UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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, 2014
Commission File Number 001-36729
FRESHPET. INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State of Incorporation)
400 Plaza Drive, 1st Floor
Secaucus, New Jersey
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
20-1884894
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
07094
(Zip Code)
(201) 520-4000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
__________________
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Title of each class
Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share
Name of exchange on which registered
NASDAQ Global Market
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes (cid:1) No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes (cid:1) No
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 No (cid:1)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be
submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit
and post such files). Yes No (cid:1)
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
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. (cid:1)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the
definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Non-Accelerated filer
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes (cid:1) No
(cid:1)
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
(cid:1)
(cid:1)
As of June 30, 2014, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed third fiscal quarter, there was no established public trading market for the
registrant’s equity securities. The registrant’s common stock, par value $0.001, began trading on the NASDAQ Global Market on November 7, 2014.
As of March 27, 2015, 33,470,732 shares of common stock of the registrant were outstanding.
Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement of the registrant to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the general rules and regulations under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, for the 2015 annual meeting of stockholders of the registrant are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The Proxy Statement or an amended report on Form 10-K will be filed within 120 days of the registrant’s year ended December 31, 2014.
Documents Incorporated By Reference
Table of Contents
Item 1
Item 1A
Item 1B
Item 2
Item 3
Item 4
Business
Risk Factors
Unresolved Staff Comments
Properties
Legal Proceedings
Mine Safety Disclosures
Freshpet, Inc.
Annual Report on Form 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Item 5
Item 6
Item 7
Item 7A
Item 8
Item 9
Item 9A
Item 9B
PART II
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Selected Financial Data
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Controls and Procedures
Other Information
Item 10
Item 11
Item 12
Item 13
Item 14
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Executive Compensation
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Relate Stockholder Matters
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
PART III
Item 15
Signatures
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
PART IV
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4
10
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22
22
23
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26
30
44
45
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Forward-Looking Statements
This report contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of
historical fact included in this report are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements discuss our current expectations
and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. You can
identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may
include words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “potential,” “project,” “projection,”
“plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “will,” “should,” “can,” “can have,” “likely,” the negatives thereof and other words and
terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or
other events. They appear in a number of places throughout this report and include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or
current expectations concerning, among other things, our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth,
strategies and the industry in which we operate. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause
actual results to differ materially from those that we expected, including:
• our ability to successfully implement our growth;
• our ability to generate sufficient cash flow or raise capital on acceptable terms;
• the loss of key members of our senior management team;
• allegations that our products cause injury or illness or fail to comply with government regulations;
• the loss of a significant customer;
• the effectiveness of our marketing and trade spending programs;
• our ability to introduce new products and improve existing products;
• our limited manufacturing capacity;
• the impact of government regulation, scrutiny, warning and public perception;
• the effect of false marketing claims;
• adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, pestilences and other natural conditions affecting our operations;
• our ability to develop and maintain our brand;
• volatility in the price of our common stock; and
• other factors discussed under the headings “Risk Factors”, “Business”, and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this report.
While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and it
is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. Important factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially from our expectations, or cautionary statements, are disclosed under “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this report. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in
their entirety by these cautionary statements. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made in this report in the context of
these risks and uncertainties.
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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
PART I
Overview
Freshpet is disrupting the $22.5 billion North American pet food industry by driving consumers to reassess conventional dog and cat
food offerings that have remained essentially unchanged for decades. We position our brand to benefit from mainstream trends of
growing pet humanization and consumer focus on health and wellness. We price our products to be accessible to the average
consumer, providing us with broad demographic appeal and allowing us to penetrate multiple classes of retail including grocery,
mass, club, pet specialty and natural. We have successfully expanded our network of Freshpet Fridges within leading blue-chip retail
chains including Albertsons, BJ’s, Kroger, Petco, PetSmart, Publix, Safeway, Target, Wal-Mart and Whole Foods. The strength of
our business model extends to our customers, who we believe find that Freshpet grows their pet category sales, drives higher traffic,
increases shopper frequency and delivers category leading margins. As of December 31, 2014, Freshpet Fridges were located in
over 13,300 stores, and we believe there is an opportunity to install a Freshpet Fridge in at least 35,000 stores across North
America.
Our Industry
We compete in the North American dog and cat food market, which had 2014 retail sales of over $22.5 billion and has grown at an
average compounded annual growth rate of over 3% from 2007 to 2014, according to Euromonitor. According to the American Pet
Products Association, or APPA, U.S. pet food spending is expected to continue to increase at a similar rate over the next 5 years. Of
the total market, dog food, cat food, and treats & mixers accounted for retail sales of $12.1 billion, $6.8 billion, and $3.5 billion,
respectively. The U.S. represented $20.8 billion or over 92% of North American dog and cat food sales. The pet food market has
historically been resilient as consumers continue to spend on their pets even during economic downturns. Within the pet food
market, premium and/or natural brands are gaining market share, according to Packaged Facts. According to a report from
Packaged Facts, from 2008 to 2012, natural pet food in the United States grew at a compounded annual growth rate of 18% and is
expected to grow at an annual rate of 17% for 2012 to 2017.
We believe the following trends are driving growth in our industry:
Pet ownership. There are currently over 84.6 million pet-owning households in the United States, according to the APPA. The
percentage of U.S. households with dogs or cats (or both) has increased from 47.8% in 2006 to 52.3% in 2014. More U.S.
households today have pets than have children, which we believe to be a result of demographic shifts and changing attitudes
towards pets.
Pet humanization . According to Packaged Facts, 83% of U.S. pet owners view their pets as members of the family. As pets are
increasingly viewed as companions, friends, and family members, pet owners are being transformed into “pet parents” who spare no
expense for their loved ones, driving premiumization across pet categories. This trend is reflected in food purchasing decisions.
Nearly 80% of U.S. pet owners are as concerned about the quality of their pet’s food as they are about their own, according to
Market researcher Mintel.
Increasing consumer focus on health & wellness. Consumers are increasingly purchasing fresh, natural, and organic food
products. According to Euromonitor, from 2002 to 2014, the U.S. natural and organic food market grew at a compound annual
growth rate of over 9%, compared to the overall U.S. food market’s growth rate of 2.8%. We believe consumers are seeking simple,
fresh and easy to understand food products from brands they trust and made with ingredients that are transparently sourced.
The pet food purchasing decision is underpinned by higher brand loyalty than many other consumer packaged goods categories. A
consumer selecting a pet food brand resists frequent switching in order to avoid disrupting the pet’s diet, resulting in high repeat
purchasing behavior. As a result, we believe that as consumers try fresh, refrigerated pet food, they are likely to become repeat
users of the product.
Even though long-term consumer trends of pet humanization and health and wellness are well documented, conventional pet food
sold as dry kibble or in wet cans has not changed substantially for decades. We believe that the pet food industry has not kept pace
with how consumers think about food for their families, including their pets. As a result, consumers are
Our Opportunity
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searching for higher quality, less processed food for their dogs and cats—meals that measure up to today’s sensibilities of what
actually constitutes “good food.” Freshpet was specifically designed to address this growing need with affordable offerings accessible
to the average consumer.
Our Mission and Values
We started Freshpet with a single-minded mission—to bring the power of real, fresh food to our dogs and cats. And, we are
committed to doing so in ways that are good for Pets, People and Planet.
Pets
Our pets are members of our family and deserve to eat the kind of fresh, healthy food that we do. We cook our fresh, nutritious pet
food with the same care that we would take in preparing human food. Through the Freshpet Foundation, we support nutritional
research in areas of prevention, care and treatment of diseases in dogs. Since founding Freshpet, we have donated over two million
fresh meals to pets via shelters, charitable organizations and humane societies. Our team members get paid time off to pursue
activities that help pets in their community. We also participate in Random Acts of Kindness to do our part to improve the lives of
pets and pet parents.
People
People include our team members, our partners and pet parents. We treat our team members with respect and are committed to
helping them develop professionally and personally. We try to be good partners with customers, distributors and suppliers by
conducting business with honesty and transparency. Additionally, we strive to help pet owners by providing pet parenting resources.
Planet
We are committed to being socially responsible and minimizing our environmental impact. The electricity used in the Freshpet
Kitchens is 100% wind-powered. We also strive to conserve energy by continually improving the efficiency of our Freshpet Fridges
and partnering with freight and logistics providers committed to sustainable practices.
Our commitment to our values helps us engage with consumers, motivate our team members and attract strong partners, which
allows us to fulfill our mission of delivering the best nutritional product choices to improve the well-being of our pets, enrich pet
parents’ lives and contribute to communities. Freshpet—Pets, People, Planet.
Our Products
Our products consist of dog food, cat food and dog and cat treats. All Freshpet products are made according to our nutritional
philosophy of fresh, meat-based nutrition and minimal processing. Our proprietary recipes include real, fresh meat and varying
combinations of vitamin-rich vegetables, leafy greens and anti-oxidant rich fruits, without the use of preservatives, additives or
artificial ingredients. Our unique product attributes appeal to diverse consumer needs across multiple classes of retail where
Freshpet is sold. Consequently, our brand resonates across a broad cross-section of pet parent demographics.
All of our products are sold under the Freshpet brand name, with ingredients, packaging and labeling customized by class of retail.
Our products are available in multiple forms, including slice and serve rolls, bagged meals and tubs.
5
We also offer fresh and frozen treats across all classes of retail under the Dognation and Dog Joy labels, which accounted for 12%
of total net sales in 2014.
Our Product Innovation
As the first and only manufacturer of fresh, refrigerated pet food distributed across North America, product innovation is core to our
strategy. We take a fresh approach to pet food and are not constrained by conventional pet food products, attributes and production
capabilities. We employ a tightly-knit, creative team of marketing and research and development professionals, and we consult with
outside experts through our Nutrition Council, which includes leading microbiologists and veterinary nutritionists. Our team often
identifies pet parents’ needs by evaluating emerging demand trends in both pet food and human food. Our fully equipped research
and development facility located near the Freshpet Kitchens tests small batches of new recipes and tries out new cooking
techniques. New products are refined iteratively with the help of consumer panel data to arrive at products that we believe can be
commercially successful.
The success of our approach is evidenced by our broad product portfolio today. We began Freshpet by producing fresh, refrigerated
slice and serve rolls, and over time have steadily expanded into successful new product forms including bags, tubs and treats. We
also introduced new recipes and ingredients, such as proteins and grain-free options, never before seen in pet food that cater to the
specific dietary requirements of pets.
For the year ended 2014, new product introductions since 2011 represented 37% of our net sales. We have a strong innovation
pipeline, including entirely new product platforms, which expand the breadth of our fresh offerings. We expect that new product
introductions will continue to meaningfully drive growth going forward.
Our Supply Chain
Manufacturing: All of our products are manufactured in the United States. We own and operate what we believe to be the only fresh,
refrigerated pet food manufacturing facility in North America, the Freshpet Kitchens at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. This 58,000 square
foot facility completed in 2013 was built to human grade food standards and houses two production lines customized to produce
fresh, refrigerated food. In 2014, over 95% of our product volume was manufactured by us. For manufacture of some low volume
products, we strategically partner with a select group of contract manufacturers that operate human food manufacturing facilities.
Ingredients and Packaging: Our products are made with natural and fresh ingredients including meat, vegetables, fruits, whole
grains, vitamins and minerals. We use high quality food grade plastic packaging materials. Over 70% of our ingredients are sourced
locally from within a 175 mile radius of the Freshpet Kitchens, 97% are from North America and none are sourced from China. We
maintain rigorous standards for ingredient quality and safety. By volume, our largest input, antibiotic-free fresh chicken, represents
approximately 50% of total ingredients. In order to retain operating flexibility and negotiating leverage, we do not enter into exclusivity
agreements or long term commitments with any of our suppliers. All of our suppliers are well-established companies that have the
scale to support our growth. For every ingredient, we either use multiple suppliers or have identified alternative sources of supply
that meet our quality and safety standards.
Distribution: Outbound transportation from our facility is handled through a partnership with a leading human food manufacturer,
which also warehouses and delivers our refrigerated products to grocery retail accounts across North America. This partnership is
governed by a written agreement pursuant to which our products are stored and shipped on a cost-plus basis. As a result, as our
volumes grow, we expect to be able to leverage our distribution costs. We use national and regional distributors to cover the mass,
pet specialty and natural retail classes. Our agreements with other distributors are based on regional mutual exclusivity within each
region for the fresh refrigerated pet category.
We go to great lengths to ensure product quality, consistency and safety from ingredient sourcing to finished product. Our company-
owned manufacturing facility allows us to exercise significant control over production. Our quality assurance team includes nine
professionals with significant experience in pet and human food production.
Our Product Quality and Safety
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Our production processes are designed to meet science-based quality standards with documented plans for Hazard Analysis Critical
Control Points and Hazard Analysis Risk Based Preventive Control to monitor established production controls, calibrate instruments,
record data and perform corrective actions. Our on-site laboratory has microbial and composition testing capabilities. Quality control
approvals are based on a positive release strategy, wherein a batch can only be shipped when it passes control point record reviews
and laboratory testing. At the end of each working day, a third shift consisting of a cleaning crew sanitizes all equipment that is in
contact with food material. Before commencing production the next day, quality assurance professionals swab equipment to test for
potential contaminants.
Freshpet’s food safety program is certified at Safe Quality Food Level III, which is the highest standard determined under the Global
Food Safety Initiative Benchmarks. We believe our systems and standards for product quality and safety can support our growth and
ensure continued success in the market.
Our Customers and Distributors
We sell our products throughout North America, generating the vast majority of our sales in the United States. The strength of our
business model makes us an attractive partner for leading blue-chip retailers, who we believe find that Freshpet grows the sales of
their pet category, drives higher traffic, increases shopper frequency and delivers category-leading margins. Our Freshpet Fridge
locations have been consistently increasing as we add new retail accounts and add stores in existing accounts. We are in over
13,300 stores and believe there is opportunity for us to install a Freshpet Fridge in at least 35,000 stores in North America. We sell
our products through the following classes of retail: grocery, mass, club, pet specialty and natural.
Our customers determine whether they wish to purchase our products either directly from us or through a third party distributor. In
2014, our largest distributor by net sales, McLane Company, Inc., which sells to three of our customers, including Wal-Mart and
Target, accounted for 22% of our net sales. No other distributor or customer accounted for more than 10% of our net sales in 2014.
The Freshpet Fridge
We sell our products through a growing network of company-owned branded refrigerators, the Freshpet Fridges. Our Freshpet
Fridges are typically four feet wide by seven feet high, and replace standard shelving in the pet aisle or an end-cap of a retail store.
Our Freshpet Fridge designs are constantly evolving with all new models featuring prominent edge-lit LED headers, LED interior
lighting, crisp black interiors, and frameless glass swing doors for aesthetics and easy access. We use state-of-the-art refrigeration
technology and environmentally friendly refrigerants to minimize energy consumption and environmental impact.
We design, produce, install and maintain the Freshpet Fridge through a combination of in-house resources and world-class partners.
We source our Freshpet Fridges from three leading global commercial refrigerator manufacturers with whom we have a collaborative
approach to refrigerator design and innovation. Once ordered by us, Freshpet Fridges are shipped to distribution centers for delivery
and installation in retail stores.
Installation into retail locations and ongoing maintenance of the Freshpet Fridge is coordinated by Freshpet and executed through
leading third-party service providers. All of our Freshpet Fridges are protected by a manufacturer warranty for one to three years.
Our refrigerators are designed to be highly reliable, and at any given time less than 1% of the network is out of service for
maintenance. Moreover, to ensure quality, cleanliness and appropriate in-stock levels, we employ brokerage partners to conduct a
physical audit of the Freshpet Fridge network on an ongoing basis, with photographic results of every Freshpet Fridge in the network
transmitted back to Freshpet and reviewed by members of our sales team.
We currently estimate less than 15 month cash-on-cash payback for the average Freshpet Fridge installation, calculated by
comparing our total current costs for a refrigerator (including installation and maintenance) to our current margin on net revenues.
We believe our attractive value proposition to retailers and pet parents will allow us to continue penetrating store locations of existing
and new customers. The Freshpet Fridge provides a highly-visible merchandising platform, allows us to control how our brand is
presented to consumers at point-of-sale and represents a significant point of differentiation from other pet food competitors.
Our marketing strategy is designed to educate consumers about the benefits of fresh refrigerated pet food and build awareness of
the Freshpet brand. We deploy a broad set of marketing tools across television, digital and public relations to reach consumers
through multiple touch points and increase product trials.
Marketing and Advertising
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Our network of over 13,300 branded Freshpet Fridges in prominent locations within blue-chip retailers helps to introduce consumers
to our brand and instantly distinguish Freshpet from traditionally merchandised pet food. Since 2011, we have effectively used
national TV advertising to drive incremental consumers to try Freshpet products. We expect to realize greater benefits from national
TV advertising as we continue to grow the network of Freshpet store locations nationwide. More recently, we have expanded our
online presence to better target consumers seeking information on healthy pet food. We reach consumers across multiple digital and
social media platforms including websites, blogs and online reviews, as well as with tailored messaging on popular digital hubs
including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Our public relations strategy includes event marketing and the use of our Freshpet truck
to create buzz among pet parents at high pet traffic areas.
Our marketing strategy has allowed us to drive new consumers to our brand and develop a highly engaged community of users who
actively advocate for Freshpet.
Competition
Pet food is a highly competitive industry. We compete with manufacturers of conventional pet food such as Mars, Nestlé and Big
Heart Pet Brands (part of The J.M. Smucker Company). We also compete with specialty and natural pet food manufacturers such as
Colgate-Palmolive, Blue Buffalo and Merrick. In addition, we compete with many regional niche brands in individual geographic
markets.
Given a North American retail landscape dominated by large retailers, with limited shelf space and a significant number of competing
products, competitors actively support their brands through marketing, advertising, promotional spending and discounting.
Competitive factors in the pet food industry include product quality, ingredients, brand awareness and loyalty, product variety,
product packaging and design, reputation, price, advertising, promotion and nutritional claims. We believe that we compete
effectively with respect to each of these factors. Moreover, our fresh, refrigerated product offering and secured shelf space in the
form of the Freshpet Fridge offer significant advantages against competitors.
Team Members
As of December 31, 2014, we had 162 employees all of whom are located in the United States. None of our employees is
represented by a labor union or by any collective bargaining arrangements with respect to his or her employment with us. We believe
that our employee relations are good.
We were incorporated in Delaware in November 2004 and currently exist as a Delaware corporation. Our principal executive offices
are located at 400 Plaza Drive, 1st Floor, Secaucus, New Jersey 07094. Our telephone number is (201) 520-4000.
Our Corporate Information
Website Information
The address of our corporate website is www.freshpet.com. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, annual proxy statement and related
proxy card will be made available on our website at the same time they are mailed to stockholders. Our quarterly reports on Form
10-Q, periodic reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports that we file or furnish pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are available through our website, free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after they have
been electronically filed or furnished to the SEC. Our website also provides access to reports filed by our directors, executive officers
and certain significant shareholders pursuant to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In addition, our Corporate
Governance Guidelines, General Code of Ethics, Code of Ethics for Executive Officers and Principal Accounting Personnel and
charters for the committees of our board of directors are available on our website as well as other shareholder communications. The
information contained in or that can be accessed through our website does not constitute a part of, and is not incorporated by
reference into, this report. The SEC also maintains a website, www.sec.gov, which contains reports, proxy and information
statements and other information that we file electronically with the SEC.
Trademarks and Other Intellectual Property
We believe that our rights in our trademarks and service marks are important to our marketing efforts to develop brand recognition
and differentiate our brand from our competitors and are a valuable part of our business. We own a number of trademarks and
service marks that have been registered, or for which applications are pending, with the United States
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Patent and Trademark Office including, among others, Freshpet, Vital, Nature’s Fresh, Roasted Meals, Freshpet Dog Joy Treats and
Dognation.
We believe that our intellectual property has substantial value and has significantly contributed to our success to-date. We are
continually developing new technology and enhancing proprietary technology related to our pet food, Fridges and manufacturing
operations.
We also rely on unpatented proprietary expertise, recipes and formulations, continuing innovation and other trade secrets to develop
and maintain our competitive position.
Government Regulation
Along with our brokers, distributors, and ingredients and packaging suppliers, we are subject to extensive laws and regulations in the
United States by federal, state and local government authorities. In the United States, the federal agencies governing the
manufacture, distribution and advertising of our products include, among others, the FTC, the FDA, the USDA, the United States
Environmental Protection Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Under various statutes, these agencies,
among other things, prescribe the requirements and establish the standards for quality and safety and regulate our marketing and
advertising to consumers. Certain of these agencies, in certain circumstances, must not only approve our products, but also review
the manufacturing processes and facilities used to produce these products before they can be marketed in the United States. We are
also subject to the laws of Canada, including the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, as well as provincial and local regulations.
We are subject to labor and employment laws, laws governing advertising, privacy laws, safety regulations and other laws, including
consumer protection regulations that regulate retailers or govern the promotion and sale of merchandise. Our operations, and those
of our distributors and suppliers, are subject to various laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and worker health
and safety matters. We monitor changes in these laws and believe that we are in material compliance with applicable laws.
Information Systems
We employ a comprehensive enterprise resource planning (ERP) system provided and supported by a leading global software
partner. This system covers order entry, customer service, accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing, asset management
and manufacturing. Our order management process is automated via Electronic Data Interchange with virtually all our customers,
which feeds orders directly to our ERP platform. From time to time, we enhance and complement the system with additional
software. We are currently expanding our ERP system with a Warehouse Management System which will allow us to improve
tracking and management of ingredients, streamline manufacturing and provide the ability to ship direct to customers. We expect the
system to be operational during the first half of 2015.
We backup data every hour and store a copy locally for immediate restoration if needed. All data is transmitted to a secure offsite
cloud storage service daily for disaster recovery needs. We believe our systems infrastructure is scalable and can support our future
growth.
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Before you purchase our common stock, you should carefully consider
the risks described below and the other information contained in this prospectus, including our consolidated financial statements and
accompanying notes. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows
could be materially adversely affected. In any such case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose all
or part of your investment.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
We may not be able to successfully implement our growth strategy on a timely basis or at all.
Our future success depends, in large part, on our ability to implement our growth strategy of expanding distribution by installing new
Freshpet Fridges, attracting new consumers to our brand and launching new products. Our ability to increase awareness, consumer
trial and adoption of our products, and to implement this growth strategy depends, among other things, on our ability to:
• partner with customers to secure space for our Freshpet Fridges;
• implement our marketing strategy;
• develop new product lines and extensions;
• partner with distributors to deliver our products to customers;
• continue to compete effectively in multiple classes of retail, including grocery, mass, club, pet specialty and natural; and
• expand and maintain brand loyalty.
We may not be able to successfully implement our growth strategy or to grow consistently from period to period. Our business,
financial condition and results of operations will be adversely affected if we fail to implement our growth strategy or if we invest
resources in a growth strategy that ultimately proves unsuccessful.
We expect to need capital in the future, and we may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow or raise capital on
acceptable terms to meet our needs.
Developing our business will require significant capital in the future. To meet our capital needs, we expect to rely on our cash flow
from operations, the proceeds from our initial public offering, our credit facilities, and other third-party financing. Third-party financing
in the future may not, however, be available on terms favorable to us, or at all. Our ability to obtain additional funding will be subject
to various factors, including general market conditions, our operating performance, the market’s perception of our growth potential,
lender sentiment and our ability to incur additional debt in compliance with other contractual restrictions, such as financial covenants
under our debt documents.
Additionally, our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness and to fund planned expenditures for our growth
plans will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. If our business does not achieve the levels of profitability or generate
the amount of cash that we anticipate or if we expand faster than anticipated, we may need to seek additional debt or equity
financing to operate and expand our business.
We believe that cash and cash equivalents, expected cash flow from operations and planned borrowing capacity are adequate to
fund debt service requirements, operating lease obligations, capital expenditures and working capital obligations for the foreseeable
future. However, our ability to continue to meet these requirements and obligations will depend on, among other things, our ability to
achieve anticipated levels of revenue and cash flow from operations and our ability to manage costs and working capital
successfully. Additionally, our cash flow generation ability is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative and
regulatory factors and other factors that are beyond our control. We cannot assure you that our business will generate cash flow from
operations in an amount sufficient to enable us to fund our liquidity needs. Further, our capital requirements may vary materially from
those currently planned if, for example, our revenues do not reach expected levels or we have to incur unforeseen capital
expenditures and make investments to maintain our competitive position. If this is the case, we may seek alternative financing, such
as selling additional debt or equity securities, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to do so on favorable terms, if at all.
Moreover, if we issue new debt securities, the debt holders would have rights senior to common stockholders to make claims on our
assets, and the terms of any debt could restrict our operations, including our ability to pay dividends on our common stock. If we
issue additional equity or convertible debt securities, existing stockholders may experience dilution, and such new securities could
have rights senior to those of our common stock. These factors may make the timing, amount, terms and conditions
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of additional financings unattractive. Our inability to raise capital could impede our growth or otherwise require us to forego growth
opportunities and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Failure to retain our senior management may adversely affect our operations.
Our success is substantially dependent on the continued service of certain members of our senior management, including Richard
Thompson, our Chief Executive Officer. These members of senior management have been primarily responsible for determining the
strategic direction of our business and for executing our growth strategy and are integral to our brand and culture, and the reputation
we enjoy with suppliers, contract manufacturers, distributors, customers and consumers. The loss of the services of any of these
employees could have a material adverse effect on our business and prospects, as we may not be able to find suitable individuals to
replace them on a timely basis, if at all. In addition, any such departure could be viewed in a negative light by investors and analysts,
which may cause the price of our common stock to decline.
If our products are alleged to cause injury or illness or fail to comply with governmental regulations, we may suffer adverse
public relations, need to recall our products and experience product liability claims.
We may be exposed to product recalls, including voluntary recalls or withdrawals, and adverse public relations if our products are
alleged to cause injury or illness or if we are alleged to have mislabeled or misbranded our products or otherwise violated
governmental regulations. We may also voluntarily recall or withdraw products that we consider below our standards, whether for
taste, appearance or otherwise, in order to protect our brand reputation. Consumer or customer concerns (whether justified or not)
regarding the safety of our products could adversely affect our business. A product recall or withdrawal could result in substantial
and unexpected expenditures, destruction of product inventory, and lost sales due to the unavailability of the product for a period of
time, which could reduce profitability and cash flow. In addition, a product recall or withdrawal may require significant management
attention. Product recalls, product liability claims (even if unmerited or unsuccessful), or any other events that cause consumers to
no longer associate our brands with high quality and safe products may also result in adverse publicity, hurt the value of our brands,
lead to a decline in consumer confidence in and demand for our products, and lead to increased scrutiny by federal and state
regulatory agencies of our operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
We also may be subject to product liability claims and adverse public relations if consumption or use of our products is alleged to
cause injury or illness. While we carry product liability insurance, our insurance may not be adequate to cover all liabilities we may
incur in connection with product liability claims. For example, punitive damages are generally not covered by insurance. In addition,
we may not be able to continue to maintain our existing insurance, obtain comparable insurance at a reasonable cost, if at all, or
secure additional coverage (which may result in future product liability claims being uninsured). A product liability judgment against
us or our agreement to settle a product liability claim could also result in substantial and unexpected expenditures, which would
reduce profitability and cash flow. In addition, even if product liability claims against us are not successful or are not fully pursued,
these claims could be costly and time-consuming and may require management to spend time defending the claims rather than
operating our business.
