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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-26542
REDHOOK ALE BREWERY, INCORPORATED
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
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WASHINGTON 91-1141254
(STATE OF INCORPORATION) (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
3400 PHINNEY AVENUE NORTH 98103
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON (ZIP CODE)
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
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(206) 548-8000
(REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, Par Value $0.005 Per Share
Rights to Purchase Common Stock
(TITLE OF CLASS)
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 by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]
The aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of
the registrant, based on the closing price on February 26, 1999, as reported on
NASDAQ, was $28,960,760.(1)
The number of shares of the registrant's Common Stock outstanding as of
February 26, 1999, was 7,687,486.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant's Proxy Statement relating to the registrant's
1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 20, 1999, are incorporated
by reference into Part III of this Report.
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(1) Excludes shares held of record on that date by directors and executive
officers and greater than 10% shareholders of the registrant. Exclusion of
such shares should not be construed to indicate that any such person
directly or indirectly possesses the power to direct or cause the direction
of the management of the policies of the registrant.
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REDHOOK ALE BREWERY, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PART I.
ITEM 1. Business.................................................... 1
ITEM 2. Properties.................................................. 14
ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings........................................... 15
ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders......... 15
ITEM 4A. Executive Officers of the Company........................... 15
PART II.
ITEM 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
Stockholder Matters......................................... 16
ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data..................................... 17
ITEM 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations................................... 18
ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market
Risk........................................................ 24
ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data................. 25
ITEM 9. Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting
and Financial Disclosures................................... 43
PART III.
ITEM 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.......... 43
ITEM 11. Executive Compensation...................................... 43
ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management.................................................. 43
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.............. 43
PART IV.
ITEM 14. Exhibits, Financial Statements and Reports on Form 8-K...... 43
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PART I.
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Redhook Ale Brewery, Incorporated ("Redhook" or the "Company") is one of
the leading brewers of craft beers in the United States and has been at the
forefront of the domestic craft brewing segment since the Company's formation in
1981. Redhook produces its specialty bottled and draft products in two
technologically-advanced, company-owned breweries, one in the Seattle suburb of
Woodinville, Washington and the other in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. By operating
its own small-batch breweries, the Company believes it is better able to control
the quantities, types and flavors of beer produced, while optimizing the quality
and consistency of its products. Management believes that the Company's
significant production capacity is of the highest quality compared to that of
any domestic craft brewer and that Redhook is the only domestic craft brewer
that owns and operates substantial production facilities in both a western
region and eastern region of the United States.
The Company currently produces nine styles of beer, marketed under distinct
brand names. The Company's flagship brand is Redhook E.S.B., and its other
principal products include Redhook India Pale Ale, Redhook Hefe-Weizen,
Blackhook Porter, Redhook Rye, Double Black Stout brewed with Starbucks(R)
coffee, and its seasonal offerings Redhook Blonde Ale, Winterhook, and Redhook
Nut Brown Ale. In addition to its principal products, the Company periodically
develops and markets new products to test and measure consumer response to
varying styles and flavors. The Company distributed its products through a
network of third-party wholesale distributors and a long-term distribution
alliance with Anheuser-Busch, Incorporated ("A-B") (the "Distribution Alliance"
or the "Alliance") in 48 states as of December 31, 1998.
INDUSTRY BACKGROUND
The Company is a leader in the relatively small craft brewing segment of
the U.S. brewing industry, which includes regional specialty brewers such as the
Company, contract brewers, microbreweries and brewpubs. Craft beers are
distinguishable from other domestically produced beers by their fuller flavor
and adherence to traditional European brewing styles. According to industry
sources, shipments in the craft beer segment increased by 4.8% to approximately
5.6 million barrels in 1997, yet represented less than 3% of the approximately
200 million barrels shipped by domestic producers within the United States.
Although 1998 information is not yet available, the U.S. craft beer segment
volume growth is expected to be less than 5%. While the segment volume growth
slowed significantly, the number of craft brewers in the U.S. has grown
dramatically, from 627 at the end of 1994 to almost 1,400 as of December 31,
1998. During 1998, the growth in the number of craft brewers slowed as the new
openings, net of closures, totaled 16 as of September 1998, compared to a net
increase of 213 in 1997.
At the turn of this century, the U.S. brewing industry comprised nearly
2,000 breweries, most of which were small operations that produced distinctive
beers for local markets. Fewer than 1,000 of these breweries reopened following
Prohibition. During the ensuing decades, competition in the beer industry came
to focus on a narrowing of product offerings to less distinctive beer styles
(principally pale lagers and pilsners) to please the broadest possible segment
of the population; economies of scale; mass production techniques; lower costs
and lighter flavor profiles through the use of less barley and more corn, rice
and other adjuncts; use of pasteurization processes to prolong shelf-life; and
marketing a few major brand names on a national basis, principally through
mass-media advertising. As a result of these competitive factors, extensive
industry consolidation occurred. Currently, according to industry sources, the
five largest domestic brewers account for approximately 87% of domestic beer
shipments.
By the early 1980s, annual domestic consumption of beer produced by U.S.
brewers had plateaued at approximately 180 million barrels. Over the past
decade, per capita annual domestic beer consumption has declined slightly, due
to increasing health and safety consciousness and the changing tastes, affluence
and consumption attitudes of the maturing generation of beer drinkers born after
World War II. A growing number of consumers began to migrate away from less
flavorful mass-marketed beers toward greater taste and broader variety in their
malt beverages, mirroring similar trends in other beverage and cuisine
categories.
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Initially, foreign brewers were the principal beneficiaries of these evolving
consumption patterns. Even though the principal European, Canadian and Mexican
imported beers are also mass-produced, many represent a fuller-flavored
alternative to the national brands produced in the United States.
By the latter half of the 1980s, a substantial new domestic industry
segment had developed in response to the increasing consumer demand for
fuller-flavored beers. Across the country, a proliferation of regional specialty
brewers (annually selling more than 15,000 barrels of craft beer brewed at their
own facilities), contract brewers (selling craft beer brewed by a third party to
the contract brewer's specifications), microbreweries (selling less than 15,000
barrels per year), and brewpubs (combination restaurant-breweries) emerged to
form the craft beer industry. The strength of consumer demand has enabled
certain craft brewers, such as the Company, to evolve from microbreweries into
regional specialty brewers by constructing larger breweries, while still
adhering to the traditional European brewing methods that characterize the craft
brewing segment. Other craft brewers have sought to take advantage of growing
consumer demand by hiring certain brewers of typical American-style lagers to
perform contract brewing at their otherwise underutilized brewing facilities.
Certain national brewers of mass-produced beers have also sought to appeal to
this growing demand for craft beers by introducing their own fuller-flavored
products. Also, in recent years imported products from foreign brewers have
enjoyed a resurgence in demand and that has contributed to the slowing of growth
in the craft beer segment.
BUSINESS STRATEGY
The Company's principal business objective is to be the leading brewer of
craft beers in the United States. Redhook seeks to achieve this objective by
expanding penetration in existing markets. The central elements of the Company's
business strategy include:
- Production of High-Quality Craft Beers. The Company is committed to the
production of a variety of distinctive, flavorful craft beers. The
Company brews its craft beers according to traditional European brewing
styles and methods, using only high-quality ingredients and
technologically advanced brewing equipment. The Company does not intend
to compete directly in terms of production style, pricing or mass-media
advertising with the mass-marketed national brands.
- Control of Production in Company-Owned Breweries. The Company builds,
owns and operates its own brewing facilities to optimize the quality and
consistency of its products and to achieve the greatest control over its
production costs. Management believes that its ability to engage in
constant product innovation and its control over product quality are
critical competitive advantages. Accordingly, the Company does not hire
third parties to perform contract brewing of any of its products.
- Production Economies through Technologically Advanced Equipment. The
Company's technologically advanced, highly automated breweries are
designed to produce beer in small batches, while attaining production
economies through automation rather than scale. The Company believes that
its investment in technological leadership enables it to optimize
employee productivity, to contain operating costs, to produce innovative
beer styles and tastes, and to achieve the production flexibility
afforded by small-batch brewing, with minimal loss of speed and process
reliability.
- Strategic Distribution Alliance with Industry Leader. In October 1994,
the Company entered into a long-term distribution agreement with A-B,
pursuant to which Redhook distributes its products in substantially all
of its markets through A-B's wholesale distribution network. A-B's
network consists of over 700 wholesale distributors, who are for the most
part geographically contiguous and independently owned and operated. The
Alliance with A-B has enabled the Company to expand its distribution to
new markets more quickly and without the delays, costs and potential gaps
or overlaps in coverage associated with developing a network of
distributors on a piecemeal basis. In addition, the Alliance enables the
Company to have access to wholesaler representation in all of the
Company's markets. With the proliferation of craft beer companies,
combined with the consolidation trend in the beer distribution business,
it has been increasingly difficult for many small brewers to get access
to quality distributors because of limitations on distributors' ability
to effectively manage a greater number of
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brands. As an independent company, Redhook maintains complete control
over the production and marketing of its product.
- Operation of Regional Brewing Facilities. Management believes that by
locating its production facilities in proximity to the key regional
markets it serves, the Company is able to enjoy distinct competitive
advantages, including shortened delivery times to maximize product
freshness, reduced shipping costs, established consumer identification
with the Company's brands, and enhanced familiarity with local consumer
tastes. Redhook may construct additional brewing facilities in the
future, if additional capacity is required, in select locations in the
United States, with the capability to produce Redhook's principal
products, as well as to offer select products to respond to local taste
preferences. By pursuing this strategy, Redhook believes that it will be
able to preserve its reputation and prestige as a regional craft brewer.
- Promotion of Products. The Company markets its products to distributors,
retailers and consumers through a variety of specialized training and
promotional methods. The Company actively trains its distributors and
retailers in understanding the brewing process, the craft beer segment
and Redhook products. Promotional methods include introducing Redhook
products on draft in pubs and restaurants, using promotional items
including tap handles, glassware and coasters, and participating in local
festivals to increase brand name recognition. In addition, the Company's
prominently located breweries feature pubs and retail outlets and offer
guided tours to further increase consumer awareness of Redhook. The
Company believes that its training and promotional methods are as
effective in communicating and educating consumers than broad-based, less
flexible mass-media beer advertising campaigns. While the Company has
historically done very limited advertising, based upon market and
competitive considerations the Company has determined that a significant
increase in such spending is appropriate. Accordingly, in 1999 the
Company expects to undertake a brand investment program that will
significantly increase advertising over the next year with the objective
of establishing momentum towards capturing a larger share of the
fragmented craft beer market. The increased spending will be focused in
key markets and often will be accompanied by significantly increased
advertising expenditures by certain of our distributors. This planned
increase in advertising expenditures could continue indefinitely if the
results are sufficiently positive on the Company's business.
PRODUCTS
The Company produces a variety of styles of full-flavored craft beers using
traditional European brewing methods. The Company brews its beers using only
high-quality hops, malted barley, wheat, rye and other natural ingredients, and
does not use any rice, corn, sugar, syrups or other adjuncts. The Company's
beers are marketed on the basis of freshness and distinctive flavor profiles. To
help maintain full flavor, the Company's products are not pasteurized. As a
result, it is appropriate that they be kept cool so that oxidation and heat-
induced aging will not adversely affect the original taste, and that they be
distributed and served as soon as possible, generally within approximately three
months after packaging to maximize freshness and flavor. The Company distributes
its products only in glass bottles and kegs, and its products are freshness
dated for the benefit of consumers.
The Company presently produces nine principal brands, each with its own
distinctive combination of flavor, color and clarity:
Redhook E.S.B. (Extra Special Bitter). The Company's flagship brand,
Redhook E.S.B., which accounted for approximately 62% of the Company's sales in
1998, is a full, rich, well-rounded, copper-colored ale with a sweet toasted
malt flavor balanced by a pleasant floral/herbal liveliness derived from
Tettnang hops.
Redhook India Pale Ale. A premium English pub-style bitter ale, Redhook
IPA, is pale and aggressively hopped, has a brassy color imparted by caramelized
malt, an herbal aroma characteristic of Northwest Cascade hops, and a crisp, dry
finish.
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Redhook Hefe-Weizen. This wheat beer is unfiltered and named hefe-weizen,
which means "wheat beer with yeast." Leaving the yeast in, instead of filtering
it out, accentuates the wheat flavor and adds visual appeal.
Redhook Rye. A pleasing, sweet, light and easy-to-drink ale, Redhook Rye
has a flavor that is enhanced by the addition of flaked rye grain, which adds a
spicy character, and by the live yeast content that remains after it is racked
into kegs or bottled.
Blackhook Porter. A London-style Porter, Blackhook has an ebony tone, a
pleasant "burnt" character produced by highly roasted black barley, and a dark
malt flavor suggesting coffee and chocolate, balanced by lively hopping.
Double Black Stout. A rich, imperial stout enhanced by the addition of an
extract of Starbucks(R) coffee. Dark malts and the coffee create a big roasty
flavor that is rounded out with a touch of honey.
Redhook Blonde Ale. A delicious, thirst-quenching golden ale. The
combination of lightly roasted barley, subtle hops, and a touch of wheat create
a perfectly balanced and distinctively drinkable ale. Blonde Ale is available
during the spring and summer months.
Winterhook. A rich seasonal holiday ale formulated specially each year for
cold-weather enjoyment, Winterhook typically is deep in color and rich in
flavor, with complex flavors and a warm finish. Winterhook is available during
the fall and winter months.
Redhook Nut Brown Ale. A malty ale with a hint of sweetness in the finish.
The combination of six barley malts and two hop varieties result in a
surprisingly smooth, well-balanced dark beer. Nut Brown Ale is available during
the late winter and early spring.
In an effort to be responsive to varying consumer style and flavor
preferences, the Company also periodically engages in the development and
testing of new products. The Company believes that the continued success of
craft brewers will be affected by their ability to be innovative and attentive
to consumer desires for new and distinctive taste experiences while maintaining
consistently high product quality. The Company may also consider producing
low-alcohol beer or other low-alcohol or nonalcoholic beverages (such as root
beer, fruit beers, craft sodas and ciders). The Company's technologically
advanced breweries allow it to produce small-batch experimental ales within two
to three weeks. These experimental products are periodically developed and
typically produced in draft form only for on-premise test marketing at the
Company's pubs and selected retail sites. If the initial consumer reception of
an experimental brew is sufficiently positive, then its taste and formula are
refined, as necessary, and a new Redhook brand may be created. Redhook Rye,
Redhook India Pale Ale, Redhook Nut Brown Ale, and Double Black Stout are
examples of products that were developed in this manner. Other such products
have included ales such as Barley Wine, Honey Stout, Oatmeal Stout, Scotch Ale
and Wit, and lagers such as Marzen and Pilsner.
BREWING OPERATIONS
The Brewing Process. Beer is made primarily from four natural ingredients:
malted grain, hops, yeast and water. The grain most commonly used in brewing is
barley, owing to its distinctive germination characteristics, which make it easy
to ferment. The Company uses the finest barley malt, typically using strains of
barley having two rows of grain in each ear. A wide variety of hops may be used
to add seasoning to the brew; some varieties best confer bitterness, while
others are chosen for their ability to impart distinctive aromas to the beer.
Nearly all the yeasts used to induce or augment fermentation of beer are of the
species Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which includes both the top-fermenting yeasts
used in ale production and the bottom-fermenting yeasts associated with lagers.
