UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

(mark one)

 

þ         Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 1, 2012

 

OR

 

¨        Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the transition period from ____________ to ____________

 

Commission File Number: 000-04892

 

CAL-MAINE FOODS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware 64-0500378
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)  

 

3320 Woodrow Wilson Avenue, Jackson, Mississippi 39209

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(601) 948-6813

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes þ 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 þ 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 þ
   

Non – Accelerated filer ¨

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company ¨

 

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

Yes ¨ No þ

 

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

Indicate number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock (exclusive of treasury shares), as of September 27, 2012.

 

Common Stock, $0.01 par value 21,521,291 shares
   
Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value 2,400,000 shares

 

 

 
 

 

CAL-MAINE FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

INDEX

 

      Page
      Number
Part I. Financial Information  
       
  Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)  
       
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - September 1, 2012 and June 2, 2012 3
       
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - Thirteen Weeks Ended September 1, 2012 and  August 27, 2011 4
       
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - Thirteen Weeks Ended September 1, 2012 and August 27, 2011 5
       
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow - Thirteen Weeks Ended September 1, 2012 and August 27, 2011 6
       
    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 7
       
  Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 14
       
  Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 20
       
  Item 4. Controls and Procedures 20
       
Part II. Other Information  
       
  Item 1. Legal Proceedings 21
       
  Item 1A. Risk Factors 24
       
  Item 6. Exhibits 24
       
  Signatures   25

  

2
 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

CAL-MAINE FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

   September 1, 2012   June 2, 2012 
   (unaudited)     
ASSETS          
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $30,616   $97,128 
Investment securities available-for-sale   178,658    163,623 
Trade receivables (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $503 at September 1, 2012 and $589 at June 2, 2012) and other receivables   76,751    62,768 
Inventories   129,005    117,158 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   3,049    1,525 
Total current assets   418,079    442,202 
           
Property, plant and equipment, net   237,973    222,615 
Goodwill   22,117    22,117 
Other investments   18,187    22,330 
Other intangible assets   7,529    8,028 
Other long-lived assets   6,915    6,441 
Notes receivable – noncurrent   2,153    2,583 
TOTAL ASSETS  $712,953   $726,316 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Current liabilities:          
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  $80,537   $91,305 
Accrued dividends payable   3,138    12,419 
Current maturities of long-term debt   11,458    11,458 
Deferred income taxes   27,376    25,474 
Total current liabilities   122,509    140,656 
           
Long-term debt, less current maturities   62,036    64,762 
Other noncurrent liabilities   3,319    3,165 
Deferred income taxes   39,138    38,405 
Total liabilities   227,002    246,988 
           
Commitments and Contingencies - see Note 5          
           
Stockholders’ equity:          
Common stock, $0.01 par value per share:          
Authorized shares – 60,000 Issued 35,130 shares and 21,521 shares outstanding at September 1, 2012 and June 2, 2012   351    351 
Class A common stock, $0.01 par value per share, authorized, issued and outstanding 2,400 shares at September 1, 2012 and June 2, 2012   24    24 
Paid-in capital   33,651    33,651 
Retained earnings   472,473    466,164 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax   40    (222)
Common stock in treasury at cost – 13,609 shares at September 1, 2012 and June 2, 2012   (20,843)   (20,843)
Total Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. stockholders’ equity   485,696    479,125 
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities   255    203 
Total stockholders’ equity   485,951    479,328 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY  $712,953   $726,316 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3
 

 

CAL-MAINE FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

   13 Weeks Ended 
   September 1, 2012   August 27, 2011 
Net sales  $272,928   $243,842 
Cost of sales   228,213    210,056 
Gross profit   44,715    33,786 
Selling, general and administrative   29,118    27,829 
Operating income   15,597    5,957 
Other income (expense):          
Interest expense, net   (1,298)   (1,396)
Other   402    172 
    (896)   (1,224)
           
Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interest   14,701    4,733 
Income tax expense   5,181    1,679 
Net income before noncontrolling interest   9,520    3,054 
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest   105    (63)
Net income attributable to Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.  $9,415   $3,117 
           
Net income per common share attributable to Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.:          
Basic  $0.39   $0.13 
Diluted  $0.39   $0.13 
Dividends per common share  $0.131   $0.044 
Weighted average shares outstanding:          
Basic   23,921    23,867 
Diluted   23,958    23,945 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4
 

 

CAL-MAINE FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

   13 Weeks Ended 
   September 1, 2012   August 27, 2011 
Net income, including noncontrolling interests  $9,520   $3,054 
           
Other comprehensive income, before tax:          
           
Unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities, net of reclassification adjustments   429    797 
           
Other comprehensive income, before tax   429    797 
           
Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income   167    308 
           
Other comprehensive income, net of  tax   262    489 
           
Comprehensive income   9,782    3,543 
           
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest   105    (63)
           
Comprehensive income attributable to Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.  $9,677   $3,606 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5
 

 

CAL-MAINE FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

   13 Weeks Ended 
   September 1, 2012   August 27, 2011 
Operating activities:          
Net income including noncontrolling interest  $9,520   $3,054 
Depreciation and amortization   7,929    7,658 
Other adjustments, net   (35,254)   (4,421)
Net cash provided by (used in) operations   (17,805)   6,291 
           
Investing activities:          
Purchase of investments   (50,947)   (14,883)
Sales of investments   36,341    39,327 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment   (7,445)   (5,005)
Payments received on notes receivable and from affiliates   5,085    4,120 
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash   (16,318)   - 
Increase in notes receivable and investments in affiliates   (294)   - 
Net proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment   36    9 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   (33,542)   23,568 
           
Financing activities:          
Proceeds from issuance of common stock from treasury (including tax benefit on nonqualifying disposition of incentive stock options)   -    203 
Principal payments on long-term debt   (2,726)   (2,762)
Payments of dividends   (12,439)   (2,435)
Net cash used in financing activities   (15,165)   (4,994)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents   (66,512)   24,865 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   97,128    57,679 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  $30,616   $82,544 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

6
 

 

CAL-MAINE FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

September 1, 2012

(unaudited)

 

1.     Presentation of Interim Information

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary to a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented have been included. The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affected reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions. Operating results for the thirteen weeks ended September 1, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending June 1, 2013.

 

The condensed consolidated balance sheet at June 2, 2012 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.

 

For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.'s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 2, 2012. References to “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company” refer to Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.

 

2. Acquisition

 

On August 10, 2012, we purchased substantially all of the commercial egg assets of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (Seller), located in Pittsburg, Texas.   The purchase price totaled $18,818 based upon the preliminary valuation of the assets acquired.  The purchase price was funded from our available cash balances. The assets purchased by us include two production complexes with capacity for approximately 1.4 million laying hens, and the Seller’s 13.6% interest in Texas Egg Products, LLC (TEP), which gives the Company a majority interest in TEP.  Effective August 10, 2012, these acquired operations were merged into Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.

