UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, DC 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) ------ /x/ OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 ------ For the forty weeks ended October 9, 1999 or TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) ----- / / OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 ----- Commission File No. 0-785 NASH-FINCH COMPANY (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) DELAWARE 41-0431960 (State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 7600 France Ave. South, Edina, Minnesota 55435 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (612) 832-0534 (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 ------ ------ Number of shares of common stock outstanding at November 17, 1999: 11,343,967 shares PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION ------------------------------ This report is for the forty week interim period beginning January 3, 1999, through October 9, 1999. The accompanying financial information has been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and practices, and methods of applying accounting principles and practices, (including consolidation practices) as reflected in the financial information included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the preceding fiscal year. The financial statements included in this quarterly report include all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair presentation of the Company's financial position and results of operations for the interim period. The information contained herein has not been audited by independent auditors and is subject to any adjustments which may develop in connection with the annual audit of its accounts by the Company's independent auditors. NASH FINCH COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) (In thousands, except per share amounts) Sixteen Weeks Ended Forty Weeks Ended --------------------------- --------------------------- October 9, October 10, October 9, October 10, 1999 1998 1999 1998 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Total sales and revenues $ 1,289,156 1,282,533 3,159,903 3,188,568 Cost and expenses: Cost of sales 1,150,965 1,167,211 2,837,735 2,901,008 Selling, general and administrative 109,307 88,368 254,251 214,305 Special charges - - - (1,262) Depreciation and amortization 13,394 13,760 32,548 35,596 Interest expense 9,454 8,691 23,318 22,313 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Total costs and expenses 1,283,120 1,278,030 3,147,852 3,171,960 Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and extraordinary charge 6,036 4,503 12,051 16,608 Income taxes 2,559 1,984 5,110 6,791 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Earnings from continuing operations before extraordinary charge 3,477 2,519 6,941 9,817 Discontinued operations: Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax (benefit) - 879 - (176) Earnings from disposal of discontinued operations, including profit of $1,017 during the phase out period, net of income tax of $3,587 4,566 - 4,566 - ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Earnings before extraordinary charge 8,043 3,398 11,507 9,641 Extraordinary charge from early extinguishment of debt, net of income tax benefit of $3,951 - - - 5,569 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Net earnings $ 8,043 3,398 11,507 4,072 ============ ============ ============ ============ Basic earnings per share: Earnings from continuing operations $ 0.31 0.22 0.62 0.87 Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations 0.40 0.08 0.40 (0.02) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Earnings before extraordinary charge 0.71 0.30 1.02 0.85 Extraordinary charge from early extinguishment of debt, net of income tax benefit - - - (0.49) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Net earnings per share $ 0.71 0.30 1.02 0.36 ============ ============ ============ ============ Diluted earnings per share: Earnings from continuing operations $ 0.31 0.22 0.61 0.87 Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations 0.40 0.08 0.40 (0.02) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Earnings before extraordinary charge 0.71 0.30 1.01 0.85 Extraordinary charge from early extinguishment of debt, net of income tax benefit - - - (0.49) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Net earnings (loss) per share $ 0.71 0.30 1.01 0.36 ============ ============ ============ ============ Weighted average number of common shares outstanding and common equivalent shares outstanding: Basic 11,334 11,314 11,333 11,310 Diluted 11,343 11,340 11,343 11,336 - ------------------------------------------------ See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. NASH FINCH COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands, except per share amounts) October 9, January 2, 1999 1999 -------------- ------------ (unaudited) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,301 848 Accounts and notes receivable, net 164,231 169,748 Inventories 275,015 267,040 Prepaid expenses 12,051 13,154 Deferred tax assets 33,421 16,318 -------------- ------------ Total current assets 486,019 467,108 Investments 556 4,805 Notes receivable, noncurrent 23,550 12,936 Property, plant and equipment: Land 22,982 25,386 Buildings and improvements 134,571 130,988 Furniture, fixtures