The brewing process begins when the malt supplier soaks the barley grain in
water, thereby initiating germination, and then dries and cures the grain
through kilning. This process, known as "malting," breaks down complex
carbohydrates and proteins so that they can be easily extracted. The malting
process also imparts color and flavor characteristics to the grain. The cured
grain, referred to as "malt," is then sold to the brewery. At the brewery,
various malts are cracked by milling, and mixed with warm water. This mixture,
or
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"mash," is heated and stirred in the mash tun, allowing the simple carbohydrates
and proteins to be converted into fermentable sugars. Naturally occurring
enzymes help facilitate this process. The mash is then strained and rinsed in
the lauter tun to produce a residual liquid, high in fermentable sugars, called
"wort," which then flows into a brew kettle to be boiled, concentrated and
clarified. Hops are added during the boil to impart bitterness, balance and
aroma. The specific mixture of hops and the brewing time and temperature further
affect the flavor of the beer. After the boil, the wort is strained and cooled
before it is moved to a fermentation cellar, where specially cultured yeast is
added to induce fermentation. During fermentation, the wort's sugars are
metabolized by the yeast cells, producing carbon dioxide and alcohol. Some of
the carbon dioxide is recaptured and absorbed back into the beer, providing a
natural source of carbonation. After fermentation, the beer is cooled for
several days while the beer is clarified and full flavor develops. Filtration,
the final step for a filtered beer, removes unwanted yeast. At this point, the
beer is in its peak condition and ready for bottling or keg racking. The entire
brewing process of ales, from mashing through filtration, is typically completed
in 10 to 14 days, depending on the formulation and style of the product being
brewed.
LOGO
Brewing Equipment. The Company uses only technologically advanced and
highly automated small-batch brewing equipment. The Woodinville Brewery employs
a 100-barrel mash tun; lauter tun; wort receiver; wort kettle; whirlpool kettle;
five 70,000-pound, one 35,000-pound and two 25,000-pound grain silos; two
100-barrel, fifty-four 200-barrel, and ten 600-barrel fermenters; and, two
300-barrel and four 400-barrel bright tanks. The Portsmouth Brewery employs a
100-barrel mash tun; lauter tun; wort receiver; wort kettle; whirlpool kettle;
three 70,000-pound and two 35,000-pound grain silos; three 100-barrel and
sixteen 400-barrel fermenters; two 200-barrel and two 400-barrel bright tanks;
and an anaerobic waste-water treatment facility which completes the process
cycle. Both breweries use advanced microfiltration technology, including a
diatomaceous earth pad filter to eliminate unwanted yeast and to extend shelf
life.
In early 1998, operations at the Fremont Brewery were terminated, the
Fremont production assets were written down to the estimated net realizable
value. The Company is in the process of selling substantially all of that
equipment. See discussion in Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
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Bottling and Kegging. The Company packages its craft beers in both bottles
and kegs. Both of the Company's breweries have fully automated,
technologically-advanced bottling and keg lines. The bottle filler at each
brewery utilizes a carbon dioxide environment during bottling designed to ensure
that minimal oxygen is dissolved in the beer, thereby extending shelf life.
Redhook uses the latest keg technology, which is preferred by many draft beer
retailers because the kegs are designed to be easier to handle and lift, to
consume less floor space, to have more consistent flow and to reduce waste.
Quality Control. The Woodinville Brewery was designed to be the center of
the quality control and analysis function. The Company monitors production and
quality control at both of its breweries with central coordination at the
Woodinville Brewery. Both the Woodinville and Portsmouth breweries have an
on-site laboratory where microbiologists and lab technicians supervise on-site
yeast propagation, monitor product quality, test products, measure color and
bitterness, and test for oxidation and unwanted bacteria. The Company also
regularly utilizes independent laboratories for product analysis.
Ingredients and Raw Materials. The Company currently obtains all of its
malted barley from two suppliers and its premium-quality select hops, grown in
the Pacific Northwest, from three competitive sources. The Company periodically
purchases small lots of European hops, which it uses to achieve a special hop
character in certain of its beers. Redhook believes that alternate sources of
malted barley and hops are available at competitive prices. In order to ensure
the supply of the hop varieties used in its products, the Company enters into
supply contracts for its hop requirements. The Company currently cultivates its
own Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast supply. The Company has available to it
multiple competitive sources for packing materials, such as bottles, labels,
six-pack carriers, crowns and shipping cases.
PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION
Redhook's products are available for sale directly to consumers in draft
and bottles at restaurants, bars and liquor stores, as well as in bottles at
supermarkets, warehouse clubs and convenience stores. Like substantially all
craft brewers, the Company's products are delivered to these retail outlets
through a network of local distributors, whose principal business is the
distribution of beer and in some cases other alcoholic beverages, and who
traditionally have local distribution relationships with one or more national
beer brands. The Company, together with its distributors, markets its products
to retail outlets and relies on its distributors to provide regular delivery to
retailers, to maintain retail shelf space and to oversee timely rotation of
inventory to ensure the freshness of its products. The Company also offers its
products directly to consumers at the Company's three on-premise retail
establishments, the Trolleyman pub in Fremont, the Forecasters pub in
Woodinville, and the Cataqua pub in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
In October 1994, the Company entered into the Distribution Alliance with
A-B pursuant to which Redhook distributes its products in new markets
exclusively through A-B's wholesale distribution network. If an A-B distributor
does not agree to carry the Company's products, the Company may select a non-A-B
distributor for that territory. The exclusivity provisions of the A-B
Distribution Agreement do not apply to territories currently subject to
distribution arrangements with non-Alliance distributors until such arrangements
expire. During 1996, Redhook changed the distribution in substantially all of
the significant markets previously served by non-A-B wholesalers to distribution
through the Alliance.
Prior to establishing the Alliance with A-B, the Company distributed its
products regionally through distributors in eight western states: Washington,
California (northern), Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Alaska. The
Company's most significant non-Alliance wholesaler, K&L Distributors, Inc., an
independent A-B distributor responsible for distribution in most of King County,
Washington, which includes Seattle, accounted for approximately 17%, 17% and 18%
of total sales in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. As of December 31, 1998,
the Company had 33 non-Alliance distributors. The Company expects the percentage
of sales represented by non-Alliance distributors to continue to decline as the
Company expands its sales through the Alliance.
A-B, whose products accounted for approximately 47% of total domestic beer
sales by volume in 1998, distributes its products throughout the United States
through a network of about 700 wholesale distributors, which are for the most
part geographically contiguous and independently owned and operated. The Company
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believes that the typical A-B distributor is financially stable and has both a
long-standing presence and a substantial market share of beer sales in its
territory.
Redhook chose to align itself with A-B through the Alliance as an integral
part of its growth strategy, and to provide access to quality distribution
throughout the U.S., thereby developing a competitive advantage for Redhook
products. Redhook was the first and is the largest independent craft brewer to
have a formal distribution agreement with a major U.S. brewer. The Company
believes that access to A-B's distribution network enabled it to enter targeted
new markets more rapidly and with more thorough penetration of the available
customer base in the territory. The Distribution Alliance allowed the Company to
retain control over the selection and timing of new market introductions. The
Company believes that the existence of the Alliance, presentations by Redhook's
management at A-B's distributor conventions, A-B communications about Redhook in
printed distributor materials, and A-B-supported opportunities for Redhook to
educate A-B distributors about its specialty products result in increased
awareness of and demand for Redhook products among A-B's distributors.
The Company believes that local beer distribution territories have tended
to become dominated by a smaller number of distributors, generally those
carrying beers marketed by the larger national breweries, and that this
consolidation has had the effect of making it more difficult for relatively
small craft brewers to establish effective distribution networks with reliable
distributors. Management believes that the Company's competitors in the craft
beer segment generally negotiate distribution relationships separately with
distributors in each locality and, as a result, typically distribute through a
variety of wholesalers representing differing national beer brands with
uncoordinated territorial boundaries. Because A-B's distributors are assigned
territories that generally are contiguous, the Alliance enables the Company to
reduce the gaps and overlaps in distribution coverage often experienced by the
Company's competitors. As a result, the Company believes the Alliance provides
the Company with significant advantages over competitors in the craft beer
industry, who generally are unable to achieve the distribution efficiencies
afforded by the Alliance network.
The Distribution Alliance enabled the Company to accelerate the
distribution of its products into new markets. The Company's products are
distributed in 48 states at the end of 1998. As of December 31, 1998, the
Company had 671 Alliance distributors, accounting for approximately 64% of the
Company's sales volume in 1998. In addition, sales to non-Alliance A-B
affiliated distributors accounted for 30% of the Company's sales volume in 1998.
Under the Alliance, the Company is responsible for marketing its products
to A-B's distributors, as well as to retailers and consumers. The A-B
distributors then place orders with the Company, through A-B, for Redhook
products. The Company separately packages and ships the orders in refrigerated
trucks to the A-B distribution center nearest to the distributor or, under
certain circumstances, directly to the distributor. The Company sells its
products to A-B at the same list prices paid by non-Alliance distributors in the
respective markets, net of the Alliance fee. The Company pays an Alliance fee to
A-B, determined by a formula, that effectively reduces the total gross profit
margin earned on sales to A-B. However, management believes that the benefits of
the Alliance, particularly the potential for increased sales volume, and
efficiencies in delivery, state reporting and licensing, billing and collections
created by the Alliance are significant to the Company's business.
Under the Alliance, the Company has granted A-B the first right to
distribute Redhook products in the United States and Mexico, except in those
territories already subject to distribution agreements with non-Alliance
distributors, in which case such right does not commence until the existing
arrangements expire. A-B additionally has a first right to distribute new
Redhook products in non-Alliance territories. In exchange, prior to October
1997, A-B could not acquire an interest between 10% and 50% of the common stock
of, or distribute the products of, any other U.S.-based small brewer (producing
or distributing less than 1,000,000 barrels annually) that distributes beer in
those areas where the Company distributes its products, without the Company's
approval. After October 1997, if A-B were to agree to distribute the products of
any U.S.-based small brewer in areas where the Company's products are
distributed, without the Company's approval, the Alliance fee would be
substantially reduced on sales of Redhook products in such areas.
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SALES AND MARKETING
The Company has historically engaged in very limited media advertising to
market its products, choosing instead to stimulate consumer demand by educating
consumers and wholesalers as to the distinctive qualities of its products, and
by sponsoring localized promotions designed to enhance Redhook's word-of-mouth
reputation. The Company maintains a sales and marketing staff whose efforts are
focused principally on local promotions, programs for on-premise consumer and
retailer education, and distributor training and assistance. The Company seeks
to identify its products with local markets by participating in or sponsoring
cultural and community events, local music and other entertainment venues, local
craft beer festivals and cuisine events, and local professional sporting events,
as well as the limited use of print and billboard advertising.
While the Company has previously done very limited advertising, based upon
market and competitive considerations the Company has determined that a
significant increase in such spending is appropriate. Accordingly, in 1999 the
Company expects to undertake a brand investment program that will significantly
increase advertising over the next year with the objective of establishing
momentum towards capturing a larger share of the fragmented craft beer market.
The increased spending will be focused in key markets and often will be
accompanied by significantly increased advertising expenditures by certain of
our distributors.
The Company's sales and marketing staff also offers education, training and
other support to wholesale distributors of the Company's products. Because the
Company's wholesalers generally also distribute much higher-volume national beer
brands and commonly distribute other specialty brands, a critical function of
the sales and marketing staff is to elevate each distributor's awareness of the
Company's products and to retain the distributor's interest in promoting
increased sales of these products. This is accomplished primarily through
personal contact with each distributor, including on-site sales training,
educational tours of the Company's breweries and promotional activities and
expenditures shared with the distributors. The Company's sales representatives
also provide other forms of support to wholesale distributors, such as direct
contact with restaurant and grocery chain buyers, direct involvement in the
design of grocery store displays, stacking and merchandising of beer inventory
and supply of point-of-sale materials.
The Company's sales representatives devote considerable effort to the
promotion of on-premise consumption at participating pubs and restaurants. The
Company believes that educating retailers about the freshness and quality of the
Company's products will in turn allow retailers to assist in educating
consumers. The Company considers on-premise product sampling and education to be
among its most effective tools for building brand identity with consumers and
establishing word-of-mouth reputation. On-premise marketing is also accomplished
through a variety of other point-of-sale tools, such as neon signs, tap handles,
coasters, table tents, banners, posters, glassware and menu guidance. The
periodic distribution of the Company's experimental products in limited
quantities to selected pubs and restaurants is another example of on-premise
marketing designed to increase consumer awareness.
The Company's breweries also play a significant role in increasing consumer
awareness of the Company's products and enhancing Redhook's image as a regional
brewer. More than 26,000 visitors participated in tours at the Company's
breweries in 1998. Each of the Company's breweries has a retail pub on-site
where the Company's products are served. In addition, the breweries have meeting
rooms that the public can rent for business meetings, parties and holiday
events, and that the Company uses to entertain and educate distributors,
retailers and the media about the Company's products. See Item 2. "Properties."
The Company also sells various items of apparel and memorabilia bearing the
Company's trademarks at its pubs, which the Company believes create further
awareness of the Company's beers and reinforce the Company's quality image.
To further promote retail bottled product sales and in response to local
competitive conditions, the Company periodically offers "post-offs," or price
discounts to distributors in most of its markets in response to local
competitive conditions. Distributors and retailers usually participate in the
cost of these price discounts.
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COMPETITION
The domestic market in which the Company's craft beers are sold is highly
competitive due to the proliferation of small craft brewers, including contract
brewers, the increase in the number of products offered by such brewers and the
introduction of fuller-flavored products by major national brewers. The Company
competes primarily with other participants in the craft beer segment, producers
of imported beers and mass-market national brewers. See "Industry Background."
The number of participants and number of different products offered in this
segment have increased significantly in recent years, thereby intensifying
competition for the bottled product placements and especially for draft beer
placements. Competition within the domestic craft beer segment is based on
product quality, taste, consistency and freshness; ability to differentiate
products; promotional methods and product support; transportation costs;
distribution coverage, local appeal and price. A significant portion of the
Company's past sales growth has been achieved through increasing sales in the
Pacific Northwest region, which the Company believes is one of the most
competitive craft beer markets in the United States in terms of number of market
participants and consumer awareness. Craft beers represented approximately 10%
of total beer sales in Washington and Oregon during 1998. Because of the strong
demand for the Company's products in this region, the Company has not
historically encountered significant pricing pressures relative to those found
in other regions. In 1997 and 1998, the sales for the Company, and many of its
competitors, declined in Washington State compared to 1996. The Company's
Washington State 1998 sales volumes decreased 1% compared to 1997.
As the Company expanded its distribution network outside the Pacific
Northwest region, and as other craft brewers expand their distribution to the
Pacific Northwest, Redhook has encountered increasing competition from
microbreweries, other regional specialty brewers such as Sierra Nevada Brewing
Company and Anchor Brewing Company, as well as from contract brewers such as
Pete's Brewing Company and Boston Beer Company. Although certain of these
competitors distribute their products nationally and may have greater financial
and other resources than the Company, management believes that the Company
possesses certain competitive advantages, including its technologically
advanced, company-owned production facilities and the availability of
distribution through the Alliance.
The Company also competes against producers of imported beers, such as
Heineken, Molson, Modelo (Corona), Becks and Labatts. Most of these foreign
brewers have significantly more financial and other resources than the Company.
Although imported beers currently account for a much greater share of the U.S.
beer market than craft beers, the Company believes that regional craft brewers
possess significant competitive advantages over certain importers, including
lower transportation and no importation costs, proximity to and familiarity with
local consumers, a higher degree of product freshness, eligibility for lower
federal excise taxes and absence of currency fluctuations.
In response to the growth of the craft beer segment, most of the major
domestic brewers have introduced fuller-flavored beers, and others may be
expected to do so in the future. Although these product offerings are intended
to compete with craft beers, many of them are brewed according to methods used
by the major national brewers. The Company believes that certain of the major
national brewers, with their superior financial resources, access to raw
materials and established distribution networks, may seek further participation
in the craft beer segment through the acquisition of equity positions in, or the
formation of distribution alliances with, existing craft brewers. Although
increased participation of the major national brewers will likely increase
competition for market share and heighten price sensitivity within the craft
beer segment, the Company believes that their participation will tend to
increase advertising, distribution and consumer education and awareness of craft
beers, and thus may contribute to further growth of this industry segment.
