Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 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 March 26, 2022 |
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 333-115164
U.S. PREMIUM BEEF, LLC
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
delaware | | 20-1576986 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
12200 North Ambassador Drive
Kansas City, MO 64163
(Address of principal executive offices)
Telephone: (866) 877-2525
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
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 small reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and ‘emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 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 April 30, 2022, there were 735,385 Class A units and 755,385 Class B units outstanding.
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchanges on which registered |
N/A | N/A | N/A |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited).
U.S. PREMIUM BEEF, LLC
Balance Sheets
(thousands of dollars, except unit information)
| | | | | | |
Assets | | March 26, 2022 | | | December 25, 2021 | |
| | (unaudited) | | | | |
Current assets: | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 61,204 | | | $ | 130,400 | |
Accounts receivable | | | 173 | | | | 48 | |
Due from affiliates | | | 110 | | | | 58 | |
Other current assets | | | 21 | | | | 3 | |
Total current assets | | | 61,508 | | | | 130,509 | |
Property, plant, and equipment, at cost | | | 243 | | | | 243 | |
Less accumulated depreciation | | | 225 | | | | 222 | |
Net property, plant, and equipment | | | 18 | | | | 21 | |
Right of use assets, net | | | 154 | | | | 168 | |
Investment in National Beef Packing Company, LLC | | | 223,141 | | | | 213,290 | |
Other assets | | | 1 | | | | 2 | |
Total assets | | $ | 284,822 | | | $ | 343,990 | |
Liabilities and Members' Capital | | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable - trade | | $ | 38 | | | $ | 14 | |
Due to affiliates | | | 80 | | | | 7 | |
Accrued compensation and benefits | | | 1,024 | | | | 2,106 | |
Lease obligations | | | 54 | | | | 54 | |
Other accrued expenses and liabilities | | | 1,555 | | | | 1,110 | |
Distributions Payable | | | 0 | | | | 833 | |
Total current liabilities | | | 2,751 | | | | 4,124 | |
Long-term liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Lease obligations | | | 100 | | | | 114 | |
Other liabilities | | | 7,534 | | | | 7,480 | |
Total long-term liabilities | | | 7,634 | | | | 7,594 | |
Total liabilities | | | 10,385 | | | | 11,718 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Commitments and contingencies | | | 0 | | | | 0 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Members' capital | | | | | | | | |
Members' contributed capital, 735,385 Class A units and 755,385 Class B units authorized, issued and outstanding | | | 274,437 | | | | 332,272 | |
Total members' capital | | | 274,437 | | | | 332,272 | |
Total liabilities and members' capital | | $ | 284,822 | | | $ | 343,990 | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
U.S. PREMIUM BEEF, LLC
Statements of Operations
(thousands of dollars, except unit and per unit data)
| | | | | | | | |
| | 13 weeks ended |
| | March 26, 2022 | | | March 27, 2021 | |
| | (unaudited) | | | (unaudited) | |
Net sales | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | |
Costs and expenses: | | | | | | | | |
Cost of sales | | | 0 | | | | 0 | |
Selling, general, and administrative expenses | | | 1,677 | | | | 1,485 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 3 | | | | 3 | |
Total costs and expenses | | | 1,680 | | | | 1,488 | |
Operating loss | | | (1,680 | ) | | | (1,488 | ) |
Other income: | | | | | | | | |
Interest income | | | 3 | | | | 2 | |
Equity in income of National Beef Packing Company, LLC | | | 62,606 | | | | 36,559 | |
Other, net | | | 118 | | | | 56 | |
Total other income | | | 62,727 | | | | 36,617 | |
Net income | | $ | 61,047 | | | $ | 35,129 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Income per unit: | | | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted | | | | | | | | |
Class A units | | $ | 8.30 | | | $ | 4.78 | |
Class B units | | $ | 72.73 | | | $ | 41.85 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Outstanding weighted-average Class A and Class B units: | | | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted | | | | | | | | |
Class A units | | | 735,385 | | | | 735,385 | |
Class B units | | | 755,385 | | | | 755,385 | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
U.S. PREMIUM BEEF, LLC
Statements of Cash Flows
(thousands of dollars)
| | | | | | |
| | 13 Weeks Ended | |
| | March 26, 2022 | | | March 27, 2021 | |
| | (unaudited) | | | (unaudited) | |
Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | $ | 61,047 | | | $ | 35,129 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 3 | | | | 3 | |
Equity in net income of National Beef Packing Company, LLC | | | (62,606 | ) | | | (36,559 | ) |
