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EX-32.1 - CERTIFICATION OF JAMES W. BERNAU PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 - WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS INCexhibit_32-1.htm
EX-32.2 - CERTIFICATION OF RICHARD F. GOWARD JR. PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 - WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS INCexhibit_32-2.htm
EX-31.2 - CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER REQUIRED BY RULE 13A-14(A) OR RULE 15D-14(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 - WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS INCexhibit_31-2.htm
EX-31.1 - CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER REQUIRED BY RULE 13A-14(A) OR RULE 15D-14(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 - WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS INCexhibit_31-1.htm
 
UNITED STATES
 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 

 
FORM 10-Q
 

 
  ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016
 
  ☐ TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
 
Commission File Number 000-21522
 
WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
 
Oregon
   93-0981021
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
8800 Enchanted Way, S.E., Turner, Oregon 97392
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
 
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (503) 588-9463
 

 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days: ☒ YES ☐ NO
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files): ☒ YES ☐ NO
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:

☐ Large accelerated filer
☐ Accelerated filer
 
 
☐ Non-accelerated filer  
☒ Smaller reporting company
 
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act): ☐ YES    ☒ NO
 
Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of November 10, 2016: 4,979,785
Number of shares of preferred stock outstanding as of November 10, 2016: 2,396,954
 
 
1
 
 
WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS, INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
 
 
Part I - Financial Information
3
 
 
Item 1 - Financial Statements
3
 
 
Balance Sheets
3
 
 
Statements of Operations
4
 
 
Statements of Cash Flows
5
 
 
Notes to Unaudited Interim Financial Statements
6
 
 
Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
12
 
 
Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
17
 
 
Item 4 - Controls and Procedures
17
 
 
Part II - Other Information
18
 
 
Item 1 - Legal Proceedings
18
 
 
Item 1A - Risk Factors
18
 
 
Item 2 - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
18
 
 
Item 3 - Defaults Upon Senior Securities
19
 
 
Item 4 - Mine Safety Disclosures
19
 
 
Item 5 - Other Information
19
 
 
Item 6 - Exhibits
19
 
 
Signatures
20
 
 
 
 
 
2
 
 
PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1 – Financial Statements
 
WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS, INC.
 BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS         
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
 
(audited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 $7,840,400 
 $4,010,664 
Restricted cash
  - 
  1,476,232 
Accounts receivable, net
  1,414,614 
  1,684,502 
Inventories (Note 2)
  11,811,464 
  10,632,462 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
  73,705 
  131,173 
Income tax receivable
  - 
  204,513 
Total current assets
  21,140,183 
  18,139,546 
 
    
    
Investment in Kore Wine Company
  59,186 
  60,000 
Vineyard development costs, net
  4,395,991 
  3,699,947 
Property and equipment, net (Note 3)
  18,192,809 
  16,729,162 
Debt issuance costs, net
  46,934 
  50,221 
 
    
    
TOTAL ASSETS
 $43,835,103 
 $38,678,876 
 
    
    
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY               
 
    
    
CURRENT LIABILITIES
    
    
Accounts payable
 $346,719 
 $386,137 
Accrued expenses
  819,863 
  604,580 
Income taxes payable
  284,383 
  - 
Investor deposits for preferred stock
  - 
  1,476,232 
Current portion of note payable
  245,417 
  245,417 
Current portion of long term debt
  364,601 
  349,003 
Current portion of deferred revenue-distribution agreement
  142,857 
  142,857 
Unearned revenue
  90,316 
  73,200 
Grapes payable
  1,044,848 
  816,879 
Total current liabilities
  3,339,004 
  4,094,305 
 
    
    
 
    
    
Note payable, net of current portion
  - 
  245,417 
Long-term debt, net of current portion
  4,549,039 
  4,824,015 
Deferred rent liability
  120,364 
  140,756 
Deferred revenue-distribution agreement, net of current portion
  130,938 
  238,083 
Deferred gain
  97,196 
  121,267 
Deferred income taxes
  1,848,000 
  1,848,000 
Total liabilities
  10,084,541 
  11,511,843 
 
    
    
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
    
    
 
    
    
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    
    
         Redeemable preferred stock, no par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized,
 
    
               2,396,954 shares, aggregate liquidation preference $10,272,778, issued
 
    
               and outstanding at September 30, 2016 and 1,074,338 shares issued
 
    
               and outstanding at December 31, 2015 respectively.
  9,387,601 
  3,735,437 
         
Common stock, no par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, 5,219,411 and
 
    
 
              5,139,177 shares issued at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015,
 
    
               respectively, 4,994,061 and 4,989,216 shares outstanding at
    
    
               September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
  8,690,670 
  8,998,760 
Retained earnings
  15,672,291 
  14,432,836 
Total shareholders’ equity
  33,750,562 
  27,167,033 
 
    
    
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 $43,835,103 
 $38,678,876 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement
 
 
3
 
 
 WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS, INC.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three months ended 
 
 
Nine months ended 
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
September 30,
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SALES, NET
 $4,741,711 
 $4,244,519 
 $13,564,508 
 $12,878,174 
COST OF SALES
  1,700,460 
  1,608,568 
  4,999,908 
  5,178,536 
 
    
    
    
    
GROSS PROFIT
  3,041,251 
  2,635,951 
  8,564,600 
  7,699,638 
 
    
    
    
    
SELLING, GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
  2,046,948 
  1,889,206 
  6,000,017 
  5,609,342 
 
