CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Snyder's-Lance, Inc. (Nasdaq-GS: LNCE) today reported second quarter net revenue growth of 8% over last year, with earnings of $0.27 per diluted share excluding special items and $0.24 per diluted share including special items.

http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnvar/20150410/197788LOGO

"Our team delivered solid results for the second quarter, continuing our positive momentum for 2015. Our balanced portfolio of 'better for you' and premium products are winning with consumers looking for snacks that taste great and provide fuel for their busy day," said Carl E. Lee, Jr., President and CEO. "During the second quarter, core brand sales were led by Cape Cod(®) Kettle Chips which grew at double digits. Snyder's of Hanover(®) pretzels gained significant market share during the quarter thanks to innovative new products and our new advertising campaign, 'Discover the Pretzelbilities'(TM). Snack Factory(®) Pretzel Crisps(®) and Late July(®) both delivered strong top line performance and market share gains driven by the Clearview Division team. Lance(®) sandwich crackers gained market share over the latest 26 weeks, led by our balanced distribution strategy of leveraging DSD and Direct Sales to improve retail execution and reach new customers. During the second quarter, we secured new distribution for Lance(® )driving incremental growth for this renovated brand. Expense control across the company has been a focus all year contributing to operating margin expansion for the quarter. In addition, we accomplished two significant system implementations that came online flawlessly in the second quarter, showing once again our excellence in this area. Overall, we had a good quarter and I am very proud of our team for their commitment to winning."

Mr. Lee continued, "Snyder's-Lance is perfectly positioned for success as consumers and retailers continue to reshape the snacking industry. As a nimble mid-size company, we are able to respond quickly to emerging trends with our balanced portfolio and balanced distribution strategies. While the commitment to innovation and the growth of our brands is stronger than ever, we are just as determined to continue our focus on cost reductions. We have balanced our execution over the past few years to invest in manufacturing capacity, brands, systems, R&D, sales teams and productivity while increasing our margins. With most of the renovation and investment in infrastructure behind us, we are spending even more time on expanding margins and driving shareholder value. We are enthusiastic about the future as we build on our momentum."

Second Quarter Financial Summary


    --  Net revenue for the second quarter of 2015 was $431.4 million, an
        increase of 8.0% compared to second quarter of 2014 net revenue of
        $399.6 million.
    --  Net income excluding special items for the second quarter of 2015 was
        $19.1 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, as compared to net income
        excluding special items of $15.8 million for the second quarter of 2014,
        or $0.22 per diluted share.
    --  Including special items, net income for the second quarter of 2015 was
        $17.3 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, as compared to net income
        including special items of $8.2 million for the second quarter of 2014,
        or $0.11 per diluted share.
    --  Special items for the second quarter of 2015 included after-tax expenses
        of $1.8 million primarily associated with legal fees and an accrual for
        the likely settlement of certain litigation involving industry wide
        packaging claims. Special items for the second quarter of 2014 included
        after-tax expenses of $7.6 million primarily associated with
        restructuring and impairment charges as well as certain transaction
        related expenses.

First Six Months Financial Summary


    --  Net revenue for the first six months of 2015 was $833.8 million, an
        increase of 7.9% compared to the first six months of 2014 net revenue of
        $772.6 million.
    --  Net income excluding special items for the first six months of 2015 was
        $31.1 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, as compared to net income
        excluding special items of $27.7 million for the first six months of
        2014, or $0.39 per diluted share.
    --  Including special items, net income for the first six months of 2015 was
        $28.0 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, as compared to net income
        including special items of $18.6 million for the first six months of
        2014, or $0.26 per diluted share.
    --  Special items for the first six months of 2015 included after-tax
        expenses of $3.1 million primarily associated with legal fees and an
        accrual for the likely settlement of certain litigation involving
        industry wide packaging claims. Special items for the first six months
        of 2014 included after-tax expenses of $9.1 million primarily associated
        with restructuring and impairment charges as well as certain transaction
        related expenses.

Dividend Declared
The Company also announced the declaration of a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share on the Company's common stock. The dividend is payable on August 31, 2015 to stockholders of record at the close of business on August 25, 2015.

Estimates for 2015
Management has not changed estimates for 2015, with net revenue for the full year expected to be in the range of $1.69 to $1.72 billion. The earnings per diluted share estimates range remains at $1.11 to $1.19, with capital expenditures for 2015 projected to be between $60 and $62 million.

Conference Call
Management will conduct a conference call and live webcast at 4:30pm eastern time on Monday, August 10, to review the Company's second quarter 2015 results. The conference call and accompanying slide presentation will be webcast live through the Investor Relations section of the Company's website, www.snyderslance.com. In addition, the slide presentation will be available at www.snyderslance.com to download and print approximately 30 minutes before the webcast. To participate in the conference call, the dial-in number is (844) 830-1960 for U.S. callers or (315) 625-6883 for international callers. The conference ID is 84849288. A continuous telephone replay of the call will be available between 7:30pm on August 10 and midnight on August 17. The replay telephone number is (855) 859-2056 for U.S. callers or (404) 537-3406 for international callers. The replay access code is 84849288. Investors may also access a web-based replay of the conference call at www.snyderslance.com.

About Snyder's-Lance, Inc.
Snyder's-Lance, Inc., headquartered in Charlotte, NC, manufactures and markets snack foods throughout the United States and internationally. Snyder's-Lance's products include pretzels, sandwich crackers, pretzel crackers, potato chips, cookies, tortilla chips, restaurant style crackers, nuts and other snacks. Snyder's-Lance has manufacturing facilities in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Georgia, Arizona, Massachusetts, Florida, Ohio and Wisconsin. Products are sold under the Snyder's of Hanover®, Lance®, Cape Cod®, Snack Factory® Pretzel Crisps®, Late July®, Krunchers!®, Tom's®, Archway®, Jays®, Stella D'oro®, Eatsmart(TM), O-Ke-Doke®, and other brand names along with a number of third party brands. Products are distributed nationally through grocery and mass merchandisers, convenience stores, club stores, food service outlets and other channels. LNCE-E

Cautionary Information about Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains statements which may be forward looking within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The statements include projections regarding future revenues, earnings and other results which are based upon the Company's current expectations and assumptions, which are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include general economic conditions or an economic turndown; volatility in the price or availability of inputs, including raw materials, packaging, energy and labor; price competition and industry consolidation; changes in our top retail customer relationships; inability to maintain profitability in the face of a consolidating retail environment; failure to successfully integrate acquisitions or execute divestitures; loss of key personnel; failure to execute and accomplish our strategy; concerns with the safety and quality of certain food products or ingredients; adulterated, misbranded or mislabeled products or product recalls; disruption of our supply chain; inadequacies in, or security breaches of, our information technology systems; improper use of social media; changes in consumer preferences and tastes or inability to innovate or market our products effectively; reliance on distribution through a significant number of independent business owners; protection of our trademarks and other intellectual property rights; impairment in the carrying value of goodwill or other intangible assets; new regulations or legislation; interest rate volatility, and the interests of a few individuals who control a significant portion of our outstanding shares of common stock may conflict with those of other stockholders, which have been discussed in greater detail in our most recent Form 10-K and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


    SNYDER'S-LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
    For the Quarters and Six Months Ended July 4, 2015 and June 28, 2014


                                                                                    Quarter Ended                                     Six Months Ended
                                                                                    -------------                                     ----------------

    (in thousands, except per share data)                                July 4,             June 28,           July 4,             June 28,
                                                                             2015                  2014               2015                  2014
    ---                                                                      ----                  ----               ----                  ----

    Net revenue                                                                   $431,428                                 $399,596                     $833,769  $772,612

    Cost of sales                                                         279,945                       254,707                         542,924           494,537
                                                                          -------                       -------                         -------           -------

    Gross margin                                                          151,483                       144,889                         290,845           278,075


    Selling, general and administrative                                   121,844                       121,312                         243,768           237,376

    Impairment charges                                                          -                        6,503                               -            7,503

    Gain on sale of route businesses, net                                    (74)                        (297)                          (867)          (1,460)

    Other (income)/expense, net                                             (110)                          501                           (846)              581
                                                                             ----                           ---                            ----               ---

    Income before interest and income taxes                                29,823                        16,870                          48,790            34,075


    Interest expense, net                                                   2,671                         4,111                           5,138             7,501
                                                                            -----                         -----                           -----             -----

    Income before income taxes                                             27,152                        12,759                          43,652            26,574


    Income tax expense                                                      9,758                         4,584                          15,676             7,910
                                                                            -----                         -----                          ------             -----

    Income from continuing operations                                      17,394                         8,175                          27,976            18,664

    Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax                      -                        3,523                               -            9,845

    Net income                                                             17,394                        11,698                          27,976            28,509

    Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests                        65                            21                              11                16

    Net income attributable to Snyder's-Lance, Inc.                                $17,329                                  $11,677                      $27,965   $28,493
                                                                                   =======                                  =======                      =======   =======


    Amounts attributable to Snyder's-Lance, Inc.:

    Continuing operations                                                          $17,329                                   $8,154                      $27,965   $18,648

