UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

x

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended May 31, 2009, or

 

o

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the Transition period for _________ to _________.

 

Commission file number: 0-27446

 

LANDEC CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


 

 

 

Delaware

 

94-3025618

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(IRS Employer

incorporation or organization)

 

Identification Number)

 

3603 Haven Avenue

Menlo Park, California 94025

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(650) 306-1650

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered


 


Common Stock

 

The NASDAQ Global Select Stock Market

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

(Title of Class)


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes o  No x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes o  No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the 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 x  No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes o  No o

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Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x

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 definition of “large accelerated filer” and “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

 

Large Accelerated Filer o

Accelerated Filer x

Non Accelerated Filer o

Smaller Reporting Company o

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

Yes o  No x

The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was approximately $168,803,000 as of November 30, 2008, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, based upon the closing sales price on The NASDAQ Global Select Market reported for such date. Shares of Common Stock held by each officer and director and by each person who owns 10% or more of the outstanding Common Stock have been excluded from such calculation in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

As of July 20, 2009, there were 26,347,140 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement relating to its October 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders which statement will be filed not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report, are incorporated by reference in Part III hereof.

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LANDEC CORPORATION
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item No.

 

Description

 

Page


 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Part I

 

 

 

1.

Business

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1A.

Risk Factors

15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

Properties

22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

Legal Proceedings

22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part II

 

 

 

5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.

Selected Financial Data

24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

40

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

40

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

40

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9A.

Controls and Procedures

41

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9B.

Other Information

42

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part III

 

 

10.

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

43

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.

Executive Compensation

43

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

43

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

43

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

43

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part IV

 

 

15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

44

 

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PART I

Item 1.   Business

          This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Words such as “projected,” “expects,” “believes,” “intends” and “assumes” and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are made based upon current expectations and projections about our business and assumptions made by our management and are not guarantees of future performance, nor do we assume any obligation to update such forward-looking statements after the date this report is filed. Our actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements for many reasons, including the risk factors listed in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” and the factors discussed below.

General

          Landec Corporation and its subsidiaries (“Landec” or the “Company”) design, develop, manufacture and sell temperature-activated and other specialty polymer products for a variety of food products, agricultural products, and licensed partner applications. The Company’s proprietary polymer technology is the foundation, and a key differentiating advantage, upon which Landec has built its business.

          In 2006, Landec sold its direct marketing and sales seed company, Fielder’s Choice Direct (“FCD”), which included the Fielder’s Choice Direct® and Heartland Hybrid® brands, to American Seeds, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Monsanto Company (“Monsanto”). Subsequent to the sale of FCD, Landec now has three core businesses – Food Products Technology, Commodity Trading and Technology Licensing, each of which is described below. Financial information concerning the industry segments for which the Company reported its operations during fiscal years 2007, 2008 and 2009 is summarized in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

          Our Food Products Technology business is operated through a subsidiary, Apio, Inc. (“Apio”), and combines our proprietary food packaging technology with the capabilities of a large national food supplier and value-added produce processor. Value-added processing uses Landec’s proprietary BreatheWay® packaging technology to package produce that is processed by washing, and in some cases cutting and mixing, resulting in packaged produce that achieves increased shelf life and reduced shrink (waste) and eliminates the need for ice during the distribution cycle.

          Our Commodity Trading business is operated through Apio and combines Apio’s export company, Cal Ex Trading Company (“Cal-Ex”), with Apio’s domestic buy-sell commodity business that purchases and sells whole fruit and vegetable products to Asia and domestically to Wal-Mart.

          Our Technology Licensing business includes our proprietary Intellicoat® seed coating technology which we have licensed to Monsanto and our Intelimer® polymer business that licenses and/or supplies products outside of our Food Products Technology and our Commodity Trading businesses to companies such as Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (“Air Products”) and Nitta Corporation (“Nitta”).

          Our core polymer products are based on its patented proprietary Intelimer polymers, which differ from other polymers in that they can be customized to abruptly change their physical characteristics when heated or cooled through a pre-set temperature switch. For instance, Intelimer polymers can change within the range of one or two degrees Celsius from a non-adhesive state to a highly tacky, adhesive state; from an impermeable state to a highly permeable state; or from a solid state to a viscous liquid state. These abrupt changes are repeatedly reversible and can be tailored by Landec to occur at specific temperatures, thereby offering substantial competitive advantages in the Company’s target markets.

          We were incorporated in California on October 31, 1986 and reincorporated as a Delaware corporation on November 6, 2008. Our common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “LNDC”.

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Technology Overview

          Polymers are important and versatile materials found in many of the products of modern life. Certain polymers, such as cellulose and natural rubber, occur in nature. Man-made or synthetic polymers include nylon fibers used in carpeting and clothing, coatings used in paints and finishes, plastics such as polyethylene, and elastomers used in automobile tires and latex gloves. Historically, synthetic polymers have been designed and developed primarily for improved mechanical and thermal properties, such as strength and the ability to withstand high temperatures. Improvements in these and other properties and the ease of manufacturing synthetic polymers have allowed these materials to replace wood, metal and natural fibers in many applications over the last 50 years. More recently, scientists have focused their efforts on identifying and developing sophisticated polymers with novel properties for a variety of commercial applications.

          Landec’s Intelimer polymers are a proprietary class of synthetic polymeric materials that respond to temperature changes in a controllable, predictable way. Typically, polymers gradually change in adhesion, permeability and viscosity over broad temperature ranges. Landec’s Intelimer materials, in contrast, can be designed to exhibit abrupt changes in permeability, adhesion and/or viscosity over temperature ranges as narrow as 1°C to 2°C. These changes can be designed to occur at relatively low temperatures (0°C to 100°C) that are relatively easy to maintain in industrial and commercial environments. Figure 1 illustrates the effect of temperature on Intelimer materials as compared to typical polymers.

(GRAPH)

          Landec’s proprietary polymer technology is based on the structure and phase behavior of Intelimer materials. The abrupt thermal transitions of specific Intelimer materials are achieved through the controlled use of hydrocarbon side chains that are attached to a polymer backbone. Below a pre-determined switch temperature, the polymer’s side chains align through weak hydrophobic interactions resulting in a crystalline structure. When this side chain crystallizable polymer is heated to, or above, this switch temperature, these interactions are disrupted and the polymer is transformed into an amorphous, viscous state. Because this transformation involves a physical and not a chemical change, this process is repeatedly reversible. Landec can set the polymer switch temperature anywhere between 0°C to 100°C by varying the length of the side chains. The reversible transitions between crystalline and amorphous states are illustrated in Figure 2 below.

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(GRAPHIC)

          Side chain crystallizable polymers were first discovered by academic researchers in the mid-1950’s. These polymers were initially considered to be merely of scientific curiosity from a polymer physics perspective, and, to the Company’s knowledge, no significant commercial applications were pursued. In the mid-1980’s, Dr. Ray Stewart, the Company’s founder, became interested in the idea of using the temperature-activated permeability properties of these polymers to deliver various materials such as catalysts and pesticides. After forming Landec in 1986, Dr. Stewart subsequently discovered broader utility for these polymers. After several years of basic research, commercial development efforts began in the early 1990’s, resulting in initial products in mid-1994.

          Landec’s Intelimer materials are generally synthesized from long side-chain acrylic monomers that are derived primarily from natural materials such as coconut and palm oils that are highly purified and designed to be manufactured economically through known synthetic processes. These acrylic-monomer raw materials are then polymerized by Landec leading to many different side-chain crystallizable polymers whose properties vary depending upon the initial materials and the synthetic process. Intelimer materials can be made into many different forms, including films, coatings, microcapsules and discrete forms.

Trademarks

          Intelimer®, Apio®, Eat Smart®, BreatheWay®, Intellicoat®, Early Plant®, Pollinator Plus®, and Relay™ Cropping are the trademarks or registered trademarks of the Company in the United States and other countries. This Annual Report on Form 10-K also refers to the trademarks of other companies.

Description of Core Business

          Landec participates in three core business segments– Food Products Technology, Commodity Trading and Technology Licensing.

(FLOW CHART)

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Food Products Technology Business

          The Company began marketing its proprietary Intelimer-based BreatheWay membranes in 1996 for use in the fresh-cut produce packaging market, one of the fastest growing segments in the produce industry. Landec’s proprietary BreatheWay packaging technology when combined with fresh-cut or whole produce results in packaged produce with increased shelf life and reduced shrink (waste) without the need for ice during the distribution cycle. The resulting products are referred to as “value-added” products. In 1999, the Company acquired Apio, its then largest customer in the Food Products Technology business and one of the nation’s leading marketers and packers of produce and specialty packaged fresh-cut vegetables. Apio utilizes state-of-the-art fresh-cut produce processing technology and year-round access to specialty packaged produce products which Apio distributes to the top U.S. retail grocery chains, major club stores and the foodservice industry. The Company’s proprietary BreatheWay packaging business has been combined with Apio into a subsidiary that retains the Apio name. This vertical integration within the Food Products Technology business gives Landec direct access to the large and growing fresh-cut and whole produce market.

The Technology and Market Opportunity: Proprietary BreatheWay Packaging Technology

          Certain types of fresh-cut and whole produce can spoil or discolor rapidly when packaged in conventional packaging materials and are therefore limited in their ability to be distributed broadly to markets. The Company’s proprietary BreatheWay packaging technology extends the shelf life and quality of fresh-cut and whole produce.

          Fresh-cut produce is pre-washed, cut and packaged in a form that is ready to use by the consumer and is thus typically sold at premium price levels compared to unpackaged produce. The total U.S. fresh produce market is estimated to be $100 billion to $120 billion. Of this, U.S. retail sales of fresh-cut produce is estimated to comprise 10% of the fresh produce market. The Company believes that the growth of this market has been driven by consumer demand and the willingness to pay for convenience, freshness, uniform quality, safety and nutritious produce delivered to the point of sale.

          Although fresh-cut produce companies have had success in the salad market, the industry has been slow to diversify into other fresh-cut vegetables or fruits due primarily to limitations in film and plastic tray materials used to package fresh-cut produce. After harvesting, vegetables and fruit continue to respire, consuming oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. Too much or too little oxygen can result in premature spoilage and decay and, in some cases, promote the growth of microorganisms that jeopardize inherent food safety. Conventional packaging films used today, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, can be made with modest permeability to oxygen and carbon dioxide, but often do not provide the optimal atmosphere for the produce packaged. Shortcomings of conventional packaging materials have not significantly hindered the growth in the fresh-cut salad market because lettuce, unlike many vegetables and fruit, has low respiration requirements.

          The respiration rate of produce varies from vegetable-to-vegetable and from fruit-to-fruit. The challenge facing the industry is to develop packaging for the high respiring, high value and shelf life sensitive vegetable and fruit markets. The Company believes that today’s conventional packaging films face numerous challenges in adapting to meet the diversification of pre-cut vegetables and fruit evolving in the industry without compromising shelf life and produce quality. To mirror the growth experienced in the fresh-cut salad market, the markets for high respiring vegetables and fruit such as broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, papayas, bananas and berries requires a more versatile and sophisticated packaging solution for which the Company’s BreatheWay packaging technology was developed.

          The respiration rate of produce also varies with temperature. As temperature increases, produce generally respires at a higher rate, which accelerates the aging process, resulting in shortened shelf life and increased potential for decay, spoilage, and loss of texture and dehydration. As produce is transported from the processing plant to the refrigerated distribution chain to foodservice locations, retail grocery stores and club stores, and finally to the ultimate consumer, temperatures can fluctuate significantly. Therefore, temperature control is a constant challenge in preserving the quality of fresh-cut and whole produce — a challenge for which few current packaging films can compensate. The Company believes that its temperature-responsive BreatheWay packaging technology is well suited to the challenges of the produce distribution process.

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          Using its Intelimer polymer technology, Landec has developed packaging technology that it believes addresses many of the shortcomings of conventional packaging materials. A membrane is applied over a small cutout section or an aperture of a flexible film bag or plastic tray. This highly permeable “window” acts as the mechanism to provide the majority of the gas transmission requirements for the entire package. These membranes are designed to provide three principal benefits:

 

 

High Permeability. Landec’s BreatheWay packaging technology is designed to permit transmission of oxygen and carbon dioxide at 300 times the rate of conventional packaging films. The Company believes that these higher permeability levels will facilitate the packaging diversity required to market many types of fresh-cut and whole produce.

 

 

Ability to Adjust Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Permeability. BreatheWay packaging can be tailored with carbon dioxide to oxygen transfer ratios ranging from 1.0 to 12.0 and selectively transmit oxygen and carbon dioxide at optimum rates to sustain the quality and shelf life of packaged produce.

 

 

Temperature Responsiveness. Landec has developed breathable membranes that can be designed to increase or decrease permeability in response to environmental temperature changes. The Company has developed packaging that responds to higher oxygen requirements at elevated temperatures but is also reversible, and returns to its original state as temperatures decline. The temperature responsiveness of these membranes allows ice to be removed from the distribution system which results in numerous benefits. These benefits include (1) a substantial decrease in freight cost, (2) reduced risk of contaminated produce because ice can be a carrier of micro organisms, (3) the elimination of expensive waxed cartons that cannot be recycled, and (4) the potential decrease in work related accidents due to melted ice.

          Landec believes that growth of the overall produce market will be driven by the increasing demand for the convenience of fresh-cut produce. This demand will in turn require packaging that facilitates the quality and shelf life of produce transported to fresh-cut distributors in bulk and pallet quantities. The Company believes that in the future its BreatheWay packaging technology will be useful for packaging a diverse variety of fresh-cut and whole produce products. Potential opportunities for using Landec’s technology outside of the produce market exist in cut flowers and in other food products.

          Landec is working with leaders in the club store, retail grocery chain and foodservice markets. The Company believes it will have growth opportunities for the next several years through new customers and products in the United States, expansion of its existing customer relationships, and through export and shipments of specialty packaged produce.

          Landec manufactures its BreatheWay packaging through selected qualified contract manufacturers. In addition to using BreatheWay packaging for its value-added produce business, the Company markets and sells BreatheWay packaging directly to food distributors.

The Business: Food Products Technology

          Our Food Products Technology business, operated through our Apio subsidiary, had revenues of approximately $168 million for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009, $171 million for the fiscal year ended May 25, 2008 and $156 million for the fiscal year ended May 27, 2007.

          Based in Guadalupe, California, Apio’s primary business related to specialty packaged fresh-cut and whole value-added processed products that are washed and packaged in our proprietary BreatheWay packaging. The fresh-cut value-added processed products business markets a variety of fresh-cut and whole vegetables to the top retail grocery chains, club stores and foodservice suppliers. During the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009, Apio shipped nearly sixteen million cartons of produce to leading supermarket retailers, wholesalers, food service suppliers and club stores throughout North America, primarily in the United States.

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          There are four major distinguishing characteristics of Apio that provide competitive advantages in the Food Products Technology market:

 

 

Value-Added Supplier: Apio has structured its business as a marketer and seller of fresh-cut and whole value-added produce. It is focused on selling products under its Eat Smart® brand and other brands for its fresh-cut and whole value-added products. As retail grocery and club store chains consolidate, Apio is well positioned as a single source of a broad range of products.

 

 

Reduced Farming Risks: Apio reduces its farming risk by not taking ownership of farmland, and instead, contracts with growers for produce. The year-round sourcing of produce is a key component to the fresh-cut and whole value-added processing business.

 

 

Lower Cost Structure: Apio has strategically invested in the rapidly growing fresh-cut and whole value-added business. Apio’s 96,000 square foot value-added processing plant is automated with state-of-the-art vegetable processing equipment. Virtually all of Apio’s value-added products utilize Apio’s proprietary BreatheWay packaging technology. Apio’s strategy is to operate one large central processing facility in one of California’s largest, lowest cost growing regions (Santa Maria Valley) and use packaging technology to allow for the nationwide delivery of fresh produce products.

 

 

Expanded Product Line Using Technology: Apio, through the use of its BreatheWay packaging technology, is introducing on average fifteen new value-added products each year. These new product offerings range from various sizes of fresh-cut bagged products, to vegetable trays, to whole produce, to vegetable salads and snack packs. During the last twelve months, Apio has introduced 13 new products.

          Apio established its Apio Packaging division in 2005 to advance the sales of BreatheWay packaging technology for shelf-life sensitive vegetables and fruit.

          Apio Packaging’s first program has concentrated on bananas and was formally consummated when Apio entered into an agreement to supply Chiquita Brands International, Inc. (“Chiquita”) with its proprietary banana packaging technology on a worldwide basis for the ripening, conservation and shelf-life extension of bananas for most applications on an exclusive basis and for other applications on a non-exclusive basis. In addition, Apio provides Chiquita with ongoing research and development and process technology support for the BreatheWay membranes and bags, and technical service support throughout the customer chain in order to assist in the development and market acceptance of the technology.

          For its part, Chiquita provides marketing, distribution and retail sales support for Chiquita® bananas sold worldwide in BreatheWay packaging. To maintain the exclusive license, Chiquita must meet quarterly minimum purchase thresholds of BreatheWay banana packages.

          The initial market focus for the BreatheWay banana packaging technology using Chiquita bananas has been commercial outlets that normally do not sell bananas because of their short shelf-life – outlets such as quick serve restaurants, convenience stores and coffee chain outlets.

          In fiscal year 2008, the Company expanded the use of its BreatheWay technology to avocados under an expanded licensing agreement with Chiquita. Commercial sales of avocados packaged in Landec’s BreatheWay packaging into the food service industry began late in fiscal year 2008 and market trials are currently underway for retail applications.

          The Company’s specialty packaging for case liner products reduces freight expense up to 50% for certain produce commodities by eliminating the weight and space consumed by ice. In addition to reducing the cost of freight, the removal of ice from the distribution system offers additional benefits as outlined above under the subheading “Temperature Responsiveness”.

          Product enhancements in the fresh-cut vegetable line include fresh-cut vegetable trays designed to look like they were freshly made in the retail grocery store or at home. The rectangular tray design is convenient for storage in consumers’ refrigerators and expands the Company’s wide-ranging vegetable tray line.

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          In May 2007, Apio entered into an 18-month research and development agreement with Natick Soldier Research, Development & Engineering Center, a branch of the U.S. Military, to develop commercial uses for Landec’s BreatheWay packaging technology within the U.S. Military by significantly increasing the shelf life of produce for overseas shipments. Apio is now an approved vendor for its BreatheWay packaging technology to the U.S. Military.

          In June 2008, Apio entered into a collaboration agreement with Seminis Vegetable Seeds, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Monsanto, to develop novel broccoli and cauliflower products for the exclusive sale by Apio in the North American market. These novel products will be packaged in Landec’s proprietary BreatheWay packaging and will be sold to retail grocery chains, club stores and the food service industry. Field trials for the initial target varieties began in the Fall of 2008.

          In addition, the Company has commercialized new lines of fresh cut vegetable side dishes, vegetable salads and vegetable snacks.

Commodity Trading Business

          Commodity Trading revenues consist of revenues generated from the purchase and sale of primarily whole commodity fruit and vegetable products to Asia through Apio’s export company, Cal-Ex, and from the purchase and sale of whole commodity fruit and vegetable products domestically to Wal-Mart. The Commodity Trading business is a buy/sell business that realizes a commission-based margin in the 5-6% range.

The Business: Commodity Trading

          Commodity Trading had revenues of approximately $61 million for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009, $60 million for the fiscal year ended May 25, 2008 and $50 million for the fiscal year ended May 27, 2007.

          Apio is uniquely positioned to benefit from the growth in export sales to Asia and other parts of the world over the next decade with Cal-Ex. Through Cal-Ex, Apio is currently one of the largest U.S. exporters of broccoli to Asia.

Technology Licensing Business

Seeds Business – Intellicoat Seed Coatings and Landec Ag

          Our Technology Licensing Business includes our seed coating subsidiary Landec Ag LLC (“Landec Ag”) which had revenues of $5.4 million for each of the fiscal years ended May 31, 2009 and May 25, 2008, and $2.8 million for the fiscal year ended May 27, 2007.

          Following the sale of FCD, Landec Ag’s strategy has been to work closely with Monsanto to further develop our patented, functional polymer coating technology for sale and/or licensing to the seed industry. In accordance with its license, supply and R&D agreement with Monsanto, Landec Ag is currently focused on commercializing products for the seed corn market and then plans to broaden the technology to other seed crop applications.

The Technology and Market Opportunity: Intellicoat Seed Coatings

          Landec’s Intellicoat seed coating applications are designed to control seed germination timing, increase crop yields, reduce risks and extend crop-planting windows. These coatings are currently available on hybrid corn, soybeans and male inbred corn used for seed production. In fiscal year 2000, Landec Ag launched its first commercial product, Pollinator Plus® coatings, which is a coating application used by seed companies as a method for spreading pollination to increase yields and reduce risk in the production of hybrid seed corn. There are approximately 650,000 acres of seed production in the United States and in 2009 Pollinator Plus was used by 18 seed companies on approximately 22% of the seed corn production acres in the U.S.

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          Monsanto announced last year that it formed a new business called the Seed Treatment Business which will allow Monsanto to develop its seed treatment requirements internally. The concept of seed treatments is to place an insecticide or fungicide directly onto the seed surface in order to protect the seed and the seedling as it emerges. Landec’s Intellicoat seed coating technology could be an integral and proprietary part of Monsanto’s commitment to building a major position in seed treatments worldwide by using Landec’s seed coatings as a “carrier” of insecticides/fungicides which can be dispensed at the appropriate time based on time or soil temperature. During fiscal year 2009 we have focused on validating the use of Landec’s coating technology for these applications.

Landec Ag – Sale of FCD

          Landec received $50 million in cash paid at the close for its sale of FCD in December 2006. During fiscal year 2007, Landec recorded income from the sale, net of direct expenses and bonuses, of $22.7 million. The income that was recorded was equal to the difference between the fair value of FCD of $40 million and its net book value, less direct selling expenses and bonuses. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the portion of the $50 million of proceeds in excess of the fair value of FCD, or $10 million, is being allocated to the technology license agreement described below and recognized as revenue ratably over the five year term of the technology license agreement or $2 million per year beginning December 2006. The fair value of FCD was determined by management.

          In December 2006, Landec also entered into a five-year co-exclusive technology license and polymer supply agreement (“the Agreement”) with Monsanto for the use of Landec’s Intellicoat polymer seed coating technology. Under the terms of the Agreement, Monsanto has agreed to pay Landec Ag $2.6 million per year in exchange for (1) a co-exclusive right to use Landec’s Intellicoat temperature activated seed coating technology worldwide during the license period, (2) the right to be the exclusive global sales and marketing agent for the Intellicoat seed coating technology, and (3) the right to purchase the technology any time during the five year term of the Agreement. Monsanto has also agreed to fund all operating costs, including all Intellicoat research and development, product development and non-replacement capital costs during the five year agreement period. For each of the fiscal years ended May 31, 2009 and May 25, 2008 Landec recognized $5.4 million in revenues and income from the Agreement and for the fiscal year ended May 27, 2007 Landec recognized $2.7 million in revenues and income from the Agreement.

