Table of Contents


UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark one)

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

For the quarterly period ended June 27, 2020 or26, 2021

OR

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

For the transition period from ____________________ to ________.______________

Commission file number number: 333-115164

U.S. PREMIUM BEEF, LLC

(Exact nameName of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

DELAWAREdelaware

20-1576986

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporationIncorporation or organization)Organization)

(I.R.S. Employer identification No.)

12200 North Ambassador Drive

Kansas City, MO

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)64163

(Address of principal executive offices(Zip Code)

12200 North Ambassador Drive
Kansas City, MO 64163
(Address of principal executive offices)866) 877-2525

Telephone: (866) 877-2525
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

______________

(Former name or former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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

Title of Each ClassTrading SymbolName of Each Exchange on Which Registered
N/AN/AN/A

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes     No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes     No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smallsmaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See definitionthe definitions of “large accelerated filer”,filer,” “accelerated filer”,filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:

Large accelerated Filer ☐Accelerated Filer ☐
Non-accelerated FilerSmaller reporting company
Emerging Growth Company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. (Check one):   Large Accelerated Filer     Accelerated Filer Non-Accelerated Filer ☑   Small Reporting Company    Emerging Growth Company 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes No

The registrant’s units are not traded on an exchange or in any public market. As of July 25, 2020,31, 2021, there were 735,385 Class A units and 755,385 Class B units outstanding.

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)

PART I.FINANCIAL INFORMATIONName of each exchanges on which registeredPage No.
 N/AN/AN/A


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Item 1.Financial Statements (unaudited).3
 PART I.FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Page No.
Item 2.

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

11
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.14
Item 4.Controls and Procedures.14
   
   
Item 1.Financial Statements (unaudited).1
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.9
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.13
Item 4.Controls and Procedures.13
PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 
   
Item 1.Legal Proceedings.1315
   
Item 1A.Risk Factors.1415
   
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.1415
   
Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities.1415
   
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures.1416
   
Item 5.Other Information.1416
   
Item 6.Exhibits.1516
   
 Signatures.1617

 

Unless the context indicates or otherwise requires, the terms “USPB”, “the Company”, “we”, “our”, and “us” refer to U.S. Premium Beef, LLC. As used in this report, the terms “NBP” and “National Beef” refer to National Beef Packing Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

ii


PART I.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.      Financial Statements (unaudited).

 

 

 

 

 

2

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited).

 

1


U.S. PREMIUM BEEF, LLC

Balance Sheets

(thousands of dollars, except unit information)

Assets

June 27, 2020

 

December 28, 2019

 
 (unaudited)   
Current assets:      
   Cash and cash equivalents$31,843 $77,909 
   Accounts receivable 275  3 
   Due from affiliates 15  41 
   Other current assets 13  26 
      Total current assets 32,146  77,979 
Property, plant, and equipment, at cost 243  238 
   Less accumulated depreciation 203  195 
      Net property, plant, and equipment 40  43 
Right of use assets, net 208  232 
Investment in National Beef Packing Company, LLC 239,417  131,786 
Other assets 12  43 
      Total assets$271,823 $210,083 

Liabilities and Members' Capital

      
Current liabilities:      
   Accounts payable - trade$75 $28 
   Due to affiliates -  29 
   Accrued compensation and benefits 1,612  2,260 
   Lease obligations 44  49 
   Other accrued expenses and liabilities 577  1,307 
   Distributions payable -  50 
      Total current liabilities 2,308  3,723 
Long-term liabilities:      
   Lease obligations 164  183 
   Other liabilities 3,213  3,340 
      Total long-term liabilities 3,377  3,523 
      Total liabilities 5,685  7,246 
       
Commitments and contingencies -  - 
       
Members' capital      
   Members' contributed capital, 735,385 Class A units and 755,385 Class B units      
      authorized, issued and outstanding 266,138  202,837 
      Total members' capital 266,138  202,837 
      Total liabilities and members' capital$271,823 $210,083 
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements.

2


       
  June 26, 2021  December 26, 2020 
  (unaudited)    
Assets      
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $62,484  $76,769 
Accounts receivable  1,194   317 
Due from affiliates  40   55 
Other current assets  18   29 
Total current assets  63,736   77,170 
Property, plant, and equipment, at cost  243   243 
Less accumulated depreciation  216   210 
Net property, plant, and equipment  27   33 
Right of use assets, net  193   219 
Investment in National Beef Packing Company, LLC  188,692   131,494 
Other assets  2   12 
Total assets $252,650  $208,928 
Liabilities and Members' Capital        
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable - trade $15  $17 
Due to affiliates  5   5 
Accrued compensation and benefits  1,338   2,243 
Lease obligations  52   51 
Other accrued expenses and liabilities  382   579 
Distributions Payable  1,220   2 
Total current liabilities  3,012   2,897 
Long-term liabilities:        
Lease obligations  141   168 
Other liabilities  6,024   5,621 
Total long-term liabilities  6,165   5,789 
Total liabilities  9,177   8,686 
         
Commitments and contingencies      
         
Members' capital        
Members' contributed capital, 735,385 Class A units and 755,385 Class B units authorized, issued and outstanding  243,473   200,242 
Total members' capital  243,473   200,242 
Total liabilities and members' capital $252,650  $208,928 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

3

U.S. PREMIUM BEEF, LLC

Statements of Operations

(thousands of dollars, except unit and per unit data)

 13 weeks ended  26 weeks ended 
 June 27, 2020  June 29, 2019  June 27, 2020  June 29, 2019 
 (unaudited)  (unaudited)  (unaudited)  (unaudited) 
Net sales$-  $-  $-  $- 
Costs and expenses:               
   Cost of sales -   -   -   - 
   Selling, general, and administrative expenses 1,221   887   2,347   2,691 
   Depreciation and amortization 4   4   9   9 
      Total costs and expenses 1,225   891   2,356   2,700 
         Operating loss (1,225)  (891)  (2,356)  (2,700)
Other income:               
   Interest income 7   263   158   647 
   Interest expense -   (3)  (2)  (15)
   Equity in income of National Beef Packing Company, LLC 102,385   25,194   115,484   36,957 
   Other, net 37   185   96   396 
      Total other income 102,429   25,639   115,736   37,985 
         Net income$101,204  $24,748  $113,380  $35,285 
                
Income per unit:               
   Basic and diluted               
      Class A units$13.76  $3.37  $15.42  $4.80 
      Class B units$120.58  $29.49  $135.09  $42.04 
                
Outstanding weighted-average Class A and Class B units:               
   Basic and diluted               
      Class A units 735,385   735,385   735,385   735,385 
      Class B units 755,385   755,385   755,385   755,385 
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements.

