UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

ý

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003

 

 

o

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (NO FEE REQUIRED)

 

 

For the transition period from                  to                 

 

Commission File Number: 1-12624

 

Syratech Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware
 
13-3354944

(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

 

175 McClellan Highway

 

 

East Boston, Massachusetts
 
02128-9114

(Address of principal executive office)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code - 617-561-2200

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Name of each exchange on which registered:

None

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the act:

None

 

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, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    YES  o   NO   ý

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act.)    YES  o     NO   ý

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ý

 

The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates is not applicable as no public market for the voting stock of the registrant exists. Number of the registrant’s Shares of Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 per share, outstanding at March 30, 2004 - 3,784,018.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

None.

 

 



 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements. Except for the historical information contained or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the matters discussed or incorporated by reference herein are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, general economic and business conditions; industry capacity; industry trends; overseas expansion; the loss of major customers; changes in demand for the Company’s products; the timing of orders received from customers; cost and availability of raw materials; dependence on foreign sources of supply; changes in business strategy or development plans; availability and quality of management; availability, terms and deployment of capital; and the seasonal nature of the business.

 

PART I

 

ITEM 1.   BUSINESS

 

Overview

 

Syratech Corporation (the “Company”) designs, manufactures, imports and markets a diverse portfolio of tabletop, giftware and products for home entertaining and decoration. The Company is one of the leading domestic manufacturers and marketers of sterling silver flatware and sterling silver and silver-plated hollowware. The Company also offers a number of other complementary tabletop, giftware and products for home decoration including stainless steel flatware, picture frames, photo albums, photo storage, glassware, crystal, ceramics, lawn and garden and seasonal decorations and ornaments, lighting, and small furnishings.

 

The Company has positioned itself as a single-source supplier to retailers by offering a wide assortment of products across multiple price points through its “good-better-best” strategy. This strategy enables the Company to sell its products through a broad array of distribution channels, including retail specialty stores, department stores, specialty mail order catalogue companies, mass market merchandisers, warehouse clubs, premium and incentive marketers, drug store chains, supermarkets and home centers. The Company markets its products under numerous and well-recognized tradenames including the Company owned Towle Silversmiths®, Wallace Silversmiths®, International Silver Company®, and Rochard® and Silvestri® tradenames, and under license agreements, the tradenames Cuisinart®, SpodeTM, and Vera Wang®.

 

Discontinued Operations

 

In December of 2003, the Company made the decision to discontinue the manufacture of Christmas balls and the marketing of the seasonal products including Christmas ornaments, Christmas trim, lighting and tree skirts by its Rauch Industries, Inc. subsidiary (“Rauch”). Manufacturing operations were suspended in December 2003. The Company is currently negotiating with a prospective buyer for the sale of the subsidiary and anticipates a sale to be completed during the second quarter of 2004. In the event this sale is not completed, the Company intends to liquidate the assets of the subsidiary. Net sales of Rauch, were approximately $39.7, $43.5, and $42.6 million for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively.

 

Products

 

The Company designs, manufactures, imports and markets a diverse offering of quality tabletop, giftware and products for home entertaining and decoration. The Company has identified only one distinct and reportable segment: Home Entertaining and Decorative Products. The Company’s products are sold through multiple distribution channels. Customers in each distribution channel purchase a wide range of the Company’s products and may purchase, on a single purchase order, any of the Company’s products. Significant portions of the Company’s products are sourced overseas. The Company’s product development personnel work closely on design with third party vendors located primarily in the Asia Pacific Rim from whom most of these products are imported. A full-time quality assurance staff based in Hong Kong and mainland China inspect products against the Company’s quality and design standards and facilitates timely deliveries. The Company’s products include those shown below; all of which are marketed under one of the Company’s many well-recognized tradenames as follows:

 

1



 

Sterling Silver and Silver-plated Flatware and Hollowware. The Company designs, markets and distributes a variety of products in these categories, including flatware, serving pieces, cosmetic accessories and hollowware, such as candlesticks, casseroles and coffee and tea services under the tradenames Wallace Silversmiths®, Towle Silversmiths®, International Silver Company®, Tuttle Sterling®, and under a license agreement, Vera Wang®. Sterling flatware is manufactured at the Company’s plant in Puerto Rico. Other products in this category were manufactured in 2003 at the Company’s plant in Massachusetts or sourced from overseas suppliers. These products are sold primarily to specialty stores, including jewelry stores and gift stores, and department stores and are generally included in bridal registries.

