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Seneca Foods Corp - Quarter Report: 2016 December (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C.  20549

Form 10‑Q

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

For the Quarter Ended December 31, 2016
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  No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes  No 

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

Large accelerated filer    Accelerated filer  þ Non-accelerated filer  ¨ Smaller reporting company 

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

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 January 20, 2017
Common Stock Class A, $.25 Par
7,864,780
Common Stock Class B, $.25 Par
1,894,221



Seneca Foods Corporation
     
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
     
Table of Contents
     
         
     
Page
 
         
PART 1
 FINANCIAL INFORMATION
     
         
  Item 1
Financial Statements:
     
         
        Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets-December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and
   
1
 
        March 31, 2016
       
           
        Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings-Three and Nine Months Ended
       
        December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015
   
2
 
           
        Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income-Three and Nine Months Ended
       
        December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015
   
2
 
           
        Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows-Nine Months Ended
       
        December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015
   
3
 
           
        Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity-Nine Months Ended
       
        December 31, 2016
   
4
 
           
         Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
   
5
 
           
  Item 2
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
       
        and Results of Operations
   
12
 
           
  Item 3
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
   
19
 
           
  Item 4
Controls and Procedures
   
20
 
           
PART II
 OTHER INFORMATION
       
           
  Item 1
Legal Proceedings
   
21
 
           
  Item 1A
Risk Factors
   
21
 
           
  Item 2
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
   
21
 
           
  Item 3
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
   
21
 
           
  Item 4
Mine Safety Disclosures
   
21
 
           
  Item 5
Other Information
   
21
 
           
  Item 6
Exhibits
   
21
 
           
SIGNATURES
     
23
 
 

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
 
                   
   
Unaudited
   
Unaudited
       
   
December 31,
   
December 26,
   
March 31,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
 
ASSETS
                 
                   
Current Assets:
                 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
$
10,260
   
$
19,029
   
$
8,602
 
Accounts Receivable, Net
   
67,357
     
74,981
     
76,788
 
Assets Held For Sale
   
5,025
     
-
     
5,025
 
Inventories:
                       
  Finished Goods
   
511,838
     
482,025
     
366,911
 
  Work in Process
   
24,642
     
23,352
     
17,122
 
  Raw Materials and Supplies
   
119,888
     
125,804
     
183,674
 
    Total Inventories
   
656,368
     
631,181
     
567,707
 
Other Current Assets
   
11,146
     
12,387
     
15,765
 
  Total Current Assets
   
750,156
     
737,578
     
673,887
 
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
   
217,983
     
189,765
     
188,837
 
Deferred Income Tax Asset, Net
   
16,534
     
14,947
     
12,897
 
Other Assets
   
20,038
     
17,929
     
19,706
 
    Total Assets
 
$
1,004,711
   
$
960,219
   
$
895,327
 
                         
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                       
                         
Current Liabilities:
                       
  Notes Payable
 
$
1,255
   
$
402
   
$
402
 
  Accounts Payable
   
98,170
     
99,256
     
67,410
 
  Accrued Vacation
   
11,702
     
11,761
     
11,792
 
  Accrued Payroll
   
5,843
     
6,181
     
9,438
 
  Other Accrued Expenses
   
41,826
     
37,056
     
27,627
 
  Income Taxes Payable
   
8,830
     
14,188
     
2,974
 
  Current Portion of Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
   
11,106
     
311,864
     
279,815
 
Total Current Liabilities
   
178,732
     
480,708
     
399,458
 
Long-Term Debt, Less Current Portion
   
343,634
     
36,650
     
35,967
 
Capital Lease Obligations, Less Current Portion
   
25,992
     
-
     
4,988
 
Pension Liabilities
   
35,230
     
40,622
     
37,798
 
Other Long-Term Liabilities
   
3,509
     
11,967
     
11,942
 
    Total Liabilities
   
587,097
     
569,947
     
490,153
 
Commitments and Contingencies
                       
Stockholders' Equity:
                       
  Preferred Stock
   
1,324
     
1,344
     
1,344
 
  Common Stock, $.25 Par Value Per Share
   
3,024
     
3,023
     
3,023
 
  Additional Paid-in Capital
   
97,433
     
97,373
     
97,373
 
  Treasury Stock, at Cost
   
(67,550
)
   
(63,358
)
   
(65,709
)
  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
   
(28,396
)
   
(31,804
)
   
(28,396
)
  Retained Earnings
   
411,779
     
383,694
     
397,539
 
    Total Stockholders' Equity
   
417,614
     
390,272
     
405,174
 
      Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
$
1,004,711
   
$
960,219
   
$
895,327
 
                         
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
         


1

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET EARNINGS
 
(Unaudited)
 
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
 
                         
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
December 31,
   
December 26,
   
December 31,
   
December 26,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
                         
Net Sales
 
$
369,705
   
$
432,198
   
$
979,566
   
$
971,658
 
                                 
Costs and Expenses:
                               
  Cost of Product Sold
   
332,230
     
378,816
     
891,904
     
868,304
 
  Selling and Administrative
   
21,116
     
19,505
     
57,023
     
51,955
 
  Restructuring
   
1,316
     
9,624
     
2,778
     
9,558
 
  Other Operating (Income) Expense
   
1,153
     
(24,197
)
   
1,172
     
(24,600
)
  Total Costs and Expenses
   
355,815
     
383,748
     
952,877
     
905,217
 
    Operating Income
   
13,890
     
48,450
     
26,689
     
66,441
 
(Earnings) Loss From Equity Investment
   
(333
)
   