The loss of a significant customer, certain actions by a significant customer or financial difficulties of a significant
customer could adversely affect our results of operations.
A relatively limited number of customers account for a large percentage of our net sales. During 2014, ten customers, who purchase
either directly from us or through third party distributors, collectively accounted for more than 68% of our net sales. Wal-Mart and
Target (which purchase through a distributor) are the only customers who accounted for more than 10% of our net sales during
2014. These percentages may increase if there is consolidation among retailers or if mass merchandisers grow disproportionately to
their competition. We expect that a significant portion of our revenues will continue to be derived from a small number of customers;
however, these customers may not continue to purchase our products in the same quantities as they have in the past. Our
customers are generally not contractually obligated to purchase from us. Changes in our customers’ strategies, including a reduction
in the number of brands they carry, shipping strategies, a shift of shelf space to or increased emphasis on private label products
(including “store brands”), a reduction in shelf space for pet food items or a reduction in the space allocated for our Freshpet Fridges
may adversely affect our sales. Requirements that may be imposed on us by our customers, such as sustainability, inventory
management or product specification requirements, may have an adverse effect on our results of operations. Additionally, especially
during economic downturns, our customers may face financial difficulties, bankruptcy or other business disruptions that may impact
their operations and their purchases from us and may affect their ability to pay us for products purchased from us. Customers may
grow their inventory in anticipation of a price increase, or in anticipation of, or during, our promotional events, which typically provide
for reduced prices during a specified time or other customer or consumer
11
incentives. To the extent customers seek to reduce their usual or customary inventory levels or change their practices regarding
purchases in excess of consumer consumption, our sales and results of operations could be adversely impacted in that period. If our
sales of products to one or more of our significant customers are reduced, this reduction could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our operating results depend, in part, on the sufficiency and effectiveness of our marketing and trade spending programs.
In general, due to the highly competitive nature of the businesses in which we compete, we must execute effective and efficient
marketing investments and trade spending programs with respect to our businesses overall to sustain our competitive position in our
markets. Marketing investments may be costly. Additionally, we may, from time to time, change our marketing and trade spending
strategies, including the timing, amount or nature of television advertising and related promotional programs. The sufficiency and
effectiveness of our marketing and trade spending practices is important to our ability to retain or improve our market share or
margins. If our marketing and trade spending programs are not successful or if we fail to implement sufficient and effective marketing
and trade spending programs, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.
The growth of our business depends on our ability to introduce new products and improve existing products in anticipation
of changes in consumer preferences and demographics.
Our business is focused on the development, manufacture, marketing and distribution of pet food products. If consumer demand for
our products decreased, our business would suffer. Sales of pet food products are subject to evolving consumer preferences and
changing demographics. A significant shift in consumer demand away from our products or a decline in pet ownership could reduce
our sales or the prestige of our brand, which would harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
A key element of our growth strategy depends on our ability to develop and market new products and improvements to our existing
products that meet our standards for quality and appeal to consumer preferences. The success of our innovation and product
development efforts is affected by our ability to anticipate changes in consumer preferences and demographics, the technical
capability of our product development staff in developing and testing product prototypes, including complying with governmental
regulations, and the success of our management and sales team in introducing and marketing new products. Failure to develop and
market new products that appeal to consumers could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Additionally, the development and introduction of new products requires substantial research, development and marketing
expenditures, which we may be unable to recoup if the new products do not gain widespread market acceptance. Efforts to
accelerate our innovation may exacerbate risks associated with innovation. If we are unsuccessful in meeting our objectives with
respect to new or improved products, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be harmed.
Limited manufacturing capacity could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of
operations.
All of the products we manufacture in-house are processed through our Freshpet Kitchens in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, which we
believe is North America’s only fresh, refrigerated pet food manufacturing facility. Accordingly, we have limited available
manufacturing capacity to meet our quality standards. An unforeseen event, such as a natural disaster or work stoppage, at our
Freshpet Kitchens could significantly limit our manufacturing capacity.
Accurate forecasting of sales demand is critical to ensuring available capacity. Our forecasts are based on multiple assumptions,
which may cause our estimates to be inaccurate, affecting our ability to obtain adequate manufacturing capacity. Our current plans to
meet expected production needs rely in large part on the successful expansion of our Freshpet Kitchens. Any substantial delay may
hinder our ability to produce all of the product needed to meet orders and achieve financial performance.
If our growth exceeds our expectations, we may not be able to increase our own manufacturing capacity to, or obtain contract
manufacturing capacity at, a level that meets demand for our products, which could prevent us from meeting increased customer
demand and harm our business. However, if we overestimate our demand and overbuild our capacity, we may have significantly
underutilized assets, and we may experience reduced margins. If we do not accurately align our manufacturing capabilities with
demand, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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Government regulation, scrutiny, warnings and public perception could increase our costs of production and increase
legal and regulatory expenses.
Manufacturing, processing, labeling, packaging, storing and distributing pet products are activities subject to extensive federal, state
and local regulation, as well as foreign regulation. In the United States, these aspects of our operations are regulated by the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), and various state and local public health and agricultural agencies. The FDA Food Safety
Modernization Act provides direct recall authority to the FDA and includes a number of other provisions designed to enhance food
safety, including increased inspections by the FDA of domestic and foreign food facilities and increased review of food products
imported into the United States. In addition, many states have adopted the Association of American Feed Control Officials’ model pet
food regulations or variations thereof, which generally regulate the information manufacturers provide about pet food. Complying with
government regulation can be costly or may otherwise adversely affect our business. Failure to comply with applicable laws and
regulations could subject us to civil remedies, including fines, injunctions, recalls or seizures, as well as potential criminal sanctions,
which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business is also affected by import and export controls and similar laws and regulations, both in the United States and
elsewhere. Issues such as national security or health and safety, which slow or otherwise restrict imports or exports, could adversely
affect our business. In addition, the modification of existing laws or regulations or the introduction of new laws or regulations could
require us to make material expenditures or otherwise adversely affect the way that we have historically operated our business.
Our business may be subject to false marketing claims.
From time to time we may be subject to claims from competitors or consumers, including consumer class actions, alleging that our
product claims are deceptive. Regardless of their merit, these claims can require significant time and expense to investigate and
defend. Whether or not a false marketing claim is successful, such assertions could have an adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations, and the negative publicity surrounding them could harm our reputation and brand
image.
Adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, pestilences and other natural conditions can disrupt our operations, which
can adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The ingredients that we use in the production of our products (including, among others, meat, vegetables, fruits, carrageenans,
whole grains, vitamins and minerals) are vulnerable to adverse weather conditions and natural disasters, such as floods, droughts,
frosts, fires, earthquakes, tornadoes and pestilences. Adverse weather conditions may be impacted by climate change and other
factors. Adverse weather conditions and natural disasters can reduce crop size and crop quality, which in turn could reduce our
supply of ingredients, lower recoveries of usable ingredients, increase the prices of our ingredients, increase our transportation costs
or increase our cost of storing ingredients if harvests are accelerated and processing capacity is unavailable. Additionally, the growth
of crops, as well as the manufacture and processing of our products, requires significant amounts of water. Drought or other causes
of a reduction of water in aquifers may affect availability of water, which in turn may adversely affect our results of operations.
Competing manufacturers may be affected differently by weather conditions and natural disasters depending on the location of their
supplies or operations. If our supply of ingredients is reduced, we may not be able to find enough supplemental supply sources on
favorable terms, if at all, which could impact our ability to supply product to our customers and adversely affect our business,
financial condition and results of operations. Increased costs for ingredients or other inputs could also adversely affect our business,
financial condition and results of operations as described in “—The inputs, commodities, and ingredients that we require are subject
to price increases and shortages that could adversely affect our results of operations.”
Additionally, adverse weather conditions, natural disasters or other natural conditions affecting our operating activities or major
facilities could cause an interruption or delay in our production or delivery schedules and loss of inventory and/or data or render us
unable to accept and fulfill customer orders in a timely manner, or at all. If our operations are damaged by a fire, flood or other
disaster, for example, we may be subject to supply or delivery interruptions, destruction of our facilities and products or other
business disruptions, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If we fail to develop and maintain our brand, our business could suffer.
We believe that developing and maintaining our brand is critical to our success. The importance of our brand recognition may
become even greater as competitors offer more products similar to ours. Our financial success is directly dependent on consumer
perception of our brand. Our brand-building activities involve providing high-quality products, increasing awareness of our brand,
creating and maintaining brand loyalty and increasing the availability of our products.
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The success of our brand may suffer if our marketing plans or product initiatives do not have the desired impact on our brand’s
image or its ability to attract customers. Further, our brand value could diminish significantly due to a number of factors, including
consumer perception that we have acted in an irresponsible manner, adverse publicity about our products (whether or not valid), our
failure to maintain the quality of our products, product contamination, the failure of our products to deliver consistently positive
consumer experiences, or the products becoming unavailable to consumers. The growing use of social and digital media by
consumers increases the speed and extent that information and opinions can be shared. Negative posts or comments about us or
our brands or products on social or digital media could damage our brands and reputation. If we fail to maintain the favorable
perception of our brands, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be negatively impacted.
The pet food product category in which we participate is highly competitive. If we are unable to compete effectively, our
results of operations could be adversely affected.
The pet food product category in which we participate is highly competitive. There are numerous brands and products that compete
for shelf space and sales, with competition based primarily upon brand recognition and loyalty, product packaging, quality and
innovation, taste, nutrition, breadth of product line, price and convenience. We compete with a significant number of companies of
varying sizes, including divisions or subsidiaries of larger companies. We face strong competition from competitors’ products that are
sometimes sold at lower prices. Price gaps between our products and our competitors’ products may result in market share erosion
and harm our business. A number of our competitors have broader product lines, substantially greater financial and other resources
and/or lower fixed costs than we have. Our competitors may succeed in developing new or enhanced products, including fresh,
refrigerated pet food, that are more attractive to customers or consumers than our products. These competitors may also prove to be
more successful in marketing and selling their products or may be better able to increase prices to reflect cost pressures. We may
not compete successfully with these other companies or maintain or grow the distribution of our products. We cannot predict the
pricing or promotional activities of our competitors or whether they will have a negative effect on us. Many of our competitors engage
in aggressive pricing and promotional activities. There are competitive pressures and other factors which could cause our products to
lose market share or decline in sales or result in significant price or margin erosion, which would have a material adverse effect on
our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If the operating capacity or reputation of our Freshpet Fridges is harmed, our business, financial condition and results of
operations may suffer.
Our success depends on our network of company-owned branded refrigerators, known as Freshpet Fridges. If the operating capacity
of our Freshpet Fridges is harmed by external factors, such as adverse weather or energy supply, or internal factors, such as faulty
manufacturing or insufficient maintenance, our products contained in those fridges may be damaged and need to be discarded. In
addition, if our Freshpet Fridges fail to operate as intended, for any reason, the reputation of our Freshpet Fridges with customers
and the reputation of our brand with consumers may decline. In such event, customers may choose to discontinue, or not to expand,
their use of Freshpet Fridges and our products and consumers may choose to forgo purchasing our products. Additionally, growing
concern about the environmental impact of refrigerators could likewise harm the reputation of our Freshpet Fridges with customers
and our brand with consumers. Any such harm to the operating capacity or reputation of our Freshpet Fridges could adversely affect
our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If we are not successful in protecting our intellectual property rights, our business, financial conditions and results of
operations may be harmed.
We rely on trademark, copyright, trade secret, patent and other intellectual property laws, as well as nondisclosure and confidentiality
agreements and other methods, to protect our intellectual property rights as well as the intellectual property of third parties with
respect to which we are subject to non-use and non-disclosure obligations. We may need to engage in litigation or similar activities to
enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets or to determine the validity and scope of proprietary rights of
others. Any such litigation could require us to expend significant resources and divert the efforts and attention of our management
and other personnel from our business operations. The steps we take to prevent misappropriation, infringement or other violation of
our intellectual property or the intellectual property of others may not be successful. In addition, effective patent, copyright, trademark
and trade secret protection may be unavailable or limited for some of our trademarks and patents in some foreign countries. Failure
to protect our intellectual property could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our brand names and trademarks are important to our business, and we have registered or applied to register many of these
trademarks. We cannot assure you that our trademark applications will be approved. Third parties may also oppose our trademark
applications, or otherwise challenge our use of the trademarks. In the event that our trademarks are successfully challenged, we
could be forced to rebrand our products, which could result in the loss of brand recognition
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and could require us to devote resources advertising and marketing new brands. Further, we cannot assure you that competitors will
not infringe our trademarks, or that we will have adequate resources to enforce our trademarks.
We rely on unpatented proprietary know-how in the areas of recipes, ingredients sourcing, cooking techniques, packaging,
transportation and delivery. It is possible that others will independently develop the same or similar know-how or otherwise obtain
access to our proprietary knowhow. To protect our trade secrets and other proprietary know-how, we require employees,
consultants, advisors and collaborators to enter into confidentiality agreements. We cannot assure you that these agreements will
provide meaningful protection in the event of any unauthorized use, misappropriation or disclosure of our trade secrets, know-how or
other proprietary information. If we are unable to maintain the proprietary nature of our recipes, methods and other know-how, we
could be materially adversely affected.
We may not be able to successfully implement initiatives to improve productivity and streamline operations to control or
reduce costs. Failure to implement such initiatives could adversely affect our results of operations.
Because our ability to effectively implement price increases for our products can be affected by factors outside of our control, our
profitability and growth depend significantly on our efforts to control our operating costs. Because many of our costs, such as energy
and logistics costs, packaging costs and ingredient, commodity and raw product costs, are affected by factors outside or
substantially outside our control, we generally must seek to control or reduce costs through operating efficiency or other initiatives. If
we are not able to identify and complete initiatives designed to control or reduce costs and increase operating efficiency on time or
within budget, our results of operations could be adversely impacted. In addition, if the cost savings initiatives we have implemented
to date, or any future cost-savings initiatives, do not generate expected cost savings, our business, financial condition and results of
operations could be adversely affected.
The inputs, commodities, and ingredients that we require are subject to price increases and shortages that could adversely
affect our results of operations.
The primary inputs, commodities, and ingredients that we use include meat, vegetables, fruits, carrageenans, whole grains, vitamins,
minerals, packaging and energy (including wind power). Prices for these and other items we use may be volatile, and we may
experience shortages in these items due to factors beyond our control, such as commodity market fluctuations, availability of supply,
increased demand (whether for the item we require or for other items, which in turn impacts the item we require), weather conditions,
natural disasters, currency fluctuations, governmental regulations (including import restrictions), agricultural programs or issues,
energy programs, labor strikes and the financial health of our suppliers. Input, commodity, and ingredient price increases or
shortages may result in higher costs or interrupt our production schedules, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our
results of operations. Production delays could lead to reduced sales volumes and profitability as well as loss of market share. Higher
costs could adversely impact our earnings. For example, fuel prices affect our transportation costs for both ingredients and finished
product. If we are not able to implement our productivity initiatives or increase our product prices to offset price increases of our
inputs, commodities, and ingredients, as a result of consumer sensitivity to pricing or otherwise, or if sales volumes decline due to
price increases, our results of operations could be adversely affected. Our competitors may be better able than we are to implement
productivity initiatives or effect price increases or to otherwise pass along cost increases to their customers. Moreover, if we increase
our prices in response to increased costs, we may need to increase marketing spending, including trade promotion spending, in
order to retain our market share. Such increased marketing spending may significantly offset the benefits, if any, of any price
increase and negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If the ingredients we use in our products are contaminated, alleged to be contaminated or are otherwise rumored to have
adverse effects, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
We buy our ingredients from third-party suppliers. If these materials are alleged or prove to include contaminants that affect the
safety or quality of our products or are otherwise rumored to have adverse effects, for any reason, we may need to find alternate
ingredients for our products, delay production of our products, or discard or otherwise dispose of our products, which could adversely
affect our results of operations. Additionally, if this occurs after the affected product has been distributed, we may need to withdraw
or recall the affected product and we may experience adverse publicity or product liability claims. In either case, our business,
financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Restrictions imposed in reaction to outbreaks of animal diseases could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
The cost of the protein-based ingredients we use in our products has been adversely impacted in the past by the publicity
surrounding animal diseases, such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or “mad cow disease.” As a result of extensive
15
global publicity and trade restrictions imposed to provide safeguards against mad cow disease, the cost of alternative sources of the
protein-based ingredients we use in our products, such as soybeans, pork meat and bone meal, has from time to time increased
significantly and may increase again in the future if additional cases of mad cow disease are found.
If mad cow disease or other animal diseases, such as foot-and-mouth disease or highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as
“bird flu,” impacts the availability of the protein-based ingredients we use in our products, we may be required to locate alternative
sources for protein based ingredients. Those sources may not be available to sustain our sales volumes, may be more costly and
may affect the quality and nutritional value of our products. If outbreaks of mad cow disease, foot-and-mouth disease, bird flu or any
other animal disease or the regulation or publicity resulting therefrom impacts the cost of the protein-based ingredients we use in our
products, or the cost of the alternative protein-based ingredients necessary for our products as compared to our current costs, we
may be required to increase the selling price of our products to avoid margin deterioration. However, we may not be able to charge
higher prices for our products without negatively impacting future sales volumes.
We rely on co-packers to provide our supply of treat products. Any failure by co-packers to fulfill their obligations or any
termination or renegotiation of our co-packing agreements could adversely affect our results of operations.
We have supply agreements with co-packers that require them to provide us with specific finished products. We rely on co-packers
as our sole-source for treat products. We also anticipate that we will rely on sole suppliers for future products. The failure for any
reason of a co-packer to fulfill its obligations under the applicable agreements with us or the termination or renegotiation of any such
co-packing agreement could result in disruptions to our supply of finished goods and have an adverse effect on our results of
operations. Additionally, from time to time, a co-packer may experience financial difficulties, bankruptcy or other business
disruptions, which could disrupt our supply of finished goods or require that we incur additional expense by providing financial
accommodations to the co-packer or taking other steps to seek to minimize or avoid supply disruption, such as establishing a new
co-packing arrangement with another provider. During an economic downturn, our co-packers may be more susceptible to
experiencing such financial difficulties, bankruptcies or other business disruptions. A new co-packing arrangement may not be
available on terms as favorable to us as the existing co-packing arrangement, if at all.
If we do not manage our supply chain effectively, including inventory levels, our business, financial condition and results
of operation may be adversely affected.
The inability of any supplier, co-packer, third-party distributor or transportation provider to deliver or perform for us in a timely or cost-
effective manner could cause our operating costs to increase and our profit margins to decrease. We must continuously monitor our
inventory and product mix against forecasted demand or risk having inadequate supplies to meet consumer demand as well as
having too much inventory on hand that may reach its expiration date and become unsaleable. If we are unable to manage our
supply chain effectively and ensure that our products are available to meet consumer demand, our operating costs could increase
and our profit margins could decrease.
Failure by our transportation providers to deliver our products on time or at all could result in lost sales.
We use third-party transportation providers for our product shipments. We rely on one such provider for almost all of our shipments.
Transportation services include scheduling and coordinating transportation of finished products to our customers, shipment tracking
and freight dispatch services. Our use of transportation services for shipments is subject to risks, including increases in fuel prices,
which would increase our shipping costs, and employee strikes and inclement weather, which may impact the ability of providers to
provide delivery services that adequately meet our shipping needs, including keeping our products adequately refrigerated during
shipment. Any such change could cause us to incur costs and expend resources. Moreover, in the future we may not be able to
obtain terms as favorable as those we receive from the third-party transportation providers that we currently use, which in turn would
increase our costs and thereby adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If we are unable to maintain or increase prices for our products, our results of operations may be adversely affected.
We rely in part on price increases to neutralize cost increases and improve the profitability of our business. Our ability to effectively
implement price increases or otherwise raise prices for our products can be affected by a number of factors, including competition,
our competitors’ pricing and marketing, aggregate industry supply, category limitations, market demand and economic conditions,
including inflationary pressures. During challenging economic times, our ability to increase the prices of our products may be
particularly constrained. Additionally, customers may pressure us to rescind price increases that we have announced or already
implemented (either through a change in list price or increased
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promotional activity). If we are unable to maintain or increase prices for our products (or must increase promotional activity), our
results of operations could be adversely affected. Furthermore, price increases generally result in volume losses, as consumers
purchase fewer units. If such losses (also referred to as the elasticity impact) are greater than expected or if we lose distribution due
to a price increase (which may result from a customer response or otherwise), our business, financial condition and results of
operations could be adversely affected.
We may face difficulties as we expand into countries in which we have no prior operating experience.
We may choose to expand our global footprint by entering into new markets. As we expand our business into new countries we may
encounter regulatory, personnel, technological and other difficulties that increase our expenses or delay our ability to become
profitable in such countries. This may have an adverse effect on our business.
If we are unable to attract, train and retain employees, we may not be able to grow or successfully operate our business.
Our success depends in part upon our ability to attract, train and retain a sufficient number of employees who understand and
appreciate our culture and are able to represent our brand effectively and establish credibility with our business partners and
consumers. If we are unable to hire and retain employees capable of meeting our business needs and expectations, our business
and brand image may be impaired. Any failure to meet our staffing needs or any material increase in turnover rates of our employees
may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Unionization activities or labor disputes may disrupt our operations and affect our profitability.
Although none of our employees are currently covered under collective bargaining agreements, our employees may elect to be
represented by labor unions in the future. If a significant number of our employees were to become unionized and collective
bargaining agreement terms were significantly different from our current compensation arrangements, it could adversely affect our
business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, a labor dispute involving some or all of our employees may harm
our reputation, disrupt our operations and reduce our revenues, and resolution of disputes may increase our costs.
As an employer, we may be subject to various employment-related claims, such as individual or class actions or government
enforcement actions relating to alleged employment discrimination, employee classification and related withholding, wage-hour, labor
standards or healthcare and benefit issues. Such actions, if brought against us and successful in whole or in part, may affect our
ability to compete or could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Disruptions in the worldwide economy may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Adverse and uncertain economic conditions may impact distributor, customer and consumer demand for our products. In addition,
our ability to manage normal commercial relationships with our suppliers, contract manufacturers, distributors, customers,
consumers and creditors may suffer. Consumers have access to lower-priced offerings and, during economic downturns, may shift
purchases to these lower-priced or other perceived value offerings. Customers may become more conservative in response to these
conditions and seek to reduce their inventories. For example, during the economic downturn from 2007 through 2009, customers
significantly reduced their inventories, and inventory levels have not returned to, and are not expected to return to, pre-downturn
levels. Our results of operations depend upon, among other things, our ability to maintain and increase sales volume with our
existing customers, to attract new consumers and to provide products that appeal to consumers at prices they are willing and able to
pay. Prolonged unfavorable economic conditions may have an adverse effect on our sales and profitability.
We are subject to environmental regulation and environmental risks, which may adversely affect our business. Climate
change or concerns regarding climate change may increase environmental regulation and environmental risks.
As a result of our agricultural and food processing operations, we are subject to numerous environmental laws and regulations. Many
of these laws and regulations are becoming increasingly stringent and compliance with them is becoming increasingly expensive.
Changes in environmental conditions may result in existing legislation having a greater impact on us. Additionally, we may be subject
to new legislation and regulation in the future. For example, increasing concern about climate change may result in additional federal
and state legal and regulatory requirements to reduce or mitigate the effects of green-house gas emissions. Compliance with
environmental legislation and regulations, particularly
17
if they are more aggressive than our current sustainability measures used to monitor our emissions and improve our energy
efficiency, may increase our costs and adversely affect our results of operations. We cannot predict the extent to which any
environmental law or regulation that may be enacted or enforced in the future may affect our operations. The effect of these actions
and future actions on the availability and use of pesticides could adversely impact our financial position or results of operations. If the
cost of compliance with applicable environmental laws or regulations increases, our business, financial condition and results of
operations could be negatively impacted.
Intellectual property infringement or violation claims may adversely impact our results of operations.
We may be subject to claims by others that we infringe on their intellectual property or otherwise violate their intellectual property
rights. To the extent we develop, introduce and acquire products, the risk of such claims may be exacerbated. Any such claims, even
those without merit, could (i) require us to expend significant resources, (ii) cause us to cease making or using products that
incorporate the challenged intellectual property, (iii) require us to redesign, reengineer or rebrand our products or packaging,
including our Freshpet Fridges located in over 13,300 retail stores, (iv) divert management’s attention and resources or (v) require us
to enter into royalty or licensing agreements in order to obtain the right to use a third party’s intellectual property, which may not be
available to us on acceptable terms or at all. Any of such events may adversely impact our business, financial condition and results
of operations.
Our business operations could be disrupted if our information technology systems fail to perform adequately.
The efficient operation of our business depends on our information technology systems, some of which are managed by third-party
service providers. We rely on our information technology systems to effectively manage our business data, communications, supply
chain, order entry and fulfillment, and other business processes. The failure of our information technology systems to perform as we
anticipate could disrupt our business and could result in transaction errors, processing inefficiencies, and the loss of sales and
customers, causing our business and results of operations to suffer. In addition, our information technology systems may be
vulnerable to damage or interruption from circumstances beyond our control, including fire, natural disasters, power outages,
systems failures, security breaches, cyber-attacks and viruses. Any such damage or interruption could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject to cyber security risks and may incur increasing costs in an effort to minimize those risks.
Our business employs systems and websites that allow for the secure storage and transmission of proprietary or confidential
information regarding our customers, employees, suppliers and others, including personal identification information. Security
breaches could expose us to a risk of loss or misuse of this information, litigation, and potential liability. We may not have the
resources or technical sophistication to anticipate or prevent rapidly-evolving types of cyber-attacks. Attacks may be targeted at us,
our customers and suppliers, or others who have entrusted us with information. Actual or anticipated attacks may cause us to incur
increasing costs, including costs to deploy additional personnel and protection technologies, train employees, and engage third-party
experts and consultants. Advances in computer capabilities, new technological discoveries, or other developments may result in the
technology used by us to protect transaction or other data being breached or compromised. In addition, data and security breaches
can also occur as a result of non-technical issues, including breach by us or by persons with whom we have commercial
relationships that result in the unauthorized release of personal or confidential information. Any compromise or breach of our security
could result in a violation of applicable privacy and other laws, significant legal and financial exposure, and a loss of confidence in
our security measures, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If we are unable to substantially utilize our net operating loss carryforward, our financial results will be adversely affected.
