RiceBran Technologies - Quarter Report: 2007 September (Form 10-Q)
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
____________________
FORM
10-Q
(Mark
one)
x |
QUARTERLY
REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
|
For
the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007
o
|
TRANSITION
REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
|
For
the
transition period from __________________
to
______________________
Commission
File Number 0-32565
____________________
NUTRACEA
(Exact
Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
California
(State
or other jurisdiction of
incorporation
or organization)
|
87-0673375
(I.R.S.
Employer Identification No.)
|
5090
North 40th
St., Suite 400
Phoenix,
AZ
(Address
of Principal Executive Offices)
|
85018
(Zip
Code)
|
Issuer’s
telephone number, including area code: (602)
522-3000
|
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 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 Securities Exchange Act
of 1934).
Large
accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer x
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
l2b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes
No
_X_
APPLICABLE
ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS
State
the
number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common equity,
as of the latest practicable date: 142,776,599 as of November 2,
2007.
FORM
10-Q
Index
PART
I.
|
FINANCIAL
INFORMATION
|
|
||
|
|
|
||
Item
1.
|
Financial
Statements
|
|
||
|
|
|
||
|
(a)
|
Consolidated
Condensed Balance Sheets at September 30, 2007
(Unaudited) and December 31, 2006
|
4
|
|
|
|
|||
|
(b)
|
Consolidated
Condensed Statements of Operations for the three and nine months
ended
September 30, 2007 and 2006 (Unaudited)
|
5
|
|
(c) | Consolidated
Condensed Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the three and
nine
months
ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 (Unaudited)
|
6
|
||
|
(d)
|
Consolidated
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September
30,
2007 and 2006 (Unaudited)
|
7
|
|
|
|
|||
|
(e)
|
Notes
to Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
|
8
|
|
|
|
|||
Item
2.
|
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
|
21
|
||
|
|
|||
Item
3.
|
Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
|
26
|
||
Item
4.
|
Controls
and Procedures
|
27
|
||
PART
II.
|
OTHER
INFORMATION
|
27
|
||
|
|
|||
Item
1.
|
Legal
Proceeding
|
27
|
||
|
|
|||
Item
1A.
|
Risk
Factors
|
27
|
||
Item
2.
|
Unregistered
Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
|
32
|
||
|
|
|||
Item
3.
|
Defaults
Upon Senior Securities
|
33
|
||
|
|
|||
Item
4.
|
Submission
of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
|
33
|
||
|
|
|||
Item
5.
|
Other
Information
|
33
|
||
|
|
|||
Item
6.
|
Exhibits
|
33
|
||
|
|
|||
Signatures
|
|
|
34
|
|
Certifications
|
FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS
This
quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements
other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” for
purposes of federal and state securities laws, including, but not limited to,
any projections of earnings, revenue or other financial items; any statements
of
the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any
statements concerning proposed new services or developments; any statements
regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements of belief;
and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.
Forward-looking
statements may include the words “may,” “could,” “will,” “estimate,” “intend,”
“continue,” “believe,” “expect” or “anticipate” or other similar words. The
forward-looking statements contained herein reflect our current views with
respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and
assumptions. Actual results may differ materially from those projected. in
such
forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, risks and uncertainties,
including the factors that may affect future results set forth in this Current
Report on Form 10-Q and in our annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2006. We disclaim any obligation to update any forward looking
statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this
quarterly report.
PART
1. FINANCIAL
INFORMATION
Item
1. Financial
Statements
NUTRACEA
AND SUBSIDIARIES
September
30,
|
December
31,
|
||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
(Unaudited)
|
|||||||
ASSETS
|
|||||||
Current
assets:
|
|||||||
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
$
|
49,546,000
|
$
|
14,867,000
|
|||
Restricted
cash
|
545,000
|
-
|
|||||
Marketable
securities
|
459,000
|
368,000
|
|||||
Trade
accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $820,000
and $20,000, respectively
|
5,184,000
|
7,093,000
|
|||||
Inventories
|
1,460,000
|
796,000
|
|||||
Notes
receivable, net of discount, current portion
|
2,346,000
|
1,694,000
|
|||||
Other
current assets
|
1,785,000
|
1,383,000
|
|||||
|
|||||||
Total
current assets
|
61,325,000
|
26,201,000
|
|||||
|
|||||||
Notes
receivable, net of current portion
|
5,166,000
|
682,000
|
|||||
Property
and equipment, net
|
16,488,000
|
8,961,000
|
|||||
Investment
in joint venture
|
1,214,000
|
-
|
|||||
Other
intangible assets, net
|
5,821,000
|
5,097,000
|
|||||
Goodwill
|
39,509,000
|
32,314,000
|
|||||
|
|||||||
Total
assets
|
$
|
129,523,000
|
$
|
73,255,000
|
|||
|
|||||||
LIABILITIES
AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
|||||||
Current
liabilities:
|
|||||||
Accounts
payable and accrued liabilities
|
$
|
4,567,000
|
$
|
2,778,000
|
|||
Deferred
revenue
|
81,000
|
103,000
|
|||||
Total
current liabilities
|
4,648,000
|
2,881,000
|
|||||
|
|||||||
Commitments
and contingencies
|
|||||||
Convertible,
series B preferred stock, no par value, $1,000 stated value,
25,000
shares authorized, 0 and 470 shares issued and
outstanding,
respectively
|
-
|
439,000
|
|||||
Convertible,
series C preferred stock, no par value, $1,000 stated value,
25,000
shares authorized, 0 and 5,468 shares issued and outstanding,
respectively
|
-
|
5,051,000
|
|||||
Shareholders’
equity:
|
|||||||
Common
stock, no par value, 350,000,000 shares authorized, 142,426,599
and 103,792,827 shares
issued
and outstanding
|
177,040,000
|
114,111,000
|
|||||
Accumulated
deficit
|
(52,333,000
|
)
|
(49,305,000
|
)
|
|||
Accumulated
other comprehensive income, unrealized gain on marketable
securities
|
169,000
|
78,000
|
|||||
Total
shareholders’ equity
|
124,875,000
|
64,884,000
|
|||||
|
|||||||
Total
liabilities and shareholders’ equity
|
$
|
129,523,000
|
$
|
73,255,000
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated condensed financial statements.
4
NUTRACEA
AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Unaudited)
|
Nine
Months
Ended
September
30, 2007
|
Nine
Months
Ended
September
30, 2006
|
Three
Months
Ended September
30, 2007
|
Three
Months
Ended September
30, 2006
|
|||||||||
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Product
sales
|
$
|
13,031,000
|
$
|
12,365,000
|
$
|
3,048,000
|
$
|
4,433,000
|
|||||
Less
sales returns
|
(1,551,000
|
)
|
(1,551,000
|
)
|
|||||||||
Royalty
and licensing fees
|
5,033,000
|
529,000
|
23,000
|
513,000
|
|||||||||
Total
revenue
|
16,513,000
|
12,894,000
|
1,520,000
|
4,946,000
|
|||||||||
Cost
of goods sold
|
6,611,000
|
6,968,000
|
1,635,000
|
2,535,000
|
|||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
Gross
margin (loss)
|
9,902,000
|
5,926,000
|
(115,000
|
)
|
2,411,000
|
||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
Research
and development expenses
|
446,000
|
259,000
|
154,000
|
74,000
|
|||||||||
Selling,
general and administrative expenses
|
12,546,000
|
4,413,000
|
4,576,000
|
1,563,000
|
|||||||||
Professional
fees
|
2,742,000
|
764,000
|
747,000
|
314,000
|
|||||||||
Total
operating expenses
|
15,734,000
|
5,436,000
|
5,478,000
|
1,951,000
|
|||||||||
(Loss)
income from operations
|
(5,832,000
|
)
|
490,000
|
(5,593,000
|
)
|
460,000
|
|||||||
Other
income (expense)
|
|||||||||||||
Interest
income, net
|
2,167,000
|
317,000
|
778,000
|
181,000
|
|||||||||
Gain
on settlement
|
1,250,000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||||
Loss
on retirement of assets
|
(309,000
|
)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
||||||||
Loss
on equity investment
|
(286,000
|
)
|
-
|
(36,000
|
)
|
-
|
|||||||
Total
(loss) income before income tax
|
(3,010,000
|
)
|
807,000
|
(4,851,000
|
)
|
641,000
|
|||||||
|
|
||||||||||||
Income
tax (benefit) expense
|
(18,000
|
)
|
67,000
|
||||||||||
Net
(loss) income
|
$
|
(3,028,000
|
)
|
$
|
807,000
|
$
|
(4,784,000
|
)
|
$
|
641,000
|
|||
Basic
and diluted (loss) earnings per share:
|
|||||||||||||
Basic
(loss) income per share
|
$
|
(0.02
|
)
|
$
|
0.01
|
$
|
(0.03
|
)
|
$
|
0.01
|
|||
Fully
diluted (loss) income per share
|
$
|
(0.02
|
)
|
$
|
0.01
|
$
|
(0.03
|
)
|
$
|
0.01
|
|||
Weighted
average basic number of
shares
outstanding
|
131,054,000
|
71,685,000
|
141,084,000
|
77,377,000
|
|||||||||
Weighted
average diluted number of
shares
outstanding
|
131,054,000
|
109,203,000
|
141,084,000
|
115,008,000
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated condensed financial statements.
5
NUTRACEA
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
(Unaudited)
Nine
Months
|
Nine
Months
|
Three
Months
|
Three
Months
|
||||||||||
Ended
|
Ended
|
Ended
|
Ended
|
||||||||||
September
30, 2007
|
September
30, 2006
|
September
30, 2007
|
September
30, 2006
|
||||||||||
Net
(loss) income
|
$
|
(3,028,000
|
)
|
$
|
807,000
|
$
|
(4,784,000
|
)
|
$
|
641,000
|
|||
Other
comprehensive income (loss):
|
|||||||||||||
Unrealized
gain (loss) on marketable securities
|
91,000
|
(34,000
|
)
|
-
|
(21,000
|
)
|
|||||||
Net
comprehensive (loss) income
|
$
|
(2,937,000
|
)
|
$
|
773,000
|
$
|
(4,784,000
|
)
|
$
|
620,000
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed
financial statements.