 

Stainless Steel Flatware. The Company designs, markets and distributes several lines of stainless steel flatware ranging from premium mass-produced sets to high-end flatware place settings. The Company markets these products under tradenames such as Wallace Silversmiths®, Towle Silversmiths®, International Silver Company®, 1847 Rogers Bros.® and, under license agreements, the tradenames Cuisinart®, SpodeTM, and Vera Wang®. Products in this category are imported from the Company’s third-party vendors located primarily in the Asia Pacific Rim. The primary channels of distribution include department stores, mass-market merchandisers, warehouse clubs and specialty stores, and these products are also included in bridal registries.

 

Picture Frames, Photo Storage and Photo Albums. The Company designs, markets and distributes several lines of picture frames and photo albums. The picture frames range from sterling silver on the high end to a variety of other frames produced in wood, resin, ceramic, metal and other mediums. The photo albums are produced in metal, fabric and wood. The Company has introduced photo storage products including wooden cabinets, compact disk holders, decorative wall accessories and wooden collage boxes.  The Company markets these products under tradenames such as Melannco International®, International Silver Company®, Wallace Silversmiths®, Towle Silversmiths®, and Silvestri®. Products in this category are imported from the Company’s third-party vendors located primarily in Eastern Europe and the Asia Pacific Rim. The channels of distribution include department stores, including stationery departments, specialty stores and mass market merchandisers.

 

Glassware, Crystal and Ceramics. The Company designs, markets and distributes several lines of glassware and crystal products, including beverageware, serveware and accessories, glass vases and candle lighting. The Company markets these products under the tradenames Towle Crystal®, International Silver Company®, Imperial Crystal®, and Elements®. The Company also designs, markets and distributes a line of ceramic serveware. The Company’s products in this category are imported from the Company’s third-party vendors located primarily in the Asia Pacific Rim. The channels of distribution for these products include mass-market merchandisers, department stores, warehouse clubs and specialty stores.

 

Porcelain Boxes. The Company designs, markets and distributes a diverse range of high-end, hand-painted porcelain boxes under the Rochard™ and Limoges Imports™ tradenames which are manufactured by third-party vendors located primarily in France. The channels of distribution include specialty stores, including jewelry stores and department stores.

 

Home Decoration. The Company designs, markets and distributes a wide range of other products, including lighting and candles including candle holders produced in glass, ceramic, metal, and other mediums, brassware, napkin rings and decorative clocks. Also included in this category are figurines, vases, bowls, trays, lawn and garden décor (statuary and plant stands) and other items comprised of metal, resin, textiles, wood, ceramic and glass. The majority of the Company’s products in this category are imported from the Company’s third-party vendors located primarily in the Asia Pacific Rim. The Company markets these products under certain of its tradenames including International Silver Company®, Elements®, International Bazaar™, Silvestri®, and Potpourri Designs®. The primary channels of distribution include department stores, mass-market merchandisers, warehouse clubs and specialty stores.

 

Seasonal Decoration. The Company manufactures limited edition, sterling silver Christmas ornaments that are marketed under the tradenames Wallace Silversmiths® and Towle Silversmiths®. The Company designs, markets and distributes a diverse product offering of other Christmas decorations including figurines, ornaments, waterglobes, collectibles, trim, lighting, nativities, and other decorative items for Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Halloween, and Thanksgiving produced in wood, resin, metal, paper, textiles, glass and ceramic. These products are marketed under the tradenames Silvestri®, Wallace Silversmiths®, International Silver Company®, and International Bazaar™. These products are distributed through specialty stores, department stores, jewelry stores, mass market merchandisers and warehouse clubs.