and equipment 287,812 302,450 Leasehold improvements 61,821 61,983 Construction in progress 24,434 10,107 Assets under capitalized leases 27,841 24,878 -------------- ------------ 559,461 555,792 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (318,835) (333,414) -------------- ------------ Net property, plant and equipment 240,626 222,378 Intangible assets, net 108,677 69,141 Investment in direct financing leases 15,625 16,155 Deferred tax asset - net 3,662 31,908 Other assets 7,969 8,664 -------------- ------------ Total assets $ 886,684 833,095 ============== ============ LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Outstanding checks $ 29,114 33,329 Short-term debt payable to banks 15,800 5,525 Current maturities of long-term debt and capitalized lease obligations 3,172 2,563 Accounts payable 215,555 189,382 Accrued expenses 94,732 97,683 Income taxes 2,272 2,991 -------------- ------------ Total current liabilities 360,645 331,473 Long-term debt 313,918 293,280 Capitalized lease obligations 34,107 34,667 Deferred compensation 4,585 6,450 Other 8,452 10,752 Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock - no par value Authorized 500 shares; none issued - - Common stock of $1.66 2/3 par value Authorized 25,000 shares, issued 11,575 shares in 1999 and 1998 19,292 19,292 Additional paid-in capital 17,953 17,944 Restricted stock (75) (113) Retained earnings 129,630 121,185 -------------- ----------- 166,800 158,308 Less cost of 231 shares and 234 shares of common stock in treasury, respectively. (1,823) (1,835) -------------- ----------- Total stockholders' equity 164,977 156,473 -------------- ----------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 886,684 833,095 ============== =========== - ---------------------------------------------------------------- See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. NASH FINCH COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (In thousands) Forty Weeks Ended ---------------------------- October 9, October 10, 1999 1998 ------------ ------------ Operating activities: Net earnings $ 11,507 4,072 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 32,548 36,620 Provision for bad debts 2,608 1,878 (Recovery from) provision for losses closed lease locations (509) 1,178 Extraordinary charges - extinguishment of debt - 9,520 Deferred income taxes 9,022 - Deferred compensation (2,683) (404) Earnings from equity investments (718) (201) Other (386) (2,120) Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts and notes receivable (82) (4,090) Inventories 7,340 (10,216) Prepaid expenses 3,742 5,027 Accounts payable 13,048 38,398 Accrued expenses (5,634) 12,387 Accrued expenses - special charge (7,148) (3,595) Income taxes (434) 5,986 ------------ ---------- Net cash provided by operating activities 62,221 94,440 ------------ ---------- Investing activities: Dividends received - 799 Disposal of property, plant and equipment 26,158 11,994 Additions to property, plant and equipment excluding capital leases (41,512) (39,980) Business acquired, net of cash acquired (58,792) (2,895) Loans to customers (22,812) (12,118) Payments from customers on loans 22,558 12,205 Sale (repurchase) of receivables 1,125 (7,400) Proceeds from sale of dairy operations 5,302 - Other (1,030) (4,624) ------------ ---------- Net cash used for investing activities (69,003) (42,019) ------------ ---------- Financing activities: Proceeds from long-term debt 649 165,000 Proceeds (payments) from revolving debt 7,000 (79,000) Dividends paid (3,062) (6,121) Proceeds (payments) from short-term debt 9,909 50 Payments of long-term debt (2,505) (108,219) Payments of capitalized lease obligations (1,246) (1,205) Extinguishment of debt - (9,378) Decrease in outstanding checks (4,215) (13,866) Other 705 364 ------------ ---------- Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 7,235 (52,375) ------------ ---------- Net increase in cash $ 453 46 ============ ========== - -------------------------------------------------------------- See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. NASH FINCH COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fiscal period ended October 9, 1999 January 2, 1999 and January 3, 1998 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Foreign Common Stock Additional currency --------------------- paid-in Retained translation Shares Amount capital earnings adjustment - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance at December 28, 1996 11,574 $ 19,290 16,816 200,322 (950) Net earnings (loss) - - - (1,228) - Dividend declared of $.72 per share - - - (8,110) - Treasury stock issued upon exercise of options - - 354 - - Amortized compensation under restricted stock plan - - - - - Repayment of notes receivable from holder of restricted stock - - - - - Distribution of stock pursuant to performance awards - - 460 - - Treasury stock purchased - - - - - Foreign currency translation adjustment - - - - 950 Other 1 2 18 - - --------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ----------- Balance at January 3, 1998 11,575 19,292 17,648 190,984 - Net earnings (loss) - - - (61,637) - Dividend declared of $.72 per share - - - (8,162) - Treasury stock issued upon exercise of options - - 47 - - Amortized compensation under restricted stock plan - - - - - Repayment of notes receivable from holders of restricted