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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2015;

 

OR

 

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

 

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 001-35608

 

 

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

45-5034161

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

 

12612 West Alameda Parkway

 

80228

Lakewood, Colorado

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip code)

 

(303) 986-4600

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by checkmark 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 ☒ No

 

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒ No 

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer 

 

Accelerated filer 

     

Non –accelerated filer 

 

Smaller Reporting Company 

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

   

 

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

 

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.001 par value, outstanding as of May 4, 2015 was 22,491,158.

 

 
 

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Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2015

 

Table of Contents

 

   

Page Number

     
 

PART I. Financial Information

 
     

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014 (unaudited)

2

 

Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (unaudited)

3

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (unaudited)

4

 

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

5

     

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

11

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

23

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

23

     
 

PART II. Other Information

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

23

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

23

Item 6.

Exhibits

23

     

SIGNATURES

24

   

EXHIBIT INDEX

25

 

 

Table Of Contents
 

 

Except where the context otherwise requires or where otherwise indicated, all references herein to ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us,’’ ‘‘our,’’ ‘‘Natural Grocers,’’ and the ‘‘Company’’ refer collectively to Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This report on Form 10-Q includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 in addition to historical information. These forward-looking statements are included throughout this report on Form 10-Q, including in the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” All statements that are not statements of historical fact, including those that relate to matters such as our industry, business strategy, goals and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, capital expenditures, liquidity and capital resources and other financial and operating information are forward-looking statements. We may use the words “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “future” and similar terms and phrases to identify forward-looking statements in this report on Form 10-Q.

 

The forward-looking statements contained in this report on Form 10-Q are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. We cannot assure you that future developments affecting us will be those that we have anticipated. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to changes in global, regional or local political, economic, business, competitive, market, regulatory and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. We believe that these factors include those referenced in “Risk Factors” in our report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 (our Form 10-K). Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of our assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements.

 

Any forward-looking statement made by us in this report on Form 10-Q speaks only as of the date of this report. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by any applicable securities laws. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we may make in our future reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). Such reports may be read and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549 and may also be accessed on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Our filings with the SEC are also available, free of charge, through our website at www.naturalgrocers.com.

 

 
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PART I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

NATURAL GROCERS BY VITAMIN COTTAGE, INC.

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

 

   

March 31, 2015

   

September 30, 2014

 

Assets

               

Current assets:

               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 7,236       5,113  

Accounts receivable, net

    2,173       2,146  

Merchandise inventory

    64,727       58,381  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    1,184       641  

Deferred income tax assets

    836       832  

Total current assets

    76,156       67,113  

Property and equipment, net

    129,196       120,224  

Other assets:

               

Deposits and other assets

    736       712  

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net

    5,641       900  

Deferred financing costs, net

    28       36  

Total other assets

    6,405       1,648  

Total assets

  $ 211,757       188,985  

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

               

Current liabilities:

               

Accounts payable

  $ 41,067       33,835  

Accrued expenses

    19,759       15,822  

Capital and financing lease obligations, current portion

    296       229  

Total current liabilities

    61,122       49,886  

Long-term liabilities:

               

Capital and financing lease obligations, net of current portion

    24,933       21,748  

Deferred income tax liabilities

    3,946       5,409  

Deferred rent

    6,186       5,842  

Leasehold incentives

    7,389       7,246  

Other long-term liabilities

    103        

Total long-term liabilities

    42,557       40,245  

Total liabilities

    103,679       90,131  

Commitments (Note 13)

               

Stockholders’ equity:

               

Common stock, $0.001 par value. Authorized 50,000,000 shares, 22,491,158 and 22,485,488 issued and outstanding, respectively

    22       22  

Additional paid in capital

    54,809       54,552  

Retained earnings

    53,247       44,280  

Total stockholders’ equity

    108,078       98,854  

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $ 211,757       188,985  

  

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

 

 
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NATURAL GROCERS BY VITAMIN COTTAGE, INC.

 

Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

  

   

Three months ended
March 31,

   

Six months ended
March 31,

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2015

   

2014

 

Net sales

  $ 157,744       130,343       303,631       250,923  

Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs

    110,874       91,590       214,467       176,789  

Gross profit

    46,870       38,753       89,164       74,134  

Store expenses

    32,461       26,877       63,510       52,050  

Administrative expenses

    4,156       3,548       8,383       7,437  

Pre-opening and relocation expenses

    870       1,211       1,447       2,100  

Operating income

    9,383       7,117       15,824       12,547  

Other (expense) income:

                               

Dividends and interest income

          1             2  

Interest expense

    (714

)

    (704

)

    (1,449

)

    (1,411

)

Total other expense, net

    (714

)

    (703

)

    (1,449

)

    (1,409

)

Income before income taxes

    8,669       6,414       14,375       11,138  

Provision for income taxes

    (3,266

)

    (2,415

)

    (5,408

)

    (4,217

)

Net income

  $ 5,403       3,999       8,967       6,921  
                                 

Net income per common share:

                               

Basic

  $ 0.24       0.18       0.40       0.31  

Diluted

  $ 0.24       0.18       0.40       0.31  

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

                               

Basic

    22,488,667       22,464,941       22,487,884       22,453,441  

Diluted

    22,499,322       22,483,753       22,496,919       22,477,201  

  

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

 

 
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NATURAL GROCERS BY VITAMIN COTTAGE, INC.

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands) 

 

   

Six months ended March 31,

 
   

2015

   

2014

 

Operating activities:

               

Net income

  $ 8,967       6,921  

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

               

Depreciation and amortization

    10,130       8,054  

Gain on disposal of property and equipment

    (4

)

     

Share-based compensation

    297       263  

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation

          (460

)

Deferred income tax benefit

    (1,467

)

    (437

)

Non-cash interest expense

    8       11  

Interest accrued on investments and amortization of premium

          9  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

               

(Increase) decrease in:

               

Accounts receivable, net

    (27

)

    600  

Income tax receivable

          359  

Merchandise inventory

    (5,620

)

    (7,618

)

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    (568

)

    (981

)

Increase in:

               

Accounts payable

    8,134       5,382  

Accrued expenses

    3,889       1,876  

Deferred rent and leasehold incentives

    487       1,669  

Other long-term liabilities

    103        

Net cash provided by operating activities

    24,329       15,648  

Investing activities:

               

Acquisition of property and equipment

    (15,957

)

    (17,853

)

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

    4        

Payment for acquisition

    (5,601

)

     

Proceeds from maturity of available-for-sale securities

          1,045  

Decrease in restricted cash

          500  

Net cash used in investing activities

    (21,554

)

    (16,308

)

Financing activities:

               

Borrowings under credit facility

    66,790       530  

Repayments under credit facility

    (66,790

)

    (530

)

Capital and financing lease obligations payments

    (116

)

    (88

)

Contingent consideration payments for acquisition

    (514

)

     

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation

          460  

Payments of withholding tax for restricted stock unit vesting

    (22

)

     

Credit facility fees paid

          (30

)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

    (652

)

    342  

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    2,123       (318

)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

    5,113       8,132  

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $ 7,236       7,814  

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

               

Cash paid for interest

  $ 27        

Cash paid for interest on capital and financing lease obligations

    1,538       1,392  

Income taxes paid

    5,099       3,656  

Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:

               

Acquisition of property and equipment not yet paid

  $ 2,358       3,341  

Property acquired through capital and financing lease obligations

    3,355       14  

  

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

 

 
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NATURAL GROCERS BY VITAMIN COTTAGE, INC.