 

2



 

Sales, Marketing and Distribution

 

The Company sells many different types of products with multiple price points and target customers. Accordingly, the Company sells its products through a variety of distribution channels including department and specialty stores, mass market merchandisers and warehouse clubs, drugstores, supermarkets, incentive marketers and jewelry stores. The Company maintains separate sales forces for its product lines so as to provide the specialized expertise and attention necessary to service its customer base. The Company’s sales and marketing staff coordinates with individual retailers to devise marketing strategies and merchandising concepts and to furnish advice on advertising and product promotion. The Company has developed several promotional programs for use in the ordinary course of business to promote sales throughout the year.

 

The Company’s various sales and marketing efforts are supported from its principal office and showroom in East Boston, Massachusetts and, for certain of its products, from its offices and showrooms in Hong Kong. The Company maintains additional showrooms in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta and Dallas. The Company’s sales and marketing staff at December 31, 2003, consisted of approximately 120 employees who are salaried, paid commissions based on sales or, in some instances, paid a base salary plus commissions. The Company also distributes certain of its products through independent sales representatives who work on a commission basis only.

 

On January 15, 2003, the Company sold its primary warehouse and distribution facility located in Mira Loma CA.  Simultaneously with the sale of the property, the Company entered into an agreement to lease the facility back. The agreement provides for gradual reductions in the square footage leased during its 66 month term. The Company also distributes certain tabletop and giftware products from its facility in East Boston MA. On December 18, 2003, the Company sold its corporate headquarters office and distribution property in East Boston MA (“the Property”), and the Company leased a portion of the Property back from the buyer. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Retailing Customers

 

During 2003, 20 customers accounted for approximately 56.7% of the Company’s net sales from continuing operations.  Sales to one customer and its subsidiaries did not represent more than 10% of the Company’s 2003 net sales from continuing operations.

 

2003 Channels of Distribution

 

Approximate
% of
2003 Net
Sales

 

Mass Market Merchandisers, Warehouse Clubs, Drug Stores and Supermarkets

 

19

%

Department Stores

 

29

%

Specialty Stores, Jewelry Stores, Specialty Catalog Companies, Premium and Incentive Marketers.

 

52

%

 

In order to better service its customers, the Company continues to update its information technology platforms. In July, 2003, Syratech began the process of designing and implementing the SAP enterprise resource planning system to optimize its supply chain, optimize inventory, modernize operations and logistics, and improve communications and information flow. The Company plans to utilize the new systems beginning in 2005. The Company has the capability to allow its customers to transmit their orders electronically throughout the EDI system and receive electronic invoicing and shipping notices.

 

3



 

 

Manufacturing, Sourcing and Raw Materials

 

The Company produces its sterling silver flatware at its manufacturing facility in San German, Puerto Rico, where it fabricates and manufactures sterling silver into finished products for the Wallace, Towle, International Vera Wang and Tuttle lines, and provides manufacturing support to C. J. Vander Ltd. On March 21, 2003 the company sold C.J. Vander and its subsidiaries (See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). In connection with the sale, the Company has entered into an agreement to continue to supply them with manufactured flatware products through March 2008. The Company also designs, produces and maintains the tools required for manufacturing sterling silver flatware.