3


             
  13 weeks ended  26 weeks ended 
  June 26, 2021  June 27, 2020  June 26, 2021  June 27, 2020 
  (unaudited)  (unaudited)  (unaudited)  (unaudited) 
             
Net sales $0  $0  $0  $0 
Costs and expenses:                
Cost of sales  0   0   0   0 
Selling, general, and administrative expenses  1,065   1,221   2,549   2,347 
Depreciation and amortization  3   4   6   9 
Total costs and expenses  1,068   1,225   2,555   2,356 
Operating loss  (1,068)  (1,225)  (2,555)  (2,356)
Other income:                
Interest income  2   7   4   158 
Interest expense  0   0   0   (2)
Equity in income of National Beef Packing Company, LLC  103,198   102,385   139,757   115,484 
Other, net  202   37   257   96 
Total other income  103,402   102,429   140,018   115,736 
Net income $102,334  $101,204  $137,463  $113,380 
                 
Income per unit:                
Basic and diluted                
Class A units $13.92  $13.76  $18.69  $15.42 
Class B units $121.93  $120.58  $163.78  $135.09 
                 
Outstanding weighted-average Class A and Class B units:                
Basic and diluted                
Class A units  735,385   735,385   735,385   735,385 
Class B units  755,385   755,385   755,385   755,385 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

4

U.S. PREMIUM BEEF, LLC

Statements of Cash Flows

(thousands of dollars)

 26 weeks ended 
 June 27, 2020  June 29, 2019 
 (unaudited)  (unaudited) 
Cash flows from operating activities:       
   Net income$113,380  $35,285 
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by       
      operating activities:       
         Depreciation and amortization 9   9 
         Equity in net income of National Beef Packing Company, LLC (115,484)  (36,957)
         Distributions from National Beef Packing Company, LLC 7,853   22,810 
         Changes in assets and liabilities:       
            Accounts receivable (272)  - 
            Due from affiliates 26   17 
            Other assets (164)  34 
            Accounts payable 47   23 
            Due to affiliates (29)  (41)
            Accrued compensation and benefits (775)  (441)
            Other accrued expenses and liabilities (522)  (438)
               Net cash provided by operating activities 4,069   20,301 
Cash flows from investing activities:       
   Capital expenditures, including interest capitalized (6)  (43)
               Net cash used in investing activities (6)  (43)
Cash flows from financing activities:       
   Member distributions (50,129)  (48,984)
               Net cash used in financing activities (50,129)  (48,984)
               Net decrease in cash (46,066)  (28,726)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 77,909   88,411 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$31,843  $59,685 
        
Supplemental noncash disclosures of operating activities:       
   Right of use assets$-  $251 
Supplemental noncash disclosures of financing activities:       
   Investment in National Beef Packing Company, LLC$-  $23,691 
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements.

4


       
  26 weeks ended 
  June 26, 2021  June 27, 2020 
  (unaudited)  (unaudited) 
       
Cash flows from operating activities:        
Net income $137,463  $113,380 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:        
Depreciation and amortization  6   9 
Equity in net income of National Beef Packing Company, LLC  (139,757)  (115,484)
Distributions from National Beef Packing Company, LLC  82,559   7,853 
Changes in assets and liabilities:        
Accounts receivable  (877)  (272)
Due from affiliates  15   26 
Other assets  21   (164)
Accounts payable  (2)  47 
Due to affiliates  0   (29)
Accrued compensation and benefits  (502)  (775)
Other accrued expenses and liabilities  (197)  (522)
Net cash provided by operating activities  78,729   4,069 
Cash flows from investing activities:        
Capital expenditures, including interest capitalized  0   (6)
Net cash used in investing activities  0   (6)
Cash flows from financing activities:        
Member distributions  (93,014)  (50,129)
Net cash used in financing activities  (93,014)  (50,129)
Net decrease in cash  (14,285)  (46,066)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  76,769   77,909 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $62,484  $31,843 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

5

U.S. PREMIUM BEEF, LLC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(1) Interim Financial Statements

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), for interim financial information; therefore, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included using management’s best estimates and judgments where appropriate. These estimates and judgments affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. The estimates and judgments will also affect the reported amounts for certain revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates and judgments. For further information, refer to the audited Financial Statements and Notes to Financial Statements, which are included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019.26, 2020. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full fiscal year.

(2) Accounting Policies

 

Accounting for Investment in NBP. NBP.On December 30, 2011, USPB sold the majority of its ownership interest in NBP to Leucadia. On that date, USPB’s investment in NBP was measured at fair value and has since been carried under the equity method of accounting. USPB’s 15.0729%15.0729% investment in NBP is accounted for using the equity method of accounting as the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence but does not have financial or operational control.

 

Operating losses, diminished cash flows, economic and industry events, pandemics, such as coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and a variety of other factors may result in a decrease in the value of the investment, which is other than temporary. Such potential decreases in value, if deemed other than temporary, will cause the Company to record an impairment charge, which may have an impact on the trading values of USPB’s Class A and Class B units. However, NBP’s plants are all operational at the present time; it has been designated as an essential business during the COVID-19 pandemic;time and its results of operations are highly profitable, as reflected in Note 6. As a result, we believe the fair value of our investment in NBP exceeds the carrying value.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents.Equivalents.The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. As of June 27, 2020,26, 2021, the Company’s balance sheet reflected Cash and cash equivalents of $31.8$62.5 62,484 million. Investments are not deposits and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation.

