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Seneca Foods Corp - Quarter Report: 2006 September (Form 10-Q)

10-Q September 30, 2006
Form 10-Q

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549


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


For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2006
Commission File Number 0-01989
Seneca Foods Corporation
(Exact name of Company as specified in its charter)
New York
16-0733425
(State or other jurisdiction of 
(I. R. S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)

3736 South Main Street, Marion, New York
14505 
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
Company's telephone number, including area code 315/926-8100

Not Applicable
Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
if changed since last report

Indicate by check mark whether the Company (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Company 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 Company is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Large accelerated filer        Accelerated filer X Non-accelerated filer       

Indicate by check mark whether the Company is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes   No   X   

The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock at the latest practical date are:
 
Class
Shares Outstanding at October 31, 2006
Common Stock Class A, $.25 Par
4,807,994
Common Stock Class B, $.25 Par
2,760,905




PART I ITEM 1 FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
 
           
   
Unaudited
     
   
September 30, 2006
 
March 31, 2006
 
ASSETS
         
           
Current Assets:
         
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
$
7,314
 
$
6,046
 
Accounts Receivable, Net
   
89,146
   
46,618
 
Inventories:
             
Finished Goods
   
592,044
   
220,185
 
Work in Process
   
68,714
   
22,012
 
Raw Materials
   
42,676
   
65,095
 
     
703,434
   
307,292
 
Off-Season Reserve (Note 2)
   
(93,148
)
 
-
 
Deferred Income Tax Asset, Net
   
5,996
   
6,426
 
Assets Held For Sale
   
22,342
   
1,369
 
Other Current Assets
   
4,921
   
2,141
 
Total Current Assets
   
740,005
   
369,892
 
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
   
176,102
   
148,501
 
Other Assets
   
3,219
   
5,273
 
Total Assets
 
$
919,326
 
$
523,666
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
             
               
Current Liabilities:
             
Notes Payable
 
$
-
 
$
57,029
 
Accounts Payable
   
214,948
   
35,163
 
Accrued Expenses
   
64,975
   
32,312
 
Income Taxes Payable
   
4,286
   
6,090
 
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt and Capital
             
Lease Obligations
   
9,188
   
9,788
 
Total Current Liabilities
   
293,397
   
140,382
 
Long-Term Debt, Less Current Portion
   
344,469
   
138,813
 
Capital Lease Obligations, Less Current Portion
   
29
   
3,773
 
Deferred Income Taxes
   
5,115
   
7,538
 
Other Long-Term Liabilities
   
21,272
   
15,381
 
Total Liabilities
   
664,282
   
305,887
 
Commitments
             
10% Preferred Stock, Series A, Voting, Cumulative,
             
Convertible, $.025 Par Value Per Share
   
102
   
102
 
10% Preferred Stock, Series B, Voting, Cumulative,
             
Convertible, $.025 Par Value Per Share
   
100
   
100
 
6% Preferred Stock, Voting, Cumulative, $.25 Par Value
   
50
   
50
 
Convertible, Participating Preferred Stock, $12.00
             
Stated Value Per Share
   
35,753
   
41,005
 
Convertible, Participating Preferred Stock, $15.50
             
Stated Value Per Share
   
8,684
   
13,229
 
Convertible, Participating Preferred Stock, $24.39
             
Stated Value Per Share
   
25,000
   
-
 
Common Stock $.25 Par Value Per Share
   
3,073
   
2,890
 
Paid in Capital
   
28,209
   
17,810
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
   
94
   
-
 
Retained Earnings
   
153,979
   
142,593
 
Stockholders' Equity
   
255,044
   
217,779
 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
$
919,326
 
$
523,666
 
               
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.



SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET EARNINGS
 
(Unaudited)
 
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
 
                   
   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
   
September 30, 2006
 
October 1, 2005
 
September 30, 2006
 
October 1, 2005
 
                   
Net Sales
 
$
283,324
 
$
244,169
 
$
431,665
 
$
400,764
 
                           
Costs and Expenses:
                         
Cost of Product Sold
   
249,098
   
219,213
   
376,580
   
357,304
 
Selling and Administrative
   
15,628
   
11,750
   
27,607
   
22,719
 
Plant Restructuring
   
-
   
1,461
   
-
   
1,461
 
Other Operating (Income) Loss
   
(1,278
)
 
1,832
   
(1,966
)
 
1,405
 
Total Costs and Expenses
   
263,448
   
234,256
   
402,221
   
382,889
 
Operating Income
   
19,876
   
9,913
   
29,444
   
17,875
 
Interest Expense
   
6,188
   
3,909
   
9,816
   
7,929
 
Earnings Before Income Taxes
   
13,688
   
6,004
   
19,628
   
9,946
 
                           
Income Taxes
   
5,165
   
2,317
   
7,446
   
3,839
 
Net Earnings
 
$
8,523
 
$
3,687
 
$
12,182
 
$
6,107
 
                           
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock
 
$
4,865
 
$
2,259
 
$
7,082
 
$
3,720
 
                           
Basic Earnings per Common Share
 
$
0.65
 
$
0.33
 
$
0.99
 
$
0.55
 
                           
Diluted Earnings per Common Share
 
$
0.65
 
$
0.33
 
$
0.99
 
$
0.54
 
                           

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.





SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(Unaudited)
 
(In Thousands)
 
           
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
September 30, 2006
 
October 1, 2005
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
         
Net Earnings
 
$
12,182
 
$
6,107
 
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Earnings to
             
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operations:
             
Depreciation & Amortization
   
11,229
   
12,454
 
Gain on the Sale of Assets
   
(1,966
)
 
(427
)
Other Non-Cash Expense
   
-
   
1,832
 
Deferred Tax Benefit
   
(1,993
)
 
(1,595
)
Changes in Working Capital (excluding the effects of
             
business combination)
             
Accounts Receivable
   
(27,586
)
 
(10,089
)
Inventories
   
(318,685
)
 
(260,524
)
Off-Season Reserve
   
101,517
   
85,514
 
Other Current Assets
   
1,815
   
3,396
 
Income Taxes
   
(1,804
)
 
1,856
 
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses
and Other Liabilities
   
176,199
   
167,319
 
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operations
   
(49,092
)
 
5,843
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
             
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment
   
(8,105
)
 
(5,431
)
Acquisition
   
(22,288
)
 
-
 
Cash Received from Acquisition
   
952
   
-
 
Proceeds from the Sale of Assets
   
3,644
   
625
 
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
   
(25,797
)
 
(4,806
)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
             
Payments on Notes Payable
   
(40,936
)
 
(141,875
)
Borrowing on Notes Payable
   
39,390
   
148,491
 
Long-Term Borrowing
   
146,093
   
83
 
    Payments on Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
   
(69,079
)
 
(8,506
)
Other
   
701
   
239
 
Dividends
   
(12
)
 
(12
)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in)Financing Activities
   
76,157
   
(1,580
)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
   
1,268
   
(543
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of the Period
   
6,046
   
5,179
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of the Period
 
$
7,314
 
$
4,636
 
 
Supplemental information of non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
$25.0 million of Preferred Stock was issued in partial consideration for the Signature acquisition in 2006. A dividend of $784,000 was recorded based on the beneficial conversion of this Preferred Stock for the difference between the exercise price of $24.385 and the average price when the acquisition was announced. The Company assumed $45.5 million of long-term debt related to the Signature acquisition.
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(In Thousands)
 
September 30, 2006

1. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, which are normal and recurring in nature, necessary to present fairly the financial position of Seneca Foods Corporation (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2006 and results of its operations and its cash flows for the interim periods presented. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. The March 31, 2006 balance sheet was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements.
 
The results of operations for the six month period ended September 30, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

In the six months ended September 30, 2006, the Company sold product for cash, on a bill and hold basis of $44,107,000 versus $79,088,000 for the six-months ended October 1, 2005 of Green Giant finished goods inventory to General Mills Operations, Inc. (“GMOI”). Under the terms of the bill and hold agreement, title to the specified inventory transferred to GMOI. In addition, the aforementioned finished goods inventory was complete, ready for shipment and segregated from the Company’s other finished goods inventory. Further, the Company had performed all of its obligations with respect to the sale of the specified Green Giant finished goods inventory.

In the three months ended October 1, 2005, the Company recorded a change in estimate related to the reduction in estimated exposure to health care expenses which increased Earnings Before Income Taxes and Net Earnings by $296,000 and $182,000, respectively. This change in estimate also increased Basic Earnings Per Share and Diluted Earnings Per Share by $.02. The change in estimate, together with the previously reported health care estimate change for the first quarter ended July 2, 2005, resulted in an increase in Earnings Before Income Taxes and Net Earnings of $1,276,000 and $784,000, respectively for the first half of 2006. The change in estimate also increased the first half of 2006 Basic Earnings Per Share and Diluted Earnings Per Share by $.07.

The accounting policies followed by the Company are set forth in Note 1 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2006 Seneca Foods Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Other footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U. S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the Company's 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

2.  
The seasonal nature of the Company's food processing business results in a timing difference between expenses (primarily overhead expenses) incurred and absorbed into product cost. All Off-Season Reserve balances, which essentially represent a contra-inventory account, are zero at fiscal year end. Depending on the time of year, Off-Season Reserve is either the excess of absorbed expenses over incurred expenses to date or the excess of incurred expenses over absorbed expenses to date. Other than at the end of the first and fourth quarter of each year, absorbed expenses exceed incurred expenses due to timing of production.

