UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C.  20549

Form 10‑Q

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

For the Quarter Ended June 27, 2015
Commission File Number  0-01989
Seneca Foods Corporation
(Exact name of Company as specified in its charter)
New York
16‑0733425
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I. R. S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the Company (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Company was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  No 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the Company is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer    Accelerated filer   Non-accelerated filer   Smaller reporting company 

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

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

Class
Shares Outstanding at July 24, 2015
Common Stock Class A, $.25 Par
7,956,046
Common Stock Class B, $.25 Par
1,967,958


 
Seneca Foods Corporation
 
 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
 
 
Table of Contents
 
     
   
Page
     
PART 1
 FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
  Item 1
Financial Statements:
 
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets-June 27, 2015, June 28, 2014 and
   1
 
  March 31, 2015
 
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings (Loss)-Three Months Ended
 
 
  June 27, 2015 and June 28, 2014
   2
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)-Three Months Ended
 
 
  June 27, 2015 and June 28, 2014
   2
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows-Three Months Ended
 
 
  June 27, 2015 and June 28, 2014
   3
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity-Three Months Ended
 
 
  June 27, 2015
   4
     
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
   5
     
  Item 2
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
 
 
  and Results of Operations
   11
     
  Item 3
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
   17
     
  Item 4
Controls and Procedures
   18
     
PART II
 OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
  Item 1
Legal Proceedings
   19
     
  Item 1A
Risk Factors
   19
     
  Item 2
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
   19
     
  Item 3
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
   19
     
  Item 4
Mine Safety Disclosures
   19
     
  Item 5
Other Information
   19
     
  Item 6
Exhibits
   19
     
SIGNATURES
 
   21

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
 
             
   
Unaudited
   
Unaudited
     
   
June 27,
   
June 28,
   
March 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
 
ASSETS
           
             
Current Assets:
           
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
$
7,926
   
$
11,104
   
$
10,608
 
Accounts Receivable, Net
   
54,311
     
53,431
     
69,837
 
Inventories:
                       
  Finished Goods
   
278,843
     
283,889
     
301,705
 
  Work in Process
   
7,731
     
8,362
     
10,167
 
  Raw Materials and Supplies
   
195,982
     
175,039
     
160,540
 
    Total Inventories
   
482,556
     
467,290
     
472,412
 
Deferred Income Taxes, Net
   
6,952
     
8,410
     
6,997
 
Other Current Assets
   
12,571
     
28,170
     
27,439
 
  Total Current Assets
   
564,316
     
568,405
     
587,293
 
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
   
181,885
     
188,115
     
185,557
 
Deferred Income Taxes, Net
   
15,062
     
-
     
14,829
 
Other Assets
   
18,018
     
17,535
     
18,015
 
    Total Assets
 
$
779,281
   
$
774,055
   
$
805,694
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                       
                         
Current Liabilities:
                       
  Notes Payable
 
$
32
   
$
4,880
   
$
9,903
 
  Accounts Payable
   
86,269
     
87,639
     
68,105
 
  Accrued Payroll
   
6,861
     
7,104
     
6,344
 
  Accrued Vacation
   
11,411
     
11,139
     
11,347
 
  Other Accrued Expenses
   
20,353
     
24,533
     
23,732
 
  Income Taxes Payable
   
1,721
     
272
     
1,787
 
  Current Portion of Long-Term Debt
   
2,570
     
2,363
     
2,530
 
Total Current Liabilities
   
129,217
     
137,930
     
123,748
 
Long-Term Debt, Less Current Portion
   
235,334
     
220,604
     
271,634
 
Pension Liabilities
   
57,302
     
17,018
     
54,960
 
Deferred Income Taxes, Net
   
-
     
692
     
-
 
Other Long-Term Liabilities
   
3,420
     
11,373
     
3,622
 
  Total Liabilities
   
425,273
     
387,617
     
453,964
 
Commitments and Contingencies
                       
Stockholders' Equity:
                       
  Preferred Stock
   
1,344
     
2,119
     
2,119
 
  Common Stock, $.25 Par Value Per Share
   
3,024
     
3,010
     
3,010
 
  Additional Paid-in Capital
   
97,364
     
96,503
     
96,578
 
  Treasury Stock, at cost
   
(61,980
)
   
(37,051
)
   
(61,277
)
  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
   
(31,804
)
   
(11,252
)
   
(31,804
)
  Retained Earnings
   
346,060
     
333,109
     
343,104
 
    Total Stockholders' Equity
   
354,008
     
386,438
     
351,730
 
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
$
779,281
   
$
774,055
   
$
805,694
 
                         
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 

1

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET EARNINGS (LOSS)
 