REGULATION
The Company's business is highly regulated at federal, state and local
levels. Various permits, licenses and approvals necessary to the Company's
brewery and pub operations and the sale of alcoholic beverages are required from
various agencies, including the U.S. Treasury Department, Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco and Firearms (the "BATF"); the United States Department of Agriculture;
the United States Food and Drug Administration; state alcohol regulatory
agencies in the states in which the Company sells its products; and
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state and local health, sanitation, safety, fire and environmental agencies. In
addition, the beer industry is subject to substantial federal excise taxes,
although the Company benefits from favorable treatment granted to brewers
producing less than 2 million barrels per year.
Management believes that the Company currently has all licenses, permits
and approvals necessary for its current operations. However, existing permits or
licenses could be revoked if the Company were to fail to comply with the terms
of such permits or licenses, and additional permits or licenses could in the
future be required for the Company's existing or expanded operations. If
licenses, permits or approvals necessary for the Company's brewery or pub
operations were unavailable or unduly delayed, or if any such permits or
licenses were revoked, the Company's ability to conduct its business could be
substantially and adversely affected.
Alcoholic Beverage Regulation and Taxation
Each of the Company's breweries and pubs is subject to licensing and
regulation by a number of governmental authorities. The Company operates its
breweries under federal licensing requirements imposed by the BATF. The BATF
requires the filing of a "Brewer's Notice" upon the establishment of a new
commercial brewery, such as at the Portsmouth Brewery. In addition, commercial
brewers are required to file an amended Brewer's Notice every time there is a
material change in the brewing process or brewing equipment, change in the
brewery's location, change in the brewery's management or a material change in
the brewery's ownership. The Company's operations are subject to audit and
inspection by the BATF at any time.
In addition to the regulations imposed by the BATF, the Company's breweries
are subject to various regulations concerning retail sales, pub operations,
deliveries and selling practices in states in which the Company sells its
products. Failure by the Company to comply with applicable federal or state
regulations could result in limitations on the Company's ability to conduct its
business. The BATF's permits can be revoked for failure to pay taxes, to keep
proper accounts, to pay fees, to bond premises, and to abide by federal
alcoholic beverage production and distribution regulations, or if holders of 10%
or more of the Company's equity securities are found to be of questionable
character. Permits from state regulatory agencies can be revoked for many of the
same reasons.
The U.S. federal government currently imposes an excise tax of $18 per
barrel on beer produced for consumption in the United States. However, any
brewer with production under 2 million barrels per year instead pays federal
excise tax in the amount of $7 per barrel on the first 60,000 barrels it
produces annually. While the Company is not aware of any plans by the federal
government to reduce or eliminate this benefit to small brewers, any such
reduction in a material amount could have an adverse effect on the Company. In
addition, the Company will lose the benefit of this rate structure if it exceeds
the 2 million barrel production threshold. Individual states also impose excise
taxes on alcoholic beverages in varying amounts, which have also been subject to
change. It is possible that excise taxes will be increased in the future by both
the federal government and several states. In addition, increased excise taxes
on alcoholic beverages have in the past been considered in connection with
various governmental budget-balancing or funding proposals. Any such increases
in excise taxes, if enacted, could adversely affect the Company.
State and Federal Environmental Regulation
The Company's brewery operations are subject to environmental regulations
and local permitting requirements and agreements regarding, among other things,
air emissions, water discharges and the handling and disposal of wastes. While
the Company has no reason to believe the operations of its facilities violate
any such regulation or requirement, if such a violation were to occur, the
Company's business may be adversely affected. In addition, if environmental
regulations were to become more stringent in the future, the Company could be
adversely affected.
Dram Shop Laws
The serving of alcoholic beverages to a person known to be intoxicated may,
under certain circumstances, result in the server's being held liable to third
parties for injuries caused by the intoxicated customer. The Company's pubs have
addressed this concern by establishing early closing hours and employee training
and
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designated-driver programs. Large uninsured damage awards against the Company
could adversely affect the Company's financial condition.
RELATIONSHIP WITH ANHEUSER-BUSCH, INCORPORATED
In October 1994, the Company entered into the Alliance with A-B. The
Alliance consists of a long-term national distribution agreement (the "A-B
Distribution Agreement") and an investment by A-B in the Company (the "A-B
Investment Agreement"). The Alliance gives the Company access to A-B's domestic
network of over 700 wholesale distributors, while the Company maintains control
over the production and marketing of its products. Pursuant to the A-B
Investment Agreement, A-B invested approximately $30 million to purchase the
Company's Series B Preferred Stock (the "Series B Preferred Stock") and common
stock of the Company ("Common Stock"), including newly-issued shares concurrent
with the Company's initial public offering.
A-B Distribution Agreement
The A-B Distribution Agreement has a stated term of 20 years, but is
subject to earlier termination (i) by either party after 10 years, (ii) by
either party upon an uncured material breach by the other party of certain
provisions of the Series B Preferred Stock, the A-B Investment Agreement, the
A-B Distribution Agreement and certain related A-B investment documents, or upon
the insolvency of the other party, (iii) by A-B upon (a) acquisition by another
large alcoholic beverage competitor of 10% or greater equity ownership of the
Company and a seat on the Company's Board of Directors or (b) a deterioration of
the Company's financial condition that results from a change in ownership of the
Company and materially adversely affects its ability to perform under the A-B
Distribution Agreement, or (iv) by A-B following (a) any action by the Company
that in A-B's sole determination damages the reputation or image of A-B or the
brewing industry (for example, production of a high-alcohol beer, defamation of
A-B or its products or contamination of the Company's products, but not poor
operating results, an unsuccessful product introduction or competition with
A-B's products), (b) any acquisition of, agreement to acquire, or institution of
a tender or exchange offer to acquire a percentage of the Company's equity
securities equal to or greater than that held by A-B, (c) certain agreements
pursuant to which the Company would merge into or consolidate with another
corporation or sell substantially all of its assets or certain of its
trademarks, or (d) the failure to appoint a successor acceptable to A-B in the
event Paul S. Shipman ceases to function as the Company's Chief Executive
Officer. The term "Extraordinary Termination" refers to the termination by A-B
of the A-B Distribution Agreement for any of the reasons described under clause
(iv) above.
A-B Investment Agreement
Pursuant to the A-B Investment Agreement, A-B purchased 236,756 shares of
Common Stock for $7.00 per share in October 1994 and 1,289,872 shares of Series
B Preferred Stock for $12.61 per share in November 1994.
A-B Preemptive Rights. Pursuant to the A-B Investment Agreement, A-B
exercised its right in connection with the Company's public offering in August
1995 to purchase 716,714 shares of Common Stock at $17.00 per share in order to
maintain its 25% ownership percentage of the Common Stock on a Fully Diluted
Basis (as defined below). A-B has no further preemptive rights.
A-B Standstill and Transfer Restrictions. Pursuant to the A-B Investment
Agreement, A-B has agreed that neither it nor its affiliates will acquire any
Common Stock, or any option, right or warrant to acquire, or security
convertible or exchangeable into Common Stock, if such purchase or acquisition
would result in A-B and its affiliates holding in the aggregate in excess of 25%
(prior to November 16, 1999) or 30% (prior to November 16, 2001) of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock, calculated on a Fully Diluted Basis (the
"A-B Standstill"). Certain increases in A-B's beneficial ownership resulting
from involuntary acquisitions or decreases in the number of outstanding shares
are excluded from the A-B Standstill.
The A-B Standstill terminates prior to November 16, 2001 if (i) any person
unaffiliated with A-B directly or indirectly: (a) becomes a beneficial owner of,
or enters into an agreement to acquire, commences a
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tender offer or exchange offer to acquire, or announces the intention to acquire
and, in A-B's reasonable judgment, has a reasonable likelihood of acquiring as a
result thereof, 25% or more (prior to November 16, 1999) or 30% or more of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock, calculated on a Fully Diluted Basis; (b)
enters into an agreement to consolidate with the Company, to have the Company
merged into or with it or to enter into a share exchange with the Company (other
than any merger, consolidation or share exchange in which the holders of the
Company's outstanding voting securities immediately preceding such transaction
will, immediately after such transaction, own capital stock possessing more than
50% of the aggregate voting power and economic rights of the outstanding capital
stock of the entities surviving such transaction); or (c) enters into an
agreement to acquire all or substantially all of the Company's assets or certain
trademarks or trade names; (ii) the Company announces its intention to enter
into any agreement described above; or (iii) at any time continuing directors
(defined as directors as of the date of the Company's initial public offering,
directors subsequently elected whose nomination was approved by a majority of
the continuing directors, and directors designated by A-B) cease to constitute
at least a majority of the Company's Board of Directors. If the A-B Standstill
is terminated but the underlying transaction giving rise to termination of the
A-B Standstill does not in fact transpire, the A-B Standstill will be reinstated
as if such event had not occurred if A-B has not increased its ownership above
the standstill limitation in the interim.
The A-B Investment Agreement further provides that, to the extent A-B's
ownership exceeds the limits permitted under the A-B Standstill as the result of
a rights offering while such obligations are still in effect, A-B will, in
certain circumstances, take steps to divest itself of such shares no later than
the later of (i) one year from the date of such purchase or acquisition and (ii)
the earliest period in which such shares may be sold pursuant to Rule 144 under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
The A-B Investment Agreement imposes further restrictions on A-B's ability
to transfer Series B Preferred Stock and Common Stock, including, subject to
certain exceptions (including sales of less than 3% of the outstanding Common
Stock, or sales pursuant to the exercise of registration rights), a limited
right of first refusal in favor of the Company on proposed sales of Common Stock
by A-B, an outright prohibition of sales by A-B of more than 12.5% of the Common
Stock on a Fully Diluted Basis to any single person or group, or of any Common
Stock to brewers of malt beverages, and a prohibition on any sale of Series B
Preferred Stock prior to an Extraordinary Termination of the A-B Distribution
Agreement.
A-B Board Representation. Under the A-B Investment Agreement, A-B has the
right, until November 16, 1999, to designate two nominees for election to the
Company's Board of Directors (or, if the Board of Directors has other than nine
members, that number of nominees based on A-B's percentage ownership of the
Common Stock as calculated on a Fully Diluted Basis, but not less than two).
After November 16, 1999, A-B is entitled to designate that number of nominees
based on its percentage ownership, but not less than two, so long as A-B holds
at least 20% of the Common Stock on a Fully Diluted Basis. A-B's percentage
ownership on a "Fully Diluted Basis," as defined in the A-B Investment Agreement
is calculated based on the assumption that all outstanding shares of Series B
Preferred Stock and other convertible securities are converted into Common
Stock, that all outstanding warrants and stock options (other than stock options
granted to officers, directors and employees under the Company's option plans)
have been exercised in full, and that all holdings of A-B and its affiliated
companies are aggregated. Currently, there are no outstanding options or
warrants that would be included in the calculation of outstanding shares on a
Fully Diluted Basis.
Pursuant to an agreement between A-B and the Company dated July 31, 1995,
if GE Capital Redhook Investment Corp. no longer has the right to designate any
nominees for election to the Company's Board of Directors, A-B is entitled to
designate for nomination to the Company's Board of Directors the number of Board
members which, as a percentage of the total Board, is no less than A-B's
percentage ownership of the Common Stock, calculated on a Fully-Diluted Basis
(which number will be rounded up to the next highest whole number if not a whole
number). The Company is obligated to use reasonable efforts to cause the
election of the nominees designated by A-B. If the designees are not elected,
the Company is obligated to take certain remedial measures, and A-B is entitled
to elect the same number of directors by class voting under the terms of the
Series B Preferred Stock. A-B also has a contractual right to have one of its
Board designees sit on each committee of the Company's Board of Directors.
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Covenants Binding the Company. The Company has agreed, pursuant to the A-B
Investment Agreement, that it will not, without A-B's consent, (i) enter into
any acquisition or investment transaction involving an aggregate purchase price
exceeding 50% of the book value of the Company's assets prior to such
transaction; (ii) enter into any transaction involving the transfer of specified
trademarks or trade names or of assets representing more than 50% of the book
value of the Company's assets prior to such transaction; (iii) issue or sell to
any person (including A-B), or amend its capital structure to authorize the
issuance of, equity securities except within certain permitted categories,
including pursuant to (a) the conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock, (b) a
stock split or the exercise of any outstanding option, (c) the issuance of
Common Stock in an initial public offering not exceeding 25% of the Common Stock
outstanding (assuming conversion of all Preferred Stock) as of the closing date
for the sale of the Series B Preferred Stock to A-B, (d) other issuances not
exceeding in the aggregate 20% of the shares of Common Stock and Series B
Preferred Stock (as if converted) outstanding at the beginning of each two-year
period commencing on January 1, 1995 and on January 1 of every second year
thereafter, and (e) issuances under certain antitakeover plans; (iv) authorize
or issue any shares of capital stock ranking equal or prior to the Series B
Preferred Stock as to dividend or liquidation rights, or entitled to more than
one vote per share or to class voting on any matter (except as required by
Washington corporation law) or to ordinary voting power in the election of
directors (other than Common Stock), or authorize or issue any new class or
series of common shares; (v) issue or sell any equity securities to persons
having revenues of $100 million or more from the production or distribution of
alcoholic beverages in North and South America; (vi) afford to any other person
or group the right to designate a number of the Company's directors equal to or
greater than the largest number A-B is contractually entitled to designate;
(vii) enter into any transaction with any affiliate of the Company except under
certain circumstances; (viii) engage in any material respect in any business
other than producing and distributing beverages; (ix) enter into a merger,
consolidation or share exchange with another corporation, except for
transactions meeting multiple criteria (including, among others, survival of the
Company and no change in control); or (x) amend its Articles or Bylaws in
certain respects.
These covenants, as well as A-B's contractual Board and committee
representation rights, terminate upon the earliest of (i) a reduction in the
ownership of A-B and its affiliates to less than the greater of (a) 610,000
shares of Common Stock (assuming conversion and exercise of all convertible
securities, options and warrants and ignoring any stock split or other
recapitalization) and (b) 7.5% of the Common Stock calculated on a Fully Diluted
Basis, (ii) an increase in the ownership of A-B and its affiliates to more than
30% of the Common Stock calculated on a Fully Diluted Basis, (iii) an
Extraordinary Termination of the A-B Distribution Agreement, (iv) termination of
the A-B Distribution Agreement by Redhook on the basis of an uncured breach by,
or insolvency of, A-B, and (v) termination of the A-B Distribution Agreement by
either party at the end of 2004 or the expiration thereof at the end of 2014.
TRADEMARKS
The Company has obtained U.S. trademark registrations for the marks and
corresponding logo designs for: Ballard Bitter, Blackhook, Redhook, Redhook ESB,
Wheathook, Winterhook, Double Black Stout and Blueline. The Company has also
obtained U.S. trademark registrations for Forecasters, Trolleyman, and Cataqua.
The Redhook mark and certain other Company marks are also registered or pending
in various foreign countries. The Company regards its Redhook and other
trademarks as having substantial value and as being an important factor in the
marketing of its products. The Company is not aware of any infringing uses that
could materially affect its current business or any prior claim to the
trademarks that would prevent the Company from using such trademarks in its
business. The Company's policy is to pursue registration of its marks in its
markets whenever possible and to oppose vigorously any infringement of its
marks.
EMPLOYEES
At December 31, 1998, the Company had 202 employees, including 67 in
production, 79 in the pubs, 41 in sales and marketing, and 15 in administration.
