UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
x | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended September 28, 2008
OR
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission file number 0-32233
PEET’S COFFEE & TEA, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Washington | | 91-0863396 |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
1400 Park Avenue
Emeryville, California 94608-3520
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code)
(510) 594-2100
(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 x No o.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):
Large Accelerated Filer o | | Accelerated Filer x |
Non-Accelerated Filer o | | Smaller reporting company o |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes o No x
As of November 2, 2008, 13,554,251 shares of registrant’s Common Stock were outstanding.
| INDEX | |
| | Page |
PART I | FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |
| | |
Item 1. | Consolidated Financial Statements | 3 |
Item 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 10 |
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk | 14 |
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 15 |
| | |
PART II | OTHER INFORMATION | |
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 15 |
Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 15 |
Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 16 |
Item 6. | Exhibits | 17 |
| Signatures | 17 |
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PEET’S COFFEE & TEA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except share amounts)
| | September 28, | | December 30, | |
| | 2008 | | 2007 | |
| | | | | |
ASSETS | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Current assets | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 3,889 | | $ | 15,312 | |
Short-term marketable securities | | | 10,893 | | | 7,932 | |
Accounts receivable, net | | | 9,642 | | | 8,287 | |
Inventories | | | 29,698 | | | 24,483 | |
Deferred income taxes - current | | | 2,937 | | | 2,950 | |
Prepaid expenses and other | | | 9,806 | | | 4,285 | |
Total current assets | | | 66,865 | | | 63,249 | |
| | | | | | | |
Long-term marketable securities | | | - | | | 7,831 | |
Property, plant and equipment, net | | | 107,564 | | | 99,231 | |
Deferred income taxes - non current | | | 3,000 | | | 3,353 | |
Other assets, net | | | 3,893 | | | 3,883 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total assets | | $ | 181,322 | | $ | 177,547 | |
| | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Current liabilities | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities | | $ | 9,934 | | $ | 10,104 | |
Accrued compensation and benefits | | | 10,470 | | | 8,909 | |
Deferred revenue | | | 4,477 | | | 5,856 | |
Total current liabilities | | | 24,881 | | | 24,869 | |
| | | | | | | |
Deferred lease credits and other long-term liabilities | | | 7,030 | | | 5,425 | |
Total liabilities | | | 31,911 | | | 30,294 | |
| | | | | | | |
Shareholders' equity | | | | | | | |
Common stock, no par value; authorized 50,000,000 shares; | | | | | | | |
issued and outstanding:13,653,000 and 13,932,000 shares | | | 99,662 | | | 104,616 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | | | 19 | | | 52 | |
Retained earnings | | | 49,730 | | | 42,585 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total shareholders' equity | | | 149,411 | | | 147,253 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | | $ | 181,322 | | $ | 177,547 | |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
PEET’S COFFEE & TEA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)
| | Thirteen weeks ended | | Thirty-nine weeks ended | |
| | September 28, | | September 30, | | September 28, | | September 30, | |
| | 2008 | | 2007 | | 2008 | | 2007 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Retail stores | | $ | 45,911 | | $ | 41,450 | | $ | 136,829 | | $ | 121,436 | |
Specialty sales | | | 22,575 | | | 19,410 | | | 68,847 | | | 57,040 | |
Net revenue | | | 68,486 | | | 60,860 | | | 205,676 | | | 178,476 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cost of sales and related occupancy expenses | | | 32,249 | | | 29,142 | | | 96,478 | | | 84,706 | |
Operating expenses | | | 24,715 | | | 21,593 | | | 72,934 | | | 62,772 | |
General and administrative expenses | | | 5,237 | | | 4,928 | | | 16,233 | | | 16,228 | |
Depreciation and amortization expenses | | | 3,150 | | | 2,619 | | | 9,395 | | | 7,935 | |
Total costs and expenses from operations | | | 65,351 | | | 58,282 | | | 195,040 | | | 171,641 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from operations | | | 3,135 | | | 2,578 | | | 10,636 | | | 6,835 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest income | | | 130 | | | 284 | | | 636 | | | 1,172 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income before income taxes | | | 3,265 | | | 2,862 | | | 11,272 | | | 8,007 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income tax provision | | | 1,247 | | | 1,026 | | | 4,127 | | | 2,953 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | $ | 2,018 | | $ | 1,836 | | $ | 7,145 | | $ | 5,054 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income per share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | $ | 0.15 | | $ | 0.13 | | $ | 0.52 | | $ | 0.37 | |
Diluted | | $ | 0.15 | | $ | 0.13 | | $ | 0.51 | | $ | 0.36 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares used in calculation of net income per share: | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | 13,603 | | | 13,816 | | | 13,825 | | | 13,664 | |
Diluted | | | 13,899 | | | 14,168 | | | 14,111 | | | 14,057 | |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
PEET’S COFFEE & TEA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited, in thousands)
| | Thirty-nine weeks ended | |
| | September 28, | | September 30, | |
| | 2008 | | 2007 | |
| | | | | |
Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | | | |
Net income | | $ | 7,145 | | $ | 5,054 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by | | | | | | | |
operating activities: | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 11,025 | | | 9,376 | |
Amortization of interest purchased | | | 157 | | | 177 | |
Stock-based compensation | | | 1,962 | | | 2,116 | |
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options | | | (384 | ) | | (1,279 | ) |
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options | | | 246 | | | 1,166 | |
Loss on disposition of assets and asset impairment | | | 216 | | | 122 | |