(Unaudited)
 
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
 
         
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
June 27,
   
June 28,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
         
Net Sales
 
$
226,258
   
$
240,043
 
                 
Costs and Expenses:
               
  Cost of Product Sold
   
205,679
     
223,047
 
  Selling, General and Administrative
   
15,056
     
15,719
 
  Plant Restructuring
   
(81
)
   
-
 
  Other Operating (Income) Loss
   
(336
)
   
279
 
  Total Costs and Expenses
   
220,318
     
239,045
 
      Operating Income
   
5,940
     
998
 
Earnings From Equity Investment
   
-
     
(366
)
Interest Expense, Net
   
1,372
     
1,069
 
Earnings Before Income Taxes
   
4,568
     
295
 
                 
Income Taxes Expense
   
1,600
     
402
 
Net Earnings (Loss)
 
$
2,968
   
$
(107
)
                 
  Earnings (Loss) Applicable to Common Stock
 
$
2,925
   
$
(110
)
                 
  Basic Earnings (Loss) per Common Share
 
$
0.30
   
$
(0.01
)
                 
  Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share
 
$
0.29
   
$
(0.01
)
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 

2

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited)
(In Thousands)
       
 
Three Months Ended
 
June 27,
 
June 28,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
       
Comprehensive income (loss):
   
  Net earnings (loss)
 
$
2,968
   
$
(107
)
  Change in pension and post retirement benefits (net of tax)
   
-
     
-
 
    Total
 
$
2,968
   
$
(107
)
                       
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
3

 
 
   
SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In Thousands)
   
Three Months Ended
   
June 27, 2015
    June 28, 2014  
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
         
Net Earnings (Loss)
 
$
2,968
   
$
(107
)
 
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Earnings (Loss) to
                 
Net Cash Provided by Operations:
                 
Depreciation & Amortization
   
5,315
     
5,655
   
(Gain) Loss on the Sale of Assets
   
(76
)
   
29
   
Impairment Provision
   
(81
)
   
-
   
Earnings From Equity Investment
   
-
     
(366
)
 
Deferred Income Tax Benefit
   
(188
)
   
355
   
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:
                 
Accounts Receivable
   
15,526
     
23,533
   
Inventories
   
(10,144
)
   
(16,040
)
 
Other Current Assets
   
14,868
     
5,424
   
Income Taxes
   
(66
)
   
(641
)
 
Accounts Payable,  Accrued Expenses
                 
and Other Liabilities
   
17,732
     
18,125
   
Net Cash Provided by Operations
   
45,854
     
35,967
   
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
                 
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment
   
(1,759
)
   
(12,458
)
 
Purchase Equity Method Investment
   
-
     
(16,308
)
 
Proceeds from the Sale of Assets
   
83
     
152
   
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities
   
(1,676
)
   
(28,614
)
 
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
                 
Long-Term Borrowing
   
17,584
     
51,186
   
Payments on Long-Term Debt
   
(53,844
)
   
(46,735
)
 
Payments on Notes Payable
   
(9,871
)
   
(7,375
)
 
Other
   
(14
)
   
5
   
Purchase of Treasury Stock
   
(703
)
   
(7,157
)
 
Dividends
   
(12
)
   
(12
)
 
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
   
(46,860
)
   
(10,088
)
 
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
   
(2,682
)
   
(2,735
)
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of the Period
   
10,608
     
13,839
   
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of the Period
 
$
7,926
   
$
11,104
   
                   
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
4

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
(Unaudited)
 
(In Thousands)
 
                         
           
Additional
       
Accumulated Other
     
   
Preferred
   
Common
   
Paid-In
   
Treasury
   
Comprehensive
   
Retained
 
   
Stock
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Stock
   
Loss
   
Earnings
 
                         
Balance March 31, 2015
 
$
2,119
   
$
3,010
   
$
96,578
   
$
(61,277
)
 
$
(31,804
)
 
$
343,104
 
Net earnings
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
2,968
 
Cash dividends paid
                                               
  on preferred stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(12
)
Equity incentive program
   
-
     
-
     
25
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Stock issued for profit sharing plan
   
-
     
1
     
(1
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Preferred stock conversion
   
(775
)
   
13
     
762
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Purchase treasury stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(703
)
   
-
     
-
 
Balance June 27, 2015
 
$
1,344
   
$
3,024
   
$
97,364
   
$
(61,980
)
 
$
(31,804
)
 
$
346,060
 
                                                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
5

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
June 27, 2015
 
 
 
1.           Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, which are normal and recurring in nature, necessary to present fairly the financial position of Seneca Foods Corporation (the "Company") as of June 27, 2015 and results of its operations and its cash flows for the interim periods presented.  All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.  The March 31, 2015 balance sheet was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements.
 
