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WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS INC - Quarter Report: 2017 September (Form 10-Q)

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

 
FORM 10-Q
 

 
  ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017
 
  ☐ 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: ☒ 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 (§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): ☒ YES ☐ 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:
 
☐ Large accelerated filer
☐ Accelerated filer
 
 
☐ Non-accelerated filer
☒ Smaller reporting company
 
 
☐ Emerging Growth Company
 
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐
 
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):  ☐ YES                ☒ NO
 
Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of November 9, 2017: 4,964,529
Number of shares of preferred stock outstanding as of November 9, 2017: 4,400,202
 
 
1
 
 
WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS, INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
 
Part I - Financial Information
3
 
 
Item 1 - Financial Statements (unaudited)
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
17
 
 
Part II - Other Information
17
 
 
Item 1 - Legal Proceedings
17
 
 
Item 1A – Risk Factors
17
 
 
Item 2 - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
18
 
 
Item 3 - Defaults Upon Senior Securities
18
 
 
Item 4 – Mine Safety Disclosures
18
 
 
Item 5 – Other Information
18
 
 
Item 6 – Exhibits
18
 
 
Signatures
19
 
 
 
2
 
 
PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1 – Financial Statements
 
WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30 ,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 $13,009,179 
 $5,706,351 
Accounts receivable, net
  1,942,424 
  1,871,450 
Inventories (Note 2)
  11,929,867 
  11,970,656 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
  109,122 
  399,740 
Total current assets
  26,990,592 
  19,948,197 
 
    
    
Investment in Kore Wine Company
  49,153 
  59,186 
Vineyard development costs, net
  5,656,563 
  4,666,794 
Property and equipment, net (Note 3)
  23,188,820 
  20,196,945 
 
    
    
TOTAL ASSETS
 $55,885,128 
 $44,871,122 
 
    
    
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
    
    
CURRENT LIABILITIES
    
    
Accounts payable
 $640,640 
 $505,085 
Accrued expenses
  954,847 
  995,405 
Investor deposits for preferred stock (Note 9)
  1,713,210 
  - 
Current portion of notes payable
  1,777,587 
  245,417 
Current portion of long-term debt
  392,434 
  380,471 
Income taxes payable
  527,144 
  389,798 
Current portion of deferred revenue-distribution agreement
  130,935 
  142,857 
Unearned revenue
  203,055 
  213,612 
Grapes payable
  263,514 
  693,666 
Total current liabilities
  6,603,366 
  3,566,311 
 
    
    
 
    
    
Notes payable, net of current portion
  137,667 
  - 
Long-term debt, net of current portion and debt issuance costs
  6,753,441 
  4,443,685 
Deferred rent liability
  89,910 
  113,567 
Deferred revenue-distribution agreement, net of current portion
  - 
  95,223 
Deferred gain
  65,101 
  89,172 
Deferred income taxes
  1,931,000 
  1,931,000 
Total liabilities
  15,580,485 
  10,238,958 
 
    
    
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
    
    
 
    
    
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    
    
 
Redeemable preferred stock, no par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized,
 
    
 
3,574,317 shares, liquidation preference $15,293,668, issued and
 
    
 
outstanding at September 30, 2017 and 2,397,954 shares, liquidation
 
    
 
preference $9,947,359 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016,
 
    
respectively.
  14,118,339 
  9,061,307 
 
Common stock, no par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, 4,964,719 and
 
    
5,016,685 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2017 and
 
    
December 31, 2016, respectively.
  8,514,061 
  8,971,575 
Retained earnings
  17,672,243 
  16,599,282 
Total shareholders’ equity
  40,304,643 
  34,632,164 
 
    
    
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 $55,885,128 
 $44,871,122 
 
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,
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SALES, NET
 $5,143,588 
 $4,741,711 
 $14,907,917 
 $13,564,508 
COST OF SALES
  1,762,214 
  1,700,460 
  5,594,744 
  4,999,908 
 
    
    
    
    
GROSS PROFIT
  3,381,374 
  3,041,251 
  9,313,173 
  8,564,600 
 
    
    
    
    
SELLING, GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
  2,283,143 
  2,046,948 
  6,652,674 
  6,000,017 
 
    
    
    
    
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
  1,098,231 
  994,303 
  2,660,499 
  2,564,583 
 
    
    
    
    
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
    
    
    
    
Interest income
  6,535 
  2,688 
  17,596 
  7,489 
Interest expense
  (127,431)
  (71,264)
  (346,997)
  (216,429)
Other income, net
  45,886 
  35,626 
  180,462 
  162,126 
 
    
    
    
    
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
  1,023,221 
  961,353 
  2,511,560 
  2,517,769 
 