 

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2015 and 2014

 

1. Organization

 

Nature of Business

 

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (Natural Grocers or the Holding Company) and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, the Company) operate retail stores that specialize in natural and organic groceries and dietary supplements. The Company typically operates its retail stores under its trademark Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage®. As of March 31, 2015, the Company operated 95 stores in 16 states, including 33 stores in Colorado, 14 in Texas, eight in Oregon, seven in Kansas, five each in New Mexico and Oklahoma, four each in Arizona and Montana, three each in Idaho and Nebraska, two each in Missouri, Utah and Wyoming, and one each in Arkansas, Nevada and Washington. The Company also has a bulk food repackaging facility and distribution center in Colorado. The Company had 87 stores in 14 states as of September 30, 2014.

 

2. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial statements and are in the form prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission in Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The information included in this report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014. The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial results. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for any other interim period or for a full fiscal year. The Company reports its results of operations on a fiscal year ending September 30.

 

The Holding Company was incorporated in Delaware on April 9, 2012. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include all the accounts of the Holding Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries, Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets, Inc. (the Operating Company), Vitamin Cottage Two Ltd. Liability Company and Natural Systems, LLC. The Operating Company formed the Holding Company in order to facilitate the purchase of the remaining noncontrolling interest in Boulder Vitamin Cottage Group, LLC and the consummation of the Company’s initial public offering (IPO) during fiscal year 2012. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

The Company has one reporting segment, natural and organic retail stores. Sales from the Company’s natural and organic retail stores are derived from sales of the following products, which are presented as a percentage of sales for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 as follows:

 

   

Three months ended

March 31,

   

Six months ended

March 31,

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2015

   

2014

 

Grocery

    66.0

%

    66.1       66.3       66.3  

Dietary supplements

    23.1       24.0       22.6       23.7  

Other

    10.9       9.9       11.1       10.0  
      100.0

%

    100.0       100.0       100.0  

  

Business Combinations

 

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires that the purchase price paid for an acquisition be allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired based on their estimated fair values as of the effective date of the acquisition, with the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired being reported as goodwill. Acquisition-related costs are considered separate transactions and are expensed as incurred.

 

  

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities (including the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination), the 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. Management reviews its estimates on an ongoing basis, including those related to allowances for self-insurance reserves, valuation of inventories, useful lives of property and equipment for depreciation and amortization, valuation allowances for deferred tax assets and liabilities and litigation based on currently available information. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates and actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” ASU No 2014-09 provides guidance for revenue recognition and will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective. The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled for the transfer of those goods or services. This guidance will be effective for the Company beginning on October 1, 2017 and early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company has not yet selected a transition method and is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this ASU on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

3. Earnings Per Share

 

Basic earnings per share (EPS) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if the Company’s granted but unvested restricted stock units were to vest, resulting in the issuance of common stock that would then share in the earnings of the Company. Presented below are basic and diluted EPS for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, dollars in thousands, except per share data:

 

   

Three months ended
March 31,

   

Six months ended
March 31,

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2015

   

2014

 

Net income

  $ 5,403       3,999       8,967       6,921  
                                 

Weighted average common shares outstanding

    22,488,667       22,464,941       22,487,884       22,453,441  

Effect of dilutive securities

    10,655       18,812       9,035       23,760  

Weighted average common shares outstanding including effect of dilutive securities

    22,499,322       22,483,753       22,496,919       22,477,201  
                                 

Basic earnings per share

  $ 0.24       0.18       0.40       0.31  

Diluted earnings per share

  $ 0.24       0.18       0.40       0.31  

 

There were 6,162 and 33,378 non-vested restricted stock units (RSUs) for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015, respectively, excluded from the calculation as they are antidilutive. There were 3,558 antidilutive non-vested RSUs for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014.

 

The Company did not declare any dividends in the three or six months ended March 31, 2015 or 2014.

 

4. Debt

 

Credit Facility

 

The Company has a secured revolving credit facility (the Credit Facility). The Operating Company is the borrower under the Credit Facility and its obligations under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by the Holding Company.

 

On December 12, 2013, the Company amended and restated its then-existing $15.0 million credit agreement, as a result of which, among other things: (i) the maturity date of the Company’s Credit Facility was extended by three years to January 31, 2017; (ii) the Company has the right to request the issuance of letters of credit under the Credit Facility of up to $3.0 million; (iii) the Company is allowed to increase the amount available under the Credit Facility, by an additional amount that may not exceed $10.0 million, by obtaining an additional commitment or commitments; (iv) a requirement for a consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization to revenue ratio was eliminated; and (v) the unused commitment fee was changed from 0.20% to amounts ranging from 0.15% to 0.35% based on certain conditions. The Company may borrow, prepay and re-borrow amounts under the Credit Facility at any time prior to the maturity date.

 

 

The Company had no amounts outstanding on the Credit Facility as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014. As of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, the Company had undrawn, issued and outstanding letters of credit of approximately $1.0 million and $0.7 million, respectively, which reduced, on a dollar-for-dollar basis, the amount available for borrowing under the terms of the Credit Facility. There was approximately $14.0 million and $14.3 million as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively, available for borrowing under the Credit Facility.

 

As of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with the debt covenants under the Credit Facility.

 

Capital and Financing Lease Obligations

 

From time to time, the Company enters into various leases that are included in capital and financing lease obligations. The Company does not record rent expense for these capitalized real estate leases, but rather rental payments under the capital leases are recognized as a reduction of the capital and financing lease obligation and as interest expense (see Note 5).

 

Interest

 

The Company incurred gross interest expense of approximately $0.7 million for each of the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, and approximately $1.4 million for each of the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. Interest expense for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 relates primarily to interest on capital and financing lease obligations. The Company capitalized $0.1 million of interest for each of the three and six months ended March 31, 2015, with no interest capitalized in the three and six months ended March 31, 2014, and had insignificant amounts of amortization of deferred financing costs for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

5. Lease Commitments

 

Capital and financing lease obligations as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, are as follows, dollars in thousands:

 

   

As of

 
   

March 31,

2015

   

September 30,

2014

 

Capital lease finance obligations, due in monthly installments through fiscal year 2028

  $ 17,267       14,989  

Capital lease obligations, due in monthly installments through fiscal year 2028

    4,607       4,672  

Capital lease finance obligations for assets under construction, due in monthly installments through fiscal year 2026

    3,355       2,316  

Total capital and financing lease obligations

    25,229       21,977  

Less current portion

    (296

)

    (229

)

Total capital and financing lease obligations, net of current portion

  $ 24,933       21,748  

 

 
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6. Property and Equipment

 

The Company had the following property and equipment balances as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, dollars in thousands:

  

               

As of

 
   

 

Useful lives

(in years)

   

March 31,

2015

   

September 30,

2014

 

Construction in process

      n/a       $ 5,050       6,867  

Capitalized real estate leases for build-to-suit stores, including unamortized land of $617 and $617, respectively

      40         19,512       17,107  

Capitalized real estate leases

      15         4,866       4,866  

Land

      n/a         192       192  

Buildings

      40         4,986       3,985  

Land improvements

    5 - 15       1,015       1,000  

Leasehold and building improvements

    1 - 25       84,498       74,691  

Fixtures and equipment

    5 - 7       76,354       69,894  

Computer hardware and software

    3 - 5       11,934       10,740  
                  208,407       189,342  

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

                (79,211

)

    (69,118

)

Property and equipment, net

              $ 129,196       120,224  

 

Capitalized real estate leases for build-to-suit stores includes the assets for the Company’s buildings under capital lease finance obligations, and capitalized real estate leases includes assets for the Company’s buildings under capital lease obligations (see Note 5).

 

Construction in process includes $3.3 million and approximately $2.3 million as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively, related to construction costs for leases in process for which the Company was deemed the owner during the construction period.