6
NUTRACEA
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
|
Nine
Months Ended
|
||||||
|
September
30,
2007
|
September
30,
2006
|
|||||
Cash
flows from operating activities:
|
|||||||
Net
(loss) income
|
$
|
(3,028,000
|
)
|
$
|
807,000
|
||
Adjustments
to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash used in operating
activities:
|
|||||||
Depreciation
and amortization
|
1,453,000
|
871,000
|
|||||
Provision
for doubtful accounts
|
800,000
|
-
|
|||||
Loss
on retirement of assets
|
309,000
|
-
|
|||||
Stock-based
compensation
|
1,667,000
|
655,000
|
|||||
Loss
on equity investment
|
286,000
|
-
|
|||||
|
|||||||
Net
changes in operating assets and liabilities (net of effects
of
|
|||||||
of Grainnovations, Inc. acquisition and Vital Living, Inc.
consolidation):
|
|||||||
Trade
accounts receivable
|
(1,545,000
|
)
|
(3,452,000
|
)
|
|||
Inventories
|
(623,000
|
)
|
(161,000
|
)
|
|||
Other
current assets
|
(400,000
|
)
|
(248,000
|
)
|
|||
Accounts
payable and accrued liabilities
|
(485,000
|
)
|
1,315,000
|
||||
Net
cash used in operating activities
|
(1,566,000
|
)
|
(213,000
|
)
|
|||
|
|||||||
Cash
flows from investing activities:
|
|||||||
Proceeds
from payments of notes receivable
|
3,965,000
|
-
|
|||||
Issuance
of notes receivable
|
(5,670,000
|
)
|
(1,289,000
|
)
|
|||
Investment
in Grainnovation, Inc.
|
(2,169,000
|
)
|
-
|
||||
Investment
in Vital Living, Inc.
|
(5,143,000
|
)
|
-
|
||||
Investment
in joint venture
|
(1,500,000
|
)
|
-
|
||||
Purchases
of property and equipment
|
(8,208,000
|
)
|
(2,984,000
|
)
|
|||
Purchases
of other assets
|
-
|
(1,998,000
|
)
|
||||
Purchases
of other intangible assets
|
(802,000
|
)
|
-
|
||||
Net
cash used in investing activities
|
(19,527,000
|
)
|
(6,271,000
|
)
|
|||
|
|||||||
Cash
flows from financing activities:
|
|||||||
Proceeds
from private placement financing, net of expenses
|
46,805,000
|
15,938,000
|
|||||
Proceeds
from exercise of common stock options
|
8,967,000
|
172,000
|
|||||
Payment
on long-term debt
|
-
|
(4,000
|
)
|
||||
Net
cash provided by financing activities
|
55,772,000
|
16,106,000
|
|||||
|
|||||||
Net
increase in cash
|
34,679,000
|
9,622,000
|
|||||
Cash,
beginning of period
|
14,867,000
|
3,491,000
|
|||||
|
|||||||
Cash,
end of period
|
$
|
49,546,000
|
$
|
13,113,000
|
|||
Supplemental
disclosures:
|
|||||||
Cash
paid for interest
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
2,000
|
|||
Cash
paid for income taxes
|
$
|
17,000
|
$
|
5,000
|
|||
Non-cash
disclosures of investing and financing activities:
|
|||||||
Accounts
receivable converted to note receivable
|
$
|
3,881,000
|
$
|
-
|
|||
Accounts
receivable exchanged for an intangible asset
|
$
|
300,000
|
$
|
-
|
|||
Common
stock issued to acquire assets related to equine feed supplement
business
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
450,000
|
|||
Conversion
of preferred stock to common stock
|
$
|
5,490,000
|
$
|
11,554,000
|
|||
Settlement
of accounts receivable net to, acquire intangible asset
|
$
|
284,000
|
$
|
-
|
|||
Unrealized
gain (loss) on marketable securities
|
$
|
91,000
|
$
|
(21,000
|
)
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated condensed financial statements.
7
NUTRACEA
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BASIS
OF PRESENTATION
The
accompanying unaudited interim consolidated condensed financial statements
of
NutraCea have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America and the rules of the Securities and
Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and should be read in conjunction with the audited
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in NutraCea’s
Annual Report filed with the SEC on Form 10-K. In the opinion of management,
all
adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair
presentation of financial position and the results of operations for the interim
periods presented have been reflected herein. The results of operations for
interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected
for
the full year. Notes to the consolidated financial statements that would
substantially duplicate the disclosures contained in the audited financial
statements for 2006 as reported in the 10-K have been omitted.
The
unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts
of
NutraCea and our wholly-owned subsidiaries as well as a variable interest
entity, Vital Living, Inc., for which we are the primary beneficiary as defined
by Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Interpretation No. 46
(revised 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” or FIN 46R.
During the three months ended September 30, 2007 we became a member of
NutraCea-Cura LLC (Note 10) which is also consolidated under FIN 46R . All
inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated. We operate in
one
business segment, which is the manufacturing and distribution of nutritional
supplements.
2. STOCK-BASED
COMPENSATION
On
January 1, 2006, NutraCea adopted SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS
123(R)”). SFAS 123(R) replaced SFAS No. 123 and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25.
SFAS 123(R) requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants
of
employee stock options, to be recognized in the financial statements based
on
their fair values. The pro forma disclosures previously permitted under SFAS
123
are no longer an alternative to financial statement recognition. NutraCea
adopted SFAS 123(R) using the modified prospective method which requires the
application of the accounting standard as of January 1, 2006. The consolidated
financial statements as of and for the nine and three months ended September
30,
2007 and 2006 reflect the impact of adopting SFAS 123(R).
For
all
agreements where stock is awarded as partial or full consideration, the expense
is valued at the fair value of the stock. Expenses for stock options and
warrants issued to consultants and employees are calculated based upon fair
value using the Black-Scholes valuation method.
Stock-based
compensation expenses consisted of the following:
|
Nine
Months
Ended
September
30,
2007
|
Nine
Months
Ended
September
30, 2006
|
Three
Months
Ended
September
30, 2007
|
Three
Months
Ended
September
30, 2006
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Consultants
|
$
|
345,000
|
$
|
168,000
|
$
|
64,000
|
$
|
(22,000
|
)
|
||||
Directors
|
204,000
|
120,000
|
117,000
|
67,000
|
|||||||||
Employees
|
1,063,000
|
267,000
|
223,000
|
69,000
|
|||||||||
To
directors and former director for services
outside
of directors duties
|
55,000
|
100,000
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||||
Total
stock-based compensation expense
|
$
|
1,667,000
|
$
|
655,000
|
$
|
404,000
|
$
|
114,000
|
8
The
weighted average grant date fair value of the stock options granted during
the
nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was $2.78 and $1.31 per share,
respectively. Assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model include
(1) risk-free discount rates from 4.51% to 4.84%, (2) expected option life
is
calculated using the short-cut method allowed by Staff Accounting Bulletin
107,
(3) expected volatility ranges from 67% to 324 % and (4) zero expected
dividends. For expected volatility, share-based expenses are calculated
beginning in fiscal year 2007 using a share history from the October 5, 2005
date of the NutraCea/RiceX merger which results in a volatility rate of 67%.
In
prior periods the fair value was determined using average share prices from
inception of the Company to the end of the respective reporting period which
yielded volatility rates up to 324%.
3. MARKETABLE
SECURITIES
On
September 8, 2004, NutraCea purchased 1,272,026 shares of Langley Park
Investment Trust, PLC (“Langley”), a United Kingdom closed-end mutual fund that
was actively traded on a London exchange. Per the Stock Purchase Agreement,
NutraCea paid with 7,000,000 shares of its own common stock. On September 8,
2006, NutraCea commenced a lawsuit against Langley in the United States District
Court for the Eastern District of California, Sacramento Division regarding
this
transaction. The matter was settled on March 27, 2007. Pursuant to the
settlement, NutraCea received $1,250,000 from Langley in March 2007 and NutraCea
retained all of the Langley shares. The $1,250,000 settlement is included in
the
statement of operations as other income.
Per
the
agreement with Langley, NutraCea is able to sell 636,013 shares of Langley
at
any time, and the remaining 636,013 shares of Langley and the 7,000,000 shares
of NutraCea were escrowed together for a 2-year period ended October 7, 2006.
At
the end of the period, Langley’s NutraCea shares were measured for any loss in
market value and if there were such a loss, NutraCea would have been required
to
return to Langley that pro-rata portion of its Langley shares up to the 636,013
escrowed shares.
The
Langley shares are recorded at their fair market value of $368,000 at December
31, 2006 and $459,000 at September 30, 2007, with the entire amount shown as
a
current asset because the escrow period has passed and we may now sell all
1,272,026 shares at any time. We have recorded an unrealized gain of $91,000
in
the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
Any
unrealized holding gains and losses on the marketable securities are excluded
from operating results and are recognized as other comprehensive income. The
fair value of the securities is determined based on prevailing market
prices.
4. INVENTORY
Inventories
are composed of the following;
September
30,
|
December
31,
|
||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
Finished
goods
|
$
|
1,114,000
|
$
|
533,000
|
|||
Raw
materials
|
105,000
|
168,000
|
|||||
Packaging
supplies
|
241,000
|
95,000
|
|||||
$
|
1,460,000
|
$
|
$
796,000
|
5. NOTES
RECEIVABLE
At
September 30, 2007, we held thirteen (13) secured promissory notes payable
to
the Company with aggregate outstanding amounts under these notes of $7,512,000:
$2,346,000 is reported as current and $5,166,000 as long-term. These secured
promissory notes bear interest at annual rates ranging from 5% to 10% with
the
principal and all accrued interest due and payable to us at dates ranging from
July 2007 to October 2012.
During
the nine months ended September 30, 2007 we loaned a total of $5,670,000, (net
of the conversion of $3,881,000 of accounts receivables to a promissory note),
to certain strategic customers, which loans were evidenced by promissory notes,
and received payments totaling $1,671,000 on existing promissory notes. During
this nine month period we also accrued interest income of $139,000 and received
cash payments of $115,000 for accrued interest.
9
In
February 2007, we converted $3,516,000 of one customer’s accounts receivable to
a note receivable included in the above total, bearing interest at 7% and due
in
December 2007. In April 2007 we converted $365,000 of another customer’s
accounts receivable to a note receivable included in the above total, bearing
interest at 10% and due in October 2007.
During
the second quarter of 2007, we granted to Pacific Holdings Advisors Limited
(“PAHL”) an exclusive, perpetual, royalty-free right and license to use and
distribute Stabilized Rice Bran (“SRB”) and SRB derivative products in certain
Southeast Asian countries. PAHL paid a one-time fee of $5,000,000 for these
rights. PAHL paid the license fee by issuing to NutraCea an adjustable rate
promissory note initially bearing interest at the rate of 4.52% that is
guaranteed by the parent of PAHL. The principal and accrued interest under
this
promissory note is due within five years.
During
August 2007 we exchanged one customer’s note receivable of $300,000 for a
certain trademark and associated rights to a product line (Note
10).
6. PROPERTY
AND EQUIPMENT
Property
and equipment consists of the following:
September
30,
|
December
31,
|
||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
Land
|
$
|
15,000
|
$
|
9,000
|
|||
Furniture
and fixtures
|
2,289,000
|
916,000
|
|||||
Vehicles
|
73,000
|
73,000
|
|||||
Software
|
398,000
|
389,000
|
|||||
Leasehold
improvements
|
581,000
|
430,000
|
|||||
Property,
plant and equipment
|
12,506,000
|
4,197,000
|
|||||
Construction
in progress
|
2,952,000
|
4,392,000
|
|||||
Total property, plant, and equipment
|
18,814,000
|
10,406,000
|
|||||
Less
accumulated depreciation
|
(2,326,000
|
)
|
(1,445,000
|
)
|
|||
Total
property, plant, and equipment, net
|
$
|
16,488,000
|
$
|
8,961,000
|
Depreciation
expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was $995,000
and
$653,000, respectively.
Depreciation
expense for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was $353,000
and
$221,000, respectively.