 

The following table presents the preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired, based on their fair values:

 

Assets acquired:     
      
Inventories  $3,615 
Property, plant, and equipment   15,203 
Total assets acquired  $18,818 
Earn-out contingency   (2,500)
Net assets acquired  $16,318 

 

 

The purchase price for the property, plant and equipment includes a $2,500 earn-out contingency. We have recorded this $2,500 contingency as a liability. As per the agreement signed on August 10, 2012, this earn out provision employs a formulaic methodology that takes into account commodity feed prices and the price of shell eggs for the period September 2012 – August 2013. The maximum payout under this earn-out provision is $2,500. When this contingency is settled in fiscal 2014, we will book any difference between the recorded liability and the cash settlement to earnings.

 

7
 

 

3.   Stock Based Compensation

 

Total stock based compensation expense (benefit) for the thirteen weeks ended September 1, 2012 and August 27, 2011 was $165 and ($167), respectively. Our liabilities associated with Stock Appreciation Rights as of September 1, 2012 and August 27, 2011 were $996 and $1,401, respectively. The liabilities for our Stock Appreciation Rights are included in the line item “Accounts payable and accrued expenses” in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Refer to Note 10 of our June 2, 2012 audited financial statements for further information on our stock compensation plans.

 

4.   Inventories

 

Inventories consisted of the following:

 

   September 1, 2012   June 2, 2012 
Flocks  $75,653   $71,071 
Eggs   11,052    9,856 
Feed and supplies   42,300    36,231 
   $129,005   $117,158 

 

5. Contingencies

 

Financial Instruments

The Company maintains standby letters of credit (“LOC”) with a bank totaling $5,086 at September 1, 2012. These LOCs are collateralized with cash and included in the line item “Other long-lived assets” in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The outstanding LOCs are for the benefit of certain insurance companies. None of the LOCs are recorded as a liability on the consolidated balance sheets.

 

Legal Contingencies

The Company is the defendant in certain legal actions. The Company intends to vigorously defend its position regarding this litigation. The ultimate outcome of this litigation cannot presently be determined. Consequently, no estimate of any possible loss related to this litigation can reasonably be determined. However, in management’s opinion, the likelihood of a material adverse outcome is remote in regards to all matters except the egg antitrust litigation.

 

Management believes that the likelihood of a material adverse outcome is reasonably possible in the egg antitrust litigation. Two of the defendants in the case have reached a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs, subject to court approval. Neither settlement agreement admits any liability on the part of the defendants. Since the inception of this litigation, the Company has denied the allegations of the plaintiffs and has been vigorously defending the case. The Company’s decision to defend was not altered by settlement by two of our co-defendants. The Company will continue to defend the case based on defenses which we believe are meritorious and provable. At the present time it is not possible to estimate the amount of monetary exposure, if any, to the Company as a result of this case.

 

Accordingly, adjustments, if any, which might result from the resolution of these legal matters, have not been reflected in the financial statements. These legal actions are discussed in detail at Part II, Item 1, of this report.

 

8
 

 

6.     Net Income per Common Share

 

Basic net income per share was calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share was calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus the dilutive effects of options. The computations of basic and diluted net income per share attributable to the Company are as follows:

 

   13 Weeks Ended 
   September 1, 2012   August 27, 2011 
Net income attributable to Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.  $9,415   $3,117 
           
Basic weighted-average common shares   23,921    23,867 
           
Effect of dilutive securities:          
Common stock options   37    78 
Dilutive potential common shares   23,958    23,945 
           
Net income per common share attributable to Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.:          
Basic  $0.39   $0.13 
Diluted  $0.39   $0.13 

  

7.     Accrued Dividends Payable and Dividends per Common Share

 

We make an accrual of dividends payable at the end of each quarter according to the Company’s dividend policy. According to the dividend policy, the Company pays a dividend to shareholders of its Common Stock and Class A Common Stock on a quarterly basis for each quarter for which the Company reports net income computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in an amount equal to one-third (1/3) of such quarterly income. Dividends are paid to shareholders of record as of the 60th day following the last day of such quarter, except for the fourth fiscal quarter. For the fourth quarter, the Company will pay dividends to shareholders of record on the 70th day after the quarter end. Dividends are payable on the 15th day following the record date. Following a quarter for which the Company does not report net income, the Company will not pay a dividend for a subsequent profitable quarter until the Company is profitable on a cumulative basis computed from the date of the last quarter for which a dividend was paid. The amount of the accrual appears on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as “Accrued dividends payable.”

 

On our condensed consolidated statement of operations, we determine dividends per common share in accordance with the computation in the following table (shares in thousands):

 

   13 Weeks Ended 
   September 1, 2012   August 27, 2011 
Net income attributable to Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.  $9,415   $3,117 
1/3 of Net income attributable to Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.   3,138    1,039 
           
Accrued dividends payable  $3,138   $1,039 
           
Common stock outstanding (shares)   21,521    21,471 
Class A common stock outstanding (shares)   2,400    2,400 
Total common stock outstanding (shares)   23,921    23,871 
           
Dividends per common share*  $0.131   $0.044 

  

*Dividends per common share = 1/3 of Net income (loss) attributable to Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. ÷ Total common stock outstanding (shares)

 

9
 

 

8.   Fair Value Measures

 

The Company is required to categorize both financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities based on the following fair value hierarchy. The fair value of an asset is the price at which the asset could be sold in an orderly transaction between unrelated, knowledgeable, and willing parties able to engage in the transaction. A liability’s fair value is defined as the amount that would be paid to transfer the liability to a new obligor in a transaction between such parties, not the amount that would be paid to settle the liability with the creditor.

 

·Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

 

·Level 2 - Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability

 

·Level 3 - Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities

 

The disclosure of fair value of certain financial assets and liabilities that are recorded at cost are as follows:

 

Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments.

