Document/Exhibit Description Pages Size
1: 10-K 10-K Text 63 331K
3: EX-10 Exhibit 10.10 23 94K
4: EX-10 Exhibit 10.10.1 2 12K
5: EX-10 Exhibit 10.11 26 105K
6: EX-10 Exhibit 10.11.1 2 13K
7: EX-10 Exhibit 10.22.4 3 14K
8: EX-10 Exhibit 10.25 15 60K
9: EX-10 Exhibit 10.29.2 4 17K
10: EX-10 Exhibit 10.33.1 4 19K
2: EX-10 Exhibit 10.8.3 7 29K
11: EX-21 Exhibit 21.1 1 5K
12: EX-23 Exhibit 23.0 1 6K
13: EX-27 Financial Data Schedule 1 8K
FORM 10-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
[X]ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 26, 1998
[ ]TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ____________ to ____________
Commission File Number 0-13544
BEN & JERRY'S HOMEMADE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Vermont 03-0267543
(State of incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
30 Community Drive
South Burlington, Vermont 05403-6828
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 802/846-1500
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act:
Class A Common Stock, $.033 par value per share
Class B Common Stock, $.033 par value per share
Class A Common Stock Purchase Right
Class B Common Stock Purchase Right
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 __ ___
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K (225.405) is not contained herein, and will not be
contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K
or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
Yes__X___ No __ ___
The aggregate market value of the Company's Class A and Class B Common Stock
held by non-affiliates was approximately $130,577,185 and $4,886,336
respectively, at March 5, 1999.
At March 5, 1999, 6,250,209 shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock and
818,951 shares of the Company's Class B Common Stock were outstanding.
Page 1 of 146 pages. Exhibit Index appears on page 30.
BEN & JERRY'S HOMEMADE, INC.
1998 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
Table of Contents
PAGE
Item 1. Business............................................................1
Item 2. Properties.........................................................11
Legal Proceedings..................................................12
Item 4. Submission of Matters to Vote of Security Holders..................12
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder
Matters ...........................................................12
Item 6. Selected Financial Data............................................13
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations..........................................14
Item 7A. Market Risk........................................................22
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data........................22
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure...............................................22
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Company....................22
Item 11. Executive Compensation.............................................25
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.....26
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.....................28
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statements, Financial Statement Schedules, and
Reports on Form 8-K................................................31
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
INTRODUCTION
Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc. ("Ben & Jerry's" or the "Company") is a leading
manufacturer of super premium ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet in unique and
regular flavors. The Company also manufactures ice cream novelty products. The
Company is committed to using milk and cream that have not been treated with the
synthetic hormone, rBGH. The Company uses natural ingredients in its products.
The Company embraces a philosophy that manifests itself in these attributes:
being real and "down to earth," being humorous and having fun, being
non-traditional and alternative and, at times, being activists around our
progressive values.
The Company's products are currently distributed throughout the United States
primarily through independent distributors. However, the Company's marketing
resources are concentrated on certain "target markets" including New England,
New York, the Mid-Atlantic region, Florida, Texas, the West Coast and selected
other major markets, including the Midwest (defined for this purpose as Chicago,
Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan) and Denver areas. In 1998,
approximately 80% of the sales of the Company's packaged pints were attributable
to these target markets. The Company's products are also available in certain
"non-target" markets in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Israel,
Canada, The Netherlands, Belgium, Japan and, commencing in 1999, Peru and
Lebanon. The Company currently markets flavors of its ice cream, frozen yogurt
and sorbet in packaged pints, for sale primarily in supermarkets, other grocery
stores, convenience stores and other retail food outlets and in bulk, primarily
to restaurants and Ben & Jerry's franchised "scoop shops."
The Company began active operations in May 1978, when Jerry Greenfield, now the
Company's Chairperson, and Ben Cohen, now the Company's Vice Chairperson, opened
a retail store in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont. The Company
believes that it has maintained a reputation for producing gourmet-quality
natural ice cream and frozen desserts, and for sponsoring or creating
light-hearted promotions that foster an image as an independent socially
conscious Vermont company.
The Board of Directors of the Company has since 1988 formalized its basic
business philosophy by adopting a three-part "mission statement" for Ben &
Jerry's. The statement includes a "product mission," to make, distribute and
sell the finest quality all-natural ice cream"; an "economic mission," to
"operate the Company on a sound financial basis...increasing value for our
shareholders and creating career opportunities and financial rewards for our
employees"; and a "social mission," to "operate the Company in a way that
actively recognizes the central role that business plays in the structure of
society by initiating innovative ways to improve the quality of life of a broad
community: local, national and international. Underlying the mission of Ben &
Jerry's is the determination to seek new and creative ways of addressing all
three parts, while holding a deep respect for individuals inside and outside the
Company and for the communities of which they are a part." Since 1988, the
Company's Annual Report to Stockholders has contained a "social report" on the
Company's performance during the year. The Company's social mission has always
been about more than philanthropy, product donations and community relations.
Ben & Jerry's has strived to integrate into its day to day business decisions a
concern for the community and to seek ways to lead with its progressive values.
The Company makes cash contributions equal to 7.5% of its pretax profits to
philanthropy through The Ben & Jerry's Foundation (the "Foundation"), Community
Action Teams, which are employee led groups from each of its five Vermont sites,
and through corporate grants. Excluded from the 7.5% are contributions out of a
portion of the proceeds of incidental operations, not directly relating to Ben &
Jerry's core business of the manufacturing and selling of Ben & Jerry's frozen
desserts, such as a portion of the admission fees for plant tours, and excluding
corporate sponsorships that have as one of their purposes the furtherance of Ben
& Jerry's marketing goals. For 1998, the 7.5% amounted to approximately
$792,600. The amount of the Company's cash contribution is subject to review by
the Board of Directors from time to time in light of the Company's cash needs,
its operating results, existing conditions in the industry and other factors
deemed relevant by the Board. See "The Ben & Jerry's Foundation."
In some instances where the Company pays royalties for the licensed use of a
flavor name, the licensor donates all or a portion of these royalties to
charitable organizations. For example, in 1997, the Company launched Phish
Food(TM) ice cream and during 1998 paid the Vermont-based band Phish $200,482 in
royalties. The band established the Water Wheel Foundation to support the
protection and preservation of Lake Champlain.
Ben & Jerry's maintains a special tie to the Vermont community in which it has
its origins. The Company donates product to public events and community
celebrations in the Vermont area. As already noted, Community Action Teams at
each site make grants in Vermont. Also, the Company, acting as an agent,
transfers funds to charitable organizations throughout Vermont derived from the
sale of product to participating Vermont retail grocers.
Ben & Jerry's has, through the years, taken actions intended to strengthen the
Company's ability to remain an independent Vermont-based company focused on
carrying out its three part corporate mission. Ben & Jerry's believes these
actions are in the best interests of the Company, its stockholders, employees,
suppliers, customers and the Vermont community. See "anti-Takeover Effects of
Class B Common Stock, Class A Preferred Stock, Classified Board of Directors,
Vermont Legislation and Shareholders' Rights Plans."
In 1991, the Company decided to pay not less than a certain minimum price for
its dairy ingredients other than yogurt cultures, to bring the price up to an
amount based upon the average price for dairy products in certain prior periods.
This commitment is part of an effort to foster the supply of Vermont dairy
products and thereby also seek to maintain the long-term viability of the
Company's source of supply of its principal dairy ingredients, against the
marketplace background of a continuing trend of decreasing family dairy farms in
Vermont.
In early 1994, the Company's agreement with the St. Albans Cooperative Creamery
was amended to include, as a condition for payment of the premium, an assurance
from the St. Albans Cooperative Creamery that the milk and cream purchased by
the Company will not come from cows that have been treated with Recombinant
Bovine Growth Hormone ("rBGH"), a synthetic growth hormone approved by the FDA.
In December 1997, the St. Albans Cooperative Creamery's board of directors
approved a motion to allow for controlled use of rBGH by a limited amount of
member farms beginning July 1, 1998. The Co-op has assured us that it will
continue to provide Ben & Jerry's with a rBGH-free dairy supply. The Company
will continue to offer a premium to the Co-op for member farms that do not use
rBGH.
In 1992, the Company became a signatory to the CERES Principles adopted by the
Community for Environmentally Responsible Economies. The CERES Principles
establish an environmental ethic with criteria by which investors and others can
assess the environmental performance of companies. Ben & Jerry's is also a
member of Businesses for Social Responsibility, Inc. ("BSR"), an organization in
San Francisco, California, which promotes a concept of business profitability
that includes environmental responsibility and social equity. Ben & Jerry's is
also a member of the Social Venture Network and Vermont Businesses for Social
Responsibility.
THE SUPER PREMIUM ICE CREAM, FROZEN YOGURT AND SORBET MARKET
The packaged ice cream industry includes economy, regular, premium, premium plus
and super premium products. Super premium ice cream is generally characterized
by a greater richness and density than other kinds of ice cream. This higher
quality ice cream generally costs more than other kinds and is usually marketed
by emphasizing quality, flavor selection, texture and brand image. Other types
of ice cream are largely marketed on the basis of price.
Super premium ice cream, super premium frozen yogurt and, more recently, super
premium sorbet have become an important part of the frozen dessert industry. In
response to the demand for lower fat, lower cholesterol products, the Company
introduced its own super premium low fat frozen yogurt in 1992. In February
1996, the Company introduced lactose-free and cholesterol-free sorbet. In 1997,
Ben & Jerry's introduced a new line of low fat ice cream. In 1998 the Company
introduced nine new flavors and two new novelty products.
Based on information provided by Information Resources, Inc., a software and
marketing information services company ("IRI"), the Company believes that total
annual U.S. sales in supermarkets at retail prices (defined as grocery stores
with annual revenues of at least $2 million) of super premium ice cream, frozen
yogurt and sorbet were approximately $446 million in 1998 compared with about
$428 million in 1997. All of the information in this paragraph is taken from IRI
data.
BEN & JERRY'S SUPER PREMIUM ICE CREAM, FROZEN YOGURT AND SORBET
Ben & Jerry's ice cream has a high level of butterfat and low level of air
incorporation ("overrun") during the freezing process. The approximate fat
content is 15% (excluding add-ins). The approximate overrun is 20%. These
physical attributes give the ice cream the rich taste and dense, creamy texture
that characterizes super premium ice creams. The fat content of the ice cream is
derived primarily from the butterfat in the cream, and secondarily from egg
yolks. The ice cream mix consists of cream, beet sugar, non-fat milk solids, egg
yolks and natural stabilizers.
Ben & Jerry's frozen yogurt is a high quality frozen yogurt with approximately
2% fat (excluding add-ins) and approximately 30% overrun. The fat content of
frozen yogurt comes from the cream used in the base mix. All frozen yogurt
products are sweetened with beet sugar and corn syrup. The Company uses cultured
yogurt in the manufacturing of our frozen yogurt dessert products, purchased
from yogurt manufacturers who use Vermont dairy ingredients.
Ben & Jerry's fruit sorbets are fat free frozen desserts with an overrun of
approximately 20%. The chocolate sorbet is a low fat product with approximately
2% fat (from cocoa and chocolate liquor). All sorbets are sweetened with beet
sugar and corn syrup. The water used to manufacture sorbet is Vermont Pure(TM)
Spring Water.
In 1997 and 1998, Ben & Jerry's introduced a line of low fat ice cream flavors.
These low fat ice creams offer high quality, all natural ingredients with less
than three grams of fat and 40% overrun. The product line offers exciting flavor
combinations, chunks of candy, and swirls of variegates with extraordinary
flavor.
In 1999, the Company introduced a new line of frozen smoothies. Frozen
Smoothies(TM) is a four item line of innovative healthy treats that take
smoothies from the juice bar to the freezer.
All Ben & Jerry's frozen desserts are made of the finest quality ingredients.
Its ingredients contain no preservatives or artificial components (except the
flavoring component in one of the candies that the Company purchases). To date,
the Company has not experienced any difficulty in obtaining the dairy products
used to make its frozen desserts. The various flavorings, add-ins and variegates
are readily available from multiple suppliers throughout the country.
All the Company's plants include mix-batching facilities, which allows Ben &
Jerry's to manufacture its own dessert mixes. Ben & Jerry's designed and
modified special machinery to mix large chunks of cookies, candies, fruits and
nuts into our frozen desserts. The Company has also designed proprietary
processes for swirling variegates (dessert sauces) into its finished products.
The Company also makes ice cream novelty products, including a variety of ice
cream bars such as Cherry Garcia(R), Cookie Dough, Phish Stick(TM), Dilbert's
World(TM)-Totally Nuts(TM) and S'mores(TM) Bars.
In 1997, the Company entered into a license agreement with Paul Newman and
Newman's Own(TM) to manufacture and market a line of premium plus ice cream
products under the brand name "Newman's Own." These products are currently
manufactured at the Company's facilities in Vermont.
Ben & Jerry's other license agreements include licenses from the estate of Jerry
Garcia, formerly of the Grateful Dead rock group, with respect to the Company's
Cherry Garcia(R) flavor; political cartoonist Gary Trudeau and Andrews McMeel
Universal with respect to the Company's Doonesberry(R) flavor of the sorbet line
of products; Wavy Gravy for the flavor Wavy Gravy; with Phish Merchandising,
Inc. with respect to Phish Food(TM), and Phish Stick(TM), a flavor launched in
February of 1997; and from United Feature Syndicate, Inc. for use of the
trademark Dilbert for the flavor Dilbert's World(TM)-Totally Nuts(TM) introduced
in 1998.
Manufacturing
The Company manufactures Ben & Jerry's super premium ice cream and frozen yogurt
pints at its Waterbury, Vermont plant. The Company's Springfield, Vermont plant
is used for the production of ice cream novelties, ice cream, frozen yogurt, low
fat ice cream and sorbet packaged in bulk, pints, quarts and half gallons. The
Company manufactures Ben & Jerry's super premium ice cream, frozen yogurt and
sorbet in packaged pints and single serve containers at its St. Albans, Vermont
plant. The Company generally operates its plants two shifts a day, five or six
days per week, depending upon demand requirements.
Markets and Customers
The Company markets packaged pints, quarts, single-serve containers and novelty
products primarily through supermarkets, other grocery stores, convenience
stores and other retail food outlets. The Company markets ice cream, frozen
yogurt and sorbet in 2 1/2-gallon bulk containers primarily through franchised
(and 6 Company-owned) Ben & Jerry's "scoop shops", through restaurants and food
service accounts (i.e. stadiums, airports, cafeterias, hotels, etc.).
Ben & Jerry's products are distributed through independent ice cream
distributors; with some exceptions, only one distributor is appointed for each
territory for supermarkets. In most areas, sub-distributors are used to
distribute to the smaller classes of trade. Company trucks and other
distributors distribute products that are sold in Vermont and upstate New York.
In late August 1998 - January 1999, Ben & Jerry's redesigned its distribution
network to create more Company control over sales and more efficiency in the
distribution of its products. Under the redesign, Ben & Jerry's will increase
direct sales calls by its own sales force (as distinguished from calls by the
distributors' sales forces) to all grocery and chain convenience stores and will
have a network where no distributor of Ben & Jerry's products will have a
majority percentage of the Company's distribution. Under the distribution
network redesign which will commence in April-May 1999 and will be fully
effective September 1, 1999, The Pillsbury Company ("Pillsbury") will distribute
Ben & Jerry's products in specified territories; the balance of domestic
deliveries will be distributed primarily by Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, Inc.
("Dreyer's"), with Dreyer's handling a smaller volume (than before) of Ben &
Jerry's distribution in other specified territories, and in part by other
independent regional distributors, most of whom are already acting as
distributors for Ben & Jerry's. The Company presently expects that, under the
redesign, no single distributor would handle over 40% of Ben & Jerry's
distribution, as compared with Dreyer's distribution activities accounting for
approximately 57% of the Company's net sales in 1998 and 1997.
Pursuant to the distribution network redesign Ben & Jerry's entered into an
agreement with Pillsbury which, as amended in January 1999, provides for
distribution on a non-exclusive basis by Pillsbury, the parent of Haagen-Daz, a
major competitor of Ben & Jerry's products in various areas of the United States
on September 1, 1999, including certain areas commencing April - May 1999. The
agreement with Pillsbury may not be terminated (except for cause) by Pillsbury
or Ben & Jerry's until an effective date in the year 2003. The agreement further
provides that Ben & Jerry's may earlier terminate without cause by making
certain specified payments and it contains additional provisions relating to any
termination upon a change in control of either party. The use of
sub-distributors by Pillsbury is limited under the Agreement.
In January 1999, the Company concluded a new distribution agreement, also on a
non-exclusive basis, with Dreyer's, effective for distribution commencing
September 1, 1999. This agreement pertains to a smaller geographic area than
that which is covered under the present distribution agreement and is on terms
and conditions different in some respects from those applicable under the
present distribution agreement. The terms as to the prices received by the
Company from Dreyer's purchases of the Company's ice cream products are in line
with the new Agreement the Company entered into with Pillsbury, and are expected
to be more favorable to the Company.
