UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C.  20549

Form 10‑Q

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarter Ended October 1, 2016
Commission File Number  0-01989
Seneca Foods Corporation
(Exact name of Company as specified in its charter)
New York
16‑0733425
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I. R. S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)

3736 South Main Street, Marion, New York
14505
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

Company's telephone number, including area code          315/926-8100

Not Applicable
Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
if changed since last report

Indicate by check mark whether the Company (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 Company was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  No 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the Company 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    Accelerated filer  þ Non-accelerated filer  ¨ Smaller reporting company 

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

The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock at the latest practical date are:

Class
Shares Outstanding at October 27, 2016
Common Stock Class A, $.25 Par
7,884,911
Common Stock Class B, $.25 Par
1,894,221


 
Seneca Foods Corporation
 
 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
 
 
Table of Contents
 
     
   
Page
     
PART 1
 FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
  Item 1
Financial Statements:
 
     
 
   
 
  March 31, 2016
 1
     
   
 
  October 1, 2016 and September 26, 2015
   2
     
   
 
  October 1, 2016 and September 26, 2015
   2
     
   
 
  October 1, 2016 and September 26, 2015
   3
     
   
 
  October 1, 2016
   4
     
 
   5
     
  Item 2
 
 
  and Results of Operations
   12
     
  Item 3
   19
     
  Item 4
   20
     
PART II
 OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
  Item 1
   21
     
  Item 1A
   21
     
  Item 2
   21
     
  Item 3
   21
     
  Item 4
   21
     
  Item 5
   21
     
  Item 6
   21
     
 
   23

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
 
                   
   
Unaudited
   
Unaudited
       
   
October 1,
   
September 26,
   
March 31,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
 
ASSETS
                 
                   
Current Assets:
                 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
$
10,124
   
$
9,397
   
$
8,602
 
Accounts Receivable, Net
   
102,727
     
83,296
     
76,788
 
Assets Held For Sale
   
5,025
     
-
     
5,025
 
Inventories:
                       
  Finished Goods
   
639,603
     
631,467
     
366,911
 
  Work in Process
   
18,098
     
7,107
     
17,122
 
  Raw Materials and Supplies
   
114,295
     
123,129
     
183,674
 
    Total Inventories
   
771,996
     
761,703
     
567,707
 
Deferred Income Taxes, Net
   
-
     
6,674
     
-
 
Other Current Assets
   
15,157
     
13,251
     
15,765
 
  Total Current Assets
   
905,029
     
874,321
     
673,887
 
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
   
207,474
     
178,370
     
188,837
 
Deferred Income Tax Asset, Net
   
15,364
     
17,335
     
12,897
 
Other Assets
   
20,847
     
17,583
     
19,706
 
    Total Assets
 
$
1,148,714
   
$
1,087,609
   
$
895,327
 
                         
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                       
                         
Current Liabilities:
                       
  Notes Payable
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
402
 
  Accounts Payable
   
237,008
     
265,578
     
67,410
 
  Accrued Vacation
   
11,936
     
11,499
     
11,792
 
  Accrued Payroll
   
10,120
     
13,440
     
9,438
 
  Other Accrued Expenses
   
39,243
     
25,732
     
27,627
 
  Income Taxes Payable
   
4,172
     
3,886
     
2,974
 
  Current Portion of Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
   
9,987
     
307,080
     
279,815
 
Total Current Liabilities
   
312,466
     
627,215
     
399,458
 
Long-Term Debt, Less Current Portion
   
354,905
     
37,322
     
35,967
 
Capital Lease Obligations, Less Current Portion
   
18,425
     
-
     
4,988
 
Pension Liabilities
   
41,119
     
60,245
     
37,798
 
Other Long-Term Liabilities
   
11,559
     
3,222
     
11,942
 
    Total Liabilities
   
738,474
     
728,004
     
490,153
 
Commitments and Contingencies
                       
Stockholders' Equity:
                       
  Preferred Stock
   
1,338
     
1,344
     
1,344
 
  Common Stock, $.25 Par Value Per Share
   
3,024
     
3,023
     
3,023
 
  Additional Paid-in Capital
   
97,395
     
97,373
     
97,373
 
  Treasury Stock, at Cost
   
(66,730
)
   
(62,913
)
   
(65,709
)
  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
   
(28,396
)
   
(31,804
)
   
(28,396
)
  Retained Earnings
   
403,609
     
352,582
     
397,539
 
    Total Stockholders' Equity
   
410,240
     
359,605
     
405,174
 
      Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
$
1,148,714
   
$
1,087,609
   
$
895,327
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
         
1

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET EARNINGS
 
(Unaudited)
 
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
 
                         
   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
October 1,
   
September 26,
   
October 1,
   
September 26,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
                         
Net Sales
 
$
357,247
   
$
313,202
   
$
609,861
   
$
539,460
 
                                 
Costs and Expenses:
                               
  Cost of Product Sold
   
327,035
     
284,129
     
559,674
     
489,488
 
  Selling, General and Administrative
   
18,702
     
17,394
     
35,907
     
32,450
 
  Plant Restructuring Charge (Credit)
   
277
     
15
     
1,462
     
(66
)
  Other Operating Expense (Income)
   
31
     
(67
)
   
19
     
(403
)
  Total Costs and Expenses
   
346,045
     
301,471
     
597,062
     
521,469
 
      Operating Income
   
11,202
     
11,731
     
12,799
     
17,991
 
Loss (Earnings) From Equity Investment
   
270
     
86
     
(167
)
   