 

Long-term debt: The carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt is at its stated value. We have not elected to carry our long-term debt at fair value. Except for the “Note payable-Texas Egg Products, LLC,” fair values for debt are based on quoted market prices or published forward interest rate curves. We believe that cost approximates fair value for the “Note payable-Texas Egg Products, LLC.” The fair value and carrying value of the Company’s borrowings under its credit facilities and long-term debt were as follows:

 

   September 1, 2012   June 2, 2012 
   Carrying Value   Fair Value   Carrying Value   Fair Value 
5.8 – 6.8% Notes payable  $60,839   $64,091   $63,039   $66,388 
Series A Senior Secured Notes at 5.45%   12,103    12,374    12,629    12,905 
Note payable-Texas Egg Products, LLC (payable to non-affiliate equity members)*   552    552    552    552 
   $73,494   $77,017   $76,220   $79,845 

  

* Cost approximates fair value for the Note payable – Texas Egg Products, LLC

 

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

 

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of the following types of instruments as of September 1, 2012:

 

   Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using 
   Quoted Prices             
   in Active   Significant         
   Markets for   Other   Significant     
   Identical   Observable   Unobservable     
   Instruments   Inputs   Inputs   Total 
   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3)   Balance 
Investment securities available-for-sale                    
State municipal bonds  $-   $111,914   $-   $111,914 
US government obligations   -    24,581    -    24,581 
Corporate bonds   -    15,126    -    15,126 
Certificates of deposit   -    12,760    -    12,760 
Government agency bonds   -    14,277    -    14,277 
                     
Total assets measured at fair value  $-   $178,658   $-   $178,658 

 

10
 

 

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of the following types of instruments as of June 2, 2012:

 

   Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using 
   Quoted Prices             
   in Active   Significant         
   Markets for   Other   Significant     
   Identical   Observable   Unobservable     
   Instruments   Inputs   Inputs   Total 
   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3)   Balance 
Investment securities available-for-sale                    
State municipal bonds  $-   $104,866   $-   $104,866 
US government obligations   -    20,783    -    20,783 
Corporate bonds   -    16,244    -    16,244 
Certificates of deposit   -    11,514    -    11,514 
Government agency bonds   -    10,216    -    10,216 
                     
Total assets measured at fair value  $-   $163,623   $-   $163,623 

  

Level 2: We classified our current investment securities – available-for-sale as level 2. These securities consist of municipal bonds, US government obligations, corporate bonds, certificates of deposit, and government agency bonds which contain the aforementioned securities with maturities of three months or longer when purchased. We classified these securities as current because amounts invested are available for current operations. Observable inputs for these securities are yields, credit risks, default rates, and volatility.

 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis.

 

The Company also applies fair value accounting guidance to measure non-financial assets and liabilities associated with business acquisitions. These assets and liabilities are measured at fair value for the initial purchase price allocation and are not subject to recurring revaluations. The fair value of non-financial assets acquired is determined internally. Our internal valuation methodology for non-financial assets takes into account the remaining estimated life of the assets acquired and what management believes is the market value for those assets. The fair value of our earn-out contingency takes into account commodity prices based on published forward commodity price curves and projected future egg prices as of the date of the estimate. These fair value measurements are based on Level 3 inputs. Given the unobservable nature of these inputs, they are deemed to be Level 3.

 

11
 

 

9.     Available-for-Sale Securities Classified as Current Assets

 

   September 1, 2012 
       Gains in   Losses in     
       Accumulated   Accumulated    
      Other   Other   Estimated 
   Amortized   Comprehensive   Comprehensive   Fair 
    Cost   Income   Income    Value 
State municipal bonds  $111,708   $206   $-   $111,914 
US government obligations   24,513    68    -    24,581 
Corporate bonds   15,150    -    24    15,126 
Certificates of deposit   12,840    -    80    12,760 
Government agency bonds   14,381    -    104    14,277 
Total available-for-sale securities  $178,592   $274   $208   $178,658 

 

   June 2, 2012 
       Gains in   Losses in     
       Accumulated   Accumulated    
      Other   Other   Estimated 
   Amortized   Comprehensive   Comprehensive   Fair 
    Cost   Income   Income    Value 
State municipal bonds  $105,029   $-   $163   $104,866 
US government obligations   20,681    102    -    20,783 
Corporate bonds   16,405    -    161    16,244 
Certificates of deposit   11,591    -    77    11,514 
Government agency bonds   10,291    -    75    10,216 
Total available-for-sale securities  $163,997   $102   $476   $163,623 

 

Proceeds from the sales of available-for-sale securities were $36,341 and $39,327 during the thirteen week periods ending September 1, 2012 and August 27, 2011, respectively. Gross realized gains on those sales during the thirteen week periods ending September 1, 2012 and August 27, 2011 were $1 and $9, respectively. Gross realized losses on those sales during the thirteen week periods ending September 1, 2012 and August 27, 2011 were $222 and $179, respectively. For purposes of determining gross realized gains and losses, the cost of securities sold is based on average cost. Unrealized holding gains net of tax on available-for-sale securities in the amount of $262 and $489 for the thirteen week periods ending September 1, 2012 and August 27, 2011, respectively, have been included in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Contractual maturities of available-for-sale debt securities at September 1, 2012, are as follows:

 

   Estimated Fair Value 
Within one year  $137,972 
After 1-5 years  $40,686 
After 5-10 years   - 
   $178,658 

  

Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because some borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

12
 

 

10.   Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU ) 2012-02, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment (“ASU 2012-02”). ASU 2012-02 simplifies the guidance for testing the decline in the realizable value (impairment) of indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill. The amendments in ASU 2012-02 allow an organization the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test. According to ASU 2012-02, an organization electing to perform a qualitative assessment is no longer required to calculate the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset unless the organization determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is “more likely than not” that the asset is impaired. The amendments in ASU 2012-02 are effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2012-02 did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

11.   Guarantee

 

The Company owns 50% of the membership interests in Delta Egg Farm, LLC (“Delta Egg”). The Company is a guarantor of 50% of Delta Egg’s long-term debt, which totaled approximately $8,875 at September 1, 2012.  Delta Egg’s long-term debt is secured by substantially all of the fixed assets of Delta Egg and is due in monthly installments through fiscal 2018.  Delta Egg is engaged in the production, processing, and distribution of shell eggs.  The other 50% owner also guarantees 50% of the debt.  The guarantee arose when Delta Egg borrowed funds to construct its production and processing facility in 1999.  Payment under the guarantee would be required if Delta Egg is not able to pay the debt.  Management of the Company believes that payment under the guarantee is unlikely because Delta Egg is now well capitalized.  

 

12.   Noncontrolling Interest

 

The following reflects the equity activity, including our noncontrolling interest, for the thirteen-week period ended September 1, 2012:

 

   Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.         
   Common Stock                 
       Class A   Treasury   Paid In   Accum. Other   Retained   Noncontrolling     
   Amount   Amount   Amount   Capital   Comp. Loss   Earnings   Interests   Total 
Balance at June 2, 2012  $351   $24   $(20,843)  $33,651   $(222)  $466,164   $203   $479,328 
Dividends*   -    -    -    -    -    (3,159)   -    (3,159)
Reclass equity portion of Texas Egg Products, LLC in connection with purchase of shell egg operations of Pilgrim's Pride   -    -    -    -    -    53    (53)   - 
Unrealized gain on securities, net of tax   -    -    -    -    262    -    -    262 
Net income (loss)   -    -    -    -    -    9,415    105    9,520 
Balance at September 1, 2012  $351   $24   $(20,843)  $33,651   $40   $472,473   $255   $485,951 

 

 

* Dividends are calculated as 1/3 of net income (includes adjustment for actual dividends paid based on accrual from previous period).