    
    
    
    
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
  994,303 
  746,745 
  2,564,583 
  2,090,296 
 
    
    
    
    
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
    
    
    
    
Interest income
  2,688 
  74 
  7,489 
  78 
Interest expense
  (71,264)
  (76,535)
  (216,429)
  (231,544)
Other income, net
  35,626 
  37,502 
  162,126 
  155,427 
 
    
    
    
    
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
  961,353 
  707,786 
  2,517,769 
  2,014,257 
 
    
    
    
    
INCOME TAX PROVISION
  (361,542)
  (253,530)
  (952,896)
  (735,532)
 
    
    
    
    
NET INCOME
  599,811 
  454,256 
  1,564,873 
  1,278,725 
 
    
    
    
    
Accrued preferred stock dividends
  (131,832)
  - 
  (325,418)
  - 
 
    
    
    
    
INCOME APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
 $467,979 
 $454,256 
 $1,239,455 
 $1,278,725 
 
    
    
    
    
Basic income per common share after preferred dividends
 $0.09 
 $0.09 
 $0.25 
 $0.26 
 
    
    
    
    
Diluted income per common share after preferred dividends
 $0.09 
 $0.09 
 $0.25 
 $0.26 
 
    
    
    
    
Weighted average number of
    
    
    
    
basic common shares outstanding
  4,994,061 
  4,956,163 
  4,993,571 
  4,916,467 
Weighted average number of
    
    
    
    
diluted common shares outstanding
  4,998,444 
  5,007,883 
  4,997,737 
  4,964,520 
 
 
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement

 
4
 
 
WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 $1,564,873 
 $1,278,725 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash:
    
    
from operating activities
    
    
Depreciation and amortization
  990,107 
  950,441 
Stock based compensation expense
  748 
  10,955 
Non-cash loss from investment in Kore Wine Company
  814 
  - 
Deferred rent liability
  (20,392)
  (17,205)
Deferred gain
  (24,071)
  (24,072)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
    
    
Accounts receivable
  269,888 
  301,932 
Inventories
  (1,179,002)
  (473,092)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
  57,468 
  (239,450)
Income taxes receivable
  204,513 
  203,976 
Unearned revenue
  17,116 
  13,407 
Deferred revenue-distribution agreement
  (107,145)
  (107,145)
Grapes payable
  227,969 
  (64,364)
Accounts payable
  (43,443)
  (117,131)
Accrued expenses
  215,283 
  241,626 
Income taxes payable
  284,383 
  - 
Net cash from operating activities
  2,459,109 
  1,958,603 
 
    
    
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    
    
Investment in Kore Wine Company
  - 
  (60,000)
Additions to vineyard development costs
  (740,183)
  (561,487)
Additions to property and equipment
  (2,402,303)
  (2,112,071)
Net cash from investing activities
  (3,142,486)
  (2,733,558)
 
    
    
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    
    
Proceeds from installment note for property purchase
  - 
  490,834 
Proceeds from investor deposits held as restricted cash
  1,476,232 
  (3,038,278)
Proceeds from investor deposits held as liability
  (1,476,232)
  3,038,278 
Payment on installment note for property purchase
  (245,417)
  - 
Payments on long-term debt
  (259,378)
  (244,953)
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock
  5,326,746 
  - 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
  194,052 
  454,515 
Repurchase of common stock
  (502,890)
  (250,025)
Net cash from financing activities
  4,513,113 
  450,371 
 
    
    
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
  3,829,736 
  (324,584)
 
    
    
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
  4,010,664 
  519,761 
 
    
    
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
 $7,840,400 
 $195,177 
 
    
    
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    
    
Purchases of property and equipment and vineyard development
    
    
costs included in accounts payable
 $20,113 
 $44,390 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement
 
 
 
5
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements as of September 30, 2016 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial statements. The financial information as of December 31, 2015 is derived from the audited financial statements presented in the Willamette Valley Vineyards, Inc. (the “Company”) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. Certain information or footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the opinion of management, the accompanying financial statements include all adjustments necessary (which are of a normal recurring nature) for the fair statement of the results of the interim periods presented. The accompanying financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015, as presented in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year ending December 31, 2016, or any portion thereof.
 
The Company’s revenues include direct-to-consumer sales and national sales to distributors. These sales channels utilize shared resources for production, selling and distribution.
 
Basic earnings per share after preferred stock dividends are computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding each period. Diluted earnings per share are computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock and dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive shares from stock options and other instruments are excluded from the computation when their effect is anti-dilutive. There were no anti-dilutive shares outstanding as of September 30, 2016 and 2015. 4,383 and 51,720 dilutive shares are included in the computation of dilutive earnings per share for the three month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 4,166 and 48,053 dilutive shares are included in the computation of dilutive earnings per share for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION - continued
 
The following table presents the earnings per share after preferred stock dividends calculation for the periods shown:
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
Numerator
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 $599,811 
 $454,256 
 $1,564,873 
 $1,278,725 
Accrued preferred stock dividends
  (131,832)
  - 
  (325,418)
  - 
 
    
    
    
    
Net income applicable to common shares
 $467,979 
 $454,256 
 $1,239,455 
 $1,278,725 
 
    
    
    
    
Denominator
    
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
    
Basic weighted average common shares
  4,994,061 
  4,956,163 
  4,993,571 
  4,916,467 
Dilutive stock options
  4,383 
  51,720 
  4,166 
  48,053 
 
