UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2005
OR
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission file number: 001-14003
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
State of Nevada | 76-0562134 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
1717 St. James Place, Suite 550 | ||
Houston, Texas | 77056 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (713) 623-0060
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 x No ¨.
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) Yes x No ¨.
Number of shares outstanding of the Registrants Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, on April 27, 2005: 24,964,609
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Certifications
Exhibit 31.1
Exhibit 31.2
Exhibit 32.1
Exhibit 32.2
2
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Item 1. Financial Statements and Notes
March 31, 2005 |
December 31, 2004 |
|||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 27,703 | $ | 32,757 | ||||
Receivables, net |
11,301 | 14,025 | ||||||
Amounts due from majority owner |
105 | 105 | ||||||
Inventories |
44,740 | 40,442 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
1,524 | 1,515 | ||||||
Total current assets |
85,373 | 88,844 | ||||||
Other assets |
1,915 | 1,798 | ||||||
Deferred tax assets, net |
1,973 | 1,754 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net |
100,391 | 97,766 | ||||||
Total assets |
$ | 189,652 | $ | 190,162 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY | ||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||
Current maturities of long-term debt |
$ | 1,685 | $ | 1,661 | ||||
Accounts payable |
3,099 | 2,529 | ||||||
Accrued liabilities |
8,834 | 10,233 | ||||||
Deferred tax liabilities, net |
1,285 | 1,284 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
14,903 | 15,707 | ||||||
Long-term debt |
15,511 | 15,943 | ||||||
Pension liabilities, net |
9,049 | 8,845 | ||||||
Total liabilities |
39,463 | 40,495 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies |
||||||||
Stockholders equity: |
||||||||
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 10,000,000 shares; none issued |
| | ||||||
Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 80,000,000 shares; 25,371,709 and 25,258,309 shares issued and 24,958,609 and 24,845,209 shares outstanding at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively |
254 | 253 | ||||||
Capital in excess of par value |
116,218 | 115,803 | ||||||
Retained earnings |
42,546 | 42,439 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
(6,794 | ) | (6,793 | ) | ||||
Common stock in treasury, at cost 413,100 shares |
(2,035 | ) | (2,035 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders equity |
150,189 | 149,667 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
$ | 189,652 | $ | 190,162 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended March 31, |
||||||||
2005 |
2004 |
|||||||
(in thousands, except per share amount) |
||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 23,831 | $ | 25,056 | ||||
Cost of sales |
20,775 | 21,382 | ||||||
Gross profit |
3,056 | 3,674 | ||||||
Selling, general, and administrative expense |
2,778 | 2,462 | ||||||
Operating income |
278 | 1,212 | ||||||
Interest income |
143 | 143 | ||||||
Interest expense |
(266 | ) | (330 | ) | ||||
Other income (expense), net |
(39 | ) | (56 | ) | ||||
Income before income taxes |
116 | 969 | ||||||
Provision for income taxes |
9 | 323 | ||||||
Net income |
$ | 107 | $ | 646 | ||||
Basic earnings per share |
$ | 0.00 | $ | 0.03 | ||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding |
24,906 | 24,405 | ||||||
Diluted earnings per share |
$ | 0.00 | $ | 0.02 | ||||
Weighted average common shares and potential common shares outstanding |
26,985 | 27,002 | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended March 31, |
||||||||
2005 |
2004 |
|||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Cash flows provided by operating activities: |
||||||||
Net income |
$ | 107 | $ | 646 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
3,330 | 3,007 | ||||||
Provision for losses on receivables |
8 | 8 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
9 | 323 | ||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: |
||||||||
Receivables |
2,716 | 7,900 | ||||||
Amounts due from majority owner |
| (1 | ) | |||||
Inventories |
(4,298 | ) | 7,282 | |||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
(9 | ) | 707 | |||||
Other assets |
(305 | ) | 116 | |||||
Accounts payable |
570 | (1,799 | ) | |||||
Accrued liabilities |
(1,399 | ) | (1,985 | ) | ||||
Pension liabilities, net |
204 | 174 | ||||||
Other, net |
(28 | ) | (7 | ) | ||||
Total adjustments |
798 | 15,725 | ||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
905 | 16,371 | ||||||
Cash flows used in investing activities: |
||||||||
Capital expenditures |
(5,767 | ) | (4,338 | ) | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(5,767 | ) | (4,338 | ) | ||||
Cash flows used in financing activities: |
||||||||
Principal payments of long-term debt obligations |
(408 | ) | (372 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from stock options exercised |
217 | 61 | ||||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
(191 | ) | (311 | ) | ||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
(1 | ) | 1 | |||||
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents |
(5,054 | ) | 11,723 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
32,757 | 35,374 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | 27,703 | $ | 47,097 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Common Stock |
Capital Excess of Par Value |
Retained Earnings |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss |
Treasury Stock Amount |
Total Stockholders Equity |
||||||||||||||||||
Shares |
Amount |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2004 |
25,259 | $ | 253 | $ | 115,803 | $ | 42,439 | $ | (6,793 | ) | $ | (2,035 | ) | $ | 149,667 | ||||||||
Issuance of common stock |
113 | 1 | 188 | | | | 189 | ||||||||||||||||
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options |
227 | | | | 227 | ||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income |
| | | 107 | | | 107 | ||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax benefit |
| | | | (1 | ) | | (1 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income |
| | | 107 | (1 | ) | | 106 | |||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2005 |
25,372 | $ | 254 | $ | 116,218 | $ | 42,546 | $ | (6,794 | ) | $ | (2,035 | ) | $ | 150,189 | ||||||||
The accompanying notes are in integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
6
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
NOTE 1. Significant Accounting Policies
Summary Of Operations And Basis Of Presentation
Business Description
Omega Protein Corporation (Omega or the Company) produces and markets a variety of products produced from menhaden (a herring-like species of fish found in commercial quantities in the U.S. coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico), including regular grade and value-added specialty fish meals, crude and refined fish oils and fish solubles. The Companys fish meal products are primarily used as a protein ingredient in animal feed for swine, cattle, aquaculture and household pets. Fish oil is utilized for animal and aquaculture feeds, industrial applications, as well as for additives to human food products. The Companys fish solubles are sold primarily to livestock feed manufacturers, aquaculture feed manufacturers and for use as an organic fertilizer.
Basis of Presentation
These interim financial statements of Omega Protein Corporation have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information, the instructions to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. The interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally provided have been omitted since such items are disclosed therein.
In the opinion of management the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (including normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of the Companys consolidated financial position as of March 31, 2005, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004. Operating results for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2005.
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Omega and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company has reclassified certain amounts previously reported to conform with the presentation at March 31, 2005.
Financial Statement Preparation
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Companys financial statements and the accompanying notes and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual amounts, when available, could differ from those estimates and those differences could have a material affect on the financial statements.
7
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenue Recognition
The Company derives revenue principally from the sales of a variety of protein and oil products derived from menhaden. The Company recognizes revenue for the sale of its products when title and rewards of ownership to its products are transferred to the customer.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers cash in banks and short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less as cash and cash equivalents.
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts
The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of the Companys customers to make required payments. The Company considers the following factors when determining if collection is reasonably assured: customer credit worthiness, past transaction history with the customer, and changes in customer payment terms. If the Company has no previous experience with the customer, the Company typically obtains reports from credit organizations to ensure that the customer has a history of paying its creditors. The Company may also request financial information, including financial statements or other documents (e.g., bank statements), to ensure that the customer has the means of making payment. If the financial condition of the Companys customers were to deteriorate, adversely affecting their ability to make payments, additional allowances would be required.
Inventories
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market. The Companys fishing season runs from mid-April to the first of November in the Gulf of Mexico and from the beginning of May into December in the Atlantic. Government regulations generally preclude the Company from fishing during the off-seasons.
The Companys inventory cost system considers all costs associated with an annual fish catch and its processing, both variable and fixed, including both costs incurred during the off-season and during the fishing season. The Companys costing system allocates cost to inventory quantities on a per unit basis as calculated by a formula that considers total estimated inventoriable costs for a fishing season (including off-season costs) to total estimated fish catch and the relative fair market value of the individual products produced. The Company adjusts the cost of sales, off-season costs and inventory balances at the end of each quarter based on revised estimates of total inventoriable costs and fish catch. The Companys lower-of-cost-or-market-value analyses at year-end and at interim periods compare the total estimated per unit production cost of the Companys expected production to the projected per unit market prices of the products. The impairment analyses involve estimates of, among other things, future fish catches and related costs, and expected commodity prices for the fish products as well as projected purchase commitments from customers. These estimates, which management believes are reasonable and supportable, involve estimates of future activities and events which are inherently imprecise and from which actual results may differ materially.
8
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
During the off-seasons, in connection with the upcoming fishing seasons, the Company incurs costs (i.e., plant and vessel related labor, utilities, rent, repairs, and depreciation) that are directly related to the Companys infrastructure. These costs accumulate in inventory and are applied as elements of the cost of production of the Companys products throughout the fishing season ratably based on the Companys monthly fish catch and the expected total fish catch for the season.