          The Agreement also provides for a fee payable to Landec Ag of $4 million if Monsanto elects to terminate the Agreement or $10 million, amended from $8 million in May 2009, if Monsanto elects to purchase Landec Ag. If the purchase option is exercised before the fifth anniversary of the Agreement, or if Monsanto elects to terminate the Agreement, all annual license fees and supply payments that have not been paid to Landec Ag will become due upon the purchase or termination. If Monsanto does not exercise its purchase option by the fifth anniversary of the Intellicoat agreement, Landec Ag will receive the termination fee and all rights to the Intellicoat seed coating technology will revert to Landec. Accordingly, we will receive aggregate minimum guaranteed payments of $17 million for license fees and polymer supply payments over five years or $23 million in aggregate maximum payments if Monsanto elects to purchase Landec Ag. The minimum guaranteed payments and the deferred gain of $2 million per year described above will result in Landec recognizing revenue and operating income of $5.4 million per year for fiscal years 2008 through 2011 and $2.7 million per year for fiscal years 2007 and 2012. The incremental $6 million to be received in the event Monsanto exercises the purchase option has been deferred and will be recognized upon the exercise of the purchase option. The fair value of the purchase option was determined by management to be less than the amount of the deferred revenue.

          If Monsanto elects to purchase Landec Ag, a gain or loss on the sale of Landec Ag will be recognized at the time of purchase. If Monsanto exercises its purchase option, we expect to enter into a new long-term supply agreement with Monsanto pursuant to which Landec would continue to be the exclusive supplier of Intellicoat polymer materials to Monsanto.

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Non-Seeds Business

          We believe our technology has commercial potential in a wide range of industrial, consumer and medical applications beyond those identified in our core businesses. For example, our core patented technology, Intelimer materials, can be used to trigger catalysts, insecticides or fragrances just by changing the temperature of the Intelimer materials or to activate adhesives through controlled temperature change. In order to exploit these opportunities, we have entered into and will enter into licensing and collaborative corporate agreements for product development and/or distribution in certain fields. However, given the infrequency and unpredictability of when the Company may enter into any such licensing and research and development arrangements, the Company is unable to disclose its financial expectations in advance of entering into such arrangements.

Industrial Materials and Adhesives

          Landec’s industrial product development strategy is to focus on coatings, catalysts, resins, additives and adhesives in the polymer materials market. During the product development stage, the Company identifies corporate partners to support the ongoing development and testing of these products, with the ultimate goal of licensing the applications at the appropriate time.

Intelimer Polymer Systems

          Landec has developed latent catalysts useful in extending pot-life, extending shelf life, reducing waste and improving thermoset cure methods. Some of these latent catalysts are currently being distributed by Akzo-Nobel Chemicals B.V. through our licensing agreement with Air Products. The Company has also developed Intelimer polymer materials useful in enhancing the formulating options for various personal care products. The rights to develop and sell Landec’s latent catalysts and personal care technologies were licensed to Air Products in March 2006.

Personal Care and Cosmetic Applications

          Landec’s personal care and cosmetic applications strategy is focused on supplying Intelimer materials to industry leaders for use in lotions and creams, and potentially color cosmetics, lipsticks and hair care. The Company’s partner, Air Products, is currently shipping products to L’Oreal for use in lotions and creams. To date, the sales of Landec materials used in L’Oreal products have not been material to the Company’s financial results

Medical Applications

          In December 2005, Landec entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Aesthetic Sciences Corporation (“Aesthetic Sciences”). Aesthetic Sciences paid Landec an upfront license fee of $250,000 for the exclusive rights to use Landec’s Intelimer materials technology for the development of dermal fillers worldwide. Landec will also receive royalties on the sale of products incorporating Landec’s technology. In addition, the Company has received shares of preferred stock valued at $1.8 million which as of May 31, 2009 represented a 17.3% ownership interest in Aesthetic Sciences. At this time, the Company is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of the collaboration with Aesthetic Sciences and the timing or amount of future revenues, if any. For additional discussion of the Aesthetic Sciences investment, see Note 1, subheading “Investment in Non-Public Company” and Note 3, “License Agreements” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Sales and Marketing

          Each of the Company’s core businesses are supported by dedicated sales and marketing resources. The Company intends to develop its internal sales capacity as more products progress toward commercialization and as business volume expands geographically. During fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, sales to the Company’s top five customers accounted for approximately 46%, 47% and 50%, respectively, of its revenues, with the top customer, Costco Wholesale Corp., accounting for approximately 21%, 20% and 21%, respectively, of the Company’s revenues.

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Apio

          Apio has 17 sales people, located in central California and throughout the U.S., supporting the export business and the specialty packaged value-added produce business.

Seasonality

          The Company’s sales are moderately seasonal. Prior to the sale of FCD, Landec Ag revenues and profits were concentrated over a few months during the spring planting season (generally during the Company’s third and fourth fiscal quarters). In addition, the Food Products Technology business can be heavily affected by seasonal weather factors which have impacted quarterly results, such as high cost of sourcing product in June/July 2006 and January 2007 due to a shortage of essential value-added produce items. The Commodity Trading business also typically recognized a much higher percentage of its revenues and profit during the first half of Landec’s fiscal year compared to the second half.

Manufacturing and Processing

Food Products Technology Business

          The manufacturing process for the Company’s proprietary BreatheWay packaging products is comprised of polymer manufacturing, membrane manufacturing and label package conversion. A third party toll manufacturer currently makes virtually all of the polymers for the BreatheWay packaging. Select outside contractors currently manufacture the breathable membranes and Landec has transitioned virtually all of the label package conversion to Apio’s Guadalupe facility to meet the increasing product demand and to provide additional developmental capabilities.

          Apio processes virtually all of its fresh-cut value-added products in its state-of-the-art processing facility located in Guadalupe, California. Cooling of produce is done through third parties and Apio Cooling LP, a separate consolidated subsidiary in which Apio has a 60% ownership interest and is the general partner.

Technology Licensing Business

          The Company performs its batch coating operations in a leased facility in Oxford, Indiana. This facility is being used to coat other seed companies’ inbred seed corn with the Company’s Pollinator Plus seed corn coatings.

          The Company has a pilot manufacturing facility in Indiana to support process development, scale-up and commercialization of the Company’s seed coating programs. This facility utilizes a continuous coating process that has increased seed coating capabilities by over tenfold compared to the previous system using batch coaters.

General

          Many of the raw materials used in manufacturing certain of the Company’s products are currently purchased from a single source, including certain monomers used to synthesize Intelimer polymers and substrate materials for the Company’s breathable membranes. Upon manufacturing scale-up of seed coating operations, the Company may enter into alternative supply arrangements. Although to date the Company has not experienced difficulty acquiring materials for the manufacture of its products, no assurance can be given that interruptions in supplies will not occur in the future, that the Company will be able to obtain substitute vendors, or that the Company will be able to procure comparable materials at similar prices and terms within a reasonable time. Any such interruption of supply could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to manufacture and distribute its products and, consequently, could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, operating results and financial condition.

Research and Development

          Landec is focusing its research and development resources on both existing and new applications of its Intelimer technology. Expenditures for research and development for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2009, May 25, 2008 and May 27, 2007 were $3.7 million, $3.3 million and $3.1 million, respectively. Research and development expenditures funded by corporate or governmental partners were $152,000 for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009,

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$418,000 for the fiscal year ended May 25, 2008 and $661,000 for the fiscal year ended May 27, 2007. The Company may continue to seek funds for applied materials research programs from U.S. government agencies as well as from commercial entities. The Company anticipates that it will continue to have significant research and development expenditures in order to maintain its competitive position with a continuing flow of innovative, high-quality products and services. As of May 31, 2009, Landec had 24 employees engaged in research and development with experience in polymer and analytical chemistry, product application, product formulation, mechanical and chemical engineering.

Competition

          The Company operates in highly competitive and rapidly evolving fields, and new developments are expected to continue at a rapid pace. Competition from large food packaging and agricultural companies is intense. In addition, the nature of the Company’s collaborative arrangements and its technology licensing business may result in its corporate partners and licensees becoming competitors of the Company. Many of these competitors have substantially greater financial and technical resources and production and marketing capabilities than the Company, and many have substantially greater experience in conducting field trials, obtaining regulatory approvals and manufacturing and marketing commercial products. There can be no assurance that these competitors will not succeed in developing alternative technologies and products that are more effective, easier to use or less expensive than those which have been or are being developed by the Company or that would render the Company’s technology and products obsolete and non-competitive.

Patents and Proprietary Rights

          The Company’s success depends in large part on its ability to obtain patents, maintain trade secret protection and operate without infringing on the proprietary rights of third parties. The Company has had 36 U.S. patents issued of which 29 remain active as of May 31, 2009 with expiration dates ranging from 2010 to 2023. The Company’s issued patents include claims relating to compositions, devices and use of a class of temperature sensitive polymers that exhibit distinctive properties of permeability, adhesion and viscosity control. There can be no assurance that any of the pending patent applications will be approved, that the Company will develop additional proprietary products that are patentable, that any patents issued to the Company will provide the Company with competitive advantages or will not be challenged by any third parties or that the patents of others will not prevent the commercialization of products incorporating the Company’s technology. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that others will not independently develop similar products, duplicate any of the Company’s products or design around the Company’s patents. Any of the foregoing results could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, operating results and financial condition.

          The commercial success of the Company will also depend, in part, on its ability to avoid infringing patents issued to others. The Company has received, and may in the future receive, from third parties, including some of its competitors, notices claiming that it is infringing third party patents or other proprietary rights. If the Company were determined to be infringing any third-party patent, the Company could be required to pay damages, alter its products or processes, obtain licenses or cease certain activities. In addition, if patents are issued to others which contain claims that compete or conflict with those of the Company and such competing or conflicting claims are ultimately determined to be valid, the Company may be required to pay damages, to obtain licenses to these patents, to develop or obtain alternative technology or to cease using such technology. If the Company is required to obtain any licenses, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to do so on commercially favorable terms, if at all. The Company’s failure to obtain a license to any technology that it may require to commercialize its products could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, operating results and financial condition.

          Litigation, which could result in substantial costs to the Company, may also be necessary to enforce any patents issued or licensed to the Company or to determine the scope and validity of third-party proprietary rights. If competitors of the Company prepare and file patent applications in the United States that claim technology also claimed by the Company, the Company may have to participate in interference proceedings declared by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to determine priority of invention, which could result in substantial cost to and diversion of effort by the Company, even if the eventual outcome is favorable to the Company. Any such litigation or interference proceeding, regardless of outcome, could be expensive and time consuming and could subject the Company to significant liabilities to third parties, require disputed rights to be licensed from third parties or require the Company to cease using such

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technology and consequently, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, operating results and financial condition.

          In addition to patent protection, the Company also relies on trade secrets, proprietary know-how and technological advances which the Company seeks to protect, in part, by confidentiality agreements with its collaborators, employees and consultants. There can be no assurance that these agreements will not be breached, that the Company will have adequate remedies for any breach, or that the Company’s trade secrets and proprietary know-how will not otherwise become known or be independently discovered by others.

Employees

          As of May 31, 2009, Landec had 110 full-time employees, of whom 57 were dedicated to research, development, manufacturing, quality control and regulatory affairs and 53 were dedicated to sales, marketing and administrative activities. Landec intends to recruit additional personnel in connection with the development, manufacturing and marketing of its products. None of Landec’s employees is represented by a union, and Landec believes its relationship with its employees is good.

Available Information

          Landec’s Web site is http://www.landec.com. Landec makes available free of charge its annual, quarterly and current reports, and any amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing such reports with the SEC. Information contained on our website is not part of this Report.

Item 1A.   Risk Factors

          Landec desires to take advantage of the “Safe Harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and of Section 21E and Rule 3b-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Specifically, Landec wishes to alert readers that the following important factors could in the future affect, and in the past have affected, Landec’s actual results and could cause Landec’s results for future periods to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of Landec. Landec assumes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements.

The United States’ Economy is Currently Undergoing a Period of Slowdown and Unprecedented Volatility, Which May Have an Adverse Effect on Our Business

          The U.S. and international economy and financial markets have experienced significant slowdown and volatility due to uncertainties related to the availability of credit, energy prices, difficulties in the banking and financial services sectors, softness in the housing market, severely diminished market liquidity, geopolitical conflicts, falling consumer confidence and rising unemployment rates. This slowdown has and could further lead to reduced demand for our products, which in turn, would reduce our revenues and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In particular, the slowdown and volatility in the global markets have resulted in softer demand and more conservative purchasing decisions by customers, including a tendency toward lower-priced products, which could negatively impact our revenues, gross margins and results of operations. In addition to a reduction in sales, our profitability may decrease during downturns because we may not be able to reduce costs at the same rate as our sales decline. These slowdowns are expected to worsen if current economic conditions are prolonged or deteriorate further. We cannot predict the ultimate severity or length of the current economic crisis, or the timing or severity of future economic or industry downturns.

          Given the current unfavorable economic environment, our customers may have difficulties obtaining capital at adequate or historical levels to finance their ongoing business and operations, which could impair their ability to make timely payments to us. This may result in lower sales and/or additional inventory or bad debt expense for Landec. In addition to the impact of the economic downturn on our customers, some of our vendors and growers may experience a reduction in their availability of funds and cash flows, which could negatively impact their business as well as ours. A continuing or deepening downturn of the U.S. economy, including increased volatility in the credit markets, could

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adversely impact our customers’ and vendors’ ability or willingness to conduct business with us on the same terms or at the same levels as they have historically.

          We are unable to predict the likely duration and severity of the current disruption in the financial markets and adverse economic conditions in the U.S. and other countries and such conditions, if they persist or worsen, will further adversely impact our business, operating results, and financial condition. Further, these conditions and uncertainty about future economic conditions make it challenging for Landec to forecast its operating results, make business decisions, and identify the risks that may affect its business, sources and use of cash, financial condition and results of operations.

Our Future Operating Results Are Likely to Fluctuate Which May Cause Our Stock Price to Decline

          In the past, our results of operations have fluctuated significantly from quarter to quarter and are expected to continue to fluctuate in the future. Historically, Landec Ag has been the primary source of these fluctuations, as its revenues and profits were concentrated over a few months during the spring planting season (generally during our third and fourth fiscal quarters). In addition, Apio can be heavily affected by seasonal and weather factors which have impacted quarterly results, such as the high cost of sourcing product in June/July 2006 and January 2007 due to a shortage of essential value-added produce items. Our earnings may also fluctuate based on our ability to collect accounts receivables from customers and note receivables from growers and on price fluctuations in the fresh vegetables and fruits markets. Other factors that affect our food and/or agricultural operations include:

 

 

 

 

the seasonality of our supplies;

 

 

 

 

our ability to process produce during critical harvest periods;

 

 

 

 

the timing and effects of ripening;

 

 

 

 

the degree of perishability;

 

 

 

 

the effectiveness of worldwide distribution systems;

 

 

 

 

total worldwide industry volumes;

 

 

 

 

the seasonality of consumer demand;

 

 

 

 

foreign currency fluctuations; and

 

 

 

 

foreign importation restrictions and foreign political risks.

          As a result of these and other factors, we expect to continue to experience fluctuations in quarterly operating results.

We May Not Be Able to Achieve Acceptance of Our New Products in the Marketplace

          Our success in generating significant sales of our products will depend in part on the ability of us and our partners and licensees to achieve market acceptance of our new products and technology. The extent to which, and rate at which, we achieve market acceptance and penetration of our current and future products is a function of many variables including, but not limited to:

 

 

 

 

price;

 

 

 

 

safety;

 

 

 

 

efficacy;

 

 

 

 

reliability;

 

 

 

 

conversion costs;

 

 

 

 

marketing and sales efforts; and

 

 

 

 

general economic conditions affecting purchasing patterns.

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          We may not be able to develop and introduce new products and technologies in a timely manner or new products and technologies may not gain market acceptance. We are in the early stage of product commercialization of certain Intelimer-based specialty packaging, Intellicoat seed coatings and other Intelimer polymer products and many of our potential products are in development. We believe that our future growth will depend in large part on our ability to develop and market new products in our target markets and in new markets. In particular, we expect that our ability to compete effectively with existing food products, agricultural, industrial and medical companies will depend substantially on successfully developing, commercializing, achieving market acceptance of and reducing the cost of producing our products. In addition, commercial applications of our temperature switch polymer technology are relatively new and evolving. Our failure to develop new products or the failure of our new products to achieve market acceptance would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We Face Strong Competition in the Marketplace

          Competitors may succeed in developing alternative technologies and products that are more effective, easier to use or less expensive than those which have been or are being developed by us or that would render our technology and products obsolete and non-competitive. We operate in highly competitive and rapidly evolving fields, and new developments are expected to continue at a rapid pace. Competition from large food products, agricultural, industrial and medical companies is expected to be intense. In addition, the nature of our collaborative arrangements may result in our corporate partners and licensees becoming our competitors. Many of these competitors have substantially greater financial and technical resources and production and marketing capabilities than we do, and may have substantially greater experience in conducting clinical and field trials, obtaining regulatory approvals and manufacturing and marketing commercial products.

We Have a Concentration of Manufacturing in One Location for Apio and May Have to Depend on Third Parties to Manufacture Our Products

          Any disruptions in our primary manufacturing operation at Apio’s facility in Guadalupe, California would reduce our ability to sell our products and would have a material adverse effect on our financial results. Additionally, we may need to consider seeking collaborative arrangements with other companies to manufacture our products. If we become dependent upon third parties for the manufacture of our products, our profit margins and our ability to develop and deliver those products on a timely basis may be affected. Failures by third parties may impair our ability to deliver products on a timely basis and impair our competitive position. We may not be able to continue to successfully operate our manufacturing operations at acceptable costs, with acceptable yields, and retain adequately trained personnel.

Our Dependence on Single-Source Suppliers and Service Providers May Cause Disruption in Our Operations Should Any Supplier Fail to Deliver Materials

          We may experience difficulty acquiring materials or services for the manufacture of our products or we may not be able to obtain substitute vendors. We may not be able to procure comparable materials at similar prices and terms within a reasonable time. Several services that are provided to Apio are obtained from a single provider. Several of the raw materials we use to manufacture our products are currently purchased from a single source, including some monomers used to synthesize Intelimer polymers and substrate materials for our breathable membrane products. Any interruption of our relationship with single-source suppliers or service providers could delay product shipments and materially harm our business.

We May Be Unable to Adequately Protect Our Intellectual Property Rights

          We may receive notices from third parties, including some of our competitors, claiming infringement by our products of patent and other proprietary rights. Regardless of their merit, responding to any such claim could be time-consuming, result in costly litigation and require us to enter royalty and licensing agreements which may not be offered or available on terms acceptable to us. If a successful claim is made against us and we fail to develop or license a substitute technology, we could be required to alter our products or processes and our business, results of operations or financial position could be materially adversely affected. Our success depends in large part on our ability to obtain patents, maintain trade secret protection and operate without infringing on the proprietary rights of third parties. Any pending patent applications we file may not be approved and we may not be able to develop additional proprietary

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products that are patentable. Any patents issued to us may not provide us with competitive advantages or may be challenged by third parties. Patents held by others may prevent the commercialization of products incorporating our technology. Furthermore, others may independently develop similar products, duplicate our products or design around our patents.

Our Operations Are Subject to Regulations that Directly Impact Our Business

          Our food packaging products are subject to regulation under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (the “FDC Act”). Under the FDC Act, any substance that when used as intended may reasonably be expected to become, directly or indirectly, a component or otherwise affect the characteristics of any food may be regulated as a food additive unless the substance is generally recognized as safe. We believe that food packaging materials are generally not considered food additives by the FDA because these products are not expected to become components of food under their expected conditions of use. We consider our breathable membrane product to be a food packaging material not subject to regulation or approval by the FDA. We have not received any communication from the FDA concerning our breathable membrane product. If the FDA were to determine that our breathable membrane products are food additives, we may be required to submit a food additive petition for approval by the FDA. The food additive petition process is lengthy, expensive and uncertain. A determination by the FDA that a food additive petition is necessary would have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.

          Federal, state and local regulations impose various environmental controls on the use, storage, discharge or disposal of toxic, volatile or otherwise hazardous chemicals and gases used in some of the manufacturing processes. Our failure to control the use of, or to restrict adequately the discharge of, hazardous substances under present or future regulations could subject us to substantial liability or could cause our manufacturing operations to be suspended and changes in environmental regulations may impose the need for additional capital equipment or other requirements.

          Our agricultural operations are subject to a variety of environmental laws including, the Food Quality Protection Act of 1966, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. Compliance with these laws and related regulations is an ongoing process. Environmental concerns are, however, inherent in most agricultural operations, including those we conduct. Moreover, it is possible that future developments, such as increasingly strict environmental laws and enforcement policies could result in increased compliance costs.

          The Company is subject to the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (“PACA”) law. PACA regulates fair trade standards in the fresh produce industry and governs all the products sold by Apio. Our failure to comply with the PACA requirements could among other things, result in civil penalties, suspension or revocation of a license to sell produce, and in the most egregious cases, criminal prosecution, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Adverse Weather Conditions and Other Acts of God May Cause Substantial Decreases in Our Sales and/or Increases in Our Costs

          Our Food Products Technology business is subject to weather conditions that affect commodity prices, crop yields, and decisions by growers regarding crops to be planted. Crop diseases and severe conditions, particularly weather conditions such as floods, droughts, frosts, windstorms, earthquakes and hurricanes, may adversely affect the supply of vegetables and fruits used in our business, which could reduce the sales volumes and/or increase the unit production costs. Because a significant portion of the costs are fixed and contracted in advance of each operating year, volume declines due to production interruptions or other factors could result in increases in unit production costs which could result in substantial losses and weaken our financial condition.

We Depend on Strategic Partners and Licenses for Future Development

          Our strategy for development, clinical and field testing, manufacture, commercialization and marketing for some of our current and future products includes entering into various collaborations with corporate partners, licensees

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and others. We are dependent on our corporate partners to develop, test, manufacture and/or market some of our products. Although we believe that our partners in these collaborations have an economic motivation to succeed in performing their contractual responsibilities, the amount and timing of resources to be devoted to these activities are not within our control. Our partners may not perform their obligations as expected or we may not derive any additional revenue from the arrangements. Our partners may not pay any additional option or license fees to us or may not develop, market or pay any royalty fees related to products under the agreements. Moreover, some of the collaborative agreements provide that they may be terminated at the discretion of the corporate partner, and some of the collaborative agreements provide for termination under other circumstances. Our partners may pursue existing or alternative technologies in preference to our technology. Furthermore, we may not be able to negotiate additional collaborative arrangements in the future on acceptable terms, if at all, and our collaborative arrangements may not be successful.

Both Domestic and Foreign Government Regulations Can Have an Adverse Effect on Our Business Operations

          Our products and operations are subject to governmental regulation in the United States and foreign countries. The manufacture of our products is subject to periodic inspection by regulatory authorities. We may not be able to obtain necessary regulatory approvals on a timely basis or at all. Delays in receipt of or failure to receive approvals or loss of previously received approvals would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Although we have no reason to believe that we will not be able to comply with all applicable regulations regarding the manufacture and sale of our products and polymer materials, regulations are always subject to change and depend heavily on administrative interpretations and the country in which the products are sold. Future changes in regulations or interpretations relating to matters such as safe working conditions, laboratory and manufacturing practices, environmental controls, and disposal of hazardous or potentially hazardous substances may adversely affect our business.

