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JONES SODA CO - Quarter Report: 2006 September (Form 10-Q)

Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-Q

 


 

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

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2006

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Transition Period From                      to                     

Commission File Number 0-28820

 


Jones Soda Co.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Washington   91-1696175

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

234 9th Avenue North

Seattle, Washington 98109

  (206) 624-3357
(Address of principal executive office)  

(Registrant’s telephone number,

including area code)

 


Check whether the issuer: (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file for such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  ¨                    Accelerated filer  ¨                    Non-accelerated filer  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 September 30, 2006, the issuer had 25,414,616 shares of common stock outstanding.

 



Table of Contents

JONES SODA CO.

FORM 10-Q

 

Index

        Page

EXPLANATORY NOTE

   3

CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

   3
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

Item 1

  

Financial Statements

  
  

a) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2006 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2005

   4
  

b) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 (Unaudited)

   5
  

c) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 (Unaudited) and the year ended December 31, 2005

   6
  

d) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 (Unaudited)

   7
  

e) Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

   8

Item 2

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of financial condition and results of operations

   14

Item 3

  

Quantitative and Qualitative disclosures about market risk

   22

Item 4

  

Controls and Procedures

   22
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION   

Item 1A

  

Risk factors

   23

Item 6

  

Exhibits

   24

 

2


Table of Contents

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, all references in this Report on Form 10-Q to “we,” “us,” “our,” and the “Company” are to Jones Soda Co., a Washington corporation, and its wholly owned subsidiaries Jones Soda Co. (USA) Inc., Jones Soda (Canada) Inc., myJones.com Inc. and Whoopass USA Inc.

CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

We desire to take advantage of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This Report on Form 10-Q contains a number of forward-looking statements that reflect management’s current views and expectations with respect to our business, strategies, products, future results and events and financial performance. All statements made in this Report other than statements of historical fact, including statements that address operating performance, events or developments that management expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including statements related to distributor channels, volume growth, revenues, profitability, new products, adequacy of funds from operations, statements expressing general optimism about future operating results and non-historical information, are forward looking statements. In particular, the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” variations of such words, and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements and their absence does not mean that the statement is not forward-looking.

Readers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are based on management’s current expectations and projections about future events, are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions (including those described below) and apply only as of the date of this Report. Our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from historical results as well the results expressed in, anticipated or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed below in “Risk Factors” as well as those discussed elsewhere in this Report, and the risks discussed in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-KSB and in the press releases and other communications to shareholders issued by us from time to time which attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

JONES SODA CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

September 30, 2006 with comparative figures for December 31, 2005

 

    

September 30,

2006

   

December 31,

2005

 
     (Unaudited)        

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 16,007,552     $ 1,176,101  

Short-term investments

     16,397,174       —    

Accounts receivable

     4,389,474       3,699,994  

Inventory (note 3)

     5,155,279       4,694,213  

Deferred income tax asset (note 8)

     406,618       —    

Prepaid expenses

     290,392       146,614  
                
     42,646,489       9,716,922  

Deferred income tax asset (note 8)

     847,186       —    

Capital assets

     863,016       662,942  

Intangible assets

     223,161       72,753  
                
   $ 44,579,852     $ 10,452,617  
                

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 5,648,685     $ 3,851,335  

Current portion of capital lease obligations

     87,663       114,110  

Taxes payable

     226,384       —    

Deferred revenue

     14,818       52,318  
                
     5,977,550       4,017,763  

Capital lease obligations, less current portion

     28,193       88,219  

Shareholders’ equity

    

Common stock:

    

Authorized: 100,000,000 common stock, no par value Issued and outstanding: 25,414,616 common shares (2005 – 21,616,596)

     41,430,524       12,491,133  

Additional paid-in capital

     1,541,594       764,622  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     107,752       107,752  

Deficit

     (4,505,761 )     (7,016,872 )
                
     38,574,109       6,346,635  
                
   $ 44,579,852     $ 10,452,617  
                

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 

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JONES SODA CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

Three months and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005

 

    

Three months
ended
September 30,

2006

   

Three months
ended
September 30,

2005

  

Nine months
ended
September 30,

2006

   

Nine months
ended
September 30,

2005

Revenue

   $ 10,200,843     $ 8,900,692    $ 28,987,200     $ 24,759,677

Cost of goods sold

     6,583,942       5,807,208      18,444,308       16,366,799
                             

Gross profit

     3,616,901       3,093,484      10,542,892       8,392,878

Licensing revenue

     274,593       266,967      558,645       600,758
                             
     3,891,494       3,360,451      11,101,537       8,993,636

Operating expenses (1) :

         

Promotion and selling

     2,688,530       1,765,594      6,814,705       5,938,483

General and administrative

     1,076,143       761,925      3,279,476       2,379,308
                             
     3,764,673       2,527,519      10,094,181       8,317,791
                             

Earnings before interest income and income taxes

     126,821       832,932      1,007,356       675,845

Interest income, net:

     438,958       13,354      552,305       26,936
                             

Earnings before income tax

     565,779       846,286      1,559,661       702,781

Income tax benefit (expense) (note 8)

         

Current

     (141,875 )     —        (302,354 )     —  

Deferred

     (229,130 )     —        1,253,804       —  
                             
     (371,005 )     —        951,450       —  
                             

Earnings for the period

   $ 194,774     $ 846,286    $ 2,511,111     $ 702,781
                             

Earnings per share, basic

   $ 0.01     $ 0.04    $ 0.11     $ 0.03

Earnings per share, diluted

   $ 0.01     $ 0.04    $ 0.10     $ 0.03
                             

Weighted average number of common stock

         

Basic

     25,345,494       21,491,906      23,344,126       21,347,209

Diluted

     26,276,553       22,683,354      24,251,625       22,537,821

(1)    Includes non-cash stock-based compensation as follows:

         

Promotion and selling

   $ 63,970     $ —      $ 282,850     $ —  

General and administrative

   $ 123,130     $ —      $ 543,678     $ 5,745
                             

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements

 

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JONES SODA CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income

Nine months ended September 30, 2006 (Unaudited)

Year ended December 31, 2005

 

     Common stock    Additional
paid-in
capital
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
   Deficit     Total
shareholders’
equity
     Number    Amount          

Balance, December 31, 2004

   20,956,346    $ 11,780,996    $ 758,877     $ 107,752    $ (8,299,898 )   $ 4,347,727

Options exercised

   660,250      710,137      —         —        —         710,137

Stock-based compensation expense

   —        —        5,745       —        —         5,745

Earnings for the period and comprehensive income

   —        —        —         —        1,283,026       1,283,026
                                         

Balance, December 31, 2005

   21,616,596      12,491,133      764,622       107,752      (7,016,872 )     6,346,635