Insurance
The Company carries insurance for certain losses relating to its vessels and Jones Act liabilities for employees aboard its vessels. The Company provides reserves for those portions of the Annual Aggregate Deductible for which the Company remains responsible by using an estimation process that considers Company-specific and industry data as well as managements experience, assumptions and consultation with counsel, as these reserves include estimated settlement costs. Managements current estimated range of liabilities related to such cases is based on claims for which management can estimate the amount and range of loss. For those claims where there may be a range of loss, the Company has recorded an estimated liability inside that range, based on managements experience, assumptions and consultation with counsel. The process of estimating and establishing reserves for these claims is inherently uncertain and the actual ultimate net cost of a claim may vary materially from the estimated amount reserved. There is some degree of inherent variability in assessing the ultimate amount of losses associated with these claims due to the extended period of time that transpires between when the claim might occur and the full settlement of such claims. This variability is generally greater for Jones Act claims by vessel employees. The Company continually evaluates loss estimates associated with claims and losses as additional information becomes available and revises its estimates. Although management believes estimated reserves related to these claims are adequately recorded, it is possible that actual results could significantly differ from the recorded reserves, which could materially impact the Companys results of operations, financial position and cash flow.
With respect to health insurance, the Company is primarily self-insured. The Company purchases individual stop loss coverage with a large deductible. As a result, the Company is primarily self-insured for claims and associated costs up to the amount of the deductible, with claims in excess of the deductible amount being covered by insurance. Expected claims estimates are based on health care trend rates and historical claims data; actual claims may differ from those estimates. The Company continually evaluates its claims experience related to this coverage with information obtained from its risk management consultants.
Assumptions used in preparing these insurance estimates are based on factors such as claims settlement patterns, claim development trends, claim frequency and severity patterns, inflationary trends and data reasonableness. Together these factors will generally affect the analysis and determination of the best estimate of the projected ultimate claim losses. The results of these evaluations are used to both analyze and adjust the Companys insurance loss reserves.
9
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Advertising Costs
The costs of advertising are expensed as incurred in accordance with Statement of Position 93-7 Reporting on Advertising Costs.
Research and Development
Costs incurred in research and development activities are expensed as incurred.
Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company evaluates at each balance sheet date for continued appropriateness of the carrying value of its long-lived assets including its long-term receivables and property, plant and equipment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposals of Long-Lived Assets. The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of any such assets may not be recoverable. If indicators of impairment are present, management would evaluate the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets compared to the carrying amount of those items. The net carrying value of assets not recoverable is reduced to fair value. The Company considers continued operating losses, or significant and long-term changes in business conditions, to be its primary indictors of potential impairment. In measuring impairment, the Company looks to quoted market prices, if available, or the best information available in the circumstances.
Income Taxes
The Company utilizes the liability method to account for income taxes. This method requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of existing temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax reporting basis of assets and liabilities, and operating loss and tax credits carryforwards for tax purposes.
Property, Equipment and Depreciation
Property and equipment additions are recorded at cost. Depreciation of property and equipment is computed by the straight-line method at rates expected to amortize the cost of property and equipment, net of estimated salvage value, over their estimated useful lives. Estimated useful lives of assets acquired new, determined as of the date of acquisition are as follows:
Useful Lives (years) | ||
Fishing vessels and fish processing plants |
15-20 | |
Machinery, equipment, furniture, fixtures and other |
3-10 |
Replacements and major improvements are capitalized; maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Upon sale or retirement, the costs and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts. Any resulting gains or losses are included in the statement of operations. The Company capitalizes interest as part of the acquisition cost of a qualifying asset. Interest is capitalized only during the period of time required to complete and prepare the asset for its intended use. The Company capitalized approximately $41,000 of interest during the three months ended March 31, 2005.
10
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Pension Plans
Annual costs of pension plans are determined actuarially based on SFAS No. 87, Employers Accounting for Pensions. The Companys policy is to fund U.S. pension plans at amounts not less than the minimum requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and generally for obligations under its foreign plans to deposit funds with trustees under insurance policies. The Company applies the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 132, Employers Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits for its pensions and other postretirement benefit plans.
In 2002, the Board of Directors authorized a plan to freeze the Companys pension plan in accordance with ERISA rules and regulations so that new employees, after July 31, 2002, will not be eligible to participate in the pension plan and further benefits will no longer accrue for existing participants. The freezing of the pension plan had the effect of vesting all existing participants in their pension benefits in the plan.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income is defined as change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, including foreign currency translation adjustments and minimum pension liability adjustments. The Company presents comprehensive income in its consolidated statements of stockholders equity. The change in equity for minimum pension liability adjustment results from an increase in the minimum pension liability and an increase in prepaid pension cost presented net of tax.
The components of other comprehensive loss, included in shareholders equity are as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31, |
Year Ended December 31, |
|||||||
2005 |
2004 |
|||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Cumulative Translation Adjustments |
$ | (44 | ) | $ | (43 | ) | ||
Minimum Pension Liability Adjustments |
(6,750 | ) | (6,750 | ) | ||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss |
$ | (6,794 | ) | $ | (6,793 | ) | ||
Foreign Currency Translation
The Companys Mexican operations use the local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of those operations are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates; income and expenses are translated using the average exchange rates for the reporting period. Translation adjustments are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of stockholders equity.
11
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and trade accounts receivable. The Companys customer base generally remains consistent from year to year. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require material collateral. The Company maintains reserves for potential credit losses and such losses have historically been within managements expectations.
At March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, the Company had cash deposits concentrated primarily in one major bank. In addition, the Company had Certificates of Deposit and commercial quality grade investments A2P2 rated or better with companies and financial institutions. As a result of the foregoing, the Company believes that credit risk in such investments is minimal.
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per common share was computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted EPS reflects the dilution that could occur if securities or contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the Company. Diluted earnings per common share was computed by dividing net earnings by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the dilutive potential common shares (in this case, exercise of the Companys employee stock options) had been issued during each period as discussed in Note 10.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, Inventory Costs. The statement amends Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) No. 43, Inventory Pricing, to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material. ARB No. 43 previously stated that these costs must be so abnormal as to require treatment as current-period charges, SFAS No. 151 requires that those items be recognized as current-period charges regardless of whether they meet the criterion of so abnormal. In addition, this statement requires that allocation of fixed production overhead to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The statement is effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005, with earlier application permitted for fiscal years beginning after the issue date of the statement. The Company is currently evaluating the adoption of this standard and will assess the impact on the Companys financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153, Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets An Amendment of APB Opinion No. 29. APB Opinion No. 29, Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions, is based on the opinion that exchanges of nonmentary assets should be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged. SFAS No. 153 amends Opinion No. 29 to eliminate the exception for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with a general exception for exchanges on nonmonetary assets whose results are not expected to significantly change the future cash flows of the entity. The adoption of SFAS No. 153 is not expected to have a material impact on the Companys current financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.
12
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
In December 2004, the FASB revised its SFAS No. 123 (SFAS No. 123R), Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. The revision establishes standards for the accounting of transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services, particularly transactions in which an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions. The revised statement requires a public entity to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The cost is to be recognized over the period during which the employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. Changes in fair value during the requisite service period are to be recognized as compensation cost over that period. In addition, the revised statement amends SFAS No. 95, Statement of Cash Flows, to require that excess tax benefits be reported as a financing cash flow rather than as a reduction of taxes paid. The provisions of the revised statement are effective for financial statements issued for the annual reporting period beginning after June 15, 2005, with early adoption encouraged. The Company is currently evaluating the various methods of adoption and valuation models available and will also assess the impact on its stock option plan and determine what changes, if any, it should consider making to its compensation strategies. See the Stock-Based Compensation section of this note for the estimated impact of this statement on our consolidated results.
Stock-Based Compensation
At March 31, 2005, the Company had a stock-based employee compensation plan. The Company accounts for this plan under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees and has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation and SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Transition and Disclosure an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 123. No compensation cost related to stock options is reflected in net earnings, as all options granted under this plan had an exercise price equal to or greater than the fair value of the underlying common stock on the grant date. The FASB issued SFAS No. 123R in December 2004, which is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2006. The Company is evaluating the impact of its adoption on its financial statements. The following table illustrates the effect on net earnings and net earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 to stock-based employee compensation.
13
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of stock options is assumed to be amortized to expense over the stock options vesting periods. The pro forma effects of recognizing compensation expense under the fair value method on net income and net earnings per common share for the three month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, were as follows:
Three Months March 31, |
||||||||
(in thousands, except per share data) |
||||||||
2005 |
2004 |
|||||||
Net income, as reported |
$ | 107 | $ | 646 | ||||
Deduct: Stock-based employee compensation expense determined under the fair value based method for all awards, net of related effects |
(139 | ) | (79 | ) | ||||
Pro forma net (loss) income |
$ | (32 | ) | $ | 567 | |||
Earnings per common share: |
||||||||
Basic as reported |
$ | 0.00 | $ | 0.03 | ||||
Basic pro forma |
$ | 0.00 | $ | 0.02 | ||||
Diluted as reported |
$ | 0.00 | $ | 0.02 | ||||
Diluted pro forma |
$ | 0.00 | $ | 0.02 | ||||
14
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 2. Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 are summarized as follows:
March 31, 2005 |
December 31, 2004 |
|||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Trade |
$ | 9,305 | $ | 12,161 | ||||
Insurance |
1,322 | 1,242 | ||||||
Employee |
92 | 25 | ||||||
Income tax |
724 | 722 | ||||||
Other |
26 | 35 | ||||||
Total accounts receivable |
11,469 | 14,185 | ||||||
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts |
(168 | ) | (160 | ) | ||||
Receivables, net |
$ | 11,301 | $ | 14,025 | ||||
Note 3. Inventory
The major classes of inventory as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 are summarized as follows:
March 31, 2005 |
December 31, 2004 | |||||
(in thousands) | ||||||
Fish meal |
$ | 11,137 | $ | 18,693 | ||
Fish oil |
7,955 | 11,118 | ||||
Fish solubles |
318 | 509 | ||||
Unallocated inventory cost pool (including off-season costs) |
20,871 | 5,794 | ||||
Other materials & supplies |
4,459 | 4,328 | ||||
Total inventory |
$ | 44,740 | $ | 40,442 | ||
Inventory at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 is stated at the lower of cost or market. The elements of unallocated inventory cost pool include plant and vessel related labor, utilities, rent, repairs and depreciation, to be allocated to inventories produced through the remainder of 2005.