    
    
    
    
Diluted weighted average common shares
  4,998,444 
  5,007,883 
  4,997,737 
  4,964,520 
 
    
    
    
    
Basic income per common share
    
    
    
    
     after preferred dividends
 $0.09 
 $0.09 
 $0.25 
 $0.26 
 
    
    
    
    
Diluted income per common share
    
    
    
    
     after preferred dividends
 $0.09 
 $0.09 
 $0.25 
 $0.26 
 
2) INVENTORIES
 
The Company’s inventories, by major classification, are summarized as follows, as of the dates shown:
 
 
 
September 30, 2016
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Winemaking and packaging materials
 $506,094 
 $690,292 
Work-in-process (costs relating to
    
    
unprocessed and/or unbottled wine products)
  5,401,886 
  6,058,701 
Finished goods (bottled wine and related products)
  5,903,484 
  3,883,469 
 
    
    
Current inventories
 $11,811,464 
 $10,632,462 
 

 
 
7
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
3) PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
The Company’s property and equipment consists of the following, as of the dates shown:
 
 
 
September 30, 2016
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction in progress
 $1,112,396 
 $482,284 
Land, improvements and other buildings
  6,435,443 
  5,089,472 
Winery building and hospitality center
  13,903,433 
  13,756,320 
Equipment
  9,303,507 
  9,055,987 
 
    
    
 
  30,754,779 
  28,384,063 
 
    
    
Accumulated depreciation
  (12,561,970)
  (11,654,901)
 
    
    
Property and equipment, net
 $18,192,809 
 $16,729,162 
 
In September 2016 the Company installed two 32,000 gallon fermentation tanks at the Estate Winery. The addition of these tanks increases the Company’s production capacity by approximately 27,000 cases.
 
4) DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT RECEIVABLE AND DEFERRED REVENUE
 
Effective September 1, 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with Young’s Market Company for distribution of Company-produced wines in Oregon and Washington. The terms of this contract include exclusive rights to distribute Willamette Valley Vineyard’s wines in Oregon and Washington for seven years. In an effort to facilitate the transition, with as little disruption as possible, Young’s Market Company agreed to compensate Willamette Valley Vineyards for ongoing Oregon sales and branding efforts. The total amount of $1,000,000 received by the Company, related to this agreement, is being recognized as revenue on a straight line basis over the seven year life of the agreement. For the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company has recognized revenue related to this agreement in the amount of $35,715 and $35,715, respectively, recorded to other income. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company has recognized revenue related to this agreement in the amount of $107,145 and $107,145, respectively, recorded to other income.
 
5) DEBT
 
Line of Credit Facility – In December of 2005 the Company entered into a revolving line of credit agreement with Umpqua Bank that allows borrowings of up to $2,000,000 against eligible accounts receivable and inventories as defined in the agreement. The revolving line bears interest at prime, is payable monthly, and is subject to annual renewal. In February of 2016, the Company renewed the credit agreement until July 31, 2017. The interest rate was 3.5% at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 there was no outstanding balance on this revolving line of credit.
 
The line of credit agreement includes various covenants which, among other things, require the Company to maintain minimum amounts of tangible net worth, debt/worth ratio, and debt service coverage as defined. As of September 30, 2016, the Company was in compliance with these financial covenants.
 
Note payable – In April of 2015 the Company purchased approximately 42 acres of farmland in the Walla Walla AVA under terms that included paying one third of the price upon closing and one third in each of the two subsequent years. As of September 30, 2016 the Company had a balance of $245,417 due on April 1, 2017. No interest accrues under the terms of this note. As of December 31, 2015 the Company had a balance due of $490,834.
 
Long Term Debt - The Company has four long term debt agreements with Farm Credit Services with an aggregate outstanding balance of $4,913,640 and $5,173,018 as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. These loans require monthly principal and interest payments of $53,058 for the life of the loans, at annual fixed interest rates ranging from 4.75% to 6.70%, and with maturity dates ranging from 2024 through 2028. The general purposes of these loans were to make capital improvements to the winery and vineyard facilities.
 
 
8
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
6) STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
 
The Company has a stock incentive plan, originally created in 1992, and most recently amended in 2001. No additional grants may be made under the plan. All stock options have an exercise price that is equal to the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the date the options were granted. Administration of the plan, including determination of the number, term, and type of options to be granted, lies with the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee of the Board of Directors. Options were generally granted based on employee performance with vesting periods ranging from date of grant to seven years. At the date of the grant, the maximum term before expiration is ten years.
 
The following table presents information related to the value of outstanding stock options for the period shown:
 
 
 
Three months ended
 
 
Nine months ended
 
 
 
September 30, 2016    
 
 
September 30, 2016    
 
 
 
Weighted Average Exercise
 
 
Weighted Average Exercise
 
 
 
Shares
 
 
Price
 
 
Shares
 
 
Price
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding at beginning of period
  7,000 
 $3.09 
  67,000 
 $3.22 
Granted
  - 
  - 
  - 
  - 
Exercised
  - 
  - 
  (60,000)
  3.23 
Forfeited
  - 
  - 
  - 
  - 
 
    
    
    
    
Outstanding at end of period
  7,000 
 $3.09 
  7,000 
 $3.09 
 
At September 30, 2016, the Company had 7,000 vested stock options with no unrecognized compensation expense.
 
