10-K 1 j0209_10k.htm Prepared by MerrillDirect

Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K
(Mark One)

/x/ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000

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

For the Transition period from          to     

Commission File Number: 0-23846

MBC HOLDING COMPANY
(Name of small business issuer in its charter)

Minnesota 41-1702599
(State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization) Identification No.)

882 West Seventh Street
Saint Paul, MN 55102
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (651) 228-9173

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, $.01 par value

          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes /x/ No / /

          Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of Regulation S-K in this form, and no disclosure will be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K for any amendment to this Form 10-K. /  /

          On March 23, 2001, the Company had 3,506,860 shares of common stock, $.01 par value and 607,745 shares of Class A convertible preferred stock outstanding. Each share of Class A convertible preferred stock outstanding is convertible into one share of common stock.

          The aggregate market value of the shares of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Company (persons other than directors and officers) computed at the basis of the last reported sale of $2.19 per share on, March 23, 2001 was approximately $3,393,000.

             DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: The Company's Proxy Statement for its 2001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

 

MBC HOLDING COMPANY
FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I  
Item 1. Business
Item 2. Property
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
   
PART II  
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis Of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9. Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
   
PART III  
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
Item 11 Executive Compensation
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
   
PART IV  
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
   
SIGNATURES

 

PART I

Item 1.        Business

Overview

          The Company was formed in 1991 as Minnesota Brewing Company and changed its name to MBC Holding Company ("Company"), effective January 1, 2000. The Company has formed a new wholly owned subsidiary, Minnesota Brewing Company, LLC. The Company, and its subsidiary, brews, packages, and sells beverage products. The Company also has a minority interest in Gopher State Ethanol, LLC ("Gopher State") a Delaware Limited Liability Company formed in 1999 to produce ethanol, distilled grains and raw carbon dioxide ("CO2") gas. Additionally in 1999, the Company formed MG-CO2 St. Paul ("CO2  Joint Venture"), a joint venture with an unrelated third party to produce liquid carbon dioxide. All of the aforementioned businesses are located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The Company leases its production facilities and certain of its equipment from Gopher State. Previously, the Company leased these assets from another related entity, Minnesota Brewing Limited Partnership (the "Partnership"). See Note 3 of the Financial Statements for disclosure on Related Party Transactions.

          The Company operates a full scale brewery in Saint Paul, Minnesota producing its proprietary Grain Belt, Pig's Eye, and Yellow Belly beers and markets these beers through an independent distribution network, primarily in Minnesota. The Company produces beers under a number of brand names, including Grain Belt, Grain Belt Premium, Grain Belt Light, Grain Belt Premium Light, Pig's Eye Pilsner, Pig's Eye Lean, Pig's Eye Ice, Pig's Eye Red, Pig's Eye Non-alcoholic and Yellow Belly.

          The Company's Grain Belt family product line is the Company's best selling product. The brand, which the Company acquired and commenced producing in 1991, is over a hundred years old and has maintained its market share locally, in part, because the Company reintroduced Grain Belt with a style and taste similar to the product's traditional characteristics when it maintained a significant share of the Minnesota market.  The Company created the Pig's Eye brand in 1992 and since that time the product has become popular in its market.  The Company created Yellow Belly in 1996 as an alcoholic alternative beverage with a distinct lemon flavoring. In 1998, the Yellow Belly line was extended to include both Margarita and Long Island Tea malt beverages.

          The Company also produces other beverages under contract packaging arrangements and private label contracts. Under its contract packaging arrangements, the Company produces beverages for separate brewing companies according to those brewers' formulas. Under private label contracts, the Company packages its proprietary beers for sale by third parties under brand names owned by the third parties.

          Until March 29, 1999, the Company leased its brewing facilities and related equipment from the Partnership. On March 29, 1999, the Partnership contributed these assets to Gopher State in exchange for an equity interest in Gopher State. As a result, the Company now leases its brewing facilities and related equipment from Gopher State. The Company generated net sales of $17.7 million in 1999 and net sales of $25.5 million in 2000.  The Company produced approximately 354,000 barrels in 1999 and 616,000 barrels in 2000.   The Company currently has a brewing capacity of approximately 900,000 barrels.  The Company believes that the existence of the additional brewing capacity has enabled and will continue to allow the Company to increase its production without substantial additional capital outlays.

          Substantially all of the Company's proprietary beers are sold domestically through approximately 50 independent distributors. During 2000, approximately 85.4 percent of the Company's proprietary beer sales volume reached retail channels through its 12 largest distributors. The Company provides point-of-sale advertising and sales promotion programs to help stimulate sales.

          The quality of the Company's products has been attested to through various beer festivals and taste test mediums but its most significant recognition came from the following awards it has won during its brief history at the Great American Beer Festival™ which occurs each fall in Denver, Colorado:

Year
Medal Awarded
Product
1992 Silver Landmark Oktoberfest
1993 Bronze McMahons Irish Style Potato Ale
1994 Silver Pig's Eye Ice
1994 Gold Grain Belt Premium
1995 Bronze Pig's Eye Red Amber Ale
1997 Silver Pig's Eye—Non Alcoholic

          In addition to these recognitions for its own products, the Company has produced beers that have won awards for its contract customers.

          The Company believes that its success in producing and selling its proprietary beers, and its production of high quality beers pursuant to contract brewing and packaging arrangements position it to take advantage of growth opportunities existing in the beverage industry.

Competition and the Beer Industry

          Although there are several hundred companies engaged in the highly competitive brewing industry in the United States, the industry is highly concentrated, with four companies—Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., Miller Brewing Co., Adolph Coors Co. and Pabst Brewing Co.—accounting for 94.2% of 2000 sales. In Minnesota, however, local brands have traditionally had a higher market share than they do nationally. The national and Minnesota market shares of these companies and of the Company were as follows:

  Percent of Sales/Barrelage
  National Minnesota
  Sales)(1)
(Barrelage)(2)
  2000
1999
2000
1999
Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. 53.4 % 51.8 % 40.8 % 38.9 %
Miller Brewing Co. 22.6   23.4   30.2   32.1  
Adolph Coors Co. 12.5   11.9   3.9   3.5  
Pabst Brewing Co. 5.7
  7.7
  9.0
  11.8
 
  94.2 % 94.8 % 83.9 % 86.3 %
Minnesota Brewing Company(3) 0.2 % 0.2 % 2.1 % 1.7 %

(1) Information from Modern Brewery Age.

(2) Information from Minnesota Beer Wholesalers Association.

(3) Includes only the Company's proprietary beers.

          During 2000, approximately 88% of the Company's domestic sales of proprietary beers was sold in Minnesota. The Company's beers are distributed and sold in competition with the national brands listed above, as well as other regional and local brands, many of which have either greater financial and/or greater name recognition than the Company. Although the methods of competition in the industry vary widely, the principal methods of competition include the quality, taste and freshness of the products, packaging, price, advertising, distribution and service to customers.

          Declining sales in the overall beer industry in recent years have resulted in increased competition among beer producers. An overall decline and weakened consumer demand have been brought about by legislative, social and demographic changes.  Trends in the industry include huge marketing expenditures, discounting of prices and the growth of micro brewery-type beers.

          In recent years, import beers have increased their market share and brought much innovation to the domestic industry, such as ice beers, non-alcoholic and dry beers, up-scale micro and brew-pub brands, enhanced package graphics and renewed popularity for long-neck bottles. These changes have resulted in the industry becoming more oriented to product segmentation.

Brewing Process and Production

          The process of brewing generally consists of malting, mashing, boiling and hopping, fermenting and finishing. "Malting" is the preparation of the basic grain (usually barley) used in the brewing process. The grain is soaked in water and allowed to germinate. Once small root shoots have sprouted and are about three-fourths of the length of the grain kernels, the grain is dried in a large kiln. After drying, the grain (now called "malt") is stored for four to eight weeks and then milled. The Company purchases regular and specialty malts from malting companies in North America. The "mashing" process begins when the ground malt is mixed with water. This mixture is called "mash" and is heated and stirred. The mash mixture then flows into a lauter tub, which removes strains and filters the mash to remove the malt husks. After the straining is complete, clear liquid called "wort" passes to a brewkettle. In this "boiling and hopping" stage, dried flowers of the hop vine are added to the wort and the mixture is boiled in the brewkettle for one to two hours. Hops add flavor to the beer and prevent spoiling. The specific mixture of the grain and the hops, and the brewing time and temperature affect the flavor and color of the beer. After the hops are strained off, the wort has its unique flavor and amber color. The beer is then transferred to the fermenting cellars and yeast is added to the wort, which then ferments for one to two weeks creating alcohol and carbon dioxide. The wort is then transferred to the Ruh or resting cellars. The next step is called "filtration" where yeasts and unwanted proteins are removed to give beer its brilliant clarity after which it is carbonated using carbon dioxide that was given off and collected during the fermentation stage. Finally, the beer is transferred to the "government cellars" or holding tanks where it is stored before being sent to the production lines where it is packaged in kegs, bottles or cans.

Company Products

          In December 1991, the Company commenced its product sales by introducing Landmark and reintroducing both the Grain Belt and Grain Belt Premium labels, which had been acquired from Heileman. The Company followed with the introduction of Pig's Eye Pilsner and Pig's Eye Lean in 1992. The Company introduced Pig's Eye Ice and Pig's Eye Non-alcoholic beer in December 1993 and Pig's Eye Red in February of 1995. Minnesota Brew entered the market in April of 1995. Yellow Belly was brought to the market in April of 1996 and Brewers Cave products were introduced in October of 1996. In 1998, Yellow Belly Margarita and Long Island Tea were introduced. During 1999, the Company sold Landmark and Minnesota Brew and discontinued the Brewer's Cave product lines. See “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation”.

A brief description of the Company's various brands follows:

          Grain Belt. Grain Belt, the Company's leading product, is a very old established product, originally brewed in Minneapolis with a 100-year history, now brewed by the Company, using similar recipes. Grain Belt Premium has above average alcohol content and richer taste while regular Grain Belt has average alcohol content and a lighter taste. During 1999, the Company altered the recipe of Grain Belt Premium Light providing for a leaner taste. The associated labels are Grain Belt Premium, Grain Belt Golden and Grain Belt Premium Light.

          Pig's Eye. Pig's Eye Pilsner is a medium bodied pilsner with average alcohol content created for a taste and price conscious consumer. The Company also sells Pig's Eye Lean, Pig's Eye Ice, Pig's Eye Red Amber Ale and Pig's Eye NA.

          Yellow Belly. An alcoholic alternative beverage, Yellow Belly is a quality malt beverage with select lemon, Margarita and Long Island Tea flavors that provide a distinctive refreshing taste.