Of these, 4 in production, 39 in the pubs, 5 in sales and marketing, and 2 in
administration are part-time employees. The Company believes its relations with
its employees to be good.
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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company currently operates two technologically-advanced, highly
automated small-batch breweries, one in the Seattle suburb of Woodinville,
Washington and the other in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. See Notes 3, 4 and 10 of
the Notes to Financial Statements included elsewhere herein.
The Fremont Brewery. In June 1987, the Company leased the historic Fremont
brewery building and hired German brewery engineers to design and install a
brewery to meet its special requirements. Production began in 1989 with an
annual capacity of approximately 30,000 barrels. As the result of further
expansion that included construction of a kegging and warehousing facility,
capacity increased in stages to approximately 75,000 barrels per year by 1993.
The Company leases the brewery building, which covers approximately 26,000
square feet. The brewery building is currently occupied by the Trolleyman pub
and the Company's corporate offices. The lease expires in October 2002, unless
the five-year extension option is exercised. The Company owns the adjacent
kegging and warehousing facilities, which cover approximately 23,000 square
feet. In January 1998, production at the Fremont Brewery was significantly
reduced and the brewery served as a backup facility to the Woodinville Brewery.
In conjunction with this reduction, during the quarter ended June 30, 1998, the
Company analyzed its current and future production capacity requirements and its
plans for the Fremont Brewery production assets. Based upon that analysis, the
Company decided to permanently curtail the Fremont Brewery operations and sell
substantially all of those production assets. In compliance with Financial
Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Statement No. 121, Accounting for the
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of
("Statement 121"), the Fremont production assets were written down to an
estimate of their net realizable value in the quarter ended June 30, 1998. The
write-down was recorded through a non-cash valuation provision totaling $5.2
million. The special valuation provision, net of the related income tax benefit,
totaled $3.4 million. The Company leased approximately 7,600 square feet of
adjacent office space under a lease that originally expired in 2001. During
1998, the Company exercised its option to terminate that lease and moved its
corporate offices into the Fremont Brewery building.
The Woodinville Brewery. In 1993, the Company acquired approximately 22
acres (17 of which are developable) in Woodinville, Washington, a suburb of
Seattle, to build a second brewery and packaging facility. The site is across
the street from the Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, next to the Columbia Winery,
and visible from a popular bicycle path. The Woodinville Brewery is housed in an
approximately 88,000-square-foot building that currently includes a 100-barrel
brewhouse, fermentation cellars, filter rooms, grain storage silos, a bottling
line, dry storage, a cooler and loading docks. This building also includes a
retail merchandise outlet and the Forecasters Public House, a 4,000-square-foot
family-oriented pub that seats 200 and features an outdoor beer garden that
seats an additional 200. This brewery also has a 4,000-square-foot special
events room accommodating up to 250 people. The Woodinville Brewery began
limited operations in September 1994 with an annual capacity of approximately
60,000 barrels. Completion of an outdoor tank farm during 1996 brought the
Woodinville Brewery to its maximum designed production capacity of approximately
250,000 barrels per year. During 1997, the Company completed construction of a
40,000 square-foot keg filling, cold storage, distribution and office facility
adjacent to the brewery building.
The Portsmouth Brewery. In May 1995, the Company subleased approximately 23
acres in Portsmouth, New Hampshire to build a third brewery and a bottling and
kegging facility to supply eastern U.S. markets. The sublease expires in 2047,
and contains two seven-year extension options. The Portsmouth Brewery is modeled
after the Woodinville Brewery and is similarly equipped, but is larger in
design, covering 125,000 square feet to accommodate all phases of the Company's
brewing operations under one roof. Included is a retail merchandise outlet, the
Cataqua Public House, a 4,000-square-foot family-oriented pub with an outdoor
beer garden, and a special events room accommodating up to 250 people.
Production began in late October 1996, with an initial capacity of approximately
100,000 barrels per year. The Company plans to phase in additional capacity as
needed, up to the maximum designed production capacity of approximately 250,000
barrels per year.
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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company believes that neither it nor its properties are currently
involved in, or subject to, any pending legal proceedings, which, if determined
adversely to the Company, would have a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial condition or results of operations.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
ITEM 4A. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
Paul S. Shipman (46) -- President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the
Board
Mr. Shipman is one of the Company's founders and has served as its
President since September 1981, Chairman of the Board since November 1992, and
Chief Executive Officer since June 1993. Prior to founding the Company, Mr.
Shipman was a marketing analyst for the Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery from 1978
to 1981. Mr. Shipman received his Bachelor's degree in English from Bucknell
University in 1975 and his Master's degree in Business Administration from the
Darden Business School, University of Virginia, in 1978.
Bradley A. Berg (41) -- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Berg has served as the Company's Chief Financial Officer since December
1994. He was the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Holly Residential
Properties, Inc., a NYSE-listed company engaged in the ownership and operation
of multi-family residential properties, from February 1994 to December 1994. Mr.
Berg served as Vice President and Controller of Burlington Resources Inc., a
NYSE-listed natural resources holding company, from November 1989 to February
1994. Prior to joining Burlington Resources Inc., he was a Partner with the
certified public accounting firm of Coopers & Lybrand. Mr. Berg received his
Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Northern Iowa in 1979.
David J. Mickelson (39) -- Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Mr. Mickelson has served in his current position since March 1995, and from
April 1994 to March 1995 he was the Company's Vice President and General
Manager. From July 1992 to December 1994, he served as its Chief Financial
Officer, and was also named General Manager in January 1994. He served as the
Company's Controller from 1987 to July 1992, and additionally was elected
Treasurer in 1989. From 1985 to 1987 he was the Controller for Certified Foods,
Inc. and from 1981 to 1985 served as a loan officer with Barclays Bank PLC. Mr.
Mickelson received his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the
University of Washington in 1981.
Pamela J. Hinckley (45) -- Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Ms. Hinckley has served in her current position since June 1996. From March
1995 to May 1996 she served as the Company's Vice President, Marketing. She
served as the Company's Marketing Director from August 1992 to March 1995 and
its Retail Tourism Manager from August 1988 to August 1992. From 1984 to 1988,
she was the wine buyer for a Seattle-area specialty food and wine retailer and
from 1982 to 1984 she was the retail and tourism manager for Stevenot Winery.
Ms. Hinckley received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Suffolk
University in 1974.
Allen L. Triplett (40) -- Vice President, Brewing
Mr. Triplett has served in his current position since March 1995, and from
1987 to March 1995 he was the Company's Production Manager. He has worked in
virtually every facet of production since joining the Company in 1985. Mr.
Triplett has taken extensive coursework at the Siebel Institute of Brewing and
the University of California at Davis. He received his Bachelor's degree in
Petroleum Engineering from the University of Wyoming in 1985.
15
<PAGE> 18
PART II.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The Company effected its initial public offering of Common Stock on August
16, 1995, and since that date the Company's Common Stock has traded on the
NASDAQ National Market. The table below sets forth, for the fiscal quarters,
indicated the reported high and low sale prices of the Company's Common Stock,
as reported on the NASDAQ National Market.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HIGH LOW
------- ------
<S> <C> <C>
1998
First quarter............................................. $ 7.625 $4.875
Second quarter............................................ $ 7.000 $5.500
Third quarter............................................. $ 6.500 $3.813
Fourth quarter............................................ $ 5.375 $4.000
1997
First quarter............................................. $12.250 $9.375
Second quarter............................................ $ 9.750 $6.375
Third quarter............................................. $ 9.125 $6.250
Fourth quarter............................................ $ 9.000 $4.875
</TABLE>
As of March 12, 1999, there were 774 recordholders of Common Stock,
although the Company believes that the number of beneficial owners of its Common
Stock is substantially greater.
The Company has not paid any dividends, other than a one-time extraordinary
dividend in 1994 from the proceeds of the sale of Series B Preferred Stock to
A-B. That dividend totaled $9,071,354 ($2.00 per share) and was paid on all
Series A Preferred Stock and common shares outstanding (except those owned by
A-B). The Company anticipates that for the foreseeable future, all earnings, if
any, will be retained for the operation and expansion of its business and that
it will not pay cash dividends. The payment of dividends, if any, in the future
will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon, among
other things, future earnings, capital requirements, restrictions in future
financing agreements, the general financial condition of the Company and general
business conditions. Payment of dividends is also restricted by terms of the
Series B Preferred Stock.
16
<PAGE> 19
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with
the Company's Financial Statements and the Notes thereto and "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"
included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The selected statement of operations and
balance sheet data for, and as of the end of, each of the five years in the
period ended December 31, 1998, are derived from the financial statements of the
Company. The operating data are derived from unaudited information maintained by
the Company.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND OPERATING DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Sales.................................... $35,962 $37,894 $39,410 $28,426 $16,209
Less Excise Taxes........................ 3,321 3,608 3,732 2,532 1,280
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net Sales................................ 32,641 34,286 35,678 25,894 14,929
Cost of Sales............................ 23,917 25,963 23,581 16,970 8,686
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Gross Profit............................. 8,724 8,323 12,097 8,924 6,243
Special Valuation Provision(1)........... 5,173 -- -- -- --
Selling, General and Administrative
Expenses............................... 9,086 9,981 7,853 4,606 2,801
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Operating Income(Loss)................... (5,535) (1,658) 4,244 4,318 3,442
Interest Expense......................... 679 378 -- 24 130
Other Income, Net........................ 127 93 615 678 9
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes........ (6,087) (1,943) 4,859 4,972 3,321
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes..... (2,076) (544) 1,773 1,790 1,196
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net Income (Loss)........................ $(4,011) $(1,399) $ 3,086 $ 3,182 $ 2,125
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Basic Earnings (Loss) per Share(2)....... $ (0.52) $ (0.18) $ 0.40 $ 0.63 $ (0.11)
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share(2)..... $ (0.52) $ (0.18) $ 0.34 $ 0.44 $ 0.43
Dividends per Share(3)................... -- -- -- -- $ 2.00
OPERATING DATA (IN BARRELS):
Beer Shipped............................. 202,300 214,600 224,700 158,700 93,700
Production Capacity, End of Period(4).... 350,000 425,000 425,000 245,000 135,000
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA (IN THOUSANDS):
Cash and Cash Equivalents................ $ 3,010 $ 892 $ 1,162 $24,677 $ 472
Working Capital (Deficit)................ 1,666 1,338 850 21,385 (842)
Total Assets............................. 89,528 96,769 95,124 86,638 34,689
Long-term Debt, Net of Current Portion... 7,875 9,874 6,191 1,825 3,793
Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock... 16,011 15,966 15,922 15,877 24,790
Common Stockholders' Equity.............. 57,326 61,298 62,630 59,579 1,269
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Represents a non-cash valuation provision to write down the value of Fremont
production assets. See Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
(2) The $2.5 million dividend paid to Series A Preferred Stockholders in 1994 is
deducted from Net Income to calculate the 1994 Basic Earnings (Loss) per
Share.
(3) Consists entirely of a one-time extraordinary dividend paid to common and
preferred shareholders, other than A-B, from the proceeds of the sale of
Series B Preferred Stock to A-B.
(4) Based on the Company's estimate of normal production capacity of equipment
installed as of the end of such period. Amounts do not reflect maximum
designed production capacity. See Item 7. "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
17
<PAGE> 20
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with
the Company's Financial Statements and Notes thereto included herein.
OVERVIEW
Since its formation, the Company has focused its business activities on the
brewing, marketing and selling of craft beers. For the year ended December 31,
1998, the Company had gross sales of $35,962,000, a decrease of 5.1% from 1997.
The Company believes that period-to-period comparisons of its financial results
should not be relied upon as an accurate indicator of future performance. The
Company's sales consist predominantly of sales of beer to third-party
distributors and A-B through the Distribution Alliance. In addition, the Company
derives other revenues from the sale of beer, food, apparel and other retail
items in its brewery pubs. The Company is required to pay federal excise taxes
on sales of its beer. The excise tax burden on beer sales increases from $7 to
$18 per barrel on annual production over 60,000 barrels and thus, if sales
volume increases, federal excise taxes would increase as a percentage of sales.
The Company's sales volume declined 5.7% in 1998, compared to 1997. In
addition to the level of consumer demand in existing markets, the Company's
sales are also affected by other factors such as competitive considerations,
including the increased number of craft brewers and promotional pricing, the
opening of new distribution territories and new product introductions. Sales in
the craft beer industry generally reflect a degree of seasonality, with the
first and fourth quarters historically being the slowest and the rest of the
year typically demonstrating stronger sales. The Company has historically
operated with little or no backlog, and its ability to predict sales for future
periods is limited.
Under normal circumstances, the Company generally operates its brewing
facilities up to five days per week, two shifts per day. The Company increased
its company-wide annual production capacity from approximately 3,000 barrels at
its first brewery in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle in 1982 to
approximately 350,000 barrels as of December 31, 1998, after the 75,000 decrease
related to the Fremont Brewery (see discussion below). Production capacity of
each facility is added in phases until the facility reaches its maximum designed
production capacity. The timing of each phase is affected by the availability of
capital, construction constraints and anticipated sales in new and existing
markets. The Portsmouth, New Hampshire brewery began commercial production
during October 1996. The Portsmouth Brewery's current production capacity is
approximately 100,000 barrels per year and its maximum designed production
capacity is approximately 250,000 barrels per year. Additional capital
expenditures and production personnel will be required to bring the Portsmouth
Brewery to its maximum designed capacity.
Upon the opening of the Portsmouth Brewery, the Company's maximum designed
production capacity increased from 325,000 barrels per year to 575,000 barrels
per year, prior to the 75,000 decrease related to the Fremont Brewery (see
discussion below), resulting in a significant decline in the company-wide
capacity utilization rate. The Company's capacity utilization has a significant
impact on gross profit. When facilities are operating at their maximum designed
production capacities, profitability is favorably affected by spreading fixed
and semivariable operating costs, such as depreciation and production salaries,
over a larger sales base. Most capital costs associated with building a new
brewery, and fixed and semivariable costs related to operating a new brewery,
are incurred prior to, or upon commencement of, production at a facility.
Because the actual production level may be substantially below the facility's
maximum designed production capacity, gross margins are negatively impacted.
This impact is reduced when actual production increases.
In January 1998, production at the Fremont Brewery was significantly
reduced, and the brewery served as a backup facility to the Woodinville Brewery.
During the quarter ended June 30, 1998, the Company analyzed its current and
future production capacity requirements and its plans for the Fremont Brewery
production assets. Based upon that analysis, the Company decided to permanently
curtail the Fremont Brewery operations and sell substantially all of those
production assets. In compliance with FASB Statement No. 121, the Fremont
production assets were written down to an estimate of their net realizable value
in the quarter ended June 30, 1998. The write-down was recorded through a
non-cash valuation provision totaling $5.2 million. The special valuation
provision, net of the related income tax benefit, totaled $3.4 million.
18
<PAGE> 21
In addition to capacity utilization, the Company expects other factors to
influence profit margins, including higher costs associated with the development
of new distribution territories, such as increased shipping, marketing and sales
personnel costs; fees related to the distribution agreement with A-B; changes in
packaging and other material costs; and changes in product sales mix. The
incremental cost of shipping beer from the Company's breweries will increase if
the volume of beer supplied to more distant markets increases. The commencement
of production at the Portsmouth Brewery reduced shipping expenses to eastern
U.S. markets.
See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations -- Certain Considerations: Issues and Uncertainties."