    Discontinued operations                                                     -                        3,523                               -            9,845

    Net income                                                                     $17,329                                  $11,677                      $27,965   $28,493
                                                                                   =======                                  =======                      =======   =======


    Basic earnings per share:

    Continuing operations                                                            $0.25                                    $0.12                        $0.40     $0.27

    Discontinued operations                                                     -                         0.05                               -             0.14
                                                                              ---                         ----                             ---             ----

    Total basic earnings per share                                                   $0.25                                    $0.17                        $0.40     $0.41
                                                                                     =====                                    =====                        =====     =====


    Diluted earnings per share:

    Continuing operations                                                            $0.24                                    $0.11                        $0.39     $0.26

    Discontinued operations                                                     -                         0.05                               -             0.14
                                                                              ---                         ----                             ---             ----

    Total diluted earnings per share                                                 $0.24                                    $0.16                        $0.39     $0.40
                                                                                     =====                                    =====                        =====     =====


    Cash dividends declared per share                                                $0.16                                    $0.16                        $0.32     $0.32



    SNYDER'S-LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
    As of July 4, 2015 and January 3, 2015


    (in thousands, except
     share data)                                       July 4,             January 3,
                                                           2015                      2015
    ---                                                    ----                      ----

                             ASSETS
                             ------

    Current assets:

    Cash and cash
     equivalents                                                   $42,619                     $35,373

    Restricted cash                                         966                         966

    Accounts receivable,
     net of allowances of
     $1,143 and $1,778,
     respectively                                       145,806                     126,093

    Inventories                                         126,886                     116,236

    Prepaid income taxes                                  4,738                       4,175

    Deferred income taxes                                13,188                      13,189

    Assets held for sale                                 12,697                      11,007

    Prepaid expenses and
     other current assets                                21,590                      22,112
                                                         ------                      ------

    Total current assets                                368,490                     329,151


    Noncurrent assets:

    Fixed assets, net                                   415,997                     423,612

    Goodwill                                            540,410                     541,539

    Other intangible
     assets, net                                        537,224                     545,212

    Other noncurrent
     assets                                              23,838                      23,874

    Total assets                                                $1,885,959                  $1,863,388
                                                                ==========                  ==========


                         LIABILITIES AND
                       STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                       --------------------

    Current liabilities:

    Current portion of
     long-term debt                                                 $8,541                      $8,561

    Accounts payable                                     73,247                      57,407

    Accrued compensation                                 24,038                      32,774

    Accrued casualty
     insurance claims                                     4,199                       4,320

    Accrued selling and
     promotional costs                                   16,823                      13,141

    Other payables and
     accrued liabilities                                 27,407                      24,723
                                                         ------                      ------

    Total current
     liabilities                                        154,255                     140,926


    Noncurrent
     liabilities:

    Long-term debt                                      434,126                     438,376

    Deferred income taxes                               170,414                     168,593

    Accrued casualty
     insurance claims                                    13,481                      13,755

    Other noncurrent
     liabilities                                         16,033                      15,030
                                                         ------                      ------

    Total liabilities                                   788,309                     776,680


    Commitments and
     contingencies


    Stockholders' equity:

    Common stock, $0.83
     1/3 par value.
     110,000,000 shares
     authorized;
     70,672,034 and
     70,406,086 shares
     outstanding,
     respectively                                        58,891                      58,669

    Preferred stock, $1.00
     par value. Authorized
     5,000,000 shares; no
     shares outstanding                                       -                          -

    Additional paid-in
     capital                                            782,677                     776,930

    Retained earnings                                   238,217                     232,812

    Accumulated other
     comprehensive loss                                 (1,450)                    (1,007)
                                                         ------                      ------

    Total Snyder's-Lance,
     Inc. stockholders'
     equity                                           1,078,335                   1,067,404

    Noncontrolling
     interests                                           19,315                      19,304
                                                         ------                      ------

    Total stockholders'
     equity                                           1,097,650                   1,086,708

    Total liabilities and
     stockholders' equity                                       $1,885,959                  $1,863,388
                                                                ==========                  ==========



    SNYDER'S-LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
    For the Six Months Ended July 4, 2015 and June 28, 2014


                                                                 Six Months Ended
                                                                 ----------------

    (in thousands)                                        July 4,                June 28,
                                                              2015                     2014
    ---                                                       ----                     ----

    Operating activities:

    Net income                                                         $27,976                         $28,509

    Adjustments to reconcile net
     income to cash from operating
     activities:

    Depreciation and amortization                           35,070                              29,742

    Stock-based compensation expense                         2,755                               3,128