    
    
    
    
INCOME TAX PROVISION
  (398,638)
  (361,542)
  (978,346)
  (952,896)
 
    
    
    
    
NET INCOME
  624,583 
  599,811 
  1,533,214 
  1,564,873 
 
    
    
    
    
Accrued preferred stock dividends
  (196,587)
  (131,832)
  (460,253)
  (325,418)
 
    
    
    
    
INCOME APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
 $427,996 
 $467,979 
 $1,072,961 
 $1,239,455 
 
    
    
    
    
Basic income per common share after preferred dividends
 $0.09 
 $0.09 
 $0.21 
 $0.25 
 
    
    
    
    
Diluted income per common share after preferred dividends
 $0.09 
 $0.09 
 $0.21 
 $0.25 
 
    
    
    
    
Weighted average number of
    
    
    
    
basic common shares outstanding
  4,976,732 
  4,994,061 
  4,992,189 
  4,993,571 
Weighted average number of
    
    
    
    
diluted common shares outstanding
  4,976,732 
  4,998,444 
  4,992,189 
  4,997,737 
 
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,
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 $1,533,214 
 $1,564,873 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
    
    
from operating activities:
    
    
Depreciation and amortization
  1,132,635 
  990,107 
Gain on disposition of property & equipment
  (1,243)
  - 
Stock based compensation expense
  - 
  748 
Loss from investment in Kore Wine Company
  10,033 
  814 
Deferred rent liability
  (23,657)
  (20,392)
Deferred gain
  (24,072)
  (24,071)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
    
    
Accounts receivable
  (70,974)
  269,888 
Inventories
  40,789 
  (1,179,002)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
  290,618 
  57,468 
Income taxes receivable
  - 
  204,513 
Unearned revenue
  (10,557)
  17,116 
Deferred revenue-distribution agreement
  (107,145)
  (107,145)
Grapes payable
  (430,152)
  227,969 
Accounts payable
  12,886 
  (43,443)
Accrued expenses
  (40,558)
  215,283 
Income taxes payable
  137,346 
  284,383 
Net cash from operating activities
  2,449,163 
  2,459,109 
 
    
    
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    
    
Additions to vineyard development costs
  (795,456)
  (740,183)
Additions to property and equipment
  (2,289,578)
  (2,402,303)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
  45,000 
  - 
Net cash from investing activities
  (3,040,034)
  (3,142,486)
 
    
    
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    
    
Proceeds from long-term debt
  2,672,659 
  - 
Proceeds from investor deposits held as restricted cash
  - 
  1,476,232 
Proceeds from investor deposits held as liability
  1,713,210 
  (1,476,232)
Payment on installment note for property purchase
  (280,496)
  (245,417)
Payments on long-term debt
  (350,939)
  (259,378)
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock
  4,596,779 
  5,326,746 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
  21,630 
  194,052 
Repurchase of common stock
  (479,144)
  (502,890)
Net cash from financing activities
  7,893,699 
  4,513,113 
 
    
    
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
  7,302,828 
  3,829,736 
 
    
    
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
  5,706,351 
  4,010,664 
 
    
    
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
 $13,009,179 
 $7,840,400 
 
    
    
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    
    
Purchase of property and vineyard development costs with notes payable
 $1,950,333 
 $- 
Purchases of property and equipment and vineyard development
    
    
costs included in accounts payable
 $222,565 
 $20,113 
 
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, 2017 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 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, 2016 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, 2016. Certain information or footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. 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, 2016, as presented in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year ending December 31, 2017, 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 after preferred stock dividends 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 dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive shares from stock options and other instruments are excluded from the computation when their effect is anti-dilutive. There were no anti-dilutive shares outstanding as of September 30, 2017 and 2016. Potentially dilutive shares of 0 and 4,383 are included in the computation of dilutive earnings per share for the three month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Potentially dilutive shares of 0 and 4,166 are included in the computation of dilutive earnings per share for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
 
The following table presents the earnings per share after preferred stock dividends calculation for the periods shown:
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
Numerator
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 $624,583 
 $599,811 
 $1,533,214 
 $1,564,873 
Accrued preferred stock dividends
  (196,587)
  (131,832)
  (460,253)
  (325,418)
 
    
    
    
    
Net income applicable to common shares
 $427,996 
 $467,979 
 $1,072,961 
 $1,239,455 
 
    
    
    
    
Denominator
    
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
    
Basic weighted average common shares
  4,976,732 
  4,994,061 
  4,992,189 
  4,993,571 
Dilutive stock options
  - 
  4,383 
  - 
  4,166 
 
    
    
    
    
Diluted weighted average common shares
  4,976,732 
  4,998,444 
  4,992,189 
  4,997,737 
 
