Reports Record Sales of $393 Million in the Second Quarter of Fiscal 2004
DAYVILLE, Conn., March 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- United Natural Foods,
Inc. (Nasdaq: UNFI) today reported net income of $7.0 million for the second
quarter of fiscal 2004, ended January 31, 2004, or $0.35 per share on a
diluted basis, including special items. Net income for the second quarter of
fiscal 2004, excluding special items was $7.1 million, or $0.35 per share on a
diluted basis.
Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2004 were $393.2 million, an
increase of $54.8 million, or 16.2%, from the $338.4 million recorded in the
second quarter of fiscal 2003. This increase included growth in the
independent, conventional mass market and supernatural channels of 17%, 17%
and 15%, respectively. These increases include a full quarter of sales in
fiscal 2004 and 2003 from Blooming Prairie, which was acquired on October 11,
2002, and a full quarter of sales in fiscal 2004 and one month of sales in
fiscal 2003 from Northeast Cooperative, which was acquired on December 31,
2002.
Net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2004, excluding the effect of
special items, increased 31.8% to $7.1 million, or $0.35 per diluted share,
compared to $5.4 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, excluding special items,
for the quarter ended January 31, 2003. The special items for the second
quarter of fiscal 2004 consisted of a non-cash income item related to the
change in fair value of interest rate swaps and the related option agreements.
As previously reported, these interest rate swaps, which are "ineffective"
swaps, have been assigned and will no longer be included as a special item.
In addition, certain equipment rental and labor costs were recorded in the
second quarter of fiscal 2004 for start-up and transition costs associated
with implementing the Company's primary distribution relationship with Wild
Oats Market, Inc. In the second quarter of 2003, a special non-cash income
was recorded related to the non cash change in fair value of interest rate
swaps and the related option agreements and certain costs relating to the
expansion of the Chesterfield facility. Net income for the second quarter of
fiscal 2004, including the effect of special items, increased 27.9% to
$7.0 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, for the second quarter of fiscal
2004 compared to $5.5 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, for the quarter
ended January 31, 2003.
The following table details the amounts and effects of these special
items:
Quarter Ended January 31, 2004
(in thousands, except per Pretax Per diluted
share data) Income Net of Tax share
Income, excluding special items: $11,695 $7,134 $0.35
Special items - Income/(Expense)
Related to the transition
to the primary distributorship
for Wild Oats Market, Inc. (551) (336) (0.01)
Interest rate swap and related
agreements (change in fair
value of financial instruments) 400 244 0.01
Income, including special items: $11,544 $7,042 $0.35
Quarter Ended January 31, 2003
(in thousands, except per Pretax Per diluted
share data) Income Net of Tax share
Income, excluding special items: $9,024 $5,414 $0.28
Special items - Income/(Expense)
Interest rate swap and
related agreements (change in
fair value of financial
instruments) 226 136 0.00
Costs related to the Chesterfield
expansion (70) (42) (0.00)
Income, including special items: $9,180 $5,508 $0.28
The non-cash items from the change in fair value on interest rate swap
agreements were caused by favorable and unfavorable changes in interest rate
yield curves during the quarters ended January 31, 2004 and 2003,
respectively. The costs related to the expansion of the Chesterfield facility
were primarily labor related.
As previously reported, on December 29, 2003, the Company assigned and
transferred all of its obligations of its two "ineffective" interest rate
swaps to a third party at a cost of $5.4 million plus accrued interest. As a
result of this assignment, these "ineffective" swaps will no longer be
included as a special item for future fiscal periods. These "ineffective"
swaps were included as a special item for the second quarter of fiscal 2004.
The Company entered into interest rate swap agreements in October 1998,
August 2001 and April 2003. The October 1998 and August 2001 agreements are
"ineffective" hedges. Applicable accounting treatment requires that the
Company record the changes in fair value of the October 1998 and August 2001
agreements in its consolidated statement of income, rather than within "other
comprehensive income" in its statement of stockholders' equity. The changes in
fair value are dependent upon the forward looking yield curves for each swap.
The April 2003 agreement is an "effective" hedge and therefore does not
require this treatment. The Company believes that its October 1998 and August
2001 agreements are special items that are excludable as non-recurring items.
