UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

WEIDER NUTRITION INTERNATIONAL, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

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 ý  No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o  No ý

 

The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s common stock is 25,944,791 (as of January 1, 2004).

 

 

PART I.		FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.		FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

WEIDER NUTRITION INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share data)

 

		November 30, 2003			May 31, 2003
		(unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	5,001		$	3,463
Receivables, net		33,060			27,592
Inventories		31,767			27,543
Prepaid expenses and other		3,695			4,312
Deferred taxes		2,171			2,908
Assets held for sale		—			5,077
Total current assets		75,694			70,895
Property and equipment, net		25,642			26,676
Other assets:
Intangible assets, net		9,911			9,738
Deposits and other assets		5,229			5,286
Notes receivable, net (Note 5)		195			2,178
Assets held for sale		—			469
Total other assets		15,335			17,671
Total assets		$	116,671		$	115,242
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	22,285		$	20,096
Accrued expenses		14,189			16,610
Current portion of long-term debt		3,397			8,057
Income taxes payable		100			173
Total current liabilities		39,971			44,936
Long-term debt		2,096			659
Deferred taxes		3,472			801
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share; shares authorized-10,000,000; no shares issued and outstanding		—			—
Class A common stock, par value $.01 per share; shares authorized-50,000,000; shares issued and outstanding- 10,949,678 and 11,916,288		109			119
Class B common stock, par value $.01 per share; shares authorized-25,000,000; shares issued and outstanding-14,973,148		150			150
Additional paid-in capital		83,277			86,943
Deferred compensation costs		(749		)	(873		)
Other accumulated comprehensive loss		(3,975		)	(4,951		)
Retained deficit		(7,680		)	(12,542		)
Total stockholders’ equity		71,132			68,846
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	116,671		$	115,242

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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WEIDER NUTRITION INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

 

		Three Months Ended November 30,
		2003			2002
Net sales		$	60,760		$	58,017
Cost of goods sold		37,672			36,148
Gross profit		23,088			21,869
Operating expenses:
Selling and marketing		13,663			9,504
General and administrative		4,248			4,961
Research and development		962			966
Amortization of intangible assets		141			230
Total operating expenses		19,014			15,661
Income from operations		4,074			6,208
Other income (expense):
Interest income (Note 5)		581			9
Interest expense		(309		)	(793		)
Write-off of financing fees, including OID costs		—			(1,147		)
Other		(216		)	(32		)
Total other income (expense), net		56			(1,963		)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		4,130			4,245
Income tax expense		1,547			1,698
Net income from continuing operations		2,583			2,547
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		83			(266		)
Net income		$	2,666		$	2,281
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		26,085,336			26,249,436
Diluted		27,175,959			26,301,395
Net income (loss) per share-basic and diluted:
Net income from continuing operations		$	0.10		$	0.10
Net loss from discontinued operations		—			(0.01		)
Net income		$	0.10		$	0.09
Comprehensive income		$	2,807		$	2,244

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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WEIDER NUTRITION INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

 

		Six Months Ended November 30,
		2003			2002
Net sales		$	124,401		$	127,345
Cost of goods sold		77,020			77,363
Gross profit		47,381			49,982
Operating expenses:
Selling and marketing		28,159			21,182
General and administrative		9,632			11,188
Research and development		2,176			1,839
Amortization of intangible assets		283			532
Total operating expenses		40,250			34,741
Income from operations		7,131			15,241
Other income (expense):
Interest income (Note 5)		728			29
Interest expense		(642		)	(1,721		)
Write-off of financing fees, including OID costs		—			(1,147		)
Other		(371		)	275
Total other expense, net		(285		)	(2,564		)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		6,846			12,677
Income tax expense		2,633			5,071
Net income from continuing operations		4,213			7,606
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		649			(837		)
Net income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle		4,862			6,769
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax benefit		—			(15,392		)
Net income (loss)		$	4,862		$	(8,623	)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		26,161,169			26,249,436
Diluted		26,960,390			26,301,395
Net income (loss) per share-basic and diluted:
Net income from continuing operations		$	0.16		$	0.29
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations		0.02			(0.03		)
Net income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle		0.18			0.26
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle		—			(0.59		)
Net income (loss)		$	0.18		$	(0.33	)
Comprehensive income (loss)		$	5,838		$	(8,260	)

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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WEIDER NUTRITION INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

		Six Months Ended November 30,
		2003			2002
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)		$	4,862		$	(8,623	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Provision for (recovery of) bad debts		(1,122		)	398
Deferred taxes		3,408			(3,554		)
Depreciation and amortization		2,498			3,134
Interest income on settlement of notes receivable		(609		)	—
Asset impairment		—			23,321
Gain on sale of assets held for sale and property and equipment		(1,301		)	—
Amortization/write-off of financing fees, including original issue discount costs		168			1,691
Amortization of deferred compensation costs		93			77
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables		(5,384		)	10,484
Inventories		(4,224		)	(4,712		)
Prepaid expenses and other		617			(1,394		)
Deposits and other assets		(111		)	(444		)
Accounts payable		2,189			(2,076		)
Other current liabilities		(2,360		)	(5,098		)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		(1,276		)	13,204
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment		(773		)	(744		)
Purchase of intangibles		(224		)	(186		)
Proceeds from disposition of assets held for sale and property and equipment		6,898			5,400
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale equity securities		—			1,002
Collection of notes receivable		4			123
Net cash provided by investing activities		5,905			5,595
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance of common stock		40			—
Net change in revolving line-of-credit		1,793			(1,534		)
Proceeds from debt		2,738			3,589
Payments on debt		(7,949		)	(20,076		)
Net cash used in financing activities		(3,378		)	(18,021		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		287			172
Increase in cash and cash equivalents		1,538			950
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		3,463			2,412
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	5,001		$	3,362

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5

 

WEIDER NUTRITION INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

 

1.                                      BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND OTHER MATTERS

 

The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements (“interim financial statements”) do not include all disclosures provided in our annual consolidated financial statements.  These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the footnotes thereto contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2003 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The May 31, 2003 consolidated balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles are not provided in the accompanying footnotes.  We are a majority-owned subsidiary of Weider Health and Fitness (“WHF”).