The new agreement with Dreyer's may be terminated by either party on not less
than six months' notice except that no such notice may be given during the
months of October - March in any year. The present agreement gives Dreyer's
certain territorial exclusivity, limits the sale by Dreyer's of competitive
products (Dreyer's brands and certain brands of other ice cream competitors),
and contains provisions for payment by the terminated party in the event of a
change in control of the terminated party, the present agreement, as amended in
January 1999, will remain in place until distribution under the new agreement
with Dreyer's becomes effective as to certain territories in April - May 1999
and as to most of the territories on September 1, 1999.
The litigation filed by Dreyer's against the Company in September 1998
challenging the effective date of the Company's August 31, 1998 notice of
termination of the present agreement with Dreyer's was resolved by stipulation
of dismissal, with prejudice, of that litigation, and without any payments, in
connection with the January 1999 amendment of the present agreement and the
signing of the new agreement with Dreyer's.
While the Company believes that its relationships with Dreyer's and its other
distributors generally have been satisfactory and that these relationships have
been instrumental in the Company's growth, the Company has, at times,
experienced difficulties in maintaining these relationships to its satisfaction.
The Company believes that the recent distribution network redesign will give it
more control over the Company's distribution. However, due to the consolidations
in the distribution arena, available distribution alternatives are limited.
Accordingly, there can be no assurance that such difficulties with distributors,
which may be related to actions by the Company's distributors, which include
competitors of the Company in the marketplace (or their controlling persons),
will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business. Loss of one
or more of the Company's principal distributors or termination of one or more of
the related distribution agreements could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business.
In early 1998 Dreyer's made overtures to Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, the
Company's co-founders, to obtain their support for an offer that Dreyer's would
make to acquire the Company. These overtures were rejected by the co-founders
who stated: "As stockholders, each of us has always been firmly committed to the
view that Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc. should remain an independent company
headquartered in Vermont, in a position to carry out its three-part corporate
mission. Accordingly, neither of us will agree to support or vote for the
transaction with Dreyer's." The new agreement with Dreyer's contains a
standstill provision whereby Dreyer's has agreed, subject to certain exceptions,
not to acquire or seek to acquire Ben & Jerry's or stock in Ben & Jerry's.
Marketing
Ben & Jerry's marketing is characterized by a strategic discipline that
continues to build brand equity, a solid reputation for the Company, and most
importantly, profitable customer relationships.
Ben & Jerry's marketing strategies remain consistent with the Company's
three-part mission. Building on Ben & Jerry's significant brand name
recognition, the Company continues to emphasize the high quality, natural
ingredients in its products while highlighting its non-traditional image in
innovative packaging, sales materials, promotional and radio campaigns.
Ben & Jerry's continues to facilitate brand awareness by focusing its marketing
efforts on communicating the Company's unique business approaches via Public
Relations Campaigns designed to generate unpaid newspaper, magazine, radio and
TV news coverage. Company founders, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, continue to
make personal appearances on TV, radio and at select marketing events covered by
the print and broadcast media.
The media played a significant role in the introduction of the Company's new
products in 1998. Ben & Jerry's April Fool's Day promotion for it's new flavor,
Dilbert's World(TM) Totally Nuts(TM) successfully garnered media exposure and
generated significant consumer interest in the flavor.
Additional media opportunities in 1998 include placement of the Company's
products in popular sitcoms and exclusive national sponsorship of the film, "Man
With A Plan," starring Fred Tuttle - the first independently produced movie from
Vermont ever distributed by the Public Broadcasting Service.
1998 marked the implementation of a new package design for Ben & Jerry's
flavors. The package was restyled to communicate the quality of Ben & Jerry's
products and make them easier to shop, while retaining a sense of fun and humor.
Ben & Jerry's conducts guided tours of its facility in Waterbury, Vermont to
approximately 300,000 visitors annually, making it the single most popular
tourist attraction in the State.
Company-sponsored annual events include the "One World, One Heart" Festival and
the Ben & Jerry's Folk Festival in Newport, Rhode Island. These events are
accompanied by ice cream sampling and social activism, promoting customer
loyalty and support for the Company's future product introductions.
Franchise shops are an integral part of the Company's marketing effort and their
activity on the local level contributes to the Company's three-part mission. The
Company's 1998 reintroduction of the Ben & Jerry's Scoop Truck program in five
key markets provided an opportunity to distribute new product samples while
supporting customer interaction.
Franchise Program
As of December 26, 1998, there were 147 North American Franchise and Satellite
scoop shops compared to 135 Franchise and Satellite scoop shops as of December
27, 1997. In addition to our traditional Franchise and Satellite locations, the
Company has five PartnerShop(R) Franchises and 19 Featuring Franchises. A
PartnerShop(R) Franchise is a franchise scoop shop, which is awarded to a
not-for-profit organization. A Featuring Franchise is a business that has a
scoop shop within its location, much like a store within a store. These scoop
stations are often found in airports, stadiums, college campuses and similar
venues. In the beginning of 1999, the Company began offering another franchise
concept, Scoop Station Franchise. These locations will be located in businesses
and will be serviced from a pre-fabricated unit with a small product offering.
At year-end, there were six company-owned scoop shops: three in Vermont and
three new locations in Paris, France. Internationally, there are nine Ben &
Jerry's franchised scoop shops in Israel; four in Canada; four in the
Netherlands; and one in Lima, Peru.
New scoop shops are opened under existing Development Agreements and under new
Single Store Agreements. Development Agreements require a franchisee to develop
a particular number of units annually according to the terms of their Agreement.
PartnerShop(R) franchises are arrangements that permit not-for-profit
organizations to own franchised scoop shops that serve as an employment resource
and potentially a source of revenue for the not-for-profit groups. The Company
waives the normal franchisee fee of $30,000. In addition the Company provides
expertise in the start-up and operation of the PartnerShop(R).
The Company has assorted franchise concepts that include traditional shops in a
variety of settings, five PartnerShop(R) Featuring Franchises and Scoop Station
Franchises. Franchise Agreements generally have initial terms of five to ten
years and renewal terms. Ben & Jerry's franchise scoop shops sell Ben & Jerry's
ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, private label hot fudge, baked goods and
toppings. The menu items also include coffee, beverages, fruit smoothies, ice
cream cakes, novelties and gift items. The Scoop Station is a limited concept
with a smaller menu offering at a reduced term.
International
The Company regularly investigates the possibilities of entering new markets.
Ben & Jerry's ice cream products are now distributed internationally in the
United Kingdom and Israel and are available in parts of Japan, Ireland, France,
Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, Peru and Lebanon.
In 1992, the Company repurchased the Canadian rights to Ben & Jerry's products
that it had previously licensed in 1987. In May 1998, the Company signed a
non-exclusive licensing agreement with Delicious Alternative Desserts, LTD, to
manufacture, sell and distribute Ben & Jerry's products through the wholesale
distribution channels in Canada for royalty payments based upon a percentage of
the licensee's sales. This agreement is for a five-year period with a renewal
option. In connection with this agreement, the Company received 4,000,000 Common
Shares of Delicious Alternative Desserts, LTD. which represents approximately 8%
of total issued outstanding common shares on a fully diluted basis, and the
right to designate one director.
In 1987, the Company granted an exclusive license to manufacture and sell Ben &
Jerry's ice cream in Israel, and in March 1999, the Company made an investment
in the Israeli licensee, which gave the Company a 60% ownership interest.
In 1997, the Company signed an Importation and Marketing Agreement with one of
the largest food retailers in Japan for sale through Japanese retail stores of
Ben & Jerry's products manufactured in Vermont in a special size. Following a
test market, the product was launched in 1998.
Competition
The super premium ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet business is highly
competitive, with the distinction between the super premium category and the
"adjoining" premium and premium plus categories less marked than in the past.
The Company's principal competitor is The Haagen-Daz Company, Inc. Other
significant frozen dessert competitors are Dannon, Columbo, Healthy Choice and
Starbucks (distributed by Dreyer's). Haagen-Daz, an industry leader in the super
premium ice cream market, is owned by The Pillsbury Company, which in turn is
owned by Diageo (previously known as Grand Metropolitan PLC), a British food and
liquor conglomerate. Diageo is a large, diversified company with resources
significantly greater than the Company's, and Haagen-Daz has a significant share
of the markets that the Company has entered in recent years. Haagen-Daz has also
entered substantially more foreign markets than the Company (including certain
markets in Europe and the Pacific Rim). Haagen-Daz and certain other competitors
also market flavors using pieces of cookies and candies as ingredients. As part
of Ben & Jerry's distribution network redesign, Pillsbury will become a
principal distributor for the Company's products.
In the ice cream novelty segment, the Company competes with several well-known
brands, including Haagen-Daz and Dove Bars, manufactured by a division of Mars,
Inc. Both of these other brands have achieved far larger shares of the novelty
market than the Company.
During 1998, the premium category again experienced increased promotional
activity driven by the national competition between Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream,
Inc., a principal distributor for the Company, and Breyer's Ice Cream (owned by
Unilever, a large international food company). In accordance with Dreyer's
strategic plan to accelerate the sales of their branded premium products
Dreyer's has increased its consumer marketing efforts and continued expansion of
its distribution system into additional U.S. markets. In addition, Dreyer's has
two premium plus products sold under the Starbucks and Portofino brands. There
are a number of other super premium brands, including some regional ice cream
companies and some new entries. Increased competition and the increased consumer
demand for new lower fat, lower cholesterol products like low fat or non-fat
frozen yogurt, low fat ice cream and sorbet, combined with limited shelf space
within supermarkets, may have, in general, made market entry harder and has
already forced some brands out of some markets. The ability to introduce
innovative new flavors and low fat offerings on a periodic basis is also a
significant competitive factor. The Company expects strong competition to
continue, including price/promotional competition and competition for adequate
distribution and limited shelf space within the frozen dessert category in
supermarkets and other food retail outlets.
Seasonality
The ice cream, frozen yogurt and frozen dessert industry generally experiences
the highest volume during the spring and summer months and the lowest volume in
the winter months.
Regulation
The Company is subject to regulation by various governmental agencies, including
the United States Food and Drug Administration and the Vermont Department of
Agriculture. It must also obtain licenses from certain states where Ben &
Jerry's products are sold. The criteria for labeling low fat/low cholesterol and
other health-oriented foods was revised in 1994 and in some respects was made
more stringent by the FDA. The Company, like other companies in the food
industry, made changes in its labeling in response to these regulations and is
in compliance. The Company cannot predict the impact of possible further changes
that it may be required to make in response to legislation, rules or inquiries
made from time to time by governmental agencies. FDA regulations may, in certain
instances, affect the ability of the Company, as well as others in the frozen
desserts industry, to develop and market new products. Nevertheless, the Company
does not believe these legislative and administrative rules and regulations will
have a significant impact on its operations.
In connection with the operation of all its plants, the Company must comply with
the Federal and Vermont environmental laws and regulations relating to air
quality, waste management, and other related land use matters. The Company
maintains wastewater discharge permits for all of its manufacturing locations.
All the plants pre-treat production effluent prior to discharge to the municipal
treatment facility. The Company believes that it is in compliance with all of
the required operational permits relating to environmental regulations.
Trademarks
The marks Ben & Jerry's, Ben and Jerry's Portrait, Chubby Hubby, Chunky Monkey,
Cool Britannia, Dastardly Mash, Hunka Hunka Burnin' Fudge, New York Super Fudge
Chunk, One World One Heart, PartnerShop, Peace Pop and Vermont's Finest are
registered trademarks of the Company.
Cherry Garcia(R), Phish Food(TM), Wavy Gravy, Doonesberry(R), Heath(R), and
Dilbert's World(TM) are Ben & Jerry's proprietary flavor names and are licensed
to the Company.
Employees
At December 26, 1998, Ben & Jerry's employed 751 people including full-time,
part-time and temporary employees. This represents a 2% increase from the 736
people employed by the Company at December 27, 1997.
During 1998, a union organizing effort took place at the Company's St. Albans,
Vermont plant within the Maintenance Department. Nineteen hourly maintenance
employees, by a majority vote, agreed to be represented by the International
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). The Company is currently in contract
negotiations with IBEW.
The Ben & Jerry's Foundation
In 1985, Ben Cohen, co-founder of the Company, contributed a portion of the
equity of the Company which he then owned to The Ben & Jerry's Foundation, Inc.,
a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code,
in order to enable the Foundation to sell such equity in 1985 and invest the net
proceeds (approximately $598,000) in income-producing securities to generate
funds for future charitable grants. The Foundation, with its employee-led
grant-making committee, under supervision of the Foundation's directors,
provides the principal means for carrying out the Company's charitable cash
giving policy across the nation. The Foundation continues to target its grants
to small grassroots social change organizations.
In October 1985, pursuant to stockholder authorization, the Company issued to
the Foundation all of the 900 authorized shares of Class A Preferred Stock. The
Class A Preferred Stock gives the Foundation a special class voting right to act
with respect to certain mergers and other Business Combinations (as defined in
the Company's charter). The issuance of Preferred Stock was designed to
perpetuate the relationship between the Foundation and the Company and to assist
the Company in its determination to remain an independent business headquartered
in Vermont.
Anti-Takeover Effects of Class B Common Stock, Class A Preferred Stock,
Classified Board of Directors, Vermont Legislation and Shareholder Rights Plans.
The holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held
on all matters voted on by stockholders, including the election of directors.
The holders of Class B Common Stock are entitled to ten votes for each share
held in the election of directors and on all other matters. The Class B Common
Stock is generally nontransferable as such, and there is no trading market for
the Class B Common Stock. The Class B Common Stock is freely convertible into
Class A Common Stock on a share-for-share basis and transferable thereafter. A
stockholder who does not wish to complete the prior conversion process may
effect a sale by simply delivering the certificate for such shares of Class B
Common Stock to a broker, properly endorsed. The broker may then present the
certificate to the Company's transfer agent which, if the transfer is otherwise
in good order, will issue to the purchaser a certificate for the number of
shares of Class A Common Stock thereby sold.
The Company has been advised that Mr. Jerry Greenfield (Chairperson and a
director of the Company), Mr. Ben Cohen (Vice-Chairperson and a director of the
Company) and Mr. Jeff Furman (a director and formerly a consultant to the
Company) (collectively, the "Principal Stockholders") presently intend to retain
substantial numbers of shares of Class B Common Stock. As a result of
conversions by "public" stockholders of Class B Common Stock, in order to enable
their sales of such securities, the Class B Common Stock is now held
disproportionately by Company insiders, including the above-named three
directors who are Principal Stockholders. See "Security Ownership of Certain
Beneficial Owners and Management." As of March 5, 1999, these three principal
individual stockholders held shares representing 46% of the aggregate voting
power in elections of directors and various other matters and 17% of the
aggregate common equity outstanding, permitting them, as a practical matter,
generally to decide elections of directors and various other questions submitted
to a vote of the Company's stockholders even though they might sell substantial
portions of their Class A Common Stock.
The Board of Directors, without further stockholder approval, may issue
additional authorized but unissued shares of Class B Common Stock in the future
and sell shares of Class B Common Stock held in the Company's treasury. In 1985,
Ben Cohen, one of the Company's co-founders, contributed a portion of the equity
in the Company, which he then owned, to the Ben & Jerry's Foundation, Inc. The
current directors of the Foundation, Messrs. Greenfield and Furman and Ms.
Bankowski are also directors of the Company. The Class A Preferred Stock gives
the Foundation a class voting right to act with respect to certain Business
Combinations (as defined in the Company's charter). The 1985 issuance of the
Class A Preferred Stock to the Foundation effectively limits the voting rights
that holders of the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, the owners of
virtually all of the equity in the Company, would otherwise have with respect to
Business Combinations (as defined). This may have the effect of limiting such
common stockholders participation in certain transactions such as mergers, other
Business Combinations (as defined) and tender offers, whether or not such
transactions might be favored by such common stockholders.
At the 1997 Annual Meeting the shareholders approved amendments to the Company's
Articles of Association to (a) classify the Board into three classes, as nearly
as equal as possible, so that each director (after a transitional period) will
serve for three years, with one class of directors being elected each year; (b)
provide that directors may be removed only for cause and with the approval of at
least two-thirds of the votes cast on the matter by all of the outstanding
shares of capital stock of the Company entitled to vote generally in the
election of directors; (c) provide that any vacancy resulting from such a
removal may be filled by two-thirds of the directors then in office; and (d)
increase the stockholder vote required to alter, amend, repeal or adopt any
provision inconsistent with these amendments approved by stockholders in 1997 to
at least two-thirds of the votes cast on the matter by all of the outstanding
shares of capital stock of the Company entitled to vote generally in the
elections of directors, voting together.
Also, in April, 1998 the Legislature of the State of Vermont amended a provision
of the Vermont Business Corporation Act to provide that the directors of a
Vermont corporation may also consider, in determining whether an acquisition
offer or other matter is in the best interests of the corporation, the interests
of the corporation's employees, suppliers, creditors and customers, the economy
of the state in which the corporation is located and including the possibility
that the best interests of the corporation may be served by the continued
independence of the corporation. Also, in August, 1998, following approval by
its Board of Directors, the Company put in place two Shareholder Rights Plans,
one pertaining to the Class A Common Stock and one pertaining to the Class B
Common Stock. These Plans are intended to protect stockholders by compelling
someone seeking to acquire the Company to negotiate with the Company's Board of
Directors in order to protect stockholders from unfair takeover tactics and to
assist in the maximization of stockholder value. These Rights Plans, which are
common for public companies in the United States, may also be deemed to be
"anti-takeover" provisions in that the Board of Directors believes that these
Plans will make it difficult for a third party to acquire control of the Company
on terms which are unfair or unfavorable to the stockholders.