Deferred income taxes | | | 366 | | | (186 | ) |
Changes in other assets and liabilities: | | | | | | | |
Accounts receivable, net | | | (1,355 | ) | | (650 | ) |
Inventories | | | (5,215 | ) | | (8,823 | ) |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | (5,521 | ) | | (3,997 | ) |
Other assets | | | (81 | ) | | 34 | |
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and deferred revenue | | | 872 | | | 4,027 | |
Deferred lease credits and other long-term liabilities | | | 1,605 | | | 1,394 | |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | | 11,038 | | | 8,531 | |
| | | | | | | |
Cash flows from investing activities: | | | | | | | |
Purchases of property, plant and equipment | | | (20,430 | ) | | (25,804 | ) |
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment | | | 67 | | | 22 | |
Proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable securities | | | 5,597 | | | 26,144 | |
Purchases of marketable securities | | | (917 | ) | | (21,688 | ) |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | (15,683 | ) | | (21,326 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | | | |
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock | | | 2,855 | | | 5,885 | |
Purchase of common stock | | | (10,017 | ) | | - | |
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options | | | 384 | | | 1,279 | |
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities | | | (6,778 | ) | | 7,164 | |
| | | | | | | |
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents | | | (11,423 | ) | | (5,631 | ) |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | | | 15,312 | | | 7,692 | |
| | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | | $ | 3,889 | | $ | 2,061 | |
| | | | | | | |
Non-cash investing activities: | | | | | | | |
Capital expenditures incurred, but not yet paid | | $ | 1,135 | | $ | 1,741 | |
Other cash flow information: | | | | | | | |
Cash paid for income taxes | | | 7,670 | | | 5,066 | |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
UNAUDITED
The results of operations for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year.
2. | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies |
For the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007, comprehensive income was $1,951,000 and $1,905,000, respectively. For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007, comprehensive income was $7,112,000 and $5,115,000, respectively. Comprehensive income consists of net income and net unrealized gains and losses on investments.
Net Income per Share
Basic net income per share is computed as net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur from common shares issued through stock options. Anti-dilutive shares of 1,311,586 and 1,070,226 have been excluded from diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the thirteen week periods ended September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively, and 1,226,647 and 965,406 for the thirty-nine week periods, respectively.
The number of incremental shares from the assumed exercise of stock options was calculated by applying the treasury stock method. The following table summarizes the differences between basic weighted average shares outstanding and diluted weighted average shares outstanding used to compute diluted net income per share (in thousands):
| | 13 weeks ended | | 39 weeks ended | |
| | September 28, 2008 | | September 30, 2007 | | September 28, 2008 | | September 30, 2007 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Basic weighted average shares outstanding | | | 13,603 | | | 13,816 | | | 13,825 | | | 13,664 | |
Incremental shares from assumed exercise of stock options | | | 296 | | | 352 | | | 286 | | | 393 | |
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | | | 13,899 | | | 14,168 | | | 14,111 | | | 14,057 | |
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157). SFAS 157 introduces a framework for measuring fair value and expands required disclosure about fair value measurements of assets and liabilities. SFAS 157 for financial assets and liabilities is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and the Company has adopted the standard for those assets and liabilities as of the beginning of the 2008 fiscal year and the impact of adoption was not significant. SFAS 157 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. SFAS 157 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable.
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing.
The Company utilizes the market approach, as defined as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy, to measure fair value for its financial assets and liabilities. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below (in thousands):
| | September 28, | |
| | 2008 | |
Short-term marketable securities | | $ | 10,893 | |
Restricted cash (included in other assets, net) | | | 3,319 | |
| | $ | 14,212 | |
Unrealized gains or losses on marketable securities are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income at each measurement date.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities — Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 permits entities to elect to measure financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. Upon adoption of SFAS 159, an entity may elect the fair value option for eligible items that exist at the adoption date. Subsequent to the initial adoption, the election of the fair value option can only be made at initial recognition of the asset or liability or upon a re-measurement event that gives rise to new-basis accounting. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company has adopted the standard as of the beginning of the 2008 fiscal year and the impact of adoption was not significant as the Company did not elect to record additional items at fair value.
The Company’s inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
| | September 28, | | December 30, | |
| | 2008 | | 2007 | |
Green coffee | | $ | 21,552 | | $ | 15,421 | |
Other inventory | | | 8,146 | | | 9,062 | |
Total | | $ | 29,698 | | $ | 24,483 | |
On September 6, 2006, the Board of Directors approved a stock purchase program providing for the purchase of one million shares of the Company’s common stock, with no deadline for completion. During the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2008, the Company purchased and retired 80,979 and 439,848 shares of common stock, respectively, at an average price of $21.49 and $22.78, respectively, in accordance with the stock purchase program.