46
     
(500
)
   
132
 
Interest Expense, Net
   
2,414
     
2,191
     
6,709
     
5,772
 
Earnings Before Income Taxes
   
11,809
     
46,213
     
20,480
     
60,537
 
                                 
Income Taxes
   
3,628
     
15,090
     
6,217
     
19,924
 
Net  Earnings
 
$
8,181
   
$
31,123
   
$
14,263
   
$
40,613
 
                                 
Earnings Attributable to Common Stock
 
$
8,100
   
$
30,832
   
$
14,115
   
$
40,180
 
                                 
  Basic Earnings per Common Share
 
$
0.83
   
$
3.12
   
$
1.44
   
$
4.06
 
                                 
  Diluted Earnings per Common Share
 
$
0.82
   
$
3.10
   
$
1.43
   
$
4.04
 
                                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
         
 

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
(Unaudited)
 
(In Thousands)
 
                         
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
December 31,
   
December 26,
   
December 31,
   
December 26,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
                         
Comprehensive income:
                       
  Net earnings
 
$
8,181
   
$
31,123
   
$
14,263
   
$
40,613
 
  Change in pension and post retirement benefits (net of tax)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
    Total
 
$
8,181
   
$
31,123
   
$
14,263
   
$
40,613
 
                                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
         
 
2

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(Unaudited)
 
(In Thousands)
 
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
December 31, 2016
   
December 26, 2015
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
           
  Net Earnings
 
$
14,263
   
$
40,613
 
  Adjustments to Reconcile Net Earnings to
               
    Net Cash Used in Operations:
               
      Depreciation & Amortization
   
18,209
     
15,884
 
      Loss (Gain) on the Sale of Assets
   
149
     
(43
)
  Provision for Restructuring and Impairment
   
3,830
     
9,558
 
      (Earnings) Loss From Equity Investment
   
(500
)
   
132
 
      Deferred Income Tax Benefit
   
(3,637
)
   
(966
)
      Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities (net of acquisition):
               
        Accounts Receivable
   
9,431
     
1,150
 
        Inventories
   
(88,661
)
   
(130,398
)
        Other Current Assets
   
4,619
     
15,739
 
        Income Taxes
   
5,856
     
12,401
 
        Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses
               
            and Other Liabilities
   
26,732
     
23,465
 
  Net Cash Used in Operations
   
(9,709
)
   
(12,465
)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
               
  Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment
   
(23,389
)
   
(6,396
)
  Proceeds from the Sale of Assets
   
123
     
156
 
  Cash Paid for Acquisition (Net of Cash Acquired)
   
-
     
(23,784
)
  Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
   
(23,266
)
   
(30,024
)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
               
  Long-Term Borrowing
   
411,483
     
301,232
 
  Payments on Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
   
(374,577
)
   
(238,871
)
  Borrowings (Payments) on Notes Payable
   
853
     
(9,501
)
  Other
   
(1,273
)
   
143
 
  Purchase of Treasury Stock
   
(1,841
)
   
(2,081
)
  Dividends
   
(12
)
   
(12
)
  Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
   
34,633
     
50,910
 
                 
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
   
1,658
     
8,421
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of the Period
   
8,602
     
10,608
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of the Period
 
$
10,260
   
$
19,029
 
                 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
               
   Noncash Transactions:
               
      Property, Plant and Equipment Purchased Under Capital Lease Obligations
 
$
23,056
   
$
-
 
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
3

         
SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
(Unaudited)
 
(In Thousands)
 
                                     
               
Additional
         
Accumulated Other
       
   
Preferred
   
Common
   
Paid-In
   
Treasury
   
Comprehensive
   
Retained
 
   
Stock
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Stock
   
Loss
   
Earnings
 
                                     
Balance March 31, 2016
 
$
1,344
   
$
3,023
   
$
97,373
   
$
(65,709
)
 
$
(28,396
)
 
$
397,539
 
Net earnings
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
14,263
 
Cash dividends paid
                                               
  on preferred stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(23
)
Equity incentive program
   
-
     
-
     
41
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Preferred stock conversion
   
(20
)
   
1
     
19
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Purchase treasury stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(1,841
)
   
-
     
-
 
Balance December 31, 2016
 
$
1,324
   
$
3,024
   
$
97,433
   
$
(67,550
)
 
$
(28,396
)
 
$
411,779
 
                                                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
   
Preferred Stock
   
Common Stock
 
     
6
%
   
10
%
                       
   
Cumulative Par
   
Cumulative Par
         
2003 Series
             
   
Value $.25
   
Value $.025
   
Participating
   
Participating
   
Class A
   
Class B
 
   
Callable at Par
   
Convertible
   
Convertible Par
   
Convertible Par
   
Common Stock
   
Common Stock
 
   
Voting
   
Voting
   
Value $.025
   
Value $.025
   
Par Value $.25
   
Par Value $.25
 
Shares authorized and designated:
                                       
December 31, 2016
   
200,000
     
1,400,000
     
89,751
     
500
     
20,000,000
     
10,000,000
 
Shares outstanding:
                                               
December 31, 2016
   
200,000
     
807,240
     
89,751
     
500
     
7,864,780
     
1,894,221
 
                                                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
4


 

 
SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
December 31, 2016
 
 
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 December 31, 2016 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, 2016 balance sheet was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements.
The results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended December 31, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
On December 9, 2016, the Company entered into a Loan and Guaranty Agreement ("Loan Agreement") with Farm Credit East, ACA which provides for a $100,000,000 unsecured term loan with a maturity date of December 9, 2021.  Borrowings under the Loan Agreement may be used for working capital and general corporate purposes.  The Loan Agreement contains restrictive covenants usual and customary for loans of this type.