10
7. OTHER
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Other
intangibles consisted of the following at:
September
30,
|
December
31,
|
||||||
2007
|
2006
|
||||||
Patents
|
$
|
2,657,000
|
$
|
2,540,000
|
|||
Copyrights
and trademarks
|
3,288,000
|
2,987,000
|
|||||
Non-compete
agreements
|
650,000
|
-
|
|||||
License
and supply agreement
|
100,000
|
-
|
|||||
Subtotal
of other intangible assets
|
6,695,000
|
5,527,000
|
|||||
Less
accumulated amortization
|
(874,000
|
)
|
(430,000
|
)
|
|||
Total
other intangible assets, net
|
$
|
5,821,000
|
$
|
5,097,000
|
Amortization
expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was $444,000
and
$218,000, respectively.
Amortization
expense for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was $192,000
and
$102,000, respectively.
8. (LOSS)
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic
(loss) earnings per share are computed by dividing net (loss) income by the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding during all periods
presented. Options and warrants are excluded from the basic (loss)
earnings per share calculation and are considered in calculating the diluted
(loss) earnings per share.
The
dilutive effect of outstanding options, warrants is calculated using the
treasury stock method and the dilutive effect of the convertible series B
preferred stock, and convertible series C preferred stock is calculated using
the as-if converted method.
As
of
September 30, 2007, options and warrants to purchase approximately 44,770,000
shares of our common stock were outstanding. These are excluded from the
calculation of diluted loss per share at September 30, 2007 because their
inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
Components
of basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share were as follows:
Nine
Months Ended
September
30,
|
Three
Months Ended
September
30,
|
||||||||||||
2007
|
2006
|
2007
|
2006
|
||||||||||
Net
(loss) income
|
$
|
(3,028,000
|
)
|
$
|
807,000
|
$
|
(4,784,000
|
)
|
$
|
641,000
|
|||
Weighted
average outstanding shares of common stock
|
131,054,000
|
71,685,000
|
141,084,000
|
77,377,000
|
|||||||||
Convertible
preferred stock
|
-
|
18,880,000
|
-
|
18,880,000
|
|||||||||
Common
stock equivalents
|
-
|
18,638,000
|
-
|
18,751,000
|
|||||||||
Total
diluted shares
|
131,054,000
|
109,203,000
|
141,084,000
|
115,008,000
|
|||||||||
(Loss)
earnings per share:
|
|||||||||||||
Basic
|
$
|
(0.02
|
)
|
$
|
0.01
|
$
|
(0.03
|
)
|
$
|
0.01
|
|||
Diluted
|
$
|
(0.02
|
)
|
$
|
0.01
|
$
|
(0.03
|
)
|
$
|
0.01
|
The
weighted average exercise price of anti-dilutive options and warrants for the
nine and three months ended September 30, 2007 were $4.26 and $3.97,
respectively.
11
9. CONCENTRATION
OF CREDIT
RISK
Financial
instruments that potentially subject us to significant concentrations of credit
risk consist primarily of
trade
accounts receivable for sales to major customers. We perform credit evaluations
on our customers’ financial condition and generally do not require collateral on
accounts receivable. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts on our
receivables based upon expected collection of all accounts receivable. A summary
of the activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the three months
and
nine months ended September 30, 2007 follows:
Nine
Months Ended
September
30,
|
Three
Months Ended
September
30,
|
||||||||||||
2007
|
2006
|
2007
|
2006
|
||||||||||
Balance,
beginning of period
|
$
|
20,000
|
$
|
20,000
|
$
|
1
,075,000
|
$
|
20,000
|
|||||
Provision
for allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|||||||||||||
charged
to operations
|
1,855,000
|
-
|
800,000
|
-
|
|||||||||
Losses
charged against allowance
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||||
Recoveries
of accounts previously allowed for
|
(1,055,000
|
)
|
-
|
(1,055,000
|
)
|
-
|
|||||||
Balance,
end of period
|
$
|
820,000
|
$
|
20,000
|
$
|
820,000
|
$
|
20,000
|
During
the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 we recorded an allowance
for
doubtful accounts of $800,000 (total provisions of $1,855,000, net of recoveries
of $1,055,000) and $0, respectively. During the three months ended September
30,
2007 we recorded an allowance for doubtful accounts of ($255,000), (an allowance
of $800,000, net of a $1,055,000 recovery) compared to a $0 allowance for the
three months ended September, 30 2006.
Our
bad
debt expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was $800,000
and $0, respectively. Our bad debt expense for the three months ended September
30, 2007 and 2006 was ($255,000) and $0, respectively.
For
the
nine months ended September 30, 2007, six customers accounted for a total of
46%
of sales: 15%, 8%, 7%, 7%, 5% and 4% respectively. No other customer was
responsible for more than 3% of total sales. At September 30, 2007, two
customers accounted for 67% of total accounts receivable: 35%, and 32%,
respectively. No other customer accounted for more than 2% of the total
outstanding accounts receivable.
For
the
three months ended September 30, 2007, four customers accounted for a total
of
30% of sales: 12%, 6%, 6%, and 6% respectively. No other customer was
responsible for more than 4% of total sales.
For
the
nine months ended September 30, 2006, four customers accounted for a total
of
75% of sales: 64%, 6%, 3%, and 2% respectively. At September 30, 2006, accounts
receivable due from these four customers were 81%, 2%, 0%, and 2%, respectively,
of the total outstanding accounts receivable.
For
the
three months ended September 30, 2006, two customers accounted for a total
of
72% of sales: 64%, and 8% respectively.
12
10. ACQUISITIONS
AND JOINT VENTURES
Infomaxx,
LLC
In
December 2006, our wholly-owned subsidiary Nutramercials, Inc. became a 50%
member of Infomaxx, LLC (“INFMX”). In accordance with FIN 46R, INFMX was
determined to be a variable interest entity and its’ financial position and
operations were included in our consolidated financial statements.
In
August
2007, we became the sole member of INFMX after we purchased from the other
member of INFMX their 50% of INFMX’s outstanding membership interests by
canceling a $300,000 note payable to NutraCea by that member of INFMX. We
received along with the 50% interest, all rights to a certain trademark and
product line of that member. We recorded an intangible asset of $284,000.
Additionally, in order to consummate this transaction we agreed to accept the
return of $275,000 of inventory from the other previous member of INFMX which
we
sold them in December 2006, for $1,551,000. The $1,551,000 return is recorded
as
a sales return on our consolidated condensed statement of
operations.
NutraCea/Cura
LLC
In
August
2007, we formed NutraCea/Cura, LLC (“NCC”) with Cura Pharmaceuticals (“CURA”).
We formed this LLC with CURA to jointly develop, and produce through third-party
pharmaceutical-grade co-packers, market and sell nutraceutical and
pharmaceutical products. We hold a 60% interest in NCC. Accordingly, NCC is
included in our consolidated financial statements. The results of operations
for
the three months ended September 30, 2007 were insignificant.
Under the agreement NCC has a supply agreement with minimum purchase
requirements of approximately $1,150,000 for the first year, which increase
5% a
year for five years. If the minimum purchase commitments are not met in any
year
the make of the products may terminate the supply agreement.
Grainnovation,
Inc.
In
April
2007, we acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of Grainnovation, Inc. (“GI”) a
privately held company that had equipment for pelletizing horse feed for equine
customers of strategic value to NutraCea, and certain assets used in GI’s
business for a total of $2,150,000, of which $1,605,000 of the purchase price
was paid at closing, with the balance (“holdback”) being due in payments of
$235,000 and $310,000 in six months and twelve months respectively, subject
to
reduction in the event of breaches of representations, warranties and covenants
contained in the transaction documents. The holdback is held in third-party
escrow and is included in our consolidated condensed balance sheet as restricted
cash and current liabilities. The investment is recorded in our financial
statements included herein at the aggregate purchase price and its results
of
operations from the date of acquisition are reflected in our statement of
operations for the periods ended September 30, 2007. In November, 2007, the
second installment of $235,000 due was distributed to the sellers from the
third-party escrow as agreed.
13
The
following table summarized the estimated fair values of the assets acquired
and
liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. We incurred $20,000 in legal
fees relating to this purchase, which are added to the purchase price and
Goodwill. The Company is in the process of obtaining third-party valuations
of
certain intangible assets; the allocation of the purchase price is subject
to
refinement:
Cash
|
$
|
1,000
|
||
Accounts
receivable
|
26,000
|
|||
Inventory
|
11,000
|
|||
Property
and equipment
|
623,000
|
|||
Covenant
not to compete
|
650,000
|
|||
Goodwill
|
917,000
|
|||
Total
Assets
|
2,228,000
|
|||
Accrued
liabilities
|
58,000
|
|||
Net
assets acquired
|
$
|
2,170,000
|
Grain
Enhancements LLC
In
June
2007, we entered into a joint venture with PAHL to form Grain Enhancements
LLC,
(“GE”) a Delaware limited liability company. NutraCea and PAHL each will hold a
47.5% share of Grain Enhancements. The remaining interest is held by Theorem
Group LLC (“Theorem”) (3.333%) and Ho’okipa Capital Partners, Inc. (1.667%). The
purpose of GE is to develop and market stabilized rice bran (“SRB”) and related
products in certain Southeast Asian countries. GE will purchase SRB exclusively
from NutraCea until its own facilities are in operation and NutraCea will lease
to GE at cost the necessary equipment for such facilities. Payments under the
equipment lease will be payable in full upon installation of the equipment.
Under
the
agreement, NutraCea and PAHL will contribute up to $5,000,000 each to Grain
Enhancements to fund the operations, of which $1,500,000 each was due on June
30, 2007. Both members made their initial contribution in July 2007.
Additionally, $2,000,000 each is to be contributed no later than October 2007,
and the remaining $1,500,000 from each member is due no later than August 2008.
As of November 2, 2007 neither party to the LLC has made the October 2007
scheduled contribution as the capital infusion was not needed as of that date,
and both parties are discussing deferring that contribution until a later date
to be agreed upon.
Theorem
was paid $750,000 and $500,000 by NutraCea and GE, respectively, for services
relating to the formation of the joint venture. Through September 30, 2007,
our
portion of Grain Enhancements net loss was $286,000.
Our
investment in Grain Enhancements is accounted for under the equity method of
accounting. At September 30, 2007 the value of our investment was $1,214,000.
Summary
financial information of Grain Enhancements, LLC at September 30, 2007
is:
Assets
|
||||
Cash
|
$
|
2,464,000
|
||
Liabilities
and Equity
|
||||
Accounts
payable and accrued liabilities
|
$
|
36,000
|
||
Members
equity
|
3,000,000
|
|||
Accumulated
deficit
|
(572,000
|
)
|
||
Total
Equity
|
2,428,000
|
|||
Total
liabilities and equity
|
$
|
2,464,000
|
14
Vital
Living, Inc.
In
April
2007, we acquired certain securities of Vital Living, Inc. (“VLI”), a publicly
traded company. VLI distributes nutritional supplements using similar processes
as NutraCea for manufacturing and distribution. We paid $1,000,000 for 1,000,000
shares of outstanding preferred stock and $4,226,000 for the outstanding Senior
Secured Notes (“Notes”). The Notes are convertible to VLI common stock and bear
interest at 12% per annum, payable June 15 and December 15 and mature in
December 2008. On September 11, 2007, NutraCea and VLI entered into a letter
agreement confirming their agreement to eliminate the conversion rights of
the
Notes. In addition, the parties agreed that until such time, if any,
as NutraCea gives 30 days prior written notice to VLI, VLI may not pay accrued
interest under the Notes in shares of VLI Common Stock, without NutraCea’s
consent, and that during such time VLI will not be deemed to be in default
under
the Notes as a result of not paying accrued interest in such
shares.