Subsequent to quarter-end, on October 27, 2008, the Board of Directors approved a stock purchase program providing for the additional purchase of up to one million shares of the Company’s common stock, with no deadline for completion. Purchases under the program would be made from time to time on the open market at prevailing market prices or in negotiated transactions off the market.
5. | Stock-Based Compensation |
| | Thirteen weeks ended | | Thirty-nine weeks ended | |
| | September 28, | | September 30, | | September 28, | | September 30, | |
| | 2008 | | 2007 | | 2008 | | 2007 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Stock-based compensation expense | | $ | 577 | | $ | 603 | | $ | 1,766 | | $ | 1,906 | |
ESPP expense | | | 88 | | | 68 | | | 195 | | | 210 | |
Total | | $ | 664 | | $ | 671 | | $ | 1,962 | | $ | 2,116 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cost of sales and related occupancy expenses | | $ | 49 | | $ | 60 | | $ | 153 | | $ | 174 | |
Operating expenses | | | 319 | | | 246 | | | 909 | | | 725 | |
General and administrative expenses | | | 296 | | | 365 | | | 901 | | | 1,217 | |
Total | | $ | 664 | | $ | 671 | | $ | 1,962 | | $ | 2,116 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tax benefit | | $ | 271 | | $ | 273 | | $ | 800 | | $ | 862 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Estimated fair value per option granted | | $ | 8.82 | | $ | 9.79 | | $ | 5.58 | | $ | 5.56 | |
On July 14, 2008, a complaint was filed against Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Inc. in California Superior Court, Alameda County, by three former employees on behalf of themselves and all other California store managers. The complaint alleges that store managers based in California were not paid overtime wages, provided meal or rest periods, provided accurate wage statements and were not reimbursed for business expenses. The plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, penalties, costs and attorneys’ fees, and prejudgment interest. On October 8, 2008, the Company filed an answer denying the allegations set forth in the complaint and asserting a number of affirmative defenses thereto. At this time, it is not feasible to predict the outcome of or a range of loss, should a loss occur, from this proceeding. The Company intends to vigorously defend against the litigation.
We are also subject to a variety of other claims arising in the ordinary course of our business, including personal injury claims, contract claims and claims alleging violations of federal and state law regarding workplace and employment matters, discrimination and similar matters, and we could become subject to class action or other lawsuits related to these or different matters in the future. Currently, the Company is not a party to any legal proceedings that management believes would have a material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.
The Company operates in two reportable segments: retail and specialty sales. Retail store operations consist of sales of whole bean coffee, beverages, tea and related products through Company-operated retail stores. Specialty sales consist of whole bean coffee sales through grocery, home delivery, foodservice and office coffee accounts. Management evaluates segment performance primarily based on revenue and segment operating income. The following table presents certain financial information for each segment. Segment operating income before taxes excludes unallocated marketing expenses and general and administrative expenses. Unallocated assets include cash, coffee inventory in the warehouse, corporate headquarter and roasting facility assets, and other assets (dollars in thousands).
| | Retail | | Specialty | | Unallocated | | Total | |
| | | | Percent | | | | Percent | | | | | | Percent | |
| | | | of Net | | | | of Net | | | | | | of Net | |
| | Amount | | Revenue | | Amount | | Revenue | | | | Amount | | Revenue | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2008 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net revenue | | $ | 45,911 | | | 100.0 | % | $ | 22,575 | | | 100.0 | % | | | | $ | 68,486 | | | 100.0 | % |
Cost of sales and occupancy | | | 21,130 | | | 46.0 | % | | 11,119 | | | 49.3 | % | | | | | 32,249 | | | 47.1 | % |
Operating expenses | | | 19,940 | | | 43.4 | % | | 4,775 | | | 21.2 | % | | | | | 24,715 | | | 36.1 | % |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 2,357 | | | 5.1 | % | | 372 | | | 1.6 | % | $ | 421 | | | 3,150 | | | 4.6 | % |
Segment operating income | | | 2,484 | | | 5.4 | % | | 6,309 | | | 27.9 | % | | (5,658 | ) | | 3,135 | | | 4.6 | % |
Interest income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 130 | | | 130 | | | | |
Income before income taxes | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 3,265 | | | | |
Total assets | | | 59,800 | | | | | | 14,854 | | | | | | 106,667 | | | 181,321 | | | | |
Capital expenditures | | | 2,204 | | | | | | 621 | | | | | | 2,663 | | | 5,487 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For the thirteen weeks ended September 30, 2007 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net revenue | | $ | 41,450 | | | 100.0 | % | $ | 19,410 | | | 100.0 | % | | | | $ | 60,860 | | | 100.0 | % |
Cost of sales and occupancy | | | 19,510 | | | 47.1 | % | | 9,632 | | | 49.6 | % | | | | | 29,142 | | | 47.9 | % |
Operating expenses | | | 18,109 | | | 43.7 | % | | 3,484 | | | 17.9 | % | | | | | 21,593 | | | 35.5 | % |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 2,075 | | | 5.0 | % | | 314 | | | 1.6 | % | $ | 230 | | | 2,619 | | | 4.3 | % |
