Notes to Financial Statements
NOTE 1 – DESCRIPTION OF PLAN
The following description of the BellRing Brands, Inc. 401(k) Plan (the “Plan”) provides only general information. Participants should refer to the Plan document for a more complete description of the Plan’s provisions.
General
On October 21, 2019, BellRing Intermediate Holdings, Inc. (formerly known as BellRing Brands, Inc.) (“Old BellRing”) closed its initial public offering (the “IPO”) of its Class A common stock, $0.01 par value per share (the “Old BellRing Class A Common Stock”) and contributed the net proceeds from the IPO to BellRing Brands, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and subsidiary of Old BellRing (“BellRing LLC”), in exchange for BellRing LLC non-voting membership units (the “BellRing LLC units”) which represented 28.5% of the economic interest in BellRing LLC as of December 31, 2021. As a result of the IPO and certain other transactions completed in connection with the IPO, BellRing LLC became the holder of the active nutrition business of Post Holdings, Inc. (“Post”). Post’s ownership of BellRing LLC units represented 71.5% of the economic interest in BellRing LLC as of December 31, 2021.
In March 2022, Post completed its distribution of 80.1% of its ownership interest in BellRing Brands, Inc. (formerly known as BellRing Distribution, LLC) (“BellRing”) to Post shareholders pursuant to the terms of a Transaction Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Post, Old BellRing, BellRing and BellRing Merger Sub Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BellRing (“BellRing Merger Sub”).
On March 10, 2022, BellRing converted into a Delaware corporation and changed its name to “BellRing Brands, Inc.”, and Post distributed 80.1% of its shares of BellRing common stock, $0.01 par value per share (“BellRing Common Stock”) to Post shareholders in a pro-rata distribution (the “Distribution”). Post shareholders, including Plan participants who held investments in Post common stock (see Note 4 for additional information on Post common stock), received 1.267788 shares of BellRing Common Stock for every one share of Post common stock held as of February 25, 2022.
Upon completion of the Distribution, BellRing Merger Sub merged with and into Old BellRing (the “Merger”), with Old BellRing continuing as the surviving corporation and becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of BellRing. Pursuant to the Merger, each outstanding share of Old BellRing Class A Common Stock, including shares held in the Plan, was converted into one share of BellRing Common Stock and $2.97 in cash. As a result of the transactions described above (collectively, the “Spin-off”), BellRing became the new public parent company of, and successor issuer to, Old BellRing, and shares of BellRing Common Stock were deemed to be registered under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, pursuant to Rule 12g-3(a) promulgated thereunder. The cash received by Plan participants who held investments in Old BellRing Class A Common Stock prior to the Merger was invested in age-appropriate target date retirement funds within the Plan. Subsequent to the Spin-off, Plan participants had the option to reallocate these investments.
Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, all references in this report to “the Company” refer to Old BellRing and its consolidated subsidiaries during the periods prior to the Spin-off and BellRing and its consolidated subsidiaries during the periods subsequent to the Spin-off. The term “BellRing Inc.” refers to Old BellRing during the periods prior to the Spin-off and BellRing during the periods subsequent to the Spin-off. The term “the BellRing Inc. Common Stock” generally refers to Old BellRing Class A Common Stock during the periods prior to the Spin-off and to BellRing Common Stock during the periods subsequent to the Spin-off.
The Company is a consumer products holding company operating in the global convenient nutrition category and is a provider of ready-to-drink (“RTD”) protein shakes, other RTD beverages and powders.
The Plan is a defined contribution plan, the purpose of which is to permit deferrals of compensation by eligible employees of the Company and of participating subsidiaries and affiliates and to provide these employees with the opportunity to invest in funds for the purpose of saving for retirement.
BellRing Inc. adopted the Plan on January 1, 2020 (the “Effective Date”).The Company employees who were participants in the Post Holdings, Inc. Savings Investment Plan (the “Post Plan”) at the Effective Date ceased participation in the Post Plan and were no longer eligible to make contributions to the Post Plan. The Company’s current employees’ account balances in the Post Plan at the time of adoption were transferred from the trust for the Post Plan to the trust for the Plan (“trust-to-trust transfer”) following the Effective Date. The Company’s former employees’ account balances that were still in the Post Plan prior to the Effective Date were not transferred in the trust-to-trust transfer.
The Plan is subject to certain provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Plan is designed to meet ERISA’s reporting and disclosure and fiduciary requirements, as well as to meet the minimum standards for participation and vesting. The Plan is also
intended to qualify as a cash or deferred profit sharing plan under section 401(k) of the Code. Certain reclassifications have been made to previously reported financial information to conform to the current period presentation.
Plan Participation
All regular domestic employees are eligible to participate in the Plan subject to the Plan’s eligibility rules. Eligible employees generally may begin making employee deferrals on their date of hire. Eligibility for Company matching contributions generally begins on the first day of the calendar month following 12 months of service.
Plan Administration
The Plan is administered by BellRing Inc., with certain ministerial functions associated with day-to-day administration delegated to Post following the IPO and during a transitional period following the Spin-off. Except for matters required by the terms of the Plan to be decided by the trustee or matters delegated to the BellRing Inc. Employee Benefit Trustees Committee (the “EBTC”), the Plan administrator has the exclusive right to interpret the Plan and to decide any and all matters arising under the Plan or in connection with its administration. The Plan designates the EBTC as having certain rights and obligations to control and manage Plan assets, to select investment funds available for investment by Plan participants and to appoint and remove the trustee and any investment managers retained in connection with the investment of Plan assets. The Plan designates the EBTC as the claims fiduciary for the Plan. Certain Plan expenses are paid by the Company.
Contributions
In 2022, the pre-tax contribution amount, Roth contribution (after-tax) amount or combination of pre-tax and Roth contributions was limited to $20,500 per calendar year for each participant, and a catch-up contribution for individuals ages 50 or over was limited to $6,500 per calendar year for each participant. Subject to such limitations, participants may generally make Roth or pre-tax contributions of 1% to 50% of their compensation in 1% increments.
Participant contributions may be invested in any of the available investment funds. Participant contributions and earnings thereon are vested and non-forfeitable from the time made.
The Company generally matches a percentage of compensation that a participant contributes to the Plan up to 6% of compensation, beginning on the first month following one year of service. Company contributions and earnings generally vest 100% upon eligibility.
Investment Options
All contributions are deposited by the Company in trust funds held by Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company (“Vanguard”) or any successor trustee as may be selected by the EBTC. The values of the trust funds change according to increases or decreases in the values of the investments, gains or losses on sales of investments held therein and income from dividends and interest. In addition, Vanguard performs all record-keeping functions for the Plan. The trustee maintains as many separate investment funds within its trust funds, with such different investment objectives, as the EBTC deems advisable. During the year ended December 31, 2022, participants were able to allocate their contributions among the available investment options, including mutual funds, collective trust funds and a BellRing Brands, Inc. Common Stock Fund.
Withdrawals, Loans and Forfeitures
Upon participant termination, retirement, disability or death, or in the event of termination of the Plan without establishment of a successor plan, the amount in the trust fund credited to each participant will be distributed to the participant or to the participant’s beneficiary or other legal representative. Under the Plan, a participant may elect from several alternatives regarding the timing of distributions. Plan withdrawals from certain contribution accounts may be made prior to termination or retirement if a participant is at least age 59 1/2 or for cases of hardship. Hardship withdrawals are limited to the amount required to meet the need created by the hardship and are made in accordance with guidelines determined by BellRing Inc., as defined within the Plan document.