On
September 28, 2007, NutraCea entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the
“Purchase Agreement”) with Vital Living. The Purchase Agreement
provides that NutraCea will purchase substantially all of Vital Living’s
intellectual property and other assets used by Vital Living and certain
subsidiaries in its business, including rights to nutritional supplements and
nutraceutical products that are marketed for distribution to healthcare
practitioners. As part of the transaction, Vital Living will assign to
NutraCea its rights under various distribution and other agreements relating
to
the products being acquired. NutraCea will not acquire inventory, raw
materials, cash or accounts receivable of Vital Living.
The
purchase price consists of (i) $1,500,000 to be paid by NutraCea at the closing,
(ii) cancellation of outstanding indebtednesses of Vital Living, its
subsidiaries and certain related entities to NutraCea, including all of the
Notes, and (iii) cancellation of all shares of Series D Preferred Stock of
Vital
Living held by NutraCea.
Completion
of the transaction is subject to a variety of customary closing conditions,
including, among other things, approval of the transaction by the stockholders
of Vital Living at a special meeting of stockholders of Vital Living and the
absence of a material adverse effect on the assets between the date of the
agreement and the closing date. NutraCea anticipates that Vital
Living will prepare and file with the SEC a proxy statement relating to the
transaction. NutraCea expects that the transaction will close in the
fourth quarter of 2007, although the actual timing of the closing will depend
on
many factors including preparation of the proxy statement and the SEC’s review
of the proxy statement, and the closing may occur later than the fourth quarter
of 2007.
The
Purchase Agreement contains customary representations and warranties of the
parties, covenants, closing conditions, and certain termination rights for
both
NutraCea and Vital Living, and further provides that, upon termination of the
Purchase Agreement under specified circumstances, Vital Living may be required
to pay NutraCea a termination fee.
Our
accounting for the purchase of these securities of VLI qualifies as a Variable
Interest Entity (“VIE”) in accordance with FIN 46R . As the primary beneficiary,
we have consolidated VLI into our Financial Statements.
15
The
purchase price allocated to the assets and liabilities in April 2007 is as
follows:
Assets
|
||||
Cash
|
$
|
83,000
|
||
Accounts
receivable
|
1,017,000
|
|||
Inventory
|
30,000
|
|||
Property
and equipment
|
15,000
|
|||
Other
assets
|
15,000
|
|||
Goodwill
|
6,278,000
|
|||
Total
Assets
|
7,438,000
|
|||
Liabilities
|
||||
Accounts
payable
|
737,000
|
|||
Accrued
liabilities
|
725,000
|
|||
Notes
payable
|
750,000
|
|||
Total
Liabilities
|
2,212,000
|
|||
Net
assets acquired
|
$
|
5,226,000
|
We
have
included in our balance sheet at September 30, 2007 the financial position
of
VLI for the period ended September 30, 2007, and VLI’s results of operations for
the period from April 20, 2007 through September 30, 2007 in our statement
of
operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, while
eliminating inter-company balances. The effect on our consolidated, condensed
balance sheet at September 30, 2007 was an increase in total assets of $799,000,
an increase in total liabilities of $1,439,000 and a decrease in shareholder
equity of $640,000. The effect on our consolidated income statement for the
nine
month period was an increase in revenues of $781,000, an increase in cost of
goods sold of $385,000, an increase in operating expenses of $761,000, an
increase of other expenses of $275,000 and an increase in net loss of $640,000.
The effect on our consolidated income statement in the three month period ended
September 30, 2007 was an increase in revenues of $184,000, an increase in
cost
of goods sold of $120,000, an increase in operating expenses of $317,000, an
increase of other expenses of $134,000 and an increase in net loss of
$387,000.
11. RELATED
PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Vital
Living, Inc.
In
conjunction with our purchase of certain securities of VLI (Note 10), we
consolidated VLI financial results for the period April 20, 2007 to September
30, 2007 into our financial results for the three and nine months ending
September 30, 2007. Also during three months ended end June 30, 2007, we entered
into a business relationship with a new customer that is also a customer of
VLI.
The CEO of VLI is also a principal partner with this new customer. During the
quarter ended June 30, 2007, we recorded sales of $2,080,000 to this new
customer. In the three months ended September 30, 2007 there were no sales
made
to this customer. At September 30, 2007 we had $1,731,000 due from this customer
included in our accounts receivable of $5,184,000. During the nine months ended
September 30, 2007 the CEO of VLI has advanced VLI $407,000 of short-term,
non-interest bearing loans which are included in accrued liabilities on our
consolidated condensed balance sheet.
Sales
to related customers
During
the nine months ended September 30, 2007 we have made sales to a customer
totaling $500,000. This customer is a shareholder holding approximately
1,389,000 shares of our common stock. At September 30, 2007, $119,000 due from
this customer was included in accounts receivable.
16
12. COMMITMENTS
AND CONTINGENCIES
Grain
Enhancement LLC
In
June
2007, we formed a joint venture with PAHL (Note 10) which requires us to make
capital contributions to the joint venture totaling up to $5,000,000. Both
members made the first capital contribution of $1,500,000 in July 2007. An
additional $2,000,000 is due no later than October 2007, and the final
contribution, if required, of $1,500,000 is due no later than August 2008.
As of
November 2, 2007 neither party to the LLC has made the October 2007 scheduled
contribution as the capital infusion was not needed as of that date, and both
parties are discussing deferring that contribution until a later date to be
agreed upon.
Contractual
Obligations
We
lease
corporate office space in Phoenix, AZ and warehouse facilities in Sacramento,
CA. Future amounts due under these leases at September 30, 2007 are included
in
the following table:
Fiscal
Year 2007
|
$
|
147,000
|
||
Fiscal
Year 2008
|
1,074,000
|
|||
Fiscal
Year 2009
|
1,393,000
|
|||
Fiscal
Year 2010
|
1,442,000
|
|||
Fiscal
Year 2011
|
1,490,000
|
|||
Fiscal
Year 2012
|
1,539,000
|
|||
Thereafter
|
5,336,000
|
|||
Total
|
$
|
12,421,000
|
Total
rent expense for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2007 was $672,000
and $90,000, respectively.
Total
rent expense for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2006 was $85,000
and $19,000, respectively.
13. STOCKHOLDERS
EQUITY
Common
Stock
During
the three months ended September 30, 2007:
One
(1)
shareholder converted two shares of Series C Convertible preferred Stock into
2,352 shares of our common stock. The preferred shares converted at a conversion
rate of 1,176 shares of common stock for each preferred share.
Eighteen
(18) security holders exercised options or warrants and received a total of
2,291,183 shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of
$2,090,000.
During
the three months ended June 30, 2007:
Thirty
(30) security holders exercised options or warrants and received a total of
5,400,199 shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of
$2,947,000.
17
During
the three months ended March 31, 2007:
Four
(4)
security holders converted 470 shares of Series B Convertible preferred Stock
into 940,000 shares of our common stock. The preferred shares converted at
a
conversion rate of 2,000 shares of common stock for each preferred
share.
Seventeen
(17) security holders converted 5,466 shares of Series C Convertible preferred
Stock into 6,430,580 shares of our common stock. The preferred shares converted
at a conversion rate of 1,176 shares of common stock for each preferred
share.
Twenty-one
(21) security holders exercised options or warrants and received a total of
3,451,959 shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of
$3,930,000.
We
issued
17,500 shares of our common stock valued at $55,000 to a former member of our
board of directors as payment for past services on our board of
directors.
Options
and Warrants
During
the three months ended September 30, 2007:
We
issued
to six (6) employees options to purchase a total of 65,000 shares of common
stock with vesting periods ranging from 90 days to three years. The options
expire in ten years and have exercise prices per share ranging from $1.44 to
$3.22.
During
the three months ended June 30, 2007:
We
issued
to thirteen (13) employees options to purchase a total of 276,000 shares of
common stock with vesting periods ranging from immediately to three years.
The
options expire in ten years and have exercise prices per share ranging from
$3.03 to $4.04.
We
issued
to six (6) outside directors options to purchase a total of 210,000 shares
of
common stock that vest evenly over one year. The options expire in ten years
and
have exercise prices per share ranging from $3.76 to $3.83.
We
issued
to one (1) consultant a warrant to purchase a total of 25,000 shares of common
stock, with a vesting period of fifteen months. This warrant expires after
three
years and has an exercise price per share of $3.27.
In
June
2007 we granted PAHL a warrant to purchase 1,500,000 shares of common stock
at
$5.25 per share. This warrant vests at 375,000 per quarter beginning July 1,
2007 except that such warrant will not be exercisable until such time as Grain
Enhancements LLC has met certain conditions as defined in the agreement (Note
10).
During
the three months ended March 31, 2007:
We
issued
to eleven (11) employees options to purchase a total of 635,000 shares of common
stock with vesting periods ranging from zero to three years. The options expire
in ten years and have exercise prices per share ranging from $2.45 to $3.39.
We
issued
to three (3) consultants three warrants to purchase a total of 290,000 shares
of
common stock, with vesting periods ranging from 3 months to two years. These
warrants expire after three to five years and have exercise prices per share
ranging from $2.38 to $3.03.
The
expense for stock options and warrants issued to consultants and employees
are
calculated at fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation method.
18
February
2007 Private Placement
In
addition to the foregoing issuances of our securities, in February 2007 we
issued common stock and warrants to twenty-three (23) investors in a private
placement transaction for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $46,805,000
after offering expenses. We issued an aggregate of 20,000,000 shares of common
stock at a price of $2.50 per share and warrants to purchase an aggregate of
10,000,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $3.25 per share.
The placement agent for the private placement also received a warrant to
purchase 1,200,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price per share of
$3.25. Each of the warrants issued in the transaction has a term of five years.
The fair value of these warrants to purchase 11,200,0000 shares of common stock
using the Black-Scholes method is approximately $29,153,000. If exercised,
the
company would receive $36,400,000.
14. SUBSEQUENT
EVENTS
On
November 7, 2007, NutraCea entered into an agreement with Patricia McPeak,
the
founder and former Chairman and CEO of NutraCea, concerning their business
relationship. Pursuant to the agreement, in consideration for a payment of
$1
million, Nutracea acquired certain other inventions and intellectual property
rights from Ms. McPeak and acquired a right of first refusal to license,
manufacture and/or sell products that Ms. McPeak may formulate in the future
for
the retail market and for feeding programs, subject to certain exceptions and
agreement on license terms. In addition Ms. McPeak agreed to assign to NutraCea
her interest as a co-inventor in certain patent applications. The agreement
also
terminates her employment agreement with the company and contains a number
of
other customary provisions relating to termination of employment, and also
includes a general mutual release of all claims concerning any past events
or
conduct. The agreement also grants Ms. McPeak the non-exclusive right to sell
stabilized rice bran products formulated from NutraCea ingredients in Central
and South America, and via websites owned or controlled by Ms. McPeak.