 

In our opinion, the accompanying interim financial statements contain all adjustments (which are of a normal recurring nature) necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and results of operations.  Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current interim period presentation.  The results of operations and cash flows for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations and cash flows that we may achieve for any other interim period or for the entire year.

 

Effective in our fiscal 2004 first quarter, we sold the assets of our Haleko Venice Beach® sports apparel business to Hucke AG, a German apparel company, for cumulative net cash proceeds of approximately $6,898.  In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, the operating results for Venice Beach® are reflected as discontinued operations and the associated assets are included in assets held for sale in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.  We recognized in income from discontinued operations an after-tax gain on the sale of approximately $831.  Fiscal 2004 results from discontinued operations may subsequently be impacted by certain lease related and/or other costs, as well as by final settlement of net assets sold in the transaction.

 

Effective August 16, 2002, we issued 640,000 restricted shares of Class A common stock to certain officers and employees.  The aggregate value of the restricted shares was approximately $1,038, which we are expensing on a straight-line basis over the accompanying five-year vesting period.  In August 2003, 13,600 of these restricted shares were cancelled as a result of the voluntary termination of certain employees.

 

Effective July 26, 2002, we sold substantially all of the assets and certain associated liabilities relating to our American Body Building® and Science Foods® brands.  The impact of the sale on the fiscal 2003 first quarter operating results was not significant.

 

Effective June 1, 2002, we adopted SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, which establishes new accounting and reporting standards for goodwill and other intangible assets.  (See Note 4 to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).

 

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We disclose the effect of SFAS No. 123 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, on a proforma basis and continue to follow Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25 (as permitted by SFAS No. 123) as it relates to stock based compensation.

 

Proforma information regarding net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share is required by SFAS No. 123, as amended by SFAS No. 148, and has been determined as if we had accounted for our employee stock options and previously unvested performance units under the fair value method of SFAS No. 123.  For the purposes of proforma disclosure, the estimated fair value of the stock options is amortized to expense over the options vesting period.  Our proforma net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share were as follows:

 

		Three Months Ended November 30,						Six Months Ended November 30,
		2003			2002			2003			2002
Net income (loss), as reported		$	2,666		$	2,281		$	4,862		$	(8,623	)
Net income (loss), proforma		2,570			2,266			4,722			(8,593		)
Basic net income (loss) per share, as reported		0.10			0.09			0.18			(0.33		)
Diluted net income (loss) per share, as reported		0.10			0.09			0.18			(0.33		)
Basic net income (loss) per share, proforma		0.10			0.09			0.18			(0.33		)
Diluted net income (loss) per share, proforma		0.09			0.09			0.18			(0.33		)

 

2.                                      RECEIVABLES, NET

 

Receivables, net, consist of the following:

 

		November 30, 2003			May 31, 2003
Trade accounts		$	38,973		$	35,242
Other, including income taxes		616			670
		39,589			35,912
Less allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns		(6,529		)	(8,320		)
Total		$	33,060		$	27,592

 

3.                                      INVENTORIES

 

Inventories consist of the following:

 

		November 30, 2003			May 31, 2003
Raw materials		$	10,451		$	8,487
Work in process		3,272			1,691
Finished goods		18,044			17,365
Total		$	31,767		$	27,543

 

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4.                                      INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

 

Intangible assets, net, consist of the following:

 

		November 30, 2003									May 31, 2003
		Gross Carrying Amount			Accumul. Amortiz.			Net Book Value			Gross Carrying Amount			Accumul. Amortiz.			Net Book Value
Patents and trademarks		$	10,320		$	(4,755	)	$	5,565		$	9,743		$	(4,351	)	$	5,392
Goodwill		4,346			—			4,346			4,346			—			4,346
		$	14,666		$	(4,755	)	$	9,911		$	14,089		$	(4,351	)	$	9,738

 

Estimated amortization expense, assuming no changes in our intangible assets, for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, beginning with fiscal 2004, is $564 (2004), $417 (2005), $417 (2006), $395 (2007), and $373 (2008).

 

Upon the implementation of SFAS No. 142, we tested goodwill for impairment by comparing the carrying amount, including goodwill, for each of our reporting (business) units at June 1, 2002 to the estimated fair value for each of our reporting units.  We assessed the fair value of the reporting units by evaluating their current and future cash flows in comparison to our overall market capitalization.  Based on this comparison, we concluded that the net book carrying value for two of our reporting units, Active Nutrition and Haleko, exceeded their respective fair values.  For those two reporting units, we then compared the implied fair value of their respective goodwill to their respective net book carrying values to determine the asset impairment amount.  Based on this comparison, effective June 1, 2002, we recognized an impairment loss of $23,321, or an after-tax charge of $15,392, as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle.

 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, broken down by business unit, for fiscal 2003 is as follows:

 

		Schiff® Specialty			Active Nutrition			Haleko			Total
Balance at June 1, 2002		$	4,346		$	1,843		$	21,478		$	27,667
Adoption of SFAS No. 142		—			(1,843		)	(21,478		)	(23,321		)
Balance at May 31, 2003		$	4,346		$	—		$	—		$	4,346

 

The carrying amount of goodwill did not change during the first six months of fiscal 2004.

 

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5.                                      NOTES RECEIVABLE, NET

 

Notes receivable (including accrued interest), net, were $195 and $2,178, respectively, at November 30, 2003 and May 31, 2003.  The original notes receivable are recourse, collateralized by debtors’ shares of our Class A common stock and repayable beginning in June 2002 and ending December 2006.  Certain allowances for, or adjustments to, unrealizable amounts are recognized to adjust the outstanding balances to the underlying collateral value and/or to consider other factors that may impact the valuation of the notes receivable.  If shares of our Class A common stock are received in lieu of cash payment, a portion of, or the entire amount of outstanding notes receivable, including contractually due interest thereon, is reclassified as treasury stock and/or reflected as a direct reduction of capital within stockholders’ equity.