15
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 4. Other Assets
Other assets as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 are summarized as follows:
March 31, 2005 |
December 31, 2004 | |||||
(in thousands) | ||||||
Fish nets, net of amortization |
$ | 645 | $ | 719 | ||
Insurance receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts |
831 | 623 | ||||
Title XI loan origination fee |
311 | 328 | ||||
Deposits |
128 | 128 | ||||
Total other assets, net |
$ | 1,915 | $ | 1,798 | ||
Amortization expense for fishing nets amounted to approximately $172,000 and $212,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
The Company carries insurance for certain losses relating to its vessels and Jones Act liability for employees aboard its vessels (collectively, Vessel Claims Insurance). The typical Vessel Claims Insurance policy contains an annual aggregate deductible (AAD) for which the Company remains responsible, while the insurance carrier is responsible for all applicable amounts which exceed the AAD. It is the Companys policy to accrue current amounts due and record amounts paid out on each claim. Once payments exceed the AAD, the Company records an insurance receivable for a given policy year, net of allowance for doubtful accounts. As of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 the allowance for doubtful insurance receivable accounts was $2.0 million, respectively.
Note 5. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 are summarized as follows:
March 31, 2005 |
December 31, 2004 |
|||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Land |
$ | 6,995 | $ | 6,995 | ||||
Plant assets |
88,295 | 88,295 | ||||||
Fishing vessels |
85,219 | 85,219 | ||||||
Furniture and fixtures |
2,527 | 2,527 | ||||||
Construction in progress |
13,040 | 7,273 | ||||||
Total property and equipment |
196,076 | 190,309 | ||||||
Less: accumulated depreciation and impairment |
(95,685 | ) | (92,543 | ) | ||||
Property and equipment, net |
$ | 100,391 | $ | 97,766 | ||||
Depreciation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 was $3.1 million and $2.6 million, respectively.
16
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 6. Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt
At March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, the Companys long-term debt consisted of the following:
March 31, 2005 |
December 31, 2004 |
|||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
U.S. government guaranteed obligations (Title XI loan) collateralized by a first lien on certain vessels and certain plant assets: |
||||||||
Amounts due in installments through 2016, interest from 5.7% to 7.6% |
$ | 16,783 | $ | 17,171 | ||||
Amounts due in installments through 2014, interest at Eurodollar rates of 3.0% and 2.03% at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively, plus 4.5% |
389 | 400 | ||||||
Other debt at 7.9% to 7.9% at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively |
24 | 33 | ||||||
Total debt |
17,196 | 17,604 | ||||||
Less current maturities |
(1,685 | ) | (1,661 | ) | ||||
Long-term debt |
$ | 15,511 | $ | 15,943 | ||||
The Company was initially authorized to receive up to $20.6 million in loans under the Title XI program, and has borrowed the entire amount authorized under such program. The Title XI loans are secured by liens on certain of the Companys fishing vessels and mortgages on the Companys Reedville, Virginia and Abbeville, Louisiana plants. Loans are now available under similar terms pursuant to the Title XI program without intervening lenders.
On October 1, 2003, pursuant to the Title XI program, the United States Department of Commerce approved the fiscal 2003 financing application made by the Company in the amount of $5.3 million. The Company closed on the $5.3 million Title XI loan on December 30, 2003.
In September 2004, the United States Department of Commerce Fisheries Finance Program approved the Companys financing application in an amount not to exceed $14 million (the Approval Letter). Borrowings under the Approval Letter are to be used to finance and/or refinance approximately 73% of the actual depreciable cost of the Companys future fishing vessels refurbishments and capital expenditures relating to shore-side fishing assets, for a term not to exceed 15 years from inception at interest rates determined by the U.S. Treasury. Final approval for all such future projects requires individual approval through the Secretary of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and National Marine Fisheries Service (National Marine Fisheries Service). Borrowings under the United States Department of Commerce Fisheries Finance Program are required to be evidenced by secured agreements, undertakings, and other documents of whatsoever nature deemed by the National Marine Fisheries Service sole discretion, as necessary to accomplish the intent and purpose of the Approval Letter. The Company is required to comply with customary National Marine Fisheries Service covenants as well as certain special covenants. In December 2004, the Company submitted a $4.9 million financing request. The Company expects to receive the $4.9 million financing in June 2005. As of March 31, 2005, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the Approval Letter.
17
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
On December 20, 2000 the Company entered into a three-year $20 million revolving credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A. (the Credit Facility). Borrowings under this facility may be used for working capital and capital expenditures. On May 19, 2003, the Company amended the existing Credit Facility to among other things, extend the maturity until December 20, 2006, delete certain existing financial covenants and add certain affirmative covenants such as, a Leverage Ratio covenant not to exceed 3 to 1 at any time and a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio covenant not to be less than 1 as of the end of each month, measured for the twelve-month period then ended. The Company is required to comply with the financial covenants from and after the last day of any month in which the Credit Facilitys availability is less than $3 million on any date or the Credit Facilitys availability averages less than $6 million for any calendar month. A commitment fee of 50 basis points per annum is payable on the unused portion of the Credit Facility. If at any time the Companys loan outstanding under the Credit Facility is $5 million or greater, the commitment fee on the unused portion will be 25 basis points per annum. Applicable interest is payable at alternative rates of LIBOR plus 2.25% or Prime plus 0%. The applicable interest rate will be adjusted (up or down) prospectively on a quarter basis from LIBOR plus 2.25% to LIBOR plus 2.75% or at the Companys option, Prime plus 0% to Prime plus 0.25%, depending upon the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio being greater than 2.5 times to less than or equal to 1.5 times, respectively. The Credit Facility is collateralized by all of the Companys trade receivables, inventory and equipment. In addition, the Credit Facility does not allow for the payment of cash dividends or stock repurchases and also limits capital expenditures and investments. As of March 31, 2005, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility. At March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling approximately $2.9 million and $2.7 million, respectively, issued primarily in support of workers compensation insurance programs.
Note 7. Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 are summarized as follows:
March 31, 2005 |
December 31, 2004 | |||||
(in thousands) | ||||||
Salary and benefits |
$ | 2,346 | $ | 4,093 | ||
Insurance |
3,569 | 3,340 | ||||
Taxes, other than income tax |
428 | 179 | ||||
Trade creditors |
2,412 | 2,556 | ||||
Other |
79 | 65 | ||||
Total accrued liabilities |
$ | 8,834 | $ | 10,233 | ||
18
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 8. Commitments and Contingencies
Capital Commitments
The Company has entered into a purchase agreement to purchase a 40-acre facility containing office and warehouse space located next to the Companys Moss Point, Mississippi facility. The proposed purchase price is $1.8 million. The closing of the purchase is contingent on the completion of the Companys due diligence on the property and is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2005. If the Company acquires the property, the Company estimates that it will spend an additional $2 million during the remainder of 2005 for capital improvements to the property.
Litigation
The Company is defending various claims and litigation arising from its operations. In the opinion of management, and based on advice of, and consultation with, legal counsel, any existing litigation involving the Company will not materially affect its financial condition, cash flows or future results of operations.
Insurance
The Company carries insurance with coverages and coverage limits that it believes to be adequate. Although there can be no assurance that such insurance is sufficient to protect the Company against all contingencies, management believes that its insurance protection is reasonable in view of the nature and scope of the Companys operations. Should the Companys insurers become insolvent, the Company is responsible for payment of all outstanding claims associated with the insurers policies.
19
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Environmental Matters
The Company is subject to various possible claims and lawsuits regarding environmental matters. Management believes that costs, if any, related to these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, cash flows or financial position of the Company.
Indemnification
The Companys Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws limit the liability of the Companys officers and directors to the fullest extent permitted by Nevada law. Nevada provides that directors of Nevada corporations may be relieved of monetary liabilities for breach of their fiduciary duties as directors, except under certain circumstances, including (i) acts or omissions which involve intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law of (ii) the willful or grossly negligent payment of unlawful distributions.
The Companys Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws generally require the Company to indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by Nevada law. The Companys Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws also require the Company to advance expenses to its directors and its officers to the fullest extent permitted by Nevada law upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it should be ultimately determined that they are not entitled to indemnification by the Company. The Company also has entered into indemnification agreements with all of its directors and certain of its officers which provide for the indemnification and advancement of expenses by the Company. The Company also maintains director and officer liability insurance with respect to liabilities arising out of certain matters, including matters arising under the securities laws. This insurance is subject to limitations, conditions and deductibles set forth in the respective insurance policy.
Purchase Obligation
As of March 5, 2005, the Company had normal purchase commitments for energy usage of approximately $4.5 million, that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used in the normal course of business during the 2005 fishing season.