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

This report contains numerous forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act (the “Exchange Act”) relating to our shell egg business, including estimated production data, expected operating schedules, expected capital costs and other operating data, including anticipated results of operations and financial condition.  Such forward-looking statements are identified by the use of words such as “believes,” “intends,” “expects,” “hopes,” “may,” “should,” “plans,” “projected,” “contemplates,” “anticipates” or similar words.  Actual production, operating schedules, capital costs, results of operations and other projections and estimates could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.  The forward-looking statements are based on management’s current intent, belief, expectations, estimates and projections regarding our company and our industry.  These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that are difficult to predict and may be beyond our control.  The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements include, among others, (i) the risk factors set forth in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 2, 2012 as well as those included in other reports that we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K), (ii) the risks and hazards inherent in the shell egg business (including disease, pests, weather conditions and potential for recall), (iii) changes in the demand for and market prices of shell eggs and feed costs, (iv) risks, changes or obligations that could result from our future acquisition of new flocks or businesses, and (v) adverse results in pending litigation matters.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because, while we believe the assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, there can be no assurance that these forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate.  Further, the forward-looking statements included herein are only made as of the respective dates thereof, or if no date is stated, as of the date hereof.  Except as otherwise required by law, we disclaim any intent or obligation to update publicly these forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

OVERVIEW

 

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (“we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”) is primarily engaged in the production, grading, packaging, marketing and distribution of fresh shell eggs.  Our fiscal year end is the Saturday closest to May 31.

 

Our operations are fully integrated.  At our facilities we hatch chicks, grow and maintain flocks of pullets (young female chickens, usually under 20 weeks of age), layers (mature female chickens) and breeders (male or female birds used to produce fertile eggs to be hatched for egg production flocks), manufacture feed, and produce, process and distribute shell eggs. We are the largest producer and marketer of shell eggs in the United States.  We market the majority of our shell eggs in 29 states, primarily in the southwestern, southeastern, mid-western, and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States.  We market our shell eggs through our extensive distribution network to a diverse group of customers, including national and regional grocery store chains, club stores, foodservice distributors, and egg product manufacturers.

 

Our operating results are directly tied to egg prices, which are highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations, and are outside of our control. The shell egg industry has traditionally been subject to periods of high profitability followed by periods of significant loss. In the past, during periods of high profitability, shell egg producers have tended to increase the number of layers in production with a resulting increase in the supply of shell eggs, which generally has caused a drop in shell egg prices until supply and demand return to balance.  As a result, our financial results from year to year may vary significantly.   Shorter term, retail sales of shell eggs historically have been greatest during the fall and winter months and lowest during the summer months.  Our need for working capital generally is highest in the last and first fiscal quarters ending in May and August, respectively, when egg prices are normally at seasonal lows.   Prices for shell eggs fluctuate in response to seasonal factors and a natural increase in shell egg production during the spring and early summer.  Shell egg prices tend to increase with the start of the school year and are highest prior to holiday periods, particularly Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.  Consequently, we generally experience lower sales and net income in our first and fourth fiscal quarters ending in August/September and May/June, respectively. Because of these seasonal and quarterly fluctuations, comparisons of our sales and operating results between different quarters within a single fiscal year are not necessarily meaningful comparisons.

 

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For the quarter ended September 1, 2012, we produced approximately 75% of the total number of shell eggs we sold with approximately 8% of such total shell egg production being provided by contract producers. Contract producers utilize their facilities in the production of shell eggs by layers owned by us. We own the shell eggs produced under these arrangements. Approximately 25% of the total number of shell eggs sold by us was purchased from outside producers for resale.

 

Our cost of production is materially affected by feed costs, which currently averages about 68% of our total farm egg production cost.  Changes in market prices for corn and soybean meal, the primary ingredients in the feed we use, result in changes in our cost of goods sold.   The cost of our feed ingredients, which are commodities, are subject to factors over which we have little or no control such as volatile price changes caused by weather, size of harvest, transportation and storage costs, demand and the agricultural and energy policies of the United States and foreign governments.  The supply/demand balance for corn and soybeans is very tight and should remain so through at least the 2012/2013 crop year.  Drought conditions in major crop growing regions of the mid-western United States have significantly reduced anticipated yields for the current crop.  This has resulted in higher prices for these commodities.   Market prices for corn also remain higher in part because of increases in demand from ethanol producers. Market prices for soybean meal remain high because of competition for planted acres for other grain production. The prospective outlook is for feed costs to remain high and volatile in the year ahead.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain items from our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations expressed as a percentage of net sales.

 

   Percentage of Net Sales 
   13 Weeks Ended 
   September 1, 2012   August 27, 2011 
Net sales   100.0%   100.0%
Cost of sales   83.6    86.0 
Gross profit   16.4    13.9 
Selling, general and administrative   10.7    11.4 
Operating income   5.7    2.5 
Other income (expense):          
    Interest expense, net   (0.5)   (0.6)
    Other   0.1    0.0 
    (0.4)   (0.6)
           
Income before income taxes   5.4    1.9 
Income tax expense   1.9    0.7 
Net income before nontrolling interest   3.5    1.2 
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest   0.1    (0.1)
Net income (loss) attributable to Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.   3.4%   1.3%

 

NET SALES

 

Approximately 96% of our net sales consisted of shell egg sales and approximately 3% was for sales of egg products, with the 1% balance consisting of sales of incidental feed and feed ingredients. Net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 were $272.9 million, an increase of $29.1 million, or 11.9%, as compared to net sales of $243.8 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2012. Total dozen eggs sold and egg selling prices increased in the current fiscal 2013 quarter as compared to the same fiscal 2012 quarter. Dozens sold for the 2013 current quarter were 210.1 million dozen, an increase of 2.0 million dozen, or 1.0%, as compared to 208.1 million dozen sold for the first quarter of fiscal 2012. Our net average selling price per dozen for the fiscal 2013 first quarter was $1.238, compared to $1.117 for the first quarter of fiscal 2012, an increase of 10.8%. Our net average selling price is the blended price for all sizes and grades of shell eggs, including non-graded egg sales, breaking stock and undergrades.

 

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The table below represents an analysis of our non-specialty and specialty shell egg sales. Following the table is a discussion of the information presented in the table.