Distributions Payable. USPB utilizes a controlled disbursement account to fund cash distribution checks presented for payment by the holder. Checks that have been issued but have not cleared are reflected on the balance sheet as a reduction in cash. Amounts for checks that have not yet been issued are included in distributions payable and the change in the related balances are reflected in financing activities on the statement of cash flows. As of June 26, 2021 and December 26, 2020, the Company had distributions payable of $1.2 1,220 million and $0.0 2 million, respectively.

(3) Noncompetition Agreements

 

The former CEO’s employment agreement provided for him to receive noncompetition payments in connection with the Leucadia Transaction. He will continue to receive noncompetition payments of approximately $845,000 per$0.4 million during the balance of fiscal year during calendar years 20202021. The amount is included in Accrued compensation and 2021.benefits on the balance sheet.

 

The current CEO’s employment agreement provides for him to receive noncompetition payments for a twelve-month period following his termination of employment with USPB.

 

6

As of June 27, 202026, 2021 and December 28, 2019,26, 2020, the Company had accrued $1.6 $0.7 million and $1.9$1.2 million, respectively, for the noncompetition agreements. The current and long-term portion of the accrued amounts areamount is included in Accrued compensation and benefits and Other liabilities, respectively, on the balance sheet. The table below summarizes the current and long-term portions of the accrued non-compete amounts (thousands of dollars):amounts:

5


Schedule of non-compete amounts      
  June 26, 2021  December 26, 2020 
  (thousands of dollars) 
Current non-compete $424  $849 
Long-term non-compete  315   308 
Total non-compete $739  $1,157 

 

 June 27, 2020 December 28, 2019 
Current non-compete$848 $848 
Long-term non-compete 718  1,089 
 $1,566 $1,937 

(4) Employee Compensation Plans

 

In September 2010, USPB’s Board of Directors approved a management phantom unit plan and subsequently awarded phantom units in fiscal years 2010 and 2013. As of June 27, 202026, 2021 and December 28, 2019,26, 2020, the Company had accrued $2.6$5.9 million and $2.3$5.3 million, respectively, for the management phantom awards. The current and long-term portion of the accrued amounts are included in Accrued compensation and benefits and Other liabilities on the balance sheet.

 

USPB provides its employees the opportunity to earn cash incentives and bonuses. As of June 27, 202026, 2021 and December 28, 2019,26, 2020, the Company had accrued $0.7$0.7 million and $1.4$1.4 million, respectively, for the cash incentive and bonus plans. The accrued amounts are included in Accrued compensation and benefits on the balance sheet.

(5) Earnings Per Unit

 

Under the LLC structure, earnings of the Company are to be allocated to unitholders based on their proportionate share of underlying equity. Earnings Per Unit (EPU) has been presented in the accompanying Statements of Operations and in the table that follows.

 

Basic EPU excludes dilution and is computed by first allocating a portion of USPB’s net income or net loss to Class A units and the remainder is allocated to Class B units. For the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended June 27, 202026, 2021 and June 29, 2019,27, 2020, 10% of USPB’s net income was allocated to the Class A’s and 90% to the Class B’s. The net income allocated to the Class A and Class B units were then divided by the weighted-average number of Class A and Class B units outstanding for the period to determine the basic EPU for each respective class of unit.

 

Diluted EPU reflects the potential dilution that could occur to the extent that any outstanding dilutive Class A or Class B units were exercised. There are no potentially dilutive Class A or Class B units outstanding.

Reconciliation of earnings per unit                

Income Per Unit Calculation

13 weeks ended

 

26 weeks ended

 13 weeks ended  26 weeks ended 

(thousands of dollars, except unit and per unit data)

June 27, 2020

  

June 29, 2019

  

June 27, 2020

  

June 29, 2019

 June 26, 2021  June 27, 2020  June 26, 2021  June 27, 2020 

(unaudited)

  

(unaudited)

  

(unaudited)

  

(unaudited)

 (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) 
Basic and diluted earnings per unit:                 
Income attributable to USPB available to 
unitholders (numerator) 
Income attributable to USPB available to unitholders (numerator)                
Class A$10,120 $2,475 $11,338 $3,529 $10,233  $10,120  $13,746  $11,338 
Class B$91,084 $22,273 $102,042 $31,757 $92,101  $91,084  $123,717  $102,042 
                 
Weighted average outstanding units (denominator)                 
Class A 735,385 735,385 735,385 735,385  735,385   735,385   735,385   735,385 
Class B 755,385 755,385 755,385 755,385  755,385   755,385   755,385   755,385 
                 
Per unit amount                 
Class A$13.76 $3.37 $15.42 $4.80 $13.92  $13.76  $18.69  $15.42 
Class B$120.58 $29.49 $135.09 $42.04 $121.93  $120.58  $163.78  $135.09 

7

(6) Investment in National Beef Packing Company, LLC

 

USPB’s 15.0729% investment in NBP is accounted for using the equity method of accounting as the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but does not have financial or operational control. The table below summarizes the changes to USPB’s investment in NBP for the twenty-six week periods ended June 26, 2021 and June 27, 2020 (thousands of dollars):

6


Investment roll forward    
Beginning Investment at December 26, 2020 $131,494 
Equity in net income for twenty-six week period  139,757 
Distributions  (82,559)
Ending Investment at June 26, 2021 $188,692 
     
Beginning Investment at December 28, 2019 $131,786 
Equity in net income for twenty-six week period  115,484 
Distributions  (7,853)
Ending Investment at June 27, 2020 $239,417 

 

Beginning Investment at December 28, 2019$131,786 
   Equity in net income for twenty-six week period 115,484 
   Distributions from National Beef Packing Company, LLC (7,853)
Ending Investment at June 27, 2020$239,417 

Below is a summary of the results of operations for NBP for the thirteenthirteen-week and twenty-six week periods ended June 27, 202026, 2021 and June 29, 201927, 2020 (thousands of dollars):