3.  
For the six months ended September 30, 2006, Comprehensive income totaled $3,610,000, including a $132,000 Net Unrealized Gain on Securities classified as available-for-sale, which are purchased solely for the Company’s 401(k) match and a $38,000 Net Unrealized Loss on a Natural Gas Hedge discussed below. Comprehensive income equaled Net Earnings for the three and six months ended October 1, 2005.

4.  
During the first quarter of 2007, the Company entered into a Natural Gas Hedge in the form of a swap transaction where the Company purchased, on a forward basis, 50% of its requirements for natural gas during the June 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006 time frame at $7.00 per decatherm. The Company realized a $429,000 loss on this hedge during the first half of 2007, and marked the remaining hedge to market resulting in a Net Unrealized Loss on this hedge of $38,000 which was recorded as an Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss on the Balance Sheet.

5.  
In November 2004, the FASB (Financial Accounting Standards Board) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 151, Inventory Costs - An Amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4. This statement amends ARB No. 43, Chapter 4, Inventory Pricing, to clarify that abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage) should be recognized as current-period charges. Additionally, SFAS 151 requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. As required, the Company adopted SFAS 151 effective April 1, 2006. This statement did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

6.  
During the quarter ended October 1, 2005, the Company announced the phase out of the labeling operation within the leased distribution facility in Salem, Oregon which resulted in a restructuring charge of $1,461,000. During the quarter ended December 31, 2005, the Company recorded an additional restructuring charge of $290,000 which represented a planned further reduction in utilization of the facility. The total restructuring charge of $1,751,000 consisted of a provision for future lease payments of $1,306,000, a cash severance charge of $368,000, and a non-cash impairment charge of $77,000. With the closure of the Walla Walla facility in the fall of 2004, the Company’s labeling and warehousing requirements at the Salem location were dramatically reduced. The Company intends to use a portion of the facility for warehousing and will attempt to sublease the remaining unutilized portion of the facility until the February 2008 expiration of the lease.

7.  
During the quarter ended October 1, 2005, as of result of a detailed review of property, plant and equipment at each plant, the Company recorded a non-cash loss on disposal of property and equipment of $1,832,000 which was included Other Expense (Income) (net) in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings.

8.  
During the quarter ended December 25, 2004, the Company announced the closure of a processing facility in Walla Walla, Washington. This facility was sold during the quarter ended July 2, 2005 for $514,000 in cash and a $3,550,000 note which carries an interest rate of 8% and is due in full May 14, 2007. This Note is secured by a mortgage on the property. The Company accounted for the sale under the installment method. During the quarter ended July 2, 2005, $427,000 of the gain was included in Other Income and an additional $2,800,000 of the gain on this sale was deferred in Other Long-Term Liabilities.

9.  
The following table summarizes the restructuring and related asset impairment charges recorded and the accruals established:

       
Long-Lived
         
   
Severance
 
Asset Charges
 
Other Costs
 
Total
 
Total expected
                 
restructuring charge
 
$
1,097
 
$
5,287
 
$
3,214
 
$
9,598
 
                           
Balance March 31, 2006
 
$
169
 
$
250
 
$
2,687
 
$
3,106
 
Cash payments
   
(138
)
     
(389
)
 
(527
)
Balance September 30, 2006
 
$
31
 
$
250
 
$
2,298
 
$
2,579
 
                           
Total costs incurred
                         
to date
 
$
1,066
 
$
5,037
 
$
916
 
$
7,019
 

The restructuring costs above relate to the phase out of the labeling operation of the leased distribution facility in Salem, Oregon, the closure of corn plants in Wisconsin and Washington and a green bean plant in upstate New York plus the removal of canned meat production from a plant in Idaho. The corn plant in Washington has been sold. The restructuring is complete in the Idaho plant and the New York plant. The Wisconsin plant is closed and is expected to be sold within a year.

The remaining severance costs are expected to be paid prior to December 30, 2006. The other costs relate to outstanding lease payments which will be paid over the remaining lives of the corresponding lease terms, which are up to five years.

10.  
Earnings per share (In thousands, except per share data):

Quarters and Year-to-date Periods Ended
 
Q U A R T E R
 
Y E A R T O D A T E
 
September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005
 
2006
 
2005
 
2006
 
2005
 
   
(In thousands, except share amounts)
 