Distributions from National Beef Packing Company, LLC | | | 52,755 | | | | 21,402 | |
Changes in assets and liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Accounts receivable | | | (125 | ) | | | (14 | ) |
Due from affiliates | | | (52 | ) | | | (57 | ) |
Other assets | | | (17 | ) | | | 18 | |
Accounts payable | | | 24 | | | | (8 | ) |
Due to affiliates | | | 73 | | | �� | 145 | |
Accrued compensation and benefits | | | (1,028 | ) | | | (808 | ) |
Other accrued expenses and liabilities | | | 445 | | | | 1,661 | |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | | 50,519 | | | | 20,912 | |
Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | | | | |
Member distributions | | | (119,715 | ) | | | (46,463 | ) |
Net cash used in financing activities | | | (119,715 | ) | | | (46,463 | ) |
Net decrease in cash | | | (69,196 | ) | | | (25,551 | ) |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | | | 130,400 | | | | 76,769 | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | | $ | 61,204 | | | $ | 51,218 | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
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 25, 2021. 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. 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.
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 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 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. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. As of March 26, 2022, the Company’s balance sheet reflected Cash and cash equivalents of $61.2 million. Investments are not deposits and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation.
(3) Noncompetition Agreements
The CEO’s employment agreement provides for him to receive noncompetition payments for a twelve-month period following his termination of employment with USPB.
As of March 26, 2022 and December 25, 2021, the Company had accrued $0.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively, for the noncompetition agreements. The accrued amount is included in Other liabilities on the balance sheet. The table below summarizes the current and long-term portions of the accrued non-compete amounts:
Schedule of non-compete amounts | | | | | | |
| | March 26, 2022 | | | December 25, 2021 | |
| | (thousands of dollars) | |
Current non-compete | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | |
Long-term non-compete | | | 326 | | | | 323 | |
Total non-compete | | $ | 326 | | | $ | 323 | |
(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 March 26, 2022 and December 25, 2021, the Company had accrued $7.9 million and $7.9 million, respectively, for the management phantom awards. The accrued amounts are included in Accrued compensation and benefits and Other liabilities on the balance sheet. The table below summarizes the current and long-term portions of the accrued amounts:
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities | | | | | | | | |
| | March 26, 2022 | | | December 25, 2021 | |
| | (thousands of dollars) | |
Accrued compensation and benefits | | $ | 645 | | | $ | 707 | |
Other liabilities | | | 7,208 | | | | 7,157 | |
Total accrued liabilities | | $ | 7,853 | | | $ | 7,864 | |
USPB provides its employees the opportunity to earn cash incentives and bonuses. As of March 26, 2022 and December 25, 2021, the Company had accrued $0.3 million and $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-week periods ended March 26, 2022 and March 27, 2021, 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 | |
(thousands of dollars, except unit and per unit data) | | March 26, 2022 | | | March 27, 2021 | |
| | | (unaudited) | | | | (unaudited) | |
Basic and diluted earnings per unit: | | | | | | | | |
Income attributable to USPB available to unitholders (numerator) | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | $ | 6,105 | | | $ | 3,513 | |
Class B | | $ | 54,942 | | | $ | 31,616 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Weighted average outstanding units (denominator) | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | 735,385 | | | | 735,385 | |
Class B | | | 755,385 | | | | 755,385 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Per unit amount | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | $ | 8.30 | | | $ | 4.78 | |
Class B | | $ | 72.73 | | | $ | 41.85 | |
(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 thirteen-week periods ended March 26, 2022 and March 27, 2021 (thousands of dollars):
Investment roll forward | | | | |
Beginning investment at December 25, 2021 | | $ | 213,290 | |
Equity in net income for 13-week period | | | 62,606 | |
Distributions | | | (52,755 | ) |
Ending investment at March 26, 2022 | | $ | 223,141 | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Beginning investment at December 26, 2020 | | $ | 131,494 | |
Equity in net income for 13-week period | | | 36,559 | |
Distributions | | | (21,402 | ) |
Ending investment at March 27, 2021 | | $ | 146,651 | |