During the nine months ended December 31, 2016, the Company sold $95,253,000 of Green Giant finished goods inventory to B&G Foods, Inc. for cash, on a bill and hold basis, as compared to $126,050,000  for the nine months ended December 26, 2015.  Under the terms of the bill and hold agreement, title to the specified inventory transferred to B&G.  The Company believes it has met the criteria required for bill and hold treatment.


The accounting policies followed by the Company are set forth in Note 1 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company's 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Other footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 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 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

All references to years are fiscal years ended or ending March 31 unless otherwise indicated.  Certain percentage tables may not foot due to rounding.

Reclassifications—Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period classification.
 
2.            Acquisitions


On October 30, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of the stock of Gray & Company.  The business, based in Hart, Michigan, is a processor of maraschino cherries and a provider of glace or candied fruit products.  This acquisition includes a plant in Dayton, Oregon. The purchase price was approximately $23,784,000 (net of cash acquired) plus the assumption of certain liabilities.  In conjunction with the closing, the Company paid off $12,034,000 of liabilities acquired.  The rationale for the acquisition was twofold: (1) the business is a complementary fit with our existing business and (2) it provides an extension of our product offerings.  This acquisition was financed with proceeds from
 
5


 SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
December 31, 2016

the Company's revolving credit facility.  The purchase price to acquire Gray & Company was allocated based on the internally developed fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the independent valuation of inventory, intangibles, and property, plant, and equipment.  The purchase price of $23,784,000 has been allocated as follows (in thousands):

Purchase Price (net of cash received)
 
$
23,784
 
         
Allocated as follows:
       
Current assets
 
$
36,647
 
Other long-term assets
   
1,395
 
Property, plant and equipment
   
13,654
 
Deferred taxes
   
(7,710
)
Other long-term liabilities
   
(4,120
)
Current liabilities
   
(16,082
)
Total
 
$
23,784
 

In February 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of the stock of Diana Fruit Co., Inc.  The business, based in Santa Clara, California, is a processor of maraschino cherries and cherries for fruit cocktail.  The purchase price was approximately $15,011,000 (net of cash acquired) plus the assumption of certain liabilities.  In conjunction with the closing, the Company paid off $1,441,000 of liabilities acquired.  The rationale for the acquisition was the business is a complementary fit with the recent acquisition of Gray & Company.  This acquisition was financed with proceeds from the Company's revolving credit facility.  The purchase price to acquire Diana was allocated based on the internally developed fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the independent valuation of inventory, intangibles, and property, plant, and equipment.  The purchase price of $15,011,000 has been allocated as follows (in thousands):

Purchase Price (net of cash received)
 
$
15,011
 
 
       
Allocated as follows:
       
Current assets
 
$
16,834
 
Other long-term assets
   
509
 
Property, plant and equipment
   
872
 
Deferred taxes
   
428
 
Current liabilities
   
(3,632
)
Total
 
$
15,011
 

3. Inventories

First-In, First-Out ("FIFO") based inventory costs exceeded LIFO based inventory costs by $139,709,000 as of the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2017 as compared to $150,818,000 as of the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2016.  The change in the LIFO Reserve for the three months ended December 31, 2016 was a decrease of $3,941,000 as compared to a decrease of $11,662,000 for the three months ended December 26, 2015.  The change in the LIFO Reserve for the nine months ended December 31, 2016 was an increase of $434,000 as compared to a decrease of $13,249,000 for the nine months ended December 26, 2015.  This reflects the projected impact of an overall cost increase expected in fiscal 2017 versus an overall cost decrease in fiscal 2016.

6


 SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
December 31, 2016
 
4.   Revolving Credit Facility


The Company completed the closing of a new five-year revolving credit facility ("Revolver") on July 5, 2016.  Maximum borrowings under the Revolver total $400,000,000 from April through July and $500,000,000 from August through March. The Revolver balance as of December 31, 2016 was $232,586,000 and is included in Long-Term Debt in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet since the Revolver matures on July 5, 2021.  The Company utilizes its Revolver for general corporate purposes, including seasonal working capital needs, to pay debt principal and interest obligations, and to fund capital expenditures and acquisitions.  Seasonal working capital needs are affected by the growing cycles of the vegetables and fruits the Company processes.  The majority of vegetable and fruit inventories are produced during the months of June through November and are then sold over the following year.  Payment terms for vegetable and fruit produce are generally three months but can vary from a few days to seven months.  Accordingly, the Company's need to draw on the Revolver may fluctuate significantly throughout the year.
 
    The increase in average amount of Revolver borrowings during the first nine months of fiscal 2017 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2016 was attributable to the new Farm Credit debt of $100,000,000, by Accounts Receivables which are $7,624,000 lower than the same period last year and by operating results in the last year ended December 31, 2016 of $28,108,000, partially offset by an acquisition of Diana Fruit Co. Inc. for $15,011,000 made during the last year ended March 2016, the payoff of $22,596,000 of Industrial Revenue Bonds, and total Inventories which are $25,187,000 higher than the same period last year.
 
  General terms of the Revolver include payment of interest at LIBOR plus a defined spread.
 