    
    
    
    
Basic income per common share
    
    
    
    
     after preferred dividends
 $0.09 
 $0.09 
 $0.21 
 $0.25 
 
    
    
    
    
Diluted income per common share
    
    
    
    
     after preferred dividends
 $0.09 
 $0.09 
 $0.21 
 $0.25 
 
 
 
6
 
 
Recently issued accounting standardsIn May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”), a new standard to achieve a consistent application of revenue recognition within the U.S., resulting in a single revenue model to be applied by reporting companies under GAAP. The original effective date for ASU 2014-09 would have required adoption by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2017 with early adoption prohibited. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) - Deferral of the Effective Date (“ASU 2015-14”), which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for one year and permits early adoption in accordance with the original effective date of ASU 2014-09.
 
The new revenue standard is required to be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard recognized at the date of initial application. The Company anticipates adopting the standard in the first quarter of 2018 and has evaluated the effect of the standard and does not believe it will be material to the Company’s financial reporting.
 
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”). This update requires that lessees recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by all leases with terms of more than 12 months. ASU 2016-02 also will require disclosures designed to give financial statement users information on the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. These disclosures include both qualitative and quantitative information. The effective date for ASU 2016-02 is for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018 with earlier adoption permitted. The Company is still evaluating the impact of ASU 2016-02 on its financial position and results of operations.
 
2) INVENTORIES
 
The Company’s inventories, by major classification, are summarized as follows, as of the dates shown:
 
 
 
September 30, 2017
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Winemaking and packaging materials
 $575,300 
 $817,836 
Work-in-process (costs relating to
    
    
unprocessed and/or unbottled wine products)
  3,657,437 
  6,634,014 
Finished goods (bottled wine and related products)
  7,697,130 
  4,518,806 
 
    
    
Current inventories
 $11,929,867 
 $11,970,656 
 
3) PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
The Company’s property and equipment consists of the following, as of the dates shown:
 
 
 
September 30, 2017
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction in progress
 $1,237,533 
 $449,409 
Land, improvements and other buildings
  10,042,355 
  8,063,716 
Winery building and hospitality center
  14,983,002 
  14,458,309 
Equipment
  10,867,673 
  10,122,593 
 
    
    
 
  37,130,563 
  33,094,027 
 
    
    
Accumulated depreciation
  (13,941,743)
  (12,897,082)
 
    
    
Property and equipment, net
 $23,188,820 
 $20,196,945 
 
 
7
 
 
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 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. In October of 2014, the Company received payment of the final $250,000 under this agreement. The total amount of $1,000,000 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, 2017 and 2016, 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, 2017 and 2016, 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 receivable and inventories as defined in the agreement. The revolving line bears interest at prime, is payable monthly, and is subject to annual renewal. In April of 2017, the Company renewed the credit agreement until July 31, 2018. The interest rate was 3.5% at September 30, 2017 and 3.75% at December 31, 2016. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 there was no outstanding balance on this revolving line of credit.
 
The line of credit agreement includes various covenants, which among other things; require the Company to maintain minimum amounts of tangible net worth, debt/worth ratio, and debt service coverage as defined. As of September 30, 2017, the Company was in compliance with these financial covenants.
 
Notes payable – In April of 2015 the Company purchased approximately 42 acres of farmland in the Walla Walla AVA under terms that included paying one third of the price upon closing and one third in each of the two subsequent years. As of September 30, 2017 the Company had no balance due on this note. As of December 31, 2016 the Company had a balance due of $245,417.
 
In March of 2017 the Company purchased approximately 45 acres of farmland in the Walla Walla AVA under terms that included paying one third of the price upon closing, one third on March 15, 2018 and one third on March 15, 2019. As of September 30, 2017 the Company had a balance of $275,333 due on this note. No interest accrues under the terms of this note.
 
In February of 2017 the Company purchased property, including vineyard land, bare land and structures in the Dundee Hills AVA under terms that included a 15 year note payable with quarterly payments of $42,534 at 6%. The note may be called by the owner, up to the outstanding balance, with 180 days written notice. As of September 30, 2017 the Company had a balance of $1,639,921 due on this note.
 
Long Term Debt – In March 2017 the Company secured a loan with Farm Credit Services that involved the refinancing of three of its four outstanding loans. The Company subsequently has two long term debt agreements with Farm Credit Services with an aggregate outstanding balance of $7,296,409, as of September 30, 2017. At December 31, 2016, the Company had four long term debt arrangements with Farm Credit Services with an aggregate outstanding balance of $4,824,096. The two outstanding loans require monthly principal and interest payments of $62,067 for the life of the loans, at annual fixed interest rates of 4.75% and 5.21%, and with maturity dates of 2028 and 2032. The general purposes of these loans were to make capital improvements to the winery and vineyard facilities.
 