Below is a summary of the results of operations for NBP for the thirteen-week periods ended March 26, 2022 and March 27, 2021 (thousands of dollars):
Schedule of Operations for NBP | | | | | | | | |
| | 13 weeks ended | |
| | March 26, 2022 | | | March 27, 2021 | |
| | | (unaudited) | | | | (unaudited) | |
Net sales | | $ | 3,023,754 | | | $ | 2,315,615 | |
Costs and expenses: | | | | | | | | |
Cost of sales | | | 2,554,700 | | | | 2,023,555 | |
Selling, general, and administrative expenses | | | 21,371 | | | | 18,865 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 29,436 | | | | 27,669 | |
Total costs and expenses | | | 2,605,507 | | | | 2,070,089 | |
Operating income | | | 418,247 | | | | 245,526 | |
Other income (expense): | | | | | | | | |
Interest income | | | 27 | | | | 87 | |
Interest expense | | | (1,476 | ) | | | (2,400 | ) |
Income before taxes | | | 416,798 | | | | 243,213 | |
Income tax expense | | | (1,443 | ) | | | (665 | ) |
Net income | | $ | 415,355 | | | $ | 242,548 | |
| | | | | | | | |
NBP's net income attributable to USPB | | $ | 62,606 | | | $ | 36,559 | |
(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.
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 March 26, 2022 and December 25, 2021, Other accrued expenses and liabilities on the Company’s balance sheet reflected state taxes payable of $1.4 million and $1.0 million, respectively.
(8) Long-term Debt and Loan Agreements
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 and Promissory Note provide for a $1.0 million Revolving Term Commitment. That commitment carries a term of five years, maturing on June 30, 2025. All of the $1.0 million revolving credit commitment was available as of March 26, 2022. 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 Distributions from, National Beef Packing Company, LLC.
(9) Members’ Capital
The following table represents a reconciliation of Members’ Capital for the thirteen-week periods ended March 26, 2022 and March 27, 2021 (unaudited) (thousands of dollars).
Schedule of Reconciliation of Members' Capital | | | | |
Balance at December 25, 2021 | | $ | 332,272 | |
Allocation of net income for the thirteen-week period ended March 26, 2022 | | | 61,047 | |
Member distributions | | | | |
Class A ($16.16 per Class A unit) | | | 11,888 | |
Class B ($141.64 per Class B unit) | | | 106,994 | |
Balance at March 26, 2022 | | $ | 274,437 | |
| | | | |
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 | |
(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 antitrust lawsuits in the United States District Court, Minnesota District, and four single plaintiff antitrust lawsuits in United States District Court, Minnesota District, the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida, the United States District Court, Connecticut, and the United States District Court, Northern District of New York. In addition, NBP is a defendant in class action antitrust lawsuits in the Supreme Court of British Columbia and the Superior Court of Quebec, Montreal District. These lawsuits all allege that NBP violated the Sherman Antitrust Act or the Canadian Competition Act and some of the lawsuits allege that NBP violated the Packers and Stockyards Act, the Commodity Exchange Act, and various state or provincial laws. The class-action 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; In re DPP Beef Litigation, which was filed originally on April 26, 2019; Erbert & Gerbert’s, Inc. v. JBS USA Food Company Holdings, et al., which was filed originally on June 18, 2020; Giang Bui v. Cargill, Incorporated, et al. which was filed originally on February 18, 2022; and Sylvie De Bellefeuille v. Cargill, Inc. et al., which was filed originally on March 24, 2022. The single-plaintiff Antitrust Cases are entitled Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. and Bi-Lo Holding, LLC v. Cargill, Inc., et al., which was filed on August 2, 2021; Cheney Brothers, Inc. v. Cargill, Inc., et al., which was filed on January 31, 2022; Subway v. Cargill, Inc. et al., which was filed on February 22, 2022; and Amory Investments LLC v. Cargill, Inc. et al., which was filed originally on March 8, 2022. The plaintiffs in these cases seek treble damages and other relief under various laws including the Sherman Antitrust Act, the Canadian Competition Act, the Packers & Stockyards Act, and/or the Commodities Exchange Act and various state and provincial laws and attorneys’ fees. NBP believes it has meritorious defenses to the claims in these cases and intends to defend these them vigorously. There can be no assurances, however, as to the outcome of these matters 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 an investigation 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 NBP’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
On March 29, 2022, USPB received distributions totaling $60.5 million from NBP. On March 31, 2022 and April 5, 2022, USPB made distributions totaling $38.1 million to its members.
