LANCE INC
10-Q, 1997-10-17
COOKIES & CRACKERS
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<PAGE>   1

                                     10-Q

                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

(Mark One)

[X]                QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
                           THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarter (Twelve Weeks)         Ended September 6, 1997
                               ------------------------------------------

                                       OR

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

For the transition period from                        to
                                     ------------------------------------------

Commission file number                               0-398
                               ------------------------------------------------

                                   LANCE, INC.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

          NORTH CAROLINA                                   56-0292920
- ----------------------------------        -------------------------------------
 (State or other jurisdiction of           (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 incorporation or organization)

     8600 South Boulevard (P.O. Box 32368), Charlotte, North Carolina 28232
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)                            (Zip Code)

                                  704-554-1421
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

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

                                 Yes        x                 No
                                     ----------------            --------------

    Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

                       Common Stock, $.83-1/3 par value -
              29,906,510 shares outstanding as of October 17, 1997




<PAGE>   2


LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


INDEX

                                                                          Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION:                                            ----

    Financial Statements:                                                 

       Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - September 6, 1997
          (Unaudited) and December 28, 1996...............................    3

       Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income and Retained
          Earnings (Unaudited) - Twelve Weeks and Thirty-Six Weeks Ended
          September 6, 1997 and September 7, 1996.........................    4

       Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows (Unaudited)
          Thirty-Six Weeks Ended September 6, 1997 and September 7, 1996..    5

       Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)...  6-7

       Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
          Results of Operations...........................................  8-9


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION:

       Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K...................................   10

SIGNATURES................................................................   10



            --------------------------------------------------------

                                       2
<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

  LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS, SEPTEMBER 6, 1997, (UNAUDITED) AND DECEMBER 28, 1996
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  (In thousands, except share and per share data)

  ASSETS:                                                1997            1996                  
  -------                                             -----------     ------------             
  <S>                                                 <C>             <C>                      
  CURRENT ASSETS:                                                                              
  Cash and cash equivalents                              $34,262          $32,272              
  Marketable securities                                   27,154           25,482              
  Accounts receivable (less                                                                    
     allowance for doubtful accounts)                     37,508           29,542
  Accrued interest receivable                                429              468              
  Inventories (Notes 3 and 4)                             20,667           22,175              
  Deferred income tax benefit                              7,419            7,099              
                                                      -----------     ------------
  Total current assets                                   127,439          117,038              
                                                                                               
                                                                                               

  PROPERTY, NET                                          127,640          124,124              
                                                                                               
                                                                                               
                                                                                               
  OTHER ASSETS                                             4,510            6,043              
                                                                                               

                                                      -----------     ------------             

  TOTAL                                                 $259,589         $247,205              
                                                      ===========     ============             




  LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:                    1997             1996   
 -------------------------------------               ------------     ------------ 
                                                                                   
  CURRENT LIABILITIES:                                                             
  Accounts payable                                        $9,390           $7,050
  Accrued liabilities                                     36,166           28,698
                                                     ------------     ------------
  Total current liabilities                               45,556           35,748
                                                     ------------     ------------

  OTHER LIABILITIES AND DEFERRED CREDITS:
  Deferred income taxes                                    9,433            6,553
  Accrued postretirement health care costs                10,678           10,034
  Accrual for insurance claims                             6,446            6,458
  Supplemental retirement benefits                         3,382            3,550
                                                     ------------     ------------
  Total other liabilities and deferred credits            29,939           26,595
                                                     ------------     ------------

  STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (NOTE 6):
  Common stock $.83 1/3 par value (authorized:
     75,000,000 shares; issued 29,898,610
     shares in 1997; 29,888,265 in 1996)                  24,916           24,907
  Additional paid in capital                                 599             -
  Unamortized portion of restricted stock awards            (502)            -
  Retained earnings                                      158,822          159,700
  Net unrealized gain on marketable securities               259              255
                                                     ------------     ------------
  Total stockholders' equity                             184,094          184,862
                                                     ------------     ------------

  TOTAL                                                 $259,589         $247,205
                                                     ============     ============
</TABLE>