 

Depreciation and amortization expense for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 is summarized as follows, dollars in thousands:

 

   

Three months ended
March 31,

   

Six months ended
March 31,

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2015

   

2014

 

Depreciation and amortization expense included in cost of goods sold and occupancy costs

  $ 198       190       397       376  

Depreciation and amortization expense included in store expenses

    4,753       3,799       9,348       7,442  

Depreciation and amortization expense included in administrative expenses

    198       127       385       236  

Total depreciation and amortization expense

  $ 5,149       4,116       10,130       8,054  

 

7. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill and other intangible assets as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, are summarized as follows, dollars in thousands:

 

             

As of

 
   

Useful lives (in years)

   

March 31,

2015

   

September 30,

2014

 

Amortizable intangible assets:

                         

Covenants not to compete

   2 - 5     $ 353       293  

Favorable operating lease

    5         339       339  

Other intangibles

   0.5 - 1       27       22  

Amortizable intangible assets

              719       654  

Less accumulated amortization

              (665

)

    (654

)

Amortizable intangible assets, net

              54        

Trademark

 

 

Indefinite         389       389  

Total other intangibles, net

              443       389  

Goodwill

 

 

Indefinite         5,198       511  

Total goodwill and other intangibles,
net

            $ 5,641       900  

 

Amortization expense was less than $0.1 million for each of the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. The increase in goodwill and intangible assets in the six months ended March 31, 2015 was due to the acquisition which closed on December 7, 2014 (see Note 12).

 

 
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8. Accrued Expenses

 

The composition of accrued expenses as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014 is summarized as follows, dollars in thousands:

 

   

As of

 
   

March 31,

   

September 30,

 
   

2015

   

2014

 

Payroll and employee-related expenses

  $ 7,314       5,886  

Accrued income taxes payable

    6,672       4,868  

Accrued property, sales and use tax payable

    3,351       3,409  

Accrued marketing expenses

    971       421  

Deferred revenue related to gift card sales

    838       725  

Other

    613       513  

Total accrued expenses

  $ 19,759       15,822  

 

9. Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company records its financial assets and liabilities in accordance with the framework for measuring fair value in authoritative guidance. The framework establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and market participant’s assumptions (unobservable inputs). Non-financial assets, such as goodwill and long-lived assets, are accounted for at fair value, if determined to be impaired, on a non-recurring basis. These items are tested for impairment on the occurrence of a triggering event or in the case of goodwill, at least on an annual basis.

 

The carrying amounts of financial instruments including cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other accrued expenses, approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments.

 

10. Share-based Compensation

 

The Company adopted an Omnibus Incentive Plan (the Plan) on July 17, 2012. RSUs granted pursuant to the Plan, if they vest, will be settled in shares of the Company’s common stock. Changes in the number of non-vested RSUs outstanding under the Plan during the six months ended March 31, 2015 were as follows:

 

   

RSUs

   

Weighted average grant date fair value

 

Non-vested as of September 30, 2014

    37,194     $ 34.77  

Granted

    22,990       20.65  

Forfeited

    (6,420 )     33.62  

Vested

    (6,923 )     30.18  

Non-vested as of March 31, 2015

    46,841       28.67  

 

As of March 31, 2015, all outstanding RSUs have been granted either to independent members of the Company’s Board of Directors or to certain employees of the Company who are not named executive officers.

 

The Company recorded total share-based compensation expense before income taxes of approximately $0.1 million and $0.3 million in the three and six months ended March 31, 2015, respectively, and recorded $0.2 million and $0.3 million in the three and six months ended March 31, 2014, respectively. The share-based compensation expense is included in cost of goods sold and occupancy expenses, store expenses or administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income consistent with the manner in which the independent board member or employee’s compensation expense is presented.

 

As of March 31, 2015, there was approximately $1.0 million in unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to non-vested RSUs net of estimated forfeitures, which the Company anticipates will be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.5 years.

 

11. Related Party Transactions

 

The Company has ongoing relationships with related entities as noted below:

 

Chalet Properties, LLC: The Company has six operating leases and one capital lease with Chalet Properties, LLC (Chalet). Chalet is owned by four of the Company’s non-independent board members: Kemper Isely, Zephyr Isely, Heather Isely and Elizabeth Isely, and other related family members. Rent paid to Chalet was approximately $0.3 million for each of the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. Rent paid to Chalet was approximately $0.6 million for each of the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. During the quarter ended December 31, 2014, the Company amended an existing lease with Chalet to obtain additional square footage at one Company store. Due to the Company’s involvement with construction for the additional space, the amended lease was deemed to be a capital financing lease in the quarter ended December 31, 2014.

 

  

Isely Family Land Trust LLC: The Company has one operating lease with the Isely Family Land Trust LLC (Land Trust). The Land Trust is owned by the Isely Children’s Trust and by the Margaret A. Isely Family Trust. Rent paid to the Land Trust was approximately $0.1 million for each of the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. Rent paid to the Land Trust was approximately $0.2 million for each of the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

12. Business Combination

 

On December 7, 2014, the Company purchased substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of natural foods retailer Nature’s Pantry, Inc. (Store Acquisition), which operated one retail store in Independence, Missouri. Following the Store Acquisition, the store was rebranded as a Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage store. The transaction has been recorded in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 805, “Business Combinations.” Assets acquired included, but were not limited to, inventory, property and equipment and certain intangible assets, including the Nature’s Pantry internet domain name and a covenant not to compete. The purchase price has been provisionally allocated to tangible and identifiable intangible assets totaling approximately $1.5 million based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition, summarized as follows, dollars in thousands:

 

Inventory and supplies

  $ 726  

Property and equipment

    680  

Other

    65  

Total provisionally allocated to tangible and identifiable intangible assets

  $ 1,471  

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company adjusted the provisional fair value measurement as of the date of acquisition for property and equipment, resulting in an increase of $0.1 million in the purchase price allocated to property and equipment and a decrease of $0.1 million in goodwill. Total costs in excess of tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired of approximately $4.7 million have been recorded as goodwill and reflects the value the Company sees in a similar long-term commitment to nutrition education and natural and organic products. A significant portion of the goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. During the six months ended March 31, 2015, the Company paid cash of $6.1 million related to the Store Acquisition, which includes the payment during the three months ended March 31, 2015 of $0.5 million of contingent consideration, which had been accrued in the three months ended December 31, 2014.

 

Results of these acquired operations are included in our unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income for the period beginning December 7, 2014 through March 31, 2015.

 

13. Commitments and Contingencies

 

The Company is periodically involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental to the conduct of its business, including but not limited to employment discrimination claims, customer injury claims and investigations. When the potential liability from a matter can be estimated and the loss is considered probable, the Company records the estimated loss. Due to uncertainties related to the resolution of lawsuits, investigations and claims, the ultimate outcome may differ from the estimates. Although the Company cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of any lawsuits, investigations and claims asserted against it, management does not believe any currently pending legal proceeding to which the Company is a party will have a material adverse effect on its business, prospects, financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

 

 
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this report on Form 10-Q and with our Form 10-K. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements. Refer to “Forward-Looking Statements” at the beginning of this report on Form 10-Q for an explanation of these types of statements. All references to a “fiscal year” refer to a year beginning on October 1 of the previous year, and ending on September 30 of such year (for example “fiscal year 2015” refers to the fiscal year from October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015). Summarized numbers included in this section, and corresponding percentage or basis point changes may not sum due to the effects of rounding.

 

Company Overview

 

We operate natural and organic grocery and dietary supplement stores that are focused on providing high quality products at affordable prices, exceptional customer service, nutrition education and community outreach. We believe we have been at the forefront of the natural and organic foods movement since our founding. We are headquartered in Lakewood, Colorado. As of March 31, 2015, we operated 95 stores in 16 states, including Colorado, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. We also operate a bulk food repackaging facility and distribution center in Colorado.

 

We offer a variety of natural and organic groceries and dietary supplements that meet our strict quality standards. We regularly review and update these standards.

 

The size of our stores varies from 5,000 to 16,000 selling square feet. During the twelve months ended March 31, 2015, our new stores averaged approximately 11,500 selling square feet.