Options exercised

   640,125      809,693      —         —        —         809,693

Shares issued for PIPE

   3,157,895      28,080,142      —         —        —         28,080,142

Stock-based compensation expense

   —        —        826,528       —        —         826,528

Exercise of stock options

   —        49,556      (49,556 )     —        —         —  

Earnings for the period and comprehensive income

   —        —        —         —        2,511,111       2,511,111
                                         

Balance, September 30, 2006

   25,414,616    $ 41,430,524    $ 1,541,594     $ 107,752    $ (4,505,761 )   $ 38,574,109
                                         

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 

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JONES SODA CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

Nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005

 

    

Nine months
ended
September 30,

2006

    Nine months
ended
September 30,
2005
 

Cash flows from (used in) operating activities:

    

Earnings for the period

   $ 2,511,111     $ 702,781  

Items not involving cash:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     185,628       171,599  

Deferred income taxes

     (1,253,804 )     —    

Stock based compensation expense

     826,528       5,745  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable

     (689,479 )     (678,957 )

Inventory

     (461,066 )     (1,380,708 )

Prepaid expenses

     (143,778 )     186,906  

Deferred revenue

     (37,500 )     (35,227 )

Taxes payable

     226,384       —    

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     1,797,350       879,083  
                

Net cash from (used in) operating activities

     2,961,374       (148,778 )

Cash flows used in investing activities:

    

Purchase of short-term investments- net

     (16,397,174 )     —    

Purchase of capital assets

     (358,834 )     (180,965 )

Purchase of intangible assets

     (177,277 )     (24,781 )
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (16,933,285 )     (205,746 )

Cash flows from (used in) financing activities:

    

Net repayment under line of credit

     —         (370,285 )

Net (repayment) borrowing of capital lease obligations

     (86,473 )     54,772  

Net proceeds from PIPE (note 7(a))

     28,080,142       —    

Proceeds from exercise of options

     809,693       639,812  
                

Net cash from financing activities

     28,803,362       324,299  
                

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     14,831,451       (30,225 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     1,176,101       333,533  
                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 16,007,552     $ 303,308  
                

Cash (received) paid during the period:

    

Interest (received) paid

   $ (264,606 )   $ 16,098  

Income tax

     132,710       —    
                

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 

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JONES SODA CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 (Unaudited)

 

1. Nature and continuance of operations:

Jones Soda Co. develops, produces, markets, licenses and distributes “alternative” beverages and related products. Our primary product lines include the brands Jones Soda Co.®, Jones Organics™, a ready to drink organic tea, Jones Energy™, a high energy drink, WhoopAss™, a high energy drink, Jones Naturals™, a non-carbonated juice and tea drink and Jones 24C™, an enhanced water beverage. We are a Washington corporation and our corporate offices are located at 234 9th Avenue North, Seattle, Washington. We have three operating subsidiaries, Jones Soda Co. (USA) Inc., Jones Soda (Canada) Inc., and myJones.com Inc., as well as one non-operating subsidiary, Whoopass USA Inc.

 

2. Significant accounting policies:

 

  (a) Basis of presentation:

These interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared using generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules and regulations applicable to interim financial reporting.

The financial statements include our and our wholly-owned subsidiaries’ accounts. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP but do not include all information and footnotes required by GAAP for annual financial statements. However, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (which consist only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the relevant periods have been made. Results for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year or for any other period. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the summary of accounting policies and the notes to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2005 included in our annual report on Form 10-KSB, as amended by note 2(f) below.

 

  (b) Use of estimates:

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the carrying amount of inventory, capital assets and intangible assets, valuation allowances for receivables, stock-based compensation expense, valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets and state and city taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

  (c) Seasonality:

Our sales are seasonal and we experience significant fluctuations in quarterly results as a result of many factors. We generate a substantial percentage of our revenues during the warm weather months of April through September. Timing of customer purchases will vary each year and sales can be expected to shift from one quarter to another . As a result, management believes that period-to-period comparisons of results of operations are not necessarily meaningful and should not be relied upon as any indication of future performance or results expected for the fiscal year.

 

  (d) Advertising:

We expense advertising costs as incurred. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, we incurred advertising costs of $4,394,143 (2005-$3,968,922).

 

  (e) Cash and cash equivalents:

We consider all short-term investments with a maturity date at purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents

 

  (f) Stock-based compensation expense:

Prior to January 1, 2006, we accounted for our employee stock compensation arrangements using the intrinsic method, under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related Interpretations and provided the disclosure-only provisions of the fair value method under SFAS 123. Under the intrinsic value method, no stock-based compensation related to employee options had been recognized

 

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in our consolidated statement of operations, because the exercise price of our stock options granted to employees and directors equaled the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant. For stock options issued to non- employees for services received the fair value of the stock options issued at the date of the performance completion was recognized as a compensating expense

Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS 123R), using the modified prospective transition method. Under this method, stock-based compensation expense is recognized using the fair-value based method for all awards granted on or after the date of adoption. In addition, compensation expense for unvested stock options that were outstanding on January 1, 2006 is recognized over the requisite service period based on the grant-date fair value of those options and awards as previously calculated for the pro forma disclosures under SFAS 123, as adjusted for estimated forfeitures.

SFAS 123(R) requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. In our pro forma information required under SFAS 123 for the periods prior to January 1, 2006, we accounted for forfeitures as they occurred.

The adoption of this standard resulted in a $826,528 decrease in earnings and income before taxes, or $0.04 basic and $0.03 diluted earnings per share for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006. No income tax benefit was recognized in income related to stock-based compensation during the period. Non-cash stock based compensation expense of $826,528 was added back to cash flows from operating activities during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006. There is no impact on the cash flows from financing activities.

The following table illustrates the effect on net loss and loss per share if we had applied the fair value recognition principles of SFAS 123 to stock-based employee compensation during the corresponding period in fiscal 2005.

 

     Three months
ended
September 30,
2005
    Nine months
ended
September 30, 2005
 

Net Income :

    

As reported

   $ 846,286     $ 702,781  

Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported income

   $ —       $ 5,745  

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value method for all awards

   $ (179,434 )   $ (776,780 )
                

Pro forma gain (loss)

   $ 666,852     $ (68,254 )
                

Basic earnings (loss) per share:

    

As reported

   $ 0.04     $ 0.03  

Pro forma

   $ 0.03     $ (0.00 )

Diluted earnings (loss) per share:

    

As reported

   $ 0.04     $ 0.03  

Pro forma

   $ 0.03     $ (0.00 )

For our pro forma disclosure we recognized the calculated benefit at the date of granting the stock options on a straight-line basis consistent with the vesting terms. The proforma disclosure with respect to the expense for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2005 have been restated by $(9,848) and $197,686, respectively from the amounts previously presented due to the amortization of stock-based compensation over the vesting term for certain grants that were previously recognized at the time stock options vested.