20
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Note 9. Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Per Share Data (in thousands except per share data)
Earnings (Numerator) |
Shares (Denominator) |
Per Share Data | ||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, 2005 |
||||||||
Net earnings |
$ | 107 | ||||||
Basic earnings per common share: |
||||||||
Earnings available to common shareholders |
$ | 107 | 24,906 | $ | 0.00 | |||
Effect of dilutive securities: |
||||||||
Stock options assumed exercised |
| 2,079 | ||||||
Diluted earnings per common share: |
||||||||
Earnings available to common shareholders plus stock options assumed exercised |
$ | 107 | 26,985 | $ | 0.00 | |||
Earnings (Numerator) |
Shares (Denominator) |
Per Share Data | ||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 |
||||||||
Net Earnings |
$ | 646 | ||||||
Basic earnings per common share: |
||||||||
Earnings available to common shareholders |
$ | 646 | 24,405 | $ | 0.03 | |||
Effect of dilutive securities: |
||||||||
Stock options assumed exercised |
| 2,597 | ||||||
Diluted earnings per common share: |
||||||||
Earnings available to common shareholders plus stock options assumed exercised |
$ | 646 | 27,002 | $ | 0.02 | |||
21
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Options to purchase 2,507,000 shares of common stock at exercise prices ranging from $7.76 to $17.25 a per share were outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2005, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise prices of the options were greater than the average market price of the shares during that period.
Options to purchase 2,129,800 shares of common stock at exercise prices ranging from $7.86 to $17.25 and were outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2004, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise prices of the options were greater than the average market price of the shares during that period.
NOTE 10. Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
For the three months ended March 31, |
||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
2005 |
2004 |
|||||||
Service Cost |
$ | | $ | | ||||
Interest Cost |
364 | 367 | ||||||
Expected return on plan assets |
(350 | ) | (354 | ) | ||||
Amortization of prior service costs |
| | ||||||
Amortization of net loss |
190 | 161 | ||||||
Net periodic pension cost |
$ | 204 | $ | 174 | ||||
As of March 31, 2005, no contributions to the Companys pension plan have been made and at this point in time, the Company anticipates the fiscal 2005 contribution to be zero due to the enactment of the Pension Funding Equity Act of 2004. No contributions to the pension plan were made during fiscal 2004.
22
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-looking statements in this Form 10-Q, future filings by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission), the Companys press releases and oral statements by authorized officers of the Company are intended to be subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty, including without limitation, the risks set forth under the caption Risk Factors and Significant Factors that May Affect Forward-Looking Statements appearing in Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. The Company believes that forward-looking statements made by it are based on reasonable expectations; however, no assurances can be given that actual results will not differ materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or that include the words estimate, project, anticipate, expect, predict, assume, believe, could, would, hope, may, and similar expressions.
23
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
General
Omega Protein Corporation is the largest processor, marketer and distributor of fish meal and fish oil products in the United States. As used herein, the term Omega or the Company refers to Omega Protein Corporation or to Omega Protein Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, as applicable. The Companys principal executive offices are at 1717 St. James Place, Suite 550, Houston, Texas 77056 (Telephone: (713) 623-0060).
The Company produces and sells a variety of protein and oil products derived from menhaden, a species of wild herring-like fish found along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coasts. The fish is not genetically modified or genetically enhanced. The Company processes several grades of fish meal (regular or FAQ meal and specialty meals), as well as fish oil and fish solubles. The Companys fish meal products are primarily used as a protein ingredient in animal feed for swine, cattle, aquaculture and household pets. Fish oil is utilized for animal and aquaculture feeds, industrial applications, and additives to human food products. The Companys fish solubles are sold primarily to livestock feed manufacturers, aquaculture feed manufacturers and for use as an organic fertilizer.
All of the Companys products contain healthy long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are commonly referred to as essential fatty acids because the body does not produce them. Instead, essential fatty acids must be obtained from outside sources, such as food or special supplements. Long-chain Omega-3s are also commonly referred to as a good fat for their health benefits, as opposed to the bad fats that create or aggravate health conditions through long-term consumption. Scientific research suggest that long-chain Omega-3s as part of a balanced diet may provide significant benefits for health issues such as cardiovascular disease, inflammatory conditions and other ailments.
Under its patented production process, the Company produces OmegaPure®, a taste-free, odorless refined fish oil which is the only marine source of long-chain Omega-3s directly affirmed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a food ingredient that is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). See Company OverviewProducts in Part I Item 1 and 2 of the Companys Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2004.
The Company operates four menhaden processing plants: two in Louisiana, one in Mississippi and one in Virginia, as well as a fish oil processing facility also located in Virginia. The four plants have an aggregate annual processing capacity as of December 31, 2004 of 950,000 tons of fish. The Company also completed construction of a new Health and Science Center in Reedville, Virginia in October 2004, which provides 100-metric tons per day fish oil processing capacity. See Company OverviewMeal and Oil Processing Plants and Company OverviewHealth and Science Center, in Part I, Item 1 and 2 of the Companys Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2004.
The Company operates through three material subsidiaries: Omega Protein, Inc., Omega Shipyard, Inc. and Omega Protein Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. (Omega Mexico). Omega Protein, Inc. is the Companys principal operating subsidiary for its menhaden processing business and is the successor to a business conducted since 1913. Omega Shipyard, Inc. owns a drydock facility in Moss Point, Mississippi, which is used to provide shoreside maintenance for the Companys fishing fleet and, subject to outside demand and excess capacity, third-party vessels. Revenues from shipyard work for third-party vessels for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 were not material. Omega Mexico coordinates the Companys meal and oil sales and purchases in Mexico. The Company also has a number of other immaterial direct and indirect subsidiaries.
24
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
Until April 1998, the Company, including its predecessors, was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zapata Corporation (Zapata). In April 1998, the Company completed an initial public offering of its common stock. Zapata currently owns approximately 58% of the Companys outstanding common stock.
Available Information
The Company files annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Companys annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports filed under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act), as well as Section 16 filings by officers and directors, are available free of charge at the Companys website at www.omegaproteininc.com or at the SECs website at www.sec.gov and are posted as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed with the SEC. The Company will provide a copy of these documents to stockholders upon request. Information on the Companys website or any other website is not incorporated by reference in this report and does not constitute part of this report.
In addition, the public may read and copy any materials filed by the Company with the SEC at the SECs Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, NW., Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov.
The Companys Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Code of Ethics for Financial Professionals, as well as the Charters for the Boards Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Corporate Governance Committee and Scientific Committee, are available at the Companys website. These Guidelines, Codes and Charters are not incorporated by reference in this report. The Company will provide a copy of these documents to stockholders upon request.
Company Overview
Business. Omega is the largest U.S. producer of protein-rich meal and oil derived from marine sources. The Companys products are produced from menhaden (a herring-like fish found in commercial quantities), and includes regular grade and value-added specialty fish meals, crude and refined fish oils and fish solubles.
Fishing. The Companys harvesting season generally extends from May through December on the mid-Atlantic coast and from April through October on the Gulf coast. During the off-season and the first few months of each fishing season, the Company fills purchase orders from the inventory it has accumulated during the previous fishing season or in some cases, by re-selling meal purchased from other suppliers.
During the first quarter of 2005, the Company owned a fleet of 66 fishing vessels and 32 spotter aircraft for use in its fishing operations and also leased additional aircraft where necessary to facilitate operations. During the 2005 fishing season in the Gulf of Mexico, which runs from mid-April through October, the Company plans to operate 31 fishing vessels and 28 spotter aircraft. The fishing area in the Gulf is generally located along the Gulf Coast, with a concentration off the Louisiana and Mississippi coasts. The fishing season along the Atlantic coast begins in early May and usually extends into December. During 2005, the Company plans to operate 10 fishing vessels and 7 spotter aircraft along the mid-Atlantic coast, concentrated primarily in and around Virginia and North Carolina. The remaining fleet of fishing vessels and spotter aircraft are not routinely operated during the fishing season and are back-up to the active fleet, used for other transportation purposes, inactive or in the process of refurbishment in the Companys shipyard.
25
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
The Company converted several of its fishing vessels to carry vessels that do not engage in active fishing but instead carry fish from the Companys offshore fishing vessels to its plants. Utilization of carry vessels increases the amount of time that certain of the Companys fishing vessels remain offshore fishing productive waters and therefore increases the Companys fish catch per vessel employed. The carry vessels have reduced crews and crew expenses and incur less maintenance cost than the actual fishing vessels.
The fish catch is processed into three general types of products; fish meal, fish oil and fish solubles at the Companys four operating meal and oil processing plants, two in Louisiana, one in Mississippi and one in Virginia.
The Companys Health and Science Center located in Virginia provides 100-metric tons per day of fish oil processing capacity. The food-grade facility allows the Company to further refine its fish oil into fish oils of special quality and food grade oils that offer a long-chain Omega-3 content.
During 2004 and 2003, the Company experienced a poor fish catch (approximately 18% and 11%, respectively, below expectations and a similar reduction from 2002), combined with poor oil yields. The reduced fish catch was primarily attributable to adverse weather conditions and the poor oil yields due to the reduced fat content of the fish. As a result of the poor fish catch and reduced yields, the Company experienced significantly higher per unit product costs (approximately 15% increase) during 2004 compared to 2003. The impact of higher cost inventories and fewer volumes available for sale will be carried forward and will adversely affect the Companys earnings through the first and second quarters of 2005.