 

   13 weeks ended 
(Amounts in thousands)  September 1, 2012   August 27, 2011 
Total net sales  $272,928   $243,842 
           
Non-specialty shell egg sales  $198,498   $177,339 
Specialty shell egg sales   61,488    55,107 
Other   1,161    1,188 
Net shell egg sales  $261,147   $233,634 
           
Net shell egg sales as a percent  of total net sales   96%   96%
           
           
Non-specialty shell egg dozens sold   176,272    175,438 
Specialty shell egg dozens sold   33,789    32,658 
Total dozens sold   210,061    208,096 

 

Our non-specialty shell eggs include all shell egg sales not specifically identified as specialty shell egg sales. The non-specialty shell egg market is characterized by an inelasticity of demand, and small increases in production or decreases in demand can have a large adverse effect on prices and vice-versa. For the thirteen-week period ended September 1, 2012, non-specialty shell eggs represented approximately 76.0% of our shell egg dollar sales, as compared to 75.9% for the thirteen-week period ended August 27, 2011. For the thirteen-week period ended September 1, 2012, non-specialty shell eggs accounted for approximately 83.9% of the total shell egg dozen volume, as compared to 84.3% for the thirteen-week period ended August 27, 2011.

 

We continue to increase our sales volume of specialty eggs, which include nutritionally enhanced, cage free and organic eggs. Specialty egg retail prices are less cyclical than standard shell egg prices and are generally higher due to consumer willingness to pay for the increased benefits from these products. For the thirteen-week period ended September 1, 2012, specialty shell eggs represented approximately 23.5% of our shell egg dollar sales, as compared to 23.6% for the thirteen-week period ended August 27, 2011. For the thirteen-week period ended September 1, 2012, specialty shell eggs accounted for approximately 16.1% of the total shell egg dozen volume, as compared to 15.7% for the thirteen-week period ended August 27, 2011. Since prices of non-specialty eggs increased at a higher proportion than prices of specialty eggs during the thirteen-week period ended September 1, 2012, there was a decrease in specialty egg dollar sales as a percentage of overall shell egg dollar sales as compared to the thirteen-week period ended August 27, 2011.

 

The shell egg sales classified as “Other” represent sales of hard cooked eggs, hatching eggs, and baby chicks, which are included with our shell egg operations. For the thirteen-week periods ended September 1, 2012 and August 27, 2011, shell egg sales classified as “Other” represented approximately 0.5% of shell egg dollar sales.

 

Our egg product sales represent approximately 3% of our net sales. For the thirteen weeks ended September 1, 2012, egg product sales were $8.1 million, an increase of approximately $44,000, or 0.5%, as compared to $8.0 million for the same thirteen week period last year.

 

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COST OF SALES

 

Cost of sales consists of costs directly related to production, processing and packing shell eggs, purchases of shell eggs from outside producers, processing and packing of liquid and frozen egg products and other non-egg costs. Farm production costs are those costs incurred at the egg production facility, including feed, facility, hen amortization, and other related farm production costs.

 

The following table presents the key variables affecting our cost of sales.

 

   13 weeks ended 
(Amounts in thousands)  September 1, 2012   August 27, 2011 
Cost of Sales:          
Farm production  $118,249   $112,397 
Processing and packaging   29,932    28,207 
Outside egg purchases and other   72,653    62,429 
Total shell eggs  $220,834   $203,003 
Egg products   6,738    6,874 
Other   641    179 
Total  $228,213   $210,056 
           
Farm production cost (cost per dozen produced)          
Feed  $0.51   $0.48 
Other   0.24    0.24 
Total  $0.75   $0.72 
           
Outside egg purchases (average cost per dozen)  $1.252   $1.109 
           
Dozen Produced   157,902    159,443 
Dozen Sold   210,061    208,096 

 

Cost of sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 was $228.9 million, an increase of $18.8 million, or 8.9%, as compared to cost of sales of $210.1 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2012. The primary reason for this increase is due to increases in feed costs and increases in the cost of egg purchases from outside egg producers. Feed cost per dozen for the fiscal 2013 first quarter was $ 0.510, compared to $0.484 per dozen for the comparable fiscal 2012 first quarter, an increase of 5.4%. Egg purchases from outside egg producers were higher due to higher average Urner Barry quoted prices for eggs during the quarter. Although we experienced increases in feed costs and increases in costs for outside egg purchases, we were able to offset those increases with higher egg selling prices in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 which resulted in an increase in gross profit from 13.9% of net sales for the quarter ended August 27, 2011 to 16.1% of net sales for the current quarter ended September 1, 2012.

 

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

 

The following table presents an analysis of our selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

   13 weeks ended 
(Amounts in thousands)  September 1, 2012   August 27, 2011   Change 
Stock compensation expense  $165   $(167)  $332 
Specialty egg expense   8,272    8,136    136 
Payroll and overhead   5,950    6,215    (265)
Other expenses   5,862    5,138    724 
Delivery expense   8,869    8,507    362 
Total  $29,118   $27,829   $1,289 

 

 

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Selling, general and administrative expenses include costs of marketing, distribution, accounting and corporate overhead. Selling, general and administrative expense for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 was $29.1 million, an increase of $1.3 million, or 4.7%, as compared to the expense of $27.8 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2012. Stock compensation expense is dependent on the closing price of the Company’s stock.  Our stock compensation arrangements classified as equity awards have been fully amortized.  For our stock compensation arrangements classified as liability awards, we recognize increases or decreases in the value of such awards as increases or decreases, respectively, to stock compensation expense. We also classify exercises under liability awards as stock compensation expense. The increase in specialty egg expense is attributable to the increase in the dozens of specialty eggs sold this year as compared to last fiscal year and additional promotional expenses. Payroll and overhead decreased as compared to the same period the prior year. Other expenses, which include expenses for travel, professional fees, and bad debt, increased from the same period of the prior year. Delivery expense increased primarily due to the increased costs paid for the use of outside trucking companies. As a percent of net sales, selling, general and administrative expense decreased from 11.4% for the fiscal 2012 first quarter to 10.7% for the fiscal 2013 first quarter.

 

OPERATING INCOME

 

As a result of the above, operating income was $14.9 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2013, as compared to $6.0 million for the fiscal 2012 first quarter. Operating income as a percent of net sales was 5.4% for the first quarter of fiscal 2013, compared to 2.5% for the first quarter of fiscal 2012.

 

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

 

Other income (expense) consists of income (expenses) not directly charged to, or related to, operations such as interest expense and equity in income (loss) of affiliates for equity method investments. Other expense for the first quarter ended September 1, 2012 was $232,000, a decrease of $992,000 as compared to $1.2 million for the quarter ended August 27, 2011. For the first quarter of fiscal 2013, net interest expense decreased $98,000 as compared to the prior–year period. For the first quarter of fiscal 2012, other income increased due to increased equity in the income of unconsolidated affiliates. For the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we recorded royalty income of $147,000 related to mineral interests owned in Texas. In connection with our ongoing construction activities, for the thirteen weeks ended September 1, 2012, we capitalized $76,000 of interest expense, and we capitalized $26,000 of interest expense for the same period ended August 27, 2011. As a percent of net sales, other expense decreased from 0.6% for the fiscal 2012 first quarter to 0.1% for the fiscal 2013 first quarter.