 

The growth in the organic and natural foods industry and growing consumer interest in health and nutrition have enabled us to continue to open new stores and enter new markets. During the five fiscal years ended September 30, 2014, we increased our store count at a compound annual growth rate of 21.4%. In fiscal year 2014, we opened 15 new stores, and we currently plan to open 18 new stores in fiscal year 2015, eight of which we opened during the six months ended March 31, 2015. As of the date of this report, we have a total of 12 signed leases for new stores, eight of which we plan to open in fiscal year 2015 in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota and Oklahoma. Additionally, we plan to remodel two existing store locations and relocate one existing store location in fiscal year 2015.

 

Performance Highlights

 

Key highlights of our recent performance are discussed briefly below and are discussed in further detail throughout this MD&A. Key financial metrics, including, but not limited to, comparable store sales, daily average comparable store sales, mature store sales and daily average mature store sales are defined under the caption “Key Financial Metrics in Our Business,” presented later in this MD&A.

 

 

Net sales. Net sales were $157.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, which is an increase of $27.4 million, or 21.0%, compared to net sales of $130.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Net sales were $303.6 million for the six months ended March 31, 2015, which is an increase of $52.7 million, or 21.0%, compared to net sales of $250.9 million for the six months ended March 31, 2014.

 

 

Comparable store sales and daily average comparable store sales. Comparable store sales and daily average comparable store sales for the three months ended March 31, 2015 each increased 5.6% over the three months ended March 31, 2014. Comparable store sales and daily average comparable store sales for the six months ended March 31, 2015 each increased 5.9% over the six months ended March 31, 2014.

 

 

Mature store sales and daily average mature store sales. Mature store sales and daily average mature store sales for the three months ended March 31, 2015 each increased 2.6% over the three months ended March 31, 2014. Mature store sales and daily average mature store sales for the six months ended March 31, 2015 each increased 2.7% over the six months ended March 31, 2014.

 

 

Net income. Net income was $5.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, which increased $1.4 million, or 35.1%, when compared to net income of $4.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Net income was $9.0 million for the six months ended March 31, 2015, which increased $2.0 million, or 29.6%, when compared to net income of $6.9 million for the six months ended March 31, 2014.

 

 
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EBITDA. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was $14.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, an increase of $3.3 million, or 29.4%, from $11.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014. We generated EBITDA of $26.0 million in the six months ended March 31, 2015, an increase of $5.4 million, or 26.0%, from $20.6 million in the six months ended March 31, 2014. EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP. Refer to the end of this MD&A for a definition of EBITDA and a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA.

 

 

Liquidity. As of March 31, 2015, cash and cash equivalents was $7.2 million, and there was $14.0 million available under our $15.0 million amended and restated secured credit facility (our Credit Facility). As of March 31, 2015, we had $1.0 million outstanding in letters of credit, which were reserved against the amount available for borrowing under the terms of our Credit Facility.

 

 

New store growth. We opened four and five new stores during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and opened eight and nine new stores during the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. We operated a total of 95 stores as of March 31, 2015, compared to 81 stores as of March 31, 2014 and 65 stores as of March 31, 2013, resulting in growth rates of 17.3% and 24.6% for the twelve month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. We plan to open a total of 18 new stores in fiscal year 2015, which would result in an annual new store growth rate of 20.7% for fiscal year 2015.

 

Industry Trends and Economics

 

We have identified the following recent trends and factors that have impacted and may continue to impact our results of operations and financial condition:

 

 

Opportunities in the growing natural and organic grocery and dietary supplements industry. Our industry, which includes organic and natural foods and dietary supplements, continues to experience growth driven primarily by increased public interest in health and nutrition. Capitalizing on this opportunity, we have continued to open new stores and enter new markets. As we open new stores, our results of operations have been, and may continue to be, materially affected based on the timing, nature, location and number of new stores we open, their initial sales and new lease costs. The length of time it takes for a new store to become profitable can vary depending on a number of factors, including location, competition, a new market versus an existing market, the strength of store management and general economic conditions. Once a new store is open, it typically grows at a faster rate than mature stores for several years after its opening date. Mature stores are stores that have been open for any part of five fiscal years or longer.

 

As we continue to expand across the United States and enter markets where consumers may not be as familiar with our brand, we seek to secure prime real estate locations for our stores to establish greater visibility with consumers in those markets. This strategy has resulted in higher lease costs, and we anticipate these increased costs will continue for the foreseeable future. Our financial results for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 reflect the effects of these factors, and we anticipate future periods will be similarly impacted.

 

Our performance is also impacted by trends regarding natural and organic products, dietary supplements and at-home meal preparation. Consumer preferences towards dietary supplements or natural and organic food products might shift as a result of, among other things, economic conditions, food safety perceptions, reduced or changed consumer choices and the cost of these products. Our store offerings are comprised of natural and organic products and dietary supplements. A change in consumer preferences away from our offerings, including as a result of reductions or changes in our offerings, would have a material adverse effect on our business. Reduced or changed consumer choices may result from the implementation of our requirements for dairy products that satisfy our pasture-based, non-confinement standards. Additionally, negative publicity regarding natural and organic products or dietary supplements, or upgraded standards that reduce or change consumer choices, may adversely affect demand for our products and could result in lower consumer traffic, sales and results of operations.

 

 

Competition. The grocery and dietary supplement retail business is a large, fragmented and highly competitive industry. Our competition varies by market and includes conventional supermarkets, natural, gourmet and specialty food markets, mass and discount retailers, warehouse clubs, independent health food stores, dietary supplement retailers, drug stores, farmers markets, food co-ops, home delivery services, mail order and online retailers and multi-level marketers. We have recently faced increased competition as a result of the opening of natural and organic, gourmet and/or specialty food retailers, as well as the increased offering of natural and organic foods at conventional grocers. The longer term impact is more difficult to predict and is dependent on a number of factors in a particular market. We believe our commitment to carrying only carefully vetted, affordably priced and high-quality natural and organic products and dietary supplements, as well as our focus on providing exceptional customer service and operational excellence, differentiate us in the industry and provide us the competitive advantage to effectively respond to the increased competition.

 

 

Impact of broader economic trends. The grocery industry and our sales are affected by general economic conditions, including, but not limited to, consumer spending, economic conditions, the level of disposable consumer income, consumer debt, interest rates, the price of commodities, the political environment and consumer confidence.

 

 
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Outlook

 

We believe there are several key factors that have contributed to our success and will enable us to continue to expand profitably and increase our comparable store sales, including a loyal customer base, increasing basket size, growing consumer interest in nutrition and wellness, a differentiated shopping experience that focuses on customer service, nutrition education and a shopper friendly retail environment, and our focus on high quality, affordable natural and organic groceries and dietary supplements.

 

We plan for the foreseeable future to continue opening new stores and entering new markets at or above recent levels of growth. During the past few years, we have successfully expanded our infrastructure to enable us to support our continued growth. This has included successfully implementing our ERP system, hiring key personnel and developing efficient new store opening processes and relocating and expanding our bulk food repackaging facility and distribution center. In fiscal year 2014, we substantially completed the implementation of a human resources information and learning management system, which we believe will allow us to more efficiently and effectively onboard and train our employees at all locations. In fiscal year 2015, we redesigned our website to enhance functionality and create a more engaging user experience and began home delivery services in select markets. In addition, we are exploring options to include additional services through other digital platforms, such as digital coupons and a loyalty program.

 

We believe there are opportunities for us to continue to expand our store base and focus on increasing comparable store sales. Future sales growth, including comparable store sales, could vary due to increasing competitive conditions in the natural and organic grocery and dietary supplement industry. As we continue to expand our store base, we believe there are opportunities for increased leverage in costs as a percentage of sales, such as administrative expenses, as well as increased economies of scale in sourcing products. However, due to our commitment to providing high-quality products at affordable prices and increased competition, such sourcing economies and efficiencies at our bulk food repacking facility and distribution center may not be reflected in our gross margin in the near term.