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions. The expected life selected for options granted during the quarter represents the period of time that the options are expected to be outstanding based on historical data of option holder exercise and termination behavior. Expected volatilities are based upon historical volatility of our monthly stock closing prices over a period equal to the expected life of each option grant. The risk-free interest rate was selected based on yields from Government Bond yields with a term equal to the expected term of the options being valued.

 

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Three months ended

September 30,

   

Nine months ended

September 30,

 
     2006     2005     2006     2005  

Expected dividend yield

     —         —         —         —    

Expected stock price volatility Basic

     63.4 %     38.5 %     49.5 %     80.0 %

Risk-free interest rate

     4.59 %     4.18 %     4.85 %     3.69 %

Expected term (in years) Diluted

     3 years       1.5 years       3 years       1.5 years  

Weighted-average grant date fair-value

   $ 3.43     $ 2.26     $ 2.86     $ 1.86  

Under the terms of our employee stock option plan, our Board of Directors may grant options to employees, officers, directors and consultants. The plan provides for granting of options at the fair market value of our stock at the grant date. Historically, options generally vested over a period of eighteen months, with the first 25% vesting at the date of grant and the balance vesting in equal amounts every six months thereafter. Effective during the quarter ended September 30, 2006, we changed the vesting schedule for our prospective stock option grants, to vest over a period of forty-two months, with the first 1/7 vesting six months from the grant date and the balance vesting in equal amounts every six months thereafter. We determine the term of each option at the time it is granted, historically, options granted generally have a five-year term.

At September 30, 2006, we had $606,493 of unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options, which we expect to recognize over a weighted-average period of up to 30 months.

 

  (g) Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. This Statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are currently assessing the impact, if any, this provision may have on our financial position or results of operations.

In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements (SAB 108), to address diversity in practice in quantifying financial statement misstatements. SAB 108 requires the quantification of misstatements based on their impact to both the balance sheet and the income statement to determine materiality. The guidance provides for a one-time cumulative effect adjustment to correct for misstatements for errors that were not deemed material under the Company’s prior approach but are material under the SAB 108 approach. SAB 108 is effective the fiscal year ending December 31, 2006. We are currently assessing the impact, if any, SAB 108 may have on our financial position or results of operations.

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions including whether to file or not to file a return in a particular jurisdiction. This Interpretation prescribes a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective as of the beginning of our 2007 fiscal year, with any cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, of adopting FIN 48 on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

  (h) Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the presentation adopted in the current period.

 

3. Inventory:

 

    

September 30,

2006

   December 31,
2005

Finished goods

   $ 1,576,636    $ 2,911,815

Raw materials

     3,578,643      1,782,398
             
   $ 5,155,279    $ 4,694,213
             

 

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4. Bank indebtedness:

On June 27, 2006, we renewed our existing credit facility granted by Capco Financial Company, a division of Greater Bay Bank N.A, for a further one-year revolving line of credit of up to $5,000,000. The amount available for borrowing from time to time under the revolving line of credit is dependent upon the levels of certain of our accounts receivable and inventory. This revolving line of credit is secured by all of our assets, including accounts receivable, inventory, trademarks and other intellectual property, and certain equipment. Borrowings under the credit facility bear interest at prime plus 0.5% per annum (8.25% at September 30, 2006). The credit facility does not impose any financial covenants. As of September 30, 2006, we had no borrowings outstanding under the line of credit and $5,000,000 available for borrowing. In accordance with the terms of this agreement, all receivables collected are submitted to Capco as collateral for the line of credit. If no borrowings have been made against the line of credit, payments received by Capco are subject to a one-day hold to allow for the application of funds. As of September 30, 2006, $134,052 included in cash and cash equivalents is subject to this one-day hold.

 

5. Segmented information and export sales:

We operate in one industry segment, with operations during 2006 primarily in the United States and Canada. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006 sales in the United States were approximately $25,055,522 (2005—$21,613,912), sales in Canada were approximately $3,835,890 (2005—$3,056,331), and sales to other countries totaled approximately $95,788 (2005—$89,434). Sales have been assigned to geographic locations based on the location of customers.

 

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6. Earnings per share:

The computation for basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows:

 

    

Three months ended

September 30,

  

Nine months ended

September 30,

     2006    2005    2006    2005

Earnings for the period

   $ 194,774    $ 846,286    $ 2,511,111    $ 702,781

Weighted average number of common stock outstanding:

           

Basic

     25,345,494      21,491,906      23,344,126      21,347,209

Dilutive stock options

     931,059      1,191,448      907,499      1,190,612
                           

Diluted

     26,276,553      22,683,354      24,251,625      22,537,821

Earnings per share:

           

Basic

   $ 0.01    $ 0.04    $ 0.11    $ 0.03

Diluted

   $ 0.01    $ 0.04    $ 0.10    $ 0.03

 

7. Shareholders’ equity:

 

  (a) Common stock:

On June 8, 2006, we completed a private placement in public equity (“PIPE”) of 3,157,895 shares of our common stock at a price of $9.50 per share, and received $28,080,142 in net proceeds after underwriting costs and expenses. The 3,157,895 newly issued shares were restricted from being traded until registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Per share amounts for 2006 reflect the effect of the PIPE private placement on a weighted average basis for the periods presented.

On July 28, 2006, the SEC declared effective the registration statement with respect to these shares of common stock permitting the shareholders participating in the private placement to resell to the public the shares of our common stock acquired in the private placement.

 

  (b) Stock options:

In 1996, we adopted a stock option plan (the 1996 Plan) that provides for the issuance of incentive and non-qualified stock options to officers, directors, employees and consultants. In addition, in 2002 we adopted a second stock option plan for the issuance of incentive and non-qualified stock options to officers, directors, employees and consultants (the 2002 Plan). (The 1996 Plan and 2002 Plan are collectively referred to as the “Plans”). On May 18, 2006, at the annual shareholders meeting, the shareholders ratified the amendment to the 2002 Plan to increase the total number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance during the life of the plan from an aggregate 3,750,000 shares to 4,500,000 shares. The 1996 Plan terminated by its terms on June 18, 2006 and no additional options may be granted thereunder, but all outstanding options continue for their respective remaining terms.