Markets. The Companys products are sold both in the U.S. and internationally. The Companys fish meal is sold primarily to domestic feed producers for utilization as a high-protein ingredient for the swine, aquaculture, dairy and pet food industries. International sales consist mainly of fish oil sales to Norway, Canada, China, Chile and Mexico. The Companys sales in these foreign markets are denominated in U.S. dollars and are not directly affected by currency fluctuations. Such sales could be adversely affected by changes in demand resulting from fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
Prices for the Companys products tend to be lower during the fishing season when product is more abundant than in the off-season. Throughout the entire year, prices are significantly influenced by supply and demand in world markets for competing products, particularly other globally produced fish meal and fish oil, as well as other animal proteins and soybean meal for its fish meal products, and vegetable fats and oils for its fish oil products when used as an alternative to vegetable fats and oils. Pricing for the Companys products has been volatile in the past several years and is attributable mainly to the international availability, or the perceived international availability, of fish meal and fish oil inventories. In an effort to reduce price volatility and to generate higher,
26
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
more consistent profit margins, in fiscal 2000 the Company embarked on a quality control program designed to increase its capability of producing higher quality fish meal products and, in conjunction therewith, enhanced it sales efforts to penetrate premium product markets. Since 2000, the Companys sales volumes of specialty meal products have increased approximately 41%. Future volumetric growth in specialty meal sales will be dependent upon increased harvesting efforts and market demand. Additionally, the Company is attempting to introduce its refined fish oil into the food market. The Company has made sales, which to date have not been material, of its refined fish oil, trademarked OmegaPure®, to food manufacturers in the United States and Canada at prices that provide substantially improved margins over the margins that can be obtained from selling non-refined crude fish oil. The Company cannot estimate, however, the size of the actual domestic or international markets for Omega Pure® or how long it may take to develop these markets.
Part of the Companys business plan involves expanding its purchase and resale of other manufacturers fish meal and fish oil products. The Company initially focused on the purchase and resale of Mexican fish meal and fish oil and revenues generated from these types of transactions. During 2003 and 2004, the Companys fish catch and resultant product inventories were reduced, primarily due to adverse weather conditions, and the Company further expanded its purchase and resales of other fish meals and oils (primarily Panamanian, Peruvian and Mexican fish meal and U.S. menhaden oil). Although operating margins from these activities are less than the margins typically generated from the Companys base domestic production, these operations provide the Company with a source of fish meal and oil to sell into other markets where the Company has not historically had a presence. The Company purchased products totaling approximately 15,950 and 17,800 tons, or approximately 37% and 8% of total volume sales, for the quarter ending March 31, 2005 and the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, respectively. These purchases and resale transactions have been ancillary to the Companys base manufacturing and sales business.
Historically, approximately 35% to 40% of Omegas FAQ grade fish meal was sold on a two-to-twelve-month forward contract basis. The balance of FAQ grade fish meal and other products was substantially sold on a spot basis through purchase orders. Due to increasing customer demand for the Companys specialty meal and crude fish oil, approximately 50% and 43% of its specialty meals and crude fish oil had been sold on a forward contract basis during 2003 and 2004, respectively. The balance of FAQ grade fish meal, specialty meals, crude fish oil and other products was substantially sold on a spot basis. As of March 31, 2005, approximately 80% and 22%, of the Companys fish meals and crude fish oil have either been sold or sold on a forward contract basis. The Companys annual revenues are highly dependent on both annual fish catch and inventories and, in addition, inventory is generally carried over from one year to the next year. The Company determines the level of inventory to be carried over based on prevailing market prices of the products and anticipated customer usage and demand during the off-season. Thus, production volume does not necessarily correlate with sales volume in the same year and sales volumes will fluctuate from quarter to quarter. The Companys fish meal products have a useable life of approximately one year from date of production. Practically, however the Company attempts to empty its warehouses of the previous seasons products by the second or third month of the new fishing season. The Companys crude fish oil products do not lose efficacy unless exposed to oxygen and, therefore, their storage life typically is longer than that of fish meal.
27
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
The following table sets forth the Companys revenues by product (in millions) and the approximate percentage of total revenues represented thereby, for the indicated periods:
Three Months Ended March 31, |
||||||||||||
2005 |
2004 |
|||||||||||
Revenues |
Percent |
Revenues |
Percent |
|||||||||
Regular Grade |
$ | 4.1 | 17.2 | % | $ | 4.3 | 17.1 | % | ||||
Special Select |
9.9 | 41.6 | 9.4 | 37.5 | ||||||||
Sea-Lac |
4.9 | 20.6 | 3.9 | 15.5 | ||||||||
Crude Oil |
3.3 | 13.9 | 6.0 | 23.9 | ||||||||
Refined Oil |
1.1 | 4.6 | 1.0 | 4.0 | ||||||||
Fish Solubles |
0.5 | 2.1 | 0.5 | 2.0 | ||||||||
Total |
$ | 23.8 | 100.0 | % | $ | 25.1 | 100.0 | % | ||||
Competition. The marine protein and oil business is subject to significant competition from producers of vegetable and other animal protein products and oil products such as Archer Daniels Midland and Cargill. In addition, but to a lesser extent, the Company competes with smaller domestic privately-owned menhaden fishing companies and international marine protein and oil producers, including Scandinavian herring processors and South American anchovy processors. Many of these competitors have greater financial resources and more extensive operations than the Company.
Omega competes on price, quality and performance characteristics of its products, such as protein level and amino acid profile in the case of fish meal. The principal competition for the Companys fish meal and fish solubles is from other global production of marine proteins as well as other protein sources such as soybean meal and other vegetable or animal protein products. The Company believes, however, that these other non-marine sources are not complete substitutes because fish meal offers nutritional values not contained in such other sources. Other globally produced fish oils provide the primary market competition for the Companys fish oil, as well as soybean and palm oil, from time to time.
Fish meal prices have historically borne a relationship to prevailing soybean meal prices, while prices for fish oil are generally influenced by prices for vegetable fats and oils, such as soybean and palm oils. Thus, the prices for the Companys products are established by worldwide supply and demand relationships over which the Company has no control and tend to fluctuate significantly over the course of a year, and from year to year.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Companys primary sources of liquidity and capital resources have been cash flows from operations, bank credit facilities and term loans from various lenders provided pursuant to the National Marine Fisheries Finance Program under Title XI of the Marine Act of 1936 (Title XI). These sources of cash flows have been used for capital expenditures and payment of long-term debt. The Company expects to finance future expenditures through internally generated cash flows and, if necessary, through funds available from the Credit Facility and/or Title XI facilities described below.
Under a program offered through National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS) pursuant to Title XI, the Company has secured loans through lenders with terms generally ranging between 12 and 20 years at interest rates between 6% and 8% per annum which are enhanced with a government guaranty to the lender for up to 80% of the financing. The Companys current Title XI borrowings are secured by liens on 17 fishing vessels and mortgages on the Companys Reedville, Virginia and Abbeville, Louisiana plants. In 1996, Title XI borrowing was modified
28
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
to permit use of proceeds from borrowings obtained through this program for shoreside construction. The Company used the entire $20.6 million amount originally authorized under the program. Loans are now available under similar terms pursuant to the Title XI program without intervening lenders. The Company borrowed $1.9 million under this new program during 2001 and closed an additional $5.3 million Title XI loan on December 30, 2003.
On September 2, 2004, pursuant to the Title XI program, the United States Department of Commerce approved a financing application made by the Company in the amount of $14 million (the Approval Letter). In December 2004, the Company submitted a $4.9 million financing request to be drawn against the $14 million approved financing application. The Company expects to receive approval of the $4.9 million financing request in June 2005. The Company had no borrowings outstanding under the Approval Letter at March 31, 2005. Borrowings under this Title XI program may be used for refurbishment of the Companys fishing vessels and capital expenditures relating to the Companys shore-side fishing assets. The Title XI loans are secured by liens on certain of the Companys fishing vessels and mortgages on the Companys Reedville, Virginia and Abbeville and Cameron, Louisiana plants.
Omega had an unrestricted cash balance of $27.7 million at March 31, 2005, down $5.1 million from December 31, 2004. This decrease was due primarily to purchases of fish meal to satisfy ongoing customer requirements. The Companys liquidity is greatly influenced by the selling prices received for its products. Should the Company experience decreased pricing in the future, as it experienced in 1999 and 2000, liquidity would decline and the Company would possibly have to utilize its working capital credit facility. The Companys long-term debt at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 was $15.5 million and $15.9 million, respectively. Current maturities attributable to the Companys long-term debt were $1.7 million at both March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004. The Company did not utilize its working capital credit facility during the first three months of 2005 or 2004 other than for $2.9 million and $2.7 million, respectively, in standby letters of credit primarily used to support Company workers compensation programs. As of March 31, 2005, the Company had $13 million available under its working capital credit facility. The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements other than normal operating leases and standby letters of credit.