The results of operations for the period ended June 27, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
 
During the three months ended June 27, 2015, the Company sold $3,483,000 of Green Giant finished goods inventory to General Mills Operations, LLC ("GMOL") for cash, on a bill and hold basis, as compared to $4,196,000 for the three months ended June 28, 2014.  Under the terms of the bill and hold agreement, title to the specified inventory transferred to GMOL.  The Company believes it has met the criteria required for bill and hold treatment.
 
The accounting policies followed by the Company are set forth in Note 1 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company's 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Other footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted.  These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the Company's 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
All references to years are fiscal years ended or ending March 31 unless otherwise indicated.  Certain percentage tables may not foot due to rounding.
 
Reclassifications--Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period classification.
 
2.              In April 2014, the Company purchased a 50% equity interest in Truitt Bros. Inc. ("Truitt") for $16,308,000.  The purchase agreement grants the Company the right to acquire the remaining 50% ownership of Truitt in the future under certain conditions.  Truitt is known for its industry innovation related to packing shelf stable foods in trays, pouches and bowls.  Truitt has two state-of-the-art plants located in Oregon and Kentucky.  This investment is included in Other Assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and is accounted for using the equity method of accounting.
 
3.             First-In, First-Out ("FIFO") based inventory costs exceeded Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) based inventory costs by $162,431,000 as of the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2016 as compared to $153,035,000 as of the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2015.  The LIFO Reserve decreased by $1,637,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2016 compared to $349,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2015.  This reflects the projected impact of an overall cost decrease expected in fiscal 2016 versus fiscal 2015.
6

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
June 27, 2015
 
4.             Maximum borrowings under the Revolver total $300,000,000 from April through July and $400,000,000 from August through March.  The Revolver balance as of June 27, 2015 was $197,350,000 and is included in Long-Term Debt in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet since the Revolver matures on July 20, 2016. The Company utilizes its Revolver for general corporate purposes, including seasonal working capital needs, to pay debt principal and interest obligations, and to fund capital expenditures and acquisitions.  Seasonal working capital needs are affected by the growing cycles of the vegetables and fruits the Company processes.  The majority of vegetable and fruit inventories are produced during the months of June through November and are then sold over the following year.  Payment terms for vegetable and fruit produce are generally three months but can vary from a few days to seven months.  Accordingly, the Company's need to draw on the Revolver may fluctuate significantly throughout the year.
 
The increase in average amount of Revolver borrowings during the first quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2015 was attributable to the stock buyback of $24,929,000 made during the last year ended June 2015 and total Inventories which are $15,266,000 higher than the same period last year, partially offset by increased operating results in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2015.
 
General terms of the Revolver include payment of interest at LIBOR plus a defined spread.
 
The following table documents the quantitative data for Revolver borrowings during the first quarters of fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015:

   
First Quarter
 
   
2016
   
2015
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Reported end of period:
       
  Outstanding borrowings
 
$
197,350
   
$
180,050
 
  Weighted average interest rate
   
1.95
%
   
1.47
%
Reported during the period:
               
  Maximum amount of borrowings
 
$
233,000
   
$
190,000
 
  Average outstanding borrowings
 
$
207,475
   
$
171,417
 
  Weighted average interest rate
   
1.94
%
   
1.59
%
 
 
5.             During the three-month period ended June 27, 2015, the Company repurchased 23,600 shares or $703,000 of its Class A Common Stock as Treasury Stock.  As of June 27, 2015, there are 2,169,914 shares or $61,980,000 of repurchased stock.  These shares are not considered outstanding.
 
7

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
June 27, 2015
 
6.            The net periodic benefit cost for the Company's pension plan consisted of:

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
June 27,
   
June 28,
 
(In thousands)
 
2015
   
2014
 
Service  Cost
 
$
2,519
   
$
1,868
 
Interest Cost
   
2,177
     
2,032
 
Expected Return on Plan Assets
   
(2,625
)
   
(2,740
)
Amortization of Actuarial Loss
   
844
     
31
 
Amortization of Transition Asset
   
27
     
-
 
  Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
$
2,942
   
$
1,191
 
 
There was a contribution of $600,000 to the pension plan in the three month period ended June 27, 2015.  No contributions were required or made in the three month period ended June 28, 2014.
 