The Board of Directors determines the terms and conditions of the options granted under the Plans, including the exercise price and vesting schedule. The exercise price for qualified incentive stock options cannot be less than the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant, and the maximum term is five years from the date of grant. Historically, options granted generally vest over a period of 18 months. Effective during the quarter ended September 30, 2006, we changed the vesting schedule for our prospective stock option grants to 42 months.

 

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A summary of our stock option activity is as follows:

 

     Outstanding options  
     Number
of shares
    Average
exercise
price
 

Balance at December 31, 2004

   2,032,250     $ 1.06  

Option granted

   613,500       4.00  

Options exercised

   (660,250 )     (1.08 )

Options cancelled

   (203,500 )     (3.32 )
              

Balance at December 31, 2005

   1,782,000       1.83  

Option granted

   585,400       6.47  

Options exercised

   (640,125 )     (1.27 )

Options cancelled

   (55,375 )     (4.37 )
              

Balance at September 30, 2006

   1,671,900     $ 3.78  
              

Exercisable, September 30, 2006

   1,322,719     $ 2.83  
              

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable under the Plans at September 30, 2006:

 

     Number
outstanding
   Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life (years)
   Weighted
average
exercise
price
   Number
exercisable
   Weighted
average
exercise
price
   Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life (years)

$0.25 to $0.50

   462,750    1.00      0.43    462,750      0.43    1.00

$1.10 to $2.99

   247,500    2.25      2.11    247,500      2.11    2.25

$3.00 to $4.00

   368,750    3.04      3.91    368,750      3.91    3.04

$4.01 to $5.01

   23,625    3.86      5.01    17,281      5.01    3.86

$5.01 to $9.33

   569,275    4.70      7.10    226,438      6.60    4.51
                               
   1,671,900       $ 3.78    1,322,719    $ 2.83   

The total intrinsic value for options exercised during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $999,952 and $2,882,787, respectively. The total intrinsic value for options exercised during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 was $854,608 and $3,004,439 respectively.

During the three-month period ended September 30, 2006, no modifications were made to outstanding stock options, and there were no stock-based compensation costs capitalized as part of the cost of any asset.

 

8. Deferred taxes:

We account for income taxes in accordance with SFAS 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements which differ from our tax returns.

In assessing whether and to what extent we may realize deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is “more likely than not” that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of the deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Historically, we did not believe we met the criteria to recognize deferred tax assets, and accordingly, we provided a full valuation allowance.

During the second quarter of 2006, we re-evaluated our valuation allowance after recording taxable income for two successive years and we determined that is more likely than not we would realize the deferred tax assets. Accordingly, during the nine-months ended September 30, 2006, we recorded a tax benefit in the amount of $ 2,314,085 by reversing a significant portion of the valuation allowance and recording the tax benefit against the first quarter’s tax provision resulting in a net deferred income tax benefit of $1,253,804.

 

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The current and deferred tax provision differs from that calculated at the federal statutory rate, due to expected permanent differences, state income taxes, alternative minimum taxes, true up of the December 31, 2005 tax liability based on the tax filings and reversals in the valuation allowance.

 

9. Commitments

During the quarter ended September 30, 2006, we made commitments to one of our customers to invest approximately $1,000,000 in co-packing equipment.

 

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

You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Report. Except for historical information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. See “Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward Looking Statements” above.

Overview

We develop, produce, market, license and distribute “alternative” beverages and related products. Our primary product lines include the following six unique beverage brands:

 

    Jones Soda Co.®, a “premium” soda;

 

    Jones Organics™, a ready-to-drink organic tea;

 

    Jones Energy™, a high energy drink;

 

    WhoopAss™, a high energy drink;

 

    Jones Naturals™, a non-carbonated juice and tea; and

 

    Jones 24C™, an enhanced water beverage to be sold in 2007 through our DSD network of distributors

We also compete in the carbonated soft drink (CSD) industry through our 12-ounce cans of Jones Soda, which are currently being sold in a fridge pack format through Target Corporation.

Our business strategy is to increase sales by expanding distribution of our internally developed brands in new and existing markets, stimulating consumer trial of our products and increasing consumer awareness of, and brand loyalty to, our unique brands and products. Key elements of our business strategy include:

 

    creating strong distributor relationships and key accounts;

 

    stimulating strong consumer demand for our existing brands and products, with primary emphasis in the United States and Canada;

 

    developing unique alternative beverage brands and products; and

 

    licensing our brand equity for the creation of other beverage or non-beverage products.

We currently sell and distribute our products throughout the United States and Canada through our network of independent distributors (DSD) and our national retail accounts (DTR), as well as through licensing and distribution arrangements.

With respect to our distributors (DSD) we have focused our sales and marketing resources on the expansion and penetration of our products through our independent distributor network in our core markets consisting of the Northwest, Southwest and Midwest U.S., and Western Canada. During 2006, we intend to continue to focus on growing our distribution network in our four core markets and further expansion into the Northeast and Southeast U.S., and Eastern Canada.

We launched our “direct to retail” business strategy in 2003 as a complementary channel of distribution to our DSD channel, targeting large national retail accounts. Through these programs, we negotiate directly with large national retailers, primarily premier food-service based businesses, to carry our products, serviced through the retailer’s appointed distribution system. We currently have distribution arrangements with Starbucks Coffee, Barnes & Noble, Panera Bread Company and Cost Plus World Markets to carry certain of our products in their stores nationwide in the United States. In addition, in connection with our licensing arrangement with Target Corporation for our Jones Soda 12-ounce cans, we sell Jones Soda (in 12-ounce bottles) and Jones Energy (in our 8.4 ounce four-pack format) to Target for distribution through their stores in the United States. At the end of the second quarter of 2006, we entered into an agreement with Kmart Corporation to distribute Jones Soda products throughout all the Kmart stores in the U.S.

 

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Beginning in 2004, we launched our licensing business strategy as a method to extend our brand into non-alternative beverage products and non-beverage products. We currently have licensing and distribution relationships with Target Corporation (12-ounce cans of Jones Soda), Lime-Lite Marketing Corporation (Jones Soda lip balms), The Kroger Corporation (Jones Soda Frozen Soda Pops™), and Big Sky Brands, Inc. (Jones Soda Flavor Booster hard candy). With these licensing agreements, we believe that we are able to partner with companies that are able to manufacture Jones related products and extend our Jones brand into select products that we feel enhance our brand image.

During the second quarter of 2006, we purchased the 24C trademark from Mindful Inc. for $150,000 plus future royalties on the sales of 24C product. We plan to use this platform to enter the bottled water market with a vitamin-enhanced product. It will also be our first entry into plastic bottles. This new product will cater to an active customer and we expect to market the product sometime in early 2007.