86
 
Interest Expense, Net
   
2,151
     
1,889
     
4,295
     
3,581
 
Earnings Before Income Taxes
   
8,781
     
9,756
     
8,671
     
14,324
 
                                 
Income Taxes Expense
   
2,637
     
3,234
     
2,589
     
4,834
 
Net Earnings
 
$
6,144
   
$
6,522
   
$
6,082
   
$
9,490
 
                                 
  Earnings Applicable to Common Stock
 
$
6,082
   
$
6,456
   
$
6,014
   
$
9,376
 
                                 
  Basic Earnings per Common Share
 
$
0.62
   
$
0.65
   
$
0.61
   
$
0.95
 
                                 
  Diluted Earnings per Common Share
 
$
0.62
   
$
0.65
   
$
0.61
   
$
0.94
 
                                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
(Unaudited)
 
(In Thousands)
 
                         
   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
October 1,
   
September 26,
   
October 1,
   
September 26,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
                         
Comprehensive income:
                       
  Net earnings
 
$
6,144
   
$
6,522
   
$
6,082
   
$
9,490
 
  Change in pension and post retirement benefits (net of tax)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
    Total
 
$
6,144
   
$
6,522
   
$
6,082
   
$
9,490
 
                                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
         
 
2

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(Unaudited)
 
(In Thousands)
 
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
October 1, 2016
   
September 26, 2015
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
           
  Net Earnings
 
$
6,082
   
$
9,490
 
  Adjustments to Reconcile Net Earnings to
               
    Net Cash Used in Operations:
               
      Depreciation & Amortization
   
12,018
     
10,487
 
      Loss (Gain) on the Sale of Assets
   
48
     
(143
)
      Impairment Provision (Benefit)
   
1,462
     
(66
)
      (Earnings) Loss From Equity Investment
   
(167
)
   
86
 
      Deferred Income Tax Benefit
   
(2,467
)
   
(2,183
)
      Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:
               
        Accounts Receivable
   
(25,939
)
   
(13,459
)
        Inventories
   
(204,289
)
   
(289,291
)
        Other Current Assets
   
608
     
14,448
 
        Income Taxes
   
1,198
     
2,099
 
        Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses
               
            and Other Liabilities
   
183,025
     
211,664
 
  Net Cash Used in Operations
   
(28,421
)
   
(56,868
)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
               
  Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment
   
(14,518
)
   
(3,111
)
  Proceeds from the Sale of Assets
   
13
     
155
 
  Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
   
(14,505
)
   
(2,956
)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
               
  Long-Term Borrowing
   
183,744
     
154,763
 
  Payments on Long-Term Debt
   
(136,613
)
   
(84,525
)
  Payment on Notes Payable
   
(402
)
   
(9,903
)
  Other Assets
   
(1,248
)
   
(74
)
  Purchase of Treasury Stock
   
(1,021
)
   
(1,636
)
  Dividends
   
(12
)
   
(12
)
  Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
   
44,448
     
58,613
 
                 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
   
1,522
     
(1,211
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of the Period
   
8,602
     
10,608
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of the Period
 
$
10,124
   
$
9,397
 
                 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
               
   Noncash Transactions:
               
      Property, Plant and Equipment Purchased Under Capital Lease Obligations
 
$
15,416
   
$
-
 
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
3

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
(Unaudited)
 
(In Thousands)
 
                                     
               
Additional
         
Accumulated Other
       
   
Preferred
   
Common
   
Paid-In
   
Treasury
   
Comprehensive
   
Retained
 
   
Stock
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Stock
   
Loss
   
Earnings
 
                                     
Balance March 31, 2016
 
$
1,344
   
$
3,023
   
$
97,373
   
$
(65,709
)
 
$
(28,396
)
 
$
397,539
 
Net earnings
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
6,082
 
Cash dividends paid
                                               
  on preferred stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(12
)
Equity incentive program
   
-
     
-
     
17
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Preferred stock conversion
   
(6
)
   
1
     
5
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Purchase treasury stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(1,021
)
   
-
     
-
 
Balance October 1, 2016
 
$
1,338
   
$
3,024
   
$
97,395
   
$
(66,730
)
 
$
(28,396
)
 
$
403,609
 
                                                 
 
 
Preferred Stock
 
Common Stock
 
6
%
10
%
         
 
Cumulative Par
 
Cumulative Par
   
2003 Series
     
 
Value $.25
 
Value $.025
 
Participating
Participating
 
Class A
Class B
 
Callable at Par
 
Convertible
 
Convertible Par
Convertible Par
 
Common Stock
Common Stock
 
Voting
 
Voting
 
Value $.025
Value $.025
 
Par Value $.25
Par Value $.25
Shares authorized and designated:
                 
October 1, 2016
200,000
 
1,400,000
 
90,351
500
 
20,000,000
10,000,000
Shares outstanding:
                 
October 1, 2016
200,000
 
807,240
 
90,351
500
 
7,885,485
1,894,321
                   
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
4

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
October 1, 2016

1. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, which are normal and recurring in nature, necessary to present fairly the financial position of Seneca Foods Corporation (the "Company") as of October 1, 2016 and results of its operations and its cash flows for the interim periods presented.  All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.  The March 31, 2016 balance sheet was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements.

The results of operations for the three and six month periods ended October 1, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.


During the six months ended October 1, 2016, the Company sold $54,146,000 of Green Giant finished goods inventory to B&G Foods, Inc. for cash, on a bill and hold basis, as compared to $32,765,000 for the six months ended September 26, 2015.  Under the terms of the bill and hold agreement, title to the specified inventory transferred to B&G.  The Company believes it has met the criteria required for bill and hold treatment.

