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WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS INC - Quarter Report: 2014 September (Form 10-Q)

williamette_10q-16295.htm


UNITED STATES
 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q


x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014

o TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT

Commission File Number 000-21522

WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS, INC. 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

                                                                                       
                                                                                                        
 
 Oregon    93-0981021
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 

8800 Enchanted Way, S.E., Turner, Oregon                      97392 

(Address of principal executive offices)                     (Zip Code)
 
 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:    (503) 588-9463


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days:
x YES     o 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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files): 
x YES   o NO

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
 
 
   o Large accelerated filer   o Accelerated filer
       
   o Non-accelerated filer    x Smaller reporting company
 
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the ExchangeAct):   
o YES     x NO

Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of November 13, 2014: 4,862,330 shares


 
1

 

WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS, INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

Part I - Financial Information
    3  
         
Item 1 - Financial Statements
    3  
         
Balance Sheets
    3  
 
       
Statements of Operations
    4  
         
Statements of Cash Flows
    5  
         
Notes to Unaudited Interim Financial Statements
    6  
         
Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
    11  
         
Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
    16  
         
Item 4 - Controls and Procedures
    16  
         
Part II - Other Information
    16  
         
Item 1 - Legal Proceedings
    16  
         
Item 1A – Risk Factors
    16  
         
Item 2 - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
    17  
         
Item 3 - Defaults Upon Senior Securities
    17  
         
Item 4 – Mine Safety Disclosures
    17  
         
Item 5 – Other Information
    17  
         
Item 6 – Exhibits
    17  
         
Signatures
    18  

 
2

 

PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1 – Financial Statements
                                                                                                                                          WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS, INC.
 BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
 
ASSETS
 
             
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
             
CURRENT ASSETS
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 906,068     $ 945,683  
Accounts receivable, net
    1,284,204       1,229,391  
Inventories (Note 2)
    9,827,987       9,833,312  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    54,615       177,769  
Current portion of distribution agreement receivable
    250,000       250,000  
Income tax receivable
    -       143,363  
Total current assets
    12,322,874       12,579,518  
                 
Restricted cash
    -       450,000  
Vineyard development costs, net
    2,653,238       2,257,217  
Property and equipment, net (Note 3)
    14,773,501       13,659,090  
Debt issuance costs, net
    55,699       58,987  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 29,805,312     $ 29,004,812  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
   
                 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
               
Accounts payable
  $ 360,622     $ 711,333  
Accrued expenses
    604,760       456,842  
Current portion of long term debt
    324,014       306,353  
Income taxes payable
    2,753       -  
Deferred income taxes
    444,000       444,000  
Current portion of deferred revenue-distribution agreement
    142,857       142,857  
Unearned revenue
    43,764       -  
Grapes payable
    660,148       689,028  
Total current liabilities
    2,582,918       2,750,413  
                 
Long-term debt, net of current portion
    5,257,860       5,510,392  
Deferred rent liability
    168,394       182,490  
Deferred revenue-distribution agreement, net of current portion
    416,658       523,803  
Deferred gain
    161,385       185,456  
Deferred income taxes
    993,000       993,000  
Total liabilities
    9,580,215       10,145,554  
                 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
               
                 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Common stock, no par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, 4,961,206 and
         
4,945,977 shares issued at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013,
         
respectively, 4,847,788 and 4,832,559 shares outstanding at
               
September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
    8,927,528       8,857,085  
Retained earnings
    11,722,671       10,427,275  
Less: Common stock held in treasury, at cost, 113,418 and 113,418 shares
         
at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively
    (425,102 )     (425,102 )
Total shareholders’ equity
    20,225,097       18,859,258  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 29,805,312     $ 29,004,812  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement
 
3

 

 WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS, INC.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
 
      Three months ended       Nine months ended  
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
                         
SALES, NET
  $ 4,046,201     $ 3,043,546     $ 10,711,492     $ 9,694,364  
COST OF SALES
    1,546,588       1,284,688       4,249,126       4,034,950  
                                 
