-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, NokWUFE4fak0/WomhzwweCZhKdZ1GxzI1PuX+sWPxA/BKOGXFujNtkobAryGraDU wJxTOca/7mKszngUJ2/YgQ== 0001193125-10-067223.txt : 20100325 0001193125-10-067223.hdr.sgml : 20100325 20100325170009 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-10-067223 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 7 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20100102 FILED AS OF DATE: 20100325 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20100325 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: MICHAEL FOODS INC/NEW CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001278679 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: POULTRY SLAUGHTERING AND PROCESSING [2015] IRS NUMBER: 134151741 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-112714 FILM NUMBER: 10705086 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 301 CARLSON PARKWAY STREET 2: STE 400 CITY: MINNETONKA STATE: MN ZIP: 55305 10-K 1 d10k.htm FORM 10-K Form 10-K

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended January 2, 2010

Commission file number 333-112714

 

 

MICHAEL FOODS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   13-4151741

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

301 Carlson Parkway

Suite 400

Minnetonka, Minnesota

  55305
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (952) 258-4000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    ¨  Yes    x  No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 of Section 15(d) of the Act.    x  Yes    ¨  No

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.    x  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 (§232.405 of this chapter) 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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the 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.    x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “small reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

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

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

The registrant’s common stock is not publicly traded. There were 3,000 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of March 25, 2010.

Documents incorporated by reference: None

 

 

 


PART I

ITEM 1—BUSINESS

Forward-looking Statements

Certain items herein are “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements include statements concerning our plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, future sales or performance, capital expenditures, financing needs, intentions relating to acquisitions, our competitive strengths and weaknesses, our business strategy and the trends we anticipate in the industries and economies in which we operate and other information that is not historical information and, in particular, appear under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” When used herein, the words “estimates,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes” and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based upon our current expectations and various assumptions. Our expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith, and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them, but there can be no assurance that our expectations, beliefs and projections will be realized.

There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this report (please see Item 1A – RISK FACTORS). Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this Form 10-K include changes in domestic and international economic conditions. Additional risks and uncertainties include variances in the demand for our products due to consumer and industry developments, as well as variances in the costs to produce such products, including normal volatility in egg, feed, potato and cheese costs. If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if any of our underlying assumptions are incorrect, our actual results may differ significantly from the results that we express in or imply by any of our forward-looking statements. We do not undertake any obligation to revise these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

General

Michael Foods, Inc. and its subsidiaries (together, the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our”) is a diversified producer and distributor of food products in three areas—egg products, cheese and other dairy case products and potato products. Our parent company is M-Foods Holdings, Inc. (“Parent”). Our Egg Products Division produces and distributes egg products to the foodservice, retail and food ingredient markets. Our Potato Products Division processes and distributes refrigerated potato products to the foodservice and retail grocery markets in North America. Our Crystal Farms Division markets a broad line of refrigerated grocery products to U. S. retail grocery outlets, including branded and private-label cheese, shell eggs, bagels, butter, muffins, potato products and ethnic foods. Please see Note J to our consolidated financial statements for additional information about our business segments.

We have a strategic focus on value-added processing of food products. The strategy is designed to capitalize on key food industry trends, such as (i) the desire for improved safety and convenience, (ii) the focus by foodservice operators on reducing labor and waste, and (iii) the long-term trend toward food consumption away from home, which has been slowed somewhat by the current economic conditions. We believe our operational scale, product breadth and geographic scope make us an attractive and important strategic partner for our customers.

Egg Products Division

The Egg Products Division, comprised of our wholly owned subsidiaries M. G. Waldbaum Company (“Waldbaum”), Papetti’s Hygrade Egg Products, Inc. (“Papetti’s”), Abbotsford Farms, Inc., and MFI Food Canada Ltd., produces, processes and distributes numerous egg products and shell eggs. Collectively, the entities are also referred to as the Michael Foods Egg Products Company. We believe that our Egg Products Division is the largest processed egg products producer and one of the largest egg producers in North America. Principal value-added egg products are ultrapasteurized, extended shelf-life liquid eggs (“Easy Eggs®” and “Excelle™”), egg white based egg products (“Better ‘n Eggs®” and “All Whites®”), and hardcooked and precooked egg products (“Table Ready®”). Other egg products include frozen, liquid and dried egg whites, yolks and whole eggs, and various organic and cage free egg products. We believe our Egg Products Division is the largest supplier of extended shelf-life liquid eggs, precooked egg patties and omelets, dried eggs and hardcooked eggs in North America and is a leading supplier of frozen and liquid whole eggs, whites and yolks.

 

2


Our Egg Products Division distributes its egg products to food processors and foodservice customers primarily throughout North America, with limited international sales in the Far East, South America and Europe. The largest selling product line within the Division, which is extended shelf-life liquid eggs, and other egg products are marketed to a wide variety of foodservice and food ingredients customers. The Division also is a leading supplier of egg white-based egg products sold in the U.S. retail and foodservice markets. Most of the Division’s annual shell egg sales are made to our Crystal Farms Division.

In 2009, the Division derived approximately 98% of net sales from egg products, with 2% of net sales coming from shell eggs. Pricing for shell eggs and certain egg products in the United States and Canada reflects levels reported by Urner Barry Spot Egg Market Quotations (“Urner Barry”), a recognized industry publication. Prices of certain higher value-added products, such as precooked, extended shelf-life liquid eggs, low/no cholesterol, natural/organic and cage free eggs, typically are not significantly affected by Urner Barry quoted price levels. Prices for the Division’s other products, including short shelf-life liquid, certain dried and frozen products and, particularly, shell eggs, are affected by market prices as reported by Urner Barry. Approximately 67% of the Egg Products Division’s annual net sales come from higher value-added egg products, such as extended shelf-life liquid and precooked products, with the remainder coming from products mainly used in the food ingredients market and shell eggs.

The Division’s principal egg processing plants are located in New Jersey, Minnesota, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Wisconsin and Manitoba, Canada. Certain of the Division’s facilities are fully integrated from the production and maintenance of laying flocks through the processing of egg products. In 2009, approximately 26% of the Division’s egg needs were satisfied by production from our owned hens, with the balance being purchased under third-party egg procurement contracts and in the spot market. The cost of eggs from our owned facilities is largely dependent upon the cost of feed. Additionally, for an increasing portion of eggs purchased under third-party egg procurement contracts, the egg cost is determined by the cost of feed, as the contracts are priced using a formula based upon the underlying feed costs. For the remaining portion of eggs purchased under third-party egg procurement contracts and for eggs purchased in the spot market, the egg cost is determined by normal market forces. Such costs are largely determined by reference to Urner Barry quotations. Historically, feed costs have generally been less volatile than have egg market prices, and internally produced eggs generally have been lower in cost than externally sourced eggs. Key feed costs, such as corn and soybean meal costs, are partially hedged through the use of futures and other purchase contracts. There is no market mechanism for hedging egg prices.

The Division has endeavored to moderate the effects of egg market commodity factors through an emphasis on value-added products. Further, the Division attempts to match market-affected egg sourcing with the production of egg products whose selling prices are also market-affected, and cost-affected egg sourcing, as best can be managed, with higher value-added products priced over longer terms, generally 6-12 months. The former typically allows the Division to realize a modest processing margin on such sales, even though there are notable commodity influences on both egg sourcing costs and egg products pricing, each changing as frequently as daily. Pricing of shell eggs is also typically affected by seasonal demand related to increased consumption during holiday periods.

Crystal Farms Division

Our Crystal Farms Division, comprised of our wholly owned subsidiaries Crystal Farms Refrigerated Distribution Company and Wisco Farm Cooperative, markets a wide range of refrigerated grocery products directly to retailers and wholesale warehouses. We believe that the Division’s strategy of offering quality branded products at a good value relative to national brands has contributed to the Division’s growth. These distributed refrigerated products, which consist principally of cheese, shell eggs, bagels, butter, muffins, potato products and ethnic foods, are supplied by various vendors, or our other divisions, to Crystal Farms’ specifications. Cheese accounted for approximately 71% of the Division’s 2009 sales. While we do not produce cheese, we operate a cheese packaging facility in Lake Mills, Wisconsin, which processes and packages various cheese products for our Crystal Farms brand cheese business and for various private-label customers.

The Division has expanded its market area using both company-owned and leased facilities and independent distributors. The Division’s market area is the United States, with a large customer concentration in the central United States. Over 11,000 retail stores carry the Division’s products. A majority of these retail stores are served via customers’ warehouses. The Division maintains a fleet of refrigerated tractor-trailers to deliver products daily to its retail customers from nine distribution centers centrally located in its key marketing areas.

Potato Products Division

Refrigerated potato products are produced and sold by our wholly owned subsidiaries Northern Star Co. (“Northern Star”) and Farm Fresh Foods, Inc. (“Farm Fresh”) to both the foodservice and retail markets. This Division’s products consist of shredded hash browns and diced, sliced, mashed and other specialty potato products. In 2009, approximately 50% of the Potato Products Division’s net sales were to the foodservice market, with the balance to the retail market.

 

3


The Division maintains its main processing facility in Minnesota, with a smaller facility located in Nevada. The Division typically purchases approximately 90%-95% of its annual potato requirements from contract producers. The balance of potato requirements are purchased in the spot market. The Division maintains a high percentage of its contracted supply from irrigated fields and also has geographical diversification of its potato sources. However, weather remains an important factor in determining raw potato prices and quality. Variations in the purchase price and/or quality of potatoes can affect the Potato Products Division’s operating results.

Sales, Marketing and Customer Service

Each of our three divisions has developed a marketing strategy that emphasizes high quality products and customer service. An internal sales group at Michael Foods, Inc., coordinates the foodservice sales of the Egg Products and Potato Products Divisions, primarily for national and regional accounts, and is supported by a centralized order entry and customer service staff. A group of foodservice brokers is used by us to supplement its internal sales efforts. Furthermore, the Egg Products Division maintains a small sales group which handles certain food ingredient and international egg product sales. The sales activities related to our nationally branded egg and potato retail products are executed by the Crystal Farms Division’s direct sales personnel and brokers to affect a more efficient retail selling effort. Our foodservice marketing staff executes egg and potato products marketing plans in the foodservice market. A separate retail marketing staff executes plans for national retail egg and potato products brands and Crystal Farms, utilizing additional resources from outside marketing and advertising agencies and consultants as needed.

The Crystal Farms Division’s internal and external sales personnel obtain orders from retail stores for next-day delivery, and warehouse accounts for delivery usually within 14 days. This Division’s marketing efforts are primarily focused on in-store, co-op, and select media advertising programs, which are executed with grocers on a market-by-market basis.

Customers

The Egg Products Division has long-standing preferred supplier relationships with many of its customers. Our customers include many of the major broad-line foodservice distributors and national restaurant chains that serve breakfast. As the largest processed egg producer in the industry, we offer our customers a broad product selection, large-scale multi-plant manufacturing capabilities and specialized service. The Egg Products Division’s major customers in each of its market channels include leading foodservice distributors, with Sysco Corporation and U.S. Foodservice accounting for more than 10% of our consolidated 2009 net sales. Some of the Division’s other major customers are national restaurant chains, major retail grocery store chains and major food processors.

The Crystal Farms Division has customer relationships with large food store chains that rely on us to deliver a variety of dairy case products in a timely and efficient manner. The Division serves over 11,000 retail locations, inclusive of stores receiving products through warehouse delivery. SUPERVALU, the grocery industry’s largest distributor, was Crystal Farms’ largest customer in 2009 and accounted for more than 10% of the Division’s 2009 net sales.

The Potato Products Division leverages existing relationships with national foodservice distributor customers of the Egg Products Division. Hence, many of the Potato Products Division’s top customers are also long-standing customers of the Egg Products Division. The Division provides foodservice distributors the convenience of centrally sourcing many different types of refrigerated potato and egg products. The Potato Products Division’s largest customers include major foodservice distributors and major retail grocery store chains.

Competition

All aspects of our businesses are extremely competitive. In general, food products are price sensitive and affected by many factors beyond our control, including the economy, changes in consumer tastes, fluctuating input prices, changes in supply due to weather, and production variances.

The egg-processing industry is particularly competitive, owing to the large number of national players, the wide variety of product offerings, and the fact that egg products compete in the first instance with shell eggs. Cargill Kitchen Solutions, a division of Cargill, Incorporated, is our largest higher value-added egg products competitor. We also compete with other egg products processors, including Sonstegard Foods Company, Rose Acre Farms, Inc., Echo Lake Farm Produce, Rembrandt Enterprises, Inc. and ConAgra Foods, Inc.

The Crystal Farms Division competes with the refrigerated products of larger suppliers such as Kraft Foods, Inc., Dairy Farmers of America, Sargento Foods, Inc., and Sorrento Lactalis, Inc. We position Crystal Farms products as an alternative mid-priced brand, operating at price points below national brands and above store (private-label) brands. Crystal Farms’ emphasis on a high level of service and lower-priced branded products has enabled it to compete effectively with larger national-brand companies.

 

4


Through our Potato Products Division, we were the first company to introduce nationally branded refrigerated potato products in the late 1980s to the United States’ foodservice and retail markets. We believe we are the largest processor and distributor of refrigerated potato products in the U.S. The Potato Products Division’s major retail competitors are Shedd’s Country Crock Side Dishes (licensed by Unilever N. V. to Hormel Foods Corp.), Bob Evans Farms, Inc. and Reser’s Fine Foods, Inc. Other competitors include smaller local and regional processors, including I&K Distributors, Inc. (Yoder’s) and Naturally Potatoes in the foodservice sector. Certain companies, such as Ore-Ida Foods, Inc. (a subsidiary of H. J. Heinz Co.) and Lamb-Weston, Inc. (a subsidiary of ConAgra Foods, Inc.), sell frozen versions of potato products that are sold by the Division in refrigerated form.

Proprietary Technologies and Trademarks

We use a combination of patent, trademark and trade secrets laws to protect the intellectual property for our products. We own patents and have exclusive license agreements for several patents and technologies.

The Egg Products Division maintains numerous trademarks and/or trade names for its products, including “Michael Foods™,” “Better ‘n Eggs®,” “All Whites®,” “Papetti’s®,” “Quaker State Farms®,” “Broke N’ Ready®,” “Abbotsford Farms®,” “Inovatech®”, “Excelle™”, “Trilogy™” and “Emulsa®”.” Ultrapasteurized liquid eggs are marketed using the “Easy Eggs®” trade name and hardcooked and precooked egg products are marketed using the “Table Ready®” trade name. Crystal Farms Division products are marketed principally under the “Crystal Farms™” trade name. Other Crystal Farms Division trademarks include “Crescent Valley®”, “Westfield Farms®”, and “David’s Deli®.” Within the Potato Products Division, we market our refrigerated potato products to foodservice customers under a variety of brands, including “Northern Star™” and “Farm Fresh™.” The “Simply Potatoes®” and “Diner’s Choice®” brands are used for retail refrigerated products.

Food Safety

We take extensive precautions to ensure the safety of our products. In addition to routine inspections by state and federal regulatory agencies, including continuous United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) inspection of many facilities, we have instituted quality systems plans in each of our divisions which address topics such as supplier control; ingredient, packaging and product specifications; preventive maintenance; pest control and sanitation. Each of our facilities also has in place a hazard analysis critical control points plan which identifies critical pathways through which contaminants may enter our facilities and mandates control measures that must be used to prevent, eliminate or reduce all relevant food-borne hazards. Each of our divisions has also instituted a product recall plan, including lot identifiability and traceability measures that allows us to act quickly to reduce the risk of consumption of any product that we suspect may be a problem.

We maintain general liability insurance, including product liability coverage, which we believe to be sufficient to cover potential product liabilities.

Government Regulation

All of our divisions are subject to federal, state and local government regulations relating to grading, quality control, product branding and labeling, waste disposal and other aspects of their operations. Our divisions are also subject to USDA and Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) regulation regarding grading, quality, labeling and sanitary control. Our Egg Products Division processing plants that break eggs, and some of our other egg processing operations, are subject to continuous on-site USDA inspection. All of our other processing plants are subject to periodic inspections by the USDA, FDA and/or state regulatory authorities, such as departments of agriculture.

Crystal Farms cheese and butter products are affected by milk price supports established by the USDA. The support price serves as an artificial minimum price for these products, which may not be indicative of market conditions that would prevail if these supports were abolished.

Environmental Regulation

We are subject to federal and state environmental regulations and requirements, including those governing discharges to air and water, the management of hazardous substances, the disposal of solid and hazardous wastes, and the remediation of contamination. Our environmental management and compliance programs are led by our Director of Environmental Engineering. Additionally, we have an ongoing relationship with an environmental consulting firm, and we use other consultants as may be required. As a result of our efforts, we believe we are currently in material compliance with all environmental regulations and requirements.

We have made, and will continue to make, expenditures to ensure environmental compliance. For example, in early 2008 we completed a new mechanical wastewater treatment facility in Wakefield, Nebraska.

 

5


Many of our facilities discharge wastewater pursuant to wastewater discharge permits. We dispose of our waste from our internal egg production primarily by transferring it to farmers for use as fertilizer. We dispose of our solid waste from potato processing by transferring it to a processor who converts it to animal feed.

Employees

At January 2, 2010, we had 3,762 employees. The Egg Products Division had 2,548 full-time and 249 part-time employees, none of whom are represented by a union. The Potato Products Division employed 313 persons, 223 of whom were represented by the Bakery, Laundry, Allied Sales Drivers and Warehousemen Union, which is affiliated with the Teamsters. The Crystal Farms Division employed 421 persons, none of whom are represented by a union. Our corporate, sales, supply chain logistics and information systems groups collectively had 231 employees. We believe our employee relations to be good.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

See Item 10—Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.

Availability of SEC Reports

We make available, free of charge, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practical after they are filed or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The public may read and copy any materials that we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100F Street NE, Washington, DC, 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling 1-800- SEC-0330. Such reports are also available electronically at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov) as well as on our website (http://www.michaelfoods.com) on the Newsroom tab. Information included on our website is not deemed to be incorporated into this Form 10-K.

ITEM 1A—RISK FACTORS

Our operating results are significantly affected by egg, potato and cheese market prices, the prices of other raw materials, such as grain, which can fluctuate widely, and energy and energy related costs.

Our operating results are affected by egg, potato and cheese prices and the prices of corn and soybean meal, which are the primary feedstock used in the production of eggs. Historically, the prices of these raw materials have fluctuated widely. Changes in the price of such items may have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, and results of operations or financial condition. In general, the pricing of eggs is affected by an inelasticity of supply and demand, often resulting in small changes in production or demand having a large effect on prices. Historically, our operating profit has been, at times, adversely affected when egg and grain prices rise significantly. In addition, our operating profit has historically been negatively affected during extended periods of low egg prices. We can experience similar negative effects on our results of operations because of increases in the price of potatoes and cheese. Although we can take steps to mitigate the effects of changes to our raw material costs, fluctuations in prices are outside of our control. For example, the prices of corn and soybean meal rose dramatically from the summer of 2006 through the summer of 2008. We viewed much of the corn price rise as relating to significant incremental demand from ethanol producers. With the rapid rise in grain costs, we were unable to adjust our egg products selling prices rapidly and extensively enough to offset the significant raw material cost increases in those years. Our operating results can also be affected by other input costs such as energy and energy related costs. While we endeavor to keep our selling prices in-line with our input costs, we are not always able to do so and this may result in abnormally low operating profit margins for extended periods of time.

We produce and distribute food products that are susceptible to microbial contamination.

Many of our food products, particularly egg products, are vulnerable to contamination by disease producing organisms, or pathogens, contained in food, such as Salmonella, which are found in the environment. Shipment of adulterated products, even if inadvertent, is typically a violation of law and may lead to an increased risk of exposure to product liability claims (as discussed below), product recalls and increased scrutiny by federal and state regulatory agencies. Any shipment of adulterated products may have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, prospects, results of operations and financial condition. The risk may be controlled, but not eliminated, by adherence to good manufacturing practices and finished product testing. Also, products purchased from others for repacking or distribution may contain contaminants that may be inadvertently redistributed by us. Once contaminated products have been shipped for distribution, illness and death may result if the pathogens are not eliminated by thorough processing and cooking at the foodservice or consumer level.

 

6


As a result of selling food products, we face the risk of exposure to product liability claims.

We face the risk of exposure to product liability claims and adverse public relations in the event that our quality control procedures fail and the consumption of our products cause injury or illness. If a product liability claim is successful, our insurance may not be adequate to cover all liabilities we may incur, and we may not be able to continue to maintain such insurance, or obtain comparable insurance at a reasonable cost, if at all. We generally seek contractual indemnification and insurance coverage from parties supplying us products, but this indemnification or insurance coverage is limited by the creditworthiness of the indemnifying party, and their insurance carriers, if any, as well as the limits of any insurance provided by suppliers. We believe we have adequate product liability coverage but if we did not have adequate insurance or contractual indemnification available, product liability claims relating to defective products could have a material adverse effect on our business reputation and earnings. In addition, even if a product liability claim is not successful or is not fully pursued, the negative publicity surrounding any assertion that our products caused illness or injury could have a material adverse effect on our reputation with existing and potential customers and on our business, prospects, results of operations and financial condition.

A decline in egg consumption or in the consumption of processed food products in total could have a material adverse effect on our net sales and results of operations.

Adverse publicity relating to health concerns and the nutritional value of eggs and egg products could adversely affect egg consumption and consequently demand for our processed egg products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, and results of operations or financial condition. In addition, as almost all of our operations consist of the production and distribution of processed food products, a change in consumer preferences relating to processed food products or in consumer perceptions regarding the nutritional value of processed food products could adversely affect demand, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, liquidity and financial condition. Further, weak or recessionary economic conditions can affect food consumption patterns, particularly in the foodservice market, with a potentially negative effect on our sales volumes and margins.

The categories of the food industry in which we operate are highly competitive, and our inability to compete successfully could adversely affect our business, prospects, results of operations and financial condition.

Competition in each of the categories of the food industry within which we operate is notable. Increased competition against any of our products could result in price reduction, reduced margins and loss of market share, which could negatively affect our business, prospects, results of operations and financial condition. In particular, we compete with major companies such as Cargill, Incorporated, Kraft Foods, Inc., Hormel Foods Corp. and ConAgra Foods, Inc. Each of these companies has substantially greater financial resources, name recognition, research and development, marketing and human resources than we have. In addition, our competitors may succeed in developing new or enhanced products which could be preferred over our products. These companies may also prove to be more successful than we are in marketing and selling these products. We may not be able to compete successfully with any or all of these companies.

Our largest customers have historically accounted for a significant portion of our net sales volume. Accordingly, our business may be adversely affected by the loss of, or reduced purchases by, one or more of our large customers.

Our largest customers have historically accounted for a significant portion of the net sales volume of each of our three divisions. If, for any reason, one of our key customers were to purchase significantly less of our products in the future or were to terminate its purchases from us altogether, and we are not able to sell our products to new customers at comparable or greater levels, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely effected. This concentration of sales to these customers increases the risk that if one, or more, large customers encounter financial difficulties, especially during economic recession, it may impact our associated accounts receivable.

Trademarks and patents have historically been important to our business. The loss or expiration of a patent, whether licensed or owned, or the loss of any registered trademark, could negatively impact our ability to produce and sell the products associated with such patent or trademark, which could have a material adverse effect on our sales volume and net income.

We utilize trademarks, patents, trade secrets and other intellectual property in our business, the loss or expiration of which could negatively impact our ability to produce and sell the associated products, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. We also own many registered and unregistered trademarks that are used in the marketing and sale of our products. We have invested a substantial amount of money in establishing and promoting our trademarked brands. However, the degree of protection that these trademarks afford us is uncertain.

 

7


Government regulation could increase our costs of production and increase our legal and regulatory expenses.

Our manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution and labeling of food products are subject to extensive federal, state and local regulation, including regulation by the FDA, the USDA, and various health and agricultural agencies. Some of our facilities are subject to continuous on-site inspections. Applicable statutes and regulations governing food products include rules for identifying the content of specific types of foods, the nutritional value of that food and its serving size. Many jurisdictions also provide that food manufacturers adhere to good manufacturing practices (the definition of which may vary by jurisdiction) with respect to production processes, which include proper personal hygiene, wearing and proper handling of company-issued uniforms and footwear, using footbaths, proper hand washing procedures, proper storage of equipment, not wearing jewelry, not eating or drinking in production areas, and not carrying objects above the waist so as to prevent anything from falling into products. In addition, our production and distribution facilities are subject to various federal, state and local environmental and workplace regulations. Failure to comply with all applicable laws and regulations could subject us to civil remedies, including fines, injunctions, recalls or seizures, and criminal sanctions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, compliance with current or future laws or regulations could require us to make material expenditures or otherwise adversely affect the way we operate our business, our prospects, results of operations and financial condition.

We may incur unexpected costs associated with compliance with environmental regulations.

We are subject to federal, state, and local environmental requirements, including those governing discharges to air and water, the management of hazardous substances, the disposal of solid and hazardous wastes, and the remediation of contamination. If we do not fully comply with environmental regulations, or if a release of hazardous substances occurs at or from one of our facilities, we may be subject to penalties and fines, and/or be held liable for the cost of remedying the condition. The operational and financial effects associated with compliance with the variety of environmental regulations could require us to make material expenditures or otherwise adversely affect the way we operate our business and our prospects, results of operations and financial condition.

Extreme weather conditions, disease (such as avian influenza) and pests could harm our business.

Many of our business activities are subject to a variety of agricultural risks. Unusual weather conditions, disease and pests can materially and adversely affect the quality and quantity of the raw materials we use and, hence, the food products we produce and distribute. In particular, avian influenza occasionally affects the domestic poultry industry, leading to hen deaths. A virulent form of avian influenza emerged in Southeast Asia over the past several years and has spread elsewhere in the Eastern Hemisphere in recent years. It has caused deaths in wild bird populations and, in limited instances, domesticated fowl flocks. It has also been linked to illness and death among some persons who have been in contact with diseased fowl. It is unclear if this form of avian influenza will manifest itself in North America, or if sheltered flocks, such as ours, have significant exposure risk. However, to protect against this risk, we have intensified biosecurity measures at our layer locations. Weather, disease and pest matters could affect a substantial portion of our production facilities in any year and could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, and results of operations or financial condition.

Ability to fund debt and maintain debt instruments covenant compliance.

We believe that, based on current levels of operations, we will be able to meet our debt service and other obligations when due and maintain compliance with our covenants. Significant assumptions underlie this belief, including, among other things, that we will continue to be successful in implementing our business strategy and that there will be no material adverse developments in our business, liquidity or capital requirements. If our future cash flows from operations and other capital resources are insufficient to pay our obligations as they mature or we fail to comply with our debt covenants, we may be forced to reduce or delay our business activities and capital expenditures, sell assets, obtain additional debt or equity capital or restructure or refinance all or a portion of our debt, including the subordinated notes, on or before maturity. We cannot assure our investors that we would be able to accomplish any of these alternatives on a timely basis or on satisfactory terms, if at all. In addition, the terms of our existing and future indebtedness, including the senior subordinated notes and the credit agreement, may limit our ability to pursue any of these alternatives.

ITEM 1B—UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not applicable

 

8


ITEM 2—PROPERTIES

FACILITIES

Corporate. We maintain leased space for our corporate headquarters in suburban Minneapolis, Minnesota. Leased space within the same building houses the headquarters, financial and administrative service staffs of the Egg Products, Potato Products and Crystal Farms divisions, as well as our customer service, distribution, sales, marketing and information services groups. This lease expires in 2013 and the annual base rent is approximately $1,020,000.

Egg Products Division. The following table summarizes information relating to the primary facilities of our Egg Products Division:

 

Location

  

Principal Use

   Size
(square feet)
  

Owned/Leased

   Lease
Expiration
   Annual
Payments
Elizabeth, New Jersey (a)    Processing    75,000    Leased    2012    $ 583,000
Elizabeth, New Jersey (a)    Processing    125,000    Leased    2012      911,000
Bloomfield, Nebraska    Processing    80,000    Owned    —        —  
LeSueur, Minnesota    Processing    29,000    Owned    —        —  
Wakefield, Nebraska    Processing    380,000    Owned    —        —  
Klingerstown, Pennsylvania (b)    Processing and Distribution    158,000    Leased    2017      681,000
Lenox, Iowa    Processing and Distribution    151,000    Owned    —        —  
Gaylord, Minnesota    Processing and Distribution    230,000    Owned    —        —  
Elizabeth, New Jersey (a)    Distribution    80,000    Leased    2012      648,000
Bloomfield, Nebraska    Egg Production    619,000    Owned    —        —  
Wakefield, Nebraska    Egg Production    658,000    Owned    —        —  
LeSueur, Minnesota    Egg Production    345,000    Owned    —        —  
Gaylord, Minnesota    Egg Production    349,000    Owned    —        —  
Gaylord, Minnesota    Pullet Houses    130,000    Owned    —        —  
Wakefield, Nebraska    Pullet Houses    432,000    Owned    —        —  
Plainview, Nebraska    Pullet Houses    112,000    Owned    —        —  
Winnipeg, Manitoba (c)    Processing    102,000    Capital Lease    2012      533,000
Winnipeg, Manitoba (c)    Processing    32,000    Leased    2013      147,000
St. Marys, Ontario (c)    Processing    42,000    Capital Lease    2012      302,000
Mississauga, Ontario (c)    Distribution    8,000    Leased    2011      53,000
Montreal, Quebec (d)    Office space    700    Leased    2010      15,000
Abbotsford, Wisconsin    Processing    20,000    Owned    —        —  

 

(a) There is a five year extension available on these leases.
(b) There is a ten year and a five year extension available on this lease.
(c) There are four five year extensions available on these leases. The St. Marys, Ontario plant closed as of March 31, 2007, but remains under lease. See Note G to our consolidated financial statements.
(d) This lease renews annually.

The Egg Products Division also owns or leases, primarily for egg production operations, approximately 1,600 acres of land in Nebraska and Minnesota.

Potato Products Division. The Potato Products Division owns a processing plant and land located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, consisting of approximately 162,000 square feet of production area. This Division leases a building in North Las Vegas, Nevada, consisting of approximately 31,000 square feet. This lease expires in 2011 and we have the option to extend the lease for two successive five year periods. The annual payment amount on this lease is approximately $388,000. The division purchased a 230,000 square foot building in Chaska, Minnesota in December 2008. This building has been converted into a potato products plant, with initial production occurring in 2010 and is expected to offer more efficient production output and incremental capacity, which the Division needs to expand its sales. We plan to close the Minneapolis plant once the new plant is fully functional.

 

9


Crystal Farms Division. The Crystal Farms Division leases office space in suburban Minneapolis and several small warehouses across the United States. The leases expire between 2010 and 2012. The annual base rent for all of the leases is approximately $135,000. The Division owns a distribution center located near LeSueur, Minnesota, which is approximately 33,000 square feet. The Division also owns and operates an 85,000 square foot refrigerated warehouse with offices and a 30,000 square foot cheese packaging facility on a 13-acre site in Lake Mills, Wisconsin.

The total annual lease payments for the facilities described above is approximately $5.4 million. The leases for these facilities have varying length terms ranging from month-to-month to 2017. We believe that our owned and leased facilities, together with budgeted capital projects in each of our three operating divisions, are adequate to meet anticipated requirements for our current lines of business for the foreseeable future. All of our owned property is pledged to secure repayment of our credit agreement.

For additional information on contractual obligations relating to operating leases see “Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

ITEM 3—LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In late 2008 and early 2009, some 22 class-action lawsuits were filed in various federal courts against us and approximately 20 other defendants (producers of shell eggs, manufacturers of processed egg products, and egg industry organizations) alleging violations of federal and state antitrust laws in connection with the production and sale of shell eggs and processed-egg products. Plaintiffs seek to represent nationwide classes of direct and indirect purchasers, and allege that defendants conspired to reduce the supply of eggs by participating in animal husbandry, egg-export and other programs of various egg-industry associations. In December 2008, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation ordered the transfer of all cases to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for coordinated and/or consolidated pretrial proceedings. We currently have two motions to dismiss pending before the Court: (1) a motion to dismiss the direct-purchaser plaintiffs’ Second Consolidated Amended Complaint against Michael Foods, Inc.; and (2) a motion to dismiss the indirect-purchaser plaintiffs’ Consolidated Amended Complaint against Michael Foods, Inc. and subsidiary Papetti’s Hygrade Egg Products, Inc. We are also a party to various other motions, filed by multiple defendants, to dismiss portions of the complaints. A decision on these motions is not expected until June 2010 or later.

We received a Civil Investigative Demand (“CID”) issued by the Florida Attorney General on November 17, 2008, regarding an investigation of possible anticompetitive activities “relating to the production and sale of eggs or egg products.” The CID requests information and documents related to the pricing and supply of shell eggs and egg products, as well as our participation in various programs of United Egg Producers. We are fully cooperating with the Florida Attorney General’s office.

We and Sodexo (formerly Sodexho, Inc.) were named as defendants in a suit commenced in 2004 by Feesers, Inc., alleging violation of the Robinson-Patman Act. In 2006, we were awarded summary judgment by the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania; that judgment was reversed in 2007 by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and the case was remanded to the District Court for fact-finding. Following a bench trial in January 2008, the District Court ruled on April 27, 2009 that we violated the Robinson-Patman Act because it found that certain of our products were sold to Feesers and Sodexo at different prices. No damages were sought or awarded in the case; the District Court issued an injunction prohibiting us from charging different prices to Feesers and Sodexo. We appealed the District Court’s decision to the Third Circuit; on January 7, 2010, the Third Circuit reversed the District Court and directed that judgment be entered in favor of Sodexo and us. On January 21, 2010, Feesers petitioned the Third Circuit for a rehearing en banc; the third circuit denied the petition on March 4, 2010. Following the District Court’s ruling on April 27, 2009, Feesers petitioned to have its attorneys’ fees and costs paid by Sodexo and us; we recorded a liability of $5.1 million in June 2009 relating to the fees petition. Based on the latest ruling, that liability was reversed in the fourth quarter of 2009.

In addition, we are from time to time party to litigation, administrative proceedings and union grievances that arise in the ordinary course of business, and occasionally pay non-material amounts to resolve claims and alleged violations of regulatory requirements. There is no pending litigation that, separately or in the aggregate, would, in the opinion of management, have a material adverse effect on our operations or financial condition.

We cannot predict what, if any, impact these matters and any results from such matters could have on future results of operations.

 

10


ITEM 4—RESERVED

PART II

ITEM 5—MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

  (a) Our common equity is not traded in any market. We had one holder of our common equity as of March 25, 2010. No securities are authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans. No unregistered sales of securities were made during 2009.
  (b) Not applicable.
  (c) Not applicable.

ITEM 6—SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table sets forth selected consolidated historical financial data for the years ended January 2, 2010, January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007, December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005. The data presented below was derived from the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. This information should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere herein and Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

(In thousands)    2009    2008    2007    2006    2005

Statement of Earnings Data

              

Net sales

   $ 1,542,779    $ 1,804,373    $ 1,467,762    $ 1,247,348    $ 1,242,498

Cost of sales

     1,241,613      1,528,420      1,223,416      1,016,832      1,005,418
                                  

Gross profit

     301,166      275,953      244,346      230,516      237,080

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     145,883      165,938      147,375      133,287      130,833

Plant closing expenses

     —        —        1,525      3,139      —  
                                  

Operating profit

     155,283      110,015      95,446      94,090      106,247

Interest expense, net

     44,338      42,008      52,490      55,928      47,119

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

     3,237      —        —        —        5,548
                                  

Earnings before income taxes and equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiary

     107,708      68,007      42,956      38,162      53,580

Income tax expense

     38,244      21,129      15,391      16,294      14,266
                                  

Earnings before equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiary

     69,464      46,878      27,565      21,868      39,314

Equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiary

     —        —        —        2,713      455
                                  

Net earnings

   $ 69,464    $ 46,878    $ 27,565    $ 19,155    $ 38,859
                                  

At Period End

              

Balance Sheet Data

              

Working capital

   $ 173,961    $ 157,128    $ 94,581    $ 78,358    $ 79,923

Total assets

     1,306,866      1,298,858      1,273,861      1,263,763      1,333,576

Long-term debt, including current maturities

     553,037      597,384      601,783      645,794      709,723

Shareholder’s equity

     478,362      403,988      360,089      324,794      304,015

 

11


ITEM 7—MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND THE NOTES TO THOSE STATEMENTS APPEARING ELSEWHERE IN THIS FORM 10-K. THIS DISCUSSION MAY CONTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS THAT INVOLVE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES. ACTUAL RESULTS MAY DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE INDICATED IN FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. SEE “ITEM 1—BUSINESS—FORWARD–LOOKING STATEMENTS.”

General

Overview. We are a producer and distributor of egg products to the foodservice, retail and food ingredient markets. We are also a producer and distributor of refrigerated potato products to the foodservice and retail grocery markets. Additionally, we distribute refrigerated food items, primarily cheese and other products sold in the dairy case, to the retail grocery market, predominantly in the central United States. We focus our growth efforts on the specialty sectors within our food categories and strive to be a market leader in product innovation and efficient production. We have a strategic focus on value-added processing of food products, which is designed to capitalize on key food industry trends, such as (i) the desire for improved safety and convenience, (ii) the focus by foodservice operators on reducing labor and waste, and (iii) the long-term trend toward food consumption away from home, which has been slowed somewhat by the current economic conditions. We believe our operational scale, product breadth and geographic scope make us an attractive and important strategic partner for our customers, which include foodservice distributors, major restaurant chains, food ingredient companies and the retail grocery market.

Acquisitions/Joint Ventures. We have focused, in recent years, on making small acquisitions that expand our current product offerings and/or geographic scope and broaden our technological expertise. We continue to evaluate potential acquisitions and they remain a part of our growth plans. Effective January 11, 2008, we purchased the assets of Mr. B’s of Abbotsford, Inc. and related entities for $8.7 million. The acquisition of Mr. B’s of Abbotsford, Inc., renamed Abbotsford Farms, Inc. in 2009, a processor of organic and cage-free egg products, expanded our presence in the specialty egg products market.

Commodity Risk Management. Our principal exposure to market risks that may adversely affect our results of operations and financial position include changes in future commodity prices and interest rates. We seek to minimize or manage these market risks through normal operating and financing activities and through the use of commodity futures contracts, when appropriate. We do not trade or use instruments with the objective of earning financial gains on commodity prices, nor do we use instruments where there are not underlying exposures. See “—Market Risk —Commodity Hedging—Commodity Risk Management.”