Basic
                 
                   
Net Earnings
 
$
8,523
 
$
3,687
 
$
12,182
 
$
6,107
 
Deduct preferred stock dividends paid
   
790
   
6
   
796
   
12
 
                           
Undistributed earnings
   
7,733
   
3,681
   
11,386
   
6,095
 
Earnings allocated to participating preferred
   
2,868
   
1,422
   
4,304
   
2,375
 
                           
Earnings allocated to common shareholders
 
$
4,865
 
$
2,259
 
$
7,082
 
$
3,720
 
                           
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
7,429
   
6,829
   
7,132
   
6,791
 
                           
Basis earnings per common share
 
$
0.65
 
$
0.33
 
$
0.99
 
$
0.55
 
                           
Diluted
                         
                           
Earnings allocated to common shareholders
 
$
4,865
 
$
2,259
 
$
7,082
 
$
3,720
 
Add dividends on convertible preferred stock
   
5
   
5
   
10
   
10
 
                           
Earnings applicable to common stock on a diluted basis
 
$
4,870
 
$
2,264
 
$
7,092
 
$
3,730
 
                           
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic
   
7,429
   
6,829
   
7,132
   
6,791
 
Additional shares to be issued under full conversion of preferred stock
   
67
   
67
   
67
   
67
 
                           
Total shares for diluted
   
7,496
   
6,896
   
7,199
   
6,858
 
                           
Diluted Earnings per common share
 
$
0.65
 
$
0.33
 
$
0.99
 
$
0.54
 

11.  
The net periodic benefit cost for pension plans consist of:
   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
   
September 30, 2006
 
October 1, 2005
 
September 30, 2006
 
October 1, 2005
 
                   
Service Cost
 
$
1,021
 
$
1,259
 
$
2,080
 
$
2,199
 
Interest Cost
   
1,118
   
1,027
   
2,235
   
2,054
 
Expected Return on Plan Assets
   
(1,459
)
 
(1,377
)
 
(2,917
)
 
(2,755
)
Amortization of Transition Asset
   
(69
)
 
(69
)
 
(138
)
 
(138
)
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
$
611
 
$
840
 
$
1,260
 
$
1,360
 

During the six months ended September 30, 2006, the Company made no contributions to its defined benefit pension plans. No pension contributions are required during 2007.

12.  
During the six month period ended September 2006, there were 738,985 shares or $9,797,000 of Participating Convertible Preferred Stock converted to Class A Common Stock.

13.  
Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period classification.

14.  
During the first quarter of 2007, the Company sold a closed plant in Newark, New York and a receiving station in Pasco, Washington which resulted in gains of $282,000 and $406,000, respectively. During the second quarter of 2007, the Company sold a closed plant in East Williamson, New York which resulted in a gain of $1,610,000 and a warehouse facility in New Plymouth, Idaho which resulted in a loss of $321,000. These gains and losses are included in Other Operating Income in the Statements of Net Earnings. Each of these facilities had been included in Assets Held For Sale on the Balance Sheet.

15.  
The only changes in Stockholders’ Equity accounts for the six months period ended September 30, 2006, other than the Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss described above, is an increase of $12,182,000 for Net Earnings ,a reduction of $12,000 for preferred cash dividends and non-cash dividend of $784,000 related to the beneficial conversion of new Participating Preferred Stock issued in partial consideration for the purchase of Signature Fruit Company, LLC.

16.  
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)”. This standard requires employers to recognize the underfunded or overfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur through accumulated other comprehensive income, which is a component of stockholders’ equity. Additionally, SFAS No. 158 requires employers to measure the funded status of a plan as of the date of its year-end statement of financial position, which is consistent with the Company’s present measurement date. The Company has evaluated the impact that the implementation of SFAS No. 158 will have on its financial statements. Utilizing current assumptions, which may change by the March 31, 2007 measurement date, the Company anticipates an approximate $2.9 million after-tax decrease to accumulated other comprehensive income, which would result in a reduction to stockholders’ equity. SFAS No. 158 does not change the amount of actuarially determined expense that is recorded in the consolidated statement of income. The new reporting requirements and related new footnote disclosure rules of SFAS No. 158 are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2006.

17.  
In July 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “ Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 ,” (“FIN 48”), which seeks to reduce the diversity in practice associated with the accounting and reporting for uncertainty in income tax positions. This interpretation prescribes a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns. An uncertain tax position will be recognized if it is determined that it is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. The tax position is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The cumulative effect of applying the provisions of this interpretation is to be reported as a separate adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the year of adoption. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and the Company plans to adopt the pronouncement in the first quarter of fiscal 2008. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of FIN 48 on its consolidated financial statements.

18.  
On August 18, 2006, the Company completed its acquisition of 100% of the membership interest in Signature Fruit Company, LLC (“Signature”) from John Hancock Life Insurance Company and John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company. The rationale for the acquisition was twofold: (1) to broaden the Company’s product offerings into the canned fruit business; and (2) to take advantage of distribution efficiencies by combining vegetables and fruits on shipments since the customer base of the two companies is similar. The purchase price totaled $47.3 million plus the assumption of certain liabilities. This acquisition was financed with proceeds from a newly expanded $250.0 million revolving credit facility, and $25.0 million of the Company’s Participating Convertible Preferred Stock. The Preferred Stock is convertible into the Company’s Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis subject to antidilution adjustments. The Preferred Stock was valued at $24.385 per share based on the market value of the Class A Common Stock during the 30 day average period prior to the acquisition. A dividend of $784,000 was recorded based on the beneficial conversion of this Preferred Stock for the difference between the exercise price of $24.385 and the average price when the acquisition was announced. The purchase price to acquire Signature was allocated based on the internally developed fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired and is subject to revision after the results of the independent valuation of property, plant, and equipment becomes available. The purchase price of $47.3 million has been calculated as follows (in millions):