The Company has an outstanding loan with Toyota Credit Corporation maturing in February 2021, at zero interest, with an outstanding balance of $38,249 and $45,899 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The purpose of this loan was to purchase a vehicle.
 
As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had unamortized debt issuance costs of $188,784 and $45,839, respectively.
 
 
8
 
 
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 had an exercise price that was equal to the estimated 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, was 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 was ten years.
 
The following table presents information related to the value of outstanding stock options during the period shown:
 
 
 
Three months ended
 
 
Nine months ended
 
 
 
September 30, 2017    
 
 
September 30, 2017    
 
 
 
Weighted Average Exercise
 
 
Weighted Average Exercise
 
 
 
Shares
 
 
Price
 
 
Shares
 
 
Price
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding at beginning of period
  - 
 $- 
  7,000 
 $3.09 
Granted
  - 
  - 
  - 
  - 
Exercised
  - 
 $- 
  (7,000)
  3.09 
Forfeited
  - 
  - 
  - 
  - 
 
    
    
    
    
Outstanding at end of period
  - 
 $- 
  - 
 $- 
 
At September 30, 2017, the Company had no outstanding stock options. There were no stock options exercised during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. Stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were 7,000 and 60,000, respectively. The Company had no unrecognized stock compensation expense as of September 30, 2017.
 
7) INTEREST AND TAXES PAID
 
Income taxes – The Company paid $331,000 and $0 in income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company paid $841,000 and $464,250 in income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
 
Interest - The Company paid $119,615 and $71,683 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, in interest on long-term debt. The Company paid $311,077 and $218,150 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, in interest on long-term debt.
 
8) 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, including sales of bulk wine or grapes. 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
 
 
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, 2017 and 2016. Sales figures are net of related excise taxes.
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,              
 
 
 
Direct Sales    
 
 
Distributor Sales  
 
 
Total    
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales, net
 $2,263,453 
 $2,052,390 
 $2,880,135 
 $2,689,321 
 $5,143,588 
 $4,741,711 
Cost of Sales
  555,817 
  633,116 
  1,206,397 
  1,067,344 
  1,762,214 
  1,700,460 
Gross Margin
  1,707,636 
  1,419,274 
  1,673,738 
  1,621,977 
  3,381,374 
  3,041,251 
Selling Expenses
  1,022,807 
  808,761 
  423,433 
  361,004 
  1,446,240 
  1,169,765 
Contribution Margin
 $684,829 
 $610,513 
 $1,250,305 
 $1,260,973 
 $1,935,134 
 $1,871,486 
Percent of Sales
  44.0%
  43.3%
  56.0%
  56.7%
  100.0%
  100.0%
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,            
 
 
 
Direct Sales    
 
 
Distributor Sales  
 
 
Total    
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales, net
 $5,747,579 
 $5,019,220 
 $9,160,338 
 $8,545,288 
 $14,907,917 
 $13,564,508 
Cost of Sales
  1,510,003 
  1,328,828 
  4,084,741 
  3,671,080 
  5,594,744 
  4,999,908 
Gross Margin
  4,237,576 
  3,690,392 
  5,075,597 
  4,874,208 
  9,313,173 
  8,564,600 
Selling Expenses
  2,742,294 
  2,332,103 
  1,351,216 
  1,189,349 
  4,093,510 
  3,521,452 
Contribution Margin
 $1,495,282 
 $1,358,289 
 $3,724,381 
 $3,684,859 
 $5,219,663 
 $5,043,148 
Percent of Sales
  38.6%
  37.0%
  61.4%
  63.0%
  100.0%
  100.0%
 
Direct Sales include $30,624 and $148,752 of bulk wine sales in the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Direct Sales include $194,412 and $148,752 of bulk wine sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
 
9) SALE OF PREFERRED STOCK
 
In August 2015, the Company commenced a public offering of our Series A Redeemable Preferred Stock pursuant to a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The preferred stock under this issue is non-voting and ranks senior in rights and preferences to the Company’s common stock. Shareholders of this issue are entitled to receive dividends, when and as declared by the Company’s Board of Directors, at a rate of $0.22 per share. Dividends accrued but not paid will be added to the liquidation preference of the stock until the dividend is declared and paid. At any time after June 1, 2021, the Company has the option, but not the obligation, to redeem all of the outstanding preferred stock in an amount equal to the original issue price of $4.15 per share plus accrued but unpaid dividends and a redemption premium equal to 3% of the original issue price of $4.15 per share. The Company registered this transaction with the securities authorities of the States of Oregon and Washington and subsequently obtained a listing on the NASDAQ under the trading symbol WVVIP. This issue had an aggregate initial offering price not to exceed $6,000,000 and was fully subscribed as of December 31, 2015.
 