          We are subject to USDA rules and regulations concerning the safety of the food products handled and sold by Apio, and the facilities in which they are packed and processed. Failure to comply with the applicable regulatory requirements can, among other things, result in:

 

 

 

 

fines, injunctions, civil penalties, and suspensions,

 

 

 

 

withdrawal of regulatory approvals,

 

 

 

 

product recalls and product seizures, including cessation of manufacturing and sales,

 

 

 

 

operating restrictions, and

 

 

 

 

criminal prosecution.

          We may be required to incur significant costs to comply with the laws and regulations in the future which may have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.

Our International Operations and Sales May Expose Our Business to Additional Risks

          For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009, approximately 30% of our total revenues were derived from product sales to international customers. A number of risks are inherent in international transactions. International sales and operations may be limited or disrupted by any of the following:

 

 

 

 

regulatory approval process,

 

 

 

 

government controls,

 

 

 

 

export license requirements,

 

 

 

 

political instability,

 

 

 

 

price controls,

 

 

 

 

trade restrictions,

 

 

 

 

changes in tariffs, or

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difficulties in staffing and managing international operations.

          Foreign regulatory agencies have or may establish product standards different from those in the United States, and any inability to obtain foreign regulatory approvals on a timely basis could have a material adverse effect on our international business, and our financial condition and results of operations. While our foreign sales are currently priced in dollars, fluctuations in currency exchange rates may reduce the demand for our products by increasing the price of our products in the currency of the countries to which the products are sold. Regulatory, geopolitical and other factors may adversely impact our operations in the future or require us to modify our current business practices.

Cancellations or Delays of Orders by Our Customers May Adversely Affect Our Business

          During the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009, sales to our top five customers accounted for approximately 46% of our revenues, with our largest customer, Costco Wholesale Corporation, accounting for approximately 21% of our revenues. We expect that, for the foreseeable future, a limited number of customers may continue to account for a substantial portion of our net revenues. We may experience changes in the composition of our customer base as we have experienced in the past. We do not have long-term purchase agreements with any of our customers. The reduction, delay or cancellation of orders from one or more major customers for any reason or the loss of one or more of our major customers could materially and adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. In addition, since some of the products processed by Apio at its Guadalupe, California facility are sole sourced to its customers, our operating results could be adversely affected if one or more of our major customers were to develop other sources of supply. Our current customers may not continue to place orders, orders by existing customers may be canceled or may not continue at the levels of previous periods or we may not be able to obtain orders from new customers.

Our Sale of Some Products May Increase Our Exposure to Product Liability Claims

          The testing, manufacturing, marketing, and sale of the products we develop involve an inherent risk of allegations of product liability. If any of our products were determined or alleged to be contaminated or defective or to have caused a harmful accident to an end-customer, we could incur substantial costs in responding to complaints or litigation regarding our products and our product brand image could be materially damaged. Either event may have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition. Although we have taken and intend to continue to take what we believe are appropriate precautions to minimize exposure to product liability claims, we may not be able to avoid significant liability. We currently maintain product liability insurance. While we believe the coverage and limits are consistent with industry standards, our coverage may not be adequate or may not continue to be available at an acceptable cost, if at all. A product liability claim, product recall or other claim with respect to uninsured liabilities or in excess of insured liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.

Our Stock Price May Fluctuate in Accordance with Market Conditions

          The following events may cause the market price of our common stock to fluctuate significantly:

 

 

 

 

technological innovations applicable to our products,

 

 

 

 

our attainment of (or failure to attain) milestones in the commercialization of our technology,

 

 

 

 

our development of new products or the development of new products by our competitors,

 

 

 

 

new patents or changes in existing patents applicable to our products,

 

 

 

 

our acquisition of new businesses or the sale or disposal of a part of our businesses,

 

 

 

 

development of new collaborative arrangements by us, our competitors or other parties,

 

 

 

 

changes in government regulations applicable to our business,

 

 

 

 

changes in investor perception of our business,

 

 

 

 

fluctuations in our operating results and

 

 

 

 

changes in the general market conditions in our industry.

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These broad fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

Our Controlling Stockholders Exert Significant Influence over Corporate Events that May Conflict with the Interests of Other Stockholders

          Our executive officers and directors and their affiliates own or control approximately 10% of our common stock (including options exercisable within 60 days). Accordingly, these officers, directors and stockholders may have the ability to exert significant influence over the election of our Board of Directors, the approval of amendments to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and the approval of mergers or other business combination transactions requiring stockholder approval. This concentration of ownership may have the effect of delaying or preventing a merger or other business combination transaction, even if the transaction or amendments would be beneficial to our other stockholders. In addition, our controlling stockholders may approve amendments to our certificate of incorporation or bylaws to implement anti-takeover or management friendly provisions that may not be beneficial to our other stockholders.

We May Be Exposed to Employment Related Claims and Costs that Could Materially Adversely Affect Our Business

          We have been subject in the past, and may be in the future, to claims by employees based on allegations of discrimination, negligence, harassment and inadvertent employment of illegal aliens or unlicensed personnel, and we may be subject to payment of workers’ compensation claims and other similar claims. We could incur substantial costs and our management could spend a significant amount of time responding to such complaints or litigation regarding employee claims, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.

We Are Dependent on Our Key Employees and if One or More of Them Were to Leave, We Could Experience Difficulties in Replacing Them and Our Operating Results Could Suffer

          The success of our business depends to a significant extent upon the continued service and performance of a relatively small number of key senior management, technical, sales, and marketing personnel. The loss of any of our key personnel would likely harm our business. In addition, competition for senior level personnel with knowledge and experience in our different lines of business is intense. If any of our key personnel were to leave, we would need to devote substantial resources and management attention to replace them. As a result, management attention may be diverted from managing our business, and we may need to pay higher compensation to replace these employees.

We May Issue Preferred Stock with Preferential Rights that Could Affect Your Rights

          Our Board of Directors has the authority, without further approval of our stockholders, to fix the rights and preferences, and to issue shares, of preferred stock. In November 1999, we issued and sold shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and in October 2001 we issued and sold shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. The Series A Convertible Preferred Stock was converted into 1,666,670 shares of Common Stock in November 2002 and the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock was converted into 1,744,102 shares of Common Stock in May 2004.

          The issuance of new shares of preferred stock could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire a majority of our outstanding stock, and the holders of such preferred stock could have voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights superior to those of holders of our Common Stock.

We Have Never Paid any Dividends on Our Common Stock

          We have not paid any cash dividends on our Common Stock since inception and do not expect to do so in the foreseeable future. Any dividends may be subject to preferential dividends payable on any preferred stock we may issue.

Our Profitability Could Be Materially and Adversely Affected if it Is Determined that the Book Value of Goodwill is Higher than Fair Value

          Our balance sheet includes an amount designated as “goodwill” that represents a portion of our assets and our stockholders’ equity. Goodwill arises when an acquirer pays more for a business than the fair value of the

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tangible and separately measurable intangible net assets. Under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, beginning in fiscal year 2002, the amortization of goodwill has been replaced with an “impairment test” which requires that we compare the fair value of goodwill to its book value at least annually and more frequently if circumstances indicate a possible impairment. If we determine at any time in the future that the book value of goodwill is higher than fair value then the difference must be written-off, which could materially and adversely affect our profitability.

1B.   Unresolved Staff Comments

          None.

Item 2.   Properties

          As of May 31, 2009, the Company owned or leased properties in Menlo Park, Arroyo Grande and Guadalupe, California; West Lebanon and Oxford, Indiana.

These properties are described below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location

 

Business
Segment

 

Ownership

 

Facilities

 

Acres
of
Land

 

Lease
Expiration

 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Menlo Park, CA

 

Technology Licensing

 

Leased

 

10,400 square feet of office and laboratory space

 

 

12/31/14

 

West Lebanon, IN

 

Technology Licensing

 

Owned

 

4,000 square feet of warehouse and manufacturing space

 

 

 

Oxford, IN

 

Technology Licensing

 

Leased

 

13,400 square feet of laboratory and manufacturing space

 

 

6/30/10

 

Guadalupe, CA

 

Food Products Technology

 

Owned

 

142,000 square feet of office space, manufacturing and cold storage

 

17.7

 

 

Arroyo Grande, CA

 

Commodity Trading

 

Leased

 

1,100 square feet of office space

 

 

Month to
Month

 

There are no bank liens encumbering any of the Company’s owned land and buildings.

Item 3.   Legal Proceedings

          The Company is involved in litigation arising in the normal course of business. The Company is currently not a party to any legal proceedings which management believes could result in the payment of any amounts that would be material to the business or financial condition of the Company.

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

          There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of the Company’s fiscal year ended May 31, 2009.

- 22 -


PART II

Item 5.   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Market Information

          The Common Stock is traded on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “LNDC”. The following table sets forth for each period indicated the high and low sales prices for the Common Stock.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended May 31, 2009

 

High

 

Low

 


 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4th Quarter ending May 31, 2009

 

$

7.00

 

$

3.87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3rd Quarter ending March 1, 2009

 

$

7.36

 

$

4.76

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2nd Quarter ending November 30, 2008

 

$

9.68

 

$

5.81

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1st Quarter ending August 31, 2008

 

$

9.93

 

$

6.35

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended May 25, 2008

 

High

 

Low

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4th Quarter ending May 25, 2008

 

$

9.94

 

$

7.50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3rd Quarter ending February 24, 2008

 

$

14.00

 

$

8.26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2nd Quarter ending November 25, 2007

 

$

16.75

 

$

11.11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1st Quarter ending August 26, 2007

 

$

14.17

 

$

9.60

 

Holders

          There were approximately 75 holders of record of 26,347,140 shares of outstanding Common Stock as of July 20, 2009. Since certain holders are listed under their brokerage firm’s names, the actual number of stockholders is higher.

Dividends

          The Company has not paid any dividends on the Common Stock since its inception. The Company presently intends to retain all future earnings, if any, for its business and does not anticipate paying cash dividends on its Common Stock in the foreseeable future.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

          There were no shares repurchased by the Company during the fiscal quarter ended on May 31, 2009.

- 23 -


Item 6.   Selected Financial Data

          The information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of the results of future operations and should be read in conjunction with the information contained in Item 7 – “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this report.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statement of Operations Data:
(in thousands)

 

Year
Ended
May 31,
2009

 

Year
Ended
May 25,
2008

 

Year
Ended
May 27,
2007

 

Year
Ended
May 28,
2006

 

Year
Ended
May 29,
2005

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product sales

 

$

224,404

 

$

227,550

 

$

201,892

 

$

225,404

 

$

201,020

 

Service revenues

 

 

4,145

 

 

3,640

 

 

3,539

 

 

3,725

 

 

3,704

 

License fees

 

 

6,000

 

 

6,231

 

 

4,013

 

 

2,398

 

 

88

 

R&D and royalty revenues

 

 

1,389

 

 

1,106

 

 

1,054

 

 

426

 

 

418

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total revenues

 

 

235,938

 

 

238,527

 

 

210,498

 

 

231,953

 

 

205,230

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of product sales

 

 

198,369

 

 

197,288

 

 

175,252

 

 

188,904

 

 

170,359

 

Cost of service revenue

 

 

3,289

 

 

3,011

 

 

2,860

 

 

3,005

 

 

2,899

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total cost of revenue

 

 

201,658

 

 

200,299

 

 

178,112

 

 

191,909

 

 

173,258

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

 

34,280

 

 

38,228

 

 

32,386

 

 

40,044

 

 

31,972

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research and development

 

 

3,665

 

 

3,251

 

 

3,074

 

 

3,042

 

 

2,543

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

18,017

 

 

19,801

 

 

21,616

 

 

27,979

 

 

23,412

 

Income from sale of FCD

 

 

 

 

 

 

(22,669

)

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total operating costs and expenses

 

 

21,682

 

 

23,052

 

 

2,021

 

 

31,021

 

 

25,955

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Operating profit

 

 

12,598

 

 

15,176

 

 

30,365

 

 

9,023

 

 

6,017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

 

1,306

 

 

2,219

 

 

1,945

 

 

633

 

 

214

 

Interest expense

 

 

(8

)

 

(22

)

 

(251

)

 

(452

)

 

(414

)

Minority interest expense

 

 

(555

)

 

(477

)

 

(414

)

 

(553

)

 

(415

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Net income before taxes

 

 

13,341

 

 

16,896

 

 

31,645

 

 

8,651

 

 

5,402

 

Income tax expense

 

 

(5,611

)

 

(3,354

)

 

(2,456

)

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Net income

 

$

7,730

 

$

13,542

 

$

29,189

 

$

8,651

 

$

5,402

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income per share

 

$

0.30

 

$

0.52

 

$

1.16

 

$

0.35

 

$

0.23

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Diluted net income per share

 

$

0.29

 

$

0.50

 

$

1.07

 

$

0.32

 

$

0.21

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares used in per share computation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

26,202

 

 

26,069

 

 

25,260

 

 

24,553

 

 

23,705

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Diluted

 

 

26,751

 

 

26,935

 

 

26,558

 

 

25,657

 

 

24,614

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

- 24 -


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance Sheet Data:
(in thousands)

 

May 31,
2009

 

May 25,
2008

 

May 27,
2007

 

May 28,
2006

 

May 29,
2005

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

43,459

 

$

44,396

 

$

62,556

 

$

15,164

 

$

7,426

 

Total assets

 

 

153,498

 

 

149,957

 

 

141,368

 

 

119,025

 

 

100,075

 

Debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,018

 

 

3,088

 

Retained earnings (deficit)

 

 

9,222

 

 

1,492

 

 

(19,332

)

 

(41,239

)

 

(48,890

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

$

125,406

 

$

114,466

 

$

110,228

 

$

85,049

 

$

72,060

 

Item 7.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

          The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this report. Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this report are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those mentioned in this report and, in particular, the factors described in Item 1A. “Risk Factors.” Landec undertakes no obligation to revise any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this report.

Overview

          Since its inception in October 1986, the Company has been engaged in the research and development of its Intelimer technology and related products. The Company has launched four product lines from this core development – QuickCast splints and casts, in April 1994, which was subsequently sold to Bissell Healthcare Corporation in August 1997; BreatheWay packaging technology for the fresh-cut and whole produce packaging market, in September 1995; Intelimer Polymer Systems that includes polymer materials for various industrial applications in June 1997 and for personal care applications in November 2003; and Intellicoat coated corn seeds in the Fall of 1999.

          Landec has three core businesses – Food Products Technology, Commodity Trading and Technology Licensing. The Food Products Technology segment combines the Company’s Intelimer packaging technology with Apio’s fresh-cut and whole produce business. The Commodity Trading business is operated through Apio and combines Apio’s Cal-Ex export company with Apio’s domestic buy-sell commodity business that purchases and sells whole fruit and vegetable products to Asia and domestically to Wal-Mart. The Technology Licensing business includes our proprietary Intellicoat seed coating technology which we have licensed to Monsanto and our Intelimer polymer business that licenses and/or supplies products outside of our Food Products Technology business to companies such as Air Products and Nitta. See “Business - Description of Core Business”.

          From inception through May 31, 2009, the Company’s retained earnings were $9.2 million. The Company may incur losses in the future. The amount of future net profits, if any, is uncertain and there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to sustain profitability in future years.

Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

          The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make certain estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. The accounting estimates that require management’s most significant, difficult and subjective judgments include revenue recognition; sales returns and allowances; recognition and measurement of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities; the assessment of recoverability of long-lived assets; the

- 25 -


valuation of intangible assets and inventory; the valuation and nature of impairments of investments; and the valuation and recognition of stock-based compensation.

          These estimates involve the consideration of complex factors and require management to make judgments. The analysis of historical and future trends, can require extended periods of time to resolve, and are subject to change from period to period. The actual results may differ from management’s estimates.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

          The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on review of the overall condition of accounts receivable balances and review of significant past due accounts. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. Bad debt losses are partially mitigated due to the fact that the Company’s customers are predominantly large financially low-risk national and regional retailers.

Inventories

          Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. If the cost of the inventories exceeds their expected market value, provisions are recorded currently for the difference between the cost and the market value. These provisions are determined based on specific identification for unusable inventory and an additional reserve, based on historical losses, for inventory currently considered to be unusable.

Revenue Recognition

          Revenue from product sales is recognized when there is persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, title has transferred, the price is fixed and determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Allowances are established for estimated uncollectible amounts, product returns, and discounts based on specific identification and historical losses.

          The Company takes title to all produce it trades and/or packages, and therefore, records revenues and cost of sales at gross amounts in the consolidated statements of income in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force No. 99-19, Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent.

          Licensing revenue is recognized in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, Revenue Recognition (a replacement of SAB 101), (SAB 104). Initial license fees are deferred and amortized to revenue over the period of the agreement when a contract exists, the fee is fixed and determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Noncancellable, nonrefundable license fees are recognized over the period of the agreement, including those governing research and development activities and any related supply agreement entered into concurrently with the license when the risk associated with commercialization of a product is non-substantive at the outset of the arrangement.

          Contract revenue for research and development (R&D) is recorded as earned, based on the performance requirements of the contract. Non-refundable contract fees for which no further performance obligations exist, and there is no continuing involvement by the Company, are recognized on the earlier of when the payments are received or when collection is assured.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

          The Company’s intangible assets are comprised primarily of goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives (collectively, “intangible assets”), which the Company recognized in accordance with the guidelines in SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141”) (i) upon the acquisition, in December 1999, of all the assets of Apio, which consists of the Food Products Technology and Commodity Trading reporting units and (ii) from the repurchase of all minority interests in the common stock of Landec Ag, a subsidiary of the Company, in December 2006. SFAS 141 defines goodwill as “the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the net of the

- 26 -


estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at date of acquisition.” All intangible assets, including goodwill, associated with the Apio acquisition were allocated to the Food Products Technology reporting unit pursuant to SFAS 141 based upon the allocation of assets and liabilities acquired and consideration paid for the Food Products Technology reporting unit. The consideration paid for the Commodity Trading reporting unit approximated its fair market value at the time of acquisition, and therefore no intangible assets were recorded in connection with the Company’s acquisition of this reporting unit. Goodwill associated with the Technology Licensing reporting unit consists entirely of goodwill resulting from the repurchase of the Landec Ag minority interests.

          The Company tests its intangible assets for impairment at least annually, in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“SFAS 142”). When evaluating indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, SFAS 142 requires the Company to compare the fair value of the asset to its carrying value to determine if there is an impairment loss. When evaluating goodwill for impairment, SFAS 142 requires the Company to first compare the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value to determine if there is an impairment loss. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not considered impaired; thus application of the second step of the two-step approach in SFAS 142 is not required. Application of the intangible assets impairment tests requires significant judgment by management, including identification of reporting units, assignment of assets and liabilities to reporting units, assignment of intangible assets to reporting units, and the determination of the fair value of each indefinite-lived intangible asset and reporting unit based upon projections of future net cash flows, discount rates and market multiples, which judgments and projections are inherently uncertain.

          The Company tested its intangible assets for impairment as of July 26, 2009 and determined that no adjustments to the carrying values of the intangible assets were necessary as of that date. On a quarterly basis, the Company considers the need to update its most recent annual tests for possible impairment of its intangible assets, based on management’s assessment of changes in its business and other economic factors since the most recent annual evaluation. Such changes, if significant or material, could indicate a need to update the most recent annual tests for impairment of the intangible assets during the current period. The results of these tests could lead to write-downs of the carrying values of the intangible assets in the current period.

          The Company uses the discounted cash flow (“DCF”) approach to develop an estimate of fair value. The DCF approach recognizes that current value is premised on the expected receipt of future economic benefits. Indications of value are developed by discounting projected future net cash flows to their present value at a rate that reflects both the current return requirements of the market and the risks inherent in the specific investment. The market approach was not used to value the Food Products Technology and Technology Licensing reporting units (the “Reporting Units”) because insufficient market comparables exist to enable the Company to develop a reasonable fair value of its intangible assets due to the unique nature of each of the Company’s Reporting Units.

          The DCF approach requires the Company to exercise judgment in determining future business and financial forecasts and the related estimates of future net cash flows. Future net cash flows depend primarily on future product sales, which are inherently difficult to predict. These net cash flows are discounted at a rate that reflects both the current return requirements of the market and the risks inherent in the specific investment.

          The DCF associated with the Technology Licensing reporting unit is based on the Agreement with Monsanto. Under the Agreement, Monsanto has agreed to pay Landec Ag a license fee of $2.6 million in cash per year for five years beginning in December 2006, and a fee of $4.0 million if Monsanto elects to terminate the Agreement, or $10.0 million if Monsanto elects to purchase Landec Ag. If the purchase option is exercised before the fifth anniversary of the Agreement, or if Monsanto elects to terminate the Agreement, all annual license fees that have not been paid to Landec Ag will become due upon the purchase or termination. As of May 31, 2009, the fair value of the Technology Licensing reporting unit, as determined by the DCF approach, is more than double its book value, and therefore, no intangible asset impairment was deemed to exist. The discount rate utilized approximates the risk free interest rate as the cash flow stream is guaranteed under the terms of the Agreement. A 1% increase in the discount rate would not have a significant impact on the excess of fair value over book value.

- 27 -


          The DCF associated with the Food Products Technology reporting unit is based on management’s five-year projection of revenues, gross profits and operating profits by fiscal year and assumes a 40% effective tax rate for each year. Management takes into account the historical trends of Apio and the industry categories in which Apio operates along with inflationary factors, current economic conditions, new product introductions, cost of sales, operating expenses, capital requirements and other relevant data when developing its projection. As of May 31, 2009, the fair value of the Food Products Technology reporting unit, as determined by the DCF approach, was approximately double its book value, and therefore, no intangible asset impairment was deemed to exist. A 1% increase in the discount rate would not have a significant impact on the excess of fair value over book value.

Income Taxes

           The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” which requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities. The Company maintains valuation allowances when it is likely that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are included in the Company’s income tax provision in the period of change. In determining whether a valuation allowance is warranted, the Company takes into account such factors as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, unsettled circumstances that, if unfavorably resolved, would adversely affect utilization of a deferred tax asset, carry-back and carry-forward periods, and tax strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of realization of a deferred tax asset. At May 31, 2009, the Company had no valuation allowance against deferred tax assets.

          In addition to valuation allowances, the Company establishes accruals for certain tax contingencies under FIN 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes an interpretation of FASB Statement No.109”, when, despite the belief that the Company’s tax return positions are fully supported, the Company believes that certain tax positions are likely to be challenged and that the Company’s positions may not be fully sustained. The tax-contingency accruals are adjusted in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the progress of tax audits, case law and emerging legislation. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense. The Company’s effective tax rate includes the impact of tax-contingency accruals as considered appropriate by management.

          A number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which the Company has accrued, is audited and finally resolved. The number of years with open tax audits varies by jurisdiction. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular tax matter, the Company believes its tax-contingency accruals are adequate to address known tax contingencies. Favorable resolution of such matters could be recognized as a reduction to the Company’s effective tax rate in the year of resolution. Unfavorable settlement of any particular issue could increase the effective tax rate. Any resolution of a tax issue may require the use of cash in the year of resolution. The Company’s tax-contingency accruals are presented in the balance sheet within accrued liabilities.

Stock-Based Compensation

          The Company’s stock-based awards include stock option grants and restricted stock unit awards (RSUs).

          The Company adopted SFAS No. 123R “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” using the modified prospective transition method, which requires the application of the accounting standard to (i) all stock-based awards issued on or after May 29, 2006 and (ii) any outstanding stock-based awards that were issued but not vested as of May 29, 2006.