As of December 31, 2014, we had federal net operating loss (“NOLs”) carryforwards of approximately $163.0 million and state NOLs
of approximately $124.5 million. In general, a corporation that undergoes an ‘‘ownership change’’ is subject to limitations on its ability
to utilize its prechange NOLs, to offset future taxable income. In general, under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the “Code”), an ownership change occurs if the aggregate stock ownership of certain stockholders (generally 5%
stockholders, applying certain look-through and aggregation rules) increases by more than 50 percentage points over such
stockholders’ lowest percentage ownership during the testing period (generally three years). Purchases of our common stock in
amounts greater than specified levels, which will be beyond our control, could create a limitation on our ability to utilize our NOLs for
tax purposes in the future. Limitations imposed on our ability to utilize NOLs could cause U.S. federal and state income taxes to be
paid earlier than would be paid if such limitations were not in effect and could cause such NOLs to expire unused, in each case
reducing or eliminating the benefit of such NOLs. Furthermore, we may not be able to generate sufficient taxable income to utilize
our NOLs before they expire. If any of
18
these events occur, we may not derive some or all of the expected benefits from our NOLs. In addition, NOLs incurred in one state
may not be available to offset income earned in a different state. Furthermore, there may be periods during which the use of NOLs is
suspended or otherwise limited for state tax purposes, which could accelerate or permanently increase state taxes owed.
Failure to establish and maintain effective internal controls in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
could have a material adverse effect on our business and stock price.
As a private company, we were not required to comply with the rules of the SEC implementing Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act and therefore were not required to make a formal assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting
for that purpose. As a publicly traded company, we are now required to comply with the SEC’s rules implementing Section 302 and
404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which require management to certify financial and other information in our quarterly and annual
reports and provide an annual management report on the effectiveness of controls over financial reporting. Though we are required
to disclose changes made in our internal controls and procedures on a quarterly basis, we are not required to make our first annual
assessment of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 until the year following our first annual report
required to be filed with the SEC. Pursuant to the JOBS Act, our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to
attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting until the later of the year following our first annual report
required to be filed with the SEC or the date we are no longer an emerging growth company, which may be up to five full fiscal years
following this offering.
If we identify weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, are unable to comply with the requirements of Section 404 in
a timely manner or to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, or if our independent registered public
accounting firm is unable to express an opinion as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, investors may
lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our common stock could be
negatively affected, and we could become subject to investigations by the NASDAQ Global Market, the SEC or other regulatory
authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources.
Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock
Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly and could fall below the expectations of securities analysts and
investors due to seasonality and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, resulting in a decline in our stock
price.
Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly because of several factors, including:
• the timing of installation of new Freshpet Fridges and related expenses;
• profitability of our Freshpet Fridges, especially in new markets;
• changes in interest rates;
• impairment of long-lived assets;
• macroeconomic conditions, both nationally and locally;
• negative publicity relating to the consumption of products we serve;
• changes in consumer preferences and competitive conditions;
• expansion to new markets;
• increases in infrastructure costs; and
• fluctuations in commodity prices.
As a result of these factors, our quarterly and annual operating results may fluctuate significantly. Accordingly, results for any one
quarter are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any other quarter or for any year for any particular future period
may decrease. In the future, operating results may fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors. In that event, the
price of our common stock would likely decrease.
19
The price of our common stock may be volatile and you may lose all or part of your investment.
The market price of our common stock could fluctuate significantly, and you may not be able to resell your shares at or above the
purchase price. Those fluctuations could be based on various factors in addition to those otherwise described in this report, including
those described under “—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry” and the following:
• our operating performance and the performance of our competitors or pet food companies in general;
• the public’s reaction to our press releases, our other public announcements and our filings with the SEC;
• changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by research analysts who follow us or other companies in our industry;
• global, national or local economic, legal and regulatory factors unrelated to our performance;
• the number of our shares publicly traded
• future sales of our common stock by our officers, directors and significant stockholders;
• the arrival or departure of key personnel; and
• other developments affecting us, our industry or our competitors.
In addition, in recent years the stock market has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. These fluctuations may be
unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations may cause declines in the market
price of our common stock. The price of our common stock could fluctuate based upon factors that have little or nothing to do with
our business, financial condition and results of operations, and those fluctuations could materially reduce our common stock price.
As we operate in a single industry, we are especially vulnerable to these factors to the extent that they affect our industry or our
products. In the past, securities class action litigation has often been initiated against companies following periods of volatility in their
stock price. This type of litigation could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention and resources, and could
also require us to make substantial payments to satisfy judgments or to settle litigation.
Future sales of our common stock, or the perception that such sales may occur, could depress our common stock price.
As of December 31, 2014 we had 33,468,342 shares of common stock outstanding, and our Certificate of Incorporation authorizes
us to issue up to 200 million shares of common stock.
In the future, we may issue additional shares of common stock or other securities if we need to raise additional capital. The number
of new shares of our common stock issued in connection with raising additional capital could constitute a material portion of the then
outstanding shares of our common stock. Any future sales of our common stock, or the perception that such sales may occur, could
negatively impact the price of our common stock.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our
business, our stock price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our common stock will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish
about us or our business. If one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrades our common stock or publishes inaccurate or
unfavorable research about our business, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of
us or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our common stock could decrease, which could cause our stock prices and
trading volume to decline.
Our principal stockholders and their affiliates own a substantial portion of our outstanding equity, and their interests may
not always coincide with the interests of the other holders.
As of December 31, 2014, MidOcean and Freshpet Investors LLC own approximately 26.0% and 18.8%, respectively, of our
common stock. As a result, MidOcean and Freshpet Investors LLC could potentially have significant influence over all matters
presented to our stockholders for approval, including election and removal of our directors, change in control transactions and the
outcome of all actions requiring a majority stockholder approval.
In addition, persons associated with MidOcean and Freshpet Investors LLC currently serve on our Board of Directors. The interests
of MidOcean and Freshpet Investors LLC may not always coincide with the interests of the other holders of our
20
common stock, and the concentration of control in MidOcean and Freshpet Investors LLC will limit other stockholders’ ability to
influence corporate matters. The concentration of ownership and voting power of MidOcean and Freshpet Investors LLC may also
delay, defer or even prevent an acquisition by a third party or other change of control of our Company and may make some
transactions more difficult or impossible without their support, even if such events are in the best interests of our other stockholders.
Therefore, the concentration of voting power among MidOcean and Freshpet Investors LLC may have an adverse effect on the price
of our common stock. We may also take actions that our other stockholders do not view as beneficial, which may adversely affect
our results of operations and financial condition and cause the value of your investment to decline.
We have no current plans to pay dividends for the foreseeable future.
We may retain future earnings, if any, for future operations, expansion and debt repayment and have no current plans to pay any
cash dividends for the foreseeable future. Any future determination to declare and pay cash dividends will be at the discretion of our
Board of Directors and will depend on, among other things, our financial condition, results of operations, cash requirements,
contractual restrictions and such other factors as our Board of Directors deems relevant. Our ability to pay dividends may also be
limited by covenants of any future outstanding indebtedness we or our subsidiaries incur. As a result, you may not receive any return
on an investment in our common stock unless you sell our common stock for a price greater than that which you paid for it.
Provisions in our charter documents and Delaware law may delay or prevent our acquisition by a third party, even if the
acquisition would be beneficial to our stockholders, and could make it more difficult for you to change our management.
Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and Delaware law contain several provisions that may make it more difficult for a third
party to acquire control of us without the approval of our Board of Directors. For example, we will have a classified Board of Directors
with three-year staggered terms, which could delay the ability of stockholders to change membership of a majority of our Board of
Directors. These provisions may make it more difficult or expensive for a third party to acquire a majority of our outstanding equity
interests. These provisions also may delay, prevent or deter a merger, acquisition, tender offer, proxy contest or other transaction
that might otherwise result in our stockholders receiving a premium over the market price for their common stock.
Under our Certificate of Incorporation, individuals or entities that bring certain claims or join such claims may be obligated
to reimburse the Company for the expenses it reasonably incurs in connection with such actions if the claim proves
unsuccessful.
Our Certificate of Incorporation provides, to the fullest extent permitted by law, in the event that any person or entity (the “Claimant”)
(x) initiates or asserts (1) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company, (2) any claim of breach of a
fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer, employee or agent of the Company to the Company or its stockholders, (3) any action
against the Company or any of its directors, officers, employees or agents arising pursuant to any provision of the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”), our Certificate of Incorporation or our Bylaws, or (4) any action asserting a
claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine (each of the foregoing, a “Claim”), or joins any such Claim as a named party, and
(y) does not thereby obtain a judgment on the merits that substantially achieves the full remedy or relief sought in the Claim, such
Claimant shall be jointly and severally obligated to reimburse the Company for all fees, costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees
and the fees of experts) actually and reasonably incurred by the Company in defending such Claim. This provision of our Certificate
of Incorporation may deter stockholder litigation that may be in the best interests of the Company or our stockholders.
We are an emerging growth company and, as a result of the reduced disclosure and governance requirements applicable to
emerging growth companies, our common stock may be less attractive to investors.
We are an emerging growth company, as defined in the JOBS Act, and we are eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from
various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies, but not to emerging growth companies, including, but not
limited to, an exemption from the auditor attestation requirement of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure about
executive compensation arrangements pursuant to the rules applicable to smaller reporting companies and no requirement to seek
non-binding advisory votes on executive compensation or golden parachute arrangements. We will remain an emerging growth
company until the earliest of (i) the end of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering, (ii) the first
fiscal year after our annual gross revenue are $1.0 billion or more, (iii) the date on which we have, during the previous three-year
period, issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities or (iv) the end of any fiscal year in which the market value of
our common stock held by non-affiliates exceeded $700 million as of the end of the second quarter of that fiscal year.
21
We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive as a result of our taking advantage of these exemptions. If
some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result of our choices, there may be a less active trading market for our
common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.
Claims for indemnification by our directors and officers may reduce our available funds to satisfy successful third-party
claims against us and may reduce the amount of money available to us.
Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws provide that we will indemnify our directors and officers, in each case to the fullest extent
permitted by Delaware law. In addition, we have entered and expect to continue to enter into agreements to indemnify our directors,
executive officers and other employees as determined by our Board of Directors. Under the terms of such indemnification
agreements, we are required to indemnify each of our directors and officers, to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the state of
Delaware, if the basis of the indemnitee’s involvement was by reason of the fact that the indemnitee is or was a director or officer of
the Company or any of its subsidiaries or was serving at the Company’s request in an official capacity for another entity. We must
indemnify our officers and directors against all reasonable fees, expenses, charges and other costs of any type or nature
whatsoever, including any and all expenses and obligations paid or incurred in connection with investigating, defending, being a
witness in, participating in (including on appeal), or preparing to defend, be a witness or participate in any completed, actual, pending
or threatened action, suit, claim or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, or establishing or enforcing a
right to indemnification under the indemnification agreement. The indemnification agreements also require us, if so requested, to
advance within 30 days of such request all reasonable fees, expenses, charges and other costs that such director or officer incurred,
provided that such person will return any such advance if it is ultimately determined that such person is not entitled to indemnification
by us. Any claims for indemnification by our directors and officers may reduce our available funds to satisfy successful third-party
claims against us and may reduce the amount of money available to us.
Future offerings of debt securities, which would rank senior to our common stock upon our bankruptcy or liquidation, and
future offerings of equity securities that may be senior to our common stock for the purposes of dividend and liquidating
distributions, may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
In the future, we may attempt to increase our capital resources by making offerings of debt securities or additional offerings of equity
securities. Upon bankruptcy or liquidation, holders of our debt securities and shares of preferred stock and lenders with respect to
other borrowings will receive a distribution of our available assets prior to the holders of our common stock. Additional equity
offerings may dilute the holdings of our existing stockholders or reduce the market price of our common stock, or both, and may
result in future Section 382 limitations that could reduce the rate at which we utilize our NOL carryforwards. Preferred stock, if
issued, could have a preference on liquidating distributions or a preference on dividend payments or both that could limit our ability to
make a dividend distribution to the holders of our common stock. Our decision to issue securities in any future offering will depend on
market conditions and other factors beyond our control. As a result, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our
future offerings, and purchasers of our common stock in this offering bear the risk of our future offerings reducing the market price of
our common stock and diluting their ownership interest in our company.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our corporate headquarters is currently located in Secaucus, New Jersey and consists of approximately 14,815 square feet of office
space and is subject to a lease agreement that expires on January 31, 2017.
We own the Freshpet Kitchens, our manufacturing facility in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, which consists of approximately 58,470
square feet. We are currently in the process of expanding our Freshpet Kitchens site in two phases. The first phase will add an
additional 7,600 square feet, and the second phase 28,000 square feet. We lease a manufacturing facility in Quakertown,
Pennsylvania, which consists of approximately 6,500 square feet. The lease agreement expires on June 30, 2015, and we do not
expect to renew it as we consolidate all in-house manufacturing at the Freshpet Kitchens. We believe that our properties have been
adequately maintained, are in good condition generally and are suitable and adequate for its business as presently conducted.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are currently involved in various claims and legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of our business, including claims
resulting from employment related matters. None of these claims, most of which are covered by insurance, has had a material effect
on us, and as of the date of this report, we are not party to any material pending legal proceedings and are not aware of any claims
that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of
22
operations or cash flows. However, a significant increase in the number of these claims or an increase in amounts owing under
successful claims could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
23
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUES PURCHASES
OF EQUITY SECUITTIES
Market Information
Our common stock began trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “FRPT” on November 7, 2014. Prior to
that date, there was no public market for our common stock. The price range per share of common stock presented below
represents the highest and lowest closing prices for our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market for our only full
quarterly period since our IPO.
Fourth Quarter (from November 7, 2014)
High
Low
$
19.45 $
14.23
The number of stockholders of record of our common stock as of March 27, 2015 was 130. This number excludes stockholders
whose stock is held in nominee or street name by brokers.
Dividend Policy
Since we became a publicly traded company on November 7, 2014, we have not declared or paid, and do not anticipate declaring or
paying in the foreseeable future, any cash dividends on our capital stock. Any future determination to declare and pay cash
dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors in accordance with applicable laws and will depend on, among other
things, our financial condition, results of operations, cash requirements, contractual restrictions and such other factors as our Board
of Directors deems relevant.
Use of Proceeds from Public Offering of Common Stock
As previously disclosed on November 6, 2014, our registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-198724) was declared effective
by the Securities and Exchange Commission for our IPO pursuant to which we sold an aggregate of 11,979,167 shares of our
common stock at a price to the public of $15.00 per share. There has been no material change in the planned use of proceeds from
our IPO as described in our Prospectus.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
None.
Stock Price Performance Graph
This performance graph shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission for
purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the
liabilities under that Section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of Freshpet,Inc. under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act.
The following graph compares our total common stock return with the total return for (i) the NASDAQ Composite Index (the
“NASDAQ Composite”) and (ii) the Russell 3000 Index (the “Russell 3000”) for the period from November 7, 2014 (the date our
common stock commenced trading on the NASDAQ) through December 31, 2014. Although our common stock was initially listed at
$15.00 per share on the date our common stock was first listed on the NASDAQ, November 7, 2014, the $15.00 price is not reflected
in the graph. Instead, the figures represented below assume an investment of $100 in our common stock at the closing price of
$19.11 on November 7, 2014 and in the NASDAQ Composite and the Russell 3000 on November 7, 2014 and the reinvestment of
dividends into shares of common stock. The comparisons in the table are required by the SEC and are not intended to forecast or be
indicative of possible future performance of our common stock.
24
$100 investment in stock or index
Freshpet
NASDAQ Composite
Russell 3000
Ticker
FRPT $
IXIC
RUA
11/07/2014
11/28/2014
12/31/2014
100.00 $
100.00
100.00
87.44 $
103.43
101.62
89.27
102.23
101.45
25
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected consolidated financial data should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and
accompanying notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” appearing
elsewhere in this report. The selected consolidated financial data in this section is not intended to replace our consolidated financial
statements and the accompanying notes. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of our future results.
We derived the consolidated statements of operations data for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, and the
consolidated balance sheets data as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 from our audited consolidated financial statements appearing
elsewhere in this report. The consolidated balance sheets data as of December 31, 2012, have been derived from our audited
consolidated financial statements not included in this filing.
Year ended December 31,
2013
(Dollars in thousands except share and per share
2012
2014
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data
Net sales
Cost of goods sold
Gross profit
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Loss from operations
Other expenses
Fees on debt guarantee (1)
Interest expense
Loss before income taxes
Income tax expense
Net loss
Preferred stock dividends on Series B and Series C (2)
Additional loss to common stockholders upon conversion of Series C Preferred
Stock into common stock (3)
Net loss attributable to common stockholders
Net loss per share
Basic
Diluted
Weighted Average shares of common stock outstanding:
Basic
Diluted
Freshpet Fridge store locations at period end
Other Financial Data
Grocery
Pet
Mass
Natural
Total Freshpet Fridge store locations at Period End
EBITDA (4)
Adjusted EBITDA (4)
Capital Expenditures:
Freshpet Kitchens and other plant capital expenditures
Freshpet Fridge and other capital expenditures
Total cash outflows of capital expenditures
26
86,764 $
44,546
42,218
48,636
(6,418 )
(328 )
(25,937 )
(4,614 )
(37,297 )
data)
63,151 $
35,958
27,193
39,574
(12,381 )
(538 )
(5,245 )
(3,492 )
(21,656 )
(42 )
(37,339 )
(11,286 )
(31 )
(21,687 )
(8,596 )
43,519
22,881
20,638
35,385
(14,747 )
(344 )
(1,895 )
(1,638 )
(18,624 )
(32 )
(18,656 )
(7,954 )
(82,655 )
(131,280 ) $
—
(30,283 ) $
—
(26,610 )
(9.63 ) $
(9.63 ) $
(2.91 ) $
(2.91 ) $
(2.56 )
(2.56 )
$
$
$
$
13,632,042 10,415,014 10,413,467
13,632,042 10,415,014 10,413,467
2014
Year ended December 31,
2013
(Dollars in thousands)
2012
$
6,130
3,979
3,035
242
13,386
(321 ) $
5,515
2,226
14,905
17,131
5,367
3,051
2,247
171
10,836
(6,974 ) $
(192 )
12,987
11,656
24,643
4,565
2,737
1,181
31
8,514
(10,363 )
(6,096 )
13,298
13,097
26,395
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data
Cash and cash equivalents
Working capital (5)
Total assets
Total debt
Redeemable preferred stock:
Series B
Series C
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)
$
2014
Year ended December 31,
2013
(Dollars in thousands)
2,445 $
3,435
62,617
76,112
36,259 $
41,863
112,462
—
2012
1,633
(3,111 )
44,094
44,057
—
—
103,393 $
30,728
70,463
(131,058 ) $
26,513
61,103
(101,804 )
$
(1) Represents fees paid to certain stockholders for acting as guarantors for a portion of our prior payment obligations under the
$62.5 million revolving note payable (the “$62.5 Million Revolver”). Pursuant to a Fee and Reimbursement Agreement, the
Company was obligated to pay each guarantor a contingent fee equal to 10% per annum of the amount each guarantor
committed to guarantee. Portions of the proceeds from our IPO and related debt refinancing were used to repay the borrowings
under the $62.5 Million Revolver, relieving us of our future fees on the debt guarantee. Concurrently, with the closing of the
IPO, the outstanding guarantee fees were converted into shares of our Series C Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 (the “Series
C Preferred Stock”), which were then converted into common stock. See our consolidated financial statements and the notes
thereto for additional information.
(2 ) Represents dividends associated with our redeemable Series B and Series C preferred stock. Holders of Series B Preferred
Stock (the “Series B Preferred Stock”) were entitled to receive dividends payable in additional fully paid and non-assessable
shares of Series B Preferred Stock at a rate per annum of 15% of the original issue price. Such dividends were to be fully
cumulative from the first day of issuance and accrued without interest on both the initial Series B Preferred Stock obtained and
shares obtained via dividend, on a quarterly basis. Holders of Series C Preferred Stock (the “Series C Preferred Stock”) were
entitled to dividends at a rate of 8% per annum of the Series C Preferred Stock original issue price. Once the Series C
Preferred Stock was converted to Common Stock, the accrued dividends that had not been declared by the Board of Directors
were relinquished.
(3 ) Immediately prior to the conversion of Series C Preferred Stock to Common Stock, the Series C Preferred Stock were fair
valued utilizing the Common Stock share price at the date of conversion. The difference between fair value and book value was
recorded as net loss attributable to common stockholders
(4 ) EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles, or GAAP. As used herein, EBITDA represents net loss plus depreciation and amortization, interest expense
(including fees on debt guarantee, which we believe were a cost of our prior financing arrangement akin to interest expense),
and income tax expense. As used herein, Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA plus loss on disposal of equipment, new plant
startup expense and processing, share based compensation and launch expenses.
We present EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA because we believe each of these measures provides an additional metric to
evaluate our operations and, when considered with both our GAAP results and the reconciliation to net loss set forth below,
provides a more complete understanding of our business than could be obtained absent this disclosure. We use EBITDA and
Adjusted EBITDA, together with financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP, such as sales, gross profit margins,
and cash flow from operations, to assess our historical and prospective operating performance, to provide meaningful
comparisons of operating performance across periods, to enhance our understanding of our operating performance and to
compare our performance to that of our peers and competitors.
Adjusted EBITDA is further utilized for our covenant requirements under our credit agreement, and additionally as an important
component of internal budgeting and setting management compensation.
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are presented here because we believe they are useful to investors in assessing the operating
performance of our business without the effect of non-cash items, and other items as detailed below.
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as alternatives to net loss, income from operations or
any other measure of financial performance calculated and prescribed in accordance with GAAP. Neither EBITDA nor
Adjusted EBITDA should be considered a measure of discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business.
Our Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures in other organizations because other organizations
may not calculate Adjusted EBITDA in the same manner as we do.
27
Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by the
expenses that are excluded from that term or by unusual or non-recurring items. We recognize that both EBITDA and Adjusted
EBITDA have limitations as analytical financial measures. For example, neither EBITDA nor Adjusted EBITDA reflects:
—
—
—
our capital expenditures or future require ments for capital expenditures;
the interest expense (including fees on debt guarantee, which we believe are a cost of our financing arrangement
and are akin to interest expense), or the cash requirements necessary to service interest expense or principal
payments, associated with indebtedness;
depreciation and amortization, which are non-cash charges, although the assets being depreciated and amortized
will likely have to be replaced in the future, nor does EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA reflect any cash requirements for
such replacements; and
—
changes in or cash requirements for our working capital needs.
Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA excludes (i) non-cash stock based compensation expense, which is and will remain a key
element of our overall long term incentive compensation package, and (ii) certain costs essential to our sales growth and
strategy, including an allowance for marketing expenses for each new store added to our network and uncapitalizable freight
costs associated with Freshpet Fridge replacements. Adjusted EBITDA also excludes certain cash charges resulting from
matters we consider not to be indicative of our ongoing operations. Other companies in our industry may calculate EBITDA
and Adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures.
The following table provides a reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net loss which is the most directly
comparable financial measure presented in accordance with GAAP:
Net loss
Fees on debt guarantee (a)
Depreciation and amortization
Interest expense
Income tax expense
EBITDA
Loss on disposal of equipment
Launch expense (b)
New plant start up expenses and processing (c)
Noncash stock based compensation (d)
Warrant fair valuation (e)
Adjusted EBITDA
2014
Year ended December 31,
2013
(Dollars in thousands)
2012
(37,339 ) $
25,937
6,425
4,614
42
(321 )
309
3,513
113
1,564
337
5,515 $
(21,687 ) $
5,245
5,945
3,492
31
(6,974 )
503
3,305
1,996
978
—
(192 ) $
(18,656 )
1,895
4,728
1,638
32
(10,363 )
333
2,815
1,119
—
(6,096 )
$
$
(a) Represents fees paid to certain stockholders for acting as guarantors for a portion of our prior payment obligations
under the $62.5 Million Revolver. Pursuant to a Fee and Reimbursement Agreement, the Company was obligated to
pay each guarantor a contingent fee equal to 10% per annum of the amount each guarantor committed to guarantee.
Portions of the proceeds from our IPO and related debt refinancing were used to repay the borrowings under the $62.5
Million Revolver, relieving us of our future fees on the debt guarantee. Concurrently, with the closing of the IPO, the
outstanding guarantee fees were converted into shares of our Series C Preferred Stock, which were then converted into
common stock. See our consolidated financial statements and the notes for additional information.
(b) Represents new store marketing allowance of $1,000 for each store added to our distribution network as well as the
uncapitalized freight costs associated with Freshpet Fridge replacements. The expense enhances the overall marketing
spend to support our growing distribution network.
(c) Represents additional operating costs incurred in 2013 and in the first quarter of 2014 in connection with the opening of
our new primary manufacturing facility in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, which was completed in the fourth quarter of 2013.
28
(d) Represents non-cash stock based compensation expense.
(e) Represents the change of fair value for the outstanding warrants.
(5 ) Represents current assets minus current liabilities.
29
ITEM 7.—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations
The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ
materially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth in “Risk
Factors.” The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our
consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report, as well as the information presented under “Selected Financial
Data.”
Overview
We started Freshpet with a single-minded mission to bring the power of real, fresh food to our dogs and cats. We were inspired by
the rapidly growing view among pet owners that their dogs and cats are a part of their family, leading them to demand healthier pet
food choices. Over the last nine years, we have created a comprehensive business model to deliver wholesome pet food that pet
parents can trust, and in the process we believe we have become one of the fastest growing pet food companies in North America.
Our business model is difficult for others to replicate and we see significant opportunity for future growth by leveraging the unique
elements of our business, including our brand, our product know-how, our Freshpet Kitchens, our refrigerated distribution, our
Freshpet Fridge and our culture.
Net Sales
Components of our Operating Results
Our net sales are derived from the sale of pet food to our customers, who purchase either directly from us or through third party
distributors. Our products are sold to consumers through a fast-growing network of company-owned branded refrigerators, known as
Freshpet Fridges, located in our customers’ stores. We continue to roll out Freshpet Fridges across leading retailers across North
America and have installed Freshpet Fridges in over 13,300 retail stores as of December 31, 2014. All of our products are sold under
the Freshpet brand name, with ingredients, packaging and labeling customized by class of retail. Sales are recorded net of
discounts, slotting, returns and promotional allowances.
Our net sales growth is driven by the following key factors:
• Increasing sales velocity from the average Freshpet Fridge due to increasing awareness, trial and adoption of Freshpet
products. Our investments in marketing and advertising help to drive awareness and trial at each point of sale.
• Continued innovation and new product introductions. New products introduced since 2011 represented 37% of our net sales in
2014. From time to time, we review our product line and may remove products that are not meeting sales or profitability goals.
• Increased penetration of Freshpet Fridge locations in major classes of retail, including grocery, mass, club, pet specialty and
natural. The impact of new Freshpet Fridge installations on our net sales varies by retail class and depends on numerous
factors including store traffic, refrigerator size, placement within the store, and proximity to other stores that carry our products.
• Consumer trends including growing pet ownership, pet humanization and a focus on health and wellness.
We believe that as a result of the above key factors, we will continue to penetrate the pet food marketplace and increase our share of
the pet food category.
Gross Profit
Our gross profit is net of costs of goods sold, which include the costs of product manufacturing, product ingredients, packaging
materials, spoils, and inbound freight. The construction of our scalable manufacturing facility in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania was
completed in November 2013, essentially replacing our Quakertown, Pennsylvania facility, and has significantly improved our
production efficiency. Growing capacity utilization of our new facility will allow us to leverage fixed costs and thereby expand our
gross profit margins.