 

12


Results of Operations

The following table summarizes the historical results of our divisional operations and such data as a percentage of total net sales. The information contained in this table should be read in conjunction with “Item 6—Selected Financial Data” and the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

 

     2009     2008     2007  
     $     %     $     %     $     %  
     (In thousands)  

Statement of Earnings Data:

            

External net sales:

            

Egg products division

   1,046,791      67.9      1,265,641      70.1      1,014,588      69.1   

Potato products division

   119,219      7.7      125,059      6.9      119,033      8.1   

Crystal Farms division

   376,769      24.4      413,673      23.0      334,141      22.8   
                                    

Total net sales

   1,542,779      100.0      1,804,373      100.0      1,467,762      100.0   

Cost of sales

   1,241,613      80.5      1,528,420      84.7      1,223,416      83.4   
                                    

Gross profit

   301,166      19.5      275,953      15.3      244,346      16.6   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   145,883      9.5      165,938      9.2      147,375      10.0   

Plant closing expenses

   —        —        —        —        1,525      0.1   
                                    

Operating profit (loss):

            

Egg products division

   133,162      8.6      95,442      5.3      75,539      5.1   

Potato products division

   710      0.0      13,719      0.8      18,941      1.3   

Crystal Farms division

   34,823      2.3      17,267      0.9      11,495      0.8   

Corporate

   (13,412   (0.9   (16,413   (0.9   (10,529   (0.7
                                    

Total operating profit

   155,283      10.1      110,015      6.1      95,446      6.5   
                                    

Interest expense, net

   44,338      2.9      42,008      2.3      52,490      3.6   
                                    

Net earnings

   69,464      4.5      46,878      2.6      27,565      1.9   
                                    

Results for the Year Ended January 2, 2010 Compared to results for the Year Ended January 3, 2009

Net Sales. Net sales for 2009 decreased $261.6 million, or 14.5%, to $1,542.8 million from $1,804.4 million in 2008. The decreased net sales reflected volume declines of 6.5% primarily due to volume decreases in foodservice and food ingredient egg products as a result of the economic slowdown and, to a lesser extent, the impact of the Potato Products Division voluntary recall of retail cut potato products and increased competition. Commodity prices have also declined, resulting in net sales reductions exceeding volume reductions. The decrease in sales was also affected by the $19 million of sales associated with the additional 53rd week in 2008.

Egg Products Division Net Sales. Egg Products Division external net sales for 2009 decreased $218.8 million, or 17%, to $1,046.8 million from $1,265.6 million in 2008. External net sales in 2009 decreased for all of our egg product categories as compared to 2008. Overall, the division’s unit sales decreased by 8% in 2009, as compared to 2008, mainly due to weak economic conditions and increased competition. Pricing decreased in most categories, reflecting lower egg, corn and soybean meal markets as compared to 2008, resulting in lower market-related pricing.

Potato Products Division Net Sales. Potato Products Division external net sales for 2009 decreased $5.9 million, or 5%, to $119.2 million from $125.1 million in 2008. On February 20, 2009, we voluntarily recalled certain varieties of our retail cut potato products manufactured in early January at our Minneapolis plant. The Potato Products Division, in both the foodservice and retail markets, unit sales were impacted by the voluntary recall. The division’s unit sales decreased 8% in 2009, due to decreased volumes in the foodservice market, reflecting reduced demand due to weak economic conditions, and the February voluntary recall.

Crystal Farms Division Net Sales. Crystal Farms Division external net sales for 2009 decreased $36.9 million, or 9%, to $376.8 million from $413.7 million in 2008. This decrease was due primarily to pricing actions taken as a result of lower cheese costs, as compared to 2008 when the market saw significantly higher cheese costs. Branded cheese net sales declined 9% despite volume growth of 2%, year-over-year. Unit sales for distributed products (excluding shell eggs) increased 6% in 2009, primarily reflecting growth in branded and private-label cheese.

 

13


Gross Profit. Gross profit for 2009 increased $25.2 million, or 9%, to $301.2 million from $276.0 million in 2008. Our gross profit margin increased to 19.5% in 2009 as compared to 15.3% in 2008. The higher gross profit margin percentage reflected a $16.6 million decrease in depreciation related to plant assets. The plant assets re-valued at the time of our 2003 private equity transaction became fully depreciated by the end of 2008. The gross profit margin increase also reflected improved gross margin contributions from the Crystal Farms Division and the Egg Products Division, as pricing came more in line with costs, as compared to 2008. Offsetting those margin contributions were declines in the Potato Products Division due to increased raw material and manufacturing costs, and the impact of the February 2009 voluntary recall of retail cut potato products.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses for 2009 decreased $20.0 million, or 12%, to $145.9 million from $165.9 million in 2008. The decrease was due primarily to decreases in compensation, depreciation, legal and sales and marketing costs compared to those incurred in 2008, including a $7.6 million reduction in marketing expense due to changes in marketing programs recorded in net sales in 2009 compared to selling expense in 2008.

Operating Profit. Operating profit for 2009 increased $45.3 million, or 41%, to $155.3 million from $110.0 million in 2008, due to the increased gross profits and reduced selling, general and administrative expenses discussed above.

Egg Products Division Operating Profit. Egg Products Division operating profit for 2009 increased $37.8 million, or 40%, to $133.2 million from $95.4 million in 2008. Operating profits for egg products increased, reflecting our continued focus on moving our customers to more convenient, higher margin value-added products, offset by shell eggs pricing declines coinciding with lower Urner Barry markets and an intense competitive environment.

Potato Products Division Operating Profit. Potato Products Division operating profit for 2009 decreased $13.0 million, or 95%, to $0.7 million, compared to $13.7 million in 2008. The decrease in operating profit reflected increases in raw material and manufacturing costs, and the costs associated with the February 2009 voluntary recall.

Crystal Farms Division Operating Profit. Crystal Farms Division operating profit for 2009 increased $17.5 million, or 102%, to $34.8 million from $17.3 million in 2008. Operating profits improved mainly due to increases in volumes and gross margin for the cheese category, as pricing was more favorably aligned with the lower 2009 cheese costs.

Interest Expense. Net interest expense increased by approximately $2.3 million in 2009 compared to 2008, reflecting lower interest rates during the first four months of 2009 compared to 2008, offset by changing debt levels and higher interest rates coinciding with the financing transaction completed May 1, 2009.

Loss on early extinguishment of debt. In conjunction with the extinguishment of the 2003 term loan B in 2009, we incurred costs of $66,000 and wrote-off $3,171,000 of non-cash deferred financing costs.

Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate on earnings before income taxes was 35.5% for 2009 compared to 31.1% in 2008. The effective rate was impacted by the amount of permanent differences between book and taxable income, including the qualified production activities deduction created by The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. Additionally, the rate for 2008 was favorably affected by improved results in one of our foreign subsidiaries, impacting the valuation allowance against their deferred tax assets.

Results for the Year Ended January 3, 2009 Compared to results for the Year Ended December 29, 2007

Net Sales. Net sales for 2008 increased $336.6 million, or 23%, to $1,804.4 million from $1,467.8 million in 2007. The increased sales reflected higher market-related pricing to cover increased costs, $19 million of sales associated with the additional 53rd week in 2008 and volume growth of 3%.

Egg Products Division Net Sales. Egg Products Division external net sales for 2008 increased $251.0 million, or 25%, to $1,265.6 million from $1,014.6 million in 2007. External net sales in 2008 increased for all of our egg product categories as compared to 2007. Pricing increased in all categories, reflecting the high egg markets and significantly higher corn and soybean meal markets, which resulted in higher market-related pricing of our products. Volume rose in 2008 for our higher value-added lines, while the more commodity based product lines like frozen, dried and short shelf-life liquid items showed declines. Growth was particularly driven by unit volume gains in extended shelf-life liquid, retail egg white based and precooked egg products. Overall, the division’s unit sales increased by 2% in 2008, as compared to 2007, but slowed from a higher growth rate in the first half of 2008, primarily in foodservice, due to worsening economic conditions.

 

14


Potato Products Division Net Sales. Potato Products Division external net sales for 2008 increased $6.1 million, or 5%, to $125.1 million from $119.0 million in 2007. The division’s unit sales increased 4% in 2008, led by retail unit sales, as compared to 2007 levels. The potato products growth rate, primarily in foodservice, also slowed in the second half of the year.

Crystal Farms Division Net Sales. Crystal Farms Division external net sales for 2008 increased $79.6 million, or 24%, to $413.7 million from $334.1 million in 2007. This increase was due primarily to pricing actions taken as a result of significantly higher cheese costs, along with the growth of a national private-label cheese account. The core branded cheese net sales and volume growth were 24% and 7%, year-over-year. Unit sales for distributed products (excluding shell eggs) increased 12% in 2008, primarily reflecting significant growth in branded and private-label cheese, and potato products.

Gross Profit. Gross profit for 2008 increased $31.7 million, or 13%, to $276.0 million from $244.3 million in 2007. Our gross profit margin decreased to 15.3% in 2008 as compared to 16.6% in 2007. The lower gross profit margin percentage reflected margin declines in the Potato Products Division due to increased raw material and manufacturing costs; increases in grain costs which impacted the foodservice egg product lines; and increases in energy, packaging and transportation costs that impacted all of our businesses. We were unable to fully pass through these cost increases to our customers in a timely manner through selective price increases. Offsetting some of this gross margin pressure was positive gross margin contributions from the Crystal Farms Division cheese category, as pricing came more in line with the higher costs, as compared to 2007 and both food ingredient and retail egg products, which experienced margin improvement.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses for 2008 increased $18.5 million, or 13%, to $165.9 million from $147.4 million in 2007. The increase was due primarily to increases in legal and compensation costs incurred in 2008.

Plant Closing Expenses. In March 2007, we closed our plant in St. Marys, Ontario. During 2007, we recorded $0.2 million of employee termination costs and $1.3 million of asset impairment charges related to plant equipment write-offs.

Operating Profit. Operating profit for 2008 increased $14.6 million, or 15%, to $110.0 million from $95.4 million in 2007, due to the increased gross profits discussed above.

Egg Products Division Operating Profit. Egg Products Division operating profit for 2008 increased $19.9 million, or 26%, to $95.4 million from $75.5 million in 2007. Operating profits for foodservice egg products decreased, reflecting higher egg costs due to higher grain and increased other costs which we were unable to fully pass through to our customers in a timely manner. Offsetting that decline, operating profits improved for food ingredient egg products as a result of pricing execution throughout higher Urner Barry markets. Operating profits increased for retail egg products as a result of volume growth.

Potato Products Division Operating Profit. Potato Products Division operating profit for 2008 decreased $5.2 million, or 28%, to $13.7 million, compared to $18.9 million in 2007. The decrease in operating profit reflected increased raw material and manufacturing costs, which we were unable to fully pass through to our customers. Those cost increases were partially offset by unit volume growth, particularly for our retail potato products.

Crystal Farms Division Operating Profit. Crystal Farms Division operating profit for 2008 increased $5.8 million, or 50%, to $17.3 million from $11.5 million in 2007. Operating profits improved mainly due to increased gross margin in the cheese category, as pricing caught up with the cheese costs in the last half of the year and margins returned to more historical levels. The division also experienced strong unit growth in private-label cheese.

Interest Expense. Net interest expense decreased by approximately $10.5 million in 2008 compared to 2007, reflecting reduced interest rates and a $50 million voluntary debt repayment in December of 2007.

Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate on earnings before income taxes was 31.1% for 2008 compared to 35.8% in 2007. The effective rate was impacted by the amount of permanent differences between book and taxable income, including the qualified production activities deduction created by The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. Additionally, the rate for 2008 was affected by improved results in one of our foreign subsidiaries, impacting the valuation allowance against their deferred tax assets.

Seasonality and Inflation

Our consolidated quarterly operating results are affected by the seasonal fluctuations of our net sales and operating profits. Specifically, shell egg prices typically rise seasonally in the first and fourth quarters of the year due to increased demand during holiday periods. Consequently, net sales in the Egg Products Division may increase in the first and fourth quarters. Generally, the Crystal Farms Division has higher net sales and operating profits in the fourth quarter, coinciding with incremental consumer demand during the holiday season. Operating profits from the Potato Products Division are less seasonal, but tend to be higher in the second half of the year coinciding with the potato harvest and incremental consumer demand.

 

15


Generally, other than fluctuations in certain raw material costs, largely related to short-term supply and demand variances, inflation has not been a significant factor in our operations, since we can generally offset the impact of inflation through a combination of productivity gains and price increases over time. However, we had unusual inflationary impacts to our operations at times during the past three years, as we experienced notable inflation for key purchased items such as corn, soybean meal, cheese, natural gas, diesel fuel and packaging materials.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Historically, we have financed our liquidity requirements through internally generated funds, bank borrowings and the issuance of other indebtedness. We believe such sources remain viable financing alternatives to meet our anticipated needs. Our investments in acquisitions, joint ventures and capital expenditures have been a significant use of capital. We plan to continue to invest in advanced production facilities to maintain our competitive position.

Cash flow provided by operating activities was $142.8 million for 2009, compared to $99.1 million for 2008, reflecting higher earnings in 2009 and more effective working capital management. Cash flow provided by operating activities was $99.1 million for 2008, compared to $98.0 million for 2007, reflecting increased earnings in 2008, offset by uses for working capital needs.

On May 1, 2009, we entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (“Credit Agreement”), which consisted of a $75,000,000 revolving credit facility, a $200,000,000 term A loan and a $250,000,000 term B loan. The revolving credit facility and the term A loan mature November 1, 2012 and the term B loan matures May 1, 2014. Our Credit Agreement bears interest at floating base rates plus an applicable margin, as defined in the agreement. The effective interest rates at January 2, 2010 for term A loan and term B loan were 6.00% and 6.50%. At January 2, 2010, approximately $350,000 of capacity was used under the revolving credit facility for letters of credit. We made $71.1 million in voluntary prepayments of debt during the second half of 2009. We also have outstanding $150 million from the November 2003 issuance of 8% senior subordinated notes due 2013.

Our Credit Agreement requires us to meet a minimum interest coverage ratio and a maximum leverage ratio. The Credit Agreement also allows for the funding of the semi-annual interest payments of M-Foods Holdings, Inc. The first of such payments was made on October 1, 2009. In addition, the Credit Agreement and the indenture relating to the 8% senior subordinated notes due 2013 contain certain restrictive covenants which, among other things, limit the incurrence of additional indebtedness, investments, dividends, transactions with affiliates, asset sales, acquisitions, mergers and consolidations, prepayments of other indebtedness, liens and encumbrances and other matters customarily restricted in these agreements. Our failure to comply with these covenants could result in an event of default, which, if not cured or waived, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position and cash flow. In general, the debt covenants limit our discretion in the operation of our businesses. We were in compliance with all of the covenants under the Credit Agreement and the indenture as of January 2, 2010.

The following is a calculation of the minimum interest coverage and maximum leverage ratios under the Credit Agreement as at January 2, 2010 and January 3, 2009, respectively. The maximum permitted leverage ratio and minimum permitted interest coverage ratio thresholds were tightened in the May 1, 2009 Credit Agreement. The minimum interest coverage covenant was tightened due to the change in calculation, as we now include the cash interest for M-Foods Holdings, Inc. The terms and related calculations are defined in the Credit Agreement. The 2008 comparative calculations and thresholds are presented under the terms of our old credit agreement.

 

     2009     2008  
     (Unaudited, In thousands)  

Calculation of Interest Coverage Ratio:

    

Consolidated EBITDA (1)

   $ 214,401      $ 200,016   

Adjusted Consolidated Interest Charges (2)

     56,685        38,829   

Interest Coverage Ratio (Ratio of EBITDA to interest charges)

     3.78x        5.15x   

Minimum Permitted Interest Coverage Ratio

     2.25x        2.75x   

Calculation of Leverage Ratio:

    

Funded Indebtedness (3)

   $ 571,502      $ 610,089   

Less: Cash and equivalents

     (87,061     (78,054
                
   $ 484,441      $ 532,035   

Consolidated EBITDA (1)

     214,401        200,016   

Leverage Ratio (Ratio of funded indebtedness less cash and equivalents to EBITDA)

     2.26x        2.66x   

Maximum Permitted Leverage Ratio

     3.50x        4.25x   

 

16


 

(1) Consolidated EBITDA (earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization) is defined in the Credit Agreement as follows:

 

     2009     2008
     (Unaudited, In thousands)

Net earnings

   $ 69,464      $ 46,878

Interest expense, excluding amortization of financing costs

     36,937        37,277

Amortization of financing costs

     6,145        3,824

Income tax expense

     38,244        21,129

Depreciation and amortization

     63,272        77,321

Equity sponsor management fee

     2,144        2,000

Expenses related to industrial revenue bonds guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries

     978        976

Other (a)

     5,637        2,762
              
     222,821        192,167

Plus: Unrealized losses (gains) on swap contracts

     (8,420     7,849
              

Consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the Credit Agreement

   $ 214,401      $ 200,016
              

 

(a) Other reflects the following:

 

     2009    2008
     (Unaudited, In thousands)

Non-cash compensation

   $ 2,006    $ 2,123

Letter of credit fees

     172      121

Other non-cash expenses (write-off of 2003 deferred financing costs)

     3,171      —  

Other non-recurring charges

     288      518
             
   $ 5,637    $ 2,762
             

 

(2) Adjusted consolidated interest charges, as calculated in the Credit Agreement, was as follows:

 

     2009    2008
     (Unaudited, In thousands)

Gross interest expense

   $ 49,020    $ 42,653

Minus: Amortization of financing costs

     7,356      3,824
             

Consolidated interest charges

     41,664    $ 38,829
         

Plus: M-Foods Holdings, Inc. interest expense on 9.75% Subordinated Notes

     15,021   
         

Adjusted consolidated interest charges

   $ 56,685   
         

 

(3) Funded Indebtedness was as follows:

 

     2009    2008
     (Unaudited, In thousands)

Term loans

   $ 378,950    $ 427,300

Subordinated notes

     150,050      150,050

Insurance bonds

     2,009      1,330

Guarantee obligations (see Debt Guarantees below)

     17,248      18,840

Capital leases

     14,197      3,743

Standby letters of credit

     350      6,574

MFI Food Canada, Ltd. note payable

     2,607      2,252

Northern Star Co. note payable

     6,091      —  
             
   $ 571,502    $ 610,089
             

We use EBITDA as a measurement of our financial results because we believe it is indicative of the relative strength of our operating performance, it is used to determine incentive compensation levels and it is a key measurement contained in the financial covenants of our indebtedness.

 

17


In December 2008, we entered into a $15.6 million variable-rate lease agreement to fund a portion of the equipment purchases at our new potato products facility (see Capital Spending below). The lease agreement matures on December 30, 2014. As of January 2, 2010, we had borrowed $10.9 million on this facility and the outstanding balance effective rate was 3.74%. We anticipate full use of the available lease funds in early 2010. On November 25, 2009, we entered into a variable-rate note for up to $7.5 million for additional financing for equipment for the new potato products facility. The $7.5 million note is due November 25, 2014. As of January 2, 2010, we had borrowed $6.1 million on the loan and the effective interest rate on the outstanding balance was 2.88%. We anticipate full use of the available funds in early 2010.

Our parent, M-Foods Holdings, Inc., has outstanding 9.75% senior subordinated notes due October 1, 2013. The fully accreted balance of these notes as of January 2, 2010 was $154.1 million. Beginning October 1, 2009 M-Foods Holdings, Inc. began making semi-annual interest payments on the senior subordinated notes. As the sole wholly-owned subsidiary of M-Foods Holdings, Inc., we intend to provide our parent the funds sufficient to service these notes.

Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our debt, including the senior subordinated notes, to fund planned capital expenditures and otherwise satisfy our obligations will depend on our ability to generate sufficient cash in the future. This, to some extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive and other factors that are beyond our control. We believe that, based on current levels of operations, we will be able to meet our debt service and other obligations when due. Significant assumptions underlie this belief, including, among other things, that we will continue to be successful in implementing our business strategy and that there will be no material adverse developments in our business, liquidity or capital requirements. If our future cash flows from operations and other capital resources are insufficient to pay our obligations as they mature or to fund our liquidity needs, we may be forced to reduce or delay our business activities and capital expenditures, sell assets, obtain additional debt or equity capital or restructure or refinance all or a portion of our debt, including the senior subordinated notes, on or before maturity. We cannot assure our investors that we would be able to accomplish any of these alternatives on a timely basis or on satisfactory terms, if at all. In addition, the terms of our existing and future indebtedness, including the senior subordinated notes and the credit agreement, may limit our ability to pursue any of these alternatives.

Our longer-term planning is focused on growing our sales, earnings and cash flows primarily by focusing on our existing business lines, through expanding product offerings, increasing production capacity for value-added products and broadening customer bases. We believe our financial resources are sufficient to meet the working capital and capital spending necessary to execute our longer-term plans. In executing these plans, we expect to reduce debt over the coming years. However, possible significant acquisition activity could result in us seeking additional financing resources, which we would expect would be available to us if they are sought.

 

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Contractual Obligations

The aggregate maturities of our long-term debt, our lease commitments and our long-term purchase commitments for the years subsequent to 2009, are as follows:

 

     Payments Due by Period
     (In thousands)
     Total    Less Than
1 Year
   1-3 Years    3-5 Years    More Than
5 Years

Contractual Obligations (3)

              

Long-term debt (1)

   $ 550,544    $ 3,221    $ 160,040    $ 382,361    $ 4,922

Capital lease obligations

     15,527      2,997      7,872      4,658      —  

Operating lease obligations

     21,444      6,752      8,663      3,324      2,705

Purchase obligations (2)

     1,526,615      233,227      409,099      306,155      578,134

Deferred compensation

     20,502      —        —        20,502      —  

Interest on fixed rate debt and other

     48,000      12,000      24,000      12,000      —  
                                  

Total

   $ 2,182,632    $ 258,197    $ 609,674    $ 729,000    $ 585,761
                                  

 

(1) Does not include variable interest.
(2) A substantial portion relates to egg contracts. Estimates of future open market egg prices and feed costs were used to derive these figures. Hence, most of our purchase obligations are subject to notable market price risk.
(3) The Company does not have any current obligations related to uncertain tax positions under applicable accounting rules. Due to the uncertainty of the nature of its long-term positions, the Company is not able to reasonably estimate the timing of the long-term payments or the amount by which the liability will increase or decrease over time; therefore, the long-term portion of the tax liability of $3.2 million is excluded from the preceding table. See Note C to our consolidated financial statements.

We have entered into substantial purchase obligations to fulfill our egg and potato requirements. We maintain long-term egg procurement contracts with numerous cooperatives and egg producers throughout the Midwestern and Eastern United States and Canada, which supply approximately 53% of our annual external egg requirements. Most of these contracts vary in length from 18 to 120 months. The egg prices are primarily indexed to grain or Urner Barry market indices. One egg supplier provides more than 10% of our annual egg requirements. Based upon the best estimates available to us for grain and egg prices, we project our purchases from our top four contracted egg suppliers under existing contracts will approximate $181.2 million in 2010, $190.8 million in 2011, $177.3 million in 2012 and $162.8 million in 2013. The 2010 amount represents approximately 44% of our anticipated total egg purchases for the year. In addition, we have contracts to purchase potatoes that expire in 2010. These contracts will supply approximately 53% of the Potato Products Division’s raw potato needs in 2010. One potato supplier is expected to provide more than 10% of our 2010 potato requirements. Please see our Contractual Obligations chart above for our estimated breakdown of these obligations during the coming year, one to three year, three to five year, and more than five year periods.

Capital Spending

We invested approximately $64.1 million in capital expenditures in 2009, $39.1 million in 2008, and $38.1 million in 2007. For each of these years capital expenditures related to expanding capacity for higher value-added products, maintaining existing production facilities, and replacing tractors and trailers, among other projects. In late 2008 and in 2009, a major new project was the replacement of the existing Northern Star potato plant in Minneapolis with a new plant in Chaska, Minnesota. The new building was purchased in December 2008 and has been converted to a food processing facility that will have greater processing efficiencies and capacity than our existing facility. Upon completion of the Chaska, Minnesota plant we intend to sell the potato plant in Minneapolis. Capital spending in 2010 is expected to be funded by a combination of operating cash flows, capital lease and secured note financing. We expect these investments to improve manufacturing efficiencies, customer service and product quality.

 

19


Debt Guarantees

We have guaranteed, through our Waldbaum subsidiary, the repayment of certain industrial revenue bonds used for the expansion of the wastewater treatment facilities of three municipalities where we have food processing facilities. In May 2007, a $6.0 million bond financing was completed by one of the three municipalities, the City of Wakefield, Nebraska, at an annual interest rate of 8.22%, with such proceeds used for the construction of the wastewater treatment facility. The wastewater treatment facility became operational in early 2008. We are required to pay the principal and interest payments related to these bonds, which mature September 15, 2017. These bonds, along with the original $10.25 million guaranteed in September 2005, are included in current maturities of long-term debt and long-term debt. The remaining principal balance for all guaranteed bonds at January 2, 2010 was approximately $17.2 million.

Insurance

We maintain property, casualty, product liability and other general insurance programs which we expect will have little change in premiums. We have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, rising premiums for our portion of health and dental insurance benefits offered to our employees.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon the consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate estimates, including those related to the allowance for doubtful accounts, goodwill and intangible assets, accrued promotion costs, accruals for insurance, accruals for environmental matters, valuation of financial instruments and the income tax provision. We base these estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

We believe the following critical accounting policies reflect the significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We estimate the uncollectibility of our accounts receivable and record an allowance for uncollectible accounts. In determining the adequacy of the allowance, we analyze the value of our customer’s financial statements, historical collection experience, aging of receivables and other economic and industry factors. It is possible that the accuracy of the estimation process could be materially impacted by different judgments as to collectibility based on the information considered and further deterioration of accounts.

Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangibles

We assess the impairment of identifiable intangibles, long-lived assets and related goodwill whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors which could trigger an impairment review include significant under-performance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the use of acquired assets or our strategy, and significant negative industry or economic trends.

We recognize the excess cost of an acquired entity over the net amount assigned to assets acquired, including intangible assets with indefinite lives, and liabilities assumed, as goodwill. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives (trademarks) are tested for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter, and between annual tests whenever there is an impairment indicated. Fair values are estimated based on our best assessment of market value compared with the corresponding carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill. Impairment losses will be recognized whenever the implied fair value is less then the carrying value of the related asset.

Accrued Promotion Costs

The amount and timing of expense recognition for customer promotion activities involve management judgment related to estimated participation, performance levels, and historical promotion data and trends. The vast majority of year-end liabilities associated with these activities are resolved within the following fiscal year and, therefore, do not require highly uncertain long-term estimates.

 

20


Customer incentive programs include customer rebates, volume discounts and allowance programs. We have contractual arrangements with our customers and utilize agreed-upon discounts to determine the accrued promotion costs related to these customers. In addition, we have contractual arrangements with end-user customers and utilize historical experience to estimate this accrual.

Accruals for Insurance

We are primarily self-insured for our medical and dental liability costs. We maintain high deductible insurance policies for our workers compensation, general liability and automobile liability costs. It is our policy to record our self-insurance liabilities based on claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. Any projection of losses concerning medical, dental, workers compensation, general liability and automobile liability is subject to a considerable degree of variability. Among the causes of this variability are unpredictable external factors affecting future rates; including inflation (particularly for medical costs), litigation trends, legal interpretations, benefit level changes and claim settlement patterns.

Accruals for Environmental Matters

We review environmental matters on a quarterly basis. Accruals for environmental matters are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated, based on current law and existing technologies. Accruals are adjusted periodically as assessment and remediation efforts progress or when additional technical or legal information becomes available. Accruals for environmental liabilities are included in the balance sheet at undiscounted amounts and exclude claims for recoveries from insurance or other third parties.

Financial Instruments

We are exposed to market risks from changes in commodity prices, which may adversely affect our operating results and financial position. When appropriate, we seek to minimize our risks from commodity price fluctuations through the use of derivative financial instruments, such as commodity purchase contracts which are classified as derivatives along with other instruments relating primarily to corn, soybean meal, cheese and energy related needs. The fair value of these financial instruments is based on estimated amounts which may fluctuate with market conditions.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense involves management judgment as to the ultimate resolution of any tax issues. Historically, our assessments of the ultimate resolution of tax issues have been reasonably accurate. The current open issues are not dissimilar from historical items.

Deferred income taxes are computed using the asset and liability method, such that deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between financial reporting amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities based on currently enacted tax laws and tax rates in effect for the periods in which the differences are expected to reverse. Income tax expense is the tax payable for the period plus the change during the period in deferred income taxes. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount more likely than not expected to be realized. We are included in a consolidated federal income tax return with our Parent. State income taxes are generally filed on either a combined or separate company basis.

We account for the uncertainty in income taxes in our consolidated financial statements when evaluating our tax positions. The evaluation of a tax position under applicable accounting rules is a two-step process, the first step being recognition. We determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon tax examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation, based on only the technical merits of the position. If a tax position does not meet the more-likely-than-not threshold, the benefit of that position is not recognized in our financial statements. The second step is measurement. The tax position is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate resolution with a taxing authority.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

There were no accounting pronouncements issued during the year ended January 2, 2010 that are expected to have a material impact on our future financial position, operating results or disclosures. See Note A to the consolidated financial statements for discussion on recent accounting pronouncements.

 

21


Market Risk

Commodity Risk Management

The principal market risks to which we are exposed that may adversely affect our results of operations and financial position include changes in future commodity prices. We seek to minimize or manage these market risks through normal operating and financing activities and through the use of commodity contracts, where practicable. We do not trade or use instruments with the objective of earning financial gains on the commodity price fluctuations, nor do we use instruments where there are not underlying exposures.

The primary raw materials used in the production of eggs are corn and soybean meal. We purchase these materials to feed our hens, which produce approximately 26% of our annual egg requirements. Shell and liquid eggs are purchased from third-party suppliers and in the spot market for the remainder of the Egg Products Division’s needs. Eggs, corn and soybean meal are commodities that are subject to significant price fluctuations due to market conditions which, in certain circumstances, can adversely affect the results of our operations.

In order to reduce the impact of changes in commodity prices on our operating results, we have developed a risk management strategy that includes the following elements:

 

   

We seek to align our procurement and sales volumes by matching the percentage of variable pricing contracts that we have with our customers with the percentage of raw materials procured on a variable basis. This matching of our variable-priced procurement contracts with variable-priced sales contracts provides us with a natural hedge during times of grain and egg market volatility. As part of this effort, we are attempting to transition customers to variable-pricing contracts that are priced off the same index used to purchase shell and liquid eggs. These efforts have generally been successful over the past few years. To the extent that the contracts are based upon grain inputs, we try to cover a majority of the grain needed to supply that volume from either internal egg production or third-party procurement contracts, which are generally priced based upon grain indexes. The goal of this activity is to protect against unexpected increases in grain prices and provides predictability with respect to a portion of future raw materials costs, but there is no assurance that our risk management activities will provide sufficient protection from price fluctuations. Hedging can diminish the opportunity to benefit from the improved margins that would result from an unanticipated decline in grain prices.

 

   

We attempt to limit our exposure to fixed-price agreements due to the unprecedented volatility in grain costs the past few years. For those customers on fixed-price contracts, we try to limit them to one year in duration and typically hedge the grain costs associated with them to lock in the negotiated margin.

 

   

We are continuing to transition customers from lower value-added egg products to higher margin, higher value-added specialty products. These products are less sensitive to fluctuations in underlying commodity prices because the raw material component is a smaller percentage of total cost and we generally have the ability to pass through certain cost increases related to our higher value-added egg products to customers.

We analyzed the estimated exposure to market risk associated with corn and soybean meal futures contracts we had at January 2, 2010. These futures contracts had a notional value of $11.3 million for open commodity positions at January 2, 2010. Market risk of $1.1 million is estimated as the potential loss in fair value resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in commodity prices of the futures contracts held at January 2, 2010.

We partially mitigate some of our natural gas requirements for producing our products by fixing the price for a portion of our natural gas usage, when appropriate. At January 2, 2010, we had no open futures contracts for natural gas. We also partially mitigate the risk of variability of our transportation-related fuel costs through the use of home heating oil futures contracts. We had futures contracts for home heating oil at January 2, 2010 to cover approximately 13% of our estimated annual diesel usage for 2010. At January 2, 2010 the notional value of the futures contracts for home heating oil was approximately $2.7 million, with a market risk of $0.3 million. Market risk is estimated as the potential loss in fair value resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in price.

Additionally, there is market risk with interest rates. Our Credit Agreement debt obligations of approximately $379.0 million carry a variable rate of interest. The interest paid on these obligations floats with market changes in interest rates; a majority of the credit agreement debt is presently tied to one month LIBOR rates. However, the amended and restated credit agreement placed a floor of 2% on LIBOR contracts. A change in the interest rate on the Credit Agreement debt could impact our earnings. The effect on pretax earnings in the next twelve months resulting from a hypothetical 1% increase to the 6.0% term A loan and 6.5% term B loan interest rates in effect as of January 2, 2010 would approximate $3.8 million.

Additional information is provided in Note A to the consolidated financial statements.

 

22


ITEM 7A—QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

See Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Market Risk, above.

ITEM 8—FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The consolidated financial statements and related notes and schedules required by this Item are set forth in Part IV, Item 15 herein.

ITEM 9—CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENT WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A—CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Conclusions Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our management evaluated, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of January 2, 2010. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive and principal financial officers concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of January 2, 2010, the end of the period covered by this annual report.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Michael Foods’ management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation under these criteria, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of January 2, 2010, the end of the period covered by this annual report.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit us to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our fiscal quarter ended January 2, 2010, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B—OTHER INFORMATION

We do not have any information that was required to be reported on Form 8-K during the fourth quarter that was not reported.

 

23


PART III

ITEM 10—DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

We are a wholly owned subsidiary of M-Foods Holdings, Inc., a corporation owned by Michael Foods Investors, LLC, whose members include affiliates of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. and members of our senior management. Each member of the management committee of Michael Foods Investors, LLC is also a director of the Company. Charles D. Weil is not on the management committee of Michael Foods Investors, LLC.

The names of the executive officers and directors of Michael Foods, and their ages and positions, are as follows:

 

Name

  

Age

  

Position

Gregg A. Ostrander (1)    57    Executive Chairman of the Board
James E. Dwyer, Jr.    51    Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
John D. Reedy    64    Vice Chairman
Mark W. Westphal    44    Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President
Thomas J. Jagiela    53    Senior Vice President – Operations and Supply Chain
Carolyn V. Wolski    52    Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Mark D. Witmer    52    Treasurer
Joshua D. Bresler (2)    32    Director
Anthony J. DiNovi (1)    47    Director
Jerome J. Jenko (2)    72    Director
Charles D. Weil (2)    65    Director
Kent R. Weldon (1)    42    Director

 

(1) Member of our compensation committee.
(2) Member of our audit committee.

Gregg A. Ostrander is our Executive Chairman of the Board, a position held since January 1, 2008. He held the office of Chief Executive Officer from 1994 through 2007 and from April 2009 through October 2009. He was President from 1994 through January 2006 and August 2006 through April 2007. In 1993, Mr. Ostrander served as our Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Ostrander has been a director of Michael Foods since 1994, serving as Chairman since 2001. Mr. Ostrander is also a director of Arctic Cat Inc., a recreational vehicle manufacturer and Carlisle Companies Inc., a construction materials firm. Mr. Ostrander was a director of Birds Eye Foods, Inc., a food company, from 2003-2009.

James E. Dwyer, Jr. is our Chief Executive Officer and President and was hired into those positions in October 2009. He was elected as a director in December 2009. Previously Mr. Dwyer held various executive positions with Ahold USA, a division of Ahold N.V., from January 2008 through October 2009. He was President of Single Step Consulting, Inc. from October 2006 through December 2007 and was President, Global Bath and Kitchen Products, for American Standard Companies from 2004 through October 2006.

John D. Reedy is our Vice Chairman, a position held since January 1, 2008. He was our Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President from 2000 through 2007. From 1988 to 2000, Mr. Reedy was our Chief Financial Officer and Vice President—Finance.

Mark W. Westphal is our Chief Financial Officer, a position held since January 1, 2008, and a Senior Vice President. He was Senior Vice President— Finance in 2007. Mr. Westphal has served us in various financial positions since 1995.

Thomas J. Jagiela is our Senior Vice President—Operations and Supply Chain, a position held since his hiring in March 2008. From 2005-2008 he was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Nellson Nutraceutical, Inc. a food co-packer. Previously Mr. Jagiela held various manufacturing-related positions at Pillsbury, Inc. and General Mills, Inc.

Carolyn V. Wolski is our Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Ms. Wolski joined the Company as General Counsel in October 2008 and was elected Secretary and Vice President in 2009. Prior to joining us she was a shareholder in the Minneapolis law firm of Leonard, Street and Deinard, PA. She was with that law firm since 1988.

Mark D. Witmer is our Treasurer, a position held since 2003. Mr. Witmer was previously Assistant Treasurer and Secretary, and joined us as the Director of Corporate Communications in 1989.

 

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Joshua D. Bresler has been a director of Michael Foods since December 2008. Mr. Bresler is a Principal at Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., where he has been employed from 2002-2004 and 2006-present. He previously worked at Goldman, Sachs & Co. in its Investment Banking Division.

Anthony J. DiNovi has been a director of Michael Foods since 2003. Mr. DiNovi is Co-President of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., where he has been employed since 1988. Prior to Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., Mr. DiNovi held various positions in the corporate finance departments of Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Wertheim Schroder & Co., Inc. Mr. DiNovi is a director of Dunkin’ Brands, Inc., a quick service restaurant franchisor, and West Corporation, a provider of business process outsourcing solutions and voice-related services. In the last five years Mr. DiNovi has been a director of Nortek, Inc. (through December 2009), a manufacturer and distributor of building products, Endurance Specialty Insurance, Ltd., an insurance and reinsurance services company, Eye Care Centers of America, Inc., an eyewear chain, FairPoint Communications, Inc., a communications services company, Fisher Scientific International, Inc., a biotechnology company, and National Waterworks, Inc., a distributor of water and wastewater transmission products.

Jerome J. Jenko has been a director of Michael Foods since 1998. He has been a Senior Advisor with Lazard Middle Market LLC, an investment banking firm, since 1997. Mr. Jenko is a director of Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., a cranberry growing and processing cooperative, DecoPak, Inc., a privately-held cake decorating company, and Commodity Specialists Co., Inc., a privately-held commodity trading company.

Charles D. Weil has been a director of Michael Foods since 2004. He is President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the M. A. Gedney Company (“Gedney”), a consumer goods company largely focused on pickles. Previously, he was Acting President and Chief Executive Officer of Gedney from February 2003-October 2003. Prior to joining Gedney, Mr. Weil was founder and Chief Executive Officer of C.E.O. Advisors, Inc., a consulting company, from January 2001-February 2003, and was President and Chief Operating Officer of Young America Corporation, a fulfillment and customer service company, from 1993-2000.

Kent R. Weldon has been a director of Michael Foods since 2003. Mr. Weldon is a Managing Director of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P, where he has been employed from 1991-1993 and 1995-present. Prior to Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., Mr. Weldon held a position in the corporate finance department of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated. Mr. Weldon is a director of C. C. Media Holdings, Inc., a global owner and operator of radio stations and broadcasting and related media businesses. Mr. Weldon was a director of Nortek, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of building products, from 2004-2009, CMP Susquehanna Corp. and CMP Susquehanna Holdings Corp., both radio broadcasting companies, from 2006-2008, FairPoint Communications, Inc., a communications services company, from 2000-2007 and Syratech Corporation, a producer of home products from 1997-2005.

Report of the Audit Committee

The Audit Committee reviews the Company’s consolidated financial statements, financial reporting process and internal control over financial reporting on behalf of the Board of Directors.