Cash
 
$
20.0
 
Issuance of convertible preferred stock
   
25.0
 
Closing costs
   
2.3
 
Purchase Price
 
$
47.3
 

The total purchase price of the transaction has been allocated as follows:
     
Current assets
 
$
125.2
 
Property, plant and equipment
   
31.0
 
Other assets
   
2.3
 
Current liabilities
   
(57.7
)
Long-term debt
   
(45.5
)
Other non-current liabilities
   
(8.0
)
Total
 
$
47.3
 
:

In connection with the August 18, 2006 acquisition of Signature Fruit Company, LLC, the Company expanded its revolving credit facility (“Revolver”) from $100 million to $250 million with a five-year term to finance its seasonal working capital requirements. As of September 30, 2006, the outstanding balance of the Revolver was $162.7 million.




ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION RESULTS AND OF OPERATIONS
 
September 30, 2006
 
Seneca Foods Corporation is primarily a vegetable and fruit processing company with manufacturing facilities located throughout the United States. Its products are sold under the Libby’sÒ, Aunt Nellie’s Farm KitchenÒ, Stokely’sÒ, READÒ, and SenecaÒ labels as well as through the private label and industrial markets. In addition, under an alliance with General Mills Operations, Inc. (GMOI), a successor to the Pillsbury Company and a subsidiary of General Mills, Inc., Seneca produces canned and frozen vegetables, which are sold by General Mills Operations, Inc. under the Green GiantÒ label.

The Company’s raw product is harvested mainly between June through November. The Company experienced favorable growing conditions last summer and early fall reflecting a combination of adequate heat units and moisture. These beneficial growing conditions favorably impacted crop yields and plant recovery rates, and further resulted in favorable manufacturing variances.

On August 18, 2006, the Company completed its acquisition of 100% of the membership interest in Signature Fruit Company, LLC (“Signature”) from John Hancock Life Insurance Company and John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company. The rationale for the acquisition was twofold: (1) to broaden the Company’s product offerings into the canned fruit business; and (2) to take advantage of distribution efficiencies by combining vegetables and fruits on shipments since the customer base of the two companies is similar. The purchase price totaled $47.3 million plus the assumption of certain liabilities. This acquisition was financed with proceeds from a newly expanded $250.0 million revolving credit facility, and $25.0 million of the Company’s Participating Convertible Preferred Stock. The Preferred Stock is convertible into the Company’s Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis subject to antidilution adjustments. The Preferred Stock was valued at $24.385 per share based on the market value of the Class A Common Stock during the 30 day average period prior to the acquisition. A dividend of $784,000 was recorded based on the beneficial conversion of this Preferred Stock for the difference between the exercise price of $24.385 and the average price when the acquisition was announced. The purchase price to acquire Signature was allocated based on the internally developed fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired and is subject to revision after the results of the independent valuation of property, plant, and equipment becomes available. The purchase price of $47.3 million has been calculated as follows (in millions):
 

Cash
 
$
20.0
 
Issuance of convertible preferred stock
   
25.0
 
Closing costs
   
2.3
 
Purchase Price
 
$
47.3
 

The total purchase price of the transaction has been allocated as follows:
     
Current assets
 
$
125.2
 
Property, plant and equipment
   
31.0
 
Other assets
   
2.3
 
Current liabilities
   
(57.7
)
Long-term debt
   
(45.5
)
Other non-current liabilities
   
(8.0
)
Total
 
$
47.3
 

In connection with the August 18, 2006 acquisition of Signature Fruit Company, LLC, the Company expanded its revolving credit facility (“Revolver”) from $100 million to $250 million with a five-year term to finance its seasonal working capital requirements. As of September 30, 2006, the outstanding balance of the Revolver was $162.7 million.

During fiscal 2005, the Company implemented a restructuring program which principally involved the closure of three processing facilities, including a green bean plant in upstate New York and corn plants in Wisconsin and Washington. The rationalization of the Company’s productive capacity: (1) improved the Company’s overall cost structure and competitive position; (2) addressed the excess capacity situation arising from the recent acquisition of Chiquita Processed Foods and decline in GMOI volume requirements; and (3) mitigated the effect of inflationary pressures on the Company’s raw material inputs such as steel and fuel.