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain items
from the Company's Statements of Operations expressed as a percentage of net
sales.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------
1998 1997 1996
----- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Sales....................................................... 110.2% 110.5% 110.5%
Less Excise Taxes........................................... 10.2 10.5 10.5
----- ----- -----
Net Sales................................................... 100.0 100.0 100.0
Cost of Sales............................................... 73.3 75.7 66.1
----- ----- -----
Gross Profit................................................ 26.7 24.3 33.9
Special Valuation Provision................................. 15.8 -- --
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses................ 27.8 29.1 22.0
----- ----- -----
Operating Income (Loss)..................................... (16.9) (4.8) 11.9
Interest Expense............................................ 2.1 1.1 --
Other Income -- Net......................................... 0.4 0.2 1.7
----- ----- -----
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes........................... (18.6) (5.7) 13.6
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes........................ (6.3) (1.6) 5.0
----- ----- -----
Net Income (Loss)........................................... (12.3)% (4.1)% 8.6%
===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
Sales. Total sales decreased 5.1% to $35,962,000 in 1998, compared to
$37,894,000 in 1997, as a 5.7% decrease in total sales volumes and a small
decrease in prices were partially offset by an increase in other sales. Total
sales volumes in 1998 decreased to 202,300 barrels from 214,600 barrels in 1997.
West Coast sales decreased 5.5% for the same period, including a 1.4% decline in
Washington State, the Company's largest market. The competitive landscape has
been affected by the increase in the number of craft beer companies and the
number of different products they offer, as well as increased competition from
imported beers. Sales other than wholesale beer sales, primarily retail pub
revenues, totaled $3,673,000 in 1998, compared to $3,406,000 in 1997. At
December 31, 1998 and 1997, the Company's products were distributed in 48
states.
Excise Taxes. Excise taxes paid on barrels sold decreased to $3,321,000, or
$10.2% of net sales in 1998, compared to $3,608,000, or 10.5% of net sales in
1997.
Cost of Sales. Cost of sales decreased to $23,917,000 in 1998, compared to
$25,963,000 in 1997, primarily due to the lower sales volume, decreased
packaging costs and the positive effect of curtailing production at the Fremont
Brewery, partially offset by an increase in depreciation expense related to the
kegging and cold storage facility completed in June 1997. Cost of sales, as a
percentage of net sales, decreased to 73.3% in 1998, compared to 75.7% in 1997.
The combined utilization rate of maximum designed capacity for the operating
breweries was 39.0% and 37.2% for years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively. The increase reflects the Fremont Brewery shutdown in the first
half of 1998, offset partially by lower total volume.
19
<PAGE> 22
Special Valuation Provision. In the quarter ended June 30, 1998, the
Fremont production assets were written down to an estimate of their net
realizable value in compliance with FASB Statement No. 121. The write-down was
recorded through a non-cash valuation provision totaling $5.2 million. The
Company expects to sell substantially all of these assets during 1999.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and
administrative expenses decreased to $9,086,000 in 1998, compared to $9,981,000
in 1997 due primarily to cost saving measures that reduced sales and marketing
costs. As a percentage of net sales, these expenses were 27.8% and 29.1% for
years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased to $679,000 in 1998, compared
to $378,000 in 1997. Substantially all interest costs incurred in the first six
months of 1997 were capitalized to the Woodinville construction project that was
completed in June 1997.
Other Income -- Net. Other income -- net, increased slightly to $127,000 in
1998, compared to $93,000 in 1997. The increase was due to an increase in the
average balance of interest-bearing deposits in 1998.
Income Taxes. The Company's effective income tax rate increased to a 34.1%
benefit in 1998, from a 28.0% benefit in 1997. The difference between the 1998
and 1997 effective rates is primarily the result of a significantly lower
pre-tax loss in 1997, relative to other components of the tax provision
calculation, such as the exclusion of a portion of meals and entertainment
expenses from tax return deductions.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
Sales. Total sales decreased 3.8% to $37,894,000 in 1997, compared to
$39,410,000 in 1996, as a 4.5% decrease in total sales volumes and a small
decrease in prices were partially offset by a slight increase in other sales.
Total sales volumes in 1997 decreased to 214,600 barrels from 224,700 barrels in
1996. West Coast sales decreased 6.3% for the same period, including a 2.0%
decline in Washington State, the Company's largest market. The competitive
landscape has been affected by the increase in the number of craft beer
companies and the number of different products they offer, as well as increased
competition from imported beers. Sales other than wholesale beer sales,
primarily retail pub revenues, totaled $3,406,000 in 1997, compared to
$3,372,000 in 1996. At December 31, 1997, the Company was selling beer in 48
states compared to 47 states at December 31, 1996.
Excise Taxes. Excise taxes paid on barrels sold decreased to $3,608,000, or
$10.5% of net sales in 1997, compared to $3,732,000, or 10.5% of net sales in
1996.
Cost of Sales. Cost of sales increased to $25,963,000 in 1997 from
$23,581,000 in 1996, primarily due to the impact of the depreciation and other
operating costs related to the new brewery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, which
commenced operations in October 1996, and an increase in the percentage of total
volume sold in bottles compared to kegs, partially offset by the effects of
decreases in sales volume, freight expense and per unit packaging costs. Cost of
sales, as a percentage of net sales, increased to 75.7% in 1997 compared to
66.1% in 1996, primarily due to the increase in fixed and semivariable costs
associated with operating the new brewery and the increase in the percentage of
total volume sold in bottles compared to kegs, partially offset by freight
savings on shipments to eastern markets and a decrease in packaging costs. The
company-wide utilization rate of maximum designed capacity was 37% and 61% in
1997 and 1996, respectively. The company-wide utilization rate decreased in 1997
due to the increase in capacity associated with the commissioning of the
Portsmouth Brewery and lower sales volumes.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and
administrative expenses increased to $9,981,000 in 1997 from $7,853,000 in 1996.
The increase is primarily related to the Company's expansion of distribution.
These expenses increased as a percentage of net sales to 29.1% in 1997 from
22.0% in 1996, primarily attributable to additional sales personnel and related
expenses in new markets, and increased promotional and marketing expenses in the
Company's existing markets that are increasingly competitive.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased to $378,000 in 1997. All
interest costs incurred in 1996, and the first six months of 1997, were
capitalized to construction projects.
20
<PAGE> 23
Other Income -- Net. Other income -- net, decreased to $93,000 in 1997,
compared to $615,000 in 1996. The decrease is due primarily to a decline in
income from short-term investments as available funds were invested in the
Portsmouth and Woodinville breweries.
Income Taxes. The Company's effective income tax rate changed to a 28%
benefit in 1997 from a 36.5% expense in 1996. The change is primarily the result
of lower pre-tax results relative to other components of the tax provision
calculation, such as the exclusion of a portion of meals and entertainment
expenses from tax return deductions.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company had $3,010,000 and $892,000 of cash and cash equivalents at
December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. At December 31, 1998, the Company had
working capital of $1,666,000. The Company's long-term debt as a percentage of
total capitalization (long-term debt, preferred stock and common stockholders'
equity) was 10.2% and 11.9% as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Cash
provided by operating activities totaled $5,035,000 and $1,919,000 in 1998 and
1997, respectively.
On June 5, 1997, the Company converted the $9 million outstanding balance
of its secured bank facility (the "Secured Facility") to a five-year term loan
with a 20-year amortization schedule. As of December 31, 1998, there was $8.3
million outstanding on the Secured Facility, and the Company's one-month
IBOR-based borrowing rate was approximately 6.8%. In addition, the Company has a
$10 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Facility") with the same
bank through July 1, 2001, and as of December 31, 1998, there were no borrowings
outstanding on this facility. The Revolving Facility is secured with the same
assets that are collateral for the Secured Facility. Interest accrues at a
variable rate based on the Inter Bank Offered Rate ("IBOR"), plus 1.25% to 2.00%
for the Secured Facility, and plus 1.00% to 1.75% on the Revolving Facility,
depending on the Company's debt-to-tangible net worth ratio. The Company can fix
the rate by selecting IBOR for one- to twelve-month periods as a base. Beginning
June 6, 1999, the interest rate for the Revolving Facility will be the
applicable LIBOR plus 1.00% to 2.00%, depending on the Company's debt-to-cash
flow ratio.
The Company has required capital principally for the construction and
development of its technologically advanced production facilities. To date, the
Company has financed its capital requirements through cash flow from operations,
bank borrowings and the sale of common and preferred stock. The Company expects
to meet its future financing needs, including the significant planned increase
in advertising expenditures, and working capital and capital expenditure
requirements, through cash on hand, operating cash flow, proceeds from the sale
of Assets Held for Sale and, to the extent required and available, bank
borrowings and offerings of debt or equity securities.
Capital expenditures for 1998 totaled $875,000. Capital expenditures for
1999 are expected to total approximately $750,000.
The Company has certain commitments, contingencies and uncertainties
relating to its normal operations. Management believes that any such
commitments, contingencies or uncertainties, including any environmental
uncertainties, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial position or results of operations.
21
<PAGE> 24
CERTAIN CONSIDERATIONS: ISSUES AND UNCERTAINTIES
The Company does not provide forecasts of future financial performance or
sales volumes, although this Annual Report contains certain other types of
forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The Company
may, in discussions of its future plans, objectives and expected performance in
periodic reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (or documents incorporated by reference therein) and in written and
oral presentations made by the Company, include forward-looking statements
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such
forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that the Company believes
are reasonable, but are by their nature inherently uncertain. In all cases,
there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove correct or that
projected events will occur. Actual results could differ materially from those
projected depending on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the
issues discussed below, the successful execution of market development and other
plans and the availability of financing. While Company management is optimistic
about the Company's long-term prospects, the following issues and uncertainties,
among others, should be considered in evaluating its business prospects and any
forward-looking statements.
Effect of Competition on Future Sales. The domestic market in which the
Company's craft beers are sold is highly competitive due to the proliferation of
small craft brewers, including contract brewers, the increase in the number of
products offered by such brewers, the introduction of fuller-flavored products
by major national brewers and increased competition from imported beers. The
Company's revenue growth rate began to slow in late 1996, and sales declined in
1997 and 1998, due primarily to slower sales in the highly competitive draft
beer market. If negative sales trends were to continue, the Company's future
sales and results of operations would be adversely affected. The Company has
historically operated with little or no backlog and, therefore, its ability to
predict sales for future periods is limited.
Sales Prices. Future prices the Company charges for its products may
decrease from historical levels, depending on competitive factors in the
Company's various markets. The Company has participated in price promotions with
its wholesalers and their retail customers in most of its markets. The number of
markets in which the Company participates in price promotions and the frequency
of such promotions is expected to increase in the future.
Variability of Gross Margin and Cost of Sales. The Company anticipates that
its future gross margins will fluctuate and may decline as a result of many
factors, including disproportionate depreciation and other fixed and
semivariable operating costs, during periods when the Company's breweries are
producing below maximum designed production capacity. The Company's high level
of fixed and semivariable operating costs causes gross margin to be very
sensitive to relatively small increases or decreases in sales volume. In
addition, other factors that could affect cost of sales include changes in:
shipping costs, availability and prices of raw materials and packaging
materials, mix between draft and bottled product sales, and Federal or state
excise taxes. Also, as sales volumes through the Distribution Alliance increase,
the alliance fee, and other staging and administrative costs, would increase.
Advertising and Promotional Costs. While the Company has previously done
very limited advertising, based upon market and competitive considerations the
Company has determined that a significant increase in such spending is
appropriate. Accordingly, in 1999 the Company expects to undertake a brand
investment program that will significantly increase advertising over the next
year with the objective of establishing momentum towards capturing a larger
share of the fragmented craft beer market. This increased spending is expected
to significantly increase the Company's net losses and decrease its
stockholders' equity. In addition, market and competitive considerations could
require an increase in other promotional costs associated with developing
existing and new markets.
22
<PAGE> 25
Relationship with Anheuser-Busch, Incorporated. Most of the Company's
future sales are expected to be through the Distribution Alliance with A-B. See
"Part 1, Item 1 -- Business -- Product Distribution, and Relationship With
Anheuser-Busch, Incorporated" for a further description of the relationship with
A-B. If the Distribution Alliance were to be terminated, or if the relationship
between A-B and the Company were to deteriorate, the Company's sales and results
of operations could be materially adversely affected. While the Company believes
that the benefits of the Distribution Alliance, in particular access to
distributors and distribution efficiencies, offset costs associated with the
Alliance, there can be no assurance that these costs will not have a negative
impact on the Company's profit margins in the future.
Dependence on Third-Party Distributors. The Company relies heavily on
third-party distributors for the sale of its products to retailers. The
Company's most significant non-Alliance wholesaler, K&L Distributors, Inc., an
A-B affiliated wholesaler in the Seattle area, accounted for approximately 17%
of the Company's sales in 1998. Substantially all of the remaining sales volumes
are now through the Distribution Alliance to A-B affiliated distributors, most
of who are independent wholesalers. The loss of K&L or the termination of the
Distribution Alliance could have a material adverse impact on the Company's
sales and results of operations.
Customer Acceptance, Consumer Trends and Public Attitudes. If consumers
were unwilling to accept the Company's products or if the recent trends toward
drinking craft beers were to change further, it could adversely impact the
Company's sales and results of operations. The alcoholic beverage industry has
become the subject of considerable societal and political attention in recent
years due to increasing public concern over alcohol-related social problems,
including drunk driving, underage drinking and health consequences from the
misuse of alcohol. If beer consumption in general were to come into disfavor
among domestic consumers, or if the domestic beer industry were subjected to
significant additional governmental regulation, the Company's sales and results
of operations could be adversely affected.
Impact of Year 2000. Some of the Company's computer programs were written
using two digits rather than four to define the applicable year. As a result,
those computer programs have time-sensitive software that recognize a date using
"00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000. In addition, some of the
microprocessors and control systems integrated in the Company's operations are
not programmed to recognize dates beyond the year 1999. This could cause a
system failure or miscalculations causing disruptions of operations, including,
among other things, a temporary inability to process transactions, send
invoices, operate certain production equipment or engage in similar normal
business activities.
The Company completed an assessment on a significant portion of its
information systems and completed a software upgrade so that those computer
systems will function properly with respect to dates in the year 2000 and
thereafter. In addition, the Company expects to complete the assessment of the
remaining systems, primarily related to production operations, in early 1999 and
have all critical systems tested and compliant before the end of 1999. The costs
associated with all software upgrades or modifications are currently expected to
be less than $50,000.
The Company is working directly with key vendors, service providers and
business partners, such as A-B, malt and packaging suppliers, and utilities, in
order to avoid any business interruptions in the year 2000 and thereafter. Steps
are being taken to understand key third parties' ability to continue providing
services and products through the change to 2000. The Company sent out detailed
questionnaires to key third parties to verify Year 2000 readiness and is
conducting on-going risk analysis based upon the responses to those
questionnaires. However, the Company has no means of ensuring that external
agents will be Year 2000 ready. The inability of third parties to complete their
Year 2000 compliance process in a timely fashion could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's results of operations.
23
<PAGE> 26
In addition, the Company is in the process of completing its contingency
planning for all risk areas. The contingency plans include, among other things,
manual "work-arounds" for potential software and hardware failures, and an
increase in year-end inventory to allow for production disruptions that could
occur in January 2000.
The project is expected to be completed prior to any potential negative
impact on the Company's operations or information systems. The Company believes
that the new software will not pose significant operational problems for its
computer systems. However, if such modifications and conversions are not made,
or are not completed timely, the Year 2000 compliance issue could have a
significant negative adverse impact on the results of operations of the Company.
The costs and timing of the project are based on management's best
estimates, which were derived utilizing numerous assumptions of future events,
including the continued availability of certain resources and other factors.
However, there can be no guarantee that these estimates will be achieved, and
actual results could differ materially from those anticipated. Specific factors
that might cause such material differences include, but are not limited to, the
availability and cost of personnel trained in this area, the ability to locate
and correct all relevant computer codes, and similar uncertainties.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 1997, the FASB issued Statement No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive
Income, and Statement No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and
Related Information. In February 1998, the FASB issued Statement No. 132,
Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits. All of those
statements are effective for the year ended December 31, 1998. Statement Nos.