GROSS PROFIT
    2,499,613       1,758,858       6,462,366       5,659,414  
                                 
SELLING, GENERAL & ADMIN EXPENSES
    1,526,956       1,339,735       4,481,404       3,866,390  
                                 
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
    972,657       419,123       1,980,962       1,793,024  
                                 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
                               
Interest income
    421       997       1,018       4,950  
Interest expense
    (81,242 )     (61,635 )     (208,714 )     (184,843 )
Other income, net
    39,885       52,480       329,796       156,410  
                                 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    931,721       410,965       2,103,062       1,769,541  
                                 
INCOME TAX PROVISION
    (357,775 )     (178,899 )     (807,666 )     (719,757 )
                                 
NET INCOME
  $ 573,946     $ 232,066     $ 1,295,396     $ 1,049,784  
                                 
                                 
BASIC NET INCOME  PER COMMON SHARE
  $ 0.12     $ 0.05     $ 0.27     $ 0.22  
                                 
                                 
DILUTED NET INCOME  PER COMMON SHARE
  $ 0.12     $ 0.05     $ 0.26     $ 0.22  
                                 
Weighted average number of
                               
basic common shares outstanding
    4,847,765       4,791,972       4,844,821       4,796,150  
Weighted average number of
                               
diluted common shares outstanding
    4,930,860       4,849,225       4,934,107       4,840,927  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement

 
4

 

WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
             
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS
           
Net income
  $ 1,295,396     $ 1,049,784  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash:
               
from operating activities
               
Depreciation and amortization
    779,406       551,766  
Gain on sale of assets
    -       (675 )
Stock based compensation expense
    15,873       12,300  
Deferred rent liability
    (14,096 )     (11,063 )
Deferred revenue-distribution agreement
    (107,145 )     (107,145 )
Deferred gain
    (24,071 )     (24,071 )
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
    (54,813 )     (19,237 )
Inventories
    5,325       312,257  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    123,154       (139,508 )
Income taxes receivable
    143,363       8,734  
Income taxes payable
    2,753       -  
Unearned revenue
    43,764       139,823  
Grapes payable
    (28,880 )     (372,045 )
Accounts payable
    (119,884 )     (249,471 )
Accrued expenses
    147,918       82,207  
Net cash from operating activities
    2,208,063       1,233,656  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS
         
Additions to vineyard development costs
    (452,773 )     (704,245 )
Additions to property and equipment
    (2,064,604 )     (3,603,980 )
Proceeds from sale of asset
    -       19,750  
Payments received on note receivable
    -       23,231  
Net cash from investing activities
    (2,517,377 )     (4,265,244 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS
         
Proceeds from line of credit borrowing
    -       -  
Proceeds from long-term debt held as restricted cash
    450,000       (1,647,562 )
Payments on long-term debt
    (234,871 )     (155,770 )
Borrowings on long-term debt
    -       2,000,000  
Payment of debt issuance costs
    -       (15,000 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    54,570       97,240  
Repurchase of common stock
    -       (105,862 )
Net cash from financing activities
    269,699       173,046  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
               
Net cash from operating activities of discontinued operations
    -       (4,337 )
Net cash from discontinued operations
    -       (4,337 )
                 
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    (39,615 )     (2,862,879 )
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
    945,683       4,553,113  
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
  $ 906,068     $ 1,690,234  
                 
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Purchases of property and equipment included in
               
accounts payable
  $ 16,550     $ 1,038,014  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement

 
5

 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements as of September 30, 2014 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial statements. The financial information as of December 31, 2013 is derived from the audited financial statements presented in the Willamette Valley Vineyards, Inc. (the “Company”) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. Certain information or footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the opinion of management, the accompanying financial statements include all adjustments necessary (which are of a normal recurring nature) for the fair statement of the results of the interim periods presented. The accompanying financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013, as presented in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year ending December 31, 2014, or any portion thereof.

The Company’s revenues include direct-to-consumer sales and national sales to distributors.  These sales channels utilize shared resources for production, selling and distribution.

Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding each period. Diluted earnings per share are computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock and potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period.  Potentially dilutive shares from stock options and other instruments are excluded from the computation when their effect is anti-dilutive. At September 30, 2014 and 2013, potentially dilutive shares of 0 and 77,200, respectively, were excluded from the computation as their effect would be anti-dilutive.  83,095 and 57,253 potentially dilutive shares are included in the computation of dilutive earnings per share for the three month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  89,286 and 44,777 potentially dilutive shares are included in the computation of dilutive earnings per share for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

2) INVENTORIES

The Company’s inventories, by major classification, are summarized as follows, as of the dates shown:

   
September 30, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
             
Winemaking and packaging materials
  $ 608,508     $ 732,909  
Work-in-process (costs relating to
               
unprocessed and/or unbottled wine products)
    3,025,411       4,099,224  
Finished goods (bottled wine and related products)
    6,194,068       5,001,179  
                 
Current inventories
  $ 9,827,987     $ 9,833,312  







 
6

 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3) PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

The Company’s property and equipment consists of the following, as of the dates shown:

   
September 30, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
             
Construction in progress
  $ 76,342     $ 5,056,096  
Land, improvements and other buildings
    3,622,435       3,605,471  
Winery building and hospitality center
    13,387,988       7,378,516  
Equipment
    7,949,296       7,162,200  
                 
      25,036,061       23,202,283  
                 
Accumulated depreciation
    (10,262,560 )     (9,543,193 )
                 
    $ 14,773,501     $ 13,659,090  

4)  DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT RECEIVABLE AND DEFERRED REVENUE

Effective September 1, 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with Young’s Market Company for distribution of Company-produced wines in Oregon and Washington.  The terms of this contract include exclusive rights to distribute Willamette Valley Vineyard’s wines in Oregon and Washington for seven years.  In an effort to facilitate the transition with as little disruption as possible, Young’s Market Company has agreed to compensate Willamette Valley Vineyards for ongoing Oregon sales and branding efforts.  As a result, the Company was due to receive $250,000 per year starting on September 2011 for each of the next four years for a total of $1,000,000. The remaining amount to be collected was $250,000 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.  In October of 2014, the Company received payment of the final $250,000 under this agreement.  The total amount of $1,000,000 to be received by the Company related to this agreement is being recognized as revenue on a straight line basis over the seven year life of the agreement. For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company has recognized revenue related to this agreement in the amount of $35,715 and $35,715, respectively, recorded to other income.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company has recognized revenue related to this agreement in the amount of $107,145 and $107,145, respectively, recorded to other income.

5)  DEBT

Line of Credit Facility – In December of 2005 the Company entered into a revolving line of credit agreement with Umpqua Bank that allows borrowings of up to $2,000,000 against eligible accounts receivables and inventories as defined in the agreement. The revolving line bears interest at prime, is payable monthly, and is subject to annual renewal. In July of 2014, the Company renewed the credit agreement for an additional two years. The interest rate was 3.25% at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 there was no outstanding balance on this revolving line of credit.

The line of credit agreement includes various covenants, which among other things, requires the Company to maintain minimum amounts of tangible net worth, debt/worth ratio, and debt service coverage as defined. As of September 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with these financial covenants.

 
7

 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
5) DEBT (CONTINUED)
 
Long Term Debt - The Company has four long term debt agreements with Farm Credit Services with an aggregate outstanding balance of $5,581,874 and $5,812,958 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. These loans require monthly payments of $53,058 principal and interest for the life of the loans, at annual fixed interest rates ranging from 4.75% to 6.70%, and with maturity dates ranging from 2024 through 2028. The general purposes of these loans were to make capital improvements to the winery and vineyard facilities.

6) STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

The Company has a stock incentive plan, originally created in 1992, and most recently amended in 2001.  No additional grants may be made under the plan.  All stock options have an exercise price that is equal to the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the date the options were granted.  Administration of the plan, including determination of the number, term, and type of options to be granted, lies with the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee of the Board of Directors.  Options were generally granted based on employee performance with vesting periods ranging from date of grant to seven years.  At the date of the grant, the maximum term before expiration is ten years.