stock - - - - - Distribution of stock pursuant to performance awards - - 246 - - Treasury stock purchased - - - - - Other 3 - - --------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ----------- Balance at January 2, 1999 11,575 19,292 17,944 121,185 - Net earnings - - - 11,507 - Dividend declared of $.27 per share - - - (3,062) - Amortized compensation under restricted stock plan - - - - - Repayment of notes receivable from holders of restricted stock - - - - - Distribution of stock pursuant to performance awards - - 9 - - --------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ----------- Balance at October 9, 1999 (unaudited) 11,575 $19,292 17,953 129,630 - ========= ========== ========== =========== =========== ------------------------------------------------- Treasury Stock Total Restricted ------------------- stockholders' stock Shares Amount equity ------------------------------------------------- Balance at December 28, 1996 (500) (307) $(2,117) 232,861 Net earnings (loss) - - - (1,228) Dividend declared of $.72 per share - - - (8,110) Treasury stock issued upon exercise of options - 29 143 497 Amortized compensation under restricted stock plan 29 - - 29 Repayment of notes receivable from holder of restricted stock 80 - - 80 Distribution of stock pursuant to performance awards - 30 148 608 Treasury stock purchased - (4) (89) (89) Foreign currency translation adjustment - - - 950 Other - - - 20 --------- --------- --------- --------- Balance at January 3, 1998 (391) (252) (1,915) 225,618 Net earnings (loss) - - - (61,637) Dividend declared of $.72 per share - - - (8,162) Treasury stock issued upon exercise of options - 4 21 68 Amortized compensation under restricted stock plan 72 - - 72 Repayment of notes receivable from holders of restricted stock 206 - - 206 Distribution of stock pursuant to performance awards - 15 75 321 Treasury stock purchased - (1) (16) (16) Other - - - 3 --------- --------- --------- --------- Balance at January 2, 1999 (113) (234) (1,835) 156,473 Net earnings - - - 11,507 Dividend declared of $.27 per share - - - (3,062) Amortized compensation under restricted stock plan 13 - - 13 Repayment of notes receivable from holders of restricted stock 25 - - 25 Distribution of stock pursuant to performance awards - 3 12 21 --------- --------- --------- ---------- Balance at October 9, 1999 (unaudited) (75) (231) $ (1,823) 164,977 ========= ========= ========= ========== - ----------------------------------------------------------- See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. NASH FINCH COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OCTOBER 9, 1999 NOTE 1 The accompanying financial statements include all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries at October 9, 1999, and January 2, 1999, and the result of operations for the 16-weeks ended October 9, 1999 and October 10, 1998, and the 40-week periods ended October 9, 1999 and October 10, 1998, and the changes in cash flows for the 40-week periods ended October 9, 1999 and October 10, 1998, respectively. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. Results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. NOTE 2 The Company uses the LIFO method for valuation of a substantial portion of inventories. If the FIFO method had been used, inventories would have been approximately $47.7 million and $47.1 million higher at October 9, 1999 and January 2, 1999, respectively. NOTE 3 The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share. Sixteen Weeks Ended Forty Weeks Ended ------------------------------- -------------------------------- October 9, October 10, October 9, October 10, 1999 1998 1999 1998 ------------ ------------- -------------- -------------- Numerator: Earnings from continuing $ operations 3,477 2,519 6,941 9,817 ------------ ------------- -------------- -------------- Denominator: Denominator of basic earnings per share; weighted-average shares 11,334 11,314 11,333 11,310 Effect of dilutive securities: Contingent shares 9 26 10 26 ------------ ------------- -------------- -------------- Dilutive common shares 9 26 10 26 Denominator for diluted earnings per share; adjusted weighted average shares 11,343 11,340 11,343 11,336 ============ ============= ============== ============== Basic earnings per share $ .31 .22 .62 .87 ============ ============= ============== ============== Diluted earnings per share $ .31 .22 .61 .87 ============ ============= ============== ============== NOTE 4 On June 10, 1999 the Company acquired Erickson's Diversified Corporation (Erickson's) through a cash purchase of all of Erickson's outstanding capital stock. Erickson's operates 18 supermarkets in Minnesota and Wisconsin with annual sales of approximately $200 million. In addition to the stores, the acquisition includes a number of real estate holdings in the two state market area. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase, with the cash purchase price totaling $59.0 million initially allocated based on estimated fair values at date of acquisition, pending final determination of certain acquired asset and liability valuations. This preliminary allocation has resulted in acquired goodwill of approximately $43.0 million, which is being amortized on a straight line basis over 40 years. The following unaudited pro forma information presents a summary of consolidated earnings from continuing operations before extraordinary charge as if the acquisition had taken place at the beginning of 1998. Forty Weeks Ended --------------------------------------- October 9, 1999 October 10, 1998 --------------- ---------------- Revenues $3,210,844 $3,275,046 Earnings from continuing operations before extraordinary charge 6,618 9,387 Basic and Diluted earnings per share .58 .83 These unaudited pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and include certain adjustments such as additional amortization expense on acquired goodwill and increased interest expense on acquisition debt. They do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations that actually would have resulted had the acquisition occurred on the date indicated, or may result in the future. NOTE 5 On December 29, 1997, a Receivables Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") was executed by the Company, Nash Finch Funding Corporation (NFFC), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and a certain third party purchaser (the "Purchaser") pursuant to a securitization transaction. The Agreement is a five-year, $50 million revolving receivable purchase facility allowing the Company to sell additional receivables to NFFC, and NFFC to sell, from time to time, variable undivided interests in these receivables to the Purchaser. NFFC maintains a variable undivided interest in these receivables and is subject to losses on its share of the receivables and, accordingly, maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts. As of October 9, 1999 and January 2, 1999 the Company had sold $45.3 million and $45.7 million, respectively, of accounts receivable on a non-recourse basis to NFFC. NFFC sold $37.9 million and $36.8 million, respectively, of its undivided interest in such receivables to the Purchaser, subject to specified collateral requirements. NOTE 6 1998 SPECIAL CHARGES During the fourth quarter of 1998, the Company recorded special charges, totaling $68.5 million relative to abandonment and impairment of assets, and consolidation of certain warehouse and retail stores. During the first three quarters of 1999, the Company closed distribution centers in Appleton, Wisconsin, Grand Island, Nebraska and Liberal, Kansas, and closed five retail stores. Costs totaling $3.5 million incurred as a result of the closure of these units were charged to accrued expenses. During the second quarter of 1999, accruals in the amount of $1.2 million were reversed. These reversals were primarily for properties originally scheduled for closure that were sold. At October 9, 1999, remaining accrued liabilities established as a result of the 1998 special charges totaled $21.4 million. 1997 SPECIAL CHARGES During the third quarter of 1997, the Company recorded special charges, totaling $31.3 million relative to asset impairment and consolidation of certain warehouses and retail stores. During the third quarter of 1999 the company announced the closing of the distribution center in Denver, Colorado and closed its distribution center in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. During the first three quarters of 1999, costs totaling $2.2 million incurred as a result of the closing of certain warehouses and retail stores were charged to accrued expenses. During the second quarter additional accruals in the amount of $1.5 million were recorded primarily for additional losses for write-downs of tangible assets on locations that have been closed and additional lease costs for one retail store and one warehouse location closed in the second quarter of 1999. Also in the second quarter, accruals in the amount of $0.3 million were reversed. These reversals resulted primarily from the final lease settlement and exit from the Lexington, Kentucky warehouse which was closed in 1998. At October 9, 1999, remaining accrued liabilities established for purposes of the 1997 special charges totaled $6.5 million. NOTE 7 A summary of the Major Segments of the Business is as follows: SIXTEEN WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 9, 1999 All (In thousands) Wholesale Retail Military Other Totals - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues from external customers $ 699,367 293,292 288,393 1,630 1,282,682 Intra segment revenues 169,877 - - 1,301 171,178 Segment pretax profit (loss) 12,254 6,465 7,262 (43) 25,938 SIXTEEN WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 10, 1998 All (In thousands) Wholesale Retail Military Other Totals - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues from external customers $ 780,069 221,149 275,310 1,070 1,277,598 Intra segment revenues 130,794 - - 732 131,526 Segment pretax profit (loss) 14,472 1,281 6,804 (61) 22,496 FORTY WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 9, 1999 All (In thousands) Wholesale Retail Military Other Totals - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues from external customers $ 1,779,985 631,146 731,617 3,089 3,145,837 Intra segment revenues 375,318 - - 3,503 378,821 Segment pretax profit (loss) 32,195 10,005 19,224 (364) 61,060 FORTY WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 10, 1998 All (In thousands) Wholesale Retail Military Other Totals - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues from external customers $ 1,915,009 568,941 693,767 2,238 3,179,955 Intra segment