130 and 132 are not applicable to the Company's operations. The disclosures
prescribed by Statement No. 131 are not required for the Company because retail
pub revenues, the largest component of sales other than wholesale beer sales, do
not meet the minimum quantitative thresholds.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company does not have any derivative financial instruments as of
December 31, 1998. However, the Company is exposed to interest rate risk. The
Company's long-term debt bears interest at a rate that is tied to a variable
rate. Information pertaining to the Company's debt balance and terms is set
forth in Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations" and in Note 5 of "Notes to Financial Statements."
24
<PAGE> 27
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
REDHOOK ALE BREWERY, INCORPORATED
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors........... 26
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1998 and 1997............. 27
Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31,
1998, 1997 and 1996....................................... 28
Statements of Common Stockholders' Equity for the Years
Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.................... 29
Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31,
1998, 1997 and 1996....................................... 30
Notes to Financial Statements............................... 31
</TABLE>
25
<PAGE> 28
REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors
Redhook Ale Brewery, Incorporated
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Redhook Ale Brewery,
Incorporated as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related statements of
operations, common stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1998. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Redhook Ale Brewery,
Incorporated as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of its operations
and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Seattle, Washington
January 29, 1999
26
<PAGE> 29
REDHOOK ALE BREWERY, INCORPORATED
BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1998 1997
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents................................. $ 3,010,448 $ 892,165
Accounts Receivable....................................... 1,525,708 1,588,368
Inventories............................................... 2,267,410 2,815,782
Income Taxes Receivable................................... 469,272 1,124,813
Other..................................................... 303,623 519,515
----------- -----------
Total Current Assets................................... 7,576,461 6,940,643
Fixed Assets, Net........................................... 80,211,312 88,761,436
Assets Held for Sale........................................ 1,105,475 --
Other Assets................................................ 634,781 1,067,264
----------- -----------
Total Assets...................................... $89,528,029 $96,769,343
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES, PREFERRED STOCK
AND COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts Payable.......................................... $ 2,231,602 $ 2,389,040
Accrued Salaries, Wages and Payroll Taxes................. 1,451,936 1,322,966
Refundable Deposits....................................... 1,310,366 1,166,070
Other Accrued Expenses.................................... 466,734 132,788
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt......................... 450,000 591,759
----------- -----------
Total Current Liabilities.............................. 5,910,638 5,602,623
----------- -----------
Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Portion...................... 7,875,000 9,873,973
----------- -----------
Deferred Income Taxes....................................... 2,405,889 3,987,519
----------- -----------
Other Liabilities........................................... -- 40,546
----------- -----------
Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock...................... 16,010,655 15,966,255
----------- -----------
Common Stockholders' Equity:
Common Stock, Par Value $0.005 per Share, Authorized,
50,000,000 Shares; Issued and Outstanding, 7,687,486
Shares in 1998 and 1997................................ 38,438 38,438
Additional Paid-In Capital................................ 56,888,633 56,805,633
Retained Earnings......................................... 398,776 4,454,356
----------- -----------
Total Common Stockholders' Equity................. 57,325,847 61,298,427
----------- -----------
Total Liabilities, Preferred Stock and Common
Stockholders' Equity........................ $89,528,029 $96,769,343
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
See Accompanying Notes
27
<PAGE> 30
REDHOOK ALE BREWERY, INCORPORATED
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Sales............................................... $35,962,126 $37,894,468 $39,410,119
Less Excise Taxes................................... 3,320,824 3,608,166 3,732,034
----------- ----------- -----------
Net Sales........................................... 32,641,302 34,286,302 35,678,085
Cost of Sales....................................... 23,917,360 25,962,672 23,580,745
----------- ----------- -----------
Gross Profit........................................ 8,723,942 8,323,630 12,097,340
Special Valuation Provision......................... 5,172,650 -- --
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses........ 9,086,312 9,981,469 7,853,360
----------- ----------- -----------
Operating Income (Loss)............................. (5,535,020) (1,657,839) 4,243,980
Interest Expense.................................... 678,516 378,444 --
Other Income -- Net................................. 126,862 92,998 615,145
----------- ----------- -----------
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes................... (6,086,674) (1,943,285) 4,859,125
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes................ (2,075,494) (544,319) 1,773,581
----------- ----------- -----------
Net Income (Loss)................................... $(4,011,180) $(1,398,966) $ 3,085,544
=========== =========== ===========
Basic Earnings (Loss) per Share..................... $ (0.52) $ (0.18) $ 0.40
=========== =========== ===========
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share................... $ (0.52) $ (0.18) $ 0.34
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
See Accompanying Notes
28
<PAGE> 31
REDHOOK ALE BREWERY, INCORPORATED
STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMON STOCK TOTAL
-------------------- ADDITIONAL COMMON
PAR PAID-IN RETAINED STOCKHOLDERS'
SHARES VALUE CAPITAL EARNINGS EQUITY
--------- ------- ----------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, December 31, 1995............. 7,683,596 $38,417 $56,642,663 $ 2,897,515 $59,578,595
Other, Net........................... 1,890 11 10,101 (44,400) (34,288)
Net Income........................... -- -- -- 3,085,544 3,085,544
--------- ------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance, December 31, 1996............. 7,685,486 38,428 56,652,764 5,938,659 62,629,851
Other, Net........................... 2,000 10 152,869 (85,337) 67,542
Net Loss............................. -- -- -- (1,398,966) (1,398,966)
--------- ------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance, December 31, 1997............. 7,687,486 38,438 56,805,633 4,454,356 61,298,427
--------- ------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Other, Net........................... -- -- 83,000 (44,400) 38,600
Net Loss............................. -- -- -- (4,011,180) (4,011,180)
--------- ------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance, December 31, 1998............. 7,687,486 $38,438 $56,888,633 $ 398,776 $57,325,847
========= ======= =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
See Accompanying Notes
29
<PAGE> 32
REDHOOK ALE BREWERY, INCORPORATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
----------- ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net Income (Loss).................................... $(4,011,180) $(1,398,966) $ 3,085,544
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Net
Cash
Provided by Operating Activities:
Depreciation and Amortization................... 3,343,377 3,399,217 2,042,780
Deferred Income Tax Provision (Benefit)......... (1,581,630) 404,827 1,193,104
Special Valuation Provision..................... 5,172,650 -- --
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:
Accounts Receivable........................... 62,660 463,223 (24,137)
Inventories................................... 548,372 (586,406) (888,932)
Income Taxes Receivable....................... 655,541 (697,738) (427,075)
Other Current Assets.......................... 215,892 49,099 (295,765)
Other Assets.................................. 317,581 83,670 (586,053)
Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Expenses... 38,380 (115,822) 655,633
Accrued Salaries, Wages and Payroll Taxes..... 128,970 102,754 524,567
Refundable Deposits........................... 144,296 215,144 (22,031)
----------- ----------- ------------
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities............ 5,034,909 1,919,002 5,257,635
----------- ----------- ------------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Expenditures for Fixed Assets........................ (874,894) (6,401,745) (33,094,235)
Other................................................ 16,000 (41,800) (70,365)
----------- ----------- ------------
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities................ (858,894) (6,443,545) (33,164,600)
----------- ----------- ------------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from Debt................................... -- 5,350,000 23,600,000
Repayments on Debt................................... (2,140,608) (1,207,586) (19,223,680)
Officer Note Repayment and Other, Net................ 82,876 111,942 16,397
----------- ----------- ------------
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing
Activities......................................... (2,057,732) 4,254,356 4,392,717
----------- ----------- ------------
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents..... 2,118,283 (270,187) (23,514,248)
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
Beginning of Year.................................. 892,165 1,162,352 24,676,600
----------- ----------- ------------
End of Year........................................ $ 3,010,448 $ 892,165 $ 1,162,352
=========== =========== ============
</TABLE>
See Accompanying Notes
30
<PAGE> 33
REDHOOK ALE BREWERY, INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Redhook Ale Brewery, Incorporated (the "Company") was incorporated on May
4, 1981 for the purpose of brewing, marketing and selling craft beers. Its
operations consist of corporate headquarters and a pub in the Fremont area of
Seattle, Washington; a brewery in the Seattle suburb of Woodinville, Washington;
and, a brewery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. As of December 31, 1998, the
Company's products were distributed in 48 states.
In 1994, the Company signed an agreement (the "Distribution Alliance" or
the "Alliance") with Anheuser-Busch, Incorporated ("A-B"), pursuant to which the
Company utilizes A-B's national distribution network to distribute its products.
In addition, A-B purchased 1,289,872 shares of Series B convertible redeemable
preferred stock (the "Series B Preferred Stock") and 236,756 newly issued shares
of common stock in connection with the Distribution Alliance. As of December 31,
1998, A-B owned 25% of the Company's voting stock, which is the maximum
percentage currently allowed under the agreements with the Company.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original
maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount
of cash equivalents approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity
of these instruments.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined
by the first-in, first-out method.
Fixed Assets
Fixed assets are stated at cost. Significant additions and improvements are
capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Upon disposition
of fixed assets, any gains or losses are reflected in the statement of
operations. The Company provides for depreciation and amortization using the
straight-line method to recognize the costs over the following estimated useful
lives:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Buildings.................................... 31 - 40 years
Brewery equipment............................ 20 - 25 years
Leasehold improvements....................... Lesser of lease term or useful life
Furniture, fixtures and other equipment...... 2 - 10 years
Vehicles..................................... 5 years
</TABLE>
Earnings (Loss) per Share
In 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings per Share ("Statement 128").
Statement 128 replaced the previously reported primary and fully diluted
earnings per share with basic and diluted earnings per share. Unlike primary
earnings per share, basic earnings per share excludes any dilutive effects of
options, warrants, and convertible securities. Diluted earnings per share is
very similar to the previously reported fully diluted earnings per share.
Earnings per share amounts for all periods have been presented and, where
necessary, restated to conform to the Statement 128 requirements and SEC Staff
Accounting Bulletin No. 98.
31
<PAGE> 34
REDHOOK ALE BREWERY, INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
The calculation of adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding for
purposes of computing diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effect of
all outstanding convertible redeemable preferred stock and outstanding stock
options for the year ended December 31, 1996. The convertible preferred stock
and outstanding stock options have been excluded from the calculation of diluted
loss per share for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, because their
effect is antidilutive. The calculation uses the treasury stock method in
determining the resulting incremental average equivalent shares outstanding if
applicable.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method, whereby
deferred taxes are provided for the temporary differences between the financial
reporting basis and the tax basis of the Company's assets and liabilities. These
deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured under the provisions of the
currently enacted tax laws.
Advertising Expenses
The Company expenses advertising costs as they are incurred. For the years
ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996, advertising expenses totaled $265,000,
$147,000, and $50,000, respectively.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years' financial
statements to conform to the current year presentation.
2. INVENTORIES
Inventories consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
------------------------
1998 1997
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Finished goods...................................... $ 862,246 $1,387,933
Raw materials....................................... 998,133 879,836
Promotional merchandise............................. 222,042 328,064
Packaging materials................................. 184,989 219,949
---------- ----------
$2,267,410 $2,815,782
========== ==========
</TABLE>
Finished goods include beer held in fermentation prior to the filtration
and packaging process.
32
<PAGE> 35
REDHOOK ALE BREWERY, INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
3. FIXED ASSETS
Fixed assets consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------
1998 1997
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Land and improvements............................. $ 5,172,000 $ 5,163,835
Buildings......................................... 35,328,317 36,198,909
Brewery equipment................................. 44,773,526 52,660,874
Furniture, fixtures and other equipment........... 2,151,681 3,233,712
Leasehold improvements............................ 1,796,017 546,831
Vehicles.......................................... 136,568 136,478
Other............................................. 83,548 136,749
----------- -----------
89,441,657 98,077,388
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization.... 9,230,345 9,315,952
----------- -----------
$80,211,312 $88,761,436
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
4. SPECIAL VALUATION PROVISION
In January 1998, production at the Fremont Brewery was significantly
reduced and the brewery served as a backup facility to the Woodinville Brewery.
During the quarter ended June 30, 1998, the Company analyzed its current and
future production capacity requirements and its plans for the Fremont Brewery
production assets. Based upon that analysis, the Company decided to permanently
curtail the Fremont Brewery operations and sell substantially all of those
production assets. In accordance with FASB Statement No. 121, Accounting for the
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of
("Statement 121"), the Fremont production assets were written down to an
estimate of their net realizable value in the quarter ended June 30, 1998. The
write-down was recorded through a non-cash valuation provision totaling $5.2
million. The special valuation provision, net of the related income tax benefit,
totaled $3.4 million. As of April 1998, the Company stopped depreciating these
assets, thereby reducing the Company's depreciation expense for 1998 by
approximately $330,000.
The write-down was recorded in the statement of operations on a separate
line as a Special Valuation Provision. The assets are presented as Assets Held
for Sale on the balance sheet as of December 31, 1998, at their estimated fair
market value of $1,105,000. The Company has received deposits on substantially
all of the remaining equipment and currently expects to sell that equipment
during 1999 for an amount approximately equal to its estimated net realizable
value.
The special valuation provision and the related assets held for sale were
recorded as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Brewery equipment........................................... $8,577,598
Building.................................................... 1,068,824
----------
9,646,422
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization.............. (3,389,772)
----------
Net book value.............................................. 6,256,650
Estimated net realizable value of Assets Held for Sale...... (1,184,000)
----------
Estimated impairment........................................ 5,072,650
Reserve for disposal related costs.......................... 100,000
----------
Special Valuation Provision................................. 5,172,650
Income tax benefit.......................................... (1,810,428)
----------
Special Valuation Provision, net of income tax benefit...... $3,362,222
==========
</TABLE>
33
<PAGE> 36
REDHOOK ALE BREWERY, INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
5. DEBT
Long-term debt consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
------------------------
1998 1997
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Secured Facility, payable to bank monthly at
$37,500,
plus accrued interest, interest at 6.8% at
December 31, 1998, due 2002....................... $8,325,000 $8,775,000
Note payable to bank, interest at 7.36%............. -- 1,690,732
---------- ----------
Total long-term debt................................ 8,325,000 10,465,732
Current portion..................................... 450,000 591,759
---------- ----------
$7,875,000 $9,873,973
========== ==========
</TABLE>
Annual principal payments required on long-term debt during the next five
years and thereafter are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1999..................................................... $ 450,000
2000..................................................... 450,000
2001..................................................... 450,000
2002..................................................... 6,975,000
2003 and thereafter...................................... --
----------
$8,325,000
==========
</TABLE>
In June 1997, the Company converted the $9 million outstanding balance of
its secured bank facility (the "Secured Facility") to a five-year term loan with
a 20-year amortization schedule. As of December 31, 1998, there was $8.3 million
outstanding on the Secured Facility, and the Company's one-month IBOR-based
borrowing rate was approximately 6.8%. In addition, the Company has a $10
million revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Facility") with the same bank
through July 1, 2001, and as of December 31, 1998, there were no borrowings
outstanding on this facility. The Company can elect to extend the borrowing
period for advances on the Revolving Facility to five years on predetermined
terms. The Company agreed to secure the Revolving Facility with the same assets
that are collateral for the Secured Facility. Interest accrues at a variable
rate based on the Inter Bank Offered Rate ("IBOR"), plus 1.25% to 2.00% for the
Secured Facility, and plus 1.00% to 1.75% on the Revolving Facility, depending
on the Company's debt-to-tangible net worth ratio. The Company can fix the rate
by selecting IBOR for one- to twelve-month periods as a base. Beginning June 6,
1999, the interest rate for the Revolving Facility will be the applicable LIBOR
plus 1.00% to 2.00%, depending on the Company's debt-to-cash flow ratio.