During the quarter ended October 1, 2005, the Company announced the phase out of the labeling operation within the leased distribution facility in Salem, Oregon which resulted in a restructuring charge of $1,461,000. During the quarter ended December 31, 2005, the Company recorded an additional restructuring charge of $290,000 which represented a planned further reduction in utilization of the facility. The total restructuring charge of $1,751,000 consisted of a provision for future lease payments of $1,306,000, a cash severance charge of $368,000, and a non-cash impairment charge of $77,000. With the closure of the Walla Walla facility in the fall of 2004, the Company’s labeling and warehousing requirements at the Salem location were dramatically reduced. The Company intends to use a portion of the facility for warehousing and will attempt to sublease the remaining unutilized portion of the facility until the February 2008 expiration of the lease.

During the quarter ended December 25, 2004, the Company announced the closure of a processing facility in Walla Walla, Washington. This facility was sold during the quarter ended July 2, 2005 for $514,000 in cash and a $3,550,000 note which carries an interest rate of 8% and is due in full May 14, 2007. This Note is secured by a mortgage on the property. The Company accounted for the sale under the installment method. During the quarter ended July 2, 2005, $427,000 of the gain was included in Other Income and an additional $2,800,000 of the gain on this sale was deferred in Other Long-Term Liabilities.

The fiscal 2006 asparagus harvest, completed in the first quarter, represented a partial pack as GMOI moved the production of asparagus offshore from the Dayton, Washington manufacturing facility. As fiscal 2006 represents the final year of operation for the Dayton, Washington facility, the Company and GMOI have negotiated a definitive agreement related to the pending closure of this facility. Under the terms of the agreement, any costs incurred by the Company related to the asparagus production prior to March 31, 2006 were paid by GMOI. The Company retained ownership of the real estate associated with the Dayton facility. In addition, the manufacturing equipment of the Dayton facility was either conveyed to GMOI, redeployed by the Company, or salvaged. GMOI reduced the principal balance of the $43.1 million secured nonrecourse subordinated promissory note by $0.6 million, which represents the net book value of the equipment to be conveyed to GMOI or salvaged.

Results of Operations:

Sales:

Second quarter results include Net Sales of $283.3 million, which represent a 16.0% increase, or $39.1 million from the second quarter of fiscal 2006. This sales increase primarily reflects two months of sales from the Signature Fruit acquisition which amounted to $47.1 million and a canned vegetable sales increase of $15.6 million from growth in retail sales, partially offset by a planned decrease in Green Giant Alliance sales of $26.2 million.

Six months ended September 30, 2006 include Net Sales of $431.7 million, which represent a 7.7% increase, or $30.9 million compared to the prior year. The sales increase reflects the aforementioned second quarter Signature Fruit acquisition which amounted to $47.1 million in sales and a $27.5 million increase in canned vegetable sales from growth in retail sales. These increases were partially offset by a planned decrease Green Giant Alliance sales of $46.7 million.

The following table presents the changes by business:

   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
   
September 30, 2006
 
October 1, 2005
 
September 30, 2006
 
October 1, 2005
 
Canned Vegetables
 
$
150.0
 
$
134.4
 
$
280.2
 
$
252.7
 
Green Giant Alliance
   
67.9
   
94.1
   
70.9
   
117.6
 
Frozen Vegetables
   
9.1
   
6.6
   
15.6
   
13.0
 
Fruit and Chip Products
   
51.6
   
5.8
   
56.9
   
11.4
 
Other
   
4.7
   
3.3
   
8.1
   
6.1
 
   
$
283.3
 
$
244.2
 
$
431.7
 
$
400.8
 

Operating Income:

The following table presents components of Operating Income as a percentage of Net Sales:

   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
   
September 30, 2006
 
October 1, 2005
 
September 30, 2006
 
October 1, 2005
 
Gross Margin
   
12.1
%
 
10.3
%
 
12.8
%
 
10.9
%
                           
Selling
   
3.2
%
 
2.8
%
 
3.8
%
 
3.1
%
Administrative
   
2.3
%
 
2.0
%
 
2.6
%
 
2.5
%
Plant Restructuring
         
0.6
%
       
0.4
%
Other Operating Income
   
-0.5
%
 
0.8
%
 
-0.5
%
 
0.4
%
                           
Operating Income
   
7.1
%
 
4.1
%
 
6.9
%
 
4.5
%
                           
Interest Expense
   
2.2
%
 
1.6
%
 
2.3
%
 
2.0
%

For the three month period ended September 30, 2006, the gross margin increased from 10.3% to 12.1% reflecting favorable manufacturing variances associated with the excellent growing season last year which drove improved crop yields and plant recovery rates. Furthermore, the Company’s overall cost structure benefited from the closure of three processing facilities in connection with the plant restructuring program implemented in 2005.