  The following table documents the quantitative data for Revolver borrowings during the third quarter and year-to-date periods of fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016:

   
Third Quarter
   
Year-to-Date
 
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
   
(In thousands)
   
(In thousands)
 
Reported end of period:
                       
  Outstanding borrowings
 
$
232,586
   
$
309,211
   
$
232,586
   
$
309,211
 
  Weighted average interest rate
   
2.00
%
   
1.82
%
   
2.00
%
   
1.82
%
Reported during the period:
                               
  Maximum amount of borrowings
 
$
349,710
   
$
323,980
   
$
361,800
   
$
323,980
 
  Average outstanding borrowings
 
$
301,395
   
$
285,576
   
$
289,949
   
$
245,520
 
  Weighted average interest rate
   
1.89
%
   
1.90
%
   
1.88
%
   
1.93
%
                                 
 
5.   Stockholders' Equity


During the nine-month period ended December 31, 2016, the Company repurchased 46,200 shares or $1,518,000 of its Class A Common Stock as Treasury Stock and 9,042 shares or $324,000 of its Class B Common Stock also as Treasury Stock.  As of December 31, 2016, there are 2,336,792 shares or $67,550,000 of repurchased stock.  These shares are not considered outstanding.
7


 SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
December 31, 2016

6. Retirement Plans

The net periodic benefit cost for the Company's pension plan consisted of:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
December 31,
   
December 26,
   
December 31,
   
December 26,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                         
Service Cost
 
$
2,164
   
$
2,519
   
$
6,491
   
$
7,558
 
Interest Cost
   
1,919
     
2,177
     
5,756
     
6,532
 
Expected Return on Plan Assets
   
(2,978
)
   
(2,625
)
   
(8,934
)
   
(7,877
)
Amortization of Actuarial Loss
   
679
     
844
     
2,037
     
2,531
 
Amortization of Transition Asset
   
27
     
27
     
82
     
82
 
  Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
$
1,811
   
$
2,942
   
$
5,432
   
$
8,826
 

Total contributions of $8,000,000 were made to the Pension Plan during the nine month period ended December 31, 2016 and a contribution of $23,100,000 was made during the nine month period ended December 26, 2015.


7. Plant Restructuring

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

         
Long-Lived
             
   
Severance
   
Asset Charges
   
Other Costs
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Balance March 31, 2016
 
$
-
   
$
4,975
   
$
3,897
   
$
8,872
 
First quarter charge (credit)
   
127
     
(6
)
   
1,064
     
1,185
 
Second quarter charge (credit)
   
112
     
(286
)
   
451
     
277
 
Third quarter charge (credit)
   
1,261
     
62
     
(7
)
   
1,316
 
Cash payments/write offs
   
(1,480
)
   
164
     
(3,588
)
   
(4,904
)
Balance December 31, 2016
 
$
20
   
$
4,909
   
$
1,817
   
$
6,746
 
                                 
Balance March 31, 2015
 
$
715
   
$
264
   
$
270
   
$
1,249
 
First quarter credit
   
(81
)
   
-
     
-
     
(81
)
Second quarter charge
   
15
     
-
     
-
     
15
 
Third quarter charge
   
104
     
1,706
     
7,814
     
9,624
 
Cash payments/write offs
   
(649
)
   
-
     
(503
)
   
(1,152
)
Balance December 26, 2015
 
$
104
   
$
1,970
   
$
7,581
   
$
9,655
 


During 2016, the Company recorded a restructuring charge of $10,302,000 related to the closing of a plant in the Northwest of which $162,000 was related to severance cost, $5,065,000 was related to asset
 

8


 SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
December 31, 2016
 
                    impairments (contra fixed assets), and $5,075,000 was related to other costs (mostly operating lease costs).

During the quarter ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded an additional restructuring charge of $1,316,000 related to the previous closing of plants in the Northwest of which $1,261,000 was related to severance cost, $62,000 was related to equipment relocation costs, and a credit of $7,000 was related to other costs.  During the quarter ended October 1, 2016, the Company recorded an additional restructuring charge of $277,000 related to the previous closing of a plant in the Northwest of which $112,000 was related to severance cost, $402,000 was related to equipment relocation costs, and a $237,000 credit which related to other costs, mostly a fixed assets impairment adjustment.  During the quarter ended July 2, 2016, the Company recorded an additional restructuring charge of $1,185,000 related to the previous closing of a plant in the Northwest of which $127,000 was related to severance cost, $1,025,000 was related to equipment relocation costs, and $33,000 was related to other costs.


8. Other Operating Income and Expense

During the nine months ended December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015, the Company sold some unused fixed assets which resulted in a gain of $149,000 and $43,000, respectively. During the quarter ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded a charge for impairment of a long-term asset of $1,052,000.  During the quarter ended December 26, 2015, the Company recorded a gain of $24,275,000 related to a contractual payment received in conjunction with a relationship transfer agreement with General Mills. During the quarter ended June 27, 2015, the Company reversed a provision for the Prop 65 litigation of $200,000 and reduced an environmental accrual by $82,000.  These gains are included in other operating income in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings.



 
9. Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for the Company on April 1, 2018 (beginning of fiscal 2019). Early adoption is permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting but is currently evaluating this.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases.  The new standard establishes a right-of-use ("ROU") model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (beginning fiscal 2020), including interim periods within those fiscal years. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the
 

9


 SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
December 31, 2016
 


earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available.  While we are still evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of the new standard on our consolidated financial statements, we expect that upon adoption we will recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities and that the amounts could be material.