 
7.            The following table summarizes the restructuring charges and related asset impairment charges recorded and the accruals established:

       
Long-Lived
         
   
Severance
   
Asset Charges
   
Other Costs
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
     
Balance March 31, 2015
   
715
     
264
     
270
     
1,249
 
First quarter credit
   
(81
)
   
-
     
-
     
(81
)
Cash payments/write offs
   
(597
)
   
-
     
(97
)
   
(694
)
Balance June 27, 2015
 
$
37
   
$
264
   
$
173
   
$
474
 
                                 
Balance March 31, 2014
 
$
10
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
10
 
Cash payments/write offs
   
(3
)
   
-
     
-
     
(3
)
Balance June 28, 2014
 
$
7
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
7
 
 
 
During fiscal 2015, the Company recorded a restructuring charge of $1,376,000 related to the closing of a plant in the Midwest of which $842,000 was related to severance cost, $264,000 was related to equipment costs (contra fixed assets), and $270,000 was related to equipment relocation costs.  During the first quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company reduced the severance portion of this accrual by $81,000.
 
8.         
During the three months ended June 27, 2015, the Company sold unused fixed assets which resulted in a gain of $76,000 as compared to a loss of $29,000 during the three months ended June 28, 2014.  Also during the quarter ended June 27, 2015, the Company reversed a provision for the Prop 65 litigation of $200,000 and reduced an environmental accrual by $60,000.  In addition, during the three months ended June 28, 2014, there was a $250,000 charge related to an environmental remediation.  These net gains and losses are included in other operating income and loss in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings (Loss).
8

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
June 27, 2015 
9.             In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for the Company on April 1, 2018 (beginning of fiscal 2019). Early adoption is permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

There were no other recently issued accounting pronouncements that impacted the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. In addition, the Company did not adopt any new accounting pronouncements during the quarter ended June 27, 2015.
 
 
10.            Earnings (loss) per share for the Quarters Ended June 27, 2015 and June 28, 2014 are as follows:
 

   
F I R S T Q U A R T E R
 
   
Fiscal
   
Fiscal
 
(Thousands except per share amounts)
 
2016
   
2015
 
     
Basic
       
         
Net earnings (loss)
 
$
2,968
   
$
(107
)
Deduct preferred stock dividends paid
   
6
     
6
 
                 
Undistributed earnings (loss)
   
2,962
     
(113
)
Earnings (loss) attributable to participating preferred
   
37
     
(3
)
                 
Earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders
 
$
2,925
   
$
(110
)
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
9,888
     
10,801
 
                 
Basic earnings (loss)  per common share
 
$
0.30
   
$
(0.01
)
                 
Diluted
               
                 
Earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders
 
$
2,925
   
$
(110
)
Add dividends on convertible preferred stock
   
5
     
5
 
                 
Earnings (loss) attributable to common stock on a diluted basis
 
$
2,930
   
$
(105
)
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic
   
9,888
     
10,801
 
                 
Additional shares issued related to the equity compensation plan
   
5
     
5
 
                 
Additional shares to be issued under full conversion of preferred stock
   
67
     
67
 
                 
Total shares for diluted
   
9,960
     
10,873
 
                 
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
 
$
0.29
   
$
(0.01
)
9

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
June 27, 2015
 
11.           As required by Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 825, "Financial Instruments," the Company estimates the fair values of financial instruments on a quarterly basis.  The estimated fair value for long-term debt (classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy) is determined by the quoted market prices for similar debt (comparable to the Company's financial strength) or current rates offered to the Company for debt with the same maturities.  Long-term debt, including current portion had a carrying amount of $237,904,000 and an estimated fair value of $238,850,000 as of June 27, 2015.  As of March 31, 2015, the carrying amount was $274,164,000 and the estimated fair value was $274,999,000.  The fair values of all the other financial instruments approximate their carrying value due to their short-term nature.
 