 

In connection with collection efforts, we have been pursuing negotiations with the five note holders who are no longer employed by the company.  During our fiscal 2004 first quarter, we received $68 in cash and acquired and retired 140,434 shares of our Class A common stock valued at approximately $434 as full payment of principal and interest accrued on notes due from two note holders.  During our fiscal 2004 second quarter, we received $31 in cash and acquired and retired 826,175 shares of our Class A common stock valued at approximately $3,259 as full payment of principal and interest accrued on notes due from two additional note holders.  We are continuing to pursue collection of amounts due from the remaining note holder.

 

The fiscal 2004 settlement of outstanding notes receivable resulted in the reduction of previously recognized allowances for unrealizable amounts of $1,069, reflected as a reduction of general and administrative expense, and recognition of contractually due interest income of $675, during the six months ended November 30, 2003.  Notes receivable balances are reflected net of aggregate allowances for unrealizable amounts of $54 and $1,304, respectively, at November 30, 2003 and May 31, 2003.

 

6.                                      OPERATING SEGMENTS

 

Our operations are organized into three business units.  These business units are the Schiff® Specialty Unit, the Active Nutrition Unit and the Haleko Unit (our primary European subsidiary).  The business units are managed independently, each with its own sales and marketing resources, and supported by product research and development, operations and technical services, and administrative functions.

 

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We manufacture and market nutritional products, including a full line of specialty supplements, vitamins and minerals through our Schiff® Specialty Unit.  Schiff® Specialty Unit products are marketed primarily in the United States through mass-market distribution channels.  We manufacture and market a variety of sports nutrition, nutritional bar and weight management products through our Active Nutrition Unit.  The Active Nutrition Unit also includes certain Schiff® branded products marketed outside the United States.  Active Nutrition Unit products are marketed domestically and internationally primarily through mass market and health club and gym distribution channels.  We also manufacture and market nutritional products, including a full line of sports nutrition supplements, together with certain other nutraceuticals within our Haleko Unit.  Haleko Unit products are marketed primarily in Europe through mass market and health club and gym distribution channels.

 

The accounting policies of these business units are the same as those described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.  We evaluate the performance of our business units based on actual and expected operating results of the respective business units.  Certain domestic assets are not allocated to the Schiff® Specialty and Active Nutrition Units.  Accordingly, asset segment information is provided on a total domestic and non-domestic basis consistent with the manner in which management evaluates the business.

 

Segment information for the three months ended November 30, 2003 and 2002 is summarized as follows:

 

		Net Sales			Income (Loss) From Operations			Interest Expense
2003:
Schiff® Specialty		$	35,893		$	3,223		$	201
Active Nutrition		9,755			(84		)	21
Haleko		16,510			909			126
Eliminations		(1,398		)	26			(39		)
		$	60,760		$	4,074		$	309
2002:
Schiff® Specialty		$	34,530		$	5,600		$	581
Active Nutrition		7,595			321			66
Haleko		16,435			287			146
Eliminations		(543		)	—			—
		$	58,017		$	6,208		$	793

 

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Segment information for the six months ended November 30, 2003 and 2002 is summarized as follows:

 

		Net Sales			Income (Loss) From Operations			Interest Expense
2003:
Schiff® Specialty		$	74,925		$	6,235		$	402
Active Nutrition		19,178			(221		)	41
Haleko		33,029			1,068			256
Eliminations		(2,731		)	49			(57		)
		$	124,401		$	7,131		$	642
2002:
Schiff® Specialty		$	75,778		$	13,449		$	1,267
Active Nutrition		19,458			1,260			147
Haleko		33,604			532			307
Eliminations		(1,495		)	—			—
		$	127,345		$	15,241		$	1,721

 

Reconciliation of total assets for domestic and international operations is as follows:

 

		November 30, 2003			May 31, 2003
Total domestic assets		$	131,739		$	128,420
Total international assets		46,129			49,101
Eliminations		(61,197		)	(62,279		)
Total		$	116,671		$	115,242

 

Capital expenditures for domestic and international operations were $325 and $448, respectively, for the six months ended November 30, 2003, and $439 and $305, respectively, for the six months ended November 30, 2002.

 

7.                                      SALES TO MAJOR CUSTOMERS

 

Our two largest customers combined accounted for approximately 50% and 49%, respectively, of net sales for the six months ended November 30, 2003 and 2002.  At both November 30, 2003, and May 31, 2003, amounts due from these customers represented approximately 39% of total trade accounts receivable.

 

8.                                      CONTINGENCIES

 

In October 2003, we were named as a defendant in Rexall v. Weider Nutrition International, Inc. and Leiner Health Products, Inc. filed in the United States District Court in the Western District of Wisconsin.  The lawsuit alleges that certain of the defendant’s joint care products infringe upon a Rexall patent relating to the percentage of excipients contained in a tablet.  We vigorously dispute the allegations and are opposing the lawsuit.  Discovery is proceeding.

 

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We are currently named as a defendant in four lawsuits alleging that consumption of certain products containing ephedra that we formerly manufactured and sold caused injuries and damages to certain individuals.  We dispute the allegations and are opposing the lawsuits.  Our insurance carriers have assumed the defense of three of the matters.

 

We are currently named as a defendant, along with numerous other dietary supplement companies, in purported class actions in certain state courts alleging that the defendants sold androstenedione and other purportedly similar products in violation of certain statutes and utilized false and misleading claims and advertising.  We dispute the allegations and are opposing the lawsuits.

 

We are currently named as a defendant in a lawsuit in Florida state court alleging breach of contract and other claims against us relating to the termination in 1999 of an agreement relating to the development and distribution of certain beverage products.  We dispute the allegations and are opposing the lawsuit.