Contract Brewing and Packaging

          Beginning in the second quarter of 1992, the Company began to produce and package beer on a contract basis for various customers according to their specifications.

          In addition to sales of its proprietary beers and contract brewing, the Company also produces beer for sale under private label agreements. Under these agreements, the Company's beers are bottled or canned under the customers' label for resale by the customer.  Private label customers include restaurants, exporters and marketing organizations selling their own brands.

          The Company also began to produce brewed malt liquids under contract production arrangements in 1995. One of the liquids is shipped out prior to fermentation and dried by a customer for use by home brewers. The brewed malt liquids are finished and sold to others by third parties.

          At the end of 1997, the Company began producing malt extract for a third party. This production is performed by the Company at a significantly lower cost per barrel and as a result, less revenue per barrel than other products it produces.  During 2000, the Company sold approximately 188,000 barrels under this arrangement.

          In 1998, the Company became certified to brew Organic Beer. The Company produces this product for a contract customer.

          Approximately 43% of the Company's 2000 net sales were derived from contract brewing and private label sales.

Export Sales

          The Company also ships to Korea, Japan, China and the Virgin Islands. (See Note 7 of Notes to Financial Statements for Export Sales Information.) Substantially all export sales are made through brokers and are marketed and sold primarily on the basis of price. Although the Company intends to pursue this market as opportunities present themselves, export sales may vary significantly from year to year. The Company has granted exclusive distribution rights for certain brands to various brokers to enhance the distribution of its products. During 2000, export sales were approximately 22% of net sales.

Sales and Marketing—Proprietary

          The Company's beverages are sold on an "on sale" basis in restaurants, bars and sports arenas and on an "off sale" basis primarily through liquor stores, convenience stores and supermarkets. The product is marketed and delivered to these retailers by independent beverage distributors. Although the Company generally grants its distributors exclusive rights to sell its proprietary products within a defined territory, most of the Company's distributors carry products of other beer producers.  Written agreements with the Company's distributors vary, but are generally perpetual or multi-year agreements and terminable by either party for breach of the contract or upon specified notice periods. The Company may terminate an agreement without cause, however, if it terminates without cause, it may be required to pay the distributor an amount equal to the distributor's net earnings from sales of the Company's products during the most recently completed fiscal year. The Company has written agreements with all of its largest distributors and with all but a few of its smaller distributors.

          During 2000, the Company's three largest distributors accounted for 13% of the Company's total sales, down from 18% in 1999. The Company believes that as its sales increase, sales by any one distributor will account for a decreasing percentage of total sales.

          Distributors place product orders directly with the Company. The process of brewing generally takes three to five weeks, after which the products are packaged for sale in returnable bottles, non-returnable bottles, cans or kegs. Finished products are stored in the Company's warehouse until distributors pick them up.

Sales and Marketing—Contract Brewing

          The Company provides contract brewing for a number of different customers. New contract customers are required to enter into a production and packaging agreement in addition to providing the Company with either an irrevocable letter of credit or a cash deposit. Services provided by the Company include procurement of materials, brewing according to the recipe of the customer's products, packaging of the product and assistance in obtaining label approvals and small brewer's exemption certificates with the federal government.

Product Shipping Activity

          The following table indicates, for the periods shown, the Company's total sales in barrelage by product line.

  Proprietary        
  Brands
Contract
Export
Other(1)
Total
1999          
First Quarter 21,000 11,000 16,000 30,000 78,000
Second Quarter 25,000 11,000 27,000 34,000 97,000
Third Quarter 27,000 21,000 16,000 33,000 97,000
Fourth Quarter 20,000
19,000
25,000
41,000
105,000
Yearly total 93,000 62,000 84,000 138,000 377,000
Percent of Total 24.7% 16.4% 22.3% 36.6% 100.0%
2000          
First Quarter 19,000 27,000 29,000 58,000 133,000
Second Quarter 25,000 99,000 36,000 56,000 216,000
Third Quarter 21,000 114,000 17,000 35,000 187,000
Fourth Quarter 17,000
38,000
21,000
39,000
115,000
Yearly total 82,000 278,000 103,000 188,000 651,000
Percent of Total 12.6% 42.7% 15.8% 28.9% 100.0%

(1)      Consists primarily of the production of malt extract for a food products company.

          Sales of the Company's proprietary labels are customarily at their lowest levels in the first and fourth quarters of each year and at their highest levels in the second and third quarters.

          The Company has entered into an alternating premises agreement with Mark Anthony Brands, Inc, (“Mark Anthony”) the producer of Mike’s Hard Lemonade.  Under the agreement, Mark Anthony leases a portion of the Company’s storage and warehouse facilities on a full-time basis and equipment used for brewing, testing, racking, bottling, packing and shipping of Mark Anthony’s products on a part time basis.  The Company’s employees perform the production of Mike’s Hard Lemonade.

          The Company and Mark Anthony agree on the amount of beverages to be produced each month and coordinate the dates for production of Mark Anthony’s products.  During the year ended December 31, 2000, the net sales from the arrangement with Mark Anthony were $9.7 million or approximately 38.0 percent of the Company net sales.      

Packaging and Raw Materials

          The malted barley, hops and yeast used to produce the Company's beer are readily available from several alternative sources in North America. Because the Company is not dependent on any one supplier for these ingredients, the Company believes a continuous supply of raw materials will be readily available for its brewing operations.

          The Company's products are packaged in bottles, cans or kegs. In 2000, 32.0% of the Company's total production was packaged in aluminum cans, and 65.1% was packaged in returnable and non-returnable glass bottles. The remainder of the beverage sold was packaged in quarter-barrel and half-barrel stainless steel kegs.

          The Company uses corrugated cardboard boxes and fiberboard boxes for the packaging of its bottles and cans. Although the Company buys all of its aluminum cans from a single source and most of its non-returnable glass bottles and cartons from a few sources, the Company has not experienced any difficulties in obtaining supplies in the past and does not anticipate any shortages in the future. Although the Company is required to provide its can and bottle producer with advance orders regarding the number and types of containers, the Company believes that it would be able to obtain comparable products elsewhere at competitive prices if it were unable to continue to obtain cans, bottles or cardboard containers from any of its current suppliers.

Governmental Regulation, Licensing and Environmental Regulation

          The business of the Company is highly regulated by federal, state and local laws. The Company was required to obtain a federal permit from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and a state permit from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety prior to commencement of production and sale of beer. Prior to the commencement of operations, the Company was required to become licensed by the Department of Agriculture, which license is issued following a satisfactory inspection by the Food and Drug Administration. Also prior to beginning operations, the Company was required to obtain approval of its facilities, improvements and sanitary conditions from the Minnesota Department of Health and the City of Saint Paul Building Department, and be issued a discharge permit from the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission. Although the Company believes that it has complied with all applicable laws, no assurance can be made that the Company will be able to remain in compliance. In addition, the Company is subject to regulation by the air and water pollution control divisions of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The Company has obtained all regulatory permits and licenses necessary to operate its brewery and to sell its products in the states where they are currently being distributed. Failure on the part of the Company to comply with federal, state or local regulations could cause the Company's licenses to be revoked and force it to cease operations.  As discussed in Item 3. Legal proceedings, in March 2001, the City of St. Paul served the Company and others with a complaint alleging a nuisance at the Company’s facilities.

          The Company's brewery is subject to federal, state and local environmental protection laws and regulations and the Company is operating within existing laws and regulations or is taking action aimed at assuring compliance therewith.  Various strategies are utilized to help assure this compliance. The Company does not expect compliance with such laws and regulations to materially affect the Company's capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position.

          Certain states and local jurisdictions have adopted restrictive packaging laws and regulations for beverages that generally require deposits or advanced disposal fees on packages or restricts certain packaging options. Because the most significant portion of the Company's sales are in Minnesota (which does not have such laws), these laws have not had a significant effect on the Company's sales. The federal government and a number of additional states and local jurisdictions continue to consider similar legislation or regulations, the adoption of which might require the Company to incur significant capital expenditures.

Trademarks

          The Company has registered a number of trademarks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office including trademarks covering its Grain Belt Premium, Grain Belt Golden, Pig's Eye and Yellow Belly products. The Company has also registered a number of its trademarks in individual states and in foreign jurisdictions. The Company believes its trademarks are important to its business and intends to continue to file to protect its trademarks when appropriate.

Marketing

          The Company's primary marketing strategy focuses on sales in Minnesota, particularly the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Press coverage by both the electronic and print media has been considerable and this planned exposure will continue to be a key marketing element of the Company. General marketing plans call for use of radio, outdoor billboards and print advertising in Minnesota. The Company also intends to use one or more of these methods in additional markets as it expands.

          The Company also engages in a number of promotional activities. The Company currently gives tours of its brewery and operates a gift shop for the purchase of promotional items. Point-of-sale advertising in the form of floor display, banners, shelf and cooler labels and neon signs are employed to stimulate sales in liquor stores, bars and restaurants.

          The Company focuses its marketing expenditures in markets where it believes its efforts will be most effective in increasing sales. Current marketing expenditures focus on radio and television advertisements and on the redesign of its products packaging or other steps that improve the attractive shelf appeal of its products.

Research and Development

          The Company conducts a limited amount of research activities relating to the development of new products and the improvement of existing products. The dollar amounts expended by the Company since inception on such research activities and the number of employees engaged in these activities during such period, however, are not considered to be material in relation to the total business of the Company.

Employees

          As of March 22, 2001,  the Company has 197 full-time equivalent employees. Key areas are summarized below:

          The Company has 170 employees that work in production, including brewing, bottling, packaging, warehousing, engineering and maintaining equipment, 11 employees in sales and marketing and 16 employees in administration. Of the Company's employees, 152 work pursuant to six separate union contracts, two of which expire on March 31, 2002 and one expires on April 30, 2002. The remaining three union contracts were renegotiated during 2000 and have expiration dates of February 28, 2003, March 31, 2003 and April 30, 2004.

          In connection with the formation of the Company in 1991, the Company established the Minnesota Brewing Company Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP"), which covers all the Company's employees other than those covered by certain union contracts.

Gopher State

          Beginning in 1997 and continuing through 1999 the Company investigated and developed a business for the production of ethanol, distilled grains and raw CO2 gas. Ethanol and the co-products are principally produced from the processing of corn including its fermentation into fuel grade alcohol. The construction of the facility was completed in June  2000. Due to the significant cost of the facility, the Company had to solicit investors to satisfy lenders' requests for equity and as a result, has a minority interest in the ethanol operation. The operating lease and shared expenses agreements that were executed during 1999 have reduced the Company's operating expenses. The total amount credited to expense related to the shared expenses agreement was approximately $3.2 million and $286,000 during 2000 and 1999, respectively. Of the amount charged to GSE, approximately $1.3 million related to shared utilities and approximately $833,000 related to raw materials. Raw materials were charged to GSE at MBC's cost.