There were no other recently issued accounting pronouncements that impacted the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. In addition, the Company did not adopt any new accounting pronouncements during the quarter ended December 31, 2016.
 
10. Earnings per Common Share

Earnings per share for the quarters ended December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015 are as follows:

   
Q U A R T E R
   
YEAR TO DATE
 
   
Fiscal
   
Fiscal
   
Fiscal
   
Fiscal
 
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
   
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Basic
                       
                         
Net earnings
 
$
8,181
   
$
31,123
   
$
14,263
   
$
40,613
 
Deduct preferred stock dividends paid
   
6
     
6
     
17
     
17
 
                                 
Undistributed earnings
   
8,175
     
31,117
     
14,246
     
40,596
 
Earnings attributable to participating preferred
   
75
     
285
     
131
     
416
 
                                 
Earnings attributable to common shareholders
 
$
8,100
   
$
30,832
   
$
14,115
   
$
40,180
 
                                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
9,770
     
9,884
     
9,790
     
9,891
 
                                 
Basic earnings per common share
 
$
0.83
   
$
3.12
   
$
1.44
   
$
4.06
 
                                 
Diluted
                               
                                 
Earnings attributable to common shareholders
 
$
8,100
   
$
30,832
   
$
14,115
   
$
40,180
 
Add dividends on convertible preferred stock
   
5
     
5
     
15
     
15
 
                                 
Earnings attributable to common stock on a diluted basis
 
$
8,105
   
$
30,837
   
$
14,130
   
$
40,195
 
                                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic
   
9,770
     
9,884
     
9,790
     
9,891
 
Additional shares issuable related to the
                               
  equity compensation plan
   
2
     
2
     
2
     
2
 
Additional shares to be issued under full
                               
  conversion of preferred stock
   
67
     
67
     
67
     
67
 
                                 
Total shares for diluted
   
9,839
     
9,953
     
9,859
     
9,960
 
                                 
Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
0.82
   
$
3.10
   
$
1.43
   
$
4.04
 
 
10


 SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
December 31, 2016
 
11. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

As required by Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 825, "Financial Instruments," the Company estimates the fair values of financial instruments on a quarterly basis.  The estimated fair value for long-term debt (classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy) is determined by the quoted market prices for similar debt (comparable to the Company's financial strength) or current rates offered to the Company for debt with the same maturities.  Long-term debt, including current portion had a carrying amount of $351,272,000 and an estimated fair value of $351,544,000 as of December 31, 2016.  As of March 31, 2016, the carrying amount was $315,539,000 and the estimated fair value was $315,478,000.  Capital lease obligations, including current portion had a carrying amount of $29,461,000 and an estimated fair value of $27,303,000 as of December 31, 2016.  As of March 31, 2016, the carrying amount was $5,231,000 and the estimated fair value was $5,076,000. The fair values of all the other financial instruments approximate their carrying value due to their short-term nature.



12. Income Taxes

The effective tax rate was 30.4% and 32.9% for the nine month periods ended December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015, respectively.  The 2.5 percentage point decrease in the effective tax rate represents a decrease in tax expense as a percentage of book income when compared to the same period last year.  The major contributor to this decrease is with the federal credits for R & D, WOTC and fuel.  These credits are largely fixed and with the significant decrease in pre-tax earnings for the nine months ended December 31, 2016, these credits are a larger percentage of pre-tax earnings in comparison to the nine months ended December 26, 2015. 




13. Interim Notes

During fiscal 2017 and 2016, the Company entered into some interim lease notes which financed down payments for various equipment orders at market rates.   As of December 31, 2016, some of these interim notes had not been converted into capital leases since the equipment was not placed in service.  These notes, which total $1,255,000 and $402,000 as of December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015, respectively, are included in Notes Payable in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  These notes are expected to be converted into capital leases within the next twelve months.



14.   Subsequent Event

On January 19, 2017, several roofs collapsed at one of the Company's plants in the Northwestern U.S. as a result of heavy snowfall.  An estimate of the cost to repair the damage is currently being prepared.  The losses are not expected to exceed the Company's property insurance deductible of $5 million.

11

ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
December 31, 2016

Seneca Foods Corporation (the "Company") is a leading provider of packaged fruits and vegetables, with facilities located throughout the United States.  The Company's product offerings include canned, frozen and bottled produce and snack chips.  Its products are sold under private label as well as national and regional brands that the Company owns or licenses, including Seneca®, Libby's®, Aunt Nellie's®, Cherryman®, READ® and Seneca Farms®.  The Company's canned fruits and vegetables are sold nationwide by major grocery outlets, including supermarkets, mass merchandisers, limited assortment stores, club stores and dollar stores.  The Company also sells its products to foodservice distributors, industrial markets, other food processors, export customers in over 90 countries and federal, state and local governments for school and other food programs.  In addition, the Company packs Green Giant®, Le Sueur® and other brands of canned vegetables as well as select Green Giant® frozen vegetables for B&G Foods North America ("B&G") under a contract packing agreement.

The Company's raw product is harvested mainly between June through November.


Results of Operations:

Sales:

Third fiscal quarter 2017 results include net sales of $369,705,000, which represents a 14.4% decrease, or $62,493,000, from the third quarter of fiscal 2016.  The decrease in sales is attributable to a sales volume decrease of $48,545,000 and lower selling prices/sales mix of $13,948,000.  The decrease in sales is primarily from a $48,622,000 decrease in B&G sales, a decrease in Canned Vegetable sales of $12,068,000, a $496,000 decrease in Other sales and by a $148,000 decrease in Canned Fruit sales and by a $878,000 decrease in Frozen sales.  Canned Fruit sales include $61,576,000 from Gray & Company sales which was acquired during the third fiscal quarter of 2016.