Schedule of Operations for NBP         
13 weeks ended  26 weeks ended  13 weeks ended  26 weeks ended 
June 27, 2020  June 29, 2019  June 27, 2020  June 29, 2019  June 26, 2021  June 27, 2020  June 26, 2021  June 27, 2020 
(unaudited)  (unaudited)  (unaudited)  (unaudited)  (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) 
Net sales$2,677,697 $2,113,648 $4,863,046 $3,940,720  $2,948,388  $2,677,697  $5,264,003  $4,863,046 
Costs and expenses:                 
Cost of sales 1,947,262 1,890,238 3,995,881 3,591,638   2,210,339   1,947,262   4,233,893   3,995,881 
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 20,859 22,425 39,233 39,395   22,052   20,859   40,917   39,233 
Depreciation and amortization 26,795   29,722   53,323   57,617   28,004   26,795   55,673   53,323 
Total costs and expenses 1,994,916   1,942,385   4,088,437   3,688,650   2,260,395   1,994,916   4,330,483   4,088,437 
Operating income 682,781   171,263   774,609   252,070   687,993   682,781   933,520   774,609 
Other income (expense):                 
Interest income 56 120 137 238   12   56   98   137 
Interest expense (2,323)  (3,587)  (6,571)  (6,142)  (2,396)  (2,323)  (4,796)  (6,571)
Income before taxes 680,514   167,796   768,175   246,166   685,609   680,514   928,822   768,175 
Income tax expense (1,250)  (646)  (2,004)  (980)  (952)  (1,250)  (1,616)  (2,004)
Net income$679,264  $167,150  $766,171  $245,186  $684,657  $679,264  $927,206  $766,171 
                       
NBP's net income attributable to USPB$102,385  $25,194  $115,484  $36,957  $103,198  $102,385  $139,757  $115,484 

(7) Income Taxes

 

Effective August 29, 2004, the Company converted to an LLC, and under this structure, taxes are not assessed at the Company level as the results of operations are included in the taxable income of the individual members.

 

8

Although income taxes are assessed to the individual members, USPB is required to withhold state income taxes from the cash distributions it makes to it members. As of June 27, 2020,26, 2021, Other accrued expenses and liabilities on the Company’s balance sheet reflected state taxes payable of $0.4$0.3 million.

(8) Long-term Debt and Loan Agreements

 

On August 16, 2019,July 13, 2020, USPB, and CoBank, ACB (“CoBank”), entered into ana Credit Agreement, Amended and Restated Revolving Term Supplement to the Master LoanPromissory Note (“Promissory Note”), and an Affirmation of Pledge Agreement.

The Credit Agreement dated July 26, 2011. The Amended and RestatedPromissory Note provide for a $1.0 million Revolving Term Supplement provides forCommitment. That commitment carries a $1term of five years, maturing on June 30, 2025. All of the $1.0 million revolving credit commitment was available as of June 26, 2021. The Promissory Note defines Interest as equal to the One-Month LIBOR Index Rate or if LIBOR quotes are no longer available, CoBank will replace the LIBOR Index Rate with a replacement benchmark rate. The Affirmation of Pledge Agreement provides CoBank with a first-priority security interest in USPB’s Membership Interests in, and reduces the commitment fee to 0.0%. The commitments original maturity date was June 30, 2020. On June 24, 2020, CoBank unilaterally extended the Term Expiration Date under USPB’s Amended and Restated Revolving Term SupplementDistributions from, June 30, 2020 up to and including August 31, 2020. USPB and CoBank entered into a new Credit Agreement on July 13, 2020 (see Note 11 – Subsequent Events).National Beef Packing Company, LLC.

(9) Members’ Capital

 

The following table represents a reconciliation of Members’ Capital for the thirteen and twenty-six-weektwenty-six week periods ended June 27, 202026, 2021 and June 29, 201927, 2020 (unaudited) (thousands of dollars).

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Schedule of Reconciliation of Members' Capital    
Balance at December 26, 2020 $200,242 
Allocation of net income for the thirteen-week period ended March 27, 2021  35,129 
Member distributions    
Class A ($6.32 per Class A unit)  (4,646
Class B ($55.36 per Class B unit)  (41,817
Balance at March 27, 2021  188,908 
Allocation of net income for the thirteen-week period ended June 26, 2021  102,334 
Member distributions    
Class A ($6.49 per Class A unit)  (4,777
Class B ($56.92 per Class B unit)  (42,992
Balance at June 26, 2021 $243,473 
     
Balance at December 28, 2019 $202,837 
Allocation of net income for the thirteen-week period ended March 28, 2020  12,176 
Balance at March 28, 2020  215,013 
Allocation of net income for the thirteen-week period ended June 27, 2020  101,204 
Member distributions    
Class A ($6.81 per Class A unit)  (5,008)
Class B ($59.67 per Class B unit)  (45,071)
Balance at June 27, 2020 $266,138 

 

Balance at December 28, 2019$202,837 
   Allocation of net income for the thirteen-week period ended March 28, 2020 12,176 
Balance at March 28, 2020$215,013 
   Allocation of net income for the thirteen-week period ended June 27, 2020 101,204 
   Member distributions   
      Class A ($6.81 per Class A unit) (5,008)
      Class B ($59.67 per Class B unit) (45,071)
Balance at June 27, 2020$266,138 
    
Balance at December 29, 2018$219,756 
   Allocation of net income for the thirteen-week period ended March 30, 2019 10,538 
   Member distributions   
      Class A ($5.00 per Class A unit) (3,675)
      Class B ($43.78 per Class B unit) (33,071)
Balance at March 30, 2019$193,548 
   Allocation of net income for the thirteen-week period ended June 29, 2019 24,748 
   Member distributions   
      Class A ($0.90 per Class A unit) (660)
      Class B ($7.86 per Class B unit) (5,940)
Balance at June 29, 2019$211,696 
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(10) Legal Proceedings

 

USPB is not currently involved in any litigation. However, because its ownership interest in NBP is USPB’s largest asset and because of the cattle procurement and distribution relationship between USPB and NBP, litigation involving NBP may impact USPB.