 
12.           In June 2010, the Company received a Notice of Violation of the California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, commonly known as Proposition 65, from the Environmental Law Foundation ("ELF").  This notice was made to the California Attorney General and various other government officials, and to 49 companies including Seneca Foods Corporation whom ELF alleges manufactured, distributed or sold packaged peaches, pears, fruit cocktail and fruit juice that contain lead without providing a clear and reasonable warning to consumers.  Under California law, proper notice must be made to the State and involved firms at least 60 days before any suit under Proposition 65 may be filed by private litigants like ELF.  That 60-day period has expired and to date neither the California Attorney General nor any appropriate district attorney or city attorney has initiated an action against the Company.  However, private litigant ELF filed an action against the Company and 27 other named companies on September 28, 2011, in Superior Court of Alameda County, California, alleging violations of Proposition 65 and seeking various measures of relief, including injunctive and declaratory relief and civil penalties.  The Company, along with the other named companies, vigorously defended the claim.  A responsive answer was filed, the discovery process was completed and a trial on liability was held beginning in April of 2013 in accordance with court schedules.  The trial was completed on May 16, 2013 and, on July 15, 2013 the judge issued a tentative and proposed statement of decision agreeing with the Company, and the other defendants, that the "safe harbor" defense had been met under the regulations relating to Proposition 65 and the Company will not be required to place a Proposition 65 warning label on the products at issue in the case.  The trial decision was finalized and the decision was appealed by ELF with a filing dated October 3, 2013.  The California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, Division One unanimously rejected the appeal by ELF in a decision dated March 17, 2015.  ELF filed a petition for review with the California Supreme Court on April 28, 2015, and the petition was denied on July 8, 2015 (after the end of the Company's fiscal quarter).   With the successful defense of the case, the remedies portion of the case was not litigated and the denial of review by the California Supreme Court effectively ends the action, with only a few procedural matters to clean-up as a result of the denial of review.  Our portion of legal fees in defense of this action have been sizable, as would be expected with litigation resulting in trial, and the appeal, but have not had a material adverse impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. Additionally, in the ordinary course of its business, the Company is made party to certain legal proceedings seeking monetary damages, including proceedings invoking product liability claims, either directly or through indemnification obligations, and we are not able to predict the probability of the outcome or estimate of loss, if any, related to any such matter.
 
 
 
13.         The effective tax rate was 35.0% and 136.3% for the three month periods ended June 27, 2015 and June 28, 2014, respectively. With the low pre-tax earnings in the prior year's first quarter, permanent items have a larger impact on the effective tax rate.  Of the 101.3 percentage point decrease in the effective tax rate for this period, the major contributors to this decrease are the following item: the re-establishment of the valuation allowance related to New York State Investment Tax Credit of $384,000 charge (130.2 percentage points) last quarter, due to a change in the law, which is a discrete item and therefore is required to be recorded in the prior year's first quarter.  This item was partially offset by $92,000 credit (31.2 percentage points) related to interest received on tax refunds also recorded in the prior year's first quarter. The research and experimentation credit, work opportunity credit and fuel tax credit have not been signed into law so there is no provision for these credits in the current or prior quarter.
 
 
10

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
June 27, 2015
 
 
14.         During fiscal 2015, the Company entered into some interim lease notes which financed down payments for various equipment orders at market rates.  As of June 27, 2015, one of these interim notes had not been converted into an operating lease since the equipment was not delivered.  This note for $32,000 as of June 27, 2015, is included in notes payable in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  This note is expected to be converted into an operating lease within the next three months.
 
 
11


 
ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
June 27, 2015
 
Seneca Foods Corporation (the "Company") is a leading provider of packaged fruits and vegetables, with facilities located throughout the United States.  The Company's product offerings include canned, frozen and bottled produce and snack chips.  Its products are sold under private label as well as national and regional brands that the Company owns or licenses, including Seneca®, Libby's®, Aunt Nellie's®, READ®, and Seneca Farms®.  The Company's canned fruits and vegetables are sold nationwide by major grocery outlets, including supermarkets, mass merchandisers, limited assortment stores, club stores and dollar stores.  The Company also sells its products to foodservice distributors, industrial markets, other food processors, export customers in over 80 countries and federal, state and local governments for school and other food programs.  In addition, the Company packs Green Giant®, Le Sueur® and other brands of canned vegetables as well as select Green Giant® frozen vegetables for General Mills Operations, LLC ("GMOL") under a long-term Alliance Agreement.
 
The Company's raw product is harvested mainly between June through November. The Company experienced unfavorable growing conditions related to our green bean planting and harvest this summer reflecting an excess of moisture in certain areas.  These difficult growing conditions unfavorably impacted green bean crop yields and plant recovery rates which resulted in unfavorable manufacturing variances.
 
 
Results of Operations:
 
Sales:
 
First fiscal quarter 2016 results include net sales of $226,258,000, which represents a 5.7% decrease, or $13,785,000, from the first quarter of fiscal 2015.  The decrease in sales is attributable to a sales volume decrease of $16,585,000 partially offset by higher selling prices/sales mix of $2,800,000.   The decrease in sales is primarily from a $7,662,000 decrease in Canned Vegetables, a $2,999,000 decrease in Frozen sales, and a $2,320,000 decrease in Canned Fruit sales.
 