Segment operating income | | | 1,756 | | | 4.2 | % | | 5,980 | | | 30.8 | % | | (5,158 | ) | | 2,578 | | | 4.2 | % |
Interest income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 284 | | | 284 | | | | |
Income before income taxes | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,862 | | | | |
Total assets | | | 55,641 | | | | | | 13,162 | | | | | | 102,895 | | | 171,698 | | | | |
Capital expenditures | | | 5,874 | | | | | | 328 | | | | | | 1,442 | | | 7,644 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2008 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net revenue | | $ | 136,829 | | | 100.0 | % | $ | 68,847 | | | 100.0 | % | | | | $ | 205,676 | | | 100.0 | % |
Cost of sales and occupancy | | | 62,191 | | | 45.5 | % | | 34,287 | | | 49.8 | % | | | | | 96,478 | | | 46.9 | % |
Operating expenses | | | 58,791 | | | 43.0 | % | | 14,143 | | | 20.5 | % | | | | | 72,934 | | | 35.5 | % |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 7,244 | | | 5.3 | % | | 1,029 | | | 1.5 | % | $ | 1,122 | | | 9,395 | | | 4.6 | % |
Segment operating income | | | 8,603 | | | 6.3 | % | | 19,388 | | | 28.2 | % | | (17,355 | ) | | 10,636 | | | 5.2 | % |
Interest income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 636 | | | 636 | | | | |
Income before income taxes | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 11,272 | | | | |
Total assets | | | 59,800 | | | | | | 14,854 | | | | | | 106,667 | | | 181,321 | | | | |
Capital expenditures | | | 10,057 | | | | | | 1,605 | | | | | | 8,769 | | | 20,430 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2007 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net revenue | | $ | 121,436 | | | 100.0 | % | $ | 57,040 | | | 100.0 | % | | | | $ | 178,476 | | | 100.0 | % |
Cost of sales and occupancy | | | 56,684 | | | 46.7 | % | | 28,022 | | | 49.1 | % | | | | | 84,706 | | | 47.5 | % |
Operating expenses | | | 52,517 | | | 43.2 | % | | 10,255 | | | 18.0 | % | | | | | 62,772 | | | 35.2 | % |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 6,218 | | | 5.1 | % | | 985 | | | 1.7 | % | $ | 732 | | | 7,935 | | | 4.4 | % |
Segment operating income | | | 6,017 | | | 5.0 | % | | 17,778 | | | 31.2 | % | | (16,960 | ) | | 6,835 | | | 3.8 | % |
Interest income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,172 | | | 1,172 | | | | |
Income before income taxes | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 8,007 | | | | |
Total assets | | | 55,641 | | | | | | 13,162 | | | | | | 102,895 | | | 171,698 | | | | |
Capital expenditures | | | 17,669 | | | | | | 794 | | | | | | 7,341 | | | 25,804 | | | | |
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report. Except for historical information, the discussion in this report contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and assumptions about future events. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology, such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “future,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “forecast” and similar expressions (or the negative of such expressions.) Forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs as well as assumptions based on information currently available to us, including financial and operational information, the volatility of our stock price, and current competitive conditions. As a result, these statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, the following:
| · | Increases in the cost and decreases in availability of high quality Arabica coffee beans could impact our profitability and growth of our business. Although we do not purchase coffee on the commodity markets, price movements in the commodity trading of coffee impact the prices we pay. Coffee is a trade commodity and, in general, its price can fluctuate depending on: weather patterns in coffee-producing countries; economic and political conditions affecting coffee-producing countries; foreign currency fluctuations; the ability of coffee-producing countries to agree to export quotas; and general economic conditions that make commodities more or less attractive investment options. If we are unable to pass along increased coffee costs, our margin will decrease and our profitability will decrease accordingly. In addition, if we are not able to purchase sufficient quantities of high quality Arabica beans due to any of the above factors, we may not be able to fulfill the demand for our coffee, our revenue may decrease and our ability to expand our business may be negatively impacted. |
| · | Because we have only one roasting facility, a significant interruption in the operation of our roasting and distribution facility could potentially disrupt our operations. A significant interruption in the operation of our roasting and distribution facility, whether as a result of a natural disaster or other causes, could significantly impair our ability to operate our business. Since we only roast our coffee to order, we do not carry inventory of roasted coffee in our roasting plant. Therefore, a disruption in service in our roasting facility would impact our sales in our retail and specialty channels almost immediately. Moreover, our roasting and distribution facility and most of our stores are located near several major earthquake faults. The impact of a major earthquake on our facilities, infrastructure and overall operations is difficult to predict and an earthquake could seriously disrupt our entire business. |
For a discussion of additional material risks and uncertainties that the Company faces, see the discussion in the 2007 Form 10-K titled “Risk Factors” as updated in Item 1A of Part II of this Form 10-Q.