The Company expenses stock options on a straight-line basis over the options’ related vesting term. Compensation expense related to stock options for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $4 and $372, respectively. Compensation expense related to stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $748 and $10,955, respectively.
 
Stock options exercised during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were 0 and 58,000, respectively. Stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were 60,000 and 115,971, respectively.
 
7) INTEREST AND TAXES PAID
 
Income taxes – The Company paid $0 and $291,000 in income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company paid $464,250 and $531,550 in income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
 
Interest - The Company paid $71,683 and $76,930 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, in interest on long-term debt and revolving line of credit. The Company paid $218,150 and $233,585 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, in interest on long-term debt and revolving line of credit.
 
8) SEGMENT REPORTING
 
The Company has identified two operating segments, Direct Sales and Distributor Sales, based upon their different distribution channels, margins and selling strategies. Direct Sales includes retail sales in the tasting room and remote sites, Wine Club sales, on-site events, kitchen and catering sales and other sales made directly to the consumer without the use of an intermediary, including sales of bulk wine or grapes. Distributor Sales include all sales through a third party where prices are given at a wholesale rate.
 
 
9
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
8) SEGMENT REPORTING - continued
 
The two segments reflect how the Company’s operations are evaluated by senior management and the structure of its internal financial reporting. The Company evaluates performance based on the gross profit of the respective business segments. Selling expenses that can be directly attributable to the segment, including depreciation of segment specific assets, are included, however, centralized selling expenses and general and administrative expenses are not allocated between operating segments. Therefore, net income information for the respective segments is not available. Discrete financial information related to segment assets, other than segment specific depreciation associated with selling, is not available and that information continues to be aggregated.
 
The following table outlines the sales, cost of sales, gross margin, directly attributable selling expenses, and contribution margin of the segments for the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2016 and 2015. Sales figures are net of related excise taxes.
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,            
 
 
 
Direct Sales    
 
 
Distributor Sales  
 
 
Total    
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales, net
 $2,052,390 
 $1,767,638 
 $2,689,321 
 $2,476,881 
 $4,741,711 
 $4,244,519 
Cost of Sales
  633,116 
  541,918 
  1,067,344 
  1,066,650 
  1,700,460 
  1,608,568 
Gross Margin
  1,419,274 
  1,225,720 
  1,621,977 
  1,410,231 
  3,041,251 
  2,635,951 
Selling Expenses
  808,761 
  797,073 
  361,004 
  369,632 
  1,169,765 
  1,166,705 
Contribution Margin
 $610,513 
 $428,647 
 $1,260,973 
 $1,040,599 
 $1,871,486 
 $1,469,246 
Percent of Sales
  43.3%
  41.6%
  56.7%
  58.4%
  100.0%
  100.0%
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,            
 
 
 
Direct Sales    
 
 
Distributor Sales  
 
 
Total    
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales, net
 $5,019,220 
 $5,150,223 
 $8,545,288 
 $7,727,951 
 $13,564,508 
 $12,878,174 
Cost of Sales
  1,328,828 
  1,556,335 
  3,671,080 
  3,622,201 
  4,999,908 
  5,178,536 
Gross Margin
  3,690,392 
  3,593,888 
  4,874,208 
  4,105,750 
  8,564,600 
  7,699,638 
Selling Expenses
  2,332,103 
  2,225,678 
  1,189,349 
  1,170,875 
  3,521,452 
  3,396,553 
Contribution Margin
 $1,358,289 
 $1,368,210 
 $3,684,859 
 $2,934,875 
 $5,043,148 
 $4,303,085 
Percent of Sales
  37.0%
  40.0%
  63.0%
  60.0%
  100.0%
  100.0%
 
Direct sales include $148,752 and $6,690 of bulk wine sales in the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Direct sales include $148,752 and $645,653 of bulk wine sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
 
9) SALE OF PREFERRED STOCK
 
In August 2015, the Company commenced a public offering of our Series A Redeemable Preferred Stock pursuant to a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The preferred stock under this issue is non-voting and will rank senior in rights and preferences to the Company’s common stock. Shareholders of this issue will be entitled to receive dividends, when and as declared by the Company’s Board of Directors, at a rate of $0.22 per share. Dividends accrued but not paid will be added to the liquidation preference of the stock until the dividend is declared and paid. At any time after June 1, 2021, the Company has the option, but not the obligation, to redeem all of the outstanding preferred stock in an amount equal to the original issue price of $4.15 per share plus accrued but unpaid dividends and a redemption premium equal to 3% of the original issue price of $4.15 per share. The Company registered this transaction with the securities authorities of the States of Oregon and Washington and subsequently obtained a listing on the NASDAQ under the trading symbol WVVIP. This issue had an aggregate initial offering price not to exceed $6,000,000 and was fully subscribed as of December 31, 2015.
 
 
10
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
9) SALE OF PREFERRED STOCK - continued
 
On December 22, 2015 the Company filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 with the SEC pertaining to the potential future issuance of one or more classes or series of debt, equity or derivative securities. On February 28, 2016 shareholders of the Series A Redeemable Preferred Stock approved an increase in shares designated as Series A Redeemable Preferred Stock, from 1,445,783 to 2,857,548 shares, and amended the certificate of designation for those shares to allow the Company’s Board of Directors to make future increases. On March 10, 2016 the Company filed a Prospectus Supplement to the December 2015 Form S-3, pursuant to which the Company proposed to offer and sell, on a delayed or continuous basis, up to 970,588 additional shares of Series A redeemable Preferred stock having proceeds not to exceed $4,125,000. This stock was established to be sold in four offering periods beginning with an offering price of $4.25 per share and concluding at $4.55 per share. The Company has sold substantially all preferred stock, available under this offering, as of September 30, 2016.
 
10) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
Litigation From time to time, in the normal course of business, the Company is a party to legal proceedings. Management believes that these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows, but, due to the nature of litigation, the ultimate outcome of any potential actions cannot presently be determined.
 
11) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
Subsequent events are events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued. The Company recognizes in the financial statements the effects of all subsequent events that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at the date of the balance sheet, including the estimates inherent in the process of preparing the financial statements. The Company’s financial statements do not recognize subsequent events that provide evidence about conditions that did not exist at the date of the balance sheet but arose after the balance sheet date and before financial statements are issued.
 
In October 2016, the Company entered into an agreement to purchase approximately 40 acres of vineyard land, part of which is in the Dundee AVA. Additionally, the Company entered into purchase agreements to buy two parcels of land in the Walla Walla AVA, totaling approximately 37 acres, but has not yet completed those transactions.
 
In October 2016 the Company determined that approximately 74 tons of Pinot Noir grapes, received from a contract grower, contained excess sulfur making them unusable for the production of wine.  As of September 30, 2016 work-in-process inventory included $95,272 attributable to these grapes.  In November 2016 the Company reduced inventory by $95,272 and established a corresponding $95,272 receivable from the grower who supplied the defective grapes.
 
In October 2016 the Company settled a claim, against a neighboring farmer, for the over-spray of chemicals that damaged Pinot Noir grapes in the Elton Vineyard in 2013. As a result of a settlement of $180,000, the Company received $110,000, net of attorney fees, which will be recorded as Other Income in the fourth quarter of 2016.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
11
 
 
ITEM 2:
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, “we,” “us,” “our” and “the Company” refer to Willamette Valley Vineyards, Inc.
 
Forward Looking Statements
 
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other sections of this Form 10-Q contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the Company’s business, and beliefs and assumptions made by management. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “potential,” “should,” or “will” or the negative thereof and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, including, but not limited to: availability of financing for growth, availability of adequate supply of high quality grapes, successful performance of internal operations, impact of competition, changes in wine broker or distributor relations or performance, impact of possible adverse weather conditions, impact of reduction in grape quality or supply due to disease, changes in consumer spending, the reduction in consumer demand for premium wines and the impact of governmental regulatory decisions. In addition, such statements could be affected by general industry and market conditions and growth rates, and general domestic economic conditions. Many of these risks as well as other risks that may have a material adverse impact on our operations and business, are identified in Item 1A in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as well as in the Company’s other Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports. The forward-looking statements in this report are made as of the date hereof, and, except as otherwise required by law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why the actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
The foregoing discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations are based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company’s management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, collection of accounts receivable, valuation of inventories, and amortization of vineyard development costs. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. A description of the Company’s critical accounting policies and related judgments and estimates that affect the preparation of the Company’s financial statements is set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. Such policies were unchanged during the three months ended September 30, 2016.
 
Overview
 
The Company’s wines are made from grapes grown in vineyards owned, leased or contracted by the Company, and from grapes purchased from other nearby vineyards. The grapes are harvested, fermented and made into wine at the Company’s winery in Turner Oregon (the “Winery”) and the wines are sold principally under the Company’s Willamette Valley Vineyards label, but also under the Griffin Creek and Tualatin Estates labels. The Company also owns the Tualatin Estate Vineyards and Winery, located near Forest Grove, Oregon. The Company generates revenues from the sales of wine to wholesalers and direct to consumers.
 
 
12
 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - continued
 
Direct to consumer sales primarily include sales through the Company’s tasting rooms and wine club. Direct to consumer sales are more profitable to the Company due to prices received being closer to retail than those prices paid by wholesalers. The Company continues to emphasize growth in direct to consumer sales through the Company’s recently remodeled 35,642 square foot hospitality facility at the Winery and expansion and growth in wine club membership. Additionally, the Company’s preferred stock sales since August 2015 have resulted in approximately 3,591 new preferred stockholders many of which the Company believes are wine enthusiasts. When considering joint ownership, these new shareholders represent approximately 5,000 potential customers of the Company. Membership in the Company’s wine club increased by approximately 293 net members, or 4.6%, to a total of 6,663 members for the nine months ending September 30, 2016. The Company believes the increase in preferred shareholders, who receive enhanced discounts, has reduced the number of people who would otherwise become Wine Club members. However, management anticipates that new preferred shareholders will purchase the Company’s wines over a longer period of time, than the average Wine Club member, making their enhanced winery status beneficial to the Company.
 
Periodically, the Company will sell grapes or bulk wine, due to them not meeting Company standards or being excess to production targets, however this is not a significant part of the Company’s activities. The Company had bulk wine sales of $148,752 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and $6,690 in bulk wine sales in the same period of 2015. The Company had bulk wine sales of $148,752 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and $645,653 in bulk wine sales in the same period of 2015.
 
The Company sold approximately 95,105 and 87,765 cases of produced wine during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, an increase of 7,340 cases, or 8.4% in the current year period over the prior year period.  The increase in wine sales was primarily the result of increased direct to consumer sales as well as increased sales through distributors in 2016.
 