The Class B Common Stock, the Class A Preferred Stock, the Classified Board of
Directors and the Shareholder Rights Plans may be deemed to be "anti-takeover"
provisions in that the Board of Directors believes the existence of these
securities and the 1997 amendments to the Articles of Association will make it
difficult for a third party to acquire control of the Company on terms opposed
by the holders of the Class B Common Stock, including primarily the Principal
Stockholders and the Foundation, or for incumbent management and the Board of
Directors to be removed. See also "Risk Factors" in Item 7 of this Report.
The Company believes that these provisions of the Articles of Association, the
amendment to the Vermont Business Corporation Act and the Shareholder Rights
Plans, reduce the possibility that a third party could effect a change,
including a tender offer or a sudden or surprise change in the composition of
the Company's Board of Directors, without the support of the incumbent Board and
accordingly that adoption of these items strengthened Ben & Jerry's ability to
remain an independent, Vermont-based company focused on carrying out its
three-part corporate mission, which Ben & Jerry's believes is in the best
interest of the Company, its stockholders, employees, suppliers, customers and
the Vermont community.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company owns three production facilities. Ben & Jerry's owns a 42.5 acre
site in Waterbury, Vermont on which it operates a 46,000 square-foot plant
producing ice cream and frozen yogurt in packaged pints. The Company owns a
12-acre site in Springfield, Vermont on which it operates a 48,000 square-foot
production facility. The Springfield plant is used for the production of ice
cream novelties, bulk ice cream and frozen yogurt, and at times packaged pints
and quarts.
The Company's property, plant and equipment at its production facilities in
Waterbury are subject to various liens securing a portion of the Company's
long-term debt.
The Company owns a 42-acre site in St. Albans, Vermont on which it operates a
92,000 square foot manufacturing facility.
In 1991, the Company entered into a twenty-five year lease with an option to
purchase 17.1 acres of land in Rockingham, Vermont on which the Company
constructed and operates a 45,000 square-foot central distribution facility.
In February 1996, the Company entered into a ten year lease agreement for
approximately 69,000 square-feet of office and warehousing space in South
Burlington, Vermont where the Company's executive offices and administrative
departments are located.
The Company also leases space for its retail ice cream parlors in Burlington and
Montpelier, Vermont and Paris, France, and its corporate offices in the United
Kingdom, France and Japan. The Company owns three single-family houses, which
are situated on land adjacent to its manufacturing facility in Waterbury.
The Company believes that all of its facilities are well maintained and in good
repair.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is subject to certain litigation and claims in the ordinary course
of business which management believes are not material to the Company's
business.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders of the Company during
the fourth quarter of 1998.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The Company's Class A Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market
System under the symbol BJICA. The following table sets forth for the period
December 29, 1996 through March 5, 1999, the high and low closing sales prices
of the Company's Class A Common Stock for the periods indicated.
High Low
1997
First Quarter $ 14 3/8 $ 10 7/8
Second Quarter 14 1/2 11
Third Quarter 14 1/2 12
Fourth Quarter 18 3/4 12 1/4
1998
First Quarter $ 19 $ 14
Second Quarter 21 1/8 17
Third Quarter 19 7/8 13 1/16
Fourth Quarter 23 7/8 14 7/8
1999
First Quarter through March 5, 1999 $ 24 5/16 $ 21 3/8
The Class B Common Stock is generally non-transferable and there is no trading
market for the Class B Common Stock. However, the Class B Common Stock is freely
convertible into Class A Common Stock on a share-for-share basis, and
transferable thereafter. A stockholder who does not wish to complete the prior
conversion process may effect a sale by simply delivering the certificate for
such shares of Class B Stock to a broker, properly endorsed. The broker may then
present the certificate to the Company's transfer agent which, if the transfer
is otherwise in good order, will issue to the purchaser a certificate for the
number of shares of Class A Common Stock thereby sold.
As of March 5, 1999 there were 10,202 holders of record of the Company's Class A
Common Stock and 2,025 holders of record of the Company's Class B Common Stock.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The following table contains selected financial information for the Company's
fiscal years 1994 through 1998.
Summary of Operations (In thousands except per share data)
[Enlarge/Download Table]
Fiscal Year
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
--------- --------- --------- --------- ------
Net sales $209,203 $ 174,206 $ 167,155 $ 155,333 $ 148,802
Cost of sales 136,225 114,284 115,212 109,125 109,760
Gross profit 72,978 59,922 51,943 46,208 39,042
Selling, general & administrative expenses 63,895 53,520 45,531 36,362 36,253
Asset write-down(1) 6,799
Other income (expense) - net 693 (118) (77) (441) 228
Income before income taxes 9,776 6,284 6,335 9,405 (3,762)
Income taxes 3,534 2,388 2,409 3,457 (1,893)
Net income 6,242 3,896 3,926 5,948 (1,869)
Net income (loss) per share -diluted $ 0.84 $ 0.53 $ 0.54 $ 0.82 $(0.26)
Shares outstanding -diluted 7,463 7,334 7,230 7,222 7,148
Balance Sheet Data:
Fiscal Year
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
--------- --------- --------- --------- ------
Working capital $ 48,381 $ 51,412 $ 50,055 $ 51,023 $ 37,456
Total assets 149,501 146,471 136,665 131,074 120,296
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations 20,491 25,676 31,087 31,977 32,419
Stockholders' equity(2) 90,908 86,919 82,685 78,531 72,502
1 Write-down of assets - In 1994, the Company replaced certain of the software
and equipment installed at the plant in St Albans, Vermont. The loss from the
write-down of the related assets included a portion of the previously
capitalized interest and project management costs.
2 No cash dividends have been declared or paid by the Company on its capital
stock since the Company's organization. The Company intends to reinvest earnings
for use in its business and to finance future growth. Accordingly, the Board of
Directors does not anticipate declaring any cash dividends in the foreseeable
future.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations
Results of Operations
The following table shows certain items as a percentage of net sales, which are
included in the Company's Statement of Operations.
[Enlarge/Download Table]
Annual Increase (Decrease)
Percentage of Net Sales 1998 1997 1996
Fiscal Year Compared Compared Compared
1998 1997 1996 To 1997 To 1996 To 1995
---- ---- ---- ------- ------- -------
Net sales 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 20.1% 4.2% 7.6%
Cost of sales 65.1 65.6 68.9 19.2 (0.8) 5.6
----- ------ ------ ------ ----- ---
Gross profit 34.9 34.4 31.1 21.8 15.4 12.4
Selling, general and
administrative expense 30.5 30.7 27.2 19.4 17.5 25.2
Other income(expense) 0.3 (0.1) 0.1 687.3 53.2 (82.5)
----- ------- ----- ----- ---- ------
Income before income taxes
4.7 3.6 3.8 55.6 (0.8) (32.6)
Income taxes 1.7 1.4 1.5 48.0 (0.9) (30.3)
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------
Net income 3.0% 2.2% 2.3% 60.2% (0.8)% (34.0)%
===== ===== ===== ====== ====== ======
Net Sales
Net sales in 1998 increased 20.1% to $209 million from $174 million in 1997.
Domestic pint volume increased 10% compared to 1997, which was primarily
attributable to the Company's original line of products. This volume increase
was combined with a price increase of 3% on pints sold to distributors that went
into effect in July 1998. Unit volume of 2 1/2 gallon bulk container products
increased 17% compared to the same period in 1997. Also contributing to the
increase in sales for 1998 was the launch of the Company's new single serve
products in Japan and the introduction of a new line of premium plus ice cream,
Newman's Own(TM) All Natural Ice Cream, manufactured and sold under a license
agreement with Paul Newman and Newman's Own(TM).
Packaged sales (primarily pints) represented approximately 81% of total net
sales in 1998, 84% of total net sales in 1997 and 85% of total net sales in
1996. Net sales of 2 1/2 gallon bulk containers represented approximately 8% of
total net sales in 1998 and 1997 and 7% of total net sales in 1996. Net sales of
novelties accounted for approximately 9% of total net sales in 1998 and 6% of
total net sales in 1997 and 1996. Net sales from the Company's retail stores
represented 2% of total net sales in 1998, 1997 and 1996.
International sales were $17.4, $7.6, and $6.9 million in 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively, which represents 8% of net sales in 1998, 4% in 1997 and 4% in
1996. The increase in 1998 was primarily due to the introduction of single serve
products in Japan and higher sales to Canada.
Net sales in 1997 increased 4% to $174 million from $167 million in 1996
primarily due to price increases of approximately 3% for pints that went into
effect in August 1996 and April 1997. Pint volume increased 0.7% compared to
1996. Net sales of 2 1/2 gallon bulk containers had a modest increase in 1997.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales in 1998 increased approximately $22 million or 19% over the same
period in 1997 and overall gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased
from 34.4% in 1997 to 34.9% in 1998. The slightly higher gross profit margin
primarily resulted from increases in selling prices effective in January 1998
and July 1998, better plant utilization due to higher production volumes and a
decrease in reserves for potential product obsolescence, partially offset by
substantial increases in dairy commodity costs.
The Company experienced significant increases in dairy prices in 1998 compared
to 1997 levels. In response to higher dairy costs, the Company instituted a 3%
price increase effective in July 1998 for its packaged pint products and a
combined 10% price increase for its 2 1/2 gallon bulk containers effective in
January 1998 and July 1998 to offset these increased costs. If dairy commodity
prices begin to rise again to higher levels, there is the possibility that these
costs will not be passed on to customers, which will negatively impact future
gross profit margins. See Risk Factors in Item 7.
In 1997, cost of sales decreased approximately $900,000 or 0.8% over 1996 and
overall gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased from 31.1% in 1996
to 34.4% in 1997. The higher gross profit as a percentage of net sales in 1997
was a result of higher selling prices instituted in August 1996 and April 1997,
improved operating efficiencies and decreases in certain raw material commodity
prices. The Company experienced a modest decrease in dairy commodity prices
during 1997 compared to 1996. Dairy costs started to increase in the summer and
fall of 1996 and continued into the first half of 1997. In response to higher
dairy commodity costs, the Company instituted a price increase of approximately
3% for its packaged pint products effective April 1997. Though dairy commodity
prices were lower in the third quarter of 1997 as compared to the comparable
quarter in the prior year, they began to escalate in the latter half of the
fourth quarter.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 19% to $64 million in
1998 from $54 million in 1997 and decreased slightly as a percentage of net
sales to 30.5% in 1998 from 30.7% in 1997. The $10 million increase in expenses
is attributable to increased sales and marketing expenses to support the launch
of a new line of premium plus ice cream under the name of Newman's Own(TM) All
Natural Ice Cream , increased international costs, increases in radio
advertising, in-store programs to drive product trial and brand awareness, scoop
truck marketing and the rollout of the new pint package design.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 17% to $54 million in
1997 from $46 million in 1996 and increased as a percentage of net sales to
30.7% in 1997 from 27.2% in 1996. This increase primarily reflects increased
marketing and sales expenses and includes national radio advertising and
increased trade promotions to support the Company's brand both domestically and
in Europe.
Other Income (Expense)
Interest income increased from $1.9 million in 1997 to $2.2 million in 1998. The
increase in interest income was due to higher average invested balance
throughout 1998. Interest expense in 1998 decreased $104,000 in 1998 as compared
to 1997 due to the $5 million Senior Notes principal installment payment. Other
income (expense) increased in 1998 from other expense of $118,000 in 1997 to
other income of $693,000 in 1998. This is primarily due to increased losses
associated with foreign currency exchange in comparison to 1997 combined with
income received from the Company's cost basis investment.
Interest income increased from $1.7 million in 1996 to $1.9 million in 1997. The
increase in interest income was due to a higher average invested balance
throughout 1997. Interest expense in 1997 remained level with 1996. Other income
(expense) decreased in 1997 from other income of $243,000 in the prior year to
other expense of $64,000 in 1997. This is primarily due to the receipt of
insurance settlement proceeds.
Income Taxes
The Company's effective income tax rate in 1998 decreased to 36% from 38% in
1997 and 1996. The decrease was a result of lower state income taxes, more
tax-exempt interest income, and the overall geographic mix of earnings.
Management expects 1999's effective income tax rate to decrease to approximately
35% based upon the expected geographic mix of earnings.
Net Income
Net income for 1998 increased to $6.2 million compared to $3.9 million in 1997.
Net income as a percentage of net sales was 2.9% in 1998 as compared to 2.2% in
1997 and 2.3% in 1996.
Seasonality
The Company typically experiences more demand for its products during the summer
than during the winter.
Inflation
Inflation has not had a material effect on the Company's business to date, with
the exception of dairy raw material commodity costs. See the Risk Factors below.
Management believes that the effects of inflation and changing prices were
successfully managed in 1998, with both margins and earnings being protected
through a combination of pricing adjustments, cost control programs and
productivity gains.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 26, 1998 the Company had $47.2 million of cash, cash equivalents
and marketable securities ($25.1 million of cash and cash equivalents and $22.1
million of marketable securities), a $570,000 decrease since December 27, 1997.
Net cash provided by operations in 1998 was $16.1 million of which approximately
$8.8 million was used for net additions to property, plant and equipment,
primarily for improvements at the Company's manufacturing facilities, the build
out of three Company owned scoop shops in France and fit-up costs for a chain of
cinemas in the United Kingdom. In addition, $3.1 million cash was used to
repurchase shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock and $5.3 million was
used to pay down debt and capital leases.
From December 27, 1997 to December 26, 1998 inventories and the sum of accounts
payable and accrued expenses have increased $2 million and $5 million,
respectively. These increases reflect the growth in the Company's business and
increased sales and marketing expenses.
The Company anticipates capital expenditures in 1999 of approximately $9 million
plus $1 million for its acquisition of 60% of its licensee in Israel during
1999. Most of these projected capital expenditures relate to equipment upgrades
and enhancements at the Company's manufacturing facilities, research and
development equipment, computer related expenditures and corporate space
expansion.
During the year ended December 26, 1998 the Company repurchased a total of
166,500 shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock for approximately $3.1
million. Pursuant to the repurchase program announced May 8, 1997, 122,500
shares were purchased for use in connection with stock option awards under the
1995 Equity Incentive Plan. These transactions, together with earlier
repurchases of 77,500 shares in 1997, complete the repurchase of the 200,000
shares authorized under this program. An additional 44,000 shares were purchased
through December 26, 1998 for approximately $733,000 under a repurchase program
announced in September 1998 authorizing the Company to purchase shares of the
Company's Class A Common Stock up to an aggregate cost of $5 million for use for
general corporate purposes. Subsequent to December 26, 1998 and through March 5,
1999 the Company repurchased an additional 68,000 shares under this program for
approximately $1.5 million.
The Company's short and long-term debt at December 26, 1998 includes $25 million
aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes issued in 1993 and 1994. The first
principal payment of $5 million was paid in September 1998 and the remainder of
principal is payable in annual installments through 2003.
The Company has available two $10,000,000 unsecured working capital line of
credit agreements with two banks. Interest on borrowings under the agreements is
set at the banks' base rate or at LIBOR plus a margin based on a pre-determined
formula. No amounts were borrowed under these or any bank agreements during
1998. The working capital line of credit agreements expire December 23, 2001.
Management believes that internally generated funds, cash, cash equivalents and
marketable securities and equipment lease financing and/or borrowings under the
Company's two unsecured bank lines of credit will be adequate to meet
anticipated operating and capital requirements.
Year 2000 Readiness Disclosure
Background of Year 2000 Issues. The "Year 2000" issue is the result of computer
systems and software programs using two rather than four digits to define a
year. As a result, computer systems that have date sensitive software may
recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000. Unless
remedied, the Year 2000 issue could result in system failures, miscalculations,
and the inability to process necessary transactions or engage in similar normal
business activities. In addition to computer systems and software, equipment
using embedded chips, such as manufacturing and telephone equipment, could also
be at risk.
State of Readiness. The Company has developed, and is implementing a Year 2000
plan to address Year 2000 issues. The plan focuses on the following three broad
categories: (a) information technology systems; (b) manufacturing facilities
including embedded technology; and (c) external noncompliance by customers,
distributors, suppliers and other business partners.
The Company has substantially completed the inventory and assessment of the core
software applications and hardware infrastructure. The Company has identified
and is in various stages of remediating software and hardware deficiencies
caused by the Year 2000 issue. The financial, human resources, manufacturing and
distribution systems are currently being repaired; testing and validation of
these systems are scheduled during the second quarter of 1999. The Company's
networking equipment is not compliant and is scheduled to undergo renovation and
testing during the second quarter of 1999 as well.