The accounting policies followed by the Company are set forth in Note 1 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company's 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Other footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted.  These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the Company's 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

All references to years are fiscal years ended or ending March 31 unless otherwise indicated.  Certain percentage tables may not foot due to rounding.

Reclassifications—Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period classification.

2. Acquisitions

On October 30, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of the stock of Gray & Company.  The business, based in Hart, Michigan, is a processor of maraschino cherries and a provider of glace or candied fruit products.  This acquisition includes a plant in Dayton, Oregon. The purchase price was approximately $23,784,000 (net of cash acquired) plus the assumption of certain liabilities.  In conjunction with the closing, the Company paid off $12,034,000 of liabilities acquired.  The rationale for the acquisition was twofold: (1) the business is a complementary fit with our existing business and (2) it provides an extension of our product offerings.  This acquisition was financed with proceeds from the Company's revolving credit facility.  The purchase price to acquire Gray & Company was allocated based on the internally developed fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the independent valuation of inventory, intangibles, and property, plant, and equipment.  The purchase price of $23,784,000 has been allocated as follows (in thousands):
 

5

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
October 1, 2016

Purchase Price (net of cash received)
 
$
23,784
 
         
Allocated as follows:
       
Current assets
 
$
36,647
 
Other long-term assets
   
1,395
 
Property, plant and equipment
   
13,654
 
Deferred taxes
   
(7,710
)
Other long-term liabilities
   
(4,120
)
Current liabilities
   
(16,082
)
Total
 
$
23,784
 
 
In February 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of the stock of Diana Fruit Co., Inc.  The business, based in Santa Clara, California, is a processor of maraschino cherries and cherries for fruit cocktail.  The purchase price was approximately $15,011,000 (net of cash acquired) plus the assumption of certain liabilities.  In conjunction with the closing, the Company paid off $1,441,000 of liabilities acquired.  The rationale for the acquisition was the business is a complementary fit with the recent acquisition of Gray & Company.  This acquisition was financed with proceeds from the Company's revolving credit facility.  The purchase price to acquire Diana was allocated based on the internally developed fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the independent valuation of inventory, intangibles, and property, plant, and equipment.  The purchase price of $15,011,000 has been allocated as follows (in thousands):

Purchase Price (net of cash received)
 
$
15,011
 
         
Allocated as follows:
       
Current assets
 
$
16,834
 
Other long-term assets
   
509
 
Property, plant and equipment
   
872
 
Deferred taxes
   
428
 
Current liabilities
   
(3,632
)
Total
 
$
15,011
 

3. Inventories

First-In, First-Out ("FIFO") based inventory costs exceeded LIFO based inventory costs by $143,650,000 as of the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2017 as compared to $162,480,000 as of the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2016.  The change in the LIFO Reserve for the three months ended October 1, 2016 was an increase of $2,476,000 as compared to an increase of $50,000 for the three months ended September 26, 2015.  The LIFO Reserve increased by $4,375,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2017 compared to a decrease of $1,587,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2016.  This reflects the projected impact of an overall cost increase expected in fiscal 2017 versus fiscal 2016.

 
4. Revolving Credit Facility


The Company completed the closing of a new five-year revolving credit facility ("Revolver") on July 5, 2016.  Maximum borrowings under the Revolver total $400,000,000 from April through July and   $500,000,000 from August through March.   The Revolver balance as of October 1, 2016 was $342,935,000 and is included in Long-Term Debt in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet since the Revolver matures on July 5, 2021. The Company utilizes its Revolver for
 

6


SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
October 1, 2016

    general corporate purposes, including seasonal working capital needs, to pay debt principal and interest obligations, and to fund capital expenditures and acquisitions.  Seasonal working capital needs are affected by the growing cycles of the vegetables and fruits the Company processes.  The majority of vegetable and fruit inventories are produced during the months of June through November and are then sold over the following year.  Payment terms for vegetable and fruit produce are generally three months but can vary from a few days to seven months.  Accordingly, the Company's need to draw on the Revolver may fluctuate significantly throughout the year.

The increase in average amount of Revolver borrowings during the first six months of fiscal 2017 compared to the first six months of fiscal 2016 was attributable to the acquisitions of $38,795,000 made during the last year ended March 2016, the pay off of $22,596,000 of Industrial Revenue Bonds, Accounts Receivables which are $19,431,000 higher than the same period last year and total Inventories which are $10,293,000 higher than the same period last year, partially offset by operating results in the last year ended October 1, 2016 of $51,050,000.

General terms of the Revolver include payment of interest at LIBOR plus a defined spread.

The following table documents the quantitative data for Revolver borrowings during the second quarter and year-to-date periods of fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016:

   
Second Quarter
   
Year-to-Date
 
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
   
(In thousands)
   
(In thousands)
 
Reported end of period:
                       
  Outstanding borrowings
 
$
342,935
   
$
304,468
   
$
342,935
   
$
304,468
 
  Weighted average interest rate
   
1.88
%
   
1.99
%
   
1.88
%
   
1.99
%
Reported during the period:
                               
  Maximum amount of borrowings
 
$
361,800
   
$
304,468
   
$
361,800
   
$
304,468
 
  Average outstanding borrowings
 
$
314,102
   
$
242,255
   
$
284,287
   
$
225,112
 
  Weighted average interest rate
   
1.78
%
   
1.96
%
   
1.93
%
   
1.95
%
                                 
 
5. Stockholders' Equity

During the six-month period ended October 1, 2016, the Company repurchased 31,500 shares or $955,000 of its Class A Common Stock as Treasury Stock and 1,837 shares or $66,000 of its Class B Common Stock also as Treasury Stock.  As of October 1, 2016, there are 2,314,887 shares or $66,730,000 of repurchased stock.  These shares are not considered outstanding.