 

From time to time, we are involved in other claims, legal actions and governmental proceedings that arise from our business operations.  Although ultimate liability cannot be determined at the present time, we believe that liability resulting from these matters, if any, after taking into consideration our insurance coverage, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial statements.

 

9.                                      RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated With Exit or Disposal Activities”, which requires that costs associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred and nullifies EITF No. 94-3.  SFAS No. 146 is effective for any exit or disposal activities occurring after December 31, 2002.  The requirements of SFAS No. 146 were applied in the accounting treatment for the disposition of Venice Beach® assets.

 

In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness to Others” (“FIN No. 45”), which addresses the disclosure to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under guarantees.  FIN No. 45 also requires the guarantor to recognize a liability for the non-contingent component of the guarantee, which is the obligation to stand ready to perform in the event that specified triggering events or conditions occur.  The recognition and measurement provisions of FIN No. 45 are effective for all guarantees entered into or modified after December 31, 2002.  We have not entered into any such guarantees and therefore the adoption of this standard did not impact our consolidated financial statements.

 

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In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock –Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure – an amendment of SFAS No. 123”.  SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, to require disclosure in the summary of significant accounting policies of the effects of an entity’s accounting policy with respect to stock-based employee compensation on reported net income and earnings per share in annual and interim financial statements.  We have adopted the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 148.

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities”, (“FIN No. 46”) an interpretation of ARB No. 51.  FIN No. 46 addresses consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities.  FIN No. 46 applies immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003 and to variable interest entities in which an enterprise obtains an interest after that date.  FIN No. 46 applies in the first year or interim period ending after December 15, 2003 to variable interest entities in which an enterprise holds a variable interest that it acquired before February 1, 2003.  We do not have an interest in any variable interest entity and therefore the adoption of FIN No. 46 did not impact our consolidated financial statements.

 

In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, which amends and clarifies accounting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133.  SFAS No. 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003 and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003.  The adoption of SFAS No. 149 did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liability and Equity”, which establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liability and equity in its statement of financial position.  SFAS No. 150 is effective for new or modified financial instruments beginning June 1, 2003, and for existing instruments beginning August 1, 2003.  The adoption of SFAS No. 150 did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

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

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  We disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

General

 

Weider Nutrition International, Inc. develops, manufactures, markets, distributes and sells branded and private label vitamins, nutritional supplements and sports nutrition products in the United States and throughout the world.  We offer a broad range of capsules and tablets, powdered drink mixes, ready-to-drink beverages and nutrition bars consisting of approximately 800 stock keeping units (“SKUs”).  Our portfolio of brands, including Schiff®, Weider®, Tiger’s Milk®, Multipower® and Multaben, are primarily marketed through mass market, health food store and health club and gym distribution channels.  We market our branded nutritional supplement products, both domestically and internationally, in five principal categories: specialty supplements; vitamins and minerals; sports nutrition; weight management; and nutrition bars.

 

Effective in our fiscal 2004 first quarter, we sold substantially all of the assets relating to Haleko’s Germany-based Venice Beach® sports apparel brand.  The transaction included the sale of Venice Beach® receivables, inventories, intellectual property and certain fixed assets and the assumption by the purchaser of approximately 47 Venice Beach® employees.  The cumulative net cash proceeds from the sale were approximately $6.9 million.  In accordance with SFAS No. 144, operating results for Venice Beach® are reflected as discontinued operations for all periods presented.  Fiscal 2004 results from discontinued operations may subsequently be impacted by certain lease related and/or other costs, as well as by final settlement of net assets sold in the transaction.

 

Effective in our fiscal 2004 first quarter, we reclassified the Weider Germany branded business from our Haleko unit to our Active Nutrition unit.  Accordingly, Weider Germany branded sales are included in Active’s operating results.  Haleko continues to provide manufacturing services for the Weider Germany business and therefore also includes the sale (transfer) of these products in their stand-alone private label operating results.  These inter-business unit sales from Haleko to Active Nutrition are eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.

 

During the first six months of fiscal 2004, we entered into settlement agreements with four former employees relating to certain outstanding notes due to us, including interest accrued thereon.  As a result of the respective settlement agreements, we received an aggregate of $99,000 in cash, acquired and retired a total of 966,609 shares of our Class A common stock, reversed approximately $1.1 million of previously recognized allowances for unrealizable amounts and recognized approximately $0.7 million of contractually due interest income.

 

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For fiscal 2004, our priorities include initiatives to defend our Schiff® Move Free® business against competition, including private label, and ultimately to increase our market share in the joint care product category.  Accordingly, we expect to continue implementation of these initiatives for our Schiff® Move Free® business during fiscal 2004.  While the focus of these considerations is to improve future profitability, no assurance can be given that our decisions relating to these initiatives will not adversely effect our results of operations or financial condition.

 

Our principal executive offices are located at 2002 South 5070 West, Salt Lake City, Utah 84104 and our telephone number is (801) 975-5000.

 

Results of Operations (Unaudited)

Three Months Ended November 30, 2003 Compared to Three Months

Ended November 30, 2002

 

The following tables show comparative results for continuing operations, by business unit, for the three months ended November 30, 2003 and 2002.  Certain indirect costs, including primarily general and administrative and research and development expenses, are charged to the business units based on various allocation methodologies (in thousands).