 See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

                                      3
<PAGE>   4


LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

  CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS (UNAUDITED)
  FOR THE TWELVE AND THIRTY-SIX WEEKS ENDED SEPTEMBER 6, 1997 AND SEPTEMBER 7, 1996
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  (In thousands, except per share data)                  TWELVE WEEKS ENDED                            THIRTY-SIX WEEKS ENDED
                                              September 6, 1997       September 7, 1996       September 6, 1997    September 7, 1996
                                              -----------------       -----------------       -----------------    -----------------

<S>                                           <C>                   <C>                        <C>                   <C>    
   NET SALES AND OTHER OPERATING REVENUE          $110,341               $107,718                   $341,251               $330,961
                                              -------------         --------------             --------------         --------------

   COST OF SALES AND OPERATING EXPENSES:
   Cost of sales (Note 3)                           51,288                 52,823                    161,259                161,886
   Selling and delivery expenses                    43,112                 40,996                    131,226                126,812
   General and administrative expenses               4,366                  4,945                     13,601                 14,197
   Contributions to employees' profit sharing
    retirement fund                                  1,247                  1,013                      3,815                  3,133
                                              -------------         --------------             --------------         --------------

   Total                                           100,013                 99,777                    309,901                306,028
                                              -------------         --------------             --------------         --------------

   PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS                           10,328                  7,941                     31,350                 24,933

   OTHER INCOME, NET                                   780                  1,247                      2,620                  3,456
                                              -------------         --------------             --------------         --------------

   INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES                       11,108                  9,188                     33,970                 28,389

   INCOME TAXES                                      4,202                  3,951                     12,979                 11,332
                                              -------------         --------------             --------------         --------------

   NET INCOME                                        6,906                  5,237                     20,991                 17,057

   RETAINED EARNINGS AT BEGINNING OF FISCAL
       PERIOD                                      159,073                164,475                    159,700                170,964
                                              -------------         --------------             --------------         --------------

   TOTAL                                           165,979                169,712                    180,691                188,021

   LESS:
   CASH DIVIDENDS                                    7,176                  7,201                     21,521                 21,716
   (ISSUANCE) RETIREMENT OF COMMON STOCK, NET          (19)                 1,743                        348                  5,537
                                              -------------         --------------             --------------         --------------

   RETAINED EARNINGS AT END OF FISCAL PERIOD      $158,822               $160,768                   $158,822               $160,768
                                              =============         ==============             ==============         ==============

   PER SHARE AMOUNTS (NOTE 5)

   Net income                                         $.23                   $.17                       $.70                   $.57
                                              =============         ==============             ==============         ==============

   Cash dividends                                     $.24                   $.24                       $.72                   $.72
                                              =============         ==============             ==============         ==============
</TABLE>

  See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

                                       4



<PAGE>   5


LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

 CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
 FOR THE THIRTY-SIX WEEKS ENDED SEPTEMBER 6, 1997 AND SEPTEMBER 7, 1996
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 (In thousands)                                                                          1997                    1996
                                                                                    ---------------         ----------------
<S>                                                                                 <C>                     <C>    

 OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 Net income                                                                                $20,991                  $17,057
 Adjustments to reconcile net income
     to cash provided by operating activities:
        Depreciation                                                                        13,690                   14,316
        Deferred income taxes                                                                2,557                    1,309
        Other, net                                                                          (1,235)                  (1,535)
 Changes in operating assets and liabilities                                                 3,852                   23,337
                                                                                    ---------------         ----------------
 Net cash flow from operating activities                                                    39,855                   54,484
                                                                                    ---------------         ----------------

 INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 Purchases of property                                                                     (24,606)                 (12,929)
 Proceeds from sale of property                                                             10,268                    2,921
 Purchases of marketable securities                                                        (12,753)                  (8,631)
 Sales of marketable securities                                                              2,872                    2,067
 Maturities of marketable securities                                                         8,125                   11,778
 Other, net                                                                                     84                       82
                                                                                    ---------------         ----------------
 Net cash used in investing activities                                                     (16,010)                  (4,712)
                                                                                    ---------------         ----------------

 FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 Dividends paid                                                                            (21,521)                 (21,716)
 Purchases of Company's stock, net                                                            (334)                  (5,837)
                                                                                    ---------------         ----------------
 Net cash used in financing activities                                                     (21,855)                 (27,553)
                                                                                    ---------------         ----------------

 INCREASE IN CASH                                                                            1,990                   22,219
 CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD                                                                32,272                   12,585
                                                                                    --------------          ---------------  
 CASH AT END OF PERIOD                                                                     $34,262                  $34,804
                                                                                    ===============         ================

 SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
 Cash paid for income taxes                                                                 $3,955                   $3,630
                                                                                    ===============         ================
</TABLE>

 See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

                                       5
<PAGE>   6
LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

1. In the opinion of the Company, the accompanying unaudited condensed
   consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only
   normal, recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the consolidated
   financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries as of September 6,
   1997 and December 28, 1996, the consolidated results of operations for the
   twelve weeks and thirty-six weeks ended September 6, 1997 and September 7,
   1996 and the consolidated cash flows for the thirty-six weeks ended
   September 6, 1997 and September 7, 1996. All 1996 amounts have been
   reclassified to conform with the 1997 presentation.

2. The consolidated results of operations for the twelve and thirty-six weeks
   ended September 6, 1997 and September 7, 1996 are not necessarily indicative
   of the results to be expected for a full year.

3. The Company's primary raw materials include peanuts, peanut butter, flour and
   other similar grain products. The Company enters into various forward
   purchase agreements and derivative financial instruments to reduce the impact
   of volatility in raw materials ingredients prices. The Company has only
   limited involvement with derivative financial instruments and does not use
   them for trading purposes. Amounts payable or receivable under the
   agreements, which qualify as hedges, are recognized as deferred gains or
   losses and included in other assets or other liabilities. These deferred
   amounts are charged or credited to cost of sales as the related raw
   materials costs are charged to operations.

4. The Company utilizes the dollar value last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of
   determining the cost of substantially all of its inventories. Because
   inventory calculations under the LIFO method are based on annual
   determinations, the determination of interim LIFO valuations requires that
   estimates be made of year-end costs and levels of inventories. The
   possibility of variation between estimated year-end costs and levels of LIFO
   inventories and the actual year-end amounts may materially affect the
   results of operations as finally determined for the full year.

   Inventories at September 6, 1997 and December 28, 1996 consisted of (in
   thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             1997               1996
                                          ---------          ----------
   <S>                                    <C>                <C>
   Finished goods                          $15,391             $14,600      
   Goods in process                             51                  52
   Raw materials                             6,048               6,784
   Supplies, etc.                            4,786               6,926
                                          ---------          ----------     
   Total inventories at FIFO cost           26,276              28,362
   Less: Adjustment to reduce
   FIFO costs to LIFO                        5,609               6,187    
                                          ---------          ----------  
   Total inventories at LIFO cost          $20,667             $22,175  
                                          =========          ==========  
</TABLE>

5. Per share amounts for the twelve and thirty-six weeks ended September 6, 1997
   are computed based on 29,897,806 and 29,885,802 shares of common stock
   outstanding, respectively. Per share amounts for the twelve and thirty-six
   weeks ended September 7, 1996 are computed based on 30,007,822 and 30,151,915
   shares of common stock outstanding, respectively. The dilutive effect of
   stock options is not material.

                                        6
<PAGE>   7

LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(Continued)

6. The 1997 Incentive Equity Plan (the "Plan") was approved by the stockholders
   of the Company on April 18, 1997. The Plan provides for the granting of stock
   options, with or without stock appreciation rights, the award of shares of
   restricted stock and other incentive awards to managerial and other key
   employees of the Company and its subsidiaries up to a maximum of 1,500,000
   shares of common stock.