While the Company is continuing detailed assessment of its manufacturing
facilities and embedded chip technology, it has not identified any problems thus
far that would have a material impact upon operations. The assessment phase for
the manufacturing facilities is expected to be completed in April 1999. At the
same time, the Company is testing and remediating certain equipment and software
systems known to have possible Year 2000 issues and is expected to complete this
phase during the second quarter of 1999.
A critical step in this project is the coordination of Year 2000 readiness with
third parties. The Company is communicating with its significant suppliers,
distributors and customers to determine the extent to which the Company is
vulnerable if the third parties fail to resolve their Year 2000 issues. The
Company will continue to assess and work with all of its major partners to
understand the associated risks and plan for contingencies.
Risks Related to Year 2000 Issues. The Company presently believes that the Year
2000 issue will not pose significant operational problems and that the internal
Year 2000 issues will be resolved in a timely manner. However, the future
compliance of Year 2000 processing within the Company is dependent upon key
personnel, vendor software, vendor equipment and components. In the unlikely
event that no further progress is made on the Company's year 2000 project, the
Company may be unable to manufacture or ship product, invoice customers or
collect payments. As a result, Year 2000 issues could have a material adverse
impact on the Company's operations and its financial results. In addition, if
systems operated by third parties (including municipalities or utilities) are
not Year 2000 compliant, this could also have a material adverse affect on the
Company.
Costs to Address Year 2000 Issues. The Company does not separately track the
internal costs incurred for the Year 2000 project, which are primarily the
related payroll costs for its information systems ("IS") group. There have been
no incremental payroll costs related to the Year 2000 project, however
non-critical IS projects have been deferred due to concentration on Year 2000
efforts. The delay of these projects is not expected to have a material impact
on the operations of the Company.
The external costs for software; hardware, equipment and services related to the
Year 2000 project are expected to be approximately $1.2 million. The Company
will expense the costs of modifying existing systems and capitalize the
replacement cost of software or equipment that is not Year 2000 compliant. There
can be no guarantee, however, that the systems of other entities which the
Company relies upon will be converted on a timely basis or that any failure to
convert by another entity would not have an adverse effect on the Company's
systems and operations.
Contingency Plans. Due to the general uncertainty inherent in the Year 2000
problem, including uncertainty regarding the Year 2000 readiness of suppliers,
distributors and other manufacturers, the Company is developing contingency
plans. This process includes, among others, developing backup procedures in case
of systems failures, identifying alternative production plans and developing
alternative plans to engage in business activities with customers, distributors
and suppliers that are not experiencing Year 2000 problems.
The above forward looking statements with regard to the timing and overall cost
estimates of the Company's efforts to address the Year 2000 problem are based
upon the Company's experience thus far in this effort. Should the Company
encounter unforeseen difficulties either in the continuing review of its
internal systems, the ultimate remediation, or the responses of its business
partners, the actual results could vary significantly from the estimates in
these forward-looking statements.
Forward-Looking Statements
This section, as well as other portions of this document, includes certain
forward-looking statements about the Company's business, new products, sales,
dairy prices, other expenditures and cost savings, Year 2000 program costs,
effective tax rate, operating and capital requirements and refinancing. Any such
statements are subject to risks that could cause the actual results or needs to
vary materially. These risks are discussed below.
Risk Factors
Dependence on Independent Ice Cream Distributors. Historically, the Company has
been dependent on maintaining satisfactory relationships with Dreyer's Grand Ice
Cream, Inc. ("Dreyer's") and the other independent ice cream distributors that
have acted as the Company's exclusive or master distributor in their assigned
territories. In 1998, Dreyer's distributed significantly more than a majority of
the sales of Ben & Jerry's products. While the Company believes its
relationships with Dreyer's and its other distributors generally have been
satisfactory and have been instrumental in the Company's growth, the Company has
at times experienced difficulty in maintaining such relationships to its
satisfaction. In addition, in early 1998 Dreyer's made overtures to Ben Cohen
and Jerry Greenfield, the Company's co-founders, to obtain their support for an
offer that Dreyer's would make to acquire the Company. The co-founders rejected
these overtures.
In August 1998 - January 1999, the Company redesigned its distribution network,
entering into a distribution agreement with The Pillsbury Company ("Pillsbury")
and a new agreement with Dreyer's. These arrangements take effect September 1,
1999, except for certain territories, which are effective, in April - May 1999.
The Company believes the terms of the new arrangements will, on balance, be more
favorable to its Company and expects that, under the distribution network
redesign, no one distributor will account for more than 40% of the Company's net
sales. However, both Pillsbury, through its Haagen-Daz unit, and Dreyer's are
competitors of the Company.
Since available distribution alternatives are limited, there can be no assurance
that difficulties in maintaining satisfactory relationships with Pillsbury,
Dreyer's and its other distributors, some of which are also competitors of the
Company, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business. (See
"Business-Markets and Customers")
Growth in Sales and Earnings. In 1998, net sales of the Company increased 20.1%
to $209 million from $174 million in 1997. Pint volume increased 10.2% compared
to 1997. The super premium ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet industry category
sales increased 4% in 1998 as compared to 1997. Given these overall domestic
super premium industry trends, the successful introduction of innovative flavors
on a periodic basis has become increasingly important to sales growth by the
Company. Accordingly, the future degree of market acceptance of any of the
Company's new products, which will be accompanied by significant promotional
expenditures, is likely to have an important impact on the Company's 1999 and
future financial results. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Conditions and Results of Operations."
Competitive Environment. The super premium frozen dessert market is highly
competitive with the distinctions between the super premium category, and the
"adjoining" premium and premium plus categories less marked than in the past. As
noted above, the ability to successfully introduce innovative flavors on a
periodic basis that are accepted by the marketplace is a significant competitive
factor. In addition, the Company's principal competitors are large, diversified
companies with resources significantly greater than the Company's, two of which
are distributors for the Company. The Company expects strong competition to
continue, including competition for adequate distribution and competition for
the limited shelf space for the frozen dessert category in supermarkets and
other retail food outlets. See "Business Competition" and "Business The Super
Premium Frozen Dessert Market."
Increased Cost of Raw Materials. Management believes that the general trend of
increased dairy ingredient commodity costs may continue and it is possible that
at some future date both gross margins and earnings may not be adequately
protected by pricing adjustments, cost control programs and productivity gains.
Reliance on a Limited Number of Key Personnel. The success of the Company is
significantly dependent on the services of Perry Odak, the Chief Executive
Officer, and a limited number of executive managers working under Mr. Odak, as
well as certain continued services of Jerry Greenfield the Chairperson of the
Board and co-founder of the Company; and Ben Cohen, Vice Chairperson and
co-founder of the Company. Loss of the services of any of these persons could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's business. See "Directors and
Executive Officers of the Company."
The Company's Social Mission. The Company's basic business philosophy is
embodied in a three-part "mission statement," which includes a "social mission"
to "operate the Company in a way that actively recognizes the central role that
business plays in the structure of society by initiating innovative ways to
improve the quality of life of a broad community: local, national and
international. Underlying the mission of Ben & Jerry's is the determination to
seek new and creative ways of addressing all three parts, while holding a deep
respect for individuals inside and outside the Company and for the communities
of which they are a part." The Company believes that implementation of its
social mission, which is being more integrated into the Company's business, has
been beneficial to the Company's overall financial performance. However, it is
possible that at some future date the amount of the Company's energies and
resources devoted to its social mission could have some material adverse
financial effect. See "Business-Introduction" and "Business-Marketing."
International. Total international net sales represented approximately 8% of
total consolidated net sales in 1998. The Company's principal competitors have
substantial market shares in various countries outside the United States,
principally Europe and Japan. The Company sells product in Japan, Canada, the
United Kingdom, Ireland, France, the Netherlands, Belgium and will start selling
in Peru and Lebanon in 1999. In 1987, the Company granted an exclusive license
to manufacture and sell Ben & Jerry's products in Israel. In February 1999, the
Company made an investment commitment in the Israeli licensee, which gave the
Company a 60% ownership interest. In May 1998, the Company signed a Licensing
Agreement with Delicious Alternative Desserts, LTD. to manufacture, sell and
distribute Ben & Jerry's products through the wholesale distribution channels in
Canada. The Company is investigating the possibility of further international
expansion. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will be
successful in entering (directly or indirectly through licensing), on a
long-term profitable basis, such international markets as it selects.
Control of the Company. The Company has two classes of common stock - the Class
A Common Stock, entitled to one vote per share, and the Class B Common Stock
(authorized in 1987), entitled, except to the extent otherwise provided by law,
to ten votes per share. Ben Cohen, Jerry Greenfield and Jeffrey Furman
(collectively the "Principal Stockholders") hold shares representing 46% of the
aggregate voting power in elections for directors, permitting them as a
practical matter to elect all members of the Board of Directors and thereby
effectively control the business, policies and management of the Company.
Because of their significant holdings of Class B Common Stock, the Principal
Stockholders may continue to exercise this control even if they sell substantial
portions of their Class A Common Stock. See "Security Ownership of Certain
Beneficial Owners and Management."
In addition, the Company issued all of the authorized Class A Preferred Stock to
the Foundation in 1985. All current directors of the Foundation are directors of
the Company. The Class A Preferred Stock gives the Foundation a class voting
right to act with respect to certain Business Combinations (as defined in the
Company's charter) and significantly limits the voting rights that holders of
the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, the owners of virtually all
of the equity in the Company, would otherwise have with respect to such Business
Combinations. See "Business The Ben & Jerry's Foundation."
Also, in April, 1998 the Legislature of the State of Vermont amended a provision
of the Vermont Business Corporation Act to provide that the directors of a
Vermont corporation may also consider, in determining whether an acquisition
offer or other matter is in the best interests of the corporation, the interests
of the corporation's employees, suppliers, creditors and customers, the economy
of the state in which the corporation is located and including the possibility
that the best interests of the corporation may be served by the continued
independence of the corporation. Also in August, 1998, following approval by its
Board of Directors, the Company put in place two Shareholder Rights Plans, one
pertaining to the Class A Common Stock and one pertaining to the Class B Common
Stock. These Plans are intended to protect stockholders by compelling someone
seeking to acquire the Company to negotiate with the Company's Board of
Directors in order to protect stockholders from unfair takeover tactics and to
assist in the maximization of stockholder value. These Rights Plans, which are
common for public companies in the United States, may also be deemed to be
"anti-takeover" provisions in that the Board of Directors believes that these
Plans will make it difficult for a third party to acquire control of the Company
on terms which are unfair or unfavorable to the stockholders.
While the Board of Directors believes that the Class B Common Stock and the
Class A Preferred Stock are important elements in keeping Ben & Jerry's an
independent, Vermont-based business focused on its three-part corporate mission,
the Class B Common Stock and the Class A Preferred Stock may be deemed to be
"anti-takeover" provisions in that the Board of Directors believes the existence
of these securities will make it difficult for a third party to acquire control
of the Company on terms opposed by the holders of the Class B Common Stock,
including primarily the Principal Stockholders, or The Foundation, or for
incumbent management and the Board of Directors to be removed. In addition, the
1997 amendments to the Company's Articles of Association to classify the Board
of Directors and to add certain other related provisions; the April 1998 Vermont
Legislative Amendment of the Vermont Business Corporation Act and the
Shareholder Rights Plans put in place in August, 1998 (see "Anti-Takeover
Effects of Class B Common Stock, Class A Common Stock, Class A Preferred Stock,
Classified Board of Directors, Vermont Legislation and Shareholder Rights Plans"
in Item 1) may be deemed to be "anti-takeover" provisions in that the Board of
Directors believes that these amendments and legislation will make it difficult
for a third party to acquire control of the Company on terms opposed by the
holders of the Class B Common Stock, including primarily the Principal
Stockholders and the Foundation, or for incumbent management and the Board of
Directors to be removed.
Item 7A. Market Risk
The Company is exposed to a variety of market risks, including changes in
interest rates affecting the return on its investments and foreign currency
fluctuations. The Company's exposure to market risk for a change in interest
rates relates primarily to the Company's investment portfolio. The Company has
classified all of its short-term and long-term investments as "available for
sale" except for certificates of deposits which are held to maturity. The
majority of these investments are municipal bonds and fixed income preferred
stock in which the market value approximates its cost at December 26, 1998. The
Company does not intend to hold such investments to maturity if there is an
underlying change in interest rates or the Company's cash flow requirements.
Certificates of deposits do not expose the consolidated statement of operations
or balance sheets to fluctuations in interest rates. The Company's exposure to
market risk for fluctuations in foreign currency relate primarily to the amounts
due from subsidiaries. Exchange gains and losses related to amounts due from
subsidiaries have not been material for each of the years presented.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The response to this is in Item 14(a) of this Report.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure
Not applicable.
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Company
Directors and Executive Officers
The directors and executive officers of the Company are as follows:
Name Age Office
----------------------- ------ -------------------------
Jerry Greenfield 47 Chairperson and Director
Ben Cohen 47 Vice Chairperson and Director
Perry Odak 53 Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
Elizabeth Bankowski 51 Director and Director of Social Mission
Pierre Ferrari 48 Director
Jeffrey Furman 55 Director
Jennifer Henderson 45 Director
Frederick A. Miller 52 Director
Henry Morgan 73 Director
Lawrence Benders 42 Chief Marketing Officer
Bruce Bowman 46 Senior Director of Operations
Charles Green 44 Senior Director Sales and Distribution
Angelo Pezzani 57 Senior Director of Business Development
Frances Rathke 38 Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee on which Directors Ferrari, Furman
and Morgan (Chairperson) serve; a Compensation Committee on which Directors
Miller, Morgan and Henderson, (Chairperson) serve; a Social Mission/Workculture
Committee on which Directors Bankowski, Furman, Henderson and Miller
(Chairperson) serve; an Executive Committee on which Directors Cohen, Miller,
Morgan, Odak and Ferrari serve; and a Nominating Committee on which Directors
Ferrari, Greenfield, Henderson, Odak and Cohen (Chairperson) serve.
Elizabeth Bankowski has served as Director of Social Mission Development since
December 1991. Ms. Bankowski has been a director of the Company since 1990.
Additionally, Ms. Bankowski is Secretary and a director of The Ben & Jerry's
Foundation, Inc.
Ben Cohen, a founder of the Company, served as Chairperson of the Board of
Directors from February 1989 through November 1998. Mr. Cohen currently serves
as Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors. From January 1, 1991 through
January 29, 1995 he was the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Cohen
has been a director of the Company since 1977. Mr. Cohen is a director of Blue
Fish Clothing, Inc., Community Products, Inc., Social Venture Network and
GreenPeace International. In 1997, Community Products Inc. filed for protection
under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.
Pierre Ferrari has served as a director of the Company since June 1997. In 1997
Mr. Ferrari became President of Lang International, a marketing consulting firm.
From 1994 to 1997 Mr. Ferrari was the Special Assistant to the President and CEO
of Care, the World's largest private relief and development agency. Prior to
1994, Mr. Ferrari held various senior level marketing positions at The Coca-Cola
Company.
Jeffrey Furman has served as a director of the Company since 1982. Mr. Furman is
Treasurer and director of The Ben & Jerry's Foundation, Inc. Currently, Mr.
Furman is a self-employed consultant. From March 1991 through December 1996, Mr.
Furman was a consultant to the Company.
Jerry Greenfield, a founder of the Company, served as director and Vice
Chairperson of the Board of Directors from 1990 to November 1998 at which time
he was elected Chairperson of the Board of Directors. Mr. Greenfield is also
President and a director of The Ben & Jerry's Foundation, Inc.
Jennifer Henderson has served as a director of the Company since June 1996. Ms.
Henderson is director of Training at the Center for Community Change in
Washington, DC and President of Strategic Interventions, Inc., a leadership and
management consulting firm.
Frederick A. Miller has served as a director of the Company since 1992. Since
1985 Mr. Miller has served as President of the Kaleel Jamison Consulting Group,
Inc., a strategic culture change and management consulting firm.
Henry Morgan has served as a director of the Company since 1987. Mr. Morgan is
retired Dean Emeritus of Boston University School of Management. Mr. Morgan
serves on the Board of Directors of Cambridge Bancorporation, Southern
Development Bancorporation and Cleveland Development Bancorporation.
Perry D. Odak has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company since
December 31, 1996, as director of the Company since January 1997, and as Chief
Executive Officer and President since June 1997. From 1990 to 1996, Mr. Odak was
a principal in Odak, Pezzani & Company, a private management consulting firm.
From 1994 to 1995, Mr. Odak was Chief Executive Officer of Graham Packaging.
Other Key Executives
Lawrence E. Benders joined the Company in October 1997 as Chief Marketing
Officer. Prior to joining the Company Mr. Benders was Vice President of
International Marketing at Coors Brewing Company. From 1994 until 1996 Mr.
Benders was a marketing executive with Nabisco Foods Group. From 1993 until
1994, Mr. Benders was a Division Manager for American Telephone and Telegraph.
Prior to 1993, Mr. Benders was a marketing executive with Johnson & Johnson.
Bruce Bowman has served as Senior Director of Operations since August 1995.
Prior to joining the Company Mr. Bowman was Senior Vice President of Operations
at Tom's Foods, Inc., a food manufacturing company (April 1991 to August 1995).