 

		Schiff® Specialty			Active Nutrition			Haleko			Other (1)			Total
2003:
Net sales		$	35,893		$	9,755		$	16,510		$	(1,398	)	$	60,760
Cost of goods sold		23,145			5,730			10,195			(1,398		)	37,672
Gross profit		12,748			4,025			6,315			—			23,088
Operating expenses:
Selling and marketing		6,481			3,065			4,117			—			13,663
General and administrative		2,393			835			1,020			—			4,248
Research and development		630			142			190			—			962
Amortization of intangible assets		21			67			79			(26		)	141
Total operating expenses		9,525			4,109			5,406			(26		)	19,014
Income (loss) from operations		$	3,223		$	(84	)	$	909		$	26		$	4,074
2002:
Net sales		$	34,530		$	7,595		$	16,435		$	(543	)	$	58,017
Cost of goods sold		21,374			4,323			10,994			(543		)	36,148
Gross profit		13,156			3,272			5,441			—			21,869
Operating expenses:
Selling and marketing		4,163			2,095			3,246			—			9,504
General and administrative		2,645			660			1,656			—			4,961
Research and development		662			118			186			—			966
Amortization of intangible assets		86			78			66			—			230
Total operating expenses		7,556			2,951			5,154			—			15,661
Income from operations		$	5,600		$	321		$	287		$	—		$	6,208

 

(1) Amounts include inter-business unit sales and expense eliminations.

 

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Net Sales.  Net sales increased approximately 4.7% to $60.8 million for the fiscal 2004 second quarter, from $58.0 million for the fiscal 2003 second quarter.  Overall, the increase in net sales was primarily attributable to the impact of foreign currency exchange rates and an increase in Schiff® Specialty sales.

 

Schiff® Specialty net sales increased approximately 4.0% to $35.9 million for the fiscal 2004 second quarter, from $34.5 million for the fiscal 2003 second quarter.  The increase primarily resulted from increased volume in Schiff® Move Free® and other joint product sales, partially offset by a reduction in private label net sales.  Net sales of Schiff® Move Free® were $12.7 million for the fiscal 2004 second quarter, compared to $11.5 million for the fiscal 2003 second quarter.

 

Active Nutrition net sales increased approximately 28.4% to $9.8 million for the fiscal 2004 second quarter, from $7.6 million for the fiscal 2003 second quarter.  The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in international sales due to the reclassification/inclusion of $2.0 million in Weider Germany branded sales (a portion of which is also included in Haleko private label sales before inter-business unit eliminations) and the impact of foreign currency exchange rates.  Prior to fiscal 2004, Weider Germany branded sales were included only in Haleko’s operating results.

 

Haleko net sales, including the significant positive impact of foreign currency exchange rates, were relatively constant for the fiscal 2004 second quarter compared to the fiscal 2003 second quarter.  Net sales volume decreased, excluding foreign currency exchange rates.  Economic conditions in Germany continue to decline and may negatively impact operating results in our Haleko business unit for the foreseeable future.

 

Gross Profit.  Gross profit increased approximately 5.6% to $23.1 million for the fiscal 2004 second quarter, from $21.9 million for the fiscal 2003 second quarter.  The increase primarily resulted from higher margins in our Haleko unit and increased sales in our Active Nutrition unit.  Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, was 38.0% for the fiscal 2004 second quarter, compared to 37.7% for the fiscal 2003 second quarter.  Gross profit percentage decreased in our Schiff® Specialty and Active Nutrition business units and increased in our Haleko unit.

 

Schiff® Specialty gross profit decreased approximately 3.1% to $12.7 million for the fiscal 2004 second quarter, from $13.2 million for the fiscal 2003 second quarter.  Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, was 35.5% for the fiscal 2004 second quarter, compared to 38.1% for the fiscal 2003 second quarter.  The decrease resulted primarily from reduced margins on private label sales volumes due to competitive pricing pressures and increased sales incentives due to incremental promotional spending.

 

Active Nutrition gross profit increased approximately 23.0% to $4.0 million for the fiscal 2004 second quarter, from $3.3 million for the fiscal 2003 second quarter, primarily resulting from an increase in sales.  Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, was 41.3% for the fiscal 2004 second quarter, compared to 43.1% for the fiscal 2003 second quarter.  The decrease was primarily attributable to the inclusion of lower margin Weider Germany sales.

 

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Haleko gross profit increased approximately 16.1% to $6.3 million for the fiscal 2004 second quarter, from $5.4 million for the fiscal 2003 second quarter.  Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, was 38.2% for the fiscal 2004 second quarter, compared to 33.1% for the fiscal 2003 second quarter.  The increase was primarily attributable to higher margins on our branded business, lower sales deductions and a decrease in inventory charges.

 

Operating Expenses.  Operating expenses increased approximately 21.4% to $19.0 million for the fiscal 2004 second quarter, from $15.7 million for the fiscal 2003 second quarter.  Operating expenses, as a percentage of net sales, were 31.3% and 27.0%, respectively, for the fiscal 2004 and 2003 second quarters.  The increase in operating expenses, as a percentage of net sales, was primarily attributable to increases in selling and marketing costs in support of our brand building initiatives for all business units, particularly relating to our Schiff® Move Free® product.  The increase was partially offset by the fiscal 2004 second quarter recovery of approximately $.5 million in notes receivable valuation allowances.

 

Selling and marketing expenses, including sales, marketing, advertising, freight and other costs, were $13.7 million for the fiscal 2004 second quarter, compared to $9.5 million for the fiscal 2003 second quarter.  The increase in selling and marketing expenses resulted primarily from incremental transition and marketing costs associated with our long-term Move Free® strategy, and increased selling and marketing in support of new products in our Schiff® Specialty and Active Nutrition business units.  Incremental marketing costs for our Move Free® business includes an increase in national advertising costs of approximately $1.5 million.

 

General and administrative expenses decreased to $4.2 million for the fiscal 2004 second quarter, from $5.0 million for the fiscal 2003 second quarter, primarily resulting from the fiscal 2004 recovery of previously recognized notes receivable valuation allowances mentioned above.

 

Research and development costs remained constant at approximately $1.0 million for the fiscal 2004 and 2003 second quarters.