CO2 Joint Venture

          The Company has entered into a joint venture agreement with a nonaffiliated third party for the production of carbon dioxide (“CO2”) in a production facility, which is located adjacent to the ethanol plant and the brewery. The joint venture is operated under the name MG-CO2 St. Paul, and is 50 percent owned by the Company and 50 percent owned by Messer Griesheim Industries, a Pennsylvania producer and marketer of CO2. The joint venture began operations in August 2000. The joint venture purchases raw CO2 gases from Gopher State and further processes the CO2 gases into finished product. During 2000, MG-CO2 St.Paul had operating profit of $144,000 and membership income before taxes of $29,000. The results of the operations for the joint venture are accounted for using the equity method.

Item 2.        Property

          The Company's leased office, brewery, packaging and warehouse, along with the ethanol and carbon dioxide facilities are located on approximately 15 acres of property in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

          G. Heileman Brewing Company acquired the facility in 1972 and invested significant amounts in expanding and modernizing the brewery, which has been a landmark in Saint Paul since the 1850's. Major brewhouse and government cellar renovations were completed in 1984, which increased the brewery's annual production capacity to a level of approximately 2.2 million barrels per year. However, the construction of an ethanol facility located adjacent to the brewery has decreased the brewing capacity to approximately 900,000 barrels. In 1980, the brewery drilled a well to a depth of over 1,000 feet to tap a high quality source of water. The Company believes that the brewery and equipment are in good condition, employing a staff of nineteen technicians to achieve this objective.

The brewery operations and production facility consist of:

Brewkettle: Two kettles, 385 barrels and 410 barrels, to brew each batch, are used in the initial stage of product production and require up to three hours.

Cellars: During the process of beer production, the beer progresses through the various beer cellars:

Type of Cellar
Process
in Barrels
Time within Cellar
Fermentation Yeast is added; fermenting
Begins.
65,000 One to two weeks.
Ruh (Resting) Beer rests and ages. 60,000 Two to eight weeks,
Depending upon style.
Pre-Finishing Yeasts and unwanted proteins
Are removed; beer is
Carbonated.
22,000 Approximately one week.
Government Beer waits for bottling and
Packaging.
21,000 Several days to a week.

          Packaging Lines: The Company has two separate packaging lines with capacity of 1,500 cases of bottles per hour and 2,500 cases of cans per hour. The two packaging lines have filler speeds ranging from 450 bottles a minute to 1,050 cans per minute. One of the lines is designed to fill 12 oz. and 16 oz. cans.  The other line is designed to fill 12 oz, 22 oz, 32 oz. and 40 oz. non-returnable bottles.  The Company is in the process of expanding its bottling lines in order to extend its packaging options.

          Racking Line: The Company's racking line can fill up to 300 kegs (1/2 and 1/4 barrels) per hour.

          Warehouse: The Company's total warehousing capacity is 137,400 square feet, with capacity to store up to 850,000 cases in a 123,000 square foot warehouse and a refrigerated keg storage area of 14,400 square feet. The warehousing facility opens to 20 shipping docks, including 11 devoted to truck-loading and three rail loading docks on its rail siding located on the property and served by the Soo Line and the Chicago Northwest Railroads.

          Offices: The Company's administrative offices consist of approximately 9,800 square feet, including a Rathskeller where the Company's products are available for sampling after brewery tours.

          Management believes that the brewing facility and administrative offices are adequate to support production and shipment of the Company's current and future proprietary product lines, contract brewing agreements and private label agreements with unaffiliated third parties. As previously mentioned, these facilities and a substantial portion of equipment are leased from Gopher State.

          Prior to March 29, 1999, the Partnership owned all of the Company's real property, buildings, water wells and a large share of the equipment used in the brewing process. The Partnership leased the real property to the Company at the rate of $25,000 per month under terms of a lease that was due to expire in November 2003. The Partnership also leased a significant portion of all the equipment used in the brewing process, to the Company at the rate of $1.00 per barrel of production. On March 29, 1999, this lease was terminated in conjunction with the formation of Gopher State. On March 29, 1999, the Company and GSE entered into a new operating lease agreement for the same land, building and production equipment that the Company had previously leased from the Partnership. The new lease agreement provides for rent of $25,000 per month and has an initial term of ten years through March 2009. The agreement also provides for three ten-year renewal periods.

Item 3.        Legal Proceedings

City of Saint Paul

          On March 27, 2001, the City of Saint Paul served MBC Holding Company, Gopher State Ethanol, LLC and the Company’s CO2 joint venture with a Summons and Complaint alleging that noise and emissions, including odors, from operations of the ethanol and CO2 facilities violated City and State nuisance laws and State environmental laws and requested injunctive relief, declaratory relief and damages.

          The Company and the other parties are working with the City of Saint Paul to resolve these issues.  The Company currently believes that odor issues will be successfully resolved through the installation and operation of a thermal oxidizer by Gopher State.  The Company and the other parties are exploring various alternatives to eliminate the other concerns of the City. 

Item 4.        Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

          None.

PART II

Item 5.        Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

          The Company's Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq SmallCap system under the symbol MBRW. The following table sets forth the high and low closing sale prices for the Company's Common Stock for 1999 and 2000:

  Low
High
1999    
First Quarter $1.63 $3.00
Second Quarter 1.50 2.13
Third Quarter 1.75 2.75
Fourth Quarter 2.00 2.31
2000    
First Quarter $2.03 $4.13
Second Quarter 3.00 3.81
Third Quarter 2.81 4.03
Fourth Quarter 2.03 4.19

 

          At March 28, 2001, the Company had 287 holders of record of its Common Stock. In addition, on that date one depository company held approximately 1,636,557 shares as nominee for an undetermined number of additional beneficial holders.

          The Company has not paid any dividends on its Common Stock and does not anticipate paying any in the foreseeable future. The Company's bank line of credit agreement and Gopher State's loan agreement restrict the Company's ability to pay dividends.

Item 6.        Selected Financial Data

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

  Year Ended December 31,
  2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
Statement of Operations Data:          
   Net sales $25,547,798 $17,747,768 $14,763,247 $18,100,532 $24,875,349
   Cost of goods sold 21,680,008
15,801,387
13,614,401
18,555,849
23,331,116
   Gross profit (loss) 3,867,790
1,946,381
1,148,846
(455,317)
1,544,233
   Operating expenses:          
      Advertising 671,503 548,531 623,853 1,193,348 1,123,996
      Sales and marketing 849,849 616,778 690,101 718,764 747,809
      General and administrative 1,321,586 1,003,811 979,484 1,057,241 855,255
      Provision of discontinued product lines - 272,270 - - -
      Provision for doubtful accounts 111,197
80,000
90,000
492,000
601,000
         Total operating expenses 2,954,135
2,521,390
2,383,438
3,461,353
3,328,060
Operating income (loss) 913,655 (575,009) (1,234,592) (3,916,670) (1,783,827)
Other expense, net (281,767)
(285,481)
(173,286)
(100,386)
(78,641)
Net income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) 631,888 (860,490) (1,407,878) (4,017,056) (1,862,468)
Income tax expense (benefit) 5,000
5,000
(28,000)
293,000
-
   Net income (loss) 626,888 (865,490) (1,379,878) (4,310,056) (1,862,468)
Preferred stock dividends (136,743)
(133,358)
-
-
-
Net income (loss) Attributed to common shareholders $490,145
$(998,848)
$(1,379,878)
$(4,310,056)
$(1,862,468)
Per Common Share Statistics (1):          
   EPS-diluted $0.14 $(0.29) $(0.40) $(1.27) $(0.55)
   Shares outstanding (year end) 3,506,860 3,477,427 3,425,961 3,389,211 3,374,155
   Shares used to compute  EPS (diluted) 3,567,824 3,477,427 3,425,961 3,389,211 3,374,155
Operating Data (in barrels sold):          
   Proprietary Brands 82,000 93,000 118,000 144,000 158,000
   Contract 278,000 62,000 46,000 119,000 187,000
   Export 103,000 84,000 54,000 69,000 84,000
   Other 188,000
138,000
91,000
0
0
   Total 651,000
377,000
309,000
332,000
429,000

 

  At December 31,
  2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
Balance Sheet Data          
   Working capital (deficit) $(1,279,072) $564,904 $231,017 $1,044,938 $4,342,653
   Total assets 10,500,477 8,218,206 8,448,579 8,275,426 10,775,228
   Long-term debt, net 1,532,931 1,603,008 1,261,921 2,391,081 1,753,454
   Shareholders’ equity 2,931,697 2,304,809 2,934,352 2,787,910 7,097,966

(1) See the Statements of Operations

Item 7.        Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation

General

          The Company brews and markets beer primarily under its proprietary Grain Belt, Pig’s Eye and Yellow Belly labels. The Company also packages and brews beverages for third parties under contract brewing arrangements and private label production agreements.

Results of Operations

          The table below sets forth for the periods indicated the percentage of net sales represented by items included in the Company's Statement of Operations:

  Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended  
  December 31,   December 31,   December 31,  
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
Net sales 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %
Cost of goods sold 84.9   89.0   92.2  
Gross profit 15.1   11.0   7.8  
Advertising 2.6   3.1   4.2  
Sales and marketing 3.3   3.5   4.7  
General and administrative 5.2   5.7   6.6  
Provision for doubtful accounts and discontinued product lines .4   2.0   0.6  
Operating income (loss) 3.6   (3.3)   (8.3)  
Other expense, net (1.1)   (1.6)   (1.2)  
Income tax expense (benefit) 0.0   0.0   (0.2)  
Net income (loss) 2.5   (4.9)   (9.3)  

          Year Ended December 31, 2000 compared to 1999

          Net sales for 2000 were approximately $25.5 million, a 43.9% increase from the net sales for 1999 of $17.7 million. Total barrels sold in 2000 were 651,000, a 72.7% increase compared to 377,000 barrels sold in 1999. The percentage increases are primarily due to the significant increase in sales volume to a contract customer, an increase in export sales and the increased production of malt extract for a food products company. Due to product mix and because some of the Company's contract customers purchase all or part of their own packaging materials, the percentage increase in barrels can vary from the percentage increase in net sales.