Company Overview and Industry Outlook
Peet’s Coffee & Tea is a specialty coffee roaster and marketer of fresh, deep-roasted whole bean coffee sold through multiple channels of distribution for home and away-from-home enjoyment. Founded in Berkeley, California in 1966, Peet’s has established a loyal customer base with strong brand awareness in California. Our growth strategy is based on the sale of whole bean coffee and high-quality beverages in multiple channels of distribution including our own retail stores, grocery, home delivery, and office and foodservice accounts throughout the United States. We believe that our specialty sales can expand to geographies where we do not have a retail presence. Our first priority has been to develop primarily in the western U.S. markets where we already have a presence and have higher customer awareness. We expect to continue to open new stores in strategic west coast locations that meet our demographic profile and partner with distributors and companies who share our passion for quality and freshness and are willing and able to execute accordingly in the foodservice and office environment. In grocery, we have already penetrated most of the grocery market in the western U.S. and in 2007 we started to expand into the eastern United States. Over the next two to three years, we plan to distribute to grocery stores nationwide.
We expect the specialty coffee industry to continue to grow. We believe that this growth will be fueled by continued consumer interest in high-quality coffee and related products. We believe that by offering high-quality products to consumers throughout the country, we will attract the same loyal customer base that we have attracted in California.
As we grow, we expect our operations will continue to be vertically integrated, allowing us to control the quality of our product at all stages. We purchase high quality Arabica coffee beans from countries around the world, and we utilize our artisan-roasting technique to bring out the distinctive flavor of our coffees. Because roasted coffee is perishable, we are committed to delivering our coffee under the strictest freshness standards. As a result, we do not stock or inventory roasted coffee. We roast to order and ship fresh coffee daily to our stores and customers. We believe control of purchasing, roasting, packaging and distribution of our coffee allows us to maintain our commitment to freshness, is cost effective, and enhances our margins and profit potential.
The following discussion on results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes and the other financial data included elsewhere in this report.
| | Thirteen weeks ended | | Thirty-nine weeks ended | |
| | September 28, | | September 30, | | September 28, | | September 30, | |
| | 2008 | | 2007 | | 2008 | | 2007 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Statement of income as a percent of net revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net revenue | | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % |
Cost of sales and related occupancy expenses | | | 47.1 | | | 47.9 | | | 46.9 | | | 47.5 | |
Operating expenses | | | 36.1 | | | 35.5 | | | 35.5 | | | 35.2 | |
General and administrative expenses | | | 7.6 | | | 8.1 | | | 7.9 | | | 9.1 | |
Depreciation and amortization expenses | | | 4.6 | | | 4.3 | | | 4.6 | | | 4.4 | |
Income from operations | | | 4.6 | | | 4.2 | | | 5.1 | | | 3.8 | |
Interest income | | | 0.2 | | | 0.5 | | | 0.3 | | | 0.7 | |
Income before income taxes | | | 4.8 | | | 4.7 | | | 5.4 | | | 4.5 | |
Income tax provision | | | 1.8 | | | 1.7 | | | 2.0 | | | 1.7 | |
Net income | | | 3.0 | % | | 3.0 | % | | 3.4 | % | | 2.8 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Percent of net revenue by business segment: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Retail Stores | | | 67.0 | % | | 68.1 | % | | 66.5 | % | | 68.0 | % |
Specialty Sales | | | 33.0 | | | 31.9 | | | 33.5 | | | 32.0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Percent of net revenue by business category: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Whole bean coffee and related products | | | 51.3 | % | | 51.8 | % | | 52.3 | % | | 52.7 | % |
Beverages and pastries | | | 48.7 | | | 48.2 | | | 47.7 | | | 47.3 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cost of sales and related occupancy expenses as a percent of segment revenue: | | | | | | |
Retail Stores | | | 46.0 | % | | 47.1 | % | | 45.5 | % | | 46.7 | % |
Specialty Sales | | | 49.3 | | | 49.6 | | | 49.8 | | | 49.1 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating expenses as a percent of segment revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Retail Stores | | | 43.4 | % | | 43.7 | % | | 43.0 | % | | 43.2 | % |
Specialty Sales | | | 21.2 | | | 17.9 | | | 20.5 | | | 18.0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Percent increase from prior year: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Revenue | | | 12.5 | % | | 19.6 | % | | 15.2 | % | | 18.8 | % |
Retail Stores | | | 10.8 | | | 20.7 | | | 12.7 | | | 19.8 | |
Specialty Sales | | | 16.3 | | | 17.5 | | | 20.7 | | | 16.6 | |
Cost of sales and related occupancy expenses | | | 10.7 | | | 21.0 | | | 13.9 | | | 21.0 | |
Operating expenses | | | 14.5 | | | 19.0 | | | 16.2 | | | 18.8 | |
General and administrative expenses | | | 6.3 | | | 7.3 | | | - | | | 15.9 | |
Depreciation and amortization expenses | | | 20.3 | | | 18.2 | | | 18.4 | | | 26.1 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Selected operating data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Number of retail stores in operation | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of the period | | | 179 | | | 152 | | | 166 | | | 136 | |
Store openings | | | 3 | | | 7 | | | 16 | | | 23 | |
Store closures | | | (1 | ) | | - | | | (1 | ) | | - | |
End of the period | | | 181 | | | 159 | | | 181 | | | 159 | |
Thirteen Weeks Ended September 28, 2008 Compared to Thirteen Weeks Ended September 30, 2007
Net revenue
Net revenue for the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2008 increased $7.6 million, or 12.5%, versus the same period in 2007 as a result of continued expansion of our retail and specialty sales segments. Sales of whole bean and related products increased 11.5% to $35.1 million. Net revenue from beverages and pastries increased 13.6% to $33.4 million.