The following table presents information related to the value of outstanding stock options for the period shown:

   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30, 2014
   
September 30, 2014
 
   
Weighted Average Exercise
   
Weighted Average Exercise
 
   
Shares
   
Price
   
Shares
   
Price
 
                         
Outstanding at beginning of period
    245,000     $ 3.84       260,200     $ 3.82  
Granted
    -       -       -       -  
Exercised
    (29 )     3.09       (15,229 )     3.58  
Forfeited
    -       -       -       -  
                                 
Outstanding at end of period
    244,971     $ 3.84       244,971     $ 3.84  
 
At September 30, 2014, the Company had 34,000 unvested stock options with associated unrecognized compensation cost of $22,812 that will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.80 years.  The intrinsic value of the 210,971 stock options exercisable at September 30, 2014 was $331,060.
 
The Company expenses stock options on a straight-line basis over the options’ related vesting term.  Pretax compensation expense related to stock options for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were $5,291 and $4,100, respectively.  Pretax compensation expense related to stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were $15,873 and $12,300, respectively.

Stock options exercised during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were 29 and 28,000, respectively.  Stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were 15,229 and 28,000, respectively.

 

 
8

 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
7) INTEREST AND TAXES PAID
 
Income taxes – The Company paid $408,000 and $327,000 in income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The Company paid $661,550 and $551,700 in income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Interest - The Company paid $81,613 and $61,635 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, in interest on long-term debt.  The Company paid $203,871, net of capitalized interest of $46,914, and $184,843 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, in interest on the long-term debt and revolving credit line.

8)  OTHER INCOME

On March 10, 2014 the Company experienced an inadvertent spillage of approximately 29,000 gallons of bulk wine during a filtration process.  Subsequent to this loss, the Company filed an insurance claim with its carrier and received a partial settlement of $75,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2014 which, net of wine cost of $49,687, resulted in $25,313 being recorded to other income for the three months ended March 31, 2014.  During the three months ended June 30, 2014, the Company received a second settlement payment of $65,930 which was recorded in other income.  In July of 2014, the Company received a final payment of $88,792, net of a $2,500 deductible, which was recorded as a receivable at June 30, 2014.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, other income includes $180,035 related to this insurance settlement.  No other payments are due under this claim.

9)  SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company has identified two operating segments, Direct Sales and Distributor Sales, based upon their different distribution channels, margins and selling strategies.  Direct Sales includes retail sales in the tasting room and remote sites, Wine Club sales, on-site events, kitchen and catering sales and other sales made directly to the consumer without the use of an intermediary.  Distributor Sales include all sales through a third party where prices are given at a wholesale rate.

The two segments reflect how the Company’s operations are evaluated by senior management and the structure of its internal financial reporting.  The Company evaluates performance based on the gross profit of the respective business segments.  Selling expenses that can be directly attributable to the segment, including depreciation of segment specific assets, are included, however, centralized selling expenses and general and administrative expenses are not allocated between operating segments.  Therefore, net income information for the respective segments is not available.  Discrete financial information related to segment assets, other than segment specific depreciation associated with selling, is not available and that information continues to be aggregated.

 

 
9

 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

9) SEGMENT REPORTING  (CONTINUED)
 
The following table outlines the sales, cost of sales, gross margin, directly attributable selling expenses, and contribution margin of the segments for the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2014 and 2013. Sales figures are net of related excise taxes.
 
                                     
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
   
Direct Sales
   
Distributor Sales
   
Total
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
                                     
Sales, net
  $ 1,395,164     $ 1,019,176     $ 2,651,037     $ 2,024,370     $ 4,046,201     $ 3,043,546  
Cost of Sales
    311,919       267,136       1,234,669       1,017,552       1,546,588       1,284,688  
Gross Margin
    1,083,245       752,040       1,416,368       1,006,818       2,499,613       1,758,858  
Selling Expenses
    628,320       476,386       306,503       334,848       934,823       811,234  
Contribution Margin
  $ 454,925     $ 275,654     $ 1,109,865     $ 671,970     $ 1,564,790     $ 947,624  
Percent of Sales
    34.5 %     33.5 %     65.5 %     66.5 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
                                                 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
   
Direct Sales
   
Distributor Sales
   
Total
 
      2014       2013       2014       2013       2014       2013  
                                                 
Sales, net
  $ 3,713,934     $ 2,751,325     $ 6,997,558     $ 6,943,039     $ 10,711,492     $ 9,694,364  
Cost of Sales
    940,328       716,323       3,308,798       3,318,627       4,249,126       4,034,950  
Gross Margin
    2,773,606       2,035,002       3,688,760       3,624,412       6,462,366       5,659,414  
Selling Expenses
    1,723,459       1,235,450       930,058       982,833       2,653,517       2,218,283  
Contribution Margin
  $ 1,050,147     $ 799,552     $ 2,758,702     $ 2,641,579     $ 3,808,849     $ 3,441,131  
Percent of Sales
    34.7 %     28.4 %     65.3 %     71.6 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
 
10)  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Subsequent events are events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued. The Company recognizes in the financial statements the effects of all subsequent events that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at the date of the balance sheet, including the estimates inherent in the process of preparing the financial statements.  The Company’s financial statement do not recognize subsequent events that provide evidence about conditions that did not exist at the date of the balance sheet but arose after the balance sheet date and before financial statements are issued.

In October of 2014, subsequent to the balance sheet date, the Company began the process to purchase 62 acres of primarily bare land for $496,000 for the purposes of growing grapes.  This purchase is part of the Company’s long term plan to increase the portion of grapes derived from its own vineyards in order to better control costs and quality as well as reduce grape supply risks.  This land is located within the Willamette AVA and is close to existing vineyards so as to garner farming efficiencies.  The Company anticipates completing this purchase in November 2014.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
10

 
 
ITEM 2:

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward Looking Statements

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other sections of this Form 10-Q contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the Company’s business, and beliefs and assumptions made by management.  Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.

Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, including, but not limited to:  availability of financing for growth, availability of adequate supply of high quality grapes, successful performance of internal operations, impact of competition, changes in wine broker or distributor relations or performance, impact of possible adverse weather conditions, impact of reduction in grape quality or supply due to disease, impact of governmental regulatory decisions, and other risks disclosed from time to time in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports.  In addition, such statements could be affected by general industry and market conditions and growth rates, and general domestic economic conditions.  The forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof, and, except as otherwise required by law, the Company disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why the actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Critical Accounting Policies

The foregoing discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations are based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company’s management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, collection of accounts receivable, valuation of inventories, and amortization of vineyard development costs.  The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.  Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.  A description of the Company’s critical accounting policies and related judgments and estimates that affect the preparation of the Company’s financial statements is set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.  Such policies were unchanged during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Overview

The Company generates revenues from the sales of wine to wholesalers and direct to consumers.  Direct to consumer sales primarily include sales through the Company’s Tasting Rooms and Wine Club.  Direct to consumer sales are more profitable to the Company due to prices received being closer to retail than those prices paid by wholesalers.  The Company continues to emphasize growth in direct to consumer sales through the Hospitality Center remodel and expansion and growth in wine club membership.  Wine Club membership increased by approximately 770 net new members, or 16.7%, for the nine months ending September 30, 2014.  Periodically, the Company will sell grapes or bulk wine, due to them not meeting Company standards or being excess to production targets, however this activity is not a significant part of the Company’s activities.
 
 
 
11

 

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
 
The Company sold approximately 76,624 and 75,922 cases of produced wine during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, an increase of 702 cases, or 0.9% in the current year period over the prior year period.  The increase in wine sales was primarily the result of increased direct to consumer sales.

Cases sold in 2014 include approximately 67 cases of unfulfilled “futures”, where a customer prepays for a wine not yet released.  Proceeds from these sales are not recognized as revenue until shipped and are reflected as unearned revenue.  Selling expenses for these sales are recognized in the period in which the expense is incurred.

Cost of sales includes grape costs, whether purchased or grown at Company vineyards, crush costs, winemaking and processing costs, bottling, packaging, warehousing and shipping and handling costs.  For grapes grown at Company vineyards, costs include farming expenditures and amortization of vineyard development costs.

At September 30, 2014, wine inventory includes approximately 92,000 cases of bottled wine and 186,000 gallons of bulk wine in various stages of the aging process.  Case wine is expected to be sold over the next 12 to 24 months and generally before the release date of the next vintage. The winery bottled 107,495 cases during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $573,946 and $232,066, respectively, an increase of $341,880, or 147.3%, in the current year period over the prior year period.  Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $1,295,396 and $1,049,784, respectively, an increase of $245,612, or 23.4%, in the current year period over the prior year period.  Overall gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $2,499,613 and $1,758,858, respectively, an increase of $740,755, or 42.1%, in the current year period over the prior year period.  Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $6,462,366 and $5,659,414, respectively, an increase of $802,952, or 14.2%, in the current year period over the prior year period.  Gross profit percent for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was 61.8% and 57.8%, an increase of 4.0 percentage points, in the current year period over the prior year period.  Gross profit percent for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was 60.3% and 58.4%, an increase of 1.9 percentage points, in the current year period over the prior year period.

The Company generated $0.12 and $0.05 in basic earnings per share during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The Company generated $0.27 and $0.22 in basic earnings per share during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
Willamette Valley Vineyards continues to receive positive recognition through online bloggers, local newspapers, publications and national magazines.

In July, The Pensacola News Journal in Florida ran an article entitled, “Handcrafted Pinot Noir is Something Special” in their “Wine Time” section that fondly featured Willamette Valley Vineyards backstory and 2013 Whole Cluster Pinot Noir.

Wine Blogger, Catherine O’Brien visited the Company’s tasting room and cellar in July and shared her positive experiences through her blog, “Pursuing Pinot.”

In their August issue, Wine & Spirits magazine rated Willamette Valley Vineyard’s 2012 Estate Pinot Noir 93 points calling it an “exuberant Pinot Noir.”
 
 

 
 
12

 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
 
Wine Enthusiast magazine recognized several of the Company’s wines in their August issue; 2012 Bernau Block Pinot Noir, 90 pts/Cellar Selection, 2013 Riesling, 89 pts/Best Buy; 2013 Whole Cluster Pinot Noir, Best Buy.  

Reporters from The Associated Press visited the winery in September during the Oregon Grape Stomp Championship and Harvest Celebration and wrote an article entitled, “Go for the Food: Grape Stomps for Fun, Not Wine.” The article was syndicated to dozens of publications that spanned from local publications to ABCNEWS.com. 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Revenue

Sales for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were $4,046,201 and $3,043,546, respectively, an increase of $1,002,655, or 32.9%, in the current year period over the prior year period.  This is caused by an increase in direct sales of $375,988 and an increase in sales through distributors of $626,667 in the current year three month period over the prior year period.  Sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were $10,711,492 and $9,694,364, respectively, an increase of $1,017,128, or 10.5%, in the current year period over the prior year period.  This is caused by an increase in direct sales of $962,609 and an increase in sales through distributors of $54,519, in the current year nine month period over the prior year period.  The increase in direct sales to consumers is primarily the result of increased wine club sales and increased kitchen and hospitality sales associated with the remodeled Hospitality Center.  Management believes that the increase in sales through distributors was due to increased sales made to several large chain retailers in the three months ending September 30, 2014.  Additionally, some sales through distributors that occurred in the second quarter of 2013 were not repeated until the third quarter of 2014 due to timing differences in their ordering process.

Cost of Sales

Cost of Sales for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were $1,546,588 and $1,284,688, respectively, an increase of $261,900, or 20.4%, in the current period over the prior year period.  Cost of Sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were $4,249,126 and $4,034,950, respectively, an increase of $214,176, or 5.3%, in the current period over the prior year period.  This change was primarily the result of an overall increase in sales of wine, partially offset by a shift to more direct sales to consumers which achieve a higher profit margin.

Gross Profit

Gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $2,499,613 and $1,758,858, respectively, an increase of $740,755, or 42.1%, in the current year period over the prior year period.  Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $6,462,366 and $5,659,414, respectively, an increase of $802,952, or 14.2%, in the current year period over the prior year period.  This increase is primarily the result of an overall increase in sales, partially offset by a shift to more direct sales to consumers which achieve a higher profit margin.