29
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
The following table aggregate information about the Companys contractual cash obligations and other commercial commitments (in thousands) as of March 31, 2005:
Payments Due by Period | |||||||||||||||
Contractual Cash Obligations |
Total |
Less than 1 year |
1 to 3 years |
4 to 5 years |
After 5 years | ||||||||||
Long Term Debt |
$ | 17,196 | $ | 1,685 | $ | 3,670 | $ | 3,312 | $ | 8,529 | |||||
Interest |
6,301 | 1,115 | 1,873 | 1,364 | 1,949 | ||||||||||
Operating Leases |
833 | 290 | 228 | 165 | 150 | ||||||||||
Minimum Pension Liability |
9,049 | | | | 9,049 | ||||||||||
Standby Letters of Credit (1) |
2,864 | 2,864 | | | | ||||||||||
Energy Commitments (2) |
4,453 | 4,453 | | | | ||||||||||
Total Contractual Cash Obligations |
$ | 40,696 | $ | 10,407 | $ | 5,771 | $ | 4,841 | $ | 19,677 | |||||
(1) | As of March 31, 2005, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the $20 million Credit Facility other than $2.9 million in stand-by letters of credit. In September 2004, the United States Department of Commerce Fisheries Finance Program approved a $14 million financing application (Approval Letter) submitted by the Company. As of March 31, 2005, the Company had no borrowings under the Approval Letter. In December 2004, the Company submitted a $4.9 million financing request, and expects to receive approval of the $4.9 million financing request in June 2005. |
(2) | As of March 31, 2005, the Company had normal purchase commitments for energy usage of approximately $4.5 million, that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used in the normal course of business during the 2005 fishing season. |
Net, operating activities provided cash of approximately $905,000 and $16.4 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The decrease in operating activities is primarily attributable to the change in activities relating to inventory.
Investing activities used $5.8 million and $4.3 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The Companys investing activities consists mainly of capital expenditures for equipment purchases, replacements, and vessel refurbishments and a fish oil processing facility. The Company anticipates making approximately $12.7 million in capital expenditures in 2005, which will be used to refurbish vessels, plant assets and to repair certain equipment.
Net, financing activities used $191,000 and $311,000 during the quarters ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The exercise of stock options provided proceeds of $217,000 and $61,000 for the quarters ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
On December 20, 2000, the Company entered into a three-year $20 million revolving credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A. (the Credit Facility). Borrowings under this facility may be used for working capital and capital expenditures. On May 19, 2003, the Company amended the existing Credit Facility to among other things, extend the maturity until December 20, 2006, delete certain existing financial covenants and added certain affirmative covenants such as, a Leverage Ratio covenant not to exceed 3 to 1 at any time and a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio covenant not to be less than 1 to 1 as of the end of each month, measured for the twelve-month period then ended.
30
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
The Company is required to comply with the financial covenants from and after the last day of any month in which the Credit Facilitys availability is less than $3,000,000 on any date, or the Credit Facilitys availability averages less than $6,000,000 for any calendar month. A commitment fee of 50 basis points per annum is payable on the unused portion of the Credit Facility. If at any time the Companys loan outstanding under the Credit Facility is $5 million or greater, the commitment fee on the unused portion will be 25 basis points per annum. Applicable interest is payable at alternative rates of LIBOR plus 2.25% or Prime plus 0%. The applicable interest rate shall be adjusted (up or down) prospectively on a quarterly basis from LIBOR plus 2.25% to LIBOR plus 2.75% or, at the Companys option, Prime plus 0% to Prime plus 0.25%, depending upon the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio being greater than 2.5 times to less than or equal to 1.5 times, respectively. The Credit Facility is collateralized by all of the Companys trade receivables, inventory and equipment. In addition, the Credit Facility does not allow for the payment of cash dividends or stock repurchases and also limits capital expenditures and investments. The Company was in compliance with the Credit Facility covenants at March 31, 2005. As of March 31, 2005, the Company had no cash borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility other than $2.9 million in stand-by letters of credit. The Company had $13 million available under the Credit Facility at March 31, 2005.
In September 2004, the United States Department of Commerce Fisheries Finance Program approved the Companys financing application in an amount not to exceed $14 million (the Approval Letter). Borrowings under the Approval Letter are to be used to finance and/or refinance approximately 73% of the actual depreciable cost of the Companys future fishing vessel refurbishments and capital expenditures relating to shore-side fishing assets, for a term not to exceed 15 years from inception at interest rates determined by the U.S. Treasury. Final approval for all such future projects requires individual approval through the Secretary of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and National Marine Fisheries Service (National Marine Fisheries Service). Borrowings under the United States Department of Commerce Fisheries Finance Program are required to be evidenced by secured agreements, undertakings, and other documents of whatsoever nature deemed by the National Marine Fisheries Services sole discretion, as necessary to accomplish the intent and purpose of the Approval Letter. The Company is required to comply with customary National Marine Fisheries Service covenants as well as certain special covenants. In December 2004, the Company submitted a $4.9 million financing request. The Company expects to receive the $4.9 million financing request in June of 2005. As of March 31, 2005, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the Approval Letter.
The Companys principal raw material is menhaden, a species of fish that inhabits coastal and inland tidal waters in the United States. Menhaden are undesirable for direct human consumption due to their small size, prominent bones and high oil content. Certain state agencies impose resource depletion restrictions on menhaden pursuant to fisheries management legislation or regulations and may impose additional legislation or regulations in the future. For example, the Menhaden Management Board of the ASMFC voted in February 2005 to initiate the preparation of an addendum to the existing ASMFC Interstate Management Plan for Atlantic Menhaden which would limit the amount of commercial menhaden catch in the Chesapeake Bay for a two-year period. The proposal, if ultimately passed, would limit annual menhaden catch from the Chesapeake Bay to the Bays 5-year average catch, or 110,400 metric tons. (The Companys Chesapeake Bay fish catch was 99,300 metric tons in 2004 or approximately 22% of the Companys total 2004 fish catch). If any limitation were to be ultimately imposed, it would likely become effective for the Companys 2006 and 2007 fishing seasons. To date, the Company has not experienced any material adverse impact on its fish catch or results of operations as a result of these restrictions.
31
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
The Company from time to time considers potential transactions including, but not limited to, enhancement of physical facilities to improve production capabilities and the acquisition of other businesses. Certain of the potential transactions reviewed by the Company would, if completed, result in its entering new lines of business (generally including certain businesses to which the Company sells its products such as pet food manufacturers, aquaculture feed manufacturers, fertilizer companies and organic foods distributors) although historically, reviewed opportunities have been generally related in some manner to the Companys existing operations. Although the Company does not, as of the date hereof, have any commitment with respect to a material acquisition, it could enter into such agreement in the future.
The Company maintains insurance against physical loss and damage to its assets, coverage against liabilities to third parties it may incur in the course of its operations, as well as workers compensation, United States Longshoremens and Harbor Workers Compensation Act and Jones Act coverage. Assets are insured at replacement cost, market value or assessed earning power. The Companys limits for liability coverage are statutory or $50 million. The $50 million limit is comprised of several excess liability policies, which are subject to deductibles, underlying limits and exclusions. The Company believes its insurance coverage to be in such form, against such risks, for such amounts and subject to such deductibles and self-retentions as are prudent and normal for its operations. The Company does not carry insurance against terrorist attacks, or against business interruption, in large part because of the high costs of such insurance.
The Company carries insurance for certain losses relating to its vessels and Jones Act liability for employees aboard its vessels (collectively, Vessel Claims Insurance). The typical Vessel Claims Insurance policy contains an annual aggregate deductible (AAD) for which the Company remains responsible, while the insurance carrier is responsible for all applicable amounts which exceed the AAD. It is the Companys policy to accrue current amounts due and record amounts paid out on each claim. Once payments exceed the AAD, the Company records an insurance receivable for a given policy year.
The Company believes that the existing cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and funds available through its Credit Facility will be sufficient to meet its working capital and capital expenditure requirements through at least the end of 2005.
32
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
Overview of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported therein, including estimates about the effects of matters or future events that are inherently uncertain. The most significant of these requiring difficult or complex judgments in any particular period involve the costing of inventory, including inventory lower-of-cost-or-market analyses and the Companys accounting for various losses on self-insurance retentions.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company evaluates at each balance sheet date the continued appropriateness of the carrying value of its long-lived assets including its long-term receivables and property, plant and equipment in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposals of Long-Lived Assets. The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of any such assets may not be recoverable. If indicators of impairment are present, management would evaluate the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets compared to the carrying amount of those items. The net carrying value of assets not recoverable is reduced to fair value. The Company considers continued operating losses, or significant and long-term changes in business conditions, to be its primary indicators of potential impairment. In measuring impairment, the Company looks to quoted market prices, if available, or the best information available in the circumstances.
Inventories
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market. The Companys fishing season runs from mid-April to the first of November in the Gulf of Mexico and from the beginning of May into December in the Atlantic. Government regulations generally preclude the Company from fishing during the off-seasons.
The Companys inventory cost system considers all costs associated with an annual fish catch and its processing, both variable and fixed and includes both costs incurred during the off-season and during the fishing season. The Companys costing system allocates cost to inventory quantities on a per unit basis as calculated by a formula that considers total estimated inventoriable costs for a fishing season (including off-season costs) to total estimated fish catch and the relative fair market value of the individual products produced. The Company adjusts the cost of sales, off-season costs and inventory balances at the end of each quarter based on revised estimates of total inventoriable costs and fish catch. The Companys lower-of-cost-or-market-value analyses at year-end and at interim periods compares to total estimated per unit production cost of the Companys expected production to the projected per unit market prices of the products. The impairment analyses involve estimates of, among other things, future fish catches and related costs, and expected commodity prices for the fish products. These estimates, which management believes are reasonable and supportable, involve estimates of future activities and events which are inherently imprecise and from which actual results may differ materially. Revisions in such estimates or actual results could materially impact the Companys results of operation and financial position.