Our gross profit margins are impacted by the cost of ingredients and packaging materials. We expect to mitigate any adverse
movement in input costs through a combination of cost management and price increases. We implemented modest price increases
in 2011 and 2012 that offset increased ingredient costs and did not perceive a decline in demand.
30
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Our selling, general and administrative expenses consist of the following:
Outbound freight. Outbound freight from our Freshpet Kitchens is managed by a national third party refrigerated and frozen human
food manufacturer that delivers our product to grocery retailers in the United States. Additionally, we sell through third-party
distributors for the mass, club, pet specialty and natural classes in the United States and Canada. As our sales volume increases, we
expect our outbound freight costs to decrease as a percentage of net sales as we achieve benefits of scale.
Marketing & advertising. Our marketing and advertising expenses primarily consist of national television media, digital marketing,
social media, and grass roots marketing to drive brand awareness. These expenses may vary from quarter to quarter depending on
the timing of our marketing and advertising campaigns. We expect our marketing & advertising costs to decrease as a percentage of
net sales as we leverage national advertising spend across a growing network of Freshpet Fridges.
Freshpet Fridge operating costs. Freshpet Fridge operating costs consist of repair costs, installation fees to third-party service
providers, and depreciation. The purchase and installation costs for new Freshpet Fridges are capitalized and depreciated over the
estimated useful life. All new refrigerators are covered by a manufacturer warranty for one to three years. We subsequently incur
maintenance and freight costs for repairs and refurbishments handled by third-party service providers.
Research & development. Research and development costs consist of expenses to develop and test new products.
Brokerage. We utilize third-party brokers to assist with monitoring our Freshpet Fridges at the point-of-sale as well as representing
us at headquarters for various customers. These brokers visit our retail customers’ store locations and ensure items are stocked,
maintain Freshpet Fridge appearance, and replace missing price tags.
Other general & administrative costs. Other general and administrative costs include non-plant personnel salaries and benefits which
include stock compensation, as well as corporate general & administrative costs. We expect to incur incremental annual costs of
approximately $2.0 million to $2.3 million per year related to operating as a public company.
Selling, general and administrative costs as a percentage of net sales have continued to decrease from 81.3% in 2012, 62.7% in
2013, and 56.1% in 2014. We expect our selling, general, and administrative expenses to decrease as a percentage of net sales as
we continue to expand our distribution footprint and grow our net sales.
Fees on Debt Guarantee
In connection with the $62.5 Million Revolver, we entered into a Fee and Reimbursement Agreement with certain stockholders. That
agreement stipulated that we pay each guarantor a contingent fee of 10% per annum of the amount each guarantor committed to
guarantee. The fees on debt guarantee recognized in each period was a function of the outstanding note payable and the fair value
of the underlying guarantee. We used a portion of the proceeds from the IPO and the related debt refinancing to repay the
borrowings under the $62.5 Million Revolver, relieving us of future fees on the debt guarantee. The fees on debt guarantee liability
were settled in the form of shares of our Series C Preferred Stock at a price of $5.25 per share, which were then converted into
shares of common stock at a 1-to-0.7396 ratio.
Income Taxes
We had federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carry forwards of approximately $163.0 million as of December 31, 2014, which expire
between 2025 and 2034. We may be subject to certain limitations in our annual utilization of net operating loss carry forwards to off-
set future taxable income pursuant to Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, which could result in NOLs expiring unused. At
December 31, 2014, we had approximately $124.5 million of State NOLs, which expire between 2015 and 2034. At December 31,
2014, we had a full valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets as the realization of such assets was not considered more
likely than not.
31
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data
Net sales
Cost of goods sold
Gross profit
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Loss from operations
Other expenses:
Other expenses
Fees on debt guarantee
Interest expense
Loss before income taxes
Income tax expense
Net loss
Results of Operations
Twelve months ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
Amount Amount Amount
2014
Percent of
Net Sales
2013
Percent of
Net Sales
2012
Percent of
Net Sales
$ 86,764 $ 63,151 $ 43,519
44,546 35,958 22,881
42,218 27,193 20,638
48,636 39,574 35,385
(6,418 ) (12,381 ) (14,747 )
(328 )
(25,937 )
(4,614 )
(344 )
(1,895 )
(1,638 )
(37,297 ) (21,656 ) (18,624 )
(538 )
(5,245 )
(3,492 )
32
$ (37,339 ) $ (21,687 ) $ (18,656 )
42
31
100 %
51
49
56
(7 )
(0 )
(30 )
(5 )
(43 )
100 %
57
43
63
(20 )
(1 )
(8 )
(6 )
(34 )
100 %
53
47
81
(34 )
(1 )
(4 )
(4 )
(43 )
(0 )
(43 )%
(0 )
(34 )%
(0 )
(43 )%
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2014 Compared to Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2013
Net Sales
The following table sets forth net sales by class of retail:
Twelve months ended December 31,
Grocery and Mass (1)
Pet Specialty, Natural and Other (2)
Net Sales
Includes club retail class
(1)
(2) Other sales represent less than 1% of net sales
Amount
$ 65,212,966
21,551,146
$ 86,764,112
2014
Percentage of
Net Sales
2013
Amount
Percentage of
Net Sales
75 % $ 49,731,873
25 13,418,903
100 % $ 63,150,776
79 %
21
100 %
Net sales increased $23.6 million, or 37%, to $86.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the
same period in the prior year. The number of stores carrying Freshpet products grew from 10,836 as of December 31, 2013 to
13,386 as of December 31, 2014, an increase of 24%. We also experienced velocity gains in Grocery and Mass as well as Pet
Specialty, Natural and Other during 2014.
Gross Profit
Gross profit increased $15.0 million, or 55%, to $42.2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the
same period in the prior year. The increase was primarily driven by higher net sales, lower manufacturing costs per pound due to
continued efficiency gains at our new Freshpet Kitchens in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, which was completed in the fourth quarter of
2013, as well as the one-time cost of new plant startup expenses and processing of $2.0 million in 2013. The increase was partially
offset by higher depreciation (net of 2013 write-off for disposal of non-usable equipment) of approximately $0.3 million, related to the
new manufacturing facility. As a result, gross profit margins increased to 49% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014
compared to 43% in the same period of the prior year.
32
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $9.1 million or 23%, to $48.6 million for the twelve months ended
December 31, 2014 as compared to the same period in the prior year. Key components of the dollar increase include additional
outbound freight costs of $2.6 million due to increased volume and sales, higher advertising expenses of $2.2 million, higher share-
based compensation expense of $0.6 million, warrant expense related to the fair valuation of the outstanding warrants of $0.3
million, and incremental operating expenses of $3.4 million. The increased operating expenses were primarily due to new hires,
increased employee benefit costs, higher brokerage with growing sales, and increased refrigerator repairs due to our growing
Freshpet Fridge network. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased from 63% for 2013
to 56% for 2014.
Loss from Operations
Loss from operations decreased $6.0 million, or 48%, to $6.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 as compared
to the same period in the prior year as a result of the factors discussed above.
Fees on Debt Guarantee
Fees on debt guarantee expense increased $20.7 million to $25.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 as
compared to the same period in the prior year due to the change in the fair value of the fees on debt guarantee. The increase is
attributable to adjusting the fair value of the fees on debt guarantee liability to the fair value of as of the IPO settlement date. Upon
closing the IPO, the Company converted outstanding guarantee fees into 2,477,756 shares of Series C Preferred Stock, which were
subsequently converted into 1,832,531 shares of common stock at a fair value of $18.05, which was the share price upon the close
of the IPO.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased $1.1 million, or 32%, to $4.6 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the
same period in the prior year primarily due to $0.7 million of write-offs of loan origination fees and note discounts associated with the
pay down of debt upon the IPO. In addition, the Company incurred an increase in borrowings in 2014 for both working capital and
capital expenditures for new refrigerators to support retail expansion and plant improvements.
Net Loss
Net loss increased $15.7 million, or 72%, to $37.3 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the same
period in the prior year. Net loss was 43% of net sales for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 as compared to a net loss of
34% of net sales for the same period in the prior year.
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2013 Compared to Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2012
Twelve months ended December 31,
Grocery and Mass (1)
Pet Specialty, Natural and Other (2)
Net Sales
Includes club retail class
(1)
(2) Other sales represent less than 1% of net sales
Amount
$ 49,731,873
13,418,903
$ 63,150,776
2013
Percentage of
Net Sales
2012
Amount
Percentage of
Net Sales
79 % $ 33,985,199
21
9,534,262
100 % $ 43,519,461
78 %
22
100 %
Net sales increased $19.7 million, or 45%, to $63.2 million for 2013 as compared to the prior year. The number of stores carrying
Freshpet products grew from 8,514 stores as of December 31, 2012 to 10,836 as of December 31, 2013, an increase of 27%. We
also experienced velocity gains in Grocery and Mass as well as Pet Specialty, Natural and Other during 2013.
33
Gross Profit
Gross profit increased by $6.5 million, or 32%, to $27.2 million for 2013 as compared to the prior year. The increase was primarily
driven by higher net sales, partially offset by higher cost per pound of manufacturing due to duplicate expenditures of $0.9 million
related to duplicate plant personnel and plant overhead during the transition to our new Freshpet Kitchens facility in Bethlehem,
Pennsylvania in the last quarter of 2013, as well as incremental outsourced processing costs of $1.1 million to guarantee quality
during the transition to the new Freshpet Kitchens. Additionally, during 2013, we incurred a net loss for disposal of non-usable
equipment in the amount of $0.8 million, which was charged to costs of goods sold. We expect our gross profit margins to expand as
we realize operating leverage with increasing economies of scale of our Freshpet Kitchens.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $4.2 million, or 12%, to $39.6 million for 2013 as compared to the prior year.
As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased from 81% for 2012 to 63% for 2013. Key
components of the increase in expenses include additional outbound freight costs of $1.7 million due to increased volume sold,
higher marketing expenses of $1.4 million and incremental operating expenses of $1.1 million. The increased operating expenses
were primarily due to new hires, increased employee benefit costs, higher brokerage with growing sales, and increased refrigerator
repairs due to our growing Freshpet Fridge network.
Loss from Operations
Loss from operations decreased $2.4 million, or 16%, to $12.4 million for 2013 as compared to the prior year as a result of the
factors discussed above.
Fees on Debt Guarantee
Fees on debt guarantee expense increased $3.3 million, or 177%, to $5.2 million in 2013 as compared to the prior year due to the
increase in the amount of guaranteed debt from $40.0 million to $60.0 million in May 2013, a full year of guarantee fees in 2013, plus
the change in the fair value of the fees on debt guarantee.
Interest Expense
Interest Expense increased $1.9 million, or 113%, to $3.5 million for 2013 as compared to the prior year due to increased borrowings
for both working capital and capital expenditures for new refrigerators to support retail expansion and plant improvements.
Net Loss
Net loss increased $3.0 million, or 16%, to $21.7 million for 2013 as compared to the prior year.
Selected Quarterly Financial Data
The following quarterly consolidated statement of operations data for the 12 fiscal quarters ended December 31, 2014 has been
prepared on a basis consistent with our audited annual consolidated financial statements and includes, in the opinion of
management, all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the financial information contained herein. The
following quarterly data should be read together with our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.
Freshpet Fridge store locations
Net sales
Gross profit
Gross profit margins
Net loss
Q1
11,596
19,350 $
9,293
48.0 %
(5,142 ) $
2014
Q2
12,593
20,386 $
10,073
49.4 %
(6,267 ) $
Q3
12,970
22,520 $
10,874
48.3 %
(9,483 ) $
Q4
13,386
24,508
11,978
48.9 %
(16,447 )
$
$
34
Freshpet Fridge store locations
Net sales
Gross profit
Gross profit margins
Net loss
Freshpet Fridge store locations
Net sales
Gross profit
Gross profit margins
Net loss
Q1
Q2
2013
9,001
13,885 $
6,598
47.5 %
(4,719 ) $
9,801
14,848 $
6,900
46.5 %
(5,254 ) $
2012
Q3
10,269
16,698 $
7,277
43.6 %
(6,495 ) $
Q4
10,836
17,720
6,418
36.2 %
(5,219 )
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
7,190
9,383 $
4,300
45.8 %
(4,388 ) $
7,891
10,537 $
5,005
47.5 %
(4,179 ) $
8,155
11,227 $
5,323
47.4 %
(6,018 ) $
8,514
12,372
6,010
48.6 %
(4,071 )
$
$
$
$
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Developing our business will require significant capital in the future. To meet our capital needs, we expect to rely on our current and
future cash flow from operations, and our current available borrowing capacity. Our ability to obtain additional funding will be subject
to various factors, including general market conditions, our operating performance, the market’s perception of our growth potential,
lender sentiment and our ability to incur additional debt in compliance with other contractual restrictions, such as financial covenants
under our debt documents.
Additionally, our ability to make payments on, and to refinance, our indebtedness and to fund planned expenditures for our growth
plans will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. If our business does not achieve the levels of profitability or generate
the amount of cash that we anticipate or if we expand faster than anticipated, we may need to seek additional debt or equity
financing to operate and expand our business. Future third-party financing may not be available on favorable terms or at all.
We believe that cash and cash equivalents, expected cash flow from operations and planned borrowing capacity are adequate to
fund debt service requirements, operating lease obligations, capital expenditures and working capital obligations for the foreseeable
future. However, our ability to continue to meet these requirements and obligations will depend on, among other things, our ability to
achieve anticipated levels of revenue and cash flow from operations and our ability to manage costs and working capital
successfully. Additionally, our cash flow generation ability is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative and
regulatory factors and other factors that are beyond our control. We cannot assure you that our business will generate cash flow from
operations in an amount sufficient to enable us to fund our liquidity needs. Further, our capital requirements may vary materially from
those currently planned if, for example, our revenues do not reach expected levels or we have to incur unforeseen capital
expenditures and make investments to maintain our competitive position. If this is the case, we may seek alternative financing, such
as selling additional debt or equity securities, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to do so on favorable terms, if at all.
Moreover, if we issue new debt securities, the debt holders would have rights senior to common stockholders to make claims on our
assets, and the terms of any debt could restrict our operations, including our ability to pay dividends on our common stock. If we
issue additional equity or convertible debt securities, existing stockholders may experience dilution, and such new securities could
have rights senior to those of our common stock. These factors may make the timing, amount, terms and conditions of additional
financings unattractive. Our inability to raise capital could impede our growth or otherwise require us to forego growth opportunities
and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Cash & Equivalents
Accounts Receivable, net
Inventory
Prepaid Expense and Other
Accounts Payable
Accrued Expenses
Working Capital
35
As of December 31,
2014
2013
(Dollars in thousands)
$
$
36,259 $
5,360
7,314
1,291
5,424
2,938
41,863 $
2,445
3,498
5,512
174
6,287
1,907
(3,435 )
Working Capital consists of current assets net of current liabilities.
The increase in working capital for December 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013 is primarily due to increased cash,
increased accounts receivable due to higher net sales, increased inventory due to a higher net sales run-rate, offset by a slight
increase in net current liabilities. The increase in cash is due to the net proceeds from the IPO.
Our primary cash needs are for ingredients, purchases and operating expenses, marketing expenses and capital expenditures to
procure Freshpet Fridges and expand and improve our manufacturing plant to support our net sales growth. We also expect to invest
approximately $23 to $25 million in capital expenditures to expand our plant capacity and increase distribution. We expect to be able
to use our current liquidity position, and future operating cash flows to fund the plant expansion.
We normally carry three to four weeks of finished goods inventory. The average duration of our accounts receivable is approximately
three weeks.
Through December 31, 2014 our funding consisted primarily of our IPO proceeds of $164.4 million, net of underwriting discount and
offering expenses, and net proceeds of $6.6 million from private placements of capital stock. We utilized the net proceeds from the
IPO to pay down approximately $126.2 million of outstanding indebtedness, Series B Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 (Series B
Preferred Stock), and accrued interest. At December 31, 2014 we had no debt outstanding under our credit agreements.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, our beginning balance of cash, net cash flows provided by (used in)
operating, investing and financing activities and our ending balance of cash.
Cash at the beginning of period
Net cash used in operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash flow from financing activities
Cash at end of period
Net Cash used in Operating Activities
$
$
2014
December 31,
2013
(Dollars in thousands)
1,633 $
(11,241 )
(24,643 )
36,696
2,445 $
2,445 $
(8,026 )
(16,877 )
58,718
36,260 $
2012
2,868
(8,716 )
(26,306 )
33,763
1,633
Cash used in operating activities consists primarily of net income adjusted for certain non-cash items (provision for loss on
receivables, loss on disposal of equipment, fees on debt guarantee, depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation,
revaluation of outstanding warrants and issuance of common stock options for service).
For 2014, net cash used in operating activities was $8.0 million, which consisted of a net loss of $37.3 million, partially offset by
$35.4 million of non-cash items, and $6.1 million decrease related to changes in operating assets and liabilities. The change in
operating assets and liabilities is primarily due to the increase in accounts receivable of $1.9 million, an increase in inventories of
$1.7 million, an increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $1.1 million, and a decrease of accounts payable of $1.6
million. The increase in accounts receivable and inventory is primarily due to a 37.4% growth in net sales. The change in accounts
payable and prepaid and other current assets is due to timing of payments.
For 2013, net cash used in operating activities was $11.2 million and consisted of net loss of $21.7 million, partially offset by $13.3
million of non-cash items and $2.8 million of increases due to changes in operating assets and liabilities. The changes in operating
assets and liabilities consisted primarily of an increase in accounts receivable of $0.9 million, an increase in inventories of $1.8
million, an increase in prepaid and other assets of $0.2 million, partially offset by an increase in payables and accrued expenses of
$0.1 million. The increases in accounts receivable and inventory are primarily due to 45% growth of net sales compared to 2012.
For 2012, net cash used in operating activities was $8.7 million and consisted of net loss of $18.7 million, partially offset by net non-
cash expenses of $8.2 million and a $1.8 million increase related to changes in operating assets and liabilities. Changes in operating
assets and liabilities consisted primarily of increases in accounts receivable of $1.6 million, an increase in inventories of $0.8 million,
an increase in prepaid and other assets of $0.1 million, partially offset by an increase in payables and accrued expenses of $4.2
million. The increases in accounts receivable and inventory are primarily due to 71% growth of net sales compared to 2011. The
increase in payables was due to timing of payments for capital and other operating expenses. The increase in accrued expenses
was primarily due to increased incentive compensation.
36
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 relates primarily to capital
expenditures. Net cash used in investing activities was $16.9 million, $24.6 million, and $26.3 million for the respective periods. The
capital spending during 2014 mainly related to Freshpet Fridges and other equipment, which was $14.9 million in 2014, $11.7 million
in 2013, and $13.1 million in 2012. In 2014, there were also capital plant costs of $2.2 million. In 2013 and 2012, the capitalized
plant costs were $13.0 million and $13.3 million, respectively. The capitalized plant costs in 2013 and 2012 related mainly to the
development of our Freshpet Kitchens in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, which was completed in 2013.
Net Cash from Financing Activities
Net cash from financing activities was $58.7 million in 2014, $36.7 million in 2013, and $33.8 million in 2012. The net cash from
financing activities in 2014 related to proceeds from the issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs, in the amount of $164.4
million, and proceeds from the issuance of Series C Preferred Stock in the amount of $6.6 million. The funds from financing
activities during 2014 were offset by the $112.3 million repayment of debt and redemption of Series B Preferred Stock, net of the
increase in borrowing, which was offset by financing fees paid in connection with the borrowing.
The net cash from financing activities for 2013 and 2012 were primarily due to an increase in bank debt borrowings of $32.0 million
during 2013 and $33.0 million during 2012, as well as proceeds from the issuance of our preferred stock of $5.0 million during 2013
and $1.1 million during 2012.
Indebtedness and Debt Refinancing
Prior to the IPO and related debt refinancing, the Company’s debt outstanding consisted of a $1.5 million stockholders note (the
“Stockholder Note”), a $27,000,000 revolving note payable (the “$27.0 Million Revolver”), a $62.5 million revolving note payable (the
“$62.5 Million Revolver”), and $2,000,000 in shareholder convertible notes (the “Convertible Notes”).
The Stockholder Note accrued interest compounded annually at a rate of 10% and was initially due on December 23, 2020. In
connection with the issuance of the Stockholder Note in February 2010, for every $16.39 that was borrowed with the notes, one
share of common stock was issued to the lender. As a result, 91,528 shares of common stock were issued and the fair value of the
stock at issuance, $6.56 a share, was recorded as a discount to the debt.
The $27.0 Million Revolver initially matured on October 31, 2015, and the $62.5 Million Revolver initially matured on May 1, 2016.
On October 23, 2014, the Company issued $2.0 million in aggregate principal amount of convertible notes to certain of its
stockholders, which were paid down upon the consummation of the IPO. The Convertible Notes were issued at 98% of par and were
convertible into Series C Preferred Stock at a price of $5.25 per share, at the option of the holder, at any time after December 31,
2014. The Company did not accrue interest as the Convertible Notes started to accrue interest on December 7, 2014, which was
after the November 13, 2014 repayment.
On November 13, 2014, in connection with the completion of its IPO, the Company entered into senior secured credit facilities (the
“Debt Refinancing”) comprising a 5-year $18.0 million term facility (the “Term Facility”), a 3-year $10.0 million revolving facility (the
“Revolving Facility”) and a $12.0 million additional term loan commitment earmarked primarily for capital expenditures (the “Capex
Commitments” and together with the Term Facility and Revolving Facility, the “Credit Facilities” and such loan agreement, the “Loan
Agreement”). Any drawn Capex Commitments (the “Capex Loans”) will mature on the fifth anniversary of the execution of the Loan
Agreement. Any undrawn Capex Commitments will expire on the third anniversary of the execution of the agreement. Under the
terms of the Loan Agreement, the commitments for the Revolving Facility may be increased up to $20.0 million subject to certain
conditions.
We used a portion of the net proceeds from the Debt Refinancing and the IPO to repay the $1.5 Million Stockholder Note, the $27.0
Million Revolver, the $62.5 Million Revolver, Convertible Notes, and $1.3 million of accrued interest. Borrowings under the Credit
Facilities will bear interest at variable rates depending on our election, either at a base rate or at LIBOR, in each case, plus an
applicable margin. The initial applicable margin will be 3.75% for base rate loans and 4.75% for LIBOR loans. Thereafter, subject to
our leverage ratio, the applicable base rate margin will vary from 2.75% and 3.75% and the applicable LIBOR rate margin will vary
from 3.75% and 4.75%. In addition, we will also be required to pay customary fees and expenses for the Credit Facilities.
Further, on December 23, 2014, the Company paid down and extinguished the Term Facility and increased the Capex Commitments
from $12 million to $30 million. The Credit Facilities are secured by substantially all of the Company’s
37
assets. The Loan Agreement provides for the maintenance of various covenants, including financial covenants, and includes events
of default that are customary for facilities of this type. As of December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all the
covenants in its credit agreement.
In connection with a loan transaction with City National Bank, and in consideration thereof, the Company issued to City National
Bank a warrant to purchase up to an aggregate of 61,117 shares of the Company’s common stock at a purchase price of $6.28 per
share. In the event the Company issues additional equity instruments at a purchase price or exercise price lower than the warrant
exercise price, the exercise price will be adjusted. The warrant was recorded as a liability with adjustments to fair value recorded in
the statement of operations. This warrant is exercised upon surrender to the Company, on a net basis, such that, without the
exchange of any funds, such holder purchases that number of shares otherwise issuable upon exercise of its warrant less that
number of shares having a current market price at the time of exercise equal to the aggregate exercise price that would otherwise
have been paid by such holder upon the exercise of the warrant. This warrant automatically converts on October 5, 2017 without any
action by the holder.
The following table sets forth our expected contractual obligations as of December 31, 2014:
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
Operating lease obligations
Other long-term liabilities
Total
$
$
747,484 $ 370,318 $ 377,166 $
(cid:190)
747,484 $ 370,318 $ 377,166 $
(cid:190)
(cid:190)
(cid:190)
(cid:190)
(cid:190)
Less than
Payments Due by Period
Between 1-3
Years
Between 3-5
Years
Total
1 Year
$
More than 5 Years
$
(cid:190)
(cid:190)
(cid:190)
Critical Accounting Policies
Our management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on our financial statements,
which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP. The
preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets
and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the revenue and
expenses incurred during the reported periods. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those
related to accrued expenses and stock-based compensation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other
factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the
carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not apparent from other sources. Changes in estimates are reflected in reported
results for the period in which they become known. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or
conditions.
While our significant accounting policies are described in the notes to our financial statements appearing in this report, we believe
that the following critical accounting policies are most important to understanding and evaluating our reported financial results.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements, and the reported amounts of net sales and expenses during the reporting period.
We believe that the accounting policies discussed below are critical to understanding our historical and future performance, as these
policies related to the more significant areas involving management’s judgments and estimates. We base our estimates on historical
experience and on various assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results, as determined at
a later date, could differ from those estimates. To the extent that there are differences between our estimate and the actual results,
our future financial statement presentation, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows will be affected.
38
The following critical accounting policies reflect significant judgments and estimates used in preparation of our consolidated financial
statements:
Property, Plant and Equipment —Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. We provide for depreciation on the straight-
line method by charges to income at rates based upon estimated recovery periods of 7 years for furniture and office equipment, 5
years for automotive equipment, 6 – 9 years for refrigeration equipment, 5 – 10 years for machinery and equipment, and 15 – 39
years for building and improvements. Capitalized cost includes the costs incurred to bring the property, plant and equipment to the
condition and location necessary for its intended use, which includes any necessary delivery, electrical and installation cost for
equipment. Maintenance and repairs that do not extend the useful life of the assets over two years are charged to expense as
incurred. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the term of the related lease or the estimated useful lives on the
straight-line method (without consideration of option renewal terms).
We evaluate all long-lived assets for impairment. Long-lived assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Management must exercise judgment in assessing
whether or not circumstances require a formal evaluation of the recoverability of our long-lived assets. Recoverability of assets to be
held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future net cash flows
expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future net cash flows,
an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.
Recoverability of assets held for sale is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset or asset group to their fair
value less estimated costs to sell. Estimating future cash flows and calculating fair value of assets requires significant estimates and
assumptions by management. These estimates involve inherent uncertainties, and the measurement of the recoverability of the cost
of a potentially impaired asset is dependent on the accuracy of the assumptions used in making the estimates and how these
estimates compare to our future operating performance. If the carrying amount is not fully recoverable, an impairment loss is
recognized to reduce the carry amount to fair value, and is charged to expense in the period of impairment.
Income Taxes —We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method in accordance with authoritative guidance for
income taxes. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and operating loss and tax credit carry
forwards. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in
which those temporary differences are expected to be recorded or settled. We recognize the effect on deferred tax assets and
liabilities of a change in tax rates in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
At December 31, 2014, we had federal NOL carryforwards of approximately $163.0 million, which expire at various dates between
2025 and 2034. We may be subject to the net operating loss utilization provisions of Section 382 of the Code. The effect of an
ownership change would be the imposition of an annual limitation on the use of NOL carryforwards attributable to periods before the
change. The amount of the annual limitation depends upon our value immediately before the ownership change, changes to our
capital during a specified period prior to the change, and the federal published interest rate. Although we have not undergone a Code
Section 382 analysis, if we were to undergo an ownership change it is likely that the utilization of the NOLs will be substantially
limited.