          The estimated fair value for stock options, which determines the Company’s calculation of compensation expense, is based on the Black-Scholes pricing model. Upon the adoption of SFAS 123R, the Company changed its method of calculating and recognizing the fair value of stock-based compensation arrangements to the straight-line, single-option method. Compensation expense for all stock option and restricted stock awards granted prior to May 29, 2006 will continue to be recognized using the straight-line, multiple-option method. In addition, SFAS 123R requires the estimation of the expected forfeitures of stock-based awards at the time of grant. As a result, the

- 28 -


Company uses historical data to estimate pre-vesting forfeitures and records stock-based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest and revises those estimates in subsequent periods if the actual forfeitures differ from the prior estimates.

Notes and Advances Receivable

          Apio has made advances to produce growers for crop and harvesting costs. Typically these advances are paid off within the growing season (less than one year) from crops harvested by the grower and delivered to Apio. Advances not fully paid during the current growing season are converted to interest bearing obligations, evidenced by contracts and notes receivable. These notes receivable and advances are secured by liens on land and/or crops and have terms that range from six to twelve months. Notes receivable are periodically reviewed (at least quarterly) for collectibility. A reserve is established for any note or advance deemed to not be fully collectible based upon an estimate of the crop value to be delivered or the fair value of the security for the note or advance. If crop prices or the fair value of the underlying security declines, the Company may be unable to fully recoup its notes or advances receivable and the estimated losses would rise in the current period, potentially to the extent of the total notes or advances receivable of $186,000 as of May 31, 2009.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Fair Value Measurements

          In September 2006, FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 does not require new fair value measurements but provides guidance on how to measure fair value by providing a fair value hierarchy used to classify the source of information. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. However, on February 12, 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) FAS No. 157-2 which delays the effective date for all non-financial assets and liabilities except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). FSP 157- 2 defers the effective date of SFAS No. 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within the fiscal years for items within the scope of this FSP. The Company adopted SFAS No. 157 on May 26, 2008 for financial assets and financial liabilities. It did not have any impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009. The Company will adopt Statement 157 for non-financial assets and liabilities during its fiscal year ending May 30, 2010. The Company is currently evaluating the future impacts and disclosure of this standard.

          In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities— Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115.” SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. Subsequent adjustments to the fair value of the financial instruments and liabilities an entity elects to carry at fair value will be recognized in earnings. SFAS No. 159 also establishes additional disclosure requirements. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, with early adoption permitted provided the entity also elects to apply the provisions of SFAS No. 157. The Company adopted SFAS No. 159 on May 26, 2008, but has not elected the fair value measurement provisions for any eligible financial instruments or other items.

Business Combinations

          The FASB issued SFAS No. 141R (revised 2007), “Business Combinations.” which significantly changes the financial accounting and reporting for business combination transactions. SFAS No. 141R requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize all (and only) the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction and establishes the acquisition date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Certain provisions of this standard will, among other things, impact the determination of acquisition-date fair value of consideration paid in a business combination (including contingent consideration); exclude transaction costs from acquisition accounting; and change accounting practices for acquired contingencies, acquisition-related restructuring costs, in-process research and development, indemnification assets,

- 29 -


and tax benefits. For the Company, SFAS No. 141R is effective for business combinations occurring after May 31, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the future impacts and disclosures of this standard.

Noncontrolling Interests

          In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements.” SFAS No. 160 amends Accounting Research Bulletin (“ARB”) No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements” and establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest (minority interest) in a subsidiary. This statement requires the reporting of noncontrolling interests as a separate component of stockholders’ equity, the reporting of consolidated net income (loss) as the amount attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling interests and the separate disclosure of net income (loss) attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interests. Changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling interest will be accounted for as equity transactions and any retained noncontrolling equity investment upon the deconsolidation of a subsidiary will be initially measured at fair value. Other than the reporting requirements described above which require retrospective application, the provisions of SFAS No. 160 are to be applied prospectively in the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently in the process of determining the impact and disclosure of this standard and expects it will result in a reclassification of income from the noncontrolling interest (minority interest) in Apio Cooling, L.P., in which Apio is the general partner with a 60% ownership position. Upon adoption, all noncontrolling interest will be included as a component of stockholders’ equity and not in the statement of operations. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

Collaborative Arrangements

          In December 2007, the FASB ratified the EITF consensus on EITF Issue No. 07-1, “Accounting for Collaborative Arrangements” that discusses how parties to a collaborative arrangement (which does not establish a legal entity within such arrangement) should account for various activities. The consensus indicates that costs incurred and revenues generated from transactions with third parties (i.e. parties outside of the collaborative arrangement) should be reported by the collaborators on the respective line items in their income statements pursuant to EITF Issue No. 99-19, “Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal Versus Net as an Agent.” Additionally, the consensus provides that income statement characterization of payments between the participants in a collaborative arrangement should be based upon existing authoritative pronouncements; analogy to such pronouncements if not within their scope; or a reasonable, rational, and consistently applied accounting policy election. For the Company, EITF Issue No. 07-1 is effective beginning June 1, 2009 and is to be applied retrospectively to all periods presented for collaborative arrangements existing as of the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

Variable Interest Entities

          In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R).” Statement 167 amends the evaluation criteria to identify the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity provided by FASB Interpretation No. 46(R), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities—An Interpretation of ARB No. 51. Additionally, Statement 167 requires ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entity. The Company will adopt Statement 167 in fiscal year 2011 and is currently evaluating the impact of its pending adoption on the consolidated financial statements.

Subsequent Events

          In May 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 165, “Subsequent Events.” Statement 165 establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. The Company will adopt Statement 165 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2010 and does not believe it will result in significant changes to reporting of subsequent events either through recognition or disclosure.

- 30 -


Fair Value Disclosures in Interim Reports

          In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments. This Staff Position amends FASB Statement No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, to require disclosures about fair value of financial instruments at interim reporting periods. This Staff Position is effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009 provided FSP No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 (described above) are also early adopted. The Company will adopt FSP No. FAS 107-1 in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 and do not believe it will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value Measurements

          The Company adopted SFAS No. 157 on May 26, 2008 for financial assets and liabilities. The Company also adopted SFAS No. 159 in which entities are permitted to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The Company did not elect the fair value option for any of its eligible financial assets or liabilities under SFAS No. 159.

          SFAS No. 157 established a three-tier hierarchy for fair value measurements, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

 

 

 

 

Level 1 – observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

 

 

 

 

Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly through corroboration with observable market data.

 

 

 

 

Level 3 – unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which would require the Company to develop its own assumptions.

          As of May 31, 2009, the Company held certain assets that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These included the Company’s cash equivalents and marketable securities for which the fair value is determined based on observable inputs that are readily available in public markets or can be derived from information available in publicly quoted markets. Therefore, the Company has categorized its cash equivalents and marketable securities as Level 1. The Company has no other financial assets or liabilities for which fair value measurement has been adopted.

- 31 -


Results of Operations

Fiscal Year Ended May 31, 2009 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended May 25, 2008

Revenues (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year ended
May 31, 2009

 

Fiscal Year ended
May 25, 2008

 

Change

 

 

 






Apio Value Added

 

$

165,648

 

$

167,817

 

(1

)%

Apio Packaging

 

 

2,608

 

 

3,377

 

(23

)%

 

 






 

 

 

Food Technology

 

 

168,256

 

 

171,194

 

(2

)%

Apio Trading

 

 

60,445

 

 

60,414

 

0

%

 

 






 

 

 

Total Apio

 

 

228,701

 

 

231,608

 

(1

)%

Technology Licensing

 

 

7,237

 

 

6,919

 

5

%

 

 






 

 

 

Total Revenues

 

$

235,938

 

$

238,527

 

(1

)%

 

 






 

 

 

          Apio Value Added

          Apio’s value-added revenues consist of revenues generated from the sale of specialty packaged fresh-cut and whole value-added processed vegetable products that are washed and packaged in our proprietary packaging and sold under Apio’s Eat Smart brand and various private labels. In addition, value-added revenues include the revenues generated from Apio Cooling, LP, a vegetable cooling operation in which Apio is the general partner with a 60% ownership position.

          The decrease in Apio’s value-added revenues for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009 compared to the same period last year is primarily due to a decrease in value-added unit sales volumes of 1%.

          Apio Packaging

          Apio packaging revenues consist of Apio’s packaging technology business using its BreatheWay membrane technology. The first commercial application included in Apio packaging is our banana packaging technology.

          The decrease in Apio packaging revenues for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009 compared to the same period last year was primarily due to the decrease in the minimum payments received from Chiquita as a result of the amended Chiquita license agreement (see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

          Apio Trading

          Apio trading revenues consist of revenues generated from the purchase and sale of primarily whole commodity fruit and vegetable products to Asia through Apio’s export company, Cal-Ex and from the purchase and sale of whole commodity fruit and vegetable products domestically. The export portion of trading revenues for fiscal year 2009 was $55.3 million or 91% of total trading revenues.

          The increase in revenues in Apio’s trading business for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009 compared to the same period last year was not significant.

          Technology Licensing

          Technology licensing revenues consist of revenues generated from the licensing agreements with Monsanto, Air Products and Nitta.

          The increase in technology licensing revenues for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009 compared to the same period last year was not significant to consolidated Landec revenues.

- 32 -


Gross Profit (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year ended
May 31, 2009

 

Fiscal Year ended
May 25, 2008

 

Change

 

 

 






Apio Value Added

 

$

21,020

 

$

24,615

 

(15

)%

Apio Packaging

 

 

2,366

 

 

3,245

 

(27

)%

 

 






 

 

 

Food Technology

 

 

23,386

 

 

27,860

 

(16

)%

Apio Trading

 

 

3,657

 

 

3,449

 

6

%

 

 






 

 

 

Total Apio

 

 

27,043

 

 

31,309

 

(14

)%

Technology Licensing

 

 

7,237

 

 

6,919

 

5

%

 

 






 

 

 

Total Gross Profit

 

$

34,280

 

$

38,228

 

(10

)%

 

 






 

 

 

          General

          There are numerous factors that can influence gross profit including product mix, customer mix, manufacturing costs, volume, sale discounts and charges for excess or obsolete inventory, to name a few. Many of these factors influence or are interrelated with other factors. Therefore, it is difficult to precisely quantify the impact of each item individually. The Company includes in cost of sales all of the costs related to the sale of products in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. These costs include the following: raw materials (including produce, seeds and packaging), direct labor, overhead (including indirect labor, depreciation, and facility related costs) and shipping and shipping related costs. The following discussion surrounding gross profit includes management’s best estimates of the reasons for the changes for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009 compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year as outlined in the table above.

          Apio Value-Added

          The decrease in gross profit for Apio’s value-added specialty packaged vegetable business for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009 compared to the same period last year was due to decreased revenues coupled with increased raw material costs, primarily the cost of produce during fiscal year 2009 compared to fiscal year 2008. The gross margin for Apio’s value-added business for fiscal year 2009 was 12.7% compared to a gross margin of 14.7% for fiscal year 2008.

          Apio Packaging

          The decrease in gross profit for Apio packaging for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009 compared to the same period last year was primarily due to the decrease in minimum payments received from Chiquita as a result of the amended Chiquita license agreement.

          Apio Trading

          Apio’s trading business is a buy/sell business that realizes a commission-based margin in the 5-6% range. The increase in gross profit during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009 compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily due to product mix changes to higher margin vegetable products from lower margin fruit products in our export business which resulted in a higher gross margin during fiscal year 2009 of 6.1% compared to a gross margin of 5.7% in fiscal year 2008.

          Technology Licensing

          The increase in technology licensing gross profit for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009 compared to the same period of the prior year was not significant to consolidated Landec gross profit.

- 33 -


Operating Expenses (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year ended
May 31, 2009

 

Fiscal Year ended
May 25, 2008

 

Change

 

 

 






Research and Development:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apio

 

$

1,321

 

$

1,251

 

6

%

Technology Licensing

 

 

2,344

 

 

2,000

 

17

%

 

 






 

 

 

Total R&D

 

$

3,665

 

$

3,251

 

13

%

 

 






 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, General and Administrative:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apio

 

$

12,709

 

$

13,831

 

(8

)%

Corporate

 

 

5,308

 

 

5,970

 

(11

)%

 

 






 

 

 

Total S,G&A

 

$

18,017

 

$

19,801

 

(9

)%

 

 






 

 

 

          Research and Development

          Landec’s research and development expenses consist primarily of expenses involved in product development and commercialization initiatives. Research and development efforts at Apio are focused on the Company’s proprietary BreatheWay membranes used for packaging produce, with recent focus on extending the shelf life of bananas and other shelf-life sensitive vegetables and fruit. In the Technology Licensing business, the research and development efforts are focused on uses for the proprietary Intelimer polymers outside of food.

          The increase in research and development expenses for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009 compared to the same period last year was primarily due to increased headcount and increased consulting fees surrounding development work in our technology licensing area.

          Selling, General and Administrative

          Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of sales and marketing expenses associated with Landec’s product sales and services, business development expenses and staff and administrative expenses.

          The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009 compared to the same period last year was primarily due to a decrease in sales and marketing expenses at Apio due to the decreases in value-added revenues and from decreases in general and administrative expenses at Apio primarily as a result of not accruing bonuses this fiscal year whereas for the same period last year bonuses were accrued. The decreases in selling, general and administrative expenses at Corporate were primarily due to a decrease in auditing and tax fees coupled with the fact that in fiscal year 2008 the Company amended its agreement with Air Products resulting in a non recurring charge of $600,000. These decreases were partially offset by legal fees associated with the Company’s pursuit of merger and acquisition activities.

Other (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year ended
May 31, 2009

 

Fiscal Year ended
May 25, 2008

 

Change

 

 

 






Interest Income

 

$

1,306

 

$

2,219

 

(41

)%

Interest Expense

 

$

(8

)

 

(22

)

(64

)%

Minority Interest Expense

 

$

(555

)

 

(477

)

16

%

Income Taxes

 

$

(5,611

)

 

(3,354

)

67

%

- 34 -


          Interest Income

          The decrease in interest income for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009 compared to the same period last year was due to lower yields on investments, driven by both declines in interest rates and a shift in our investment portfolio to lower yielding investment vehicles.

          Interest Expense

          The decrease in interest expense during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009 compared to the prior year was not significant.

          Minority Interest Expense

          The minority interest expense consists of the minority interest associated with the limited partners’ equity interest in the net income of Apio Cooling, LP.

          The increase in the minority interest expense in fiscal year 2009 compared to fiscal year 2008 was not significant.

          Income Taxes

          The increase in the income tax expense in fiscal year 2009 compared to fiscal year 2008 is due to the Company utilizing all of its net operating loss carry forwards and tax credits during fiscal year 2008 for book income tax expense purposes which resulted in the estimated effective tax rate for fiscal year 2009 for federal and state income taxes increasing to 42% from 20% last year, partially offset by a 21% decrease in pre-tax net income.

          Fiscal Year Ended May 25, 2008 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended May 27, 2007

Revenues (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year ended
May 25, 2008

 

Fiscal Year ended
May 27, 2007

 

Change

 

 

 






Apio Value Added

 

$

167,817

 

$

154,744

 

8

%

Apio Packaging

 

 

3,377

 

 

1,730

 

95

%

 

 






 

 

 

Food Technology

 

 

171,194

 

 

156,474

 

9

%

Apio Trading

 

 

60,414

 

 

49,706

 

22

%

 

 






 

 

 

Total Apio

 

 

231,608

 

 

206,180

 

12

%

Technology Licensing

 

 

6,919

 

 

4,318

 

60

%

 

 






 

 

 

Total Revenues

 

$

238,527

 

$

210,498

 

13

%

 

 






 

 

 

          Apio Value Added

          Apio’s value-added revenues consist of revenues generated from the sale of specialty packaged fresh-cut and whole value-added processed vegetable products that are washed and packaged in our proprietary packaging and sold under Apio’s Eat Smart brand and various private labels. In addition, value-added revenues include the revenues generated from Apio Cooling, LP.

          The increase in Apio’s value-added revenues for the fiscal year ended May 25, 2008 compared to the same period last year was due to increased product offerings, new customers and increased sales to existing customers. Overall value-added sales volume increased 14% during the fiscal year ended May 25, 2008 compared to the same period last year. The increase in value-added sales volumes was higher than the increase in revenues due primarily to the introduction of several new value-added products during fiscal year 2008 that had average sales prices per unit that were lower than the average sales prices per unit for other value-added products.

- 35 -


          Apio Packaging

          Apio packaging revenues consist of Apio’s packaging technology business using its BreatheWay membrane technology. The first commercial application included in Apio packaging is our banana packaging technology.

          The increase in Apio packaging revenues for the fiscal year ended May 25, 2008 compared to the same period last year was primarily due to the increase in the minimum payments received from Chiquita as a result of the amended Chiquita license agreement.

          Apio Trading

          Apio trading revenues consist of revenues generated from the purchase and sale of primarily whole commodity fruit and vegetable products to Asia through Apio’s export company, Cal-Ex and from the purchase and sale of whole commodity fruit and vegetable products domestically. The export portion of trading revenues for fiscal year 2008 was $56.2 million or 93% of total trading revenues.

          The increase in revenues in Apio’s trading business for the fiscal year ended May 25, 2008 compared to the same period last year was primarily due to a 16% increase in trading business sales volumes.

          Technology Licensing

          Technology licensing revenues consist of revenues generated from the licensing agreements with Monsanto, Air Products and Nitta.

          The increase in technology licensing revenues for the fiscal year ended May 25, 2008 compared to the same period last year was primarily due to the licensing revenues from the Monsanto license agreement.

Gross Profit (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year ended
May 25, 2008

 

Fiscal Year ended
May 27, 2007

 

Change

 

 

 







Apio Value Added

 

$

24,615

 

$

23,426

 

 

5

%

Apio Packaging

 

 

3,245

 

 

1,639

 

 

98

%

 

 






 

 

 

 

Food Technology

 

 

27,860

 

 

25,065

 

 

11

%

Apio Trading

 

 

3,449

 

 

3,187

 

 

8

%

 

 






 

 

 

 

Total Apio

 

 

31,309

 

 

28,252

 

 

11

%

Technology Licensing

 

 

6,919

 

 

4,134

 

 

67

%

 

 






 

 

 

 

Total Gross Profit

 

$

38,228

 

$

32,386

 

 

18

%

 

 






 

 

 

 

          General

          There are numerous factors that can influence gross profit including product mix, customer mix, manufacturing costs, volume, sale discounts and charges for excess or obsolete inventory, to name a few. Many of these factors influence or are interrelated with other factors. Therefore, it is difficult to precisely quantify the impact of each item individually. The Company includes in cost of sales all of the costs related to the sale of products in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. These costs include the following: raw materials (including produce, seeds and packaging), direct labor, overhead (including indirect labor, depreciation, and facility related costs) and shipping and shipping related costs. The following discussion surrounding gross profit includes management’s best estimates of the reasons for the changes for the fiscal year ended May 25, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year as outlined in the table above.

- 36 -


          Apio Value-Added

          The increase in gross profit for Apio’s value-added specialty packaged vegetable business for the fiscal year ended May 25, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year was due to increased revenues, partially offset by increased raw material costs, primarily the cost of produce during fiscal year 2008 compared to fiscal year 2007.

          Apio Packaging

          The increase in gross profit for Apio packaging for the fiscal year ended May 25, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily due to the increase in minimum payments received from Chiquita as a result of the amended Chiquita license agreement.

          Apio Trading

          Apio’s trading business is a buy/sell business that realizes a commission-based margin in the 5-6% range. The increase in gross profit during the fiscal year ended May 25, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year was not material to the consolidated Landec gross profit.

          Technology Licensing

          The increase in technology licensing gross profit for the fiscal year ended May 25, 2008 compared to the same period of the prior year was primarily due to an increase in gross profit from the Monsanto license agreement.

Operating Expenses (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year ended
May 25, 2008

 

Fiscal Year ended
May 27, 2007

 

Change

 

 

 







Research and Development:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apio

 

$

1,251

 

$

1,169

 

 

7

%

Technology Licensing

 

 

2,000

 

 

1,905

 

 

5

%

 

 






 

 

 

 

Total R&D

 

$

3,251

 

$

3,074

 

 

6

%

 

 






 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, General and Administrative:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apio

 

$

13,831

 

$

12,667

 

 

9

%

Corporate

 

 

5,970

 

 

8,949

 

 

(33

%)

 

 






 

 

 

 

Total S,G&A

 

$

19,801

 

$

21,616

 

 

(8

%)

 

 






 

 

 

 

          Research and Development

          Landec’s research and development expenses consist primarily of expenses involved in product development and commercialization initiatives. Research and development efforts at Apio are focused on the Company’s proprietary BreatheWay membranes used for packaging produce, with recent focus on extending the shelf life of bananas and other shelf-life sensitive vegetables and fruit. In the Technology Licensing business, the research and development efforts are focused on uses for the proprietary Intelimer polymers outside of food.

          The increase in research and development expenses for the fiscal year ended May 25, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year was not significant.

          Selling, General and Administrative

          Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of sales and marketing expenses associated with Landec’s product sales and services, business development expenses and staff and administrative expenses.

- 37 -


          The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended May 25, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily due to the fact that selling, general and administrative expenses for Corporate for the fiscal year ended May 27, 2007 included $3.9 million of net non-recurring expenses, of which $5.4 million were from expenses incurred by Landec’s former direct marketing and sales seed business that was sold to Monsanto in December 2006, partially offset by the recording of net proceeds of $1.5 million from an insurance settlement during fiscal year 2007. This decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses were partially offset by increased sales and marketing expenses at Apio and increased general and administrative expenses at Corporate primarily related to accounting fees and tax consulting fees.

Other (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year ended
May 25, 2008

 

Fiscal Year ended
May 27, 2007

 

Change

 

 

 







Interest Income

 

$

2,219

 

$

1,945

 

 

14

%

Interest Expense

 

$

(22

)

$

(251

)

 

(91

%)

Minority Interest Expense

 

$

(477

)

$

(414

)

 

15

%

Income Taxes

 

$

(3,354

)

$

(2,456

)

 

37

%

          Interest Income

          The increase in interest income for the fiscal year ended May 25, 2008 compared to the prior fiscal year was due to the increase in cash available for investing as a result of the cash received from the sale of FCD in December 2006.

          Interest Expense

          The decrease in interest expense during the fiscal year ended May 25, 2008 compared to the prior year was due to the Company’s reduction of debt that was assumed by Monsanto in the sale of FCD to Monsanto on December 1, 2006.

          Minority Interest Expense

          The minority interest expense consists of the minority interest associated with the limited partners’ equity interest in the net income of Apio Cooling, LP.

          The increase in the minority interest expense in fiscal year 2008 compared to fiscal year 2007 was not significant to consolidated Landec net income.

          Other Expenses

          Other expenses consist of non-operating income and expenses.

          Income Taxes

          The increase in the income tax expense in fiscal year 2008 compared to fiscal year 2007 was due to an increase in the Company’s effective tax rate from 8% in fiscal year 2007 to 20% in fiscal year 2008 due to the decrease in the deferred income tax valuation allowance and fully utilizing the Company’s net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits during fiscal year 2008.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

          As of May 31, 2009, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $43.5 million, a net decrease of $937,000 from $44.4 million at May 25, 2008.