On December 23, 2015 the Company filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 with the SEC pertaining to the potential future issuance of one or more classes or series of debt, equity or derivative securities. On February 28, 2016 shareholders of the Series A Redeemable Preferred Stock approved an increase in shares designated as Series A Redeemable Preferred Stock, from 1,445,783 to 2,857,548 shares, and amended the certificate of designation for those shares to allow the Company’s Board of Directors to make future increases.
 
On March 10, 2016 the Company filed with the SEC a Prospectus Supplement to the December 2015 Form S-3, pursuant to which the Company proposed to offer and sell, on a delayed or continuous basis, up to 970,588 additional shares of Series A Redeemable Preferred stock having proceeds not to exceed $4,125,000. This stock was established to be sold in four offering periods beginning with an offering price of $4.25 per share and concluding at $4.55 per share. The Company sold all preferred stock available under this offering.
 
On May 3, 2017, the Company filed with the SEC a Prospectus Supplement to the December 2015 Form S-3, pursuant to which the Company proposed to offer and sell, on a delayed or continuous basis, up to 2,298,851 additional shares of Series A Redeemable Preferred stock having proceeds not to exceed $10,000,000. This stock was established to be sold in four offering periods beginning with an offering price of $4.35 per share and concluding at $4.65 per share.
 
 
 
10
 
 
Proceeds from the sale of preferred stock for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were received by the Company and included as unrestricted cash. For the three months ended September 30, 2017 the Company processed $1,713,210 in stock sales, net of acquisition costs, under this agreement and recorded it as a current liability, “Investor deposits for preferred stock”, until the stock was issued effective October 1, 2017.
 
10) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
Litigation From time to time, in the normal course of business, the Company is a party to legal proceedings. Management believes that these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows, but, due to the nature of litigation, the ultimate outcome of any potential actions cannot presently be determined.
 
Grape Purchases - The Company has entered into a long-term grape purchase agreement with one of its Willamette Valley wine grape growers. This contract amended and extended three separate contracts and purchases fruit through the 2023 harvest year. With this agreement the Company purchases an annually agreed upon quantity of fruit, at pre-determined prices, within strict quality standards and crop loads. The Company cannot calculate the minimum or maximum payment as such a calculation is dependent in large part on unknowns such as the quantity of fruit needed by the Company and the availability of grapes produced that meet the strict quality standards in any given year. If no grapes are produced that meet the contractual quality levels, the grapes may be refused and no payment would be due.
 
Asset Purchase Agreement – In May 2017 the Company agreed to buy the assets of an existing Company for approximately $142,000. The purchase is scheduled to close in January 2018 and the Company will also assume two contracts.
 
ITEM 2:
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, “we,” “us,” “our” and “the Company” refer to Willamette Valley Vineyards, Inc.
 
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” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “potential,” “should,” or “will” or the negative thereof 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, changes in consumer spending, the reduction in consumer demand for premium wines and the impact of governmental regulatory decisions. In addition, such statements could be affected by general industry and market conditions and growth rates, and general domestic economic conditions. Many of these risks as well as other risks that may have a material adverse impact on our operations and business, are identified in Item 1A in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, as well as in the Company’s other Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports. The forward-looking statements in this report are made as of the date hereof, and, except as otherwise required by law, the Company disclaims 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.
 
 
11
 
 
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, 2016. Such policies were unchanged during the three months ended September 30, 2017.
 
Overview
 
The Company continues to position itself for strategic growth through property purchases, refinancing of long-term debt and issuance of our Series A Redeemable Preferred Stock (the “preferred stock”). Management expects near term financial results to be negatively impacted by these activities as a result of accruing preferred stock dividends, strategic planning and development costs and other growth associated costs.
 
The Company’s wines are made from grapes grown in vineyards owned, leased or contracted by the Company, and from grapes purchased from other nearby vineyards. The grapes are harvested, fermented and made into wine at the Company’s winery in Turner Oregon (the “Winery”) and the wines are sold principally under the Company’s Willamette Valley Vineyards label, but also under the Griffin Creek, Tualatin Estates and Elton labels. The Company also owns the Tualatin Estate Vineyards and Winery, located near Forest Grove, Oregon. 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 than sales through distributors 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 Company’s remodeled 35,642 square foot hospitality facility at the Winery and expansion and growth in wine club membership. Additionally, the Company’s preferred stock sales since August 2015 have resulted in approximately 4,409 new preferred stockholders many of which the Company believes are wine enthusiasts. When considering joint ownership, these new shareholders represent approximately 6,200 potential customers of the Company. Membership in the Company’s wine club increased by approximately 357 net members, or 5.3%, to a total of 7,071 members during the nine months ending September 30, 2017. The Company believes the increase in preferred shareholders, who receive enhanced discounts, has reduced the number of people who would otherwise become Wine Club members. However, management anticipates that new preferred shareholders will purchase the Company’s wines over a longer period of time, than the average Wine Club member, making their enhanced winery status beneficial to the Company.
 