 

Our operating results may be affected by a variety of internal and external factors and trends described more fully in the section “Risk Factors” contained in our Form 10-K.

 

Key Financial Metrics in Our Business

 

In assessing our performance, we consider a variety of performance and financial measures. The key measures are as follows:

 

Net sales

 

Our net sales are comprised of gross sales net of discounts, in-house coupons and returns. In comparing net sales between periods we monitor the following:

 

 

Change in comparable store sales. We begin to include sales from a store in comparable store sales on the first day of the thirteenth full month following the store’s opening. We monitor the percentage change in comparable store sales by comparing sales from all stores in our comparable store base for a reporting period against sales from the same stores for the same number of operating months in the comparable reporting period of the prior year. When a store that is included in comparable store sales is remodeled or relocated, we continue to consider sales from that store to be comparable store sales. Our comparable store sales data may not be presented on the same basis as our competitors. We use the term “new stores” to refer to stores that have been open or operated by us for less than thirteen months.

 

 

Change in daily average comparable store sales. Daily average comparable store sales are comparable store sales divided by the number of selling days in each period. We use this metric to remove the effect of differences in the number of selling days we are open during the comparable periods.

 

 

Change in mature store sales. We begin to include sales from a store in mature store sales after the store has been open for any part of five fiscal years (for example, our mature stores for fiscal year 2015 are stores that opened during or before fiscal year 2010). We monitor the percentage change in mature store sales by comparing sales from all stores in our mature store base for a reporting period against sales from the same stores for the same number of operating months in the comparable reporting period of the prior year. When a store that is included in mature store sales is remodeled or relocated, we continue to consider sales from that store to be mature store sales. Our mature store sales data may not be presented on the same basis as our competitors.

 

 

Change in daily average mature store sales. Daily average mature store sales are mature store sales divided by the number of selling days in each period. We use this metric to remove the effect of differences in the number of selling days during the comparable periods.

 

 

Transaction count. Transaction count represents the number of transactions reported at our stores over such period and includes transactions that are voided, return transactions and exchange transactions.

 

 

Average transaction size. Average transaction size, or basket size, is calculated by dividing net sales by transaction count for a given time period. We use this metric to track the trends in average dollars spent in our stores per customer transaction.

 

 
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Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs

 

Our cost of goods sold and occupancy costs include the cost of inventory sold during the period (net of discounts and allowances), shipping and handling costs, distribution and supply chain costs (including the costs of our bulk food repackaging facility), buying costs, shrink and store occupancy costs. Store occupancy costs include rent, common area maintenance and real estate taxes. Depreciation expense included in cost of goods sold relates to depreciation of assets directly used at our bulk food repackaging facility. The components of our cost of goods sold and occupancy costs may not be identical to those of our competitors, and as a result, our cost of goods sold and occupancy costs data included in this report on Form 10-Q may not be identical to those of our competitors, and may not be comparable to similar data made available by our competitors. Occupancy costs as a percentage of sales typically decrease as new stores mature and increase sales. We do not record straight-line rent expense in cost of goods sold and occupancy costs for the leases classified as capital and financing lease obligations, but rather rent payments are recognized as a reduction of the related obligations and as interest expense. Additionally, depreciation expense related to the capitalized asset is recorded in store expenses.

 

Gross profit and gross margin

 

Gross profit is equal to our net sales less our cost of goods sold and occupancy costs. Gross margin is gross profit as a percentage of sales. Gross margin is impacted by changes in retail prices, product costs, occupancy costs, and the mix of products sold, as well as the rate at which we open new stores.

 

Store expenses

 

Store expenses consist of store level expenses, such as salary and benefits, share-based compensation, supplies, utilities, depreciation, advertising, bank credit card charges and other related costs associated with operations and purchasing support. Depreciation expense included in store expenses relates to depreciation for assets directly used at the stores including depreciation on capitalized real estate leases, land improvements, leasehold improvements, fixtures and equipment and computer hardware and software. Additionally, store expenses include any gain or loss recorded on the disposal of fixed assets, primarily related to store relocations. The majority of store expenses are comprised of salary related expenses which we closely manage and which trend closely with sales. Labor related expenses as a percentage of sales tend to be higher at new stores compared to comparable stores, as new stores require a certain level of staffing in order to maintain adequate levels of customer service combined with lower sales. As new stores increase their sales, labor related expenses as a percentage of sales typically decrease.

 

Administrative expenses

 

Administrative expenses consist of home office related expenses, such as salary and benefits, share-based compensation, deferred compensation, office supplies, hardware and software expenses, depreciation and amortization expense, occupancy costs (including rent, common area maintenance, real estate taxes and utilities), professional services expenses, expenses associated with our board and other general and administrative expenses. Depreciation expense included in administrative expenses relates to depreciation for assets directly used at the home office including depreciation on land improvements, leasehold improvements, fixtures and equipment and computer hardware and software.

 

 
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Pre-opening and relocation expenses

 

Pre-opening and relocation expenses may include rent expense, salaries, advertising, supplies and other miscellaneous costs incurred prior to the store opening. Rent expense is generally incurred from one to four months prior to a store’s opening date for store leases classified as operating. For store leases classified as capital or financing leases, no pre-opening rent expense is recognized. Other pre-opening and relocation expenses are generally incurred in the 60 days prior to the store opening. Certain advertising and promotional costs associated with opening a new store may be incurred both before and after the store opens. All pre-opening and relocation costs are expensed as incurred.

 

Operating income

 

Operating income consists of gross profit less store expenses, administrative expenses and pre-opening and relocation expenses. Operating income can be impacted by a number of factors, including the timing of new store openings and store relocations, whether or not a store lease is classified as an operating or a capital or financing lease, as well as increases in store expenses and administrative expenses. The amount of time it takes for new stores to become profitable can vary depending on a number of factors, including location, competition, a new market versus an existing market and the strength of store management.

 

Interest expense

 

Interest expense consists of the interest associated with capital and financing lease obligations, net of capitalized interest. Interest expense also includes interest we pay on our outstanding indebtedness, including under our Credit Facility.

 

Results of Operations 

 

The following table presents key components of our results of operations expressed as a percentage of net sales for the periods presented:

  

   

Three months ended
March 31,

   

Six months ended
March 31,

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2015

   

2014

 

Statements of Income Data:*

                               

Net sales

    100.0

%

    100.0       100.0       100.0  

Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs

    70.3       70.3       70.6       70.5  

Gross profit

    29.7       29.7       29.4       29.5  
Store expenses     20.6       20.6       20.9       20.7  

Administrative expenses

    2.6       2.7       2.8       3.0  

Pre-opening and relocation expenses

    0.6       0.9       0.5       0.8  

Operating income

    5.9       5.5       5.2       5.0  

Interest expense

    (0.5

)

    (0.5

)

    (0.5

)

    (0.6

)

Income before income taxes

    5.5       4.9       4.7       4.4  

Provision for income taxes

    (2.1

)

    (1.9

)

    (1.8

)

    (1.7

)

Net income

    3.4

%

    3.1       3.0       2.8  

__________________________

                               

*Figures may not sum due to rounding.