 

NBP is a defendant in four class action lawsuits in the United States District Court, Minnesota District alleging that it violated the Sherman Antitrust Act, the Packers and Stockyards Act, the Commodity Exchange Act, and various state laws (the “Antitrust Cases”).  The Antitrust Cases are entitled In re Cattle Antitrust Litigation, which was filed originally on April 23, 2019; Peterson et al. v. JBS USA Food Company Holdings, et al., which was filed originally on April 26, 2019; Samuels v. Cargill, Inc., et al, In re DPP Beef Litigation, which was filed originally oon April 26, 2019; and Erbert & Gerbert’s, Inc. v. JBS USA Food Company Holdings, et al., which was filed originally on June 18, 2020.  The plaintiffs in the Antitrust Cases seek treble damages and other relief under the Sherman Antitrust Act, the Packers & Stockyards Act, the Commodities Exchange Act and attorneys’ fees.  NBP is also a defendant in two class action lawsuits filed on January 7, 2020, alleging that it misrepresented the origin of its products in violation of the New Mexico Unfair Practices Act (the “Labelling Cases”).  The Labelling Cases are entitled Thornton v. Tyson Foods, Inc., et al., filed in the New Mexico Second Judicial District Court, Bernalillo County, and Lucero v. Tyson Foods, et al., filed in the New Mexico Thirteenth Judicial District Court, Sandoval County.  The Labelling Cases were subsequently removed to the United States District Court, New Mexico District.  The plaintiffs in the Labelling Cases seek treble damages and other relief and attorneys’ fees.  NBP believes it has meritorious defenses to the claims in the Antitrust Cases and the Labelling Cases and intends to defend these cases vigorously. Therevigorously, although there can be no assurances, however,assurance as to the outcome of these matterscases or the impact on NBP’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

In addition to the antitrust litigation, NBP is subject to investigations by the United States Department of Justice and approximately 30 state attorneys general regarding industry cattle procurement practices.  NBP is cooperating with these investigations and is working with the Department of Justice and the relevant states to provide information requested in connection with the investigations. NBP believes it has meritorious defenses to any potential claims that might arise out of these government investigations, although there can be no assurance as to the outcome of these investigations or the impact on NBP’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

NBP is a party to various other lawsuits and claims arising out of the operation of its business.  Management believes the ultimate resolution of such matters should not have a material adverse effect on NPB’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

USPB is not able to assess what impact, if any, the actions described above will have on NBP or USPB.

(11) Subsequent Events

 

USPB has evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued and determined there were no such events to report.

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On July 13, 2020, USPB, and CoBank, ACB (“CoBank”), entered into a Credit Agreement, Amended and Restated Revolving Term Promissory Note (“Promissory Note”), and an Affirmation of Pledge Agreement. The Credit Agreement, Amended and Restated Revolving Term Promissory Note, and Affirmation of Pledge Agreement replace, amend and restate the arrangements between CoBank and USPB contained in that certain Master Loan Agreement, Revolving Term Loan Supplement to the Master Loan Agreement, Pledge Agreement, and Security Agreement dated July 26, 2011, as amended (the “Prior Agreements.”). The Prior Agreements carried a “Term Expiration Date” of June 30, 2020, but on June 24, 2020, CoBank unilaterally extended the Term Expiration Date under USPB’s Amended and Restated Revolving Term Supplement from June 30, 2020 up to and including August 31, 2020.

 The Credit Agreement and the Amended and Restated Revolving Term Promissory Note provide for a $1 million Revolving Term Commitment. That commitment carries a term of five years, maturing on June 30, 2025. The Promissory Note defines Interest as equal to the One-Month LIBOR Index Rate or if LIBOR quotes are no longer available, CoBank will replace the LIBOR Index Rate with a replacement benchmark rate. The other terms and conditions of the Master Loan Agreement and the Revolving Term Loan Supplement continue the terms and conditions of the Prior Agreements without material modifications. The Affirmation of Pledge Agreement provides CoBank with a first-priority security interest in USPB’s Membership Interests in, and Distributions from, National Beef Packing Company, LLC.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this report.

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This report contains “forward-looking statements,” which are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control.  Forward-looking statements are typically identified by the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,”“believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “estimate”, and similar expressions.  Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including economic conditions generally and in our principal markets, the availability and prices of live cattle and commodities, food safety, issues, livestock disease, including the identification of cattle with Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, product contamination and recall concerns,bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), competitive practices and consolidation in the cattle production and processing industries, and among our customers, actions of domestic or foreign governments, hedging risk, changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, trade barriers and exchange controls, consumer demand and preferences, the costs and risks associated with operations during public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost of compliance with environmental and health laws, loss of key customers, loss of key employees, labor relations, and consolidation among our customers.

 

In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the results and events contemplated by the forward-looking information contained in this report will in fact transpire. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors.  Please review Part II. Item 1A, 1A. Risk Factors, included in this report, for other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any such forward-looking statements.

Investment in National Beef Packing Company, LLC

 

NBP processes and markets a comprehensive line of fresh and chilled boxed beef, ground beef,case-ready products, and beef by-products consumer-ready beef and pork, and wet blue leather for domestic and international markets.  The largest share of NBP’s revenue is generated from the sale of boxed beef and beef by-products. NBP also generates revenues through value-added production of its consumer-ready products.

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NBP has two beef slaughter and processing facilities located in southwest Kansas and a third facilitylocated in central Iowa.  In addition, NBP operates one of the largest hide tanninga leather tannery, three case-ready manufacturing facilities, in the world, selling wet blue leather to tanners that produce finished leather for the automotive, luxury goods, apparel and furniture industries. Other streams of revenue include sales through its subsidiary, Kansas City Steak Company, LLC, which sells portioned beef and other products directly to consumers through internet, direct mail and direct response television, a fresh and frozen hamburger manufacturing facility and service revenues generated by National Carriers, Inc., a wholly owned transportation and logistics company that is one of the largestprovides refrigerated and livestock carrier operations intrucking across the U.S.  and transports products for NBP and a variety of other customers.

 

NBP’s profitability typically fluctuates seasonally as well as cyclically, based on the availability of fed cattle.cattle and the demand for beef and beef by-products.  Its profitability is dependent, in large part, on the spread between its cost for live cattle, the primary raw material for its business, and the value received from selling boxed beef and other products coupled with its overall volume.  NBP operates in a large and liquidfast-moving commodity market and it does not have much influence over the price it pays for cattle or the selling price it receives for the products it produces.