12


ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
June 27, 2015
 
 
The following table presents sales by product category:
 

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
June 27,
   
June 28,
 
(In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
 
Canned Vegetables
 
$
146.4
   
$
154.1
 
GMOL*
   
4.8
     
5.0
 
Frozen
   
21.3
     
24.3
 
Fruit Products
   
44.8
     
47.1
 
Snack
   
3.2
     
2.9
 
Other
   
5.8
     
6.6
 
   
$
226.3
   
$
240.0
 
                 
*GMOL includes frozen vegetable sales exclusively for GMOL.
         
 
Operating Income:

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

 
Three Months Ended
 
 
June 27,
 
June 28,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
  Gross Margin
9.1
%
7.1
%
         
  Selling
3.3
%
3.5
%
  Administrative
3.3
%
3.1
%
  Other Operating Income
(0.1)
%
0.1
%
         
  Operating Income
2.6
%
0.4
%
         
  Interest Expense, Net
0.6
%
0.4
%
         
 
For the three month period ended June 27, 2015, gross margin increased from the prior year quarter from 7.1% to 9.1% due primarily to higher net selling prices (after considering promotions) compared to the prior year and a larger LIFO credit in the current year as compared to the prior year, partially offset by higher unit costs in the current year than the prior year.  The LIFO credit for the first quarter ended June 27, 2015 was $1,637,000 as compared to $349,000 for the first quarter ended June 28, 2014 and reflects the impact on the quarter of decreased inflationary cost increases expected in fiscal 2016, compared to fiscal 2015.  On an after-tax basis, LIFO increased the net earnings by $1,064,000 for the quarter ended June 27, 2015 and increased net earnings by $227,000 for the quarter ended June 28, 2014, based on the statutory federal income tax rate.
 
For the three month period ended June 27, 2015, selling costs as a percentage of sales decreased from 3.5% to 3.3% as a result of lower selling expenses due to lower sales which incur selling costs versus the prior period.
 
For the three month period ended June 27, 2015, administrative expense as a percentage of sales increased from 3.1% to 3.3% due primarily to higher benefit expenses during the current period than the prior period.
 
13

ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
June 27, 2015
 
 
During the three months ended June 27, 2015, the Company sold unused fixed assets which resulted in a gain of $76,000 as compared to a loss of $29,000 during the three months ended June 28, 2014.  Also during the quarter ended June 27, 2015, the Company reversed a provision for the Prop 65 litigation of $200,000 and reduced an environmental accrual by $60,000.  In addition, during the three months ended June 28, 2014, there was a $250,000 charge related to an environmental remediation.  These net gains and losses are included in other operating income and loss in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings (Loss).
 
Interest expense, as a percentage of sales, increased from 0.4% for the quarter ended June 28, 2014 to 0.6% for the quarter ended June 27, 2015. This increase was due to higher interest expense related to the Company's Revolver due to the increased borrowings to finance purchases of treasury stock and inventory during the last year and higher rates during the current quarter than the prior quarter.
 
Income Taxes:
 
The effective tax rate was 35.0% and 136.3% for the three month periods ended June 27, 2015 and June 28, 2014, respectively. With the low pre-tax earnings in the prior year's first quarter, permanent items have a larger impact on the effective tax rate.  Of the 101.3 percentage point decrease in the effective tax rate for this period, the major contributors to this decrease are the following item: the re-establishment of the valuation allowance related to New York State Investment Tax Credit of $384,000 charge (130.2 percentage points) last quarter, due to a change in the law, which is a discrete item and therefore is required to be recorded in the prior year's first quarter.  This item was partially offset by $92,000 credit (31.2 percentage points) related to interest received on tax refunds also recorded in the prior year's first quarter. The research and experimentation credit, work opportunity credit and fuel tax credit have not been signed into law so there is no provision for these credits in the current or prior quarter.
 