We meet with management periodically to consider, among other things, the adequacy of the Company’s financial disclosures and internal control over financial reporting. We discuss these matters with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, and with appropriate Company financial personnel, including the Company’s internal auditor.

We regularly meet privately with the independent registered public accounting firm, which has unrestricted access to the Audit Committee.

We also appoint the independent registered public accounting firm, approve the scope of their audit services, approve the performance of non-audit services by the independent registered public accounting firm and review periodically their performance and independence from management.

The Board has adopted a written charter which describes the functions of the Audit Committee. Each year, we review the actions required to be taken by the Audit Committee under the charter, confirm that they have been taken, and report the same to the full Board.

Management has primary responsibility for the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the overall reporting process, including the Company’s system of internal controls.

The independent registered public accounting firm audits the annual consolidated financial statements prepared by management, expresses an opinion as to whether those consolidated financial statements fairly present the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and discusses with us any issues they believe should be raised with us.

 

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We have reviewed the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and met with both management and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to discuss these financial statements. Management has represented to us that these financial statements were prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles. We also considered the report of the independent registered public accounting firm.

We have also reviewed management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Management has represented to us that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of January 2, 2010.

We have received from and discussed with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP the written disclosures and the letter required by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Rule 3526, related to the independence of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. We have also considered the compatibility of non-audit services with the independence of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. In addition, we discussed with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP any matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 90, Communication with Audit Committees.

Based on our review and discussions described above, we recommended to the Board that the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2010, filed with the SEC.

Jerome J. Jenko, Chairperson

Charles D. Weil

Joshua D. Bresler

Audit Committee Financial Expert

The Board of Directors is satisfied that the members of our audit committee each have sufficient expertise and business and financial experience necessary to perform their duties as the Company’s audit committee effectively. As such, no one member of our audit committee has been named by our Board of Directors as an “audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K.

Code of Ethics

We have a Business Conduct Policy that applies to all of our employees. We have determined that this policy complies with Item 406 of Regulation S-K. We will provide, without charge, a copy of the Business Conduct Policy to any person who so requests in writing. Written requests may be made to Michael Foods, Inc., 301 Carlson Parkway, Suite 400, Minnetonka, Minnesota 55305; Attention: Secretary. Our Internet website at www.michaelfoods.com also contains the Business Conduct Policy.

ITEM 11—EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

The goal of our executive compensation program is to ensure that our executives are compensated effectively in a manner consistent with our strategy and competitive considerations, and based on management’s performance in achieving our corporate goals and objectives. Our executive compensation program is overseen by the compensation committee of our Board of Directors, which is composed of three members, one of whom was our Executive Chairman of the Board in 2009 and was Chief Executive Officer for approximately seven months in 2009. The committee determines the compensation of our executive officers, reviews and approves our incentive, equity and other employee benefit plans and programs, and administers their application to our executive officers. Some aspects of the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and other of our executives are determined by their employment agreements with the Company, as further discussed below. The committee generally meets twice yearly.

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

We believe that the skill, talent, judgment and dedication of our executive officers are critical factors affecting the long-term value of our company. Therefore, our goal is to maintain an executive compensation program that will fairly compensate our executives, attract and retain qualified executives who are able to contribute to our long-term success, induce performance consistent with clearly defined corporate goals and align our executives’ long-term interests with those of our equity holders. Our current executive compensation program is mainly focused on EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as defined in our credit agreement) growth.

 

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Our goal is to provide overall compensation (assuming that targeted levels of performance are achieved) that is at least above the median compensation of comparable companies. The elements of compensation included in any competitive analysis generally are base salaries, annual cash incentive opportunities, and long-term incentives in the form of stock options in our parent and direct equity ownership in our parent’s parent.

Each year, our management provides the compensation committee with historical and prospective breakdowns of the total compensation components for each executive officer. Our decisions regarding compensation for our executive officers are based primarily upon our assessment of each individual’s performance and potential to enhance long-term equity holder value. We rely upon judgment and not upon rigid guidelines or formulas in determining the amount and mix of compensation elements for each executive officer. Factors affecting our judgment include performance compared to goals established for the individual and the company at the beginning of the year and/or over a multi-year period, the nature and scope of the executive’s responsibilities, and their effectiveness in leading our initiatives to achieve corporate goals.

When we make executive compensation decisions, we review individual performance and corporate performance. The compensation committee measures performance against the specific goals established at the beginning of the fiscal year and determines the overall budget and targeted compensation for our executive officers. Our Chief Executive Officer, as the manager of the members of the executive team, assesses the executives’ individual contributions to our goals, as well as achievement of their individual goals, and makes a recommendation to the compensation committee with respect to any merit increase in salary and stock option grants for each member of the executive team, other than himself. Annual incentive opportunity is set forth at the start of each year, with the actual payment determined upon the relative achievement of our annual EBITDA target. Incentive payments are formula-driven using a pre-established grid (i.e., percentages over or under the target EBITDA level for the year). The committee has discretion to adjust the formula-derived incentive payments to take into account unusual factors that may have inhibited, or enhanced, achievement of the annual EBITDA target. The compensation committee evaluates, discusses and modifies or approves these recommendations and conducts a similar evaluation of the Chief Executive Officer’s contributions to our corporate goals and achievement of his or her individual goals.

Role of Executive Officers and Compensation Consultants

Our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Human Resources support the compensation committee in its work by providing information relating to our financial plans, performance assessments of our executive officers and other personnel-related data. In addition, the committee has the authority under its charter to engage the services of outside advisors, experts and others to assist it, but has not done so in recent years, other than relative to executive recruitment matters.

Principal Elements of Executive Compensation

Our executive compensation program consists of the three components discussed below. In general, the compensation committee’s determination with regard to one component does not affect its determinations with regard to the other components.

Base Salaries. The minimum annual base salaries of our Chief Executive Officer and certain of our other executive officers are established under employment agreements, as described elsewhere herein. These agreements are negotiated with the compensation committee, but give consideration to the scope of each executive’s responsibilities, taking into account competitive market compensation based on occasional market surveys and salaries paid by comparable companies for similar positions. We conduct performance reviews of our employees, including our executive officers, annually. Based on the performance assessments, and considering changes in salaries provided comparable personnel of companies with whom we compete for management talent, any changes in job duties and responsibilities and our overall financial results, we make adjustments, usually on an annual basis, in base salary rates.

Annual Incentive Compensation. Annual cash incentives for our executive officers are designed to reward performance that furthers profitable growth. In 2009, the compensation committee approved an annual EBITDA target for the year. The annual incentive awards for executive officers are determined on the basis of our relative achievement of this target. Our executive officers participate in our executive officer incentive program which is designed to motivate management to achieve, or exceed, an EBITDA level relatively consistent with our annual operating plan. We do not use any mitigating incentive compensation features (such as claw-backs, bonus banks, or multi-year performance-drive criteria). Our incentive awards are based only on annual EBITDA target achievement and are paid in cash in the following year. Incentive payments for the past fiscal year are made on, or before, March 15th of the subsequent year. Incentive payments for 2009 were made on March 15, 2010.

The compensation committee has at times exercised discretion to increase or reduce the incentive amounts that resulted from the application of the formula in our executive officer incentive plan. While the committee made no such adjustments relative to amounts paid for 2009 performance, it has the authority to do so in the future if it determines that an adjustment would serve our interests and the goals of the executive officer incentive plan.

 

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Long-Term Incentive Compensation. Generally, a significant stock option grant (at the M-Foods Holdings level) is made in the year when an executive officer commences employment. The Chief Executive Officer makes a recommendation relative to each individual under consideration for a stock option grant, other than for themselves. The size of each grant is generally set at a level that the compensation committee deems appropriate to create a meaningful opportunity for equity ownership based upon past grant guidelines, the individual’s position with us and the individual’s potential for future responsibility and promotion. The relative weight given to each of these factors will vary from individual to individual at the compensation committee’s discretion based upon past grant levels for comparable positions, the individual’s potential to contribute to the growth of the Company’s business, and the individual’s potential for future promotion or to otherwise take on additional management responsibilities, as well as to induce a candidate’s acceptance of a position given the competition for management talent.

When a new executive officer is hired, an option grant will typically be made at the first regularly scheduled meeting of the compensation committee after the officer commences employment or by the committee’s consent resolution. The exercise price of stock options is always equal to the price of our common stock, as determined by a set formula, at the most recent quarter’s end, as there is no public market for our equity.

Subsequent option grants may be made at varying times and in varying amounts at the discretion of the compensation committee based upon the input of the Chief Executive Officer. Historically, they have been made during our annual performance reviews in January or February. Changes in titles and responsibilities are considered when follow-on options are granted, as are other considerations taken into account in making grants when employment commences. Our policy is to have option awards vest over five years, on a pro rata basis, and for the number of shares for which options are awarded to be sufficient to provide the recipient with a meaningful incentive to remain in our employment on an on-going basis.

Executives are also given an opportunity to invest directly in our parent’s parent. This generally occurs at the time of hiring or at the time of a change-in-control. An opportunity is offered to buy units in Michael Foods Investors, LLC, with the determination of the equity opportunity based upon the executive’s responsibilities and value to us, and his or her perceived ability to enhance equity values over time. There are guidelines that have been used historically by our parent’s parent in considering the level of management co-investment, but there is discretion in determining the direct equity opportunity offered to any executive or other management team member. Generally, the individuals have agreed to fund the maximum equity amount they are offered.

Perquisites

Our executive officers participate in the same group insurance and employee benefit plans as our other employees. The Executive Chairman of the Board is provided a club membership, at our expense, to facilitate business development. The Executive Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer are offered reimbursement for an annual executive physical, the usage of which varies by officer and by year, and have their income tax preparation expenses paid by us. Our use of perquisites as an element of compensation is limited and is largely based on our historical practices and policies. We do not view perquisites as a significant element of our comprehensive compensation structure, but do believe that they can be used in conjunction with our general compensation program to attract, motivate and retain desirable managers in a competitive environment.

Compensation Committee Report

The compensation committee has discussed and reviewed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management. Based upon this review and discussion, the compensation committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this report.

The compensation committee,

Anthony J. DiNovi, Chairman

Gregg A. Ostrander

Kent R. Weldon

 

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Compensation Table

The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and each of our three most highly compensated executive officers, referred to as the named executive officers, during 2009.

Summary Compensation Table

 

Name and Principal Position

   Year    Salary    (4)
Option
Awards
   (2)
Non-equity
Incentive
Plan
   (3)
Change in
Pension

Value and
Non-qualified
Deferred
Compensation
   (1)
All Other
   Total

James E. Dwyer, Jr. (5)
President and Chief Executive Officer

   2009    $ 144,231    $ —      $ 144,231    $ —      $ 250,000    $ 538,462
   2008      —        —        —        —        —        —  
   2007      —        —        —        —        —        —  

Mark W. Westphal
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

   2009      311,538      —        364,780      4,125      10,721      691,164
   2008      297,692      162,081      297,692      3,665      10,280      771,410
   2007      200,000      —        105,880      3,248      8,791      317,919

Gregg A. Ostrander
Executive Chairman of the Board

   2009      833,654      —        798,891      253,681      42,642      1,928,868
   2008      751,731      —        751,731      225,398      41,550      1,770,410
   2007      825,000      —        582,368      199,778      30,972      1,638,118

John D. Reedy
Vice Chairman

   2009      311,539      —        293,376      90,792      16,816      712,523
   2008      304,616      —        304,616      80,670      16,328      706,230
   2007      500,000      —        352,950      71,500      10,873      935,323

Thomas J. Jagiela
Senior Vice President—Operations and Supply Chain

   2009      290,442      —        205,139      —        11,773      507,354
   2008      222,115      108,900      166,586      —        75,311      572,912
   2007      —        —        —        —        —        —  

David S. Johnson (6)
President and Chief Executive Officer

   2009      360,703      —        —        —        —        360,703
   2008      772,116      —        772,116      —        5,520      1,549,752
   2007      475,000      —        335,303      —        125,489      935,792

 

(1) Reflects the value of contributions made under the Retirement Savings Plan (a defined contribution plan) and the value of life insurance premiums paid by us. Mr. Dwyer received a sign-on bonus of $250,000 upon hiring. Mr. Ostrander’s other compensation also includes perquisites, such as club membership, executive physicals, cellular telephone service and tax preparation fees. The tax preparation fees for Mr. Ostrander were $11,801 during 2009. Mr. Jagiela received a sign-on bonus of $75,000 upon hiring. Mr. Johnson received a Relocation, Commuting and Living Expenses payment of $125,000 in 2007 pursuant to his employment agreement.
(2) Payments for 2009, 2008 and 2007 performance were made in the following March under our incentive plans.
(3) The amounts in this column reflect amounts recorded by us for accounting purposes in connection with the M-Foods Holdings, Inc. 2003 Deferred Compensation Plan. The amounts in this column are not currently receivable or accessible, nor do they necessarily reflect actual amounts that may become receivable. While an 8% return is recorded on funds contributed to the Deferred Compensation Plan for accounting purposes, the proceeds, if any, that the individuals listed in this table actually receive in the future in connections with the Deferred Compensation Plan will not necessarily track the recorded return and instead will depend n the amount of distributions to the holders of Class A Units of Michael Foods Investors, LLC. The amounts reflected in this column represent the difference between the 8% recorded return and 5.88%, which percentage is equal to 120% of the 4.9% federal long-term interest rate as of the adoption of the Deferred Compensation Plan.
(4) Aggregate grant date fair value of options granted. Please see the Outstanding Equity Awards table for detail regarding these stock option grants. Please also see Note I for assumptions used.
(5) James E. Dwyer, Jr. was hired in late October 2009.
(6) David S. Johnson was our President and Chief Executive Officer until April 10, 2009.

 

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Outstanding Equity Awards at January 2, 2010

 

     Option Awards (1)    Stock Awards

Name

   Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Exercisable
   Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Unexercisable
   Option
Exercise
Price
   Option
Expiration
Date
   Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
   Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested

James E. Dwyer, Jr.

   —      —      $ —         —      —  

Mark W. Westphal

   268    —        626.99    11/20/2013    —      —  

Mark W. Westphal

   120    80      1,115.60    1/3/2016    —      —  

Mark W. Westphal

   180    270      1,184.19    1/1/2018    —      —  

Gregg A. Ostrander

   8,569    —        626.99    11/20/2013    —      —  

John D. Reedy

   3,039    —        626.99    11/20/2013    —      —  

Thomas J. Jagiela

   60    240      1,272.10    4/1/2018    —      —  

David S. Johnson

   —      —        —         —      —  

 

(1) Stock options are granted by our parent, M-Foods Holdings, Inc., but are accounted for by us. All stock options vest ratably over a five year period from date of grant.

In 2009, no named executive officer exercised any stock options and there was no restricted stock vesting. There were no stock options granted in 2009.

Employment Agreements

General Provisions. The employment agreement with James E. Dwyer, Jr. was effective as of October 26, 2009 and provides for automatic one year renewals beginning with the second anniversary of the agreement’s effective date. The Dwyer employment agreement provides that Mr. Dwyer’s employment (i) shall terminate automatically upon his death or disability, (ii) may terminate at the option of the Company with or without cause and (iii) may terminate at the option of Mr. Dwyer. The Dwyer employment agreement provides that Mr. Dwyer will receive an annual base salary of at least $750,000 and he will participate in certain bonus arrangements, long-term incentive plans and employee benefit plans of Michael Foods. For 2009, Mr. Dwyer was eligible to receive up to 100% of his salary as an incentive bonus under the Michael Foods, Inc. Executive Officers Incentive Plan, prorated for his time of service. Mr. Dwyer also received a $250,000 sign-on bonus when he joined us. Mr. Dwyer is subject to noncompetition covenant, nonsolicitation and no-hire agreements.

The employment agreement with Mark W. Westphal provides for automatic one year renewals beginning with the first anniversary of the agreement’s effective date. The Westphal employment agreement provides that Mr. Westphal’s employment (i) shall terminate automatically upon his death or disability, (ii) may terminate at the option of the Company with or without cause and (iii) may terminate at the option of Mr. Westphal. The Westphal employment agreement provides that Mr. Westphal will receive an annual base salary of at least $300,000 and he will participate in certain bonus arrangements, long-term incentive plans and employee benefit plans of Michael Foods. For 2009, Mr. Westphal was eligible to receive up to 100% of his salary as an incentive bonus under the Michael Foods, Inc. Executive Officers Incentive Plan. In addition, for 2009, Mr. Westphal was eligible to receive up to 25% of his salary as incremental incentive. Mr. Westphal is subject to a noncompetition covenant and a nonsolicitation provision.

The employment agreement with Gregg A. Ostrander provides for automatic one year renewals. The Ostrander employment agreement provides that Mr. Ostrander’s employment (i) shall terminate automatically upon his death or disability, (ii) may terminate at the option of the Company with or without cause and (iii) may terminate at the option of Mr. Ostrander. The Ostrander employment agreement provides that Mr. Ostrander will receive an annual base salary of at least $715,000 and that he will participate in certain bonus arrangements, long-term incentive plans and employee benefit plans of Michael Foods on a basis no less favorable than available to any other executive officer. The Ostrander employment agreement provides that Mr. Ostrander’s annual base salary is subject to periodic review, and once increased, the increased base salary becomes a minimum. For 2009, Mr. Ostrander was eligible to receive up to 100% of his salary as an incentive bonus under the Michael Foods, Inc. Executive Officers Incentive Plan. Mr. Ostrander is subject to a noncompetition covenant and a nonsolicitation provision.

 

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The employment agreement with John D. Reedy provides for automatic one year renewals. The Reedy employment agreement provides that Mr. Reedy’s employment (i) shall terminate automatically upon his death or disability, (ii) may terminate at the option of the Company with or without cause and (iii) may terminate at the option of Mr. Reedy. The Reedy employment agreement provides that Mr. Reedy will receive an annual base salary of at least $400,000 and that he will participate in certain bonus arrangements, long-term incentive plans and employee benefit plans of Michael Foods. For 2009, Mr. Reedy was eligible to receive up to 100% of his salary as an incentive bonus under the Michael Foods, Inc. Executive Officers Incentive Plan. In 2008, Mr. Reedy moved to less-than-full-time status and his base salary was prorated accordingly. He remained at the same status during 2009. Mr. Reedy is subject to a noncompetition covenant and a nonsolicitation provision.

The employment agreement with Thomas J. Jagiela expires on the second anniversary of the effective date of April 9, 2008. The Jagiela employment agreement provides that Mr. Jagiela’s employment (i) shall terminate automatically upon his death or disability, (ii) may terminate at the option of the Company with or without cause and (iii) may terminate at the option of Mr. Jagiela. The Jagiela employment agreement provides that Mr. Jagiela will receive an annual base salary of at least $275,000 and that he will participate in certain bonus arrangements, long-term incentive plans and employee benefit plans of Michael Foods. For 2009, Mr. Jagiela was eligible to receive up to 75% of his salary as an incentive bonus under the Michael Foods, Inc. Senior Officer and Key Employee Incentive Plan. Mr. Jagiela is subject to a noncompetition covenant and a nonsolicitation provision.

Termination Provisions. The Dwyer employment agreement provides that if Mr. Dwyer’s employment is terminated by his death or disability, Mr. Dwyer, or his estate or beneficiaries, will receive a payment equal to any annual base salary through the date of termination not yet paid, plus the target bonus for the year prorated for the months of employment in that year, plus any eligible unpaid other benefits, plus two times the total of Mr. Dwyer’s current annual base salary and target bonus. In addition, Mr. Dwyer will receive any eligible unpaid welfare benefits.

If Mr. Dwyer’s employment is terminated for cause or he terminates without good reason, Mr. Dwyer will receive his annual base salary through the date of termination and other eligible unpaid welfare benefits. If Mr. Dwyer terminates his employment for good reason, which in all of our executive employment agreements includes, among other things, any diminution in position, authority, duties and responsibilities or any requirement to relocate or travel extensively, or if Michael Foods terminates his employment other than for cause, death or disability, Mr. Dwyer will receive a lump sum in an amount equal to any annual base salary through the date of termination not yet paid, plus the target bonus for the year prorated for the months of employment in that year, plus any eligible unpaid welfare benefits, plus two times the total of Mr. Dwyer’s current annual base salary and target bonus. In addition, Mr. Dwyer will receive for 18 months following the termination date or until such earlier time as Mr. Dwyer becomes eligible to receive comparable benefits, certain medical, dental, and life insurance benefits for himself and his family.

The Westphal employment agreement provides that if Mr. Westphal’s employment is terminated by his death or disability, Mr. Westphal, or his estate or beneficiaries, will receive a payment equal to any annual base salary through the date of termination not yet paid, plus the target bonus for the year prorated for the months of employment in that year, plus any eligible unpaid other benefits, plus one time the total of Mr. Westphal’s current annual base salary and target bonus. In addition, Mr. Westphal will receive for one year following the termination date or until such earlier time as Mr. Westphal becomes eligible to receive comparable benefits, certain medical, dental, and life insurance benefits for himself and his family.

If Mr. Westphal’s employment is terminated for cause or he terminates without good reason, Mr. Westphal will receive his annual base salary through the date of termination and other benefits not yet paid under any plan, program, policy, contract or agreement with or practice of Michael Foods. If Mr. Westphal terminates his employment for good reason or if Michael Foods terminates his employment other than for cause, death or disability, Mr. Westphal will receive a lump sum in an amount equal to any annual base salary through the date of termination not yet paid, plus the target bonus for the year prorated for the months of employment in that year, plus any eligible unpaid other benefits, plus one time the total of Mr. Westphal’s current annual base salary and target bonus. In addition, Mr. Westphal will receive for one year following the termination date or until such earlier time as Mr. Westphal becomes eligible to receive comparable benefits, certain medical, dental, and life insurance benefits for himself and his family.

Mr. Westphal may also be eligible to receive an additional payment of any excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code in connection with payments made in connection with any future transactions, as well as an additional payment to cover any applicable taxes such that he will retain an amount equal to the excise taxes, after all income taxes, interest and penalties associated with all such payments. With respect to any such tax-related payments in connection with any future transactions, the Company shall not be obligated to pay any amount in excess, in the aggregate, of $16,300,000.

 

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The Ostrander employment agreement provides that if Mr. Ostrander’s employment is terminated by his death or disability, Mr. Ostrander, or his estate or beneficiaries, will receive a payment equal to any annual base salary through the date of termination not yet paid, plus the target bonus for the year prorated for the months of employment in that year, plus any eligible unpaid other benefits, plus three times the total of Mr. Ostrander’s current annual base salary and target bonus. In addition, Mr. Ostrander will receive for three years following the termination date or until such earlier time as Mr. Ostrander becomes eligible to receive comparable benefits, certain medical, dental, and life insurance benefits for himself and his family.

If Mr. Ostrander’s employment is terminated for cause or he terminates without good reason, Mr. Ostrander will receive his annual base salary through the date of termination and other benefits not yet paid under any plan, program, policy, contract or agreement with or practice of Michael Foods. If Mr. Ostrander terminates his employment for good reason or if Michael Foods terminates his employment other than for cause, death or disability, Mr. Ostrander will receive a lump sum in an amount equal to any annual base salary through the date of termination not yet paid, plus the target bonus for the year prorated for the months of employment in that year, plus any eligible unpaid other benefits, plus three times the total of Mr. Ostrander’s current annual base salary and target bonus. In addition, Mr. Ostrander will receive for three years following the termination date, or until such earlier time as Mr. Ostrander becomes eligible to receive comparable benefits, certain medical, dental and life insurance benefits for himself and his family.

Mr. Ostrander may also be eligible to receive an additional payment of any excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code in connection with payments made in connection with any future transactions, as well as an additional payment to cover any applicable taxes such that he will retain an amount equal to the excise taxes, after all income taxes, interest and penalties associated with all such payments. With respect to any such tax-related payments in connection with any future transactions, the Company shall not be obligated to pay any amount in excess, in the aggregate, of $16,300,000.

The Reedy employment agreement provides that if Mr. Reedy’s employment is terminated by his death or disability, Mr. Reedy, or his estate or beneficiaries, will receive a payment equal to any annual base salary through the date of termination not yet paid, plus the target bonus for the year prorated for the months of employment in that year, plus any eligible unpaid other benefits, plus two times the total of Mr. Reedy’s current annual base salary and target bonus. In addition, Mr. Reedy will receive for two years following the termination date or until such earlier time as Mr. Reedy becomes eligible to receive comparable benefits, certain medical, dental, and life insurance benefits for himself and his family.

If Mr. Reedy’s employment is terminated for cause or he terminates without good reason, Mr. Reedy will receive his annual base salary through the date of termination and other benefits not yet paid under any plan, program, policy, contract or agreement with or practice of Michael Foods. If Mr. Reedy terminates his employment for good reason or if Michael Foods terminates his employment other than for cause, death or disability, Mr. Reedy will receive a lump sum in an amount equal to any annual base salary through the date of termination not yet paid, plus the target bonus for the year prorated for the months of employment in that year, plus any eligible unpaid other benefits, plus two times the total of Mr. Reedy’s current annual base salary and target bonus. In addition, Mr. Reedy will receive for two years following the termination date or until such earlier time as Mr. Reedy becomes eligible to receive comparable benefits, certain medical, dental, and life insurance benefits for himself and his family.

Mr. Reedy may, under certain circumstances, also be eligible to receive an additional payment of any excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code in connection with payments made in connection with any future transactions, as well as an additional payment to cover any applicable taxes such that he will retain an amount equal to the excise taxes, after all income taxes, interest and penalties associated with all such payments. With respect to any such tax-related payments in connection with any future transactions, the Company shall not be obligated to pay any amount in excess, in the aggregate, of $16,300,000.

The Jagiela employment agreement provides that if Mr. Jagiela’s employment is terminated for cause or he terminates his employment with us without good reason, Mr. Jagiela will receive his annual base salary through the date of termination and other benefits not yet paid under any plan, program, policy, contract or agreement with or practice of Michael Foods. If Mr. Jagiela terminates his employment for good reason or if Michael Foods terminates his employment other than for cause, death or disability, Mr. Jagiela will receive a lump sum in an amount equal to his annual base salary plus any eligible unpaid other benefits. If Mr. Jagiela’s employment is terminated on his part for good reason, other than due to death or disability, or by us other than for cause, death or disability, within 12 months of a change in control of Michael Foods or its parent, Mr. Jagiela will receive a sum equal to his annual base salary plus any eligible unpaid other benefits. In addition, Mr. Jagiela will receive for one year following the termination date or until such earlier time as Mr. Jagiela becomes eligible to receive comparable benefits, certain medical, dental, and life insurance benefits for himself and his family.

Mr. Johnson’s employment terminated effective April 10, 2009 and he received his annual base salary through the date of termination per the termination provisions of his employment agreement.

 

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Ms. Wolski has a letter agreement that provides for, among other employment-related matters, her receiving one year’s annual salary, an incentive payment equal to 50% of her annual salary, as appropriately prorated, and a lump sum equal to 12 months of health benefits should she leave our employment under certain circumstances following a change-in-control, if such change-in-control occurs within 36 months of her hiring date. Mr. Witmer is not subject to any severance agreement. Our executive employment agreements were amended in 2008 to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

The members of the compensation committee are Gregg A. Ostrander, Anthony J. DiNovi and Kent R. Weldon. The compensation arrangements for our Chief Executive Officer and certain of our executive officers were established pursuant to the terms of the respective employment agreements between us and each executive officer. The terms of the employment agreements were established pursuant to arms-length negotiations between representatives of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. and each executive officer. Mr. Ostrander was our Chief Executive Officer for approximately seven months in 2009 and was our Executive Chairman in 2009. No compensation committee interlock relationships existed in 2009.

Deferred Compensation Plan

Certain members of management are participants in the M-Foods Holdings, Inc. (“Holdings”) 2003 Deferred Compensation Plan. Each participant contributed certain proceeds to the Deferred Compensation Plan. The Deferred Compensation Plan is a nonqualified, unfunded obligation of Holdings. Each participant’s deferred compensation account under the plan will track certain distributions to be made to the Class A Units of Michael Foods Investors, LLC, though the plan will not hold actual Class A Units of Michael Foods Investors, LLC. Participants in the plan will be entitled to a distribution from their deferred compensation account upon the earlier of (i) a change of control of Holdings (ii) the tenth anniversary of the date of the plan and (iii) upon the exercise of any put or call of the participants Class B Units of Michael Foods Investors, LLC. All payments made under the plan shall be made in cash by Holdings.

Incentive Plans

Each of the named executive officers is a participant in the Michael Foods, Inc. Executive Officers Incentive Plan or the Michael Foods, Inc. Senior Management, Officers and Key Employee Incentive Plan, which provide for cash bonuses of up to 100% of base salary, subject to our achieving certain financial performance objectives in any given fiscal year. The target goals set forth in these incentive plans change from year to year and are determined by our compensation committee.

Director Compensation

All members of our Board of Directors are reimbursed for their usual and customary expenses incurred in connection with attending all Board and other committee meetings. Members of the Board of Directors who are also our employees, or employees of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., do not receive remuneration for serving as members of the board. Our non-employee outside directors who are not employees of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. (“the non-employee/non-THL outside directors”) receive a quarterly retainer of $8,000 and are paid $3,000 for each Board meeting attended, or $500 for a meeting held telephonically. The audit committee chair, who is a non-employee/non-THL outside director, receives a quarterly retainer of $2,500.

For all committees except the audit committee, non-employee/non-THL outside directors are paid $1,000 for each regular committee meeting they attend, except for committee chairs who are paid $1,500 for each committee meeting they attend and chair. Non-employee/non-THL outside directors are paid $1,500 for each regular audit committee meeting they attend, and the audit committee chair is paid $2,000 for each audit committee meeting they attend and chair.

For all committees except the audit committee, non-employee/non-THL outside directors are paid $500 for each telephonic committee meeting in which they participate, except for committee chairs who are paid $1,000 for each telephonic committee meeting in which they participate and chair. Non-employee/non-THL outside directors are paid $1,000 for each telephonic audit committee meeting in which they participate, except for the audit committee chair who is paid $1,500 for each telephonic audit committee meeting in which they participate and chair.

 

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Directors’ fees and travel and reimbursed meeting expenses incurred by us in 2009 totaled $204,410. Fees earned or paid in cash by us to non-employee outside directors in 2009 were as follows:

 

Name

   Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
   Other
Compensation
   Total

Mr. Bresler

   $ —      $ —      $ —  

Mr. DiNovi

     —        —        —  

Mr. Jenko

     57,500      —        57,500

Mr. Weil

     42,000      —        42,000

Mr. Weldon

     —        —        —  

M-Foods Holdings, Inc. Amended and Restated 2003 Stock Option Plan

In order to provide additional financial incentives to our management, certain members of our management and other key employees may be granted stock options to, collectively, purchase up to 6.36% of the common stock of M-Foods Holdings, Inc., our parent company. The exercise price of options granted reflects the fair market value of the underlying shares, as determined by the compensation committee in its best judgment.

As amended in 2004, the plan provides for a total of 31,707 shares being reserved (including the 25,000 initially reserved). The plan provides that the exercise price is payable (1) in cash, (2) after an initial public offering of Michael Foods’ common stock, through simultaneous sales of underlying shares by brokers or (3) through the exchange of M-Foods Holdings, Inc. securities held by the optionee for longer than six months.

Options vest ratably over a five-year period starting on the grant date. On termination of employment for any reason, all unvested options of the terminated employee are cancelled. Vested options not exercised within 90 days after termination are cancelled, unless such employee is terminated for cause or leaves without good reason, in which case such vested options shall be cancelled upon termination. If employment is terminated for any reason other than for cause or a termination without good reason, M-Foods Holdings will provide a notice setting forth the fair market value of the common stock within 90 days of such termination. In the event of a change in control of M-Foods Holdings, Inc. or Michael Foods Investors, LLC, all options which have not become vested will automatically become vested. The options are subject to other customary restrictions and repurchase rights. Accounting for these stock options is recorded in our financial statements.

 

34


ITEM 12—SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

M-Foods Holdings, Inc. is a corporation owned, in part, by Michael Foods Investors, LLC, whose members include affiliates of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. and certain members of our management.

The following table sets forth certain information, as of March 25, 2010, regarding beneficial ownership of Michael Foods Investors, LLC by: (i) each person or entity owning more than five percent of any class of Michael Foods Investors, LLC’s outstanding securities and (ii) each member of Michael Foods Investors, LLC’s board of directors (which, with the exception of Charles Weil and Joshua Bresler, is identical to the board of directors of Michael Foods), each of our currently serving named executive officers and all members of the board of directors and executive officers as a group. Michael Foods Investors, LLC’s outstanding securities consist of approximately 2,966,818.01 Class A Units, 263,681.99 Class B Units, 330,000 Class C Units, no Class D Units, 1,000 Class E Units, 1,500 Class F Units, 2,000 Class G Units and 500 Class H Units. The Class A Units, Class B Units, Class C Units, Class E Units, Class F Units, Class G Units and Class H Units generally have identical rights and preferences, except that the Class C, E, F, G and H Units are non-voting and have different rights with respect to certain distributions as described, relative to the Class C Units, in our Form 10-K for 2003. To our knowledge, each of these securityholders has sole voting and investment power as to the units shown unless otherwise noted. Beneficial ownership of the securities listed in the table has been determined in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

     Securities Beneficially Owned  

Name and Address

   Title of Class    Number of
Units
   Percent (1)  

Principal Security holders:

                

Thomas H. Lee
Partners L.P. and affiliates (2)

   A Units    2,900,000    89.8

Board of Directors and Named Executive Officers:

                

Gregg A. Ostrander (3)(4)

   A Units    22,806    2.9
   B Units    70,917   
   C Units    84,600    25.6

John D. Reedy (3)(5)

   A Units    7,708    0.8
   B Units    17,292   
   C Units    25,000    7.6

James E. Dwyer (3)(6)

   G Units    2,000    100.0

Mark Westphal (3)(7)

   A Units    84    0.1
   B Units    1,916   
   C Units    2,000    0.6
   F Units    1,000    66.7

Thomas J. Jagiela (3)(8)

   E Units    1,000    100.0

David S. Johnson (3)(9)

   —      —      —     

Anthony J. DiNovi (2)

   —      —      —     

Kent R. Weldon (2)

   —      —      —     

Joshua D. Bresler (2)

   —      —      —     

Charles D. Weil (10)

   —      —      —     

Jerome J. Jenko (11)

   A Units    500    0.0

All directors and executive officers (not including prior officers) as a group (12 persons)

        
   A Units    31,112    4.0
   B Units    95,111   
   C Units    116,600    35.3
   E Units    1,000    100.0
   F Units    1,500    100.0
   G Units    2,000    100.0

 

(1) The percent for the Class A Units is a combined percent of ownership for Class A Units and Class B Units.

 

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(2) Includes interests owned by each of Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund V, L.P., Thomas H. Lee Parallel Fund V, L.P., Thomas H. Lee Equity (Cayman) Fund V, L.P., Thomas H. Lee Investors Limited Partnership, 1997 Thomas H. Lee Nominee Trust, Great-West Investors LP. Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund V, L.P. and Thomas H. Lee Parallel Fund V, L.P. are Delaware limited partnerships, whose general partner is THL Equity Advisors V, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. Thomas H. Lee Equity (Cayman) Fund V, L.P. is an exempted limited partnership formed under the laws of the Cayman Islands, whose general partner is THL Equity Advisors V, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company registered in the Cayman Islands as a foreign company. Thomas H. Lee Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, is the general partner of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, which is the sole member of THL Equity Advisors V, LLC. Thomas H. Lee Investors Limited Partnership (f/k/a THL-CCI Limited Partnership) is a Massachusetts limited partnership, whose general partner is THL Investment Management Corp., a Massachusetts corporation. The 1997 Thomas H. Lee Nominee Trust is a trust with U.S. Bank, N.A. serving as Trustee. Thomas H. Lee has voting and investment control over common shares owned of record by the 1997 Thomas H. Lee Nominee Trust. Each of Anthony J. DiNovi, Kent R. Weldon and Joshua D. Bresler is a managing director or vice president of Thomas H. Lee Advisors, LLC. As managing directors of Thomas H. Lee Advisors, LLC, each of Mr. DiNovi and Mr. Weldon has shared voting and investment power over, and therefore, may be deemed to beneficially own member units of Michael Foods Investors, LLC held of record by Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund V, L.P., Thomas H. Lee Parallel Fund V, L.P. and Thomas H. Lee Equity (Cayman) Fund V, L.P. Each of these individuals disclaims beneficial ownership of these units except to the extent of their pecuniary interest therein. The address of Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund V, L.P., Thomas H. Lee Parallel Fund V, L.P., Thomas H. Lee Equity (Cayman) Fund V, L.P., Thomas H. Lee Investors Limited Partnership, the 1997 Thomas H. Lee Nominee Trust, Anthony J. DiNovi, Kent R. Weldon and Joshua D. Bresler is 100 Federal Street, 35th Floor, Boston, MA 02110. Great-West Investors LP is a co-investment entity of Thomas H. Lee Partners and disclaims beneficial ownership of any securities other than the securities held directly by it. The address for Great-West Investors LP is c/o Great-West Life and Annuity Company, 8515 E. Orchard Road, 3T2, Greenwood Village, CO 80111.
(3) The address for Messrs. Ostrander, Reedy, Dwyer, Westphal, Jagiela and Johnson is c/o Michael Foods, Inc., 301 Carlson Parkway, Suite 400, Minnetonka, MN 55305.
(4) In 2004, Mr. Ostrander placed 47,277 Class B units and 56,400 Class C units into irrevocable trusts for two adult children and one minor child. Mr. Ostrander disclaims beneficial ownership of these units.
(5) In 2003, Mr. Reedy gifted 15,000 Class B units and 15,000 Class C units to his two adult children. In 2004, Mr. Reedy gifted 10,000 Class B units and 10,000 Class C units to his two adult children. Mr. Reedy disclaims beneficial ownership of these units.
(6) In October 2009, Mr. Dwyer was hired as our President and Chief Executive Officer. He concurrently purchased Class G units which vest one-fifth each year over the subsequent five years.
(7) In October 2009, Mr. Westphal purchased Class F units which vest one-fifth each year over the subsequent five years.
(8) In April 2008, Mr. Jagiela was hired as our Senior Vice President - Operations and Supply Chain. He concurrently purchased Class E units which vest one-third each year over the subsequent three years.
(9) Mr. Johnson’s employment terminated April 10, 2009. The Class D Units held by him were repurchased by Michael Foods Investors, LLC in August 2009.
(10) The address for Mr. Weil is c/o M.A. Gedney Company, 2100 Stoughton Ave., Chaska, MN 55318.
(11) The address for Mr. Jenko is c/o Lazard Middle Market LLC, First Bank Place, Suite 4600, 601 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55402.

 

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Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table sets forth information as of January 2, 2010.