Cases sold in 2016 include approximately 43 cases of unfulfilled “futures”, where a customer prepays for a wine not yet released. Cases sold in 2015 include approximately 43 cases of unfulfilled “futures”, where a customer prepays for a wine not yet released. Proceeds from these sales are not recognized as revenue until shipped and are reflected as unearned revenue. Selling expenses for these sales are recognized in the period in which the expense is incurred.
 
Cost of sales includes grape costs, whether purchased or grown at Company vineyards, winemaking and processing costs, bottling, packaging, warehousing and shipping and handling costs. For grapes grown at Company vineyards, costs include farming expenditures and amortization of vineyard development costs.
 
At September 30, 2016, wine inventory includes approximately 106,698 cases of bottled wine and 286,600 gallons of bulk wine in various stages of the aging process. Case wine is expected to be sold over the next 12 to 24 months and generally before the release date of the next vintage. The Winery bottled approximately 134,718 cases during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.
 
Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $599,811 and $454,256, respectively, an increase of $145,555, or 32.0%, in the current year period over the prior year period. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $1,564,873 and $1,278,725, respectively, an increase of $286,148, or 22.4%, in the current year period over the prior year period.
 
Income applicable to common shareholders for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $467,979 and $454,256, respectively, an increase of $13,723, or 3.0%, in the current year period over the prior year period. Income applicable to common shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $1,239,455 and $1,278,725, respectively, a decrease of $39,270, or 3.1%, in the current year period over the prior year period.
 
Gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $3,041,251 and $2,635,951, respectively, an increase of $405,300, or 15.4%, in the current year period over the prior year period. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was 64.1% and 62.1%, an increase of 2.0 percentage points, in the current year period over the prior year period. Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $8,564,600 and $7,699,638, respectively, an increase of $864,962, or 11.2%, in the current year period over the prior year period. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was 63.1% and 59.8%, an increase of 3.3 percentage points, in the current year period over the prior year period.
 
 
13
 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - continued
 
The Company generated $0.09 in basic earnings per share after preferred dividends during each of the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. The Company generated $0.25 and $0.26 in basic earnings per share after preferred dividends during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
 
Management believes earnings per share will continue to be effectively reduced by preferred stock dividends until funds from the sale of preferred stock are deployed in new wineries and begin generating a return on those funds.
 
The Company continues to receive positive recognition through national magazines, regional publications, local newspapers and online bloggers. 
 
The Company's Founder Jim Bernau was nominated for 'Person of the Year' in the Wine Star Awards presented by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
​The Company was selected as the Best Vineyard/Tasting Room Experience by Sunset Magazine in their annual Sunset Travel Awards. The Sunset Travel Awards honor the West's top destinations in lodging, dining, cultural tourism, outdoor adventure and attractions. The Company is the first Oregon winery to win the award. 
 
Wine Enthusiast Magazine rated the Company's 2015 Whole Cluster Pinot Noir a 90 point and Editors' Choice, Whole Cluster Rose' a 90 point and Editors' Choice, Pinot Gris a 90 point and Editors' Choice, 2013 Elton Pinot Noir a 90 point, and 2014 Estate Chardonnay a 90 point score. 
 
Portland Monthly Magazine included the Company's 2014 Estate Pinot Noir (#13) and 2014 Estate Chardonnay (#32) on the list of Oregon's 50 Best Wines. 
 
The Company's 26th annual Grape Stomp Championships & Harvest Celebration was featured in a USA Today article titled, "Where to stomp grapes this harvest season." The article was also syndicated to the Portland Tribune. 
 
​The Company's 2015 Estate Rose' of Pinot Noir was a featured wine selection in a Cleveland.com online article titled, "3 West Coast roses at varying prices." 
​The Company's 2014 Riesling was Wine Spectator's featured wine pairing for Labor Day Grilling with heritage pork chops. ​
 
​Colorado Spring's The Gazette newspaper selected the Company's 2015 Estate Rose' of Pinot Noir for the "Think pink for summer's drink" article.
 
​The Tri-City Herald in central Washington wrote an article called, "Great Northwest Wine: The world of Oregon Pinot Noir," including a tasting note of the Company's 2014 Estate Pinot Noir. 
 
SouthCoast Today shared the Company's winery story and rated the wines as "outstanding."
 
The Company partnered with the Portland Timbers major league soccer team for the 2016 season. The partnership includes in-stadium experiences and tastings, premium concession offerings and joint advertising. ​
 
The Company partnered with a major dairy Co-op on in-store displays and promotions featuring their cheese and the Company's wine in two major chain stores. 
 
The Company partnered with Timberline Lodge on a sustainable food educational dinner series called Pasture and Pinot Noir. The program is expected to run through the end of the year and feature grass-fed beef paired with the Company's wines in their on-site restaurant. 
 
The Company participated in Chicago Gourmet and Los Angeles Food and Wine events. 
 
 
14
 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - continued
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Revenue
 
Sales for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $4,741,711 and $4,244,519, respectively, an increase of $497,192, or 11.7%, in the current year period over the prior year period. This increase was primarily caused by increases in retail sales of $284,752, and sales through distributors of $212,440 in the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same period in the prior year. Sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $13,564,508 and $12,878,174, respectively, an increase of $686,334, or 5.3%, in the current year period over the prior year period. This increase was primarily caused by an increase in core retail sales (direct sales less bulk sales) of $370,855 and sales through distributors of $817,337, being partially offset by a decrease in bulk wine and miscellaneous sales of $501,858 in the first nine months of 2016 compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in core retail sales during both periods of 2016 was primarily the result of increased wine club, tasting room and other direct sales. The decrease in bulk wine sales in both the third quarter and first nine months of 2016, when compared to the same periods in 2015, was primarily the result of less excess wine available in 2016 when compared to 2015. The increase in sales through distributors was not attributable to an isolated factor.
 