First, the Company only intends to enter into "effective" hedges going
forward. This stated intention began with the April 2003 agreement. Second,
the Company believes that the October 1998 and August 2001 agreements may
distort and confuse investors if the change in fair value cannot be treated as
a special charge because their inclusion directly impacts the Company's
reported earnings per share. A change in fair value, whether positive or
negative, can significantly increase or decrease the Company's reported
earnings per share. For example, the Company recorded a positive change in
fair value for the second quarter of fiscal 2004 that increased its earnings
per share by $0.01. If the Company were prohibited from excluding this item as
a special charge, it would artificially inflate its reported earnings per
share and thereby mislead investors as to its financial condition.
Comments from Management
Commenting on the second quarter results, Steven Townsend, Chief Executive
Officer, said, "We achieved another strong quarterly performance, driven by
successful implementation of strategies focused on meeting the growing
consumer demand for natural and organic foods. During the quarter we realized
solid increases in net sales, net income and earnings per share, all
indications that our sales and marketing strategies are on target. We remain
focused on serving a broad customer base and are pleased to achieve strong
year over year sales growth rates to independents, conventional mass market
and supernaturals of 17%, 17% and 15% respectively. Looking ahead, we remain
committed to meeting the needs of our customers and consistently providing
high service levels across our entire distribution network."
Mr. Townsend added, "Further validating our business model, we were
pleased to re-establish our primary distribution relationship with Wild Oats
Market, Inc. We remain on target to assume primary distribution to Wild Oats
Market, Inc. natural food stores by April 1, 2004."
Conference Call
Management will conduct a conference call and audio webcast at 11:00 a.m.
ET on March 2, 2004 to review the Company's quarterly results, market trends
and future outlook. The conference call dial-in number is 303-262-2130 or
800-218-0204. The audio webcast will be available, on a listen only basis,
via the Internet at www.fulldisclosure.com or at the Investor Relations
section of the Company's website, www.unfi.com . Please allow extra time to
the webcast to visit the site and download any software required to listen to
the Internet broadcast. The online archive of the webcast will be available
for 30 days.
About United Natural Foods
United Natural Foods, Inc. carries and distributes over 32,000 products to
more than 14,000 customers nationwide. The Company serves a wide variety of
retail formats including conventional supermarket chains, natural product
superstores, independent retail operators and the food service channel. For
more information on United Natural Foods, Inc., visit the Company's website at
www.unfi.com .
Financial Tables Follow
For more information on United Natural Foods, Inc., visit the Company's
website at www.unfi.com .
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding the Company's business
that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve
risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties,
which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the
forward-looking statements, including but not limited to general business
conditions, the impact of competition and our dependence on principal
customers, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q
filed with the Commission on December 12, 2003, and its other filings under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any forward-looking
statements are made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995 and, as such, speak only as of the date made. The Company is not
undertaking to update any information in the foregoing reports until the
effective date of its future reports required by applicable laws. Any
projections of future results of operations should not be construed in any
manner as a guarantee that such results will in fact occur. These projections
are subject to change and could differ materially from final reported results.
The Company may from time to time update these publicly announced projections,
but it is not obligated to do so.
Non-GAAP Results: To supplement its financial statements presented on a
GAAP basis, the Company uses non-GAAP additional measures of operating
results, net earnings and earnings per share adjusted to exclude special
charges. The Company believes that the use of these additional measures is
appropriate to enhance an overall understanding of its past financial
performance and also its prospects for the future as these special charges are
not expected to be part of the Company's ongoing business. The adjustments to
the Company's GAAP results are made with the intent of providing both
management and investors with a more complete understanding of the underlying
operational results and trends and its marketplace performance. For example,
these adjusted non-GAAP results are among the primary indicators management
uses as a basis for its planning and forecasting of future periods. The
presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in
isolation or as a substitute for net earnings or diluted earnings per share
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the
United States of America. A comparison and reconciliation from non-GAAP to
GAAP results is included in the tables within this release.