 

Plan Category

   Number of
Securities to be
Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding
Options, Warrants
and Rights
   Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding
Options, Warrants
and Rights
   Number of
Securities
Remaining
Available for Future
Issuance Under
Equity
Compensation Plans
(2)
     (a)    (b)    (c)

Equity compensation plans approved by securityholders (1)

   28,871    $ 726.09    357

Equity compensation plans not approved by securityholders

   —        —      —  
                

Total

   28,871    $ 726.09    357
                

 

(1) Stock options are granted by our parent, M-Foods Holdings, Inc.
(2) Excludes securities reflected in column (a)

ITEM 13—CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Director Independence Statement

We are not a listed issuer, but have evaluated the independence of our Board of Directors and committee members using the independence standards of the New York Stock Exchange. Our Board has determined that Jerome J. Jenko and Charles D. Weil are independent directors within the meaning of the rules of the New York Stock Exchange. Messrs. Jenko and Weil are members of our audit committee. In addition, Mr. Bresler is a member of our audit committee, but as a result of his position with Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., Mr. Bresler has not been determined by our Board of Directors to be independent within the meaning of the applicable rules. Messrs. DiNovi and Weldon are non-management members of our compensation committee, but as a result of their positions with Thomas H. Lee Partners, L P., Messrs. DiNovi and Weldon have not been determined by our Board of Directors to be independent within the meaning of the applicable rules.

Certain Agreements between Management Investors and our Equity Sponsor

Securityholders Agreement

Pursuant to the 2003 securityholders agreement, units of Michael Foods Investors, LLC (or common stock following change in corporate form) beneficially owned by our executives and any other employees of Michael Foods Investors and its subsidiaries, which we collectively refer to as the management investors, are subject to certain restrictions on transfer, other than certain exempt transfers as defined in the securityholders agreement, as well as the other provisions described below. When reference is made to “units” of Michael Foods Investors in the discussion that follows, that reference is deemed to include common stock of Michael Foods Investors following a change in corporate form, whether in preparation for an initial public offering or otherwise.

The securityholders agreement provides that Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., the management investors and all other parties to the agreement will vote all of their units to elect and continue in office management committees or boards of directors of Michael Foods Investors and each of its subsidiaries, other than subsidiaries of the Company, consisting of up to five members or directors composed of:

 

   

one person designated by Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund V, L.P.;

 

   

one person designated by Thomas H. Lee Parallel Fund V, L.P.;

 

   

one person designated by Thomas H. Lee Cayman Fund V, L.P.;

 

   

the chief executive officer of Michael Foods Investors, LLC; and

 

   

one person designated by the chief executive officer of Michael Foods Investors, LLC.

 

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The securityholders agreement also provides:

 

   

the management investors with the right to participate proportionally in transfers of Michael Foods Investors units beneficially owned by Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., its partners or their transferees, except in connection with transfers (i) in a public sale, (ii) among the partners of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. and the partners, securityholders and employees of such partners, (iii) incidental to the conversion of securities or any recapitalization or reorganization, (iv) to employees, directors and/or consultants of Michael Foods Investors and its subsidiaries, (v) that are exempt individual transfers and (vi) pursuant to a pledge of securities to an unaffiliated financial institution;

 

   

Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. with the right to notify management investors that it shall cause Michael Foods Investors to effect a sale and the management investors shall consent to and raise no objection with respect to Michael Foods Investors units owned by the management investors in a sale of Michael Foods Investors; and

 

   

Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. with registration rights to require Michael Foods Investors to register units held by them under the Securities Act.

If Michael Foods Investors issues or sells any new units to Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., subject to certain exceptions, each management investor shall have the right to subscribe for a sufficient number of new Michael Foods Investors units to maintain its respective ownership percentage in Michael Foods Investors.

Management Unit Subscription Agreements

Under the management unit subscription agreements, management contributed to Michael Foods Investors shares of common stock for Class A Units, Class B Units and Class C Units of Michael Foods Investors based on a $100 per Class A Unit price and a $2.00 per Class B and Class C Unit price. The executives hold approximately 10% of the outstanding Class A and Class B units combined, and 100% of the outstanding Class C units. The Class E units for Mr. Jagiela vest one-third each year on the anniversary date of his hiring, with the first one-third vested on April 9, 2009. The Class F units for Mr. Westphal and Ms. Wolski vest one-fifth each year on the anniversary date of their investment, with the first one-fifth vesting on October 23, 2010. The Class G units for Mr. Dwyer vest one-fifth each year on the anniversary date of his hiring, with the first one-fifth vesting on October 23, 2010.

Upon the death, disability or retirement of the executive prior to the earlier of a public offering or sale of Michael Foods Investors, Michael Foods Investors may be required to purchase all of an executive’s units. However, with respect to Mr. Reedy, if Mr. Reedy’s employment is terminated due to his retirement, Mr. Reedy may require Michael Foods Investors to purchase his units after he turns age 65. Michael Foods Investors has the right to purchase all or a portion of an executive’s units if an executive’s employment is terminated or that executive is deemed to be engaging in certain competitive activities. However, with respect to Mr. Reedy, if Mr. Reedy’s employment is terminated due to retirement, Michael Foods Investors will have the right to purchase his units only after Mr. Reedy turns 65. However, if Michael Foods Investors elects or is required to purchase any units pursuant to the call and put options described in the preceding sentences, and that payment would result in a violation of law applicable to Michael Foods Investors or a default under certain of its financing arrangements, Michael Foods Investors may make the portion of the cash payment so affected by the delivery of preferred units of Michael Foods Investors with a liquidation preference equal to the amount of the cash payment affected.

In addition, each management stock purchase and unit subscription agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants made by the respective executive or party thereto.

Management Agreement

Pursuant to the management agreement entered into in connection with the transactions, THL Managers V, LLC, an affiliate of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., renders to Michael Foods and each of its subsidiaries, certain advisory and consulting services. In consideration of those services, we pay to THL Managers V, LLC semi-annually an aggregate per annum management fee equal to the greater of:

 

   

$1,500,000; or

 

   

An amount equal to 1.0% of our consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization for that fiscal year, but before deduction of any such fee.

We also indemnify THL Managers V, LLC and its affiliates from and against all losses, claims, damages and liabilities arising out of, or related to, the performance by THL Managers V, LLC of the services pursuant to the management agreement.

 

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Policies and Procedures for Reviewing Related Party Transactions

We have not adopted any written policies or procedures governing the review, approval or ratification of related party transactions. However, our Board of Directors reviews, approves or ratifies, when necessary, all transactions with related parties. We did not enter into any new related party transactions during 2009.

ITEM 14—PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Audit Fees

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PricewaterhouseCoopers”) was our principal accountant for the years ended January 2, 2010 and January 3, 2009. Total fees paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers for audit services rendered during 2009 and 2008 were $384,667 and $385,000.

Audit-Related Fees

Total fees paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers for audit-related services rendered during 2009 and 2008 were $108,000 and $7,200, consisting primarily of Sarbanes-Oxley 404 readiness services.

Tax Fees

Total fees paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers for tax services rendered during 2009 and 2008 were $137,025 and $115,500 related primarily to tax planning, compliance and consultation.

All Other Fees

There were no fees paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers under this category during 2009 or 2008.

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policy

Under policies and procedures adopted by the audit committee of our Board of Directors, our principal accountant may not be engaged to provide non-audit services that are prohibited by law or regulation to be provided by it, nor may our principal accountant be engaged to provide any other non-audit service unless the audit committee or its Chairman pre-approve the engagement of our accountant to provide both audit and permissible non-audit services. If the Chairman pre-approves any engagement or fees, he is to make a report to the full audit committee at its next meeting. All services provided by our principal accountant in 2009 were pre-approved by the audit committee or its’ Chairman.

 

39


PART IV

ITEM 15—EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) The following consolidated financial statements of the Company, and the related Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, are included in this report:

1. Financial Statements

MICHAEL FOODS, INC.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 2, 2010 and January 3, 2009

Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the fiscal years ended January 2, 2010, January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007

Consolidated Statements of Shareholder’s Equity and Comprehensive Income for the fiscal years ended January 2, 2010, January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended January 2, 2010, January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Financial Statement Schedules

The following financial statement schedule is included in this report and should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm referred to above:

Michael Foods, Inc. and Subsidiaries—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

All other schedules are omitted, as the required information is not applicable or the information is presented in the financial statements or related notes.

3. Exhibits

Reference is made to Item 15 (b) for exhibits filed with this form. Exhibits 10.3, 10.4, 10.45, 10.51, 10.52, 10.54, 10.55, 10.56 and 10.58 are management contracts. Exhibits 10.13, 10.14, 10.18, 10.28, 10.29, 10.30, 10.31 and 10.50 are compensatory plans.

(b) Exhibits and Exhibit Index

 

Ex.

No.

  

Description

  2.1    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated October 10, 2003, by and among M-Foods Investors, LLC, THL Food Products Holdings Co., THL Food Products Co., M-Food Holdings, Inc. and certain shareholders of M-Foods Holdings, Inc. (1)
  2.2    Letter Agreement, Amending Merger Agreement dated October 17, 2003, by and among M-Foods Investors, LLC, THL Food Products Holdings Co., THL Food Products Co. and M-Foods Holdings, Inc. (5)
  2.3    Letter Agreement, Amending Merger Agreement dated October 24, 2003, by and among M-Foods Investors, LLC, THL Food Products Holdings Co., THL Food Products Co. and M-Foods Holdings, Inc. (5)
  2.4    Letter Agreement, Amending Merger Agreement dated November 17, 2003, by and among M-Foods Investors, LLC, THL Food Products Holdings Co., THL Food Products Co. and M-Foods Holdings, Inc. (5)
  3.1    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Michael Foods, Inc. (f/k/a M-Foods Holdings, Inc.) (2)
  3.2    Certificate of Merger of THL Food Products Co. with and into M-Foods Holdings, Inc., dated November 20, 2003 (2)
  3.3    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated November 20, 2003, by and among M-Foods Holdings, Inc. and Michael Foods, Inc.(2)
  3.4    Certificate of Merger of Michael Foods, Inc. with and into M-Foods Holdings, Inc., dated November 20, 2003 (2)
  3.5    Bylaws of Michael Foods, Inc. (f/k/a M-Foods Holdings, Inc.) (2)
  4.1    Indenture, dated March 27, 2001, between Michael Foods Acquisition Corp. and BNY Midwest Trust Company, as trustee (3)
  4.2    Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 10, 2001, by and among M-Foods Holdings, Inc., and BNY Midwest Trust Company, as trustee (3)
  4.3    Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 31, 2003, by and among Michael Foods, Inc. and BNY Midwest Trust Company (2)

 

40


  4.4    Collateral Pledge and Security Agreement, dated March 27, 2001, between Michael Foods Acquisition Corp., and Banc of America Securities, LLC and Bear, Stearns & Co. and BNY Midwest Trust Company as collateral agent and securities intermediary (3)
  4.5    Indenture, dated November 20, 2003, among Michael Foods, Inc., the Guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as trustee (2)
  4.6    Registration Rights Agreement, dated November 20, 2003, among Michael Foods, Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto and Banc of America Securities LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and UBS Securities LLC (2)
10.3    Employment Agreement, dated November 20, 2003, by and among Michael Foods, Inc. and Gregg A. Ostrander (5)
10.4    Employment Agreement, dated November 20, 2003, by and among Michael Foods, Inc. and John D. Reedy (5)
10.8    Senior Management Unit Subscription Agreement, dated November 20, 2003, between Michael Foods Investors, LLC, (f/k/a THL-MF Investors, LLC) and Gregg A. Ostrander (5)
10.9    Senior Management Unit Subscription Agreement, dated November 20, 2003, between Michael Foods Investors, LLC, (f/k/a THL-MF Investors, LLC) and John D. Reedy (5)
10.13    Stock Option Agreement, dated November 20, 2003, between Gregg A. Ostrander and M-Foods Holdings, Inc. (f/k/a THL Food Products Holding Co.) (5)
10.14    Stock Option Agreement, dated November 20, 2003, between John D. Reedy and M-Foods Holdings, Inc. (f/k/a THL Food Products Holding Co.) (5)
10.18    M-Foods Holdings, Inc. Amended and Restated 2003 Stock Option Plan (6)
10.19    Management Agreement, dated November 20, 2003, by and among Michael Foods, Inc. and THL Managers V, LLC (5)
10.20    Securityholders Agreement, dated November 20, 2003, between Michael Foods Investors, LLC, (f/k/a THL-MF Investors, LLC) and the other parties thereto (5)
10.22    Subscription and Share Purchase Agreement, dated November 20, 2003, between M-Foods Holdings, Inc. (formerly known as THL Food Products Holding Co.) and Michael Foods Investors, LLC, (f/k/a THL-MF Investors, LLC) (5)
10.23    Lease, dated as of February 26, 1997, by and between Michael Foods of Delaware, Inc., as successor to Michael Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation and A&A Urban Renewal, relating to the lease of a facility located at 100 Trumbull St., Elizabeth, NJ (4)
10.24    Lease, dated as of February 26, 1997, by and between Michael Foods of Delaware, Inc., as successor to Michael Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Papetti Holding Company, et al., relating to the lease of a facility located at 877-879 E. North Ave., Elizabeth, NJ (4)
10.25    Lease, dated as of February 26, 1997, by and between Michael Foods of Delaware, Inc., as successor to Michael Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Papetti Holding Company, relating to the lease of a facility located at 847-855 E. North Ave., Elizabeth, NJ (4)
10.26    Lease, dated as of February 26, 1997, by and between Michael Foods of Delaware, Inc. as successor to Michael Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Jersey Pride Urban Renewal, relating to the lease of a facility located at One Papetti Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ (4)
10.28    Form of Stock Option Agreement pursuant to the M-Foods Holdings, Inc. (f/k/a THL Food Products Holding Co.) 2003 Stock Option Plan (5)
10.29    M-Foods Holdings, Inc. (f/k/a THL Food Products Holding Co.) Deferred Compensation Plan, dated November 20, 2003 (5)
10.30    Michael Foods, Inc. Executive Officers Incentive Plan (5)
10.31    Michael Foods, Inc. Senior Management, Officers and Key Employees Incentive Plan (5)
10.36    First Amendment, dated as of September 30, 2006, to Lease, dated as of February 26, 1997, by and between Michael Foods of Delaware, Inc., as successor to Michael Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation and A&A Urban Renewal, relating to the lease of a facility located at 100 Trumbull St., Elizabeth, NJ (7)
10.37    First Amendment, dated as of September 30, 2006, to Lease, dated as of February 26, 1997, by and between Michael Foods of Delaware, Inc., as successor to Michael Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Papetti Holding Company, et al., relating to the lease of a facility located at 877-879 E. North Ave., Elizabeth, NJ (7)

 

41


10.38    First Amendment, dated as of September 30, 2006, to Lease, dated as of February 26, 1997, by and between Michael Foods of Delaware, Inc., as successor to Michael Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Papetti Holding Company, relating to the lease of a facility located at 847-855 E. North Ave., Elizabeth, NJ (7)
10.39    First Amendment, dated as of September 30, 2006, to Lease, dated as of February 26, 1997, by and between Michael Foods of Delaware, Inc. as successor to Michael Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Jersey Pride Urban Renewal, relating to the lease of a facility located at One Papetti Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ (7)
10.42    First Amendment to Michael Foods Investors, LLC Securityholders Agreement (8)
10.45    Employment Agreement dated as of April 9, 2008, by and among Michael Foods, Inc., Thomas J. Jagiela and Michael Foods Investors, LLC (10)
10.46    Senior Management Unit Subscription Agreement dated as of April 9, 2008, by and among Michael Foods Investors, LLC and Thomas J. Jagiela (10)
10.47    Thomas J. Jagiela Indemnity Agreement (10)
10.49    Second Amendment to Michael Foods Investors, LLC Securityholders Agreement (10)
10.50    Amendment No. 1 to M-Foods Holdings, Inc. Amended and Restated 2003 Stock Option Plan (10)
10.51    Employment Agreement, dated as of the 1st day of July, 2008, by and among Michael Foods, Inc. and Mark W. Westphal (11)
10.52    Addendum to Ostrander Employment Agreement dated December 9, 2008 (11)
10.54    Addendum to Reedy Employment Agreement dated December 9, 2008 (11)
10.55    Addendum to Westphal Employment Agreement dated December 9, 2008 (11)
10.56    Addendum to Jagiela Employment Agreement dated December 9, 2008 (11)
10.57    Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 1, 2009 among Michael Foods, Inc., as the Borrower, M-Foods Holdings, Inc., Bank of America, N.A. as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer. The other Lenders Party Hereto, Banc of America Securities LLC as Lead Arranger and Book Manager, Cooperative Centrale Raiffeisen – Boerenleenbank B.A., “Rabobank International”, New York Branch, as Syndication Agent and Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Trust Company and Northwest Farm Credit Services, PCA, as Co-Documentation Agents (12)
10.58    Employment Agreement dated October 23, 2009 by and among Michael Foods, Inc., James E. Dwyer, Jr. and Michael Foods Investors, LLC (13)
10.59    Senior Management Class G Unit Subscription Agreement dated October 23, 2009 between Michael Foods Investors, LLC and James E. Dwyer, Jr. (13)
10.60    Senior Management Class F Unit Subscription Agreement dated October 23, 2009 between Michael Foods Investors, LLC and Mark W. Westphal (13)
10.61    Senior Management Class F Unit Subscription Agreement dated October 23, 2009 between Michael Foods Investors, LLC and Carolyn V. Wolski (13)
10.62    Indemnity Agreement dated October 23, 2009 between Michael Foods, Inc. and James E. Dwyer, Jr. (13)
10.64    Third Amendment to Michael Foods Investors, LLC Securityholders Agreement (13)
10.65    Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement
10.66    Fourth Amendment to Michael Foods Investors, LLC Securityholders Agreement
12.1    Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges
21.1    Subsidiaries of Michael Foods, Inc.
31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer

 

(1) Incorporated by reference from Michael Foods Inc /MN current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 16, 2003.
(2) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form S-4 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-112714) filed with the Commission on February 11, 2004.

 

42


(3) Incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 1 to Michael Foods Inc /MN Form S-4 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-63722) filed with the Commission on July 18, 2001.
(4) Incorporated by reference from Michael Foods Inc /MN current report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on November 22, 2000.
(5) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 30, 2004.
(6) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 23, 2006.
(7) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 29, 2007.
(8) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 14, 2007.
(9) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 24, 2008.
(10) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 12, 2008.
(11) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 24, 2009.
(12) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 5, 2009.
(13) Incorporated by reference from the Company’s report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on November 13, 2009.

 

43


SCHEDULE II

MICHAEL FOODS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(A wholly owned subsidiary of M-Foods Holdings, Inc.)

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

(In thousands)

 

Column A

   Column B    Column C    Column D     Column E

Description

   Balance at
Beginning of
Period
   Additions    Deductions     Balance at
End of
Period

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

          

2007

   $ 4,150    $ —      $ 230      $ 3,920

2008

     3,920      308      186        4,042

2009

     4,042      —        1,832 (a)      2,210

 

(a) Represents a reclassification of certain preference claims to current liabilities.

 

44


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

MICHAEL FOODS, INC.

   

Date: March 25, 2010

  By:  

/S/    JAMES E. DWYER, JR.        

   

James E. Dwyer, Jr.

(Chief Executive Officer, President and Director)

Date: March 25, 2010

  By:  

/S/    MARK W. WESTPHAL        

   

Mark W. Westphal

(Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President, and

Principal Accounting 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 registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

/S/    JOSHUA D. BRESLER        

     March 25, 2010

Joshua D. Bresler

(Director)

    

/S/    ANTHONY J. DINOVI        

     March 25, 2010

Anthony J. DiNovi

(Director)

    

/S/    JEROME J. JENKO        

     March 25, 2010

Jerome J. Jenko

(Director)

    

/S/    CHARLES D. WEIL        

     March 25, 2010

Charles D. Weil

(Director)

    

/S/    KENT R. WELDON        

     March 25, 2010

Kent R. Weldon

(Director)

    

/S/    GREGG A. OSTRANDER        

     March 25, 2010

Gregg A. Ostrander

(Executive Chairman)

    

 

45


MICHAEL FOODS, INC.

(A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of M-Foods Holdings, Inc.)

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholder

of Michael Foods, Inc.:

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15 (a)(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Michael Foods, Inc. and its subsidiaries, a wholly owned subsidiary of M-Foods Holdings, Inc., at January 2, 2010 and January 3, 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 2, 2010 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15 (a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 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, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Minneapolis, MN

March 25, 2010

 

46


MICHAEL FOODS, INC.

(A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of M-Foods Holdings, Inc.)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

For the Years Ended January 2, 2010 and January 3, 2009

(In thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)

 

     2009    2008  
ASSETS      

Current Assets

     

Cash and equivalents

   $ 87,061    $ 78,054   

Accounts receivable, less allowances

     124,520      124,518   

Inventories

     125,976      127,153   

Prepaid expenses and other

     8,139      18,248   
               

Total Current Assets

     345,696      347,973   

Property, Plant And Equipment

     

Land

     7,279      7,279   

Buildings and improvements

     159,111      146,923   

Machinery and equipment

     401,059      355,406   
               
     567,449      509,608   

Less accumulated depreciation

     317,784      278,058   
               
     249,665      231,550   

Other Assets

     

Goodwill

     522,916      522,916   

Intangible assets, net

     171,076      186,318   

Other assets

     17,513      10,101   
               
     711,505      719,335   
               
   $ 1,306,866    $ 1,298,858   
               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY      

Current Liabilities

     

Current maturities of long-term debt

   $ 5,667    $ 4,306   

Accounts payable

     71,793      90,507   

Accrued liabilities

     

Compensation

     24,112      24,265   

Customer programs

     37,846      39,556   

Other

     32,317      32,211   
               

Total Current Liabilities

     171,735      190,845   

Long-term debt, less current maturities

     547,370      593,078   

Deferred income taxes

     85,699      88,554   

Other long-term liabilities

     23,700      22,393   

Commitments and contingencies

     —        —     

Shareholder’s Equity

     

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 3,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding in 2009 and 2008

     —        —     

Additional paid-in capital

     276,843      271,261   

Retained earnings

     197,224      135,271   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     4,295      (2,544
               
     478,362      403,988   
               
   $ 1,306,866    $ 1,298,858   
               

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

47


MICHAEL FOODS, INC.

(A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of M-Foods Holdings, Inc.)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

For the Years Ended January 2, 2010, January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007

(In thousands)

 

     2009    2008    2007

Net sales

   $ 1,542,779    $ 1,804,373    $ 1,467,762

Cost of sales

     1,241,613      1,528,420      1,223,416
                    

Gross profit

     301,166      275,953      244,346

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     145,883      165,938      147,375

Plant closing expenses

     —        —        1,525
                    

Operating profit

     155,283      110,015      95,446

Interest expense, net

     44,338      42,008      52,490

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

     3,237      —        —  
                    

Earnings before income taxes

     107,708      68,007      42,956

Income tax expense

     38,244      21,129      15,391
                    

Net earnings

   $ 69,464    $ 46,878    $ 27,565
                    

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

48


MICHAEL FOODS, INC.

(A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of M-Foods Holdings, Inc.)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the Years Ended January 2, 2010, January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007

(In thousands)

 

     Shares
Issued
   Amount    Additional
Paid-In
Capital
   Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Comprehensive
Income
    Total
Shareholder’s
Equity
 

Balance at December 30, 2006

   3    $ —      $ 260,935    $ 61,466      $ 2,393        $ 324,794   

Capital invested by parent

   —        —        4,806      —          —            4,806   

Non-cash stock option compensation

   —        —        78      —          —            78   

Adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 48

   —        —        —        (638     —            (638

Net earnings

   —        —        —        27,565        —        $ 27,565     

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   —        —        —        —          3,124        3,124     

Futures gain

   —        —        —        —          360        360     
                       

Comprehensive income

                $ 31,049        31,049   
                                                   

Balance at December 29, 2007

   3      —        265,819      88,393        5,877          360,089   

Capital invested by parent

   —        —        4,750      —          —            4,750   

Non-cash stock option compensation

   —        —        692      —          —            692   

Net earnings

   —        —        —        46,878        —        $ 46,878     

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   —        —        —        —          (3,616     (3,616  

Futures loss

   —        —        —        —          (4,805     (4,805  
                       

Comprehensive income

                $ 38,457        38,457   
                                                   

Balance at January 3, 2009

   3      —        271,261      135,271        (2,544       403,988   

Capital invested by (dividend paid to) parent

   —        —        5,095      (7,511     —            (2,416

Non-cash stock option compensation

   —        —        487      —          —            487   

Net earnings

   —        —        —        69,464        —        $ 69,464     

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   —        —        —        —          1,954        1,954     

Futures gain

   —        —        —        —          4,885        4,885     
                       

Comprehensive income

                $ 76,303        76,303   
                                                   

Balance at January 2, 2010

   3    $ —      $ 276,843    $ 197,224      $ 4,295        $ 478,362   
                                             

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

49


MICHAEL FOODS, INC.

(A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of M-Foods Holdings, Inc.)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Years Ended January 2, 2010, January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007

(In thousands)

 

     2009     2008     2007  

Cash flow from operating activities:

      

Net earnings

   $ 69,464      $ 46,878      $ 27,565   

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization

     47,841        61,890        59,712   

Amortization of intangibles

     15,431        15,431        15,331   

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     3,774        3,824        4,435   

Write-off of deferred financing costs

     3,171        —          —     

Amortization of original issue discount on long-term debt

     2,371        —          —     

Write-off of assets related to plant closing

     —          —          1,293   

Deferred income taxes

     (364     (16,046     (15,578

Preferred return on deferred compensation

     1,519        1,431        1,300   

Non-cash stock option compensation

     487        692        78   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Accounts receivable

     785        8,024        (26,551

Inventories

     2,035        (13,368     (9,833

Prepaid expenses and other

     4,495        (4,562     548   

Accounts payable

     (19,260     (4,122     20,597   

Accrued liabilities

     11,098        (983     19,065   
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     142,847        99,089        97,962   

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Capital expenditures

     (64,133     (39,062     (38,120

Business acquisition

     —          (8,652     —     

Investment in other assets

     (5,543     —          (102
                        

Net cash used in investing activities

     (69,676     (47,714     (38,222

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Payments on revolving line of credit

     —          (10,700     (18,000

Proceeds from revolving line of credit

     —          10,700        18,000   

Payments on long-term debt

     (500,629     (2,070     (51,777

Proceeds from long-term debt

     467,017        —          —     

Original issue discount on long-term debt

     (14,075     —          —     

Payments on stock option exercises/share repurchases

     (222     (517     (93

Additional capital invested by (dividend paid to) parent

     (7,611     125        500   

Deferred financing costs

     (9,095     (463     (162
                        

Net cash used in financing activities

     (64,615     (2,925     (51,532

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     451        (473     293   
                        

Net increase in cash and equivalents

     9,007        47,977        8,501   

Cash and equivalents at beginning of period

     78,054        30,077        21,576   
                        

Cash and equivalents at end of period

   $ 87,061      $ 78,054      $ 30,077   
                        

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

      

Cash paid during the period for:

      

Interest

   $ 37,530      $ 37,845      $ 45,383   

Income taxes

     33,964        34,620        22,618   

Non-cash industrial revenue bond guarantees

   $ —        $ —        $ 6,000   

Non-cash capital investment by parent

     5,195        4,625        4,306   

Reclassification of non-current other assets to property, plant and equipment

     —          16,250        —     

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

50


NOTE A—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Company

The Company is a diversified producer and distributor of food products in three areas—egg products, cheese and other dairy case products, and potato products.

Michael Foods, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of M-Foods Holdings, Inc. (“Holdings” or “Parent”). M-Foods Holdings, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Michael Foods Investors, LLC, whose members include affiliates of Thomas H. Lee Partners L.P. and certain members of our past and current management.

Principles of Consolidation and Fiscal Year

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Michael Foods, Inc. and all wholly and majority owned subsidiaries in which it has control. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Company’s investments in non-controlled entities in which it has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for by the equity method. The Company utilizes a fifty-two, fifty-three week fiscal year ending on the Saturday nearest to December 31. The periods presented are as follows:

Fiscal year 2009 contained a fifty-two week period and ended January 2, 2010.

Fiscal year 2008 contained a fifty-three week period and ended January 3, 2009.

Fiscal year 2007 contained a fifty-two week period and ended December 29, 2007.

Use of Estimates

Preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, related revenues and expenses and disclosure about contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from the estimates used by management.

Cash and Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid temporary investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Accounts Receivable

We grant credit to our customers in the normal course of business, but generally do not require collateral or any other security to support amounts due. Management performs on-going credit evaluations of customers. We maintain an allowance for potential credit losses based on historical write-off experience which, when realized, have been within management’s expectations. The allowance was $2,210,000 and $4,042,000 at January 2, 2010 and January 3, 2009.

Inventories

Inventories, other than flocks, are stated at the lower of cost (determined on a first-in, first-out basis) or market. Flock inventory represents the cost of purchasing and raising flocks to laying maturity, at which time their cost is amortized to operations over their expected useful lives of generally one to two years.

Inventories consisted of the following as of the years ended, (In thousands):

 

     2009    2008

Raw materials and supplies

   $ 20,928    $ 19,312

Work in process and finished goods

     75,479      77,604

Flocks

     29,569      30,237
             
   $ 125,976    $ 127,153
             

 

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Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

We are exposed to market risks from changes in commodity prices, which may adversely affect our operating results and financial position. When appropriate, we seek to minimize our risks from commodity price fluctuations through the use of derivative financial instruments, such as commodity purchase contracts which are classified as derivatives along with other instruments relating primarily to corn, soybean meal, cheese and energy related needs. We estimate fair values based on exchange quoted prices, adjusted as appropriate for differences in local markets. These differences are generally valued using inputs from broker or dealer quotations, or market transactions in either the listed or over-the-counter commodity markets. In such cases, these derivative contracts are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Changes in the fair values of these contracts are recognized in the consolidated financial statements as a component of cost of sales or other comprehensive income (loss). At January 2, 2010, our hedging-related financial assets, measured on a recurring basis, were carried at a fair value of $739,000 and are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets.

We have two financial debt instruments. For both instruments, we utilize debt securities market trading prices to compute the fair value of our financial debt instruments owed to our lenders. The first debt instrument is our Credit Agreement facilities that include two term loans, a term A loan and a term B loan. The fair value of the term A loan was $201.0 million compared to issuance value of $200.0 million at period end. The fair value of the term B loan was $251.3 million compared to its issuance value of $250.0 million. The second debt instrument is our senior subordinated notes. The fair value of our senior notes was $152.6 million compared to the issuance value of $150.0 million. See Note B for additional information.

Accounting for Hedging Activities

Certain of our operating segments enter into derivative instruments, such as corn and soybean meal futures and cheese commitments, which we believe provide an economic hedge on future transactions and are designated as cash flow hedges. As the commodities being hedged are either grain ingredients fed to our flocks or raw material production inputs, the changes in the market value of such contracts have historically been, and are expected to continue to be, highly effective at offsetting changes in price movements of these items.

We actively monitor exposure to commodity price risks and use derivative commodity instruments to manage the impact of certain of these risks. We use derivatives, primarily futures contracts, only for the purpose of managing risks associated with underlying exposures. Our futures contracts for grains and raw materials are cash flow hedges of firm purchase commitments and anticipated production requirements, as they reduce our exposure to changes in the cash price of the respective items and generally extend for less than one year. We expect that within the next twelve months we will reclassify, as earnings or losses, substantially all of the amount recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to futures at period end.

In addition, we use derivative instruments to mitigate some of the risk associated with our energy related needs. We do not treat those futures contracts as hedging instruments and, therefore, record the gains or losses related to them as a component of earnings in the period of change.

We do not trade or use instruments with the objective of earning financial gains on the commodity price, nor do we use instruments where there are not underlying exposures. All derivatives are recognized at their fair value. For derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income or (loss) (“AOCI” or “AOCL”) in the equity section of our balance sheet and a corresponding amount is recorded in prepaid and other current assets or other current liabilities, as appropriate. We offset certain derivative asset and liability amounts where a legal right of offset exists. The amounts deferred are subsequently recognized in cost of sales when the associated products are sold. The cost or benefit of contracts closed prior to the execution of the underlying purchase is deferred until the anticipated purchase occurs. As a result of the volatility of the markets, deferred gains and losses in AOCI or AOCL may fluctuate until the related contract is closed. Gains and losses on the derivative representing hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in current earnings. We do not exclude any items from our assessment of ineffectiveness. During the fiscal year ended January 2, 2010, we did not discontinue any cash flow hedges, therefore no reclassification of gains or losses into earnings were made during the period.

 

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On January 2, 2010, we had the following outstanding commodity-forward contracts that were entered into to hedge forecasted purchases of grain:

 

Commodity

   Quantity

Corn (bushels)

   1,370,000

Soybean Meal (tons)

   20,400

The following table represents our derivative assets and (liabilities) at January 2, 2010 (In thousands):

 

          Fair Value  
    

Balance Sheet Location

   Asset    Liability  

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

        

Commodity contracts – Grain

  

Prepaid expenses and other

   $ 682    $ (28
                  

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

        

Commodity contracts – Energy

  

Prepaid expenses and other

   $ 293    $ —     
                  

The following tables represent the effect of derivative instruments on our Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the period ended January 2, 2010 (In thousands, net of tax impact):

 

     Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
AOCI on
Derivative
   Location of
Gain (Loss)
Reclassified
from AOCI
into Earnings
   Gain (Loss)
Reclassified
from AOCI
into Earnings
    Location of Gain
(Loss)
Recognized in
Earnings on
Derivative
   Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Earnings on
Derivative
     (Effective Portion)     (Ineffective Portion)

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:

             

Commodity contracts – Grain

   $ 469    Cost of sales    $ (4,416   Cost of sales    $ 520
                           

 

    

Locations of
Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Earnings on
Derivative

   Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Earnings on
Derivative
 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

     

Commodity contracts – Energy

   Cost of sales    $ (381
           

 

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Property, Plant and Equipment

The Company’s property consists mainly of plants and equipment used in manufacturing activities. These assets are recorded at cost, which includes interest on significant projects. Depreciation is provided in amounts sufficient to relate the cost of depreciable assets to operations over their estimated service lives, principally on the straight-line basis. Estimated service lives range from 10-30 years for buildings and improvements and 3-15 years for machinery and equipment. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the life of the lease including any extensions, the estimated service lives range from 5-15 years. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense in the year incurred and renewals and betterments are capitalized. The costs and accumulated depreciation of assets sold or disposed of are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in earnings. Plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment on an annual basis and when conditions indicate an impairment or future impairment, the assets are either written down or the useful life is adjusted to the remaining period of usefulness, as was done on the Northern Star equipment that is not intended to be transferred to the new facility.

We capitalized interest of $468,000 in 2009 and $93,000 in 2007 relating to the construction and installation of property, plant and equipment.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

We recognize the excess cost of an acquired entity over the net amount assigned to assets acquired, including intangible assets with indefinite lives, and liabilities assumed, as goodwill. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives (trademarks) are tested for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter, and between annual tests whenever there is an impairment indicated. Fair values are estimated based on our best assessment of market value compared with the corresponding carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill. Impairment losses will be recognized whenever the implied fair value is less than the carrying value of the related asset. None of our business segments or indefinite-lived intangible assets is in an impairment position as of January 2, 2010.

Each segment’s share of goodwill as of the years ended, (In thousands):

 

     2009    2008
     Egg
Products
   Potato
Products
   Crystal
Farms
   Total    Egg
Products
   Potato
Products
   Crystal
Farms
   Total

Balance as of beginning of year

                       

Goodwill

   $ 430,992    $ 59,856    $ 32,068    $ 522,916    $ 426,340    $ 59,856    $ 32,068    $ 518,264

Accumulated impairment losses

     —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —  
                                                       
     430,992      59,856      32,068      522,916      426,340      59,856      32,068      518,264

Goodwill acquired during the year

     —        —        —        —        4,652      —        —        4,652
                                                       

Balance as of end of year

                       

Goodwill

     430,992      59,856      32,068      522,916      430,992      59,856      32,068      522,916

Accumulated impairment losses

     —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —  
                                                       
   $ 430,992    $ 59,856    $ 32,068    $ 522,916    $ 430,992    $ 59,856    $ 32,068    $ 522,916
                                                       

The increase in goodwill for the Egg Products Division is the result of our acquisition of certain assets of Mr. B’s of Abbotsford, Inc. and related entities on January 11, 2008. The purchase price of $8,652,000 was financed through available cash and was accounted for during the period ended March 29, 2008 as a business combination. The acquired net assets, which consisted primarily of accounts receivable and property, plant and equipment, were recorded at fair value as of the date of the acquisition.

We recognize an acquired intangible asset apart from goodwill whenever the asset arises from contractual or other legal rights, or whenever it is capable of being separated or divided from the acquired entity and sold, transferred, licensed, rented or exchanged, either individually or in combination with a related contract, asset or liability. An intangible asset other than goodwill is amortized over its estimated useful life unless that life is determined to be indefinite. Straight-line amortization reflects an appropriate allocation of the cost of intangible assets to earnings in proportion to the amount of economic benefit obtained by the Company in each reporting period. Impairment losses are recognized if the carrying amount of an intangible asset subject to amortization is not recoverable from expected future cash flows, and its carrying amount exceeds its fair value.

 

54


Our intangible assets, other than goodwill, as of the years ended, (In thousands):

 

     2009     2008  

Amortized intangible assets, principally customer relationships

   $ 230,215      $ 230,215   

Accumulated amortization

     (93,453     (78,022
                
     136,762        152,193   

Indefinite lived intangible assets, trademarks

     34,314        34,125   
                
   $ 171,076      $ 186,318   
                

The amortization expense was $15,431,000, $15,431,000 and $15,331,000 in 2009, 2008, and 2007. The estimated amortization expense for years 2010 through 2014 is as follows (In thousands):

 

2010

   $ 15,431

2011

     15,331

2012

     15,331

2013

     15,331

2014

     15,331

The above amortization expense forecast is an estimate. Actual amounts may change from such estimated amounts due to additional intangible asset acquisitions, potential impairment, accelerated amortization, or other events.

Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred financing costs are included in other assets and are being amortized using the effective interest rate method over the lives of the respective debt agreements. Our deferred financing costs are as follows for the years ended (In thousands):

 

     2009     2008  

Deferred financing costs

   $ 37,984      $ 32,060   

Accumulated amortization

     (26,305     (22,531
                
   $ 11,679      $ 9,529   
                

In connection with the May 1, 2009 amended and restated credit agreement financing, deferred financing costs of $9,083,000 were capitalized. These costs are included in other assets and are being amortized using the effective interest rate method over the lives of the respective debt agreements. In conjunction with the extinguishment of the 2003 term loan B portion of our prior credit facility, we incurred costs of $66,000 and wrote-off $3,171,000 of non-cash deferred financing costs during 2009.

Restricted Cash

In October 2009, we and our principal insurance carrier entered into a pledge and security and escrow agreements for the guarantee of deductible and/or loss limit reimbursement on workers compensation, automobile and general liability claims. Previously we secured this guarantee through a letter of credit with our insurance carrier as the beneficiary. In October 2009, we funded $5,350,000 to an escrow collateral money market account at Bank of New York Mellon. The funds in this account are restricted cash and the carrying value is included in other long-term assets on our balance sheet.