Cost of Sales
 
Cost of Sales for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $1,700,460 and $1,608,568, respectively, an increase of $91,892, or 5.7%, in the current period over the prior year period. Cost of Sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $4,999,908 and $5,178,536, respectively, a decrease of $178,628, or 3.4%, in the current period over the prior year period. The increase in the third quarter, compared to the same period in 2015, is primarily the result of increase sales. The decrease in both the third quarter and first nine months of 2016, compared to same periods of 2015, were primarily the result of an overall increase in margins of vintages currently being sold which was mainly caused by the release of vintages in 2016 with lower cost of goods due to higher 2014 and 2015 harvest yields.
 
Gross Profit
 
Gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $3,041,251 and $2,635,951, respectively, an increase of $405,300, or 15.4%, in the current year period over the prior year period. Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $8,564,600 and $7,699,638, respectively, an increase of $864,962, or 11.2%, in the current year period over the prior year period. The increase in both periods was primarily the result of an overall increase in core retail sales and sales through distributors in addition to the release of vintages with higher profit margins in 2016 that more than offset the decrease in bulk wine sales during the year.
 
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was 64.1% and 62.1%, an increase of 2.0 percentage points, in the current year period over the prior year period. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was 63.1% and 59.8%, an increase of 3.3 percentage points, in the current year period over the prior year period. The increase in gross profit percentage during 2016 over the comparable periods in 2015 was primarily the result of the release of vintages with lower cost of goods due to higher 2014 and 2015 harvest yields.
 
While the Company’s gross profit percentage has benefited from higher harvest yields in 2014 and 2015, it expects that these higher margins will not exist with several core wines produced from the 2016 harvest. During the 2016 harvest a major grape supplier delivered significantly fewer grapes than required under contract. As a result the Company was required to pursue some higher cost options to hit production targets on these wines and anticipates lower gross profit percentages as a result.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expense
 
Selling, general and administrative expense for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $2,046,948 and $1,889,206, respectively, an increase of $157,742, or 8.3%, in the current year period over the prior year period. Selling, general and administrative expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $6,000,017 and $5,609,342, respectively, an increase of $390,675, or 7.0%, in the current year period over the prior year period. The increase in both periods in 2016 compared to the same periods in 2015 was primarily the result of increased retail selling efforts and general marketing in 2016 as well as increases in administrative costs not attributable to an isolated factor.
 
 
15
 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - continued
 
Interest Expense
 
Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $71,264 and $76,535, respectively, a decrease of $5,271 or 6.9%, in the current year period over the prior year period. Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $216,429 and $231,544, respectively, a decrease of $15,115 or 6.5%, in the current year period over the prior year period. The reduction in interest expense in both periods of 2016 compared to the same periods in 2015 was primarily the result of reduced debt in the current year when compared to the prior year.
 
Income Taxes
 
The income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $361,542 and $253,530, respectively, an increase of $108,012 or 42.6%, in the current year period over the prior year period. The Company’s estimated federal and state combined income tax rate was 37.5% and 35.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $952,896 and $735,532, respectively, an increase of $217,634 or 29.6%, in the current year period over the prior year period. The Company’s estimated federal and state combined income tax rate was 37.8% and 36.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
 
Net Income
 
Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $599,811 and $454,256, respectively, an increase of $145,555, or 32.0%, in the current year period over the prior year period. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $1,564,873 and $1,278,725, respectively, an increase of $286,148, or 22.4%, in the current year period over the prior year period. The increase in both the third quarter and the first nine months of 2016, compared to the same periods in 2015, was primarily the result of an overall increase in sales of wines combined with higher margins in the current periods compared to the prior year periods.
 
Income Applicable to Common Shareholders
 
Income applicable to common shareholders for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $467,979 and $454,256, respectively, an increase of $13,723, or 3.0%, in the current quarter over the same quarter in the prior year, mainly as a result of higher net income partially offset by the accrual of preferred stock dividends in the third quarter of 2016. Income applicable to common shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $1,239,455 and $1,278,725, respectively, a decrease of $39,270, or 3.1%, in the current year period over the prior year period. The decrease in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 was primarily the result of increased net income, in the current period when compared to the prior year period, being more than offset by the accrual of preferred stock dividends.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
At September 30, 2016, the Company had a working capital balance of $17.8 million and a current working capital ratio of 6.33:1. At December 31, 2015, the Company had a working capital balance of $14.0 million and a current working capital ratio of 4.43:1.
 
At September 30, 2016, the Company had a cash balance of $7,840,400 compare to a cash balance of $4,010,664 at December 31, 2015. This change was primarily the result of proceeds from operating activities and the sale of preferred stock partially offset by spending on capital improvements.
 
Total cash provided by operating activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $2,459,109. Cash provided by operating activities from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily associated with income from operations partially offset by an increase in inventory.
 
 
16
 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - continued
 
Total cash used in investing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $3,142,486. Cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 primarily consisted of property and equipment purchases and vineyard development.
 