                               
                                 

Number of stores at end of period

    95       81       95       81  

Number of stores opened during the period

    4       5       8       9  
                                 

Total store unit count increase period over period

    17.3

%

    24.6       17.3       24.6  

Change in comparable store sales

    5.6       6.9       5.9       8.7  

Change in daily average comparable store sales

    5.6       5.7       5.9       8.1  

Change in mature store sales

    2.6       4.9       2.7       5.9  

Change in daily average mature store sales

    2.6       3.7       2.7       5.3  

 

 
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Three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014

 

The following table summarizes our results of operations and other operating data for the periods presented, dollars in thousands:

  

   

Three months ended

March 31,

   

Increase

(Decrease)

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

Dollars

   

Percent

 

Statements of Income Data:

                               

Net sales

  $ 157,744       130,343       27,401       21.0

%

Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs

    110,874       91,590       19,284       21.1  

Gross profit

    46,870       38,753       8,117       20.9  

Store expenses

    32,461       26,877       5,584       20.8  

Administrative expenses

    4,156       3,548       608       17.1  

Pre-opening and relocation expenses

    870       1,211       (341

)

    (28.2

)

Operating income

    9,383       7,117       2,266       31.8  

Other (expense) income:

                               

Interest expense

    (714

)

    (704

)

    (10

)

    1.4  

Other income, net

          1       (1

)

    (100.0

)

Income before income taxes

    8,669       6,414       2,255       35.2  

Provision for income taxes

    (3,266

)

    (2,415

)

    (851

)

    35.2  

Net income

  $ 5,403       3,999       1,404       35.1  

 

Net sales

 

Net sales increased $27.4 million, or 21.0%, to $157.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $130.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, primarily due to a $20.2 million increase in sales from new stores and a $7.2 million, or 5.6%, increase in comparable store sales. The comparable store sales increase was primarily driven by a 3.2% increase in daily average transaction count and a 2.2% increase in average transaction size. Comparable store average transaction size was $36.69 in the three months ended March 31, 2015. Mature store sales increased 2.6% in the three months ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014.

 

Gross profit

 

Gross profit increased $8.1 million, or 20.9%, to $46.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $38.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, primarily driven by positive comparable store sales and an increase in the number of stores. Gross margin was 29.7% for each of the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. Gross margin in the three months ended March 31, 2015 was positively impacted by an increase in product gross margin, offset by an increase in occupancy costs as a percentage of sales for the three months ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014. The positive impact in product margin is due to increases in product margin across most departments, in the three months ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014. Occupancy costs as a percentage of sales increased in the quarter ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2014, primarily due to increased average lease expenses at newer stores and the fixed nature of occupancy costs per store. Gross margin has also been positively impacted by the nature of new store openings and a reduction in our new store growth rate during the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014.

 

The Company had 11 and nine leases for stores which were classified as capital and financing lease obligations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. If these leases had qualified as operating leases, the straight-line rent expense would have been included in occupancy costs, and our costs of goods sold and occupancy costs as a percentage of sales during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 would have been approximately 55 and 60 basis points higher, respectively, than as reported, all as a percentage of sales.

 

Store expenses

 

Store expenses increased $5.6 million, or 20.8%, to $32.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 from $26.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014, primarily due to increases in salary related expenses, depreciation, bank credit card charges and other store expenses. Store expenses as a percentage of sales were 20.6% for each of the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. Store expenses as a percentage of sales have been positively impacted by a change in the timing and nature of new store openings and a reduction in our new store growth rate during the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014.

 

Administrative expenses

 

Administrative expenses increased $0.6 million, or 17.1%, to $4.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $3.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, primarily due to the addition of general and administrative positions to support our store growth, in addition to increases in depreciation, various professional fees and other administrative expenses. Administrative expenses as a percentage of sales were 2.6% and 2.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The decrease in administrative expenses as a percentage of sales was a result of our ability to support additional store investment and sales without proportionate investments in overhead.

 

 
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Pre-opening and relocation expenses

 

Pre-opening and relocation expenses decreased $0.3 million, or 28.2%, in the three months ended March 31, 2015 to $0.9 million compared to $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, due to the impact of the number and the timing of the new store openings. We opened four and five new stores in the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Pre-opening and relocation expenses as a percentage of sales were 0.6% and 0.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.   

 

Interest expense

 

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest, increased less than $0.1 million, or 1.4%, in the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014, primarily due to a $0.1 million increase in interest expense related to capital and financing lease obligations, partially offset by a $0.1 million increase in capitalized interest. If the capital and financing lease obligations had qualified as operating leases, interest expense as a percentage of sales would have been approximately 45 and 55 basis points lower than as reported in the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

Income taxes

 

Our effective income tax rate for each of the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was 37.7%.

 

Net income

 

Net income increased 35.1% to $5.4 million, or $0.24 diluted earnings per share, in the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $4.0 million, or $0.18 diluted earnings per share, in the three months ended March 31, 2014.

  

Six months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the six months ended March 31, 2014

 

The following table summarizes our results of operations and other operating data for the periods presented, dollars in thousands:

 

   

Six months ended

March 31,

   

Increase

(Decrease)

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

Dollars

   

Percent

 

Statements of Income Data:

                               

Net sales

  $ 303,631       250,923       52,708       21.0

%

Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs

    214,467       176,789       37,678       21.3  

Gross profit

    89,164       74,134       15,030       20.3  

Store expenses

    63,510       52,050       11,460       22.0  

Administrative expenses

    8,383       7,437       946       12.7  

Pre-opening and relocation expenses

    1,447       2,100       (653

)

    (31.1

)

Operating income

    15,824       12,547       3,277       26.1  

Other (expense) income:

                               

Interest expense

    (1,449

)

    (1,411

)

    (38

)

    2.7  

Other income, net

          2       (2

)

    (100.0

)

Income before income taxes

    14,375       11,138       3,237       29.1  

Provision for income taxes

    (5,408

)

    (4,217

)

    (1,191

)

    28.2  

Net income

  $ 8,967       6,921       2,046       29.6  

 

Net sales

 

Net sales increased $52.7 million, or 21.0%, to $303.6 million for the six months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $250.9 million for the six months ended March 31, 2014, primarily due to a $38.1 million increase in sales from new stores and a $14.6 million, or 5.9%, increase in comparable store sales. The comparable store sales increase was primarily driven by a 3.3% increase in daily average transaction count and a 2.5% increase in average transaction size. Comparable store average transaction size was $36.73 in the six months ended March 31, 2015. Mature store sales increased 2.7% in the six months ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the six months ended March 31, 2014.

 

 
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Gross profit

 

Gross profit increased $15.0 million, or 20.3%, to $89.2 million for the six months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $74.1 million for the six months ended March 31, 2014, primarily driven by positive comparable store sales and an increase in the number of stores. Gross margin decreased to 29.4% for the six months ended March 31, 2015 from 29.5% for the six months ended March 31, 2014. Gross margin in the six months ended March 31, 2015 was positively impacted by an increase in product gross margin, offset by an increase in occupancy costs as a percentage of sales for the six months ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the six months ended March 31, 2014. The positive impact in product margin is due to increases in product margin across most departments, in the six months ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the six months ended March 31, 2014. Occupancy costs as a percentage of sales increased in the quarter ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2014 primarily due to increased average lease expenses at newer stores and the fixed nature of occupancy costs per store.    

 

The Company had 11 and nine leases for stores which were classified as capital and financing lease obligations for the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. If these leases had qualified as operating leases, the straight-line rent expense would have been included in occupancy costs, and our costs of goods sold and occupancy costs as a percentage of sales during the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 would have been approximately 55 and 60 basis points higher, respectively, than as reported, all as a percentage of sales.

 

Store expenses

 

Store expenses increased $11.5 million, or 22.0%, to $63.5 million in the six months ended March 31, 2015 from $52.1 million in the six months ended March 31, 2014. Store expenses as a percentage of sales were 20.9% and 20.7% for the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase in store expenses as a percentage of sales was primarily due to increases in depreciation and other store expenses, partially offset by decreases in salary related expenses.