A valuation allowance is appropriate when management believes it is more likely than not, the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we determined that a valuation allowance of approximately 100% is deemed appropriate.
Revenue Recognition and Incentives —Revenue from product sales is generally recognized upon shipment to the customers, at
which point title and risk of loss is transferred and the selling price is fixed or determinable. This completes the revenue-earning
process specifically that an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, ownership has transferred, the price is fixed and collectability
is reasonably assured. A provision for payment discounts and product return allowances, which is estimated based upon our
historical performance, management’s experience and current economic trends, is recorded as a reduction of sales in the same
period that the revenue is recognized.
Trade incentives, consisting primarily of customer pricing allowances and merchandising funds and from time-to-time, consumer
coupons are offered through various programs to customers and consumers. Sales are recorded net of estimated trade incentive
spending, which is recognized as incurred at the time of sale. Accruals for expected payouts under these programs are included as
accrued expense in the consolidated balance sheet. Coupon redemption costs are also recognized as reduction to calculate net
sales when the coupons are issued. Estimates of trade promotion expense and coupon redemption costs are based upon programs
offered, timing of those offers, estimated redemption/usage rates from historical performance, management’s experience and current
economic trends.
39
Valuation of our Preferred Shares— As of December 31, 2013, we had 112,160 shares of Series B Preferred Stock and
11,238,098 shares of Series C Preferred Stock issued and outstanding, respectively. Upon consummation of the IPO, the Series B
Preferred Stock were redeemed for $35.0 million of cash and the Series C Preferred Stock were converted to shares of common
stock.
Valuation of Series B Preferred Stock
All shares of Series B Preferred Stock were issued in 2006 and 2007. In determining the issue price, we considered the voting,
dividend, and liquidation rights of the Series B Preferred Stock. Based on the terms, it was concluded that the fair value of the Series
B Preferred Stock was $100 a share. The Series B Preferred Stock was not convertible to common stock. As of December 31, 2014
there were no Series B Preferred Stock outstanding.
Valuation of Series C Preferred Stock
As of December 31, 2014 there were no Series C Preferred Stock outstanding. The below discussion relates to the valuation of the
Series C Preferred Stock through its redemption on November 13, 2014.
The initial tranche of Series C Preferred Stock totaling 9.1 million shares was issued in December 2010 at $5.25 per share to an
investor which had no previous investment in the Company. In determining the valuation of the Series C Preferred Stock we
considered a separate transaction that occurred during December 2010, in which we repurchased approximately 4.8 million shares
of our common stock from an investor at $5.25 a share, which represented approximately 25% of the outstanding common shares
immediately before the transaction. Based on the arm’s length transaction and taking into account the various rights and preferences
of the equity securities transacted, our Board of Directors deemed the fair value of the Series C Preferred Stock to be $5.25. In
reaching this determination, we considered many factors, including (i) the Series C Preferred Stock is convertible into common stock
at a rate of 1:1, (ii) the Series C Preferred Stock dividends are only payable in a liquidation or redemption event and are not
considered in the conversion into common stock and (iii) the Series C Preferred Stock voting rights are equivalent to the voting rights
of the common stock. Accordingly, our Board of Directors believed that the repurchase of our common stock from a third party
investor represented a reasonable measure of fair value of our Series C Preferred Stock given the similarities in the terms of the
securities.
During the following 13-months, we issued an additional 1.1 million shares of Series C Preferred Stock at $5.25 per share. During
that period we did not issue any shares of our common stock. Due to no additional arm’s length transactions during the period, our
Board of Directors considered various objective and subjective factors to determine the fair market value of our Series C Preferred
Stock, including:
• the per share price of the December 2010 sale of Series C Preferred Stock and repurchase of common stock;
• revenue and corresponding expense growth;
• external market conditions affecting the pet food industry;
• trends within the pet food industry;
• our results of operations and financial position; and
• our stage of business strategy.
Based on the factors above, the Board of Directors determined that the Series C Preferred Stock fair value was unchanged at $5.25.
During November 2013 and February 2014, we issued additional shares of Series C Preferred Stock totaling 1.4 million at a per
share price of $5.25. Given the passage of time since our last third party transaction involving our common stock, we engaged a
third-party valuation specialist to assist us in determining the value our common stock as of February 6, 2014. The common stock
valuation was determined using a weighted average enterprise value employing an income and market approach analysis. The
income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future cash flows and earnings to a single present value amount. The market
approach used the guideline company method, a valuation technique in which the fair market value is calculated based on market
prices realized in actual arm’s length transactions. The technique consists of undertaking a detailed market analysis of publicly
traded companies that provides a reasonable basis for comparison to the relative investment characteristics of the subject company.
Valuation ratios, which relate market prices to selected financial statistics derived from the guideline companies, are selected and
applied to the subject company after consideration of adjustments for financial position, growth, markets, profitability, and other
factors. The enterprise value was weighted using 80% income approach and 20% market approach. The Option Pricing Method
(OPM) was then used to allocate enterprise value to each class of equity, taking into account the relative rights and preferences of
each
40
class. A discount for lack of marketability of approximately 11% was applied to reach the final valuation of the common stock;
because, as we were a private company, there are impediments to liquidity, including lack of publicly available information and the
lack of a trading market. The valuation specialist determined the fair value of our common stock at February 6, 2014 was $0.88 per
share. The reduction in the fair value of the common stock we experienced from December 31, 2010 to December 31, 2013 was
attributable to (i) the dividends recognized on the Preferred Series B and C; (ii) the debt guarantee fees that began in June 2012 and
(iii) significant capital expenditures for both Freshpet Fridges and new manufacturing facility in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
In addition, during April 2014 we issued additional shares of Series C Preferred Stock totaling 0.8 million at a per share price of
$5.25. In assessing whether the April 2014 issuance had a beneficial conversion feature, we noted the new information on hand
since the last valuation two months prior on February 6, 2014. Since the last Series C Preferred Stock Valuation, further progress
was made towards an initial public offering, or IPO, including interviewing investment banks to underwrite a proposed IPO. We
further noted that the first quarter results for 2014 and updated forecast were in line with the forecast that was utilized in the
February 6, 2014 valuation report. Based on the updated information on hand, it was noted that there was not enough new
information that would increase the valuation of the common stock above the $5.25 grant price of the April 2014 Series C Preferred
Stock issuance.
During November 2014, Series C Preferred Stock were fair valued immediately prior to their conversion to shares of Common Stock.
The Series C Preferred Stock was fair valued utilizing the share price at the date of conversion. The difference between fair value
and book value was recorded to net loss attributable to common stockholders.
There is no beneficial conversion feature associated with any of the issuance of the Preferred Series C Preferred Stock.
Share Based Compensation— We account for all share-based compensation payments issued to employees, directors, and
nonemployees using a fair value method. Accordingly, share-based compensation expense is measured based on the estimated fair
value of the awards on the date of grant, net of forfeitures. We recognize compensation expense for the portion of the award that is
ultimately expected to vest over the period during which the recipient renders the required services to us using the straight-line single
option method. In accordance with authoritative guidance, we remeasure the fair value of non-employee share-based awards as the
awards vest, and recognize the resulting value, if any, as expense during the period the related services are rendered.
Significant Factors, Assumptions and Methodologies Used in Determining Fair Value
We apply the fair value recognition provisions of ASC Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation , which we refer to as ASC
718. Determining the amount of share-based compensation to be recorded requires us to develop estimates of the fair value of stock
options as of their grant date. For service period and performance based options we recognize share-based compensation expense
ratably over the requisite service, which is the vesting period of the award. For exit event options we recognize share-based
compensation expense upon the occurrence of an exit event as defined in the option grant agreement. Calculating the fair value of
share-based awards requires that we make highly subjective assumptions.
We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value our stock option awards. Use of this valuation methodology requires that we
make assumptions as to the volatility of our common stock, the expected term of our stock options, the risk free interest rate for a
period that approximates the expected term of our stock options and our expected dividend yield. We utilized our historical stock
price as an indicator of volatility for all grants prior to 2013. The grants during 2014 all occurred while the Company was publicly
traded. Subsequent to the IPO, we no longer deemed it appropriate to use historical volatility as it was not representative of the
Company’s stock on the public market. As such expected volatility that was utilized was based upon the volatility of a group of
similar entities, referred to as “guideline” companies.
41
We use the simplified method as prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, Share-
Based Payment , to calculate the expected term of stock option grants to employees as we do not have sufficient historical exercise
data to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate the expected term of stock options granted to employees. We utilize a
dividend yield of zero based on the fact that we have never paid cash dividends and have no current intention to pay cash dividends.
The risk-free interest rate used for each grant is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for instruments
with a similar expected life. The weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options using the Black-
Scholes option pricing model were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
Weighted average exercise price of options granted
Expected volatility
Average expected term in years
Risk-free interest rate
Expected dividend yield
$
$
Year Ended December 31,
2013
2014
7.10
15.00
86.0%
41.9%
3.9 – 6.6
7
1.01% –
2.09%
0.0%
1.7%
0.0%
$
2012
7.10
91.2%
7
1.2%
0.0%
We are also required to estimate forfeitures at the time of grant, and revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures
differ from our estimates. We use historical data to estimate pre-vesting option forfeitures and record share-based compensation
expense only for those awards that are expected to vest. To the extent that actual forfeitures differ from our estimates, the difference
is recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period the estimates were revised. Through December 31, 2014, actual forfeitures
have not been material.
Share-based compensation expense was $1.6 million, $1.0 million and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013,
and 2012 respectively. As of December 31, 2014, we had $14.7 million of total unrecognized share-based compensation expense,
which we expect to recognize $7.1 million in 2015, $6.6 million in 2016, and $1.0 million in 2017.
If factors change or we employ different assumptions, stock-based compensation expense in future periods may differ significantly
from what we have recorded in the past. If there is a difference between the assumptions used in determining stock-based
compensation expense and the actual factors that become known over time, we may change the input factors used in determining
stock-based compensation expense for future grants. These changes, if any, may materially impact our results of operations in the
period such changes are made. We expect to continue to grant stock options in the future, and to the extent that we do, our actual
stock-based compensation expense recognized in future periods will likely increase.
Fees on Debt Guarantee —On June 8, 2012, we entered into a Fee and Reimbursement Agreement whereby we and certain
investors (the “Guarantors”) entered into agreements to guarantee a portion of our payment obligation with respect to the $62.5
Million Revolver, the Guarantors had determined that the Guarantee was the most advantageous means for protecting or enhancing
the value of their existing equity investment and provided the guarantee solely for that purpose. The Guarantors earned a contingent
fee equal to 10% per annum of the amount of the outstanding guarantee by such Guarantor pursuant to the credit agreement in the
form of newly issued shares of our Series C Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, at a price of $5.25 per share (the
“Guarantee Preferred Stock Fee”). The Guarantee Preferred Stock Fee accrued only from and after the date that such Guarantor
entered into the guarantee. Upon consummation of the IPO, the fees on debt guarantee were settled in the form of shares of our
Series C Preferred Stock at a price of $5.25 per share, which were subsequently converted into common stock.
We recognized the Guarantee Preferred Stock Fee as a financial instrument and recorded a liability at fair value at time of issuance.
The liability was remeasured to its fair value at each reporting period with changes recorded in the consolidated statement of
operations and comprehensive loss. Immediately prior to settlement of the guarantee fee we fair valued the fees on debt guarantee,
with the change recorded in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss. For all reporting periods prior to the
settlement of the fees on debt guarantee, we used a third party valuation firm to assist us with determining the fair value of the
Guarantee Preferred Stock Fee. For the fair valuation immediately prior to the settlement of the guarantee fee we used the
Company’s Common Stock share price.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments —Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a
liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the reporting date. The accounting guidance specifies
a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable.
Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect market assumptions.
The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted
42
prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level
3 measurement).
The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
• Level 1—Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to
access at the measurement date. Level 1 primarily consists of financial instruments whose value is based on quoted market
prices such as exchange-traded instruments and listed equities.
• Level 2—Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or
indirectly (e.g. quoted prices of similar assets or liabilities in active markets, or quoted prices for identical or similar assets or
liabilities in markets that are not active). Level 2 includes financial instruments that are valued using models or other valuation
methodologies.
• Level 3—Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Financial instruments are considered Level 3 when their fair values are
determined using pricing models, discounted cash flows or similar techniques and at least one significant model assumption or
input is unobservable.
The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, other receivables, accounts payable and
accrued expenses approximate their fair value based on the short-term maturity of these instruments. The warrant liability is
recorded at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in the statement of operations and comprehensive loss.
Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share of Common Stock — We compute basic net loss per share of common stock by dividing
net loss applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the
period, excluding the dilutive effects of preferred stock, warrants and stock options. We compute diluted net loss per share of
common stock by dividing the net loss applicable to common stockholders by the sum of the weighted average number of shares of
common stock outstanding during the period plus the potential dilutive effects of preferred stock and stock options outstanding during
the period calculated in accordance with the treasury stock method, but such items are excluded if their effect is anti-dilutive.
Because the impact of these items is anti-dilutive during periods of net loss, there was no difference between our basic and diluted
net loss per share of common stock for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements — In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, “Reporting Discontinued Operations and
Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity,” (“ASU 2014-08”). Under ASU 2014-08, only disposals representing a strategic
shift in operations that have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results should be presented as discontinued
operations. Additionally, ASU 2014-08 requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial
statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. The
amendments in ASU 2014-08 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15,
2014. However, ASU 2014-08 should not be applied to a component that is classified as held for sale before the effective date even
if the component is disposed of after the effective date. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals (or classifications as held
for sale) that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued. The effects of ASU 2014-08 will depend on any future
disposals by the Company.
On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to
recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The
ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective
for the Company on January 1, 2017. Early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or
cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial
statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the
standard on its ongoing financial reporting.
Segment
We have determined we operate in one segment: the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of pet food and pet treats for dogs
and cats.
Our profitability is dependent, among other things, on our ability to anticipate and react to changes in the costs of key operating
resources, including food and other raw materials, labor, energy and other supplies and services. Substantial
Inflation
43
increases in costs and expenses could impact our operating results to the extent that such increases cannot be passed along to our
customers. The impact of inflation on food, labor, and energy costs can significantly affect the profitability of our Company.
While we have been able to offset inflation and other changes in the costs of key operating resources through price increases,
productivity improvements and greater economies of scale, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to do so in the
future. From time to time, competitive conditions could limit our pricing flexibility. In addition, macroeconomic conditions could make
additional price increases imprudent. There can be no assurance that all future cost increases can be offset by increased prices or
that increased prices will be fully absorbed by our without any resulting changes in their purchasing patterns.
We have no off balance sheet arrangements or any holdings in variable interest entities.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
JOBS Act
On April 5, 2012, the JOBS Act was enacted. Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can take
advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised
accounting standards. In other words, an emerging growth company can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until
those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have irrevocably elected not to avail ourselves of this extended
transition period and, as a result, we will adopt new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such
standards is required for other public companies.
As an emerging growth company we are not required to, among other things, (i) provide an auditor’s attestation report on our
systems of internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404, (ii) provide all of the compensation disclosure that may
be required of non-emerging growth public companies under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act,
(iii) comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding mandatory
audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements
(auditor discussion and analysis), and (iv) disclose certain executive compensation-related items such as the correlation between
executive compensation and performance and comparisons of the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation to median employee
compensation. These exemptions will apply until we no longer meet the requirements of being an emerging growth company. We will
remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (i) the end of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion
of this offering, (ii) the first fiscal year after our annual gross revenue are $1.0 billion or more, (iii) the date on which we have, during
the previous three year period, issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities or (iv) the end of any fiscal year in
which the market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates exceeded $700 million as of the end of the second quarter of that
fiscal year.
ITEM 7a. — QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on debt and changes in commodity prices. Our exposure to interest
rate fluctuations is limited to our outstanding indebtedness under our Credit Facilities.
Commodity Price Risk
We purchase certain products that are affected by commodity prices and are, therefore, subject to price volatility caused by weather,
market conditions and other factors which are not considered predictable or within our control. In many cases, we believe we will be
able to address material commodity cost increases by either increasing prices or reducing operating expenses. However, increases
in commodity prices, without adjustments to pricing or reduction to operating expenses, could increase our operating costs as a
percentage of our net sales.
44
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FRESHPET, INC.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Page
46
47
48
49
50
51
45
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Freshpet Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Freshpet, Inc. and subsidiary (the Company) as of December 31,
2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, changes in stockholders’ equity
(deficit), and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014. These consolidated financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
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 consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Freshpet, Inc. and subsidiary as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of
the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Short Hills, New Jersey
March 31, 2015
46
FRESHPET INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
ASSETS
Cash and equivalents
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $359,425 on December 31,
December 31, December 31,
2014
2013
$ 36,259,252 $
2,444,754
5,360,400
7,314,151
1,291,379
3,497,596
5,512,225
173,786
50,225,182 11,628,361
57,825,961 48,764,032
1,183,209
1,041,622
$ 112,461,860 $ 62,617,224
2,883,234
1,527,483
$
$
5,423,905 $
2,938,316
8,362,221 $
6,286,720
1,907,481
8,194,201
—
1,112,312
— 75,000,000
7,140,136
—
667,110
—
369,564
706,940
9,069,161 $ 92,483,323
— 30,728,450
— 70,463,489
33,468
10,421
288,216,882 16,450,175
(184,857,651 ) (147,518,634 )
103,392,699 (131,058,038 )
$ 112,461,860 $ 62,617,224
2014 and $243,777 on December 31, 2013
Inventories, net
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Total Current Assets
Property, plant and equipment, net
Deposits on equipment
Other assets
Total Assets
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable
Accrued expenses
Total Current Liabilities
OTHER LIABILITIES:
Long-term debt
Notes payable
Accrued fees on debt guarantee
Accrued interest on long term debt
Accrued warrants
Total Liabilities
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK
Series B, $0.001 par value, 250,000 shares authorized, none and 112,160 issued and outstanding
$
on December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively
Series C, $0.001 par value, 20,000,000 and 15,000,000 shares authorized, none and 11,238,098
issued and outstanding on December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT):
Common stock—voting, $0.001 par value, 200,000,000 and 54,000,000 shares authorized,
33,468,342 and 10,421,419 issued and outstanding on December 31, 2014 and 2013,
respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated deficit
Total Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
47
FRESHPET INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
NET SALES
COST OF GOODS SOLD
GROSS PROFIT
SELLING, GENERAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS
OTHER EXPENSES:
Other Expenses
Fees on Debt Guarantee
Interest Expense
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
NET LOSS
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
NET LOSS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
2014
For the Year ended December 31,
2013
$ 86,764,112 $ 63,150,776 $ 43,519,461
44,545,637 35,957,835 22,881,333
42,218,475 27,192,941 20,638,128
48,636,167 39,573,617 35,385,319
(6,417,692 ) (12,380,676 ) (14,747,191 )
2012
(537,812 )
(5,244,700 )
(3,492,442 )
(9,274,954 ) $
(343,212 )
(328,793 )
(1,895,436 )
(25,937,048 )
(1,637,883 )
(4,613,731 )
$ (30,879,572 ) $
(3,876,531 )
(37,297,264 ) (21,655,630 ) (18,623,722 )
32,776
(37,339,017 ) (21,687,155 ) (18,656,498 )
31,525
41,753
—
23,829
$ (37,339,017 ) $ (21,687,155 ) $ (18,632,669 )
$ (131,279,893 ) $ (30,282,659 ) $ (26,609,946 )
—
BASIC
DILUTED
$
$
(9.63 ) $
(9.63 ) $
(2.91 ) $
(2.91 ) $
(2.56 )
(2.56 )
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING USED
IN COMPUTING NET LOSS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON
STOCKHOLDERS
BASIC
DILUTED
13,632,042 10,415,014 10,413,467
13,632,042 10,415,014 10,413,467
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
48
FRESHPET INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 2011
Issuance of 4,932 common stock
options to consultants for services
Issuance of 4,438 common stock
options to employees as
compensation for service
Share-based compensation expense
Series B Preferred Stock dividend
accretion
Series C Preferred Stock dividend
accretion
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Net loss
BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 2012
Issuance of 7,952 shares of common
stock for cash
Share-based compensation expense
Preferred Series B stock dividend
accretion
Preferred Series C stock dividend
accretion
Net loss
BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 2013
Share-based compensation expense
Shares issued to consultant for services
Series B Preferred Stock dividend
accretion
Series C Preferred Stock dividend
accretion
Additional loss upon conversion of
Series C Preferred Stock into
common stock
Shares issued upon consummation of
initial public offering (IPO)
Conversion of Series C Preferred Stock
into common stock upon
consummation of IPO
Net loss
BALANCES, DECEMBER 31,
2014
Common Stock—Voting
Number of
Shares Issued Amount
Additional Paid-
in Capital
Accumulated
Deficit
10,413,467 $ 10,413 $ 30,818,666 $ (107,174,981 ) $
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
(23,829 ) $ (76,369,731 )
Total
Stockholders’
Deficiency
—
—
27,365
—
—
27,365
— —
—
—
6,156
1,118,705
—
—
(3,638,052 )
—
—
—
—
—
—
6,156
1,118,705
(3,638,052 )
—
—
(4,315,396 )
—
—
— (18,656,498 )
10,413,467 $ 10,413 $ 24,017,444 $ (125,831,479 ) $
—
—
—
—
7,952
—
8
—
49,883
978,352
—
—
(4,215,230 )
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(4,380,274 )
—
— (21,687,155 )
10,421,419 $ 10,421 $ 16,450,175 $ (147,518,634 ) $
—
—
1,553,985
9,990
—
666
—
1
—
—
(4,271,550 )
— —
(7,014,643 )
— — (82,654,683 )
11,979,167 11,979 164,393,700
—
—
—
—
11,067,090 11,067 199,749,908
—
—
—
— (37,339,017 )
—
23,829
(4,315,396 )
23,829
— (18,656,498 )
— $ (101,803,622 )
—
—
—
49,891
978,352
(4,215,230 )
—
(4,380,274 )
— (21,687,155 )
— $ (131,058,038 )
1,553,985
—
9,991
—
—
—
(4,271,550 )
(7,014,643 )
— (82,654,683 )
— 164,405,679
— 199,760,975
— (37,339,017 )
33,468,342 $ 33,468 $ 288,216,882 $ (184,857,651 ) $
— $ 103,392,699
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
49
FRESHPET INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows from operating
activities:
2014
December 31,
2013
2012
$ (37,339,017 ) $
(21,687,155 ) $
(18,656,498 )
Provision for losses on accounts receivable
Loss on disposal of equipment and deposits on equipment
Fees on debt guarantee
Share-based compensation
Revaluation of outstanding warrants
Issuance of common stock options for services
Change in reserve for inventory obsolescence
Depreciation and amortization
Amortization of deferred financing costs and loan discount
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
8,092
308,707
25,937,048
1,563,976
337,376
—
(112,835 )
6,424,813
916,322
Accounts receivable
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Other assets
Accounts payable
Accrued expenses and accrued interest on long-term debt
Net cash flows used in operating activities
(1,870,896 )
(1,689,091 )
(1,101,899 )
(72,660)
(1,608,213 )
271,975
(8,026,302 )
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment, software and deposits
on equipment
Proceeds from sale of equipment
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash flows used in investing activities
Borrowings on long-term debt
Repayment of long-term debt
Redemption of Series B preferred stock
Financing fees paid in connection with borrowings
Proceeds from shares of common stock issued in initial public
(17,130,947 )
253,510
(16,877,437 )
11,500,000
(88,000,000 )
(34,998,957 )
(739,469 )
202,653
503,436
5,244,700
978,352
—
—
150,540
5,945,077
238,925
(921,772 )
(1,838,836 )
(29,530 )
(139,094 )
290,770
(179,268 )
(11,241,202 )
(24,643,016 )
—
(24,643,016 )
32,000,000
—
—
(334,818 )
157,306
332,877
1,895,436
1,118,705
—
33,521
(188,007 )
4,728,005
105,028
(1,599,443 )
(758,428 )
(33,221 )
(63,891 )
2,747,074
1,465,611
(8,715,925 )
(26,395,114 )
89,428
(26,305,686 )
33,000,000
—
—
(340,418 )
offering, net of issuance costs
164,405,679
—
—
Proceeds from the issuance of shares of common stock in private
placement
Proceeds from issuance of Series C preferred stock
Net cash flows from financing activities
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Interest paid
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Preferred stock dividend accretion of Series C and Series B
Preferred Stock and additional loss upon conversion of Series
C Preferred Stock into common stock upon consummation of
IPO
Property, plant and equipment purchases in accounts payable
—
6,550,984
58,718,237
—
33,814,498
2,444,754
$ 36,259,252 $
49,889
4,980,652
36,695,723
—
811,505
1,633,249
2,444,754 $
—
1,103,218
33,762,800
23,829
(1,234,982 )
2,868,231
1,633,249
$
4,702,333 $
2,926,355 $
1,466,346
$ 93,940,876
$
$
983,959 $
8,595,504 $
249,356 $
7,953,448
3,459,680
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
50
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 – Nature of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:
Nature of the Business – Freshpet, Inc. (hereafter referred to as “Freshpet” or the “Company”), a Delaware corporation,
manufactures and markets natural fresh, refrigerated meals and treats for dogs and cats. The Company’s products are distributed
throughout the United States and Canada into major retail classes including Grocery and Mass (which includes club) as well as Pet
specialty and Natural retail.
Principles of Consolidation – The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation.
Segments – The Company operates as a single operating segment reporting to its chief operating decision maker.
Estimates and Uncertainties – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results, as determined at a later date, could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents – The Company considers money market funds and all other highly liquid debt instruments purchased
with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable – The Company records trade accounts receivable at net realizable value. This value includes an appropriate
allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts. On a periodic basis, the Company evaluates its accounts receivable and establishes
an allowance for doubtful accounts based on its history of write-offs and collections and current credit conditions. Accounts
receivable are written off when management deems them to be uncollectible.
Inventories – Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, using the first-in, first-out method. When necessary, the
Company provides allowances to adjust the carrying value of its inventories to the lower of cost or net realizable value, including any
costs to sell or dispose and consideration for obsolescence, excessive inventory levels, product deterioration and other factors in
evaluating net realizable value.
Deferred Offering Cost - Deferred offering costs, which primarily consist of direct incremental legal and accounting fees relating to
the initial public offering (“IPO”) of the Company’s common stock are capitalized. The deferred offering costs were offset against IPO
proceeds upon the consummation of the offering. We closed our IPO on November 13, 2014.
Property, Plant and Equipment – Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. The Company provides for depreciation on
the straight-line method by charges to income at rates based upon estimated recovery periods of 7 years for furniture and office
equipment, 5 years for automotive equipment, 6 – 9 years for refrigeration equipment, 5 – 10 years for machinery and equipment,
and 15 – 39 years for building and improvements. Capitalized cost includes the costs incurred to bring the property, plant and
equipment to the condition and location necessary for its intended use, which includes any necessary delivery, electrical and
installation cost for equipment. Maintenance and repairs that do not extend the useful life of the assets over two years are charged to
expense as incurred. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the term of the related lease or the estimated useful
lives on the straight-line method.