   Common Stock Options 
   Options may be granted in the form of incentive stock options or
   non-qualified stock options. The terms and conditions of each option and of
   any stock appreciation right are to be determined by the Compensation/Stock
   Option Committee (the "Committee") of the Board of Directors at the time of
   grant.

   During the thirty-six weeks ended September 6, 1997, the Committee granted
   299,400 non-qualified stock options at fair market value as of the date of
   grant. The options vest 25% each year for four years subsequent to the date
   of grant.

   Restricted Stock Awards 
   The Plan provides for the issuance of restricted stock on terms and
   conditions determined by the Committee, including applicable restrictions.
   Such restrictions may include the continued service of the participant for
   specified periods, the attainment of specified performance goals or any
   other conditions determined by the Committee. During the period of
   restriction, the participant may exercise full voting rights and receive
   cash dividends. However, the participant cannot sell, transfer, pledge,
   assign or hypothecate the restricted shares until the restrictions have been 
   satisfied.

   During the thirty-six weeks ended September 6, 1997, the Committee awarded
   11,700 shares of restricted stock which vest 50% after two years and the
   balance after four years. The fair value as of the date of award was credited
   to Common Stock and Additional Paid In Capital with a corresponding amount
   charged to Unamortized Portion of Restricted Stock Awards.

   The Committee also awarded 18,500 shares of restricted stock which vest at
   the end of fiscal 1999 subject to attainment of specified performance goals.
   In the case of this performance restricted stock, Additional Paid In Capital
   and Unamortized Portion of Restricted Stock Awards are adjusted based on
   changes in the market value of the stock and the number of shares subject to
   the performance restrictions.

   The Unamortized Portion of Restricted Stock Awards is charged to General and
   Administrative Expenses over the respective vesting periods and amounted to
   $123,000 during the thirty-six weeks ended September 6, 1997.


                                       7
<PAGE>   8

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Financial Condition
The Company maintains a strong position of liquidity and has sufficient
financial resources to meet its ongoing operating needs, cash dividend payments,
capital expenditures, and stock repurchases through cash flow generated from
current operations and investments.

Marketable securities, cash and cash equivalents increased $3.7 million from
December 28, 1996. Net cash flow from operating activities and the proceeds from
the sales of property (primarily closed production facilities in Columbia, South
Carolina and Greenville, Texas) were mostly offset by cash used for payment of
dividends and purchases of property.

Accounts receivable, net increased by $8.0 million from December 28, 1996 as a
result of increased sales volume and the timing of billing cycles. Inventories
decreased $1.5 million due to lower quantities of raw materials, packaging
materials and supplies.

Property, net increased by $3.5 million from December 28, 1996 due to purchases
of property of $24.6 million offset by depreciation and sales of property.

Other assets decreased $1.5 million due to a reduction of deposits on property
purchased.

Accounts payable increased $2.3 million due to the timing of expenditures and
increased purchases of property. Accrued liabilities increased $7.5 million from
December 28, 1996 primarily due to an increase in current taxes payable and
profit sharing contributions payable.

Deferred income taxes increased $2.8 million due to realization of tax benefits
resulting from the sale of the Greenville, Texas property.

Current commitments for capital expenditures total approximately $14.1 million.

Quarter (12 Weeks) Ended September 6, 1997 Compared to Quarter (12 Weeks)
Ended September 7, 1996

Net sales and other operating revenues were $2.6 million, or 2.4%, higher than
last year as marketing initiatives for Lance snacks were implemented, even
though private label sales were down slightly due to timing of promotional
programs by major customers. Cost of sales as a percentage of sales declined due
to improved efficiencies in raw material and labor utilization and lower flour
costs.

Selling and delivery expenses increased $2.1 million from last year due to an
increase in trade promotional allowances, advertising and other marketing
support. Increases in promotional selling costs were partially offset by


                                       8
<PAGE>   9


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

improved efficiencies throughout the sales and delivery system. General and 
administrative expenses decreased $0.6 million from last year primarily due to
lower professional and consulting fees. The provision for profit sharing
contributions increased by $0.2 million compared to last year due to the
increased profitability.

Other income decreased $0.5 million from last year due primarily to lower net
gains on asset dispositions.