Richard Doran joined the Company in 1997 as Senior Director of Human Resources.
From 1987 until joining the Company Mr. Doran was a management consultant and
Vice President for the Kaleel Jamison Consulting Group, a strategic culture
change and management consulting firm.
Charles Green joined the Company in October of 1996 as Senior Director of Sales
and Distribution. From 1993 to 1996 Mr. Green was General Manager of Dari-Farms,
the distributor of Ben & Jerry's products in the Massachusetts and Connecticut
areas. From 1991 to 1993, Mr. Green was Vice President of Sales for HP Hood.
Angelo Pezzani joined the Company in January 1998 as Senior Director of Business
Development. From 1995 to 1996, Mr. Pezzani was Executive Vice President of Sony
Interactive Entertainment. From 1989 to 1995, Mr. Pezzani was a principal of
Odak, Pezzani & Company, a private management consulting company.
Frances Rathke has served as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer
and Secretary of the Company since April 1990.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth the cash compensation paid by the Company in
Fiscal Years 1996 - 1998 as well as certain other compensation paid, awarded or
accrued for those years to the Company's Chief Executive Officer and the other
four highest-paid executive officers during the 1998 fiscal year. Perry Odak
became the Chief Executive Officer on January 1, 1997.
[Enlarge/Download Table]
Annual Compensation Awards Long-Term Compensation Pay-outs
------------------- --------- -------------------------------
Other Securities
Annual Restricted Underlying All Other
Name and Bonus Compen- Stock Options/ LTIP Compensation
Principal Position Year Salary (1) sation Awards SARS Pay-outs (2)
------------------------------ ---- -------- --------- -------- ------- --------- ---------- ------------
Perry D. Odak 1998 $305,769 $150,000 $ 7,750
CEO, President and 1997 $300,000 $100,000 360,000 $25,000
Director 1996 $ -- $ -- $ --
Bruce Bowman 1998 $211,692 $ 75,000 $ 6,964
Senior Director of 1997 $200,000 $ 50,000 27,000 $ 4,131
Operations 1996 $169,231 $ 20,000 10,000 $ 1,099
Lawrence E. Benders 1998 $229,327 $ 40,000 $ 52
Chief Marketing Officer 1997 $ 38,942 $ 5,000 52,000 $ --
1996 $ -- $ -- $ --
Charles Green 1998 $182,885 $ 75,000 $ 5,755
Senior Director of 1997 $162,596 $ 40,000 45,000 $ --
Sales & Distribution 1996 $ 24,231 $ -- 5,000 $ --
Angelo Pezzani 1998 $254,808 $ 75,000 30,000 $ 4,327
Senior Director of 1997 $208,332 $ -- 52,000 $ --
Business Development 1996 $ -- $ -- $ --
(1) "Bonus" includes 1998 discretionary distributions under the Company's Management Incentive Program.
(2) "All Other Compensation" includes Company contributions to 401(k) plans and relocation fees.
Option/SAR Grants in Fiscal 1998
[Enlarge/Download Table]
Percentage
of Total Potential Realizable Value
Options/SARS Exercise or at Assumed Annual Rates
Options/SARS Granted to Base Price Expiration of Stock Price Appreciation
Name Granted Employees in 1998 (per share) Date for Option Term
---- ------------ ----------------- ----------- ---------- --------------------------
5% 10%
-------- --------
Angelo Pezzani 30,000 70.6% $19.25 7/28/08 $363,187 $920,386
Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises in 1998 and 1998 Year-End Option/SAR Values
[Enlarge/Download Table]
Value of Unexercised
Number of Unexercised In-the-money Options/SARS
Options/SARS at 12/26/98 at 12/26/98
Shares ------------------------ --------------------------
Acquired on
Name Exercise (#) Value Realized Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
------------- ----------- -------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
Perry D. Odak 0 0 140,000 220,000 $1,626,800 $2,556,400
Bruce Bowman 0 0 24,125 37,875 $ 162,656 $ 258,514
Charles Green 0 0 19,375 30,625 $ 170,594 $ 267,456
Lawrence Benders 0 0 16,250 35,750 $ 160,388 $ 352,853
Angelo Pezzani 0 0 19,250 62,750 $ 132,243 $ 412,978
Effective January 1, 1998, Directors who are not employees or full-time
consultants of the Company receive an annual retainer fee of $18,000, in
addition to a $1,000 per board meeting attendance fee, and reimbursement of
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.
The Company adopted the 1995 Non-Employee Directors Plan for Stock in Lieu of
Directors Cash Retainer under which directors may elect to be paid, in lieu of
the annual cash retainer, shares of common stock having a fair market value (as
of the date of payment) equal to the amount of such annual retainer. Four
non-employee directors each made an election under the Plan and received 941
shares of stock for the period July 1, 1998 through June of 1999 under the Plan.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The following table sets forth certain information as of March 5, 1999 with
respect to the beneficial ownership of the outstanding shares of Class A Common
Stock, Class B Common Stock and Class A Preferred Stock by (i) all persons
owning of record, or beneficially to the knowledge of the Company, more than
five percent of the outstanding shares of any class, (ii) each director and
executive officer of the Company individually, (iii) all directors and officers
of the Company as a group, and (iv) The Ben & Jerry's Foundation, Inc. The
mailing address of each of the persons shown and of the Foundation is c/o Ben &
Jerry's Homemade, Inc., 30 Community Drive, South Burlington, Vermont
05403-6828.
[Enlarge/Download Table]
Amount of Beneficial Ownership
Class A Common Stock Class B Common Stock Preferred Stock
-------------------- -------------------- ---------------
% Outstanding % Outstanding % Outstanding
Name # Shares shares (1) # Shares Shares (2) # Shares Shares
---- -------- ------------- -------- ------------ -------- ------------
Ben Cohen (3) 447,373 7.2% 488,486 59.6% -- --
Jeffrey Furman (4)(5) 17,000 * 30,300 3.7% -- --
Jerry Greenfield (4) 130,000 2.1% 90,000 11.0% -- --
Perry Odak (6) 213,250 3.4% -- -- -- --
Elizabeth Bankowski (4) 28,766 * -- -- -- --
Pierre Ferrari 6,377 * -- -- -- --
Jennifer Henderson 524 * -- -- -- --
Frederick A. Miller 3,101 * -- -- -- --
Henry Morgan 5,101 * -- -- -- --
Lawrence E. Benders 18,417 * -- -- -- --
Bruce Bowman 31,931 * -- -- -- --
Charles Green 21,250 * -- -- -- --
Angelo Pezzani 23,917 * -- -- -- --
Frances Rathke 38,091 * -- -- -- --
The Capital Group 587,500 9.4% -- -- -- --
Companies, Inc. (7)
333 South Hope St
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Warburg Pincus Asset 745,800 11.9% -- -- -- --
Management
466 Lexington Ave
New York, NY 10017
All Officers and Directors 1,008,535 16.1% 608,786 74.3% -- --
as a group of 15 persons
The Ben & Jerry's -- -- -- -- 900 100%
Foundation, Inc. (4)
* Less than 1%
(1) Based on the number of shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding as of
March 5, 1999. Each share of Class A Common Stock entitles the holder to
one vote per share.
(2) Based on the number of shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding as of
March 5, 1999. Each share of Class B Common Stock entitles the holder to
ten votes.
(3) Under the regulations and interpretations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, Mr. Cohen may be deemed to be a parent of the Company.
(4) By virtue of their positions as directors of The Foundation, which has the
power to vote or dispose of the Class A Preferred Stock, each of Messrs.
Greenfield, a co-founder, Director and Chairperson of the Company, and
Furman, a Director of and formerly a consultant to the Company, and Ms.
Bankowski, an Officer and Director of the Company, may be deemed under the
regulations and interpretations of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
to own beneficially the Class A Preferred Stock.
(5) Does not include 210 shares of Class A Common Stock and 105 Shares of Class
B Common Stock owned by Mr. Furman's wife, as to which he disclaims
beneficial ownership under the securities laws. Includes 7,000 shares held
by Mr. Furman as trustee for others, which are deemed beneficially owned by
Mr. Furman under rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
(6) Does not include 15,080 shares of Class A Common Stock beneficially owned
by Mr. Odak's wife under the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission, as to which he disclaims beneficial ownership.
(7) The Capital Group Companies, Inc., is the parent company of Capital
Research and Management Company, SMALLCAP World Fund, Inc. and Capital
Guardian Trust Company. As a result of the investment power and in some
cases the voting power held by the subsidiary companies, The Capital Group
Companies, Inc., is deemed to "beneficially own" such securities by virtue
of Rule 13d-3 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Under the terms of a Severance and Non-competition Agreement between the Company
and Mr. Furman, dated December 31, 1990, the Company provided at no cost to Mr.
Furman family health insurance coverage under the Company's regular employee
health insurance plan. This obligation terminated March 2, 1999.
Mr. Cohen, a Co-founder of the Company, Vice-Chairperson and Director of the
Company, has entered into an Employment Agreement with the Company for an
employment term expiring on December 31, 1999 (renewable automatically
thereafter in successive one year periods unless either Mr. Cohen or the Company
gives notice to the other of non-renewal). The Agreement provides for a base
salary of $200,000 per annum, subject to increases and bonuses at the discretion
of the Board. The Agreement provides for a covenant not to compete during the
employment term of the Agreement and for a three-year period thereafter, in
consideration of payment by the Company (except as otherwise provided in the
Agreement) of severance equal to the then-current base salary during the
three-year period. The Agreement then provides for annual payments of $75,000
(adjusted for changes in the Consumer Price Index) for life, commencing with the
end of the three-year severance period, and for specified insurance benefits and
contains a provision for contemplated services to be provided to the Company
after the end of the term of employment and severance period.
Mr. Greenfield, a Co-founder of the Company, Chairperson, and Director of the
Company, has entered into an Employment Agreement with the Company for an
employment term expiring on December 31, 1999 (renewable automatically
thereafter in successive one year periods unless either Mr. Greenfield or the
Company gives notice to the other of non-renewal). The Agreement provides for a
base salary of $200,000 per annum, subject to increases and bonuses at the
discretion of the Board. The Agreement also provides for a covenant not to
compete during the employment term of the Agreement and for a three-year period
thereafter, in consideration of payment by the company (except as otherwise
provided in the Agreement) of severance equal to the then-current base salary
during the three-year period. The Agreement then provides for annual payments of
$75,000 (adjusted for changes in the Consumer Price Index) for life, commencing
with the end of the three-year severance period, for specified insurance
benefits and contains a provision for certain services contemplated to be
provided to the Company after the end of the term of employment and severance
period.
Mr. Odak, Chief Executive Officer, has a three-year Employment Agreement with
the Company dated December 31, 1996, as amended. Under the terms of the
Agreement, Mr. Odak is entitled to a base salary of $300,000 per annum, subject
to increases from time to time by the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion
($315,000 has been set by the Board as the 1999 base salary). Mr. Odak received
non-incentive stock options to purchase an aggregate of 360,000 shares of Class
A Common Stock of the Company exercisable at $10.88 per share, the fair market
value on the dates of grant by the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors under the 1995 Equity Incentive Plan. These options become exercisable
at various dates specified in the Employment Agreement, subject to acceleration
of vesting as to specified amounts in the event that certain financial goals are
achieved and the Compensation Committee makes certain findings with respect to
Mr. Odak's performance in the applicable prior period, all as specified in
detail in the Employment Agreement.
The Employment Agreement may be terminated at any time by the Company for cause,
as defined. If terminated for cause, the Company shall have no further
obligation to Mr. Odak, other than for base salary through the date of
termination, and any options that are vested shall continue to be exercisable
for thirty days (unless terminated by the vote of the Compensation Committee).
All other options terminate.
The Company may also terminate the Employment Agreement other than for cause, in
which event the Company has a continuing obligation to pay Mr. Odak his base
amount at the rate in effect on the date of termination for the monthly periods
specified in the Agreement, which are dependent upon the date of such
termination. Additionally, the Company will continue to contribute, for the
period during which the base amount is continued, the cost of Mr. Odak's
participation (including his family) in the Company's group medical and
hospitalization insurance plans and group life insurance plan. Upon such
termination, unvested options shall become exercisable to the extent so provided
by the Agreement.
Mr. Odak may terminate his employment with the Company for good reason, as
defined (in the absence of cause). In the event of such termination, base
amount, benefits and options (including acceleration, period of exercisability
and termination of options) shall be paid or provided in the same manner and
extent as for a termination by the Company other than for cause.
Mr. Odak agrees not to compete with the Company during his period of employment
and, after termination, for the greater of one year or the period during which
severance payments are made.
Mr. Pezzani, Senior Director of Business Development has an Employment Agreement
dated January 1, 1998, expiring December 31, 2000 with an annual renewal
provision. The agreement provides for an annual base salary of $250,000 per
annum, subject to increases from time to time by the CEO with approval by the
Board of Directors. He is eligible for an annual bonus that is guaranteed to be
at least $75,000, as determined by the CEO and approved by the Board of
Directors. Mr. Pezzani received incentive stock options to purchase an aggregate
of 52,000 shares of Class A common stock of the Company exercisable at $13.89
per share, the fair market value on the date of grant by the Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors under the 1995 Equity Incentive Plan. These
options become exercisable over a four year period with one-fourth being
exercisable on March 1, 1998 and up to an additional 1/48 of the shares covered
by this Option on the last day of each month in the next three years. The
Agreement also provides for medical, life insurance, 401 (k) plan and other
employee benefits, a covenant not to compete during the term of the Agreement
and for a two -year period thereafter.
The Agreement may be terminated at any time for by the Company for cause, as
defined. The Company may also terminate the Agreement other than for cause, in
which event the Company has a continuing obligation to pay Mr. Pezzani his base
salary, bonuses that are earned and unpaid, for the monthly periods, but for a
period not less than twelve months, specified in the Agreement. Additionally,
the Company will continue to contribute the cost of Mr. Pezzani's participation
in the Company's group medical and life insurance plans during the same period
as his base salary is continued. Upon such termination, unvested options shall
become exercisable to the extent so provided by the Agreement. Mr. Pezzani may
terminate his employment with the Company for good reason, as defined (in the
absence of cause). In the event of such termination, base salary, bonus,
benefits and options shall be paid or provided in the same manner and extent as
for termination by the Company Other Than For Cause.
Mr. Benders, Chief Marketing Officer, has an Employment Agreement dated October
20, 1997, expiring October 20, 2000. The agreement provides for an annual base
salary of $225,000 per annum, subject to increases from time to time by the CEO
with approval by the Board of Directors. He is eligible for an annual bonus as
determined by the CEO and approved by the Board of Directors. Mr. Benders
received incentive stock options to purchase an aggregate of 52,000 shares of
Class A common stock of the Company exercisable at $12.63 per share, the fair
market value on the date of grant by the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors under the 1995 Equity Incentive Plan. These options become exercisable
over a four year period with one-fourth being exercisable on October 20, 1998
and up to an additional 1/48 of the shares covered by this Option on the last
day of each month in the next three years. The Agreement also provides for
medical, life insurance, 401 (k) plan and other employee benefits, a covenant
not to compete during the term of the Agreement and for a two - year period
thereafter.
The Agreement may be terminated at any time for by the Company for cause, as
defined. The Company may also terminate the Agreement other than for cause, in
which event the Company has a continuing obligation to pay Mr. Benders his base
salary for six months. Additionally, the Company will continue to contribute the
cost of Mr.Benders' participation in the Company's group medical and life
insurance plans during the same period as his base salary is continued.
Copies of the above described Agreements have been filed as exhibits to this
Report on Form 10-K and the above descriptions are qualified by the definitive
terms of the Agreements so filed as exhibits.
During the year ended December 27, 1997, the Company purchased RainForest Crunch
cashew-brazilnut butter crunch candy to be included in Ben & Jerry's RainForest
Crunch(R) flavor ice cream for an aggregate purchase price of approximately
$800,000 from Community Products, Inc., a company of which Messrs. Cohen and
Furman were the principal stockholders and directors. The candy was purchased
from Community Products, Inc., at competitive prices and on standard terms and
conditions. Community Products, Inc. filed for protection under Chapter 11 of
the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in early 1997, its business was sold and the matter
(and related litigation) is pending in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Ben & Jerry's
located an alternative supplier for cashew-brazilnut butter crunch and no
purchases were made in 1998 from Community Products, Inc. The termination of Ben
& Jerry's relationship with Community Products, Inc. had no material effect on
the Company's business.
In 1998, the Company paid $20,000 to Ms. Jennifer Henderson for services as a
consultant in connection with service as a member of the Board of Directors.
In 1997, the Company paid a $60,000 fee to the Kaleel Jamison Consulting Group,
Inc., for its role in the Company's hiring of Mr. Richard Doran, Senior Director
of Human Resources. Mr. Frederick A. Miller, a Director of the Company is
President of Kaleel Jamison Consulting Group, Inc. Prior to joining the Company,
Mr. Doran was an employee of Kaleel Jamison Consulting Group, Inc.