6. Retirement Plans

The net periodic benefit cost for the Company's pension plan consisted of:


7


SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
October 1, 2016
   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
October 1,
   
September 26,
   
October 1,
   
September 26,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Service  Cost
 
$
2,164
   
$
2,519
   
$
4,328
   
$
5,039
 
Interest Cost
   
1,919
     
2,177
     
3,838
     
4,355
 
Expected Return on Plan Assets
   
(2,978
)
   
(2,625
)
   
(5,958
)
   
(5,252
)
Amortization of Actuarial Loss
   
679
     
844
     
1,358
     
1,687
 
Amortization of Transition Asset
   
27
     
27
     
55
     
55
 
  Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
$
1,811
   
$
2,942
   
$
3,621
   
$
5,884
 
 
There was a contribution of $300,000 to the pension plan in the six month period ended October 1, 2016.  There was a contribution of $600,000 made in the six month period ended September 26, 2015.

7. Plant Restructuring

The following table summarizes the restructuring charges and related asset impairment charges recorded and the accruals established:

         
Long-Lived
             
   
Severance
   
Asset Charges
   
Other Costs
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Balance March 31, 2016
 
$
-
   
$
4,975
   
$
3,897
   
$
8,872
 
First quarter charge (credit)
   
127
     
(6
)
   
1,064
     
1,185
 
Second quarter charge (credit)
   
112
     
(286
)
   
451
     
277
 
Cash payments/write offs
   
(123
)
   
240
     
(3,242
)
   
(3,125
)
Balance October 1, 2016
 
$
116
   
$
4,923
   
$
2,170
   
$
7,209
 
                                 
Balance March 31, 2015
 
$
715
   
$
264
   
$
270
   
$
1,249
 
First quarter credit
   
(81
)
   
-
     
-
     
(81
)
Second quarter charge
   
15
     
-
     
-
     
15
 
Cash payments/write offs
   
(649
)
   
-
     
(240
)
   
(889
)
Balance September 26, 2015
 
$
-
   
$
264
   
$
30
   
$
294
 


During 2016, the Company recorded a restructuring charge of $10,302,000 related to the closing of a plant in the Northwest of which $162,000 was related to severance cost, $5,065,000 was related to asset impairments (contra fixed assets), and $5,075,000 was related to other costs (mostly operating lease costs).

During the quarter ended October 1, 2016, the Company recorded an additional restructuring charge of $277,000 related to the previous closing of a plant in the Northwest of which $112,000 was related to severance cost, $402,000 was related to equipment relocation costs, and a $237,000 credit which related to other costs, mostly a fixed assets impairment adjustment.  During the quarter ended July 2, 2016, the Company recorded an additional restructuring charge of $1,185,000 related to the previous closing of a plant in the Northwest of which $127,000 was related to severance cost, $1,025,000 was related to equipment relocation costs, and $33,000 was related to other costs.
 

8


SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
October 1, 2016
8.   Other Operating Income and Expense

During the six months ended October 1, 2016, the Company sold unused fixed assets which resulted in a loss of $48,000 as compared to a gain of $143,000 during the six months ended September 26, 2015.  During the quarter ended June 27, 2015, the Company reversed a provision for the Prop 65 litigation of $200,000 and reduced an environmental accrual by $60,000.  These items are included in other operating income in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings.
 
9. Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for the Company on April 1, 2018 (beginning of fiscal 2019). Early adoption is permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases.  The new standard establishes a right-of-use ("ROU") model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (beginning fiscal 2020), including interim periods within those fiscal years. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available.  While we are still evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of the new standard on our consolidated financial statements, we expect that upon adoption we will recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities and that the amounts could be material.


There were no other recently issued accounting pronouncements that impacted the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. In addition, the Company did not adopt any new accounting pronouncements during the quarter ended October 1, 2016.

10. Earnings per Common Share

Earnings per share for the quarters ended October 1, 2016 and September 26, 2015 are as follows:


9


SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
October 1, 2016
   
Q U A R T E R
   
YEAR TO DATE
 
   
Fiscal
   
Fiscal
   
Fiscal
   
Fiscal
 
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
   
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Basic
                       
                         
Net earnings
 
$
6,144
   
$
6,522
   
$
6,082
   
$
9,490
 
Deduct preferred stock dividends paid
   
6
     
6
     
12
     
12
 
                                 
Undistributed earnings
   
6,138
     
6,516
     
6,070
     
9,478
 
Earnings attributable to participating preferred
   
56
     
60
     
56
     
102
 
                                 
Earnings attributable to common shareholders
 
$
6,082
   
$
6,456
   
$
6,014
   
$
9,376
 
                                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
9,792
     
9,901
     
9,800
     
9,895
 
                                 
Basic earnings per common share
 
$
0.62
   
$
0.65
   
$
0.61
   
$
0.95
 
                                 
Diluted
                               
                                 
Earnings attributable to common shareholders
 
$
6,082
   
$
6,456
   
$
6,014
   
$
9,376
 
Add dividends on convertible preferred stock
   
5
     
5
     
10
     
10
 
                                 
Earnings attributable to common stock on a diluted basis
 
$
6,087
   
$
6,461
   
$
6,024
   
$
9,386
 
                                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic
   
9,792
     
9,901
     
9,800
     
9,895
 
Additional shares issuable related to the
                               
  equity compensation plan
   
3
     
2
     
3
     
2
 
Additional shares to be issued under full
                               
  conversion of preferred stock
   
67
     
67
     
67
     
67
 
                                 
Total shares for diluted
   
9,862
     
9,970
     
9,870
     
9,964
 
                                 
Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
0.62
   
$
0.65
   
$
0.61
   
$
0.94
 

11. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

As required by Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 825, "Financial Instruments," the Company estimates the fair values of financial instruments on a quarterly basis.  The estimated fair value for long-term debt (classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy) is determined by the quoted market prices for similar debt (comparable to the Company's financial strength) or current rates offered to the Company for debt with the same maturities.  Long-term debt, including current portion had a carrying amount of $362,625,000 and an estimated fair value of $363,153,000 as of October 1, 2016.  As of March 31, 2016, the carrying amount was $315,539,000 and the estimated fair value was $315,478,000.  Capital lease obligations, including current portion had a carrying amount of $20,692,000 and an estimated fair value of $20,318,000 as of October 1, 2016.  As of March 31, 2016, the carrying amount was $5,231,000 and the estimated fair value was $5,076,000.  The fair values of all the other financial instruments approximate their carrying value due to their short-term nature.


12. Income Taxes


10


SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
October 1, 2016


     The Company tried to use the Annual Effective Tax Rate ("ETR") approach of ASC 740-270-25-2 (formerly FIN 18) to calculate its second quarter 2017 interim tax provision, but since the expected annual Pre-Tax Earnings is close to breakeven, the effective rate was very high (about 195%), and thus there was a significant variation in the customary relationship between Pre-Tax Earnings and Income Tax Provision during an interim period.  As allowed under FASB Interpretation (FIN) 18, Paragraph 82, now ASC 740-270-25-3, when calculating the ETR, it may be more appropriate to calculate the rate based on the year-to-date Pre-Tax Earnings which is what was done.  The prior year calculation followed the Annual Effective Tax Rate approach. The effective tax rate was 29.9% and 33.7% for the six month periods ended October 1, 2016 and September 26, 2015, respectively.  The 3.8 percentage point decrease in the effective tax rate represents a decrease in tax expense as a percentage of book income when compared to the same period last year.  The major contributor to this decrease is with the federal credits for R & D, WOTC and fuel plus state credits. These credits are largely fixed and with the relatively low pre-tax earnings for the six months ended October 1, 2016, these credits add to the credit provision and are a larger percentage of pre-tax earnings in comparison to the six months ended September 26, 2015.  This accounts for 2.9 percent of the decrease.
 
13. Interim Notes

During fiscal 2016 and 2015, the Company entered into some interim lease notes which financed down payments for various equipment orders at market rates.  As of October 1, 2016 and September 26, 2015, all of these interim notes have been converted into operating leases.

11

 
ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
October 1, 2016


Seneca Foods Corporation (the "Company") is a leading provider of packaged fruits and vegetables, with facilities located throughout the United States.  The Company's product offerings include canned, frozen and bottled produce and snack chips.  Its products are sold under private label as well as national and regional brands that the Company owns or licenses, including Seneca®, Libby's®, Aunt Nellie's®, Cherryman®, READ® and Seneca Farms®.  The Company's canned fruits and vegetables are sold nationwide by major grocery outlets, including supermarkets, mass merchandisers, limited assortment stores, club stores and dollar stores.  The Company also sells its products to foodservice distributors, industrial markets, other food processors, export customers in over 90 countries and federal, state and local governments for school and other food programs.  In addition, the Company packs Green Giant®, Le Sueur® and other brands of canned vegetables as well as select Green Giant® frozen vegetables for B&G Foods North America ("B&G") under a contract packing agreement.

The Company's raw product is harvested mainly between June through November.


Results of Operations:

Sales:

Second fiscal quarter 2017 results include net sales of $357,246,000, which represents a 14.1% increase, or $44,045,000, from the second quarter of fiscal 2016.  The net increase in sales is attributable to a sales volume increase of $87,022,000 partially offset by lower selling prices/sales mix of $42,977,000.  The increase in sales is primarily from a $34,417,000 increase in Canned Fruit sales ($20,960,000 from the acquisitions of Gray and Diana), a $14,441,000 increase in B&G Foods, Inc. sales and a $218,000 increase in Snack sales partially offset by a $4,639,000 decrease in Canned Vegetable sales, and a $793,000 decrease in Frozen sales.

Six months ended October 1, 2016 include net sales of $609,861,000, which represents a 13.1% increase, or $70,401,000, from the first six months of fiscal 2016.  The net increase in sales is attributable to a sales volume increase of $116,908,000, partially offset by lower selling prices/sales mix of $46,507,000.  The increase in sales is primarily from a $19,832,000 increase in B&G Foods, Inc. sales, a $58,844,000 increase in Canned Fruit sales ($41,076,000 from the acquisitions of Gray and Diana), a $1,112,000 increase in Frozen sales, and a $1,009,000 increase in Snack sales partially offset by a $9,790,000 decrease in Canned Vegetable sales.

The following table presents sales by product category (in millions):

     
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
     
October 1,
   
September 26,
   
October 1,
   
September 26,
 
     
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Canned Vegetables
   
$
184.1
   
$
188.7
   
$
325.4
   
$
335.2
 
B&G
*
   
57.2
     
42.8
     
67.4
     
47.6
 
Frozen
     
22.0
     
22.8
     
45.2
     
44.1
 
Fruit Products
     
84.3
     
49.9
     
153.5
     
94.6
 
Snack
     
3.7
     
3.5
     
7.7
     
6.7
 
Other
     
5.9
     
5.5
     
10.7
     
11.3
 
       
$
357.2
   
$
313.2
   
$
609.9
   
$
539.5
 
                                     
*B&G includes frozen vegetable sales exclusively for B&G.
                         