Foreign Joint Ventures and Currency Translation

Our Egg Products Division previously invested in a foreign joint venture in Canada. During the fourth quarter of 2009, we purchased the remaining non-controlling interest. Its financial statements were included in our consolidated financial statements for all periods presented, as we previously owned a 67% controlling interest. The financial statements for the Canadian entity are measured in the local currency and then translated into U.S. dollars. The balance sheet accounts, with the exception of long-lived intangible asset and equity accounts, are translated using the current exchange rate at the balance sheet date and the operating results are translated using the average rates prevailing throughout the reporting period. The long-lived intangible asset and equity accounts are translated at historical rates. Accumulated translation gains or losses are recorded in AOCI or AOCL and are included as a component of comprehensive income. Transactional gains and losses are reported in the statement of earnings.

 

55


Our Egg Products Division has previously invested in a foreign joint venture in Europe. We exited the European joint venture in late 2009, by selling our shares of Belovo S.A. to BNL Food Investments Limited, which had no affect on our statement of earnings, as we adjusted the value of our investment in Belovo to zero in 2006.

Revenue Recognition

Sales to our customers are recognized when proof of delivery is received from our carriers and are recorded net of estimated customer programs and returns. We recognize revenue when all of the following conditions have been met:

(1) Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists - A revenue transaction is initiated and evidenced by receipt of a purchase order from our customer.

(2) Delivery has occurred or services have been rendered - An invoice is created from the bill of lading at our shipping plant and revenue is recognized when proof of delivery of the receipt of goods is received from our carriers.

(3) The seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable - Our sales invoice includes an agreed upon selling price.

(4) Collectibility is reasonably assured - We have a documented credit and collection policy and procedure manual for determining collectibility from our customers.

Our shipping policy is FOB destination; therefore, title to goods remains with us until delivered by the carrier to our customer.

Only a minor portion of our sales result in customer returns. An accrual is estimated based on historical trends and reviewed periodically for adequacy. Revenue is appropriately reduced to reflect estimated returns. We are able to make a reasonable estimate of customer returns based upon historical trends due to the fact that our sales are not susceptible to significant external factors, the return period is short, and our sales are high volume and homogeneous in nature.

Customer incentive programs include customer rebates, volume discounts and allowance programs. We have contractual arrangements with our customers and utilize agreed-upon discounts to determine the accrued promotion costs related to these customers. In addition, we have contractual arrangements with end-user customers and utilize historical experience to estimate this accrual.

Marketing and Advertising Costs

The Company promotes its products with advertising, consumer incentives, and trade promotions. Such programs include, but are not limited to, discounts, coupons, and fixed and volume-based incentive programs. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and included in selling expenses. At retail, we predominately use in-store promotional spending, discounts and coupons. Such spending is recorded as a reduction to sales based on amounts estimated as being due to customers and consumers at the end of a period. In foodservice, we predominately use fixed and volume-based programs. Fixed marketing programs are expensed over the period to which sales relate and are included in selling expenses. Volume–based programs are recorded as a reduction to sales based on amounts estimated as being due to customers at the end of a period. Late in fiscal 2008, a marketing program with one of our foodservice customers changed from a fixed-dollar marketing program recorded as selling expense to a volume-based allowance program, which was recorded in net sales in the current period. This effect and other program changes resulted in reductions in selling expenses and net sales of $7.6 million for 2009 as compared to 2008. Our advertising expense was $12,101,000, $12,762,000 and $11,406,000 in 2009, 2008, and 2007.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense involves management judgment as to the ultimate resolution of any tax issues. Historically, our assessments of the ultimate resolution of tax issues have been reasonably accurate. The current open issues are not dissimilar from historical items.

Deferred income taxes are computed using the asset and liability method, such that deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between financial reporting amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities based on currently enacted tax laws and tax rates in effect for the periods in which the differences are expected to reverse. Income tax expense is the tax payable for the period plus the change during the period in deferred income taxes. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount more likely than not expected to be realized. We are included in a consolidated federal income tax return with our Parent. State income taxes are filed on either a combined or separate company basis.

 

56


We account for the uncertainty in income taxes in our consolidated financial statements when evaluating our tax positions. The evaluation of a tax position is a two-step process, the first step being recognition. We determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon tax examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation, based on only the technical merits of the position. If a tax position does not meet the more-likely-than-not threshold, the benefit of that position is not recognized in our financial statements. The second step is measurement. The tax position is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate resolution with a taxing authority. See Note C for additional information.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Total comprehensive income (loss) is disclosed in the consolidated statements of shareholder’s equity and included in net earnings and other comprehensive income (loss), which is comprised of unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges and foreign currency translation adjustments.

The components of and changes in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes, were as follows (In thousands):

 

     Cash Flow
Hedges
    Foreign
Currency
Translation
    Total
AOCI/AOCL
 

Balance at December 30, 2006

   $ —        $ 2,393      $ 2,393   

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     —          3,124        3,124   

Change due to cash flow hedges

     360        —          360   
                        

Balance at December 29, 2007

     360        5,517        5,877   

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     —          (3,616     (3,616

Change due to cash flow hedges

     (4,805     —          (4,805
                        

Balance at January 3, 2009

     (4,445     1,901        (2,544

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     —          1,954        1,954   

Change due to cash flow hedges

     4,885        —          4,885   
                        

Balance at January 2, 2010

   $ 440      $ 3,855      $ 4,295   
                        

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance on fair value measurements. This guidance defines fair value and establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expanded disclosures about fair value measurement. In February 2008, the FASB deferred the effective date of this guidance for one year for nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis and amended to add a scope exception for leasing transactions. We adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2008 for financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis and effective January 4, 2009 for non-financial assets and liabilities. The adoption did not have an impact on our consolidated results of operations and financial position.

In December 2007, the FASB issued new guidance on business combinations. The revised guidance establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. The guidance also establishes disclosure requirements to enable the evaluation of the nature and financial effects of the business combination. We adopted this guidance effective January 4, 2009. The adoption did not have an impact on our consolidated results of operations and financial position.

In December 2007, the FASB issued new guidance on noncontrolling interests which establishes accounting and reporting standards for ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent, the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest, changes in a parent’s ownership interest, and the valuation of retained noncontrolling equity investments when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. This guidance also establishes disclosure requirements that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. We adopted this guidance effective January 4, 2009. The adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations and financial position.

In March 2008, the FASB issued new guidance on disclosures about derivative instruments and hedging activities. This guidance requires companies to provide greater transparency through disclosures about how and why we use derivative instruments. This includes how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for, the level of derivative activity entered into by us and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. We adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2009 and have included the required disclosures in Note A.

 

57


In May 2009, the FASB issued new guidance on subsequent events. This guidance establishes a formal standard of accounting for and disclosures of events that occur after the balance sheet date, but before the financial statements are issued. This guidance includes a new requirement to disclose the date events were evaluated and the basis for that date. We adopted this guidance in the second quarter of 2009. The FASB amended this guidance to remove the date disclosure requirement for SEC filers (as defined) effective February 25, 2010.

In June 2009, the FASB issued the FASB Accounting and Standards Codification (Codification). The Codification will become the single source for all authoritative GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied for financial statements issued for periods ending after September 15, 2009. We have implemented the Codification, which does not change GAAP and will not have an effect on our determination or reporting of our financial results.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements to be Adopted

In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance which amends the consolidation criteria for variable interest entities (“VIE”). This guidance changes the model for determining who consolidates the VIE and addresses how often this analysis is performed. The guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2009 and is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

There were no other accounting pronouncements issued during the year ended January 2, 2010 that are expected to have a material impact on our financial position, operating results or disclosures.

NOTE B—DEBT

Long-term debt consisted of the following as of the years ended (In thousands):

 

     2009    2008

Revolving credit facility

   $ —      $ —  

Term loans

     378,950      427,300

Senior subordinated notes payable

     150,050      150,050

Guaranteed bonds

     12,846      14,039

Capital leases

     14,197      3,743

MFI Food Canada, Ltd note payable

     2,607      2,252

Northern Star Co. note payable

     6,091      —  
             
     564,741      597,384

Less:

     

Current maturities

     5,667      4,306

Unamortized original issue discount

     11,704      —  
             
   $ 547,370    $ 593,078
             

On May 1, 2009, we entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (“Credit Agreement”), which consisted of a $75,000,000 revolving credit facility, a $200,000,000 term A loan and a $250,000,000 term B loan. The revolving credit facility and the term A loan mature November 1, 2012 and the term B loan matures May 1, 2014. Both the term A loan and term B loan were issued at a discount. The original issue discount on the term A loan was $4,075,000 and on the term B loan it was $10,000,000. The original issue discount is being amortized using the effective interest rate method over the respective lives of the loans. In conjunction with the extinguishment of the 2003 term loan B, we incurred costs of $66,000 and wrote-off $3,171,000 of non-cash deferred financing costs. The facilities within the Credit Agreement bear interest at a floating base rate plus an applicable margin, as defined in the agreement. The effective interest rates at January 2, 2010 for the term A loan and term B loan were 6.00% and 6.50%. At January 2, 2010, approximately $350,000 of capacity was used under the revolving credit facility for letters of credit.

On July 31, 2009, we made voluntary prepayments of $30,000,000 on the term A loan and $3,750,000 on the term B loan. On December 31, 2009, we made voluntary prepayments of $20,300,000 on the term A loan and $17,000,000 on the term B loan. As a result of the prepayments, the next scheduled principal payment on the term loans is scheduled for September 2011.

Our parent, M-Foods Holdings, Inc., has outstanding 9.75% senior subordinated notes due October 1, 2013. The fully accreted balance of these notes as of January 2, 2010 was $154.1 million. Beginning October 1, 2009 M-Foods Holdings, Inc. began making semi-annual interest payments on the senior subordinated notes. As the sole wholly-owned subsidiary of M-Foods Holdings, Inc., we intend to provide our parent the funds sufficient to service these notes.

 

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The covenants and collateral on the Credit Agreement are substantially unchanged. However, the maximum leverage ratio and minimum interest coverage ratio thresholds were adjusted. The Credit Agreement also allows for the funding of the semi-annual interest payments to M-Foods Holdings, Inc. The Credit Agreement is collateralized by substantially all of our assets. The Credit Agreement and senior subordinated notes contain restrictive covenants, including restrictions on dividends and distributions to shareholders and unit holders, a maximum leverage ratio, and a minimum interest coverage ratio, in addition to limitations on additional indebtedness and liens. Covenants related to operating performance are primarily based on earnings before interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization expense. Our failure to comply with these covenants could result in an event of default, which if not cured or waived could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position and cash flow. In general, the debt covenants limit our discretion in the operation of our businesses. We were in compliance with all of the financial covenants in the Credit Agreement and the senior subordinated notes as of January 2, 2010. In addition, the Credit Agreement includes guarantees by our domestic subsidiaries.

In December 2008, we entered into a $15.6 million variable-rate lease agreement to fund a portion of the equipment purchases at our new potato products facility in Chaska, Minnesota. The lease agreement matures on December 30, 2014. As of January 2, 2010, we had borrowed $10.9 million on this facility and the outstanding balance effective rate was 3.74%. We anticipate full use of the available lease funds in early 2010. On November 25, 2009, we entered into a variable-rate loan for up to $7.5 million for additional financing for equipment for the new potato products facility. The $7.5 million loan is due November 25, 2014. As of January 2, 2010, we had borrowed $6.1 million on the loan and the effective interest rate on the outstanding balance was 2.88%. We anticipate full use of the available funds in early 2010.

The following is an analysis of the property under capital leases by major classes (In thousands):

 

     2009     2008  

Buildings and improvements

   $ 6,015      $ 5,196   

Machinery and equipment

     13,789        2,477   
                
     19,804        7,673   

Accumulated depreciation

     (5,432     (4,284
                
   $ 14,372      $ 3,389   
                

The amortization of leased property is included in depreciation expense.

Aggregate maturities of our long-term debt and capital leases are as follows (In thousands):

 

Year Ending,    Capital Leases    Debt    Total

2010

   $ 2,997    $ 3,221    $ 6,218

2011

     4,203      13,903      18,106

2012

     3,670      146,137      149,807

2013

     2,690      155,914      158,604

2014

     1,967      226,447      228,414

Thereafter

     —        4,922      4,922
                    
     15,527      550,544      566,071

Less: Amounts representing interest and original issue discount amortization

     1,330      11,704      13,034
                    
   $ 14,197    $ 538,840    $ 553,037
                    

 

59


The components of net interest expense for the years ended is as follows (In thousands):

 

     2009     2008     2007  

Interest expense

   $ 39,095      $ 38,829      $ 49,624   

Amortization of financing costs

     6,145        3,824        4,435   

Capitalized interest

     (468     —          (93

Interest income

     (434     (645     (1,476
                        

Interest expense, net

   $ 44,338      $ 42,008      $ 52,490   
                        

NOTE C—INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense consists of the following for the years ended (In thousands):

 

     2009     2008     2007  

Current:

      

Federal

   $ 34,636      $ 33,134      $ 27,831   

State

     3,972        4,041        3,138   
                        
     38,608        37,175        30,969   
                        

Deferred:

      

Federal

     (540     (11,802     (14,125

Foreign

     238        (2,895     161   

State

     (62     (1,349     (1,614
                        
     (364     (16,046     (15,578
                        
   $ 38,244      $ 21,129      $ 15,391   
                        

The components of the deferred tax assets and (liabilities) associated with the cumulative temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes follows for the years ended (In thousands):

 

      2009     2008  

Current deferred income taxes:

    

Flock inventories

   $ (6,537   $ (6,636

Hedging

     (396     5,923   

Other, primarily accrued expenses

     7,219        6,658   
                

Total current deferred income taxes

     286        5,945   

Non-current deferred income taxes:

    

Depreciation

     (23,957     (21,800

Customer relationships

     (51,248     (56,997

Trademarks and licenses

     (11,618     (11,558

Goodwill

     (7,351     (6,427

Deferred compensation

     7,601        7,032   

Net operating loss carryforwards

     583        255   

Other

     3,002        3,205   
                
     (82,988     (86,290

Valuation allowance

     (2,711     (2,264
                

Total non-current deferred income taxes

     (85,699     (88,554
                

Total deferred income taxes

   $ (85,413   $ (82,609
                

 

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A valuation allowance was recorded in 2006 against the deferred tax assets of certain of our foreign joint ventures and subsidiaries. The valuation allowance was recorded based on management’s judgment that it is more likely than not that the benefits of those deferred tax assets will not be realized in the future. At the end of 2009, that determination had not changed. The 2009 change in the valuation allowance relating to those deferred tax assets was due to a combination of currency rate fluctuations and income and the wind-up of one of our foreign subsidiaries during 2009. The table below summarizes the change in the valuation allowance:

 

     2009    2008  

Valuation allowance at beginning of year

   $ 2,264    $ 5,071   

Change related to current year items

     292      (2,066

Change related to foreign currency fluctuation

     155      (741
               

Valuation allowance at end of year

   $ 2,711    $ 2,264   
               

The following is a reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the consolidated effective tax rate based on earnings before equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiary for the years ended:

 

     2009     2008     2007  

Federal statutory rate

   35.0   35.0   35.0

State taxes, net of federal impact

   2.4   2.6   2.3

Qualified production activities deduction

   (1.8 )%    (2.8 )%    (3.8 )% 

Other permanent differences

   (0.1 )%    0.1   0.5

Valuation allowance

   0.3   (3.0 )%    0.6

Other

   (0.3 )%    (0.8 )%    1.2
                  
   35.5   31.1   35.8
                  

The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 created a new tax deduction equal to the applicable percentage of the qualified production activities income for tax years beginning after December 31, 2004. The applicable percentage for 2007, 2008 and 2009 was 6%, and it rises to 9% thereafter.

We have foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $1,880,000 which expire from 2026 through 2029.

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

We adopted the accounting for uncertain tax positions effective January 1, 2007. As a result of the adoption, we recognized a charge of approximately $0.7 million to the January 1, 2007 retained earnings balance.

Following is a roll-forward of our 2009 and 2008 unrecognized tax benefits (In thousands):

 

     2009     2008  

Total unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year

   $ 3,409      $ 4,670   

Gross increase (decrease) for tax positions taken in prior periods

     40        (1,325

Gross increase for tax positions taken in current period

     127        404   

Reductions as a result of a lapse of applicable statute of limitations

     (378     (340
                

Total unrecognized tax benefits at end of year

   $ 3,198      $ 3,409   
                

The total liability associated with unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate was $2,309,000 at January 2, 2010.

The company accrues interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits as interest expense in the consolidated statement of earnings, and the corresponding liability in accrued interest in the consolidated balance sheet. An expense of approximately $213,000 and $182,000 for interest and penalties was reflected in the consolidated statement of earnings for 2009 and 2007. In 2008, we had a benefit of approximately $780,000 reflecting the affect of the closing of statutes of limitations. The corresponding liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets were approximately $979,000 and $830,000 at January 2, 2010 and January 3, 2009.

 

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Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits for 2009 are tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts could significantly change during the next twelve months. We estimate that it is reasonably possible that $400,000 to $800,000 of unrecognized tax benefits could significantly change during the next twelve months. This amount represents a decrease in unrecognized tax benefits comprised of items related to state income tax audits and expiring statutes.

Our uncertain tax positions are related to tax years that remain subject to examination. As of January 2, 2010, the United States jurisdiction remains subject to examination for tax years 2006 through 2009, and the Minnesota and the New Jersey jurisdictions for tax years 2005 through 2009. During 2009, we concluded the examination by the Internal Revenue Service for tax year 2007. There were no adjustments made during the examination. While the examination has been completed, the normal statute of limitations for that year remains open.

NOTE D—EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLAN

Employees who meet certain service requirements are eligible to participate in a defined contribution retirement plan. We match up to 4% of each participant’s eligible compensation. Our matching contributions were $3,131,000, $3,120,000 and $3,058,000 in 2009, 2008 and 2007.

We also contribute to one union defined contribution retirement plan which totaled $40,000, $65,000 and $44,000 for the years ended 2009, 2008 and 2007.

NOTE E—RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Pursuant to a management agreement with THL Managers V, LLC, an affiliate of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., we pay them an annual fee of $1,500,000 or 1.0% of consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, whichever is greater. The management fees were $2,144,010, $2,000,160 and $1,759,080 in 2009, 2008 and 2007 and were included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

NOTE F—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Lease Commitments

Our corporate offices and several of our manufacturing facilities are leased under operating leases expiring at various times through February 2017. The leases provide that real estate taxes, insurance, and maintenance expenses are our obligations. In addition, we lease some of our transportation and manufacturing equipment under operating leases.

Rent expense, including real estate taxes and maintenance expenses, was approximately $9,774,000, $9,232,000 and $8,803,000 for the years ended 2009, 2008 and 2007.

The following is a schedule of minimum rental commitments for base rent for the years ending (In thousands):

 

2010

   $ 6,752

2011

     5,635

2012

     3,028

2013

     1,877

2014

     1,447

Thereafter

     2,705
      
   $ 21,444
      

Debt Guarantees

We have guaranteed the repayment of certain industrial revenue bonds used for the expansion of the wastewater treatment facilities of several municipalities where we have manufacturing facilities. The repayment of these bonds is funded through the wastewater treatment charges paid by us. However, should those charges not be sufficient to pay the bond payments as they become due, we have agreed to pay any shortfall. The remaining principal balance of these bonds at January 2, 2010 was approximately $17,248,000, of which $12,846,000 was included in our debt balance ($1.3 million in current maturities and $11.5 million in long-term debt) (see Note B).

 

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Procurement Contracts

We have entered into substantial purchase obligations to fulfill our egg and potato requirements. We maintain long-term egg procurement contracts with numerous cooperatives and egg producers throughout the Midwestern and Eastern United States and Canada, which supply approximately 53% of our annual external egg requirements. Most of these contracts vary in length from 18 to 120 months. The egg prices are primarily indexed to grain or Urner Barry market indices. One egg supplier provides more than 10% of our annual egg requirements. Based upon the best estimates available to us for grain and egg prices, we project our purchases from our top four contracted egg suppliers will approximate $181.2 million in 2010, $190.8 million in 2011, $177.3 million in 2012 and $162.8 million in 2013. The 2010 amount represents approximately 44% of our total egg purchases for the year. In addition, we have contracts to purchase potatoes that expire in 2010. These contracts will supply approximately 53% of the Potato Products Division’s raw potato needs in 2010. Three potato suppliers are each expected to provide more than 10% of our 2010 potato requirements.

Deferred Compensation Plan

M-Foods Holdings, Inc. (“Holdings”) sponsors a 2003 Deferred Compensation Plan (“Plan”) covering certain current and former members of management of the Company. Under terms of the Plan, certain members of management were allowed to roll-over approximately $25,181,000 of option and bonus value from the company and its parent into Holdings. The Plan is nonqualified and unfunded. Each participant’s deferred compensation account under the Plan will accrue an annual 8% return, which is included in Other long-term liabilities. Participants in the Plan will be entitled to a distribution from their deferred compensation account upon the earlier of (i) a change in control of Holdings (ii) the tenth anniversary of the date of the Plan and (iii) upon the termination or death of a participant. We recorded approximately $1,519,000, $1,431,000 and $1,300,000 of preferred return on the deferred compensation for the years ended 2009, 2008 and 2007.

Legal Matters

In late 2008 and early 2009, some 22 class-action lawsuits were filed in various federal courts against us and approximately 20 other defendants (producers of shell eggs, manufacturers of processed egg products, and egg industry organizations) alleging violations of federal and state antitrust laws in connection with the production and sale of shell eggs and processed-egg products. Plaintiffs seek to represent nationwide classes of direct and indirect purchasers, and allege that defendants conspired to reduce the supply of eggs by participating in animal husbandry, egg-export and other programs of various egg-industry associations. In December 2008, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation ordered the transfer of all cases to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for coordinated and/or consolidated pretrial proceedings. We currently have two motions to dismiss pending before the Court: (1) a motion to dismiss the direct-purchaser plaintiffs’ Second Consolidated Amended Complaint against Michael Foods, Inc.; and (2) a motion to dismiss the indirect-purchaser plaintiffs’ Consolidated Amended Complaint against Michael Foods, Inc. and subsidiary Papetti’s Hygrade Egg Products, Inc. We are also a party to various other motions, filed by multiple defendants, to dismiss portions of the complaints. A decision on these motions is not expected until June, 2010 or later.

We received a Civil Investigative Demand (“CID”) issued by the Florida Attorney General on November 17, 2008, regarding an investigation of possible anticompetitive activities “relating to the production and sale of eggs or egg products.” The CID requests information and documents related to the pricing and supply of shell eggs and egg products, as well as our participation in various programs of United Egg Producers. We are fully cooperating with the Florida Attorney General’s office.

We and Sodexo (formerly Sodexho, Inc.) were named as defendants in a suit commenced in 2004 by Feesers, Inc., alleging violation of the Robinson-Patman Act. In 2006, we were awarded summary judgment by the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania; that judgment was reversed in 2007 by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and the case was remanded to the District Court for fact-finding. Following a bench trial in January 2008, the District Court ruled on April 27, 2009 that we violated the Robinson-Patman Act because it found that certain of our products were sold to Feesers and Sodexo at different prices. No damages were sought or awarded in the case; the District Court issued an injunction prohibiting us from charging different prices to Feesers and Sodexo. We appealed the District Court’s decision to the Third Circuit; on January 7, 2010, the Third Circuit reversed the District Court and directed that judgment be entered in favor of Sodexo and us. On January 21, 2010, Feesers petitioned the Third Circuit for a rehearing en banc; the third circuit denied the petition on March 4, 2010. Following the District Court’s ruling on April 27, 2009, Feesers petitioned to have its attorneys’ fees and costs paid by Sodexo and us; we recorded a liability of $5.1 million in June 2009 relating to the fees petition. Based on the latest ruling, that liability was reversed in the fourth quarter of 2009.

In addition, we are from time to time party to litigation, administrative proceedings and union grievances that arise in the ordinary course of business, and occasionally pay non-material amounts to resolve claims and alleged violations of regulatory requirements. There is no pending litigation that, separately or in the aggregate, would, in the opinion of management, have a material adverse effect on our operations or financial condition.

We cannot predict what, if any, impact these matters and any results from such matters could have on future results of operations.

 

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NOTE G—PLANT CLOSING

In November 2006, we announced our decision to close the St. Marys, Ontario egg processing plant due to rising operating costs. The facility was closed on March 31, 2007. The costs related to the closing have been reflected in the Egg Products Division’s operating income. Costs were recorded as follows (In thousands):

 

     2009    2008    2007    Cumulative

Asset impairment charges

   $ —      $ —      $ 1,293    $ 4,187

Employee termination costs

     —        —        232      477
                           

Total plant closing costs

   $ —      $ —      $ 1,525    $ 4,664
                           

During 2007, we paid all of the St. Marys employee termination costs. No additional plant closing costs were incurred.

NOTE H—SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY

Common Stock

At January 2, 2010 and January 3, 2009, we had authorized, issued and outstanding common stock of 3,000 shares with a $.01 par value. All common shares were issued to M-Foods Holdings, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Michael Foods Investors, LLC.

Additional Paid In Capital

We recorded non-cash capital investments from our parent, M-Foods Holdings, Inc. (“Holdings”), of $5.2 million in 2009 and $4.6 million in 2008 related to the tax benefit the Company receives on Holdings’ interest deduction due to filing a consolidated Federal tax return with Holdings.

On October 23, 2009, we entered into an employment agreement with James E. Dwyer, Jr. as our President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Dwyer also entered into a Senior Management Class G Unit Subscription Agreement with Michael Foods Investors, LLC (the “LLC”) under which Mr. Dwyer purchased 2,000 Class G Units of the LLC for an aggregate purchase price of $200,000. Concurrently, the LLC entered into Senior Management Class F Unit Subscription Agreements with Mark W. Westphal, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of the Company, under which Mr. Westphal purchased 1,000 Class F Units of the LLC for an aggregate purchase price of $100,000 and with Carolyn V. Wolski, Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company, under which Ms. Wolski purchased 500 Class F Units of the LLC for an aggregate purchase price of $50,000.

On April 10, 2009, our then Chief Executive Officer and President, David S. Johnson, resigned from the Company. The D Units owned by Mr. Johnson were callable at cost by the LLC. The call notice for Mr. Johnson’s D Units was delivered in July 2009 and the payment for and repurchase of the D Units was completed in August 2009.

Dividend

We are responsible for servicing Holdings’ 9.75% subordinated notes. On October 1, 2009, we made the $7.5 million semi-annual interest payment due on the notes. This $7.5 million payment was recorded as a dividend to Holdings.

NOTE I—STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

In November 2003, Holdings adopted the 2003 Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”). Under the Plan, Holdings may grant incentive stock options to our employees. The accounting and disclosure for the Holdings Plan are included in our financial statements. A total of 31,707 shares are reserved for issuance under the Plan and 357 shares are available for issuance. Any unexercised options will expire ten years after the grant date. Options are granted with option prices based on the estimated fair market value of Holdings common stock at the date of grant as determined by Michael Foods Investors LLC.

Effective January 1, 2006, we began accounting for new and modified stock option awards using the modified prospective application method. This methodology yields an estimate of fair value based in part on a number of management assumptions, the most significant of which include future volatility and expected term. Changes in these assumptions could significantly impact the estimated fair value of the options granted and the related expense amortized over the vesting period. The estimated fair value of options, including the effect of estimated forfeitures, is recognized as expense on the straight-line basis over the options’ vesting periods. We recorded expenses of $487,000, $692,000, and $78,000 in 2009, 2008 and 2007 due to accounting charges related to stock-based compensation.

As there is no established market for Holdings common stock, the value is determined by a formula and fixed periodically by the Board of Directors. Our options have a term of 10 years and vest over five years, with potential for earlier vesting upon a change in control of the Company. Employees forfeit unvested options when they terminate their employment with the Company and must

 

64


exercise their vested options at that time or they will also be forfeited. Per the Plan, the options have a put right and a call right. If a participant’s employment is terminated under certain circumstances (i.e., disability or death) the participant has a limited right to sell any exercised shares to the Company and if the participant is terminated for any reason the Company has certain rights to purchase any exercised shares. The intrinsic value of shares exercised was $222,000, $517,000 and $93,000 in 2009, 2008 and 2007. In 2009, we realized tax benefits of $83,000 from the exercise of stock options. The fair value of shares vesting in the respective periods was $286,000, $1,330,000 and $1,059,000 in 2009, 2008 and 2007.

As of January 2, 2010, the total compensation cost for nonvested awards not yet recognized in our statements of earnings was $868,000. This amount will be expensed over the balance of the vesting periods, approximately three years. Information regarding our outstanding stock options is as follows:

 

                       2009
     2009     2008     2007     Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

Outstanding at period beginning

     29,206           27,195             27,731        

Granted

   —        3,650      150        

Exercised

   (201   (859   (202     

Cancelled

   (134   (780   (484     
                       

Outstanding at period end

   28,871      29,206      27,195      4.52    $ 34,480,000
                             

Exercisable at period end

   26,001      25,516      20,562      4.19    $ 32,322,000
                             

 

Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share

        

Granted

   $ —      $ 1,193.82    $ 1,089.69

Exercised

     626.99      626.99      626.99

Cancelled

     626.99      841.30      750.31

At period end,

        

Outstanding

     726.09      724.95      662.27

Exercisable

     677.26      661.35      637.41

Nonvested shares:

        

Number at period end

     2,870      3,690   
                

Weighted-Average Grant-date Fair Value

   $ 356.14    $ 354.53   
                

Vested shares:

        

Number

     820      
            

Weighted-Average Grant-date Fair Value

   $ 348.87      
            

Cancelled shares:

        

Number

     134      
            

Weighted-Average Grant-date Fair Value

   $ 184.58      
            

 

65


There were no options granted during 2009. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted under the Plan was $360.49 and $325.69 in 2008 and 2007. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options under the Plan was determined by using the fair value of each option grant on the date of grant, utilizing the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the following key assumptions:

 

     2008     2007  

Risk-free interest rate

   1.77 – 3.11   4.99

Expected term (in years)

   5      5   

Expected volatility

   27.65 – 28.67   21.17

Expected dividends

   None      None   

The risk-free interest rate for periods within the expected term of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the grant date. Expected volatility used is based on the historical volatility of the stock of companies within our peer group.

NOTE J—BUSINESS SEGMENTS

Our business activities are organized around three business segments as follows:

Egg Products processes and distributes numerous egg products and shell eggs primarily through its facilities in the Midwest and Eastern United States and Canada. Sales of egg products are made through an internal sales force and independent brokers to the foodservice, food ingredient and retail markets primarily throughout North America, and to certain export markets.

Crystal Farms distributes a wide range of refrigerated grocery products, including various cheese products packaged at its Wisconsin cheese packaging facility. Sales of refrigerated grocery products are made through an internal sales force and independent brokers to retail and wholesale markets throughout much of the United States.

Potato Products processes and distributes refrigerated potato products from its manufacturing facilities in Minnesota and Nevada. Sales of potato products are made through an internal sales force and independent brokers to foodservice and retail markets throughout the United States.

Both internal and external reporting conforms to this organizational structure, with no significant differences in accounting policies applied. We evaluate the performance of our business segments and allocated resources to them based primarily on operating profit, defined as earnings before interest expense, interest income, income taxes and allocations of corporate costs to the respective divisions. Intersegment sales are made at market prices. Our corporate office maintains a majority of our cash under our cash management policy. The value of our long-lived assets in Canada as of January 2, 2010 was $18,339,000.

We have the following concentrations in sales and accounts receivable for major customers:

 

     Sales     Accounts Receivable  
     2009     2008     2007     2009     2008  

Customer A

   16   15   17   12   7

Customer B

   18   13   15   16   16

 

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Certain financial information for our operating segments is as follows (In thousands):

 

     Egg Products    Potato Products    Crystal
Farms
   Corporate &
Eliminations
    Total

2009

                         

External net sales

   $ 1,046,791    $ 119,219    $ 376,769    $ —        $ 1,542,779

Intersegment sales

     12,979      6,609      —        (19,588     —  

Operating profit (loss)

     133,162      710      34,823      (13,412     155,283

Total assets

     934,363      169,106      114,236      89,161        1,306,866

Depreciation and amortization

     47,587      11,366      4,315      4        63,272

Capital expenditures

     22,040      39,984      2,109      —          64,133

2008

                         

External net sales

   $ 1,265,641    $ 125,059    $ 413,673    $ —        $ 1,804,373

Intersegment sales

     16,607      20,950      —        (37,557     —  

Operating profit (loss)

     95,442      13,719      17,267      (16,413     110,015

Total assets

     968,845      136,955      121,474      71,584        1,298,858

Depreciation and amortization

     65,906      6,856      4,555      4        77,321

Capital expenditures

     23,177      13,670      2,215      —          39,062

2007

                         

External net sales

   $ 1,014,588    $ 119,033    $ 334,141    $ —        $ 1,467,762

Intersegment sales

     16,190      18,122      —        (34,312     —  

Operating profit (loss)

     75,539      18,941      11,495      (10,529     95,446

Total assets

     970,408      130,105      125,527      47,821        1,273,861

Depreciation and amortization

     64,392      6,240      4,401      10        75,043

Capital expenditures

     28,469      7,022      2,629      —          38,120

NOTE K—SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Our Credit Agreement and senior subordinated notes have been guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by us and our domestic subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement is also guaranteed by our parent, M-Foods Holdings, Inc.

The following condensed consolidating financial information presents our consolidated balance sheets at January 2, 2010 and January 3, 2009, and the condensed consolidating statements of earnings and cash flows for the years ended January 2, 2010, January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007. These financial statements reflect Michael Foods, Inc. (Corporate), the wholly-owned guarantor subsidiaries (on a combined basis), the non-guarantor subsidiary (MFI Food Canada, Ltd.), and elimination entries necessary to combine such entities on a consolidated basis.