In December 1997, the Company advanced $140,000 to Mr. Lawrence E. Benders,
Chief Marketing Officer, under a non-interest bearing bridge loan for the
purchase of his home in Vermont. In January 1998, Mr. Benders paid the bridge
loan in full.
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statements, Financial Statement Schedule and
Reports on Form 8-K
A. List of financial statements and financial statement schedule:
[Enlarge/Download Table]
Form 10-K
Page Number
-----------
1. The following consolidated financial statements are included in Item 8:
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 26, 1998 and December 27, 1997 F-2
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
December 26, 1998, December 27, 1997 and December 28, 1996 F-3
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended
December 26, 1998, December 27, 1997 and December 28, 1996 F-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
December 26, 1998, December 27, 1997 and December 28, 1996 F-5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-6 - F-21
2. The following financial statement schedule is included in Item 14(d)
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts F-22
All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable
accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are
not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable, and
therefore have been omitted.
3. The following designated exhibits are, as indicated below, either filed
herewith or have heretofore been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 and are referred to and incorporated herein by reference to
such filings.
Exhibit No.
3.1 Articles of Association, as amended, of the Company [filed
with the Securities and Commission as Exhibit 3.1 and 3.1.1
to the Company's Registration Statement on Form-1 (File No.
33-284) and incorporated herein by reference].
3.1.1 Amendment to Articles of Association on June 27, 1987 (filed
as Exhibit 1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the period ended June 30, 1987 and incorporated herein
by reference).
3.1.2 Amendment to Articles of Association on September 7, 1993
(filed as Exhibit 1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the period ended June 26, 1993 and
incorporated herein by reference).
3.1.3 Amendment to Articles of Association on August 4, 1995
(filed as Exhibit 3.1.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the period ended July 1, 1995 and incorporated
herein by reference).
3.1.4 Amendment to Articles of Association approved June 28, 1997
(filed as Exhibit 3.1.4 to the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the period ended December 27, 1997 and
incorporated herein by reference).
3.2 By-laws as amended through November 10, 1995 (filed as
Exhibit 3.2.2 to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the
period ended September 30, 1995 and incorporated herein by
reference).
3.2.1 Section 2 of Article 5 of the By-laws as amended on January
18, 1996 (filed as Exhibit 3.2.1 to the company's Form 10-K
for the year ended December 30, 1995, and incorporated
herein by reference).
3.2.2 Amendment to By-laws dated March 31, 1998 (filed as Exhibits
1 and 2 to the Company's Form 8-K dated April 1, 1998 and
incorporated herein by reference).
3.2.3 Amendment to By-laws dated June 26, 1998 (filed as Exhibit A
to the Company's Form 8-K dated July 30, 1998 and
incorporated herein by reference).
4.1 See Exhibit 3.1.
4.2 See Exhibit 3.2.
4.3 Mortgage and Security Agreement between the state of
Vermont, the Company and the Howard Bank, N.A. [filed as
Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form
S-1 (file no. 33-284) and incorporated herein by reference].
4.4 Guaranty by the Company accepted by the Howard Bank, N.A.,
Trustee, and Marine Midland Bank, N.A., as amended [filed as
Exhibits 4.2 and 4.2.1 to the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (file no. 33-284) and incorporated
herein by reference], as amended November 20, 1987 [filed as
Exhibit 4.4 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form
S-1 (file no. 33-17516) and incorporated by reference], as
amended January 31 and March 10, 1989 (filed as Exhibit 4.4
to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1988 and incorporated herein by
reference).
4.4.1 Amendment to item 4.4 dated July 28, 1992 [filed as Exhibit
to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (file
no. 33-51550) and incorporated herein by reference].
4.5 Loan Agreement and Amendment between the Village of
Waterbury, Vermont and the Company [filed as Exhibit 4.4 to
the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (file no.
33-284) and incorporated herein by reference].
4.6 Second Mortgage and Security Agreement dated December 11,
1984, between the Company and the Village of Waterbury,
Vermont [filed as Exhibit 4.5 to the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (file no. 33-284) and incorporated
herein by reference].
4.7 Grant Agreement between the Secretary of Housing and Urban
Development and the Village of Waterbury, Vermont, dated
September 15, 1984 [filed as Exhibit 4.6 to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (file no. 33-284) and
incorporated herein by reference].
4.8 Form of Class A Common Stock Certificate [filed as Exhibit
4.8 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1
(file no. 33-17516) and incorporated herein by reference].
4.9 Form of Class B Common Stock Certificate [filed as Exhibit
4.9 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1
(file no. 33-17516) and incorporated herein by reference].
4.11 Senior Note Agreement dated as of October 13, 1993 between
Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc., and The Travelers Insurance
Company and Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company (filed
as Exhibit 1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the period ended September 25, 1993 and incorporated
herein by reference).
The registrant agrees to furnish a copy to the Commission
upon request of any other instrument with respect to
long-term debt (not filed as an exhibit) none of which
relates to securities exceeding 10% of the total assets of
the registrants.
4.12 Class A Common Stock Stockholder Rights Agreement between
the Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
dated as of July 30, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 1 to the Report
on Form 8-K, dated August 13,1998 and hereby incorporated by
reference).
4.13 Class B Common Stock Stockholder Rights Agreement dated July
30, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 4 to the Report on Form 8-K,
dated August 13,1998 and hereby incorporated by reference).
10.1* Employment Agreement dated as of January 29, 1998 between
Bennett R. Cohen and the Company (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period
ended December 26, 1997 and hereby incorporated by
reference).
* Indicates management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement.
10.4* Employment Agreement dated as of January 29, 1998 between
Jerry Greenfield and the Company (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period
ended December 26, 1997 and hereby incorporated by
reference).
10.5 Settlement Agreement dated March 29, 1985 between the
Company and Haagen-Daz, Inc. [filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the
Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (file no.
33-284) and incorporated herein by reference].
10.8 Distribution Agreement between the Company and Dreyer's
Grand Ice Cream, Inc., dated January 6, 1987 (filed as
Exhibit 10.13 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1986 and incorporated herein
by reference), as amended as of January 30, 1989 (filed as
Exhibit 10.14 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1988 and incorporated herein
by reference).
10.8.1 Amendment to Item 10.8 dated August 31, 1992 [filed as
Exhibit 28.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form
S-3 (file no. 33-51550) and incorporated herein by
reference].
10.8.2 Amendment to Item 10.8 dated April 18, 1994 (filed as
Exhibit 2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
dated March 26, 1994 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.8.3** Amendment to Item 10.8 dated as of January 11, 1999 (filed
herewith).
10.9 License Agreement between the Company and Jerry Garcia and
Grateful Dead Productions, Inc. dated July 26, 1987 [filed
as Exhibit 10.15 to the company's Registration Statement on
Form S-1 (file no. 33-17516) and incorporated herein by
reference].
10.10** New Distribution Agreement with Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream,
Inc., dated as of January 11, 1999 (filed herewith).
10.10.1** Addendum to Item 10.10 (filed herewith).
10.11** Agreement with the Pillsbury Company dated as of August 26,
1998 (filed herewith).
10.11.1 Amendment to Item 10.11 (filed herewith).
10.15 Franchise Agreement between the Company and BJ O/R, a
California limited partnership, dated June 9, 1993 (filed as
Exhibit 2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the period ended June 26, 1993 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.19* 1986 Restricted Stock Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.19 to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 30, 1989 and incorporated herein by reference).
* Indicates management contract or compensatory plan, contract or
arrangement.
** Confidential treatment requested as to certain portions. The term
"confidential treatment" and the mark "*" as used throughout the
indicated Exhibits mean that material has been omitted and separately
filed with the Commission.
10.20 1986 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [filed as Exhibit 4 to the
Company's Registration Statements on Form S-8 (file nos.
33-9420 and 33-17594) and incorporated herein by reference].
10.20.1 Amendment to Employee Stock Purchase Plan dated on August 4,
1995 (filed as Exhibit 10.20.1 on Form 10-Q for the period
ended July 1, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.21* 1985 Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.21 to the
company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 30, 1989 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.21.1* 1994 Amendment to 1985 Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit
10.21 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 30, 1994 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.22 Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc. Employees' Retirement Plan as
amended (filed as Exhibit 10.22 to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 1989 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.22.1 Amendment to Item 10.22 dated January 1, 1990 (filed as
Exhibit 10.22.1 to the Company's Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 29, 1991 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.22.2 Amendment to Item 10.22 dated June 28, 1990 (filed as
Exhibit 10.22 to the Company's Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 25, 1993 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.22.3 Amendment to Item 10.22 dated January 1, 1991 (filed as
Exhibit 10.22.3 to the Company's Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 25, 1993 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.22.4 Amendment to Item 10.22 dated January 1, 1998 (filed
herewith).
10.23* 1991 Restricted Stock Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.23 to the
Company's Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
25, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.24 Severance/Non-Competition Agreement dated as of December 31,
1990 between Jeffrey Furman and the Company (filed as
Exhibit 10.24 to the Company's Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 25, 1993 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.25 1999 Equity Incentive Plan (filed herewith)
10.27 1992 Non-employee Directors' Restricted Stock Plan (filed as
Exhibit 10.27 to the Company's Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 25, 1993 and incorporated herein by
reference).
* Indicates management contract or compensatory plan, contract or
arrangement.
** Confidential treatment requested as to certain portions. The term
"confidential treatment" and the mark "*" as used throughout the
indicated Exhibits mean that material has been omitted and separately
filed with the Commission.
10.29* 1995 Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.29 to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended
July 1, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.29.1* Amendment to Item 10.29 (filed as Exhibit 10.29 to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended
July 1, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.29.2* Amendment to Item 10.29 (filed herewith).
10.30 Non-Employee Directors' Plan for Stock in Lieu of Directors'
Cash Retainer dated August 4, 1995 (filed as Exhibit 10.30
to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
period ended July 1, 1995 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.31* Employment Agreement dated August 21, 1995 between the
Company and Bruce Bowman (filed as Exhibit 10.31 to the
Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 1995 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.32 Lease dated February 1, 1996 between the Company and
Technology Park Associates, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.31 to
the company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 1995
and incorporated herein by reference).
10.33* Employment Agreement dated December 31, 1996 between the
company and Perry D. Odak (filed as Exhibit 10.33 to the
Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 1996 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.33.1* Amendment dated as of February 28, 1999 to Item 10.33 (filed
herewith.)
10.34* Employment Agreement dated January 1, 1998 between the
Company and Angelo M. Pezzani (filed as Exhibit 10.34 to the
Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 1997 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.35* Employment Agreement dated October 20, 1997 between the
Company and Lawrence Benders (filed as Exhibit 10.34 to the
Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 1997 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.36 Importation and Marketing Agreement between the Company,
Seven-Eleven Japan Co., Ltd., Tower Enterprise Corporation
and ATF Co., Ltd. dated December 19, 1997 (filed as Exhibit
10.34 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December
27, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference).
11.0 The computation of Per Share Earnings is incorporated by
reference from Note 11 of the Company's consolidated
financial statements (filed herewith).
21.1 Subsidiaries of the registrant as of December 26, 1998
(filed herewith).
23.0 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP (filed herewith).
27.0 Financial data schedule (filed herewith). (b) No current
reports on Form 8-K were filed during the fourth quarter of
1998.
* Indicates management contract or compensatory plan, contract or
arrangement.
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
BEN & JERRY'S HOMEMADE, INC.
Dated: March 26, 1999 By: /s/ Frances Rathke
----------------------------
Frances Rathke
Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Company and in
the capacities and on the date indicated.
March 25, 1999 /s/ Elizabeth Bankowski
-------------------------------------------------
Elizabeth Bankowski
Director, Director of Social Mission Development
March 25, 1999 /s/ Bennett R. Cohen
-------------------------------------------------
Bennett R. Cohen
Director and Vice-Chairperson
March 25, 1999 /s/ Pierre Ferrari
-------------------------------------------------
Pierre Ferrari
Director
March 25, 1999 /s/ Jeffrey Furman
-------------------------------------------------
Jeffrey Furman
Director
March 25, 1999 /s/ Jerry Greenfield
-------------------------------------------------
Jerry Greenfield
Director and Chairperson
March 25, 1999 /s/ Jennifer Henderson
-------------------------------------------------
Jennifer Henderson
Director
March 25, 1999 /s/ Frederick A. Miller
-------------------------------------------------
Frederick A. Miller
Director
March 25, 1999 /s/ Henry Morgan
-------------------------------------------------
Henry Morgan
Director
March 25, 1999 /s/ Perry Odak
-------------------------------------------------
Perry Odak
Director, Principal Executive Officer
and President
March 25, 1999 /s/ Frances Rathke
-------------------------------------------------
Frances Rathke
Principal Financial Officer and
Principal Accounting Officer
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
ITEM 8, ITEM 14 (a) (1) AND (2), (c) and (d)
LIST OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 26, 1998
BEN & JERRY'S HOMEMADE, INC.
SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
[Enlarge/Download Table]
Report of Independent Auditors..................................................................................F-1
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 26, 1998 and December 27, 1997.......................................F-2
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 26, 1998,
December 27, 1997 and December 28, 1996.........................................................................F-3
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 26, 1998,
December 27, 1997 and December 28, 1996.........................................................................F-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 26, 1998,
December 27, 1997 and December 28, 1996.........................................................................F-5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.....................................................................F- 6
Financial Statement Schedule:
SCHEDULE II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts................................................................F-22
REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ben & Jerry's
Homemade, Inc. as of December 26, 1998 and December 27, 1997, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 26, 1998. Our audits also
included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 14(a)(2).