In the retail segment, net revenue increased $4.5 million, or 10.8%, compared to the same period in 2007 primarily as a result of increased sales from the 23 new stores we opened in the last 12 months. During the third quarter of 2008, we opened 3 new stores compared to 7 during the same period in 2007. Sales of whole bean coffee and related products in the retail segment increased by 3.8% to $12.6 million, while sales of beverages and pastries increased by 13.6% to $33.4 million. The increase in beverage and pastry sales was primarily related to sales at the stores we opened in 2007 and 2008 and increased traffic in our existing stores. The slower growth in whole bean and related products was primarily due to continuing cannibalization of bean sales in retail stores as we increased the availability of Peet’s coffee in grocery stores.
In the specialty sales segment, net revenue increased $3.2 million, or 16.3%, compared to the third quarter of 2007. The $3.2 million increase included a $1.5 million increase in grocery sales and a $1.8 million increase in sales to foodservice and office accounts, offset by a $0.1 million decline in home delivery sales. The increase in grocery was primarily due to new business we added in the eastern U.S. in the last two years. We added approximately 2,300 new grocery store accounts over the past 12 months, bringing the number of grocery stores selling Peet’s coffee to approximately 7,400. Net revenue in foodservice and office coffee sales increased 34.3% primarily due to new foodservice accounts and efforts in expanding our office distributorships.
Cost of sales and related occupancy expenses
Cost of sales and related occupancy expenses consist of product costs, including manufacturing costs, rent and other occupancy costs. As a percent of net revenue, cost of sales decreased from 47.9% in the third quarter of 2007 to 47.1% in the third quarter of 2008. The decrease over last year is due primarily to procurement savings, increased prices in retail and grocery, and leverage of costs related to our roasting facility that opened last year, partially offset by higher green coffee and shipping costs.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses consist of both retail and specialty operating costs, such as employee labor and benefits, repairs and maintenance, supplies, training, travel and banking and card processing fees. Operating expenses as a percent of net revenue for the third quarter increased from 35.5% in 2007 to 36.1% in 2008.
In the retail segment, operating expenses as a percent of net revenue decreased from 43.7% for the third quarter of 2007 to 43.4% for the third quarter of 2008 primarily due to lower workers compensation insurance and leverage of retail overhead costs, offset by higher store expenses.
As a percent of net revenue, specialty operating expenses increased from 17.9% for the third quarter of 2007 to 21.2% for the third quarter of 2008. The increase was primarily due to grocery distribution start-up costs for our expansion in the East.
General and administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses were $5.2 million for the third quarter of 2008 compared to $4.9 million for the same period last year due to additional headcount and other investments to support our growth.
Depreciation and amortization expenses
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased in the third quarter of 2008 from $2.6 million to $3.2 million primarily due to the 30 stores we opened in the last 15 months.
Interest income
We invest in U.S. government, agency, municipal and guaranteed student loan obligations. Interest income includes interest income and gains or losses from the sale of these instruments. We earned $0.1 million in interest income in the third quarter of 2008, compared to $0.3 million for the same period last year. The difference was due to lower average cash balances and lower yields during the third quarter of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.
Income tax provision
The effective income tax rate for the third quarter of 2008 is 38.2% compared to 35.8% during the third quarter of 2007 due to normal quarter to quarter rate fluctuations.
The Company does not expect the unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly within the next 12 months.
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2008 Compared to Thirty-nine Weeks Ended September 30, 2007
Net revenue
Net revenue for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2008 increased $27.2 million, or 15.2%, versus the same period in 2007 as a result of continued expansion of our retail and specialty sales segments. Sales of whole bean and related products increased 14.4% to $107.6 million. Net revenue from beverages and pastries increased 16.1% to $98.1 million.
In the retail segment, net revenue increased $15.4 million, or 12.7%, compared to the same period in 2007 primarily as a result of increased sales from the 23 new stores we opened in the last 12 months. During thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2008, we opened 16 new stores compared to 23 during the same period in 2007. Sales of whole bean coffee and related products in the retail segment increased by 4.9% to $38.8 million, while sales of beverages and pastries increased by 16.1% to $98.1 million. The increase in beverage and pastry sales was primarily related to sales at the stores we opened in 2007 and 2008 and increased traffic in our existing stores. The slower growth in whole bean and related products was primarily due to continuing cannibalization of bean sales in retail stores as we increased the availability of Peet’s coffee in grocery stores.