 

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Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

January 2, 2010

(In thousands)

 

     Corporate     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Non-Guarantor
Subsidiary
   Eliminations     Consolidated

Assets

            

Current Assets

            

Cash and equivalents

   $ 86,189      $ —      $ 872    $ —        $ 87,061

Accounts receivable, less allowances

     17,103        152,565      6,080      (51,228     124,520

Inventories

     —          117,872      8,104      —          125,976

Prepaid expenses and other

     663        7,377      99      —          8,139
                                    

Total current assets

     103,955        277,814      15,155      (51,228     345,696
                                    

Property, Plant and Equipment—net

     5        236,946      12,714      —          249,665
                                    

Other assets:

            

Goodwill

     —          519,890      3,026      —          522,916

Intangibles and other assets

     17,513        183,352      2,599      (14,875     188,589

Investment in subsidiaries

     903,214        82      —        (903,296     —  
                                    
     920,727        703,324      5,625      (918,171     711,505
                                    

Total assets

   $ 1,024,687      $ 1,218,084    $ 33,494    $ (969,399   $ 1,306,866
                                    

Liabilities and Shareholder’s Equity

            

Current Liabilities

            

Current maturities of long-term debt

   $ —        $ 3,982    $ 1,685    $ —        $ 5,667

Accounts payable

     65        118,654      4,302      (51,228     71,793

Accrued liabilities

     14,241        78,190      1,844      —          94,275
                                    

Total current liabilities

     14,306        200,826      7,831      (51,228     171,735

Long-term debt, less current maturities

     517,296        25,881      22,145      (17,952     547,370

Deferred income taxes

     (8,977     94,676      —        —          85,699

Other long-term liabilities

     23,700        —        —        —          23,700

Shareholder’s equity

     478,362        896,701      3,518      (900,219     478,362
                                    

Total liabilities and shareholder’s equity

   $ 1,024,687      $ 1,218,084    $ 33,494    $ (969,399   $ 1,306,866
                                    

 

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Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

January 3, 2009

(In thousands)

 

     Corporate     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Non-Guarantor
Subsidiary
    Eliminations     Consolidated

Assets

           

Current Assets

           

Cash and equivalents

   $ 76,260      $ —      $ 1,794      $ —        $ 78,054

Accounts receivable, less allowances

     231        135,794      5,780        (17,287     124,518

Inventories

     —          120,908      6,245        —          127,153

Prepaid expenses and other

     1,278        16,846      124        —          18,248
                                     

Total current assets

     77,769        273,548      13,943        (17,287     347,973
                                     

Property, Plant and Equipment—net

     10        219,918      11,622        —          231,550
                                     

Other assets:

           

Goodwill

     —          519,890      3,026        —          522,916

Intangibles and other assets

     10,101        198,866      2,410        (14,958     196,419

Investment in subsidiaries

     924,829        200      —          (925,029     —  
                                     
     934,930        718,956      5,436        (939,987     719,335
                                     

Total assets

   $ 1,012,709      $ 1,212,422    $ 31,001      $ (957,274   $ 1,298,858
                                     

Liabilities and Shareholder’s Equity

           

Current Liabilities

           

Current maturities of long-term debt

   $ 2,203      $ 1,186    $ 917      $ —        $ 4,306

Accounts payable

     1,194        103,012      3,588        (17,287     90,507

Accrued liabilities

     16,508        77,812      1,712        —          96,032
                                     

Total current liabilities

     19,905        182,010      6,217        (17,287     190,845

Long-term debt, less current maturities

     575,147        12,853      21,024        (15,946     593,078

Deferred income taxes

     (8,724     97,552      (382     108        88,554

Other long-term liabilities

     22,393        —        —          —          22,393

Shareholder’s equity

     403,988        920,007      4,142        (924,149     403,988
                                     

Total liabilities and shareholder’s equity

   $ 1,012,709      $ 1,212,422    $ 31,001      $ (957,274   $ 1,298,858
                                     

 

69


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Earnings

For the Year Ended January 2, 2010

(In thousands)

 

     Corporate     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiary
    Eliminations     Consolidated

Net sales

   $ —        $ 1,538,892      $ 52,363      $ (48,476   $ 1,542,779

Cost of sales

     —          1,243,551        46,538        (48,476     1,241,613
                                      

Gross profit

     —          295,341        5,825        —          301,166

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     13,412        139,124        4,135        (10,788     145,883
                                      

Operating profit (loss)

     (13,412     156,217        1,690        10,788        155,283

Interest expense (income), net

     43,415        (647     1,570        —          44,338

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

     3,237        —          —          —          3,237

Other expense (income)

     (10,788     —          —          10,788        —  
                                      

Earnings (loss) before equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries and income taxes

     (49,276     156,864        120        —          107,708

Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries

     101,179        (118     —          (101,061     —  
                                      

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

     51,903        156,746        120        (101,061     107,708

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (17,561     55,567        238        —          38,244
                                      

Net earnings (loss)

   $ 69,464      $ 101,179      $ (118   $ (101,061   $ 69,464
                                      

 

70


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Earnings

For the Year Ended January 3, 2009

(In thousands)

 

     Corporate     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiary
    Eliminations     Consolidated

Net sales

   $ —        $ 1,785,993      $ 68,879      $ (50,499   $ 1,804,373

Cost of sales

     —          1,520,053        58,866        (50,499     1,528,420
                                      

Gross profit

     —          265,940        10,013        —          275,953

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     16,413        155,935        3,554        (9,964     165,938
                                      

Operating profit (loss)

     (16,413     110,005        6,459        9,964        110,015

Interest expense (income), net

     40,250        (36     1,794        —          42,008

Other expense (income)

     (9,964     —          —          9,964        —  
                                      

Earnings (loss) before equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries and income taxes

     (46,699     110,041        4,665        —          68,007

Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries

     75,867        7,560        —          (83,427     —  
                                      

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

     29,168        117,601        4,665        (83,427     68,007

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (17,710     41,734        (2,895     —          21,129
                                      

Net earnings (loss)

   $ 46,878      $ 75,867      $ 7,560      $ (83,427   $ 46,878
                                      

 

71


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Earnings

For the Year Ended December 29, 2007

(In thousands)

 

     Corporate     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiary
    Eliminations     Consolidated

Net sales

   $ —        $ 1,452,148      $ 65,833      $ (50,219   $ 1,467,762

Cost of sales

     —          1,214,933        58,702        (50,219     1,223,416
                                      

Gross profit

     —          237,215        7,131        —          244,346

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     10,529        139,266        4,495        (6,915     147,375

Plant closing expenses

     —          —          1,525        —          1,525
                                      

Operating profit (loss)

     (10,529     97,949        1,111        6,915        95,446

Interest expense (income), net

     51,414        (779     1,855        —          52,490

Other expense (income)

     (6,915     —          —          6,915        —  
                                      

Earnings (loss) before equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries and income taxes

     (55,028     98,728        (744     —          42,956

Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries

     63,415        (905     —          (62,510     —  
                                      

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

     8,387        97,823        (744     (62,510     42,956

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (19,178     34,408        161        —          15,391
                                      

Net earnings (loss)

   $ 27,565      $ 63,415      $ (905   $ (62,510   $ 27,565
                                      

 

72


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the Year Ended January 2, 2010

(In thousands)

 

     Corporate     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiary
    Consolidated  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 111,251      $ 30,200      $ 1,396      $ 142,847   

Cash flows from investing activities:

        

Capital expenditures

     —          (62,731     (1,402     (64,133

Investment in other assets

     (5,262     —          (281     (5,543
                                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (5,262     (62,731     (1,683     (69,676

Cash flows from financing activities:

        

Payments on revolving line of credit

     —          —          —          —     

Proceeds from revolving line of credit

     —          —          —          —     

Payments on long-term debt

     (498,350     (1,193     (1,086     (500,629

Proceeds from long-term debt

     450,000        17,017        —          467,017   

Original issue discount on long-term debt

     (14,075     —          —          (14,075

Payments on stock option exercises/share repurchases

     (222     —          —          (222

Additional capital invested by (dividend paid to) parent

     (7,611     —          —          (7,611

Deferred financing costs

     (9,095     —          —          (9,095

Investment in subsidiaries

     (16,707     16,707        —          —     
                                

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (96,060     32,531        (1,086     (64,615

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     —          —          451        451   
                                

Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents

     9,929        —          (922     9,007   

Cash and equivalents at beginning of year

     76,260        —          1,794        78,054   
                                

Cash and equivalents at end of year

   $ 86,189      $ —        $ 872      $ 87,061   
                                

Supplemental Disclosures:

        

Non-cash capital investment by parent

   $ 5,195      $ —        $ —        $ 5,195   

 

73


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the Year Ended January 3, 2009

(In thousands)

 

     Corporate     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiary
    Consolidated  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 41,605      $ 53,659      $ 3,825      $ 99,089   

Cash flows from investing activities:

        

Capital expenditures

     —          (36,905     (2,157     (39,062

Business acquisition

     —          (8,652     —          (8,652
                                

Net cash used in investing activities

     —          (45,557     (2,157     (47,714

Cash flows from financing activities:

        

Payments on revolving line of credit

     (10,700     —          —          (10,700

Proceeds from revolving line of credit

     10,700        —          —          10,700   

Payments on long-term debt

     —          (1,097     (973     (2,070

Payments on stock option exercises/share repurchases

     (517     —          —          (517

Additional capital invested by parent

     125        —          —          125   

Deferred financing costs

     (463     —          —          (463

Investment in subsidiaries

     7,005        (7,005     —          —     
                                

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     6,150        (8,102     (973     (2,925

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     —          —          (473     (473
                                

Net increase in cash and equivalents

     47,755        —          222        47,977   

Cash and equivalents at beginning of year

     28,505        —          1,572        30,077   
                                

Cash and equivalents at end of year

   $ 76,260      $ —        $ 1,794      $ 78,054   
                                

Supplemental Disclosures:

        

Non-cash capital investment by parent

   $ 4,625      $ —        $ —        $ 4,625   

Reclassification of non-current other assets to property, plant and equipment

     —          16,250        —          16,250   

 

74


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the Year Ended December 29, 2007

(In thousands)

 

     Corporate     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiary
    Consolidated  

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   $ (1,707   $ 97,369      $ 2,300      $ 97,962   

Cash flows from investing activities:

        

Capital expenditures

     —          (37,702     (418     (38,120

Other assets

     —          (102     —          (102
                                

Net cash used in investing activities

     —          (37,804     (418     (38,222

Cash flows from financing activities:

        

Payments on revolving line of credit

     (18,000     —          —          (18,000

Proceeds from revolving line of credit

     18,000        —          —          18,000   

Payments on long-term debt

     (50,000     (325     (1,452     (51,777

Payments on stock option exercises/share repurchases

     (93     —          —          (93

Additional capital invested by parent

     500        —          —          500   

Deferred financing costs

     (162     —          —          (162

Investment in subsidiaries

     59,240        (59,240     —          —     
                                

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     9,485        (59,565     (1,452     (51,532

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     —          —          293        293   
                                

Net increase in cash and equivalents

     7,778        —          723        8,501   

Cash and equivalents at beginning of year

     20,727        —          849        21,576   
                                

Cash and equivalents at end of year

   $ 28,505      $ —        $ 1,572      $ 30,077   
                                

Supplemental Disclosures:

        

Non-cash industrial revenue bond guarantees

   $ —        $ 6,000      $ —        $ 6,000   

Non-cash capital investment by parent

     4,306        —          —          4,306   

 

75


NOTE L—QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA

 

     Quarter
     (Unaudited, In thousands)
     First    Second    Third    Fourth

2009

                   

Net sales

   $ 401,249    $ 369,123    $ 382,116    $ 390,291

Gross profit

     77,451      72,705      75,613      75,397

Net earnings

     20,769      10,610      18,525      19,560

2008

                   

Net sales

   $ 427,677    $ 442,335    $ 450,058    $ 484,303

Gross profit

     70,303      67,740      66,136      71,774

Net earnings

     11,281      11,245      11,024      13,328

 

76

EX-10.65 2 dex1065.htm THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement

Exhibit 10.65

Execution Copy

 

 

 

 

MICHAEL FOODS INVESTORS, LLC

A Delaware Limited Liability Company

 

 

THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

Dated as of December 21, 2009

THE COMPANY INTERESTS REPRESENTED BY THIS LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR UNDER ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS. SUCH INTERESTS MAY NOT BE SOLD, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF AT ANY TIME WITHOUT EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION UNDER SUCH ACT AND LAWS OR EXEMPTION THEREFROM, AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE OTHER SUBSTANTIAL RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERABILITY SET FORTH HEREIN.

THE COMPANY INTERESTS REPRESENTED BY THIS LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT ARE ALSO SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER SPECIFIED IN THE SECURITYHOLDERS AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF THE DATE HEREOF, AS AMENDED OR MODIFIED FROM TIME TO TIME, AMONG THE COMPANY AND CERTAIN INVESTORS, AND THE COMPANY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE THE TRANSFER OF SUCH INTERESTS UNTIL SUCH TRANSFER IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH SUCH SECURITYHOLDERS AGREEMENT. A COPY OF THE SECURITYHOLDERS AGREEMENT SHALL BE FURNISHED BY THE COMPANY TO THE HOLDER OF SUCH INTERESTS UPON WRITTEN REQUEST AND WITHOUT CHARGE.

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

               Page

ARTICLE I.         DEFINITIONS

   1
  

SECTION 1.1

   Definitions    1
  

SECTION 1.2

   Terms Generally    13

ARTICLE II.        GENERAL PROVISIONS

   14
  

SECTION 2.1

   Formation    14
  

SECTION 2.2

   Name    14
  

SECTION 2.3

   Term    14
  

SECTION 2.4

   Purpose; Powers    14
  

SECTION 2.5

   Foreign Qualification    15
  

SECTION 2.6

   Registered Office; Registered Agent; Principal Office; Other Offices    15
  

SECTION 2.7

   No State-Law Partnership    15
  

SECTION 2.8

   Amendment and Restatement    15
  

SECTION 2.9

   Issuance of Additional Units    15

ARTICLE III.      MANAGEMENT

   16
  

SECTION 3.1

   The Management Committee; Delegation of Authority and Duties    16
  

SECTION 3.2

   Establishment of Management Committee    17
  

SECTION 3.3

   Management Committee Meetings    18
  

SECTION 3.4

   Chairman    19
  

SECTION 3.5

   Approval or Ratification of Acts or Contracts    19
  

SECTION 3.6

   Action by Written Consent or Telephone Conference    19
  

SECTION 3.7

   Officers    20
  

SECTION 3.8

   Management Matters    21
  

SECTION 3.9

   Securities in Holdings    22
  

SECTION 3.10

   Liability of Unitholders    22
  

SECTION 3.11

   Indemnification by the Company    23

ARTICLE IV.      CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; ALLOCATIONS; DISTRIBUTIONS

   24

 

2


   SECTION 4.1    Capital Contributions    24
   SECTION 4.2    Capital Accounts    24
   SECTION 4.3    Allocations of Net Income and Net Loss    24
   SECTION 4.4    Distributions    27
   SECTION 4.5    Security Interest and Right of Set-Off    36

ARTICLE V.       

  WITHDRAWAL; DISSOLUTION; TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS; ADMISSION OF NEW MEMBERS    36
   SECTION 5.1    Unitholder Withdrawal    36
   SECTION 5.2    Dissolution    36
   SECTION 5.3    Transfer by Unitholders    37
   SECTION 5.4    Admission or Substitution of New Members    38
   SECTION 5.5    Compliance with Law    38

ARTICLE VI.      REPORTS TO MEMBERS; TAX MATTERS

   38
   SECTION 6.1    Books of Account    38
   SECTION 6.2    Reports    39
   SECTION 6.3    Fiscal Year    40
   SECTION 6.4    Certain Tax Matters    40

ARTICLE VII.    MISCELLANEOUS

   41
   SECTION 7.1    Schedules    41
   SECTION 7.2    Governing Law    41
   SECTION 7.3    Successors and Assigns    42
   SECTION 7.4    Confidentiality    42
   SECTION 7.5    Amendments    42
   SECTION 7.6    Notices    43
   SECTION 7.7    Counterparts    43
   SECTION 7.8    Power of Attorney    43
   SECTION 7.9    Entire Agreement; Interpretation    44
   SECTION 7.10    Section Titles    44

 

3


THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

OF

MICHAEL FOODS INVESTORS, LLC

A Delaware Limited Liability Company

THIS THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT of Michael Foods Investors, LLC, dated and effective as of December 21, 2009 (this “Agreement”), is adopted and agreed to by and among Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund V, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Thomas H. Lee Parallel Fund V, L.P., Thomas H. Lee Cayman Fund V, L.P., Thomas H. Lee Investors Limited Partnership, 1997 Thomas H. Lee Nominee Trust, Putnam Investments Holdings, LLC, Putnam Investments Employees’ Securities Company I, LLC, Putnam Investments Employees’ Securities Company II, LLC (collectively the “THL Holders”), the Persons listed on Schedule A attached hereto who executed the Original Agreement (as defined below) or a joinder to this Agreement prior to the date hereof, and each other Person who hereafter at any time becomes a Member in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Act. Any reference in this Agreement to THL or any other Member shall include such Member’s Successors in Interest to the extent such Successors in Interest have become Substitute Members in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

WHEREAS, on November 6, 2003, THL formed the Company as a limited liability company under the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, Title 6, §§ 18-101, et seq, as it may be amended from time to time (the “Act”), by executing the Limited Liability Company Agreement of THL-MF Investors, LLC, which agreement was subsequently amended and restated pursuant to that certain Amended and Restated Limited Liability Agreement dated as of November 20, 2003 and further amended and restated by that certain Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement dated as of October 23, 2009 (as amended and restated, the “Original Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, the Members desire to amend and restate the Original Agreement in accordance with Section 7.5 thereof for the purpose of setting forth the agreements governing the relations among the Members and to admit an additional member.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties hereto, each intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

ARTICLE I.

DEFINITIONS

SECTION 1.1 Definitions.

Unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this Agreement:

Act” has the meaning set forth in the preamble above.


Additional Member” means any Person that has been admitted to the Company as a Member pursuant to Section 5.4 by virtue of having received its Membership Interest from the Company and not from any other Member or Assignee.

Adjusted Capital Account Deficit” means, with respect to any Unitholder, the deficit balance, if any, in such Unitholder’s Capital Account as of the end of the relevant fiscal year, after giving effect to the following adjustments:

(i) credit to such Capital Account any amounts that such Unitholder is obligated to restore pursuant to this Agreement or is deemed to be obligated to restore pursuant to Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(c) or the penultimate sentence of each of Regulations Sections 1.704-2(i)(5) and 1.704-2(g)(1); and

(ii) debit to such Capital Account the items described in Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5) and (6).

The foregoing definition of Adjusted Capital Account Deficit is intended to comply with the provisions of Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be interpreted and applied by the Management Committee consistently therewith.

Affiliate” when used with reference to another Person means any Person (other than the Company), directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such other Person. In addition, Affiliates of a Member shall include all partners, officers, employees and former partners, officers or employees of, all consultants or advisors to, and all other Persons who directly or indirectly receive compensation from, such Member.

Assignee” means any transferee to which a Member or another Assignee has transferred its interest in the Company in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, but who is not a Member.

Bankruptcy” means, with respect to any Person, the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the filing of an application by such Person for, or a consent to, the appointment of a trustee or custodian of his assets; (ii) the filing by such Person of a voluntary petition in Bankruptcy or the seeking of relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or the filing of a pleading in any court of record admitting in writing his inability to pay his debts as they become due; (iii) the failure of such Person to pay his debts as such debts become due; (iv) the making by such Person of a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (v) the filing by such Person of an answer admitting the material allegations of, or his consenting to, or defaulting in answering, a Bankruptcy petition filed against him in any Bankruptcy proceeding or petition seeking relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or as hereafter amended; or (vi) the entry of an order, judgment or decree by any court of competent jurisdiction adjudicating such Person a bankrupt or insolvent or for relief in respect of such Person or appointing a trustee or custodian of his assets and the continuance of such order, judgment or decree unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days.

 

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Capital Account” means, with respect to any Unitholder, the account maintained for such Unitholder in accordance with the following provisions:

(a) To each Unitholder’s Capital Account there shall be added such Unitholder’s Capital Contributions, such Unitholder’s allocable share of Net Income and any items in the nature of income or gain which are specially allocated to such Unitholder pursuant to Section 4.3(c) hereof, and the amount of any Company liabilities assumed by such Unitholder or which are secured by any property distributed to such Unitholder.

(b) To each Unitholder’s Capital Account there shall be subtracted the amount of cash and the Gross Asset Value of any property distributed to such Unitholder pursuant to any provision of this Agreement, such Unitholder’s allocable share of Net Losses and any items in the nature of expenses or losses which are specially allocated to such Unitholder pursuant to Section 4.3(c) hereof, and the amount of any liabilities of such Unitholder assumed by the Company or which are secured by any property contributed by such Unitholder to the Company.

(c) In the event any interest in the Company is transferred in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the transferee shall succeed to the Capital Account of the transferor to the extent it relates to the transferred interest.

(d) In determining the amount of any liability for purposes of subparagraphs (a) and (b) hereof and Section 4.3(b) hereof, there shall be taken into account Code Section 752(c) and any other applicable provisions of the Code and Regulations.

(e) The foregoing provisions and the other provisions of this Agreement relating to the maintenance of Capital Accounts are intended to comply with Code Section 704(b) and the Regulations promulgated thereunder, and shall be interpreted and applied by the Management Committee in a manner consistent with such Regulations.

Capital Contribution” means, with respect to any Unitholder, the amount of cash and the initial Gross Asset Value of any property (other than money) contributed from time to time to the Company by such Unitholder (it being understood that the Gross Asset Value with respect to property in respect of a Unitholder’s Initial Capital Contribution shall be as set forth on Exhibit I hereto).

Certificate” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

Class A Units” means the Class A Units of the Company.

Class B Units” means the Class B Units of the Company.

Class C Fraction” means the lesser of (A) one and (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of Class C Units outstanding at the date of any such determination and the denominator of which is the number of Class C Units outstanding on the date of the Initial Capital Contribution after giving effect to the Initial Capital Contribution, as each of the numerator and denominator may be adjusted in the event of a recapitalization, split, dividend, or other reclassification affecting the Class C Units.

 

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Class C Units” means the Class C Units of the Company.

Class E Applicable Percentage” shall mean 0.1244%.

Class E Distribution Threshold Amount” means an amount equal to (i) $570,000,000 plus (ii) any additional Capital Contributions by the Class A, Class B or Class C Unitholders with respect to their Class A, Class B or Class C Units after the Class E Effective Date.

Class E Effective Date” means April 9, 2008.

Class E Tier I Distribution Amount” shall mean the amount equal to (i) the Class E Applicable Percentage multiplied by (ii) 100% of Distributable Assets in excess of the Class E Distribution Threshold and up to the Class F/G Distribution Threshold Amount to be distributed to the Unitholders less the aggregate amount of Capital Contributions of the Class E Unitholders returned to such Unitholders under Section 4.4(a)(2)(A).

Class E Tier II Distribution Amount” shall mean the amount equal to (i) the Class E Applicable Percentage multiplied by (ii) 100% of Distributable Assets in excess of the Class F/G Distribution Threshold Amount and up to the Class H Distribution Threshold Amount to be distributed to the Unitholders less (x) the aggregate amount of Capital Contributions of the Class F Unitholders and Class G Unitholders returned to such Unitholders under Section 4.4(a)(3)(A), and (y) the Class F Tier I Distribution Amount actually paid to Class F Unitholders and the Class G Tier I Distribution Amount actually paid to Class G Unitholders, under Sections 4.4(a)(3)(B) and (C) hereof, as applicable.

Class E Tier III Distribution Amount” shall mean the amount equal to (i) the Class E Applicable Percentage multiplied by (ii) 100% of Distributable Assets to be distributed to the Unitholders in excess of the Class H Distribution Threshold Amount, less (x) the aggregate amount of Capital Contributions of the Class H Unitholders returned to such Unitholders under Section 4.4(a)(4)(A), and (y) the Class F Tier II Distribution Amount actually paid to Class F Unitholders, the Class G Tier II Distribution Amount actually paid to Class G Unitholders and the Class H Distribution Amount actually paid to Class H Unitholders under Sections 4.4(a)(4)(B) and (C), as applicable.

Class E Unitholder” means Thomas J. Jagiela and his permitted assigns and transferees under this Agreement and the Securityholders Agreement, and any other Person (and such Person’s permitted assigns and transferees) issued Class E Units by the Company hereafter.

Class E Units” means the Class E Units of the Company. The rights and privileges associated with such Class E Units are intended to constitute a “profits interest” in the Company within the meaning of Revenue Procedure 93-27, 1993-2 C.B. 343, or any successor Internal Revenue Service or Treasury Department regulation or other pronouncement applicable at the date of issuance of Class E Units.

 

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Class F/G Applicable Percentages” shall mean the following: (i) 9.545% of any Tier I Excess Threshold Amount or Tier II Excess Threshold Amount (collectively, the “Excess Threshold Amount”) up to $28,524,600, and (ii) 4.120% of the Excess Threshold Amount that is equal to or greater than $28,524,600 but less than $68,524,600; and (iii) 3.949% of the Excess Threshold Amount that is equal to or greater than $68,524,600 but less than $268,524,600; and (iv) 2.512% of the Excess Threshold Amount that is equal to or greater than $268,524,600.

Class F Tier I Distribution Amount” shall mean an amount equal to (A) 24.17% multiplied by (B) the quotient of (i) the appropriate Class F/G Applicable Percentages multiplied by (ii) 100% of Distributable Assets in excess of the Class F/G Distribution Threshold Amount and up to the Class H Distribution Threshold Amount to be distributed to the Unitholders less the aggregate amount of Capital Contributions of the Class F Unitholders and Class G Unitholders returned to such Unitholders pursuant to Section 4.4(a)(3)(A) hereof (the amount of Distributable Assets referenced under this clause (ii) being referred to herein as the “Tier I Excess Threshold Amount”.)

Class F Tier II Distribution Amount” shall mean an amount equal to (A) 24.17% multiplied by (B) the quotient of (i) the appropriate Class F/G Applicable Percentages multiplied by (ii) 100% of Distributable Assets in excess of the Class H Distribution Threshold Amount to be distributed to the Unitholders less (x) the aggregate amount of Capital Contributions of the Class H Unitholders returned to such Unitholders under Section 4.4(a)(4)(A), and (y) the Class H Distribution Amount actually paid to Class H Unitholders under Section 4.4(a)(4)(B) hereof (the amount of Distributable Assets referenced under this clause (ii) being referred to herein as the “Tier II Excess Threshold Amount”).

Class F/G Distribution Threshold Amount” means an amount equal to (i) $803,965,514 plus (ii) any additional Capital Contributions by the Class A, Class B or Class C Unitholders with respect to their Class A, Class B or Class C Units after the Class F/G Effective Date.

Class F/G Effective Date” means October 23, 2009.

Class F Unitholders” means each of Mark W. Westphal and Carolyn V. Wolski and their respective permitted assigns and transferees under this Agreement and the Securityholders Agreement, and any other Person (and such Person’s permitted assigns and transferees) issued Class F Units by the Company hereafter.

Class F Units” means the Class F Units of the Company. The rights and privileges associated with such Class F Units are intended to constitute a “profits interest” in the Company within the meaning of Revenue Procedure 93-27, 1993-2 C.B. 343, or any successor Internal Revenue Service or Treasury Department regulation or other pronouncement applicable at the date of issuance of Class F Units.

Class G Tier I Distribution Amount” shall mean an amount equal to (A) 75.83% multiplied by (B) the quotient of (i) the appropriate Class F/G Applicable Percentages multiplied by (ii) the Tier I Excess Threshold Amount.

 

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Class G Tier II Distribution Amount” shall mean an amount equal to (A) 75.83% multiplied by (B) the quotient of (i) the appropriate Class F/G Applicable Percentages multiplied by (ii) the Tier II Excess Threshold Amount.

Class G Unitholders” means each of James E. Dwyer, Jr. and his permitted assigns and transferees under this Agreement and the Securityholders Agreements, and any other Person (and such Person’s permitted assigns and transferees) issued Class G Units by the Company hereafter.

Class G Units” means the Class G Units of the Company. The rights and privileges associated with such Class G Units are intended to constitute a “profits interest” in the Company within the meaning of Revenue Procedure 93-27, 1993-2 C.B. 343, or any successor Internal Revenue Service or Treasury Department regulation or other pronouncement applicable at the date of issuance of Class G Units.

Class H Applicable Percentages” shall mean the following: (i) 0.769% of the Class H Excess Threshold Amount (as defined in the definition of Class H Distribution Amount) up to $28,524,600, and (ii) 0.3319% of the Class H Excess Threshold Amount that is equal to or greater than $28,524,600 but less than $68,524,600; and (iii) 0.3182% of the Class H Excess Threshold Amount that is equal to or greater than $68,524,600 but less than $268,524,600; and (iv) 0.2024% of the Class H Excess Threshold Amount that is equal to or greater than $268,524,600.

Class H Distribution Amount” shall mean an amount equal to (i) the appropriate Class H Applicable Percentages multiplied by (ii) 100% of Distributable Assets in excess of the Class H Distribution Threshold Amount to be distributed to the Unitholders less the aggregate amount of Capital Contributions of the Class H Unitholders returned to such Unitholders under Section 4.4(a)(4)(A) hereof (the amount of Distributable Assets referenced under this clause (ii) being referred to herein as the “Class H Excess Threshold Amount”).

Class H Distribution Threshold Amount” means an amount equal to (i) $865,085,811 plus (ii) any additional Capital Contributions by the Class A, Class B or Class C Unitholders with respect to their Class A, Class B or Class C Units after the Class H Effective Date.

Class H Effective Date” means December 21, 2009.

Class H Unitholders” means Jonathan A. Merkle and his permitted assigns and transferees under this Agreement and the Securityholders Agreement, and any other Person (and such Person’s permitted assigns and transferees) issued Class H Units by the Company hereafter.

Class H Units” means the Class H Units of the Company. The rights and privileges associated with such Class H Units are intended to constitute a “profits interest” in the Company within the meaning of Revenue Procedure 93-27, 1993-2 C.B. 343, or any successor Internal Revenue Service or Treasury Department regulation or other pronouncement applicable at the date of issuance of Class H Units.

 

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Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute. Any reference herein to a particular provision of the Code shall mean, where appropriate, the corresponding provision in any successor statute.

Company” means Michael Foods Investors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Company Minimum Gain” has the meaning set forth in Regulations Section 1.704- 2(d).

Depreciation” means, for each fiscal year or other period, an amount equal to the depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deduction allowable with respect to an asset for such year or other period, except that if the Gross Asset Value of an asset differs from its adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes at the beginning of such year or other period, Depreciation shall be an amount which bears the same ratio to such beginning Gross Asset Value as the federal income tax depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deduction for such year or other period bears to such beginning adjusted tax basis; provided, however, that if the federal income tax depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deduction for such year is zero, Depreciation shall be calculated with reference to such beginning Gross Asset Value using any reasonable method selected by the Management Committee.

Distributable Assets” means, with respect to any fiscal period, all cash receipts (including from any operating, investing, and financing activities) and (if distribution thereof is determined to be necessary by a majority of the Management Committee) other assets of the Company from any and all sources, reduced by operating cash expenses, contributions of capital to subsidiaries of the Company and payments (if any) required to be made in connection with any loan to the Company and any reserve for contingencies or escrow required, in the good faith judgment of the Management Committee, in connection therewith.

Economic Interest” means a Member’s or Assignee’s share of the Company’s net profits, net losses and distributions pursuant to this Agreement and the Act, but shall not include any right to participate in the management or affairs of the Company, including the right to vote in the election of Representatives, vote on, consent to or otherwise participate in any decision of the Members or Representatives, or any right to receive information concerning the business and affairs of the Company, in each case except as expressly otherwise provided in this Agreement or required by the Act.

First Performance Hurdle” means, that the Target Holders shall have received (i) on or prior to the first anniversary of the date of this Agreement, aggregate distributions with respect to Class A Units equal to 150% of the aggregate Capital Contributions of Target Holders, (ii) on or prior to the second anniversary of the date of this Agreement, aggregate distributions with respect to Class A Units equal to 175% of the aggregate Capital Contributions of Target Holders, (iii) on or prior to the third anniversary of the date of this Agreement, aggregate distributions with respect to Class A Units equal to 200% of the aggregate Capital Contributions of Target Holders, (iv) on or prior to the fourth anniversary of the date of this Agreement, aggregate distributions with respect to Class A Units equal to 225% of the aggregate Capital Contributions of Target Holders, (v) on or prior to the fifth anniversary of the date of this

 

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Agreement, aggregate distributions with respect to Class A Units equal to 249% of the aggregate Capital Contributions of Target Holders or (vi) at any time after the fifth anniversary of the date of this Agreement, aggregate distributions with respect to Class A Units equal to an amount that would produce a Target Holders’ IRR equal to or in excess of 20%; it being understood that the terms contained in clauses (i) through (vi) of this definition shall remain constant and in effect throughout the periods indicated.

Gross Asset Value” means, with respect to any asset, the asset’s adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes, except as follows:

(a) The initial Gross Asset Value of any asset contributed by a Unitholder to the Company shall be the gross fair market value of such asset on the date of the contribution, as determined by the contributing Unitholder and the Company.

(b) The Gross Asset Values of all Company assets shall be adjusted to equal their respective gross fair market values, as determined by the Management Committee, as of the following times:

(i) the acquisition of an additional interest in the Company after the date hereof by a new or existing Unitholder in exchange for more than a de minimis Capital Contribution, if the Management Committee reasonably determines that such adjustment is necessary or appropriate to reflect the relative Economic Interests of the Unitholders in the Company;

(ii) the distribution by the Company to a Unitholder of more than a de minimis amount of Company property as consideration for an interest in the Company, if the Management Committee reasonably determines that such adjustment is necessary or appropriate to reflect the relative Economic Interests of the Unitholders in the Company;

(iii) the liquidation of the Company within the meaning of Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g);

(iv) the grant of an interest in the Company (other than a de minimis interest) as consideration for the provision of services to or for the benefit of the Company by an existing Member acting in a Member capacity or by a new Member acting in a Member capacity or in anticipation of being a Member; and

(v) such other times as the Management Committee shall reasonably determine necessary or advisable in order to comply with Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b) and 1.704-2.

(c) The Gross Asset Value of any Company asset distributed to a Unitholder shall be the gross fair market value of such asset on the date of distribution, as reasonably determined by the Management Committee taking into account the following proviso; provided that, in the case of such assets which are securities, the fair market value thereof shall be reduced (a) if and to the extent that a block sale of all of such

 

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securities is reasonably likely, in the good faith judgment of a registered broker-dealer affiliated with a reputable, nationally recognized brokerage house, to depress the trading price of such securities, (b) if and to the extent appropriate, in the good faith judgment of the Management Committee, due to illiquidity of such securities and (c) for any sales or other commissions reasonably likely to be incurred or applied in a sale of such securities.

(d) The Gross Asset Values of Company assets shall be increased (or decreased) to reflect any adjustments to the adjusted basis of such assets pursuant to Code Section 734(b) or Code Section 743(b), but only to the extent that such adjustments are taken into account in determining Capital Accounts pursuant to Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m); provided, however, that Gross Asset Values shall not be adjusted pursuant to this subparagraph (d) to the extent that the Management Committee determines that an adjustment pursuant to subparagraph (b) of this definition of Gross Asset Value is necessary or appropriate in connection with a transaction that would otherwise result in an adjustment pursuant to this subparagraph (d).

Holdings” means M-Foods Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

Initial Capital Contribution” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.

Management Committee” means the Management Committee established pursuant to Section 3.2.

Management Unit Subscription Agreements” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.9.

Member” means each THL Holder and the Persons listed on Schedule A attached hereto and each other Person who is hereafter admitted as a Member in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Act. The Members shall constitute the “members” (as that term is defined in the Act) of the Company. Except as otherwise set forth herein or in the Act, the Members shall constitute a single class or group of members of the Company for all purposes of the Act and this Agreement.

Member Minimum Gain” means minimum gain attributable to Member Nonrecourse Debt determined in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704- 2(i).

Member Nonrecourse Debt” has the meaning set forth in Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(4).

Member Nonrecourse Deduction” has the meaning set forth in Regulations Section 1.704- 2(i)(2).

Membership Interest” means, with respect to each Member, such Member’s Economic Interest and rights as a Member.

Michael Foods” means Michael Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

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Net Income” or “Net Loss” means for each fiscal year of the Company, an amount equal to the Company’s taxable income or loss for such fiscal year, determined in accordance with Code Section 703(a) (for this purpose, all items of income, gain, loss, or deduction required to be stated separately pursuant to Code Section 703(a)(1) shall be included in taxable income or loss), with the following adjustments:

(a) Any income of the Company that is exempt from federal income tax and not otherwise taken into account in computing Net Income or Net Loss pursuant to this definition of Net Income or Net Loss shall be added to such taxable income or loss;

(b) Any expenditures of the Company described in Code Section 705(a)(2)(B) or treated as Code Section 705(a)(2)(B) expenditures pursuant to Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(i), and not otherwise taken into account in computing Net Income or Net Loss pursuant to this definition of Net Income or Net Loss shall be subtracted from such taxable income or loss;

(c) In the event the Gross Asset Value of any Company asset is adjusted pursuant to subparagraph (b) or (c) of the definition of Gross Asset Value, the amount of such adjustment shall be taken into account as gain (if the adjustment increases the Gross Asset Value of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases the Gross Asset Value of the asset) from the disposition of such asset for purposes of computing Net Income or Net Loss;

(d) Gain or loss resulting from any disposition of property with respect to which gain or loss is recognized for federal income tax purposes shall be computed by reference to the Gross Asset Value of the property disposed of, notwithstanding that the adjusted tax basis of such property differs from its Gross Asset Value;

(e) In lieu of the depreciation, amortization, and other cost recovery deductions taken into account in computing such taxable income or loss, Depreciation shall be taken into account for such fiscal year;

(f) To the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Company asset pursuant to Code Section 734(b) or 743(b) is required pursuant to Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m) to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts as a result of a distribution other than in liquidation of a Unitholder’s interest in the Company, the amount of such adjustment shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the basis of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases the basis of the asset) from the disposition of the asset and shall be taken into account for purposes of computing Net Income or Net Loss; and

(g) Notwithstanding any other provision of this definition of Net Income or Net Loss, any items which are specially allocated pursuant to Section 4.3(c) hereof shall not be taken into account in computing Net Income or Net Loss. The amounts of the items of Company income, gain, loss, or deduction available to be specially allocated pursuant to Section 4.3(c) hereof shall be determined by applying rules analogous to those set forth in this definition of Net Income or Net Loss.

 

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Nonrecourse Deductions” has the meaning set forth in Regulations Section 1.704- 2(b).

Officer” means each Person designated as an officer of the Company pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.7, subject to any resolution of the Management Committee appointing such Person as an officer or relating to such appointment.

Original Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the preamble above.

Preferred Return” with respect to each holder of Class A Units and Class B Units means an amount, accrued on a daily basis commencing on the date hereof and, beginning January 1, 2004, compounded quarterly on April 1, July 1, October 1 and January 1 of each year, from the day on which such Unitholder makes a Capital Contribution through the date of distribution equal to 8% per annum of the excess, if any, of (i) such Unitholder’s aggregate Capital Contribution plus the aggregate amount compounded pursuant to this definition through the end of the previous quarter on each day during such period over (ii) the aggregate amount of all distributions made on or prior to such day to such Unitholder. For purposes of computing the Preferred Return, each Capital Contribution shall be treated as having been made on the last day of the calendar month in which such Capital Contribution is received by the Company (except for the Initial Capital Contribution, which shall be deemed to have been made on the date hereof), and distributions shall be deemed to have been made on the last day of the month in which they are made.

Proceeding” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.11.

Regulations” means the Income Tax Regulations, including temporary Regulations, promulgated under the Code, as such Regulations may be amended from time to time (including corresponding provisions of succeeding regulations).

Regulatory Allocations” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.3(c) of this Agreement.

Representative” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a) of this Agreement.

Sale of the Company” shall mean a “Sale of the Company” (as defined in the Securityholders Agreement) or a dissolution of the Company in accordance with this Agreement (other than transactions effected for the purpose of changing, directly or indirectly, the form of organization or the organizational structure of the Company and/or any of its subsidiaries).

Second Performance Hurdle” means that the Target Holders shall have received (i) on or prior to the first anniversary of the date of this Agreement, aggregate distributions with respect to Class A Units equal to 200% of the aggregate Capital Contributions of Target Holders, (ii) on or prior to the second anniversary of the date of this Agreement, aggregate distributions with respect to Class A Units equal to 225% of the aggregate Capital Contributions of Target Holders, (iii) on or prior to the third anniversary of the date of this Agreement, aggregate distributions with respect to Class A Units equal to 250% of the aggregate Capital Contributions of Target Holders, (iv) on or prior to the fourth anniversary of the date of this Agreement, aggregate distributions with respect to Class A Units equal to 275% of the aggregate Capital

 

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Contributions of Target Holders, (v) on or prior to the fifth anniversary of the date of this Agreement, aggregate distributions with respect to Class A Units equal to 305% of the aggregate Capital Contributions of Target Holders or (vi) at any time after the fifth anniversary of the date of this Agreement, aggregate distributions with respect to Class A Units equal to an amount that would produce a Target Holders’ IRR equal to or in excess of 25%; it being understood that the terms contained in clauses (i) through (vi) of this definition shall remain constant and in effect throughout the periods indicated.

Securities” means any debt or equity securities of any issuer, including common and preferred stock and interests in limited liability companies (including warrants, rights, put and call options and other options relating thereto or any combination thereof), notes, bonds, debentures, trust receipts and other obligations, instruments or evidences of indebtedness, other property or interests commonly regarded as securities, interests in real property, whether improved or unimproved, interests in oil and gas properties and mineral properties, short-term investments commonly regarded as money market investments, bank deposits and interests in personal property of all kinds, whether tangible or intangible.

Securityholders Agreement” means the Securityholders Agreement dated as of November 20, 2003 among the Company and each Member, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time.

Substitute Member” means any Person that has been admitted to the Company as a Member pursuant to Section 5.4 by virtue of such Person receiving all or a portion of a Membership Interest from a Member or its Assignee and not from the Company.

Successor in Interest” means any (i) trustee, custodian, receiver or other Person acting in any Bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding with respect to; (ii) assignee for the benefit of the creditors of; (iii) trustee or receiver, or current or former officer, director or partner, or other fiduciary acting for or with respect to the dissolution, liquidation or termination of; or (iv) other executor, administrator, committee, legal representative or other successor or assign of, any Unitholder, whether by operation of law or otherwise.

Target Holders” means the holders of Class A Units.

Target Holders’ IRR” shall mean the cumulative internal rate of return of the Target Holders (calculated as provided below), as of any date, where the internal rate of return for such Target Holders shall be the annually compounded rate of return which results in the following amount having a net present value equal to zero: (i) the aggregate amount of cash and Gross Asset Value of any assets distributed to such Target Holders pursuant to Sections 4.4 and 5.2 of this Agreement and from time to time on a cumulative basis through such date (provided that, in no circumstances shall any fees paid to such Target Holders or expenses reimbursed to such Target Holders from time to time under this Agreement or otherwise be included in this clause (i)), minus (ii) the aggregate amount of the Capital Contributions made by such Target Holders from time to time on a cumulative basis through such date. In determining the Target Holders’ IRR, the following shall apply: (a) any Capital Contributions under clause (ii) above shall be deemed to have been made on the last day of the month in which they are actually made (except for the Initial Capital Contribution (as such term is defined herein), which shall be

 

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deemed to have been made on the date hereof; (b) distributions under clause (i) above shall be deemed to have been made on the last day of the month in which they are actually made; (c) all distributions shall be based on the amount distributed prior to the application of any U.S. federal, state, local, or foreign income taxation to the Target Holders; and (d) the rates of return shall be per annum rates and all amounts shall be calculated on an annually compounded basis, and on the basis of a 365-day year.

Tax Matters Member” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.4(b).