Long-Lived Assets – The Company evaluates all long-lived assets for impairment. Long-lived assets are evaluated for impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of
assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future net
cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future net
cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of
the asset. Recoverability of assets held for sale is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset or asset group to
their fair value less estimated costs to sell. Estimating future cash flows and calculating fair value of assets requires significant
estimates and assumptions by management. If the carrying amount is not fully recoverable, an impairment loss is recognized to
reduce the carry amount to fair value, and is charged to expense in the period of impairment.
Income Taxes – The Company provides for deferred income taxes for temporary differences between financial and income tax
reporting, principally net operating loss carryforwards, depreciation, and share-based compensation. Deferred
51
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which those temporary differences are
expected to be recovered or settled.
A valuation allowance is appropriate when management believes it is more likely than not, the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company determined that a valuation allowance of approximately 100% is appropriate.
Revenue Recognition and Incentives – Revenue from product sales is recognized upon shipment to the customers as terms are
free on board (FOB) shipping point, at which point title and risk of loss is transferred and the selling price is fixed or determinable.
This completes the revenue-earning process specifically that an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, ownership has
transferred, the price is fixed and collectability is reasonably assured. A provision for payment discounts and product return
allowances, which is estimated based upon the Company’s historical performance, management’s experience and current economic
trends, is recorded as a reduction of sales in the same period that the revenue is recognized.
Trade incentives, consisting primarily of customer pricing allowances and merchandising funds, and consumer coupons are offered
through various programs to customers and consumers. Sales are recorded net of estimated trade incentive spending, which is
recognized as incurred at the time of sale. Accruals for expected payouts under these programs are included as accrued expense in
the consolidated balance sheet. Coupon redemption costs are also recognized as reductions of net sales when the coupons are
issued. Estimates of trade promotion expense and coupon redemption costs are based upon programs offered, timing of those
offers, estimated redemption/usage rates from historical performance, management’s experience and current economic trends.
Advertising – Advertising costs, consisting primarily of media ads, are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs in 2014, 2013, and
2012 were $14,231,930, $12,037,402, and $10,666,163 respectively.
Shipping and Handling Costs/Freight Out – Costs incurred for shipping and handling are included in selling, general, and
administrative expenses within the statement of operations and comprehensive loss. Shipping and handling costs primarily consist of
costs associated with moving finished products to customers, including costs associated with distribution center and the cost of
shipping products to customers through third-party carriers. Shipping and handling cost totaled $9,447,406, $6,872,953, and
$5,170,367 for the years ended 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
Share Based Compensation – The Company recognizes share based compensation based on the value of the portion of share-
based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest during the period. Share-based compensation expense recognized in the
statement of operations included compensation expense for share based payment awards granted subsequent to December 31,
2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated. Share awards are amortized under the straight-line method over the requisite
service period of the entire award. The Company uses historical data to estimate pre-vesting option forfeitures and record stock
based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest. To the extent actual forfeitures differ from the
estimates, the difference will be recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period that the estimates are revised.
The Company determines the fair value of the stock options granted as either the fair value of the consideration received or the fair
value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliably measurable.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments – Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) guidance specifies a hierarchy of valuation
techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect
market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect market assumptions. The hierarchy gives the
highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest
priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement).
The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
• Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to
access at the measurement date. Level 1 primarily consists of financial instruments whose value is based on quoted market
prices such as exchange-traded instruments and listed equities.
• Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or
indirectly (e.g., quoted prices of similar assets or liabilities in active markets, or quoted prices for identical
52
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active). Level 2 includes financial instruments that are valued using models
or other valuation methodologies.
• Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Financial instruments are considered Level 3 when their fair values are
determined using pricing models, discounted cash flows or similar techniques and at least one significant model assumption or
input is unobservable.
The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, other receivables, accounts payable and
accrued expenses approximate their fair value based on the short-term maturity of these instruments. The warrant liability is
recorded at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in the statement of operations and comprehensive loss.
As of December 31, 2014, the Company only maintained Level 1 assets and liabilities.
Note 2 – Recently Issued Accounting Standards:
In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of
an Entity,” (“ASU 2014-08”). Under ASU 2014-08, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations that have a major effect
on the Company’s operations and financial results should be presented as discontinued operations. Additionally, ASU 2014-08
requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about
the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. The amendments in ASU 2014-08 are effective for fiscal
years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. However, ASU 2014-08 should not be applied to
a component that is classified as held for sale before the effective date even if the component is disposed of after the effective date.
Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported in financial
statements previously issued. The effects of ASU 2014-08 will depend on any future disposals by the Company.
On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, which requires an entity to
recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The
ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective
for the Company on January 1, 2017. Early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or
cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial
statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the
standard on its ongoing financial reporting.
Note 3 – Inventories:
Inventories are summarized as follows:
Raw materials
Packaging components material
Finished goods
Reserve for obsolescence
December 31,
2014
2013
$ 2,321,458 $ 1,431,422
805,424
3,459,707
5,696,553
(184,328 )
$ 7,314,151 $ 5,512,225
1,158,967
3,905,219
7,385,644
(71,493 )
53
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 4 – Property, Plant and Equipment:
Property, plant and equipment, net are summarized as follows:
Refrigeration equipment
Machinery and equipment
Building and improvements
Furniture and office equipment
Leasehold improvements
Construction in progress
Automotive equipment
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
December 31,
2014
2013
9,985,917
1,826,249
627,962
1,941,754
314,885
$ 47,789,991 $ 35,649,423
19,677,778 20,767,207
9,892,291
1,727,248
1,474,741
143,274
313,930
82,164,536 69,968,114
(24,338,575 ) (21,204,082 )
$ 57,825,961 $ 48,764,032
Depreciation and amortization expense related to property, plant and equipment totaled approximately $6,356,736, $5,945,077 and
$4,593,668 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively; of which $2,453,883, $2,204,282 and $803,654
was recorded in cost of goods sold for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively; with the remainder of depreciation and amortization
expense being recorded to selling, general and administrative expense.
During June 2013, the Company made a decision to exit its leased manufacturing facility in Quakertown, Pennsylvania. The
Company recognized accelerated depreciation of approximately $827,370 during 2013 related to the facility assets that were not
going to be redeployed at the Company’s manufacturing facility. These assets were written down to their net realizable value and
sold during 2014. The proceeds received from the sale of assets were less than the book value of the assets.
During 2013, the Company completed the construction of a manufacturing facility in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The costs associated
with this facility were reclassified from construction in progress to depreciable assets during 2013 when the facility was ready for its
intended use.
During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company completed a project to analyze the estimated future years of service
on its existing refrigeration equipment. Based on this analysis, the Company estimates that the useful life of its refrigeration
equipment increased from 6 to 9 years. The Company will apply this change in estimate prospectively, which reduced depreciation
by approximately $1.8 million in 2014 and will reduce depreciation by approximately $2.0 million for 2015. The useful life of the other
classes of property, plant and equipment remains unchanged.
Note 5 – Income Taxes:
A summary of income taxes as follows:
Current:
Federal
State
2014
December 31,
2013
2012
$
$
— $
41,753
41,753 $
— $
31,525
31,525 $
—
32,776
32,776
The provisions for income taxes do not bear a normal relationship to loss before income taxes primarily as a result of the valuation
allowance on deferred tax assets.
The most significant jurisdictions in which the Company is required to file income tax returns include the U.S. federal jurisdiction and
the States of New Jersey, California, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Texas. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. Federal income
tax examinations for year ends prior to 2011. With limited exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to state income tax
examinations for year ends prior to 2010.
54
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax is presented below:
Tax at federal statutory rate
State taxes, net of federal
Permanent items
Other
Valuation allowance
Effective tax rate
2014
December 31,
2013
34.00 %
0.13 %
(18.40 %)
(1.58 %)
(14.26 %)
(0.11 %)
34.00 %
(0.10 %)
(0.37 %)
0.33 %
(34.00 %)
(0.14 %)
2012
34.00 %
0.11 %
(0.84 %)
0.55 %
(34.00 %)
(0.18 %)
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are
as follows:
Net deferred tax asset carryforward
Fees on debt guarantee
Stock option expense
Property and equipment
Other
Less: Valuation allowance
Net deferred tax
2014
2012
December 31,
2013
$ 59,942,144 $ 48,735,783 $ 41,034,013
721,670
707,505
454,480
1,284,161
(57,126,658 ) (51,808,088 ) (44,201,829 )
—
$
2,692,877
—
1,028,880
1,742,186
(4,605,896 ) (1,675,683 )
1,026,231
48,224
— $
— $
In assessing the realizability of the net deferred tax assets, the Company considers all relevant positive and negative evidence to
determine whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. The
realization of the gross deferred tax assets is dependent on several factors, including the generation of sufficient taxable income
prior to the expiration of the net operating loss carryforwards. The Company believes that it is more likely than not that the
Company’s deferred income tax assets will not be realized. The Company has experienced taxable losses from inception. As such,
there was a full valuation allowance against the net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
At December 31, 2014, the Company had federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of $162,996,989 which expire between
2025 and 2034. The Company may be subject to certain limitations in its annual utilization of net operating loss carryforwards to off-
set future taxable income pursuant to Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, which could result in NOLs expiring unused. At
December 31, 2014, the Company had $124,504,677 of State NOLs which expire between 2015 and 2034.
Entities are also required to evaluate, measure, recognize and disclose any uncertain income tax provisions taken on their income
tax returns. The Company has analyzed its tax positions and has concluded that as of December 31, 2014, there were no uncertain
positions. Interest and penalties, if any, as they relate to income taxes assessed, are included in the income tax provision. There was
no income tax related interest and penalties included in the income tax provision for 2014, 2013, and 2012.
Net deferred tax assets and liabilities are summarized as follows:
Total deferred tax assets
Total deferred tax liabilities
Valuation allowance
Net deferred income tax assets
55
2014
December 31,
2013
$ 61,732,553 $ 53,483,771 $ 44,201,829
—
(4,605,895 )
(57,126,658 ) (51,808,088 ) (44,201,829 )
—
$
(1,675,683 )
— $
— $
2012
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 6 – Accrued Expenses:
Accrued expenses are summarized as follows:
December 31,
2014
2013
Accrued payroll
Other accrued expenses
Other accrued interest
Accrued marketing
Accrued freight
Accrued chiller maintenance
Accrued sales and use tax
Note 7 – Debt:
$ 1,802,756 $ 1,131,880
259,018
307,064
383,679
22,500
127,028
97,561
349,792
155,000
(cid:190)
166,472
43,047
(cid:190)
$ 2,938,316 $ 1,907,481
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had no outstanding debt. The recorded carrying values of our debt balances approximate
fair value given our debt is at variable rates tied to market indicators or is short-term in nature. A detailed cash flow related to debt
throughout 2014 is summarized in the table below:
Borrowings on long-term debt
Borrowings on $27,000,000 Revolving Note Payable
Borrowings on $62,500,000 Revolving Note Payable
Total borrowings on long-term debt
Repayment on long-term debt
Repayment of $27,000,000 Revolving Note Payable
Repayment of $62,500,000 Revolving Note Payable
Pay down of $1,500,000 10% Note
Total repayment on long-term debt
Net borrowings on short-term debt
Borrowings on $40,000,000 Credit Facilities
Repayment of $40,000,000 Credit Facilities
Borrowings on $2,000,000 Convertible Shareholder Note
Repayment of $2,000,000 Convertible Shareholder Note
2014
9,000,000
2,500,000
11,500,000
(24,000,000 )
(62,500,000 )
(1,500,000 )
(88,000,000 )
18,000,000
(18,000,000 )
2,000,000
(2,000,000 )
(cid:190)
$
$
$
$
The debt listed below represents debt instruments available during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
a. $1,500,000 10% Note
Consists of $1,500,000 of notes issued to certain of its stockholders which accrued interest compounded annually at a rate of 10%.
These notes and all accrued interest were initially due on December 23, 2020. Upon consummation of the IPO, the $1,500,000 10%
note and accrued interest of $854,925 were repaid, and the debt was extinguished. The accrued interest totaled $667,110 at
December 31, 2013.
In connection with the issuance of these notes in February 2010, for every $16.39 that was borrowed with the notes, one share of
common stock was issued to the lender. As a result, 91,528 shares of common stock were issued and fair value of the stock at
issuance, $6.56 a share, was recorded as a discount to the debt. The unamortized discount equaled $387,688 at December 31,
2013. Upon repayment of the note, the entire unamortized discount was recorded as interest expense in the statement of operations
and comprehensive loss.
b. $27,000,000 Revolving Note Payable
56
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The $27,000,000 revolving note payable initially matured on October 31, 2015. Upon consummation of the IPO, the outstanding
$24,000,000 and accrued interest of $198,084 was repaid. The terms of the $27,000,000 revolving note payable were modified to
the $40,000,000 Credit Facilities. See section “d” below.
The borrowings bore interest at either a LIBOR Rate plus 8% margin or a Base Rate plus 6%, depending on the election of the
Company. Base Rate was defined as the rate of interest publicly quoted by The Wall Street Journal as the “base rate on corporate
loans posted by at least 75% of the nation’s 30 largest banks.” If the Company elected to utilize the LIBOR Rate, it could elect to use
a 1, 2, or 3 month LIBOR Rate with the interest payable upon the last day of the interest period applicable to the Company’s LIBOR
rate election. Interest for the Base Rate loan was payable monthly with the balance of any outstanding advances due at maturity. An
unused line of credit fee of 1%, payable monthly, was charged for any portion of the line that was not used, unless at least $3 million
was kept on deposit with the bank.
The loan agreement provided for the maintenance of various financial covenants. The Company remained in compliance with these
requirements throughout the term of the borrowings. Borrowings on this revolving note payable totaled $15,000,000 at December 31,
2013, and reached total borrowings of $24,000,000 during 2014 prior to repayment.
c. $62,500,000 Revolving Note Payable
The $62,500,000 revolving line of credit agreement initially had a maturity date of May 1, 2016. Upon consummation of the IPO,
$62,500,000 and accrued interest of $198,469 was paid off, and the debt was extinguished. Upon extinguishment, the Company
recorded the unamortized loan origination fees of $311,458 as interest expense in the consolidated statement of operations and
comprehensive loss.
The borrowings bore interest at either a LIBOR Rate (LIBOR Adjusted Rate, plus 3.25%) or a Base Rate (Base Rate plus 2.25%).
Base rate was defined as the greater of the Prime Rate on the date of the borrowing and the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus
0.5%. Interest on Base Rate Loans were payable monthly, LIBOR Rate loans were payable at the end of the selected interest rate.
This note payable was subordinated to the $15,000,000 revolving note payable except for the first mortgage on the Bethlehem,
Pennsylvania property. The loan agreement provided for the maintenance of certain financial covenants. The Company was in
compliance with these requirements throughout the term of the borrowings. Borrowings on this revolving note payable totaled
$60,000,000 at December 31, 2013, and reached total borrowings of $62,500,000 before pay off.
In connection with this note, the Company entered into a Fee and Reimbursement Agreement with certain stockholders who were
also guarantors of the note. See note 11 for further detail.
d. $40,000,000 Credit Facilities
On November 13, 2014, the Company entered into senior secured credit facilities comprising a 5-year $18,000,000 term facility (the
“Term Facility”), a 3-year $10,000,000 revolving facility (the “Revolving Facility”) and a $12,000,000 additional term loan commitment
earmarked primarily for capital expenditures. Upon closing the $40,000,000 Credit Facilities, the Company had $18,000,000 of
aggregate principal amount outstanding under the Term Facility.
On December 23, 2014, the Company repaid the outstanding $18,000,000 million and modified the terms of the $40,000,000 Credit
Facilities. The $18,000,000 term facility was extinguished, the 3-year $10,000,000 Revolving Facility remained unchanged, and the
$12,000,000 term loan commitment earmarked for capital expenditures was increased to $30,000,000.
Any drawn Capex Commitments will mature on the fifth anniversary of the execution of the loan agreement. Any undrawn Capex
Commitments will expire on the third anniversary of the execution of the agreement. Under the terms of the loan agreement, the
commitments for the Revolving Facility may be increased up to $10,000,000 subject to certain conditions.
Borrowings under the Credit Facilities will bear interest at variable rates depending on the Company’s election, either at a base rate
or at LIBOR, in each case, plus an applicable margin. The initial applicable margin will be 3.75% for base rate loans and 4.75% for
LIBOR loans. Thereafter, subject to the Company’s leverage ratio, the applicable base rate margin will vary from 2.75% and 3.75%
and the applicable LIBOR rate margin will vary from 3.75% and 4.75%. The loan agreement provides for the maintenance of certain
financial covenants. The Company was in compliance with these requirements as of December 31, 2014.
57
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
e. $2,000,000 Convertible Notes
On October 23, 2014, the Company issued $2,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of convertible notes to certain of its
stockholders, which were repaid upon the consummation of the IPO. The convertible notes were issued at 98% of par and were
convertible into Series C Preferred Stock at a price of $5.25 per share, at the option of the holder, at any time after December 31,
2014. The Company did not accrue interest as the convertible notes started to accrue interest on December 7, 2014, which was
after the November 13, 2014 repaid.
Note 8 – Commitments:
Leases – The Company leases office and manufacturing space under non-cancelable operating leases that expire at various dates
through January 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2014, future minimum rentals due under these leases were as follows:
2015
2016
2017
December 31,
2014
370,318
348,153
29,013
747,484
$
$
Rent expense related to these non-cancelable operating leases was $404,438, $481,269, and $326,523 for the years 2014, 2013,
and 2012, respectively.
Note 9 – Redeemable Preferred Stock:
Immediately following the closing of the IPO on November 13, 2014, the Company redeemed all the outstanding shares of Series B
Preferred Stock (“Series B”), including cumulative dividends, for a cash payment of $34,998,957. Additionally, immediately prior to
the closing of the IPO, the Company converted the outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock (“Series C”) to 11,067,090 shares
of common stock. Based on the Series C anti-dilutive clause, the conversion from Series C to common stock was to be equivalent to
the 1-to-0.7396 common stock share split that occurred during 2014 in connection with the IPO. The converted Series C included
2,477,756 Series C related to the Fees on Debt Guarantee, which were converted to 1,832,531 shares of common stock. See note
11 for further detail.
Dividends
Holders of Series B were entitled to receive dividends payable in additional fully paid and non-assessable shares of Series B at a
rate per annum of 15% of the original issue price. Such dividends were to be fully cumulative from the first day of issuance and
accrued without interest on both the initial Series B shares obtained and shares obtained via dividend, on a quarterly basis. The
dividend accrued during the years ended 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $4,271,550, $4,215,230, and $3,638,052, respectively. The total
cumulative dividends that were paid on November 13, 2014 upon redemption of the Series B was $23,840,008.
Holders of Series C were entitled to dividends at a rate of 8% per annum of the Series C original issue price, subject to appropriate
adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination or other similar recapitalization with respect to Series C.
Accrued dividends were to be payable only when, and if declared by the Board of Directors. In addition, holders of Series C were
entitled to share ratably in any cash dividends declared and paid on the common stock in an amount per share equal to the amount
of the dividend proposed to be paid on a share of common stock multiplied by the number of shares of common stock issuable upon
conversion of the Series C. Once the Series C shares were converted to common stock, the accrued dividends that had not been
declared by the Board of Directors were relinquished. Upon conversion none of the accrued dividends had been declared by the
Board of Directors. The dividend accrued during the year ended 2013 and 2012 was $4,380,274 and $4,315,396, respectively.
Immediately prior to the conversion of Series C to Common Stock, the Series C shares were fair valued utilizing the share price at
the date of conversion. The difference between fair value and book value of $82,654,683 was recorded to net loss attributable to
common stockholders. The difference between fair value and book value was net of $64,341,539 of cash proceeds
58
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
received, net off issuance costs, and $19,687,856 of dividend accretion through the settlement date, of which $7,014,643 was
recorded in 2014.
See the table below for detail over the cumulative dividends.
Fair value per Series C share on November 13, 2014 (date of conversion)
Cash proceeds received, net of issuance costs (1)
Cumulative dividend accretion at December 31, 2013
Dividend accretion during 2014
Additional loss to common shareholders upon conversion of Series C to common stock
$
$
166,683,790
(64,341,539 )
(12,672,925 )
(7,014,643 )
82,654,683
(1) – Represents the cash proceeds received, net of issuance costs, by the company from Series C investors throughout the life
of the security.
Series B and Series C were historically classified on the balance sheet outside of permanent equity.
Note 10 – Warrant:
In connection with a loan transaction with a bank prior to 2011, and in consideration thereof, the Company issued to a bank a
warrant to purchase up to an aggregate of 61,117 shares of voting common stock of the Company at a purchase price of $6.28 per
share. In the event the Company issues additional equity instruments at a purchase price or exercise price lower than the warrant
exercise price, such exercise price shall be adjusted. This warrant was recorded as a liability with adjustments to fair value recorded
in the statement of operations.
This warrant is exercised upon surrender to the Company, on a net basis, such that, without the exchange of any funds, such holder
purchases that number of shares otherwise issuable upon exercise of its warrant less that number of shares having a current market
price at the time of exercise equal to the aggregate exercise price that would otherwise have been paid by such holder upon the
exercise of the warrant.
This warrant automatically converts in October 2017 without any action by the holder. The accrued warrant as of December 31, 2014
was $706,940.
Note 11 – Guarantee Agreement:
In connection with the $62,500,000 revolving note payable (see note 7), the Company entered into a Fee and Reimbursement
Agreement with certain stockholders who were also guarantors of the note. That agreement stipulated that the Company would pay
each guarantor a contingent fee equal to 10% per annum of the amount that each guarantor had committed to guarantee. The
payment was to be made in the form of newly issued shares of Series C Preferred Stock at the price of $5.25 per share. The fee
accrued only from and after the date that the Guarantor entered into the Guarantee, and if at any time any Guarantor’s obligation
was terminated in full or in part, the Fee would continue to accrue only with respect to the amount, if any of such Guarantor’s
remaining commitment under the Credit Agreement. The fee was contingent in that it would become due and payable only if all
principal and interest under the credit agreement had been repaid and a Change of Control had occurred. A Change of Control was
defined as any sale, merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, equity issuance, or other transaction or series of
related transactions, specifically excluding public offerings, which result in the stockholders immediately prior to the transaction(s)
owning collectively less than 50% of the voting control immediately following the transaction(s); or (ii) any sale, lease, exchange,
transfer, or other disposition of substantially all of the assets, taken as a whole, in a single transaction or series of transactions,
excluding sales in the ordinary course of business, sale/leaseback and corporate restructuring transactions.
Immediately prior to the closing of the IPO, the Company converted outstanding fees under the guarantee into 2,477,756 shares of
Series C, which were then converted into 1,832,531 shares of common stock.
59
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The fees on debt guarantee was a financial instrument that was recognized as a liability by the Company and recorded at fair value
at issuance. The instrument was then adjusted to its then fair value at each reporting period with changes in fair value recorded in
the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss. Historically the Company measured the fair value of the
outstanding fee on debt guarantee using an option pricing method with several possible distribution outcomes depending on the
timing and kind of liquidity event. Expected volatility was estimated utilizing the historical volatility of similar companies. The risk-free
interest rates was based on the U.S. Treasury yield for a period consistent with the expected contractual life.
Upon the conversion of the fees on debt guarantee into shares of Series C, and then subsequently into common stock, the share
price of the Company’s common stock was utilized to fair value the fees on debt guarantee and record the final fees on debt
guarantee.
Note 12 – Equity Incentive Plans:
Total compensation cost for share-based payments recognized for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was
approximately $1,563,976, $978,352, and $1,118,705, respectively. Cost of goods sold the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013,
and 2012 included share based compensation of approximately $71,669, $90,614, and $107,067, respectively. Selling, general, and
administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 included share-based compensation of
approximately $1,492,307, $887,738, and $1,011,638, respectively.
2006 Stock Plan —In December 2006, the Company approved the 2006 Stock Plan (the “2006 Plan”) under which options to
purchase approximately 624,223 shares of the Company’s common stock were granted to employees and affiliates of the Company.
These options vest over 5 years. Certain option awards provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control (as defined in
the 2006 Plan). At December 31, 2014, there were zero shares available for grant as the plan is frozen. The options granted have
maximum contractual terms ranging from 5 to 10 years.
2010 Stock Plan —In December 2010, the Company approved the 2010 Stock Plan (the “2010 Plan”) under which options to
purchase approximately 2,146,320 shares of the Company’s common stock were granted to employees and affiliates of the
Company (in 2012, the 2010 Plan was amended to allow for option to purchase approximately 2,220,280 shares of the Company’s
common stock). These options are either time-based (vest over 4 years), performance-based (vest when performance targets are
met, as defined in the stock option grant agreement), or vest at the occurrence of an exit event which is defined as a Change of
Control in the Company or an initial public offering registered under the Securities Act, as defined in the stock grant agreement.
In November, 2014, the Company made modifications that affected all performance-based awards and all exit-event awards under
the 2010 Plan. Performance-based awards were modified to time vested awards that cliff vest over two years. At the time of
modification the original performance-based awards vesting criteria was not considered probable. The exit-event awards were
modified to performance-based awards. At December 31, 2014 the new performance-based awards vesting criteria is considered
probable. The modified awards were fair valued on the modification date.
The options granted have maximum contractual terms of 10 years. The Board of Directors froze the 2010 Stock Plan such that no
further grants may be issued under the 2010 Stock Plan.
2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan —In November 2014, the Company approved the 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”)
under which 1,479,200 shares of common stock may be issued or used for reference purposes as awards granted under the 2014
Plan. These awards may be in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, as well as other stock based and
cash based awards. As of December 31, 2014, the stock options granted were either time-based (cliff vest over 3 years) or
performance-based (vest when performance targets are met, as defined in the stock option grant agreement).
In addition to stock options granted under the 2014 Plan, the Company issued restricted stock units to the board of directors as
compensation for their services. The fair value of restricted stock units is based on the share price on the date of grant. These
restricted stock units vest over one year, but are not delivered until the end of the year. The Company will settle these awards by
common stock transfer. During 2014 there were 24,166 restricted stock units granted.
At December 31, 2014, there were 943,198 shares of common stock available to be issued or used for reference purposes under the
2014 Plan.
60
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Service Period Stock Options— A summary of service period stock options outstanding and changes under the plans during the
year ended December 31, 2014 is presented below:
Options
Outstanding at December 31, 2012
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Outstanding at December 31, 2013
Granted
Modified from Performance Based Options to Service Period
Stock Options
Exercised
Forfeited
Outstanding at December 31, 2014
Exercisable at December 31, 2014
Shares
1,095,412 $
—
(7,953 )
(4,719 )
1,082,740
255,585
680,753
—
(741 )
2,018,337 $
1,064,565 $
Weighted
Average
Average
Remaining
Exercise Price
Contractual Term
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
6.82
—
6.28
6.72
6.91
15.00
7.10
—
6.27
7.91
6.81
5.8 $ 18,391,809
4.5 $ 10,914,048
No options were exercised during the year ended 2014 or 2012. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended
December 31, 2013 was $6,559.
