Willamette Valley Vineyards Inc: Form 10-Q for the period ended Sep 30, 2024

As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, “we,” “us,” “our” and “the Company” refer to Willamette Valley Vineyards, Inc.

Forward Looking Statements

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other sections of this Form 10-Q contain forward looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). . These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the Company’s business, and beliefs and assumptions made by management. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates”, “predicts,” “potential,” “should,” or “will” or the negative thereof and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, including, but not limited to: availability of financing for growth, availability of adequate supply of high quality grapes, successful performance of internal operations, impact of competition, changes in wine broker or distributor relations or performance, impact of possible adverse weather conditions, impact of reduction in grape quality or supply due to disease or smoke from forest fires, changes in consumer spending, and the reduction in consumer demand for premium wines. In addition, such statements could be affected by general industry and market conditions and growth rates, and general domestic economic conditions. Many of these risks as well as other risks that may have a material adverse impact on our operations and business, are identified in Item 1A “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as well as in the Company’s other Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports. The forward-looking statements in this report are made as of the date hereof, and, except as otherwise required by law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why the actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Critical Accounting Policies

The foregoing discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations are based upon our unaudited condensed financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these unaudited condensed financial statements requires the Company’s management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, collection of accounts receivable, valuation of inventories, and amortization of vineyard development costs. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. A description of the Company’s critical accounting policies and related judgments and estimates that affect the preparation of the Company’s financial statements is set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. Such policies were unchanged during the three months ended September 30, 2024.

Overview

The Company, one of the largest wine producers in Oregon by volume, believes its success is dependent upon its ability to: (1) grow and purchase high quality vinifera wine grapes; (2) vinify the grapes into premium, super premium and ultra-premium wine; (3) achieve significant brand recognition for its wines, first in Oregon, and then nationally and internationally; (4) effectively distribute and sell its products nationally; and (5) continue to build on its base of direct to consumer sales.

The Company’s goal is to continue to build on a reputation for producing some of Oregon’s finest, most sought-after wines. The Company has focused on positioning itself for strategic growth through property purchases, property development and issuance of the Company’s Series A Redeemable Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”). Management expects near term financial results to be negatively impacted by these activities as a result of incurring costs of accrued preferred stock dividends, strategic planning and development costs and other growth associated costs.

The Company’s wines are made from grapes grown in vineyards owned, leased or contracted by the Company, and from grapes purchased from other vineyards. The grapes are harvested, fermented and made into wine primarily at the Company’s winery in Turner Oregon (the “Winery”) and the wines are sold principally under the Company’s Willamette Valley Vineyards label, but also under the Griffin Creek, Pambrun, Elton, Maison Bleue, Metis, Natoma, Pere Ami, Elton, Domaine Willamette and Tualatin Estates labels. The Company also owns the Tualatin Estate Vineyards and Winery, located near Forest Grove, Oregon and the Domaine Willamette Winery located near Dundee, Oregon. The Company generates revenues from the sales of wine to wholesalers and direct to consumers.

Direct to consumer sales primarily include sales through the Company’s tasting rooms, telephone, internet and wine club. Direct to consumer sales are at a higher unit price than sales through distributors due to prices received being closer to retail than those prices paid by wholesalers. The Company continues to emphasize growth in direct to consumer sales through the Company’s existing tasting rooms and the opening of new locations, and growth in wine club membership. Additionally, the Company’s Preferred Stock sales since August 2015 have resulted in approximately 14,385 new preferred stockholders many of which the Company believes are wine enthusiasts. When considering joint ownership, we believe these new stockholders represent approximately 21,577 current and potential customers of the Company.

Periodically, the Company will sell grapes or bulk wine, due to them not meeting Company standards or being in excess of production targets, however this is not a significant part of the Company’s activities.

The Company sold 135,424 and 143,286 cases of produced wine during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, a decrease of 7,862 cases, or 5.5% in the current year period over the prior year period. The decrease in wine case sales was primarily the result of decreased case sales through distributors.

Cost of sales includes grape costs, whether purchased or grown at Company vineyards, winemaking and processing costs, bottling, packaging, warehousing, and shipping and handling costs. For grapes grown at Company vineyards, costs include farming expenditures and amortization of vineyard development costs.

At September 30, 2024, wine inventory included 247,003 cases of bottled wine and 304,354 gallons of bulk wine in various stages of the aging process. Case wine is expected to be sold over the next 12 to 24 months and generally before the release date of the next vintage. The Winery bottled 245,193 cases during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

We continue to receive positive recognition through national magazines, regional publications, local newspapers and online bloggers including the accolades below.