 

INCOME TAXES

 

As a result of the above, we had pre-tax income of $14.7 million for the quarter ended September 1, 2012, as compared to $4.7 million for the quarter ended August 27, 2011. For the fiscal 2013 first quarter, income tax expense of $5.2 million was recorded with an effective tax rate of 35.2%, as compared to $1.7 million with an effective tax rate of 35.5% for the fiscal 2012 first quarter.

 

Our effective rate differs from the federal statutory income tax rate of 35% due to state income taxes and certain items included in income or loss for financial reporting purposes that are not included in taxable income or loss for income tax purposes, including tax exempt interest income, the domestic manufacturers deduction, and net income or loss attributable to noncontrolling interest.

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTEREST

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 was $105,000 as compared to a loss of $63,000 for the first quarter of fiscal 2012.

 

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO CAL-MAINE FOODS, INC.

 

As a result of the above, net income attributable to the Company for the first quarter ended September 1, 2012 was $9.4 million, or $0.39 per basic and diluted share, as compared to $3.1 million, or $0.13 per basic and diluted share for the quarter ended August 27, 2011. As a percent of net sales, net income attributable to the Company was 3.4% for the quarter ended September 1, 2012, compared to 1.3% for the quarter ended August 27, 2011.

 

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CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

 

Our working capital at September 1, 2012 was $295.6 million compared to $301.5 million at June 2, 2012. The calculation of working capital is defined as current assets less current liabilities. Our current ratio was 3.41 at September 1, 2012 as compared with 3.14 at June 2, 2012. The current ratio is calculated by dividing current assets by current liabilities. Our need for working capital generally is highest in the last and first fiscal quarters ending in May/June and August/September, respectively, when egg prices are normally at seasonal lows. We have $5.1 million in outstanding standby letters of credit, which are collateralized with cash. Our long-term debt at September 1, 2012, including current maturities, amounted to $ 73.5 million, as compared to $76.2 million at June 2, 2012. Refer to Note 8 of our June 2, 2012 audited financial statements for further information on our long-term debt.

 

For the thirteen weeks ended September 1, 2012, $17.8 million in net cash was used in operating activities. This compares to net cash provided by operating activities of $6.3 million for the thirteen weeks ended August 27, 2011. In the fiscal 2013 first quarter, approximately $36.3 million was provided from the sale of short-term investments, $50.9 million was used for the purchase of short-term investments and net $4.8 million was provided by notes receivable and investments in nonconsolidated subsidiaries. Approximately $36,000 was provided from disposal of property, plant and equipment and $7.4 million was used for purchases of property, plant and equipment. We used $16.3 million for the acquisition of the shell egg operations of Pilgrim’s Pride. Approximately $12.4 million was used for payment of dividends on common stock and $2.7 million was used for principal payments on long-term debt. The net result of these activities was a decrease in cash of approximately $66.5 million since June 2, 2012.

 

Certain property, plant, and equipment is pledged as collateral on our notes payable and senior secured notes.  Unless otherwise approved by our lenders, we are required by provisions of our loan agreements to (1) maintain minimum levels of working capital (ratio of not less than 1.25 to 1) and net worth (minimum of $90.0 million tangible net worth, plus 45% of cumulative net income); (2) limit dividends paid in any given quarter to not exceed an amount equal to one third of the previous quarter’s consolidated net income (allowed if no events of default), capital expenditures to an amount not to exceed $60.0 million in any twelve month period, and lease obligations and additional long-term borrowings (total funded debt to total capitalization not to exceed 55%); and (3) maintain various current and cash-flow coverage ratios (1.25 to 1), among other restrictions. At September 1, 2012, we were in compliance with the financial covenant requirements of all loan agreements. Under certain of the loan agreements, the lenders have the option to require the prepayment of any outstanding borrowings in the event we undergo a change in control, as defined in the applicable loan agreement. Our debt agreements also require Fred R. Adams, Jr., our Founder and Chairman Emeritus, or his family, to maintain ownership of Company shares representing not less than 50% of the outstanding voting power of the Company.

 

The Company is in the process of constructing a new integrated cage-free production complex at its existing location in Bremen, Kentucky, which will replace contract production at other locations. The project will include a processing plant and layer and pullet houses to accommodate approximately 400,000 laying hens. The project is expected to cost approximately $15.3 million and should be completed by August 2013.

 

The Company has begun construction of an expansion of its production facilities in south Texas. The project consists of the demolition of existing caged production facilities and construction of layer and pullet houses to accommodate approximately 200,000 cage-free laying hens. The project is expected to cost approximately $7.3 million and should be completed in fiscal 2013.

 

Looking forward to the next fiscal year, we believe that our current cash balances, investments, borrowing capacity, and cash flows from operations will be sufficient to fund our current and projected capital needs.

 

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The Company owns 50% of the membership interests in Delta Egg Farm, LLC (“Delta Egg”). The Company is a guarantor of 50% of Delta Egg’s long-term debt, which totaled approximately $8.9 million at September 1, 2012. Delta Egg’s long-term debt is secured by substantially all of the fixed assets of Delta Egg and is due in monthly installments through July 2018. Delta Egg is engaged in the production, processing, and distribution of shell eggs. The other 50% owner also guarantees 50% of the debt. The guarantee arose when Delta Egg borrowed funds to construct its production and processing facility in 1999. Payment under the guarantee would be required if Delta Egg is not able to pay the debt. Management of the Company believes that payment under the guarantee is unlikely because Delta Egg is now well capitalized.

 

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards. Please refer to Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report Form 10-K for the year ended June 2, 2012 and Note 10 in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” included herein for a discussion of the impact of recently issued accounting standards. There were no new accounting standards issued during the quarter ended September 1, 2012 that we expect will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

Critical Accounting Policies. We suggest that our Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, as described in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 2, 2012, be read in conjunction with this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. There have been no changes to critical accounting policies identified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 2, 2012.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

There have been no material changes in the market risk reported in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 2, 2012.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures conducted by our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, together with other financial officers, such officers concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 1, 2012 at the reasonable assurance level.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the first quarter ended September 1, 2012, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

Except as noted below, there have been no new matters or changes to matters identified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 2, 2012.

 

Chicken Litter Litigation

 

Cal-Maine Farms, Inc. is presently a defendant in two personal injury cases in the Circuit Court of Washington County, Arkansas. Those cases are styled, McWhorter vs. Alpharma, Inc., et al., and Carroll, et al. vs. Alpharma, Inc., et al.Cal-Maine Farms, Inc. was named as a defendant in the McWhorter case on February 3, 2004. It was named as a defendant in the Carroll case on May 2, 2005. Co-defendants in both cases include other integrated poultry companies such as Tyson Foods, Inc., Cargill, Incorporated, George’s Farms, Inc., Peterson Farms, Inc., Simmons Foods, Inc., and Simmons Poultry Farms, Inc. The manufacturers of an additive for broiler feed are also included as defendants. Those defendants are Alpharma, Inc. and Alpharma Animal Health, Co.