USPB has evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued and determined there were no such events to report.
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”, “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, livestock disease, including the identification of cattle with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), competitive practices and consolidation in the cattle production and processing industries, actions of domestic or foreign governments, hedging risk, changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, consumer demand and preferences, 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. 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 beef, case-ready products, and beef by-products 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 has two beef slaughter and processing facilities located in southwest Kansas and a third located in central Iowa. In addition, NBP operates a leather tannery, three case-ready manufacturing facilities, a fresh and frozen hamburger manufacturing facility and a transportation and logistics company that provides refrigerated and livestock transportation across the U.S.
NBP’s profitability typically fluctuates seasonally as well as cyclically, based on the availability of fed 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 fast-moving commodity market and does not have much influence over the price it pays for cattle or the selling price it receives for the products it produces.
Revenues in the thirteen-week period ended March 26, 2022 increased approximately 30.6% in comparison to the same period in 2021, primarily due to increased selling prices for beef and beef by-products. Cost of Sales increased by approximately 26.3% for the thirteen-week period ended March 26, 2022, as compared to the same period in 2021, primarily due to higher fed cattle prices, as well as increased costs for labor, packaging, and other inputs, offset, in part, by lower utility costs. Higher per unit beef processing margins, along with a slight increase in volume, led to an increase in overall profitability in the 2022 period, as compared to the 2021 period.
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 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 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 25% and 25% of its cattle requirements under this agreement during the thirteen-weeks ended March 26, 2022 and March 27, 2021, respectively.
USPB Results of Operations
Thirteen-weeks ended March 26, 2022 compared to thirteen-weeks ended March 27, 2021
Net Sales. There were no Net Sales in the thirteen-week periods ended March 26, 2022 and March 27, 2021.
Cost of Sales. There were no Cost of Sales in the thirteen-week periods ended March 26, 2022 and March 27, 2021.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were approximately $1.7 million for the thirteen-weeks ended March 26, 2022 compared to approximately $1.5 million for the thirteen-weeks ended March 27, 2021, an increase of approximately $0.2 million. The increase was primarily the result of higher phantom plan expenses.
Operating Loss. Operating loss was approximately $1.7 million for the thirteen-weeks ended March 26, 2022 compared to approximately $1.5 million for the thirteen-weeks ended March 27, 2021.
Equity in Net Income of National Beef Packing Company, LLC. Equity in NBP net income was $62.6 million for the thirteen-weeks ended March 26, 2022 compared to $36.6 million for the thirteen-weeks ended March 27, 2021. The increase in fiscal year 2022 is primarily due to higher gross margins at NBP. USPB carries its 15.0729% investment in NBP under the equity method of accounting.
Interest Income. Interest income was $0.0 million for the thirteen-weeks ended March 26, 2022 and March 27, 2021.
Other, net. Other income was $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the thirteen-week periods ended March 26, 2022 and March 27, 2021, respectively.