Earnings (Loss) per Share:
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share were $0.30 and $(0.01) for the three months ended June 27, 2015 and June 28, 2014, respectively.  Diluted earnings (loss) per share were $0.29 and $(0.01) for the three months ended June 27, 2015 and June 28, 2014, respectively.  For details of the calculation of these amounts, refer to footnote 10 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources:
 
The financial condition of the Company is summarized in the following table and explanatory review:

   
June 27,
   
June 28,
   
March 31,
   
March 31,
 
(In thousands except ratios)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
                 
Working capital:
               
  Balance
 
$
435,099
   
$
430,475
   
$
463,545
   
$
452,771
 
  Change during quarter
   
(28,446
)
   
(22,296
)
               
Long-term debt, less current portion
   
235,334
     
220,604
     
271,634
     
216,239
 
Total stockholders' equity per equivalent
                               
      common share (see Note)
   
35.11
     
35.10
     
34.81
     
35.25
 
Stockholders' equity per common share
   
35.54
     
35.58
     
35.33
     
36.12
 
Current ratio
   
4.37
     
4.12
     
4.75
     
4.45
 
 
Note: Equivalent common shares are either common shares or, for convertible preferred shares, the number of common shares that the preferred shares are convertible into.  See Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company's 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K for conversion details.
 
 
14

ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
June 27, 2015
 
As shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, net cash provided by operating activities was $45,854,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2016, compared to $35,967,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2015.  The $9,887,000 increase in cash provided is primarily attributable to a $9,444,000 increase in cash provided by other current assets,  increased net earnings of $3,075,000 and a $575,000 decrease in cash used for income taxes, partially offset by a $393,000 decrease in cash provided by accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities, a $8,007,000 decrease in cash provided by accounts receivable, and a $5,896,000 decrease in cash used for inventory in the first three months of fiscal 2016 as compared to the first three months of fiscal 2015.
 
As compared to June 28, 2014, inventory increased $15,266,000 to $482,556,000 at June 27, 2015.  The components of the inventory increase reflect a $5,046,000 decrease in finished goods, a $631,000 decrease in work in process and a $20,943,000 increase in raw materials and supplies.  The finished goods decrease reflects lower inventory quantities attributable to the lower fiscal year 2015 pack versus fiscal year 2014 pack.  The raw materials and supplies increase is primarily due to an increase in cans and raw steel quantities compared to the prior year.  FIFO based inventory costs exceeded LIFO based inventory costs by $162,431,000 as of the end of the first quarter of 2016 as compared to $153,035,000 as of the end of the first quarter of 2015.
 
Cash used in investing activities was $1,676,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2016 compared to cash used in investing activities of $28,614,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2015.   In April 2014, the Company purchased a 50% equity interest in Truitt Bros. Inc. for $16,308,000.  Additions to property, plant and equipment were $1,759,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2016 as compared to $12,458,000 in first three months of fiscal 2015.
 
Cash used in financing activities was $46,860,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2016, which included borrowings of $17,584,000 and the repayment of $53,844,000 of long-term debt, principally consisting of borrowing and repayment on the revolving credit facility ("Revolver").  Other than borrowings under the Revolver, there was no new long-term debt during the first three months of fiscal 2016.  During the three months ended June 27, 2015, the Company repurchased $703,000 of its Class A Common Stock as treasury stock.  In addition, the Company paid down Notes Payable of $9,871,000 during the three months ended June 27, 2015 related to some interim notes which became operating leases.
 
Available borrowings on the Revolver total $300,000,000 from April through July and $400,000,000 from August through March with a maturity date of July 20, 2016.    The interest rate on the Revolver is based on LIBOR plus an applicable margin based on excess availability and the Company's fixed charge coverage ratio.  As of June 27, 2015, the interest rate was approximately 1.95% on a balance of $197,350,000.  We believe that cash flows from operations, availability under our Revolver and other financing sources will provide adequate funds for our working capital needs, planned capital expenditures, and debt obligations for at least the next 12 months.
 
The Company's credit facilities contain standard representations and warranties, events of default, and certain affirmative and negative covenants, including various financial covenants.  At June 27, 2015, the Company was in compliance with all such financial covenants.
 
New Accounting Standards
 
Refer to footnote 9 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
15

ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
June 27, 2015
 
Seasonality
 
The Company's revenues are typically higher in the second and third fiscal quarters. This is due in part because the Company sells, on a bill and hold basis, Green Giant canned and frozen vegetables to GMOL at the end of each pack cycle, which typically occurs during these quarters.  GMOL buys the product from the Company at cost plus a specified fee for each equivalent case.  See the Critical Accounting Policies section below for further details.  The Company's non-Green Giant sales also exhibit seasonality with the third fiscal quarter generating the highest retail sales due to holidays that occur during that quarter.

Forward-Looking Information

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

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

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

Except for ongoing obligations to disclose material information as required by the federal securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the filing of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
 
 
16

ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
June 27, 2015 
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
During the three months ended June 27, 2015, the Company sold $3,483,000 of Green Giant finished goods inventory to General Mills Operations, LLC ("GMOL") for cash, on a bill and hold basis, as compared to $4,196,000 for the three months ended June 28, 2014.  Under the terms of the bill and hold agreement, title to the specified inventory transferred to GMOL.  The Company believes it has met the criteria required for bill and hold treatment.