          Sales of proprietary brands decreased 10.4% from 1999 sales of $8.9 million to 2000 sales of $8.0 million. In addition, sales volume decreased 11.8% from 1999 barrelage of 93,000 to 2000 barrelage sales of 82,000. The Company experienced decreases in Grain Belt, Pig's Eye and other products due to the weakening demand in the regional markets, a decrease in the Company's discounting policy to its distributors and current industry-wide trends.

          Sales from brewing agreements and contract packaging increased $7.0 million from $4.4 million in 1999 to $11.4 million in 2000. In addition, sales volume increased 360.3% from 1999 barrelage of 62,000 to 2000 barrelage sales of 278,000. The increase was primarily due to the significant increase in sales volume to a contract customer. See Note 7 of the Financial Statements for disclosure relating to this major customer.

          Sales from customers brokering export sales increased by $1.1 million from $4.7 million in 1999 to $5.8 million in 2000. In addition, sales volume increased 22.9% from 1999 barrelage of 84,000 to 2000 barrelage sales of 103,000. The increase is primarily due to management's commitment to expand into new Far East markets in conjunction with its efforts to increase can volume. The Company is hopeful that it will experience an increase in export sales during 2001 based upon its existing accounts and potential new contractual agreements.

          Net sales and costs of sales increased 43.9% and 37.2%, in 2000, respectively when compared to 1999. The Company experienced an increase in its gross margin from 11.0% in 1999 to 15.1% in 2000. The larger percentage increase in net sales versus cost of sales was attributable to decreases in the fixed level of plant operating overhead due to the lease agreement with Gopher State and the increased volume levels, continued cost containment efforts and the reduced depreciation due to the capital lease termination.

          Operating expenses increased $433,000 in 2000 and as a percentage of net sales they decreased from 14.2% in 1999 to 11.6% in 2000. Of this amount, advertising expenses increased $123,000, or 22.4%, from 1999 to 2000. Sales and marketing expenses increased $233,000, or 37.8% from 1999 to 2000.

          General and administrative expenses increased $318,000 from 1999 to 2000; however, as a percentage of net sales, they decreased from 5.7% in 1999 to 5.2% in 2000. The provision for doubtful accounts increased $31,000 from 1999 to 2000.

          Interest income increased from $5,000 in 1999 to $17,000 in 2000 primarily due to interest charged on related party receivable.  Other expenses decreased from $285,000 in 1999 to $282,000 primarily due to increases in other income. The Company's interest expense increased $136,000 from 1999 to 2000 due to an increase in the prime rate and increase in overall borrowings.

Year Ended December 31, 1999 compared to 1998

          Net sales for 1999 were approximately $17.7 million a 20.2% increase from the net sales for 1998 of $14.8 million.  Total barrels sold in 1999 were 377,000 a 22.1% increase compared to 309,000 barrels sold in 1998. The percentage increases are due to the addition of a significant new contract customer and the increased production of malt extract for a food products company. Due to product mix and because some of the Company's contract customers purchase all or part of their own packaging materials, the percentage increase in barrels can vary from the percentage increase in net sales.

          Sales of proprietary brands decreased 17.1% from 1998 sales of $10.8 million to 1999 sales of $8.9 million. In addition, sales volume decreased 20.8% from 1998 barrelage of 118,000 to 1999 barrelage sales of 93,000. The Company experienced decreases in Grain Belt, Pig's Eye, Landmark, and other products due to the weakening demand in the regional markets and current industry-wide trends.

          Sales from brewing agreements and contract packaging increased by $2.3 million from $2.1 million in 1998 to $4.4 million in 1999. In addition, sales volume increased 33.2% from 1998 barrelage of 46,000 to 1999 barrelage sales of 62.000. The increase was primarily due to the addition of a new contract customer. See Note 7 of the Financial Statements for disclosure on this major customer.

          Sales from customers brokering export sales increased by $2.0 million from $2.7 million in 1998 to $4.7 million in 1999. In addition, sales volume increased 55.4% from 1998 barrelage of 54,000 to 1999 barrelage sales of 84,000. The increase is primarily due to management's commitment to expand into new Far East markets in conjunction with its efforts to increase can volume.

          Net sales and costs of sales increased 20.2% and 16.1%, in 1999, respectively when compared to 1998. The Company experienced an increase in its gross margin from 7.8% in 1998 to 11.0% in 1999. The larger percentage increase in net sales versus cost of sales was attributable to decreases in the fixed level of plant operating overhead due to the lease agreement with Gopher State, continued cost containment efforts, and the reduced depreciation due to the capital lease termination.

          Operating expenses increased $138,000 in 1999 and as a percentage of net sales they decreased from 16.1% in 1998 to 14.2% in 1999. Of this amount, advertising expenses decreased $75,000, or 12.1%, from 1998 to 1999 due to budgeting constraints. Sales and marketing expenses decreased $73,000, or 10.6% from 1998 to 1999 primarily due to turnover of sales personnel.

          General and administrative expenses increased $24,000 from 1998 to 1999, however, as a percentage of net sales; they decreased from 6.6% in 1998 to 5.7% in 1999. The provision for doubtful accounts decreased $10,000 from 1998 to 1999. This decrease is due to tighter credit policies and improved collection efforts.

          Interest income decreased from $15,000 in 1998 to $5,000 in 1999 reflecting a reduction in available investable funds.  Other expenses increased from $173,000 in 1998 to $285,000 primarily due to decreases in other income. The Company's interest expense decreased $89,000 from 1998 to 1999 primarily due to the termination of the capital lease obligation with the Partnership.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

          Working capital at December 31, 2000 decreased $1.8 million to a negative $1.3 million from $565,000 at December 31, 1999. The decrease is primarily due to an increase in trade accounts payable of $1.6 million, a decrease in trade accounts receivable and inventory of $515,000 and the addition of $2.5 million in fixed assets.

          During the year ended December 31, 2000, the Company provided net cash from operating activities of $3.0 million, which was due in large part, to the increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $1.6 million and net income of $627,000.  Other factors included depreciation and amortization of $496,000, a decrease of $197,000 in trade accounts receivable and a decrease in inventories of $145,000.  These amounts were partially offset by an increase in prepaid expenses of $148,000 and non-cash gains in the income statement of $96,000.

          The Company used net cash of $2.9 million for investing activities due to the purchase of $2.6 million of property and equipment and $52,000 in the purchase of intangible assets for branded products. In addition to these capital expenditures incurred by the Company in 2000, $75,000 increase in investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and other, and $213,000 was borrowed from a related party.

          During 1999 and 2000, the Company operated significantly below its production capacity. Therefore, in order to maintain a profitable level of operations the Company has and will continue to seek to increase its sales and production volume. Management continues to pursue opportunities to increase sales volume at profitable margins. Even though sales of proprietary brands decreased during 2000, management believes that the growth of its proprietary labels offers the best opportunity for achieving operating profits in the long term and has increased its efforts on the growth of its proprietary products. An emphasis has been placed on the promotion of these proprietary labels and the generation of additional sales in the Company's core geographic market areas. In addition, management anticipates growth in both its contract products and export sales. Management believes these anticipated increases in sales volume during 2001 would allow the Company to operate at a significantly higher level of capacity thereby increasing overall profitability.

          On March 31, 1999, the Company issued 60,131 shares of Class A Convertible Preferred Stock to the Partnership in satisfaction of $150,327 owed for deferred rents and accrued interest. On December 31, 1998, the Company issued 547,614 shares to the partnership in satisfaction of $1,369,036 owed for deferred rents and accrued interest. The preferred shares have a 9% cumulative dividend rate and are convertible into common stock at the rate of one share of common stock per share of preferred stock. The holders of preferred stock are entitled to the number of votes equal to the number of shares of common stock into which the preferred stock could be converted. At December 31, 2000, the amount of dividends in arrears was $270,101. These dividends are only payable from net income. If the dividends are not paid, they accumulate without interest. The preferred shares mature on December 31, 2003, at which time the Company can, at its option, issue common stock priced at the current market value or pay cash equal to the $1,519,363 plus any unpaid dividends. The aggregate liquidation preference at December 31, 2000 was $1,789,464.

          The Company has guaranteed a $14 million construction/mortgage loan between Gopher State and a financial institution.  As of December 31, 2000, payments required under the terms of the agreement have been paid. The total obligation as of December 31, 2000 was $13.3 million.

          The Company's credit terms to its distributors are generally 10 days and substantially all customers, except contract brewing accounts, are on automatic debit to their bank account through electronic funds transfer ("EFT"). This program substantially reduces the credit risk and facilitates the predictability of cash flows. Amounts from contract brewing production are generally due 30 days after invoicing and in many cases are secured by letters of credit.

          As a small brewer producing less than 2,000,000 barrels per year, the Company presently receives an $11.00 per barrel credit against federal exercise taxes of $18 per barrel on the first 60,000 barrels of taxable production. The cash benefit of this $660,000 credit is primarily received in the first quarter of the year.

Employee Relations

          The Company is a party to collective bargaining agreements with six union organizations, of which three were renegotiated during 1999.  Of the three contracts negotiated in 1999, two expire on March 31, 2002 and one expires on April 30, 2002. The remaining contracts were renegotiated during 2000 and have expiration dates of February 28, 2003, March 31, 2003 and April 30, 2004.

Income Taxes

          As of December 31, 2000, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards totaling $9.1 million. The carryforwards expires as follows:

Year of Expiration
Amount
2007 $0.6 million
2011 $1.5 million
2012 $4.0 million
2018 $1.7 million
2019 $1.3 million
  $9.1 million

Financing

          At December 31, 2000, the Company had a credit facility with a financial institution providing for borrowings up to $3.5 million.  The credit facility contains covenants that include limitations on the Company’s ability to pay dividends as well as requiring the Company to maintain certain financial requirements.  As of March 23, 2001, the Company had borrowings of $2.7 million under the credit facility.  The Company was in violation of certain convenants as of December 31, 2000, which were waived by the financial institution on March 28, 2001.

          The Company has obtained approval for a $5 million note, which will be used to upgrade both the bottling and can lines.  Approximately $600,000 of the note will go to reduce the Company’s current financial institution operating line.  This note will be secured by the equipment being added and substantially all assets of the Company.  The Company believes that the financial institution credit facility (assuming its extension beyond June 30, 2001) and Partnership lines of credit, along with the equipment upgrade financing will be sufficient to meet its working capital needs during 2001.  Due to seasonal nature of its business and can line upgrades in 2000, the year-end working capital position is not indicative of its needs during its peak selling and production season.  On a long-term basis, the Company may need to obtain additional financing in meeting the due date of its related party obligations, which become due in March 2002.  The Company is exploring alternatives for long-term debt and equity financing.