 

Other Income/Expense.  Other income/expense, net, was $0.1 million income for the fiscal 2004 second quarter, compared to $2.0 million expense for the fiscal 2003 second quarter.  Effective in our fiscal 2004 second quarter, we settled certain additional outstanding notes receivable primarily through reacquiring 826,175 shares of our outstanding Class A common stock.  As a result of these settlement transactions, we recognized approximately $.6 million in previously unrecognized interest income on the notes receivable.  In November 2002, we paid off $5.0 million in remaining subordinated debt with borrowings available from our senior bank credit facility, which resulted in an approximate $1.1 million write-off of previously capitalized financing fees.

 

Provision for Income Taxes.  Provision for income taxes was a $1.5 million expense for the fiscal 2004 second quarter, compared to a $1.7 million expense for the fiscal 2003 second quarter.  The change resulted primarily from a modest reduction in our effective tax rate due to a decrease in recognized valuation allowances.

 

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Results of Operations (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended November 30, 2003 Compared to Six Months

Ended November 30, 2002

 

The following tables show comparative results for continuing operations, by business unit, for the six months ended November 30, 2003 and 2002.  Certain indirect costs, including primarily general and administrative and research and development expenses, are charged to the business units based on various allocation methodologies (in thousands).

 

		Schiff® Specialty			Active Nutrition			Haleko			Other (1)			Total
2003:
Net sales		$	74,925		$	19,178		$	33,029		$	(2,731	)	$	124,401
Cost of goods sold		48,466			11,053			20,232			(2,731		)	77,020
Gross profit		26,459			8,125			12,797			—			47,381
Operating expenses:
Selling and marketing		13,367			6,131			8,661			—			28,159
General and administrative		5,332			1,761			2,539			—			9,632
Research and development		1,483			319			374			—			2,176
Amortization of intangible assets		42			135			155			(49		)	283
Total operating expenses		20,224			8,346			11,729			(49		)	40,250
Income (loss) from operations		$	6,235		$	(221	)	$	1,068		$	49		$	7,131
2002:
Net sales		$	75,778		$	19,458		$	33,604		$	(1,495	)	$	127,345
Cost of goods sold		46,325			11,160			21,373			(1,495		)	77,363
Gross profit		29,453			8,298			12,231			—			49,982
Operating expenses:
Selling and marketing		8,672			4,885			7,625			—			21,182
General and administrative		5,878			1,667			3,643			—			11,188
Research and development		1,287			253			299			—			1,839
Amortization of intangible assets		167			233			132			—			532
Total operating expenses		16,004			7,038			11,699			—			34,741
Income from operations		$	13,449		$	1,260		$	532		$	—		$	15,241

 

(1) Amounts include inter-business unit sales and expense eliminations.

 

Net Sales.  Net sales decreased approximately 2.3% to $124.4 million for the six months ended November 30, 2003, from $127.3 million for the six months ended November 30, 2002.  Overall, the decrease in net sales was primarily attributable to the fiscal 2003 first quarter sale of our American Body Building and Science Foods brands.  Fiscal 2003 net sales of American Body Building^TM and Science Foods® branded products, prior to divestiture, were $3.1 million.

 

Schiff® Specialty net sales decreased approximately 1.1% to $74.9 million for the six months ended November 30, 2003, from $75.8 million for the six months ended November 30, 2002.  The decrease primarily resulted from reductions in private label net sales, partially offset by increases in Schiff® Move Free® and other joint product sales.  Private label net sales were $25.0 million for the six months ended November 30, 2003, compared to $26.9 million for the six months ended November 30, 2002.  The decrease was primarily attributable to customer ordering patterns and competitive pricing pressures.  Net sales of Schiff® Move Free® were

 

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30.8 million for the six months ended November 30, 2003, compared to $30.2 million for the six months ended November 30, 2002.

 

Active Nutrition net sales decreased approximately 1.4% to $19.2 million for the six months ended November 30, 2003, from $19.5 million for six months ended November 30, 2002.  The decrease was primarily attributable to the sale of our American Body Building® and Science Foods® brands, partially offset by the reclassification/inclusion of $3.7 million in Weider Germany branded sales (a portion of which is also included in Haleko private label sales before inter-business unit eliminations.)  Prior to fiscal 2004, Weider Germany branded sales were included only in Haleko’s operating results).

 

Haleko net sales decreased approximately 1.7% to $33.0 million for the six months ended November 30, 2003, from $33.6 million for the six months ended November 30, 2002.  The decrease primarily resulted from a decline in Multaben and private label sales volume partially offset by the impact of foreign currency exchange rates.

 

Gross Profit.  Gross profit decreased approximately 5.2% to $47.4 million for the six months ended November 30, 2003, from $50.0 million for the six months ended November 30, 2002.  The decrease primarily resulted from a decrease in sales, including reduced margins on Schiff® Specialty private label revenues.  Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, was 38.1% for the six months ended November 30, 2003, compared to 39.2% for the six months ended November 30, 2002.

 

Schiff® Specialty gross profit decreased approximately 10.2% to $26.5 million for the six months ended November 30, 2003, from $29.5 million for the six months ended November 30, 2002.  Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, was 35.3% for the six months ended November 30, 2003, compared to 38.9% for the six months ended November 30, 2002.  The decrease resulted primarily from reduced margins on private label sales volumes due to competitive pricing pressures and increased sales incentives due to incremental promotional spending.

 

Active Nutrition gross profit decreased approximately 2.1% to $8.1 million for the six months ended November 30, 2003, from $8.3 million for the six months ended November 30, 2002, primarily resulting from a decrease in sales.  Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, remained relatively constant at 42.4% and 42.6%, respectively, for the six months ended November 30, 2003 and 2002.

 

Haleko gross profit increased approximately 4.6% to $12.8 million for the six months ended November 30, 2003, from $12.2 million for the six months ended November 30, 2002.  Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, was 38.7% for the six months ended November 30, 2003, compared to 36.4% for the six months ended November 30, 2002.  The increase was primarily attributable to higher margins on our branded business, lower sales deductions and a decrease in inventory charges.