In the specialty sales segment, net revenue increased $11.8 million, or 20.7%, compared to the same period in 2007. The $11.8 million increase included a $6.8 million increase in grocery sales and a $5.2 million increase in sales to foodservice and office accounts, offset by a $0.2 million decline in home delivery sales. The increase in grocery was due to growth in our existing accounts in the western U.S. and new business we added in the eastern U.S. in the last two years. Net revenue in foodservice and office coffee sales increased 35.2% primarily due to new foodservice accounts and efforts in expanding our office distributorships.
Cost of sales and related occupancy expenses
Cost of sales and related occupancy expenses consist of product costs, including manufacturing costs, rent and other occupancy costs. As a percent of net revenue, cost of sales decreased from 47.5% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2007 to 46.9% for same period in 2008. The decrease over last year is due primarily to procurement savings, increased prices in retail and grocery, and leverage of costs related to our roasting facility that opened last year, partially offset by higher green coffee and shipping costs.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses consist of both retail and specialty operating costs, such as employee labor and benefits, repairs and maintenance, supplies, training, travel and banking and card processing fees. Operating expenses as a percent of net revenue for the thirty-nine week period increased from 35.2% in 2007 to 35.5% in 2008.
In the retail segment, operating expenses as a percent of net revenue for the thirty-nine week period decreased from 43.2% in 2007 to 43.0% in 2008 primarily due to lower workers compensation insurance and leverage of retail overhead costs, partially offset by the impact from new stores opened in the last two years.
As a percent of net revenue, specialty operating expenses increased from 18.0% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2007 to 20.5% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2008. The increase was primarily due to grocery distribution start-up costs for our expansion in the eastern U.S.
General and administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2008 were $16.2 million, or 7.9% of net revenue, compared to $16.2 million, or 9.1% of net revenue, for the same period last year. Professional fees associated with our stock option review and related lawsuit were $1.2 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 30, 2007 and were less than $0.1 million for the same period in 2008. Excluding the 2007 stock option review related fees, the increase in general and administrative expenses was due primarily to increased marketing expenses, additional headcount and other investments to support our growth.
Depreciation and amortization expenses
Depreciation and amortization expenses for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2008 increased from $7.9 million to $9.4 million primarily due to the 30 stores we opened in the last 15 months.
Interest income
We invest in U.S. government, agency, municipal and guaranteed student loan obligations. Interest income includes interest income and gains or losses from the sale of these instruments. We earned $0.6 million in interest income in the thirty-nine week period in 2008, compared to $1.2 million in the same period last year. The difference was due primarily to lower yields and to a lesser extent a lower average cash balance during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2008.
Income tax provision
The effective income tax rate for the thirty-nine week period in 2008 is 36.6% compared to 36.9% during the same period last year.
The Company does not expect the unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly within the next 12 months.
At September 28, 2008 we had $3.9 million in cash and cash equivalents and $10.9 million in short-term marketable securities for a total of $14.8 million. Working capital was $42.0 million as of September 28, 2008.
Net cash provided by operations was $11.0 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2008 compared to $8.5 million for the same prior year period. Operating cash flows were positively impacted by higher net income, net of depreciation expense, timing of coffee purchases compared to the corresponding prior year period, and other changes in working capital.
Net cash used in investing activities was $15.7 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2008 compared to $21.3 million in the prior year. Investing activities primarily relate to purchases of property, plant and equipment and maturities and purchases of marketable securities. During the thirty-nine week period ended September 28, 2008, we purchased property, plant and equipment totaling $20.4 million primarily related to new stores, the conversion of our previous roasting facility into office space, and information technology support systems and other software and hardware to support our growing infrastructure. Proceeds from maturities net of purchases of marketable securities totaled $4.7 million.
Net cash used by financing activities for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2008 was $6.8 million primarily from the repurchase of our common stock, offset by proceeds from stock option exercises.
For the next 12 months, we expect our cash flows from operations and cash and marketable securities to be sufficient for our operating and capital requirements and our contractual obligations as they come due.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We invest excess cash in interest-bearing, U.S. government, agency, municipal and guaranteed student loan obligations. These financial instruments are all subject to fluctuations of daily interest rates. Therefore our investment portfolio is exposed to market risk from these changes.
The supply and price of coffee are subject to significant volatility and can be affected by multiple factors in the producing countries, including weather, political and economic conditions. In addition, green coffee bean prices have been affected in the past, and may be affected in the future, by the actions of certain organizations and associations that have historically attempted to influence commodity prices of green coffee beans through agreements establishing export quotas or restricting coffee supplies worldwide.
We currently use fixed-price purchase commitments, but in the past have used and may potentially in the future use coffee futures and coffee futures options to manage coffee supply and price risk.