Periodically, the Company will sell grapes or bulk wine, due to them not meeting Company standards or being excess to production targets, however this is not a significant part of the Company’s activities. The Company had bulk wine sales of $30,624 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and $148,752 in bulk wine sales in the same period of 2016. The Company had bulk wine sales of $194,412 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and $148,752 in bulk wine sales in the same period of 2016.
 
The Company sold approximately 98,383 and 95,105 cases of produced wine during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, an increase of 3,278 cases, or 3.4% in the current year period over the prior year period.  The increase in wine case sales was primarily the result of increased sales through distributors.
 
Cases sold in 2017 does not include 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.
 
 
12
 
 
Cost of sales includes grape costs, whether purchased or grown at Company vineyards, 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, 2017, wine inventory included approximately 119,369 cases of bottled wine and 100,846 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 approximately 145,342 cases during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
 
Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $624,583 and $599,811, respectively, an increase of $24,772, or 4.1%, in the current year period over the prior year period. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $1,533,214 and $1,564,873, respectively, a decrease of $31,659, or 2.0%, in the current year period over the prior year period.
 
Income applicable to common shareholders for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $427,996 and $467,979, respectively, a decrease of $39,983, or 8.5%, in the current year period over the prior year period. Income applicable to common shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $1,072,961 and $1,239,455, respectively, a decrease of $166,494, or 13.4%, in the current year period over the prior year period.
 
Overall gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $3,381,374 and $3,041,251, respectively, an increase of $340,123, or 11.2%, in the current year period over the prior year period. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was 65.7% and 64.1%, respectively, an increase of 1.6 percentage points in the current year period over the prior year period. Overall gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $9,313,173 and $8,564,600, respectively, an increase of $748,573, or 8.7%, in the current year period over the prior year period. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was 62.5% and 63.1%, respectively, a decrease of .6 percentage points in the current year period over the prior year period.
 
The Company generated $0.09 and $0.09 in basic earnings per share after preferred dividends during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company generated $0.21 and $0.25 in basic earnings per share after preferred dividends during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
 
Willamette Valley Vineyards continues to receive positive recognition through national magazines, regional publications, local newspapers and online bloggers. 
 
Wine Spectator Magazine rated the Company's 2015 Estate Pinot Noir a 91 point score and included it in an article titled, "12 Polished Oregon Pinot Noirs." 
 
Wine Enthusiast Magazine rated the Company's 2015 Vintage 42 Chardonnay a 92 point score and featured it in an article titled, "The Old Vines of Oregon Wine." 
 
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rated the Company's 2015 Vintage 42 Chardonnay with a 92 point, 2015 Bernau Block Chardonnay with a 90+ point, and 2015 Estate Chardonnay with a 90 point score.
 
The Company was selected as a 2016 Impact Hot Prospect Brand by M. Shaken Communications, Inc., the parent company of Wine Spectator Magazine. The criteria for this prestigious award are depletions between 50,000 and 200,000 cases in 2016 and at least 15% growth in 2016 and consistent growth in 2015 and 2014. The Company's award was featured in the September 1st and 15th issues of Global Impact Newsletter and in the October issue of Market Watch. 
 
Capital Press wrote an article, "Queen of the Vine: Betty O'Brien," about Elton Vineyard owner and member of the Company's Board of Directors. The article featured her contribution to the Oregon wine industry and information about the release of the Company's new Elton wines made from her vineyard.
 
D Magazine, based in Dallas, Texas, featured the Company's 2016 Whole Cluster Pinot Noir in an article titled, "What to Drink Now: Exceptional Everyday Red Wines."
 
 
13
 
 
The Company was featured in a Wines & Vines article called, "Look Up in Walla Walla," discussing the expansion into the Walla Walla Valley for the new Pambrun winery. 
 