Nine months ended December 31, 2016 include net sales of $979,566,000, which represents a 0.8% increase, or $7,908,000, from the first nine months of fiscal 2016.  The increase in sales is attributable to a sales volume increase of $68,363,000 partially offset by lower selling prices/sales mix of $60,455,000. The increase in sales is primarily from a $58,696,000 increase in Canned Fruit sales ($50,720,000 from the acquisitions of Gray and Diana) and a $234,000 increase in Frozen sales, partially offset by a $28,790,000 decrease in B&G sales, a $21,858,000 decrease in Canned Vegetable sales and a $1,102,000 decrease in Other sales.

The following table presents sales by product category (in millions):

     
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
     
December 31,
   
December 26,
   
December 31,
   
December 26,
 
     
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Canned Vegetables
   
$
227.2
   
$
239.3
   
$
552.6
   
$
574.5
 
 B&G*
 
 
   
46.1
     
94.7
     
113.5
     
142.3
 
Frozen
     
25.3
     
26.2
     
70.5
     
70.3
 
Fruit Products
     
63.7
     
63.9
     
217.2
     
158.5
 
Snack
     
2.4
     
2.6
     
10.0
     
9.3
 
Other
     
5.0
     
5.5
     
15.8
     
16.8
 
       
$
369.7
   
$
432.2
   
$
979.6
   
$
971.7
 
                                     
*B&G includes frozen vegetable sales exclusively for B&G.
                         

12

ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
December 31, 2016
 
Operating Income:


The following table presents components of operating income as a percentage of net sales:

 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
December 31,
 
December 26,
 
December 31,
 
December 26,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
  Gross Margin
10.1
%
12.4
%
8.9
%
10.6
%
                 
  Selling
3.0
%
2.4
%
2.9
%
2.8
%
  Administrative
2.7
%
2.2
%
2.9
%
2.6
%
  Restructuring
0.4
%
2.2
%
0.3
%
1.0
%
  Other Operating Expense (Income)
0.3
%
-5.6
%
0.1
%
-2.5
%
                 
  Operating Income
3.7
%
11.2
%
2.7
%
6.7
%
                 
  Interest Expense, Net
0.7
%
0.5
%
0.7
%
0.6
%
                 

For the three month period ended December 31, 2016, the gross margin decreased from the prior year quarter from 12.4% to 10.1% due primarily to lower net selling prices (after considering promotions) in the current year as compared to the prior year.  The LIFO credit for the third quarter ended December 31, 2016 was $3,941,000 as compared to $11,662,000 credit for the third quarter ended December 26, 2015 and reflects the impact on the current quarter of the current increased inflationary cost increases expected in fiscal 2017, compared to fiscal 2016.  On an after-tax basis, LIFO increased net earnings by $2,562,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 and increased net earnings by $7,580,000 for the quarter ended December 26, 2015, based on the statutory federal income tax rate.

For the nine month period ended December 31, 2016, the gross margin decreased from the prior year period from 10.6% to 8.9% due primarily to lower net selling prices (after considering promotions) compared to the prior year, and a lower LIFO credit in the current year as compared to a the prior year.  The LIFO charge for the nine months ended December 31, 2016 was $434,000 as compared to a credit of $13,249,000 for the nine months ended December 26, 2015 and reflects the impact on the nine months of increased inflationary cost increases expected in fiscal 2017, compared to fiscal 2016.  On an after-tax basis, LIFO decreased net earnings by $282,000 for the nine months ended December 31, 2016 and increased net earnings by $8,612,000 for the nine months ended December 26, 2015, based on the statutory federal income tax rate.

For the three month period ended December 31, 2016, selling costs as a percentage of sales increased from 2.4% to 3.0% from the same period in the prior year.  B&G Foods sales, which incur no selling costs, decreased $48,622,000 for the quarter compared the prior year which was the main reason why selling costs increased as a percentage of sales.  For the nine month period ended December 31, 2016, selling costs as a percentage of sales increased slightly from 2.8% to 2.9% from the same period in the prior year.

For the three month period ended December 31, 2016, administrative expense as a percentage of sales increased from 2.2% to 2.7% compared to the same period in the prior year.  For the nine month period ended December 31, 2016, administrative expense as a percentage of sales increased from 2.6% for the third quarter ended December 26, 2015 to 2.9%.  Administrative expense increased for the nine month period ended December 31, 2016 as a percentage of sales due primarily to higher employment costs in fiscal 2017.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded a restructuring charge of $1,316,000 related to closing of plants in the Northwest of which $1,261,000 was related to severance cost,  $62,000 was

13

ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
December 31, 2016
 
related to equipment costs (contra fixed assets), and a credit of $7,000 was related to other costs (mostly operating lease costs).

During the quarter ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded a charge for impairment of a long-term asset of $1,052,000.  During the quarter ended December 26, 2015, the Company recorded a gain of $24,275,000 related to a contractual payment received in conjunction with a relationship transfer agreement with General Mills. During the quarter ended June 27, 2015, the Company reversed a provision for the Prop 65 litigation of $200,000 and reduced an environmental accrual by $82,000.   During the nine months ended December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015, the Company sold some unused fixed assets which resulted in a loss of $149,000 and a gain of $43,000, respectively.  These gains and the charge are included in other operating income in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings.