- 38 -


          Cash Flow from Operating Activities

          Landec generated $9.4 million of cash flow from operating activities during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009 compared to generating $17.5 million from operating activities during the fiscal year ended May 25, 2008. The primary sources of cash from operating activities during fiscal year 2009 were from generating $7.7 million of net income and from non-cash related expenses of $4.5 million, partially offset by a net decrease of $2.8 million in working capital. The primary changes in working capital were (1) a $4.0 million decrease in accounts receivable due to May 2009 revenues being lower than May 2008 revenues, (2) a $1.5 million decrease in inventories due to lower projected sales volumes during the first quarter of fiscal year 2010 compared to the first quarter of 2009, (3) a $5.9 million decrease in accounts payable due to the timing of payments and the decrease in cost of sales due to May 2009 cost of sales being lower than May 2008 cost of sales, (4) a $1.1 million decrease in accrued compensation primarily due to $308,000 of accrued bonuses at Apio as of May 31, 2009 compared to $1.3 million in accrued bonuses at Apio as of May 25, 2008, (5) a $1.1 million decrease in other accrued liabilities primarily attributable to: (a) a $664,000 decrease in the accrual for auditing and tax fees as a result of incurring higher audit fees in fiscal year 2008 due to changing our public accounting firm which resulted in incurring audit fees from two accounting firms in fiscal year 2008 and accruing fees for several special tax related projects at the end of fiscal year 2008, (b) a $95,000 decrease in the accrual for legal and consulting fees, (c) a $205,000 decrease in deferred directors’ compensation which was paid during fiscal year 2009 and (d) a $161,000 net decrease in numerous miscellaneous accruals and (6) a $2.2 million decrease in deferred revenue primarily due to recognizing $2.0 million of revenue associated with deferred revenue from the Monsanto licensing agreement during fiscal year 2009.

          Cash Flow from Investing Activities

          Net cash used in investing activities for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009 was $12.3 million compared to net cash used in investing activities of $20.2 million for the same period last year. The primary uses of cash from investing activities during fiscal year 2009 were from the purchase of $4.6 million of property and equipment primarily for the growth of Apio’s value-added vegetable business and from the net purchase of $7.9 million of marketable securities.

          Cash Flow from Financing Activities

          Net cash provided by financing activities for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009 was $2.0 million compared to net cash used in financing activities of $15.5 million for the same period last year. The primary source of cash from financing activities during fiscal year 2009 was the tax benefit from stock-based compensation of $1.9 million.

          Capital Expenditures

          During the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009, Landec purchased property and equipment to support the growth of Apio’s value added vegetable business. These expenditures represented the majority of the $4.6 million of capital expenditures. In addition, we expect to incur increased capital expenditures in fiscal year 2010 due to a 40,000 square foot expansion of Apio’s value-added vegetable processing plant to meet projected increased capacity requirements in the future. We anticipate that our capital expenditures in the year ending May 30, 2010 will be approximately $6.0 million to $6.5 million.

          Debt

          In May 2009, Apio terminated its $7.0 million revolving line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank N.A. Apio had been in compliance with all loan covenants during fiscal year 2009 through the date of termination.

- 39 -


Contractual Obligations

          The Company’s material contractual obligations for the next five years and thereafter as of May 31, 2009, are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due in Fiscal Year Ended May

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obligation

 

Total

 

2010

 

2011

 

2012

 

2013

 

2014

 

Thereafter

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Income taxes

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Operating Leases

 

 

848

 

 

548

 

 

287

 

 

13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Licensing Obligation

 

 

300

 

 

100

 

 

100

 

 

100

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase Commitments

 

 

3,436

 

 

3,436

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Total

 

$

4,584

 

$

4,084

 

$

387

 

$

113

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

          The income tax amounts above exclude liabilities under FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”, as we are unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate amount or timing of settlement. See Note 11 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

          Landec is not a party to any agreements with, or commitments to, any special purpose entities that would constitute material off-balance sheet financing other than the operating lease commitments listed above.

          Landec’s future capital requirements will depend on numerous factors, including the progress of its research and development programs; the continued development of marketing, sales and distribution capabilities; the ability of Landec to establish and maintain new collaborative and licensing arrangements; any decision to pursue additional acquisition opportunities; weather conditions that can affect the supply and price of produce, the timing and amount, if any, of payments received under licensing and research and development agreements; the costs involved in preparing, filing, prosecuting, defending and enforcing intellectual property rights; the ability to comply with regulatory requirements; the emergence of competitive technology and market forces; the effectiveness of product commercialization activities and arrangements; and other factors. If Landec’s currently available funds, together with the internally generated cash flow from operations are not sufficient to satisfy its capital needs, Landec would be required to seek additional funding through other arrangements with collaborative partners, additional bank borrowings and public or private sales of its securities. There can be no assurance that additional funds, if required, will be available to Landec on favorable terms if at all.

          Landec believes that its cash from operations, along with existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities will be sufficient to finance its operational and capital requirements for at least the next twelve months.

Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

          Not significant.

Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

          See Item 15 of Part IV of this report.

Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

          Not applicable.

- 40 -


Item 9A.   Controls and Procedures

          Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

          Our management evaluated, with participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and are effective in providing reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in such reports is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

          Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

          There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended May 31, 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

          Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

          Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2009. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control - Integrated Framework. Our management has concluded that, as of May 31, 2009, our internal control over financial reporting was effective to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, have issued an audit report on our assessment of our internal control over financial reporting, which is included herein.

          Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.

          Ernst & Young LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm has issued the following attestation report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Landec Corporation

          We have audited Landec Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Landec Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

- 41 -


          We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

          A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

          Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

          In our opinion, Landec Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2009, based on the COSO criteria.

          We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Landec Corporation and subsidiaries as of May 31, 2009 and May 25, 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2009 of Landec Corporation and our report dated July 31, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

 

 

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

 

 

San Francisco, California
July 31, 2009

 

Item 9B.   Other Information

          None

- 42 -


PART III

 

 

Item 10.

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

 

 

This information required by this item will be contained in the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement which the Registrant will file with the Commission no later than September 28, 2009 (120 days after the Registrant’s fiscal year end covered by this Report) and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

 

 

 

This information required by this item will be contained in the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement which the Registrant will file with the Commission no later than September 28, 2009 (120 days after the Registrant’s fiscal year end covered by this Report) and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

 

 

 

This information required by this item will be contained in the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement which the Registrant will file with the Commission no later than September 28, 2009 (120 days after the Registrant’s fiscal year end covered by this Report) and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence

 

 

 

This information required by this item will be contained in the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement which the Registrant will file with the Commission no later than September 28, 2009 (120 days after the Registrant’s fiscal year end covered by this Report) and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

 

 

This information required by this item will be contained in the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement which the Registrant will file with the Commission no later than September 28, 2009 (120 days after the Registrant’s fiscal year end covered by this Report) and is incorporated herein by reference.

- 43 -


PART IV

 

 

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

 

(a)       1.

Consolidated Financial Statements of Landec Corporation


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets at May 31, 2009 and May 25, 2008

 

46

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended May 31, 2009, May 25, 2008 and May 27, 2007

 

47

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended May 31, 2009, May 25, 2008 and May 27, 2007

 

48

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended May 31, 2009, May 25, 2008 and May 27, 2007

 

49

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

50

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

All schedules provided for in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission have been omitted since they pertain to items which do not appear in the financial statements of Landec Corporation and its subsidiaries or to items which are not significant or to items as to which the required disclosures have been made elsewhere in the financial statements and supplementary notes and such schedules.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

Index of Exhibits

 

75

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The exhibits listed in the accompanying Index of Exhibits are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this report.

 

 

- 44 -


REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Stockholders of Landec Corporation

          We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Landec Corporation and subsidiaries as of May 31, 2009 and May 25, 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2009. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

          We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

          In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Landec Corporation and subsidiaries at May 31, 2009 and May 25, 2008, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the fiscal years in the period ended May 31, 2009, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

          As discussed in the Notes to the consolidated financial statements, on May 28, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, and changed its method of recognizing uncertain tax positions.

          We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Landec Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated July 31, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

 

 

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

 

 

San Francisco, California
July 31, 2009

 

- 45 -


LANDEC CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 31, 2009

 

May 25, 2008

 

 

 


 


 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

43,459

 

$

44,396

 

Marketable securities

 

 

22,498

 

 

14,643

 

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $165 and $169 at May 31, 2009 and May 25, 2008, respectively

 

 

15,271

 

 

19,460

 

Accounts receivable, related party

 

 

632

 

 

411

 

Inventories, net

 

 

5,829

 

 

7,329

 

Notes and advances receivable

 

 

186

 

 

501

 

Deferred taxes

 

 

2,161

 

 

2,180

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

1,298

 

 

1,114

 

 

 



 



 

Total current assets

 

 

91,334

 

 

90,034

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

22,743

 

 

21,306

 

Goodwill, net

 

 

27,361

 

 

27,354

 

Trademarks, net

 

 

8,228

 

 

8,228

 

Other assets

 

 

3,832

 

 

3,035

 

 

 



 



 

Total Assets

 

$

153,498

 

$

149,957

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

12,430

 

$

18,359

 

Related party payables

 

 

299

 

 

273

 

Accrued compensation

 

 

1,112

 

 

2,197

 

Income tax payable

 

 

107

 

 

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

 

1,805

 

 

2,930

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

3,430

 

 

3,613

 

 

 



 



 

Total current liabilities

 

 

19,183

 

 

27,372

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

3,000

 

 

5,000

 

Deferred taxes

 

 

4,119

 

 

1,569

 

Minority interest

 

 

1,790

 

 

1,550

 

 

 



 



 

Total liabilities

 

 

28,092

 

 

35,491

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 26,326,889 and 26,156,323 shares issued and outstanding at May 31, 2009 and May 25, 2008, respectively

 

 

26

 

 

26

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

116,158

 

 

112,948

 

Retained earnings

 

 

9,222

 

 

1,492

 

 

 



 



 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

 

125,406

 

 

114,466

 

 

 



 



 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

$

153,498

 

$

149,957

 

 

 



 



 

See accompanying notes.

- 46 -


LANDEC CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
May 31,

 

Year Ended
May 25,

 

Year Ended
May 27,

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 


 


 


 

Statement of Operations Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product sales

 

$

224,404

 

$

227,550

 

$

201,892

 

Services revenue, related party

 

 

4,145

 

 

3,640

 

 

3,539

 

License fees

 

 

6,000

 

 

6,231

 

 

4,013

 

Research, development and royalty revenues

 

 

1,389

 

 

1,075

 

 

805

 

Royalty revenues, related party

 

 

 

 

31

 

 

249

 

 

 



 



 



 

Total revenues

 

 

235,938

 

 

238,527

 

 

210,498

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of product sales

 

 

195,180

 

 

194,868

 

 

172,251

 

Cost of product sales, related party

 

 

3,189

 

 

2,420

 

 

3,001

 

Cost of services revenue

 

 

3,289

 

 

3,011

 

 

2,860

 

 

 



 



 



 

Total cost of revenue

 

 

201,658

 

 

200,299

 

 

178,112

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

 

34,280

 

 

38,228

 

 

32,386

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research and development

 

 

3,665

 

 

3,251

 

 

3,074

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

18,017

 

 

19,801

 

 

21,616

 

Income from sale of FCD (Note 2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(22,669

)

 

 



 



 



 

Total operating costs and expenses

 

 

21,682

 

 

23,052

 

 

2,021

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

 

12,598

 

 

15,176

 

 

30,365

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

 

1,306

 

 

2,219

 

 

1,945

 

Interest expense

 

 

(8

)

 

(22

)

 

(251

)

Minority interest expense

 

 

(555

)

 

(477

)

 

(414

)

 

 



 



 



 

Net income before taxes

 

 

13,341

 

 

16,896

 

 

31,645

 

Income tax expense

 

 

(5,611

)

 

(3,354

)

 

(2,456

)

 

 



 



 



 

Net income

 

$

7,730

 

$

13,542

 

$

29,189

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income per share

 

$

0.30

 

$

0.52

 

$

1.16

 

 

 



 



 



 

Diluted net income per share

 

$

0.29

 

$

0.50

 

$

1.07

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares used in per share computation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

26,202

 

 

26,069

 

 

25,260

 

 

 



 



 



 

Diluted

 

 

26,751

 

 

26,935

 

 

26,558

 

 

 



 



 



 

See accompanying notes.

- 47 -


LANDEC CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

 

Retained
Earnings
(Deficit)

 

Total
Stockholders’
Equity

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

 

 




 


 


 


 

Balance at May 28, 2006

 

 

24,917,298

 

$

25

 

$

126,263

 

$

(41,239

)

$

85,049

 

Issuance of common stock at $1.66 to $8.86 per share

 

 

973,870

 

 

1

 

 

2,656

 

 

 

 

2,657

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

615

 

 

 

 

615

 

Repurchase of subsidiary common stock and options

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(7,282

)

 

(7,282

)

Net income and comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

29,189

 

 

29,189

 

 

 






 



 



 



 

Balance at May 27, 2007

 

 

25,891,168

 

 

26

 

 

129,534

 

 

(19,332

)

 

110,228

 

Reclassify repurchase of subsidiary common stock and options

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,502

)

 

7,282

 

 

4,780

 

Issuance of common stock at $1.89 to $7.53 per share

 

 

255,153

 

 

 

 

1,120

 

 

 

 

1,120

 

Issuance of common stock for vested restricted stock units

 

 

10,002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

871

 

 

 

 

871

 

Tax benefit from stock-based compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,423

 

 

 

 

3,423

 

Repurchase of subsidiary common stock and options (Note 5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(19,498

)

 

 

 

(19,498

)

Net income and comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,542

 

 

13,542

 

 

 






 



 



 



 

Balance at May 25, 2008

 

 

26,156,323

 

 

26

 

 

112,948

 

 

1,492

 

 

114,466

 

Issuance of common stock at $2.82 to $5.34 per share

 

 

160,570

 

 

 

 

379

 

 

 

 

379

 

Issuance of common stock for vested restricted stock units

 

 

9,996

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

933

 

 

 

 

933

 

Tax benefit from stock-based compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,898

 

 

 

 

1,898

 

Net income and comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,730

 

 

7,730

 

 

 






 



 



 



 

Balance at May 31, 2009

 

 

26,326,889

 

$

26

 

$

116,158

 

$

9,222

 

$

125,406

 

 

 






 



 



 



 

See accompanying notes

- 48 -


LANDEC CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
May 31,
2009

 

Year Ended
May 25,
2008

 

Year Ended
May 27,
2007

 

 

 


 


 


 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

7,730

 

$

13,542

 

$

29,189

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

3,139

 

 

3,204

 

 

3,260

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 

933

 

 

871

 

 

615

 

Deferred taxes

 

 

2,569

 

 

(611

)

 

 

Minority interest

 

 

555

 

 

477

 

 

412

 

Increase in long-term receivable

 

 

(800

)

 

(800

)

 

(400

)

Tax benefit from stock based compensation

 

 

(1,898

)

 

(3,423

)

 

 

Income from sale of FCD (Note 2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(24,587

)

Net loss on disposal of property and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

43

 

Investment in unconsolidated business

 

 

 

 

 

 

(481

)

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

 

4,189

 

 

(1,829

)

 

(273

)

Accounts receivable, related party

 

 

(221

)

 

143

 

 

7

 

Inventories, net

 

 

1,500

 

 

(529

)

 

(8,733

)

Issuance of notes and advances receivable

 

 

(3,055

)

 

(2,652

)

 

(2,186

)

Collection of notes and advances receivable

 

 

3,269

 

 

2,425

 

 

2,228

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

(184

)

 

202

 

 

(268

)

Accounts payable

 

 

(5,929

)

 

4,196

 

 

(2,967

)

Related party accounts payable

 

 

26

 

 

98

 

 

(358

)

Income taxes payable

 

 

2,005

 

 

3,423

 

 

 

Accrued compensation

 

 

(1,085

)

 

(929

)

 

95

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

 

(1,125

)

 

1,590

 

 

(658

)

Deferred revenue

 

 

(2,183

)

 

(1,878

)

 

2,600

 

 

 



 



 



 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

 

9,435

 

 

17,520

 

 

(2,462

)

 

 



 



 



 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

 

(4,576

)

 

(4,240

)

 

(6,782

)

Net proceeds from sale of FCD (Note 2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

49,441

 

Acquisition related earnout payments

 

 

(7

)

 

(1,433

)

 

(1,320

)

Issuance of notes and advances receivable

 

 

(2

)

 

(12

)

 

(37

)

Collection of notes and advances receivable

 

 

103

 

 

116

 

 

638

 

Purchase of marketable securities

 

 

(45,808

)

 

(14,643

)

 

 

Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities

 

 

37,953

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

 

 

(12,337

)

 

(20,212

)

 

41,940

 

 

 



 



 



 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sale of common stock

 

 

379

 

 

1,120

 

 

2,657

 

Proceeds from the exercise of subsidiary options

 

 

 

 

 

 

66

 

Repurchase of subsidiary options

 

 

 

 

(19,498

)

 

(7,282

)

Tax benefit from stock-based compensation expense

 

 

1,898

 

 

3,423

 

 

 

Net change in other assets

 

 

3

 

 

(2

)

 

72

 

Borrowings on lines of credit

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,338

 

Payments on long term debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,990

)

Payments to minority interest

 

 

(315

)

 

(511

)

 

(302

)

 

 



 



 



 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

 

1,965

 

 

(15,498

)

 

2,559

 

 

 



 



 



 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(937

)

 

(18,160

)

 

42,037

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year (including FCD)

 

 

44,396

 

 

62,556

 

 

20,519

 

 

 



 



 



 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

 

$

43,459

 

$

44,396

 

$

62,556

 

 

 



 



 



 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flows information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for interest

 

$

8

 

$

8

 

$

179

 

 

 



 



 



 

Cash paid during the period for income taxes

 

$

1,135

 

$

850

 

$

1,198

 

 

 



 



 



 

Supplemental schedule of noncash operating and investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term receivable from Monsanto

 

$

800

 

$

800

 

$

400

 

 

 



 



 



 

Preferred stock received from investment in unconsolidated business

 

$

 

$

 

$

481

 

 

 



 



 



 

See accompanying notes.

- 49 -


LANDEC CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

1.

Organization, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization

          Landec Corporation and its subsidiaries (“Landec” or the “Company”) design, develop, manufacture, and sell temperature-activated and other specialty polymer products for a variety of food products, agricultural products, and licensed partner applications. The Company sells Intellicoat® coated seed products through its Landec Ag LLC (“Landec Ag”) subsidiary and specialty packaged fresh-cut vegetables and whole produce to retailers and club stores, primarily in the United States and Asia through its Apio, Inc. (“Apio”) subsidiary.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Consolidation

          The consolidated financial statements are presented on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and include the accounts of Landec Corporation and its subsidiaries, Apio and Landec Ag. All material inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated.

          The Company follows FASB Interpretation No. 46R, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46R”), which addresses the consolidation of variable interest entities (“VIEs”). Under FIN 46R, arrangements that are not controlled through voting or similar rights are accounted for as VIEs. An enterprise is required to consolidate a VIE if it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE.

          Under FIN 46R, a VIE is created when (i) the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties, or (ii) the entity’s equity holders as a group either: (a) lack direct or indirect ability to make decisions about the entity through voting or similar rights, (b) are not obligated to absorb expected losses of the entity if they occur, or (c) do not have the right to receive expected residual returns of the entity if they occur. If an entity is deemed to be a VIE pursuant to FIN 46R, the enterprise that is deemed to absorb a majority of the expected losses or receive a majority of expected residual returns of the VIE is considered the primary beneficiary and must consolidate the VIE.

          Based on the provisions of FIN 46R, the Company has concluded that as a result of the license and supply agreement between Landec and Monsanto Company (see Note 2), Monsanto has a variable interest in the Company’s Intellicoat coating subsidiary, Landec Ag, and therefore Landec Ag has been determined to be a VIE. The Company has also determined that it is the primary beneficiary of Landec Ag and therefore the accounts of Landec Ag are consolidated with the accounts of the Company.

          Landec Ag exists solely to administer the license and supply agreement between Landec and Monsanto Company. At May 31, 2009 and May 25, 2008, Landec Ag had total tangible assets of approximately $300,000 and $400,000, respectively.

          None of Landec’s assets serve as collateral for the obligations of Landec Ag, and there is no restriction on the recourse of creditors or beneficial interest holders of Landec Ag to the general credit of Landec.

Reclassifications

          Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.

- 50 -


 

 

1.

Organization, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates

          The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make certain estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. The accounting estimates that require management’s most significant, difficult and subjective judgments include revenue recognition; sales returns and allowances; recognition and measurement of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities; the assessment of recoverability of long-lived assets; the valuation of intangible assets and inventory; the valuation and nature of impairments of investments; and the valuation and recognition of stock-based compensation.

          These estimates involve the consideration of complex factors and require management to make judgments. The analysis of historical and future trends, can require extended periods of time to resolve, and are subject to change from period to period. The actual results may differ from management’s estimates.

Concentrations of Risk

          Cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, trade accounts receivable, grower advances and notes receivable are financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk. Corporate policy limits, among other things, the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer and to any one type of investment, other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government. The Company routinely assesses the financial strength of customers and growers and, as a consequence, believes that trade receivables, grower advances and notes receivable credit risk exposure is limited. Credit losses for bad debt are provided for in the consolidated financial statements through a charge to operations. A valuation allowance is provided for known and anticipated credit losses. The recorded amounts for these financial instruments approximate their fair value.

          Several of the raw materials used to manufacture the Company’s products are currently purchased from a single source, including some monomers used to synthesize Intelimer® polymers and substrate materials for the production of Intelimer packaging used on a multitude of Apio value-added products.

          During the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009, sales to the Company’s top five customers accounted for approximately 46% of total revenue, with the top customer, Costco Wholesale Corporation from the Food Products Technology segment, accounting for approximately 21% of total revenues. In addition, approximately 30% of the Company’s total revenues were derived from product sales to international customers, none of whom individually accounted for more than 5% of total revenues. As of May 31, 2009, Costco Wholesale Corporation represented approximately 21% of total accounts receivable.

          During the fiscal year ended May 25, 2008, sales to the Company’s top five customers accounted for approximately 47% of total revenue, with the top customer, Costco Wholesale Corporation from the Food Products Technology segment, accounting for approximately 20% of total revenues. In addition, approximately 30% of the Company’s total revenues were derived from product sales to international customers, none of whom individually accounted for more than 5% of total revenues. As of May 25, 2008, Costco Wholesale Corporation represented approximately 19% of total accounts receivable.

- 51 -


 

 

1.

Organization, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

          Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets is measured by comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to the net undiscounted future cash flow expected to be generated from the asset. If the future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying value of the assets, the assets’ carrying value is adjusted to fair value.

          The Company regularly evaluates its long-lived assets for indicators of possible impairment. To date, no impairment has been recorded.