 

The Company has maintained, in the aggregate, approximately four months of inventory. The Company has a silver fabrication operation in its Puerto Rico manufacturing plant. This process reduces the need for purchasing fabricated silver from outside vendors. The Company uses fabricated silver in its manufacturing operations. Fabricated sterling silver made from fine silver purchased by the Company may be readily obtainable from outside resources as well. The Company purchases fine silver in the spot market in quantities the Company believes are adequate to meet reasonably foreseeable consumer demand for its silver products. The Company does not engage in speculative purchases of fine silver. During the five-year period ended December 31, 2003, the closing price of silver as quoted by the London PM Fix has ranged from $4.06 per troy ounce to $5.96 per troy ounce. At March 25, 2004 the closing price was $7.54 per troy ounce, a significant increase from prior levels. The Company considers the current cost of silver in its pricing of its sterling silver products.

 

The Company manufactured silver-plated giftware and tabletop products, including hollowware, at its manufacturing and silver-plating facility in North Dighton, Massachusetts. In November 2003, the Company made the decision to completely close the North Dighton MA facility. Operations are planned to cease by May 30, 2004. The products formerly manufactured in North Dighton are in the process of being resourced from suppliers located in India and the Asia Pacific Rim, and from the Company’s Puerto Rico manufacturing plant.

 

The Company’s imported products originate as designs created by its internal design staff or by independent designers, in each case in conjunction with the Company’s product development and marketing staffs. Products based on these designs are manufactured to the Company’s specifications in various countries including Hong Kong, India, South Korea, Taiwan, mainland China, Japan, the Czech Republic and France.

 

In 2003, the Company purchased an aggregate of approximately $105 million of products from approximately 504 foreign manufacturers. No vendor accounted for 10% or more of such purchases in 2003. The Company does not have information on the financial condition of its major foreign vendors, which are primarily privately held, but is not aware of any unfavorable information related to their respective financial condition. Of the Company’s foreign purchases in 2003 approximately 90% were from vendors located in the Far East, approximately 7% were from vendors located in Europe, and approximately 3% were from vendors located in India. The Company’s arrangements with its manufacturers are subject to the risks of doing business abroad, including risks associated with foreign currency and potential import restriction. The Company also is subject to risks associated with the availability of, and time required for, the transportation of products from foreign countries, including shipping losses or lost sales that may result from delays or interruptions in shipping. The Company does not believe that the loss of any single foreign supplier would have a material long-term adverse impact on the Company’s source of supply, as other suppliers with whom the Company does business would be able to increase production to fulfill the Company’s requirements.

 

Competition

 

The tabletop, giftware and home decorative product lines that the Company sells are highly competitive. Not only does a variety of domestic manufacturers affect competition, but also the large volume of foreign imports. Several of the Company’s competitors are larger and have greater financial resources than the Company. The Company’s products compete indirectly with a broad range of household products not offered by the Company. Within the overall tabletop products category, the production of sterling silver flatware in the United States is relatively concentrated, with five manufacturers, including the Company, accounting for substantially all of the sterling silver flatware manufactured and sold in the United States. The other principal manufacturers and marketers of sterling silver flatware are Gorham, Inc. and its affiliate The Kirk Steiff Company, Reed & Barton Corp. and Lunt Silversmiths, all of which have been in business for many years. Other tabletop, giftware and home decorative products industries, however, are very fragmented with numerous small manufacturers and marketers of a limited number of products. The Company is not aware of any competitor having the same product line breadth.

 

4



 

The Company’s diverse product lines allow it to target a wide range of customers and to respond more effectively to changes in retail distribution and consumer preferences.  Furthermore, the trend towards vendor consolidation, and increasing electronic communications and complex logistical requirements of the retail industry, increases demand for vendors, like the Company, who can meet these requirements and make timely deliveries of a broad range of quality products and provide advertising and other sales support.

 

A number of factors affect competition in the sale of products of the type manufactured, imported and sold by the Company. Among these are brand identification, style, design, packaging, price, quality, promotion, sales staff and the level of service provided to customers. An important aspect of service is the ability to meet customers’ “Floor-Ready” standards, including store-level distribution, pre-pricing, electronic invoicing and shipping notices. The importance of these competitive factors varies from customer to customer and from product to product and no one of these factors is dominant in all cases. The Company believes that its ability to compete effectively can be attributed to its performance in all of these areas.

 

Trademarks, Copyrights and Patents

 

The success of the Company’s various businesses depends in part on the Company’s ability to exploit certain proprietary designs, trademarks and brand names on an exclusive basis and reliance upon the protections afforded by applicable copyright, patent and trademark laws and regulations. The loss of certain of the Company’s rights to such designs, trademarks and brand names or the inability of the Company to effectively protect or enforce such rights could adversely affect the Company. The Company does not believe that there is a significant danger that it will lose its rights to any of its material trademarks and tradenames or be unable to effectively protect or enforce such rights. Although the loss of any right to designs, trademarks and tradenames could have negative effects, any such effects are unlikely to be material.

 

Seasonality

 

Sales are generally higher in the third and fourth quarters and are strongly influenced by the buying patterns associated with the Christmas season. The Company’s needs for working capital accelerate in the second half of the year and, accordingly, total debt levels tend to peak in the third and fourth quarters, falling off again in the first quarter of the following year. The amount of the Company’s sales generated during the second half of the year generally depends upon a number of factors, including general economic conditions, and other factors beyond the Company’s control. The Company’s results of operations would be adversely affected and disproportionately affected if the Company’s sales were substantially lower than those normally expected during the second half of the year. The Company continues to introduce products appropriate to other holidays and seasons in order to increase sales during the first and second quarters. In 2004 and beyond, the overall seasonality of the Company’s business will be reduced due to the decision to discontinue the Rauch operation.

 

Backlog and Warranty

 

Orders for the Company’s products are generally subject to cancellation until shipment. As a result, the Company’s backlog consists of cancelable orders and is dependent upon trends in consumer demand throughout the year. Customer order patterns vary from year to year, largely because of annual differences in consumer acceptance of product lines, product availability, marketing strategies, inventory levels of retailers and differences in overall economic and weather conditions. As a result, comparison of backlog as of any date in a given year with backlog at the same date in a prior year is not necessarily indicative of sales trends. The Company had a backlog from continuing operations of approximately $18.4 million as of December 31, 2003, compared to approximately $16.8 million as of December 31, 2002. See “Seasonality.”  See Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. The Company does not believe that backlog is necessarily indicative of the Company’s future results of operations or prospects.

 

The Company’s warranty policy is to accept returns of products with defects in materials or workmanship. The Company will also accept returns of incorrectly shipped goods where the Company has been notified on a timely basis and, in certain cases, to maintain customer goodwill. In accordance with normal retail industry practice, the Company ordinarily accepts returns only from its customers and does not ordinarily accept returns directly from consumers. Certain of the products returned to the Company by its customers, however, may have been returned to those customers by consumers. The Company will routinely accept returns for imported products that are received late by the customer. The majority of the returned products are resold into the same distribution channel. During the three year period ended December 31, 2003, returns and allowances from continuing operations amounted to approximately 4.69% of sales.

 

5



 

Environmental Regulation

 

The Company’s manufacturing operations, including silverplating, chrome plating, and tool making routinely involve the handling of waste materials that are classified as hazardous. The Company also refabricates certain materials used in its silverplating operations. The Company is subject to certain domestic federal, state and local laws and regulations concerning the containment and disposal of hazardous materials and, therefore, in the ordinary course of its business, the Company incurs compliance costs and may be required to incur clean-up costs. The Company has accrued $0.5 million in 2003 related to continuing operations to address environmental clean-up costs for decommissioning of its North Dighton MA facility, and based upon currently available information, the Company does not expect that any additional costs of such compliance and clean-up will be material. Actions by federal, state and local governments concerning environmental matters could result in laws or regulations that could increase the cost of producing the products manufactured by the Company or otherwise adversely affect the demand for its products. In addition, the future costs of compliance with environmental laws and regulations and liabilities resulting from currently unknown circumstances or developments could be substantial and could have a material adverse effect on the Company. For example, certain laws and regulations could impose liability upon the Company for any historic releases of hazardous substances from facilities that it has owned or operated, or, from facilities to which its waste materials have been transported for treatment or disposal.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2003, the Company had approximately 696 employees related to continuing operations. The Company believes that its overall relationship with its employees is good.