Interest expense for the three months ended December 31, 2016, as a percentage of sales, increased from 0.5% to 0.7% from the three months ended December 26, 2015.  Interest expense for the nine months ended December 31, 2016, as a percentage of sales, increased from 0.6% to 0.7% from the third quarter ended December 26, 2015. This increase was due to higher interest expense related to the Company's Revolver and new term loan partially offset by decreased long-term debt interest attributable to the payoff of the Industrial Revenue Bonds of $22,596,000 and scheduled debt payments.

Income Taxes:

The effective tax rate was 30.4% and 32.9% for the nine month periods ended December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015, respectively.  The 2.5 percentage point decrease in the effective tax rate represents a decrease in tax expense as a percentage of book income when compared to the same period last year.  The major contributor to this decrease is with the federal credits for R & D, WOTC and fuel.  These credits are largely fixed and with the significant decrease in pre-tax earnings for the nine months ended December 31, 2016, these credits are a larger percentage of pre-tax earnings in comparison to the nine months ended December 26, 2015.


Earnings per Share:

Basic earnings per share was $0.83 and $3.12 for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015, respectively.  Diluted earnings per share was $0.82 and $3.10 for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015, respectively.  Basic earnings per share was $1.44 and $4.06 for the nine months ended December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015, respectively.  Diluted earnings per share was $1.43 and $4.04 for the nine months ended December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015, respectively.  For details of the calculation of these amounts, refer to footnote 10 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

14

ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
December 31, 2016
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources:

The financial condition of the Company is summarized in the following table and explanatory review:

   
December 31,
   
December 26,
   
March 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
                         
Working capital:
                       
  Balance
 
$
571,424
   
$
256,870
   
$
274,429
   
$
463,545
 
  Change during quarter
   
(21,139
)
   
9,764
                 
Long-term debt, less current portion
   
343,634
     
36,650
     
35,967
     
271,634
 
Total stockholders' equity per equivalent
                               
      common share (see Note)
   
42.11
     
38.90
     
40.63
     
34.81
 
Stockholders' equity per common share
   
42.66
     
39.39
     
41.15
     
35.33
 
Current ratio
   
4.20
     
1.53
     
1.69
     
4.72
 

Note: Equivalent common shares are either common shares or, for convertible preferred shares, the number of common shares that the preferred shares are convertible into.  See Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company's 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K for conversion details.

As shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, net cash used in operating activities was $9,709,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2017, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $12,465,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2016.  The $2,756,000 decrease in cash used is primarily attributable a $41,737,000 lower increase in inventory in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 as compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2016, a $3,267,000 increase in the cash provided by Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities, and a $8,281,000 increase in cash provided by accounts receivable partially offset by decreased net earnings of $26,350,000 as previously discussed, a $5,728,000 decrease in the impairment provision, a $6,545,000 decrease in cash provided by income taxes, a $2,671,000 increase in cash used by deferred taxes, a $11,120,000 decrease in cash provided by other current assets.

As compared to December 26, 2015, inventory increased $25,187,000 to $656,368,000 at December 31, 2016.  The components of the inventory increase reflect a $29,813,000 increase in finished goods, a $1,290,000 increase in work in process and a $5,916,000 decrease in raw materials and supplies.  The finished goods increase reflects higher inventory quantities compared to the prior year.  The raw materials and supplies decrease is primarily due to a decrease in cans and raw steel quantities compared to the prior year.  FIFO based inventory costs exceeded LIFO based inventory costs by $139,709,000 as of the end of the third quarter of 2017 as compared to $150,818,000 as of the end of the third quarter of 2016.

Cash used in investing activities was $23,266,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 compared to cash used in investing activities of $30,024,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2016.  Additions to property, plant and equipment were $23,389,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 as compared to $6,396,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2016.  In October 2015, the Company acquired Gray & Company for $23,784,000.

Cash provided by financing activities was $34,633,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2017, which included borrowings of $411,483,000 and the repayment of $374,577,000 of long-term debt, principally consisting of borrowing and repayment on the revolving credit facility ("Revolver").  Other than borrowings under the Revolver, there was $100,000,000 of new long-term debt issued during the first nine months of fiscal 2017. In addition, the Company added Notes Payable of $853,000 during the nine month period ended December 31, 2016 related to some interim notes which become capital leases.

The Company completed the closing of a new five-year revolving credit facility on July 5, 2016.  Available borrowings on the Revolver total $400,000,000 from April through July and $500,000,000 from August through March with a maturity date of July 5, 2021.    The interest rate on the Revolver is based on LIBOR plus an
 
15

ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
December 31, 2016

 
applicable margin based on excess availability and the Company's fixed charge coverage ratio.  As of December 31, 2016, the interest rate was approximately 2.03% on a balance of $232,586,000.  We believe that cash flows from operations, availability under our Revolver and other financing sources will provide adequate funds for our working capital needs, planned capital expenditures, and debt obligations for at least the next 12 months.


On December 9, 2016, the Company entered into a Loan and Guaranty Agreement ("Loan Agreement") with Farm Credit East, ACA which provides for a $100 million unsecured term loan with a maturity date of December 9, 2021.  Borrowings under the Loan Agreement may be used for working capital and general corporate purposes.  The Loan Agreement contains restrictive covenants usual and customary for loans of this type.

The Company's credit facilities contain standard representations and warranties, events of default, and certain affirmative and negative covenants, including various financial covenants.  At December 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all such financial covenants.