UNITED NATURAL FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
QUARTERS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
JANUARY 31, JANUARY 31,
(In thousands, except 2004 2003 2004 2003
per share data)
Net sales $393,248 $338,447 $774,631 $649,440
Cost of sales 314,463 269,598 619,673 517,166
Gross profit 78,785 68,849 154,958 132,274
Operating expenses 65,386 57,940 128,318 111,372
Amortization of
intangibles 234 66 466 104
Total operating
expenses 65,620 58,006 128,784 111,476
Operating income 13,165 10,843 26,174 20,798
Other expense (income):
Interest expense 2,133 2,072 4,454 3,919
Change in fair value of
financial instruments (400) (226) (704) 1,479
Other, net (112) (183) (230) (420)
Total other expense 1,621 1,663 3,520 4,978
Income before
income taxes 11,544 9,180 22,654 15,820
Income taxes 4,502 3,672 8,835 6,328
Net income $7,042 $5,508 $13,819 $9,492
Per share data (basic):
Net income $0.36 $0.29 $0.71 $0.50
Weighted average basic
shares of common stock 19,598 19,119 19,562 19,113
Per share data (diluted):
Net income $0.35 $0.28 $0.68 $0.49
Weighted average diluted
shares of common
stock 20,375 19,526 20,282 19,471
UNITED NATURAL FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands) JANUARY 31, JULY 31,
2004 2003
(UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash $8,860 $3,645
Accounts receivable, net 99,652 90,111
Notes receivable, trade, net 736 585
Inventories 175,555 158,263
Prepaid expenses 6,499 5,706
Deferred income taxes 6,004 6,455
Refundable income taxes 1,890 704
Total current assets 299,196 265,469
Property & equipment, net 105,195 101,238
Other assets:
Goodwill 57,202 57,400
Notes receivable, trade, net 2,832 1,261
Intangible assets, net 742 1,014
Other, net 3,272 3,717
Total assets $468,439 $430,099
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Notes payable - line of credit $106,498 $96,170
Accounts payable 79,130 67,187
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 24,007 26,347
Current portion of long-term debt 4,739 4,459
Current portion of obligations under
capital leases 809 903
Financial instruments 192 6,104
Income taxes payable - -
Total current liabilities 215,375 201,170
Long-term debt, excluding current portion 46,129 38,507
Obligations under capital leases, excluding
current portion 169 612
Deferred income taxes 2,247 2,247
Total liabilities 263,920 242,536
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value,
authorized 20,000 and 5,000 shares at
January 31, 2004 and July 31, 2003,
respectively; none issued and outstanding
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized
50,000 shares; issued and outstanding 19,674
and 19,510 at January 31, 2004 and
July 31, 2003, respectively 197 195
Additional paid-in capital 89,746 86,068
Unallocated shares of ESOP (1,850) (1,931)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (192) 432
Retained earnings 116,618 102,799
Total stockholders' equity 204,519 187,563
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $468,439 $430,099
UNITED NATURAL FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED
JANUARY 31,
(In thousands) 2004 2003
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $13,819 $9,492
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 5,531 5,051
Change in fair value of financial instruments (704) 1,479
Gains on disposals of property & equipment (22) (6)
Provision for doubtful accounts 1,320 1,699
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of
acquired companies:
Accounts receivable (10,861) 5,242
Inventory (17,185) 2,934
Prepaid expenses and other assets (1,743) (3,177)
Notes receivable, trade (1,722) (1,467)
Accounts payable 11,943 2,658
Accrued expenses (1,838) 1,331
Financial instruments (5,400) -
Tax effect of stock options 921 107
Net cash (used in) provided by operating
activities (5,941) 25,343
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of acquired businesses, net of
cash acquired (6) (43,724)
Proceeds from disposals of property and
equipment 141 47
Capital expenditures (9,335) (11,221)
Net cash used in investing activities (9,200) (54,898)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net borrowings under note payable 10,328 31,392
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 9,904 -
Repayments on long-term debt (2,098) (854)
Principal payments of capital lease obligations (537) (657)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 2,759 317
Net cash provided by financing activities 20,356 30,198
NET INCREASE IN CASH 5,215 643
Cash at beginning of period 3,645 11,184
Cash at end of period $8,860 $11,827
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest $4,354 $3,798
Income taxes, net of refunds $9,079 $6,421
SOURCE United Natural Foods, Inc.
-0- 03/02/2004
/CONTACT: Rick Puckett, Chief Financial Officer of United Natural Foods,
Inc., +1-860-779-2800; or General, Joseph Calabrese, +1-212-445-8434, or
Analysts, Vanessa Schwartz, +1-212-445-8433, both of Financial Relations
Board/
/Web site: http://www.unfi.com /
(UNFI)
CO: United Natural Foods, Inc.
ST: Connecticut
IN: FOD
SU: ERN CCA
AB-AM
-- CGTU008 --
2957 03/02/2004 08:28 EST http://www.prnewswire.com