12

 
ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
October 1, 2016
 
Operating Income:


The following table presents components of operating income as a percentage of net sales:

 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
October 1,
 
September 26,
 
October 1,
 
September 26,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
  Gross Margin
8.5
%
9.3
%
8.2
%
9.3
%
                 
  Selling
2.6
%
2.9
%
2.9
%
3.1
%
  Administrative
2.6
%
2.7
%
3.0
%
2.9
%
  Plant Restructuring
0.1
%
-
%
0.2
%
-
%
  Other Operating Income
-
%
-
%
-
%
(0.1)
%
                 
  Operating Income
3.2
%
3.7
%
2.1
%
3.4
%
                 
  Interest Expense, Net
0.6
%
0.6
%
0.7
%
0.7
%
                 

For the three month period ended October 1, 2016, the gross margin decreased from the prior year quarter from 9.3% to 8.5% due primarily to lower net selling prices (after considering promotions) compared to prior year.  The LIFO charge for the second quarter ended October 1, 2016 was $2,476,000 as compared to a charge of $50,000 for the second quarter ended September 26, 2015 and reflects the impact on the quarter of higher cost increases expected in fiscal 2017, compared with smaller cost increases to fiscal 2016.  On an after-tax basis, LIFO net earnings decreased by $1,609,000 for the quarter ended October 1, 2016 and decreased LIFO net earnings by $33,000 for the quarter ended September 26, 2015, based on the statutory federal income tax rate.

For the six month period ended October 1, 2016, the gross margin decreased from the prior year period from 9.3% to 8.2% due primarily to lower net selling prices (after considering promotions) compared to the prior year and a higher LIFO charge in the current year as compared to a credit the prior year.  The LIFO charge for the six months ended October 1, 2016 was $4,375,000 as compared to a credit of $1,587,000 for the six months ended September 26, 2015 and reflects the impact on the six months of cost increases expected in fiscal 2017, compared to cost decreases in fiscal 2016.  On an after-tax basis, LIFO decreased net earnings by $2,844,000 for the six months ended October 1, 2016 and increased net earnings by $1,032,000 for the six months ended September 26, 2015, based on the statutory federal income tax rate.

For the three month period ended October 1, 2016, selling costs as a percentage of sales decreased from 2.9% to 2.6% for the same period in the prior year.  For the six month period ended October 1, 2016, selling costs as a percentage of sales decreased from 3.1% to 2.9% for the same period in the prior year. The three and six month decreases are primarily as a result of the Green Giant Alliance sales increase, which don't incur selling costs.

For the three month period ended October 1, 2016, administrative expense as a percentage of sales decreased from 2.7% to 2.6% due primarily to lower employment costs in the current year than the prior year.  For the six month period ended October 1, 2016, administrative expense as a percentage of sales increased from 2.9% to 3.0%.

During the six months ended October 1, 2016, the Company sold some unused fixed assets which resulted in a loss of $48,000.  During the six months ended September 26, 2015, the Company sold some unused fixed assets which resulted in a gain of $143,000. In addition, the Company reversed a provision for the Prop 65 litigation of


13

 
ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
October 1, 2016
 
$200,000.  These items are included in other operating income in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings.

Interest expense for the second quarter ended October 1, 2016, as a percentage of sales, remained the same at 0.6% compared to second quarter ended September 26, 2015.  For the six month period ended October 1, 2016, interest expense as a percentage of sales remained the same at 0.7% compared to six months ended September 26, 2015.

Income Taxes:

The Company tried to use the Annual Effective Tax Rate ("ETR") approach of ASC 740-270-25-2 (formerly FIN 18) to calculate its second quarter 2017 interim tax provision, but since the expected annual Pre-Tax Earnings is close to breakeven, the effective rate was very high (about 195%), and thus there was a significant variation in the customary relationship between Pre-Tax Earnings and Income Tax Provision during an interim period.  As allowed under FASB Interpretation (FIN) 18, Paragraph 82, now ASC 740-270-25-3, when calculating the ETR, it may be more appropriate to calculate the rate based on the year-to-date Pre-Tax Earnings which is what was done.  The prior year calculation followed the Annual Effective Tax Rate approach. The effective tax rate was 29.9% and 33.7% for the six month periods ended October 1, 2016 and September 26, 2015, respectively.  The 3.8 percentage point decrease in the effective tax rate represents a decrease in tax expense as a percentage of book income when compared to the same period last year.  The major contributor to this decrease is with the federal credits for R & D, WOTC and fuel; plus state credits. These credits are largely fixed and with the relatively low pre-tax earnings for the six months ended October 1, 2016, these credits add to the credit provision and are a larger percentage of pre-tax earnings in comparison to the six months ended September 26, 2015.  This accounts for 2.9 percent of the decrease.
 
Earnings per Share:

Basic earnings per share were $0.62 and $0.65 for the three months ended October 1, 2016 and September 26, 2015, respectively.  Diluted earnings per share were $0.62 and $0.65 for the three months ended October 1, 2016 and September 26, 2015, respectively.  Basic earnings per share were $0.61 and $0.95 for the six months ended October 1, 2016 and September 26, 2015, respectively.  Diluted earnings per share were $0.61 and $0.94 for the six months ended October 1, 2016 and September 26, 2015, respectively.  For details of the calculation of these amounts, refer to footnote 10 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources:

The financial condition of the Company is summarized in the following table and explanatory review:


14

 
ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
October 1, 2016

   
October 1,
   
September 26,
   
March 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
                         
Working capital:
                       
  Balance
 
$
592,563
   
$
247,106
   
$
274,429
   
$
463,545
 
  Change during quarter
   
78,493
     
(187,993
)
               
Long-term debt, less current portion
   
354,905
     
37,322
     
35,967
     
271,634
 
Total stockholders' equity per equivalent
                               
      common share (see Note)
   
41.28
     
35.79
     
40.63
     
34.81
 
Stockholders' equity per common share
   
41.81
     
36.22
     
41.15
     
35.33
 
Current ratio
   
2.90
     
1.39
     
1.69
     
4.72
 

Note: Equivalent common shares are either common shares or, for convertible preferred shares, the number of common shares that the preferred shares are convertible into.  See Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company's 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K for conversion details.

As shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, net cash used in operating activities was $28,421,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2017, compared to $56,868,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2016.  The $28,447,000 decrease in cash used is primarily attributable to a $28,639,000 decrease in cash provided by accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities and decreased net earnings of $3,408,000 as previously discussed, a $13,840,000 decrease in cash provided by other current assets, a $901,000 decrease in cash provided by income taxes, and an $12,480,000 increase in cash used by accounts receivable partially offset by a $204,289,000 increase in inventory in the first six months of fiscal 2017 as compared to $289,291,000 increase in inventory in the first six months of fiscal 2016.

As compared to September 26, 2015, inventory increased $10,293,000 to $771,996,000 at October 1, 2016.  The components of the inventory increase reflect an $8,136,000 increase in finished goods, a $10,991,000 increase in work in process and an $8,834,000 decrease in raw materials and supplies.  The finished goods increase reflects higher inventory quantities due to the magnitude and timing of the fiscal year 2017 pack versus fiscal year 2016 pack partially offset by increased sales volume as compared to the prior year.  The raw materials and supplies decrease is primarily due to a decrease in cans and raw steel quantities compared to the prior year.  FIFO based inventory costs exceeded LIFO based inventory costs by $143,650,000 as of the end of the second quarter of 2017 as compared to $162,480,000 as of the end of the second quarter of 2016.

Cash used in investing activities was $14,505,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2017 compared to cash used in investing activities of $2,956,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2016.    Additions to property, plant and equipment were $14,518,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2017 as compared to $3,111,000 in first six months of fiscal 2016.  The current year purchases include $4,767,000 of fixed assets purchased from Monsanto in connection with our seed processing in August 2016.

Cash provided by financing activities was $44,448,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2017, which included borrowings of $183,744,000 and the repayment of $136,613,000 of long-term debt, principally consisting of borrowing and repayment on the revolving credit facility ("Revolver").  Other than borrowings under the Revolver, there was no new long-term debt during the first six months of fiscal 2016.  During the six months ended October 1, 2016, the Company paid off $22,596,000 of Industrial Revenue Bonds.  During the six months ended October 1, 2016, the Company repurchased $1,021,000 of its Class A Common Stock as treasury stock compared to $1,636,000 in the prior period. In addition, the Company paid down Notes Payable of $402,000 during the six month period ended October 1, 2016 related to some interim notes which became operating leases and was $9,903,000 in the six month period ended September 26, 2015.
 

15

 
ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
October 1, 2016
 
 
During the six months ended October 1, 2016, the Company entered into $15,416,000 of equipment capital leases.

The Company completed the closing of a new five-year revolving credit facility on July 5, 2016.  Available borrowings on the Revolver total $400,000,000 from April through July and $500,000,000 from August through March with a maturity date of July 5, 2021.    The interest rate on the Revolver is based on LIBOR plus an applicable margin based on excess availability and the Company's fixed charge coverage ratio.  As of October 1, 2016, the interest rate was approximately 1.88% on a balance of $342,935,000.  We believe that cash flows from operations, availability under our Revolver and other financing sources will provide adequate funds for our working capital needs, planned capital expenditures, and debt obligations for at least the next 12 months.


The Company's credit facilities contain standard representations and warranties, events of default, and certain affirmative and negative covenants, including various financial covenants.  At October 1, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all such financial covenants.

New Accounting Standards

Refer to footnote 9 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Seasonality

The Company's revenues are typically higher in the second and third fiscal quarters. This is due in part because the Company sells, on a bill and hold basis, Green Giant canned and frozen vegetables to B&G either weekly during production for specialty items, or at the end of each pack cycle, which typically occurs during these quarters.  B&G buys the product from the Company at cost plus a specified fee for each equivalent case.  See the Critical Accounting Policies section below for further details.  The Company's non-Green Giant sales also exhibit seasonality with the third fiscal quarter generating the highest retail sales due to holidays that occur during that quarter.

Forward-Looking Information

The information contained in this report contains, or may contain, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These statements appear in a number of places in this report and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company or its officers (including statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words "believes," "expects," "anticipates" or similar expressions) with respect to various matters, including (i) the Company's anticipated needs for, and the availability of, cash, (ii) the Company's liquidity and financing plans, (iii) the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquisitions into its operations, (iv) trends affecting the Company's financial condition or results of operations, including anticipated sales price levels and anticipated expense levels, in particular higher production, fuel and transportation costs, (v) the Company's plans for expansion of its business (including through acquisitions) and cost savings, and (vi) the impact of competition.

Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made.  Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are:
 

16

 
ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
October 1, 2016
 
·
general economic and business conditions;
·
cost and availability of commodities and other raw materials such as vegetables, steel and packaging materials;
·
transportation costs;
·
climate and weather affecting growing conditions and crop yields;
·
the availability of financing;
·
leverage and the Company's ability to service and reduce its debt;
·
foreign currency exchange and interest rate fluctuations;
·
effectiveness of the Company's marketing and trade promotion programs;
·
changing consumer preferences;
·
competition;
·
product liability claims;
·
the loss of significant customers or a substantial reduction in orders from these customers;
·
changes in, or the failure or inability to comply with, U.S., foreign and local governmental regulations, including environmental and health and safety regulations; and
·
other risks detailed from time to time in the reports filed by the Company with the SEC.