revenues 340,364 - - 2,032 342,396 Segment pretax profit (loss) 35,002 3,808 17,695 (63) 56,442 Reconciliation to statements of operations (In thousands) 16 WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 9, 1999 AND OCTOBER 10, 1998 1999 1998 -------------------- ------------------ PROFIT OR LOSS Total profit for segments $ 25,938 22,496 Unallocated amounts Adjustment of inventory to LIFO (250) (750) Unallocated corporate overhead (19,652) (17,243) -------------------- ------------------ Income from continuing operations before income taxes $ 6,036 4,503 ==================== ================== 40 WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 9, 1999 AND OCTOBER 10, 1998 1999 1998 -------------------- ------------------ PROFIT OR LOSS Total profit for segments $ 61,060 56,442 Unallocated amounts Adjustment of inventory to LIFO (550) (1,000) Unallocated corporate overhead (48,459) (38,834) -------------------- ------------------ Income from continuing operations before income taxes $ 12,051 16,608 ==================== ================== NOTE 8 On June 30, 1999 the Company sold its majority interest in Gillette Dairy of the Black Hills, Inc. and Nebraska Dairies, Inc. to Marigold Foods, Inc. ("Marigold"). Marigold purchased all of the outstanding shares of each company for cash. The Company realized $15.9 million in cash and recognized a pretax gain of $3.1 million. On July 31, 1999 the Company sold the outstanding stock of Nash DeCamp Company to Agriholding, Inc. of Pebble Beach, California. Nash DeCamp has previously been reported as a discontinued operation. As a result of the sale the Company realized $17.1 million in cash and recognized a pretax reversal of a charge, taken for discontinued operations in the fourth quarter of 1998, in the amount of $8.2 million. On November 1, 1999 the company announced its intent to acquire Fairway Foods of Michigan, Inc., ("Fairway Foods") a Menominee, Michigan based wholesale subsidiary of Fairway Foods, Inc., which is a subsidiary of Holiday Companies through a cash purchase of outstanding stock. The acquisition is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2000. ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS RESULTS OF OPERATIONS REVENUES Total revenues for the sixteen week third quarter were $1.289 billion an increase of .5% compared to the prior year quarter. For the forty weeks, total revenues were $3.160 billion compared to $3.189 billion last year, a decline of .9%. Revenue improvements during the quarter are attributed to the retail segment, particularly the acquisition of the Erickson stores. The decline for the forty weeks is principally related to the wholesale segment which has experienced competitive pressures and the consolidation of a number of distribution facilities since last year. Wholesale revenues during the quarter were $699.4 million compared to $780.1 million, a decrease of 10.3%. On a year to date basis, wholesale revenues were $1.780 billion, a decrease of 7.1% compared to last year. Revenues for the quarter were negatively impacted by the shift of business to the retail segment following the acquisition of the Erickson stores in early June. During the quarter the Company announced that it had reached an agreement to purchase certain assets of Midwest Wholesale Food, Inc., a wholesale supplier to grocery stores in the Detroit metro area. As a result, the Company began servicing, from its Bridgeport, Michigan distribution center, 55 independent retailers who were previously supplied by Midwest. This additional volume has improved productivity and provided some relief from the competitive pressures experienced by the Company in its Michigan market area. In accordance with the Company's revitalization plan to streamline wholesale operations announced in the fourth quarter of 1998, the Rocky Mount distribution center was closed in July, with the business transferred to the Company's newly expanded Lumberton facility. Retail segment revenues for the quarter were $293.3 million compared to $221.1 million last year, an increase of 32.6%. The improvement is primarily due to the acquisition of 18 Erickson stores in Minnesota and Wisconsin, two stores in Cheyenne, Wyoming and two stores in Myrtle Beach , South Carolina. Same store sales increased .8% resulting in positive sales growth in four of the past five quarters. Intense competition continued however, in the Company's Iowa market, partially offsetting same store sales gains realized in other market regions. On a year to date basis, retail segment sales increased 10.9% compared to last year. Military segment revenues increased 4.8% for the quarter over last year and 5.5% on a year to date basis. The increase is attributed to the introduction of new product lines and stronger overseas business. GROSS MARGIN Gross margin for the quarter was 10.7% compared to 9.0% last year. The increase reflects the growth in the proportion of retail revenues to total revenues resulting from the Erickson's acquisition. In addition, a number of operational factors have contributed to improvements in third quarter margins: better overall margins for the retail segment as a result of a greater proportion of revenues derived from higher margin departments within the stores, improvements at wholesale due to efficiencies in warehousing and transportation which lower the cost