The Secured Facility and Revolving Facility are secured by substantially
all of the Company's assets. In addition, the Company must comply with certain
covenants including minimum debt service ratios and a minimum tangible net
worth.
The fair market value of the Company's variable-rate debt is assumed to
approximate its carrying value. The fair value of the Company's fixed-rate debt
was also assumed to equal its carrying value as the rate is adjusted every three
years and was recently adjusted. In September 1998, the Company elected to
prepay the balance of the fixed-rate industrial revenue bond note payable to
bank.
The Company made interest payments totaling $692,000, $587,000 and $290,000
for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Interest
capitalized as a part of construction costs for the years ended December 31,
1997 and 1996 totaled $270,000 and $291,000, respectively. No interest was
capitalized in 1998. Included in other assets are capitalized loan fees with a
net unamortized balance of $17,000 and $56,000 at December 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.
34
<PAGE> 37
REDHOOK ALE BREWERY, INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
6. CONVERTIBLE REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK
Convertible redeemable preferred stock outstanding is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------
1998 1997
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Series B, par value $0.005 per share, issued and
outstanding
1,289,872 shares; net of unamortized offering
costs........................................ $16,010,655 $15,966,255
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
There are 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock authorized. During 1993, the
Board of Directors designated 1,242,857 preferred shares as Series A Preferred
Stock. In August 1993, the Company sold all such designated shares of Series A
Preferred Stock to existing common shareholders, institutional investors and
other qualified or accredited investors for approximately $8.7 million, or $7.00
per share. All shares of Series A Preferred Stock were automatically converted
to an equal number of common shares upon the closing of the Company's initial
public offering in August 1995.
During 1994, the Board of Directors designated 1,289,872 preferred shares
as Series B Preferred Stock. In November 1994, the Company sold all shares of
Series B Preferred Stock to A-B for approximately $16.3 million, or $12.61 per
share. A-B's ownership percentage of the Company is limited to 25% of the
outstanding Common Stock, assuming the conversion of all outstanding Preferred
Stock. That percentage limitation increases to 30% for the period November 1999
through November 2001.
Each share of Series B Preferred Stock is entitled to as many votes as the
number of shares of common stock into which it is convertible. The conversion
rate is one share of common stock for each share of preferred stock, subject to
antidilution adjustment under certain circumstances. The Series B Preferred
Stock is convertible to common stock at any time by its holder and is subject to
automatic conversion under certain circumstances on December 31, 2004 or
December 31, 2014.
Under the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock purchase agreement, the
Company is required to meet various affirmative and negative covenants. These
covenants limit the Company's ability to declare dividends on, or purchase, any
of its capital stock without prior approval. The holders of Series B Preferred
Stock and converted Series A Preferred Stock also are entitled to certain
contractual registration rights.
Holders of Series B Preferred Stock generally are entitled to receive
dividends at a rate equal to any dividends declared on common stock, when and if
dividends are declared by the Company's Board of Directors. In addition, under
certain circumstances relating to the termination of the Distribution Alliance
by A-B, the Series B Preferred Stock would prospectively accumulate preferential
dividends until stock redemption at a fixed annual rate based on the ten-year
U.S. Treasury rate, plus 2.75%. Holders of Series B Preferred Stock also have
mandatory redemption rights and liquidation preferences equal to $12.61 per
share, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends. The Company is required to
redeem all shares of outstanding Series B Preferred Stock on December 31, 2004,
or on December 31, 2014, under certain other conditions relating to a
termination of the Distribution Alliance by A-B.
The difference between the issuance price, net of offering costs, of the
convertible redeemable preferred stock and the redemption value is accreted
periodically through the redemption date by a charge to retained earnings.
35
<PAGE> 38
REDHOOK ALE BREWERY, INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
7. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Note Receivable for Stock Purchase
The Company's President had an interest-bearing loan for $100,000 and
$183,000 outstanding at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, related to the
exercise of stock options in 1994. The loan is secured by Company stock held by
the officer and is included as a reduction in common stockholders' equity.
Principal payments received on the loan have been reflected in the Statement of
Cash Flows as a financing activity and as an increase in common stockholders'
equity. The note, including interest accruing at 5.9% per year, is due no later
than September 30, 2001.
Sale of Common Stock
In August 1995, the Company completed the sale of 2,193,492 shares of
common stock through an initial public offering and 716,714 common shares in a
concurrent private placement to A-B (collectively, the "Offerings") at a price
of $17.00 per share. The net proceeds of the Offerings totaled approximately $46
million. All of the 1,242,857 shares of Series A convertible preferred stock
automatically converted to an equal number of common shares upon closing of the
Offerings.
Stock Option Plans
In 1993, the Company's shareholders approved the 1992 Stock Incentive Plan
(the "Plan") and the Directors Stock Option Plan (the "Directors Plan"). Under
the Plan, as amended in May 1996, the approval provides for 1,270,000 shares of
common stock for options. The approval, as amended in May 1996, also provides
for 170,000 shares of common stock for options under the Directors Plan.
Employee options generally vest over a five-year period and director options
vest over a six-month period. Vested options are generally exercisable for ten
years from the date of grant.
In September 1990, the Company reserved 120,000 shares of common stock for
its 1990 Incentive Stock Option Plan. Options for 120,000 shares were granted at
that time with an exercise price equal to the estimated fair market value. The
exercise price increased from the original price by 5% per year until full
vesting occurred. These options vested over five years and are exercisable for
ten years from the date of grant.
Under the terms of the Company's incentive stock option plans, employees
and directors may be granted options to purchase the Company's common stock at
no less than 100% of the market price on the date the option is granted. At
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, a total of 314,001, 545,071, and 743,181
options, respectively, were available for future grants under the plans.
36
<PAGE> 39
REDHOOK ALE BREWERY, INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation ("Statement 123"), which
established accounting and reporting standards for stock-based employee
compensation plans. Statement 123 defines a fair value-based method of
accounting for these equity instruments. This method measures compensation cost
based on the value of the award and recognizes that cost over the service
period. As permitted under Statement 123, the Company has elected to continue
accounting for stock-based compensation in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25,
Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees ("Opinion 25"). Accordingly, because
the grant price equals the market price on the date of grant, no compensation
expense is recognized for stock options issued to employees. Had compensation
cost for the Company's stock options been recognized based upon the estimated
fair value on the grant date under the fair value methodology prescribed by
Statement 123, the Company's net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share for
the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 would have been impacted as
indicated in the following table. Pursuant to the provisions of Statement 123,
the pro forma results shown below only reflect the impact of options granted
subsequent to 1994.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
----------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Reported net income (loss)................... $(4,011,180) $(1,398,966) $3,085,544
Pro forma net income (loss).................. (4,570,357) (1,966,482) 2,609,350
Reported basic earnings (loss) per share..... $ (0.52) $ (0.18) $ 0.40
Reported diluted earnings (loss) per share... (0.52) (0.18) 0.34
Pro forma basic earnings (loss) per share.... $ (0.59) $ (0.26) $ 0.34
Pro forma diluted earnings (loss) per
share...................................... (0.59) (0.26) 0.29
</TABLE>
The fair value of options granted (which is amortized to expense over the
option vesting period in determining the pro forma impact) is estimated on the
date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following
weighted average assumptions:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Expected life of option..................................... 5 yrs. 5 yrs. 5 yrs.
Risk-free interest rate..................................... 4.73% 6.47% 6.42%
Expected volatility of the Company's stock.................. 50.0% 50.0% 50.0%
Expected dividend yield on the Company's stock.............. 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
</TABLE>
The weighted average estimated fair value of options granted during the
years ended December 31, is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
-------- ---------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Total number of options granted................... 295,950 294,500 68,000
Estimated fair value of each option granted....... $ 2.97 $ 5.29 $ 10.72
Total estimated fair value of all options
granted......................................... $878,971 $1,556,462 $728,960
</TABLE>
In accordance with Statement 123, the weighted average estimated fair value
of stock options granted is required to be based on a theoretical statistical
model using the preceding Black-Scholes assumptions. In actuality, because
Company stock options do not trade on a secondary exchange, employees can
receive no value nor derive any benefit from holding stock options under these
plans without an increase, above the grant price, in the market price of the
Company's stock. Such an increase in stock price would benefit all stockholders
commensurately. Refer to the table below for the average grant price for options
granted during 1998, 1997, and 1996.
37
<PAGE> 40
REDHOOK ALE BREWERY, INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Presented below is a summary of stock option plans' activity for the years
shown:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES OF
COMMON WEIGHTED OPTIONS WEIGHTED
STOCK AVERAGE EXERCISABLE AVERAGE
UNDER THE EXERCISE AT EXERCISE
PLAN PRICE END OF YEAR PRICE
--------- -------- ----------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at December 31, 1995............. 544,122 165,422 $ 8.55
Granted................................ 68,000 $22.75
Exercised.............................. (1,890) 8.48
Canceled............................... (20,760) 20.13
---------
Balance at December 31, 1996............. 589,472 291,312 11.84
Granted................................ 294,500 9.92
Exercised.............................. (2,000) 3.33
Canceled............................... (96,390) 13.84
---------
Balance at December 31, 1997............. 785,582 346,592 12.37
Granted................................ 295,950 5.73
Exercised.............................. -- --
Canceled............................... (64,880) 12.87
---------
Balance at December 31, 1998............. 1,016,652 478,872 12.39
=========
</TABLE>
The following table summarizes information for options currently
outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING
------------------------------------ OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
WEIGHTED ----------------------
AVERAGE WEIGHTED WEIGHTED
REMAINING AVERAGE AVERAGE
RANGE OF EXERCISE NUMBER CONTRACTUAL EXERCISE NUMBER EXERCISE
PRICES OUTSTANDING LIFE (YRS) PRICE EXERCISABLE PRICE
- ----------------- ----------- ----------- -------- ----------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 1.65 to $ 3.33 70,800 3.28 $ 2.92 70,800 $ 2.92
7.00 to 11.50 614,370 8.34 7.76 163,650 8.32
12.61 to 17.00 175,472 5.75 13.20 145,732 13.30
22.75 to 25.50 156,010 7.13 24.66 98,690 24.56
--------- -------
$ 1.65 to $25.50 1,016,652 7.36 $10.96 478,872 $12.39
========= =======
</TABLE>
38
<PAGE> 41
REDHOOK ALE BREWERY, INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Shareholder Rights Agreement
In September 1995, the Company's Board of Directors adopted a shareholder
rights agreement (the "Rights Agreement"). Pursuant to the Rights Agreement,
holders of common stock have certain rights to purchase common stock that are
exercisable only in certain circumstances (the "Rights"). The Rights trade
together with the common stock until the Distribution Date. The "Distribution
Date" shall occur on the earlier of: (i) ten days following the date that the
Company learns that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons (an
"Acquiring Person") has acquired beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the
outstanding common stock and (ii) such date as may be designated by the
Company's Board following the commencement of, or announcement of an intention
to make, a tender or exchange offer, the consummation of which would result in
the beneficial ownership by a person or group of 20% or more of such outstanding
common stock. Each Right will not be exercisable until the Distribution Date. If
any person becomes an Acquiring Person, the Rights will entitle each holder of a
Right (other than those held by an Acquiring Person (or any affiliate or
associate of any Acquiring Person)) to purchase, for $120 per Right (the
"Purchase Price"), that number of shares of common stock which at the time of
the transaction would have a market value of twice the Purchase Price. The
Rights Agreement provides certain exceptions for beneficial ownership by A-B for
up to 30% of the Company's common stock. The Rights, which are not currently
exercisable, expire on September 22, 2005, but may be redeemed at any time by
the Company for $0.001 per Right.
8. EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted
earnings (loss) per common share:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
----------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Basic earnings (loss) per share computation:
Numerator:
Net income (loss)....................... $(4,011,180) $(1,398,966) $3,085,544
----------- ----------- ----------
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares.......... 7,687,486 7,686,510 7,685,014
----------- ----------- ----------
Basic earnings (loss) per share......... $ (0.52) (0.18) $ 0.40
=========== =========== ==========
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
computation:
Numerator:
Net income (loss)....................... $(4,011,180) $(1,398,966) $3,085,544
----------- ----------- ----------
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares.......... 7,687,486 7,686,510 7,685,014
----------- ----------- ----------
Effect of dilutive securities:
Series B convertible preferred
stock.............................. -- -- 1,289,872
Stock options, net.................... -- -- 163,057
----------- ----------- ----------
Dilutive potential common shares........ -- -- 1,452,929
----------- ----------- ----------
Denominator for diluted earnings (loss)
per share............................. 7,687,486 7,686,510 9,137,943
----------- ----------- ----------
Diluted earnings (loss) per share....... $ (0.52) $ (0.18) $ 0.34
=========== =========== ==========
</TABLE>
39
<PAGE> 42
REDHOOK ALE BREWERY, INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
9. INCOME TAXES
The components of income tax expense (benefit) are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
----------- --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current....................................... $ (493,864) $(949,146) $ 580,477
Deferred...................................... (1,581,630) 404,827 1,193,104
----------- --------- ----------
$(2,075,494) $(544,319) $1,773,581
=========== ========= ==========
</TABLE>
The Company's effective income tax rate was 34.1%, 28.0% and 36.5% for the
years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. In 1997, the
effective rate was lower than the federal statutory rate due primarily to lower
pre-tax results relative to other components of the tax provision calculation,
such as the exclusion of a portion of meals and entertainment expenses from tax
return deductions. In 1996, the effective rate exceeded the 34% federal
statutory rate due primarily to the effect of state income taxes. In 1998, the
effect of state income taxes was substantially offset by items such as the
excluded deductions.
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences
between the bases of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and
the bases used for income tax return purposes. Significant components of the
Company's deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
------------------------
1998 1997
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax liabilities:
Tax-over-book depreciation........................ $7,444,840 $7,111,558
Other............................................. 405,785 561,638
---------- ----------
7,850,625 7,673,196
Deferred tax assets:
NOL and AMT credit carryforwards.................. 5,124,426 3,212,538
Other............................................. 320,310 473,139
---------- ----------
5,444,736 3,685,677
---------- ----------
Net deferred tax liability.......................... $2,405,889 $3,987,519
========== ==========
</TABLE>
As of December 31, 1998, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards
of $12.8 million and alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards of $190,000
which can be utilized to offset regular tax liabilities in future years. The
alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards, which have no expiration date, and
the tax benefit of the net operating loss carryforwards, substantially all of
which expire from 2012 through 2018, are the primary components of the Company's
deferred tax asset presented above.
The Company made income tax payments (net of refunds) of $984,000 for the
year ended December 31, 1996.
40
<PAGE> 43
REDHOOK ALE BREWERY, INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
In 1998, the Company had operating leases for its Fremont Brewery facility
and its office premises. During 1998, the Company exercised its option to
terminate the office lease early and moved its corporate offices into the
Fremont Brewery building. Terms of the brewery premises lease include annual
rental payment adjustments to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index. In
1997, the Company exercised its option to extend the lease through October 2002.
The Company has an option to extend the lease for one additional five-year
period
In May 1995, the Company entered into an agreement to lease the land on
which the New Hampshire Brewery was constructed. The initial lease period runs
through April 2047 and may be extended at the Company's option for two
additional seven-year terms. The sublease also provides the Company with the
first right of refusal to purchase the premises should the sublessor receive an
offer to sell the property to a third party. The monthly rent commenced upon the
completion of the facility, and can escalate up to 5% at the end of every
five-year period.
Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 totaled
$862,000, $845,000 and $532,000, respectively. For portions of 1996 and 1998,
and all of 1997, rent expense included a fee in lieu of property taxes on the
New Hampshire Brewery.