In October
2007, one shareholder exercised warrants and received a total
of 350,000 shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of
approximately $245,000.
15. IMPLEMENTATION
OF RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
During
the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we implemented the following new
critical accounting policies;
In
June
2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Interpretation
No.48, Accounting
for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — An Interpretation of FASB Statement No.
109,
(FIN
48). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized
in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No.
109, Accounting
for Income Taxes.
FIN 48
also prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the
financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or
expected to be taken in a tax return that results in a tax benefit.
Additionally, FIN 48 provides guidance on de-recognition, statement of
operations classification of interest and penalties, accounting in interim
periods, disclosure, and transition. This interpretation is effective for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company adopted FIN 48 as of
January 1, 2007, as required. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a
material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of
operations.
19
In
December 2006, the FASB issued Staff Position EITF 00-19-2,
Accounting
for Registration Payment Arrangements
(“FSP
EITF 00-19-2”), which provides guidance on the accounting for registration
payment arrangements. FSP EITF 00-19-2 specifies that the contingent
obligation to make future payments or otherwise transfer consideration under
a
registration payment arrangement, whether issued as a separate agreement or
included as a provision of a financial instrument or other agreement, should
be
separately recognized and measured in accordance with FASB Statement No. 5,
Accounting
for Contingencies.
A
registration payment arrangement is defined in FSP EITF 00-19-2 as an
arrangement with both of the following characteristics: (1) the
arrangement specifies that the issuer will endeavor (a) to file a
registration statement for the resale of specified financial instruments and/or
for the resale of equity shares that are issuable upon exercise or conversion
of
specified financial instruments and for that registration statement to be
declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission within a specified
grace period, and/or (b) to maintain the effectiveness of the registration
statement for a specified period of time (or in perpetuity); and (2) the
arrangement requires the issuer to transfer consideration to the counterparty
if
the registration statement for the resale of the financial instrument or
instruments subject to the arrangement is not declared effective or if
effectiveness of the registration statement is not maintained. FSP
EITF 00-19-2 is effective for registration payment arrangements and the
financial instruments subject to those arrangements that are entered into or
modified subsequent to December 21, 2006. For registration payment
arrangements and financial instruments subject to those arrangements that were
entered into prior to the issuance of FSP EITF 00-19-2, this guidance is
effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2006, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The
adoption of FSP EITF 00-19-2 on January 1, 2007 did not have a
material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of
operations.
Recent
Accounting Pronouncements
In
September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No.
157, “Fair Value Measurement” (FAS 157). This Standard defines fair value,
establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted
accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value
measurements. FAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for
fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those
fiscal years. The Company has not determined the effect that the adoption of
FAS
157 will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations
or
cash flows.
In
February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
(SFAS) No. 159, The
Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
(SFAS
159). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments
and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be
measured at fair value. SFAS 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure
requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between entities that choose
different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities.
SFAS 159 is effective for the Company’s year ending September 30, 2009. The
Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 159 on the Company’s
financial statements.
20
Item
2. Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
NutraCea
is a health-science company focused on the development and distribution of
products based upon the use of stabilized rice bran and proprietary rice bran
formulations. Rice bran is the outer layer of brown rice which until recently
was a wasted by-product of the commercial rice industry. These products include
food supplements and medical foods which provide health benefits for humans
and
animals (known as "nutraceuticals") as well as cosmetics and beauty aids based
on stabilized rice bran, rice bran derivatives and the rice bran
oils.
The
following is a discussion of the consolidated financial condition of our results
of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006.
THREE
MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2007 AND 2006
For
the
three months ended September 30, 2007, the Company’s net loss was ($4,784,000),
or ($0.03) per share, compared to income of $641,000 or $0.01 per share, in
the
same period of 2006, showing a decrease of $5,425,000. The decrease for the
quarter was primarily due to a $1,385,000, or 31%, decrease in sales, a return
of $1,551,000 of product we previously sold in connection with our purchase
of
the remaining 50% interest in INFMX (Note 10), offset by a corresponding
$900,000, or 35% decrease in our cost of goods sold, an increase of $3,527,000
in operating expenses, a $36,000 charge for the equity loss on our joint
venture, offset by an increase of $597,000 of interest income.
Our
consolidated net revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2007 of
$1,520,000 decreased $3,426,000 from the $4,946,000 consolidated revenues
recorded in the same period last year. The decrease is comprised of a $1,422,000
increase in product sales, offset by a $2,807,000 decrease in infomercial sales
and a decrease of $490,000 in royalty revenues as shown in the following
table:
|
Three
Months Ended
September
30, 2007
|
Three
Months Ended
September
30, 2006
|
Increase
/ Decrease
|
|||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Product,
net of discounts
|
$
|
3,048,000
|
$
|
1,626,000
|
$
|
1,422,000
|
||||
Infomercial
|
-
|
2,807,000
|
(2,807,000
|
)
|
||||||
Less
infomercial sales return
|
(1,551,000
|
)
|
(1,551,000
|
)
|
||||||
Net
infomercial sales
|
(1,551,000
|
)
|
2,807,000
|
(4,358,000
|
)
|
|||||
Royalty
and licensing fees
|
23,000
|
513,000
|
(490,000
|
)
|
||||||
Total
revenues
|
$
|
1,520,000
|
$
|
4,946,000
|
$
|
(3,426,000
|
)
|
Gross
margins on product sales in the quarter ended September 30, 2007 were
($115,000), or (5.0%), compared to $1,898,000, or 43%, during the same period
last year. Gross margins on our various product lines vary widely and the gross
margins are impacted from period to period by sales mix and utilization of
production capacity. The $2,526,000 decrease for the three months ended
September 30, 2007 is comprised of the $753,000 decline corresponding to the
decline in sales in the third quarter of 2007, a $1,284,000 decline associated
with the return of product noted above, and a $489,000 decline in royality
and
licensing fees. Our gross margin for the quarter ended September 30,
2007, was 47% compared to 43% in the same period last year.
Research
and Development (“R&D”) expenses increased from $74,000 for the quarter
ended September 30, 2006 to $154,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2007,
or an increase of $80,000. The increase was attributed to higher product
development costs and employee related expenses due to increased R&D
activities and expanded scientific staff compared to the same period last year.
The Company expects to continue research and development expenditures to
establish the scientific basis for health claims of existing products and to
develop new products and applications.
21
Sales,
General and Administrative (“SG&A”) expenses were $4,576,000 and $1,563,000
in the quarterly periods ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 respectively, an
increase of $3,013,000, or 193%. This increase is predominately due to expanded
investment in personnel, infrastructure, and sales and marketing activities
to
meet anticipated future demands (with the exception of bad debt expense, as
described below). Specific changes in SG&A expense is detailed in the
following schedule:
|
Three
Months Ended
September
30, 2007
|
Three
Months Ended
September
30, 2006
|
Increase
/ Decrease
|
|||||||
Payroll
|
$
|
1,151,000
|
$
|
420,000
|
$
|
731,000
|
||||
Employee
benefits, payroll taxes, and hiring expenses
|
356,000
|
147,000
|
209,000
|
|||||||
Sales
and marketing
|
1,041,000
|
140,000
|
901,000
|
|||||||
Allowance
for bad debt expense, net
|
(255,000
|
)
|
-
|
(255,000
|
)
|
|||||
Operations
|
263,000
|
136,000
|
127,000
|
|||||||
Travel
and entertainment
|
180,000
|
146,000
|
34,000
|
|||||||
Rent
and facility costs
|
396,000
|
21,000
|
375,000
|
|||||||
Stock
based compensation
|
404,000
|
114,000
|
290,000
|
|||||||
Shareholder
relations
|
188,000
|
64,000
|
124,000
|
|||||||
Depreciation
and amortization, net of
|
||||||||||
allocation
to cost of goods sold
|
308,000
|
224,000
|
84,000
|
|||||||
Administration,
insurance, and other
|
544,000
|
151,000
|
393,000
|
|||||||
Total
selling, general and administrative expenses
|
$
|
4,576,000
|
$
|
1,563,000
|
$
|
3,013,000
|
In
the
three months ended September 30, 2007 our provision for the allowance for bad
debt expense was ($255,000) compared to $0 in the three months ended
September 30, 2006. This decrease is the result of an $800,000 additional
provision offset by a recovery of $1,055,000 previously provided for.
Professional
fees increased $433,000 from $314,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2006
to $747,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2007. The higher professional
fees in 2007 primarily relate to consulting fees incurred in connection with
marketing and business development activities and Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404
activities. Professional fees include costs related to accounting, legal and
consulting services.
Other
income and expense, net, increased by $561,000 in the three months ended
September 30, 2007 compared to 2006. This increase is comprised primarily of
a
$597,000 increase in interest income due to higher cash balances.
NINE
MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2007 AND 2006
For
the
nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company’s net loss was ($3,028,000),
or ($0.02) per share, compared to net income of $807,000, or $0.01 per share,
in
the same period of 2006, showing a decrease of $3,835,000. The decrease for
the
nine month period was primarily due to a $10,297,000 increase in operating
expenses, a $286,000 loss on our investment in a joint venture, and a $309,000
expense for loss on the retirement of assets when we moved our corporate offices
to Phoenix, AZ, offset by a $357,000 decline in our cost of goods sold, an
increase of $4,504,000 in royalty revenues, a $1,849,000 increase in interest
income, and a $1,250,000 gain on the settlement of a lawsuit.
Our
consolidated revenues through September 30, 2007 of $16,513,000 increased
$3,619,000, or 28%, from the same period last year. The revenue increase is
attributable to a $8,161,000, or 186%, increase in product sales, offset by
a
decrease of $9,046,000 in infomercial sales, including a $1,551,000 sales return
(Note 10), and a $4,504,000 increase in royalty and licensing revenue over
the
nine months ended September 30, 2006, as shown in the following
schedule:
22
|
Nine
Months
Ended
September
30,
2007
|
Nine
Months
Ended
September
30,
2006
|
Increase
/ Decrease
|
|||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Product,
net of discounts
|
$
|
12,545,000
|
$
|
4,384,000
|
$
|
8,161,000
|
||||
Infomercial
|
486,000
|
7,981,000
|
(7,495,000
|
)
|
||||||
Less
infomercial sales return
|
(1,551,000
|
)
|
-
|
(1,551,000
|
)
|
|||||
Net
infomercial sales
|
(1,065,000
|
)
|
7,981,000
|
(9,046,000
|
)
|
|||||
Royalty
and licensing fees
|
5,033,000
|
529,000
|
4,504,000
|
|||||||
Total
revenues
|
$
|
16,513,000
|
$
|
12,894,000
|
$
|
3,619,000
|
Gross
margins on sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 were $9,902,000,
or
47%, compared to $5,396,000, or 44%, during the same period last year. Gross
margins on our various product lines vary widely and the gross margins are
impacted from period to period by sales mix and utilization of production
capacity. The $3,976,000 increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2007
is comprised of the $756,000 increase corresponding to the sales growth in
the
nine months ended September 30, 2007, offset by the $1,284,000 decline
associated with the return of product noted above, and a $4,504,000 increase
in
royality and licensing fees.