Property and equipment assets net of accumulated depreciation increased to $18,192,809 as of September 30, 2016 compared to $16,729,162 as of December 31, 2015, mainly as a result a $1,463,647 increase in assets categorized as land, improvements and other buildings during the first nine months of 2016.
 
Total cash provided by financing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $4,513,113. Cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 consisted primarily of proceeds from the sale of preferred stock and the exercise of stock options partially offset by the repurchase of common stock and the payment of debt.
 
Non-cash investing and financing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $20,113. This change was primarily the result of timing differences in the payment of invoices.
 
The Company has an asset-based loan agreement (the “line of credit”) with Umpqua Bank that allows it to borrow up to $2,000,000. The Company renewed this agreement, in February of 2014, until July 31, 2017. The index rate of prime plus zero, with a floor of 3.25%, at September 30, 2016 is 3.5%. The loan agreement contains certain restrictive financial covenants with respect to total equity, debt-to-equity and debt coverage that must be maintained by the Company on a quarterly basis. As of September 30, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all of the financial covenants.
 
At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 the Company had no balance outstanding on the line of credit. At September 30, 2016, the Company had $2,000,000 available on the line of credit.
 
As of September 30, 2016 the Company had an installment note payable of $245,417, due on April 1, 2017, associated with the purchase of 42 acres of farmland in the Walla Walla AVA. As of December 31, 2015 the Company had a balance of $490,834 due on this note.
 
As of September 30, 2016, the Company had a total long-term debt balance of $4,913,640, including the portion due in the next year, owed to Farm Credit Services. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had a total long-term debt balance of $5,173,018.
 
The Company believes that cash flow from operations and funds available under the Company’s existing credit facilities will be sufficient to fund the Company’s ongoing operating activities and our anticipated capital requirement for at least twelve months.
 
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had no off-balance sheet arrangements.
 
ITEM 3:
 
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
As a smaller reporting company, the Company is not required to provide the information required by this item.
 
ITEM 4:
 
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures – The Company carried out an evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 13a-15 and 15d-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based on that review, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective, as of the end of the period covered by this report, to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports the Company files or submit under the Exchange Act (1) is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and (2) is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
 
17
 
 
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES - continued
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting  There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
PART II: OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1 - Legal Proceedings.
 
From time to time, the Company is a party to various judicial and administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company’s management and legal counsel have reviewed the probable outcome of any proceedings that were pending during the period covered by this report, the costs and expenses reasonably expected to be incurred, the availability and limits of the Company’s insurance coverage, and the Company’s established liabilities. While the outcome of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, based on the Company’s review, the Company believes that any unrecorded liability that may result as a result of any legal proceedings is not likely to have a material effect on the Company’s liquidity, financial condition or results from operations.
 
Item 1A - Risk Factors.
 
In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 (the “2015 Annual Report”), which could materially affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.
 
The risk factors have not materially changed as of September 30, 2016 from those disclosed in the 2015 Annual Report. However, it is important to note that the risks described in our 2015 Annual Report are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may eventually prove to materially adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.
 
Item 2 - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
 
(a) – (b) Not applicable
 
(c)
 
 
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
 
 
(a)
 
 
(b)
 
 
(c)
 
 
(d)
 
Period
 
Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased
 
 
Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)
 
 
Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
 
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
 
Month #1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
July 2016
  2,000 
 $8.06 
  2,000 
 $128,029 
Month #2
    
    
    
    
August 2016
  10,301 
 $8.02 
  10,301 
 $295,390 
Month #3
    
    
    
    
September 2016
  7,933 
 $8.05 
  7,933 
 $231,557 
Total
  20,234 
 $8.04 
  20,234 
 $231,557 
 
 
18
 
 
Item 2 - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds. - continued
 
In November of 2015 the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) approved a program to repurchase common stock of the Company. Under the November 2015 Board action, the Company funded a plan to repurchase up to $250,000 of our common stock through the open market. On April 25, 2016, the Board approved allocating additional funds to increase the plan balance back to the $250,000 level and additionally approved the repurchase of up to $100,000 of the Company’s common stock from private parties. On August 29, 2016 the Board approved adding an additional $250,000 to the plan. This plan is intended to remain in place until all funding for the plan is depleted or the plan is expanded or terminated by the Board. As of September 30, 2016, $279,168 remained unspent under this plan.
 
Item 3 - Defaults upon Senior Securities.
 
None.
 
Item 4 - Mine Safety Disclosures.
 
Not applicable.
 
Item 5 – Other Information.
 
None.
 
Item 6 – Exhibits.
 
3.1
Articles of Incorporation of Willamette Valley Vineyards, Inc. (incorporated by reference from the Company's Regulation A Offering Statement on Form 1-A, File No. 24S-2996)
 
3.2
Articles of Amendment, dated August 22, 2000 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2008, filed August 14, 2008, File No. 000-21522)
 
3.3
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Willamette Valley Vineyards, Inc. (incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 20, 2015 [File No. 001-37610])
 
 
 
 
 
101
The following financial information from the Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, furnished electronically herewith, and formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Balance Sheets, (ii) Statements of Operations; (iii) Statements of Cash Flows; and (iv) Notes to Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text. (Filed herewith).
 
 
 
19
 
 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS, INC.
 
 
Date: November 10, 2016
By:  
/s/ James W. Bernau
 
 
 
James W. Bernau
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
Date: November 10, 2016
By:  
/s/ Richard F. Goward Jr.
 
 
 
Richard F. Goward Jr.
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)  
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
20