 

Administrative expenses

 

Administrative expenses increased $0.9 million, or 12.7%, to $8.4 million for the six months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $7.4 million for the six months ended March 31, 2014, primarily due to the addition of general and administrative positions to support our store growth, in addition to increases in depreciation, various professional fees and other administrative expenses. Administrative expenses as a percentage of sales were 2.8% and 3.0% for the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The decrease in administrative expenses as a percentage of sales was a result of our ability to support additional store investment and sales without proportionate investments in overhead.

 

Pre-opening and relocation expenses

 

Pre-opening and relocation expenses decreased $0.7 million, or 31.1%, in the six months ended March 31, 2015 to $1.4 million compared to $2.1 million for the six months ended March 31, 2014, due to the impact of the timing, nature and location of the new store openings. We opened eight and nine new stores in the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Pre-opening and relocation expenses as a percentage of sales were 0.5% and 0.8% for the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

Interest expense

 

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest, increased less than $0.1 million, or 2.7%, in the six months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the six months ended March 31, 2014, primarily due to a $0.1 million increase in interest expense related to capital and financing lease obligations, partially offset by a $0.1 million increase in capitalized interest. If the capital and financing lease obligations had qualified as operating leases, interest expense as a percentage of sales would have been approximately 45 and 55 basis points lower than as reported in the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

Income taxes

 

Our effective income tax rate for the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was 37.6% and 37.9%, respectively. The decrease in our effective income tax rate was primarily due to a reduction in the blended state tax rate, tax benefits resulting from the extension of the Federal Enhanced Food Deduction (IRC Section 170(e)(3)(C)), and prior fiscal year tax benefits relating to the retroactive extension of the Federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit and Bonus Depreciation.

 

During the three months ended December 31, 2014, the Company experienced benefits from the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, which extended the 50% bonus depreciation on qualifying assets and the special 15 year life for qualified leasehold property and qualified retail improvement property for property acquired from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

 

 
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The Company also benefited from the extension of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit during the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and the extension of the Enhanced Food Deduction during the three months ended December 31, 2014.  As these provisions were retroactively extended through December 31, 2014, the Company has recognized tax benefits during the six months ended March 31, 2015. In addition, the Company has recognized a tax benefit relating to Work Opportunity Tax Credit relating to fiscal year 2014.

 

Net income

 

Net income increased 29.6% to $9.0 million, or $0.40 diluted earnings per share, in the six months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $6.9 million, or $0.31 diluted earnings per share, in the six months ended March 31, 2014.

 

Non-GAAP financial measures

 

EBITDA

 

EBITDA increased 29.4% to $14.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $11.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014. EBITDA increased 26.0% to $26.0 million in the six months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $20.6 million in the six months ended March 31, 2014. EBITDA as a percentage of sales was 9.2% and 8.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. EBITDA as a percentage of sales was 8.5% and 8.2% for the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The stores with leases that are classified as capital and financing lease obligations, rather than being classified as operating leases, increased EBITDA as a percentage of sales by approximately 55 and 60 basis points for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and by approximately 55 and 60 basis points for the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, due to the impact on cost of goods sold and occupancy costs as discussed above, as well as occupancy costs that would have been included in pre-opening expenses prior to the stores’ opening dates if these leases had been accounted for as operating leases.

 

EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP. We define EBITDA as net income before interest expense, provision for income tax, depreciation and amortization. We believe EBITDA provides additional information about: (i) our operating performance, because it assists us in comparing the operating performance of our stores on a consistent basis, as it removes the impact of non-cash depreciation and amortization expense as well as items not directly resulting from our core operations such as interest expense and income taxes and (ii) our performance and the effectiveness of our operational strategies. Additionally, EBITDA is a measure in our debt covenants under our Credit Facility. In addition, EBITDA performance is one of the factors upon which funding of our incentive compensation plans is based.

 

Furthermore, management believes some investors use EBITDA as a supplemental measure to evaluate the overall operating performance of companies in our industry. Management believes that some investors’ understanding of our performance is enhanced by including this non-GAAP financial measure as a reasonable basis for comparing our ongoing results of operations. By providing this non-GAAP financial measure, together with a reconciliation from net income, we believe we are enhancing investors’ understanding of our business and our results of operations, as well as assisting investors in evaluating how well we are executing our strategic initiatives. Our competitors may define EBITDA differently, and as a result, our measure of EBITDA may not be directly comparable to EBITDA of other companies. Items excluded from EBITDA are significant components in understanding and assessing financial performance. EBITDA is a supplemental measure of operating performance that does not represent and should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to, or substitute for net income or other financial statement data presented in our consolidated financial statements as indicators of financial performance. EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of the limitations are:

 

 

EBITDA does not reflect our cash expenditures, or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;

 

 

EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;

 

 

EBITDA does not reflect any impact for straight-line rent expense for leases classified as capital and financing lease obligations;

 

 

EBITDA does not reflect the interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our debt;

 

 

EBITDA does not reflect our tax expense or the cash requirements to pay our taxes; and

 

 

although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future and EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements.

 

 
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Due to these limitations, EBITDA should not be considered as a measure of discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business. We compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and using EBITDA as supplemental information. We further believe that our presentation of this non-GAAP financial measurement provides information that is useful to analysts and investors because it is an important indicator of the strength of our operations and the performance of our business.

 

The following table reconciles net income to EBITDA for the periods presented, dollars in thousands:

 

   

Three months ended
March 31,

   

Six months ended
March 31,

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2015

   

2014

 

Net income

  $ 5,403       3,999       8,967       6,921  

Interest expense

    714       704       1,449       1,411  

Provision for income taxes

    3,266       2,415       5,408       4,217  

Depreciation and amortization

    5,149       4,116       10,130       8,054  

EBITDA

  $ 14,532       11,234       25,954       20,603  

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash generated from operations, current balances of cash and cash equivalents and borrowings under our Credit Facility.

 

Our primary uses of cash are for purchases of inventory, operating expenses, capital expenditures predominantly in connection with opening new stores and relocating and remodeling certain existing stores, debt service and corporate taxes. Additionally, in the six months ended March 31, 2015, our uses of cash include the purchase price for the Store Acquisition.

 

As of March 31, 2015, we had $7.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, letters of credit in the amount of $1.0 million which reduced the amount available for borrowing under the terms of our Credit Facility, on a dollar-for-dollar basis, and $14.0 million available under our Credit Facility.

 

We currently have a $15.0 million credit agreement with a maturity date of January 31, 2017. We have the right to request the issuance of letters of credit under our Credit Facility up to $3.0 million. We can increase the amount available under our Credit Facility up to an additional amount that may not exceed $10.0 million by obtaining an additional commitment or commitments. The unused commitment fee ranges from 0.15% to 0.35% based on certain conditions.

 

We plan to continue to open new stores, which has previously required, and may continue to require, us to borrow additional amounts under our Credit Facility in the future. We plan to spend approximately $25 million to $27 million on capital expenditures during the remaining six months of fiscal year 2015 in association with the 10 planned new stores and one relocation and two remodels. We believe that cash and cash equivalents, together with the cash generated from operations and the borrowing availability under our Credit Facility will be sufficient to meet our working capital needs and planned capital expenditures, including capital expenditures related to new store needs for at least the next twelve months. Our working capital position benefits from the fact that we generally collect cash from sales to customers the same day or, in the case of credit or debit card transactions, within days from the related sale.

 

We anticipate that our new stores will require, on average, an upfront capital investment of approximately $2.2 million per store consisting of capital expenditures of approximately $1.7 million, net of tenant allowances, initial inventory of approximately $0.3 million, net of payables, and pre-opening expenses of approximately $0.2 million.   