 Sales

Revenues in the twenty-six-weekthirteen-week period ended June 27, 202026, 2021 increased 23.4%10.1% in comparison to the same period in 2019,2020, primarily due to much higher average selling prices for beef products and the additionalan increased volume resulting from the June 2019 acquisition of the Iowa Premium beef processing plant.cattle processed. Cost of sales increased 11.3%13.5% for the twenty-six-weekthirteen-week period ended June 27, 2020,26, 2021, as compared to the same period in 2019,2020, primarily due to increased volumehigher expenditures for cattle resulting from the June 2019 acquisition of Iowa Premium beef processing plantadditional volume and higher labor costs. Higher volumes and higherfrom increased per unit beef processing marginscosts.  Despite higher costs, the increased volume led to an increase in overall profitability in the 20202021 period, as compared to the 20192020 period.

 

Revenues in the twenty-six week period ended June 26, 2021 increased 8.2% in comparison to the twenty-six week period in 2020, primarily due increased volume. Cost of sales increased 6.0% for the twenty-six week period ended June 26, 2021, as compared to the first half of fiscal year 2020, primarily due to higher expenditures for cattle resulting from the additional volume and from increased per unit costs.  Despite higher costs, the increased volume led to an increase in overall profitability in the 2021 period, as compared to the 2020 period.

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Operating losses, material decreases indiminished cash flows, economic and industry events, pandemics, such as coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and a variety of other factors may result in a decrease in the value of USPB’sthe investment, in NBP, which is other than temporary. Such potential decreases in value, if deemed other than temporary, will cause the Company to record an impairment charge, which may have an impact on the trading values of USPB’s Class A and Class B units. However, NBP’s plants are all operational at the present time; it has been designated as an essential business during the COVID-19 pandemic;time and its results of operations are highly profitable, as reflected in Note 6. As a result, we believe the fair value of our investment in NBP exceeds the carrying value.

 

On June 10, 2019, USPB and NBP entered into the First Amended and Restated Cattle Purchase and Sale Agreement (A&R Agreement) with USPB. The terms and conditions of the A&R Agreement are substantially the same as those of the Cattle Purchase and Sale Agreement dated December 30, 2011. Per the terms and conditions of the A&R Agreement, NBP is required to purchase through USPB from its owners and associates, and USPB is required to sell and deliver from its owners and associates to NBP, a base amount of 735,385 (subject to adjustment) head of cattle per year with prices based on those published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, subject to adjustments for cattle performance.  NBP obtained approximately 24%25% and 25%24% of its cattle requirements under this agreement during the twenty-six weeksweek periods ended June 26, 2021 and June 27, 2020, and June 29, 2019, respectively.

USPB Results of Operations

Thirteen-weeks ended June 27, 202026, 2021 compared to thirteen-weeks ended June 29, 201927, 2020

Net Sales. There were no net salesNet Sales in the thirteen-week periods ended June 27, 202026, 2021 and June 29, 2019.27, 2020.

 

Cost of Sales. There were no costCost of salesSales in the thirteen-week periods ended June 27, 202026, 2021 and June 29, 2019.27, 2020.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $1.2 million and $0.9approximately $1.1 million for the thirteen-week periodsthirteen-weeks ended June 26, 2021 compared to approximately $1.2 million for the thirteen-weeks ended June 27, 2020, and June 29, 2019, respectively, an increasea decrease of approximately $0.3$0.1 million. The increasedecrease was the result of higherlower phantom plan, expenses, due to higher unit transfer prices,non-compete and accounting expenses.

 

Operating Loss.Operating loss was $1.2 million and $0.9approximately $1.1 million for the thirteen-week periodsthirteen-weeks ended June 26, 2021 compared to approximately $1.2 million for the thirteen-weeks ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019, respectively.2020.  

10


Equity in Net Income of National Beef Packing Company, LLC. Equity in NBP net income was $102.4 million and $25.2$103.2 million for the thirteen-week periodsthirteen-weeks ended June 26, 2021 compared to $102.4 million for the thirteen-weeks ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019, respectively.2020. The increase in fiscal year 20202021 is primarily due to significantly higher gross margins at NBP. USPB carries its 15.0729% investment in NBP under the equity method of accounting.

 

Interest IncomeOther, net.. Interest Other income was less than $0.1$0.2 million and $0.3approximately $0.0 million for the thirteen-week periods ended June 26, 2021 and June 27, 2020, and June 29, 2019, respectively. The decrease is due to lower cash balances and lower interest rates.

Other, net. Net income.Other Net income was less than $0.1$102.3 million and $0.2$101.2 million for the thirteen-week periods ended June 26, 2021 and June 27, 2020, andrespectively.

Twenty-six weeks ended June 29, 2019, respectively. The decrease is primarily due26, 2021 compared to lower delivery right lease income.

Net income. Net income was $101.2 million and $24.7 million for the thirteen-week periodstwenty-six weeks ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019, respectively.

Twenty-six-weeks ended June 27, 2020 compared to twenty-six-weeks ended June 29, 2019

 

Net Sales. There were no net salesNet Sales in the twenty-six-weektwenty-six week periods ended June 27, 202026, 2021 and June 29, 2019.27, 2020.

 

Cost of Sales. There were no costCost of salesSales in the twenty-six-weektwenty-six week periods ended June 27, 202026, 2021 and June 29, 2019.27, 2020.

 

12

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $2.3 million and $2.7approximately $2.5 million for the twenty-six-week periodstwenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2021 compared to approximately $2.3 million for the twenty-six weeks ended June 27, 2020, and June 29, 2019, respectively, a decreasean increase of approximately $0.4$0.2 million. The decreaseincrease was the result of lowerhigher phantom plan and legal expenses,compensation expense, which werewas partially offset by higher accountinglower non-compete expenses.

 

Operating Loss.Operating loss was $2.4 million and $2.7approximately $2.6 million for the twenty-six-week periodstwenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2021 compared to approximately $2.4 million for the twenty-six weeks ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019, respectively.2020.  

 

Equity in Net Income of National Beef Packing Company, LLC. Equity in NBP net income was $115.5 million and $37.0$139.8 million for the twenty-six-week periodstwenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2021 compared to $115.5 million for the twenty-six weeks ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019, respectively.2020. The increase in fiscal year 20202021 is primarily due to significantly higher gross margins at NBP. USPB carries its 15.0729% investment in NBP under the equity method of accounting.