During the third quarter of 2006, we entered into an exclusive distribution and manufacturing agreement with National Beverage Corp for our 12-ounce cans of Jones Soda and 16-ounce energy beverages for the U.S. market. We will identify and secure retailers across the United States for our premium carbonated 12-ounce soft drinks and 16-ounce Energy drink products. Using concentrate supplied by us, National Beverage will both manufacture and sell on an exclusive basis the products directly to retailers starting in 2007.

Our company is a Washington corporation and our principal place of business is located at 234 Ninth Avenue North, Seattle, Washington 98109. Our telephone number is (206) 624-3357. Our website is www.jonessoda.com. The information contained on our website does not constitute part of, nor is it incorporated by reference into, this Report.

Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates including, among others, those affecting revenues, the allowance for doubtful accounts, the salability of inventory and the useful lives of tangible and intangible assets, valuation allowances for receivables, stock-based compensation expense, valuation allowances for deferred incomes taxes and liabilities and state and city taxes. The discussion below is intended as a brief discussion of some of the judgments and uncertainties that can impact the application of these policies and the specific dollar amounts reported on our financial statements. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form our basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions, or if management made different judgments or utilized different estimates. Many of our estimates or judgments are based on anticipated future events or performance, and as such are forward-looking in nature, and are subject to many risks and uncertainties, including those discussed below and elsewhere in this Report. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise this discussion to reflect any future events or circumstances.

We have identified below some of our accounting policies that we consider critical to our business operations and the understanding of our results of operations. This is not a complete list of all of our accounting policies, and there may be other accounting policies that are significant to us. For a detailed discussion on the application of these and our other accounting policies, see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report and the summary of accounting policies and notes to the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2005, included in our annual report on Form 10-KSB.

Revenue Recognition

Our products are sold to distributors and various customers and retailers for cash or on credit terms. Our credit terms, which are established in accordance with local and industry practices, typically require payment within 30 days of delivery. We recognize revenue upon receipt by our customers of our products, in accordance with written sales terms, net of provisions for discounts and allowances. All sales to distributors and customers are final sales and we have a “no return” policy; however, in limited instances, due to credit issues or distributor changes, we may take back product.

Licensing revenue are recorded when the sale confirmation from the third party is received by the company, and represents amounts realized net of provisions for sales returns.

 

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Revenue from the sale of concentrate is recognized upon receipt of the product by our co-packers, in accordance with our agreements with them. Our credit terms from the sale of concentrate typically require payment within 30 days of delivery.

We also pay lump sum slotting fees to certain retailers for shelf space in their stores through our DSD network. These slotting fees are recorded as a reduction of revenue, which resulted in a reduction in revenue of approximately $157,608 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006 compared to a reduction in revenue of approximately $212,815 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2005. We amortize the lump sum payment over a one-year period, which is based on current data of product maintenance on retail shelves for that period of time.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts; Bad Debt Reserve

Our management routinely estimates the collectibility of our accounts receivable. Management analyzes accounts receivable, historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness, current economic trends and changes in our customer payment terms when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. In general, we have historically and continue today to provide an allowance for doubtful accounts equal to 100% of any unpaid balance outstanding greater than 90 days since invoice, unless considered collectible. We believe that in general bad debt reserves for other companies in the beverage industry represent approximately 2% of total sales. Historically, our bad debt reserve has represented approximately 0.3% of total sales. Bad debt expense is classified within general and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Additionally, if we receive notice of a disputed receivable balance, we accrue such additional amount as management determines is reflective of the risk of non-collection. To date, other than as a result of specific customer bankruptcies in 2001, we have not incurred material write-offs of accounts receivable. In considering the amount of bad debt allowance we rely heavily on our history of no material write-offs and that our revenue is not dependent on one or a few customers, but is spread among a number of customers. However, other factors which could cause management to change its estimates would be a downturn in the economy that management determines has the potential to affect collections if we see a greater concentration of our receivables from fewer customers. In such events, we may be required to record additional charges to cover this exposure. Material differences may result in the amount and timing of our bad debt expenses for any period if management made different judgments or utilized different estimates.

Inventory

We hold raw materials and finished goods inventories, which are manufactured and procured based on our sales forecasts. We value inventory at the lower of cost and estimated net realizable value, and include adjustments for estimated obsolescence, on a first in-first out basis. These valuations are subject to customer acceptance and demand for the particular products, and our estimates of future realizable values based on these forecasted demands. We regularly review inventory detail to determine whether a write-down is necessary. We consider various factors in making this determination, including recent sales history and predicted trends, industry market conditions and general economic conditions. Differences could result in the amount and timing of write-downs for any period if we make different judgments or use different estimates. We also determine an allowance for obsolescence based on products that are over 12 months from production date.

Deferred Income Taxes

Results for the second quarter of 2006 included a one-time, non-cash tax benefit of $1,482,934 principally caused by the reversal of a significant portion of the valuation allowance account for our net deferred taxes, partially offset by accruals for U.S. federal , foreign and state income taxes. Prior to the second quarter of 2006, we maintained a valuation allowance for all of the U.S. and foreign deferred taxes (in accordance with SFAS 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”) due to the uncertainty regarding the full utilization of our deferred tax asset, including operating losses of approximately $5,091,000 as of December 31, 2005. With our improved profitability over the past three years, during which time we generated taxable income to utilize some of these loss carry-forwards, management has determined it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will be realized and has, as such, reversed a significant portion of the valuation allowance against U.S. federal deferred taxes in the second quarter of 2006. Excluding the impact of the non-cash tax benefit, earnings for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006 would be $0.06 per diluted share.

We, as a result, expect to recognize U.S. Federal, foreign and state income tax provisions, or benefits, on future operating results.

 

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Stock-based compensation

Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS 123R), using the modified prospective transition method. Under this method, stock-based compensation expense is recognized using the fair-value based method for all awards granted on or after the date of adoption. Compensation expense for unvested stock options and awards that were outstanding on January 1, 2006 will be recognized over the requisite service period based on the grant-date fair value of those options and awards as previously calculated under the pro forma disclosures under SFAS 123, as adjusted to reflect the estimated forfeitures. We have adopted the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate fair value of each option grant.

SFAS 123(R) requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. In our pro forma information required under SFAS 123 for the periods prior to January 1, 2006, we accounted for forfeitures as they occurred.

The adoption of this standard resulted in a $826,528 decrease in net earnings and income before taxes, or $0.04 basic and $0.03 diluted earnings per share for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006. No income tax benefit was recognized in income related to stock-based compensation during the period. Stock-based compensation expense was reflected in the consolidated Statement of Operations.