 

 

Both cases allege that the plaintiffs have suffered medical problems resulting from living near land upon which “litter” from the defendants’ flocks was spread as fertilizer. The McWhorter case focuses on mold and fungi allegedly created by the application of litter, and seeks unspecified damages. The Carroll case also alleges injury from mold and fungi, but focuses primarily on the broiler feed ingredient as the cause of the alleged medical injuries, and seeks unspecified damages. No trial date for either the Carroll or McWhorter case has been set. 

 

Several other separate, but related, cases were prosecuted in the same venue by the same attorneys. The same theories of liability were prosecuted in all of the cases. Neither the Company nor any of its affiliates were named as a defendant in any of those other cases. The plaintiffs selected one of those cases, Green, et al. vs. Alpharma, Inc.et al., as a bellwether case to go to trial first. All of the poultry defendants were granted summary judgment in the Green case in 2006. In 2008, however, the Arkansas Supreme Court reversed the summary judgment in favor of the poultry defendants and remanded the case for trial. The case was retried with a complete defendants’ verdict, and that verdict was upheld by the Arkansas Supreme Court. The court has scheduled a trial beginning October 22, 2012, in another of the related cases. However, the Company and its affiliates are not defendants in that case.

 

State of Oklahoma Watershed Pollution Litigation

 

On June 18, 2005, the State of Oklahoma filed suit, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, against Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. and Cal-Maine Farms, Inc. as well as Tyson Foods, Inc. and affiliates, Cobb-Vantress, Inc., Cargill, Inc. and its affiliate, George’s, Inc. and its affiliate, Peterson Farms, Inc. and Simmons Foods, Inc. Cal-Maine Farms, Inc. was dismissed from the case in September 2009. The State of Oklahoma claims that through the disposal of chicken litter the defendants have polluted the Illinois River Watershed. This watershed provides water to eastern Oklahoma. The Complaint seeks injunctive relief and monetary damages, but the claim for monetary damages has been dismissed by the court. Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. discontinued operations in the watershed. Accordingly, we do not anticipate that Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. will be materially affected by the request for injunctive relief unless the court orders substantial affirmative remediation. Since the litigation began, Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. purchased 100% of the membership interests of Benton County Foods, LLC, which is an ongoing commercial shell egg operation within the Illinois River Watershed. Benton County Foods, LLC is not a defendant in the litigation.

 

The trial in the case began in September 2009 and concluded in February 2010. The case was tried to the court without a jury and the court has not yet issued its ruling. 

 

Egg Antitrust Litigation

 

Since September 25, 2008, the Company has been named as one of several defendants in twenty-five antitrust cases involving the United States shell egg industry. In sixteen of these cases, the named plaintiffs sued on behalf of themselves and a putative class of others who claim to be similarly situated. In fourteen of those putative class actions, the named plaintiffs allege that they are retailers or distributors that purchased shell eggs and egg products directly from one or more of the defendants. In the other two putative class actions, the named plaintiffs are individuals or companies who allege that they purchased shell eggs and egg products indirectly from one or more of the defendants - that is, they purchased from retailers that had previously purchased from defendants or other parties. In the remaining nine cases, the plaintiffs sued for their own alleged damages and are not seeking to certify a class.

 

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The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated all of the putative class actions (as well as certain other cases in which the Company was not a named defendant) for pretrial proceedings in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania court has organized the putative class actions around two groups (direct purchasers and indirect purchasers) and has named interim lead counsel for the named plaintiffs in each group. 

 

Six of the nine non-class suits were filed in the same court that is presiding over the putative class actions. Another of these non-class cases was filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, but it has been transferred to the Eastern District and consolidated for pretrial proceedings with the other cases. Another non-class suit was filed in the District Court of Wyandotte County, Kansas, where it remains pending.  The remaining non-class suit was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, but the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred that case to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania where it has been consolidated with the other cases pending in that court for coordinated pretrial proceedings.  The plaintiffs in two of the non-class suits originally filed in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania voluntarily dismissed their suits without prejudice, and there are thus now seven non-class suits pending.

  

The Direct Purchaser Putative Class Action. The named plaintiffs in the direct purchaser case filed a consolidated complaint on January 30, 2009. On April 30, 2009, the Company filed motions to dismiss the direct purchasers’ consolidated complaint. The direct purchaser plaintiffs did not respond to those motions. Instead, the direct purchaser plaintiffs announced a potential settlement with one defendant. The final hearing on approval of that settlement has been held, but the court has not yet ruled. If it is approved, the settlement would not require the settling party to pay any money. Instead, the settling defendant, while denying all liability, would provide cooperation in the form of documents and witness interviews to the plaintiffs’ attorneys. After announcing this potential settlement with one defendant, the direct purchaser plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on December 11, 2009. On February 5, 2010, the Company joined with other defendants in moving to dismiss the direct purchaser plaintiffs’ claims for damages outside the four-year statute of limitations period and claims arising from a supposed conspiracy in the egg products sector. On February 26, 2010, the Company filed its answer and affirmative defenses to the direct purchaser plaintiffs’ amended complaint. The court denied the motion to dismiss the claims related to the egg products sector.  The court granted the motion to dismiss plaintiffs’ claims for damages outside the four-year statute of limitations but did so without prejudice to the plaintiffs’ right to seek leave to further amend their complaint if they, in good faith, believe they can address the deficiencies noted by the court.  On June 4, 2010, the direct purchaser plaintiffs announced a potential settlement with a second defendant. The final hearing on approval of this settlement has also been held, but the court has not ruled. If this settlement is approved, then the defendant would pay a total of $25 million and would provide other consideration in the form of documents, witness interviews, and declarations. This settling defendant denied all liability in its potential agreement with the direct purchaser plaintiffs and stated publicly that it settled merely to avoid the cost and uncertainty of continued litigation. On January 30, 2012, the direct purchaser plaintiffs filed a motion for leave to file a third amended complaint. The Court has not yet ruled on the motion for leave.