The Company participated in an Oregon Wine Board Media Tour presenting on a panel titled "The Rise of Pinot Noir as a Category." 
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Revenue
 
Sales for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were $5,143,588 and $4,741,711, respectively, an increase of $401,877, or 8.5%, in the current year period over the prior year period. This increase was mainly caused by an increase in direct sales of $211,063 and an increase in sales through distributors of $190,814 in the current year three month period over the prior year period. The increase in direct sales to consumers is primarily the result of increased tasting room, hospitality and kitchen sales in the third quarter of 2017 when compared to the same quarter of 2016. The increase in sales through distributors was not attributable to an isolated factor. Sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were $14,907,917 and $13,564,508, respectively, an increase of $1,343,409, or 9.9%, in the current year period over the prior year period. This increase was mainly caused by an increase in direct sales of $728,359 and an increase in sales through distributors of $615,050 in the current year period over the prior year period. The increase in direct sales to consumers is primarily the result of increased tasting room, hospitality and kitchen sales in 2017 when compared to 2016.
 
Cost of Sales
 
Cost of Sales for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were $1,762,214 and $1,700,460, respectively, an increase of $61,754, or 3.6%, in the current period over the prior year period. This change was primarily the result of an increase in wine sales in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the same quarter in 2016. Cost of Sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were $5,594,744 and $4,999,908, respectively, an increase of $594,836, or 11.9%, in the current period over the prior year period. This change was primarily the result of an increase in wine sales in the current period compared to the same period in 2016.
 
Gross Profit
 
Gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $3,381,374 and $3,041,251, respectively, an increase of $340,123, or 11.2%, in the current year period over the prior year period. Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $9,313,173 and $8,564,600, respectively, an increase of $748,573, or 8.7%, in the current year period over the prior year period. These increases were primarily the result of an overall increase in wine sales.
 
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was 65.7% and 64.1%, respectively, an increase of 1.6 percentage points in the current year period over the prior year period. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was 62.5% and 63.1%, respectively, a decrease of .6 percentage points in the current year period over the prior year period.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $2,283,143 and $2,046,948, respectively, an increase of $236,195, or 11.5%, in the current year period over the prior year period. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in selling expenses of $253,666, or 20.5% being partially offset by a decrease in general and administrative expenses of $17,471, or 2.2% in the current quarter. Selling, general and administrative expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $6,652,674 and $6,000,017, respectively, an increase of $652,657, or 10.9%, in the current year period over the prior year period. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in selling expenses of $477,889, or 12.6% and an increase in general and administrative expenses of $174,768, or 7.9% in the current year. Selling expenses increased in first nine months of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 primarily as a result of increases in sales staffing and incentive costs, shipping costs, product demonstrations and sales travel among other selling related activities in the first and third quarters of 2017. General and administrative expenses increased in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same periods in 2016 primarily as a result of increased resources invested in facilities maintenance and long-term planning activities in the first and second quarters of 2017.
 
 
 
14
 
 
Interest Expense
 
Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $127,431 and $71,264, respectively, an increase of $56,167 or 78.8%, in the current year period over the prior year period. Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $346,997 and $216,429, respectively, an increase of $130,568 or 60.3%, in the current year period over the prior year period. The increase in interest expense in 2017 was primarily the result of additional interest associated with a new note payable used to finance a property purchase and additional debt incurred as part of a refinancing transaction in the first quarter of 2017.
 
Income Taxes
 
The income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $398,638 and $361,542, respectively, an increase of $37,096 or 10.3%, in the current year period over the prior year period mostly as a result of higher pre-tax income in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the same quarter in 2016. The Company’s estimated federal and state combined income tax rate was 39.0% and 37.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $978,346 and $952,896, respectively, an increase of $25,450 or 2.7%, in the current year period over the prior year period mostly as a result of slightly lower pre-tax income in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 being more than offset by a higher applied tax rate. The Company’s estimated federal and state combined income tax rate was 39.0% and 37.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
 
Net Income
 
Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $624,583 and $599,811, respectively, an increase of $24,772, or 4.1%, in the current year period over the prior year period. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $1,533,214 and $1,564,873, respectively, a decrease of $31,659, or 2.0%, in the current year period over the prior year period. The increase in net income for the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016 was primarily the result of increased gross profits being partially offset by higher selling, general & administrative expenses and higher interest expense in the third quarter of 2017, while the decrease in net income in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 was primarily the result of increased income from operations being more than offset by higher interest expenses in the first nine months of 2017.
 
Income Applicable to Common Shareholders
 
Income applicable to common shareholders for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $427,996 and $467,979, respectively, a decrease of $39,983, or 8.5%, in the current year period over the prior year period mainly as a result of increased net income being more than offset by an increase in accrued preferred stock dividends in the third quarter of 2017. Income applicable to common shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $1,072,961 and $1,239,455, respectively, a decrease of $166,494, or 13.4%, in the current year period over the prior year period. The decrease in income applicable to common shareholders in 2017 compared to 2016 was primarily the result of decreased net income combined with an increase in accrued preferred stock dividends in 2017.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
At September 30, 2017, the Company had a working capital balance of $20.4 million and a current working capital ratio of 4.09:1. At December 31, 2016, the Company had a working capital balance of $16.4 million and a current working capital ratio of 5.59:1.
 