Results of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006

Revenue

 

     Three months ended
September 30,
    Nine months ended
September 30,
 

(Dollars in Thousands)

   2006    2005    Change     2006    2005    Change  

Revenue

   $ 10,200    $ 8,901    14.6 %   $ 28,987    $ 24,760    17.1 %

For the three months ended September 30, 2006, revenues were approximately $10,200,000, an increase of $1,299,000, or 14.6% over the $8,901,000 in revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2005. The increase in revenues was primarily attributable to increased revenue through our DTR network and DSD network. We had no material concentrate sales of Jones Energy during the quarter.

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, revenues were approximately $28,987,000, an increase of $4,227,000, or 17.1%, over the $24,760,000 in revenues for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2005. In addition to the above factors, the increase in revenue for the comparable nine-months in 2006 reflects sales of our Valentines pack (for which there was no similar promotion in 2005), full nine-month sales of Jones Organics (compared to only six months of sales in 2005, from its launch in the second quarter of 2005) and sales of concentrate for our Jones Energy cans in Costco during the second quarter of 2006. We had no concentrate sales in the comparable period in 2005.

In our DSD network, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, our total case sales decreased by 1.9% and 5.0%, respectively, from the comparable periods in 2005. For the quarter ended September 30, 2006, we experienced case sale growth in our DSD market in Canada, Southwest, Northeast and Southeast, offset by decreased case sales in the Northwest and Midwest. For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, we experienced case sale growth in our DSD markets in Canada and the Southeast, offset by decreased case sales in the Northwest, Northeast, Midwest and Southwest. Despite the decrease in case sales in our DSD markets, total DSD revenues increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, in part due to increased selling prices on Jones Soda implemented in February 2006 to our distributor network.

In our DTR accounts, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, our case sales increased 33% and 33% respectively from the comparable periods in 2005. We also had increased revenues over the comparable period of 2005, primarily from our existing national accounts with Panera Bread Company (Jones Soda and Jones Naturals), Barnes & Noble (Jones Naturals) and Starbucks (Jones Soda). All three chains continue to open new locations, which fueled increased sales, and in addition Starbucks added the Jones Soda Cream Soda flavor to all corporate U.S. domestic locations in the first quarter.

Consolidated case sales for the three months ended September 30, 2006 were 721,000, an increase of 6.3% from case sales of 678,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2005. The increase in case sales between comparable three-month periods reflects increased case sales of Jones Soda (up 11.2% from the same period of 2005), Whoopass (up 16.9% from the same period of 2005), and Jones Organics (up 127.6% from the same period of 2005) and offset by decreased case sales of Jones Naturals (down 17.1% from the same period in 2005) and Jones Energy (down 86.8% from the same period in 2005). Consolidated case sales with a translation to 288-ounce equivalent cases for the three-months ended September 30, 2006 were 753,000, an increase of 6.2% from 288-ounce equivalent case sales for the three months ended September 30, 2005 of 709,000.

 

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For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, consolidated case sales were 1,955,000, an increase of 3.9% from case sales of 1,881,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. The increase in case sales between comparable nine-month periods reflects increased case sales of Jones Soda (up 4.5% from the same period of 2005), Whoopass (up 24.8% from the same period of 2005) and Jones Organics (up 161.5% from the same period of 2005), and decreased case sales of Jones Energy (down 39.8% from the same period of 2005) and Jones Naturals (down 7.0% from the same period of 2005). Consolidated case sales with a translation to 288-ounce equivalent cases for the nine-months ended September 30, 2006 were 2,039,000, an increase of 3.6% from 288-ounce equivalent case sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 of 1,967,000.

Consolidated case sales do not include sales of 12-ounce cans of Jones Soda in Target stores for which we receive licensing revenue as described below or sales of concentrate of Jones Energy for sales of 16-ounce cans in Costco.

 

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Gross Profit

 

    

Three months ended

September 30,

   

Nine months ended

September 30,

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

   2006     2005     Change     2006     2005     Change  

Gross profit

   $ 3,617     $ 3,093     16.9 %   $ 10,542     $ 8,393     25.6 %

Percentage of revenue

     35.5 %     34.8 %       36.4 %     33.9 %  

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2006, gross profit increased by approximately $523,000 or 16.9% over the $3,093,000 in gross profit for the three-month period ended September 30, 2005. For the three-month period ended September 30, 2006, gross profit as a percentage of revenue increased to 35.5% from 34.8% for the three-month period ended September 30, 2005. The increase in gross profit is primarily attributable to improved product mix and the overall increase in the average selling price per case.

The increase in gross profit as a percentage of revenue for the three-month period ended September 30, 2006, was also attributable to a continued focus on costs in our supply chain, resulting in better management of freight costs, early payment discounts and more shipments to our U.S. customers from our U.S. co-packers.

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, gross profit increased by approximately $2,150,000 or 25.6% over the $8,393,000 in gross profit for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2005. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, gross profit as a percentage of revenue increased to 36.4% from 33.9% for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2005. The increase in gross profit is primarily attributable to higher margins on the sales of concentrate for Jones Energy 16 ounce cans to Costco during the second quarter and the sales of Valentines Packs during the first quarter, improved product mix, and the overall increase in the average selling price per case.

Licensing Revenue

 

    

Three months ended

September 30,

   

Nine months ended

September 30,

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

   2006    2005    Change     2006    2005    Change  

Licensing revenue

   $ 275    $ 267    2.90 %   $ 559    $ 601    (7.0 %)

Licensing revenue is due primarily to our exclusive arrangements with Target Corporation for 12-ounce can fridge packs. In addition, during the comparable quarters, we received licensing revenues from our licensing arrangements with Kroger for Jones Soda Frozen Soda Pops, Big Sky Brands for Jones Soda Flavor Booster Hard Candy and Lime-Lite Marketing Corporation for Jones Soda Lip Balms. For the three-month period ended September 30, 2006 we received royalty payments under these arrangements of approximately $275,000 (up 2.90% from the same period last year). For nine-month period ended September 30, 2006 we received royalty payments under these arrangements of approximately $559,000 (down 7.0% from the same period last year).

For both the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2006, Target licensing revenue decreased from the comparable periods in the prior year. We believe that the decrease in revenue from Target is due in part to reduced advertising by Target in the comparable periods, despite a promotion and sampling program we implemented in Target during the third quarter of 2006. The decrease in licensing revenue from Target was partially offset by increased licensing revenue from Big Sky Brands.