Third Performance Hurdle” means that the Target Holders shall have received (i) on or prior to the first anniversary of the date of this Agreement, aggregate distributions with respect to Class A Units equal to 300% of the aggregate Capital Contributions of Target Holders, (ii) on or prior to the second anniversary of the date of this Agreement, aggregate distributions with respect to Class A Units equal to 325% of the aggregate Capital Contributions of Target Holders, (iii) on or prior to the third anniversary of the date of this Agreement, aggregate distributions (pursuant to this Agreement) with respect to Class A Units equal to 350% of the aggregate Capital Contributions of Target Holders, (iv) on or prior to the fourth anniversary of the date of this Agreement, aggregate distributions with respect to Class A Units equal to 375% of the aggregate Capital Contributions of Target Holders, (v) on or prior to the fifth anniversary of the date of this Agreement, aggregate distributions with respect to Class A Units equal to 448% of the aggregate Capital Contributions of Target Holders or (vi) at any time after the fifth anniversary of the date of this Agreement, aggregate distributions with respect to Class A Units equal to an amount that would produce a Target Holders’ IRR equal to or in excess of 35%; it being understood that the terms contained in clauses (i) through (vi) of this definition shall remain constant and in effect throughout the periods indicated.

Unitholder” means a Member or Assignee who holds an Economic Interest in Class A Units, Class B Units, Class C Units, Class E Units, Class F Units, Class G Units or Class H Units.

Unpaid Preferred Return” with respect to each holder of Class A Units and Class B Units means the excess, if any, of (i) such Unitholder’s Preferred Return as of the date of any such determination over (ii) the aggregate amount of all distributions made to such Unitholder pursuant to or in accordance with Section 4.4(a)(ii).

Unreturned Capital” with respect to each Unitholder means the excess, if any, of (i) such Unitholder’s aggregate Capital Contributions over (ii) the aggregate amount of all distributions made to such Unitholder pursuant to or in accordance with Section 4.4(a).

SECTION 1.2 Terms Generally. The definitions in Section 1.1 shall apply equally to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The term “person” or “Person” includes individuals, partnerships (whether general or limited), joint ventures, corporations, limited liability companies, trusts, estates, custodians, nominees, governments (or agencies or political subdivisions thereof) and other associations, entities or groups (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). The words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.”

 

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All terms herein that relate to accounting matters shall be interpreted in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles from time to time in effect. All references to “Sections” and “Articles” shall refer to Sections and Articles of this Agreement unless otherwise specified. The words “hereof” and “herein” and similar terms shall relate to this Agreement.

ARTICLE II.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 2.1 Formation. The Company has been organized as a Delaware limited liability company by the execution and filing of a Certificate of Formation (the “Certificate”) by THL, as an initial Member, under and pursuant to the Act. The rights, powers, duties, obligations and liabilities of the Members shall be determined pursuant to the Act and this Agreement. To the extent that the rights, powers, duties, obligations and liabilities of any Member are different by reason of any provision of this Agreement than they would be in the absence of such provision, this Agreement shall, to the extent permitted by the Act, control.

SECTION 2.2 Name. The name of the Company is “Michael Foods Investors, LLC,” and all Company business shall be conducted in that name or in such other names that comply with applicable law as the Management Committee may select from time to time.

SECTION 2.3 Term. The term of the Company commenced on the date the Certificate was filed with the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and shall continue in existence perpetually until termination or dissolution in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.2.

SECTION 2.4 Purpose; Powers.

(a) General Powers. The nature of the business or purposes to be conducted or promoted by the Company is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which limited liability companies may be organized under the Act. The Company may engage in any and all activities necessary, desirable or incidental to the accomplishment of the foregoing. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, nothing set forth herein shall be construed as authorizing the Company to possess any purpose or power, or to do any act or thing, forbidden by law to a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware.

(b) Company Action. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement and except as prohibited by applicable law (i) the Company may, with the approval of the Management Committee, enter into and perform any and all documents, agreements and instruments contemplated thereby, all without any further act, vote or approval of any Member and (ii) the Management Committee may authorize any Person (including any Member or Officer) to enter into and perform any document on behalf of the Company.

(c) Merger. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Company may, with the approval of the Management Committee and without the need for any further act, vote or approval of any Member, merge with, or consolidate into, another limited liability company (organized under the laws of Delaware or any other state), a corporation (organized under the laws of Delaware or any other state) or other business

 

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entity (as defined in Section 18-209(a) of the Act), regardless of whether the Company is the survivor of such merger or consolidation; provided that, to the extent applicable in connection with any transaction described in this Section 2.4(c), each Unitholder shall be afforded any rights to which it is entitled to pursuant to Article IV of the Securityholders Agreement.

SECTION 2.5 Foreign Qualification. Prior to the Company’s conducting business in any jurisdiction other than Delaware, the Management Committee shall cause the Company to comply, to the extent procedures are available and those matters are reasonably within the control of the Officers, with all requirements necessary to qualify the Company as a foreign limited liability company in that jurisdiction.

SECTION 2.6 Registered Office; Registered Agent; Principal Office; Other Offices. The registered office of the Company required by the Act to be maintained in the State of Delaware shall be the office of the initial registered agent named in the Certificate or such other office (which need not be a place of business of the Company) as the Management Committee may designate from time to time in the manner provided by law. The registered agent of the Company in the State of Delaware shall be the initial registered agent named in the Certificate or such other Person or Persons as the Management Committee may designate from time to time in the manner provided by law. The principal office of the Company shall be at such place as the Management Committee may designate from time to time, which need not be in the State of Delaware, and the Company shall maintain records at such place. The Company may have such other offices as the Management Committee may designate from time to time.

SECTION 2.7 No State-Law Partnership. The Unitholders intend that the Company shall not be a partnership (including a limited partnership) or joint venture, and that no Unitholder, Representative or Officer shall be a partner or joint venturer of any other Unitholder, Representative or Officer by virtue of this Agreement, for any purposes other than as set forth in the last sentence of this Section 2.7, and this Agreement shall not be construed to the contrary. The Unitholders intend that the Company shall be treated as a partnership for federal and, if applicable, state or local income tax purposes, and each Unitholder and the Company shall file all tax returns and shall otherwise take all tax and financial reporting positions in a manner consistent with such treatment.

SECTION 2.8 Amendment and Restatement. This Agreement amends, restates and supersedes in its entirety the Original Agreement.

SECTION 2.9 Issuance of Additional Units. The Management Committee shall have the right to cause the Company to create and issue preferred units in connection with the exercise of the Company’s rights and/or obligations to purchase Class A Units, Class B Units, Class C Units, Class E Units, Class F Units, Class G Units and Class H Units from certain Members each of whom is also a party to a Management Unit Subscription Agreement by and between such Member and the Company (collectively, the “Management Unit Subscription Agreements”). Subject to the provisions of the Management Unit Subscription Agreement, the Management Committee shall determine the terms and conditions governing the issuance of any of such preferred units. In addition, the Management Committee shall have the right to issue Class B Units and Class C Units; provided that, the Management Committee shall not authorize

 

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the issuance of either Class B Units or Class C Units in excess of the number of such Class B Units and Class C Units, as the case may be, issued as of the date hereof (it being understood that any Class B Units or Class C Units repurchased by the Company shall no longer be considered “issued” for purposes hereof) unless (A) for so long as he serves as Chief Executive Officer of Michael Foods, Gregg A. Ostrander provides his written consent to such issuance or (B) if Gregg A. Ostrander shall cease to be the Chief Executive Officer of Michael Foods, the holders of a majority of the outstanding Class B Units or Class C Units, as the case may be, approve such issuance. In addition, the holders of a majority of Class A Units shall have the right to cause the Company to create and issue additional units and classes of units; provided that (i) no such issuance shall adversely affect the relationship among the Class A Units, Class B Units and Class C Units as set forth herein without the consent of the holders of a majority in interest of the Units of each Class so affected, or (ii) adversely affect the relationship among the Class A Units, Class B Units and Class C Units, on the one hand, and the Class E Units, on the other hand without the consent of the holders of a majority in interest of the Units of each Class so affected (taking the Class A Units, Class B Units and Class C Units together as one Class), or (iii) adversely affect the relationship among the Class A Units, Class B Units and Class C Units, on the one hand, and the Class F Units, on the other hand, without the consent of the holders of a majority in interest of the Units of each Class so affected (taking the Class A Units, Class B Units and Class C Units together as one Class), (iv) adversely affect the relationship among the Class A Units, Class B Units and Class C Units, on the one hand, and the Class G Units, on the other hand, without the consent of the holders of a majority in interest of the Units of each Class so affected (taking the Class A Units, Class B Units and Class C Units together as one Class), or (v) adversely affect the relationship among the Class A Units, Class B Units and Class C Units, on the one hand, and the Class H Units, on the other hand, without the consent of the holders of a majority in interest of the Units of each Class so affected (taking the Class A Units, Class B Units and Class C Units together as one Class).

ARTICLE III.

MANAGEMENT

SECTION 3.1 The Management Committee; Delegation of Authority and Duties.

(a) Members and Management Committee. The Members shall possess all rights and powers as provided in the Act and otherwise by law. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, the Members hereby consent to the exercise by the Management Committee of all such powers and rights conferred on them by the Act with respect to the management and control of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing and except as explicitly set forth in this Agreement, if a vote, consent or approval of the Members is required by the Act or other applicable law with respect to any act to be taken by the Company or matter considered by the Management Committee, each Member agrees that it shall be deemed to have consented to or approved such act or voted on such matter in accordance with a vote of the Management Committee on such act or matter. No Member, in its capacity as a Member, shall have any power to act for, sign for or do any act that would bind the Company. The Members, acting through the Management Committee, shall devote such time and effort to the affairs of the Company as they may deem appropriate for the oversight of the management and affairs of the Company. Each Member acknowledges and agrees that no Member shall, in its capacity

 

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as a Member, be bound to devote all of such Member’s business time to the affairs of the Company, and that each Member and such Member’s Affiliates do and will continue to engage for such Member’s own account and for the account of others in other business ventures.

(b) Delegation by Management Committee. The Management Committee shall have the power and authority to delegate to one or more other Persons the Management Committee’s rights and powers to manage and control the business and affairs of the Company, including to delegate to agents and employees of a Member, a Representative or the Company (including Officers), and to delegate by a management agreement or another agreement with, or otherwise to, other Persons. The Management Committee may authorize any Person (including, without limitation, any Member, Officer or Representative) to enter into and perform under any document on behalf of the Company.

(c) Committees. The Management Committee may, from time to time, designate one or more committees, each of which shall be comprised of at least two Representatives. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the enabling resolution and until dissolved by the Management Committee, shall have and may exercise any or all of the authority of the Management Committee. At every meeting of any such committee, the presence of a majority of all the representatives thereof shall constitute a quorum, and the affirmative vote of a majority of the representatives present shall be necessary for the adoption of any resolution. The Management Committee may dissolve any committee at any time, unless otherwise provided in the Certificate or this Agreement.

SECTION 3.2 Establishment of Management Committee.

(a) Representatives. There shall be established a Management Committee composed of up to seven (7) Persons all of whom shall be individuals (“Representatives”) who shall be elected by a majority vote of the holders of Class A Units and Class B Units, voting together as a single class, and each such Member shall have one vote for each Class A Unit and/or Class B Unit held by such Member. Any Representative may be removed from the Management Committee at any time by the holders of a majority of the total voting power of the outstanding Class A Units and Class B Units. Each Representative shall remain in office until his or her death, resignation or removal, and in the event of death, resignation or removal of a Representative, the party or parties, as applicable, which designated such Representative shall fill the vacancy created.

(b) Duties. The Representatives, in the performance of their duties, shall owe to the Company and the Members duties of loyalty and due care of the type owed by the directors of a corporation to such corporation and its stockholders under the laws of the State of Delaware.

(c) Absence. A Representative may, in isolated instances arising from exigent circumstances, designate a Person to act as his or her substitute and in his or her place at any meeting of the Management Committee. Such Person shall have all power of

 

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the absent Representative, and references herein to a “Representative” at a meeting shall be deemed to include his or her substitute. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Representatives, in their capacities as such, shall not be deemed to be “members” or “managers” (as such terms are defined in the Act) of the Company; provided that, for the purpose of clarity and the avoidance of doubt, nothing contained in this sentence shall relieve or diminish any Representative’s duties under Section 3.2(b) hereof.

(d) No Individual Authority. No Representative has the authority or power to act for or on behalf of the Company, to do any act that would be binding on the Company or to make any expenditures or incur any obligations on behalf of the Company or authorize any of the foregoing, other than acts that are expressly authorized by the Management Committee.

(e) Conflict. Each provision of this Section 3.2 is subject to the terms and provisions of the Securityholders Agreement, and to the extent any such provisions apply, they are then to be construed as being incorporated in this Agreement and made a part hereof.

SECTION 3.3 Management Committee Meetings.

(a) Quorum. A majority of the total number of Representatives shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business of the Management Committee and, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the act of a majority of the Representatives present at a meeting of the Management Committee at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Management Committee. A Representative who is present at a meeting of the Management Committee at which action on any matter is taken shall be presumed to have assented to the action unless his dissent shall be entered in the minutes of the meeting or unless he shall file his written dissent to such action with the Person acting as secretary of the meeting before the adjournment thereof or shall deliver such dissent to the Company immediately after the adjournment of the meeting. Such right to dissent shall not apply to a Representative who voted in favor of such action.

(b) Place, Waiver of Notice. Meetings of the Management Committee may be held at such place or places as shall be determined from time to time by resolution of the Management Committee. At all meetings of the Management Committee, business shall be transacted in such order as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the Management Committee. Attendance of a Representative at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a Representative attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

(c) Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Management Committee shall be held at such times and places as shall be designated from time to time by resolution of the Management Committee. Notice of such meetings shall not be required.

 

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(d) Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Management Committee may be called on at least 24 hours notice to each Representative by the chairman or any two Representatives. Such notice need not state the purpose or purposes of, nor the business to be transacted at, such meeting, except as may otherwise be required by law or provided for in this Agreement.

(e) Notice. Notice of any special meeting of the Management Committee or other committee may be given personally, by mail, facsimile, courier or other means and, if other than personally, shall be deemed given when written notice is delivered to the office of the Representative at the address of the Representative in the books and records of the Company.

SECTION 3.4 Chairman. The Management Committee shall designate a Representative to serve as chairman. The chairman shall preside at all meetings of the Management Committee. If the chairman is absent at any meeting of the Management Committee, a majority of the Representatives present shall designate another Representative to serve as interim chairman for that meeting. The chairman shall have no authority or power to act for or on behalf of the Company, to do any act that would be binding on the Company or to make any expenditure or incur any obligations on behalf of the Company or authorize any of the foregoing.

SECTION 3.5 Approval or Ratification of Acts or Contracts. Any act or contract that shall be approved or be ratified by the Management Committee shall be as valid and as binding upon the Company and upon all the Members (in their capacity as Members) as if it shall have been approved or ratified by every Member of the Company; provided, however, the Management Committee shall not permit the Company or its subsidiaries to engage in any act or enter into any contract or other arrangement involving the payment by the Company or its subsidiaries of any fees or compensation to THL or its Affiliates (excluding from this proviso any fees or compensation payable pursuant to that certain Management Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among Michael Foods and THL Managers V, LLC) unless a majority of the Representatives (excluding the THL Directors (as such term is defined in the Securityholders Agreement) provide written consent to such action, contract or other arrangement.

SECTION 3.6 Action by Written Consent or Telephone Conference. Any action permitted or required by the Act, the Certificate or this Agreement to be taken at a meeting of the Management Committee or any committee designated by the Management Committee may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action to be taken, is signed by a majority of the Representatives or representatives of such other committee, as the case may be. Such consent shall have the same force and effect as a vote at a meeting and may be stated as such in any document or instrument filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, and the execution of such consent shall constitute attendance or presence in person at a meeting of the Management Committee or any such other committee, as the case may be. Subject to the requirements of this Agreement for notice of meetings, the Representatives, or representatives of any other committee designated by the Management Committee, may participate in and hold a meeting of the Management Committee or any such other committee, as the case may be, by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all Persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in such meeting shall

 

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constitute attendance and presence in person at such meeting, except where a Person participates in the meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

SECTION 3.7 Officers.

(a) Designation and Appointment. The Management Committee may, from time to time, employ and retain Persons as may be necessary or appropriate for the conduct of the Company’s business (subject to the supervision and control of the Management Committee), including employees, agents and other Persons (any of whom may be a Member or Representative) who may be designated as Officers of the Company, with titles including “chief executive officer,” “chairman,” “president,” “vice president,” “treasurer,” “secretary,” “general manager,” “director” and “chief financial officer,” as and to the extent authorized by the Management Committee. Any number of offices may be held by the same Person. In its discretion, the Management Committee may choose not to fill any office for any period as it may deem advisable. Officers need not be residents of the State of Delaware or Members. Any Officers so designated shall have such authority and perform such duties as the Management Committee may, from time to time, delegate to them. The Management Committee may assign titles to particular Officers. Each Officer shall hold office until his successor shall be duly designated and shall qualify or until his death or until he shall resign or shall have been removed in the manner hereinafter provided. The salaries or other compensation, if any, of the Officers of the Company shall be fixed from time to time by the Management Committee.

(b) Resignation/Removal. Any Officer may resign as such at any time. Such resignation shall be made in writing and shall take effect at the time specified therein, or if no time is specified, at the time of its receipt by the Management Committee. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective, unless expressly so provided in the resignation. Subject to clauses (d), (e) and (f) of this Section 3.7, any Officer may be removed as such, either with or without cause at any time by the Management Committee. Designation of an Officer shall not of itself create any contractual or employment rights.

(c) Duties of Officers Generally. The Officers, in the performance of their duties as such, shall owe to the Company duties of loyalty and due care of the type owed by the officers of a corporation to such corporation and its stockholders under the laws of the State of Delaware.

(d) Chief Executive Officer. Subject to the powers of the Management Committee, the chief executive officer of the Company shall be in general and active charge of the entire business and affairs of the Company, and shall be its chief policy making officer.

(e) President. The president shall, subject to the powers of the Management Committee and chief executive officer, have general and active management of the business of the Company; and shall see that all orders and resolutions

 

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of the Management Committee are carried into effect. The president shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the chief executive officer or the Management Committee.

(f) Chief Financial Officer. The chief financial officer shall keep and maintain, or cause to be kept and maintained, adequate and correct books and records of accounts of the properties and business transactions of the Company, including accounts of its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains, losses and capital. The chief financial officer shall have the custody of the funds and securities of the Company, and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Company, and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Company in such depositories as may be designated by the Management Committee. The chief financial officer shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may from time to time be prescribed by the chief executive officer or the Management Committee.

(g) Vice President(s). The vice president(s) shall perform such duties and have such other powers as the chief executive officer or the Management Committee may from time to time prescribe.

(h) Secretary.

(i) The secretary shall attend all meetings of the Management Committee, and shall record all the proceedings of the meetings in a book to be kept for that purpose, and shall perform like duties for the standing committees of the Management Committee when required.

(ii) The secretary shall keep all documents described in Article VI and such other documents as may be required under the Act. The secretary shall perform such other duties and have such other authority as may be prescribed elsewhere in this Agreement or from time to time by the chief executive officer or the Management Committee. The secretary shall have the general duties, powers and responsibilities of a secretary of a corporation.

(iii) If the Management Committee chooses to appoint an assistant secretary or assistant secretaries, the assistant secretaries, in the order of their seniority, in the absence, disability or inability to act of the secretary, shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the secretary, and shall perform such other duties as the chief executive officer or the Management Committee may from time to time prescribe.

SECTION 3.8 Management Matters.

(a) Transfer of Property. All property owned by the Company shall be registered in the Company’s name, in the name of a nominee or in “street name” as the Management Committee may from time to time determine. Any corporation, brokerage firm or transfer agent called upon to transfer any Securities to or from the name of the Company shall be entitled to rely on instructions or assignments signed or purported to be

 

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signed by any Officer or Representative without inquiry as to the authority of the Person signing or purporting to sign such instructions or assignments or as to the validity of any transfer to or from the name of the Company. At the time of any such transfer, any such corporation, brokerage firm or transfer agent shall be entitled to assume that (i) the Company is then in existence and (ii) that this Agreement is in full force and effect and has not been amended, in each case unless such corporation, brokerage firm or transfer agent shall have received written notice to the contrary.

(b) Existence and Good Standing. The Management Committee may take all action which may be necessary or appropriate (i) for the continuation of the Company’s valid existence as a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Delaware (and of each other jurisdiction in which such existence is necessary to enable the Company to conduct the business in which it is engaged) and (ii) for the maintenance, preservation and operation of the business of the Company in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and applicable laws and regulations. The Management Committee may file or cause to be filed for recordation in the office of the appropriate authorities of the State of Delaware, and in the proper office or offices in each other jurisdiction in which the Company is formed or qualified, such certificates (including certificates of limited liability companies and fictitious name certificates) and other documents as are required by the applicable statutes, rules or regulations of any such jurisdiction or as are required to reflect the identity of the Members and the amounts of their respective capital contributions.

(c) Investment Company Act. The Management Committee shall use its best efforts to assure that the Company shall not be subject to registration as an investment company pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

(d) No UBTI;ECI. The Company shall not, directly or through any pass-through entity in which it holds an interest, engage in any transaction or activity that shall cause its Unitholders, or any of such Unitholder’s limited partners, which, in the case of clause (i), are exempt from income taxation under Section 501(a) of the Code, or, in the case of clause (ii), are non-U.S. persons, to recognize (i) unrelated business taxable income, as defined in Section 512 and Section 514 of the Code, that is taxable to such Persons under Section 511 of the Code or (ii) income that is or is deemed to be “effectively connected” with a U.S. trade or business, as defined in Section 864(b) of the Code or income received directly or indirectly from a commercial activity within the meaning of Section 892(a)(2) of the Code.

SECTION 3.9 Securities in Holdings. The Company shall vote all of the securities it holds in Holdings as directed by the Management Committee.

SECTION 3.10 Liability of Unitholders.

(a) No Personal Liability. Except as otherwise required by applicable law and as expressly set forth in this Agreement, no Unitholder shall have any personal liability whatsoever in such Person’s capacity as a Unitholder, whether to the Company, to any of the other Unitholders, to the creditors of the Company or to any other third

 

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party, for the debts, liabilities, commitments or any other obligations of the Company or for any losses of the Company. Each Unitholder shall be liable only to make such Unitholder’s Initial Capital Contribution to the Company, if applicable, and the other payments provided expressly herein.

(b) Return of Distributions. In accordance with the Act and the laws of the State of Delaware, a member of a limited liability company may, under certain circumstances, be required to return amounts previously distributed to such member. It is the intent of the Members that no distribution to any Member pursuant to Article V hereof shall be deemed a return of money or other property paid or distributed in violation of the Act. The payment of any such money or distribution of any such property to a Member shall be deemed to be a compromise within the meaning of the Act, and the Member receiving any such money or property shall not be required to return to any Person any such money or property. However, if any court of competent jurisdiction holds that, notwithstanding the provisions of this Agreement, any Member is obligated to make any such payment, such obligation shall be the obligation of such Member and not of any Representative or other Member.

SECTION 3.11 Indemnification by the Company. Subject to the limitations and conditions provided in this Section 3.11, each Person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or arbitrative (hereinafter a “Proceeding”), or any appeal in such a Proceeding or any inquiry or investigation that could lead to such a Proceeding, by reason of the fact that he, she, or it, or a Person of which he, she or it is the legal representative, is or was a Unitholder, Officer or Representative shall be indemnified by the Company to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Company to provide broader indemnification rights than said law permitted the Company to provide prior to such amendment) against all judgments, penalties (including excise and similar taxes and punitive damages), fines, settlements and reasonable expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) actually incurred by such Person in connection with such Proceeding, appeal, inquiry or investigation if such Person acted in Good Faith, and indemnification under this Section 3.11 shall continue as to a Person who has ceased to serve in the capacity which initially entitled such Person to indemnity hereunder. The rights granted pursuant to this Section 3.11 shall be deemed contract rights, and no amendment, modification or repeal of this Section 3.11 shall have the effect of limiting or denying any such rights with respect to actions taken or Proceedings, appeals, inquiries or investigations arising prior to any amendment, modification or repeal. It is expressly acknowledged that the indemnification provided in this Section 3.11 could involve indemnification for negligence or under theories of strict liability. “Good Faith” shall mean a Person having acted in good faith and in a manner such Person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and, with respect to a criminal proceeding, having had no reasonable cause to believe such Person’s conduct was unlawful.

 

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ARTICLE IV.

CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; ALLOCATIONS; DISTRIBUTIONS

SECTION 4.1 Capital Contributions. The Members listed on Schedule A hereto have made initial Capital Contributions to the Company in the amounts and of the type set forth in Exhibit I hereto (with respect to each Member, an “Initial Capital Contribution”).

SECTION 4.2 Capital Accounts.

(a) Creation. There shall be established for each Unitholder on the books of the Company a Capital Account which shall be increased or decreased in the manner set forth in this Agreement.

(b) Negative Balance. A Unitholder shall not have any obligation to the Company or to any other Unitholder to restore any negative balance in the Capital Account of such Unitholder.

SECTION 4.3 Allocations of Net Income and Net Loss.

(a) Timing and Amount of Allocations of Net Income and Net Loss. Net Income and Net Loss of the Company shall be determined and allocated with respect to each fiscal year of the Company as of the end of each such year or as circumstances otherwise require or allow. Subject to the other provisions of this Section 4.3, an allocation to a Unitholder of a share of Net Income or Net Loss shall be treated as an allocation of the same share of each item of income, gain, loss or deduction that is taken into account in computing Net Income or Net Loss.

(b) General Allocations.

(i) Net Income and Net Loss. After giving effect to the special allocations provided in Sections 4.3(c) all Net Income and Net Loss of the Company for a fiscal year shall be allocated to the Unitholders as follows:

(A) first, Net Income will be allocated to the Unitholders having deficit balances in their Capital Accounts (computed after giving effect to all contributions, distributions, allocations and other Capital Account adjustments for all taxable years (other than the items comprising the Net Income or Net Loss of the Company being allocated to the Unitholders for the current fiscal year), after adding back each Unitholder’s share of Company Minimum Gain and Member Minimum Gain as provided in Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5)), to the extent of, and in proportion to, those deficits, unless satisfied by allocations under Section 4.3(c) hereof; and

(B) second, Net Income and Net Loss not allocated under Section 4.3(b)(i)(A) will be allocated so as to cause the credit balance in each Unitholder’s Capital Account (computed in the same manner as provided parenthetically in Section 4.3(b)(i)(A) hereof) to equal, as nearly as possible, the amount such Unitholder would receive if the Company sold all of its assets for the Gross Asset Value of each such asset and distributed the proceeds thereof (after satisfaction of any liabilities of the Company) in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.4 hereof.

 

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(c) Additional Allocation Provisions. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 4.3:

(i)

(A) If there is a net decrease in Company Minimum Gain or Member Minimum Gain during any fiscal year, the Unitholders shall be allocated items of Company income and gain for such fiscal year (and, if necessary, for subsequent fiscal years) in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-2(f) or 1.704-2(i)(4), as applicable. It is intended that this Section 4.3(c)(i)(A) qualify and be construed as a “minimum gain chargeback” and a “chargeback of partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain” within the meaning of such Regulations, which shall be controlling in the event of a conflict between such Regulations and this Section 4.3(c)(i)(A).

(B) Any Nonrecourse Deductions for any fiscal year shall be specially allocated to the holders of Class A Units in accordance with the number of Class A Units held by each such Unitholder. Any Member Nonrecourse Deductions for any fiscal year shall be specially allocated to the Unitholder(s) who bears the economic risk of loss with respect to the Member Nonrecourse Debt to which such Member Nonrecourse Deductions are attributable, in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704- 2(i).

(C) If any Unitholder unexpectedly receives an adjustment, allocation or distribution described in Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5) or (6), items of Company income and gain shall be allocated, in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704—1(b)(2)(ii) (d), to the Unitholder in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate, to the extent required by such Regulations, the Adjusted Capital Account Deficit of the Unitholder as quickly as possible. It is intended that this Section 4.3(c)(i)(C) qualify and be construed as a “qualified income offset” within the meaning of Regulations 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d), which shall be controlling in the event of a conflict between such Regulations and this Section 4.3(c)(i)(C).

(D) The allocations set forth in Sections 4.3(c)(i)(A), (B) and (C) (the “Regulatory Allocations”) are intended to comply with certain regulatory requirements, including the requirements of Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b) and 1.704-2. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4.3(b), the Regulatory Allocations shall be taken into account in allocating other items of income, gain, loss and deduction among the Unitholders so that, to the extent possible, the net amount of such

 

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allocations of other items and the Regulatory Allocations to each Unitholder shall be equal to the net amount that would have been allocated to each such Unitholder if the Regulatory Allocations had not occurred.

(ii) For any fiscal year during which a Unitholder’s interest in the Company is assigned by such Unitholder, the portion of the Net Income and Net Loss of the Company that is allocable in respect of such Unitholder’s interest shall be apportioned between the assignor and the assignee of such Unitholder’s interest using any permissible method under Code Section 706 and the Regulations thereunder, as determined by the Management Committee.

(iii) In the event that any amount claimed by the Company to constitute a deductible expense in any fiscal year is treated for federal income tax purposes as a distribution made to a Unitholder in its capacity as a partner of the Company and not a payment to a Unitholder not acting in its capacity as a partner under Code Section 707(a), then the Unitholder who is deemed to have received such distribution shall first be allocated an amount of Company gross income equal to such payment, its Capital Account shall be reduced to reflect the distribution, and for purposes of Section 4.3, Net Income and Net Loss shall be determined after making the allocation required by this Section 4.3(c)(iii).

(iv) In the event that any amount claimed by the Company to constitute a distribution made to a Unitholder in its capacity as a partner of the Company is treated for federal income tax purposes as a deductible expense of the Company for a payment to a Unitholder not acting in its capacity as a partner of the Company, then the Unitholder who is deemed to have received such payment shall first be allocated the Company expense item attributable to such payment, its Capital Account shall be reduced to reflect the allocation, and for purposes of Section 4.3, Net Income and Net Loss shall be determined after making the allocation required by this Section 4.3(c)(iv).

(d) Required Tax Allocations. All items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit for federal income tax purposes shall be allocated to each Unitholder in the same manner as the Net Income or Net Loss (and each item of income, gain, loss and deduction related thereto) that is allocated to such Unitholder pursuant to Section 4.3(a), (b) and (c) to which such tax items relate. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 4.3, income, gain, loss, deduction, and credits with respect to property contributed to the Company by a Unitholder shall be allocated among the Unitholders for federal and state income tax purposes pursuant to Regulations promulgated under Section 704(c) of the Code, so as to take account of the variation, if any, between the adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes of the property to the Company and its initial Gross Asset Value at the time of contribution. In the event the Gross Asset Value of any Company asset is adjusted pursuant to subparagraph (b), (c), or (d) of the definition of Gross Asset Value, subsequent allocations of income, gain, loss, deduction, and credits with respect to such asset shall take account of the variation, if any, between the adjusted basis of such asset for federal income tax purposes and its Gross Asset Value in the same manner as under Code Section 704(c) and the applicable Regulations

 

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consistent with the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(g). Allocations pursuant to this Section 4.3(d) are solely for purposes of federal, state and local income taxes and shall not affect, or in any way be taken into account in computing, any Unitholder’s Capital Account or share of Net Income, Net Loss, other tax items or distributions pursuant to any provision of this Agreement.

(e) Unitholders’ Tax Reporting. The Unitholders acknowledge and are aware of the income tax consequences of the allocations made by this Section 4.3 and, except as may otherwise be required by applicable law or regulatory requirements, hereby agree to be bound by the provisions of Section 4.3 in reporting their shares of Company income, gain, loss, deductions, and credits for federal, state and local income tax purposes.

(f) Withholding. Each Unitholder hereby authorizes the Company to withhold and to pay over any taxes payable by the Company or any of its Affiliates as a result of the participation by such Unitholder (or any Assignee of, or Successor in Interest to, such Unitholder) in the Company; provided that, prior to withholding any amount in respect of Minnesota income taxes from any Unitholder, the Company shall provide such Unitholder a reasonable opportunity to provide the Company an exemption certificate, or its equivalent, to exonerate the Company from any obligation to withhold such tax. If and to the extent that the Company shall be required to withhold any taxes, such Unitholder shall be deemed for all purposes of this Agreement to have received a payment from the Company as of the time such withholding is required to be paid, which payment shall be deemed to be a distribution to such Unitholder under Section 4.4(a) or Section 5.2 to the extent that the Unitholder is entitled to receive a distribution and shall be taken into account in determining the amount of future distributions to such Unitholder. To the extent that the aggregate of such payments to a Unitholder for any period exceeds the distributions to which such Unitholder is entitled for such period, the amount of such excess shall be considered a demand loan from the Company to such Unitholder, with interest at an interest rate of 9% compounded annually, which interest shall be treated as an item of Company income until discharged by such Unitholder by repayment, which may be made in the sole discretion of the Management Committee out of distributions to which such Unitholder would otherwise be subsequently entitled. The withholdings referred to in this Section 4.3 shall be made at the maximum applicable statutory rate under applicable tax law unless the Management Committee receives documentation, satisfactory to the Management Committee, to the effect that a lower rate is applicable, or that no withholding is applicable.

SECTION 4.4 Distributions.

(a) Priority. Distributable Assets will be distributed (or set aside for the benefit of the applicable Unitholder in the discretion of the Management Committee) as soon as reasonably practical after such Distributable Assets become available to the Company, subject to Sections 4.4(b) and (c), as outlined in this Section 4.4(a).

1. Until the aggregate amount of distributions to Unitholders pursuant to this Section 4.4(a), taking into account only the current distribution and any

 

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previous distributions made after the Class E Effective Date, equal the Class E Distribution Threshold Amount, 100% of Distributable Assets shall be distributed in accordance with Section 4.4(a)(4)(E)(i) through (vii) below; provided that, no distributions under Section 4.4(a)(4)(E)(i) below shall be made to the Class E Unitholders, the Class F Unitholders, the Class G Unitholders or the Class H Unitholders.

2. After the aggregate of all distributions made after the Class E Effective Date equal the Class E Distribution Threshold Amount, then 100% of the Distributable Assets up to an amount when the aggregate of all such distributions equal the Class F/G Distribution Threshold Amount shall be made as follows:

(A) first, 100% of such Distributable Assets shall be distributed to the Class E Unitholders pro rata in accordance with each Class E Unitholders’ Unreturned Capital until each such Class E Unitholders’ Unreturned Capital has been reduced to zero;

(B) next, an amount equal to the Class E Tier I Distribution Amount shall be distributed to the Class E Unitholders pro rata in accordance with the number of Class E Units held; provided, however, no distribution shall be made with respect to that percentage of the Class E Units that have not vested in accordance with the vesting provisions of such holder’s Management Unit Subscription Agreement. Any amount that would otherwise be distributed to a Class E Unitholder pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(2)(B) but for the application of the preceding sentence shall instead be retained by the Company and paid to such Class E Unitholder if, as and when the unvested units to which such retained amounts relates vests pursuant to the applicable Management Unit Subscription Agreement. Items of income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to amounts retained by the Company pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(2)(B) shall be allocated among the Class E Unitholders holding unvested units in a manner, determined in the Board’s discretion, that equitably reflects each such Class E Unitholders share of the amounts to which such items relate. If any unvested units are forfeited, amounts retained by the Company pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(2)(B) on account of such unvested units shall be distributed in accordance with Section 4.4(a)(4)(E) (i) through (vii) below; and

(C) next, following the distributions pursuant to the immediately preceding clauses (A) and (B) of this Section 4.4(a)(2), 100% of the remaining Distributable Assets up to an amount when the aggregate of all such distributions equal the Class F/G Distribution Threshold Amount shall be distributed in accordance with Section 4.4(a)(4)(E)(i) through (vii) below.

 

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3. After the aggregate of all distributions made after the Class F/G Effective Date equal the Class F/G Distribution Threshold Amount, then 100% of the Distributable Assets in excess of such threshold up to an amount when the aggregate of all such distributions equal the Class H Distribution Threshold Amount shall be made as follows:

(A) first, 100% of such Distributable Assets shall be distributed to the Class F Unitholders and the Class G Unitholders pro rata in accordance with each Class F Unitholders’ and Class G Unitholders’ Unreturned Capital until each such Class F Unitholder’s and Class G Unitholders’ Unreturned Capital has been reduced to zero.

(B) next, an amount equal to the Class F Tier I Distribution Amount shall be distributed to the Class F Unitholders pro rata in accordance with the number of Class F Units held; provided, however, no distribution shall be made with respect to that percentage of the Class F Units that have not vested in accordance with the vesting provisions of such holder’s Management Unit Subscription Agreement. Any amount that would otherwise be distributed to a Class F Unitholder pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(3)(B) but for the application of the preceding sentence shall instead be retained by the Company and paid to such Class F Unitholder if, as and when the unvested units to which such retained amounts relates vests pursuant to the applicable Management Unit Subscription Agreement. Items of income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to amounts retained by the Company pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(3)(B) shall be allocated among the Class F Unitholders holding unvested units in a manner, determined in the Board’s discretion, that equitably reflects each such Class F Unitholders share of the amounts to which such items relate. If any unvested units are forfeited, amounts retained by the Company pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(3)(B) on account of such unvested units shall be distributed first in accordance with subparagraph (3)(D) of this Section 4.4(a), and thereafter in accordance with Section 4.4(a)(4)(E)(i) through (vii) below. In addition, if any Class F Units issued are no longer outstanding and owned by a Unitholder, then any amount that otherwise would have been allocable to such Class F Units pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(3)(B) shall not be reallocated to the Class G Units or the other Class F Units, but instead such amount shall be distributed in accordance with subparagraph (3)(D) of this Section 4.4(a) and thereafter in accordance with Section 4.4(a)(4)(E)(i) through (vii) below.

(C) next, an amount equal to the Class G Tier I Distribution Amount shall be distributed to the Class G Unitholders pro rata in accordance with the number of Class G Units held; provided, however, no distribution shall be made with respect to that percentage of the Class G Units that have not vested in accordance with the vesting provisions of such holder’s Management Unit Subscription Agreement.

 

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Any amount that would otherwise be distributed to a Class G Unitholder pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(3)(C) but for the application of the preceding sentence shall instead be retained by the Company and paid to such Class G Unitholder if, as and when the unvested units to which such retained amounts relates vests pursuant to the applicable Management Unit Subscription Agreement. Items of income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to amounts retained by the Company pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(3)(C) shall be allocated among the Class G Unitholders holding unvested units in a manner, determined in the Board’s discretion, that equitably reflects each such Class G Unitholders share of the amounts to which such items relate. If any unvested units are forfeited, amounts retained by the Company pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(3)(C) on account of such unvested units shall be distributed first in accordance with subparagraph (3)(D) of this Section 4.4(a), and thereafter in accordance with Section 4.4(a)(4)(E)(i) through (vii) below. In addition, if any Class G Units issued are no longer outstanding and owned by a Unitholder, then any amount that otherwise would have been allocable to such Class G Units pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(3)(C) shall not be reallocated to the Class F Units or the other Class G Units, but instead such amount shall be distributed in accordance with subparagraph (3)(D) of this Section 4.4(a) and thereafter in accordance with Section 4.4(a)(4)(E)(i) through (vii) below.