Fixed-Price and Not-Yet-Priced Purchase Commitments
We enter into fixed-price purchase commitments in order to secure an adequate supply of quality green coffee beans and fix our cost of green coffee beans. These commitments are made with established coffee brokers and are denominated in U.S. dollars. We also enter into “not-yet-priced” commitments based on a fixed premium over the New York “C” market with the option to fix the price at any time. As of September 28, 2008, we had approximately $36.6 million in open fixed-priced purchase commitments and approximately $1.3 million in not-yet-priced commitments for a total of approximately $37.9 million with delivery dates ranging from October 2008 through July 2012. We believe, based on relationships established with our suppliers, that the risk of non-delivery on such purchase commitments is low.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
As of September 28, 2008, the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable-assurance level.
There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
On July 14, 2008, a complaint was filed against Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Inc. in California Superior Court, Alameda County, by three former employees on behalf of themselves and all other California store managers. The complaint alleges that store managers based in California were not paid overtime wages, provided meal or rest periods, provided accurate wage statements and were not reimbursed for business expenses. The plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, penalties, costs and attorneys’ fees, and prejudgment interest. On October 8, 2008, the Company filed an answer denying the allegations set forth in the complaint and asserting a number of affirmative defenses thereto. At this time, it is not feasible to predict the outcome of or a range of loss, should a loss occur, from this proceeding. The Company intends to vigorously defend against the litigation.
We are also subject to a variety of other claims arising in the ordinary course of our business, including personal injury claims, contract claims and claims alleging violations of federal and state law regarding workplace and employment matters, discrimination and similar matters, and we could become subject to class action or other lawsuits related to these or different matters in the future. Regardless of whether any claims against us are valid, or whether we are ultimately held liable, claims may be expensive to defend and may divert time and money away from our operations and hurt our performance.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
In addition to the risks and uncertainties discussed in the 2007 Form 10-K under “Risk Factors”, you should be aware of the following risk factors:
Complaints or claims by current, former or prospective employees could adversely affect us.
We are subject to a variety of laws and regulations which govern such matters as minimum wages, overtime and other working conditions, various family leave mandates and a variety of other laws enacted, or rules and regulations promulgated, by federal, state and local governmental authorities that govern these and other employment matters. We have been, and in the future may be, the subject of complaints or litigation from current, former or prospective employees. In addition, successful complaints against our competitors may spur similar lawsuits against us. For instance, in 2003, two lawsuits (which have since been settled) were filed against the Company alleging misclassification of employment position and sought damages, restitution, reclassification and attorneys’ fees and costs. In addition, on July 14, 2008, a complaint was filed alleging that store managers based in California were not paid overtime wages, provided meal or rest periods, provided accurate wage statements and were not reimbursed for business expenses. These types of claims and litigation involving current, former or prospective employees could divert our management’s time and attention from our business operations and might potentially result in substantial costs of defense, settlement or other disposition, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in one or more fiscal periods.
A worsening of the United States and global economy could materially adversely affect our business.
Our revenues and performance depend significantly on consumer confidence and spending, which have recently deteriorated due to current worldwide economic conditions and may remain depressed for the foreseeable future. Some of the factors that could influence the levels of consumer confidence and spending include, without limitation, continuing increases in fuel and other energy costs, conditions in the residential real estate and mortgage markets, labor and healthcare costs, access to credit, consumer confidence and other macroeconomic factors affecting consumer spending behavior. These and other economic factors could have a material adverse effect on demand for our products and on our financial condition and operating results.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Repurchases of Equity Securities
Period | | Total Number of Shares Purchased | | Average Price Paid per Share | | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1) | | Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs | |
June 30, 2008 – August 3, 2008 | | | 80,979 | | $ | 21.49 | | | 439,848 | | | 560,152 | |
Total | | | 80,979 | | $ | 21.49 | | | 439,848 | | | 560,152 | |
| (1) | All repurchases were made pursuant a stock repurchase program announced on September 6, 2006 providing for the repurchase of up to one million shares of the Company’s common stock with no deadline for completion. |
| (2) | Subsequent to quarter-end, on October 27, 2008, the Board of Directors approved a stock purchase program providing for the additional purchase of up to one million shares of the Company’s common stock, with no deadline for completion. Purchases under the program would be made from time to time on the open market at prevailing market prices or in negotiated transactions off the market. |
| Exhibit | | Description |
| 3.1 | | Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation.* |
| 3.2 | | Amended and Restated Bylaws.* |
| 4.1 | | Form of common stock certificate.* |
| 31.1 | | Certification of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Patrick O’Dea, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. |
| 31.2 | | Certification of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, Thomas Cawley, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. |
| 32.1 | | Certification of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Patrick O’Dea, pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| 32.2 | | Certification of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, Thomas Cawley, pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
* Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Information Statement of Form S-1 (File No. 333-47957) filed on October 13, 2000, as subsequently amended.
SIGNATURES
| PEET’S COFFEE & TEA, INC. |
| | |
| | |
Date: November 6, 2008 | By: | /s/ Thomas P. Cawley |
| Thomas P. Cawley |
| Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary |