FORM 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010

 

¨ Transition Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

for the transition period from              to             .

Commission File No. 0-22818

THE HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   22-3240619

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

58 South Service Road

Melville, New York

  11747
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (631) 730-2200

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark 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 (section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

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

Large accelerated filer  x            Accelerated filer  ¨            Non-accelerated filer  ¨            Smaller reporting company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

As of May 3, 2010 there were 40,949,630 shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock, par value $.01 per share.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

THE HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP, INC.

INDEX

 

Part I Financial Information   

Item 1. Financial Statements

  
 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – March 31, 2010

(unaudited) and June 30, 2009

   2
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations –

Three months and nine months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (unaudited)

   3
 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity –

Nine months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (unaudited)

   4
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows –

Nine months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (unaudited)

   5
  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements    6

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

   17

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   23

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

   23
Part II Other Information   

Items 1A, 3, and 5 are not applicable

  

Item 1 Legal Proceedings

   24

Item 2 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   24

Item 6 Exhibits

   25

Signatures

   26

 

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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

THE HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share amounts)

 

     March 31,
2010
    June 30,
2009
 
     (Unaudited)     (Note)  
ASSETS     

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 40,975      $ 41,408   

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,204 and $1,175

     116,879        114,506   

Inventories

     154,048        158,590   

Deferred income taxes

     13,038        13,028   

Other current assets

     17,921        21,599   
                

Total current assets

     342,861        349,131   

Property, plant and equipment, net

     100,157        102,135   

Goodwill

     463,052        456,459   

Trademarks and other intangible assets, net

     146,398        149,196   

Investment in and advances to equity-method investees

     45,842        49,061   

Other assets

     15,482        17,514   
                

Total assets

   $ 1,113,792      $ 1,123,496   
                
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 109,974      $ 134,618   

Income taxes payable

     15,264        1,877   

Current portion of long-term debt

     33        44   
                

Total current liabilities

     125,271        136,539   

Long-term debt, less current portion

     225,074        258,372   

Deferred income taxes and other liabilities

     29,180        27,262   
                

Total liabilities

     379,525        422,173   

Commitments and contingencies

    

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock - $.01 par value, authorized 5,000,000 shares, no shares issued

     —          —     

Common stock - $.01 par value, authorized 100,000,000 shares, issued 41,904,705 and 41,699,509 shares

     419        417   

Additional paid-in capital

     510,065        503,161   

Retained earnings

     234,213        212,285   

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     6,284        1,769   
                
     750,981        717,632   

Less: 1,026,460 and 1,001,898 shares of treasury stock, at cost

     (16,714     (16,309
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     734,267        701,323   
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 1,113,792      $ 1,123,496   
                

Note: The balance sheet at June 30, 2009 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date.

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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THE HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
    Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2010    2009     2010    2009  

Net sales

   $ 222,098    $ 264,928      $ 694,549    $ 863,932   

Cost of sales

     160,596      204,933        501,339      664,722   
                              

Gross profit

     61,502      59,995        193,210      199,210   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     42,161      45,213        131,907      148,529   

Restructuring expenses

     —        1,946        2,936      3,438   

Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles

     —        52,567        —        52,567   
                              

Operating income (loss)

     19,341      (39,731     58,367      (5,324

Interest and other expenses, net

     2,024      4,508        8,581      13,716   

Equity in net loss of equity-method investees

     653      —          1,785      —     
                              

Income (loss) before income taxes

     16,664      (44,239     48,001      (19,040

Provision for income taxes

     14,008      (972     26,073      8,672   
                              

Net income (loss)

     2,656      (43,267     21,928      (27,712

Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

     —        (2,117     —        (1,724
                              

Net income (loss) attributable to The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.

   $ 2,656    $ (41,150   $ 21,928    $ (25,988
                              

Net income (loss) per share attributable to The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.:

          

Basic

   $ 0.07    $ (1.01   $ 0.54    $ (0.64
                              

Diluted

   $ 0.06    $ (1.01   $ 0.53    $ (0.64
                              

Shares used in the calculation of net income (loss) per common share attributable to The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.:

          

Basic

     40,838      40,555        40,771      40,415   
                              

Diluted

     41,383      40,555        41,298      40,415   
                              

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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THE HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2010

(In thousands, except per share and share amounts)

 

     Common Stock    Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
   Treasury Stock     Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Total  
   Shares    Amount
at $.01
        Shares    Amount      

Balance at June 30, 2009

   41,699,509    $ 417    $ 503,161      $ 212,285    1,001,898    $ (16,309   $ 1,769      $ 701,323   

Issuance of common stock pursuant to stock compensation plans

   152,581      2      1,087                  1,089   

Issuance of common stock in connection with license agreement

   52,615         965                  965   

Stock-based compensation income tax effects

           (360               (360

Shares withheld for payment of employee payroll taxes due on shares issued under stock-based compensation plans

              24,562      (405       (405

Non-cash compensation charge

           5,212                  5,212   

Net income

             21,928             21,928   

Translation adjustments

                     4,905        4,905   

Change in deferred gains on cash flow hedging instruments, net of tax

                     (657     (657

Change in unrealized loss on available for sale investment, net of tax

                     267        267   
                                                        

Balance at March 31, 2010

   41,904,705    $ 419    $ 510,065      $ 234,213    1,026,460    $ (16,714   $ 6,284      $ 734,267   
                                                        

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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THE HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)

 

     Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2010     2009  
     (Unaudited)  

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES

    

Net income (loss)

   $ 21,928      $ (27,712

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     14,062        16,259   

Deferred income taxes

     4,971        (5,038

Equity in net loss of equity-method investees

     1,785        —     

Loss on write-down of investment

     1,210        —     

Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles

     —          52,567   

Non-cash compensation

     5,212        4,455   

Tax benefit from stock options

     559        290   

Other non-cash items, net

     345        (92

Increase (decrease) in cash attributable to changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable

     (3,404     (17,300

Inventories

     5,068        (34,025

Other current assets

     2,126        895   

Other assets

     (1,448     (3,017

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     (24,441     982   

Income taxes

     10,618        2,293   
                

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     38,591        (9,443
                

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES

    

Purchases of property and equipment

     (7,354     (10,047

Proceeds from disposals of property and equipment

     43        643   

Acquisitions of business

     (344     (324

Repayment of advances by equity-method investee

     1,807        —     
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (5,848     (9,728
                

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES

    

Proceeds from exercises of stock options, net of related expenses

     1,089        5,281   

Repayments under bank revolving credit facility

     (33,330     (17,000

Repayments of other long-term debt, net

     (78     (100

Investments by and advances from minority shareholder in joint venture

     —          2,906   

Shares withheld for payment of employee payroll taxes

     (405     (45
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (32,724     (8,958
                

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     (452     (2,600
                

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (433     (30,729

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     41,408        58,513   
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 40,975      $ 27,784   
                

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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THE HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

1. GENERAL

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company,” and herein referred to as “we,” “us,” and “our”) manufacture, market, distribute and sell natural and organic products under brand names which are sold as “better-for-you” products. We are a leader in many natural food categories, with such well-known food brands as Earth’s Best®, Celestial Seasonings®, Hain Pure Foods®, Westbrae Natural®, WestSoy®, Rice Dream®, Soy Dream®, Almond Dream®, Imagine®, Walnut Acres Organic®, Ethnic Gourmet®, Rosetto®, Gluten Free Café, Little Bear Organic Foods®, Bearitos®, Arrowhead Mills®, MaraNatha®, SunSpire®, Health Valley®, Breadshop’s®, Casbah®, Spectrum Naturals®, Spectrum Essentials®, Hollywood®, Garden of Eatin’®, Terra®, Boston’s The Best You’ve Ever Tasted®, Lima®, Grains Noirs®, Natumi®, Yves Veggie Cuisine®, DeBoles®, Nile Spice®, Linda McCartney® (under license), Daily Bread™, Realeat® and Granose®. Our natural personal care products are marketed under the Avalon Organics®, Alba Botanica®, JASON®, Zia®, Queen Helene®, Batherapy®, Shower Therapy®, Footherapy®, Tushies® and TenderCare® brands. Our household cleaning products are marketed under the Martha Stewart CleanTM (under license) brand.

We have a minority investment in Hain Pure Protein Corporation (“HPP” or “Hain Pure Protein”), which processes, markets and distributes antibiotic-free chicken and turkey products. See Note 2, Basis of Presentation, and Note 12, Equity Investments.

We operate in one business segment: the manufacturing, distribution and marketing of natural and organic products. In our 2009 fiscal year, approximately 49% of our revenues were derived from products that were manufactured within our own facilities with 51% produced by various co-packers.

All dollar amounts in our condensed consolidated financial statements and tables have been rounded to the nearest thousand dollars, except share and per share amounts.

Management evaluated all events and transactions occurring after the balance sheet date through the filing of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

 

2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Our condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Except for the retrospective adjustments related to the adoption of new accounting guidance contained in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, “Consolidation,” regarding noncontrolling interests as discussed in further detail below, the amounts as of and for the periods ended June 30, 2009 are derived from the Company’s audited annual financial statements. The condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments which, in management’s opinion, are necessary for a fair presentation for interim periods. Operating results for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending June 30, 2010. Please refer to the footnotes to our consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2009 and for the year then ended included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for information not included in these condensed footnotes.

The Company’s investment in HPP is accounted for under the equity method of accounting effective from June 30, 2009. The Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations for all periods prior to July 1, 2009 include the revenues and expenses of HPP.

The condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2009 include adjustments to reclassify $2,795 and $8,669, respectively, from selling, general and administrative expenses to net sales as a result of a misclassification of certain promotional expenses in prior periods. The reclassifications did not affect previously reported net income.

 

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Newly Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) approved the Accounting Standards Codification as the single source of authoritative nongovernmental GAAP. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. We adopted the standard for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, and as a result, disclosures include references to ASC.

On July 1, 2009, we adopted a new accounting standard issued by the FASB, which is included in ASC 805, “Business Combinations” which provides revised guidance related to accounting for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting (previously referred to as the purchase method). The standard requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the business acquired at their acquisition-date fair values and generally requires acquisition-related costs to be expensed as incurred. The standard also provides guidance for recognizing and measuring the goodwill acquired in a business combination and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. The impact of this standard will be dependent on the number, size, terms and nature of acquisitions we may make in future periods.

On July 1, 2009 we also adopted a new accounting standard issued by the FASB, which is included in ASC 810, “Consolidation,” which establishes new accounting and reporting standards for a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary, which was previously referred to as minority interest. Among other requirements, the guidance establishes accounting and reporting standards that require noncontrolling interests to be reported as a separate component of equity in the consolidated financial statements, changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling interest be accounted for as equity transactions and that consolidated net income include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling interest, with disclosure of those amounts on the face of the consolidated statement of income. The provisions of this standard must be applied prospectively, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements, which have been applied retrospectively for all periods presented. As a result of the dilution of the Company’s ownership interest in HPP as of June 30, 2009, the Company deconsolidated HPP at that date. We reclassified $3.4 million ($2.1 million net of tax) and $2.8 million ($1.7 million net of tax) related to HPP from “Interest and other expenses, net” to “Income attributable to noncontrolling interest” in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three months and nine months ended March 31, 2009. The recorded amount for the prior year’s third quarter and first nine months previously presented as “Net income”, which is now presented as “Net income attributable to The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.,” has not changed as a result of the adoption.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Effective

In June 2009, the FASB issued a new standard, included in ASC 810, “Consolidation,” regarding the consolidation of variable interest entities. The standard includes guidance for determining whether an entity is a variable interest entity and replaces the quantitative-based risks and rewards approach with a qualitative approach that focuses on identifying which enterprise has the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. It also requires an ongoing reassessment of whether an entity is the primary beneficiary, and it requires additional disclosures about an enterprise’s involvement in variable interest entities. This standard is effective for us beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2011. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements.

 

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3. EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP, INC.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
    Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2010    2009     2010    2009  

Numerator:

          

Net income (loss) attributable to The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.

   $ 2,656    $ (41,150   $ 21,928    $ (25,988
                              

Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted average shares outstanding during the period (in thousands)

     40,838      40,555        40,771      40,415   

Effect of dilutive stock options and unvested restricted stock (in thousands)

     545      —          527      —     
                              

Denominator for diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions (in thousands)

     41,383      40,555        41,298      40,415   
                              

Basic net income (loss) per share

   $ 0.07    $ (1.01   $ 0.54    $ (0.64
                              

Diluted net income (loss) per share

   $ 0.06    $ (1.01   $ 0.53    $ (0.64
                              

Basic earnings per share excludes the dilutive effects of stock options and unvested restricted stock. Diluted earnings per share includes only the dilutive effects of common stock equivalents such as stock options and restricted stock. Anti-dilutive stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units totaling 2,599,000 for the three months and 2,629,000 for the nine months ended March 31, 2010 were excluded from our earnings per share calculations. Diluted net loss per share excludes dilutive stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units totaling 117,000 and 650,000, respectively, for the three months and nine months ended March 31, 2009 because they do not have a dilutive effect due to the Company’s net loss.

 

4. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The components of comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
    Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Net income (loss)

   $ 2,656      $ (43,267   $ 21,928      $ (27,712

Other comprehensive income (loss):

        

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net

     (1,861     (5,393     4,905        (42,300

Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of tax

     (3     —          (657     —     

Change in unrealized loss on available-for-sale investment, net of tax

     (478     (240     267        (640
                                

Comprehensive income (loss)

     314        (48,900     26,443        (70,652

Comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest

     —          2,117        —          1,724   
                                

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.

   $ 314      $ (46,783   $ 26,443      $ (68,928
                                

 

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Accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. consisted of the following:

 

     March 31,
2010
    June 30,
2009
 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   $ 7,218      $ 2,313   

Unrealized loss on available for sale securities

     (478     (745

Deferred gains (losses) on hedging instruments

     (456     201   
                

Total accumulated other comprehensive income

   $ 6,284      $ 1,769   
                

 

5. INVENTORIES

Inventories consisted of the following:

 

     March 31,
2010
   June 30,
2009

Finished goods

   $ 104,196    $ 103,458

Raw materials, work-in-progress and packaging

     49,852      55,132
             
   $ 154,048    $ 158,590
             

 

6. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:

 

     March 31,
2010
   June 30,
2009

Land

   $ 9,167    $ 9,113

Buildings and improvements

     37,874      35,151

Machinery and equipment

     133,024      129,790

Furniture and fixtures

     6,846      7,093

Leasehold improvements

     3,195      3,528

Construction in progress

     2,136      1,766
             
     192,242      186,441

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     92,085      84,306
             
   $ 100,157    $ 102,135
             

 

7. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The Company performs its annual goodwill impairment test on the first day of its fiscal fourth quarter. In addition, if and when events or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of any of its reporting units below its carrying value, an interim test is performed. We recognized non-cash impairment charges for goodwill and other intangibles of $52.6 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2009, which included $49.6 million for goodwill, net of $7.6 million attributed to the noncontrolling interest of our Hain Pure Protein joint venture, and $3.0 million for other intangibles.

 

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Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended March 31, 2010 were as follows:

 

Balance as of June 30, 2009

   $ 456,459

Translation adjustments, net

     6,593
      

Balance as of March 31, 2010

   $ 463,052
      

In October 2009, the Company entered into an additional License and Promotion Agreement with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (“MSLO”) for the use of the trademark Martha Stewart and the Martha Stewart name in connection with the marketing and sale of certain baking and pasta products. In connection with the license agreement, the Company issued 52,615 shares of its common stock to MSLO in exchange for the use of the trademark for the five-year term. The fair value of the shares issued was approximately $1.0 million based on the market price of our common stock on the date of issuance and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the initial five-year term. If certain sales targets are met, additional shares will be issued for a total value of up to $9.0 million and the agreement will be extended for up to ten additional years. The Company is also required to pay royalties based on net sales and required to spend certain amounts on advertising and promotion of the products. Products contemplated by this agreement are expected to be launched beginning in fiscal 2010.

At March 31, 2010, included in trademarks and other intangible assets on the balance sheet is approximately $10.9 million of intangible assets deemed to have a finite life, which are being amortized over their estimated useful lives. The following table reflects the components of trademarks and other intangible assets:

 

     March 31, 2010    June 30, 2009
     Gross Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Gross Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization

Amortized intangible assets:

           

Other intangibles

   $ 24,720    $ 13,780    $ 21,976    $ 11,728

Non-amortized intangible assets:

           

Trademarks

   $ 142,065    $ 6,607    $ 145,630    $ 6,682

Amortization of intangible assets with finite lives amounted to $2.2 million in the nine months ended March 31, 2010. The expected aggregate amortization expense in each of the next five fiscal years is $3.0 million in 2010, $2.8 million in 2011, $2.2 million in 2012, $1.5 million in 2013 and $0.7 million in 2014.

 

8. SENIOR NOTES AND CREDIT FACILITY

We have $150 million in aggregate principal amount of 10 year senior notes due May 2, 2016, which were issued in a private placement. The notes bear interest at 5.98%, payable semi-annually on November 2nd and May 2nd. We also have a credit agreement which provides us with a $250 million revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) expiring in May 2011. The Credit Facility provides for an uncommitted $100 million accordion feature, under which the facility may be increased to $350 million. The Credit Facility and the notes are guaranteed by substantially all of our current and future direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries. Loans under the Credit Facility bear interest at a base rate (greater of the applicable prime rate or Federal Funds Rate plus an applicable margin) or, at our option, the reserve adjusted LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin. As of March 31, 2010, there were $75.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility. We are required by the terms of the Credit Facility and the notes to comply with customary affirmative and negative covenants for facilities and notes of this nature.

 

9. INCOME TAXES

The effective income tax rate was 52.4% for the nine months ended March 31, 2010. The tax rate increased from our previous estimated tax rate as a result of valuation allowances of approximately $7.1 million recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 related to carryforward losses and deferred tax assets in the United Kingdom. The Company’s United Kingdom operations have incurred losses in recent years, as a result of restructuring and other charges, such as the costs incurred in connection with the recent consolidation of its food-to-go production facilities, the phase out of sales to Marks and Spencer,

 

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as well as the economy in the United Kingdom. These losses represented evidence for management that a full valuation allowance for these deferred tax assets was necessary under ASC 740, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” In addition, based upon a review of its deferred tax asset valuation allowances, in the second quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company determined that it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax asset related to its U.S. foreign tax credits would be utilized, resulting in the release of approximately $0.9 million of valuation allowances. For the nine months ended March 31, 2009, we had income tax expense of $8.7 million and a pre-tax loss of $19.0 million. The fiscal 2009 tax provision was impacted by the impairment losses recognized, of which approximately $40.7 million was nondeductible for tax purposes and which were treated as discrete tax items. The effective income tax rate related to income before tax excluding this discrete item was 38.3% for the nine months ended March 31, 2009. The fiscal 2010 and 2009 effective income tax rates differed from the federal statutory rate primarily due to the items noted previously, as well as the effect of state income taxes and the mix of pretax earnings by jurisdiction. There were no material changes in unrecognized tax benefits during the first nine months of fiscal 2010.

 

10. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

We have various stock based compensation programs under which awards, including stock options, restricted stock, and restricted stock units, may be granted to employees, consultants and non-employee directors.

During the nine months ended March 31, 2010, 155,186 shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units were granted with an estimated grant date value of $2.8 million. In addition, 173,289 stock options were granted with an estimated fair value of $6.03 per share, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on a risk-free rate of 2.38%, expected volatility of 34.2%, an expected life of 4.75 years and a dividend yield of 0.0%.

The Company recorded stock based compensation expense of $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and $5.2 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2010 and $4.5 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2009 in selling, general, and administrative expenses in its condensed consolidated statements of operations. At March 31, 2010, there was $12.2 million of unrecognized stock based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.0 years.

Stock Options

A summary of our stock option plans’ activity for the nine months ended March 31, 2010 is as follows:

 

     Options     Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   Weighted
Average
Contractual
Life
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

Options outstanding June 30, 2009

   5,568,667      $ 20.64      

Granted

   173,289        18.20      

Exercised

   (73,050     14.90      

Canceled and expired

   (392,960     23.07      
              

Options outstanding March 31, 2010

   5,275,946      $ 20.52    3.80    $ 9,801
              

Options exercisable at March 31, 2010

   4,047,095      $ 20.87    3.22    $ 6,360
              

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pretax intrinsic value (the difference between the closing stock price on the last day of trading in the nine month period ended March 31, 2010 and the exercise price) that would have been received by the option holders had all options been exercised on March 31, 2010. This value will change based on the fair market value of the Company’s common stock. During the first nine months of fiscal year 2010, the cash received from stock option exercises was $1.1 million. The intrinsic value of the stock options exercised and the tax benefit expected to be realized from the tax deductions for stock options exercised were not significant for the nine months ended March 31, 2010.

 

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Restricted Stock

Non-vested restricted stock awards at March 31, 2010 and activities during fiscal 2010 were as follows:

 

     Number of
Shares and Units
    Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair  Value

(per share)

Non-vested restricted stock and units – June 30, 2009

   489,878      $ 21.73

Granted

   155,186        18.23

Vested

   (79,531     14.09

Forfeited

   (26,996     17.22
        

Non-vested restricted stock and units – March 31, 2010

   538,537      $ 22.08
        

At March 31, 2010, $7.3 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, related to non-vested restricted stock awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.7 years.

There were 6,154,178 shares of Common Stock reserved for future issuance in connection with stock based awards as of March 31, 2010.

 

11. RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES

The Company periodically assesses its operations to ensure that they are efficient, aligned with market conditions and responsive to customer needs.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2010 we initiated a plan to consolidate the production of our fresh food-to-go products in the United Kingdom into our Luton facility. As a result, we recorded costs of $2.9 million for the six months ended December 31, 2009 related to this plan, including $2.6 million for severance and benefits and $0.3 million of other exit costs. In addition, during fiscal years 2009 and 2008, we implemented Stock Keeping Unit (“SKU”) rationalizations and initiated plans to streamline and integrate several of our other operations. The following table summarizes the changes in the liability for these reorganization and restructuring activities as of March 31, 2010:

 

     Severance and
Personnel Costs
    Other Exit
Costs
    Total  

Accrued at July 1, 2009

   $ 319      $ 120      $ 439   

Charged to expense in fiscal 2010

     2,590        344        2,935   

Amounts utilized

     (2,909     (464     (3,374
                        

Accrued at March 31, 2010

     —          —          —     
                        

 

12. EQUITY INVESTMENTS

At June 30, 2009, the Company owned a 48.7% equity interest in the Hain Pure Protein joint venture. This investment is accounted for under the equity method of accounting (see Note 2). Our investment in HPP of $25.3 million and advances to HPP of $20.5 million are included on the consolidated balance sheet in “Investment in and advances to equity-method investee.” The Company provided advances to HPP to finance its operations prior to its deconsolidation. As a result of the deconsolidation and HPP simultaneously entering into a separate credit agreement, the Company and HPP entered into a subordination agreement covering the outstanding advances. The subordination agreement allows for prepayments of the advances based on HPP meeting certain conditions under its separate credit facility. The advances are fully repayable no later than December 31, 2012.

In October 2009, the Company formed a joint venture, Hutchison Hain Organic Holdings Limited, with Hutchison China Meditech Ltd. (“Chi-Med”), a majority owned subsidiary of Hutchison Whampoa Limited, to market and distribute co-branded infant and toddler feeding products and market and distribute selected Hain Celestial brands in China and other markets. The Company’s investment in its 50% share of the joint venture totaled approximately $0.1 million. Voting control of the joint venture is shared 50/50 between the Company and Chi-Med, although, in the event of a deadlock, Chi-Med has the ability to cast the deciding vote. The investment is being accounted for under the equity method of accounting. For the three months ended March 31, 2010, the joint venture’s results of operations were not significant.

 

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Available-For-Sale Securities

The Company has a less than 1% equity ownership interest in Yeo Hiap Seng Limited (“YHS”), a Singapore based natural food and beverage company listed on the Singapore Exchange, which is accounted for as an available-for-sale security. The fair values of this security were $5.9 million at March 31, 2010 and $6.7 million at June 30, 2009. The fair value of this investment is included in “Other assets” in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company determined that an other-than-temporary decline in the fair value of YHS occurred based upon various factors including the near-term prospects of YHS, the length of time the investment was in an unrealized loss position, and publicly available information about the industry and geographic region in which YHS operates and, accordingly recorded a loss of $1.2 million on the write-down of this investment, which is included in “Interest and other expenses, net”. At March 31, 2010, the fair value of the security decreased by an additional $0.8 million; however, the fair value substantially recovered subsequent to the balance sheet date. As a result, the Company concluded that this decline in its YHS investment is temporary and, accordingly, has recorded the unrealized loss, net of tax, in “Accumulated other comprehensive income” in the stockholders’ equity section of the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

 

13. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE

In accordance with ASC 820, the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value are required to be grouped in one of three levels. The levels prioritize the inputs used to measure the fair value of the assets or liabilities. These levels are:

 

   

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

 

   

Level 2 – Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability;

 

   

Level 3 – Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).

The following table presents by level within the fair value hierarchy assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2010:

 

     Total     Quoted
prices in
active
markets
(Level 1)
   Significant
other
observable
inputs

(Level 2)
    Significant
unobservable
inputs

(Level  3)

Available for sale securities

   $ 5,914      $ 5,914      —        —  

Foreign currency forward contracts

     (657     —        (657   —  
                           

Total

   $ 5,257      $ 5,914    $ (657   —  
                           

The following table presents assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2009:

 

     Total    Quoted
prices  in
active
markets

(Level 1)
   Significant
other
observable
inputs

(Level 2)
   Significant
unobservable
inputs

(Level  3)

Available for sale securities

   $ 6,686    $ 6,686      —      —  

Foreign currency forward contracts

     290      —      $ 290    —  
                         

Total

   $ 6,976    $ 6,686    $ 290    —  
                         

 

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Available for sale securities consist of the Company’s investment in YHS (see Note 12). Fair value is measured using the market approach based on quoted prices. The Company utilizes the income approach to measure fair value for its foreign currency forward contracts. The income approach uses pricing models that rely on market observable inputs such as yield curves, currency exchange rates, and forward prices. As of March 31, 2010, and June 30, 2009, we did not have any assets or liabilities without observable market values that would require a high level of judgment to determine fair value (Level 3).

There were no transfers of financial instruments between the three levels of fair value hierarchy during the nine months ended March 31, 2010.

The carrying amounts of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate their fair values because of the relatively short-term maturity of these items.

Cash Flow Hedges

The Company primarily has exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates relating to certain anticipated cash flows from its international operations. To reduce that risk, the Company may enter into certain derivative financial instruments, when available on a cost-effective basis, to manage such risk. Derivative financial instruments are not used for speculative purposes.

Foreign Exchange contracts — The Company utilizes foreign currency contracts to hedge forecasted transactions, primarily intercompany transactions, on certain foreign currencies and designates these derivative instruments as foreign currency cash flow hedges when appropriate. The notional and fair value amounts of the Company’s foreign exchange derivative contracts at March 31, 2010 were $16.4 million and $0.7 million of net liabilities. The fair value of these derivatives is included in accrued expenses on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet. For these derivatives, which qualify as hedges of probable forecasted cash flows, the effective portion of changes in fair value is temporarily reported in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”) and recognized in earnings when the hedged item affects earnings. These foreign exchange contracts have maturities over the next 14 months. There were $13.5 million of notional amount and $0.2 million of fair value net assets of foreign exchange derivative contracts outstanding at June 30, 2009.

The Company assesses effectiveness at the inception of the hedge and on a quarterly basis. These assessments determine whether derivatives designated as qualifying hedges continue to be highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of hedged items. Any ineffective portion of change in fair value is not deferred in accumulated OCI and is included in current period results. For the three months and nine months ended March 31, 2010, the impact of hedge ineffectiveness on earnings was not significant. The Company will discontinue cash flow hedge accounting when the forecasted transaction is no longer probable of occurring on the originally forecasted date or when the hedge is no longer effective. There were no discontinued foreign exchange hedges for the nine months ended March 31, 2010.

The impact on other comprehensive income from foreign exchange contracts that qualified as cash flow hedges was as follows:

 

     Nine months ended
March  31,
2010
 

Net carrying amount at July 1, 2009

   $ 201   

Cash flow hedges deferred in OCI

     (945

Changes in deferred taxes

     288   
        

Net carrying amount at March 31, 2010

   $ (456
        

 

14. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, we are involved in litigation incidental to the ordinary conduct of our business. Disposition of pending litigation related to these matters is not expected by management to have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

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A purported shareholder derivative action was filed against the Company (solely as a nominal defendant) and certain current and former officers and directors on September 21, 2006 in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Suffolk, alleging breaches of fiduciary duties and unjust enrichment in connection with the Company’s past stock option practices. The plaintiff sought from the defendants unspecified damages, disgorgement of benefits from allegedly backdated options, attorneys’ fees and expenses, and other unspecified equitable relief from the defendants. A second purported shareholder derivative action was filed on October 31, 2006 in the same court, against substantially the same defendants and containing substantially the same allegations, adding a claim of breach of fiduciary duty. The two actions were consolidated by a Court Order dated March 3, 2008. The parties entered into a Stipulation of Settlement dated as of October 9, 2009 providing for the settlement and dismissal of the consolidated action. On March 1, 2010, the Court entered a Final Order and Judgment approving the settlement as set forth in the Stipulation of Settlement and dismissing the consolidated action with prejudice.

In 2005, a former distributor filed an action against the Company in the Superior Court of the Province of Quebec, City of Montreal, Canada alleging breaches of contract and wrongful termination of contract. The Company believed it did not have liability for this claim; however, as the litigation approached trial, the Company determined that a settlement would be economically beneficial as the estimate of trial costs were high. Therefore, the Company entered into settlement discussions with the plaintiff in April, 2010 and, as a result, the Company recorded a charge in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 representing its estimate of a settlement payment.

 

15. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company is engaged in one business segment: the manufacturing, distribution and marketing of natural and organic products. We define business segments as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated on a regular basis by our chief operating decision maker.

Outside the United States, we primarily conduct business in Canada and Europe. Selected information related to our operations by geographic area is as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
    Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Net sales:

        

United States (1)

   $ 174,502      $ 219,088      $ 546,421      $ 707,952   

Canada

     15,566        12,715        46,536        41,053   

Europe

     32,030        33,125        101,592        114,927   
                                
   $ 222,098      $ 264,928      $ 694,549      $ 863,932   
                                

Earnings before income taxes:

        

United States (1) (2)

   $ 17,391      $ 2,433      $ 55,696      $ 30,188   

Canada

     1,939        151        3,800        2,902   

Europe (2)

     (2,666     (46,823     (11,495     (52,130
                                
   $ 16,664      $ (44,239   $ 48,001      $ (19,040
                                

 

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     March 31,
2010
   June 30,
2009

Long-lived assets:

     

United States

   $ 687,523    $ 693,122

Canada

     61,318      54,183

Europe

     22,089      27,060
             
   $ 770,930    $ 774,365
             

 

(1) Includes net sales of $30,346 and $130,194 and losses before income taxes of $14,453 and $13,172 for the three months and nine months ended March 31, 2009, respectively, related to HPP, which was deconsolidated as of June 30, 2009. See Note 2.
(2) Earnings (loss) before income taxes in 2009 include non-cash impairment charges of $7.6 million in the United States and $45.0 million in Europe recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2009.

 

16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On May 6, 2010, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the assets and business, subject to certain liabilities, of World Gourmet Marketing, LLC. World Gourmet develops, produces, markets and sells Sensible Portions branded snack products. The transaction is subject to regulatory and other approvals.

On May 5, 2010, Hain Pure Protein announced that, under the terms of a letter of intent, its Kosher Valley brand will be divested in a transaction with Empire Kosher Poultry, Inc. (“Empire”), wherein the Kosher Valley brand and customer relationships will be exchanged for an equity interest in Empire. Empire is one of the country’s most established kosher poultry processors.

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the March 31, 2010 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2009. Forward-looking statements in this review are qualified by the cautionary statement included in this review under the sub-heading, “Note Regarding Forward Looking Information,” below.

Overview

We manufacture, market, distribute and sell natural and organic products, under brand names which are sold as “better-for-you” products, providing consumers with the opportunity to lead A Healthy Way of Life™. We are a leader in many natural food and personal care products categories, with an extensive portfolio of well known brands. We operate in one segment, the manufacturing, distribution, marketing and sale of natural and organic products, including food, beverage and personal care products. Our business strategy is to integrate all of our brands under one management team and employ a uniform marketing, sales and distribution program. Our products are sold to specialty and natural food distributors, as well as to supermarkets, natural food stores, and other retail classes of trade including mass-market retailers, drug store chains, food service channels and club stores. We manufacture internationally and our products are sold in more than 50 countries. Our brand names are well recognized in the various market categories they serve.

We have acquired numerous brands since our formation and we intend to seek future growth through internal expansion as well as the acquisition of complementary brands. We consider the acquisition of natural and organic food and personal care products companies and product lines an integral part of our business strategy. We believe that by integrating our various brands, we will achieve economies of scale and enhanced market penetration. We seek to capitalize on our brand equity and the distribution achieved through each of our acquired businesses with strategic introductions of new products that complement existing lines to enhance revenues and margins. Our continuing investments in the operational performance of our business units and our focused execution on cost containment, productivity, cash flow and margin enhancement positions us to offer innovative new products with healthful attributes and enables us to build on the foundation of our long-term strategy of sustainable growth. We are committed to creating and promoting A Healthy Way of Life™ for the benefit of consumers, our customers, shareholders and employees.

Global economic challenges and the recessionary environment have impacted industry conditions in recent quarters, although conditions have begun to stabilize in the latest quarter. The general economic weakness, increased unemployment and lower consumer confidence negatively affected consumer demand and resulted in changes in consumers’ spending habits, which impacted our customers and our sales. These conditions have led to significant distributor and retailer destocking, which had, and may continue to have, an adverse impact on our business. We continue to address these unfavorable external influences by seeking to provide consumers with better value and quality products.

Despite challenging economic conditions, our results in the United States, Canada and continental Europe continued to reflect the strength of our brands and our focus on performance. During the first three quarters of this fiscal year, we experienced significant inventory reductions initiated by two large distributors in North America, the impact of which we were able to partially offset with increased sales in other channels. However, despite those initiatives on the part of our distributors, published independent syndicated consumption data (consumption data measures sales scanned through cash registers at retail) and similar information provided directly by retailers indicate that our consumption trends at certain retailers are improving. We monitor consumption trends as part of the total mix of information used to evaluate expectations of future sales. We improved profitability through productivity initiatives and we continued to manage our balance sheet to improve our cash flows. Our sales in the United Kingdom declined in the three and nine month periods ended March 31, 2010 from the prior year comparable periods primarily as a result of the phasing out of the supply of fresh sandwiches to Marks and Spencer, a major retailer. We have partially offset this decline with increased sales of our frozen meat-free Linda McCartney brand and private label products as well as sales to new customers of our Daily Bread brand of fresh sandwiches.

While we cannot predict the continuing magnitude and duration of the recent challenging economic conditions or their impact on the demand for our products, we believe that we will continue to derive benefits from new, innovative products, seeking to provide consumers with healthful, “better-for-you” products at reasonable prices.

 

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We continued our focus on generating cash and maintaining a strong balance sheet. During the first nine months of fiscal 2010, we repaid $33.3 million of borrowings under our credit facility. During the 12 month period ended March 31, 2010 we have repaid a total of $63.5 million of borrowings.