Financial Instruments

          The Company’s financial instruments are primarily composed of marketable debt securities, commercial-term trade payables and grower advances, and notes receivable, as well as long-term notes receivables and debt instruments. For short-term instruments, the historical carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value. Fair values for long-term financial instruments not readily marketable are estimated based upon discounted future cash flows at prevailing market interest rates. Based on these assumptions, management believes the fair market values of the Company’s financial instruments are not materially different from their recorded amounts as of May 31, 2009.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

          The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments and sales discounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on review of the overall condition of accounts receivable balances and review of significant past due accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on specific identification of past due amounts and a general reserve for accounts over 90-days past due. The changes in the Company’s allowances for doubtful accounts are summarized in the following table (in thousands).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning
of period

 

Additions
charged to costs
and expenses

 

Deductions

 

Balance at end of
period

 

 

 








 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended May 27, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable and notes receivable

 

$

220

 

$

64

 

$

(78

)

$

206

 

Year ended May 25, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable and notes receivable

 

$

206

 

$

 

$

(37

)

$

169

 

Year ended May 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable and notes receivable

 

$

169

 

$

 

$

(4

)

$

165

 

- 52 -


 

 

1.

Organization, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Revenue Recognition

          Revenue from product sales is recognized when there is persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, title has transferred, the price is fixed and determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Allowances are established for estimated uncollectible amounts, product returns, and discounts based on specific identification and historical losses.

          The Company takes title to all produce it trades and/or packages, and therefore, records revenues and cost of sales at gross amounts in the consolidated statements of income in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force No. 99-19, Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent.

          Licensing revenue is recognized in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, Revenue Recognition (a replacement of SAB 101), (SAB 104). Initial license fees are deferred and amortized to revenue over the period of the agreement when a contract exists, the fee is fixed and determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Noncancellable, nonrefundable license fees are recognized over the period of the agreement, including those governing research and development activities and any related supply agreement entered into concurrently with the license when the risk associated with commercialization of a product is non-substantive at the outset of the arrangement.

          Contract revenue for research and development (R&D) is recorded as earned, based on the performance requirements of the contract. Non-refundable contract fees for which no further performance obligations exist, and there is no continuing involvement by the Company, are recognized on the earlier of when the payments are received or when collection is assured.

Other Accounting Policies and Disclosures

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities

          The Company records all highly liquid securities with three months or less from date of purchase to maturity as cash equivalents and consists mainly of certificate of deposits, money market funds and U.S. Treasuries. Short-term marketable securities consist of certificates of deposit (CDs) that are FDIC insured and municipal bonds with original maturities of more than three months at the date of purchase regardless of the maturity date as the Company views its available-for-sale portfolio as available for use in its current operations. The aggregate amount of CDs included in marketable securities at May 31, 2009 and May 25, 2008 was $2.1 million and $14.6 million, respectively. The Company classifies all debt securities with readily determined market values as “available for sale” in accordance with SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities. These investments are classified as marketable securities on the consolidated balance sheet as of May 31, 2009 and May 25, 2008 and are carried at fair market value. Unrealized gains and losses are reported as a component of stockholders’ equity and were not significant in fiscal years 2009 and 2008. The cost of debt securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and discounts to maturity. This amortization is recorded to interest income. Realized gains and losses on the sale of available-for-sale securities are also recorded to interest income and were not significant in fiscal years 2009 and 2008. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method.

Inventories

          Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (using the first-in, first-out method) or market. As of May 31, 2009 and May 25, 2008 inventories consisted of (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 31,
2009

 

May 25,
2008

 

 

 


 


 

Finished goods

 

$

2,108

 

$

2,949

 

Raw materials

 

 

3,721

 

 

4,380

 

 

 



 



 

Inventories, net

 

$

5,829

 

$

7,329

 

 

 



 



 

- 53 -


 

 

1.

Organization, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

          If the cost of the inventories exceeds their expected market value, provisions are recorded currently for the difference between the cost and the market value. These provisions are determined based on specific identification for unusable inventory and an additional reserve, based on historical losses, for inventory considered to be useable.

Advertising Expense

          Advertising expenditures for the Company are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense for the Company for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $475,000, $474,000 and $205,000, respectively.

Notes and Advances Receivable

          Apio has made advances to produce growers for crop and harvesting costs. Notes and advances receivable related to operating activities are for the sourcing of crops for Apio’s business and notes and advances receivable related to investing activities are for financing transactions with third parties. Typically operating advances are paid off within the growing season (less than one year) from harvested crops. Advances not fully paid during the current growing season are converted to interest bearing obligations, evidenced by contracts and notes receivable. These notes and advances receivable are secured by perfected liens on land and/or crops and have terms that range from six to twelve months. Notes receivable are periodically reviewed (at least quarterly) for collectibility. A reserve is established for any note or advance deemed to not be fully collectible based upon an estimate of the crop value or the fair value of the security for the note or advance.

Related Party Transactions

          Apio provides cooling and distributing services for farms in which the Chairman of Apio (the “Apio Chairman”) has a financial interest and purchases produce from those farms. Apio also purchases produce from Beachside Produce LLC for sale to third parties. Beachside Produce is owned by a group of entities and persons that supply produce to Apio including the Apio Chairman. Revenues and the resulting accounts receivable and cost of product sales and the resulting accounts payable are classified as related party items in the accompanying financial statements as of May 31, 2009 and May 25, 2008 and for the three years ended May 31, 2009.

          Apio leases, for approximately $316,000 on a current annual basis, agricultural land that is owned by the Apio Chairman. Apio, in turn, subleases that land at cost to growers who are obligated to deliver product from that land to Apio for value added products. There is generally no net statement of income impact to Apio as a result of these leasing activities but Apio creates a guaranteed source of supply for the value added business. Apio has loss exposure on the leasing activity to the extent that it is unable to sublease the land. For the years ended May 31, 2009, May 25, 2008 and May 27, 2007, the Company subleased all of the land leased from the Apio Chairman and received sublease income of $316,000, $344,000 and $504,000, respectively, which is substantially equal to the amount the Company paid to lease that land for such periods.

          Apio’s domestic commodity vegetable business was sold to Beachside Produce, effective June 30, 2003. The Apio Chairman is a 12.5% owner in Beachside Produce. During fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company recognized revenues of $1.3 million, $1.6 million and $83,000, respectively, from the sale of products to Beachside Produce and royalty revenues of $0, $31,000 and $249,000, respectively, from the use by Beachside Produce of Apio’s trademarks. The related accounts receivable from Beachside Produce are classified as related party in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 31, 2009 and May 25, 2008.

          At May 27, 2007, the Apio Chairman held a 6% ownership interest in Apio Cooling LP (“Apio Cooling”), a limited partnership in which Apio is the general partner and majority owner with a 60% ownership interest. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2008, the Apio Chairman withdrew from Apio Cooling. The $227,000 owed to the Apio Chairman as of May 27, 2007, which was included in the minority interest liability at May 27, 2007, was paid in full during fiscal year 2008.

- 54 -


 

 

1.

Organization, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

          All related party transactions are monitored quarterly by the Company and approved by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

Property and Equipment

          Property and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for major improvements are capitalized while repairs and maintenance are charged to expense. Depreciation is expensed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, generally three to thirty years for buildings and leasehold improvements and three to seven years for furniture and fixtures, computers, capitalized software, machinery, equipment and autos. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the economic life of the improvement or the life of the lease on a straight-line basis.

          The Company capitalizes software development costs for internal use in accordance with Statement of Position 98-1, “Accounting for Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use” (“SOP 98-1”). Capitalization of software development costs begins in the application development stage and ends when the asset is placed into service. The Company amortizes such costs using the straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of three to seven years. The Company did not capitalize any software development costs during fiscal years 2009 or 2008.

Intangible Assets

          The Company’s intangible assets are comprised primarily of goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives (collectively, “intangible assets”), which the Company recognized in accordance with the guidelines in SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141”) (i) upon the acquisition, in December 1999, of all the assets of Apio, which consists of the Food Products Technology and Commodity Trading reporting units and (ii) from the repurchase of all minority interests in the common stock of Landec Ag, a subsidiary of the Company, in December 2006. SFAS 141 defines goodwill as “the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the net of the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at date of acquisition.” All intangible assets, including goodwill, associated with the Apio acquisition were allocated to the Food Products Technology reporting unit pursuant to SFAS 141 based upon the allocation of assets and liabilities acquired and consideration paid for the Food Products Technology reporting unit. The consideration paid for the Commodity Trading reporting unit approximated its fair market value at the time of acquisition, and therefore no intangible assets were recorded in connection with the Company’s acquisition of this reporting unit. Goodwill associated with the Technology Licensing reporting unit consists entirely of goodwill resulting from the repurchase of the Landec Ag minority interests.

          The Company tests its intangible assets for impairment at least annually, in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“SFAS 142”). When evaluating indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, SFAS 142 requires the Company to compare the fair value of the asset to its carrying value to determine if there is an impairment loss. When evaluating goodwill for impairment, SFAS 142 requires the Company to first compare the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value to determine if there is an impairment loss. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not considered impaired; thus application of the second step of the two-step approach in SFAS 142 is not required. Application of the intangible assets impairment tests requires significant judgment by management, including identification of reporting units, assignment of assets and liabilities to reporting units, assignment of intangible assets to reporting units, and the determination of the fair value of each indefinite-lived intangible asset and reporting unit based upon projections of future net cash flows, discount rates and market multiples, which judgments and projections are inherently uncertain.

          The Company tested its intangible assets for impairment as of July 26, 2009 and determined that no adjustments to the carrying values of the intangible assets were necessary as of that date. On a quarterly basis, the Company considers the need to update its most recent annual tests for possible impairment of its intangible assets, based on management’s assessment of changes in its business and other economic factors since the most recent annual evaluation. Such changes, if significant or material, could indicate a need to update the most recent annual

- 55 -


 

 

1.

Organization, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

tests for impairment of the intangible assets during the current period. The results of these tests could lead to write-downs of the carrying values of the intangible assets in the current period.

          The Company uses the discounted cash flow (“DCF”) approach to develop an estimate of fair value. The DCF approach recognizes that current value is premised on the expected receipt of future economic benefits. Indications of value are developed by discounting projected future net cash flows to their present value at a rate that reflects both the current return requirements of the market and the risks inherent in the specific investment. The market approach was not used to value the Food Products Technology and Technology Licensing reporting units (the “Reporting Units”) because insufficient market comparables exist to enable the Company to develop a reasonable fair value of its intangible assets due to the unique nature of each of the Company’s Reporting Units.

          The DCF approach requires the Company to exercise judgment in determining future business and financial forecasts and the related estimates of future net cash flows. Future net cash flows depend primarily on future product sales, which are inherently difficult to predict. These net cash flows are discounted at a rate that reflects both the current return requirements of the market and the risks inherent in the specific investment.

          The DCF associated with the Technology Licensing reporting unit is based on the Company’s license agreement with Monsanto (the “Agreement”). Under the Agreement, Monsanto has agreed to pay Landec Ag a license fee of $2.6 million in cash per year for five years beginning in December 2006, and a fee of $4.0 million if Monsanto elects to terminate the Agreement, or $10.0 million if Monsanto elects to purchase Landec Ag. If the purchase option is exercised before the fifth anniversary of the Agreement, or if Monsanto elects to terminate the Agreement, all annual license fees that have not been paid to Landec Ag will become due upon the purchase or termination. As of May 31, 2009, the fair value of the Technology Licensing reporting unit, as determined by the DCF approach, is more than double its book value, and therefore, no intangible asset impairment was deemed to exist. The discount rate utilized approximates the risk free interest rate as the cash flow stream is guaranteed under the terms of the Agreement. A 1% increase in the discount rate would not have a significant impact on the excess of fair value over book value.

          The DCF associated with the Food Products Technology reporting unit is based on management’s five-year projection of revenues, gross profits and operating profits by fiscal year and assumes a 40% effective tax rate for each year. Management takes into account the historical trends of Apio and the industry categories in which Apio operates along with inflationary factors, current economic conditions, new product introductions, cost of sales, operating expenses, capital requirements and other relevant data when developing its projection. As of May 31, 2009, the fair value of the Food Products Technology reporting unit, as determined by the DCF approach, was approximately double its book value, and therefore, no intangible asset impairment was deemed to exist. A 1% increase in the discount rate would not have a significant impact on the excess of fair value over book value.

Investment in Non-Public Company

          The Company’s investment of $1.8 million in a non-public company is carried at cost and adjusted for impairment losses, if any. Since there is no readily available market value information, the Company periodically reviews this investment to determine if any other than temporary declines in value have occurred based on the financial stability and viability of the company. The company is currently in discussions with several parties to sell the rights to certain proprietary assets, and potential deal terms with more than one party are in late-stage negotiations. The company’s goal is to close the sale in calendar 2009. Landec has evaluated its cost method investment for impairment, utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis of the preliminary terms under late-stage discussions with one of the parties. Based on the expectation that the rights to certain proprietary assets of the company will be sold to a third party, the Company has determined there is no impairment of its investment as of May 31, 2009. However, if the currently proposed or similar deal does not close, Landec will need to re-evaluate impairment, with maximum exposure equal to its cost investment.

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1.

Organization, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Deferred Revenue

          Cash received in advance of services performed (principally revenues related to upfront license fees) are recorded as deferred revenue. At May 31, 2009, $6.3 million has been recognized as a liability for deferred license fee revenues and $130,000 for advances from customers and on ground lease payments from growers. At May 25, 2008, $8.3 million has been recognized as a liability for deferred license fee revenues and $313,000 for advances from customers and on ground lease payments from growers.

Minority Interest

          In connection with the acquisition of Apio, Landec acquired Apio’s 60% general partner interest in Apio Cooling, a California limited partnership. Apio Cooling is included in the consolidated financial statements of Landec for all periods presented. The minority interest balance of $1.8 million and $1.6 million at May 31, 2009 and May 25, 2008, respectively, is comprised of the limited partners’ interest in Apio Cooling.

Income Taxes

          The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. In evaluating the Company’s ability to recover its deferred tax assets, management considered all available positive and negative evidence including the Company’s past results of operations and its forecast of future taxable income in the jurisdictions in which Landec has operations. The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is expected to be realized on a more-likely-than-not basis. A deferred tax expense results from the change in the net deferred tax asset or liability between periods.

          Effective May 28, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”. In accordance with FIN 48, paragraph 19, the Company has decided to classify interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of its provision for income taxes.

          The Company is subject to routine audits by federal and state tax authorities that may result in additional tax liabilities. Several factors drive the calculation of the Company’s tax liabilities including, (i) the expiration of various statutes of limitations, (ii) changes in tax law and regulations, (iii) issuance of tax rulings, and (iv) settlements with tax authorities. Changes in any of these factors may result in adjustments in the Company’s liabilities, which would impact the Company’s reported financial results.

Per Share Information

          Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 128, “Earnings Per Share” (SFAS 128) requires the presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share. Basic earnings per share excludes any dilutive effects of options, warrants and convertible securities and is computed using the weighted average number of common share outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. Diluted common equivalent shares consist of stock options using the treasury stock method.

- 57 -


 

 

1.

Organization, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

The following table sets forth the computation of diluted net income per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year
Ended
May 31, 2009

 

Fiscal Year
Ended
May 25, 2008

 

Fiscal Year
Ended
May 27, 2007

 

 

 


 


 


 

Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

7,730

 

$

13,542

 

$

29,189

 

Less: Minority interest in income of subsidiary

 

 

 

 

 

 

(778

)

 

 



 



 



 

Net income for diluted net income per share

 

$

7,730

 

$

13,542

 

$

28,411

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares for basic net income per share

 

 

26,202

 

 

26,069

 

 

25,260

 

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options

 

 

549

 

 

866

 

 

1,298

 

 

 









 

Weighted average shares for diluted net income per share

 

 

26,751

 

 

26,935

 

 

26,558

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net income per share

 

$

0.29

 

$

0.50

 

$

1.07

 

          Options to purchase 357,514, 96,300 and 81,030 shares of Common Stock at a weighted average exercise price of $9.72, $13.32 and $8.86 per share were outstanding during fiscal years ended May 31, 2009, May 25, 2008 and May 27, 2007, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share because the options’ exercise price were greater than the average market price of the Common Stock and, therefore, the effect would be antidilutive.

Cost of Sales

          The Company includes in cost of sales all the costs related to the sale of products in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. These costs include the following: raw materials (including produce, seeds and packaging), direct labor, overhead (including indirect labor, depreciation, and facility related costs) and shipping and shipping related costs.

Research and Development Expenses

          Costs related to both research contracts and Company-funded research is included in research and development expenses. Costs to fulfill research contracts generally approximate the corresponding revenue. Research and development costs are primarily comprised of salaries and related benefits, supplies, travel expenses and corporate allocations.

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

          On May 29, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS 123R, which is a revision of SFAS No. 123 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS 123”), and supersedes APB No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”). Among other items, SFAS 123R requires companies to record compensation expense for stock-based awards issued to employees and directors in exchange for services provided. The amount of the compensation expense is based on the estimated fair value of the awards on their grant dates and is recognized over the required service periods. The Company’s stock-based awards include stock option grants and restricted stock unit awards (RSUs).

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1.

Organization, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

          Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R, the Company applied the intrinsic value method set forth in APB 25 to calculate the compensation expense for stock-based awards. The Company has historically set the exercise price for its stock options equal to the market value on the grant date. As a result, the options had no intrinsic value on their grant dates, and therefore the Company did not record any compensation expense unless the terms of the stock options were subsequently modified. For RSUs, the calculation of compensation expense under APB 25 and SFAS 123R is similar except for the accounting treatment for forfeitures as discussed below.

          The Company adopted SFAS 123R using the modified prospective transition method, which requires the application of the accounting standard to (i) all stock-based awards issued on or after May 29, 2006 and (ii) any outstanding stock-based awards that were issued but not vested as of May 29, 2006. During the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $933,000 which included $308,000 for restricted stock unit awards and $625,000 for stock option grants. During the fiscal year ended May 25, 2008, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $871,000 which included $306,000 for restricted stock unit awards and $565,000 for stock option grants. During the fiscal year ended May 27, 2007, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $615,000 which included $160,000 for restricted stock unit awards and $455,000 for stock option grants.

          The following table summarizes the stock-based compensation by income statement line item:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year
Ended
May 31, 2009

 

Fiscal Year
Ended
May 25, 2008

 

Fiscal Year
Ended
May 27, 2007

 

 

 


 


 


 

Research and development

 

$

171,000

 

$

148,000

 

$

82,000

 

Sales, general and administrative

 

 

762,000

 

 

723,000

 

 

533,000

 

 

 



 



 



 

Total stock-based compensation expense

 

$

933,000

 

$

871,000

 

$

615,000

 

          The estimated fair value for stock options, which determines the Company’s calculation of compensation expense, is based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Upon the adoption of SFAS 123R, the Company changed its method of calculating and recognizing the fair value of stock-based compensation arrangements to the straight-line, single-option method. Compensation expense for all stock option and restricted stock awards granted prior to May 29, 2006 will continue to be recognized using the straight-line, multiple-option method. In addition, SFAS 123R requires the estimation of the expected forfeitures of stock-based awards at the time of grant. As a result, the Company uses historical data to estimate pre-vesting forfeitures and records stock-based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest and revises those estimates in subsequent periods if the actual forfeitures differ from the prior estimates.

          Valuation Assumptions

          As of May 31, 2009, May 25, 2008 and May 27, 2007, the fair value of stock option grants was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following weighted average assumptions were used:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year
Ended
May 31, 2009

 

Fiscal Year
Ended
May 25, 2008

 

Fiscal Year
Ended
May 27, 2007

 

 

 


 


 


 

Expected life (in years)

 

3.78

 

 

4.40

 

 

4.27

 

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

2.35

%

 

5.02

%

 

5.08

%

 

Volatility

 

0.52

 

 

0.46

 

 

0.51

 

 

Dividend yield

 

0

%

 

0

%

 

0

%

 

          The Black-Scholes option pricing model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility. The change in the volatility in the fiscal years ended May 31, 2009, May 25, 2008 and May 27, 2007 is a result of basing the volatility on Landec’s stock price.

- 59 -


 

 

1.

Organization, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

          The weighted average estimated fair value of Landec employee stock options granted at grant date market prices during the fiscal years ended May 31, 2009, May 25, 2008 and May 27, 2007 was $2.74, $5.74 and $4.15 per share, respectively. No stock options were granted above or below grant date market prices during the fiscal years ended May 31, 2009, May 25, 2008 and May 27, 2007.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Fair Value Measurements

          In September 2006, FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 does not require new fair value measurements but provides guidance on how to measure fair value by providing a fair value hierarchy used to classify the source of information. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. However, on February 12, 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) FAS No. 157-2 which delays the effective date for all non-financial assets and liabilities except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). FSP 157- 2 defers the effective date of SFAS No. 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within the fiscal years for items within the scope of this FSP. The Company adopted SFAS No. 157 on May 26, 2008 for financial assets and financial liabilities. It did not have any impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position for the year ended May 31, 2009. The Company will adopt SFAS No. 157 for non-financial assets and liabilities during its fiscal year ending May 30, 2010. The Company is currently evaluating the future impacts and disclosures of this standard.

          In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities— Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115.” SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. Subsequent adjustments to the fair value of the financial instruments and liabilities an entity elects to carry at fair value will be recognized in earnings. SFAS No. 159 also establishes additional disclosure requirements. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, with early adoption permitted provided the entity also elects to apply the provisions of SFAS No. 157. The Company adopted SFAS No. 159 on May 26, 2008, but has not elected the fair value measurement provisions for any eligible financial instruments or other items.

Business Combinations

          The FASB issued SFAS No. 141R (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” which significantly changes the financial accounting and reporting for business combination transactions. SFAS No. 141R requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize all (and only) the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction and establishes the acquisition date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Certain provisions of this standard will, among other things, impact the determination of acquisition-date fair value of consideration paid in a business combination (including contingent consideration); exclude transaction costs from acquisition accounting; and change accounting practices for acquired contingencies, acquisition-related restructuring costs, in-process research and development, indemnification assets, and tax benefits. For the Company, SFAS No. 141R is effective for business combinations occurring after May 31, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the future impacts and disclosures of this standard.

Noncontrolling Interests

          In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements.” SFAS No. 160 amends Accounting Research Bulletin (“ARB”) No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements” and establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest (minority interest) in a subsidiary. This statement requires the reporting of all

- 60 -


 

 

1.

Organization, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

noncontrolling interests as a separate component of stockholders’ equity, the reporting of consolidated net income (loss) as the amount attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling interests and the separate disclosure of net income (loss) attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interests. Changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling interest will be accounted for as equity transactions and any retained noncontrolling equity investment upon the deconsolidation of a subsidiary will be initially measured at fair value. Other than the reporting requirements described above which require retrospective application, the provisions of SFAS No. 160 are to be applied prospectively. For the Company, SFAS No. 160 is effective beginning June 1, 2009. The Company is currently in the process of determining the impact and disclosure of this standard and expects it will result in a reclassification of income from the noncontrolling interest (minority interest) in Apio Cooling, L.P., in which Apio is the general partner with a 60% ownership position. Upon adoption, all noncontrolling interest will be included as a component of stockholders’ equity and not in the statement of operations. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

Collaborative Arrangements

          In December 2007, the FASB ratified the EITF consensus on EITF Issue No. 07-1, “Accounting for Collaborative Arrangements” that discusses how parties to a collaborative arrangement (which does not establish a legal entity within such arrangement) should account for various activities. The consensus indicates that costs incurred and revenues generated from transactions with third parties (i.e. parties outside of the collaborative arrangement) should be reported by the collaborators on the respective line items in their income statements pursuant to EITF Issue No. 99-19, “Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal Versus Net as an Agent.” Additionally, the consensus provides that income statement characterization of payments between the participants in a collaborative arrangement should be based upon existing authoritative pronouncements; analogy to such pronouncements if not within their scope; or a reasonable, rational, and consistently applied accounting policy election. For the Company, EITF Issue No. 07-1 is effective beginning June 1, 2009 and is to be applied retrospectively to all periods presented for collaborative arrangements existing as of the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

Variable Interest Entities

          In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R).” Statement 167 amends the evaluation criteria to identify the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity provided by FASB Interpretation No. 46(R), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities—An Interpretation of ARB No. 51. Additionally, Statement 167 requires ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entity. The Company will adopt Statement 167 in fiscal 2011 and is currently evaluating the impact of its pending adoption on the consolidated financial statements.