For the six month period ended September 30, 2006, the gross margin increased from 10.9% to 12.8% reflecting favorable manufacturing variances associated with the excellent growing season last year which drove improved crop yields and plant recovery rates. Furthermore, the Company’s overall cost structure benefited from the closure
of three processing facilities in connection with the plant restructuring program implemented in 2005.

The selling percent increase in 2006 for both and quarter and year-to-date periods was primarily as a result of the lower Green Giant alliance sales which have no selling costs.

The Plant Restructuring cost of $1.5 million related to the elimination of the Salem, Oregon labeling operation impacted the 2005 second quarter and year-to-date operating results.

Interest increased as a percentage of sales from 1.6% to 2.2% primarily due to higher average borrowings during the three-month period ended September 30, 2006 as compared to the three-month period end October 1, 2005 due to the Signature acquisition and the debt assumed in the acquisition and the large vegetable crop which resulted in higher inventories.

Income Taxes:

The effective tax rate was 37.9% and 38.6% for the six month periods ended September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005, respectively. The reduction in the rate reflects the impact of the second phase of the Manufacturers Credit on the Company’s effective tax rate. The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 created the Manufacturers Credit which is commonly referred to as Section 199. Under this new law, once fully phased in, manufacturers will receive a nine percent tax credit for certain qualifying production activities income for the taxable year. This credit is limited to 50 percent of W-2 wages for the taxable year.

Earnings per Share 

Basic per share were $1.06 and $0.55 for the six months ended September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005, respectively. Diluted earnings per share were $1.05 and $0.54 for the six months ended September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005, respectively. For details of the calculation of these amounts, refer to footnote 10 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Liquidity and Capital Resources:
The financial condition of the Company is summarized in the following table and explanatory review (in thousands except ratios):

   
September
 
March
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
2006
 
2005
 
Working Capital:
                 
Balance
 
$
446,608
 
$
209,292
 
$
229,510
 
$
205,430
 
Change in Quarter
   
212,482
   
3,862
   
-
   
-
 
Notes Payable
   
-
   
66,269
   
57,029
   
60,733
 
Long-Term Debt
   
344,498
   
152,430
   
142,586
   
154,125
 
Current Ratio
   
2.52
   
2.19
   
2.63
   
2.34
 

As shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Cash Used by Operating Activities was $49.1 million in the first half of 2007, compared to Cash Provided by Operating Activities of $5.8 million in the first half of 2006. The $54.9 million decrease in cash generation is primarily a result of the acquisition of Signature Fruit just prior to the fruit production period where a major increase in Inventory took place that did not result a substantial increase in Accounts Payable since the terms of payment were relatively short. This was partially offset by the improved net earnings of $12.2 million in the first half of 2007 as compared to $6.1 million in the first half of 2006.

As compared to October 1, 2005, Inventory increased $42.2 million (net of the Off Season Reserve, which was $16.0 million). The Inventory increase primarily reflects a $35.7 million increase (net of the Off Season Reserve increase) in Finished Goods, a $6.2 million increase in Work in Process and $0.3 million increase in Raw Materials. The Finished Goods increase reflects a larger harvest this year and the Signature acquisition discussed above. The Work in Process increase and the Raw Materials increase are both due to Cans and Ends which net to $6.5 million increase between the two categories due to increased internalization of production of Cans and Ends.

Cash Used in Investing Activities was $25.8 million in the first half of 2007 compared to $4.8 million in the first half half of 2006. The Signature acquisition in 2007 totaling $22.3 million was the major reason for this change. Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment were $8.1 million in fiscal 2007 as compared to $5.4 million in fiscal 2006. In 2007, there were no significant capital projects.

Cash Provided by Financing Activities was $76.2 million in the first half of 2007, principally consisting of borrowing on the revolving credit facility of $185.3 million and the repayment of $69.1 million of Long-Term Debt. Cash Used in Financing Activities of $1.6 million in the first half of 2006 included the issuance of $8.5 million of Notes Payable partially offset by the repayment of $6.6 million of Long-Term Debt.

In connection with the August 18, 2006 acquisition of Signature Fruit Company, LLC, the Company expanded its revolving credit facility (“Revolver”) from $100 million to $250 million with a five-year term to finance its seasonal working capital requirements. As of September 30, 2006, the outstanding balance of the Revolver was $162.7 million. We believe that cash flows from operations and availability under our Revolver will provide adequate funds for our working capital needs, planned capital expenditures, and debt service obligations for at least the next 12 months.

The Company’s credit facilities contain various financial covenants. At September 30, 2006, the Company was in compliance with all such financial covenants.