During the off-seasons, in connection with the upcoming fishing seasons, the Company incurs costs (i.e., plant and vessel related labor, utilities, rent, repairs and depreciation) that are directly related to the Companys infrastructure. These costs accumulate in inventory and are applied as elements of the cost of production of the Companys products throughout the fishing season ratably based on the Companys monthly fish catch and the expected total fish catch for the season.
33
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
Insurance
As mentioned previously, the Company carries insurance for certain losses relating to its vessels and Jones Act liabilities for employees aboard its vessels. The Company provides reserves for those portions of the AAD for which the Company remains responsible by using an estimation process that considers Company-specific and industry data as well as managements experience, assumptions and consultation with outside counsel. Managements current estimated range of liabilities related to such cases is based on claims for which management can estimate the amount and range of loss. The process of estimating and establishing reserves for these claims is inherently uncertain and the actual ultimate net cost of a claim may vary materially from the estimated amount reserved. As additional information becomes available, the Company assesses the potential liability related to its pending litigation and revises its estimates. Such revisions in estimates for potential liability could materially impact the Companys results of operation, financial position or cash flows.
Pension
The Company estimates income or expense related to the pension plan based on actuarial assumptions, including assumptions regarding discount rates and expected returns on plan assets. The Company determines the discount rates of return on high-quality fixed-income investments currently available and expected to be available during the period to maturity of its pension obligations. Based on historical data and discussions with its actuary, Omega determines its expected return on plan assets based on the expected long-term rate of return on its plan assets and the market-related value of its plan assets. Changes in these assumptions can result in significant changes in estimated pension income or expense. The Company will revise its assumptions on an annual basis based upon changes in current interest rates, return on plan assets and the underlying demographics of the workforce. These assumptions are reasonably likely to change in future periods and may have a material impact on future earnings.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth as a percentage of revenues certain items of the Companys operations for each of the indicated periods.
Three Months Ended March 31, |
||||||
2005 |
2004 |
|||||
Revenues |
100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | ||
Cost of sales |
87.2 | 85.3 | ||||
Gross profit |
12.8 | 14.7 | ||||
Selling, general and administrative expense |
11.7 | 9.9 | ||||
Operating income |
1.1 | 4.8 | ||||
Interest income |
0.6 | 0.6 | ||||
Interest expense |
(1.1 | ) | (1.3 | ) | ||
Other expense, net |
(0.2 | ) | (0.2 | ) | ||
Income before income taxes |
0.4 | 3.9 | ||||
Provision for income taxes |
0.0 | 1.3 | ||||
Net income |
0.4 | % | 2.6 | % | ||
34
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
Interim Results for the First Quarters ended March 31, 2005 and March 31, 2004
Revenues. Revenues decreased $1.3 million or 5.2% for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 as compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2004. The decrease was primarily due to an 11.4% decrease in sales volumes partially offset by 7.4% increase in sales price, of the Companys fish meal and fish oil sales activity. The Company experienced a $3.0 million decrease in revenues due to reduced sales volumes offset by a $1.6 million increase in revenues due to higher sales prices for its fish meal and fish oil.
Cost of Sales. Cost of sales, including depreciation and amortization, for the current quarter ended March 31, 2005 was $20.8 million, a decrease from $21.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2004. Cost of sales as a percentage of revenues increased 1.8% to 87.2% for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 as compared to the corresponding period in 2004. The increase in cost of sales as a percentage of revenues was primarily due to higher fiscal 2004 costs of production due to reduced fish catch, brought about by adverse weather conditions along the Atlantic Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico, combined with lower oil yields for the Gulf of Mexico fish.
Gross Profit. Gross profit margins decreased 16.8% from a $3.7 million gross profit in the quarter ended March 31, 2004 as compared to $3.1 million in the current quarter ended March 31, 2005. The decrease in gross profit margins was primarily due to higher cost inventories carried forward from fiscal 2004, offset by increased sales prices.
Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased $316,000 from $2.5 million in the first quarter ended March 31, 2004 compared to $2.8 million for the current quarter ended March 31, 2005. This increase was attributable primarily to increased consulting expenditures related to the Companys governmental relations program and Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 404 compliance efforts.
Operating income. As a result of the factors discussed above, the Companys operating income decreased $0.9 million or 77.1% from an operating income $1.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 to an operating income of $0.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2005. As a percentage of revenues, operating income decreased 3.7% for the current quarter ended March 31, 2005.
Interest expense. Interest expense decreased $64,000 for the current quarter ended March 31, 2005 as compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2004. The decrease in interest expense was primarily due to the decreased Title XI loan balance and interest of approximately $41,000 which was capitalized in conjunction with the construction of certain fixed assets during the current quarter ended March 31, 2005, as compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2004.
Other expense, net. Other expense, net decreased $17,000 in the current quarter ended March 31, 2005 as compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2004. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in line of credit commitment fees in the quarter ended March 31, 2005.
35
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
Provision for income taxes. The Company recorded a $9,000 provision for income taxes for the first quarter of 2005 representing an effective tax rate of 8% for income taxes. The effective tax rate for 2005 was reduced below the statutory rate due mainly to a state income tax benefit on current year pre-tax income and the partial exclusion of income on foreign sales. The provision for income taxes for the corresponding period reflected an effective tax rate of 33%. The increased effective tax rate for the 2004 period is due to the Company not recognizing any extraterritorial income tax benefit due to the then congressional discussions aimed towards eliminating the benefit. The Company believes that it is more probable than not that the recorded estimated deferred tax asset will be realized. The statutory tax rate of 34% for U.S. federal taxes was in effect for the quarters ended March 31, 2005 and 2004.
Seasonal and Quarterly Results
The Companys menhaden harvesting and processing business is seasonal in nature. The Company generally has higher sales during the menhaden harvesting season (which includes the second and third quarter of each fiscal year) due to increased product availability, but prices during the fishing season tend to be lower than during the off-season. As a result, the Companys quarterly operating results have fluctuated in the past and may fluctuate in the future. In addition, from time to time the Company defers sales of inventory based on worldwide prices for competing products that affect prices for the Companys products which may affect comparable period comparisons.
Risk Factors and Significant Factors That May Affect Forward-Looking Statements
The Company cautions investors that the following risk factors, and those factors described elsewhere in this Report, other filings by the Company with the SEC from time to time and press releases issued by the Company, could affect the Companys actual results which could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company.
The risks described below are not the only ones facing the Company. The Companys business is also subject to other risks and uncertainties that affect many other companies, such as competition, technological obsolescence, labor relations (including risks of strikes), general economic conditions and geopolitical events. Additional risks not currently known to the Company or risks that the Company currently believes are immaterial may also impair the Companys business, results of operations and financial results.
Risks Relating to the Companys Business and Industry:
1. | The Company is dependent on a single natural resource and may not be able to catch the amount of menhaden that it requires to operate profitably. The Companys primary raw material is menhaden. The Companys business is totally dependent on its annual menhaden harvest in ocean waters along the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts. The Companys ability to meet its raw material requirements through its annual menhaden harvest fluctuates from year to year, and even at times month to month, due to natural conditions over which the Company has no control. These natural conditions, which include varying fish population, adverse weather conditions and disease, may prevent the Company from catching the amount of menhaden required to operate profitability. | |
2. | Fluctuation in oil yields derived from the Companys fish catch could impact the Companys ability to operate profitably. The oil yield, or the percentage of oil derived from the menhaden fish, while it is relatively high compared to many species of fish, has fluctuated over the years and from month to month due to natural conditions relating to fish biology over which the Company has no control. The oil yield has at times materially impacted the amount of fish oil that the Company has been able to produce from its available fish catch and it is possible that oil yields in the future could also impact the Companys ability to operate profitably. |
36
3. | Laws or regulations that restrict or prohibit menhaden or purse seine fishing operations could adversely affect the Companys ability to operate. The adoption of new laws or regulations at federal, regional, state or local levels that restrict or prohibit menhaden or purse seine fishing operations, or stricter interpretations of existing laws or regulations, could materially adversely affect the Companys business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the impact of a violation by the Company of federal, regional, state or local law or regulation relating to its fishing operations, the protection of the environment or the health and safety of its employees could have a material adverse affect on the Companys business, results of operations and financial condition. One example of potentially restrictive regulation involves a vote by a regional regulatory board in February 2005 to permit discussion on, and consider for potential adoption, a proposal which could limit for a two-year period the annual amount commercial menhaden catch in the Chesapeake Bay to the Bays 5-year average catch, or 110,400 metric tons. | |
4. | The Companys fish catch may be impacted by restrictions on its spotter aircraft. If the Companys spotter aircraft are prohibited or restricted from operating in their normal manner during the Companys fishing season, the Companys business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. For example, as a direct result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the Secretary of Transportation issued a federal ground stop order that grounded certain aircraft (including the Companys fish-spotting aircraft) for approximately nine days. This loss of spotter aircraft coverage severely hampered the Companys ability to locate menhaden fish during this nine-day period and thereby reduced its amount of saleable product. | |
5. | Worldwide supply and demand relationships, which are beyond the Companys control, influence the prices that the Company receives for many of its products and may from time to time result in low prices for many of the Companys products. Prices for many of the Companys products are subject to, or influenced by, worldwide supply and demand relationships over which the Company has no control and which tend to fluctuate to a significant extent over the course of a year and from year to year. The factors that influence these supply and demand relationships are world supplies of fish meal made from other fish species, animal proteins and fats, palm oil, soy meal and oil, and other edible oils. | |
6. | New laws or regulation regarding contaminants in fish oil or fish meal may increase the Companys cost of production or cause the Company to lose business. It is possible that future enactment of increasingly stringent regulations regarding contaminants in fish meal or fish oil by foreign countries or the United States may adversely affect the Companys business, results of operations and financial condition. More stringent regulations could result in: (i) the Companys incurrence of additional capital expenditures on contaminant reduction technology in order to meet the requirements of those jurisdictions, and possibly higher production costs for Companys products, or (ii) the Companys withdrawal from marketing its products in those jurisdictions. |
Risks Relating to the Companys Ongoing Operations:
1. | The Companys strategy to expand into the food grade oils market may be unsuccessful. The Companys attempts to expand its fish oil sales into the market for refined, food grade fish oils for human consumption may not be successful. The Companys expectations regarding future demand for Omega-3 fatty acids may prove to be incorrect or, if future demand does meet the Companys expectations, it is possible that purchasers could utilize Omega-3 sources other than the Companys products. | |
2. | The Companys quarterly operating results will fluctuate. Fluctuations in the Companys quarterly operating results will occur due to the seasonality of the Companys business, the unpredictability of the Companys fish catch and oil yields, and the Companys deferral of sales of inventory based on worldwide prices for competing products. | |
3. | The Companys business is subject to significant competition, and some competitors have significantly greater financial resources and more extensive and diversified operations than the Company. The marine protein and oil business is subject to significant competition from producers of vegetable and other animal protein products and oil products such as Archer Daniels Midland and Cargill. In addition, but to a lesser extent, the Company competes with small domestic privately-owned menhaden fishing companies and international marine protein and oil producers, including Scandinavian herring processors and South American anchovy and sardine processors. Many of these competitors have significantly greater financial resources and more extensive and diversified operations than the Company. |
37
4. | The Companys foreign customers are subject to disruption typical to foreign countries. The Companys sales of its products in foreign countries are subject to risks associated with foreign countries such as changes in social, political and economic conditions inherent in foreign operations, including:
Changes in the law and policies that govern foreign investment and international trade in foreign countries;
Changes in U.S. laws and regulations relating to foreign investment and trade;
Changes in tax or other laws;
Partial or total expropriation;
Current exchange rate fluctuations;
Restrictions on current repatriation; or
Political disturbances, insurrection or war.