As a result of the factors discussed above, net income for the twelve weeks
ended September 6, 1997 increased by $1.7 million compared to last year.


36 Weeks Ended September 6, 1997 Compared to 36 Weeks Ended September 7, 1996

Net sales and other operating revenues were $10.3 million, or 3.1%, higher than
last year reflecting improvements in sales in core markets and new distribution
efforts. Cost of sales as a percentage of sales declined due to improved
efficiencies in raw material and labor utilization and lower flour costs.

Selling and delivery expenses increased $4.4 million from last year due to an
increase in marketing support. General and administrative expenses decreased
$0.6 million from last year primarily due to lower professional and consulting
fees. The provision for profit sharing contributions increased by $0.7 million
compared to last year due to the increased profitability.

Other income decreased $0.8 million from last year due primarily to lower net
gains on asset dispositions.

As a result of the factors discussed above, net income for the thirty-six weeks
ended September 6, 1997 increased by $3.9 million compared to last year.


                                       9
<PAGE>   10


PART II.                  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6.                   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

                 (a)      Exhibits

                           27      Financial Data Schedule (Filed in electronic
                                   format only. Pursuant to Rule 402 of
                                   Regulation S-T, this schedule shall not be
                                   deemed filed for purposes of section 11 of
                                   the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18
                                   Securities Exchange Act of 1934) (for SEC
                                   use only).

                           99      Cautionary Statement under Safe Harbor 
                                   Provisions of the Private Securities 
                                   Litigation Reform Act of 1995.


                 (b)      Reports on Form 8-K

                          No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the 12 weeks
                          ended September 6, 1997.

             Items 1 through 5 are inapplicable and have been omitted.

                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused the Report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                                          LANCE, INC.

                                          By:     /s/ B. Clyde Preslar
                                              ---------------------------------
                                              B. Clyde Preslar
                                              Vice President and Principal
                                              Financial Officer

Dated: October 17, 1997


                                       10

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF LANCE, INC. FOR THE THIRTY-SIX WEEKS ENDED SEPTEMBER 6,
1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-27-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             DEC-29-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-06-1997
<CASH>                                          34,262
<SECURITIES>                                    27,154
<RECEIVABLES>                                   38,626
<ALLOWANCES>                                     1,118
<INVENTORY>                                     20,667
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               127,439
<PP&E>                                         318,301
<DEPRECIATION>                                 190,661
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 259,589
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           45,556
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        24,916
<OTHER-SE>                                     159,178
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   269,589
<SALES>                                        341,251
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               341,251
<CGS>                                          161,259
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  309,901
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 33,970
<INCOME-TAX>                                    12,979
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             20,991
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    20,991
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .70
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .70
        

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   1
                                                                 EXHIBIT 99


              CAUTIONARY STATEMENT UNDER SAFE HARBOR PROVISIONS OF
              THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

      Lance, Inc. (the "Company"), from time to time, makes "forward-looking
statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995. Such statements, which may be written or oral, reflect expectations of
management of the Company at the time such statements are made. The Company is
filing this cautionary statement to identify certain important factors that
could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those in any
forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company.

PRICE COMPETITION AND CONSOLIDATION

      The sales of most of the Company's products are subject to intense
competition primarily through discounting and other price cutting techniques by
competitors, many of which are significantly larger and have greater resources
than the Company. In addition, there is a continuing consolidation by the major
companies in the snack food industry which could increase competition.

RAW MATERIALS

      The Company's cost of sales can be adversely impacted by changes in the
cost of raw materials, principally flour, peanuts and peanut butter. While the
Company obtains substantial commitments for future delivery of certain of its
raw materials and engages in limited hedging to reduce the price risk of these
raw materials, continuing long-term increases in the cost of raw materials could
adversely impact the Company's cost of sales.

SALES GROWTH

        The Company's plans for profitable sales growth depend upon the ability
of the Company to develop and execute effective marketing and sales strategies
for its products.

        There are other important factors not described above which could also
cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking
statement made by or on behalf of the Company.




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