Seasonality

The Company's revenues typically have been higher in the second and third quarters, primarily because the Company sells, on a bill and hold basis, Green Giant canned and frozen vegetables to General Mills Operations, Inc. at the end of each pack cycle. The two largest commodities are peas and corn, which are sold in the second and third quarters, respectively. See the Critical Accounting Policies section below for further details. In addition, our non Green Giant sales have exhibited seasonality with the third quarter generating the highest sales. This quarter reflects increased sales of the Company’s products during the holiday period.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about management's beliefs or expectations, are forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act (PSLRA) of 1995. The Company wishes to take advantage of the "safe harbor" provisions of the PSLRA by cautioning that numerous important factors which involve risks and uncertainties in the future could affect the Company's actual results and could cause its actual consolidated results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made by, or on behalf of, the Company. These factors include, among others: general economic and business conditions; cost and availability of commodities and other raw materials such as vegetables, steel and packaging materials; transportation costs; climate and weather affecting growing conditions and crop yields; leverage and ability to service and reduce the Company's debt; foreign currency exchange and interest rate fluctuations; effectiveness of marketing and trade promotion programs; changing consumer preferences; competition; product liability claims; the loss of significant customers or a substantial reduction in orders from these customers; changes in, or the failure or inability to comply with, U.S., foreign and local governmental regulations, including environmental regulations; and other factors discussed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect management's analysis only as the date hereof. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements.

Critical Accounting Policies

In the six-months ended September 30, 2006, the Company sold product for cash, on a bill and hold basis $44,107,000, versus $79,088,000 for the six-months ended October 1, 2005 of Green Giant finished goods inventory to General Mills Operations, Inc. (“GMOI”). Under the terms of the above bill and hold agreement, title to the specified inventory transferred to GMOI. In addition, the aforementioned finished goods inventory was complete, ready for shipment and segregated from the Company’s other finished goods inventory. Further, the Company had performed all of its obligations with respect to the sale of the specified Green Giant finished goods inventory.

The seasonal nature of the Company's Food Processing business results in a timing difference between expenses (primarily overhead expenses) incurred and absorbed into product cost. All Off-Season Reserve balances, which essentially represent a contra-inventory account, are zero at fiscal year end. Depending on the time of year, Off-Season Reserve is either the excess of absorbed expenses over incurred expenses to date or the excess of incurred expenses over absorbed expenses to date. Other than at the end of the first and fourth quarter of each year, absorbed expenses exceed incurred expenses due to timing of production.

Trade promotions are an important component of the sales and marketing of the Company’s branded products, and are critical to the support of the business. Trade promotion costs, which are recorded as a reduction of net sales, include amounts paid to encourage retailers to offer temporary price reductions for the sale of our products to consumers, amounts paid to obtain favorable display positions in retailers’ stores, and amounts paid to retailers for shelf space in retail stores. Accruals for trade promotions are recorded primarily at the time of sale of product to the retailer based on expected levels of performance. Settlement of these liabilities typically occurs in subsequent periods primarily through an authorized process for deductions taken by a retailer from amounts otherwise due to us. As a result, the ultimate cost of a trade promotion program is dependent on the relative success of the events and the actions and level of deductions taken by retailers for amounts they consider due to them. Final determination of the permissible deductions may take extended periods of time.

ITEM 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is exposed to various market risk factors, including changes in general economic conditions, competition and raw material pricing and availability. In addition the Company is exposed to fluctuations in interest rates, primarily related to its revolving credit facility. To manage interest rate risk, the Company uses both fixed and variable interest rate debt. During fiscal 2007, the Company entered into a natural gas hedge for 50% of its requirements during the production season. There have been no other material changes to the Company’s exposure to market risk since March 31, 2006.

ITEM 4 Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains a system of internal and disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis. The Company’s Board of Directors, operating through its Audit Committee, which is composed entirely of independent outside directors, provides oversight to the financial reporting process.

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Our disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose in our reports that we file with the SEC under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed and reported on a timely basis. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2006, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at providing reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that our controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information required to be included in this report.

There were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during its most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect its internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act.




PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1. Legal Proceedings

None.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the period ended March 31, 2006.

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds


Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) or Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
Class A Common
Class B Common
Class A Common
Class B Common
07/01/06 - 07/31/06
5,000
-
$25.75
-
N/A
N/A
08/01/06 - 08/31/06
-
-
-
-
N/A
N/A
09/01/06 - 09/30/06
-
-
-
-
N/A
N/A
Total
5,000
-
$25.75
-
N/A
N/A
__________
(1) These purchases were made in open market transactions by the trustees under the Seneca Foods Corporation Employees' Savings Plan 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to provide employee matching contributions under the plan.

Item 3. Defaults on Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 
None.
 
Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits


31.1 Certification of Kraig H. Kayser pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)
31.2 Certification of Roland E. Breunig pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)
32  Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)





SIGNATURES


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




 
Seneca Foods Corporation
(Company)



/s/Kraig H. Kayser 
November 8, 2006
Kraig H. Kayser
President and
Chief Executive Officer


/s/Jeffrey L. Van Riper 
November 8, 2006
Jeffrey L. Van Riper
Controller and
Chief Accounting Officer