In addition, it is possible that the Company, at any one time, could have a significant amount of its revenues generated by sales in a particular country which would concentrate the Companys susceptibility to adverse events in that country. | |
5. | The Company may undertake acquisitions that are unsuccessful and the Companys inability to control the inherent risks of acquiring businesses could adversely affect its business, results of operations and financial condition operations. In the future the Company may undertake acquisitions of other businesses, located either in the United States or in other countries, although there can be no assurances that this will occur. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able (i) to identify and acquire acceptable acquisition candidates on favorable terms, (ii) to profitably manage future businesses it may acquire, or (iii) to successfully integrate future businesses it may acquire without substantial costs, delays or other problems. Any of these outcomes could have a material adverse effect on the Companys business, results of operations and financial condition. | |
6. | The Companys failure to comply with federal U.S. citizenship ownership requirements may prevent it from harvesting menhaden in the U.S. jurisdictional waters. The Companys harvesting operations are subject to the Shipping Act of 1916 and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration which require, among other things, that the Company be incorporated under the laws of the U.S. or a state, the Companys chief executive officer be a U.S. citizen, no more of the Companys directors be non-citizens than a minority of a number necessary to constitute a quorum and at least 75% of the Companys outstanding capital stock (including a majority of its voting capital stock) be owned by U.S. citizens. If the Company fails to observe any of these requirements, the Company will not be eligible to conduct its harvesting activities in U.S. jurisdictional waters. Such a lost of eligibility would have a material adverse effect on the Companys business, results of operations and financial condition. | |
7. | The Company may not be able to recruit, train and retain qualified marine personnel in sufficient numbers. The Companys business is dependent on its ability to recruit, train and retain qualified marine personnel in sufficient numbers such as vessel captains, vessel engineers and other crewmembers. To the extent that the Company is not successful in recruiting, training and retaining these employees in sufficient numbers, its productivity may suffer. If the Company were unable to secure a sufficient number of workers during periods of peak employment, the lack of personnel could have an adverse effect on the Companys business, results of operations and financial condition. |
Investment Risks. Investment risks specifically related to the Companys common stock include:
1. | The Companys market liquidity for its common stock is relatively low. As of March 31, 2005, the Company had 24,958,609 shares of common stock outstanding. The average daily trading volume in the Companys common stock during the three month period ending March 31, 2005 was approximately 22,900 shares. Although a more active trading market may develop in the future, the limited market liquidity for the Companys stock could affect a stockholders ability to sell at a price satisfactory to that stockholder. | |
2. | If significant shares eligible for future sale are sold, the result could depress the Companys stock price by increasing the supply of shares in the market at a time when demand may be limited. As of March 31, 2005, the Company had approximately 25.0 million shares of common stock outstanding, as well as stock options to purchase approximately 4.9 million shares of common stock. Of these options, approximately 4.5 million were |
38
exercisable at March 31, 2005. In addition, certain of the Companys officers and directors have entered into Rule 10b5-1 sales plans with brokers unaffiliated with the Company whereby they have committed to sell automatically and without discretion a predetermined number of shares of Company common stock over a period of time according to their own individual criteria. To the extent that the above stock options are exercised or the above shares are sold, it is possible that the increase in the number of the Companys outstanding shares could adversely affect the price for the Companys common stock. | ||
3. | The Company is controlled by a principal stockholder. Zapata Corporation, a publicly traded company, owns approximately 58% of the Companys common stock. As a result, Zapata has the ability to elect all the members of the Companys Board of Directors and otherwise control the management and affairs of the Company. Zapatas ownership will make an unsolicited acquisition of the Companys common stock more difficult, and could discourage certain types of transactions in which holders of Company common stock might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over current market prices. In addition, because of Zapatas majority ownership, the Company is a controlled company under the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance guidelines and accordingly, is exempt from certain of the NYSE corporate governance requirements. | |
4. | The Companys Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, Nevada Law, and Federal Law have provisions that discourage corporate takeovers and could prevent stockholders from realizing a premium on their investment. Certain provisions of the Companys Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, as well as the Nevada Corporation Law, to which the Company is subject, could delay or frustrate the removal of incumbent directors and could make difficult a merger, tender offer or proxy contest involvement the Company, even if such events could be viewed as beneficial by its stockholders. The Companys Board of Directors is empowered to issue preferred stock in one or more series without stockholder action. Any issuance of this blank-check preferred stock could materially limit the rights of holders of the Companys common stock and render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of the Company by means of a tender offer, merger, proxy contest or otherwise. In addition, the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws contain a number of provisions which could impede a takeover or change in control of the Company, including, among other things, staggered terms for members of its Board of Directors, the requiring of two-thirds vote of stockholders to amend certain provisions of the Articles of Incorporation or the inability, after Zapata no longer owns a majority of the Companys common stock, to take action by written consent or to call special stockholder meetings. Certain provisions of the Nevada Corporation Law could also discourage takeover attempts that have not been approved by the Companys Board of Directors. In addition, federal law requires that at least 75% of the Companys outstanding capital stock be owned by U.S. citizens which will discourage takeover attempts by potential foreign purchasers. | |
5. | The Company has not paid dividends and does not expect to pay dividends in the near future. The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends on its common stock since it became a public company in April 1998 and has no intention to do so in the near future. Any determination as to payment of dividends will be made at the discretion of the Companys Board of Directors and will depend upon the Companys operating results, financial condition, capital requirements, general business conditions and such other factors that the Board of Directors deems relevant. In addition, the payment of cash dividends is not permitted by the terms of the Companys revolving credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A. |
39
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
In the normal course of business, the financial condition of the Company is exposed to minimal market risk associated with interest rate movements on the Companys borrowings. A one percent increase or decrease in the levels of interest rates on variable rate debt would not result in a material change to the Companys results of operations.
Although the Company sells products in foreign countries, substantially all of the Companys revenues are billed and paid for in US dollars. As a result, management does not believe that the Company is exposed to any significant foreign country currency exchange risk, and the Company does not utilize market risk sensitive instruments to manage its exposure to this risk.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures, as that phrase is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Companys Chief Executive Office (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Based on and as of the date of that evaluation, the Companys CEO and CFO have concluded that (i) the Companys disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be discussed by the Company in the reports that the Company files or submits to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Companys management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, and (ii) that the Companys disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, there can be no assurance that the Companys disclosure controls and procedures will detect or uncover all failures of persons within the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries to disclose material information otherwise required to be set forth in the Companys periodic reports. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance of achieving their control objectives.
(b) Changes in Internal Controls
There were no changes in the Companys internal controls over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
40
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
The Company is defending various claims and litigation arising from operations which arise in the ordinary course of the Companys business. In the opinion of management, any losses resulting from these matters will not have a material adverse affect on the Companys results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None
41
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION
None
Exhibit No. |
Description of Exhibit | |
31.1 | Rule 13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) Certification for Chief Executive Officer. | |
31.2 | Rule 13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) Certification for Chief Financial Officer. | |
32.1 | Certifications Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Chief Executive Officer. | |
32.2 | Certifications Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for the Chief Financial Officer. |
42
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.
OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION (Registrant) | ||||
April 28, 2005 |
By: |
/s/ ROBERT W. STOCKTON | ||
(Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer) |
43