of sales, reduced LIFO impact of $.3 million during the quarter compared to $.8 million last year. On a year to date basis, margins for the forty weeks of 1999 were 10.2% compared to 9.0% for the same period last year. SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE Selling , general and administrative expenses for the third quarter, as a percent of total revenues, were 8.5% compared 7.0% a year ago. The increase primarily results from the greater proportion of retail business which typically operates at higher operating expense levels than wholesale. Also, contributing to the increase are $2.8 million of costs related to the Company's Year 2000 remediation program and $1.0 million in costs associated with administrative staff reductions which were initiated throughout the Company during the quarter. For the year to date, selling, general and administrative expenses were 8.1% in 1999 compared to 6.7% in 1998. Again the primary factors for the increased expense relate to Year 2000 remediation costs of $10.9 million and the growing proportion of retail business for the forty week period. DEPRECIATION EXPENSE Depreciation and amortization expense for the quarter decreased 2.7% compared to last year. The decrease reflects a reduction in depreciable assets since last year due to the closing of four distribution centers, closing or sale of sixteen retail stores and the write down of impaired assets as part of the restructuring charge recorded at the end of 1998. The decrease was partially offset by the acquisition of Ericksons and other retail stores. On a year to date basis, depreciation and amortization expense decreased 8.6%. Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles for the current and prior year quarters was $2.4 million and $2.0 million, respectively. For the forty weeks, amortization expense was $5.5 million for 1999 and $5.4 million 1998. INTEREST EXPENSE Interest expense for the quarter was $9.5 million, an increase of 8.8% over last year. The higher interest costs are attributed to higher net debt levels due to the acquisition of Ericksons partially offset from proceeds from the sale of Nash DeCamp and the dairy operations and higher average borrowing rates compared to a year ago. Year to date interest expense was $23.3 million compared to $22.3 million last year, an increase of 4.5%. EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EXTRAORDINARY CHARGE Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and extraordinary charge for the quarter and year to date were $6.0 million and $12.1 million, respectively, compared to $4.5 million and $16.6 million, respectively, last year. The increase for the quarter reflects improved retail segment profitability, and a gain on the sale of the dairy operations, partially offset by Year 2000 remediation costs. On a year to date basis, the reduction this year is primarily attributed to Year 2000 remediation costs. INCOME TAXES The effective income tax rate for 1999 is estimated at 42.4% compared to a tax rate benefit of 32.2% for 1998. The 1998 annual rate was significantly affected by losses related to the restructuring charges. EXTRAORDINARY CHARGE During the first quarter of 1998, the Company prepaid $106.3 million of senior notes, and paid prepayment premiums and wrote-off related deferred financing costs totaling $9.5 million. This transaction resulted in an extraordinary charge of $5.6 million, or $.49 per share, after income tax benefits of $3.9 million. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS In October 1998, the Company adopted a plan to sell its produce growing and marketing subsidiary, Nash-De Camp Company . At January 2, 1999 the Company recorded an estimated pretax loss resulting from the expected sale of Nash-De Camp Company of $27.5 million, which includes a provision for anticipated operating losses until disposal of $1.8 million. On July 31, 1999 the Company completed the sale of Nash-De Camp Company to Agriholding, Inc., a private company. The transaction was structured as a sale of all outstanding stock of Nash-De Camp for a cash amount of $17.1 million and impacted third quarter results by $4.6 million. YEAR 2000 The Company is executing its remediation plan toward resolving Year 2000 issues. The plan addresses the modification and/or replacement of existing business critical software and the identification of the non-information technology systems that may be affected by Year 2000. In addition, the plan assesses the readiness of third parties and the related risks to the Company of their non-compliance. To expedite this Year 2000 solution, the Company has reallocated internal resources and has contracted outside resources to assist in the remediation effort. The Company's plan to assess and update systems for Year 2000 compliance consists of three major phases: 1) Conducting a complete INVENTORY and assessment of potentially affected business areas, 2) REMEDIATION of affected systems and 3) TESTING remediated components. The chart below shows the percent complete of each phase as of the end of the third quarter of 1999: Inventory Remediation Testing --------- ----------- ------- I/T Systems 100% 95% 94% Non-I/T Systems 100% 100% 100% The Company completed all mission-critical areas of the project in the third quarter of 1999. The current information technology systems focus is related to non-mission