 
Except for ongoing obligations to disclose material information as required by the federal securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the filing of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Critical Accounting Policies

During the six months ended October 1, 2016, the Company sold $54,146,000 of Green Giant finished goods inventory to B&G Foods North America ("B&G") for cash, on a bill and hold basis, as compared to $32,765,000 for the six months ended September 26, 2015.  Under the terms of the bill and hold agreement, title to the specified inventory transferred to B&G.  The Company believes it has met the criteria required for bill and hold treatment.

Trade promotions are an important component of the sales and marketing of the Company's branded products, and are critical to the support of the business. Trade promotion costs, which are recorded as a reduction of net sales, include amounts paid to encourage retailers to offer temporary price reductions for the sale of our products to consumers, amounts paid to obtain favorable display positions in retailers' stores, and amounts paid to retailers for shelf space in retail stores. Accruals for trade promotions are recorded primarily at the time of sale of product to the retailer based on expected levels of performance. Settlement of these liabilities typically occurs in subsequent periods primarily through an authorized process for deductions taken by a retailer from amounts otherwise due to us. As a result, the ultimate cost of a trade promotion program is dependent on the relative success of the events and the actions and level of deductions taken by retailers for amounts they consider due to them. Final determination of the permissible deductions may take extended periods of time.

The Company uses the lower of cost, determined under the LIFO (last-in, first out) method, or market, to value substantially all of its inventories.  In a high inflation environment that the Company was experiencing, the Company believes that the LIFO method was preferable over the FIFO method because it better compares the cost of current production to current revenue.
 
 

17

 
ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
October 1, 2016
 
The Company assesses its long-lived assets for impairment whenever there is an indicator of impairment. Property, plant, and equipment are depreciated over their assigned lives. The assigned lives and the projected cash flows used to test impairment are subjective. If actual lives are shorter than anticipated or if future cash flows are less than anticipated, a future impairment charge or a loss on disposal of the assets could be incurred. Impairment losses are evaluated if the estimated undiscounted value of the cash flows is less than the carrying value. If such is the case, a loss is recognized when the carrying value of an asset exceeds its fair value.
 
 

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ITEM 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is exposed to various market risk factors, including changes in general economic conditions, competition and raw material pricing and availability.  In addition, the Company is exposed to fluctuations in interest rates, primarily related to its revolving credit facility.  To manage interest rate risk, the Company uses both fixed and variable interest rate debt.  There have been no material changes to the Company's exposure to market risk since March 31, 2016.
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ITEM 4 Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains a system of internal and disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis. The Company's Board of Directors, operating through its Audit Committee, which is composed entirely of independent outside directors, provides oversight to the financial reporting process.

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of October 1, 2016, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.  The Company continues to examine, refine and formalize its disclosure controls and procedures and to monitor ongoing developments in this area.

There have been no changes during the period covered by this report to the Company's internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

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Item 1.         Legal Proceedings

Refer to footnote 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II Item 8 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 1A.        Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in the Company's Form 10-K for the period ended March 31, 2016.

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


   
Total Number of
   
Average Price Paid
   
Total Number
 
Maximum Number
   
Shares Purchased
   
per Share
   
of Shares
 
(or Approximate
                           
Purchased as
 
Dollar Value) or
                           
Part of Publicly
 
Shares that May
                           
Announced
 
Yet Be Purchased
   
Class A
   
Class B
 
Class A
   
Class B
   
Plans or
 
Under the Plans or
Period
 
Common
   
Common
 
Common
   
Common
   
Programs
 
Programs
7/01/2016 –
                                      
7/31/2016
   
-
     
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
          
8/01/2016 –
                                              
8/31/2016
   
-
     
1,737
   
$
-
   
$
36.04
     
1,737
   
9/01/2016 –
                                                
9/30/2016
   
17,100
(1)
   
100
   
$
29.03
   
$
36.09
            
Total
   
17,100
     
1,837
   
$
29.03
   
$
36.04
     
1,737
 
1,192,366

(1)  Of these shares, all 17,100 were purchased in open market transactions by the trustees under the Seneca Foods Corporation Employees' Savings Plan 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to provide employee matching contributions under the plan.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

Item 5. Other Information

None.


Item 6. Exhibits

10.1 Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of July 5, 2016 by and among Seneca Foods Corporation, Seneca Foods, LLC, Seneca Snack Company, Green Valley Foods, LLC and certain other subsidiaries of Seneca Foods Corporation, the financial institutions party thereto as lenders, Bank of America, N.A., as agent, issuing bank, syndication agent, and lead arranger (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 5, 2016).

31.1 Certification of Kraig H. Kayser pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)

31.2 Certification of Timothy J. Benjamin pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)

32 Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)

101 The following materials from Seneca Foods Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and six months ended October 1, 2016, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language):  (i) condensed consolidated balance sheets, (ii) condensed consolidated statements of net earnings, (iii) condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income, (iv) condensed consolidated statements of cash flows, (v) condensed consolidated statement of stockholders' equity and (vi) the notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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SIGNATURES


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





Seneca Foods Corporation
      (Company)



/s/Kraig H. Kayser 
November 7, 2016
 Kraig H. Kayser
President and
Chief Executive Officer


/s/Timothy J. Benjamin 
November 7, 2016
 Timothy J. Benjamin
 Chief Financial Officer

 
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