  

The Indirect Purchaser Putative Class Action. The named plaintiffs in the indirect purchaser case filed a consolidated complaint on February 27, 2009. On April 30, 2009, the Company filed motions to dismiss the indirect purchasers’ consolidated complaint. The indirect purchaser plaintiffs did not respond to those motions. Instead, the indirect purchaser plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on April 8, 2010. On May 7, 2010, the Company joined with other defendants in moving to dismiss the indirect purchaser plaintiffs’ claims for damages outside the four-year statute of limitations period, claims arising from a supposed conspiracy in the egg products sector, claims arising under certain state antitrust and consumer fraud statutes, and common-law claims for unjust enrichment. The court granted the motion to dismiss claims arising outside the limitations period applicable to each cause of action. The court granted in part and denied in part the motion to dismiss claims arising under certain state antitrust and consumer fraud statutes and common-law claims for unjust enrichment. The court denied without prejudice the motion to dismiss a claim for a supposedly separate conspiracy in the egg products sector. On June 4, 2010, the Company filed its answer and affirmative defenses to the indirect purchaser plaintiffs’ amended complaint. On May 25, 2012, the indirect purchaser plaintiffs filed a motion for leave to file another amended complaint. The court has not yet ruled on that motion. On June 7, 2012, the court ordered the indirect purchasers to submit a brief addressing whether they have standing to assert an injunctive relief claim under federal law.

 

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The Non-Class Cases. The cases in which plaintiffs do not seek to certify a class were filed between November 16, 2010 and December 12, 2011. The plaintiffs in the non-class cases pending in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania filed amended complaints on February 10, 2012. On March 26, 2012, the Company joined other defendants in filing a motion to dismiss all claims barred by the statute of limitations. On May 1, 2012, the non-class plaintiffs responded to that motion. On May 22, 2012, the Company joined other defendants in filing a reply brief in support of that motion. The court has not yet ruled on that motion. The Company filed its answer and affirmative defenses to the six non-class cases pending in Pennsylvania on April 26, 2012.

 

On January 27, 2012, the Company filed its answer and affirmative defenses to the non-class complaint in the case pending in Kansas state court, and the Company joined other defendants in the Kansas case in moving to dismiss all claims for damages arising outside the three-year statute of limitations period and all claims for damages arising from purchases of eggs and egg products outside the state of Kansas. The court took under advisement the limitations motion, pending a ruling in another case that will determine whether the limitations period in the Kansas case will be three or five years. The court reserved judgment on the motion to dismiss claims for damages arising from purchases of eggs and egg products outside the state of Kansas until discovery reveals which sales occurred within Kansas. In reserving judgment, the court stated that only sales within Kansas would be relevant to any calculation of alleged damages.

 

Allegations in Each Case. In all of the cases described above, the plaintiffs allege that the Company and certain other large domestic egg producers conspired to reduce the domestic supply of eggs in a concerted effort to raise the price of eggs to artificially high levels. In each case, plaintiffs allege that all defendants agreed to reduce the domestic supply of eggs by (a) manipulating egg exports and (b) implementing industry-wide animal welfare guidelines that reduced the number of hens and eggs.

 

Both groups of named plaintiffs in the putative class actions seek treble damages and injunctive relief on behalf of themselves and all other putative class members in the United States. Both groups of named plaintiffs in the putative class actions originally alleged a class period starting on January 1, 2000 and running “through the present.” The court has now granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss the direct purchasers’ and the indirect purchasers’ claims outside the statute of limitations period, and thus the putative class claims now only relate to a September 2004 to present class period.  The direct purchaser putative class action case alleges two separate sub-classes – one for direct purchasers of shell eggs and one for direct purchasers of egg products. The direct purchaser putative class action case seeks relief under the Sherman Act. The indirect purchaser putative class action case seeks relief under the Sherman Act and the statutes and common-law of various states and the District of Columbia.

 

Seven of the nine non-class cases remain pending. In five of the remaining non-class cases, the plaintiffs seek damages and injunctive relief under the Sherman Act. In one of the remaining non-class cases, the plaintiff seeks damages and injunctive relief under the Sherman Act and the Ohio antitrust act (known as the Valentine Act). In the other remaining non-class case, the plaintiffs seek damages and injunctive relief under the Kansas Restraint of Trade Act.

 

The Pennsylvania court has entered a series of orders related to case management, discovery, class certification, and scheduling. The Pennsylvania court has not set a trial date for any of the consolidated cases. The Kansas state court has entered a schedule for discovery and dispositive motions. The Kansas state court case is set for trial starting February 3, 2014.

 

The Company intends to continue to defend these cases as vigorously as possible based on defenses which the Company believes are meritorious and provable.

 

Florida civil investigative demand

 

On November 4, 2008, the Company received an antitrust civil investigative demand from the Attorney General of the State of Florida. The demand seeks production of documents and responses to interrogatories relating to the production and sale of eggs and egg products. The Company is cooperating with this investigation. No allegations of wrongdoing have been made against the Company in this matter.

 

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Environmental information request

 

In July 2011, the Company received an information request (Request) from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pursuant to Section 308 of the Clean Water Act (Act). The Request stated that the information was sought by the EPA to investigate compliance with the Act and requested information pertaining to facilities involved in animal feeding operations, which are owned or operated by the Company or its affiliates. On October 19, 2011, the Company timely responded to the Request by providing information on each of the subject facilities. The EPA subsequently sent a notice of noncompliance (Notice) dated March 29, 2012 to the Company which involved allegations of potential non-compliance with the Request and/or the Act. The Notice related to the Company’s Edwards, Mississippi facility only. The Company timely responded to the Notice on May 2, 2012, which included the submission of additional information to the EPA. Since the date of that response, the Company has cooperated with the EPA in its investigation and is not aware that the EPA has undertaken, or intends to undertake, any formal enforcement action regarding these matters.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

There have been no material changes in the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 2, 2012.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

a.Exhibits

 

No.   Description
3.1   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 in the Company’s Form S-1 Registration Statement No. 333-14809, filed October 25, 1996)
3.1(a)   Amendment to Article 4 of the Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(a) in the Company’s Form 10-K for fiscal year ended May 29, 2004, filed August 18, 2004)
3.2   By-Laws, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 in the Company’s Form 8-K, filed August 17, 2007)
3.2(a)   Amendment of Bylaws of the Company, approved by the Board of Directors July 27, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 in the Registrant’s Form 8-K, filed July 30, 2012)
31.1*   Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer
31.2*   Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer
32**   Section 1350 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer
99.1   Press release dated October 1, 2012 announcing interim period financial information (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 in the Company’s Form 8-K, filed on October 1, 2012)
101.INS**+   XBRL Instance Document Exhibit
101.SCH**+   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document Exhibit
101.CAL**+     XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document Exhibit
101.LAB**+   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document Exhibit
101.PRE**+   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document 

 

 

*Filed herewith as an Exhibit.
**Furnished herewith as an Exhibit.
+Submitted electronically with this Quarterly Report.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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

 

  CAL-MAINE FOODS, INC.
  (Registrant)
 
Date:  October 4, 2012 /s/ Timothy A. Dawson
  Timothy A. Dawson
  Vice President/Chief Financial Officer
  (Principal Financial Officer)
 
Date:  October 4, 2012 /s/ Charles F. Collins
  Charles F. Collins
  Vice President/Controller
  (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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