer
group to derive the expected volatility of our common stock. The peer group historical volatility is used due to the limited trading history
of our common stock. We use a risk-free interest rate that is based on the implied yield available on U.S. Treasury issued with an
equivalent remaining term at the time of grant. We have not paid dividends in the past and currently do not plan to pay any dividends in
the foreseeable future, and as such, dividend yield is assumed to be zero for the purposes of valuing the stock options granted. We
evaluate the assumptions used to value stock awards on a quarterly basis. If factors change and we employ different assumptions,
share-based compensation expense may differ significantly from what we have recorded in the past. When there are any modifications
or cancellations of the underlying unvested securities, we may be required to accelerate, increase or cancel any remaining unearned
share-based compensation expense. To the extent that we grant additional equity securities to employees, our share-based
compensation expense will be increased by the additional unearned compensation resulting from those additional.
Income Taxes: We regularly assess the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable
income. To the extent management believes that it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation
allowance is established. When a valuation allowance is established or increased, an income tax charge is included in the consolidated
financial statements and net deferred tax assets are adjusted accordingly. Changes in tax laws, statutory tax rates and estimates of the
Company's future taxable income levels could result in actual realization of the deferred tax assets being materially different from the
amounts provided for in the consolidated financial statements. If the actual recovery amount of the deferred tax asset is less than
anticipated, we would be required to write-off the remaining deferred tax asset and increase the tax provision, resulting in a reduction of
net income and stockholders' equity.
Inventories: All inventories are accounted for on a lower of cost or market basis. Inventories consist of raw
materials and finished goods as well as in the ground crop inventories. Depending on market conditions, the actual amount received on
sale could differ from our estimated value of inventory. In order to determine the value of inventory at the balance sheet date, we
evaluate a number of factors to determine the adequacy of provisions for inventory. The factors include the age of inventory, the
amount of inventory held by type, future demand for products and the expected future selling price we expect to realize by selling the
inventory. Our estimates are judgmental in nature and are made at a point in time, using available information, expected business plans
and expected market conditions. We perform a review of our inventory by product line on a quarterly basis.
Recently Adopted and Recently Enacted Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic
820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. This
update clarifies the application of certain existing fair value measurement guidance and expands the disclosures for fair value
measurements that are estimated using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs. This update is effective on a prospective basis for
annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011, which for the Company was January 1, 2012. The
adoption of this update did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible
Assets for Impairment" in Accounting Standards Update No. 2012-02. This update amends ASU 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and
Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment and permits an entity first to assess qualitative factors
to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired as a basis for determining whether it is
necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test in accordance with Subtopic 350-30, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other -
General Intangibles Other than Goodwill. The amendments are effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal
years beginning after September 15, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2012-02 is not expected to have a material impact on its consolidated
financial statements.
34
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
We are a smaller reporting company and therefore, we are not required to provide information required by this item of Form 10-Q.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the
effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2013. The term "disclosure controls and procedures," as
defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a
company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under
the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and
forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information
required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated
to the company's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions
regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated,
can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the
cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of
March 31, 2013, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and
procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f)
and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) or in other factors that occurred during the period of our evaluation or subsequent to the date we carried
out our evaluation which have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial
reporting. Potential investors should be aware that the design of any system of controls and procedures is based in part upon certain
assumptions about the likelihood of future events. There can be no assurance that any system of controls and procedures will succeed
in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote.
35
Part II
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
We are not a party to any material legal proceedings.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
We are a smaller reporting company and therefore are not required to provide information required by this item of Form 10-Q.
However, please refer to our Prospectus Supplement dated and filed with the SEC on January 11, 2013 (as supplemented by the
Supplement to the Prospectus Supplement dated and filed with the SEC on January 15, 2013) for the latest version of the risk factors
applicable to us.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information.
None.
36
Item 6. Exhibits.
Exhibit No. |
|
Description |
2.1 |
|
Share Acquisition Agreement dated March 14, 2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 14, 2013 (SEC File Number 001-34719) |
10.1 |
|
Purchase Agreement and Escrow Instructions dated December 21, 2013 by and between Imperial Morningstar
Land Company LLC, Coast Imperial Partners and S&W Seed Company |
10.2 |
|
Purchase Agreement dated as of January 11, 2013 by and between S&W Seed Company and Piper Jaffray
& Co., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 11,
2013 (SEC File Number 001-34719) |
10.3 |
|
Employment Agreement with Mark S. Grewal dated February 26, 2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1
to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 1, 2013 (SEC File Number 001-34719)* |
10.4 |
|
Employment Agreement with Matthew K. Szot dated April 1, 2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 28, 2013 (SEC File Number 001-34719)* |
10.5 |
|
Contract of Employment Dennis Jury dated March 28, 2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 5, 2013 (SEC File Number 001-34719)* |
31.1 |
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as
Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
31.2 |
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 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
|
|
* |
Management contract or compensating plan or arrangement.
|
101.INS |
(1) |
XBRL Instance Document |
101.SCH |
(1) |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
101.CAL |
(1) |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
101.LAB |
(1) |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |
101.PRE |
(1) |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
101.DEF |
(1) |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
(1) |
Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration
statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Section 18 of the Securities
and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections. |
37
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, on the
15th day of May 2013.
S&W SEED COMPANY |
|
By: /s/ Matthew K. Szot |
Matthew K. Szot |
Senior Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer and Duly Authorized Signatory) |
38