R&D
expenses increased from $259,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006
to
$446,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, or an increase of
$187,000. The increase was attributed to higher product development costs and
employee related expenses due to increased R&D activities and expanded
scientific staff compared to the same period last year. The Company expects
to
continue research and development expenditures to establish the scientific
basis
for health claims of existing products and to develop new products and
applications.
SG&A
expenses were $12,546,000 and $4,413,000 in the nine months ended September
30,
2007 and 2006 respectively, an increase of $8,133,000, or 184%. This increase
is
predominately due to expanded investment in personnel, infrastructure, and
sales
and marketing activities to meet anticipated future demands (with the exception
of bad debt expense - see below). Specific changes in SG&A expense is
detailed in the following schedule:
|
Nine
Months
Ended
September
30,
2007
|
Nine
Months
Ended
September
30,
2006
|
Increase
/ Decrease
|
|||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Payroll
|
$
|
3,014,000
|
$
|
1,374,000
|
$
|
1,640,000
|
||||
Employee
benefits, payroll taxes, and hiring expenses
|
924,000
|
367,000
|
557,000
|
|||||||
Sales
and marketing
|
2,114,000
|
318,000
|
1,796,000
|
|||||||
Allowance
for bad debt expense
|
800,000
|
-
|
800,000
|
|||||||
Operations
|
745,000
|
246,000
|
499,000
|
|||||||
Travel
and entertainment
|
673,000
|
326,000
|
347,000
|
|||||||
Rent
and facility cost
|
689,000
|
90,000
|
599,000
|
|||||||
Stock
based compensation
|
1,667,000
|
114,000
|
1,553,000
|
|||||||
Shareholder
relations
|
425,000
|
197,000
|
228,000
|
|||||||
Depreciation
and amortization, net of
|
||||||||||
allocation
to cost of goods sold
|
555,000
|
477,000
|
78,000
|
|||||||
Administration,
insurance, and other
|
940,000
|
904,000
|
36,000
|
|||||||
Total
selling, general and administrative expenses
|
$
|
12,546,000
|
$
|
4,413,000
|
$
|
8,133,000
|
In
the
nine months ended September 30, 2007 our provision for the allowance for bad
debt expense was $800,000 (net of $1,055,000 in recoveries) compared to $0
for
the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This increase is the result of an
$1,855,000 additional provision offset by a recovery of $1,055,000 previously
provided for.
23
Professional
fees increased $1,978,000 from $764,000 for the nine months ended September
30,
2006 to $2,742,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The higher
professional fees in 2007 primarily relate to consulting fees incurred in
connection with marketing and business development activities and a charge
of
$750,000 for costs associated with developing our joint venture with Grain
Enhancements LLC (Note 10). Professional fees include costs related to
accounting, legal and consulting services.
Other
income and expense, net, increased by $2,505,000 in the nine months ended
September 30, 2007 compared to 2006. This increase is comprised of a $1,850,000
increase in interest income, a $1,250,000 gain on the settlement of a lawsuit
(Note 3), offset by a $309,000 charge for the loss on the retirement of assets,
and a $286,000 charge for the loss on the equity investment in a joint venture
(Note 10).
LIQUIDITY
AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As
of
September 30, 2007, our source of liquidity was cash in the amount of
$49,546,000. Our cash increased by $34,679,000 in the nine months ended
September 30, 2007 from our cash position of $14,867,000 at December 31, 2006.
For
the
first nine months of 2007, net cash used in operations was $1,566,000, compared
to cash used in operations in the same period of 2006 of $213,000, an increase
of $1,353,000. This increase in cash used in operations resulted primarily
from
our net loss of $3,028,000, plus the non-cash charges against income of
$1,453,000 for depreciation and amortization, $800,000 for an increase in the
provision for doubtful accounts, a $309,000 charge for the loss on the
retirement of assets, a $1,667,000 charge for stock-based compensation, a
$286,000 charge for the equity loss on our joint venture, and the increase
in
inventories of $623,000, an increase in accounts receivable of $1,545,000 (net
of a conversion of a customers’ accounts receivable of $3,881,000 to a
short-term note receivable (Note 5), an increase of $400,000 in other current
assets, and a decrease of $485,000 in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
Cash
used
in investing activities in the first nine months of 2007 was $19,527,000,
compared to $6,271,000 for the same period of 2006. This increase of 13,256,000
was primarily caused by $8,208,000 in expenditures for plant expansions and
other fixed assets, $802,000 for the purchase of intangible assets, $2,169,000
and $5,143,000 for the purchase Grainnovation, Inc. and the investment in Vital
Living, Inc., respectively, net of cash received in those transactions, the
$1,500,000 investment in the GE joint venture, and a net outflow of $1,705,000
relating to loans made by us to certain customers, net of $3,881,000 of accounts
receivable converted to short-term notes receivable (Note 5).
Cash
provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2007,
was approximately $55,772,000, which reflects proceeds from our February 2007
private placement financing (see below) and proceeds received upon the exercise
of common stock options and warrants. This is an increase of $30,867,000 from
the private placement financing, and the $8,795,000 increase from the exercise
of common stock options, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
Our working capital position as of September 30, 2007 was $56,676,000 compared
to $23,320,000 as of December 31, 2006.
On
February 15, 2007, we sold an aggregate of 20,000,000 shares of our common
stock
at a price of $2.50 per share in connection with a private placement for
aggregate gross proceeds of $50,000,000 ($46,805,000 after offering expenses).
Additionally, the investors were issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of
10,000,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $3.25 per share.
An advisor for the financing received a customary 6% cash-fee, based on
aggregate gross proceeds received from the investors, reasonable expenses and
a
warrant to purchase 1,200,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price per
share of $3.25. The warrants have a term of five years and are exercisable
after
August 16, 2007.
In
April
2007, we acquired shares of convertible preferred stock and secured convertible
notes of Vital Living, Inc. from the holders of those outstanding securities,
for an aggregate of $5,226,000 (Note 10).
24
On
May 1,
2007, we purchased the outstanding stock of Grainnovation, Inc. (“GI”) and
certain assets used in the business of GI. The purchase enables us to produce
pellets for the equine market. The purchase agreement provides for a cash
purchase price of $2,150,000, and allows NutraCea to require the former
shareholders of GI to repurchase from NutraCea the stock of GI if certain
post-closing covenants are not satisfied by GI in the six month period following
the closing of the transaction (Note 10).
In
June
2007, we entered into a joint venture with PAHL to form Grain Enhancement LLC
(Note 10). This joint venture required a $1,500,000 capital contribution which
was made in July 2007. Additional capital contributions of $2,000,000 and
$1,500,000 are due from each member in October 2007 and August 2008,
respectively. As of November 2, 2007 neither party to the LLC has made the
October 2007 scheduled contribution as the capital infusion was not needed
as of
that date, and both parties are discussing deferring that contribution until
a
later date to be agreed upon.
We
believe we have sufficient cash reserves to meet all anticipated short-term
operating requirements.
OFF
BALANCE SHEET ARANGEMENTS
We
have
not entered into any transactions with unconsolidated entities whereby we have
financial guarantees, subordinated retained interests, derivative instruments
or
other contingent arrangements that expose us to material continuing risk,
contingent liabilities, or any other obligation under a variable interest in
an
unconsolidated entity that provides financing and liquidity support or market
risk or credit risk support to the Company.
CRITICAL
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Our
discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations
are
based upon unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements, which have
been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in
the
United States of America. The preparation of financial statements requires
management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts
of
assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and disclosures on the date of
the
financial statements. On an on-going basis, we evaluate the estimates,
including, but not limited to, those related to revenue recognition. We use
authoritative pronouncements, historical experience and other assumptions as
the
basis for making judgments. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
For
further information about other critical accounting policies, see the discussion
of critical accounting policies in our 2006 Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2006.
Acquisitions
We
account for acquisitions in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (“SFAS”), No. 141 “Business Combinations” and accordingly apply the
purchase method of accounting for all business combinations initiated after
September 30, 2001 and separately identify recognized intangible assets that
meet certain criteria, amortizing these assets over their determinable useful
lives.
During
the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we implemented the following new
critical accounting policy:
In
December 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS
Interpretation No. 46R, Consolidation
of Variable Interest Entities (“FIN
46R).
Under
FIN 46R, if a business enterprise has a controlling financial interest in a
variable interest entity, the assets, liabilities, and results of the activities
of the variable interest entity should be included in consolidated financial
statements with those of the business enterprise. An enterprise that
consolidates a variable interest entity is the primary beneficiary of the
variable interest entity. FIN 46R became applicable to the Company during the
six months ended June 30, 2007. See footnote 10 for more
information.
25
Recent
accounting pronouncements
In
September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No.
157, “Fair Value Measurement” (FAS 157). This Standard defines fair value,
establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted
accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value
measurements. FAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for
fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those
fiscal years. The Company has not determined the effect that the adoption of
FAS
157 will have on its consolidated financial position, results of operations
or
cash flows.
In
February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
(SFAS) No. 159, The
Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
(SFAS
159). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments
and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be
measured at fair value. SFAS 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure
requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between entities that choose
different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities.
SFAS 159 is effective for the Company’s year ending September 30, 2009. The
Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 159 on the Company’s
financial statements. Put in recent pronouncements
In
June
2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No.48, Accounting
for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — An Interpretation of FASB Statement No.
109,
(FIN
48). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized
in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109,
“Accounting
for Income Taxes”.
FIN 48
also prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the
financial statement recognition and measurement of an uncertain tax position
taken or expected to be taken in a tax return that results in a tax benefit.
Additionally, FIN 48 provides guidance on de-recognition, statement of
operations classification of interest and penalties, accounting in interim
periods, disclosure, and transition. This interpretation is effective for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company adopted FIN 48 as of
January 1, 2007, as required. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a
material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of
operations.
In
December 2006, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position EITF 00-19-2,
Accounting
for Registration Payment Arrangements
(“FSP
EITF 00-19-2”), which provides guidance on the accounting for registration
payment arrangements. FSP EITF 00-19-2 specifies that the contingent
obligation to make future payments or otherwise transfer consideration under
a
registration payment arrangement, whether issued as a separate agreement or
included as a provision of a financial instrument or other agreement, should
be
separately recognized and measured in accordance with FASB Statement No. 5,
Accounting
for Contingencies.
A
registration payment arrangement is defined in FSP EITF 00-19-2 as an
arrangement with both of the following characteristics: (1) the
arrangement specifies that the issuer will endeavor (a) to file a
registration statement for the resale of specified financial instruments and/or
for the resale of equity shares that are issuable upon exercise or conversion
of
specified financial instruments and for that registration statement to be
declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission within a specified
grace period, and/or (b) to maintain the effectiveness of the registration
statement for a specified period of time (or in perpetuity); and (2) the
arrangement requires the issuer to transfer consideration to the counterparty
if
the registration statement for the resale of the financial instrument or
instruments subject to the arrangement is not declared effective or if
effectiveness of the registration statement is not maintained. FSP
EITF 00-19-2 is effective for registration payment arrangements and the
financial instruments subject to those arrangements that are entered into or
modified subsequent to December 21, 2006. For registration payment
arrangements and financial instruments subject to those arrangements that were
entered into prior to the issuance of FSP EITF 00-19-2, this guidance is
effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2006, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The
adoption of FSP EITF 00-19-2 on January 1, 2007 did not have a
material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of
operations.