New Accounting Standards

Refer to footnote 9 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Seasonality

The Company's revenues are typically higher in the second and third fiscal quarters. This is due in part because the Company sells, on a bill and hold basis, Green Giant canned and frozen vegetables to B&G either weekly during production for specialty items, or at the end of each pack cycle, which typically occurs during these quarters.  B&G buys the product from the Company at cost plus a specified fee for each equivalent case.  See the Critical Accounting Policies section below for further details.  The Company's non-Green Giant sales also exhibit seasonality with the third fiscal quarter generating the highest retail sales due to holidays that occur during that quarter.

Forward-Looking Information

The information contained in this report contains, or may contain, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These statements appear in a number of places in this report and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company or its officers (including statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words "believes," "expects," "anticipates" or similar expressions) with respect to various matters, including (i) the Company's anticipated needs for, and the availability of, cash, (ii) the Company's liquidity and financing plans, (iii) the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquisitions into its operations, (iv) trends affecting the Company's financial condition or results of operations, including anticipated sales price levels and anticipated expense levels, in particular higher production, fuel and transportation costs, (v) the Company's plans for expansion of its business (including through acquisitions) and cost savings, and (vi) the impact of competition.

Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made.  Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are:

16

ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
December 31, 2016
 
 
·
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;
·
the availability of financing;
·
leverage and the Company's ability to service and reduce its debt;
·
foreign currency exchange and interest rate fluctuations;
·
effectiveness of the Company's 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 and health and safety regulations; and
·
other risks detailed from time to time in the reports filed by the Company with the SEC.

Except for ongoing obligations to disclose material information as required by the federal securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the filing of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Critical Accounting Policies

During the nine months ended December 31, 2016, the Company sold $95,253,000 of Green Giant finished goods inventory to B&G Foods North America ("B&G") for cash, on a bill and hold basis, as compared to $126,050,000 for the nine months ended December 26, 2015.  Under the terms of the bill and hold agreement, title to the specified inventory transferred to B&G.  The Company believes it has met the criteria required for bill and hold treatment.

The Company uses the lower of cost, determined under the LIFO (last-in, first out) method, or market, to value substantially all of its inventories.  In a high inflation environment that the Company was experiencing, the Company believes that the LIFO method was preferable over the FIFO method because it better compares the cost of current production to current revenue.

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.

17

ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
December 31, 2016

The Company assesses its long-lived assets for impairment whenever there is an indicator of impairment. Property, plant, and equipment are depreciated over their assigned lives. The assigned lives and the projected cash flows used to test impairment are subjective. If actual lives are shorter than anticipated or if future cash flows are less than anticipated, a future impairment charge or a loss on disposal of the assets could be incurred. Impairment losses are evaluated if the estimated undiscounted value of the cash flows is less than the carrying value. If such is the case, a loss is recognized when the carrying value of an asset exceeds its fair value.
18

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 and the new $100,000,000 term loan.  To manage interest rate risk, the Company uses both fixed and variable interest rate debt.  There have been no material changes to the Company's exposure to market risk since March 31, 2016.
19

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.  Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2016, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.  The Company continues to examine, refine and formalize its disclosure controls and procedures and to monitor ongoing developments in this area.

There have been no changes during the period covered by this report to the Company'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.

20

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

    Refer to footnote 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II Item 8 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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, 2016.

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


   
Total Number of
     
Average Price Paid
   
Total Number
   
Maximum Number
 
   
Shares Purchased (1)
     
per Share
   
of Shares
   
(or Approximate
 
                             
Purchased as
   
Dollar Value) or
 
                             
Part of Publicly
   
Shares that May
 
                             
Announced
   
Yet Be Purchased
 
   
Class A
   
Class B
   
Class A
   
Class B
   
Plans or
   
Under the Plans or
 
Period
 
Common
   
Common
 
 
 Common    
Common
   
Programs
   
Programs
 
10/01/16 –
   
-
     
674
 
 
 
$
-
   
$
36.03
     
674
     
-
 
10/31/16
                                               
11/01/16 –
   
-
     
6,531
 
 
 
$
-
   
$
35.74
     
6,531
     
-
 
11/30/16
                                                 
12/01/16 –
   
14,700
(1)
   
-
 
 
 
$
38.28
   
$
-
     
-
     
-
 
12/31/16
                                                 
Total
   
14,700
     
7,205
 
 
 
$
38.28
   
$
35.77
     
7,205
     
1,185,161
 

(1)  Of these shares, all 14,700 were purchased 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 Upon Senior Securities

           None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

           None.

Item 5. Other Information

           None.


Item 6. Exhibits

10.1 Loan Agreement dated as of December 9, 2016 by and among Seneca Foods Corporation, Seneca Foods, LLC, Seneca Snack Company, Green Valley Foods, LLC and certain other subsidiaries of Seneca Foods Corporation, Farm Credit East, ACA (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 9, 2016).

21

31.1 Certification of Kraig H. Kayser pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)

31.2 Certification of Timothy J. Benjamin 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)

101 The following materials from Seneca Foods Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2016, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language):  (i) condensed consolidated balance sheets, (ii) condensed consolidated statements of net earnings, (iii) condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income, (iv) condensed consolidated statements of cash flows, (v) condensed consolidated statement of stockholders' equity and (vi) the notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

22

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 
January 25, 2017
 Kraig H. Kayser
President and
Chief Executive Officer


/s/Timothy J. Benjamin 
January 25, 2017
 Timothy J. Benjamin
 Chief Financial Officer
 
23