A summary of the nonvested service period stock options as of December 31, 2014, and changes during the year ended
December 31, 2014, is presented below:
Nonvested as of December 31, 2013
Granted
Modified from Performance Based Options to Service Period Stock Options
Vested
Forfeited
Nonvested as of December 31, 2014
Number of
Options
189,234 $
255,585 $
680,753 $
(171,059 ) $
(741 ) $
953,772 $
Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date Fair
Value Per Share
6.02
6.34
8.90
5.83
6.25
8.16
As of December 31, 2014, there is approximately $7,090,519 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested service
period options, of which $3,574,546 will be incurred in 2015, $3,065,920 will be incurred in 2016, and the remaining $450,053 will be
incurred in 2017.
61
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Performance Based Options— Performance based option vesting is contingent upon the Company achieving certain annual or
cumulative revenue goals. A summary of performance-based stock options outstanding and changes under the plans during the year
ended December 31, 2014 is presented below:
Options
Outstanding at December 31, 2012
Granted
Forfeited
Outstanding at December 31, 2013
Granted
Modified from Exit Event Options to Performance Based Options
Modified from Performance Based Options to Service Period
Stock Options
Outstanding at December 31, 2014
Shares
674,942 $
11,094
(5,283 )
680,753
255,585
657,693
(680,753 )
913,278 $
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
7.10
7.10
7.10
7.10
15.00
7.10
7.10
9.31
7.1 $ 7,078,163
No performance-based options are exercisable at December 31, 2014, 2013, or 2012. A summary of the nonvested performance-
based options as of December 31, 2014, and changes during the year ended December 31, 2014, is presented below:
Outstanding at January 1, 2014
Granted
Modified from Exit Event Options to Performance Based Options
Modified from Performance Based Options to Service Period Stock Options
Nonvested as of December 31, 2014
Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date Fair
Value Per
Share
Number of
Options
680,753 $
255,585
657,693
(680,753 )
913,278 $
5.85
6.41
9.31
(5.85 )
8.50
As of December 31, 2014, there is approximately $7,623,690 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested
performance based options, which would be recognized if and when the contingent vesting criteria is met. Assuming all contingent
vesting criteria is met each year, $3,495,497 will be incurred in 2015, $3,565,203 will be incurred in 2016, and $562,990 will be
incurred in 2017. As of December 31, 2014, the achievement of the vesting criteria is considered probable.
Exit Event Options— Exit event option vesting is contingent upon an the occurrence of an exit event, which results from a Change
of Control in the Company or an Initial Public Offering of the Company’s common stock under the Securities Act, as defined in the
option grant agreement. A summary of exit event stock options outstanding and changes under the plans during the year ended
December 31, 2014 is presented below:
Options
Outstanding at December 31, 2012
Granted
Forfeited
Outstanding at December 31, 2013
Cancelled
Modified from Exit Event Options to Performance Based Options
Outstanding at December 31, 2014
62
Weighted
Average
Average
Remaining
Shares
Exercise Price
Contractual Term
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
873,508 $
5,177
(1,761 )
876,924
(219,231 )
(657,693 )
—
7.10
7.10
7.10
7.10
7.10
7.10
—
—
—
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
No exit event options were exercisable at December 31, 2013, or 2012. A summary of the nonvested service period stock options as
of December 31, 2014, and changes during the year ended December 31, 2014, is presented below:
Outstanding at January 1, 2014
Cancelled
Modified from Exit Event Options to Performance Based Options
Nonvested as of December 31, 2014
Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date Fair
Value Per Share
5.85
5.85
5.85
Number
of Options
876,924 $
(219,231 )
(657,693 )
—
Grant Date Fair Value of Options —The weighted average grant date fair value of options (service period options and performance
based options) granted and modified during the year ended December 31, 2014 was $8.35 per share. The weighted average grant
date fair value of options granted during the year ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were $5.40 and 5.55 per
share, respectively.
Expected Volatility - For the grants during the year ended December 31, 2013 the expected volatility was based on the historical
volatility of the Company’s common stock.
The grants during the year ended December 31, 2014 all occurred while the Company was publicly traded. Subsequent to the
Company’s IPO on November 6, 2014, the Company no longer deemed it appropriate to use its historical volatility as the historical
volatility was not representative of the Company’s stock on the public market. As such the expected volatility used is based upon the
volatility of a group of similar entities, referred to as “guideline” companies. The Company considered factors such as industry, stage
of life cycle and size in considering these “guideline” companies.
Weighted Average Expected Term - The Company determined the expected term based on the “shortcut method” described in FASB
ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation (an expected term based on the midpoint between the vesting date and the end of
the contractual term).
Risk-Free Interest Rate- The risk-free interest rates are based on the U.S. Treasury yield for a period consistent with the expected
term of the option in effect at the time of the grant.
Expected Dividend Yield- The Company has not historically declared dividends, and no future dividends are expected to be available
to benefit option holders. Accordingly, the Company used an expected dividend yield of zero in the valuation model.
Expected volatility
Average expected term in years
Risk-free interest rate
Expected dividend yield
Year Ended December 31,
2014
41.9%
3.9 - 6.6
1.01% - 2.09%
0.0%
2013
86.0%
7
1.7%
0.0%
2012
91.2%
7
1.2%
0.0%
63
Note 13 – Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders:
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Basic net loss per common share is calculated by dividing net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average
number of common share outstanding for the period. Diluted net loss per common share is computed by giving effect to all
potentially dilutive securities. Diluted net loss per common share is the same as basic net loss per common share, due to the fact
that potentially dilutive securities would have an antidilutive effect as the Company incurred a net loss for the year ended
December 31, 2014 and 2013.
The computation of net income attributable to common stockholders is as follows:
Net Loss
Preferred stock dividends on Series B and Series C
Additional loss attributable to common stockholders upon conversion of Series
C Preferred Stock into common stock
Net Loss attributable to common stockholders
Year ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$
(37,339,017 ) $ (21,687,155 ) $ (18,656,498 )
(7,953,448 )
(11,286,193 )
(8,595,504 )
(82,654,683 )
(cid:190)
(cid:190)
$ (131,279,893 ) $ (30,282,659 ) $ (26,609,946 )
The potentially dilutive securities excluded from the determination of diluted loss per share, as their effect is antidilutive, are as
follows:
Convertible Preferred Series C (on an as-if converted basis)
Service Period Stock Options
Warrants
2014
Year ended December 31,
2013
7,713,455
1,092,604
61,117
8,867,176
—
1,220,739
61,117
1,281,856
2012
7,598,805
1,094,618
61,117
8,754,540
Note 14 – Retirement Plan:
The Company sponsors a safe harbor 401(k) plan covering all employees. All employees are eligible to participate. Active
participants in the plan may make contributions of up to 25% of their compensation. Company contributions totaled approximately
$307,754 in 2014, $196,054 in 2013, and $180,098 in 2012.
Note 15 – Related Party Transactions:
Payments made to a stockholder for distribution services totaled approximately $8,900,444 in 2014, and $6,146,245 in 2013, and
$4,882,534 in 2012. Payments made to stockholders for the purchase of raw materials totaled approximately $5,545,835 in 2014,
$4,658,118 in 2013, and $3,059,658 in 2012. In addition there were payments of $175,399 in 2014, $678,371 in 2013, and $707,686
in 2012, related to rent and associated utilities and maintenance to a stockholder who is also a landlord of one of our locations. The
rent and associated utilities and maintenance cost were at market rates. None of the above payments were made to any stockholder
who is an employee, board member, subsidiary, or affiliate of the Company.
In connection with the $62,500,000 revolving note payable, certain stockholders were guarantors of the note. The agreement
stipulated that the Company will pay each guarantor a contingent fee equal to 10% per annum of the amount that each guarantor
committed to guarantee. Upon consummation of the IPO, the fees on debt guarantee were paid in the form of Series C shares. See
note 11 for further detail.
64
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 16 – Concentrations:
Concentration of Credit Risk —The Company maintains its cash balances in financial institutions which are insured by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000 each. At times, such balances may be in excess of the FDIC insurance limit.
Major Customers – In 2014, 2013, and 2012 net sales to one of our distributors which sells directly to three of our customers –
accounted for 22% 28%, and 20% of our net sales, respectively. In 2014, no customer accounted for more than 10% of our net sales
while in 2013 and 2012 one customer accounted for 11% and 14%, respectively, of our net sales.
Major Suppliers –The Company purchased approximately 54% of its raw materials from three vendors during 2014, approximately
56% of its raw materials from three vendors during 2013, and approximately 58% of its raw materials from three vendors during
2012.
The Company also purchased approximately 96% of its treats finished goods from three vendors in 2014, approximately 78% from
three vendors in 2013, and approximately 76% from three vendors in 2012.
The Company purchased approximately 74% of its packaging material from three vendors during the twelve months ended
December 31, 2014, and approximately 67% of its packaging material from three vendors during the twelve months ended
December 31, 2013.
Net Sales by Class of Retail – The following table sets forth net sales by class of retail.
2014
Twelve months ended December 31,
2013
$ 65,212,966 $ 49,731,873 $ 33,985,199
21,551,146 13,418,903
9,534,262
$ 86,764,112 $ 63,150,776 $ 43,519,461
2012
Grocery and Mass (1)
Pet Specialty, Natural and Other (2)
Net Sales
Includes club retail class
(1)
(2) Other sales represent less than 1% of net sales
65
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 17 – Unaudited Quarterly Results:
Unaudited quarterly results for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were as follows:
First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter
2014:
Net sales
Gain (loss) from operations
Net loss
Net loss attributable to common stockholders (1)
Basic earnings per common share
Diluted earnings per common share
2013:
Net sales
Loss from operations
Net loss
Net loss attributable to common stockholders
Basic earnings per common share
Diluted earnings per common share
2012:
Net sales
Loss from operations
Net loss
Net loss attributable to common stockholders
Basic earnings per common share
Diluted earnings per common share
19,350,197 20,386,038 22,519,672 24,508,205
550,551
(1,338,419 )
(2,301,404 )
(5,142,223 )
(9,483,241 ) (16,446,750 )
(7,485,640 ) (10,771,077 ) (12,380,254 ) (100,642,922 )
(4.35 )
(4.35 )
(3,328,420 )
(6,266,803 )
(1.19 )
(1.19 )
(0.77 )
(0.77 )
(0.53 )
(0.53 )
13,885,185 14,846,366 16,698,903 17,720,322
(1,845,139 )
(5,219,214 )
(7,519,913 )
(0.72 )
(0.72 )
(3,205,977 )
(5,253,194 )
(7,364,129 )
(0.71 )
(0.71 )
(4,182,320 )
(6,495,643 )
(8,647,369 )
(0.83 )
(0.83 )
(3,147,240 )
(4,719,104 )
(6,751,248 )
(0.65 )
(0.65 )
9,382,537 10,536,726 11,226,549 12,373,649
(2,453,143 )
(4,104,712 )
(4,071,475 )
(4,388,417 )
(6,095,754 )
(6,342,042 )
(0.59 )
(0.61 )
(0.59 )
(0.61 )
(3,517,450 )
(4,178,740 )
(6,151,618 )
(0.59 )
(0.59 )
(4,671,886 )
(6,017,866 )
(8,020,532 )
(0.77 )
(0.77 )
(1) See note 9 for further detail over the dividend accretion that is included within net loss attributable to common stockholders.
66
ITEM 9. — CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None
ITEM 9a. — CONTROL AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, that are
designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange
Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure
controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be
disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the
company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions
regarding required disclosure.
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of
our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2014. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures
as of December 31, 2014, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure
controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
This Annual Report does not include a report of management’s assessment regarding internal control over financial reporting or an
attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm due to a transition period established by the rules of the SEC
for newly public companies.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule
13a-15(d) and 15d-15(d) under the Exchange Act during the three months ended December 31, 2014 that have materially affected,
or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, believes that our disclosure controls and
procedures and internal control over financial reporting are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives
and are effective at the reasonable assurance level. However, our management does not expect that our disclosure controls and
procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well
conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.
Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be
considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide
absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. These inherent limitations include the
realities that judgments in decision making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of a simple error or mistake.
Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people or by
management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the
likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all
potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of
compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system,
misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
ITEM 9b. — OTHER INFORMATION
None.
67
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement for our 2015 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement for our 2015 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement for our 2015 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement for our 2015 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement for our 2015 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
68
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
PART IV
The following documents are filed as a part of this report:
1) Financial Statements – See index to Financial Statements appearing on page
1) Financial Statement Schedules – None.
1) Exhibits – The exhibits listed on the accompanying Exhibit Index are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this report.
69
Exhibit No.
3.1
3.2
4.1
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
10.9
10.10
10.11
10.12
EXHIBIT INDEX
Description
Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration on
Form S-8 filed on December 12, 2014)
Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration on Form S-8 filed on
December 12, 2014)
Warrant Agreement, dated as of October 5, 2007, between the Company and City National Bank, a national banking
association (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on September 12,
2014)
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 12, 2013, among the Company, the several banks and other
lenders from time to time parties to thereto and OneWest Bank, FSB, as administrative agent for the lenders
(incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on September 12, 2014)
First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 7, 2013, among the Company, the
several banks and other lenders from time to time parties thereto and OneWest Bank, FSB, as administrative agent for the
lenders (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on September 12, 2014)
Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of July 2, 2013, among the Company, the
several banks and other lenders from time to time parties thereto and OneWest Bank, FSB, as administrative agent for the
lenders (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on September 12, 2014)
Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2013, among the Company,
the several banks and other lenders from time to time parties thereto and OneWest Bank, FSB, as administrative agent for
the lenders (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on September 12,
2014)
Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 28, 2014, among the Company, the
several banks and other lenders from time to time parties thereto and OneWest Bank N.A. (incorporated by reference to
Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on October 2, 2014)
Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 23, 2014, among the Company, the
several banks and other lenders from time to time parties thereto and OneWest Bank N.A. (incorporated by reference to
Amendment No. 2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on October 27, 2014)
Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2010, by and between the Company and
City National Bank, a national banking association, as lender (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration
Statement on Form S-1filed on September 12, 2014)
Amendment Number One to Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of February 9, 2012, by and
between the Company and City National Bank, a national banking association, as lender (incorporated by reference to the
Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on September 12, 2014)
Amendment Number Two to Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of May 2, 2012, by and
between the Company and City National Bank, a national banking association, as lender (incorporated by reference to the
Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on September 12, 2014)
Amendment Number Three to Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of June 8, 2012, by and
between the Company and City National Bank, a national banking association, as lender (incorporated by reference to the
Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on September 12, 2014)
Amendment Number Four to Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of May 3, 2013, by and
between the Company and City National Bank, a national banking association, as lender (incorporated by reference to the
Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on September 12, 2014)
Amendment Number Five to Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of March 14, 2014, by and
between the Company and City National Bank, a national banking association, as lender (incorporated by reference to the
Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on September 12, 2014)
70
Exhibit No.
10.13
10.14
10.15
10.16
10.17*
10.18*
10.19
10.20
10.21
10.22
10.23
10.24
10.25
10.26
10.27
10.28
10.29
10.30
Description
Amendment Number Six to Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of September 4, 2014, by and
between the Company and City National Bank, a national banking association, as lender (incorporated by reference to the
Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on September 12, 2014)
Amendment Number Seven to Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of October 23, 2014, by
and between the Company and City National Bank, a national banking association, as lender (incorporated by reference
to Amendment No. 2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on October 27, 2014)
Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement by and between the Company and City National Bank, a
national banking association, as the arranger and administrative agent, OneWest Bank, as syndication agent, and the
lenders thereto (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on November 19, 2014)
Amendment Number One to Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement by and between the Company
and City National Bank, a national banking association, as the arranger and administrative agent, and the lenders thereto
(incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 29, 2014)
Amendment Number Two to Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement by and between the Company
and City National Bank, a national banking association, as the arranger and administrative agent, and the lenders thereto
Amendment Number Three to Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement by and between the
Company and City National Bank, a national banking association, as the arranger and administrative agent, and the
lenders thereto
Freshpet, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration on Form S-8 filed
on December 12, 2014)
Professor Connor’s, Inc. 2010 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration on Form S-8
filed on December 12, 2014)
Professor Connor’s, Inc. 2006 Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration on Form S-8 filed on
December 12, 2014)
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement Pursuant to the Freshpet, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by
reference to Amendment No. 2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on October 27, 2014)
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement Pursuant to the Freshpet, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by
reference to Amendment No. 2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on October 27, 2014)
Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement Pursuant to the Freshpet, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by
reference to Amendment No. 2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on October 27, 2014)
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement Pursuant to the Freshpet, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan
(incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on October
27, 2014)
Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement Pursuant to the Freshpet, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated
by reference to Amendment No. 2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on October 27, 2014)
Form of Freshpet, Inc. Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 3 to
the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on November 4, 2014)
Employment Agreement between Richard Thompson and Freshpet, Inc., dated as of December 23, 2010 (incorporated by
reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on September 12, 2014)
Form of Employment Agreement between Richard Thompson and Freshpet, Inc. (incorporated by reference to
Amendment No. 3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on November 4, 2014)
Employment Agreement between Scott Morris and Freshpet, Inc. dated as of October 25, 2006 (incorporated by
reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on September 12, 2014)
71
Exhibit No.
10.31
10.32
10.33
10.34
10.35
10.36
10.37
10.38
10.39
10.40
10.41
10.42
10.43
10.44
21.1
23.1*
31.1*
31.2*
32.1*
101.INS*
101.SCH*
101.CAL*
101.LAB*
Description
Amendment to Employment Agreement between Scott Morris and Freshpet, Inc. dated as of January 6, 2009
(incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on September 12, 2014)
Form of Employment Agreement between Scott Morris and Freshpet, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Amendment No.
3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on November 4, 2014)
Employment Agreement between Cathal Walsh and Freshpet, Inc. dated as of October 25, 2006 (incorporated by
reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on September 12, 2014)
Amendment to Employment Agreement between Cathal Walsh and Freshpet, Inc. dated as of January 6, 2009
(incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on September 12, 2014)
Form of Employment Agreement between Cathal Walsh and Freshpet, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Amendment
No. 3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on November 4, 2014)
Form of Indemnification Agreement between Freshpet, Inc. and each of its directors and executive officers (incorporated
by reference to Amendment No. 3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on November 4, 2014)
Form of Second Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 3 to the
Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on November 4, 2014)
Amended and Restated Fee and Reimbursement Agreement among Freshpet, Inc. and the other parties thereto dated as of
April 15, 2013 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on September 12,
2014)
Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Fee and Reimbursement Agreement among Freshpet, Inc. and the other
parties thereto dated as of October 9, 2013 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form
S-1filed on September 12, 2014)
Amendment No. 2 to the Amended and Restated Fee and Reimbursement Agreement among Freshpet, Inc. and the other
parties thereto dated as of April 7, 2014 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-
1filed on September 12, 2014)
Form of Amendment No. 3 to the Amended and Restated Fee and Reimbursement Agreement among Freshpet, Inc. and
the other parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on
Form S-1filed on November 4, 2014)
Distribution Agreement between Tyson Foods, Inc. and Freshpet, Inc. dated as of January 6, 2009 (incorporated by
reference to Amendment No. 2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on October 27, 2014)
Amendment to the Distribution Agreement between Tyson Foods, Inc. and Freshpet, Inc. dated as of August 8, 2014
(incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on October
27, 2014)
Form of Selldown Agreement (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 3 to the Company’s Registration Statement
on Form S-1filed on November 4, 2014)
List of Subsidiaries (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1filed on September
12, 2014)
Consent of KPMG LLP
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002
XBRL Instance Document
XBRL Schema Documents
XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
XBRL Labels Linkbase Document
72
Exhibit No.
101.PRE*
101.DEF*
Description
XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
XBRL Definition Linkbase Document
* Filed herewith.
73
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 on March 31, 2015.
SIGNATURES
FRESHPET, INC.
By: /s/ Richard Kassar
Name: Richard Kassar
Title: Chief Financial Officer
* * * *
Power of Attorney
Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Richard Kassar as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact
and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to
sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as
fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and
agent or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following
persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on March 31, 2015.
Signature
/s/ Richard Thompson
Richard Thompson
/s/ Richard Kassar
Richard Kassar
/s/ Charles A. Norris
Charles A. Norris
/s/ J. David Basto
J. David Basto
/s/ Daryl G. Brewster
Daryl G. Brewster
/s/ Lawrence S. Coben
Lawrence S. Coben
/s/ Walter N. George III
Walter N. George III
Title
Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
74
/s/ Christopher B. Harned
Christopher B. Harned
/s/ Robert C. King
Robert C. King
/s/ Jonathan S. Marlow
Jonathan S. Marlow
/s/ Craig D. Steeneck
Craig D. Steeneck
Director
Director
Director
Director
75
AMENDMENT NUMBER TWO TO SECOND
AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT AND CONSENT
THIS AMENDMENT NUMBER TWO TO SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND SECURITY
AGREEMENT AND CONSENT (this “ Amendment ”), dated as of February 10, 2015 is entered into by and among, on the lenders
identified on the signature pages hereof (such lenders, together with their respective successors and permitted assigns, are referred to
hereinafter each individually as a “ Lender ” and collectively as the “ Lenders ”), CITY NATIONAL BANK , a national banking
association (“ CNB ”), as the arranger and administrative agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, together with its successors and assigns
in such capacity, “ Agent ”), and FRESHPET, INC. , a Delaware corporation (“ Borrower ”), and in light of the following:
Exhibit 10.17
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS , Borrower, Agent and the Lenders are parties to that certain Second Amended and Restated Loan and
Security Agreement, dated as of November 13, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the “
Loan Agreement ”);
WHEREAS, Borrower is required to deliver to Agent a Control Agreement from each Cash Management Bank
(other than Agent) set forth on Schedule 2.7(a) of the Loan Agreement within 60 days after the Restatement Effective Date (the “ Control
Agreement Deadline ”).
Agreement, and (b) consent to the extension of the Control Agreement Deadline; and
WHEREAS, Borrower has requested that Agent and the Lenders (a) make certain amendments to the Loan
Borrower’s requests.
WHEREAS, upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, Agent and the Lenders are willing to accommodate
good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:
NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants herein contained, and for other
1.
Defined Terms . All initially capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings
ascribed to them in the Loan Agreement.
2.
Consent . The provisions of the Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents to the contrary notwithstanding, and
subject to the satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4 below, Agent and Lenders hereby extend the Control
Agreement Deadline to March 12, 2015.
3.
Amendment to Loan Agreement . Upon the satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4 below,
Section 3.2(b) of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by replacing the reference to “60” appearing therein with “90”.
4. Conditions Precedent to Amendment . The satisfaction of each of the following shall constitute conditions precedent to the
effectiveness of the Amendment (such date being the “ Amendment Effective Date ”):
and effect.
(a) Agent shall have received this Amendment, duly executed by the parties hereto, and the same shall be in full force
(b) The representations and warranties herein and in the Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be true
and correct in all respects on and as of the date hereof, as though made on such date (except to the extent that such representations and
warranties relate solely to an earlier date).
(c) No injunction, writ, restraining order, or other order of any nature prohibiting, directly or indirectly, the
consummation of the transactions contemplated herein shall have been issued and remain in force by any Governmental Authority against
Borrower or Agent.
the transactions contemplated herein.
(d) No Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or shall result from the consummation of
have been delivered, executed, or recorded and shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent.
(e) All other documents and legal matters in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Amendment shall
5. Representations and Warranties . Borrower hereby represents and warrants to Agent and the Lender as follows:
(a) It (i) is duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, (ii)
is qualified to do business in any state where the failure to be so qualified reasonably could be expected to result in a Material Adverse
Change, and (iii) has all requisite power and authority to own and operate its properties, to carry on its business as now conducted and as
proposed to be conducted, to enter into the Loan Documents to which it is a party and to carry out the transactions contemplated thereby.
(b) The execution, delivery, and performance by it of this Amendment and the performance by it of each Loan
Document to which it is or will be a party (i) have been duly authorized by all necessary action, and (ii) do not and will not (A) violate any
material provision of federal, state or local law, rule or regulation, or any order, judgment, decree, writ, injunction or award of any
arbitrator, court or governmental authority finding on it or its Subsidiaries, the Governing Documents of it or its Subsidiaries, or any order,
judgment or decree of any court or other Governmental Authority binding on it or its Subsidiaries, (B) conflict with, result in a breach of,
or constitute (with due notice or lapse of time or both) a default under any material contractual obligation of it or its Subsidiaries, except to
the extent that any such conflict, breach or default could not individually or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Change, (C) result in or require the creation or imposition of any Lien of any nature whatsoever upon any properties or assets of
Borrower, other than Permitted Liens, or (D) require any approval of Borrower’s interestholders or any approval or consent of any Person
under any material contractual obligation of Borrower, other than consents or approvals that have been obtained and that are still in force
and effect and except, in the case of a material contractual obligation, for consents or approvals, the failure to obtain could not individually
or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change.
(c) The execution, delivery and performance by Borrower of the Loan Documents and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents do not and will not require any registration with, consent, or approval of, or notice to, or
other action with or by, any Governmental Authority or any other Person, other than consents or approvals that have been obtained and that
are still in force and effect.
(d) This Amendment is, and each other Loan Document to which it is or will be a party, when executed and delivered
by each Person that is a party thereto, will be the legally valid and binding obligation of such Person, enforceable against such Person in
accordance with its respective terms, except as enforcement may be limited by equitable principles or by bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or similar laws relating to or limiting creditors’ rights generally.
(e) No injunction, writ, restraining order, or other order of any nature prohibiting, directly or indirectly, the
consummation of the transactions contemplated herein has been issued and remains in force by any Governmental Authority against
Borrower or any member of the Lender Group.
Amendment, and no condition exists which constitutes a Default or an Event of Default.
(f) No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing as of the date of the effectiveness of this
(g) The representations and warranties set forth in this Amendment, the Loan Agreement, as amended by this
Amendment, and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party are true and correct in all material respects (except that such materiality
qualifier shall not be applicable to any representation or warranty to the extent that such representation or warranty is qualified or modified
by materiality in the text thereof, in which case such representation and warranties shall be true in all respects) on and as of the date hereof,
as though made on such date (except to the extent that such representations and warranties relate solely to an earlier date.)
(h) This Amendment has been entered into without force or duress, of the free will of Borrower, and the decision of
Borrower to enter into this Amendment is a fully informed decision and Borrower is aware of all legal and other ramifications of each
decision.
(i) It has read and understands this Amendment, has consulted with and been represented by independent legal
counsel of its own choosing in negotiations for and the preparation of this Amendment, has read this Amendment in full and final form, and
has been advised by its counsel of its rights and obligations hereunder and thereunder.
6. Payment of Costs and Fees . Borrower shall pay to Agent all reasonable and documented costs, out-of-pocket expenses, fees
and charges in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution and delivery of this Amendment and any documents and instruments
relating hereto. In addition thereto, Borrower agrees to reimburse Agent on demand for its reasonable and documented costs arising out of
this Amendment and all documents or instruments relating hereto (which costs may include the reasonable fees and expenses of any
attorneys retained by Agent).