 

Interest Income. Interest income was less than $0.2 million and $0.6approximately $0.0 million for the twenty-six-weektwenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2021 compared to $0.2 million for the twenty-six weeks ended June 27, 2020.

Other, net. Other income was $0.3 million and $0.1 million for the twenty-six week periods ended June 26, 2021 and June 27, 2020, and June 29, 2019, respectively. The decrease is due to lower cash balances and lower interest rates.

 

Other, net. Net income.Other Net income was less than $0.1$137.5 million and $0.4$113.4 million for the twenty-six-weektwenty-six week periods ended June 27, 202026, 2021 and June 29, 2019, respectively. The decrease is primarily due to lower delivery right lease income.

Net income. Net income was $113.4 million and $35.3 million for the twenty-six-week periods ended June 27, 2020, and June 29, 2019, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of June 27, 2020,26, 2021, we had net working capital (the excess of current assets over current liabilities) of approximately $29.8$60.7 million, which included cash and cash equivalents of $31.8$62.5 million. As of December 28, 2019,26, 2020, we had net working capital of approximately $74.3 million, which included cash and cash equivalents of $77.9$76.8 million. The decrease in working capital is primarily due to timing of the receipt of tax distributions from NBP. During the second quarter, USPB continued to make distributions to its members, but NBP delayed the majority of the tax distributions to its members, including USPB, until July 2020. Our primary sources of liquidity for the first two quarters of fiscal year 20202021 and fiscal year 20192020 were cash and available borrowings under the Master Loan Agreement with CoBank.

11


As of June 27, 2020,26, 2021, USPB had no long-term debt outstanding. We had a $1.0 million revolving term loancredit commitment with CoBank, all of which was available. USPB was in compliance with the financial covenant under its Master Loan Agreement as of June 27, 2020.26, 2021.

 On July 13, 2020, USPB, and CoBank, ACB (“CoBank”), entered into a Credit Agreement, Amended and Restated Revolving Term Promissory Note (“Promissory Note”), and an Affirmation of Pledge Agreement. The Credit Agreement, Amended and Restated Revolving Term Promissory Note, and Affirmation of Pledge Agreement replace, amend and restate the arrangements between CoBank and USPB contained in that certain Master Loan Agreement, Revolving Term Loan Supplement to the Master Loan Agreement, Pledge Agreement, and Security Agreement dated July 26, 2011, as amended (the “Prior Agreements.”). The Prior Agreements carried a “Term Expiration Date” of June 30, 2020, but on June 24, 2020, CoBank unilaterally extended the Term Expiration Date under USPB’s Amended and Restated Revolving Term Supplement from June 30, 2020 up to and including August 31, 2020.

The Credit Agreement and the Amended and Restated Revolving Term Promissory Note provide for a $1 million Revolving Term Commitment. That commitment carries a term of five years, maturing on June 30, 2025. The Promissory Note defines Interest as equal to the One-Month LIBOR Index Rate or if LIBOR quotes are no longer available, CoBank will replace the LIBOR Index Rate with a replacement benchmark rate. The other terms and conditions of the Master Loan Agreement and the Revolving Term Loan Supplement continue the terms and conditions of the Prior Agreements without material modifications. The Affirmation of Pledge Agreement provides CoBank with a first-priority security interest in USPB’s Membership Interests in, and Distributions from, National Beef Packing Company, LLC.

We believe our cash will be sufficient to support our cash needs for the foreseeable future. For a review of our obligations that affect liquidity, please see the “Cash Payment Obligations” table in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2019.2020.

Operating Activities

 

Net cash provided by operating activities in the twenty-six-weekstwenty-six weeks ended June 27, 202026, 2021 was approximately $4.1$78.7 million compared to approximately $20.3$4.1 million in the twenty-six-weekstwenty-six weeks ended June 29, 2019.27, 2020. The $16.2$74.6 million change was primarily due to smallera $74.7 million increase in distributions received from National Beef.NBP.

Investing Activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities in the twenty-six-weektwenty-six week periods ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019 were26, 2021 was $0.0 million compared to less than $0.1 million.$0.0 million in the twenty-six week period ended June 27, 2020.

Financing Activities

 

Net cash used in financing activities was $93.0 million in the twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2021 compared to $50.1 million in the twenty-six-weekstwenty-six weeks ended June 27, 2020 compareddue to $49.0 millionan increase in member distributions made in the twenty-six-weeks ended June 29, 2019. The change was due to slightly higher distributions in fiscal year 2020.2021 period.

13

Master Loan Agreement

On August 16, 2019,July 13, 2020, USPB, and CoBank, ACB (“CoBank”), entered into ana Credit Agreement, Amended and Restated Revolving Term Supplement to the Master LoanPromissory Note (“Promissory Note”), and an Affirmation of Pledge Agreement.

The Credit Agreement dated July 26, 2011. The Amended and RestatedPromissory Note provide for a $1.0 million Revolving Term Supplement provides forCommitment. The commitment carries a $1 million revolving credit commitment and reduces the commitment fee to 0.0%. The commitments original maturity date wasterm of five years, maturing on June 30, 2020. On June 24, 2020, CoBank unilaterally extended the Term Expiration Date under USPB’s Amended and Restated Revolving Term Supplement from June 30, 2020 up to and including August 31, 2020.

2025. All of the $1$1.0 million revolving credit commitment was available as of June 27, 2020. Borrowings under26, 2021. The Promissory Note defines Interest as equal to the revolving credit commitment bear interest atOne-Month LIBOR Index Rate or if LIBOR quotes are no longer available, CoBank will replace the base rate or LIBOR rate plus applicable margin.Index Rate with a replacement benchmark rate. The applicable margin over LIBOR was 200 bps at June 27, 2020.