At September 30, 2017, the Company had a cash balance of $13,009,179, while at December 31, 2016, the Company had a cash balance of $5,706,351. The increase in our cash balance during the first nine months of 2017 was primarily the result of proceeds from additional long-term debt obtained as part of the Company’s refinancing of three existing loans and proceeds from the sale of preferred stock in 2017 in addition to net cash from operating activities.
 
 
15
 
 
Total cash provided by operating activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $2,449,163. Cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was primarily associated with income from operations adjusted for depreciation expense.
 
Total cash used in investing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $3,040,034. Cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 primarily consisted of property and equipment purchases and vineyard development.
 
Total cash provided by financing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $7,893,699. Cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 consisted primarily of proceeds from additional debt acquired through the refinance of three of the Company’s long term loans as well as the sale of preferred stock.
 
Non-cash investing and financing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $2,172,898. This was primarily the result of the financing of two parcels of land using seller financed notes.
 
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 April of 2017, until July 31, 2018. The index rate of prime plus zero, with a floor of 3.25%, at September 30, 2017 is 3.5%. 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, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all of the financial covenants.
 
At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 the Company had no balance outstanding on the line of credit. At September 30, 2017, the Company had $2,000,000 available on the line of credit.
 
As of September 30, 2017 the Company had an installment note payable of $275,333, due in payments of $137,667 on March 15, 2018 and 2019, associated with the purchase of 45 acres of farmland in the Walla Walla AVA.
 
As of September 30, 2017 the Company had a 15 year installment note payable of $1,639,921, due in quarterly payments of $42,534, associated with the purchase of property in the Dundee Hills AVA.
 
As of September 30, 2017, the Company had a total long-term debt balance of $7,334,658, including the portion due in the next year, owed to Farm Credit Services and Toyota Credit Corporation, exclusive of debt issuance costs of $188,784. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had a total long-term debt balance of $4,869,994.
 
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.
 
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had no off-balance sheet arrangements.
 
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.
 
 
 
 
16
 
 
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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (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, as of the end of the period covered by this report, 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 principal 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, 2017 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.
 
In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 (the “2016 Annual Report”), which could materially affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.
 
The risk factors have not materially changed as of September 30, 2017 from those disclosed in the 2016 Annual Report. However, it is important to note that the risks described in our 2016 Annual Report are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may eventually prove to materially adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17
 
 
Item 2 - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
 
(a) – (b) Not applicable
 
(c)
 
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES         

 
(a)
 
 
(b)
 
 
(c)
 
 
(d)
 
Period
 
Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased
 
 
Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)
 
 
Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
 
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
 
Month #1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
July 2017
  200 
 $8.42 
  200 
 $108,712 
Month #2
    
    
    
    
August 2017
  6,606 
 $8.11 
  6,606 
 $55,117 
Month #3
    
    
    
    
September 2017
  9,344 
 $8.03 
  9,344 
 $30,115 
Total
  16,150 
 $8.12 
  16,150 
 $30,115 
 
In November of 2015 the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) approved a program to repurchase common stock of the Company. Under the November 2015 Board action, the Company funded a plan to repurchase up to $250,000 of our common stock through the open market. Subsequently, the Board added a total of $600,000 in funds to this plan in 2016. On February 2, 2017, the Board approved adding an additional $250,000 to the repurchase plan. On September 16, 2017, the Board approved adding an additional $50,000 to the repurchase plan. This plan is intended to remain in place until all funding for the plan is depleted or the plan is expanded or terminated by the Board. As of September 30, 2017, $30,115 remained unspent under this plan.
 
Item 3 - Defaults upon Senior Securities.
 
None.
 
Item 4 - Mine Safety Disclosures.
 
Not applicable.
 
Item 5 – Other Information.
 
None.
 
Item 6 – Exhibits.
 
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 on August 14, 2008, File No. 000-21522)
 
3.3 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Willamette Valley Vineyards, Inc. (incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on November 20, 2015, File No. 001-37610)
 
 
 
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31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Filed herewith)
 
31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Filed herewith)
 
32.1 Certification of James W. Bernau pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Filed herewith)
 
32.2 Certification of Richard F. Goward Jr. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Filed herewith)
 
101 The following financial information from the Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, 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).
 
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 9, 2017
By:  
/s/ James W. Bernau
 
 
 
James W. Bernau
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
Date: November 9, 2017
By:  
/s/ Richard F. Goward Jr.
 
 
 
Richard F. Goward Jr.
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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