Our corporate website is www.hain-celestial.com. The information contained on our website is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this report or incorporated into any of our other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Factor Affecting Comparability

As of June 30, 2009, the then minority owner of Hain Pure Protein Corp. (“HPP”) acquired a controlling interest in the joint venture through the purchase of newly issued shares. As a result, the Company’s equity interest was reduced to 48.7% and, effective June 30, 2009, the Company deconsolidated HPP and began accounting for its investment in HPP under the equity method of accounting. Beginning on July 1, 2009, the revenues and expenses of HPP are no longer consolidated and the Company’s 48.7% share of HPP’s results are reported as a separate line on the condensed consolidated statement of operations. The Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations for all periods prior to July 1, 2009 include the revenues and expenses of HPP.

Results of Operations

Three months ended March 31, 2010

Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2010 were $222.1 million compared to $264.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, a decrease of $42.8 million, which decrease includes $30.3 million of HPP sales reported in the prior year quarter. Stronger foreign currencies relative to the year ago quarter increased our reported sales by approximately $4.8 million or 1.8%. Sales in North America, excluding the impact of deconsolidating HPP, decreased $11.4 million, or 5.7%, from the year ago quarter. The decrease in sales resulted primarily from distributor destocking and the Celestial Seasonings SKU rationalization implemented in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. Our sales in Canada increased 2.4% in local currency and were up 22.4% in U.S. dollars as a result of the favorable exchange rate movement. Sales in Europe decreased $1.1 million, or 3.3%, which includes a $7.1 million decrease due to the phasing out of production of fresh sandwiches for Marks and Spencer. This was substantially offset by increased sales of our Linda McCartney frozen meat-free brand in the United Kingdom and increased sales of our Lima brand, as well as our global brands such as Rice Dream and Celestial Seasonings, by our continent-based operations.

Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was $61.5 million, an increase of $1.5 million from last year’s quarter. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 27.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to 22.6% of net sales for the March 31, 2009 quarter. The gross profit percentage improved primarily as a result of the deconsolidation of HPP, which impacted the prior year’s gross profit percentage by approximately 480 basis points. The increase in gross profit percentage was also a result of a favorable sales mix in the United States, a less volatile and more normalized input cost environment when compared to the high input cost inflation experienced in the prior year, as well as continued improvements from productivity initiatives. Gross margins also benefited from a stronger Canadian currency in this year’s quarter.

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $3.1 million, or 6.7%, to $42.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to $45.2 million in the March 31, 2009 quarter. Selling, general and administrative expenses have decreased primarily as a result of the savings from the cost reduction initiatives we implemented last year and $2.4 million of expense reported by HPP in the prior year quarter. Selling, general and administrative expenses also included approximately $1.2 million of expense related to litigation in the three months ended March 31, 2010. Selling, general and administrative expenses in fiscal 2009 also included a $3.0 million insurance reimbursement recorded for professional fees previously incurred in connection with the investigation of our stock option practices. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 19.0% in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 as compared to 17.1% in the third quarter of last year as a result of the decrease in net sales and the deconsolidation of HPP. HPP’s lower selling, general and administrative expense ratio impacted the fiscal 2009 three month period by approximately 100 basis points.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2009, we recognized non-cash impairment charges for goodwill and other intangibles of $52.6 million, which included $49.6 million for goodwill, net of $7.6 million attributed to the noncontrolling interest of our Hain Pure Protein joint venture, and $3.0 million for other intangibles. In the third quarter of fiscal 2009 we also incurred approximately $1.9 million of restructuring costs in connection with actions taken in some of our U. S. locations. There were no comparable charges in this year’s third quarter.

 

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Operating income was $19.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to a loss from operations of $39.7 million in the March 31, 2009 quarter, which included a loss from operations of $14.4 million at HPP. Operating income as a percentage of net sales was 8.7% in the March 31, 2010 quarter. The loss from operations in last year’s third quarter resulted primarily from the $52.6 million charge for the impairment of goodwill and intangibles.

Interest and other expenses, net were $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to $4.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009. Interest expense totaled $2.5 million in this year’s third quarter, which was primarily related to interest on the $150 million of 5.98% senior notes outstanding and interest related to borrowings under our revolving credit facility. Interest expense in last year’s third quarter was approximately $3.4 million. The decrease in interest expense resulted from a combination of lower borrowings under our revolving credit facility and lower average interest rates.

Our share of the after-tax loss from our investment in HPP was $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. HPP’s results for the three months ended March 31, 2010 included approximately $2.4 million of pretax losses (which accounted for all of our share of HPP’s net loss) related to its Kosher Valley brand, which began operations less than one year ago. In the prior year, HPP’s results were consolidated into the Company’s results.

Income before income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2010 amounted to $16.7 million compared to a loss of $44.2 million in the comparable period of the prior year.

Our effective income tax rate was 80.9% of pre-tax income for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to a 2.2% benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2009. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 was impacted by approximately $7.1 million of valuation allowances recorded in the current quarter related to carryforward losses and deferred tax assets in the Company’s United Kingdom operations. The Company’s United Kingdom operations have incurred losses in recent years, having been affected by restructuring and other charges, such as the costs incurred in connection with the recent consolidation of its food-to-go production facilities, the phase out of sales to Marks and Spencer, as well as the economy in the United Kingdom. These losses represented evidence for management that a full valuation allowance for these deferred tax assets was necessary in accordance with the accounting standards. The effective tax rate in last year’s third quarter was impacted by the impairment losses recognized, of which approximately $40.7 million was nondeductible for tax purposes. The effective rates differ from statutory rates due to the items noted above as well as the effect of state and local income taxes, tax rates in foreign jurisdictions and certain nondeductible expenses. Our effective tax rate may change from quarter to quarter based on recurring and non-recurring factors including the geographical mix of earnings, enacted tax legislation, state and local income taxes and tax audit settlements.

Net income attributable to The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was $2.7 million compared to a loss of $41.2 million in the March 31, 2009 quarter. The increase of $43.8 million in earnings was attributable to the factors noted above.

Nine months ended March 31, 2010

Net sales for the nine months ended March 31, 2010 were $694.5 million compared to $863.9 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2009, a decrease of $169.4 million, which decrease includes $130.2 million of HPP sales reported in the prior year nine month period. Sales in North America, excluding the impact of deconsolidating HPP, decreased $25.9 million, or 4.2%, from the year ago nine month period. The decrease in sales resulted from a number of factors, including increased promotional spending, which is targeted at increasing consumption, distributor and retailer destocking, the Celestial Seasonings SKU rationalization implemented in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 and decreased sales of our personal care products into the chain drug channel. These decreases were partially offset by sales increases in other channels, the initial sales of the Martha Stewart Clean brand, and the commencement of sales to our new Hong Kong joint venture which we expect will expand the distribution of our global brands in Asia. Additionally, our sales in Canada increased approximately 3.6% in local currency and 13.4% in U.S dollars. Sales in Europe decreased $13.3 million, or 11.6%, as a result of the phasing out of production of fresh sandwiches for Marks and Spencer in the United Kingdom. That reduction was partially offset by increased sales of our Linda McCartney frozen meat-free brand in the United Kingdom and increased sales of our Lima brand, as well as our global brands such as non-dairy beverages and Celestial Seasonings, by our continent-based operations.

 

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Gross profit for the nine months ended March 31, 2010 was $193.2 million, a decrease of $6.0 million from last year’s comparable period. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 27.8% for the nine months ended March 31, 2010 compared to 23.1% of net sales for the nine months ended March 31, 2009. The increase in gross profit percentage was primarily attributable to lower input costs and productivity improvements in the United States and the deconsolidation of HPP, which impacted the prior year’s gross profit percentage by approximately 379 basis points.