These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Ben &
Jerry's Homemade, Inc. at December 26, 1998 and December 27, 1997 and the
consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 26, 1998, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial
statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial
statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the
information set forth therein.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
January 22 1999, except for Note 17,
as to which the date is February 26, 1999
F-1
BEN & JERRY'S HOMEMADE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands except share amounts)
[Enlarge/Download Table]
December 26, December 27,
1998 1997
------------------- ------------------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 25,111 $ 47,318
Short term investments 22,118 481
Trade accounts receivable:
(less allowance of $979 in 1998
and $1,066 in 1997 for doubtful accounts) 11,338 12,710
Inventories 13,090 11,122
Deferred income taxes 7,547 6,071
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 3,105 2,378
------------------- ------------------
Total current assets 82,309 80,080
Property, plant and equipment, net 63,451 62,724
Investments 303 1,061
Other assets 3,438 2,606
------------------- ------------------
$ 149,501 $ 146,471
=================== ==================
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 28,662 $ 23,266
Current portion of long-term debt and
obligations under capital leases 5,266 5,402
------------------- ------------------
Total current liabilities 33,928 28,668
Long-term debt and obligations under capital leases 20,491 25,676
Deferred income taxes 4,174 5,208
Stockholders' equity:
$1.20 noncumulative Class A preferred stock -
par value $1.00 per share, redeemable at
$12.00 per share; 900 shares authorized,
issued and outstanding; aggregated preference
on liquidation - $9,000 1 1
Class A common stock - $.033 par value; authorized
20,000,000 shares; issued: 6,592,392 at
December 26, 1998 and 6,494,835 at
December 27, 1997 218 214
Class B common stock - $.033 par value; authorized
3,000,000 shares; issued: 824,480 at
December 26, 1998 and 866,235 at
December 27, 1997 27 29
Additional paid-in-capital 50,556 49,681
Retained earnings 45,328 39,086
Accumulated other comprehensive income (151) (129)
Treasury stock, at cost: 291,032 Class A and 1,092 Class B
shares at December 26, 1998 and 124,532 Class A
and 1,092 Class B shares at December 27, 1997 (5,071) (1,963)
------------------- ------------------
Total stockholders' equity 90,908 86,919
------------------- ------------------
$ 149,501 $ 146,471
=================== ==================
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-2
[Enlarge/Download Table]
BEN & JERRY'S HOMEMADE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands except share amounts)
Fiscal Year Ended
-------------------------------------------------------------
December 26, 1998 December 27, 1997 December 28, 1996
------------------- ------------------- -------------------
Net sales $ 209,203 $ 174,206 $ 167,155
Cost of sales 136,225 114,284 115,212
------------------- ------------------- -------------------
Gross profit 72,978 59,922 51,943
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 63,895 53,520 45,531
Other income (expense):
Interest income 2,248 1,938 1,676
Interest expense (1,888) (1,992) (1,996)
Other income (expense), net 333 (64) 243
------------------- ------------------- -------------------
693 (118) (77)
------------------- ------------------- -------------------
Income before income taxes 9,776 6,284 6,335
Income taxes 3,534 2,388 2,409
------------------- ------------------- -------------------
Net income $ 6,242 $ 3,896 $ 3,926
=================== =================== ===================
Shares used to compute net income per common share
Basic 7,197 7,247 7,189
Diluted 7,463 7,334 7,230
Net income per common share
Basic $ 0.87 $ 0.54 $ 0.55
Diluted $ 0.84 $ 0.53 $ 0.54
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-3
[Enlarge/Download Table]
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
(In thousands except share data)
Accumulated
Common Stock Additional Other
---------------------
Preferred Class A Class B Paid-in Retained Comprehensive
Stock Par Value Par Value Capital Earnings Income
------ --------- --------- ------- -------- -------
Par Value
---------
Balance at December 30, 1995 $1 $209 $30 $48,521 $31,264 $(114)
Net income 3,926
Common stock issued under stock
purchase plan (15,674 Class A shares) 205
Conversion of Class B shares to Class A
shares (16,661 shares) 1 (1)
Common stock issued under restricted
stock plan (2,096 Class A shares) 27
Foreign currency translation adjustment (4)
Net comprehensive income
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 28, 1996 1 210 29 48,753 35,190 (118)
Net income 3,896
Common stock issued under stock
purchase plan (15,406 Class A shares) 1 148
Conversion of Class B shares to Class A
shares (31,451 shares) 1
Common stock issued under stock and
option plans (83,267 Class A shares) 2 907
Repurchase of common stock
(77,500 Class A shares)
Issuance of treasury stock for
compensation (20,000 Class A shares) (127)
Foreign currency translation adjustment (11)
Net comprehensive income
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 27, 1997 1 214 29 49,681 39,086 (129)
Net income 6,242
Common stock issued under stock
purchase plan (14,277 Class A shares) - 179
Conversion of Class B shares to Class A
shares (41,755 shares) 2 (2)
Common stock issued under stock and
option plans(41,525 Class A shares) 2 696
Repurchase of Common Stock (166,500
Class A shares)
Foreign currency translation adjustment (22)
Net comprehensive income
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 26, 1998
$1 $218 $27 $50,556 $45,328 $(151)
============ ========== ========== ============== =========== ================
Treasury Stock
-------------- Total
Class A Class B Stockholders' Comprehensive
Cost Cost Equity Income
---- ---- ------ ------
Balance at December 30, 1995 $(1,375) $(5) $78,531
Net income 3,926 $3,926
Common stock issued under stock
purchase plan (15,674 Class A shares) 205
Conversion of Class B shares to Class A
shares (16,661 shares)
Common stock issued under restricted
stock plan (2,096 Class A shares) 27
Foreign currency translation adjustment (4)
(4)
Net comprehensive income -------------
$3,922
------------------------------------- =============
Balance at December 28, 1996 (1,375) (5) 82,685
Net income 3,896 $3,896
Common stock issued under stock
purchase plan (15,406 Class A shares) 149
Conversion of Class B shares to Class A
shares (31,451 shares) 1
Common stock issued under stock and
option plans (83,267 Class A shares) 909
Repurchase of common stock
(77,500 Class A shares) (988) (988)
Issuance of treasury stock for
compensation (20,000 Class A shares) 405 278
Foreign currency translation adjustment (11)
(11)
Net comprehensive income -------------
$3,885
------------------------------------- =============
Balance at December 27, 1997 (1,958) (5) 86,919
Net income 6,242 $6,242
Common stock issued under stock
purchase plan (14,277 Class A shares) 179
Conversion of Class B shares to Class A
shares (41,755 shares)
Common stock issued under stock and
option plans(41,525 Class A shares) 698
Repurchase of Common Stock (166,500
Class A shares) (3,108) (3,108)
Foreign currency translation adjustment (22)
(22)
Net comprehensive income -------------
$6,220
------------------------------------- =============
Balance at December 26, 1998 $(5,066) $(5) $90,908
========== ========== ===============
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-4
[Enlarge/Download Table]
BEN & JERRY'S HOMEMADE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Fiscal Year Ended
---------------------------------------------------
December 26, December 27, December 28,
1998 1997 1996
-------------- --------------- --------------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 6,242 $ 3,896 $ 3,926
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 8,181 7,711 7,091
Provision for bad debts 50 630 408
Deferred income taxes (2,510) (1,599) 809
Stock compensation 405 10
Loss on disposition of assets 112 124
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable 1,460 (5,318) 3,146
Inventories (1,968) 4,243 (89)
Prepaid expenses (501) (64) (2,749)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 5,385 5,868 897
Income taxes payable/receivable (364) 1,743 806
-------------- --------------- --------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 16,087 17,639 14,255
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment (8,770) (5,236) (12,333)
Proceeds from sale of assets 0 48 168
Changes in other assets (1,082) (425) (466)
Increase in investments (20,879) (76) (320)
-------------- --------------- --------------
Net cash used for investing activities (30,731) (5,689) (12,951)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of long-term debt and capital leases (5,321) (669) (678)
Repurchase of common stock (3,108) (988)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 877 932 232
-------------- --------------- --------------
Net cash used for financing activities (7,552) (725) (446)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (11) (11) (160)
-------------- --------------- --------------
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (22,207) 11,214 698
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 47,318 36,104 35,406
-------------- --------------- --------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 25,111 $ 47,318 $ 36,104
============== =============== ==============
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Dollars in tables in thousands except share data
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Business
Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc. (the "Company") makes and sells super premium ice
cream and other frozen dessert products through distributors and directly to
retail outlets primarily located in the United States and selected foreign
countries, including Company-owned and franchised ice cream parlors.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
all its wholly owned subsidiaries. Inter-company accounts and transactions have
been eliminated.
Fiscal Year
The Company's fiscal year is the 52 or 53 weeks ending on the last Saturday in
December. Fiscal years 1998, 1997 and 1996 consisted of the 52 weeks ended
December 26, 1998, December 27, 1997 and December 28, 1996, respectively.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the financial statements in accordance 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.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the
first-in, first-out method.
Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents represent highly liquid investments with maturities of three
months or less at date of purchase.
Investments
Management determines the appropriate classification of investments at the time
of purchase and reevaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date. At
December 26, 1998, the Company considers all its investments, except for
certificates of deposit, as available for sale. Available-for-sale securities
are carried at cost, which approximates fair value for the year ended December
26, 1998 and December 27, 1997. The amortized cost of debt securities in this
category is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to
maturity. Such amortization is included in interest income. Held-to-maturity
securities and available-for-sale securities are stated at amortized cost,
adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discounts to maturity.
Such amortization is included in interest income. Realized gains and losses and
declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary on available-for-sale
securities are included in income. The cost of securities sold is based on the
specific identification method. Interest and dividends on securities classified
as available-for-sale are included in interest income.
F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Dollars in tables in thousands except share data
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to significant
concentration of credit risk, consist of cash and cash equivalents, investments
and trade accounts receivable. The Company places its investments in highly
rated financial institutions, obligations of the United States Government and
investment grade short-term instruments. No more than 20% of the total
investment portfolio is invested in any one issuer or guarantor other than
United States Government instruments which limits the amount of credit exposure.
The Company sells its products primarily to well-established frozen dessert
distribution or retailing companies throughout the United States and in certain
countries outside the United States. The Company performs ongoing credit
evaluations of its customers and maintains reserves for potential credit losses.
Historically, the Company has not experienced significant losses related to
investments or trade receivables.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation, including
amortization of leasehold improvements, is computed using the straight-line
method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Amortization of
assets under capital leases is computed on the straight-line method over the
lease term and is included in depreciation expense.
Other Assets
Other assets include intangible and other noncurrent assets. Intangible assets
are reviewed for impairment based on an assessment of future operations to
ensure that they are appropriately valued. Intangible assets are amortized on a
straight-line basis over their estimated economic lives.
Translation of Foreign Currencies
Assets and liabilities of the Company's foreign operations are translated into
United States dollars at exchange rates in effect on the balance sheet date.
Income and expense items are translated at average exchange rates prevailing
during the year. Translation adjustments are included in accumulated other
comprehensive income. Transaction gains or losses are recognized as other income
or expense in the period incurred. Translation and transaction gains or losses
have been immaterial for all periods presented.
Foreign Currency Hedging
The Company hedges foreign currency risk by entering into future options based
on projected forecasts of a portion of the Company's International Business. In
addition, from time to time, the Company enters into forward contracts to hedge
foreign currency denominated sales. Realized and unrealized gains or losses on
contracts or options that hedge anticipated cash flows are determined by
comparison of contract or option value upon execution (realized) and at each
balance sheet for open contracts or options (unrealized). Realized gains and
losses are recognized at the balance sheet date as other income or expense for
the period. In the case of options entered into based on projected forecasts,
unrealized gains and losses are recognized upon the determination that
circumstances have changed which cause the hedged instrument to be speculative
in nature.
F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Dollars in tables in thousands except share data
Transaction gains or losses have been immaterial for all periods presented.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue and the related costs when product is shipped.
The Company recognizes franchise fees as income for individual stores when
services required by the franchise agreement have been substantially performed
and the store opens for business. Franchise fees relating to area franchise
agreements are recognized in proportion to the number of stores for which the
required services have been substantially performed. Franchise fees recognized
as income and included in net sales were approximately $708,000, $553,000 and
$301,000 in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Advertising
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense (excluding
cooperative advertising with distribution companies) amounted to approximately
$10.6 million, $6.7 million, and $3.4 million in 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method in accordance
with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income
Taxes. Under the liability method, deferred tax liabilities and assets are
recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences between the
financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities.
Stock Based Compensation
The Company has adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123,
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (FAS 123). As permitted by FAS 123, the
Company continues to account for its stock-based plans under Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and
provides pro forma disclosures of the compensation expense determined under the
fair value provisions of FAS 123.
Earnings Per Share
In 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 128,
Earnings per Share (FAS 128). FAS 128 replaced the calculation of primary and
fully diluted earnings per share with basic and diluted earnings per share.
Unlike primary earnings per share, basic earnings per share excludes any
dilutive effects of options, warrants or convertible securities. Diluted
earnings per share is very similar to the previously reported fully diluted
earnings per share.
Comprehensive Income
As of December 28, 1997 the Company adopted Statement No. 130, Reporting
Comprehensive Income (FAS 130). FAS 130 establishes new rules for the reporting
and display of comprehensive income and its components; however, the adoption of
this statement had no impact on the Company's net income or shareholders'
equity. Statement 130 requires unrealized gains or losses on the Company's
available-for-sale securities and foreign currency translation adjustments to be
included in other comprehensive income.
F-8
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Dollars in tables in thousands except share data
Total comprehensive income amounted to $6.2 million for the year ended December
26, 1998 and $3.9 million for the years ended December 27, 1997 and December 28,
1996, respectively. Other comprehensive income consisted of adjustments for net
foreign currency translation losses in the amounts of $22,000, $11,000 and
$4,000 for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Segment Information
As of December 28, 1997, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards
Board's Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, Disclosures about
Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information (Statement 131). Statement 131
superseded FASB Statement No. 14, Financial Reporting for Segments of a Business
Enterprise. Statement 131 establishes standards for the way that public business
enterprises report information about operating segments in annual financial
statements and requires that those enterprises report selected information about
operating segments in interim financial reports. Statement 131 also establishes
standards for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas,
and major customers. The adoption of Statement 131 did not affect results of
operations or financial position, but did affect the disclosure of segment
information. See Note 15.
Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 133,
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (FAS 133). FAS 133
establishes standards for public companies regarding the recognition and
measurement of derivatives and hedging activities. The statement is effective
for the Company in fiscal year 2000. The Company does not believe the adoption
of this statement will have a material impact on the Company's financial
statements based on the nature and extent of the Company's use of derivative
instruments at the present time.
2. CASH AND INVESTMENTS
The following is a summary of cash, cash equivalents and investments as of
December 26, 1998 and December 27, 1997:
December 26, 1998
Cash and Cash Short-Term
Equivalents Investments Investments
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash $ 7,834
Commercial paper 3,277
Tax exempt floating
rate notes 800
Municipal bonds 13,200 $14,926
Convertible bonds 955
Preferred stock 5,649
------ ------- ----
25,111 21,530
Certificates of deposit 588 $303
------- ------- ----
$25,111 $22,118 $303
======= ======= ====
F-9
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Dollars in tables in thousands except share data
December 27, 1997
Cash and Cash Short-Term
Equivalents Investments Investments
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash $ 1,750
Municipal bonds 45,568
------ ---- ------
47,318
Certificates of deposit $481 $1,061
------- ---- ------
$47,318 $481 $1,061
======= ==== ======
The Company considers all of its investments, except for certificates of
deposit, as available for sale. Certificates of deposit are held to maturity.
Municipal bonds included in cash and cash equivalents mature at par in thirty to
forty-five days, at which time the interest rate is reset to the then market
rate, and the Company may convert the investment to cash. Municipal bonds and
convertible bonds recorded as short-term investments have varying maturities in
1999 and beyond, however, the Company does not intend to hold such investments
to maturity. During 1998, the Company also invested in fixed income preferred
stock of primarily financial institutions.
The costs of all short-term investments approximated the estimated fair value of
such investments. Gross unrealized gains and losses were not significant for all
short-term investments held at December 26, 1998 or December 27, 1997.
Gross purchases and maturities aggregated $221.6 million and $228.4 million in
1998, $43.1 million and $25.4 million in 1997, and $61.1 million and $63.9
million in 1996. Realized gains and losses were not material for all periods
presented.
3. INVENTORIES
December 26, December 27,
1998 1997
----------- ------------
Ice cream and ingredients $12,025 $10,294
Paper goods 524 536
Food, beverages, and gift items 541 292
------- -------
$13,090 $11,122
======= =======
The Company purchased certain ingredients from a company owned by the Company's
Vice Chairperson and a member of the Board of Directors, which amounted to
approximately $800,000 in 1997. No such purchases were made in 1998 or 1996.
F-10
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Dollars in tables in thousands except share data
4. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
[Download Table]
December 26, December 27, Estimated Useful
1998 1997 Lives/Lease Term
--------- --------- ----------------
Land and improvements $ 4,520 $ 4,520 15-25 years
Buildings 37,940 37,650 25 years
Equipment and furniture 52,047 44,609 3-20 years
Leasehold improvements 3,727 3,221 3-10 years
Construction in progress 2,058 2,676
--------- ---------
100,292 92,676
Less accumulated depreciation 36,841 29,952
--------- ---------
$ 63,451 $ 62,724
========= =========
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 26, 1998, December 27, 1997
and December 28, 1996 was $7.9 million, $7.4 million and $6.7 million,
respectively.
5. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES
December 26, December 27,
1998 1997
--------- ---------
Trade accounts payable $ 4,623 $ 3,832
Accrued expenses 12,552 10,313
Accrued payroll and related costs 3,272 2,076
Accrued promotional costs 4,297 3,581
Accrued marketing costs 2,837 2,230
Accrued insurance expense 1,081 1,234
--------- ---------
$ 28,662 $ 23,266
========= =========
6. LONG-TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS
December 26, December 27,
1998 1997
--------- ---------
Senior Notes - Series A payable
in annual installments beginning
in 1998 through 2003 with interest
payable semiannually at 5.9% $16,680 $20,000
Senior Notes - Series B payable
in annual installments beginning
in 1998 through 2003 with interest
payable semiannually at 5.73% 8,333 10,000
Other long-term obligations 744 1,078
--------- ---------
25,757 31,078
Less current portion 5,266 5,402
--------- ---------
$20,491 $25,676
========= =========
F-11
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Dollars in tables in thousands except share data
Property, plant and equipment having a net book value of approximately $19.5
million at December 26, 1998 are pledged as collateral
under certain long-term debt arrangements.
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations at December 26, 1998 maturing in
each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
Capital Lease Long-term
Obligations Debt
----------- ---------
1999 $ 78 $ 5,219
2000 78 5,076
2001 57 5,039
2002 15 5,033
2003 15 5,098
Thereafter 199 -
--------- ---------
Total minimum payments 442 25,465
Less amounts representing interest 150 -
--------- ---------
$ 292 $ 25,465
========= =========
The Company capitalized no interest in 1998, 1997 or 1996. Interest paid
amounted to $1,832,000, $1,975,000 and $1,973,000 for 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
The Company has available two $10,000,000 unsecured working capital line of
credit agreements with two banks. Interest on borrowings under the agreements is
set at the banks' base rate or at LIBOR plus a margin based on a pre-determined
formula. No amounts were borrowed under these or any bank agreements during
1998. The working capital line of credit agreements expire December 23, 2001.
Certain of the debt agreements contain restrictive covenants requiring
maintenance of minimum levels of working capital, net worth and debt to
capitalization ratios. As of December 26, 1998, the Company was in compliance
with the provisions of these agreements. Under the most restrictive of these
covenants, distributions are limited to an amount of $5 million plus 75% of
earnings and 100% of net losses since June 30, 1993; approximately $20.6 million
of retained earnings at December 26, 1998 was available for payment of
dividends.
As of December 26, 1998, the carrying amount and fair value of the Company's
long-term debt were $25.8 million and $24.4 million, respectively, and as of
December 27, 1997, they were $31.1 million and $29.7 million, respectively.
7. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
The Class A Preferred Stock has one vote per share on all matters on which it is
entitled to vote and is entitled to vote as a separate class in certain business
combinations, such that approval of two-thirds of the class is required for such
business combinations. The Class A Preferred Stock is redeemable by the Company,
by vote of the Continuing Directors (as defined in the Articles of Association).