Minimum aggregate future lease payments under noncancelable operating
leases as of December 31, 1998 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1999.................................................... $ 515,276
2000.................................................... 515,276
2001.................................................... 515,276
2002.................................................... 471,158
2003.................................................... 250,568
Thereafter.............................................. 10,847,512
-----------
$13,115,066
===========
</TABLE>
The Company periodically enters into commitments to purchase certain raw
materials in the normal course of business. The Company has entered into
purchase commitments to ensure it has the necessary supply of hops to meet
future production requirements. Those commitments are for crop years through
2002. The Company believes that hop commitments in excess of future
requirements, if any, will not materially affect its financial condition or
results of operations.
11. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
The Company maintains a 401(k) savings plan for employees age 21 years or
older with at least six months of service. The maximum employee contribution is
15% of the participant's compensation. The Company matches 100% of each dollar
contributed by a participant, with a maximum matching contribution of 4% of a
participant's compensation. The Company's contributions to the plan vest at
varying rates up to five years depending upon the employee's years of service
and totaled $189,000, $197,000 and $142,000 in 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
41
<PAGE> 44
REDHOOK ALE BREWERY, INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
12. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, MAJOR CUSTOMERS, AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to credit risk
consist principally of trade receivables and interest-bearing deposits. The
Company's interest-bearing deposits are placed with major financial
institutions. Wholesale distributors and A-B account for substantially all
accounts receivable; therefore, this concentration risk is limited due to the
number of distributors, their geographic dispersion, and state laws regulating
the financial affairs of distributors of alcoholic beverages.
The Company's most significant non-Alliance wholesaler, K&L Distributors,
Inc., an independent A-B distributor, accounted for approximately 17%, 17% and
18% of total sales in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The sales to A-B
through the Distribution Alliance represented 58%, 60% and 58% of total sales,
or $20,793,000, $22,571,000 and $22,845,000 (net of an approximate 2% alliance
fee), in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Additional fees incurred by the
Company for A-B administrative and handling charges totaled $183,000, $191,000
and $146,000 in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The Company purchased certain
raw materials and packaging through A-B totaling $4,462,000, $2,420,000 and
$1,728,000 in 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively. Net amount due to A-B was
$74,000 as of December 31, 1998 and the net amount due from A-B was $232,000 as
of December 31, 1997.
13. INTERIM FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 QUARTER ENDED 1997 QUARTER ENDED
-------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
DEC. 31 SEPT. 30 JUNE 30 MAR. 31 DEC. 31 SEPT. 30 JUNE 30 MAR. 31
------- -------- ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales....................................... $8,387 $9,152 $9,918 $8,505 $9,331 $9,719 $9,976 $8,868
Less Excise Taxes........................... 740 838 933 810 879 880 975 874
------ ------ ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net Sales................................... 7,647 8,314 8,985 7,695 8,452 8,839 9,001 7,994
Cost of Sales............................... 5,752 5,800 6,224 6,141 6,690 6,546 6,354 6,372
------ ------ ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Gross Profit................................ 1,895 2,514 2,761 1,554 1,762 2,293 2,647 1,622
Special Valuation Provision................. -- -- 5,173 -- -- -- -- --
Selling, General and Administrative
Expenses.................................. 2,042 2,211 2,504 2,329 2,592 2,451 2,518 2,421
------ ------ ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Operating Income (Loss)..................... (147) 303 (4,916) (775) (830) (158) 129 (799)
Interest Expense and Other Income, Net...... (107) (125) (154) (166) (165) (152) 13 18
------ ------ ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Income (Loss) Before Taxes.................. (254) 178 (5,070) (941) (995) (310) 142 (781)
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes........ (93) 29 (1,786) (226) (279) (44) 71 (293)
------ ------ ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net Income (Loss)........................... $ (161) $ 149 $(3,284) $ (715) $ (716) $ (266) $ 71 $ (488)
====== ====== ======= ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Basic Earnings (Loss) per Share............. $(0.02) $ 0.02 $(0.43) $(0.09) $(0.09) $(0.03) $ 0.01 $(0.06)
====== ====== ======= ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share........... $(0.02) $ 0.02 $(0.43) $(0.09) $(0.09) $(0.03) $ 0.01 $(0.06)
====== ====== ======= ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Barrels Shipped............................. 46.8 50.4 56.2 48.9 52.8 54.0 56.4 51.4
</TABLE>
42
<PAGE> 45
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES
None.
PART III.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Information regarding the Company's directors and executive officers is
incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive proxy statement for its
1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "1999 Proxy Statement") under the
captions "Board of Directors" or "Executive Compensation."
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information regarding executive compensation is incorporated by reference
from the 1999 Proxy Statement caption "Executive Compensation."
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and
management is incorporated by reference from the 1999 Proxy Statement under the
caption "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management."
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions is
incorporated by reference from the 1999 Proxy Statement under the caption
"Certain Transactions."
PART IV.
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
The following documents are filed as part of this report:
1. Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules. See Index to
Financial Statements at Item 8 on page 25 of this report. All other
financial statement schedules are omitted because they were not
required or the required information is included in the Financial
Statements or Notes thereto.
2. Exhibit Index is included in the Form 10-K filed with Securities and
Exchange Commission.
43
<PAGE> 46
This Page Intentionally Left Blank
44
<PAGE> 47
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of
Seattle, State of Washington, on March 29, 1999.
REDHOOK ALE BREWERY, INCORPORATED
By /s/ BRADLEY A. BERG
------------------------------------
Bradley A. Berg
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
Report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ PAUL S. SHIPMAN President, Chief Executive March 29, 1999
- -------------------------------------------------------- Officer and Chairman of the
Paul S. Shipman Board (Principal Executive
Officer)
/s/ BRADLEY A. BERG Executive Vice President March 29, 1999
- -------------------------------------------------------- and Chief Financial Officer
Bradley A. Berg (Principal Financial
Officer)
/s/ ANNE M. MUELLER Controller and Treasurer March 29, 1999
- -------------------------------------------------------- (Principal Accounting
Anne M. Mueller Officer)
/s/ M. COLLEEN BECKEMEYER Director March 29, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------
M. Colleen Beckemeyer
/s/ GORDON A. BOWKER Director March 29, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------
Gordon A. Bowker
/s/ JOHN T. CARLETON Director March 29, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------
John T. Carleton
/s/ FRANK H. CLEMENT Director March 29, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------
Frank H. Clement
/s/ JERRY D. JONES Director March 29, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------
Jerry D. Jones
/s/ BRUCE M. SANDISON Director March 29, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------
Bruce M. Sandison
/s/ WALTER F. WALKER Director March 29, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------
Walter F. Walker
/s/ DENNIS P. WESTON Director March 29, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------
Dennis P. Weston
</TABLE>
45
<PAGE> 48
REDHOOK ALE BREWERY, INCORPORATED
REPORT OF MANAGEMENT
To the Stockholders and Directors of Redhook Ale Brewery, Incorporated:
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared by management in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. The fairness and
integrity of these financial statements, including any judgments, estimates and
selection of appropriate generally accepted accounting principles, are the
responsibility of management, as is all other information presented in this
Annual Report.
In the opinion of management, the financial statements are fairly stated,
and, to that end, the Company maintains a system of internal control which:
provides reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded properly for the
preparation of financial statements; safeguards assets against loss or
unauthorized use; maintains accountability for assets; and requires proper
authorization and accounting for all transactions. Management is responsible for
the effectiveness of internal control. This is accomplished through established
accounting and other control systems, policies and procedures, employee
selection and training, appropriate delegation of authority and segregation of
responsibilities.
Our independent auditors provide an objective independent review by their
audit of the Company's financial statements. Their audit is conducted in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and includes a review of
internal accounting control to the extent deemed necessary for the purposes of
their audit.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is composed entirely of
Directors who are not employees of the Company. They meet regularly with the
independent auditors and management to review the work of each and to ensure
that each is properly discharging its financial reporting and internal control
responsibilities. To ensure complete independence, the independent auditors have
full and free access to the Audit Committee to discuss the results of their
audits, the adequacy of internal auditing controls and the quality of financial
reporting.
March 29, 1999
/s/ BRADLEY A. BERG
Bradley A. Berg
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
/s/ ANNE M. MUELLER
Anne M. Mueller
Controller and Treasurer
Principal Accounting Officer
46
<PAGE> 49
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- ----------- -----------
<C> <S>
3.1(1) Articles of Amendment to and Second Restatement of Articles
of Incorporation of Registrant dated November 15, 1994;
Articles of Amendment, dated November 15, 1994; and Articles
of Amendment, dated June 15, 1995
3.2(1) Amended and Restated Bylaws of Registrant, dated April 2,
1991; Amendment to the Bylaws of Registrant, dated August 9,
1993; Amendments to Bylaws of Registrant, dated October 11,
1994
10.1(1) Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of July 21, 1993,
between the Registrant and GE Capital Redhook Investment
Corp.
10.2(1) Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of July 21, 1993,
among Registrant and certain investors
10.3(1) Amendment No. 2 dated as of October 18, 1994, to Securities
Purchase Agreement dated as of July 21, 1993 (see Exhibits
10.1 and 10.2)
10.4(1) Investment Agreement dated as of October 18, 1994, between
the Registrant and Anheuser-Busch, Incorporated
10.5(1) Registration Rights Agreement dated as of August 9, 1993,
between the Registrant and Purchasers (as defined therein)
10.6(1) Amendment No. 1 dated as of October 18, 1994, to
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of August 9, 1993
10.7(1) Registration Rights Agreement dated as of October 18, 1994,
between Registrant and Anheuser-Busch, Incorporated
10.8(1) Employment Agreement between Registrant and Paul Shipman,
dated October 18, 1994
10.9(1) Multi-Tenant Lease between the Quadrant Corporation and
Registrant, dated June 1, 1987, as amended, November 5,
1987, February 1, 1988, March 29, 1988, June 27, 1988,
October 27, 1988, June 18, 1991, October 1, 1991, December
22, 1992 and March 31,1993
10.10(1) Lease Agreement between Lake Union Center Phase One Limited
Partnership and Registrant, dated December 15, 1994
10.11(1) Sublease between Pease Development Authority as Sublessor
and Registrant as Sublessee, dated May 30, 1995
10.12(1) Agreement between Owner (Registrant) and Construction
Manager (Seattle Construction Services, Inc.) for Phase I of
the New Brewery; Woodinville, Washington, dated May 1, 1993
10.13(1) Agreement Between Owner (Registrant) and Construction
Manager (Seattle Construction Services, Inc.) for Redhook's
New Hampshire Brewery Facility, dated September 14, 1994
10.14(1) Amended and Restated Registrant's Directors Stock Option
Plan
10.15(1) Registrant's Incentive Stock Option Plan, dated September
12, 1990
10.16(1) 1992 Stock Incentive Plan, approved October 20, 1992, as
amended, October 11, 1994 and May 25, 1995
10.17(1) New York Life Insurance Policy No. 44 939 338 for Paul
Shipman, dated July 1, 1993
10.18(1) Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between U.S. Bank of
Washington, National Association and Registrant, dated June
5, 1995
10.19(1) Loan Agreement between the City of Seattle Industrial
Development Corporation and Registrant, dated November 1,
1991
10.20(1) Deed of Trust, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security
Agreement and Fixture Filing, dated November 1, 1991, as
amended, June 5, 1995
10.21(1)(7) Master Distributor Agreement between Registrant and
Anheuser-Busch, Incorporated, dated October 18, 1994
10.22(1) Amendment No. 3 dated as of July 27, 1995, to Securities
Purchase Agreement dated as of July 21, 1993 (see Exhibits
10.1 and 10.2)
</TABLE>
47
<PAGE> 50
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- ----------- -----------
<C> <S>
10.23(1) Amendment dated as of July 25, 1995, between the Registrant
and GE Capital Redhook Investment Corp.
10.24(1) Assignment of Sublease and Assumption Agreement dated as of
July 1, 1995, between Registrant and Redhook of New
Hampshire, Inc. (see Exhibit 10.11)
10.25(1) Letter Agreement dated as of July 31, 1995, between
Registrant and Anheuser-Busch, Incorporated
10.26 Employment Agreement between Registrant and Bradley A. Berg,
dated December 16, 1997
10.27 Employment Agreement between Registrant and David J.
Mickelson, dated December 15, 1997
10.28 Employment Agreement between Registrant and Allen L
Triplett, dated December 16, 1997
10.29 Employment Agreement between Registrant and Pamela J.
Hinckley, dated December 30, 1997
10.30(3) Amendment No. 1 dated as of June 26, 1996, to Master
Distribution Agreement between Registrant and
Anheuser-Busch, Incorporated, dated October 18, 1994
10.31(3) Amendment dated as of February 27, 1996, to Registrant's
1992 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended
10.32(3) Amendment dated as of February 27, 1996, to Amended and
Restated Registrant's Directors Stock Option Plan
10.33(3) Amendment dated as of July 25, 1996, to Registrant's 1992
Stock Incentive Plan, as amended
10.34(4) First Amendment dated as of July 25, 1996, to Amended and
Restated Credit Agreement between U.S. Bank of Washington,
National Association and Registrant, dated June 5, 1995
10.35(5) Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
between U.S. Bank of Washington, National Association and
Registrant, dated September 15, 1997
10.36(5) Consent, Waiver and Amendment, dated September 19, 1997, to
Master Distributor Agreement between Registrant and
Anheuser-Busch, Incorporated, dated October 18, 1994
10.37(6)(7) Purchasing Agreement dated as of March 27, 1998, between and
Anheuser-Busch, Incorporated
21.1(1) Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors
27 Financial Data Schedule for the year ended December 31, 1998
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Incorporated by reference to same exhibit number as in the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registrant No. 33-94166.
(2) Incorporated by reference to same exhibit number as in the Company's Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995.
(3) Incorporated by reference to same exhibit number as in the Company's Form
10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1996.
(4) Incorporated by reference to same exhibit number as in the Company's Form
10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1996.
(5) Incorporated by reference to same exhibit number as in the Company's Form
10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1997.
(6) Incorporated by reference to same exhibit number as in the Company's Form
10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998.
(7) Confidential treatment has been granted for portions of this document.
48
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
on Form S-8 pertaining to the 1992 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, and the
Amended and Restated Directors Stock Option Plan of Redhook Ale Brewery,
Incorporated of our report dated January 29, 1999 with respect to the financial
statements of Redhook Ale Brewery, Incorporated included in the Annual Report
(Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1998.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Seattle, Washington
March 26, 1999
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<CASH> 3,010,448
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 1,535,708
<ALLOWANCES> 10,000
<INVENTORY> 2,267,410
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 7,576,461
<PP&E> 89,441,657
<DEPRECIATION> 9,230,345
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 89,528,029<F1>
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 5,910,638
<BONDS> 7,875,000
16,010,655
0
<COMMON> 38,438
<OTHER-SE> 57,287,409
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 89,528,029
<SALES> 32,641,302<F2>
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 32,641,302<F2>
<CGS> 23,917,360
<TOTAL-COSTS> 38,176,322<F3>
<OTHER-EXPENSES> (126,862)
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 678,516
<INCOME-PRETAX> (6,086,674)
<INCOME-TAX> (2,075,494)
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (4,011,180)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (4,011,180)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (0.52)
<EPS-DILUTED> (0.52)
<FN>
<F1>TOTAL ASSETS INCLUDES ASSETS HELD FOR SALE OF $1,105,475.
<F2>SALES AND TOTAL REVENUES ARE NET OF FEDERAL AND STATE EXCISE TAXES.
<F3>TOTAL COSTS INCLUDE SPECIAL VALUATION PROVISION OF $5,172,650.
</FN>
</TABLE>