Subsequent Events

          In May 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 165, “Subsequent Events.” Statement 165 establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. The Company will adopt Statement 165 in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 and does not believe it will result in significant changes to reporting of subsequent events either through recognition or disclosure.

Fair Value Disclosures in Interim Reports

          In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments. This Staff Position amends FASB Statement No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, to require disclosures about fair value of financial instruments at interim

- 61 -


 

 

1.

Organization, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

reporting periods. This Staff Position is effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009 provided FSP No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 (described above) are also early adopted. The Company will adopt FSP No. FAS 107-1 in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 and do not believe it will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value Measurements

          The Company adopted Statement No. 157 on May 26, 2008 for financial assets and liabilities. The Company also adopted Statement 159 in which entities are permitted to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The Company did not elect the fair value option for any of its eligible financial assets or liabilities under SFAS 159.

          SFAS No. 157 established a three-tier hierarchy for fair value measurements, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

 

 

 

 

Level 1 – observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

 

 

 

 

Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly through corroboration with observable market data.

 

 

 

 

Level 3 – unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which would require the Company to develop its own assumptions.

          As of May 31, 2009, the Company held certain assets that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These included the Company’s cash equivalents and marketable securities for which the fair value is determined based on observable inputs that are readily available in public markets or can be derived from information available in publicly quoted markets. Therefore, the Company has categorized its cash equivalents and marketable securities as Level 1. The Company has no other financial assets or liabilities for which fair value measurement has been adopted.

 

 

2.

Sale of Fielder’s Choice Direct and License Agreement

          On December 1, 2006, Landec sold its direct marketing and sales seed company FCD, which included the Fielder’s Choice Direct® and Heartland Hybrid® brands, to American Seeds, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Monsanto Company. The acquisition price for FCD was $50 million in cash paid at the close. During the fiscal year 2007, Landec recorded income from the sale, net of direct expenses and bonuses, of $22.7 million. The income that was recorded is equal to the difference between the fair value of FCD of $40 million and its net book value, less direct selling expenses and bonuses. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the portion of the $50 million of proceeds in excess of the fair value of FCD, or $10 million, will be allocated to the technology license agreement described below and will be recognized as revenue ratably over the five year term of the license agreement or $2 million per year beginning December 1, 2006. The fair value was determined by management.

The following summarizes sales proceeds allocated to the technology license agreement and the net income from the sale of FCD (in thousands):

- 62 -


 

 

 

 

 

Cash received at close

 

$

50,000

 

Fair market value of FCD

 

 

40,000

 

 

 



 

Proceeds allocated to technology license agreement (1)

 

$

10,000

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair market value of FCD

 

$

40,000

 

Less: Cost basis of assets sold net of liabilities assumed

 

 

(14,856

)

Less: Direct expenses of sale

 

 

(557

)

 

 



 

Net gain from sale of FCD

 

 

24,587

 

Less: Bonuses paid to employees as a result of the sale

 

 

(1,918

)

 

 



 

Income from sale of FCD

 

$

22,669

 

 

 



 

(1) Represents a deferred gain at closing which will be recognized as revenue over 5 years as described below.

          As a result of the sale of FCD, the Company recorded an income tax expense of $2.5 million in fiscal year 2007 for state income taxes and federal AMT.

          In December 2006, Landec also entered into a five-year co-exclusive technology license and polymer supply agreement (“the Agreement”) with Monsanto for the use of Landec’s Intellicoat polymer seed coating technology. Under the terms of the Agreement, Monsanto has agreed to pay Landec Ag $2.6 million per year in exchange for (1) a co-exclusive right to use Landec’s Intellicoat temperature activated seed coating technology worldwide during the license period, (2) the right to be the exclusive global sales and marketing agent for the Intellicoat seed coating technology, and (3) the right to purchase the technology any time during the five year term of the Agreement. Monsanto has also agreed to fund all operating costs, including all Intellicoat research and development, product development and non-replacement capital costs during the five year agreement period. For each of the fiscal years ended May 31, 2009 and May 25, 2008 Landec recognized $5.4 million in revenues and income from the Agreement and for the fiscal year ended May 27, 2007 Landec recognized $2.7 million in revenues and income from the Agreement.

          The Agreement also provides for a fee payable to Landec Ag of $4 million if Monsanto elects to terminate the agreement or $10 million, amended from $8 million in May 2009, if Monsanto elects to purchase Landec Ag. If the purchase option is exercised before the fifth anniversary of the Agreement, or if Monsanto elects to terminate the Agreement, all annual license fees and supply payments that have not been paid to Landec Ag will become due upon the purchase. If Monsanto does not exercise its purchase option by the fifth anniversary of the Intellicoat agreement, Landec Ag will receive the termination fee and all rights to the Intellicoat seed coating technology will revert to Landec. Accordingly, Landec will receive minimum guaranteed payments of $17 million for license fees and polymer supply payments over five years or $23 million in maximum payments if Monsanto elects to purchase Landec Ag. The minimum guaranteed payments and the deferred gain of $2 million per year described above will result in Landec recognizing revenue and operating income of $5.4 million per year for fiscal years 2008 through 2011 and $2.7 million per year for fiscal years 2007 and 2012. The incremental $6 million to be received in the event Monsanto exercises the purchase option has been deferred and will be recognized upon the exercise of the purchase option. The fair value of the purchase option was determined by management to be less than the amount of the deferred revenue.

          If Monsanto elects to purchase Landec Ag, a gain or loss on the sale of Landec Ag will be recognized at the time of purchase. If Monsanto exercises its purchase option, Landec expects to enter into a new long-term supply agreement with Monsanto pursuant to which Landec would continue to be the exclusive supplier of Intellicoat polymer materials to Monsanto.

          In conjunction with the sale of FCD, Landec purchased all of the outstanding common stock and options of Landec Ag not owned by Landec at the fair market value of each share as if all options had been exercised as of December 1, 2006. The fair market value was $7.4 million which was funded with proceeds from the sale of FCD. After the purchase, Landec Ag became a wholly owned subsidiary of Landec. In accordance with SFAS 123R, this purchase did not result in additional compensation expense to the Company as all of the options purchased were fully vested at the time of the purchase and the consideration paid was equal to the fair value on the date of the purchase. The repurchase of Landec Ag’s outstanding common stock and options was recorded to retained earnings as the

- 63 -


 

 

2.

Sale of Fielder’s Choice Direct and License Agreement (continued)

repurchase occurred after the sale of FCD to Monsanto. At May 25, 2008, $4.8 million of the $7.4 million repurchase was reclassified from retained earnings to goodwill in accordance with SFAS 141 to reflect the amount of the repurchase for common stock that was subsequently determined to be a repurchase of minority interest.

          Excluding the $2.7 million in revenues from the Agreement, Landec Ag revenues for the fiscal year 2007 was $131,000. The net operating losses for Landec Ag, excluding the income from the sale of FCD and the $2.7 million in license fees from the Agreement, for fiscal year 2007 was $5.8 million.

 

 

3.

License Agreements

          On December 23, 2005, Landec entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Aesthetic Sciences Corporation (“Aesthetic Sciences”), a medical device company. Aesthetic Sciences paid Landec an upfront license fee of $250,000 for the exclusive rights to use Landec’s Intelimer® materials technology for the development of dermal fillers worldwide. Landec will also receive royalties on the sale of products incorporating Landec’s technology. In addition, the Company received shares of preferred stock valued at $1.3 million which represented a 19.9% ownership interest in Aesthetic Sciences as of December 23, 2005.

          As part of the original agreement with Aesthetic Sciences, Landec was to receive additional shares upon the completion of a specific milestone. On November 22, 2006, that milestone was met and as a result Landec received an additional 800,000 shares of preferred stock valued at $481,000. The receipt of the additional 800,000 preferred shares did not change Landec’s 19.9% ownership interest in Aesthetic Sciences. The $481,000 is included in other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet and was recorded as licensing revenue during fiscal year 2007 in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations since Landec has no further obligations under this agreement. During fiscal year 2009, Aesthetic Sciences completed a second preferred stock offering in which Landec did not participate and as a result Landec’s ownership interest in Aesthetic Sciences as of May 31, 2009 was reduced to 17.3%.

          On March 14, 2006, Landec entered into an exclusive license and research and development agreement with Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. Landec will provide research and development support to Air Products for three years with a mutual option for two additional years. The license fees are being recognized as license revenue over a three year period beginning March 2006. In addition, in accordance with the agreement, Landec will receive 40% of the gross profit generated from the sale of products by Air Products occurring after April 1, 2007, that incorporate Landec’s Intelimer materials. In 2008, an amendment was entered into by the Company whereby certain technology applications were re-acquired as well as the elimination of an existing contract claim in order to refine the existing relationship. As a result, the Company recorded a $600,000 expense to selling, general and administrative expense during the year ended May 25, 2008. The Company recognized $600,000 in license revenues under this agreement in fiscal year 2009 and $800,000 in license revenues under this agreement during both fiscal year 2008 and 2007. During fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 the Company recognized $1.1 million, $528,000 and $20,000, respectively, for its share of the gross profits realized from the sale of Intelimer-based products by Air Products.

          On September 19, 2007, the Company amended its licensing and supply agreement with Chiquita Brands International, Inc. (“Chiquita”). Under the terms of the amendment, the license for bananas was expanded to include additional exclusive fields using Landec’s BreatheWay® packaging technology, and a new exclusive license has been added for the sale and marketing of avocados using Landec’s BreatheWay packaging technology. In exchange for expanding the exclusive fields for bananas and adding a new exclusive field for avocados, the minimum gross profits to be received by Landec from the sale of BreatheWay packaging to Chiquita for bananas and avocados was increased to $2.2 million in fiscal year 2009 and to $2.9 million in fiscal year 2008. In addition, the minimum gross profits the Company is to receive are calculated and payable on a calendar quarter basis per the terms of the amended agreement. Accordingly, the minimum amounts under the amended agreement will be calculated each calendar quarter and thus will be due at the end of March, June, September and December of each year. During fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company recognized $2.2 million, $2.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of gross profits from the Chiquita licensing and supply agreement.

- 64 -


 

 

4.

Insurance Settlement

          On August 25, 2006, the Company received a cash payment of $1.6 million from the settlement of insurance claims associated with a fire that occurred at its Dock Resins facility in February 2000. The settlement resulted in the Company recording a reduction to selling, general and administrative expenses of $1.3 million, net of expenses, during the Company’s first quarter of fiscal year 2007. In addition, $381,000 had been placed in escrow pending the outcome of certain disputed professional fees. In September 2006, the Company resolved the fee dispute and paid professional fees of $227,000 from the escrow and received the balance of $154,000 which the Company recorded as a reduction to selling, general and administrative expenses during the second quarter of fiscal year 2007.

 

 

5.

Repurchase of Subsidiary Common Stock and Options

          On August 7, 2007, Landec repurchased all of the outstanding common stock and options of Apio not owned by Landec at the fair market value of each share as if all options had been exercised on that date. The fair market value repurchase price for all of Apio’s common stock and options not owned by Landec was $20.8 million. After the repurchase, Apio became a wholly owned subsidiary of Landec. In accordance with SFAS 123R, this repurchase did not result in additional compensation expense to the Company as all of the options repurchased were fully vested at the time of the repurchase and the consideration paid was equal to the fair value. The repurchase of Apio options for $19.7 million was recorded as a reduction to equity and the repurchase of Apio’s common stock not owned by Landec for $1.1 million was recorded to goodwill in accordance with SFAS 141.

 

 

6.

Notes and Advances Receivable

Notes and advances receivable at May 31, 2009 and May 25, 2008 consisted of the following (in thousands):


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 31,
2009

 

May 25,
2008

 

 

 

 


 


 

 

Note receivable due from buyer of fruit processing equipment in annual installments of $98 plus interest at prime rate plus 1.0%, with final payment due October 20, 2008, secured by purchased assets (2)

 

$

 

$

101

 

 

Advances to grower of $1 per acre to be recovered by withholding proceeds derived from crops. Additional advances of $81 on January 1, 2009 and $20 on July 1, 2009 to be recovered via weekly deductions of $3 from proceeds. Agreement ends August 30, 2009 (1)

 

 

68

 

 

270

 

 

Advances to a grower under agricultural subleases in semi-annual installments of $155, to be repaid at $12 per week by withholding proceeds from crop produced on this property. Leases expire October 31, 2009 (1)

 

 

118

 

 

130

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

Gross notes and advances receivable

 

 

186

 

 

501

 

 

Less allowance for doubtful notes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

Net notes and advances receivable

 

 

186

 

 

501

 

 

Less current portion of notes and advances receivable

 

 

(186

)

 

(501

)

 

 

 



 



 

 

Non-current portion of notes and advances receivable

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Represents notes and advances receivable associated with operating activities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2) Represents notes and advances receivable associated with investing activities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Interest income from interest bearing notes receivable for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2009, May 25, 2008 and May 27, 2007 was $6,000, $15,000 and $52,000, respectively.

- 65 -


 

 

7.

Property and Equipment

          Property and equipment consists of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years of
Useful Life

 

May 31, 2009

 

May 25, 2008

 

 

 


 


 


 

Land and building

 

15-30

 

$

18,225

 

$

18,182

 

Leasehold improvements

 

3-20

 

 

952

 

 

775

 

Computer, capitalized software, machinery, equipment and auto

 

3-7

 

 

24,162

 

 

21,973

 

Furniture and fixtures

 

5-7

 

 

349

 

 

301

 

Construction in process

 

 

 

 

 

1,818

 

 

217

 

 

 

 

 

 







Gross property and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

45,506

 

 

41,448

 

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

 

 

(22,763

)

 

(20,142

)

 

 

 

 

 







Net property and equipment

 

 

 

 

$

22,743

 

$

21,306

 

 

 

 

 

 







          Depreciation and amortization expense for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2009, May 25, 2008 and May 27, 2007 was $3.1 million, $3.2 million and $3.3 million, respectively. Equipment under capital leases, which is the security for the related lease obligation, at May 31, 2009 and May 25, 2008 was $0 and $104,000, respectively. The related accumulated amortization for equipment under capital leases at May 31, 2009 and May 25, 2008 was $0 and $99,000, respectively. Amortization related to capitalized software was $175,000, $400,000 and $666,000, respectively, for fiscal years ended May 31, 2009, May 25, 2008 and May 27, 2007. The unamortized computer software costs at May 31, 2009 and May 25, 2008 were $103,000 and $278,000, respectively.

 

 

8.

Intangible Assets

          Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2009, May 25, 2008 and May 27, 2007 by reportable segment, are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Food
Products
Technology

 

Technology
Licensing

 

Total

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of May 28, 2006

 

 

21,233

 

 

15

 

 

21,248

 

Goodwill acquired during the period

 

 

169

 

 

1,050

 

 

1,219

 

Goodwill sold during the period

 

 

 

 

(1,065

)

 

(1,065

)

 

 



 



 



 

Balance as of May 27, 2007

 

 

21,402

 

 

 

 

21,402

 

Goodwill acquired/reclassified during the period

 

 

1,172

 

 

4,780

 

 

5,952

 

 

 



 



 



 

Balance as of May 25, 2008

 

 

22,574

 

 

4,780

 

 

27,354

 

Goodwill acquired

 

 

7

 

 

 

 

7

 

 

 



 



 



 

Balance as of May 31, 2009

 

$

22,581

 

$

4,780

 

$

27,361

 

 

 



 



 



 

          Information regarding Landec’s other intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trademarks

 

Other

 

Total

 

 

 


 


 


 

Balance as of May 28, 2006

 

 

8,228

 

 

 

 

8,228

 

Amortization expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 

Balance as of May 27, 2007

 

 

8,228

 

 

 

 

8,228

 

Amortization expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 

Balance as of May 25, 2008

 

 

8,228

 

 

 

 

8,228

 

Amortization expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 

Balance as of May 31, 2009

 

$

8,228

 

$

 

$

8,228

 

 

 



 



 



 

          Accumulated amortization as of May 31, 2009, May 25, 2008 and May 27, 2007 was $3.4 million.

- 66 -


 

 

9.

Stockholders’ Equity

          On November 6, 2008, the Company reincorporated from California to Delaware. As a result of this reincorporation, the Company has established an additional paid-in capital account and reclassified as of May 25, 2008, $112.9 million from Common Stock to additional paid-in capital.

          Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share.

          Convertible Preferred Stock

          The Company has authorized two million shares of preferred stock, and as of May 31, 2009 has no outstanding preferred stock.

          Common Stock, Stock Purchase Plans and Stock Option Plans

          At May 31, 2009, the Company had 2.2 million common shares reserved for future issuance under Landec equity incentive plans.

          On October 14, 2005, following stockholder pproval at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company, the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) became effective. The Plan replaced the Company’s four then existing equity plans and no shares remain available for grant under those plans. Employees (including officers), consultants and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates are eligible to participate in the Plan.

          The Plan provides for the grant of stock options (both nonstatutory and incentive stock options), stock grants, stock units and stock appreciation rights. Awards under the Plan will be evidenced by an agreement with the Plan participant. Under the Plan, 861,038 shares of the Company’s Common Stock (“Shares”) were initially available for awards, and as of May 31, 2009, 75,808 shares were available for awards. Under the Plan no recipient may be awarded any of the following during any fiscal year: (i) stock options covering in excess of 500,000 Shares; (ii) stock grants and stock units covering in excess of 250,000 Shares in the aggregate; or (iii) stock appreciation rights covering more than 500,000 Shares. In addition, awards to non-employee directors are discretionary. However, a non-employee director may not be granted awards covering in excess of 30,000 Shares in the aggregate during any fiscal year.

          The 1995 Directors’ Stock Option Plan (the “Directors’ Plan”) provided that each person who became a non-employee director of the Company, who had not received a previous grant, be granted a nonstatutory stock option to purchase 20,000 shares of Common Stock on the date on which the optionee first became a non-employee director of the Company. Thereafter, on the date of each annual meeting of the stockholders each non-employee director was granted an additional option to purchase 10,000 shares of Common Stock if, on such date, he or she had served on the Company’s Board of Directors for at least six months prior to the date of such annual meeting. The exercise price of the options was the fair market value of the Company’s Common Stock on the date the options were granted. Options granted under this plan were exercisable and vested upon grant.

          The 1996 Non-Executive Stock Option Plan authorized the Board of Directors to grant non-qualified stock options to employees, including executive officers, and outside consultants of the Company. The exercise price of the options was equal to the fair market value of the Company’s Common Stock on the date the options were granted. Options were generally exercisable upon vesting and generally vested ratably over four years and were subject to repurchase if exercised before being vested.

          The 1996 Stock Option Plan authorized the Board of Directors to grant stock purchase rights, incentive stock options or non-statutory stock options to Landec executives. The exercise price of the stock purchase rights, incentive stock options and non-statutory stock options could be no less than 100% of the fair market value of Landec’s Common Stock on the date the options were granted. Options generally were exercisable upon vesting, generally vested ratably over four years and were subject to repurchase if exercised before being vested.

- 67 -


 

 

9.

Stockholders’ Equity (continued)

          The New Executive Stock Option Plan authorized the Board of Directors to grant non-statutory stock options to officers of Landec or officers of Apio or Landec Ag whose employment with each of those companies began after October 24, 2000. The exercise price of the non-statutory stock options could be no less than 100% and 85%, for named executives and non-named executives, respectively, of the fair market value of Landec’s Common Stock on the date the options were granted. Options generally were exercisable upon vesting, generally vested ratably over four years and were subject to repurchase if exercised before being vested.

Activity under all Landec equity incentive plans is as follows:

Stock-Based Compensation Activity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted Stock Outstanding

 

Stock Options Outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

RSU’s and
Options
Available
for Grant

 

Number
of
Restricted
Shares

 

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

 

Number of
Stock
Options

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
(Fair Value)

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

Balance at May 28, 2006

 

 

857,705

 

 

833

 

$

7.53

 

 

3,117,516

 

$

4.85

 

Granted

 

 

(153,335

)

 

38,335

 

$

8.86

 

 

115,000

 

$

8.86

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,163,234

)

$

4.72

 

Forfeited

 

 

8,778

 

 

(833

)

$

7.53

 

 

(7,945

)

$

4.93

 

Plan shares expired

 

 

(6,417

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

Balance at May 27, 2007

 

 

706,731

 

 

38,335

 

$

8.86

 

 

2,061,337

 

$

5.14

 

Granted

 

 

(139,335

)

 

34,835

 

$

13.32

 

 

104,500

 

$

13.32

 

Awarded/Exercised

 

 

 

 

(10,002

)

$

8.86

 

 

(267,148

)

$

4.57

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,739

)

$

3.80

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

Balance at May 25, 2008

 

 

567,396

 

 

63,168

 

$

11.32

 

 

1,896,950

 

$

5.68

 

Granted

 

 

(506,254

)

 

127,504

 

$

6.62

 

 

378,750

 

$

6.62

 

Awarded/Exercised

 

 

 

 

(10,002

)

$

13.32

 

 

(331,950

)

$

3.66

 

Forfeited

 

 

14,875

 

 

(3,666

)

$

7.45

 

 

(11,209

)

$

8.59

 

Plan shares expired

 

 

(209

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

Balance at May 31, 2009

 

 

75,808

 

 

177,004

 

$

7.90

 

 

1,932,541

 

$

6.19

 

          Included in exercises for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 are 171,380, 11,995 and 207,112 options, respectively, that were exercised through a net share settlement transaction (no cash) to pay for the exercise price of the options and the related taxes due on the exercise.

          The following table summarizes information concerning stock options outstanding and exercisable at May 31, 2009:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options Outstanding

 

Options Exercisable

 

 

 


 


 

Range of
Exercise
Prices

 

Number of Shares
Outstanding

 

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

 

Number of
Shares
Exercisable

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

(in years)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$1.660 - $3.375

 

370,556

 

2.17

 

$

3.15

 

$

1,345,118

 

370,556

 

$

3.15

 

$

1,345,118

 

$3.470 - $6.125

 

230,735

 

2.24

 

$

4.65

 

$

491,466

 

230,526

 

$

4.65

 

$

491,020

 

$6.130 - $6.130

 

262,000

 

2.97

 

$

6.13

 

$

170,300

 

262,000

 

$

6.13

 

$

170,300

 

$6.220 - $6.220

 

293,750

 

6.97

 

$

6.22

 

$

164,500

 

35,000

 

$

6.22

 

$

19,600

 

$6.563 - $6.720

 

195,000

 

4.17

 

$

6.64

 

$

27,300

 

186,388

 

$

6.64

 

$

26,094

 

$6.750 - $6.850

 

217,000

 

2.86

 

$

6.78

 

$

 

217,000

 

$

6.78

 

$

 

$7.500 - $8.860

 

260,000

 

4.99

 

$

8.25

 

$

 

235,970

 

$

8.25

 

$

 

$13.32 - $13.32

 

103,500

 

5.08

 

$

13.32

 

$

 

65,193

 

$

13.32

 

$

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 



 


 

 

 

 



 

$1.660 - $13.32

 

1,932,541

 

3.83

 

$

6.19

 

$

2,198,684

 

1,602,633

 

$

5.98

 

$

2,052,132

 

- 68 -


 

 

9.