The Class A Common Stock has one vote per share on all matters on which it is
entitled to vote. In June 1987, the Company's shareholders adopted an amendment
to the
F-12
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Dollars in tables in thousands except share data
Company's Articles of Association that authorized 3 million shares of a new
Class B Common Stock and redesignated the Company's existing Common Stock as
Class A Common Stock. The Class B Common Stock has ten votes per share on all
matters on which it is entitled to vote, except as may be otherwise provided by
law, is generally non-transferable as such and is convertible into Class A
Common Stock on a one-for-one basis. A stockholder who does not wish to complete
the prior conversion process may effect a sale by simply delivering the
certificate for such shares of Class B Stock to a broker, properly endorsed. The
broker may then present the certificate to the Company's Transfer Agent, which,
if the transfer is otherwise in good order, will issue to the purchaser a
certificate for the number of shares of Class A Common Stock thereby sold.
8. SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN
In early August, 1998, following approval by its Board of Directors, the Company
put in place two Shareholder Rights Plans, one pertaining to the Class A Common
Stock and one pertaining to the Class B Common Stock. These Plans are intended
to protect stockholders by compelling someone seeking to acquire the Company to
negotiate with the Company's Board of Directors in order to protect stockholders
from unfair takeover tactics and to assist in the maximization of stockholder
value. These Rights Plans, which are common for public companies in the United
States, may also be deemed to be "anti-takeover" provisions in that the Board of
Directors believes that these Plans will make it difficult for a third party to
acquire control of the Company on terms which are unfair or unfavorable to the
stockholders. Also, in April, 1998 the Legislature of the State of Vermont
amended a provision of the Vermont Business Corporation Act to provide that the
directors of a Vermont corporation may also consider, in determining whether an
acquisition offer or other matter is in the best interests of the corporation,
the interests of the corporation's employees, suppliers, creditors and
customers, the economy of the state in which the corporation is located and
including the possibility that the best interests of the corporation may be
served by the continued independence of the corporation.
9. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
The Company has two stock option plans:
The 1985 Option Plan provides for the grant of incentive and non-incentive stock
options to employees or consultants. The 1985 Option Plan provides that options
are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company's
common stock on the date of grant. The 1985 Option Plan expired in August 1995,
however, some options granted under this plan are outstanding as of December 26,
1998. While the Company grants options which may become exercisable at different
times or within different periods, the Company has generally granted options to
employees which vest over a period of four, five, or eight years, and in some
cases with provisions for acceleration of vesting upon the occurrence of certain
events. The exercise period cannot exceed ten years from the date of grant.
F-13
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Dollars in tables in thousands except share data
A summary of the 1985 Option Plan activity is as follows:
[Enlarge/Download Table]
Weighted Average
Number of Exercise Price Option Price
Options Per Share Per Share
------- --------------- ----------------------------
Outstanding at December 30, 1995 357,437 $13.40 $10.63 - $16.75
Granted - - - - -
Exercised - - - - -
Forfeited (109,819) 11.34 10.81 - 16.75
--------- ------
Outstanding at December 28, 1996 247,618 14.31 10.63 - 16.75
Granted - - - - -
Exercised (80,000) 10.81 10.81 - 10.81
Forfeited (10,807) 16.75 16.75 - 16.75
-------- ------
Outstanding at December 27, 1997 156,811 15.92 10.63 - 16.75
Granted - - - - -
Exercised (34,859) 16.75 16.75 - 16.75
Forfeited (6,381) 16.75 16.75 - 16.75
---------- ------
Outstanding at December 26, 1998 115,571 $15.63 10.63 - 16.75
========== ======
Options vested at December 26, 1998 100,571 $15.87 10.63 - 16.75
========== ======
The 1995 Equity Incentive Plan provides for the grant to employees, and other
key persons or entities, including non-employee directors who are in the
position, in the opinion of the Compensation Committee, to make a significant
contribution to the success of the Company, of incentive and non-incentive stock
options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, unrestricted stock awards,
deferred stock awards, cash or stock performance awards, loans or supplemental
grants, or combinations thereof. While the Company grants options which may
become exercisable at different times or within different periods, the Company
has generally granted options to employees which vest over a period of four,
five, or six years, and in some cases subject to acceleration of vesting upon
specified events including a change in control (as defined). The exercise period
cannot exceed ten years from the date of grant. At December 26, 1998, 103,500
shares of Class A Common Stock were available under the 1995 Equity Incentive
Plan.
F-14
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Dollars in tables in thousands except share data
A summary of the 1995 Equity Incentive Plan activity is as follows:
[Download Table]
Weighted Average
Number of Exercise Price Option Price
Options Per Share Per share
------- --------------- ----------------
Outstanding at December 30, 1995 25,000 $19.00 $19.00 - $19.00
Granted 62,500 13.97 12.38 - 16.00
Exercised -- -- -- --
Forfeited -- -- -- --
------- -----
Outstanding at December 28, 1996 87,500 15.41 12.38 - 19.00
Granted 694,000 12.04 10.88 - 13.89
Exercised -- -- -- --
Forfeited (27,500) 16.00 16.00 - 16.00
-------- -----
Outstanding at December 27, 1997 754,000 12.28 10.88 - 19.00
Granted 42,500 18.19 14.75 - 19.25
Exercised (1,770) 12.63 12.63 - 12.63
Forfeited -- -- -- --
------- ------
Outstanding at December 26, 1998 794,730 $12.60 10.88 - 19.25
======= ======
Options vested at December 26, 1998 281,450 $12.37 10.88 - 19.25
======= ======
The Company maintains an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, which authorizes the
issuance of up to 300,000 shares of common stock. All employees with six months
of continuous service are eligible to participate in this plan. Participants in
the plan are entitled to purchase Class A Common Stock during specified
semi-annual periods through the accumulation of payroll, at the lower of 85% of
market value of the stock at the beginning or end of the offering period. At
December 26, 1998 142,021 shares had been issued under the plan and 157,979 were
available for future issuance.
The Company has a Restricted Stock Plan (the 1992 Plan) which provides that
non-employee directors, on becoming eligible, may be awarded shares of Class A
Common Stock by the compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Shares
issued under the plan become vested over periods of up to five years. The
Company has also adopted the 1995 Plan, which provides that non-employee
directors can elect to receive stock in lieu of a Director's annual cash
retainer. In 1998, 4,896 shares were issued to non-employee directors. These
shares vest immediately. At December 26, 1998 a total of 12,259 shares had been
awarded under these plans, all of which were fully vested, and 22,741 shares
were available for future awards. Unearned compensation on unvested shares is
recorded as of the award date and is amortized over the vesting period.
Exercise prices for options outstanding at December 26, 1998 under all of the
Company's stock plans ranged from $10.63 - $19.25. The weighted average
remaining contractual life of those options is 8.0 years.
As of December 26, 1998, a total of 284,220 shares are reserved for future grant
or issue under all of the Company's stock plans.
F-15
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Dollars in tables in thousands except share data
The Company's stock option plans provide for the grant of options to purchase
shares of the Company's common stock to both employees and consultants. The
Company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25,
Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (APB 25) and related interpretations.
In accounting for its employee stock options under APB 25, when the exercise
price of the Company's employee stock options equals the market price of the
underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense is recognized.
The Company has followed FAS 123 for stock options granted to non-employees as
required.
Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is required by
FAS 123, which also requires that the information to be determined as if the
Company has accounted for its employee stock options granted subsequent to
December 31, 1994 under the fair value method of that Statement. The fair value
for these options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes
option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
[Download Table]
1998 1997 1996
----- ----- -----
Risk-free interest rates 5.10% 5.53% 6.15%
Dividend yield 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
Volatility factor 0.32 0.34 0.39
Weighted average expected lives (in years) 2.4 3.6 3.3
For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options
is amortized to expense over the options' vesting period. The impact on pro
forma net income may not be representative of compensation expense in future
years when the effect of the amortization of multiple awards would be reflected
in the pro forma disclosures. The Company's pro forma information follows (in
thousands except for earnings per share information):
[Download Table]
1998 1997 1996
----- ----- -----
Pro forma net income $5,935 $3,600 $3,796
Pro forma earnings per share - diluted $0.80 $0.49 $0.53
Weighted average fair value of options
at the date of grant $4.22 $4.16 $4.26
10. INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes consists of the following:
[Download Table]
Federal 1998 1997 1996
------- ----- ----- ------
Current $5,041 $3,300 $1,348
Deferred (2,093) (1,388) 681
------- -------- ---------
2,948 1,912 2,029
------- ------- --------
State
-----
Current 1,003 686 252
Deferred (417) (210) 128
------- -------- ---------
586 476 380
------- ------- ---------
$3,534 $2,388 $2,409
======= ======= ========
F-16
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Dollars in tables in thousands except share data
Income taxes computed at the federal statutory rate differ from amounts provided
as follows:
[Download Table]
1998 1997 1996
----- ----- -----
Tax at statutory rate 34.0 % 34.0 % 34.0 %
State tax, less federal tax effect 4.0 5.0 6.0
Income tax credits (1.0) (1.0) (1.0)
Tax exempt interest (3.0) (2.9) (2.4)
Other, net 2.1 2.9 1.4
----- ----- -----
Provision for income taxes 36.1 % 38.0 % 38.0 %
===== ===== =====
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences
between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes and are attributable to
the following:
[Download Table]
1998 1997
----- -----
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued liabilities $6,425 $3,872
Inventories 1,413 1,503
Accounts receivable 430 475
Other 475 221
------ ------
Total deferred tax assets 8,743 6,071
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation 5,231 5,193
Other 139 15
------ -------
Total deferred tax liabilities 5,370 5,208
------ ------
Net deferred tax assets $3,373 $ 863
====== ======
Income taxes paid amounted to $6.2 million, $2.2 million and $1.7 million during
1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
F-17
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Dollars in tables in thousands except share data
11. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per
share:
[Download Table]
1998 1997 1996
----- ----- -----
Numerator:
Net income $6,242 $3,896 $3,926
------ ------ ------
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share-
weighted-average shares 7,197 7,247 7,189
Dilutive employee stock options 266 87 41
------ ------ -------
Denominator for diluted earnings per share-
adjusted weighted-average shares and
assumed conversions 7,463 7,334 7,230
======= ====== ======
Net income per common share
Basic $0.87 $0.54 $0.55
======= ====== ======
Diluted $0.84 $0.53 $0.54
======= ====== ======
Options to purchase 32,500 shares of common stock at $19.25 were outstanding
during 1998 but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per
share because the options' exercise price was greater than the average market
price of the common shares and, therefore, the effect would be antidilutive.
Options to purchase 146,811 shares of common stock at prices ranging from $16.75
- $19.00 and 194,033 shares of common stock at prices ranging from $12.38 -
$16.75 were outstanding in 1997 and 1996, respectively, but were not included in
the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options' exercise
price was greater than the average market price of the common shares and,
therefore, the effect would be antidilutive.
Under an agreement with an outside consultant, if the average of the closing
market value of the stock is in excess of $22.00 per share over a ninety day
period, the consultant would be entitled to purchase 125,000 shares of common
stock at $14.00 per share. These 125,000 additional warrants, which expire on
July 1, 2004, are not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share
because the stock did not exceed $22.00 during 1998.
12. THE BEN & JERRY'S FOUNDATION, INC.
In October 1985, the Company issued 900 shares of Class A Preferred Stock to the
Ben & Jerry's Foundation, Inc. (the Foundation), a not-for-profit corporation
qualified under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The primary
purpose of the Foundation is to be the principal recipient of cash contributions
from the Company which are then donated to various community organizations and
other charitable institutions. Contributions to the Foundation and directly to
other charitable organizations, at the rate of approximately 7.5% of income
before income taxes, amounted to approximately $793,000, $510,000 and $514,000
for 1998, 1997 and 1996 respectively.
The Class A Preferred Stock is entitled to vote as a separate class in certain
business combinations, such that approval of two-thirds of the class is required
for such business combination. The three directors of the Foundation, including
one of the founders of the Company, are members of the Board of Directors of the
Company.
F-18
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Dollars in tables in thousands except share data
13. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The Company maintains profit sharing and savings plans for all eligible
employees. The Company has also implemented a management incentive program,
which provides for discretionary bonuses for management. Contributions to the
profit sharing plan are allocated among all current full-time and regular
part-time employees (other than the co-founders, Chief Executive Officer and
Officers that are Senior Directors of functions) and are allocated fifty percent
based upon length of service and fifty percent split evenly among all employees.
The profit sharing plan and the management incentive plan are informal and
discretionary. Recipients who participate in the management incentive program
are not eligible to participate in the profit sharing plan. The savings plan is
maintained in accordance with the provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal
Revenue Code and allows all employees with at least twelve months of service to
make annual tax-deferred voluntary contributions up to fifteen percent of their
salary. The Company contributes one percent of eligible employees' gross annual
salary and may match the contribution up to an additional three percent of the
employee's gross annual salary. Effective January 1, 1998 the Company amended
its employees' retirement plan to permit contributions of shares of its stock to
the plan from time to time. In 1998, the Board of Directors approved the
contribution of $250,000 worth of Class A Common Stock to be allocated among all
eligible employees' accounts. Total contributions by the Company to the profit
sharing, management incentive program and savings plans were approximately $2.7
million, $1.2 million and $670,000 for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
14. COMMITMENTS
The Company leases certain property and equipment under operating leases.
Minimum payments for operating leases having initial or remaining noncancellable
terms in excess of one year are as follows:
1999 $1,093
2000 889
2001 767
2002 598
2003 553
Thereafter 1,442
Rent expense for operating leases amounted to approximately $1.5 million, $1.2
million and $1.1 million in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
15. SEGMENT INFORMATION
Ben & Jerry's Homemade Inc. has one reportable segment: ice cream manufacturing
and distribution. The Company manufactures super premium ice cream, frozen
yogurt, sorbet and various ice cream novelty products. These products are
distributed throughout the United States primarily through independent
distributors and in certain countries outside the United States.
During 1998, 1997 and 1996 the Company's most significant customer, Dreyer's
Grand Ice Cream, Inc., accounted for 57%, 57% and 55% of net sales respectively.
Sales and cash receipts are recorded and received primarily in U.S. dollars.
Foreign exchange variations have little or no effect on the Company at this
time.
F-19
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Dollars in tables in thousands except share data
Information concerning operations by geographic area are as follows:
[Download Table]
December 26, December 27, December 28,
1998 1997 1996
Sales to Unaffiliated Customers
United States $191,777 $166,592 $160,263
Foreign 17,426 7,614 6,892
-------- -------- --------
$209,203 $174,206 $167,155
======== ======== ========
Profit or Loss
United States $ 6,444 $ 4,136 $ 3,662
Foreign (202) (240) 264
--------- --------- --------
$ 6,242 $ 3,896 $ 3,926
======== ======== ========
Assets
United States $143,308 $142,051 $132,481
Foreign 6,193 4,420 4,184
-------- -------- --------
$149,501 $146,471 $136,665
======== ======== ========
All intersegment sales are made from the United States to the Company's foreign
locations and amounted to $14.6 million, $13.2 million and $12.3 million for
1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Note: Foreign operations include the United Kingdom, France, Canada, The
Netherlands, Belgium and Japan.
16. SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)
[Enlarge/Download Table]
First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter
1998 (1) (1) (1) (1)
---- ------------ ------------- ------------ --------------
Net sales $41,556 $58,749 $64,566 $44,332
Gross profit 13,964 21,153 24,227 13,634
Net income 380 2,130 2,892 840
Net income per common share
Basic .05 .29 .40 .12
Diluted
.05 .28 .39 .11
1997
Net sales $36,148 $50,701 $49,956 $37,401
Gross profit 10,003 19,150 19,118 11,651
Net (loss) income (1,059) 1,741 2,528 686
Net (loss) income per common share
Basic (.15) .24 .35 .09
Diluted
(.15) .24 .34 .09
(1) Each quarter represents a thirteen week period for all periods presented
F-20
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Dollars in tables in thousands except share data
17. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
Effective February 26, 1999, the Company made an investment commitment of $1
million in its Israeli Licensee, which gave the Company a 60% ownership
interest. The Company will consolidate this majority owned subsidiary beginning
March 1999.
F-21
BEN & JERRY'S HOMEMADE, INC.
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Years ended December 26, 1998, December 27, 1997 and December 28, 1996
(In 000's)
[Enlarge/Download Table]
Balance at Charged to Charged to
beginning costs and other Deductions Balance at
of year expenses accounts (1) end of year
--------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Year ended December 26, 1998 $1,066 $ 50 $---- $137 $ 979
Allowance for doubtful accounts
(deducted from accounts receivable)
Year ended December 27, 1997 $ 695 $630 $---- $259 $1,066
Allowance for doubtful accounts
(deducted from accounts receivable)
Year ended December 28, 1996 $ 802 $408 $---- $515 $ 695
Allowance for doubtful accounts
(deducted from accounts receivable)
(1) Accounts deemed to be uncollectible.
F-22
Dates Referenced Herein and Documents Incorporated by Reference
↑Top
Filing Submission 0000768384-99-000004 – Alternative Formats (Word / Rich Text, HTML, Plain Text, et al.)
Copyright © 2024 Fran Finnegan & Company LLC – All Rights Reserved.
About — Privacy — Redactions — Help —
Thu., Apr. 25, 1:31:02.2pm ET 