The tasting room at the Company’s Estate Winery in the Salem Hills, Oregon clinched the award for the Best Wine Tasting Room in the country in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The Company also received the award for #2 Best Wine Club in the nation.

The Company’s Willamette Valley Vineyards 2021 Elton Pinot Noir received a 93 score, the 2022 Reisling scored 92 points, 2022 Estate Pinot Noir scored 91 points and the 2022 Whole Cluster Pinot Noir scored 90 points from the International Wine Report. The International Wine Report also scored the 2019 Pambrun Chrysologue at 93 points. 2021 Domaine Willamette Brut scored 92 points. International Wine Report rated the 2022 Maison Bleue Voltigeur Viognier 92 points and 2021 Maison Bleue Frontière Syrah 91 points.

The Company’s 2021 Bernau Block Pinot Noir received a 95 score from Beverage Dynamics.

Owen Bargreen rated the Company’s 2023 Pinot Blanc and 2022 Tualatin Estate White Pinot Noir 92 points.

2024 SommCon’s Domestic and International Wine and Spirits Competition awarded the National Sales 2023 Pinot Gris a Gold Medal.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Revenue

Sales revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were $9,370,713 and $9,348,066, respectively, an increase of $22,647, or 0.2%, in the current year period over the prior year period. This increase was caused by an increase in direct sales of $245,797 partly offset by a decrease in sales through distributors of $223,150 in the current year three-month period over the prior year period. The increase in direct sales to consumers in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same quarter of 2023 was primarily the result of revenues from opening a new tasting room in late 2023. The decrease in revenue from sales through distributors was primarily related to lower case sales in this market. Sales revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were $28,506,151 and $28,383,249, respectively, an increase of $122,902, or 0.4%, in the current year period over the prior year period. This increase was caused by an increase in revenues from direct sales of $663,479 partly offset by a decrease in revenues from sales through distributors of $540,577 in the current year period over the prior year period. The increase in revenues from direct sales to consumers in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 was primarily the result of revenues from a new tasting room opened in late 2023. The decrease in sales through distributors was primarily the result of a decrease in off-premise sales.

Cost of Sales

Cost of Sales for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were $3,562,599 and $3,663,488, respectively, a decrease of $100,889, or 2.8%, in the current period over the prior year period. This change was primarily the result of fewer products sold in the current quarter compared to the same quarter last year. Cost of Sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were $10,953,625 and $11,969,630, respectively, a decrease of $1,016,005 or 8.5%, in the current period over the prior year period. This change was primarily the result of a reduction in product sales in the first nine months of 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023.

Gross Profit

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was 62.0% and 60.8%, respectively, an increase of 1.2 percentage points in the current year period over the prior year period, mostly as a result of a higher percentage of total sales coming from direct sales, which have higher margins than sales through distributors combined with a change in product mix in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same quarter of 2023. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was 61.6% and 57.8%, respectively, an increase of 3.8 percentage points in the current year period over the prior year period. This increase was primarily the result of higher prices being charged for products and a higher percentage of total sales coming from direct sales in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in the prior year.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were $5,944,620 and $5,967,346 respectively, a decrease of $22,726, or 0.4%, in the current quarter over the same quarter in the prior year. This decrease was primarily the result of a decrease in selling and marketing expenses of $25,028, or 0.6% being partially offset by an increase in general and administrative expenses of $2,302, or 0.1% in the current quarter compared to the same quarter last year. Selling, general and administrative expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were $17,754,703 and $17,362,498, respectively, an increase of $392,205, or 2.3%, in the current year period over the prior year period. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in selling and marketing expenses of $7,302, or 0.1% combined with an increase in general and administrative expenses of $384,903, or 8.2% in the current year period compared to the same period in 2023. General and administrative expenses increased in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in the prior year primarily as a result of higher legal costs.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were $257,192 and $171,272, respectively, an increase of $85,920 or 50.2%, in the third quarter of 2024 over the same quarter in the prior year. Interest expense, net for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were $750,573 and $460,309, respectively, an increase of $290,264 or 63.1%, in the current year period over the prior year period. The increase in interest expense for the third quarter and first nine months of 2024 was primarily the result of increased debt compared to the third quarter and first nine months of 2023.