7. Choice of Law . This Amendment and the rights of the parties hereunder, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance
with, the laws of the State of California applicable to contracts made and to be performed in the State of California.
8. Amendments . This Amendment cannot be altered, amended, changed or modified in any respect or particular unless each
such alteration, amendment, change or modification shall have been agreed to by each of the parties and reduced to writing in its entirety
and signed and delivered by each party.
9. Counterpart Execution . This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which when taken together
shall constitute one and the same instrument, and any of the parties hereto may execute this Amendment by signing any such
counterpart. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Amendment by telefacsimile or electronic mail shall be equally as effective as
delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Amendment. Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this Amendment by
telefacsimile or electronic mail also shall deliver an original executed counterpart of this Amendment, but the failure to deliver an original
executed counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of this Amendment.
10. Effect on Loan Documents .
(a) The Loan Agreement, as amended hereby, and each of the other Loan Documents shall be and remain in full force
and effect in accordance with their respective terms and hereby are ratified and confirmed in all respects. The execution, delivery, and
performance of this Amendment shall not operate,
except as expressly set forth herein, as a modification or waiver of any right, power, or remedy of any member of the Lender Group under
the Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document. The waivers, consents and modifications herein are limited to the specifics hereof
(including facts or occurrences on which the same are based), shall not apply with respect to any facts or occurrences other than those on
which the same are based, shall not excuse any non-compliance with the Loan Documents, and shall not operate as a consent to any matter
under the Loan Documents. Except for the amendments to the Loan Agreement expressly set forth herein, the Loan Agreement, the other
Loan Documents and the other Schedules thereto shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect. The execution, delivery and
performance of this Amendment shall not operate as a waiver of or, except as expressly set forth herein, as an amendment of, any right,
power or remedy of any member of the Lender Group in effect prior to the date hereof. The amendments and waivers set forth herein are
limited to the specifics hereof, shall not apply with respect to any facts or occurrences other than those on which the same are based, and
except as expressly set forth herein, shall neither excuse any future non-compliance with the Loan Agreement, nor operate as a waiver of
any Default or Event of Default. To the extent any terms or provisions of this Amendment conflict with those of the Loan Agreement or
other Loan Documents, the terms and provisions of this Amendment shall control.
(b) Upon and after the effectiveness of this Amendment, each reference in the Loan Agreement to “this Agreement”,
“hereunder”, “herein”, “hereof” or words of like import referring to the Loan Agreement, and each reference in the other Loan Documents
to “the Loan Agreement”, “thereunder”, “therein”, “thereof” or words of like import referring to the Loan Agreement, shall mean and be a
reference to the Loan Agreement as modified and amended hereby.
(c) To the extent that any terms and conditions in any of the Loan Documents shall contradict or be in conflict with
any terms or conditions of the Loan Agreement, such terms and conditions are hereby deemed modified or amended accordingly to reflect
the terms and conditions of the Loan Agreement as modified or amended hereby.
(d) This Amendment is a Loan Document.
(e) Unless the context of this Amendment clearly requires otherwise, references to the plural include the singular,
references to the singular include the plural, the terms “includes” and “including” are not limiting, and the term “or” has, except where
otherwise indicated, the inclusive meaning represented by the phrase “and/or”.
11. Entire Agreement . This Amendment, and terms and provisions hereof, the Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents
constitute the entire understanding and agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any
and all prior or contemporaneous amendments or understandings with respect to the subject matter hereof, whether express or implied, oral
or written.
12. Integration . This Amendment, together with the other Loan Documents, incorporates all negotiations of the parties hereto
with respect to the subject matter hereof and is the final expression and agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter
hereof.
13. Release .
(a)
Effective on the date hereof, each of Borrower and, for itself and on behalf of its successors,
assigns, and officers, directors, employees, agents and attorneys, and any Person acting for or on behalf of, or claiming through such
Person, hereby waives, releases, remises and forever discharges each member of the Lender Group, each of their respective Affiliates, and
each of their respective successors in title, past, present and future officers, directors, employees, limited partners, general partners,
investors, attorneys, assigns, subsidiaries, shareholders, trustees, agents and other professionals and all other persons and entities to whom
any member of the Lender Group or their respective Affiliates would be liable if such persons or entities were found to be liable to
Borrower (each a “ Releasee ” and collectively, the “Releasees”), from any
and all past, present and future claims, suits, liens, lawsuits, adverse consequences, amounts paid in settlement, debts, deficiencies,
diminution in value, disbursements, demands, obligations, liabilities, causes of action, damages, losses, costs and expenses of any kind or
character, whether based in equity, law, contract, tort, implied or express warranty, strict liability, criminal or civil statute or common law
(each a “ Claim ” and collectively, the “ Claims ”), whether known or unknown, fixed or contingent, direct, indirect, or derivative, asserted
or unasserted, matured or unmatured, foreseen or unforseen, past or present, liquidated or unliquidated, suspected or unsuspected, which
Borrower ever had from the beginning of the world, now has, or might hereafter have against any such Releasee which relates, directly or
indirectly to the Loan Agreement, any other Loan Document, or to any acts or omissions of any such Releasee with respect to the Loan
Agreement or any other Loan Document, or to the lender-borrower relationship evidenced by the Loan Documents, except for the duties
and obligations set forth in this Amendment. As to each and every claim released hereunder, Borrower hereby represents that it has
received the advice of legal counsel with regard to the releases contained herein, and having been so advised, specifically waives the
benefit of the provisions of Section 1542 of the Civil Code of California which provides as follows:
“ A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT
KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN
BY HIM OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR .”
(b)
Borrower acknowledges that it may hereafter discover facts different from or in addition to those
now known or believed to be true with respect to such claims, demands, or causes of action and agrees that this instrument shall be and
remain effective in all respects notwithstanding any such differences or additional facts. Borrower understands, acknowledges and agrees
that the release set forth above may be pleaded as a full and complete defense and may be used as a basis for an injunction against any
action, suit or other proceeding which may be instituted, prosecuted or attempted in breach of the provisions of such release.
(c)
Borrower, for itself and on behalf of its successors, assigns, and officers, directors, employees,
agents and attorneys, and any Person acting for or on behalf of, or claiming through it, hereby absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably,
covenants and agrees with and in favor of each Releasee above that it will not sue (at law, in equity, in any regulatory proceeding or
otherwise) any Releasee on the basis of any claim released, remised and discharged by such Person pursuant to the above
release. Borrower further agrees that it shall not dispute the validity or enforceability of the Loan Agreement or any of the other Loan
Documents or any of its obligations thereunder, or the validity, priority, enforceability or the extent of Agent’s Lien on any item of
Collateral under the Loan Agreement or the other Loan Documents. If Borrower or any of its successors, assigns, or officers, directors,
employees, agents or attorneys, or any Person acting for or on behalf of, or claiming through it violate the foregoing covenant, such Person,
for itself and its successors, assigns and legal representatives, agrees to pay, in addition to such other damages as any Releasee may sustain
as a result of such violation, all attorneys’ fees and costs incurred by such Releasee as a result of such violation.
14. Acknowledgments .
(a) Acknowledgement of Security Interests . Borrower hereby acknowledges, confirms and agrees that Agent, for the
benefit of the Lender Group, has and shall continue to have valid, enforceable and perfected first-priority liens upon and security interests
in the Collateral granted to Agent, for the benefit of the Lender Group, pursuant to the Loan Documents or otherwise granted to or held by
Agent.
(b) No Disregard of Loan Documents . Borrower hereby acknowledges that the parties hereto have not entered into a
mutual disregard of the terms and provisions of the Loan Agreement or the other Loan Documents, or engaged in any course of dealing in
variance with the terms and provisions of the Loan
Agreement or the Loan Documents, within the meaning of any applicable law of the State of California, or otherwise.
15. Reaffirmation of Obligations . Borrower hereby reaffirms its obligations under each Loan Document to which it is a
party. Borrower hereby further ratifies and reaffirms the validity and enforceability of all of the liens and security interests heretofore
granted, pursuant to and in connection with any Loan Document to Agent, for the benefit of the Lender Group, as collateral security for the
obligations under the Loan Documents in accordance with their respective terms, and acknowledges that all of such liens and security
interests, and all collateral heretofore pledged as security for such obligations, continues to be and remain collateral for such obligations
from and after the date hereof.
16. Ratification . Borrower hereby restates, ratifies and reaffirms each and every term and condition set forth in the Loan
Agreement and the Loan Documents effective as of the date hereof and as amended hereby.
17. Severability . In case any provision in this Amendment shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, such provision shall be
severable from the remainder of this Amendment and the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any
way be affected or impaired thereby.
[Signature pages to follow.]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have entered into this Amendment as of the date first above written.
FRESHPET, INC.,
a Delaware corporation, as Borrower
By: /s/ Richard Kassar
Name:
Title:
Richard Kassar
Chief Financial Officer
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDMENT NUMBER TWO TO SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND SECURITY
AGREEMENT AND CONSENT]
CITY NATIONAL BANK,
a national banking association, as Agent and as a Lender
By: /s/ Garen Papazyan
Name:
Title:
Garen Papzyan
Senior Vice President
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDMENT NUMBER TWO TO SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND SECURITY
AGREEMENT AND CONSENT]
ONEWEST BANK N.A.,
a national banking association, as a Lender
By: /s/
Name:
Title:
David Ligon
David Ligon
Executive Vice President
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDMENT NUMBER TWO TO SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND SECURITY
AGREEMENT AND CONSENT]
AMENDMENT NUMBER THREE TO SECOND
AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT AND CONSENT
THIS AMENDMENT NUMBER THREE TO SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND
SECURITY AGREEMENT AND CONSENT (this “ Amendment ”), dated as of March 11, 2015 is entered into by and among, on the
lenders identified on the signature pages hereof (such lenders, together with their respective successors and permitted assigns, are referred
to hereinafter each individually as a “ Lender ” and collectively as the “ Lenders ”), CITY NATIONAL BANK , a national banking
association (“ CNB ”), as the arranger and administrative agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, together with its successors and assigns
in such capacity, “ Agent ”), and FRESHPET, INC. , a Delaware corporation (“ Borrower ”), and in light of the following:
Exhibit 10.18
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS , Borrower, Agent and the Lenders are parties to that certain Second Amended and Restated Loan and
Security Agreement, dated as of November 13, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the “
Loan Agreement ”);
WHEREAS, Borrower is required to deliver to Agent a Control Agreement from each Cash Management Bank
(other than Agent) set forth on Schedule 2.7(a) of the Loan Agreement within 90 days after the Restatement Effective Date (the “ Control
Agreement Deadline ”).
Agreement, and (b) consent to the extension of the Control Agreement Deadline; and
WHEREAS, Borrower has requested that Agent and the Lenders (a) make certain amendments to the Loan
Borrower’s requests.
WHEREAS, upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, Agent and the Lenders are willing to accommodate
good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:
NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants herein contained, and for other
1.
Defined Terms . All initially capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings
ascribed to them in the Loan Agreement.
2.
Consent . The provisions of the Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents to the contrary notwithstanding, and
subject to the satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4 below, Agent and Lenders hereby extend the Control
Agreement Deadline to April 11, 2015.
3.
Amendment to Loan Agreement . Upon the satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4 below,
Section 3.2(b) of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by replacing the reference to “90” appearing therein with “120”.
4. Conditions Precedent to Amendment . The satisfaction of each of the following shall constitute conditions precedent to the
effectiveness of the Amendment (such date being the “ Amendment Effective Date ”):
(a) Agent shall have received this Amendment, duly executed by the parties hereto, and the same shall be in full force
and effect.
LEGAL_US_W # 81264034.1
(b) The representations and warranties herein and in the Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be true
and correct in all respects on and as of the date hereof, as though made on such date (except to the extent that such representations and
warranties relate solely to an earlier date).
(c) No injunction, writ, restraining order, or other order of any nature prohibiting, directly or indirectly, the
consummation of the transactions contemplated herein shall have been issued and remain in force by any Governmental Authority against
Borrower or Agent.
the transactions contemplated herein.
(d) No Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or shall result from the consummation of
have been delivered, executed, or recorded and shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent.
(e) All other documents and legal matters in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Amendment shall
5. Representations and Warranties . Borrower hereby represents and warrants to Agent and the Lender as follows:
(a) It (i) is duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, (ii)
is qualified to do business in any state where the failure to be so qualified reasonably could be expected to result in a Material Adverse
Change, and (iii) has all requisite power and authority to own and operate its properties, to carry on its business as now conducted and as
proposed to be conducted, to enter into the Loan Documents to which it is a party and to carry out the transactions contemplated thereby.
(b) The execution, delivery, and performance by it of this Amendment and the performance by it of each Loan
Document to which it is or will be a party (i) have been duly authorized by all necessary action, and (ii) do not and will not (A) violate any
material provision of federal, state or local law, rule or regulation, or any order, judgment, decree, writ, injunction or award of any
arbitrator, court or governmental authority finding on it or its Subsidiaries, the Governing Documents of it or its Subsidiaries, or any order,
judgment or decree of any court or other Governmental Authority binding on it or its Subsidiaries, (B) conflict with, result in a breach of,
or constitute (with due notice or lapse of time or both) a default under any material contractual obligation of it or its Subsidiaries, except to
the extent that any such conflict, breach or default could not individually or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Change, (C) result in or require the creation or imposition of any Lien of any nature whatsoever upon any properties or assets of
Borrower, other than Permitted Liens, or (D) require any approval of Borrower’s interestholders or any approval or consent of any Person
under any material contractual obligation of Borrower, other than consents or approvals that have been obtained and that are still in force
and effect and except, in the case of a material contractual obligation, for consents or approvals, the failure to obtain could not individually
or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change.
(c) The execution, delivery and performance by Borrower of the Loan Documents and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents do not and will not require any registration with, consent, or approval of, or notice to, or
other action with or by, any Governmental Authority or any other Person, other than consents or approvals that have been obtained and that
are still in force and effect.
(d) This Amendment is, and each other Loan Document to which it is or will be a party, when executed and delivered
by each Person that is a party thereto, will be the legally valid and binding obligation of such Person, enforceable against such Person in
accordance with its respective terms, except as enforcement may be limited by equitable principles or by bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or similar laws relating to or limiting creditors’ rights generally.
LEGAL_US_W # 81264034.1
(e) No injunction, writ, restraining order, or other order of any nature prohibiting, directly or indirectly, the
consummation of the transactions contemplated herein has been issued and remains in force by any Governmental Authority against
Borrower or any member of the Lender Group.
Amendment, and no condition exists which constitutes a Default or an Event of Default.
(f) No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing as of the date of the effectiveness of this
(g) The representations and warranties set forth in this Amendment, the Loan Agreement, as amended by this
Amendment, and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party are true and correct in all material respects (except that such materiality
qualifier shall not be applicable to any representation or warranty to the extent that such representation or warranty is qualified or modified
by materiality in the text thereof, in which case such representation and warranties shall be true in all respects) on and as of the date hereof,
as though made on such date (except to the extent that such representations and warranties relate solely to an earlier date.)
(h) This Amendment has been entered into without force or duress, of the free will of Borrower, and the decision of
Borrower to enter into this Amendment is a fully informed decision and Borrower is aware of all legal and other ramifications of each
decision.
(i) It has read and understands this Amendment, has consulted with and been represented by independent legal
counsel of its own choosing in negotiations for and the preparation of this Amendment, has read this Amendment in full and final form, and
has been advised by its counsel of its rights and obligations hereunder and thereunder.
6. Payment of Costs and Fees . Borrower shall pay to Agent all reasonable and documented costs, out-of-pocket expenses, fees
and charges in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution and delivery of this Amendment and any documents and instruments
relating hereto. In addition thereto, Borrower agrees to reimburse Agent on demand for its reasonable and documented costs arising out of
this Amendment and all documents or instruments relating hereto (which costs may include the reasonable fees and expenses of any
attorneys retained by Agent).
7. Choice of Law . This Amendment and the rights of the parties hereunder, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance
with, the laws of the State of California applicable to contracts made and to be performed in the State of California.
8. Amendments . This Amendment cannot be altered, amended, changed or modified in any respect or particular unless each
such alteration, amendment, change or modification shall have been agreed to by each of the parties and reduced to writing in its entirety
and signed and delivered by each party.
9. Counterpart Execution . This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which when taken together
shall constitute one and the same instrument, and any of the parties hereto may execute this Amendment by signing any such
counterpart. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Amendment by telefacsimile or electronic mail shall be equally as effective as
delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Amendment. Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this Amendment by
telefacsimile or electronic mail also shall deliver an original executed counterpart of this Amendment, but the failure to deliver an original
executed counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of this Amendment.
10. Effect on Loan Documents .
(a) The Loan Agreement, as amended hereby, and each of the other Loan Documents shall be and remain in full force
and effect in accordance with their respective terms and hereby are ratified and confirmed in all respects. The execution, delivery, and
performance of this Amendment shall not operate,
LEGAL_US_W # 81264034.1
except as expressly set forth herein, as a modification or waiver of any right, power, or remedy of any member of the Lender Group under
the Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document. The waivers, consents and modifications herein are limited to the specifics hereof
(including facts or occurrences on which the same are based), shall not apply with respect to any facts or occurrences other than those on
which the same are based, shall not excuse any non-compliance with the Loan Documents, and shall not operate as a consent to any matter
under the Loan Documents. Except for the amendments to the Loan Agreement expressly set forth herein, the Loan Agreement, the other
Loan Documents and the other Schedules thereto shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect. The execution, delivery and
performance of this Amendment shall not operate as a waiver of or, except as expressly set forth herein, as an amendment of, any right,
power or remedy of any member of the Lender Group in effect prior to the date hereof. The amendments and waivers set forth herein are
limited to the specifics hereof, shall not apply with respect to any facts or occurrences other than those on which the same are based, and
except as expressly set forth herein, shall neither excuse any future non-compliance with the Loan Agreement, nor operate as a waiver of
any Default or Event of Default. To the extent any terms or provisions of this Amendment conflict with those of the Loan Agreement or
other Loan Documents, the terms and provisions of this Amendment shall control.
(b) Upon and after the effectiveness of this Amendment, each reference in the Loan Agreement to “this Agreement”,
“hereunder”, “herein”, “hereof” or words of like import referring to the Loan Agreement, and each reference in the other Loan Documents
to “the Loan Agreement”, “thereunder”, “therein”, “thereof” or words of like import referring to the Loan Agreement, shall mean and be a
reference to the Loan Agreement as modified and amended hereby.
(c) To the extent that any terms and conditions in any of the Loan Documents shall contradict or be in conflict with
any terms or conditions of the Loan Agreement, such terms and conditions are hereby deemed modified or amended accordingly to reflect
the terms and conditions of the Loan Agreement as modified or amended hereby.
(d) This Amendment is a Loan Document.
(e) Unless the context of this Amendment clearly requires otherwise, references to the plural include the singular,
references to the singular include the plural, the terms “includes” and “including” are not limiting, and the term “or” has, except where
otherwise indicated, the inclusive meaning represented by the phrase “and/or”.
11. Entire Agreement . This Amendment, and terms and provisions hereof, the Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents
constitute the entire understanding and agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any
and all prior or contemporaneous amendments or understandings with respect to the subject matter hereof, whether express or implied, oral
or written.
12. Integration . This Amendment, together with the other Loan Documents, incorporates all negotiations of the parties hereto
with respect to the subject matter hereof and is the final expression and agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter
hereof.
13. Release .
(a)
Effective on the date hereof, each of Borrower and, for itself and on behalf of its successors,
assigns, and officers, directors, employees, agents and attorneys, and any Person acting for or on behalf of, or claiming through such
Person, hereby waives, releases, remises and forever discharges each member of the Lender Group, each of their respective Affiliates, and
each of their respective successors in title, past, present and future officers, directors, employees, limited partners, general partners,
investors, attorneys, assigns, subsidiaries, shareholders, trustees, agents and other professionals and all other persons and entities to whom
any member of the Lender Group or their respective Affiliates would be liable if such persons or entities were found to be liable to
Borrower (each a “ Releasee ” and collectively, the “Releasees”), from any
LEGAL_US_W # 81264034.1
and all past, present and future claims, suits, liens, lawsuits, adverse consequences, amounts paid in settlement, debts, deficiencies,
diminution in value, disbursements, demands, obligations, liabilities, causes of action, damages, losses, costs and expenses of any kind or
character, whether based in equity, law, contract, tort, implied or express warranty, strict liability, criminal or civil statute or common law
(each a “ Claim ” and collectively, the “ Claims ”), whether known or unknown, fixed or contingent, direct, indirect, or derivative, asserted
or unasserted, matured or unmatured, foreseen or unforseen, past or present, liquidated or unliquidated, suspected or unsuspected, which
Borrower ever had from the beginning of the world, now has, or might hereafter have against any such Releasee which relates, directly or
indirectly to the Loan Agreement, any other Loan Document, or to any acts or omissions of any such Releasee with respect to the Loan
Agreement or any other Loan Document, or to the lender-borrower relationship evidenced by the Loan Documents, except for the duties
and obligations set forth in this Amendment. As to each and every claim released hereunder, Borrower hereby represents that it has
received the advice of legal counsel with regard to the releases contained herein, and having been so advised, specifically waives the
benefit of the provisions of Section 1542 of the Civil Code of California which provides as follows:
“ A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT
KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN
BY HIM OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR .”
(b)
Borrower acknowledges that it may hereafter discover facts different from or in addition to those
now known or believed to be true with respect to such claims, demands, or causes of action and agrees that this instrument shall be and
remain effective in all respects notwithstanding any such differences or additional facts. Borrower understands, acknowledges and agrees
that the release set forth above may be pleaded as a full and complete defense and may be used as a basis for an injunction against any
action, suit or other proceeding which may be instituted, prosecuted or attempted in breach of the provisions of such release.
(c)
Borrower, for itself and on behalf of its successors, assigns, and officers, directors, employees,
agents and attorneys, and any Person acting for or on behalf of, or claiming through it, hereby absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably,
covenants and agrees with and in favor of each Releasee above that it will not sue (at law, in equity, in any regulatory proceeding or
otherwise) any Releasee on the basis of any claim released, remised and discharged by such Person pursuant to the above
release. Borrower further agrees that it shall not dispute the validity or enforceability of the Loan Agreement or any of the other Loan
Documents or any of its obligations thereunder, or the validity, priority, enforceability or the extent of Agent’s Lien on any item of
Collateral under the Loan Agreement or the other Loan Documents. If Borrower or any of its successors, assigns, or officers, directors,
employees, agents or attorneys, or any Person acting for or on behalf of, or claiming through it violate the foregoing covenant, such Person,
for itself and its successors, assigns and legal representatives, agrees to pay, in addition to such other damages as any Releasee may sustain
as a result of such violation, all attorneys’ fees and costs incurred by such Releasee as a result of such violation.
14. Acknowledgments .
(a) Acknowledgement of Security Interests . Borrower hereby acknowledges, confirms and agrees that Agent, for the
benefit of the Lender Group, has and shall continue to have valid, enforceable and perfected first-priority liens upon and security interests
in the Collateral granted to Agent, for the benefit of the Lender Group, pursuant to the Loan Documents or otherwise granted to or held by
Agent.
(b) No Disregard of Loan Documents . Borrower hereby acknowledges that the parties hereto have not entered into a
mutual disregard of the terms and provisions of the Loan Agreement or the other Loan Documents, or engaged in any course of dealing in
variance with the terms and provisions of the Loan
LEGAL_US_W # 81264034.1
Agreement or the Loan Documents, within the meaning of any applicable law of the State of California, or otherwise.
15. Reaffirmation of Obligations . Borrower hereby reaffirms its obligations under each Loan Document to which it is a
party. Borrower hereby further ratifies and reaffirms the validity and enforceability of all of the liens and security interests heretofore
granted, pursuant to and in connection with any Loan Document to Agent, for the benefit of the Lender Group, as collateral security for the
obligations under the Loan Documents in accordance with their respective terms, and acknowledges that all of such liens and security
interests, and all collateral heretofore pledged as security for such obligations, continues to be and remain collateral for such obligations
from and after the date hereof.
16. Ratification . Borrower hereby restates, ratifies and reaffirms each and every term and condition set forth in the Loan
Agreement and the Loan Documents effective as of the date hereof and as amended hereby.
17. Severability . In case any provision in this Amendment shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, such provision shall be
severable from the remainder of this Amendment and the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any
way be affected or impaired thereby.
[Signature pages to follow.]
LEGAL_US_W # 81264034.1
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have entered into this Amendment as of the date first above written.
FRESHPET, INC.,
a Delaware corporation, as Borrower
By: /s/ Richard Kassar
Name:
Title:
Richard Kassar
Chief Financial Officer
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDMENT NUMBER THREE TO SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND SECURITY
AGREEMENT AND CONSENT]
CITY NATIONAL BANK,
a national banking association, as Agent and as a Lender
By: /s/ Garen Papazyan
Name:
Title:
Garen Papazyan
Senior Vice President
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDMENT NUMBER THREE TO SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND SECURITY
AGREEMENT AND CONSENT]
ONEWEST BANK N.A.,
a national banking association, as a Lender
By: /s/ Gary Kirshner
Name:
Title:
Gary Kirshner
Senior Vice President
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDMENT NUMBER THREE TO SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND SECURITY
AGREEMENT AND CONSENT]
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Exhibit 23.1
The Board of Directors
Freshpet, Inc.:
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement (No. 333-200936) on Form S-8 of Freshpet of our report
dated March 31, 2015, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Freshpet Inc. as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the
related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, changes in stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for
each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014, which report appears in the December 31, 2014 annual report on
Form 10-K of Freshpet Inc.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Short Hills, New Jersey
March 31, 2015
Exhibit 31.1
I, Richard Thompson, certify that:
CERTIFICATIONS
1.
2.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Freshpet, Inc.;
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in
this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over
financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure
controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the
registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities,
particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such
internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and
procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and
procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over
financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal
quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect,
the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent
evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the
audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or
operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the
registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: March 31, 2015
/s/ Richard Thompson _
Richard Thompson
Chief Executive Officer
2
Exhibit 31.2
I, Richard Kassar, certify that:
CERTIFICATIONS
1.
2.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Freshpet, Inc.;
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in
this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over
financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure
controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the
registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities,
particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such
internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and
procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and
procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over
financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal
quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect,
the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent
evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the
audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or
operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the
registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: March 31, 2015
2
/s/ Richard Kassar _
Richard Kassar
Chief Financial Officer
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. § 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO § 906
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the filing of the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Freshpet, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
“Company”), for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the
date hereof (the “Report”), each of the undersigned officers of the Company certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as
adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to such officer’s knowledge:
1.
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934; and
2.
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial
condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods expressed in the Report.
Date: March 31, 2015
/s/ Richard Thompson _ _
Richard Thompson
Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Richard Kassar _ _
Richard Kassar
Chief Financial Officer
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 and is not being filed as part
of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.