(D) next, an amount equal to the Class E Tier II Distribution Amount shall be distributed to the Class E Unitholders pro rata in accordance with the number of Class E Units held; provided, however, no distribution shall be made with respect to that percentage of the Class E Units that have not vested in accordance with the vesting provisions of such holder’s Management Unit Subscription Agreement. Any amount that would otherwise be distributed to a Class E Unitholder pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(3)(D) but for the application of the preceding sentence shall instead be retained by the Company and paid to such Class E Unitholder if, as and when the unvested units to which such retained amounts relates vests pursuant to the applicable Management Unit Subscription Agreement. Items of income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to amounts retained by the Company pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(3)(D) shall be allocated among the Class E Unitholders holding unvested units in a manner, determined in the Board’s discretion, that equitably reflects each such Class E Unitholders share of the amounts to which such items relate. If any unvested units are forfeited, amounts retained by the Company pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(3)(D) on account of such unvested units shall be distributed in accordance with Section 4.4(a)(4)(E)(i) through (vii) below; and

(E) next, following the distributions pursuant to the immediately preceding clauses (A), (B), (C) and (D), 100% of the remaining Distributable Assets shall be distributed in accordance with this Section 4.4(a)(4)(E)(i) through (vii) below.

 

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4. After the aggregate of all distributions made after the Class H Effective Date equal the Class H Distribution Threshold Amount, then 100% of the Distributable Assets in excess of such threshold shall be made as follows:

(A) first, 100% of such Distributable Assets shall be distributed to the Class H Unitholders pro rata in accordance with each Class H Unitholders’ Unreturned Capital until each such Class H Unitholder’s Unreturned Capital has been reduced to zero.

(B) next, an amount equal to the Class H Distribution Amount shall be distributed to the Class H Unitholders pro rata in accordance with the number of Class H Units held; provided, however, no distribution shall be made with respect to that percentage of the Class H Units that have not vested in accordance with the vesting provisions of such holder’s Management Unit Subscription Agreement. Any amount that would otherwise be distributed to a Class H Unitholder pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(4)(B) but for the application of the preceding sentence shall instead be retained by the Company and paid to such Class H Unitholder if, as and when the unvested units to which such retained amounts relates vests pursuant to the applicable Management Unit Subscription Agreement. Items of income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to amounts retained by the Company pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(4)(B) shall be allocated among the Class H Unitholders holding unvested units in a manner, determined in the Board’s discretion, that equitably reflects each such Class H Unitholders share of the amounts to which such items relate. If any unvested units are forfeited, amounts retained by the Company pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(4)(B) on account of such unvested units shall be distributed first in accordance with subparagraphs (4)(C) and (D) of this Section 4.4(a), and thereafter in accordance with Section 4.4(a)(4)(E)(i) through (vii) below. In addition, if any Class H Units issued are no longer outstanding and owned by a Unitholder, then any amount that otherwise would have been allocable to such Class H Units pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(4)(B) shall not be reallocated to the other Class H Units, but instead such amount shall be distributed in accordance with subparagraphs (4)(C) and (D) of this Section 4.4(a) and thereafter in accordance with Section 4.4(a)(4)(E)(i) through (vii) below.

(C)(i) next, an amount equal to the Class F Tier II Distribution Amount shall be distributed to the Class F Unitholders pro rata in accordance with the number of Class F Units held; provided, however, no distribution shall be made with respect to that percentage of the Class F Units that have not vested in accordance with the vesting provisions of such holder’s Management Unit Subscription Agreement.

 

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Any amount that would otherwise be distributed to a Class F Unitholder pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(4)(C)(i) but for the application of the preceding sentence shall instead be retained by the Company and paid to such Class F Unitholder if, as and when the unvested units to which such retained amounts relates vests pursuant to the applicable Management Unit Subscription Agreement. Items of income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to amounts retained by the Company pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(4)(C)(i) shall be allocated among the Class F Unitholders holding unvested units in a manner, determined in the Board’s discretion, that equitably reflects each such Class F Unitholders share of the amounts to which such items relate. If any unvested units are forfeited, amounts retained by the Company pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(4)(C)(i) on account of such unvested units shall be distributed first in accordance with subparagraph (4)(D) of this Section 4.4(a), and thereafter in accordance with Section 4.4(a)(4)(E)(i) through (vii) below. In addition, if any Class F Units issued are no longer outstanding and owned by a Unitholder, then any amount that otherwise would have been allocable to such Class F Units pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(4)(C)(i) shall not be reallocated to the Class F Units or the other Class G Units, but instead such amount shall be distributed in accordance with subparagraph (4)(D) of this Section 4.4(a) and thereafter in accordance with Section 4.4(a)(4)(E)(i) through (vii) below; and

(ii) next, an amount equal to the Class G Tier II Distribution Amount shall be distributed to the Class G Unitholders pro rata in accordance with the number of Class G Units held; provided, however, no distribution shall be made with respect to that percentage of the Class G Units that have not vested in accordance with the vesting provisions of such holder’s Management Unit Subscription Agreement. Any amount that would otherwise be distributed to a Class G Unitholder pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(4)(C)(ii) but for the application of the preceding sentence shall instead be retained by the Company and paid to such Class G Unitholder if, as and when the unvested units to which such retained amounts relates vests pursuant to the applicable Management Unit Subscription Agreement. Items of income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to amounts retained by the Company pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(4)(C)(ii) shall be allocated among the Class G Unitholders holding unvested units in a manner, determined in the Board’s discretion, that equitably reflects each such Class G Unitholders share of the amounts to which such items relate. If any unvested units are forfeited, amounts retained by the Company pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(4)(C)(ii) on account of such unvested units shall be distributed first in accordance with subparagraph (4)(D) of this Section 4.4(a), and thereafter in accordance with Section 4.4(a)(4)(E)(i) through (vii) below. In addition, if any Class G Units issued are no longer outstanding and owned by a Unitholder, then any amount that otherwise would have been allocable to such Class G Units pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(4)(C)(ii) shall not be reallocated to

 

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the Class F Units or the other Class G Units, but instead such amount shall be distributed in accordance with subparagraph (4)(D) of this Section 4.4(a) and thereafter in accordance with Section 4.4(a)(4)(E)(i) through (vii) below.

(D) next, an amount equal to the Class E Tier III Distribution Amount shall be distributed to the Class E Unitholders pro rata in accordance with the number of Class E Units held; provided, however, no distribution shall be made with respect to that percentage of the Class E Units that have not vested in accordance with the vesting provisions of such holder’s Management Unit Subscription Agreement. Any amount that would otherwise be distributed to a Class E Unitholder pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(4)(D) but for the application of the preceding sentence shall instead be retained by the Company and paid to such Class E Unitholder if, as and when the unvested units to which such retained amounts relates vests pursuant to the applicable Management Unit Subscription Agreement. Items of income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to amounts retained by the Company pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(4)(D) shall be allocated among the Class E Unitholders holding unvested units in a manner, determined in the Board’s discretion, that equitably reflects each such Class E Unitholders share of the amounts to which such items relate. If any unvested units are forfeited, amounts retained by the Company pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(4)(D) on account of such unvested units shall be distributed in accordance with Section 4.4(a)(4)(E)(i) through (vii) below; and

(E) next, following the distributions pursuant to the immediately preceding clauses (A), (B), (C) and (D), 100% of the remaining Distributable Assets shall be distributed in accordance with this Section 4.4(a)(4)(E)(i) through (vii) below.

(i) First, 100% of the Distributable Assets shall be distributed to the Unitholders pro rata in accordance with each such Unitholder’s Unreturned Capital until each such Unitholder’s Unreturned Capital has been reduced to zero;

(ii) Second, after the required distributions pursuant to subparagraph (i) above, 100% of the Distributable Assets shall be distributed to the holders of Class A Units and Class B Units, pro rata in accordance with the aggregate amount of such Unitholders’ Unpaid Preferred Return until each such Unitholder’s Unpaid Preferred Return has been reduced to zero;

(iii) Third, after the required distributions pursuant to subparagraph (ii) above, until the First Performance Hurdle has been satisfied, 100% of the Distributable Assets shall be distributed as follows:

(A) 92.5% to the holders of Class A Units and Class B Units, pro rata in accordance with the number of Class A Units and Class B Units held by each such Unitholder; and

 

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(B)(1) a percentage, equal to the product of (x) 7.5% multiplied by (y) the Class C Fraction, to the holders of Class C Units, pro rata in accordance with the number of Class C Units held by each such Unitholder, and (2) a percentage, if any, equal to the product of (x) 7.5% multiplied by (y) one minus the Class C Fraction, to the holders of Class A and Class B Units, pro rata in accordance with the number of Class A Units and Class B Units held by each such Unitholder;

(iv) Fourth, after the required distributions pursuant to subparagraph (iii) above and after the First Performance Hurdle has been met, 100% of the Distributable Assets shall be distributed to the holders of Class C Units, pro rata in accordance with the number of Class C Units held by each such Unitholder, until the cumulative amount of distributions made to holders of Class C Units pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(3)(E)(iv) and Section 4.4(a)(3)(E)(iii)(B)(1) above is equal to (1) the product of (x) 12.5% multiplied by (y) the Class C Fraction, multiplied by (2) the cumulative distributions made to all Unitholders pursuant to this Section 4.4(a)(3)(E)(iv) and Section 4.4(a)(3)(E)(iii) above;

(v) Fifth, after the required distributions pursuant to subparagraph (iv) above, until the Second Performance Hurdle has been satisfied, 100% of the Distributable Assets shall be distributed as follows:

(A) 87.5% to the holders of Class A Units and Class B Units, pro rata in accordance with the number of Class A Units and Class B Units held by each such Unitholder; and

(B)(1) a percentage, equal to the product of (x) 12.5% multiplied by (y) the Class C Fraction, to the holders of Class C Units, pro rata in accordance with the number of Class C Units held by each such Unitholder, and (2) a percentage, if any, equal to the product of (x) 12.5% multiplied by (y) one minus the Class C Fraction, to the holders of Class A and Class B Units, pro rata in accordance with the number of Class A Units and Class B Units held by each such Unitholder;

(vi) Sixth, after the required distributions pursuant to subparagraph (v) above, until the Third Performance Hurdle has been satisfied, 100% of the Distributable Assets shall be distributed as follows:

(A) 75% to the holders of Class A Units and Class B Units, pro rata in accordance with the number of Class A Units and Class B Units held by each such Unitholder; and

 

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(B)(1) a percentage, equal to the product of (x) 25% multiplied by (y) the Class C Fraction, to the holders of Class C Units, pro rata in accordance with the number of Class C Units held by each such Unitholder, and (2) a percentage, if any, equal to the product of (x) 25% multiplied by (y) one minus the Class C Fraction, to the holders of Class A and Class B Units, pro rata in accordance with the number of Class A Units and Class B Units held by each such Unitholder; and

(vii) Seventh, after the required distributions pursuant to subparagraph (vi) above and after the Third Performance Hurdle has been met, 100% of the Distributable Assets shall be distributed as follows:

(A) 67.5% to the holders of Class A Units and Class B Units, pro rata in accordance with the number of Class A Units and Class B Units held by each such Unitholder; and

(B)(1) a percentage, equal to the product of (x) 32.5% multiplied by (y) the Class C Fraction to the holders of Class C Units, pro rata in accordance with the number of Class C Units held by each such Unitholder, and (2) a percentage, if any, equal to the product of (x) 32.5% multiplied by (y) one minus the Class C Fraction, to the holders of Class A Units and Class B Units, pro rata in accordance with the number of Class A Units and Class B Units held by each such Unitholder;

provided that, if the Distributable Assets being distributed consist of more than one kind of asset, all Distributable Assets consisting of cash must be distributed before any other kind of asset is distributed.

(b) Successors. For purposes of determining the amount of distributions under this Section 4.4, each Unitholder shall be treated as having received amounts received by its predecessors in respect of any of such Unitholder’s Units.

(c) Tax Distributions. Subject to the Act and to any restrictions contained in any agreement to which the Company is bound, no later than the tenth day of each March, June, September and December, the Company shall, to the extent of available cash, make a tax distribution to each Unitholder in an amount equal to the excess of (i) the product of (A) the cumulative taxable income (including any guaranteed payments for services that are not actually received by such Unitholder in cash) attributable to the Unitholder’s investment as reported on the Unitholder’s Schedule K-1 allocated by the Company to the Unitholder, in excess of the cumulative taxable loss attributable to the Unitholder’s investment as reported on the Unitholder’s Schedule K-1 allocated by the Company to the Unitholder and (B) the combined maximum federal, state and local marginal income tax rate (taking into account the deductibility of state and local taxes and adjusted appropriately to take into account the varying rates applicable to capital gains, qualified dividend income and ordinary income) applicable to individual residents of New York, New York, over (ii) all prior distributions pursuant to this Section 4.4. All distributions made to a Unitholder pursuant to this Section 4.4(c) on account of the

 

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taxable income allocated to such Unitholder shall be treated as advance distributions under Section 4.4(a) or Section 5.2 and shall be taken into account in determining the amount of future distributions to such Unitholder. For purposes of determining the amount of distributions to be made to the Unitholders pursuant to Section 4.4(a) or Section 5.2, distributions made pursuant to this Section 4.4(c) shall be deemed made at such time as they offset distributions being made pursuant to Section 4.4(a) or Section 5.2.

SECTION 4.5 Security Interest and Right of Set-Off. As security for any withholding tax or other liability or obligation to which the Company may be subject as a result of any act or status of any Unitholder, or to which the Company may become subject with respect to the interest of any Unitholder, the Company shall have (and each Unitholder hereby grants to the Company) a security interest in all Distributable Assets distributable to such Unitholder to the extent of the amount of such withholding tax or other liability or obligation. The Company shall have a right of setoff against such distributions of Distributable Assets in the amount of such withholding tax or other liability or obligation, subject to the proviso in the first sentence of Section 4.3(f). The Company may withhold distributions or portions thereof if it is required to do so by the Code or any other provision of federal, state or local tax or other law. Any amount withheld pursuant to the Code or any other provision of federal, state or local tax or other law with respect to any distribution to a Unitholder shall be treated as an amount distributed to such Unitholder for all purposes under this Agreement.

ARTICLE V.

WITHDRAWAL; DISSOLUTION; TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS;

ADMISSION OF NEW MEMBERS

SECTION 5.1 Unitholder Withdrawal. No Unitholder shall have the power or right to withdraw or otherwise resign or be expelled from the Company prior to the dissolution and winding up of the Company except pursuant to a transfer permitted under this Agreement of all of such Unitholder’s Units to an Assignee, a Member or the Company. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Act, in no event shall any Unitholder be deemed to have withdrawn from the Company or cease to be a Unitholder upon the occurrence of any of the events specified in this Agreement, or any events similar thereto, unless the Unitholder, after the occurrence of any such event, indicates in a written instrument that the Unitholder has so withdrawn.

SECTION 5.2 Dissolution.

(a) Events. The Company shall be dissolved and its affairs shall be wound up on the first to occur of the following:

(i) the unanimous vote of the Management Committee;

(ii)(a) the written consent of the Members holding a majority of the outstanding Class A Units, and (b) the written consent of the Members holding a majority of the outstanding Class B Units;

 

36


(iii) the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of the Company under Section 18-802 of the Act;

(iv) upon consummation of a Sale of the Company (as defined in the Securityholders Agreement), upon consummation of a Public Offering (as defined in the Securityholders Agreement) or upon consummation of a merger or consolidation pursuant to which the Company is not the surviving entity, each with the consent of a majority of the Management Committee; and

(v) upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company or Holdings.

Except as provided in this Agreement, the death, retirement, resignation, expulsion, incapacity, bankruptcy or dissolution of a Member, or the occurrence of any other event that terminates the continued membership of a Member in the Company, shall not cause a dissolution of the Company, and the Company shall continue in existence subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

(b) Actions Upon Dissolution. When the Company is dissolved, the business and property of the Company shall be wound up and liquidated by the Management Committee or, in the event of the unavailability of the Management Committee, such Member or other liquidating trustee as shall be named by the Management Committee.

(c) Priority. Within 120 calendar days after the effective date of dissolution of the Company, whether by expiration of its full term or otherwise, the assets of the Company shall be distributed in the following manner and order:

(i) All debts and obligations of the Company, if any, shall first be paid, discharged or provided for by adequate reserves; and

(ii) The balance shall be distributed to the Unitholders in accordance with Section 4.4.

(d) Cancellation of Certificate. On completion of the distribution of Company assets as provided herein, the Company is terminated, and shall file a certificate of cancellation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, cancel any other filings made and take such other actions as may be necessary to terminate the Company.

SECTION 5.3 Transfer by Unitholders. Subject to the Securityholders Agreement and this Agreement, a Unitholder may transfer or assign all or part of its interest as a Unitholder in the Company to any Person that agrees in writing to assume the responsibility of a Unitholder. Any Member who shall assign any Units in the Company shall cease to be a Member of the Company with respect to such Units and shall no longer have any rights or privileges of a Member with respect to such Units. Any Member or Assignee who acquires in any manner whatsoever any Units, irrespective of whether such Person has accepted and adopted in writing the terms and provisions of this Agreement, shall be deemed by the acceptance of the

 

37


benefits of the acquisition thereof to have agreed to be subject to and bound by all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement that any predecessor in such Units or other interest in the Company was subject to or by which such predecessor was bound. No Member shall cease to be a Member upon the collateral assignment of, or the pledging or granting of a security interest in, its entire interest in the Company.

SECTION 5.4 Admission or Substitution of New Members.

(a) Admission. The Management Committee shall have the right, subject to Section 5.3, to admit as a Substitute Member or an Additional Member, any Person who acquires an interest in the Company, or any part thereof, from a Member or from the Company; provided that, the Management Committee shall admit as a Substitute Member, subject to Section 5.4(b), any transferee who acquires an interest in the Company pursuant to an Exempt Transfer (as such term is defined in the Securityholders Agreement). Concurrently with the admission of a Substitute Member or an Additional Member, the Management Committee shall forthwith cause any necessary papers to be filed and recorded and notice to be given wherever and to the extent required showing the substitution of a transferee as a Substitute Member in place of the transferring Member, or the admission of an Additional Member, all at the expense, including payment of any professional and filing fees incurred, of the Substitute Member or the Additional Member.

(b) Conditions. The admission of any Person as a Substitute or Additional Member shall be conditioned upon (i) such Person’s written acceptance and adoption of all the terms and provisions of this Agreement, either by (X) execution and delivery of a counterpart signature page to this Agreement countersigned by a Representative on behalf of the Company or (Y) any other writing evidencing the intent of such Person to become a Substitute Member or Additional Member and such writing is accepted by the Management Committee on behalf of the Company and (ii) (at the request of the Management Committee) such Person’s execution and delivery of a counterpart to the Securityholders Agreement.

SECTION 5.5 Compliance with Law. Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no sale or other disposition of an interest in the Company may be made except in compliance with all federal, state and other applicable laws, including federal and state securities laws. Nothing in this Section 5.5 shall be construed to limit or otherwise affect any of the provisions of the Securityholders Agreement or the Management Unit Subscription Agreements, and to the extent any such provisions apply, they are then to be construed as being incorporated in this Agreement and made a part hereof.

ARTICLE VI.

REPORTS TO MEMBERS; TAX MATTERS

SECTION 6.1 Books of Account. Appropriate books of account shall be kept by the Management Committee, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, at the principal place of business of the Company, and each Member shall have access to all books, records and accounts of the Company and the right to make copies thereof for any purpose reasonably related to the Member’s interest as a member of the Company, in each case, under such conditions and restrictions as the Management Committee may reasonably prescribe.

 

38


SECTION 6.2 Reports.

(a) Financial Statements. As promptly as practicable after the close of each fiscal year of the Company, the Management Committee shall cause an examination of the financial statements of the Company as of the end of each such fiscal year to be made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards as in effect on the date thereof, by a firm of certified public accountants selected by the Management Committee. Within 60 days after the close of each fiscal year, a copy of the financial statements of the Company, including the report of such certified public accountants, shall be furnished to each Unitholder and shall include, as of the end of such fiscal year:

(i) a statement prepared by the Company setting forth the balance of each Unitholder’s Capital Account and the amount of that Unitholder’s allocable share of the Company’s items of Net Income or Net Loss and deduction, capital gain and loss or credit for such year for each of its Economic Interests; and

(ii) a balance sheet, a statement of income and expense and a statement of changes in cash flows of the Company for that fiscal year.

In addition, the Unitholders shall be supplied with all other Company information necessary to enable each Unitholder to prepare its federal, state, and local income tax returns, which information shall include a Schedule K-1.

(b) Determinations. All determinations, valuations and other matters of judgment required to be made for accounting purposes under this Agreement shall be made by the Management Committee and shall be conclusive and binding on all Unitholders, their Successors in Interest and any other Person, and to the fullest extent permitted by law, no such Person shall have the right to an accounting or an appraisal of the assets of the Company or any successor thereto; provided, however, that with respect to determinations or valuations related to any determination of which performance hurdle applies with respect to any Company assets distributed in kind, if the holders of a majority of the Class B Units disagree in good faith with the Management Committee’s determination, then such holders through a single representative shall promptly notify the Company in writing of such disagreement, in which event an independent appraiser, accountant or investment banking firm (the “Arbiter”) selected by mutual agreement of such holders and the Management Committee shall make a determination of the Gross Asset Value of the Company assets distributed in kind or other disputed item thereof solely by (i) reviewing a single written presentation timely made by each of the Company and the representative of such holders setting forth their respective resolutions of the dispute and the bases therefor and (ii) accepting either such holders’ or the Company’s proposed resolution of the dispute. Promptly following the Company’s receipt of such holders’ written notice of disagreement, the Company shall make available to such holders all data (including reports of employees and outside advisors) relied upon by the Management Committee in making its determination. Such holders’ and the Company’s

 

39


written presentations must be submitted to the Arbiter within 30 days of the Arbiter’s engagement. The Arbiter shall notify the representative of such holders and the Company of its decision within 40 days of its engagement. The party whose proposed resolution is not accepted shall pay all of the Arbiter’s fees and expenses, which in the case of the holders shall be limited only to those holders challenging the Management Committee determination. If such holders’ proposed resolution is accepted, the Company also shall pay all of such holders’ reasonable out-of-pocket fees and expenses (including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel and one appraiser, accountant or investment banking firm) incurred in connection with the arbitration. Each of the Company and such holders agrees to execute, if requested by the Arbiter, a reasonable engagement letter with the Arbiter.

SECTION 6.3 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Company shall end on December 31st of each calendar year unless otherwise determined by the Management Committee in accordance with Section 706 of the Code.

SECTION 6.4 Certain Tax Matters.

(a) Preparation of Returns. The Management Committee shall cause to be prepared all federal, state and local tax returns of the Company for each year for which such returns are required to be filed and shall cause such returns to be timely filed. The Management Committee shall determine the appropriate treatment of each item of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Company and the accounting methods and conventions under the tax laws of the United States, the several states and other relevant jurisdictions as to the treatment of any such item or any other method or procedure related to the preparation of such tax returns. The Management Committee may cause the Company to make or refrain from making any and all elections permitted by such tax laws. Each Unitholder agrees that it shall not, except as otherwise required by applicable law or regulatory requirements, (i) treat, on its individual income tax returns, any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit relating to its interest in the Company in a manner inconsistent with the treatment of such item by the Company as reflected on the Form K-1 or other information statement furnished by the Company to such Unitholder for use in preparing its income tax returns or (ii) file any claim for refund relating to any such item based on, or which would result in, such inconsistent treatment. In respect of an income tax audit of any tax return of the Company, the filing of any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Company, or any administrative or judicial proceedings arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, (A) the Tax Matters Member (as defined below) shall be authorized to act for, and its decision shall be final and binding upon, the Company and all Unitholders except to the extent a Unitholder shall properly elect to be excluded from such proceeding pursuant to the Code, (B) all expenses incurred by the Tax Matters Member in connection therewith (including attorneys’, accountants’ and other experts’ fees and disbursements) shall be expenses of, and payable by, the Company, (C) no Unitholder shall have the right to (1) participate in the audit of any Company tax return, (2) file any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit (other than items which are not partnership items within the

 

40


meaning of Section 6231(a)(4) of the Code or which cease to be partnership items under Section 6231(b) of the Code) reflected on any tax return of the Company, (3) participate in any administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Company or the Tax Matters Member arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, or (4) appeal, challenge or otherwise protest any adverse findings in any such audit conducted by the Company or the Tax Matters Member or with respect to any such amended return or claim for refund filed by the Company or the Tax Matters Member or in any such administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Company or the Tax Matters Member and (D) the Tax Matters Member shall keep the Unitholders reasonably apprised of the status of any such proceeding. Notwithstanding the previous sentence, if a petition for a readjustment to any partnership item included in a final partnership administrative adjustment is filed with a District Court or the Court of Claims and the IRS has elected to assess income tax against a Member with respect to that final partnership administrative adjustments (rather than suspending assessments until the District Court or Court of Claims proceedings become final), such Member shall be permitted to file a claim for refund within such period of time to avoid application of any statute of limitation provisions which would otherwise prevent the Member from having any claim based on the final outcome of that review.

(b) Tax Matters Member. The Company and each Member hereby designate Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund V, L.P. as the “tax matters partner” for purposes of Section 6231(a)(7) of the Code (the “Tax Matters Member”).

(c) Certain Filings. Upon the sale of Company assets or a liquidation of the Company, Unitholders shall provide the Management Committee with certain tax filings as reasonably requested by the Management Committee and required under applicable law.

ARTICLE VII.

MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 7.1 Schedules. Without in any way limiting the provisions of Section 6.2, a Representative may from time to time execute on behalf of the Company and deliver to the Unitholders schedules which set forth the then current Capital Account balances of each Unitholder and any other matters deemed appropriate by the Management Committee or required by applicable law. Such schedules shall be for information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be part of this Agreement for any purpose whatsoever.

SECTION 7.2 Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT IS GOVERNED BY AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, EXCLUDING ANY CONFLICT-OF-LAWS RULE OR PRINCIPLE THAT MIGHT REFER THE GOVERNANCE OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THIS AGREEMENT TO THE LAW OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION. In the event of a direct conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and any provision of the Certificate or any mandatory provision of the Act, the applicable provision of the Certificate or the Act shall control. If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any Person or circumstance is held invalid or

 

41


unenforceable to any extent, the remainder of this Agreement and the application of that provision to other Persons or circumstances is not affected thereby and that provision shall be enforced to the greatest extent permitted by law.

SECTION 7.3 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective Successors in Interest; provided that no Person claiming by, through or under a Member (whether as such Member’s Successor in Interest or otherwise), as distinct from such Member itself, shall have any rights as, or in respect to, a Member (including the right to approve or vote on any matter or to notice thereof).

SECTION 7.4 Confidentiality. By executing this Agreement, for three years from the receipt thereof, each Member expressly agrees to maintain the confidentiality of, and not to disclose to any Person other than the Company, another Member or a Person designated by the Company or any of their respective financial planners, accountants, attorneys or other advisors, any information relating to the business, financial structure, financial position or financial results, clients or affairs of the Company that shall not be generally known to the public, except as otherwise required by law or by any regulatory or self-regulatory organization having jurisdiction and except in the case of any Member who is employed by any entity controlled by the Company in the ordinary course of its duties. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein or in any other agreement to which the parties hereto are parties or by which they are bound, the obligations of confidentiality contained herein and therein, as they relate to an investment in Membership Interests (the “Transaction”), shall not apply to the tax structure or tax treatment of the Transaction, and each party hereto (and any employee, representative, or agent of any party hereto) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax structure and tax treatment of the Transaction and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analysis) that are provided to such party relating to such tax treatment and tax structure; provided, however, that such disclosure shall not include the name (or other identifying information not relevant to the tax structure or tax treatment) of any person and shall not include information for which nondisclosure is reasonably necessary in order to comply with applicable securities laws.

SECTION 7.5 Amendments. The Management Committee may, to the fullest extent allowable under Delaware law, amend or modify this Agreement; provided that, if an amendment or modification adversely affects any class of Members, such class of Members must approve such amendment or modification; provided further that, the Management Committee may amend this Agreement without the consent of any class of Members in order to provide for the issuance of any Company units in accordance with Section 2.9 hereof and the terms of the Management Unit Subscription Agreements and to make any such other amendments as it deems necessary or desirable to reflect such additional issuances provided that, no such amendment shall adversely affect the relationship among the Class A Units, Class B Units, Class C Units, Class E Units, Class F Units, Class G Units and Class H Units as set forth herein; provided further that no amendment shall be effective if such amendment results in Units held by a Member being redesignated to a different class of Unit than the class of which it is then included, without such Member’s consent.

 

42


SECTION 7.6 Notices. Whenever notice is required or permitted by this Agreement to be given, such notice shall be in writing and shall be given to any Unitholder at its address or telecopy number shown in the Company’s books and records, or, if given to the Company, at the following address:

c/o Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P.

75 State Street

Boston, MA 02109

Attention: Anthony DiNovi

Attention: Kent Weldon

Attention: Joshua Bresler

Telecopy: (617) 227-3514

with a copy to:

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

100 Federal Street

Boston, MA 02110

Attention: James Westra, Esq.

Attention: Marilyn French

Telecopy: (617) 772-8333

Each proper notice shall be effective upon any of the following: (i) personal delivery to the recipient, (ii) when telecopied to the recipient (with hard copy sent to the recipient by reputable overnight courier service that same day or the next business day (charges prepaid)), (iii) one business day after being sent to the recipient by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid) or (iv) two business days after being deposited in the mails (first class or airmail postage prepaid).

SECTION 7.7 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts (including by means of telecopied signature pages), all of which together shall constitute a single instrument.

SECTION 7.8 Power of Attorney. Each Member hereby irrevocably appoints each Representative as such Member’s true and lawful representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Member’s name, place and stead, (i) to make, execute, sign and file all instruments, documents and certificates which, from time to time, may be required to set forth any amendment to this Agreement or which may be required by this Agreement or by the laws of the United States of America, the State of Delaware or any other state in which the Company shall determine to do business, or any political subdivision or agency thereof and (ii) to execute, implement and continue the valid and subsisting existence of the Company or to qualify and continue the Company as a foreign limited liability company in all jurisdictions in which the Company may conduct business. The chief executive officer, as representative and attorney-in-fact, however, shall not have any rights, powers or authority to amend or modify this Agreement when acting in such capacity, except as expressly provided herein. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the subsequent withdrawal from the Company of any Member for any reason and shall survive and shall not be affected by the disability or incapacity of such Member.

 

43


SECTION 7.9 Entire Agreement; Interpretation. This Agreement amends, restates and supersedes in its entirety the Original Agreement. This Agreement and the other documents and agreements referred to herein or entered into concurrently herewith embody the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein; provided that, such other agreements and documents shall not be deemed to be a part of, a modification of or an amendment to this Agreement. There are no restrictions, promises, representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings, other than those expressly set forth or referred to herein. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter. Unless otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement, references to “as of the date of this Agreement” refer to November 20, 2003 and not this Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement.

SECTION 7.10 Section Titles. Section titles and headings are for descriptive purposes only and shall not control or alter the meaning of this Agreement as set forth in the text hereof.

 

44


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

MICHAEL FOODS INVESTORS, LLC
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
MEMBERS:
THOMAS H. LEE EQUITY FUND V, L.P.
By:   THL Equity Advisors V, LLC, its general partners
By:   Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., its sole member
By:   Thomas H. Lee Advisors LLC, its general partner
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title: Managing Director
THOMAS H. LEE PARALLEL FUND V, L.P.
By:   THL Equity Advisors V, LLC, its general partner
By:   Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., its sole member
By:   Thomas H. Lee Advisors LLC, its general partner
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title: Managing Director


COUNTERPART SIGNATURE PAGE TO THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

 

THOMAS H. LEE CAYMAN FUND V, L.P.
By:   THL Equity Advisors V, LLC, its general partner
By:   Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., its sole member
By:   Thomas H. Lee Advisors LLC, its general partner
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title: Managing Director


COUNTERPART SIGNATURE PAGE TO THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

 

 

Gregg A. Ostrander

 

John D. Reedy
EX-10.66 3 dex1066.htm FOURTH AMENDMENT TO MICHAEL FOODS INVESTORS, LLC SECURITYHOLDERS AGREEMENT Fourth Amendment to Michael Foods Investors, LLC Securityholders Agreement

Exhibit 10.66

FOURTH AMENDMENT TO MICHAEL FOODS INVESTORS, LLC

SECURITYHOLDERS AGREEMENT

This FOURTH AMENDMENT TO MICHAEL FOODS INVESTORS, LLC SECURITYHOLDERS AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”) is entered into and made effective as of this December 21, 2009, by and among Michael Foods Investors, LLC (f/k/a THL-MF Investors, LLC), a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), and the holders of (i) a majority of the outstanding Class A Units of the Company, and (ii) the holders of a majority of the Employee Securities. Capitalized terms used herein which are not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Securityholders Agreement dated as of November 20, 2003 entered into by the Company, the undersigned and the other parties thereto, as amended to date (the “Securityholders Agreement”).

WHEREAS, the Company has established a new class of units of the Company designated as Class H Units;

WHEREAS, concurrently herewith the Company is issuing Class H Units of the Company to Jonathan A. Merkle, and admitting Mr. Merkle as a new Member of the Company; and

WHEREAS, the parties hereto wish to amend the Securityholders Agreement as set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises made herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby covenant and agree as follows:

1. Definitions.

1.1. Section 8.1 of the Securityholders Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following definition in the appropriate alphabetical order:

Class H Units” has the meaning set forth in the LLC Agreement.

1.2. Section 8.1 of the Securityholders Agreement is hereby amended by deleting clause (a) of the definition of “Employee Securities” and replacing it with the following:

“(a) the Preferred Units, Class A Units, Class B Units, Class C Units, Class E Units, Class F Units, Class G Units and Class H Units acquired on or after November 20, 2003 under the Management Subscription Agreements.”


1.3. Section 8.1 of the Securityholders Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the existing definition of “LLC Agreement” and replacing it with the following:

“LLC Agreement” means the Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement dated as of December 21, 2009 among the Company, THL and the other parties hereto.

1.4. Section 8.1 of the Securityholders Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the definition of “Units” in its entirety and replacing it with the following:

“Units” means the Company’s Class A Units, Class B Units, Class C Units, Class E Units, Class F Units, Class G Units or Class H Units.”

2. Miscellaneous.

2.1. Complete Agreement. Unless another agreement is expressly referenced, this Amendment and the Securityholders Agreement embody the complete agreement and understanding among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and terminate, supersede, and preempt any prior understandings, agreements, or representations by or among the parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way. Except as amended hereby, the Securityholders Agreement remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

2.2. Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Amendment will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Amendment is held to be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision will be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of this Amendment.

2.3. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, any one of which need not contain the signatures of more than one party hereto, but each of which will be considered an original and all of which taken together will constitute one and the same Amendment.

2.4. Governing Law. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Amendment will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware.

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

- 2 -


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Amendment as of the date first written above.

 

MICHAEL FOODS INVESTORS, LLC
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
CLASS A UNITHOLDERS:
THOMAS H. LEE EQUITY FUND V, L.P.
By:   THL Equity Advisors V, LLC, its general partners
By:   Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., its sole member
By:   Thomas H. Lee Advisors LLC, its general partner
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title: Managing Director
THOMAS H. LEE PARALLEL FUND V, L.P.
By:   THL Equity Advisors V, LLC, its general partner
By:   Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., its sole member
By:   Thomas H. Lee Advisors LLC, its general partner
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title: Managing Director

 

- 3 -


COUNTERPART SIGNATURE PAGE TO

SECURITYHOLDERS AGREEMENT

 

THOMAS H. LEE CAYMAN FUND V, L.P.
By:   THL Equity Advisors V, LLC, its general partner
By:   Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., its sole member
By:   Thomas H. Lee Advisors LLC, its general partner
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title: Managing Director
EMPLOYEE SECURITIES:
Gregg A. Ostrander Revocable Trust
By:  

 

  Name: Gregg A. Ostrander
  Title: Trustee

Ostrander Irrevocable Trust

f/b/o David Ashton Ostrander

By:  

 

  Name: Kristin Ostrander
  Title: Trustee

Ostrander Irrevocable Trust

f/b/o Joseph Gregory Ostrander

By:  

 

  Name: Kristin Ostrander
  Title: Trustee

 

- 4 -


Ostrander Irrevocable Trust

f/b/o Gregory Christian Ostrander

By:  

 

  Name: Kristin Ostrander
  Title: Trustee
John D. Reedy Revocable Trust
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

- 5 -

EX-12.1 4 dex121.htm COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges

Exhibit 12.1

MICHAEL FOODS, INC.

(A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of M-Foods Holdings, Inc.)

COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

For the years ended January 2, 2010, January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007, December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

(In thousands, Except Ratios)

 

     2009     2008    2007     2006     2005  

Earnings:

           

Earnings (loss) before income taxes and equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiary

   $ 107,708      $ 68,007    $ 42,956      $ 38,162      $ 53,580   

Add:

           

Fixed charges

     47,156        44,500      55,820        60,206        50,128   

Subtract:

           

Interest capitalized

     (468     —        (93     (803     (461
                                       

Adjusted Earnings

   $ 154,396      $ 112,507    $ 98,683      $ 97,565      $ 103,247   
                                       

Fixed Charges:

           

Interest expensed

   $ 39,095      $ 38,829    $ 49,624      $ 54,036      $ 46,859   

Interest portion of rentals

     1,916        1,847      1,761        1,427        1,276   

Amortization of financing costs

     6,145        3,824      4,435        4,743        1,993   
                                       
   $ 47,156      $ 44,500    $ 55,820      $ 60,206      $ 50,128   
                                       

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

     3.27        2.53      1.77        1.62        2.06   
                                       
EX-21.1 5 dex211.htm SUBSIDIARIES OF MICHAEL FOODS, INC. Subsidiaries of Michael Foods, Inc.

Exhibit 21.1

SUBSIDIARIES OF MICHAEL FOODS, INC.

 

Name

  

Incorporation

Crystal Farms Refrigerated Distribution Company    Minnesota
Northern Star Co.    Minnesota
KMS Dairy, Inc.    Minnesota
M. G. Waldbaum Company    Nebraska
Papetti’s Hygrade Egg Products, Inc.    Minnesota
Casa Trucking, Inc.    Minnesota
Wisco Farm Cooperative    Wisconsin
WFC, Inc.    Wisconsin
Farm Fresh Foods, Inc.    Nevada
Michael Foods of Delaware, Inc.    Delaware
Minnesota Products, Inc.    Minnesota
MFI Food Canada, Ltd.    Canada
Trilogy Egg Products, Inc.    Canada
Abbotsford Farms, Inc.    Minnesota
MFI Food Asia, LLC    Delaware
MFI International, Inc.    Minnesota
EX-31.1 6 dex311.htm SECTION 302 CEO CERTIFICATION Section 302 CEO Certification

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, James E. Dwyer, Jr., certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Michael Foods, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation;

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter of 2009 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 25, 2010

 

/s/ James E. Dwyer, Jr.

Chief Executive Officer and President
EX-31.2 7 dex312.htm SECTION 302 CFO CERTIFICATION Section 302 CFO Certification

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, Mark W. Westphal, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Michael Foods, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation;

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter of 2009 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 25, 2010

 

/s/ Mark W. Westphal

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
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