Income Taxes

The income tax benefit for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was $115,177 and $123,344, respectively, a decrease of $8,167 or 6.6%, in the third quarter of 2024 over the same quarter in the prior year mostly as a result of the lower pre-tax loss in the third quarter of 2024, compared to the same quarter in 2023. The Company’s estimated federal and state combined income tax rate was 28.9% and 27.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The income tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was $247,809 and $363,396, respectively, a decrease of $115,587 or 31.8% in the current year period over the prior year period, mostly a result of the lower pre-tax loss in the first nine months of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. The Company’s estimated federal and state combined income tax rate was 28.9% and 27.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Net Loss

Net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was $282,945 and $326,982, respectively, a decrease of $44,037, or 13.5%, in the third quarter of 2024 over the same quarter in the prior year. Net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was $608,772 and $963,352, respectively, a decrease of $354,580, or 36.8%, in the current year period over the prior year period. The decrease in the net loss for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2024, compared to the comparable periods in 2023, was primarily the result of higher prices for products sold in 2024.

Net Loss Applicable to Common Shareholders

Net loss applicable to common shareholders for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was $846,195 and $838,701, respectively, an increase of $7,494, or 0.9%, in the third quarter of 2024 over the same quarter in the prior year, mostly as a result of a lower net loss being more than offset by a higher accrued preferred stock dividend in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same period of 2023. Net loss applicable to common shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was $2,298,448 and $2,498,510, respectively, a decrease of $200,062, or 8.0%, in the current year period over the prior year period. The decrease in loss applicable to common shareholders in the first nine months of 2024, compared to the same period of 2023, was the result of a lower net loss being partially offset by a higher accrued preferred stock dividend in the current period.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At September 30, 2024, the Company had a working capital balance of $22.6 million and a current working capital ratio of 2.85:1.

At September 30, 2024, the Company had a cash balance of $303,195. At December 31, 2023, the Company had a cash balance of $238,482.

Total cash used for operating activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $2,159,828. Cash used in operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was primarily associated with reduced grapes payable and increased inventories, being partially offset by depreciation and amortization.

Total cash used in investing activities in the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $1,655,152. Cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 consisted of cash used on property and equipment and vineyard development costs.

Total cash generated from financing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $3,879,693. Cash generated from financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 primarily consisted of proceeds from the issuance of Preferred Stock and proceeds from long and short debt, being partially offset by the repayment of long-term debt.

In December of 2005, the Company entered into a revolving line of credit agreement with Umpqua Bank (the “Credit Agreement”) that allows borrowing up to $2,000,000 against eligible accounts receivable and inventories as collateral, as defined in the agreement. The revolving line bears interest at prime less 0.5%, with a floor of 3.25%, is payable monthly, and is subject to renewal. In July 2021, the Company renewed the Credit Agreement until July 31, 2023. In November 2022, the Company increased the borrowing line up to $5,000,000. In July 2023 the line of credit was renewed for an additional two years. The Company had an outstanding line of credit balance of $3,460,004 at September 30, 2024, at an interest rate of 8.0%, and an outstanding line of credit balance of $2,684,982 at December 31, 2023, at an interest rate of 8.0%.

The line of credit agreement includes various covenants, which among other things, requires the Company to maintain minimum amounts of tangible net worth, debt-to-equity, and debt service coverage, as defined, and limits the level of acquisitions of property and equipment. As of December 31, 2023, the Company was out of compliance with a debt covenant. The Company has received a waiver from Umpqua Bank waiving this violation until the next measurement date of December 31, 2024.

As of September 30, 2024, the Company had a 15-year installment note payable of $1,022,778, due in quarterly payments of $42,534, associated with the purchase of property in the Dundee Hills AVA.

As of September, 2024, the Company had a total long-term debt balance of $10,701,405, including the portion due in the next year, owed to AgWest, exclusive of debt issuance costs of $96,054. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had a total long-term debt balance of $7,590,659, exclusive of debt issuance costs of $105,989.

The Company believes that cash flow from operations and funds available under the Company’s existing credit facilities will be sufficient to meet the Company’s short-term needs.

The Company is not required to provide the information required by this Item as it is a “smaller reporting company,” as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures – The Company carried out an evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 13a-15 and 15d-5 under the Exchange Act. Based on that review, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective, as of the end of the period covered by this report, to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports the Company files or submit under the Exchange Act (1) is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and (2) is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the controls system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting – There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, which could materially affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

There have been no material changes in the risk factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may eventually prove to materially adversely affect our business, impact our results of operations or financial condition.