Gross profit margin for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was 61.8% and 57.8%, respectively, an increase of 4.0 percentage points, in the current year period over the prior year period.  Gross profit margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was 60.3% and 58.4%, respectively, an increase of 1.9 percentage points, in the current year period over the prior year period.  The change in gross profit margin is largely the result of an increase in the percentage of sales direct to consumers which result in a higher profit margin than sales through distributors.
 
 
 
13

 

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expense

Selling, general and administrative expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $1,526,956 and $1,339,735, respectively, an increase of $187,221, or 14.0%, in the current year period over the prior year period.  Selling, general and administrative expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $4,481,404 and $3,866,390, respectively, an increase of $615,014, or 15.9%, in the current year period over the prior year period.  This increase is primarily the result of increased selling expenses, including staffing, associated with an increased focus on retail sales and operating the newly remodeled Hospitality Center.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $81,242 and $61,635, respectively, an increase of $19,607 or 31.8%, in the current year period over the prior year period.  Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $208,714 and $184,843, respectively, an increase of $23,871, or 12.9%, in the current year period over the prior year period.  The changes in interest expense were primarily the result of increased debt associated with the remodel and expansion of the Hospitality Center and barrel cellar, net of interest capitalized into construction in process, and use of the line of credit in the current year that did not occur in the prior year.

Other Income, net

Other income for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $39,885 and $52,480, respectively, a decrease of $12,595 or 24.0%, in the current year period over the prior year period.  Other income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $329,796 and $156,410, respectively, an increase of $173,386, or 110.9%, in the current year period over the prior year period.  The other income decrease in the three month period was the result of a workers’ compensation premium refund that occurred in 2013 that did not recur in 2014.  The other income increase, in the nine month period, is primarily the result of a net of cost and deductible insurance claim settlement of $180,035 resulting from a spillage of wine during production.

Income Taxes

The income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $357,775 and $178,899, respectively, an increase of $178,876 or 100.0%, in the current year period over the prior year period.  The income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $807,666 and $719,757, respectively, an increase of $87,909, or 12.2%, in the current year period over the prior year period.  The Company’s estimated federal and state combined income tax rate was 38.4% and 43.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The Company’s estimated federal and state combined income tax rate was 38.4% and 40.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Net Income

Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $573,946 and $232,066, respectively, an increase of $341,880, or 147.3%, in the current year period over the prior year period.  Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $1,295,396 and $1,049,784, respectively, an increase of $245,612, or 23.4%, in the current year period over the prior year period.  This increase is primarily the result of increased direct and distributor sales in the three month period ending September 30, 2014 and increased direct to consumer sales in the nine month period ending September 30, 2014.
 
 
 
14

 

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources

At September 30, 2014, the Company had a working capital balance of $9.7 million and a current working capital ratio of 4.77:1.  At December 31, 2013, the Company had a working capital balance of $9.8 million and a current working capital ratio of 4.57:1.

At September 30, 2014, the Company had a cash balance of $906,068.  At December 31, 2013, the Company had a cash balance of $945,683.  This change is primarily the result of increased cash from operating activities offset by spending on capital improvements.

Total cash provided by operating activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $2,208,063 and $1,233,656, respectively.  Cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were primarily associated with income from operations.

Total cash used in investing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $2,517,377 and $4,265,244, respectively.  Cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 primarily consists of payments on the remodel and expansion of winery and hospitality center facilities, and payments on vineyard development.

Total cash provided by financing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $269,699 and $173,046, respectively. Cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 primarily consists of previously restricted cash becoming available for use as a result of the completion of the Hospitality Center remodel and expansion project, partially offset by payments on long-term debt.

Total cash used in discontinued operations in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $0 and $4,337 respectively.  This change is primarily the result of the completion of winding-down all purchased wine sales activity as of December 31, 2012.

Non-cash investing and financing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $16,550 and $1,038,014 respectively.  This change was the result of the completion of the Hospitality Center remodel and expansion project.