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $16.6 million, or 11.2%, to $131.9 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2010 compared to $148.5 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2009. Selling, general and administrative expenses have decreased primarily as a result of the savings from the cost reduction initiatives we implemented last year and $7.1 million of expense reported by HPP in the prior year nine month period. Selling, general and administrative expenses included approximately $1.2 million of expense related to litigation in the nine months ended March 31, 2010. Selling, general and administrative expenses in fiscal 2009 included a $1.4 million charge to settle a personal injury litigation matter and $4.4 million of professional fees incurred in connection with the investigation of our stock option practices, which were partially offset by a $3.0 million insurance reimbursement. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 19.0% in the first nine months of fiscal 2010 as compared to 17.2% in the first nine months of last year as a result of the decrease in net sales and the deconsolidation of HPP. HPP’s lower selling, general and administrative expense ratio impacted the fiscal 2009 nine month period by 208 basis points.

We incurred approximately $2.9 million of restructuring expenses in this year’s first nine months related to the consolidation of our Daily Bread production activities into our Luton, United Kingdom facility. In the first nine months of fiscal 2009, we incurred approximately $3.4 million of severance costs related to actions taken in several of our United States locations.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2009, we recognized non-cash impairment charges for goodwill and other intangibles of $52.6 million, which included $49.6 million for goodwill, net of $7.6 million attributed to the noncontrolling interest of our Hain Pure Protein joint venture, and $3.0 million for other intangibles.

Operating income was $58.4 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2010 compared to a loss from operations of $5.3 million in the year ago period, which included a loss from operations of $13.2 million at HPP. The loss from operations in last year’s nine month period resulted primarily from the $52.6 million charge for the impairment of goodwill and intangibles recorded in the third quarter. Operating income as a percentage of net sales was 8.4% in the nine months ended March 31, 2010.

Interest and other expenses, net were $8.6 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2010 compared to $13.7 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2009. Interest expense totaled $7.7 million in this year’s first nine months, which was primarily related to interest on the $150 million of 5.98% senior notes outstanding and interest related to borrowings under our revolving credit facility. Interest expense in last year’s first nine months was approximately $11.6 million. The decrease in interest expense resulted from a combination of lower borrowings under our revolving credit facility and lower average interest rates. Included in other expenses for the nine months ended March 31, 2010 is a $1.2 million non-cash impairment charge for an other-than-temporary decline in the fair value of our investment in the shares of Yeo Hiap Seng Limited, a Singapore-based natural food and beverage company listed on the Singapore stock exchange.

Our share of the after-tax loss from our investment in HPP was $1.7 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2010. HPP’s results for the nine months ended March 31, 2010 included approximately $5.5 million of losses (which accounted for $1.6 million of our share of HPP’s net loss) related to its Kosher Valley brand, which began operations less than one year ago. In the prior year, HPP’s results were consolidated into the Company’s results.

Income before income taxes for the nine months ended March 31, 2010 was a $48.0 million compared to a loss of $19.0 million in the comparable period of the prior year.

Our effective income tax rate was 52.4% of pre-tax income for the first nine months of fiscal 2010. The effective tax rate for the first nine months of fiscal 2010 was impacted by approximately $7.1 million of valuation allowances recorded in the third quarter related to carryforward losses and deferred tax assets in the Company’s United Kingdom operations. The Company’s United Kingdom operations have incurred losses in recent years, having been affected by restructuring and other charges, such as the costs incurred in connection with the recent consolidation of its food-to-go production facilities, the phase out of sales to Marks and Spencer, as well as the economy in the United Kingdom. These losses represented evidence for management that a full valuation allowance for these deferred tax assets was necessary in accordance with

 

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accounting standards. Additionally, in the second quarter of fiscal 2010 the Company determined that it is more likely than not that a portion of its deferred tax assets related to its U. S. foreign tax credits would be utilized, resulting in the release of approximately $0.9 million of valuation allowances. For the nine months ended March 31, 2009, we had income tax expense of $8.7 million and a pre-tax loss of $19.0 million. The fiscal 2009 tax provision was impacted by the impairment losses recognized, of which approximately $40.7 million was nondeductible for tax purposes and which were treated as discrete tax items. The fiscal 2010 and 2009 effective income tax rates differed from the federal statutory rate primarily due to the items noted above as well as the effect of state income taxes and the mix of pretax earnings by jurisdiction. Our effective tax rate may change from quarter to quarter based on recurring and non-recurring factors including the geographical mix of earnings, enacted tax legislation, state and local income taxes and tax audit settlements.

Net income attributable to The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. for the nine months ended March 31, 2010 was $21.9 million compared to a loss of $26.0 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2009. The increase of $47.9 million in earnings was attributable to the factors noted above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We finance our operations and growth primarily with the cash flows we generate from our operations and from both long-term fixed-rate borrowings and borrowings available to us under our Credit Facility.

Our cash balance was $41.0 million at March 31, 2010, a decrease of $0.4 million from the end of fiscal 2009. Net cash provided by operating activities was $38.6 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2010 compared to net cash used by operating activities of $9.4 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2009. The increase in cash provided by operations in the first nine months of fiscal 2010 resulted from an improvement in the changes in operating assets and liabilities of approximately $38.7 million as compared to the prior year period and an improvement of $9.3 million in net income and non-cash items provided by operations. The change in operating assets and liabilities primarily resulted from improved inventory management. Our inventories decreased approximately $4.5 million in the first nine months of the current fiscal year but decreased $50.6 million from a year ago, including $40.1 million of inventory held by HPP. Our working capital increased to $217.6 million at March 31, 2010 compared with $212.6 million at June 30, 2009.

In the nine months ended March 31, 2010, we used $5.8 million of cash in investing activities. This consisted of $7.4 million of capital expenditures, which was partially offset by $1.8 million of repayments of advances received from HPP. We used $9.7 million of cash in investing activities in the nine months ended March 31, 2009, primarily for capital expenditures.

Net cash of $32.7 million was used in financing activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2010 compared to $9.0 million used by financing activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2009. The change was due principally to a decrease in the proceeds from exercises of stock options to $1.1 million in the nine months ended March 31, 2010 from $5.3 million in the nine months ended March 31, 2009 and $33.3 million of borrowings repaid under our Credit Facility for the nine months ended March 31, 2010 compared to $17.0 million of repayments made during the nine months ended March 31, 2009.

We maintain our cash and cash equivalents primarily in money market funds or their equivalent. As of March 31, 2010, all of our investments mature in less than three months. Accordingly, we do not believe that our investments have significant exposure to interest rate risk.

We have outstanding $150 million in aggregate principal amount of 10-year senior notes due May 2, 2016, issued in a private placement. The notes bear interest at 5.98%, payable semi-annually on November 2nd and May 2nd. We also have a credit agreement which provides us with a $250 million revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) expiring in May 2011. The Credit Facility provides for an uncommitted $100 million accordion feature, under which the facility may be increased to $350 million. The Credit Facility and the notes are guaranteed by substantially all of our current and future direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries. Loans under the Credit Facility bear interest at a base rate (greater of the applicable prime rate or Federal Funds Rate plus an applicable margin) or, at our option, the reserve adjusted LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin. As of March 31, 2010, there were $75.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility. We are required by the terms of the Credit Facility and the notes to comply with customary affirmative and negative covenants for facilities and notes of this nature.