In July 2006, we extended our licensing and distribution agreement with Target for the exclusive sale of 12-ounce can fridge packs to December 31, 2006. Subsequently, we notified Target that we would not extend our agreement beyond December 31, 2006, and on September 18, 2006, we entered into an exclusive co-packer and distribution agreement with two subsidiaries of National Beverage Corp. for the sale of canned products in the U.S. In future periods, sales pursuant to this exclusive co-packer and distribution agreement will be included in our revenues.

Total Operating Expenses

 

    

Three months ended

September 30,

   

Nine months ended

September 30,

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

   2006     2005     Change     2006     2005     Change  

Promotion and selling

   $ 2,689     $ 1,766     52.3 %   $ 6,815     $ 5,938     14.8 %

General and administrative

   $ 1,076     $ 762     41.2 %   $ 3,279     $ 2,380     37.8 %
                                    

Total operating expenses

   $ 3,765     $ 2,528     48.9 %   $ 10,094     $ 8,318     21.4 %

Percentage of revenue

     36.9 %     28.4 %       34.8 %     33.6 %  

 

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Total operating expenses for the three-month period ended September 30, 2006 were approximately $3,765,000, an increase of $1,237,000 or 48.9% over operating expenses of $2,528,000 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2005. For the three-month period ended September 30, 2006, total operating expenses as a percentage of revenue increased to 36.9% from 28.4% over the comparable period in 2005. The increase in total operating expenses was primarily attributable to an increase in promotion and selling expense with the recording of stock-based compensation expense, increased promotion expenses and an increase in general and administrative expenses for the three-month period.

Total operating expenses for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006 were approximately $10,094,000, an increase of $1,776,000 or 21.4% over operating expenses of $8,318,000 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2005. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, total operating expenses as a percentage of revenue increased to 34.8% from 33.6% over the comparable period in 2005. The increase in total operating expenses was primarily attributable to the recording of stock-based compensation expense and an increase in general and administrative expenses and promotion and selling expenses for the nine-month period.

Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS 123R), using the modified prospective transition method. Under this method, stock-based compensation expense is recognized using the fair-value based method for all awards granted on or after the date of adoption. The total amount of stock-based compensation recorded for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 was approximately $187,000 and $826,000, respectively.

Promotion and Selling Expenses

 

    

Three months ended

September 30,

   

Nine months ended

September 30,

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

   2006     2005     Change     2006     2005     Change  

Promotion and selling

   $ 2,689     $ 1,766     52.3 %   $ 6,815     $ 5,938     14.8 %

Percentage of revenue

     26.4 %     19.8 %       23.5 %     24.0 %  

Promotion and selling expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2006 were $2,689,000 an increase of $923,000 over promotion and selling expenses of $1,766,000 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2005. Promotion and selling expenses as a percentage of revenue increased to 26.4% for the three-month period ended September 30, 2006 from 19.8% over the comparable period in 2005. The increase in promotion and selling expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2006 was due to an increase in distributor programs within the DSD network, expense related to the Target promotion and sampling program implemented during the third quarter of 2006, promotion and sampling expenses related to Jones Organics and Jones Energy, the inclusion of the stock compensation expense of $64,000 and increased salaries and wages for our sales and marketing employees. During the quarter we hired a Vice President Sales for DSD East and a Vice President Sales CSD East and there were no comparable executive expenses in 2005.

At September 30, 2006, we had 36 employees in sales and marketing compared to 29 such employees at September 30, 2005. During the quarter we had two sales executives dedicated to CSD sales initiatives.

Promotion and selling expenses for the nine-months ended September 30, 2006 were $6,815,000 an increase of $877,000 over promotion and selling expenses of $5,938,000 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2005. Promotion and selling expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased to 23.5% for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006 from 24.0% over the comparable period in 2005. The increase in promotion and selling expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was due to the increase in distributor programs within the DSD network, expense related to the Target promotion and sampling program, promotion and sampling expenses related to Jones Organics and Jones Energy, the inclusion of the stock compensation expense of approximately $283,000, an increased number of employees in sales and marketing and increased salaries and wages for our sales and marketing employees.

General and Administrative Expenses

 

    

Three months ended

September 30,

   

Nine months ended

September 30,

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

   2006     2005     Change     2006     2005     Change  

General and administrative

   $ 1,076     $ 762     41.2 %   $ 3,279     $ 2,380     37.8 %

Percentage of revenue

     10.5 %     8.6 %       11.3 %     9.6 %  

        General and administrative expenses for the three-month period ended September 30, 2006 were $1,076,000 an increase of $314,000, or 41.2% compared to $762,000 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2005. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue increased to 10.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2006 from 8.6% for the comparable period in 2005. The increase in general and administrative expenses is primarily due to the recording of the stock-based compensation expense of approximately $123,130 as well as increases in insurance expenses, accounting fees, consulting fees related to SOX 404 compliance regarding internal controls and legal fees related to general counsel work and contract negotiation for the DSD and CSD categories.

 

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General and administrative expenses for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006 were $3,279,000, an increase of $899,000, or 37.8% compared to $2,380,000 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2005. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue increased to 11.3% for the nine-months ended September 30, 2006 from 9.6% for the comparable period in 2005. The increase in general and administrative expenses is primarily due to the recording of stock-based compensation expense of approximately $544,000, as well as increases in insurance expenses, accounting fees, consulting fees related to SOX 404 compliance regarding internal controls and legal fees.

Interest income, net

For the three-month period ended September 30, 2006, interest income was approximately $439,000 compared to interest income of approximately $13,000 in same period in 2005. For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, interest income was approximately $552,000 compared to interest income of approximately $27,000 in same period in 2005. Interest income consists of interest income earned on the PIPE proceeds received in June 2006 and increased cash from operations during the year. Currently, the funds from the PIPE offering and cash from operations are invested in money market and short-term fixed-income instruments.

Net Income

Net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 were approximately $195,000 and $2,511,000, respectively, compared to net income of $846,000 and $703,000, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005. The increase in net income for the comparable periods was due to an increase in gross profit from increased sales and licensing revenue and the one-time, non-cash reversal of the valuation allowance on the deferred taxes, partially offset by an increase in operating expenses in the third quarter of 2006. Operating expenses also includes the recognition of stock-based compensation expense of $826,000.

Our earnings per share, basic and diluted for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006 do not give full effect to the 3,157,895 shares issued in the PIPE, as those shares were issued in June 2006 and were not outstanding for the entire nine-month period.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments were approximately $32,405,000 as of September 30, 2006 compared to approximately $1,176,000 as of December 31, 2005. Net cash provided from operating activities was approximately $2,961,000 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, primarily due to cash from operating income, an increase in accounts payable, partially offset by increased inventory and accounts receivable resulting from increased sales revenue. We used $16,933,285 in investing activities for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006, primarily for the purchase of short-term investments, purchase of trademarks, including the acquisition of the 24C brand, purchase of computer equipment and start-up expenses related to our planned co-packing provider. Net cash provided by financing activities was $28,803,000 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006 and consisted of the net proceeds of $28,080,000 from the PIPE and from proceeds of $810,000 from the exercise of stock options, partially offset by repayments of capital leases.