12


On December 30, 2011, in connection with the closingAffirmation of the Leucadia Transaction, the Company and CoBank entered into the Consent and First Amendment to Pledge Agreement and Security Agreement, by whichprovides CoBank agreed to (i) consent to the Membership Interest Sale and the PA Distribution, (ii) release itswith a first-priority security interest in and liens on, theUSPB’s Membership Interests being sold pursuant to the Membership Interest Sale, (iii) consent to the NBP Pledge and (iv) consent to the amendments and restatements of the NBP Operating Agreement and the PA Newco Operating Agreement. The NBP Pledge grants NBP a perfected security interest in, and to USPB’s membership interests in, and distributionsDistributions from, NBP, subject only to the prior first priority security interest held by CoBank.National Beef Packing Company, LLC.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

 

The principal market risks affecting USPB’s business are exposure to interest rate risk, to the extent the Company has debt outstanding. As of June 27, 2020,26, 2021, the Company did not have any outstanding debt.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

We maintain a system of controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance as to the reliability of the Financial Statements and other disclosures included in this report, as well as to safeguard assets from unauthorized use or disposition. We evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based upon that evaluation, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in alerting them, in a timely manner, to material information required to be included in our periodic Securities and Exchange Commission filings. There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the twenty-six weeks ended June 27, 202026, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. The design of any system of controls and procedures is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events.

 

14

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

 

USPB is not currently involved in any litigation. However, because its ownership interest in NBP is USPB’s largest asset and because of the cattle procurement and distribution relationship between USPB and NBP, litigation involving NBP may impact USPB.

 

NBP is a defendant in four class action lawsuits in the United States District Court, Minnesota District alleging that it violated the Sherman Antitrust Act, the Packers and Stockyards Act, the Commodity Exchange Act, and various state laws (the “Antitrust Cases”). The Antitrust Cases are entitled In re Cattle Antitrust Litigation, which was filed originally on April 23, 2019; Peterson et al. v. JBS USA Food Company Holdings, et al., which was filed originally on April 26, 2019; Samuels v. Cargill, Inc., et al, In re DPP Beef Litigation, which was filed originally oon April 26, 2019; and Erbert & Gerbert’s, Inc. v. JBS USA Food Company Holdings, et al., which was filed originally on June 18, 2020.  The plaintiffs in the Antitrust Cases seek treble damages and other relief under the Sherman Antitrust Act, the Packers & Stockyards Act, the Commodities Exchange Act and attorneys’ fees. NBP is also a defendant in two class action lawsuits filed on January 7, 2020, alleging that it misrepresented the origin of its products in violation of the New Mexico Unfair Practices Act (the “Labelling Cases”).  The Labelling Cases are entitled Thornton v. Tyson Foods, Inc., et al., filed in the New Mexico Second Judicial District Court, Bernalillo County, and Lucero v. Tyson Foods, et al., filed in the New Mexico ThirteenthTwenty-sixth Judicial District Court, Sandoval County. The Labelling Cases were subsequently removed to the United States District Court, New Mexico District.  The plaintiffs in the Labelling Cases seek treble damages and other relief and attorneys’ fees. NBP believes it has meritorious defenses to the claims in the Antitrust Cases and the Labelling Cases and intends to defend these cases vigorously. Therevigorously, although there can be no assurances, however,assurance as to the outcome of these matterscases or the impact on NBP’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

13


In addition to the antitrust litigation, NBP is subject to investigations by the United States Department of Justice and approximately 30 state attorneys general regarding industry cattle procurement practices.  NBP is cooperating with these investigations and is working with the Department of Justice and the relevant states to provide information requested in connection with the investigations. NBP believes it has meritorious defenses to any potential claims that might arise out of these government investigations, although there can be no assurance as to the outcome of these investigations or the impact on NBP’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

NBP is a party to various other lawsuits and claims arising out of the operation of its business. Management believes the ultimate resolution of such matters should not have a material adverse effect on NPB’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidityliquidity.

 

USPB is not able to assess what impact, if any, the actions described above will have on NBP or USPB.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

 Except for the risk factors discussed below, the

The risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 201926, 2020 have not materially changed. Please refer to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 201926, 2020 to consider those risk factors.

USPB’s investment in NBP could become impaired.

USPB’s investment in NBP is carried under the equity method of accounting. Although NBP’s results from operations are currently highly profitable, pandemic events such as COVID-19, industry trends, and other economic factors could have a negative impact on NBP’s operations and cash flows. As a result, the fair market value of USPB’s investment in NBP could decrease to a level that is less than the carrying value. If such situation is deemed to not be temporary, USPB would record an impairment charge, which may have an impact on the trading values of USPB’s Class A and Class B units.

If the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affects NBP’s ability to keep the cattle slaughter at normal levels, the ability of USPB members to deliver cattle for processing based on their ownership of Class A units may be impacted.

COVID-19 temporarily caused NBP to reduce fed cattle slaughter at several of its beef processing plants. If NBP is unable to maintain the slaughter at normal levels for an extended period, USPB members may be delayed in delivering their cattle or may be required to deliver to a different NBP processing plant. As the right and obligation to deliver cattle is associated with ownership of USPB’s Class A units, such a result may impact the value or liquidity of Class A units.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

15

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information.

 

None.

14


 

Item 6. Exhibits.

10.5(a)Credit Agreement between U.S. Premium Beef, LLC and CoBank, ACB, executed July 13, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K (File No. 333-115164) filed with the SEC on July 16, 2020).
10.5(b)Amended and Restated Revolving Term Promissory Note between U.S. Premium Beef, LLC and CoBank, ACB executed July 13, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K (File No. 333-115164) filed with the SEC on July 16, 2020).
10.5(c)Affirmation of Pledge Agreement between U.S. Premium Beef, LLC and CoBank, ACB executed July 13, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Form 8-K (File No. 333-115164) filed with the SEC on July 16, 2020).
31.1Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
31.2Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
32.1Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
32.2Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

101.INS
101.INSInline XBRL Instance Document **(the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
101.SCH
101.SCHInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document **
101.CAL
101.CALInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase **Document
101.DEF
101.DEFInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document **
101.LAB
101.LABInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document **
101.PRE
101.PREInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document **
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in IXBRL, and included in exhibit 101).

** Furnished herewith. Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the interactive data files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

 

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

U.S. Premium Beef, LLC

By:/s/ Stanley D. Linville
  
  

By:

/s/ Stanley D. Linville
Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

Stanley D. Linville

By:
/s/ Scott J. Miller
 

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

  
  

By:

/s/ Scott J. Miller

Scott J. Miller


Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

Date: August 7, 20205, 2021

 

 

 

 

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