The Company has an asset-based loan agreement (the “line of credit”) with Umpqua Bank that allows it to borrow up to $2,000,000.  The Company renewed this agreement, in July of 2014, for an additional two years.  The index rate of prime plus zero, with a floor of 3.25%, at September 30, 2014 is 3.25%. The loan agreement contains certain restrictive financial covenants with respect to total equity, debt-to-equity and debt coverage that must be maintained by the Company on a quarterly basis.  As of September 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all of the financial covenants.

At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 the Company had no balance outstanding on the line of credit.  At September 30, 2014, the Company had $2,000,000 available on the line of credit.

As of September 30, 2014, the Company had a total long-term debt balance of $5,581,874, including the portion due in the next year, owed to Farm Credit Services.  As of December 31, 2013, the Company had a total long-term debt balance of $5,816,745.

The Company believes that cash flow from operations and funds available under the Company’s existing credit facilities will be sufficient to meet the Company’s foreseeable short and long-term needs.
 
 
 
15

 

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
 
Hospitality Center

In December 2012, the Board of Directors approved a significant remodel and expansion of the Winery’s Hospitality Center.  The Board approved a total project cost of up to $4.5 million, to be financed with $2,000,000 of new borrowings from NW Farm Credit Services, with the balance of the costs funded by using existing cash reserves.  In November 2013 the Board approved additional costs, in excess of the original budget, to be funded by using cash reserves.  Features of the remodeled and expanded facility include additional barrel storage capacity, a club-members tasting room, a larger general public tasting area, enhanced kitchen services, new spaces for hosting smaller parties, overnight lodging, expanded deck seating to capitalize on views from the winery, and a new lawn terrace for outdoor events.  Management believes that these enhancements will be critical in supporting the future growth of direct-to-consumer sales of Company wines and hospitality shown to wine writers, distributors and large buyers.  Construction began in February 2013 and was completed on June 1, 2014.

ITEM 3:

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

As a smaller reporting company, the Company is not required to provide the information required by this item.

ITEM 4:

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures – The Company carried out an evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 13a-15 and 15d-5 under the Exchange Act. Based on that review, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports the Company files or submit under the Exchange Act (1) is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and (2) is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principle financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II:  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1 - Legal Proceedings.

From time to time, the Company is a party to various judicial and administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business.  The Company’s management and legal counsel have reviewed the probable outcome of any proceedings that were pending during the period covered by this report, the costs and expenses reasonably expected to be incurred, the availability and limits of the Company’s insurance coverage, and the Company’s established liabilities.  While the outcome of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, based on the Company’s review, the Company believes that any unrecorded liability that may result as a result of any legal proceedings is not likely to have a material effect on the Company’s liquidity, financial condition or results from operations.

Item 1A - Risk Factors.

As a smaller reporting company, the Company is not required to provide the information required by this item.
 
 
 
16

 

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

None.

Item 3 - Defaults upon Senior Securities.

None.

Item 4 - Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

Item 5 – Other Information.

None.

Item 6 – Exhibits.
 
 Item # Description
 3.1
Articles of Incorporation of Willamette Valley Vineyards, Inc. (incorporated by reference from the Company's Regulation A Offering Statement on Form 1-A, File No. 24S-2996)
   
 3.2
Articles of Amendment, dated August 22, 2000 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2008, filed August 14, 2008, File No. 000-21522)
   
 3.3
Bylaws of Willamette Valley Vineyards, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2008, filed August 14, 2008 File No. 000-21522)
   
 31.1
 
 
 31.2
 
 
 32.1
 
 
 32.2
 
 
 101 The following financial information from the Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, furnished electronically herewith, and formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Balance Sheets, (ii) Statements of Operations; (iii) Statements of Cash Flows; and (iv) Notes to Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text. (Filed herewith).

 
 
 
17

 
 
SIGNATURES

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

  WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS, INC.  
       
Date: November 13, 2014
By:
/s/ James W. Bernau  
    James W. Bernau   
     Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
       
       
 Date: November 13, 2014 By: /s/ Richard F. Goward Jr.  
     Richard F. Goward Jr.  
     Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
 
       



 
 
 
 
 
 
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