Item
3. Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Our
cash
and cash equivalents have been maintained only with maturities of 30 days or
less. Our short-term investments have interest reset periods of 30 days or
less.
These financial instruments may be subject to interest rate risk through lost
income should interest rates increase during their limited term to maturity
or
resetting of interest rates. As of September 30, 2007, there was no long-term
debt outstanding. Future borrowings, if any, would bear interest at negotiated
rates and would be subject to interest rate risk. We do not believe that a
hypothetical adverse change of 10% in interest rates would have a material
effect on our financial position.
26
Item
4. Controls
and Procedures
We
carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation
of
management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal
financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the
Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined under Rules 13a-15(e)
and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of
the
end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based upon that evaluation,
our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer concluded that,
as
of September 30, 2007, NutraCea’s disclosure controls and procedures were
adequate to ensure that information required to be disclosed by NutraCea in
reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act were timely recorded,
processed and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities
and
Exchange Commission rules and forms.
In
August
2007, Perry Smith, LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm
advised the audit committee of our board of directors that it identified
deficiencies that existed in the design or operation of the Company’s internal
controls that it considered to be material weaknesses in the effectiveness
of
NutraCea’s internal controls. The deficiencies reported by Perry Smith included
the lack of a documented policy relating to the retention of experts that
provide assistance to NutraCea with financial transactions and insufficient
procedures to ensure timely and comprehensive analysis by management of
significant accounting transactions. In the period covered by this quarterly
report, NutraCea addressed these deficiencies. NutraCea implemented and
documented procedures to evaluate the qualifications of, and potential conflicts
with, financial experts, including requiring that NutraCea’s board of directors
approve the retention of financial experts if the dollar amount of the
transactions for which the experts will be retained exceeds certain objective
thresholds. In addition, NutraCea implemented procedures that will improve
the
timeliness and review of accounting issues, including earlier review of
accounting and reporting issues relating to significant transactions and earlier
participation by management in the analysis of the accounting impact of such
transactions.
Other
than the items identified above, during the quarter covered by this report,
there was no change in NutraCea’s internal control over financial reporting that
has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the
Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART
2.
OTHER INFORMATION
Item
1. Legal
Proceedings
From
time
to time we are involved in litigation incidental to the conduct of our business.
While the outcome of lawsuits and other proceedings against us cannot be
predicted with certainty, in the opinion of management, individually or in
the
aggregate, no such lawsuits are expected to have a material effect on our
financial position or results of operations.
Item
1A. Risk
Factors
Investors
or potential investors in our stock should carefully consider the risks
described below. Our stock price will reflect the performance of our business
relative to, among other things, our competition, expectations of securities
analysts or investors, and general economic market conditions and industry
conditions. One should carefully consider the following factors in connection
with any investment in our stock. Our business, financial condition and results
of operations could be materially adversely affected if any of the following
risks occur. Should any or all of the following risks materialize, the trading
price of our stock could decline, and investors could lose all or part of their
investment.
Risks
Related to Our Business
We
have a limited operating history and have generated losses
in the third quarter of 2007 and in each quarter before
2006.
We
began
operations in February 2000 and incurred losses in each reporting period until
the second fiscal quarter of 2006, and we incurred losses in third fiscal
quarter of 2007. Our prospects for financial success are difficult to forecast
because we have a relatively limited operating history. Our prospects for
financial success must be considered in light of the risks, expenses and
difficulties frequently encountered by companies in new, unproven and rapidly
evolving markets. Our business could be subject to any or all of the problems,
expenses, delays and risks inherent in the establishment of a new business
enterprise, including limited capital resources, possible delays in product
development, possible cost overruns due to price and cost increases in raw
product and manufacturing processes, uncertain market acceptance, and inability
to respond effectively to competitive developments and attract, retain and
motivate qualified employees. Therefore, there can be no assurance that our
business or products will be successful, that we will be able to achieve or
maintain profitable operations or that we will not encounter unforeseen
difficulties that may deplete our capital resources more rapidly than
anticipated.
27
There
are significant market risks associated with our
business.
We
have
formulated our business plan and strategies based on certain assumptions
regarding the size of the rice bran market, our anticipated share of this market
and the estimated price and acceptance of our products. These assumptions are
based on the best estimates of our management; however there can be no assurance
that our assessments regarding market size, potential market share attainable
by
us, the price at which we will be able to sell our products, market acceptance
of our products or a variety of other factors will prove to be correct. Any
future success may depend upon factors including changes in the dietary
supplement industry, governmental regulation, increased levels of competition,
including the entry of additional competitors and increased success by existing
competitors, changes in general economic conditions, increases in operating
costs including costs of production, supplies, personnel, equipment, and reduced
margins caused by competitive pressures.
We
depend on limited number of customers.
During
2006, we received approximately 67% of product sales revenue from five customers
and approximately 48% of our revenue from one customer. During the nine months
ended September 30, 2007, six customers accounted for 46% of our sales. A loss
of any of these customers could have a material adverse effect on our revenues
and results of operations.
We
rely upon a limited number of product offerings.
All
of
our products are based on stabilized rice bran. Although we will market
stabilized rice bran as a dietary supplement, as an active food ingredient
for
inclusion in our products and in other companies’ products, and in other ways, a
decline in the market demand for our products, as well as the products of other
companies utilizing our products, could have a significant adverse impact on
us.
We
are dependent upon our marketing efforts.
We
are
dependent on our ability to market products to animal food producers, food
manufacturers, mass merchandise and health food retailers, and to other
companies for use in their products. We must increase the level of awareness
of
dietary supplements in general and our products in particular. We will be
required to devote substantial management and financial resources to these
marketing and advertising efforts and there can be no assurance that it will
be
successful.
We
rely upon an adequate supply of raw rice bran.
All
of
our current products depend on our proprietary technology using unstabilized
or
raw rice bran, which is a by-product from milling paddy rice to white rice.
Our
ability to manufacture stabilized rice bran raw is currently limited to the
production capability of our production equipment at Farmers’ Rice Co-operative
(“FRC”), Archer Daniels Midland (“ADM”), our stage I plant in Mermentau, LA and
our single value-added products plant in Dillon, Montana. Between the Dillon,
Montana plant and the facilities at FRC, ADM, and Mermentau, we currently are
capable of producing just enough finished products to meet current demand.
The
existing plants do not allow for dramatic expansion of product demand, therefore
domestic production capacity is needed. Anticipating incremental demand for
NutraCea products, we completed the first phase of an expansion of the Dillon,
Montana facility in 2006. We have also entered into a new raw rice bran supply
agreement with Louisiana Rice Mill (“LRM”) in Louisiana. The supply agreement
led to the construction of a new stabilization plant in Mermentau which became
operational in April 2007. These facilities plus another stabilization and
value-added plant scheduled to be operational by the end of 2007 should meet
our
production needs for 2007, but we do not anticipate that they will meet our
longer term supply needs. Therefore, we anticipate building new facilities
to
meet the forecasted demand for our products and envision we will be able to
execute on this initiative. In the event we are unable to create additional
production capacity to produce more stabilized rice bran products to fulfill
our
current and future requirements this could materially and adversely affect
our
business, results from operations, and financial condition.
28
We
are
pursuing other supply sources in the United States and in foreign countries
and
anticipate being able to secure alternatives and back-up sources of rice bran,
although we have not entered into any definitive agreements other than the
agreements with Farmers Rice Cooperative and Louisiana Rice Mill. However,
there
can be no assurance that we will continue to secure adequate sources of raw
rice
bran to meet our requirements to produce stabilized rice bran products. Since
rice bran has a limited shelf life, the supply of rice bran is affected by
the
amount of rice planted and harvested each year. If economic or weather
conditions adversely affect the amount of rice planted or harvested, the cost
of
rice bran products that we use may increase. We are not generally able to pass
cost increases to our customers and any increase in the cost of stabilized
rice
bran products would have an adverse effect on our results of
operations.
We
face competition.
Competition
in our targeted industries, including nutraceuticals, functional food
ingredients, rice bran oils, animal feed supplements and companion pet food
ingredients is vigorous, with a large number of businesses engaged in the
various industries. Many of our competitors have established reputations for
successfully developing and marketing their products, including products that
incorporate bran from other cereal grains and other alternative ingredients
that
are widely recognized as providing similar benefits as rice bran. In addition,
many of our competitors have greater financial, managerial, and technical
resources than us. If we are not successful in competing in these markets,
we
may not be able to attain our business objectives.
Our
products could fail to meet applicable regulations which could have a material
adverse affect on our financial performance.
The
dietary supplement and cosmetic industries are subject to considerable
government regulation, both as to efficacy as well as labeling and advertising.
There is no assurance that all of our products and marketing strategies will
satisfy all of the applicable regulations of the Dietary Supplement, Health
and
Education Act, the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration and/or the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Failure to meet any
applicable regulations would require us to limit the production or marketing
of
any non-compliant products or advertising, which could subject us to financial
or other penalties.
Our
success depends in part on our ability to obtain patents, licenses and other
intellectual property rights for our products and
technology.
We
have
one patent entitled Methods for Treating Joint Inflammation, Pain and Loss
of
Mobility, which covers both humans and mammals. In addition, our subsidiary
RiceX has five United States patents and may decide to file corresponding
international applications. RiceX holds patents to the production of Beta Glucan
and to a micro nutrient enriched rice bran oil process. RiceX also holds patents
to a method to treat high cholesterol, to a method to treat diabetes and to
a
process for producing Higher Value Fractions from stabilized rice bran. The
process of seeking patent protection may be long and expensive, and there can
be
no assurance that patents will be issued, that we will be able to protect our
technology adequately, or that competition will not be able to develop similar
technology.
There
currently are no claims or lawsuits pending or threatened against us or RiceX
regarding possible infringement claims, but there can be no assurance that
infringement claims by third parties, or claims for indemnification resulting
from infringement claims, will not be asserted in the future or that such
assertions, if proven to be accurate, will not have a material adverse affect
on
our business, financial condition and results of operations. In the future,
litigation may be necessary to enforce our patents, to protect our trade secrets
or know-how or to defend against claimed infringement of the rights of others
and to determine the scope and validity of the proprietary rights of others.
Any
litigation could result in substantial cost and diversion of our efforts, which
could have a material adverse affect on our financial condition and results
of
operations. Adverse determinations in any litigation could result in the loss
of
our proprietary rights, subjecting us to significant liabilities to third
parties, require us to seek licenses from third parties or prevent us from
manufacturing or selling our systems, any of which could have a material adverse
affect on our financial condition and results of operations. There can be no
assurance that a license under a third party’s intellectual property rights will
be available to us on reasonable terms, if at all.
Failure
to achieve and maintain effective internal controls in accordance with Section
404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could have a material adverse effect on our
business and stock price.