We believe that our cash on hand of $41.0 million at March 31, 2010, projected cash flows from operations and availability under our credit facility are sufficient to fund our currently anticipated working capital needs, capital spending and other expected cash requirements for at least the next twelve months.

 

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Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

At March 31, 2010, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K that have had or are likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial statements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The accounting principles we use require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting periods presented. We believe in the quality and reasonableness of our critical accounting policies; however, it is likely that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or using assumptions different from those that we have applied. The accounting policies that have been identified as critical to our business operations and understanding the results of our operations pertain to revenue recognition and sales incentives, valuation of accounts and chargebacks receivable, inventories, property, plant and equipment, accounting for acquisitions, stock based compensation, segments and goodwill and intangible assets. The application of each of these critical accounting policies and estimates was discussed in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2009. During the first quarter of fiscal 2010 we adopted the revised FASB pronouncement for business combinations which will affect our accounting for acquisitions policy. See Note 2 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1. There have been no other significant changes in the application of our critical accounting policies or estimates during fiscal 2010.

Seasonality

Our tea brand primarily manufactures and markets hot tea products and, as a result, its quarterly results of operations reflect seasonal trends resulting from increased demand for its hot tea products in the cooler months of the year. In addition, some of our other products (e.g., baking and cereal products and soups) also show stronger sales in the cooler months while our snack food and certain of our prepared food product lines are stronger in the warmer months. In years where there are warm winter seasons, our sales of cooler weather products, which typically increase in our second and third fiscal quarters, may be negatively impacted.

Quarterly fluctuations in our sales volume and operating results are due to a number of factors relating to our business, including the timing of trade promotions, advertising and consumer promotions and other factors, such as seasonality, inclement weather and unanticipated increases in labor, commodity, energy, insurance or other operating costs. The impact on sales volume and operating results due to the timing and extent of these factors can significantly impact our business. For these reasons, you should not rely on our quarterly operating results as indications of future performance.

Inflation

Inflation may cause increased ingredient, fuel, labor and benefits. For more information regarding ingredient costs, see Part II, Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - Ingredient Inputs Price Risk, of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2009. To the extent permitted by competition, we seek to recover increased costs through a combination of price increases, new product innovation and by implementing process efficiencies and cost reductions.

Note Regarding Forward Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this Quarterly Report constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Rule 3b-6 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following:

 

   

our ability to achieve our guidance for sales and earnings per share in fiscal year 2010 given the recessionary environment in the U.S. and other markets that we sell products as well as economic and business conditions generally and their effect on our customers and consumers’ product preferences, and our business, financial condition and results of operations;

 

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changes in estimates or judgments related to our impairment analysis of goodwill and other intangible assets as well as with respect to our valuation allowances of our deferred tax assets;

 

   

our ability to implement our business and acquisition strategy, including our strategy for improving results in the United Kingdom;

 

   

the ability of our joint venture investments, including HPP, to successfully execute their business plans;

 

   

our ability to realize sustainable growth generally and from investments in core brands, offering new products and our focus on cost containment, productivity, cash flow and margin enhancement in particular;

 

   

our ability to effectively integrate our acquisitions;

 

   

competition;

 

   

the success and cost of introducing new products as well as our ability to increase prices on existing products;

 

   

availability and retention of key personnel;

 

   

our reliance on third party distributors, manufacturers and suppliers;

 

   

our ability to maintain existing contracts and secure and integrate new customers;

 

   

our ability to respond to changes and trends in customer and consumer demand, preferences and consumption;

 

   

international sales and operations;

 

   

changes in fuel and commodity costs;

 

   

the effects on our results of operations from the impacts of foreign exchange;

 

   

changes in, or the failure to comply with, government regulations; and

 

   

other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company’s reports filed with the SEC, including the annual report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 and the quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009.

As a result of the foregoing and other factors, no assurance can be given as to the future results, levels of activity and achievements and neither the Company nor any person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of these statements.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no significant changes in market risk for the nine months ended March 31, 2010 from those addressed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009. See the information set forth in Part II, Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have reviewed our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon this review, these officers concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

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(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Part II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, we are involved in litigation incidental to the ordinary conduct of our business. Disposition of pending litigation related to these matters is not expected by management to have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

A purported shareholder derivative action was filed against the Company (solely as a nominal defendant) and certain current and former officers and directors on September 21, 2006 in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Suffolk, alleging breaches of fiduciary duties and unjust enrichment in connection with the Company’s past stock option practices. The plaintiff sought from the defendants unspecified damages, disgorgement of benefits from allegedly backdated options, attorneys’ fees and expenses, and other unspecified equitable relief from the defendants. A second purported shareholder derivative action was filed on October 31, 2006 in the same court, against substantially the same defendants and containing substantially the same allegations, adding a claim of breach of fiduciary duty. The two actions were consolidated by a Court Order dated March 3, 2008. The parties entered into a Stipulation of Settlement dated as of October 9, 2009 providing for the settlement and dismissal of the consolidated action. On March 1, 2010, the Court entered a Final Order and Judgment approving the settlement as set forth in the Stipulation of Settlement and dismissing the consolidated action with prejudice.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

(c) Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

 

     (a)     (b)    (c)    (d)

Period

   Total number
of shares
purchased
    Average
price paid
per share
   Total number of
shares purchased
as part of
publicly
announced plans
   Maximum
number of shares
that may yet be
purchased under
the plans(2)

January 2010

   5,726 (1)    $ 15.98    —      900,300
            

February 2010

   —          —      —      900,300
            

March 2010

   17,702 (1)    $ 16.67    —      900,300
                

Total

   23,428      $ 16.50    —      900,300
                
(1) Shares surrendered for payment of employee payroll taxes due on shares issued under stockholder approved stock based compensation plans.
(2) The Company’s plan to repurchase up to one million shares of its common stock was first announced publicly on a conference call on August 29, 2002. At March 31, 2005, there remained authorization to repurchase 545,361 shares of our common stock. Effective April 18, 2005, the Board of Directors voted to refresh the authorization of shares to be repurchased to a total of one million, of which 99,700 were subsequently repurchased.

 

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended. (a)
31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended. (a)
32.1   Certification by CEO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (a)
32.2   Certification by CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (a)

(a) - Filed herewith

 

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SIGNATURES

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

 

    THE HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP, INC.
Date: May 10, 2010    

/s/ Irwin D. Simon

    Irwin D. Simon,
    Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: May 10, 2010    

/s/ Ira J. Lamel

    Ira J. Lamel,
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

26

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Irwin D. Simon, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.;

 

  2. 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: May 10, 2010

 

/s/ Irwin D. Simon

Irwin D. Simon
President and Chief Executive Officer

 

27

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Ira J. Lamel, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.;

 

  2. 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: May 10, 2010

 

/s/ Ira J. Lamel

Ira J. Lamel
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

28

Cetification by CEO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION FURNISHED

PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2010 (the “Report”) filed by The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (the “Company”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission, I, Irwin D. Simon, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: May 10, 2010

 

/s/ Irwin D. Simon

Irwin D. Simon
President and Chief Executive Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. and will be retained by The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 

29

Cetification by CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION FURNISHED

PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2010 (the “Report”) filed by The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (the “Company”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission, I, Ira J. Lamel, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: May 10, 2010

 

/s/ Ira J. Lamel

Ira J. Lamel
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. and will be retained by The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 

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