Stockholders’ Equity (continued)

          The weighted average remaining contractual life of options exercisable as of May 31, 2009 was 3.25 years.

          At May 31, 2009 and May 25, 2008 options to purchase 1,602,633 and 1,761,778 shares of Landec’s Common Stock were vested, respectively. No options have been exercised prior to being vested.

          The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pretax intrinsic value, based on the Company’s closing stock price of $6.78 on May 29, 2009, which would have been received by holders of stock options had all holders of stock options exercised their stock options that were in-the-money as of that date. The total number of in-the-money stock options exercisable as of May 31, 2009, was approximately 1.2 million shares. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the fiscal year 2009 was $933,000.

Shares Subject to Vesting

          The following table summarizes the activity relating to unvested stock option grants and RSUs during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock Options

 

Restricted Stock

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

Shares

 

Weighted
Average Fair
Value

 

Shares

 

Weighted
Average Fair
Value

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Unvested at May 25, 2008

 

135,172

 

$

4.73

 

63,168

 

$

11.32

 

Granted

 

378,750

 

$

2.74

 

127,504

 

$

6.62

 

Vested/Awarded

 

(172,805

)

$

3.61

 

(10,002

)

$

13.32

 

Forfeited

 

(11,209

)

$

3.66

 

(3,666

)

$

7.45

 

 

 


 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

Unvested at May 31, 2009

 

329,908

 

$

2.72

 

177,004

 

$

7.90

 

          As of May 31, 2009, there was $1.7 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested equity compensation awards granted under the Company’s incentive stock plans. Total expense is expected to be recognized over the weighted-average period of 2.7 years for stock options and 1.9 years for restricted stock awards.

          As of May 31, 2009 the Company had reserved 2.2 million shares of common stock for future issuance under its current and former stock plans.

 

 

10.

Debt

          In May 2009 Apio terminated its $7.0 million revolving line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank N.A. Apio had been in compliance with all loan covenants during fiscal year 2009 through the date of termination.

 

 

11.

Income Taxes

          The provision for income taxes consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended
May 31, 2009

 

Year ended
May 25, 2008

 

Year ended
May 27, 2007

 

 

 







Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

2,217

 

$

1,557

 

$

623

 

State

 

 

883

 

 

2,408

 

 

1,833

 

 

 










Total

 

 

3,100

 

 

3,965

 

 

2,456

 

Deferred:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

 

2,060

 

 

233

 

 

 

State

 

 

451

 

 

(844

)

 

 

 

 










Total

 

 

2,511

 

 

(611

)

 

 

 

 










Income tax expense

 

$

5,611

 

$

3,354

 

$

2,456

 

 

 










- 69 -


 

 

11.

Income Taxes (continued)

          The actual provision for income taxes differs from the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
May 31, 2009

 

Year Ended
May 25, 2008

 

Year Ended
May 27, 2007

 

 

 







Provision at U.S. statutory rate (1)

 

$

4,669

 

$

5,914

 

$

11,076

 

State income taxes, net of federal benefit

 

 

1,023

 

 

1,152

 

 

1,818

 

Change in valuation allowance

 

 

 

 

(3,647

)

 

(10,026

)

Tax-exempt interest

 

 

(196

)

 

 

 

 

Tax credit carryforwards

 

 

(159

)

 

(510

)

 

(78

)

Other

 

 

274

 

 

445

 

 

(334

)

 

 










Total

 

$

5,611

 

$

3,354

 

$

2,456

 

 

 










(1)  Statutory rate was 35% for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007.

          The increase in the income tax expense in fiscal year 2009 compared to fiscal years 2008 and 2007 is due to an increase in the Company’s effective tax rate to 42% in fiscal year 2009 up from 20% in fiscal year 2008 and 8% in fiscal year 2007 due to the decrease in the deferred income tax valuation allowance and fully utilizing the Company’s net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits during fiscal year 2008.

          Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 31, 2009

 

May 25, 2008

 

 

 


 


 

Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research and AMT credit carryforwards

 

$

643

 

$

620

 

Accruals and reserves, not currently deductible for tax

 

 

2,161

 

 

3,912

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

543

 

 

361

 

Other

 

 

234

 

 

196

 

 

 



 



 

Deferred tax assets

 

 

3,581

 

 

5,089

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

(253

)

 

(53

)

Goodwill and other indefinite life intangibles

 

 

(5,286

)

 

(4,425

)

 

 



 



 

Deferred tax liabilities

 

 

(5,539

)

 

(4,478

)

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets

 

$

(1,958

)

$

611

 

 

 



 



 

          Valuation allowances are reviewed each period on a tax jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis to analyze whether there is sufficient positive or negative evidence to support a change in judgment about the realizability of the related deferred tax assets. Based on this analysis and considering all positive and negative evidence, we determined that the deferred tax assets as of May 31, 2009 were more likely than not to be realized.

          As of May 31, 2009, the Company had federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $18.0 million and $5.2 million, respectively. These losses expire in different periods through 2028, if not utilized. Such net operating losses consist of excess tax benefits from employee stock options exercises and have not been recorded in the Company’s deferred tax assets in accordance with FAS 123(R). The Company will record a credit to additional paid in capital as and when such excess tax benefits are ultimately realized.

The Company also had federal and state research and development tax credits carryforwards of approximately $1.9 million and $1.2 million, respectively. The research and development tax credit carryforwards expire in different periods through 2029 for federal purposes and have an unlimited carryforward period for state purposes.

- 70 -


 

 

11.

Income Taxes (continued)

Furthermore, the Company has federal alternative minimum tax credits of approximately $0.6 million that can be carried forward indefinitely. Certain tax credit carryovers are attributable to excess tax benefits from employee stock option exercises and have not been recorded in the Company’s deferred tax assets in accordance with FAS 123(R). The Company will record a credit to additional paid in capital as and when such excess tax benefits are ultimately realized.

          In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“FAS 109”). This interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition of tax benefits, classification on the balance sheet, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.

          A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at May 25, 2008

 

$

679

 

Additions based on tax positions related to the prior year

 

 

16

 

Subtractions based on tax positions related to the prior year

 

 

(51

)

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

 

 

14

 

Settlements

 

 

(39

)

 

 



 

Balance at May 31, 2009

 

$

619

 

 

 



 

          As of May 31, 2009, the total amount of net unrecognized tax benefits is $619,000, of which, $549,000, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. The Company accrues interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in its provision for income taxes. The total amount of penalties and interest is not material as of May 31, 2009. Additionally, the Company does not expect a material changes in its unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months.

          Due to tax attribute carryforwards, the Company is subject to examination for tax years 1992 forward for U.S. tax purposes. The Company was also subject to examination in various state jurisdictions for tax years 1996 forward, none of which were individually material.

 

 

12.

Commitments and Contingencies

          Operating Leases

          Landec leases facilities and equipment under operating lease agreements with various terms and conditions, which expire at various dates through 2012. The approximate future minimum lease payments under these operating leases, excluding land leases, at May 31, 2009 are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount

 

 

 


 

FY2010

 

$

548

 

FY2011

 

 

287

 

FY2012

 

 

13

 

FY2013

 

 

 

FY2014

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

$

848

 

 

 



 

          Rent expense for operating leases, including month to month arrangements was $1.6 million for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009, $1.5 million for the fiscal year ended May 25, 2008 and $1.4 million for the fiscal year ended May 27, 2007.

- 71 -


 

 

12.

Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

          Land Leases

          Landec, through its Apio subsidiary, also leases farmland under various non-cancelable leases expiring through October 2009. Landec subleases substantially all of the farmland to growers on an annual basis. The subleases are generally non-cancelable and expire through October 2009. The approximate future minimum leases and sublease amounts receivable under farmland leases at May 31, 2009 are $0 through fiscal year 2010.

          Rent income for land leases net of sublease rents, including month to month arrangements was $0 for both the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009 and May 25, 2008.

          Employment Agreements

          Landec has entered into employment agreements with certain key employees. These agreements provide for these employees to receive incentive bonuses based on the financial performance of certain divisions in addition to their annual base salaries. The accrued incentive bonuses amounted to $308,000 at May 31, 2009 and $259,000 at May 25, 2008.

          Licensing Agreement

          In fiscal year 2001, the Company entered into an agreement for the exclusive worldwide rights to market grapes under certain brand names. Under the terms of the amended agreement (amended in fiscal year 2004), the Company is obligated to make annual payments of $100,000 for fiscal years 2010 through 2012.

          Purchase Commitments

          At May 31, 2009, the Company was committed to purchase $3.4 million of produce during fiscal year 2010 in accordance with contractual terms. Payments of $3.8 million were made in fiscal year 2009 under these arrangements.

 

 

13.

Employee Savings and Investment Plans

          The Company sponsors a 401(k) plan which is available to substantially all of the Company’s employees.

          Landec’s Corporate Plan, which is available to all Landec employees (“Landec Plan”), allows participants to contribute from 1% to 50% of their salaries, up to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) limitation into designated investment funds. Beginning in fiscal year 2001, the Company amended the plan so that it contributes an amount equal to 50% of the participants’ contribution up to 3% of the participants’ salary. In May 2003, the Company again amended the plan to make the Company’s matching contribution to the plan on behalf of participants voluntary, and to make employees participation in the plan voluntary. In June 2006, the Company again amended the plan to increase the company match from 50% on the first 6% contributed by an employee to 67% on the first 6% contributed. Participants are at all times fully vested in their contributions. The Company’s contribution vests over a four-year period at a rate of 25% per year. The Company retains the right, by action of the Board of Directors, to amend, modify, or terminate the plan. For the fiscal years ended May 31, 2009, May 25, 2008 and May 27, 2007, the Company contributed $341,000, $352,000 and $401,000, respectively, to the Landec Plan.

- 72 -


 

 

14.

Business Segment Reporting

          Landec operates in three business segments: the Food Products Technology segment, the Commodity Trading segment and the Technology Licensing segment. The Food Products Technology segment markets and packs specialty packaged whole and fresh-cut vegetables that incorporate the BreatheWay specialty packaging for the retail grocery, club store and food services industry. In addition, the Food Products Technology segment sells BreatheWay packaging to partners for non-vegetable products. The Commodity Trading segment consists of revenues generated from the purchase and sale of primarily whole commodity fruit and vegetable products to Asia and domestically to Wal-Mart. The Technology Licensing segment licenses Landec’s patented Intellicoat seed coatings to the farming industry and licenses the Company’s Intelimer polymers for personal care products and other industrial products. Corporate includes corporate general and administrative expenses, non Food Products Technology interest income and Company-wide income tax expenses. All of the assets of the Company are located within the United States of America. Prior to fiscal year 2008, Landec’s operating segments were Food Products Technology and Agricultural Seed Technology. At fiscal year end 2008, the Company reexamined its segment reporting. As a result, the Company has eliminated the Agricultural Seed Technology segment and has established the Commodity Trading and the Technology Licensing segments. As a result, the segment information for fiscal year 2007 has been reclassified to conform with the current year classification. Included in the Technology Licensing segment for fiscal year 2007 is the results of Landec Ag which includes FCD. In addition, the licensing activity for non food and Ag collaborations is included in the Technology Licensing segment whereas in fiscal year 2007 it was included in Corporate. Corporate amounts include corporate general and administrative expenses, non Food Products Technology interest income and Company-wide income taxes. The Company’s international sales are primarily to Canada, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Japan. Operations and identifiable assets by business segment consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Food Products
Technology

 

 

 

Technology
Licensing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended May 31, 2009

 

 

Trading

 

 

Corporate

 

TOTAL

 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Net sales

 

$

168,256

 

$

60,445

 

$

7,237

 

$

 

$

235,938

 

International sales

 

$

14,393

 

$

55,267

 

$

 

$

 

$

69,660

 

Gross profit

 

$

23,386

 

$

3,657

 

$

7,237

 

$

 

$

34,280

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

11,279

 

$

1,555

 

$

4,893

 

$

(9,997

)

$

7,730

 

Identifiable assets

 

$

75,466

 

$

14,329

 

$

12,278

 

$

51,425

 

$

153,498

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

$

2,947

 

$

14

 

$

178

 

$

 

$

3,139

 

Capital expenditures

 

$

4,367

 

$

 

$

209

 

$

 

$

4,576

 

Interest income

 

$

385

 

$

 

$

 

$

921

 

$

1,306

 

Interest expense

 

$

8

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

8

 

Income tax expense

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

5,611

 

$

5,611

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended May 25, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

171,194

 

$

60,414

 

$

6,919

 

$

 

$

238,527

 

International sales

 

$

15,703

 

$

56,191

 

$

 

$

 

$

71,894

 

Gross profit

 

$

27,860

 

$

3,449

 

$

6,919

 

$

 

$

38,228

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

14,844

 

$

1,406

 

$

4,919

 

$

(7,627

)

$

13,542

 

Identifiable assets

 

$

81,945

 

$

16,128

 

$

11,011

 

$

40,873

 

$

149,957

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

$

2,970

 

$

20

 

$

214

 

$

 

$

3,204

 

Capital expenditures

 

$

4,051

 

$

 

$

189

 

$

 

$

4,240

 

Interest income

 

$

522

 

$

 

$

 

$

1,697

 

$

2,219

 

Interest expense

 

$

22

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

22

 

Income tax expense

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

3,354

 

$

3,354

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended May 27, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

156,474

 

$

49,706

 

$

4,318

 

$

 

$

210,498

 

International sales

 

$

12,406

 

$

46,406

 

$

 

$

 

$

58,812

 

Gross profit

 

$

25,065

 

$

3,187

 

$

4,134

 

$

 

$

32,386

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

13,159

 

$

1,518

 

$

19,254

 

$

(4,742

)

$

29,189

 

Identifiable assets

 

$

81,769

 

$

12,216

 

$

3,776

 

$

43,607

 

$

141,368

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

$

2,665

 

$

19

 

$

576

 

$

 

$

3,260

 

Capital expenditures

 

$

6,259

 

$

18

 

$

505

 

$

 

$

6,782

 

Interest income

 

$

751

 

$

 

$

 

$

1,194

 

$

1,945

 

Interest expense

 

$

80

 

$

 

$

171

 

$

 

$

251

 

Income tax expense

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

2,456

 

$

2,456

 

- 73 -


 

 

15.

Quarterly Consolidated Financial Information (unaudited)

          The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands, except for per share amounts):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FY 2009

 

1st Quarter

 

2nd Quarter

 

3rd Quarter

 

4th Quarter

 

FY 2009

 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Revenues

 

$

71,753

 

$

58,038

 

$

53,911

 

$

52,236

 

$

235,938

 

Gross profit

 

$

10,123

 

$

7,557

 

$

7,591

 

$

9,009

 

$

34,280

 

Net income

 

$

2,839

 

$

1,498

 

$

1,540

 

$

1,853

 

$

7,730

 

Net income per basic share

 

$

0.11

 

$

0.06

 

$

0.06

 

$

0.07

 

$

0.30

 

Net income per diluted share

 

$

0.11

 

$

0.06

 

$

0.06

 

$

0.07

 

$

0.29

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FY 2008

 

1st Quarter

 

2nd Quarter

 

3rd Quarter

 

4th Quarter

 

FY 2008

 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Revenues

 

$

62,659

 

$

58,961

 

$

59,607

 

$

57,300

 

$

238,527

 

Gross profit

 

$

8,974

 

$

8,857

 

$

10,746

 

$

9,651

 

$

38,228

 

Net income

 

$

3,077

 

$

3,125

 

$

3,966

 

$

3,374

 

$

13,542

 

Net income per basic share

 

$

0.12

 

$

0.12

 

$

0.15

 

$

0.13

 

$

0.52

 

Net income per diluted share

 

$

0.11

 

$

0.12

 

$

0.15

 

$

0.13

 

$

0.50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FY 2007

 

1st Quarter

 

2nd Quarter

 

3rd Quarter

 

4th Quarter

 

FY 2007

 


 


 


 


 


 



Revenues

 

$

51,147

 

$

55,194

 

$

52,956

 

$

51,201

 

$

210,498

 

Gross profit

 

$

5,556

 

$

8,276

 

$

9,091

 

$

9,463

 

$

32,386

 

Net income

 

$

14

 

$

108

 

$

24,644

 

$

4,423

 

$

29,189

 

Net income per basic share

 

$

0.00

 

$

0.00

 

$

0.97

 

$

0.17

 

$

1.16

 

Net income per diluted share

 

$

0.00

 

$

0.00

 

$

0.92

 

$

0.16

 

$

1.07

 

- 74 -


 

 

(b)

Index of Exhibits.


 

 

 

 

Exhibit
Number:

 

Exhibit Title


 


3.1

 

 

Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 7, 2008.

 

 

 

 

3.2

 

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Registrant, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 16, 2008.

 

 

 

 

10.1

 

 

Form of Indemnification Agreement, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 29, 2005.

 

 

 

 

10.2

*

 

Form of Option Agreement for 1995 Directors’ Stock Option Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1996.

 

 

 

 

10.3

 

 

Industrial Real Estate Lease dated March 1, 1993 between the Registrant and Wayne R. Brown & Bibbits Brown, Trustees of the Wayne R. Brown & Bibbits Brown Living Trust dated December 30, 1987, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-80723) declared effective on February 12, 1996.

 

 

 

 

10.4

*

 

Form of Option Agreement for the 1996 Non-Executive Stock Option Plan, as amended, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1996.

 

 

 

 

10.5

*

 

1996 Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 29, 2001.

 

 

 

 

10.6

*

 

Form of Option Agreement for 1996 Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 30, 1997.

 

 

 

 

10.7

*

 

New Executive Stock Option Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2000.

 

 

 

 

10.8

*

 

1996 Non-Executive Stock Option Plan, as amended, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 28, 2001.

 

 

 

 

10.9

*

 

Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Gary T. Steele effective as of January 1, 2009, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 16, 2008

 

 

 

 

10.10

 

 

Supply Agreement between the Registrant and Apio Fresh LLC and the Growers listed therein, dated as of July 3, 2003, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 3, 2003.

 

 

 

 

10.11

*

 

1995 Directors’ Stock Option Plan, as amended, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.53 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended May 25, 2003.

- 75 -


 

 

 

 

Exhibit
Number:

 

Exhibit Title


 


 

 

 

 

10.12

 

 

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement by and among Apio, Inc. as Borrower, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, dated as of November 1, 2005, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.57 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended November 27, 2005.

 

 

 

 

10.13

#

 

License and research and development agreement between the Registrant and Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. dated March 14, 2006, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.63 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2006.

 

 

 

 

10.14

*

 

2005 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 14, 2005.

 

 

 

 

10.15

*

 

Form of Stock Grant Agreement for 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 14, 2005.

 

 

 

 

10.16

*

 

Form of Notice of Stock Option Grant and Stock Option Agreement for 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.66 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2006.

 

 

 

 

10.17

*

 

Form of Stock Unit Agreement for 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.67 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2006.

 

 

 

 

10.18

*

 

Form of Stock Appreciation Right Agreement for 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.5 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 14, 2005.

 

 

 

 

10.19

 

 

License, Supply and R&D Agreement dated as of December 1, 2006 by and among the Registrant, Landec Ag and Monsanto Company, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.71 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 6, 2006.

 

 

 

 

10.20

*

 

2010 Cash Bonus Plan, incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 27, 2009

 

 

 

 

10.21

 

 

Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between Apio, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., dated as of September 1, 2007 incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.73 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended November 25, 2007.

 

 

 

 

10.22

 

 

Amendment No. 2 to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between Apio, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., dated as of November 4, 2008 incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2008.

 

 

 

 

10.23

 

 

Amendment No. 1 to the License, Supply and R&D Agreement dated May 29, 2009 by and among the Registrant, Landec Ag and Monsanto Company, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 1, 2009.

- 76 -


 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit
Number:

 

Exhibit Title


 


 

 

 

10.24

 

 

Agreement and Plan of Merger between Landec Corporation, a California corporation, and the Registrant, dated as of November 6, 2008, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 7, 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

16.1

 

 

Letter from McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, dated June 23, 2008 regarding change in independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 16.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated June 25, 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

21.1

 

 

Subsidiaries of the Registrant

State of Incorporation

 

 

 

Landec Ag, LLC
Apio, Inc.

Delaware
Delaware

 

 

 

 

 

23.1

+

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

 

 

 

24.1

+

 

Power of Attorney – See page 78

 

 

 

 

 

31.1

+

 

CEO Certification pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

 

31.2

+

 

CFO Certification pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

 

32.1

+

 

CEO Certification pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

 

32.2

+

 

CFO Certification pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


 

 

 

*

 

Represents a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this report pursuant to Item 15(b) of Form 10-K.

 

 

 

+

 

Filed herewith.

 

 

 

#

 

Confidential treatment requested as to certain portions. The term “confidential treatment” and the mark “*” as used throughout the indicated Exhibit means that material has been omitted.

- 77 -


SIGNATURES

          Pursuant to the requirements of section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Menlo Park, State of California, on August 4, 2009.

 

 

 

 

LANDEC CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

By:

  /s/ Gregory S. Skinner

 

 


 

 

     Gregory S. Skinner

 

 

     Vice President of Finance and Administration

 

 

     and Chief Financial Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

          KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Gary T. Steele and Gregory S. Skinner, and each of them, as his attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming our signatures as they may be signed by our said attorney to any and all amendments to said Report on Form 10-K.

          Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report on Form 10-K has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

 

 

 

 

Signature

 

Title

 

Date


 


 


/s/ Gary T. Steele

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

Gary T. Steele

 

President and Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)

 

August 4, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Gregory S. Skinner

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

Gregory S. Skinner

 

Vice President of Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

August 4, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Nicholas Tompkins

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

Nicholas Tompkins

 

Chairman of the Board of Apio, Inc. and Director

 

August 4, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Robert Tobin

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

Robert Tobin

 

Director

 

August 4, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Duke K. Bristow, Ph.D

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

Duke K. Bristow, Ph.D

 

Director

 

August 4, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Frederick Frank

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

Frederick Frank

 

Director

 

August 4, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Stephen E. Halprin

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

Stephen E. Halprin

 

Director

 

August 4, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Richard S. Schneider, Ph.D

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

Richard S. Schneider, Ph.D

 

Director

 

August 4, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Steven Goldby

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

Steven Goldby

 

Director

 

August 4, 2009

- 78 -


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

Number

Exhibit Title
   
23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
   
24.1 Power of Attorney. See page 78.
   
31.1 CEO Certification pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
31.2 CFO Certification pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
32.1 CEO Certification pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
32.2 CFO Certification pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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