We
are
evaluating our internal controls over financial reporting to allow management
to
report on, and our independent registered public accounting firm to attest
to,
our internal controls, as required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We will be
performing the system and process evaluation and testing (and any necessary
remediation) required to comply with the management certification and auditor
attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (“Section
404”). NutraCea is required to comply with the Section 404 requirements for its
fiscal year ending December 31, 2007. While we anticipate being able to fully
implement the requirements relating to internal controls and all other aspects
of Section 404 by our compliance deadline, we cannot be certain as to the
timing of completion of our evaluation, testing and remediation actions or
the
impact of the same on our operations. If we are not able to implement the
requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner or with adequate compliance,
we might be subject to sanctions or investigation by regulatory authorities,
including the SEC. In addition, we may be required to incur a substantial
financial investment to improve our internal systems and the hiring of
additional personnel or consultants. Failure to achieve and maintain an
effective internal control environment could have a material adverse effect
on
our business and stock price.
We
are dependent on key employees and consultants.
Our
success depends upon the efforts of our top management team, including the
efforts of Bradley D. Edson, our President and Chief Executive Officer, Todd
C.
Crow, our Chief Financial Officer, Leo Gingras, our Chief Operating Officer,
Margie D. Adelman, our Secretary and Senior Vice President and Kody K. Newland,
our Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Although we have written
employment agreements with each of the foregoing individuals there is no
assurance that such individuals will not die, become disabled, or resign. In
addition, our success is dependent upon our ability to attract and retain key
management persons for positions relating to the marketing and distribution
of
our products. There is no assurance that we will be able to recruit and employ
such executives at times and on terms acceptable to us.
29
We
have
not yet achieved positive cash flow
We
have
not generated a positive cash flow from operations continuous period to period
since commencing operations. We raised in private placements of equity
approximately $50,000,000 in February 2007, $17,560,000 in May 2006, and
$8,000,000 in October 2005, and paid off all short and long term debt
obligations. While we believe that we have adequate cash reserves and working
capital to fund current operations, our ability to meet long term business
objectives may be dependent upon our ability to raise additional financing
through public or private equity financings, establish increasing cash flow
from
operations, enter into collaborative or other arrangements with corporate
sources, or secure other sources of financing to fund long-term operations.
There is no assurance that external funds will be available on terms acceptable
to us in sufficient amount to finance operations until we do reach sufficient
positive cash flow to fund our capital expenditures. In addition, any issuance
of securities to obtain such funds would dilute percentage ownership of our
shareholders. Such dilution could also have an adverse impact on our earnings
per share and reduce the price of our common stock. Incurring additional debt
may involve restrictive covenants and increased interest costs and demand on
future cash flow. Our inability to obtain sufficient financing may require
us to
delay, scale back or eliminate some or all of our product development and
marketing programs.
Our
products may require clinical trials to establish efficacy and
safety.
Certain
of our products may require clinical trials to establish our benefit claims
or
their safety and efficacy. Such trials can require a significant amount of
resources and there is no assurance that such trials will be favorable to the
claims we make for our products, or that the cumulative authority established
by
such trials will be sufficient to support our claims. Moreover, both the
findings and methodology of such trials are subject to challenge by the FDA
and
scientific bodies. If the findings of our trials are challenged or found to
be
insufficient to support our claims, additional trials may be required before
such products can be marketed.
Risks
Related to Our Stock
Our
Stock Price is Volatile.
The
market price of a share of our common stock has fluctuated significantly in
the
past and may continue to fluctuate significantly in the future. The high and
low
closing prices of a share of common stock for the following periods
were:
|
High
|
Low
|
|||||
Three
months ended September 30, 2007
|
$
|
3.31
|
$
|
1.34
|
|||
Three
months ended June 30, 2007
|
$
|
5.04
|
$
|
2.60
|
|||
Three
months ended March 31, 2007
|
$
|
3.39
|
$
|
2.21
|
|||
Twelve
months ended December 31, 2006
|
$
|
2.74
|
$
|
0.60
|
|||
Twelve
months ended December 31, 2005
|
$
|
1.81
|
$
|
0.30
|
The
market price of a share of our common stock may continue to fluctuate in
response to a number of factors, including:
·
|
announcements
of new products or product enhancements by us or our
competitors;
|
·
|
fluctuations
in our quarterly or annual operating
results;
|
·
|
developments
in our relationships with customers and
suppliers;
|
·
|
the
loss of services of one or more of our executive officers or other
key
employees;
|
30
·
|
announcements
of technological innovations or new systems or enhancements used
by us or
our competitors;
|
·
|
developments
in our or our competitors intellectual property
rights;
|
·
|
adverse
effects to our operating results due to impairment of
goodwill;
|
·
|
failure
to meet the expectation of securities analysts’ or the public;
and
|
·
|
general
economic and market conditions.
|
We
have significant “equity overhang” which could adversely affect the market price
of our common stock and impair our ability to raise additional capital through
the sale of equity securities.
As
of
November 2, 2007, NutraCea had 142,776,599 shares of common stock outstanding.
Additionally, as of November 2, 2007, options and warrants to purchase
approximately 44,363,000 shares of our common stock were outstanding. The
possibility that substantial amounts of our outstanding common stock may be
sold
by investors or the perception that such sales could occur, often called “equity
overhang,” could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and could
impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of equity
securities in the future.
Sales
of Our Stock Pursuant to Registration Statements May Hurt Our Stock
Price
We
granted registration rights to the investors in our October 2005, May 2006
and
February 2007 capital stock and warrant financings. As of November 2, 2007,
approximately 26,220,000 shares of our common stock remained eligible for resale
pursuant to outstanding registration statements filed for these investors.
Sales
or potential sales of a significant number of shares into the public markets
may
negatively affect our stock price.
The
Exercise of Outstanding Options and Warrants May Dilute Current
Shareholders
As
of
November 2, 2007, there were outstanding options and warrants to purchase
approximately 44,363,000 shares of our common stock. Holders of these options
and warrants may exercise them at a time when we would otherwise be able to
obtain additional equity capital on terms more favorable to us. Moreover, while
these options and warrants are outstanding, our ability to obtain financing
on
favorable terms may be adversely affected.
We
may need to raise funds through debt or equity financings in the future, which
would dilute the ownership of our existing shareholders and possibly subordinate
certain of their rights to the rights of new
investors.
We
may
choose to raise additional funds in debt or equity financings if they are
available to us on terms we believe reasonable to increase our working
capital, strengthen our financial position or to make acquisitions. Any
sales of additional equity or convertible debt securities would result in
dilution of the equity interests of our existing shareholders, which could
be
substantial. Additionally, if we issue shares of preferred stock or convertible
debt to raise funds, the holders of those securities might be entitled to
various preferential rights over the holders of our common stock, including
repayment of their investment, and possibly additional amounts, before any
payments could be made to holders of our common stock in connection with an
acquisition of the company. Such preferred shares, if authorized, might be
granted rights and preferences that would be senior to, or otherwise adversely
affect, the rights and the value of our common stock. Also, new investors may
require that we and certain of our shareholders enter into voting arrangements
that give them additional voting control or representation on our board of
directors.
The
authorization of our preferred stock may have an adverse effect on the rights
of
holders of our common stock.
We
may,
without further action or vote by holders of our common stock, designate and
issue shares of our preferred stock. The terms of any series of preferred stock
could adversely affect the rights of holders of our common stock and thereby
reduce the value of our common stock. The designation and issuance of preferred
stock favorable to current management or shareholders could make it more
difficult to gain control of our Board of Directors or remove our current
management and may be used to defeat hostile bids for control which might
provide shareholders with premiums for their shares.
31
We
may engage in future acquisitions that dilute our shareholders and cause us
to
incur debt or assume contingent liabilities.
As
part
of our strategy, we expect to review opportunities to buy other businesses
or
technologies that would complement our current products, expand the breadth
of
our markets or enhance technical capabilities, or that may otherwise offer
growth opportunities. In the event of any future acquisitions, we
could:
·
|
issue
stock that would dilute current shareholders’ percentage
ownership;
|
·
|
incur
debt; or
|
·
|
assume
liabilities.
|
These
purchases also involve numerous risks, including:
·
|
problems
combining the purchased operations, technologies or
products;
|
·
|
unanticipated
costs;
|
·
|
diversion
of management’s attention from our core
business;
|
·
|
adverse
effects on existing business relationships with suppliers and
customers;
|
·
|
risks
associated with entering markets in which we have no or limited prior
experience; and
|
·
|
potential
loss of key employees of purchased
organizations.
|
We
cannot
assure you that we will be able to successfully integrate any businesses,
products, technologies or personnel that we might purchase in the
future.
Compliance
with corporate governance and public disclosure regulations may result in
additional expenses.
Changing
laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public
disclosure, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and new regulations issued
by the Securities and Exchange Commission, are creating uncertainty for
companies. In order to comply with these laws, we may need to invest substantial
resources to comply with evolving standards, and this investment would result
in
increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management
time
and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance
activities.
Our
officers and directors have limited liability and have indemnification
rights
Our
Articles of Incorporation and by-laws provide that we may indemnify our officers
and directors against losses sustained or liabilities incurred which arise
from
any transaction in that officer’s or director’s respective managerial capacity
unless that officer or director violates a duty of loyalty, did not act in
good
faith, engaged in intentional misconduct or knowingly violated the law, approved
an improper dividend, or derived an improper benefit from the
transaction.
Item
2. Unregistered
Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
During
the quarter ended September 30, 2007, NutraCea issued the following securities
without registration under the Securities Act of 1933:
Common
Stock
One
(1)
shareholder converted 2 shares of Series C Convertible preferred Stock into
2,352 shares of our common stock. The preferred shares converted at a conversion
rate of 1,176 shares of common stock for each preferred share.
Eighteen
(18) shareholders exercised options or warrants and received a total of
2,291,183 shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of
$2,089,000.
32
Options
and Warrants
We
issued
to six (6) employees options to purchase a total of 65,000 shares of common
stock with vesting periods ranging from 90 days to three years. The options
expire in ten years and have exercise prices per share ranging from $1.44 to
$3.22.
The
expense for stock options and warrants issued to consultants and employees
are
calculated at fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation method.
The
issuance of common stock upon conversion of preferred stock was exempt from
registration pursuant to Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act of 1933. All
other issuances above were made without public solicitation, and were acquired
for investment purposes only and were issued pursuant to the private placement
exemption provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.
Item
3. Defaults
Upon Senior Securities
None
Item
4. Submission
of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None
Item
5. Other
Information
None
Item
6. Exhibits
The
following exhibits are attached hereto and filed herewith:
Exhibit
Number
|
Description
of Exhibit
|
2.1
|
Asset
Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 28, 2007, between NutraCea
and
Vital Living, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to the registrant’s
current report on Form 8-K filed on October 4, 2007).
|
31.1
|
Certification
of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to §302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
|
31.2
|
Certification
of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to §302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
|
32.1
|
Certification
of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Office Pursuant to
18
U.S.C. §1350 and §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
|
33
In
accordance with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized.
NUTRACEA | ||
|
|
|
Dated: November 14, 2007 | /s/ Bradley Edson | |
Bradley
Edson
Chief
Executive Officer
|
|
|
|
Dated: November 14, 2007 | /s/ Todd C. Crow | |
Todd
C. Crow,
Chief
Financial Officer
(Principal
Accounting Officer)
|
34