 

Operating Expenses.  Operating expenses increased approximately 15.9% to $40.3 million for the six months ended November 30, 2003, from $34.7 million for the six months ended November 30, 2002.  Operating expenses, as a percentage of net sales, were 32.4% and 27.3%, respectively, for the fiscal 2004 and 2003 six month period.  The increase in operating expenses, as a percentage of net sales, was primarily attributable to increases in selling and marketing costs in support of our brand building initiatives for all business units, particularly relating to our Schiff® Move Free joint product category.  The increase was partially offset by

 

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the fiscal 2004 recovery of approximately $1.1 million of previously recognized notes receivable valuation allowances.

 

Selling and marketing expenses, including sales, marketing, advertising, freight and other costs, were $28.2 million for the six months ended November 30, 2003, compared to $21.2 million for the six months ended November 30, 2002.  The increase in selling and marketing expenses resulted primarily from incremental transition and marketing costs associated with our long-term Move Free® strategy, and increased selling and marketing in support of new products in our Schiff® Specialty and Active Nutrition business units.  Incremental marketing costs for our Move Free® business includes an increase in national advertising costs of approximately $2.8 million.

 

General and administrative expenses decreased to $9.6 million for the six months ended November 30, 2003, from $11.2 million for the six months ended November 30, 2002, primarily resulting from the fiscal 2004 recovery of notes receivable valuation allowances mentioned above and Haleko infrastructure efficiencies.

 

Research and development costs were $2.2 million for the six months ended November 30, 2003, compared to $1.8 million for the six months ended November 30, 2002, primarily resulting from an increase in contracted product research costs.

 

Other Expense.  Other expense, net, was $0.3 million for the six months ended November 30, 2003, compared to $2.6 million for the six months ended November 30, 2002.  During the first six months of fiscal 2004, we settled certain outstanding notes receivable primarily through reacquiring 966,609 shares of our outstanding Class A common stock.  As a result of these settlement transactions, we recognized approximately $.7 million in previously unrecognized interest income on the notes receivable.  We also recognized less interest expense due to a reduction in total indebtedness for the six months ended November 30, 2003.  In November 2002, we paid off $5.0 million in remaining subordinated debt with borrowings available from our senior bank credit facility, which resulted in an approximate $1.1 million write-off of previously capitalized financing fees.  We also recognized approximately $0.3 million in income on the sale of certain held-for-sale equity securities during the six months ended November 30, 2002.

 

Provision for Income Taxes.  Provision for income taxes was a $2.6 million expense for the six months ended November 30, 2003, compared to a $5.1 million expense the six months ended November 30, 2002.  The change resulted primarily from the decrease in pre-tax earnings, and a modest reduction in our effective tax rate due to a decrease in recognized valuation allowances.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Working capital increased $9.7 million to approximately $35.7 million at November 30, 2003, from $26.0 million at May 31, 2003.  The increase in working capital resulted primarily from an increase in receivables and inventories, partially offset by the sale of our Venice Beach®  sports apparel business.  The increase in net receivables resulted primarily from higher sales in the fiscal 2004 second quarter, as compared to the fiscal 2003 fourth quarter.  The increase in inventories was primarily due to increased promotional activity and an overall increase in joint category inventory items primarily in support of our Schiff®  Move Free® initiative.

 

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We are party to a senior credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with Bankers Trust Company, effective June 30, 2000, on behalf of our domestic subsidiaries.  The Credit Facility, as subsequently amended, is comprised of a $45.0 million revolving loan.  Under the revolving loan,  we may borrow up to the lesser of $45.0 million or the sum of (i) 85% of eligible accounts receivable and (ii) the lesser of $22.5 million or 65% of the eligible inventory.  The Credit Facility contains customary terms and conditions, including, among others, financial covenants regarding minimum cash flows and limitations on indebtedness and our ability to pay dividends under certain circumstances.  Our obligations under the Credit Facility are secured by a first priority lien on all owned or acquired tangible and intangible assets of our domestic subsidiaries.  The Credit Facility, which expires in March 2005, is being used to fund our normal working capital and capital expenditure requirements.  At November 30, 2003, amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility were approximately $1.8 million and available revolving loan funds were approximately $22.8 million.

 

Our domestic operations were also supported by a subordinated loan (the “Subordinated Loan”) obtained in conjunction with the Credit Facility.  Effective May 31, 2002, we used funds available under our revolving loan to pay down $5.0 million of the Subordinated Loan.  Effective November 27, 2002, we used funds available under our revolving loan to pay-off the remaining $5.0 million of the Subordinated Loan.

 

Our European working capital needs (primarily our Haleko business unit) are supported by a Germany-based secured credit facility (the “Haleko Facility”) that is subject to annual renewal in June.  Our obligations under the Haleko Facility are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all Haleko tangible and intangible assets.  During June 2003, we renewed the Haleko Facility with Deutsche Bank AG in the approximate amount of $11.6 million (at recent exchange rate).  Net proceeds from the sale of our Venice Beach® sports apparel business were used to repay a portion of our outstanding indebtedness under the Haleko Facility.  At

November 30, 2003, there were no amounts outstanding under the Haleko facility and available revolving loan funds were approximately $11.6 million.

 

We believe that our cash, cash flows from operations and the financing sources discussed above will be sufficient to meet our normal cash operating requirements during the next twelve months.  However, we continue to review opportunities to acquire or invest in companies, product rights and other investments that are compatible with our existing business.  We could use cash and financing sources discussed herein, or financing sources that subsequently become available, to fund additional acquisitions or investments.  In addition, we may consider issuing additional debt or equity securities in the future to fund potential acquisitions or growth, or to refinance existing debt.  If a material acquisition or investment is completed, our operating results and financial condition could change materially in future periods.  However, no assurance can be given that additional funds will be available on satisfactory terms, or at all, to fund such activities.