Gopher State

          Beginning in 1997 and continuing through 1999, the Company investigated and began to develop a business for the production of ethanol distilled grains and raw CO2 gas. Ethanol is principally produced from the processing of corn including its fermentation into fuel grade alcohol. The construction of the facility was completed by June 2000. Due to the significant cost of the facility, the Company had to solicit investors to satisfy lenders request for equity and as a result, has a minority interest in the ethanol operation. The operating lease and shared expenses agreements that were executed during 1999 have reduced the Company's operating expenses. The total amount credited to expense related to the shared expenses agreement was approximately $3.2 million and $286,000 during 2000 and 1999, respectively. Of the amount charged to GSE, approximately $1.3 million related to shared utilities and approximately $833,000 related to raw materials. Raw materials were charged to GSE at MBC's cost.

          During 2000 and 1999, Gopher State had operating losses of $574,000 and $720,000 respectively. However, due to government support of ethanol productions and other income, the Company reported net income of $265,000 for the year ended December 31, 2000. Because the Company has a minority interest in Gopher State, the Company accounts for its ownership using the equity method.

CO2 Joint Venture

          The Company has entered into a joint venture agreement with a nonaffiliated third party for the production of carbon dioxide (“CO2”) in a production facility, which is located adjacent to the ethanol plant and the brewery. The joint venture is operated under the name of MG-CO2 St. Paul, and is 50 percent owned by the Company and 50 percent owned by Messer Griesheim Industries, a Pennsylvania producer and marketer of CO2. The joint venture began operations in August 2000. The joint venture purchases raw CO2 gases from Gopher State and then further processes the gasses into finished product.  During 2000, MG-CO2 St. Paul had operating profit of $144,000 and membership income before taxes of $29,000. The results of the operations for the joint venture are accounted for using the equity method.

Forward-Looking Statements

          Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that are not historical or current facts are "forward-looking statements" made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Among these risks and uncertainties are information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," or "continue" or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology constitutes forward-looking information. The following important factors, among others, in some cases have affected and in the future could affect the Company's actual results and could cause the Company's actual financial performance to differ materially from that expressed in any forward-looking statement: (i) competition within the brewing industry resulting from the increased number of brewers and available beers, (ii) the Company's ability to continue to achieve and maintain contract brewing arrangements, (iii) the success of the Company's proprietary brands, including its reliance upon distributors, (iv) the Company's continued ability to sell products for export, (v) Gopher State's ability to successfully operate an ethanol facility, (vi) the Company's ability through a joint venture to successfully operate a liquid carbon dioxide plant, and (vii) the Company's ability, together with Gopher State and the CO2 joint venture to successfully resolve issues related to odors and noise at the ethanol and CO2 facilities.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

          In 1999, the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements”. SAB No. 101 summarizes some of the staff’s interpretations of the application of generally accepted accounting principles to revenue recognition. The Company adopted SAB No. 101 in the fourth quarter of 2000. The adoption of SAB No. 101 did not have an effect on the financial statements.

          In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. This Statement requires companies to record derivatives on the balance sheet as assets and liabilities, measured at fair value. Gains or losses resulting from changes in the values of those derivatives would be accounted for depending on the use of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting. In July 1999, the FASB issued SFAS No. 137, delaying the effective date of SFAS No. 133 for one year, to fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. The Company has not entered into any derivative transactions as of December 31, 2000.

          In addition, the Company complies with accounting disclosure EITF #00-10, which became effective during fourth quarter of 2000.  EITF #00-10 addresses the accounting for shipping and handling fees and costs.  Presently, shipping and handling billed to customers is included in net sales and shipping and handling costs incurred by the Company are recorded in cost of goods sold.

 Item 7A.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

          The Company has a $3.5 million line of credit with a financial institution with an interest rate that is one and one-half percent above the prime rate and a line of credit with the Partnership under which it has current borrowings of $1.5 million with an interest rate that is one percent above the prime rate.  The Company currently believes that a 10% increase or reduction in interest rates would not have a material effect on its future earnings, fair values or cash flows.  In connection with the construction of an ethanol facility by its minority-owned subsidiary, Gopher State, Gopher State obtained permanent financing up to $16 million, with an interest rate that also varies with the prime rate.  As a result, the Company's results of operations may become more affected by interest rate movements.

          As of December 31, 2000, the Company has not entered into any derivatives or other market risk sensitive instruments. In addition, there have been no losses experienced due to interest rate or foreign currency exposure. However, the Company has some commodity price risk exposure as a result of its equity investment in minority-owned subsidiary, Gopher State.

Item 8.        Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

          The following financial statements of the Company are set forth on pages 21 through 36 of the Form 10-K:

Report of Independent Auditor McGladrey & Pullen, LLP
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2000 and 1999
Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998
Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998
Notes to Financial Statements

Item 9.        Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

          None.

PART III

Item 10.      Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and Control Persons; Compliance with Section 16(a) of theExchange Act

          Information required under this item with respect to the officers and directors is contained in the Section "Election of Directors" and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the Company's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held in 2001 (the "2001 Proxy Statement"), a definitive copy of which will be filed with the Commission within 120 days of the close of the past fiscal year and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 11.      Executive Compensation

          Information required under this item is contained in the Section entitled "Executive Compensation" in the Company's 2001 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12.      Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

          Information required under this item is contained in the Section entitled "Shareholdings of Principal Shareholders and Management" in the Company's 2001 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13.      Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

          Information required under this item is contained in the Section entitled "Certain Transactions" in the Company's 2001 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV

Item 14.      Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K

(a) Documents filed as Part of this Report

  (1) Financial Statements. The financial statements included in this Form 10-K as listed in Item 8.

  (2) Financial Statement Schedules.

    Independent Auditor's Report on Schedules for Years Ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998
    Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

  The Company filed no reports on Form 8-K during the quarter ended December 31, 2000.

(c) Lists of Exhibits. Exhibits that cover management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements are marked with an asterisk(*).

 

Exhibit
No.

Description
3.1   Articles of Incorporation, as amended, of the Company, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to Form SB-2 Registration Statement (File No. 33-69302C)
3.2   Bylaws of the Company, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.2 to Form SB-2
3.3   Certificate of Rights and Preferences of Class A Convertible Preferred Stock,  incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.3 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998.
10.1   Lease dated March 29, 1999 between Minnesota Brewing Company and Gopher State Ethanol, LLC, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to 1998 Form 10-K.
10.2   MBC Holding Company 1993 Stock Option Plan, incorporated by reference from Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-38280.
10.3   Amended and Restated Operating Agreement dated as of July 20, 1999 of Gopher State Ethanol, LLC, a Minnesota Limited Liability Company incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to the 1999 Form 10-K.
          21   Subsidiaries of the registrant—the Company has one subsidiary—Minnesota Brewing Company, LLC, a Minnesota Limited Liability Company. In addition, the Company has a 50% ownership interest in MG CO2 —St. Paul, LLC., a Delaware Limited Liability Company and a minority interest in Gopher State Ethanol, LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company.
23.1   Consent of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP
99.1   Audited financial statements of Gopher State Ethanol, LLC

 

SIGNATURES

          In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Dated March 30, 2001 MINNESOTA BREWING COMPANY
  By:  /s/ JOHN J. LEE
    John J. Lee
    President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

          In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons, on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated, on the date set forth above.

(Power of Attorney)

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints JOHN J. LEE and MICHAEL C. HIME as his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each acting alone, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, each acting along, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all said attorneys in-fact and agents, each acting alone, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

Signature
Title
   
/s/ BRUCE E. HENDRY
Chairman of the Board
Bruce E. Hendry  
   
/s/ JOHN J. LEE
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
John J. Lee  
   
/s/ MICHAEL C. HIME
Vice President of Finance Chief Financial Officer
Michael C. Hime  
   
/s/ ROBERT AWSUMB
Director
Robert Awsumb  
   
/s/ RICHARD A. PERRINE
Director
Richard A. Perrine  
   
/s/ JOHN T. ELLIOTT
Director
John T. Elliott  
   
/s/ THOMAS L. HOUTS
Director
Thomas L. Houts  
   
/s/ JAMES F. FREEMAN III
Director
James F. Freeman  

 

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

To the Board of Directors
    and Shareholders
MBC Holding Company
St. Paul, Minnesota

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of MBC Holding Company as of December 31, 2000 and 1999, and the related statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MBC Holding Company as of December 31, 2000 and 1999, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

Our audit of the financial statements of MBC Holding Company included Schedule II, contained herein, for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998. In our opinion, such schedule presents fairly the information required to be set forth therein, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 23, 2001 (March 28, 2001,
with respect to Note 4)

 

MBC HOLDING COMPANY    
     
BALANCE SHEETS    
December 31, 2000 and 1999    
     
ASSETS (Notes 3 and 4)

2000

1999

Current Assets    
   Cash and cash equivalents $        104,571 $         26,922
   Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $144,000 in 2000 and $80,000 in 1999 (Note 7) 1,486,764 1,748,086
   Due from related party (Note 3) 429,661 216,939
   Inventories 2,306,449 2,559,790
   Prepaid expenses 273,982

125,838

                 Total current assets 4,601,427

4,677,575

     
     
     
     
     
     
Investments    
   Unconsolidated subsidiary (Note 2) 1,680,959 1,671,895
   U.S. Treasury Note (Note 3) 500,000 500,000
   Joint venture and other (Note 2) 185,356

119,548

  2,366,315

2,291,443

     
     
     
     
     
Other assets 386,508 422,084
Property and Equipment, net (Note 3) 3,146,227

827,104

  3,532,735

1,249,188

  $   10,500,477

$     8,218,206

     
See Notes to Financial Statements.    