On June 27, 2006, we renewed our existing $5,000,000 revolving credit facility with Capco Financial Company, a division of Greater Bay Bank N.A., for a further one-year term. The amount available for borrowing from time to time under the revolving line of credit is dependent upon the levels of our accounts receivable and inventory. Borrowings under the credit facility bear interest at prime plus 0.5% per annum (8.25% at September 30, 2006). As of September 30, 2006, we had no borrowings outstanding. As of September 30, 2006, $134,052 included in cash and cash equivalents is subject to a one-day hold with Capco to allow for the application of funds.

As of September 30, 2006, we had working capital of approximately $36,669,000 compared to working capital of $5,699,000 as of December 31, 2005. The increase in working capital was primarily attributable to the net cash proceeds of $28,080,000 from the PIPE and an increase in cash from operations.

 

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The increase in our accounts receivable from December 31, 2005 to September 30, 2006 from $3,670,000 to $4,389,000 was due principally from our increased revenue in the quarter. Similarly, the increase in accounts payable from December 31, 2005 to September 30, 2006 from $3,851,000 to $5,648,000 was due principally to production requirements in the third quarter of 2006 and in anticipation of sales for the fourth quarter of 2006.

We have approximately $1,000,000 of commitments for capital expenditures relating to the purchase of co-packing equipment.

We expect to complete our commitments by the second quarter of 2007.

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.

Seasonality

We have experienced significant fluctuations in quarterly results that have been the result of many factors. In particular, like many other companies in the beverage industry, we generate a substantial percentage of our revenues during the warm weather months of April through September. Management believes that the demand for our products will continue to reflect such seasonal consumption patterns. In addition, our operating results are highly dependent upon the performance of our independent distributors, as well as competition in the industry and general economic conditions.

Due to these and other factors, our results of operations have fluctuated from period to period. As a result, management believes that period-to-period comparisons of results of operations are not necessarily meaningful and should not be relied upon as any indication of future performance. While we look to expand our distribution network and increase market penetration, however, such seasonality may not be easily discernible from results of operations. Due to all of the foregoing factors, our operating results in a particular quarter may fail to meet market expectations.

Investor Relations

During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, we completed all investor relations activities in-house. We sent out copies of news or press releases, corporate brochures, and held a quarterly investor conference call.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

In the normal course of our business, our financial position is routinely subject to a variety of risks. The principal market risks to which we are exposed are competition within the beverage industry and fluctuations in energy and commodity prices affecting the cost of raw materials and also the limited availability of certain raw materials and co-packer capacity. We are also subject to market risks with respect to the cost of commodities because of our ability to recover increased costs through higher pricing is limited by the competitive environment in which we operate. We are subject to foreign exchange risk due our sales and co-packing operations in Canada. We are also subject to other risks associated with the business environment in which we operate, including the collectibility of accounts receivable.

At September 30, 2006, the majority of our debt consisted of variable rate debt under our capital leases and we have no long-term debt. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, we did not make any draws on our line of credit.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is (a) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and (b) accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and have determined that such disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting in connection with this evaluation that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Please see the discussion under “Risk Factors” contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. In addition, our operating results may fluctuate due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the following:

 

    the ability of our third party distributors to successfully promote and sell our products;

 

    our ability to (i) develop and expand distribution channels, (ii) develop favorable arrangements with third party distributors of our products and (iii) minimize or reduce issues associated with engaging new distributors, including, but not limited to, transition costs and expenses and down time resulting from the initial deployment of our products in each new distributor’s network;

 

    our planned expansion of sales of our cans through National Beverage Corp. beginning in 2007, including our ability to secure favorable listing arrangements with retailers, our ability to manage expenses of the roll-out, our ability to execute our marketing programs, market acceptance of our products, and the impact of the can expansion on our other distribution channels;

 

    our ability to develop, expand and implement our direct-to-retail sales channels and national retail accounts, as well as our “myjones” programs;

 

    our ability to increase distribution in our four core regions consisting of the Northwest, the Southwest, the Midwest and Western Canada, and our ability to expand and manage distributor growth in areas outside of the core regions;

 

    unilateral decisions by distributors, grocery store chains, specialty chain stores, club stores, mass merchandisers and other customers to discontinue carrying all or any of our products that they are carrying at any time;

 

    competitive products and pricing pressures and our ability to gain or maintain share of sales in the marketplace as a result of actions by competitors;

 

    our ability to manage our operating expenses to sufficiently support general operating activities, promotion and sales activities, and capital expansion, and our ability to sustain profitability;

 

    our ability to develop and maintain favorable arrangements with third party packers and suppliers of our products;

 

    our ability to effectively manage changes in key personnel and management;

 

    our ability to develop and maintain brand awareness for our products;

 

    our success in introducing new products to the market and the market’s acceptance of the new products;

 

    costs of compliance with federal, state and provincial laws and regulations affecting our business;

 

    changes in consumer tastes, preferences and demographic patterns;

 

    changes in the cost and availability of raw materials and our ability to procure timely and adequate production of our products;

 

    fluctuations in foreign currency rates, interest rates and other capital market conditions;

 

    our ability to penetrate new markets;

 

    the effectiveness of our advertising, marketing and promotional programs; and

 

    adverse weather conditions, which could reduce demand for our products.

 

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

10.1++    Co-Packer and Distribution Agreement, dated September 18, 2006, among Jones Soda Co., National Retail Brands Inc. and Shasta Beverages, Inc.
31.1        Certification of Peter van Stolk, Chief Executive Officer
31.2        Certification of Hassan N. Natha, Chief Financial Officer
32.1        Certification of Peter van Stolk, Chief Executive Officer of Jones Soda Co., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2        Certification of Hassan N. Natha, Chief Financial Officer of Jones Soda Co., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

++ Portions of the marked exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment filed with the SEC

 

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SIGNATURE

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 hereunto duly authorized.

November 14, 2006

 

JONES SODA CO.

By:

 

/s/ Peter van Stolk

 

Peter van Stolk

President and Chief Executive Officer

(principal executive officer)

By:

 

/s/ Hassan N. Natha

 

Hassan N. Natha

Chief Financial Officer

(principal financial and accounting officer)

 

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