 

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A summary of our outstanding long-term debt and operating lease contractual obligations at November 30, 2003 is as follows (in thousands):

 

Contractual Cash Obligations		Total Amounts Committed			Less than 1 Year			1-3 Years			4-5 Years			After 5 Years
Long-term debt		$	5,493		$	3,397		$	2,096		$	—		$	—
Operating leases		25,821			3,950			5,871			5,663			10,337
Total obligations		$	31,314		$	7,347		$	7,967		$	5,663		$	10,337

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

In preparing our consolidated financial statements, we make assumptions, estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported.  We periodically evaluate our estimates and judgments related to valuation of inventories, allowances for doubtful accounts, notes receivable and sales returns, valuation of deferred tax assets and recoverability of long-lived assets.  Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2003, filed with the Securities Exchange Commission, describes the accounting policies governing each of these matters.  Our estimates are based on historical experience and on our future expectations that are believed to be reasonable.  The combination of these factors forms the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.  Actual results are likely to differ from our current estimates and those differences may be material.

 

We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant estimates and judgements used in preparation of our consolidated financial statements:

 

•                  We provide an inventory reserve for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions.  If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs would be required.

 

•                  We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts, notes receivable and sales returns for estimated losses resulting from known customer exposures, including product returns and inability to make payments.  We also consider collateral values and other factors in evaluating collectibility of notes receivable.  Actual results may differ, resulting in adjustment of the respective allowance(s).

 

•                  We currently have deferred tax assets resulting from certain loss carryforwards and other temporary differences between financial and income tax reporting.  These deferred tax assets are subject to periodic recoverability assessments.  The realization of these deferred tax assets is primarily dependent on future operating results.  To the extent we are uncertain whether future operations will generate sufficient profit to utilize the loss carryforwards, valuation allowances are established.

 

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•                  We have significant intangible assets, including trademarks, patents and goodwill.  The determination of related estimated useful lives and whether or not these assets are impaired involves significant judgments.  Changes in strategy or market conditions could significantly impact these judgments and require adjustments to recorded asset balances.

 

Impact of Inflation

 

Historically, we have been able to pass inflationary increases for raw materials and other costs onto our customers through price increases and we anticipate that we will be able to continue to do so in the future.

 

Seasonality

 

Our business can be seasonal, with fluctuations in sales resulting from timing of marketing and promotional activities, customer buying patterns and consumer spending patterns.  In addition, as a result of changes in product sales mix and other factors, as discussed above, we experience fluctuations in gross profit and operating margins on a quarter-to-quarter basis.

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

Investors are cautioned that, except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this Quarterly Report contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions, current expectations, estimates, and projections.  Statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation statements which are preceded by, followed by or include the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “estimates,” “may,” “should” or similar expressions are forward-looking statements.  These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond our control, and, therefore, actual results may differ materially.

 

Important factors that may cause these forward looking statements to be false include, but are not limited to:

 

•                  the inability to successfully and cost effectively implement initiatives to our Schiff® Move Free® business against the competition;

•                  the inability to achieve cost savings and operational efficiencies;

•                  the inability to increase operating margins and increase revenues;

•                  dependence on individual products and customers;

•                  the inability to successfully restructure the Haleko business unit and make it profitable;

•                  the impact of competitive products and pricing (including private label);

•                  market and industry conditions, including pricing, demand for products, level of trade inventories and raw materials availability and pricing;

•                  the success of product development and new product introductions into the marketplace;

•                  changes in laws and regulations, including recently proposed FDA regulations regarding good manufacturing practices;

•                  litigation and government regulatory action;

•                  lack of available product liability insurance for products containing ephedra;

 

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•                  adverse publicity regarding the consumption of nutritional supplements;

•                  changes in accounting standards; and

•                  other factors indicated from time to time in our SEC reports, copies of which are available upon request from our investor relations department or may be obtained at the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov).

 

ITEM 3.                                                     QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

The following discussion involves forward-looking statements of market risk which assume for analytical purposes that certain adverse market conditions may occur.  Actual future market conditions may differ materially from such assumptions.  Accordingly, the forward-looking statements should not be considered our projections of future events or losses.

 

Our cash flows and net earnings (losses) are subject to fluctuations resulting from changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates.  We currently are party to one modest derivative instrument.  Our current policy does not allow speculation in derivative instruments for profit or execution of derivative instrument contracts for which there are no underlying exposure.  We do not use financial instruments for trading purposes.

 

We measure market risk, related to our holdings of financial instruments, based on changes in interest rates utilizing a sensitivity analysis.  We do not believe that a hypothetical 10% change in interest rates would have a material effect on our pretax earnings or cash flows.

 

ITEM 4.                                                     CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, we recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and we are required to apply our judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

 

As required by SEC Rule 13a-15(b), we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the quarter covered by this report.  Based on the foregoing, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

 

There has been no change in our internal controls over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

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PART II.                                   OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings.

 

The information set forth in Note 8 to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 2.  Changes in Securities.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

Our Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held on October 28, 2003 for the following purpose:

 

Proposal: Election of our Board of Directors.

 

		For		Withheld Authority
Eric Weider		158,765,472		84,874
George F. Lengvari		158,811,127		39,219
Bruce J. Wood		158,745,972		104,374
Ronald L. Corey		158,720,711		129,635
David J. Gustin		158,746,311		104,035
Roger H. Kimmel		158,810,588		39,758
Brian P. McDermott		158,720,372		129,974
H. F. Powell		158,720,472		129,874

 

Item 5.           Other Information.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 6.           Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

(a)                                  Exhibits

 

31.1                           Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

31.2                           Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

32.1                           Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

 

(b)                                 Reports on Form 8-K

 

On September 25,  2003, we filed a report on Form 8-K with the commission regarding our fiscal 2004 first quarter press release.

 

25

 

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.

 

		WEIDER NUTRITION INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Date:	January 14, 2004		By: /s/	Bruce J. Wood
				Bruce J. Wood
				President, Chief Executive
				Officer and Director
Date:	January 14, 2004		By: /s/	Joseph W. Baty
				Joseph W. Baty
				Executive Vice President and
				Chief Financial Officer