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

2000

1999

Current Liabilities    
   Note payable, bank (Note 4) $     1,732,243 $     1,571,563
   Current maturities of long term debt 8,753 8,017
   Trade accounts payable 3,551,583 1,983,794
   Accrued expenses:    
      Compensation 418,793 389,114
      Beverage tax 72,927 80,488
     Other 96,200

79,695

                 Total current liabilities 5,880,499

4,112,671

     
Long-Term Debt, less current maturities (Note 4) 1,532,931

1,603,008

     
Deferred gain on capital lease termination (Note 3) 155,350

197,718

     
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 3, 4, 5, 6 and 9)    
     
Shareholders' Equity (Notes 3, 5 and 6)    
   Common stock, $0.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 3,506,860 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2000 and 1999 35,068 35,068
   Preferred stock, 700,000 shares authorized, 9 percent cumulative dividend; 607,745 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2000 and 1999 (aggregate liquidation preference $1,789,464 and $1,652,721 at December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively) 1,519,363 1,519,363
   Additional paid-in capital 10,677,396 10,677,396
   Accumulated deficit (9,300,130)

(9,927,018)

  2,931,697

2,304,809

  $   10,500,477

$     8,218,206

MBC HOLDING COMPANY        
         
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS        
Years Ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998      
         
 

  2000

1999

1998

Sales (Note 7)   $26,619,885 $19,240,246 $16,366,830
Less excise taxes   (1,072,087)

(1,492,478)

(1,603,583)

                        Net sales   25,547,798 17,747,768 14,763,247
         
Cost of goods sold (Note 3)   21,680,008

15,801,387

13,614,401

    3,867,790

1,946,381

1,148,846

         
Operating expenses:        
      Advertising   671,503 548,531 623,853
      Sales and marketing   849,849 616,778 690,101
      General and administrative   1,321,586 1,003,811 979,484
      Provision for discontinued product lines   - 272,270 -
      Provision for doubtful accounts   111,197

80,000

90,000

                             Total operating expenses   2,954,135

2,521,390

2,383,438

         
                              Operating income (loss)   913,655

(575,009)

(1,234,592)

         
Other income (expense):        
      Interest and other income (expense)   76,080 (63,920) 137,151
      Interest expense (Note 3)   (357,847)

(221,561)

(310,437)

    (281,767)

(285,481)

(173,286)

         
                              Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)   631,888 (860,490) (1,407,878)
         
Income tax expense (benefit) (Note 8)   5,000

5,000

(28,000)

                              Net income (loss)   $626,888

$(865,490)

$(1,379,878)

         
Computation of basic and diluted loss per common share:      
      Net income (loss) as reported   $ 626,888 $(865,490) $(1,379,878)
      Preferred stock dividends   (136,743)

(133,358)

-

                               Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders   $490,145

$(998,848)

$(1,379,878)

         
Net income (loss) per share:        
       Basic   $0.14 $(0.29) $(0.40)
       Diluted   0.14 (0.29) (0.40)
         
Weighted-average common shares:        
       Basic   3,506,860 3,477,427 3,425,961
       Diluted   3,567,824 3,477,427 3,425,961
         
See Notes to Financial Statements.        

 

MBC HOLDING COMPANY          
             
STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY      
Years Ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998      
             
       
Additional

Paid-In
Capital



Accumulated

Deficit




Total

 
Preferred
Stock

Common Stock

 

Shares

Amount

Balance, December 31, 1997 $                 - 3,389,211 $       33,892 $10,435,668 $ (7,681,650) $  2,787,910
      Stock issued to employee stock ownership plan (Note 5) - 73,500 735 156,549 - 157,284
      Conversion of related-party debt to preferred stock (Note 3)      1,369,036                       -                        -                       -                       -        1,369,036  
      Net loss                     -  

                    -  

                    -  

                    -  

    (1,379,878) 

    (1,379,878)  

Balance, December 31, 1998      1,369,036        3,462,711             34,627      10,592,217       (9,061,528)       2,934,352  
      Stock issued to employee stockownership plan (Note 5)                     -             44,149                  441             88,151                       -             88,592  
      Conversion of related-party debt to preferred stock (Note 3)         150,327                       -                       -              (2,972)                      -           147,355  
      Net loss                     -  

                    -  

                    -  

                    -  

       (865,490) 

       (865,490) 

Balance, December 31, 1999      1,519,363        3,506,860             35,068      10,677,396       (9,927,018)       2,304,809  
      Net income                     -  

                    -  

                    -  

                    -  

        626,888  

        626,888  

Balance, December 31, 2000  $  1,519,363  

     3,506,860  

 $       35,068  

 $10,677,396  

 $ (9,300,130) 

 $  2,931,697  

             
See Notes to Financial Statements.          

 

MBC HOLDING COMPANY      
       
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS      
     
Years Ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998    
       
 

2000

1999

1998

Cash Flows From Operating Activities      
   Net income (loss) $        626,888 $      (865,490) $    (1,379,878)
   Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:      
      Depreciation 280,304 317,379 788,161
      Amortization of intangible assets 216,016 185,956 154,751
      Provision for inventory obsolescences 108,500 (229,000) (174,000)
      Provision for doubtful accounts 64,420 (170,000) (56,000)
      Gain recognized on capital lease termination (42,368) (50,842) -
      Intangible and other asset valuation allowance (54,000) (22,000) (89,000)
      Conversion of rent to preferred stock - 61,119 -
      Undistributed loss in unconsolidated subsidiary - 58,754 -
   Changes in assets and liabilities:      
      Trade accounts receivable 196,902 (513,448) (249,288)
      Inventories 144,841 142,249 466,079
      Prepaid expenses (148,144) (24,662) 49,745
      Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses 1,607,148 (40,145) (277,324)
      Amounts due to related party -

85,204

505,393

            Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 3,000,507

(1,064,926)

(261,361)

       
Cash Flows From Investing Activities      
        Amounts due from related party (212,722) - (287,530)
        Purchases of property and equipment (2,599,427) (586,125) (610,542)
        Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries and other (74,872) (119,548) -
        Purchases of held-to-maturity securities - - (474,961)
        Purchases of intangible and other assets (51,575)

(57,433)

(89,185)

         Net cash used in investing activities (2,938,596)

(763,106)

(1,462,218)

       
(Continued)
MBC HOLDING COMPANY      
       
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)      
Years Ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998    
       
 

2000

1999

1998

Cash Flows From Financing Activities      
   Net borrowings on line of credit 160,680 1,571,563 -
   Net (payments) borrowings on long-term debt, primarily related-party obligations (70,077) 211,599 1,324,961
   Loan origination fees (74,865) (45,000) -
   Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options -

49,426

-

                Net cash provided by financing activities 15,738

1,787,588

1,324,961

       
                 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 77,649 (40,444) (398,618)
       
Cash and Cash Equivalents      
   Beginning 26,922

67,366

465,984

   Ending $104,571

$26,922

$67,366

       
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information      
   Cash payments for interest $288,329

$79,800

$-

       
Supplemental Disclosures of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities      
   Contribution of assets in exchange for an equity interest in unconsolidated subsidiary $        - $1,730,650 $        -
   Maturities of a held-to-maturity security - (474,961) -
   U.S. Treasury Note financed with note payable to related party - 500,000 -
   Termination of capital lease obligation - 1,441,202 -
   Net book value of assets disposed of on capital lease termination - (1,192,642) -
   Gain on termination of capital lease obligation - 248,560 -
   Conversion of debt to preferred stock - 86,236 1,369,036
   Common stock issued to employee stock ownership plan in satisfaction of accrued compensation -

88,592

157,284

       
See Notes to Financial Statements.      

MBC HOLDING COMPANY

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of business and concentration of credit risk: MBC Holding Company operates a brewery in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Company leases its production facilities and certain of its equipment from Gopher State Ethanol, LLC, an entity in which the Company has an equity interest. See Notes 2 and 3 for investment in unconsolidated subsidiary and related-party transactions.

The Company brews and markets beer primarily under the Grain Belt, Pig’s Eye and Yellow Belly labels. The Company also packages and brews beverages for third parties under contract brewing arrangements and private label production agreements. The Company grants credit, normally ten-day terms, to distributors, the majority of whom are located in Minnesota. Credit terms in connection with contract brewing, export and private label arrangements are negotiated on an individual customer basis.

A summary of significant accounting policies are as follows:

Principles of consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MBC Holding Company and its subsidiary, Minnesota Brewing Company, LLC. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of estimates: The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and cash equivalents: For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents includes all cash accounts which are not subject to withdrawal restrictions or penalties, and all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less.

The Company maintains its cash in bank deposit accounts which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.

Inventories: Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. Inventories, net of a valuation reserve of $160,500 and $52,000 in 2000 and 1999, respectively, consist of the following:

  December 31
 
2000
1999
Raw materials  $186,000    $192,000  
Work in progress          328,000            465,000  
Finished goods          630,000            732,000  
Packaging          667,000            763,000  
Other (primarily kegs, and advertising and promotional materials)          495,000   
         408,000  
   $2,306,000  
 $2,560,000  

Federal excise tax and pledged Treasury note: The Company currently receives an $11 per barrel credit against federal excise taxes of $18 per barrel on the first 60,000 barrels of taxable production. During 1999, the Company pledged a U.S. Treasury note to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) to guarantee the payment of federal excise taxes (See Note 3).

Other Assets: Other assets consist primarily of intangible packaging, trademarks and goodwill. Goodwill is being amortized over 40 years. Trademarks are amortized over their expected useful lives of 10 years using the straight-line method. The costs of other assets, principally package design costs, are amortized over their expected useful lives of 2 to 10 years using the straight-line method. At December 31, 2000 and 1999, other assets consisted of:

  December 31


2000
1999
Trademarks and goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of $143,000 in 2000 and $111,000 in 1999 $215,000 $229,000
Other intangible assets, principally package design, net of accumulated amortization of $421,000 in 2000 and $506,000 in 1999 172,000
193,000
  $387,000
$422,000

Property, plant and equipment: Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method over the lesser of the lease terms or the estimated useful lives as follows: 7 to 10 years for production equipment; 3 to 5 years for office and computer equipment; and 2 to 5 years for display fixtures and equipment.

At December 31, 2000 and 1999, property, plant and equipment at cost and accumulated depreciation consisted of:

  December 31
 
2000
1999
Display fixtures and equipment  $774,000    $1,401,000  
Production equipment          2,607,000            356,000  
Office and computer equipment            443,000            301,000  
Leasehold improvements              23,000  
                   -  
   $3,847,000    $2,058,000  
     
Less accumulated depreciation           (701,000) 
     (1,231,000) 
   $3,146,000  
 $827,000  

Long-Lived Assets: The Company periodically reviews the carrying amount of its long-lived assets to determine if circumstances exist indicating an impairment or that depreciation periods should be modified. If facts or circumstances support the possibility of impairment, the Company will prepare a projection of the undiscounted future cash flows, without interest charges, of the specific asset and determine if the asset is recoverable based on the undiscounted future cash flows. If an impairment exists based on these projections, an adjustment will be made to the carrying amount and remaining depreciable life of the specific asset based on discounted future cash flows. To date, management has determined that no impairment of long-lived assets exists, and accordingly, no adjustments to the carrying amounts of its long-lived assets have been made.

Revenue recognition: Revenue is recognized as follows:

Proprietary and Export – Revenue is recognized upon shipment for all sales to independent distributors and export customers.

Contract – Revenue is generally recognized when all significant contractual obligations have been satisfied and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. Revenue related to service contracts is recognized at the time of performance.