Net income. Net income was $61.0 million and $35.1 million for the thirteen-week periods ended March 26, 2022 and March 27, 2021, respectively.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of March 26, 2022, we had net working capital (the excess of current assets over current liabilities) of approximately $58.8 million, which included cash and cash equivalents of $61.2 million. As of December 25, 2021, we had net working capital of approximately $126.4 million, which included cash and cash equivalents of $130.4 million. Our primary sources of liquidity for the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 and fiscal year 2021 were cash and available borrowings under the Master Loan Agreement with CoBank.
As of March 26, 2022, USPB had no long-term debt outstanding. We had a $1.0 million revolving term credit commitment with CoBank, all of which was available. USPB was in compliance with the financial covenant under its Master Loan Agreement as of March 26, 2022.
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 2021.
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities in the thirteen-weeks ended March 26, 2022 was approximately $50.5 million compared to net cash provided by of approximately $20.9 million in the thirteen-weeks ended March 27, 2021. The $29.6 million change was primarily due to a $31.4 million increase in distributions received from National Beef and which was partially offset by a decrease in taxes payable due to state taxes withheld from member distributions.
Investing Activities
There were no investing activities in the thirteen-week periods ended March 26, 2022 and March 27, 2021.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $119.7 million in the thirteen-weeks ended March 26, 2022 compared to $46.5 million in the thirteen-weeks ended March 27, 2021 due to an increased level of member distributions made in the first quarter of 2022.
Master Loan Agreement
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 and Promissory Note provide for a $1.0 million Revolving Term Commitment. The commitment carries a term of five years, maturing on June 30, 2025. All of the $1.0 million revolving credit commitment was available as of March 26, 2022. 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 Distributions from, 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 March 26, 2022, 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 thirteen-weeks ended March 26, 2022 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.
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 antitrust lawsuits in the United States District Court, Minnesota District, and four single plaintiff antitrust lawsuits in United States District Court, Minnesota District, the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida, the United States District Court, Connecticut, and the United States District Court, Northern District of New York. In addition, NBP is a defendant in class action antitrust lawsuits in the Supreme Court of British Columbia and the Superior Court of Quebec, Montreal District. These lawsuits all allege that NBP violated the Sherman Antitrust Act or the Canadian Competition Act and some of the lawsuits allege that NBP violated the Packers and Stockyards Act, the Commodity Exchange Act, and various state or provincial laws. The class-action 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; In re DPP Beef Litigation, which was filed originally on April 26, 2019; Erbert & Gerbert’s, Inc. v. JBS USA Food Company Holdings, et al., which was filed originally on June 18, 2020; Giang Bui v. Cargill, Incorporated, et al. which was filed originally on February 18, 2022; and Sylvie De Bellefeuille v. Cargill, Inc. et al., which was filed originally on March 24, 2022. The single-plaintiff Antitrust Cases are entitled Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. and Bi-Lo Holding, LLC v. Cargill, Inc., et al., which was filed on August 2, 2021; Cheney Brothers, Inc. v. Cargill, Inc., et al., which was filed on January 31, 2022; Subway v. Cargill, Inc. et al., which was filed on February 22, 2022; and Amory Investments LLC v. Cargill, Inc. et al., which was filed originally on March 8, 2022. The plaintiffs in these cases seek treble damages and other relief under various laws including the Sherman Antitrust Act, the Canadian Competition Act, the Packers & Stockyards Act, and/or the Commodities Exchange Act and various state and provincial laws and attorneys’ fees. NBP believes it has meritorious defenses to the claims in these cases and intends to defend these them vigorously. There can be no assurances, however, as to the outcome of these matters 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 an investigation 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 NBP’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.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
The risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2021 have not materially changed. Please refer to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2021 to consider those risk factors.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information.
None.
Item 6. Exhibits.
| 101.INS | XBRL Instance Document ** |
| 101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document ** |
| 101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase ** |
101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document ** |
101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document ** |
101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document ** |
** 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.
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 |
| | |
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| By: | /s/ Stanley D. Linville |
| | Stanley D. Linville Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) |
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| By: | /s/ Scott J. Miller |
| | Scott J. Miller Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
Date: May 6, 2022