    Loss on sale of fixed assets, net                           79                                 398

    Gain on sale of route businesses,
     net                                                     (867)                            (1,460)

    Gain on sale of investments, net                         (183)                                  -

    Impairment charges                                           -                              7,503

    Deferred income taxes                                    1,818                                 544

    Provision for doubtful accounts                            751                                 811

    Change in inventory reserves                               591                               (869)

    Changes in operating assets and
     liabilities, excluding business
     acquisition                                          (18,735)                           (15,125)

    Net cash provided by operating
     activities                                             49,255                              53,181
                                                            ------                              ------


    Investing activities:

    Purchases of fixed assets                             (22,947)                           (33,891)

    Purchases of route businesses                         (10,094)                           (15,018)

    Proceeds from sale of fixed
     assets and insurance recoveries                           795                                 471

    Proceeds from sale of route
     businesses                                             12,896                              16,258

    Proceeds from sale of investments                          436                                   -

    Business acquisition, net of cash
     acquired                                                    -                          (202,260)
                                                               ---                           --------

    Net cash used in investing
     activities                                           (18,914)                          (234,440)
                                                           -------                            --------


    Financing activities:

    Dividends paid to stockholders                        (22,560)                           (22,426)

    Debt issuance costs                                          -                            (1,854)

    Issuances of common stock                                4,016                               4,819

    Repurchases of common stock                              (801)                            (1,160)

    Repayments of long-term debt                           (3,750)                            (8,750)

    Net proceeds from existing credit
     facilities                                                  -                            215,000

    Net cash (used in)/provided by
     financing activities                                 (23,095)                            185,629
                                                           -------                             -------


    Increase in cash and cash
     equivalents                                             7,246                               4,370

    Cash and cash equivalents at
     beginning of period                                    35,373                              14,080

    Cash and cash equivalents at end
     of period                                                         $42,619                         $18,450
                                                                       =======                         =======


    Supplemental information:

    Cash paid for income taxes, net
     of refunds of $651 and $164,
     respectively                                                      $13,523                         $13,925

    Cash paid for interest                                              $5,487                          $7,159



    SNYDER'S-LANCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures (Unaudited)
    For the Quarters and Six Months Ended July 4, 2015 and June 28, 2014


    (in thousands,
     except per
     share data)                                    Net of               Per Diluted

                                                      Tax                   Share
    ---                                               ---                   -----

    Quarter Ended
     July 4, 2015
    -------------

    Income from
     continuing
     operations                                                 $17,329                       $0.243


    Severance
     charges                                           (263)                         (0.004)

    Legal fees and
     accrual for
     potential
     settlement -
     "All Natural"
     litigation                                        1,969                            0.028

    Professional
     fees                                                 71                            0.001
                                                         ---


    Income from
     continuing
     operations,
     excluding
     special items                                              $19,106                       $0.268
                                                                =======                       ======


    Quarter Ended
     June 28, 2014
    --------------

    Income from
     continuing
     operations                                                  $8,154                       $0.115


    Impairment
     charges                                           4,188                            0.059

    Restructuring
     charges                                           1,968                            0.028

    Professional
     fees                                              1,477                            0.021
                                                       -----


    Income from
     continuing
     operations,
     excluding
     special items                                              $15,787                       $0.223
                                                                =======                       ======



    (in thousands,
     except per
     share data)                                    Net of               Per Diluted

                                                      Tax                   Share
    ---                                               ---                   -----

    Six Months
     Ended July 4,
     2015
    --------------

    Income from
     continuing
     operations                                                 $27,965                       $0.392


    Severance
     charges                                             248                            0.004

    Legal fees and
     accrual for
     potential
     settlement -
     "All Natural"
     litigation                                        2,551                            0.036

    Professional
     fees                                                299                            0.004
                                                         ---


    Income from
     continuing
     operations,
     excluding
     special items                                              $31,063                       $0.436
                                                                =======                       ======


    Six Months
     Ended June 28,
     2014
    ---------------

    Income from
     continuing
     operations                                                 $18,648                       $0.263


    Impairment
     charges                                           4,819                            0.068

    Restructuring
     charges                                           1,968                            0.028

    Professional
     fees                                              1,691                            0.024

    Self-funded
     medical
     insurance
     claim                                               564                            0.008
                                                         ---


    Income from
     continuing
     operations,
     excluding
     special items                                              $27,690                       $0.391
                                                                =======                       ======

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150410/197788LOGO

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/snyders-lance-inc-reports-results-for-second-quarter-2015-300126222.html

SOURCE Snyder's-Lance, Inc.