In addition, due to the enactment of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) on March 27, 2020, certain Plan participants qualified for a new COVID-related distribution option through December 31, 2020. Individuals who were diagnosed with (or those whose spouse or dependent was diagnosed with) COVID-19, or who experienced adverse financial consequences as a result of being quarantined, furloughed or laid off, having work hours reduced or being unable to work due to lack of childcare due to COVID-19 (“Qualified Individuals”), could choose to take COVID-related distributions of up to $100,000 in 2020 without being subject to either the usual early distribution penalty applicable to those who have not yet reached age 59 1/2 or the mandatory withholding requirement. The distribution may be returned to the Plan during a three-year period following the distribution.
The Plan, subject to certain rules and regulations, permits participants to borrow from their vested account balances. Such loans will be permitted for any purpose, provided certain Plan conditions and certain other conditions as prescribed by federal
law are met. Generally, participants may borrow a minimum of $1,000 up to a maximum equal to the lesser of $50,000 or 50% of their vested account balance. The loans are collateralized by the balance in the participant’s account and bear interest equal to the prime rate as most recently adjusted, on a quarterly basis, and as reported in The Wall Street Journal, plus one percentage point. Principal and interest are generally paid ratably through payroll deductions for each pay period in which the participant receives compensation from the Company.
Upon termination of employment, any Company matching contributions and the earnings thereon which are not vested will be forfeited, but will be restored if the participant again becomes an eligible employee within five years after termination. Amounts forfeited are used to reduce Company matching contributions required under the Plan. Forfeitures, net of amounts restored, were immaterial during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Amendments and Termination
The Board of Directors of BellRing Inc. delegated authority to amend the Plan to 1) the President and Chief Executive Officer, General Counsel and Vice President of People of BellRing Inc., provided that any such amendment is not reasonably expected to increase BellRing Inc.'s liability with respect to the Plan by more than $5,000,000, determined on a present value basis, and 2) the chairman of the EBTC, provided that any such amendment is not reasonably expected to increase BellRing Inc.’s liability with respect to the Plan by more than $15,000,000, determined on a present value basis. BellRing Inc. may terminate the Plan or amend the Plan so that Company matching contributions cease. In the case of Plan termination, non-forfeitable rights to the Company matching contributions credited to a participant’s account shall automatically vest.
NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Accounting
The accompanying financial statements are prepared using the accrual basis of accounting.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of additions to and deductions from net assets during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Notes Receivable from Participants
Notes receivable from participants are measured at their unpaid principal balance plus any accrued but unpaid interest. Delinquent participant loans are reclassified as distributions based upon the terms of the Plan document.
Payment of Benefits
Benefits are recorded upon distribution.
Investment Valuation
The Plan’s investments are stated at fair value or net asset value (“NAV”) for mutual funds and collective trust funds. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The EBTC determines the Plan’s valuation policies utilizing information provided by the Plan’s investment advisors and custodian. See Note 3 for discussion of fair value measurements.
Purchases and sales of investments are recorded on a trade-date basis. Net appreciation or depreciation in fair value of investments is comprised of net realized and unrealized gains and losses. Capital gain distributions are included in dividend income. Investment securities are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate, market and credit.
NOTE 3 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The following table presents the Plan’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the basis for that measurement according to the levels in the fair value hierarchy in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement.”
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2022 | | December 31, 2021 |
dollars in thousands | Total | | Level 1 | | Total | | Level 1 |
Mutual Funds | $ | 10,637 | | | $ | 10,637 | | | $ | 11,183 | | | $ | 11,183 | |
Common Stock (a) | 1,328 | | | 1,328 | | | 1,239 | | | 1,239 | |
Collective Trusts | 12,708 | | | 12,708 | | | 12,932 | | | 12,932 | |
| 24,673 | | | 24,673 | | | 25,354 | | | 25,354 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
(a)As of both December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Plan’s common stock consisted of BellRing Inc. Common Stock and Post common stock transferred from the Post Plan. See Notes 1 and 4 for information regarding Post’s relationship to the Company.
The fair value hierarchy is based on inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity’s pricing based upon its own market assumptions.
The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value.
Mutual Funds — Shares of mutual funds are valued at the daily closing price as reported by the fund. Mutual funds held by the Plan are open-ended mutual funds that are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These funds are required to publish their daily NAV and to transact at that price. The mutual funds held by the Plan are deemed to be actively traded.
Common Stock — The BellRing Brands, Inc. Common Stock Fund and Post Holdings, Inc. Common Stock Fund are valued at quoted market prices of shares held by the Plan on the last business day of the Plan year plus any uninvested cash holdings.
Collective Trusts — The collective trusts are valued at the NAV of the units held by the Plan, which is based on the daily closing price as reported by the collective trust. These investments are determined to have a readily determinable fair value as the NAV per unit is determined and published daily and is the basis for current transactions. The collective trusts held by the Plan are deemed to be actively traded.
The preceding methods may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, although the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain investment securities could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date and it is therefore, at least reasonably possible, that these differences could materially affect the amounts reported in the Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits.
NOTE 4 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Certain Plan investments are shares of BellRing Inc. Common Stock. BellRing Inc. is the Plan sponsor and, therefore, these transactions qualify as party-in-interest transactions under the provisions of ERISA. At December 31, 2022, these shares had a total cost basis of $687,544 and a fair market value of $850,362. During 2022, the Plan purchased $121,537 and sold $83,627 of such assets, and received such assets in connection with the Spin-off with a cost basis of $126,788 and a fair market value of $183,844 (see Note 1 for further information). At December 31, 2021, these shares had a total cost basis of $509,522 and a fair market value of $630,187. During 2021, the Plan purchased $192,200 and sold $2,272 of such assets.
Certain Plan investments are shares of Post common stock. Prior to the Plan’s Effective Date, the Company’s employees participated in the Post Plan, which included investments in Post common stock. These investments were transferred to the Plan in the trust-to-trust transfer. Prior to the Spin-off, Post was a member of BellRing LLC and indirectly held 71.5% of the economic interest in the Company. Subsequent to the Spin-off, certain of the Company’s directors continue to serve as officers or directors of Post. As such, both prior to and subsequent to the Spin-off, transactions of Post common stock qualified as party-in-interest transactions under the provisions of ERISA. At December 31, 2022, the Company’s shares of Post common stock had a total cost basis of $260,630 and a market value of $477,859. During 2022, the Plan made no purchases of Post common stock and sold $10,731 of such assets. In addition, the cost basis of Post common stock was reduced by $126,788 in connection with the Spin-off during 2022. At December 31, 2021, these shares had a total cost basis of $396,752 and a fair market value of $609,002. During 2021, the Plan made no purchases of Post common stock and sold $113,675 of such assets.
The Plan invests in shares of mutual funds and units of collective trusts managed by an affiliate of Vanguard. Vanguard acts as trustee for only those investments as defined by the Plan. Transactions in such investments qualify as party-in-interest transactions which are exempt from the prohibited transaction rules.
Fees paid by the Plan for administrative services were $19,339 for the year ended December 31, 2022.
NOTE 5 – INCOME TAX STATUS
The Plan obtained its latest determination letter on October 29, 2020 in which the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) stated that the Plan, as designed as of May 27, 2020 was in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Code as a qualified plan exempt from income tax. The Plan has been amended since receiving the most recent determination letter. The Plan’s administrator and legal counsel believe the Plan is currently designed and being operated in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Code.
GAAP requires Plan management to evaluate tax positions taken by the Plan and recognize a tax liability if the Plan has taken an uncertain tax position that more likely than not would not be sustained upon examination by the IRS. The Plan administrator has analyzed the tax positions taken by the Plan and has concluded that, as of December 31, 2022, there are no uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken that would require recognition of a liability or disclosure in the financial statements. The Plan is subject to routine audits by taxing jurisdictions; however, there are currently no audits for any tax periods in progress.