 

Following is a summary of our operating, investing and financing activities for the periods presented, dollars in thousands:

 

   

Six months ended

March 31,

 
   

2015

   

2014

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 24,329       15,648  

Net cash used in investing activities

    (21,554

)

    (16,308

)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

    (652

)

    342  

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    2,123       (318

)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

    5,113       8,132  

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $ 7,236       7,814  

 

 
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Operating Activities

 

Cash provided by operating activities consists primarily of net income adjusted for non-cash items, including depreciation and changes in deferred taxes, and the effect of working capital changes. Cash provided by operating activities increased $8.7 million, or 55.5%, to $24.3 million in the six months ended March 31, 2015, compared to $15.6 million in the six months ended March 31, 2014. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to an increase in net income, as adjusted for depreciation and amortization resulting from the addition of new stores, and changes in working capital driven by the timing of payment on inventory and other purchases. Our working capital requirements for inventory will likely continue to increase as we continue to open new stores.

 

Investing Activities

 

Cash used in investing activities increased $5.2 million, or 32.2%, to $21.6 million in the six months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $16.3 million in the six months ended March 31, 2014 due to the Store Acquisition. We paid $5.6 million during the three months ended December 31, 2014 related to the Store Acquisition. Cash paid for capital expenditures decreased $1.9 million in the six months ended March 31, 2015 compared to March 31, 2014, and is driven by the number and the timing of new store openings. In the six months ended March 31, 2014, we had proceeds from maturity of available-for-sale securities of $1.0 million and a reduction in our restricted cash balance of $0.5 million.

 

Financing Activities

 

Cash (used in) provided by financing activities consists primarily of borrowings and repayments under our Credit Facility, excess tax benefits on vested share-based compensation and payments of capital and financing lease obligations. Cash used in financing activities was $0.7 million for the six months ended March 31, 2015, compared to cash provided by financing activities of $0.3 million for the six months ended March 31, 2014. The decrease in cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended March 31, 2015 was primarily due to the payment of $0.5 million of contingent consideration related to the Store Acquisition and a $0.5 million decrease in the excess tax benefit from share-based compensation.    

 

Credit Facility

 

Credit Facility 

 

Our $15.0 million Credit Facility may be increased by up to $10.0 million, as described above in “Liquidity and Capital Resources.” The Operating Company is the borrower under our Credit Facility, and its obligations under our Credit Facility are guaranteed by the Holding Company.

 

As of March 31, 2015, we had no amounts outstanding on our Credit Facility, letters of credit in the amount of $1.0 million reserved against the amount available for borrowing under our Credit Facility, and $14.0 million available for borrowing under our Credit Facility. For floating rate borrowings under our Credit Facility, interest is determined by the lender’s administrative agent and is stated at the prime rate less the lender spread, subject to the Company meeting certain financial measures. For fixed rate borrowings under our Credit Facility, interest is determined by quoted LIBOR rates for the interest period plus the lender spread, subject to us meeting certain financial measures.

 

Our Credit Facility is secured by a lien on substantially all of our assets and requires compliance with certain operational and financial covenants (including a leverage ratio and a fixed charge coverage ratio). Our Credit Facility also contains certain other limitations on our ability to incur additional debt, guarantee other obligations, grant liens on assets and make investments or acquisitions as defined in the agreement. Additionally, our Credit Facility prohibits the payment of cash dividends to the Holding Company from the Operating Company, without the administrative agent’s consent except when no default or event of default exists. If no default or event of default exists, dividends are allowed for various audit, accounting, tax, securities, indemnification, reimbursement, insurance and other reasonable expenses in the ordinary course of business. We do not expect such restrictions to impact our ability to meet our cash obligations. The terms and conditions of the agreement for our Credit Facility and associated documents are customary and include, among other things, guarantees, security interest grants, pledges and subordinations. As of March 31, 2015, we were in compliance with the debt covenants of our Credit Facility.

 

 
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Contractual Obligations 

 

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of March 31, 2015, dollars in thousands:

 

   

Payments Due by Period

 
   

Total

   

Less than
1 year

   

1 - 3 years

   

3 - 5 years

   

More than
5 years

 
                                         

Interest payments (1)

  $ 39       16       23              

Operating leases (2)

    318,091       23,435       49,926       47,974       196,756  

Capital and financing lease obligations, including principal and interest payments (3)

    54,572       3,621       7,636       7,720       35,595  

Contractual obligations for construction related activities (4)

    1,750       1,750                    
    $ 374,452       28,822       57,585       55,694       232,351  

 


(1)

We assumed the interest payments to be paid during the remainder of our Credit Facility using an unused commitment fee of 0.15% for amounts not borrowed as of March 31, 2015.

 

(2)

Represents the minimum lease payments due under our operating leases, excluding annual common area maintenance, insurance and taxes related to our operating lease obligations.

 

(3)

Represents the payments due under our capital and financing lease obligations for 12 stores, one of which was not open as of March 31, 2015. We do not record rent expense for these capital leases, but rather rental payments under the capital leases are recognized as a reduction of the capital and financing lease obligations and interest expense.

 

(4)

Contractual obligations for construction related activities include future payments to general contractors that are legally binding as of March 31, 2015 and relate to new store construction, relocations and remodels.

 

We periodically make other commitments and become subject to other contractual obligations that we believe to be routine in nature and incidental to the operation of the business. Management believes that such routine commitments and contractual obligations do not have a material impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of March 31, 2015, our off-balance sheet arrangements consisted of operating leases and the undrawn portion of our Credit Facility. All of our stores, bulk food repackaging facility and distribution center and administrative facilities are leased, and as of March 31, 2015, 11 leases were classified as capital and financing lease obligations, and the remaining leases were classified as operating leases in our consolidated financial statements. We have no other off-balance sheet arrangements that have had, or are reasonably likely to have, a material current or future effect on our consolidated financial statements or financial condition.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in this report on Form 10-Q.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual amounts may differ from these estimates. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions and factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. We evaluate our accounting policies and resulting estimates on an ongoing basis to make adjustments we consider appropriate under the facts and circumstances. Critical accounting policies that affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements include, accounting for income taxes, accounting for impairment of long-lived assets and accounting for leases, which are discussed in more detail under the caption “Critical Accounting Policies” in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, set forth in Part II of our Form 10-K.

 

 
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Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

We are exposed to interest rate changes of our long-term debt, and, to a limited extent, our revolving credit facility. We do not use financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes. There have been no material changes regarding our market risk position from the information provided under Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in our Form 10-K.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures 

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officers and principal financial and accounting officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as of the end of the period covered by this report on Form 10-Q. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.

 

Based on that evaluation, our principal executive officers and principal financial and accounting officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2015.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II. Other Information

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

We periodically are involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental to the conduct of our business, including but not limited to employment discrimination claims, customer injury claims and investigations. When the potential liability from a matter can be estimated and the loss is considered probable, we record the estimated loss. Due to uncertainties related to the resolution of lawsuits, investigations and claims, the ultimate outcome may differ from our estimates. Although we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of any lawsuits, investigations and claims asserted against us, we do not believe any currently pending legal proceeding to which we are a party will have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A, of our Form 10-K.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

See Exhibit Index.

 

 
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SIGNATURES

  

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized on May 7, 2015.

  

 

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.

     
     
 

By:

/s/ KEMPER ISELY

   

Kemper Isely, Co-President

   

(Principal Executive Officer)

     
     
 

By:

/s/ SANDRA BUFFA

   

Sandra Buffa, Chief Financial Officer

   

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

  

 

 
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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

31.1

 

Certification of Kemper Isely, a Principal Executive Officer Required Under Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2

 

Certification of Zephyr Isely, a Principal Executive Officer Required Under Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.3

 

Certification of Sandra Buffa, Principal Financial Officer Required Under Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1

 

Certification of Principal Executive Officers and Principal Financial Officer Required Under 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101

 

The following materials from Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited), (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited), (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) and (iv) notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

 


† The certifications attached as Exhibit 32.1 that accompany this report on Form 10-Q, are not deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, whether made before or after the date of this report on Form 10-Q, irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.

 

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