Trade promotions are an important component of the sales and marketing of the Company's branded products, and are critical to the support of the business. Trade promotion costs, which are recorded as a reduction of net sales, include amounts paid to encourage retailers to offer temporary price reductions for the sale of our products to consumers, amounts paid to obtain favorable display positions in retailers' stores, and amounts paid to retailers for shelf space in retail stores. Accruals for trade promotions are recorded primarily at the time of sale of product to the retailer based on expected levels of performance. Settlement of these liabilities typically occurs in subsequent periods primarily through an authorized process for deductions taken by a retailer from amounts otherwise due to us. As a result, the ultimate cost of a trade promotion program is dependent on the relative success of the events and the actions and level of deductions taken by retailers for amounts they consider due to them. Final determination of the permissible deductions may take extended periods of time.
 
The Company assesses its long-lived assets for impairment whenever there is an indicator of impairment. Property, plant, and equipment are depreciated over their assigned lives. The assigned lives and the projected cash flows used to test impairment are subjective. If actual lives are shorter than anticipated or if future cash flows are less than anticipated, a future impairment charge or a loss on disposal of the assets could be incurred. Impairment losses are evaluated if the estimated undiscounted value of the cash flows is less than the carrying value. If such is the case, a loss is recognized when the carrying value of an asset exceeds its fair value.
17

ITEM 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is exposed to various market risk factors, including changes in general economic conditions, competition and raw material pricing and availability.  In addition, the Company is exposed to fluctuations in interest rates, primarily related to its revolving credit facility.  To manage interest rate risk, the Company uses both fixed and variable interest rate debt.  There have been no material changes to the Company's exposure to market risk since March 31, 2015.
18

ITEM 4 Controls and Procedures
 
The Company maintains a system of internal and disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis. The Company's Board of Directors, operating through its Audit Committee, which is composed entirely of independent outside directors, provides oversight to the financial reporting process.
 
An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of June 27, 2015, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.  The Company continues to examine, refine and formalize its disclosure controls and procedures and to monitor ongoing developments in this area.
 
There have been no changes during the period covered by this report to the Company's internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
19

Item 1. Legal Proceedings
 
Refer to footnote 12 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
 
Item 1A .Risk Factors
 
There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in the Company's Form 10-K for the period ended March 31, 2015.
 
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 

   
Total Number of
   
Average Price Paid
   
Total Number
 
Maximum Number
   
Shares Purchased
   
per Share
   
of Shares
 
(or Approximate
                   
Purchased as
 
Dollar Value) or
                   
Part of Publicly
 
Shares that May
                   
Announced
 
Yet Be Purchased
   
Class A
   
Class B
 
 
Class A
   
Class B
   
Plans or
 
Under the Plans or
Period
 
Common
   
Common
 
 
Common
   
Common
   
Programs
 
Programs
4/01/15 –
   
23,600
(1)
   
-
   
$
29.80
   
$
-
     
-
   
4/30/15
                                             
5/01/15 –
   
-
     
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
     
-
   
5/31/15
                                                
6/01/15 –
   
-
     
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
     
-
   
6/30/15
                                                
Total
   
23,600
     
-
   
$
29.80
   
$
-
     
-
 
1,267,414
 
(1)  Of these shares, all 23,600 were purchased in open market transactions by the trustees under the Seneca Foods Corporation Employees' Savings Plan 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to provide employee matching contributions under the plan.
 
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
None.
 
Item 4 . Mine Safety Disclosures
 
None.
 
Item 5. Other Information
 
None.
 
Item 6. Exhibits
 
31.1         Certification of Kraig H. Kayser pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)
31.2         Certification of Timothy J. Benjamin pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)
32            Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)
101          The following materials from Seneca Foods Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the  months ended June 27, 2015, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language):  (i) condensed consolidated balance sheets, (ii) condensed consolidated statements of net earnings (loss), (iii) condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), (iv) condensed consolidated statements of cash flows, (v) condensed consolidated statement of stockholders' equity and (vi) the notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
20

SIGNATURES
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
 
Seneca Foods Corporation
      (Company)
 
 
 
/s/Kraig H. Kayser
 July 31, 2015
                                                                                                                                Kraig H. Kayser
President and
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
/s/Timothy J. Benjamin
 July 31, 2015
                                                                                                                               Timothy J. Benjamin
                                                                                                                               Chief Financial Officer
 
21