critical areas. In addition, the Company is finalizing its due diligence projects, including rollover planning and event management. The total cost for Year 2000 remediation is estimated at approximately $18.5 million, which includes $4.0 million for the purchase of new equipment that will be capitalized and $14.5 million will be expensed. Project expenses totaling $3.3 million, $4.3 and $2.8 million were incurred in the first, second and third quarters of 1999, respectively, primarily for internal and external costs associated with the modification of existing software and testing. Total remaining expense associated with the Year 2000 project is estimated to be $1.1 million. Capital expenditures to date have been $1.9 million. The costs or consequences of incomplete or untimely resolution of the Year 2000 issue may have a material effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition. However, at this time, the Company is unable to measure the monetary impact of any such failure to comply or failure of other parties on which it is dependent. The Company has established contingency plans to provide viable alternatives for the Company's core business processes. The plans describe the communications, operations and activities necessary in the event of a Year 2000 systems related failure. Contingency planning is 100% complete with plans in place. The event management process will address the execution of the contingency plans. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCE Historically, the Company has financed its capital needs through a combination of internal and external sources. These sources include cash flow from operations, short-term bank borrowings, various types of long-term debt and lease financing. Cash flow provided from operations totaled $62.2 million for the quarter compared to $94.4 million last year. The decline in operating cash flow resulted primarily from changes in working capital partially offset by higher net income for the current forty week period. Working capital was $125.4 million at the end of the quarter compared to $135.6 million at year end. The current ratio decreased from 1.41 at the end of 1998 to 1.35 at the end of the third quarter. During the quarter the Company completed the sales of its produce growing and marketing subsidiary and its equity interest in two dairy operations. The combination of these transactions resulted in cash proceeds totaling $33.0 million, which was used to pay down the revolving credit facility. Transactions affecting liquidity during the forty week period include the acquisition of the Erickson stores for $59.0 million in cash, capital expenditures of $41.5 million, cash dividends of $3.1 million and the acquisition of retail stores in Wyoming and South Carolina for approximately $2.4 million in cash. The Company believes that borrowing under the revolving credit facility, proceeds from its sale of subordinated notes in 1998, other credit agreements, cash flows from operating activities and lease financing will be adequate to meet the Company's working capital needs, planned capital expenditures and debt service obligations for the foreseeable future. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS The information contained in this Form 10-Q Report includes forward-looking statements made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation by the use of words like "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "should," "anticipates," or similar expressions, as discussions of strategy. Although such statements represent management's current expectations based on available data, they are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors may include, but are not limited to, the ability to: meet debt service obligations and maintain future financial flexibility; respond to continuing competitive pricing pressures; retain existing independent wholesale customers and attract new accounts; address Year 2000 issues as they affect the Company, its customers and vendors; and fully integrate acquisitions and realize expected synergies. PART II - OTHER INFORMATION Items 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are not applicable ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K. (a) EXHIBITS. 10.1 Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement 27.1 Financial Data Schedule (b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K. Not applicable. 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. NASH-FINCH COMPANY Registrant Date: November 19, 1999 By /s/ John A. Haedicke ------------------------- John A. Haedicke Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Administrative Officer By /s/ Lawrence A. Wojtasiak ------------------------- Lawrence A. Wojtasiak Controller 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. NASH-FINCH COMPANY Registrant Date: NOVEMBER 19, 1999 By ------------------------------------ John A. Haedicke Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Administrative Officer By ------------------------------------ Lawrence A. Wojtasiak Controller NASH FINCH COMPANY EXHIBIT INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q For the Forty Weeks Ended October 9, 1999 Item No. Item Method of Filing - -------- ---- ---------------- 10.1 Fifth Amendment to the Credit Agreement Filed herewith 27.1 Financial Data Schedule Filed herewith