In December 1999, the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101 (SAB No. 101), “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements”. SAB No. 101 summarizes some of the staff’s interpretations of the application of generally accepted accounting principles related to revenue recognition. The Company adopted SAB No. 101 during the year ended December 31, 2000. The adoption of SAB No. 101 did not have a significant affect on the financial statements.

Shipping and handling charges to customers are included in net sales. Shipping and handling costs incurred by the Company are included in cost of goods sold.

Advertising expenses: In accordance with SOP 93-7, all advertising costs are either expensed as incurred or deferred until first use of the advertising. The nature of these costs include any promotional activity intended to stimulate, indirectly or directly, the sale of company products.

Income taxes: Deferred taxes are provided on a liability method, whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss or tax credit carryforwards, and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when management determines that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.

Fair value of financial instruments: The financial statements include the following financial instruments: cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, investment in Treasury Note, trade accounts payable, bank line of credit, long-term debt and amounts due to and from related parties. At December 31, 2000 and 1999, no separate comparison of fair values versus carrying values is presented for the aforementioned financial instruments, since their fair values are not significantly different than their balance sheet carrying amounts. The aggregate fair values of the financial instruments would not represent the underlying value to the Company.

Earnings per share: Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, including potentially dilutive shares. For 2000, the conversion of the Class A convertible preferred stock (Note 3) has not been assumed due to an antidilutive impact on the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

For 1999, the Company computed basic and diluted net loss per share based upon the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Preferred stock dividends in 1999 relating to the Class A convertible preferred stock (Note 3) were included in the net loss attributable to common shareholders in calculating basic and diluted loss per share. Potential common shares, such as options, warrants and convertible preferred stock, were not included in the computation of diluted loss per common share as their effect was antidilutive.

Authorized shares: The Company’s Articles of Incorporation provide for an aggregate of 11,000,000 shares of $0.01 par value stock, of which 10,000,000 shares are designated as common stock. Of the remaining 1,000,000 shares, 607,745 have been designated as preferred stock in connection with the conversion of related-party debt to preferred stock (see Note 3).

Note 2. Investments

Unconsolidated subsidiary: During 1997, the Company investigated and began to develop a business for the production of ethanol. Ethanol is principally produced from the processing of corn including its fermentation into fuel grade alcohol. In March 1999, Gopher State Ethanol, LLC (“GSE”) was formed for the purpose of constructing and operating an ethanol facility. Because of the significant cost of the facility, the Company assisted GSE in obtaining financing by contributing operating assets to GSE and guaranteeing GSE’s construction/mortgage loan. The Company contributed certain production equipment with a net book value of $1,730,650. For its contribution and assistance, the Company obtained a 28 percent minority interest in GSE. GSE began the construction of the ethanol facilities in April 1999 and operations commenced in June 2000. The equity method of accounting is being used to account for this investment. Summarized financial information of GSE is as follows:

  December 31
 
2000
1999
Net sales  $10,923,878    $-  
Net income (loss)              68,414          (457,518) 
Allocation of net income (loss)                8,786  
         (58,754) 
     
Current assets          2,852,747            442,385  
Noncurrent assets        25,524,008  
     11,761,589  
Total        28,376,755  
     12,203,974  
     
Current liabilities          6,305,396         3,238,200  
Noncurrent liabilities        20,666,578  
      6,969,993  
Total        26,971,974  
     10,208,193  
Net assets  $1,404,781  
 $1,995,781  

CO2 Joint venture: The Company has entered into a joint venture agreement with a nonaffiliated third party for the production of carbon dioxide (“CO2”) in a production facility, which is located adjacent to the ethanol plant and the brewery. The joint venture is operated under the name MG- CO2 St. Paul, and is 50 percent owned by the Company and 50 percent owned by Messer Griesheim Industries, a Pennsylvania producer and marketer of CO2. The joint venture began operations in August 2000. The joint venture purchases raw CO2 gases from Gopher State. The investment in this joint venture is accounted for using the equity method. Unaudited summarized financial information of MG- CO2 St. Paul is as follows:



December 31,
2000
Net sales  $1,046,524   
Net income            29,097  
Allocation of net income            14,549  
   
Current assets          798,552  
Noncurrent assets       4,430,553  
Total       5,229,105  
   
Current liabilities       1,146,481  
Noncurrent liabilities       4,000,000  
Total       5,146,481  
Net assets  $82,624  

 

The equity earnings from GSE and CO2 have been included in interest and other income (expense) in the statements of operations for 2000 and 1999.

Note 3. Related-Party Transactions

General: The Minnesota Brewing Limited Partnership (the “Partnership”) owns approximately 52 percent of the Company’s voting stock. The Chairman of the Board of the Company is also the controlling shareholder of the Partnership.

Capital lease termination: Prior to March 29, 1999, the Company leased its land, building and the vast majority of the production equipment from the Partnership. The lease agreements had been accounted for as capital leases. On March 29, 1999, the Company and the Partnership terminated their lease agreements. In connection with the lease termination the Company realized a gain of $248,560, which was deferred and is being amortized into income over 56 months, which was the number of months remaining under the lease agreement. As of December 31, 2000 and 1999, the unamortized deferred gain amounted to $155,000 and $198,000, respectively. Simultaneous with the lease termination, the Partnership agreed to convert the January, February and March 1999 rent payments, which totaled approximately $150,000, into 60,131 shares of Class A convertible preferred stock. The Partnership also contributed its interest in the real estate and equipment that had been previously leased to the Company, to GSE. On March 29, 1999, the Company and GSE entered into a new operating lease agreement for the same land, building and production equipment that the Company had previously leased from the Partnership. The new lease agreement provides for rent of $25,000 per month and has an initial term of ten years through March 2009. The agreement also provides for three ten-year renewal periods.

Approximate minimum future lease payments (primarily consisting of the related-party lease mentioned above) at December 31, 2000 are as follows:

2001    $353,000  
2002            348,000  
2003            346,000  
2004            325,000  
2005            303,000  
Thereafter            975,000  
     $2,650,000  

The total rent expense relating to the operating lease portion of the above leases was approximately $300,000, $250,000 and $231,000 for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.

Amounts due to related party: The Company has available a $1.0 million revolving line of credit agreement with the Partnership through April 15, 2002. Accordingly, this debt has been classified as long-term debt. In addition, in connection with the line of credit agreement, the Partnership advanced $500,000 for the purpose of pledging a U.S. Treasury Note for the BATF bond. As of December 31, 2000 and 1999, the Company had borrowings outstanding of $1.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively. Advances under the line of credit accrue interest at the higher of either (i) the prime rate plus 1 percent (10.5 percent at December 31, 2000) or (ii) 9 percent. The line is secured by substantially all the assets of the Company and is subordinated to the bank line of credit. The Company incurred interest expense of $106,000 and $99,000 during 2000 and 1999, respectively, under this arrangement.

Amounts due from related party: The Company and GSE entered into a shared expenses agreement on March 29, 1999. This agreement calls for GSE to reimburse MBC for all costs incurred by MBC on behalf of GSE. The total amount credited to expense related to this agreement was approximately $3.2 million and $286,000 during 2000 and 1999, respectively. Of the amount charged to GSE, approximately $1.3 million related to shared utilities and approximately $833,000 related to raw materials. Raw materials were charged to GSE at MBC’s cost. These amounts have primarily been reflected as a reduction to cost of goods sold in 2000 and 1999. At December 31, 2000 and 1999, $430,000 and $217,000, respectively, was due from GSE.

Preferred stock: On March 31, 1999, the Company issued 60,131 shares of Class A Convertible Preferred Stock to the Partnership in satisfaction of $150,000 owed for deferred rents and accrued interest. The preferred stock has a 9 percent cumulative dividend rate, voting rights and is convertible into common stock at the rate of one share of common stock per share of preferred stock. The holders of preferred stock are entitled to the number of votes equal to the number of shares of common stock into which the preferred stock could be converted. These shares are in addition to the 547,614 shares issued in satisfaction of $1,369,000 owed for deferred rents and accrued interest at December 31, 1998. At December 31, 2000, the amount of preferred dividends in arrears was $270,000. These dividends can be deferred and if they are not paid, they accumulate without interest. Dividends can only be paid from income of the Company and are further subject to limitation under the Company’s financing agreement (see Note 4).

Guarantee: The Company is an unconditional guarantor with respect to a mortgage loan between GSE and a financial institution. As of December 31, 2000, payments required under the terms of the agreement have been paid. The total obligation as of December 31, 2000 was $13.3 million.

Related-party payments: During 2000 and 1999, the Company paid insurance premiums of approximately $360,000 and $251,000, respectively, to an insurance agency whose ownership includes a director of the Company.

Note 4. Financing Agreements

The Company has available a $3.5 million revolving credit agreement which bears interest at the prime rate plus 1.5 percent (10.5 percent at December 31, 2000), subject to certain borrowing base restrictions. Amounts outstanding were $1.7 million and $1.6 million as of December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively. As of December 31, 2000, the remaining availability on this line of credit was approximately $401,000. The line of credit agreement expires in June 2001 and contains covenants, which include among others, dividend restrictions and requiring the Company to maintain certain financial requirements, including maintaining a minimum net worth level. Substantially all of the Company’s assets were pledged as collateral under this line of credit.

The Company was in violation of certain covenants as of December 31, 2000, which were waived by the bank on March 28, 2001.

Long term debt consists of the following:

  December 31
 
2000
1999
Related party, interest at 9.0%, due in April 2002  $1,500,000    $1,562,000  
Other, interest at 10.25%, due in 2004              42,000  
           49,000  
           1,542,000         1,611,000  
     
Less current maturities              (9,000) 
           (8,000) 
   $1,533,000  
 $1,603,000  

Approximate future maturities of long-term debt are as follows:

2001    $9,000  
2002         1,510,000  
2003              11,000  
2004              12,000  
     $1,542,000  

In March 2001 the Company obtained bank approval for a five year $5.0 million bank note, which will be used to upgrade the bottling and can line. Approximately $600,000 of the proceeds from this note will be used to reduce the amount outstanding under the revolving credit agreement, thereby increasing availability under the line.

Note 5. Employee Stock Ownership Plan

The Company has an employee stock ownership plan (the Plan) to provide additional retirement benefits to all employees. Under agreements with employees, the Company is committed to make stock issuances or cash contributions to the Plan of $0.60 for each hour of paid compensation for eligible employees. Total compensation expense under the Plan was approximately $51,000, $52,000 and $76,000 for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. During 2000, the Company provided a cash contribution of $51,000 to the Plan. During 1999 and 1998, the Company contributed 44,149 and 73,500 shares, respectively, of its common stock with a fair value of $88,592 and $157,284, respectively, in satisfaction of accrued expense under the Plan. At December 31, 2000 and 1999, there were 264,428 shares of Company common stock held by the Plan. The fair market value of those shares totaled approximately $612,000 and $595,000 as of December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

 

Note 6. Stock Options

The employee incentive stock option plan authorizes the granting of options to purchase up to 650,000 shares of common stock to officers, directors and other key employees. These options are granted at the discretion of the directors. All options must be granted at no less than 100 percent of the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant, or 110 percent for employees owning more than 10 percent of the Company’s common stock. The options expire at varying dates not to exceed ten years from the grant date and are not transferable. When exercising options, an employee’s payment may be either cash, shares of the Company’s stock valued at the fair market value, or a combination of the two.

The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123, Accounting for Stock Based Compensation. Accordingly, the Company continues to account for stock based compensation under the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. Under the guidelines of Opinion 25, compensation cost for stock based employee compensation plans is recognized based on the difference, if any, between the quoted market price of the stock on the date of grant and the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock. The Company had no such differences as of December 31, 2000 and 1999. Had compensation cost for the Company’s stock options been determined based on the fair value at the grant date for awards in 2000, 1999 and 1998, consistent with the provisions of SFAS 123, the Company’s net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders and basic and diluted income (loss) per share would have changed to the pro forma amounts indicated below:

 
2000
1999
1998
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders:      
   As reported $627,000 $(865,000) $(1,380,000)
   Pro forma 176,000 (1,084,000) (1,483,000)
Basic net income (loss) per common share:      
   As reported 0.14 (0.29) (0.40)
   Pro forma 0.01 (0.35) (0.43)
Diluted net income (loss) per common share:      
   As reported 0.14 (0.29) (0.40)
   Pro forma 0.01 (0.35) (0.43)

The above pro forma amounts may not be representative of the effects on reported net earnings for future years. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following weighted-average assumptions were used for grants in 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively: dividend rate of zero for all years; price volatility of 76.5, 99.5 and 68.9 percent; risk-free interest rate of 6.6, 5.3 and 5.4 percent; and expected lives of approximately 5.0 years for all periods presented. The weighted-average fair value per share of options granted in 2000, 1999 and 1998 was $2.01, $2.78 and $1.03, respectively.

A summary of the stock option and warrant activity through December 31, 2000, is as follows:

 



Shares

Exercise Price
per Share
Options outstanding at December 31, 1997  $192,000    $4.50 - 5.75
   Options granted              90,000  
 2.00
Options outstanding at December 31, 1998            282,000    2.00 - 5.75
   Options granted              35,000  
 1.70 - 1.88
Options outstanding at December 31, 1999            317,000    1.70 - 5.75
   Options granted            254,500    3.00 - 3.75
   Options canceled/forfeited              (43,333)  
 4.50 - 5.75
Options outstanding at December 31, 2000  $528,167  
 $1.70 - 5.75

At December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, the Company had 528,167, 317,000 and 282,000 options outstanding, with a weighted-average exercise price per share of $3.27, $4.85 and $4.88, respectively.

The following table summarizes information about stock options at December 31, 2000:

       Options Outstanding
  Options Exercisable


Range of

Exercise
 Prices
 
Number

Outstanding at
December 31,
2000
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)

Weighted

Average
Exercise
Price
 
Number

Exercisable at
December 31,
2000

Weighted

Average
Exercise
Price
   
   
   
   
 $1.70 - $2.00                131,667   2.8  $1.90                  106,667    $1.93  
 $2.01 - $3.00                149,500   4.1                    2.96                    54,499                      2.88  
 $3.01 - $4.00                  95,000   4.6                    3.60                    10,000                      3.38  
 $4.01 - $5.00                147,000   1.4                    4.53                  147,000                      4.53  
 $5.01 - $5.75                    5,000  
2.4
                   5.75  
                   5,000  
                   5.75  
                 528,167  
3.1
 $3.27  
               323,166  
 $3.33  

At December 31, 1999 and 1998, there were 255,333 and 175,333 options exercisable at a weighted-average exercise price of $3.59 and $3.82, respectively.

Note 7. Sales by Major Product Line, Major Customer and Major Suppliers

Sales by major product line: The Company operates in one business segment, the brewing and marketing of beverages for both proprietary and contract labels. In addition to domestic distributors, the Company also sells directly to foreign distributors located mainly in the Far East.

Sales by major product line are as follows:

  2000
%
1999
%
1998
%
Proprietary  $8,014,000      30    $8,940,000      46    $10,780,000      66  
Contract        11,347,000      43            4,360,000      23            2,137,000      13  
Foreign          5,800,000      22            4,720,000      25            2,671,000      16   
Other          1,459,000  
     5            1,220,000  
     6              779,000  
     5  
   $26,620,000  
   $19,240,000  
   $16,367,000  
 

Identifiable assets by product line are as follows:

             
      2000
%
1999
%
Proprietary      $2,245,000   21  $2,256,000      27  
Contract              1,359,000   13          1,875,000      23  
Foreign                687,000   7            913,000      11  
Other, primarily long-lived assets            6,209,000  
59          3,174,000  
   39  
       $10,500,000  
   $8,218,000  
 

Trade accounts receivable from foreign distributors were approximately $409,000 and $659,000 at December 31, 2000 and 1999.

Major customer: The Company had one major customer during 2000. Total sales and the accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2000, were approximately $9.7 million and $0.2 million, respectively. There were no major customers in 1999.

Major suppliers: The Company purchases a majority of the cans and bottles used in its production from three suppliers. Management believes that alternative sources of supply are available in the event the Company is unable to obtain products from these suppliers.

Note 8. Income Taxes

The components of the income tax expense (benefit) are as follows:

  Years Ended December 31
 
2000
1999
1998
Current:      
   U.S. federal  $-    $-    $-  
   State             5,000               5,000                        -  
   Benefit of NOL carryback                    -  
                   -  
           (28,000) 
   $5,000  
 $5,000  
 $(28,000) 

Income tax expense (benefit) differs from the federal statutory rate as follows:

  Years Ended December 31
 
2000
1999
1998
Computed "expected" Federal tax expense (benefit) at statutory rates  $221,000    $(301,000)   $(493,000) 
State income tax (benefit), net of federal tax effect            28,000            (34,000)             (62,000) 
Nondeductible expenses            19,000               5,000                 5,000  
Effect of income taxes at lower rates            (7,000)              8,000               14,000  
Utilization of net operating loss carryforwards        (261,000)                     -                        -  
Effect of net operating loss with no current benefit                    -            322,000              525,000  
Other 5,000  
            5,000  
           (17,000) 
   $5,000  
 $5,000  
 $(28,000) 

Deferred taxes consist of the following components as of December 31, 2000 and 1999:

 
2000
1999
Deferred tax assets:    
   Net operating loss carryforwards  $3,497,000    $3,826,000  
   Vacation accrual              83,000              89,000  
   Deferred gain on capital lease termination              59,000              75,000  
   Inventory valuation reserve              61,000              20,000  
   Allowance for doubtful trade and other accounts receivable              55,000              30,000  
Other              14,000               8,000  
Deferred tax liabilities - other           (284,000) 
       (235,000) 
           3,485,000         3,813,000  
     
Less valuation allowance        (3,485,000) 
     (3,813,000) 
Net deferred tax assets  $-   
 $-  

Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon generation of sufficient future taxable income. Management has determined that sufficient uncertainty exists regarding the realizability of the net deferred tax assets and, accordingly, has provided a valuation allowance against such net deferred tax assets of the Company.

At December 31, 2000, the Company’s net operating loss carryforwards expire as follows:

2007   $         615,000
2011         1,500,000
2012         3,922,000
2018         1,722,000
2019         1,319,000
    $     9,078,000
Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation: The Company is involved in various litigation and claims arising in the normal course of business. While it is not feasible to determine the outcome of any uncertainties, it is the opinion of management that their outcomes will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position or operations of the Company.

Pension plans: The Company belongs to two multi-employer pension plans (Pension Plans) covering certain employees. Total pension plan expense for 2000, 1999 and 1998 was approximately $119,000, $64,000 and $62,000, respectively. The Company makes annual contributions to the Pension Plans in accordance with negotiated labor contracts. The Multi-Employer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980 (the Act) may, under certain circumstances, cause the Company to become subject to liabilities in excess of contributions made under collective bargaining agreements. Under the Act, the Company’s proportionate share of the Pension Plan’s unfunded vested benefits, if any, generally are contingent upon the termination of, withdrawal, or partial withdrawal from the Pension Plans. The Company has not undertaken to terminate, withdraw, or partially withdraw from the Pension Plans.

Savings and retirement plan: The Company has a savings and retirement plan for eligible employees. The plan was adopted pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to the plan are discretionary for both the Company and the employees. The Company may make contributions to this 401(k) plan which match employee contributions, subject to certain limitations. During 2000, 1999 and 1998, the Company made contributions of approximately $45,000, $33,000 and $47,000, respectively, to this plan.

 

SCHEDULE II        
MBC HOLDING COMPANY        
         
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS      
         
  Balance at Charged to   Balance at
  Beginning Cost and   End of
                             Description
of Period
Expenses
Deductions
Period
Deducted in the balance sheet from the assets to which it applies:        
   Allowance for doubtful accounts:        
      Year ended December 31, 2000  $80,000    $111,000    $47,000(1)    $144,000  
      Year ended December 31, 1999             250,000                 80,000               250,000(1)                 80,000  
      Year ended December 31, 1998             306,000                 90,000               146,000(1)               250,000  
   Accumulated amortization of intangibles:        
      Year ended December 31, 2000             617,000               144,000               197,000(2)               564,000  
      Year ended December 31, 1999             544,000               176,000               103,000(2)               617,000  
      Year ended December 31, 1998             388,000               156,000                           -               544,000  
   Deferred tax asset valuation allowance:        
      Year ended December 31, 2000          3,813,000                           -               328,000(3)            3,485,000  
      Year ended December 31, 1999          3,451,000               362,000                           -            3,813,000  
      Year ended December 31, 1998          2,926,000               525,000                           -            3,451,000  
   Inventory valuation allowance:        
      Year ended December 31, 2000               52,000               109,000                           -               161,000  
      Year ended December 31, 1999             281,000               465,000               694,000(1)                 52,000  
      Year ended December 31, 1998             455,000                 53,000               227,000(1)               281,000  

(1)        Uncollectible accounts and inventories written off, net of recoveries.

(2)        Fully amortized items written off.

(3)        Primarily utilization of net operating loss carryforwards.