 

As of December 31, 2003, the Company’s employees located in the U.S. and Puerto Rico were not represented by labor unions.

 On March 1, 2002, a union election was held at the Company’s California warehouse facility located in Mira Loma, California.  On March 11, 2002, the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) issued a “Certification of a Representative” stating that the tally of ballots showed that a collective bargaining representative had been selected and no timely objections had been filed. On March 12, 2003, the Company received notice from the NLRB that a Petition for Decertification (Removal of a Representative) was filed by an employee.  On April 30, 2003, the NLRB certified that an election had been held and that no collective bargaining representative of the Company was selected, therefore, the employees are not represented by a labor union.

 

ITEM 2.   Properties

 

The following table sets forth information with respect to the Company’s properties as of March 25, 2004 including the Rauch Gastonia NC and Chester SC properties which are included in discontinued operations:

 

LOCATION

 

TYPE OF FACILITY

 

APPROXIMATE
SQUARE
FOOTAGE

 

STATUS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

East Boston, MA

 

Office/Showroom/Warehouse

 

118,000

 

Leased

 

North Dighton, MA

 

Office/Manufacturing/Warehouse

 

286,773

 

Leased

 

Mira Loma, CA

 

Warehouse/Distribution/Land

 

644,050

 

Leased

 

Los Angeles, CA

 

Showrooms

 

4,115

 

Leased

 

Commerce, CA

 

Office/Showroom

 

37,117

 

Leased

 

Crisfield, MD

 

Office/Warehouse/Retail

 

71,754

 

Owned

 

New York, NY

 

Showrooms

 

33,042

 

Leased

 

Atlanta, GA

 

Showrooms

 

18,707

 

Leased

 

Dallas, TX

 

Showroom

 

4,005

 

Leased

 

Chicago, IL

 

Showroom

 

5,540

 

Leased

 

Chester, SC

 

Warehouse/Showroom

 

828,000

 

Owned

 

Gastonia, NC

 

Office/Manufacturing/Distribution

 

387,441

 

Owned

 

San German, PR

 

Manufacturing/Office

 

69,896

 

Leased

 

Hong Kong

 

Office/Showroom

 

4,791

 

Leased

 

China

 

Warehouses/Offices

 

99,494

 

Leased

 

 

6



 

ITEM 3.   Legal Proceedings

 

The Company has been named as a defendant in certain legal actions arising from its normal business activities, including routine copyright and trademark litigation, which actions are considered normal in the businesses in which the Company is engaged.

 

ITEM 4.   Submission of Matters to A Vote of Security Holders

 

During the fourth quarter of 2003 no matters were submitted to a vote of the Company’s shareholders through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise.

 

PART II

 

ITEM 5.   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

 

Absence of Public Market

 

On April 16, 1997, THL Transaction I Corp., (“THL I”), a Delaware corporation, controlled by affiliates of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. (“THL”), was merged with and into the Company (the “Merger”).  Syratech Common Stock, which was traded on the NYSE under the symbol “SYR”, was de-listed from the NYSE upon consummation of the Merger. From the effective time of the Merger, the Company has had less than 100 stockholders. The Company filed a report on Form 15 Certification and Notice of Termination of Registration under Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or Suspension of Duty to File Reports under Sections 13 and 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on December 7, 1998.

 

Dividends Paid

 

The Company has never paid cash dividends on its common stock and does not expect to do so in the foreseeable future. The Company’s ability to pay dividends is restricted by terms of the Senior Revolving Credit Facility and the Senior Notes.  The Company intends to retain all earnings to provide funds for the operation and expansion of its businesses.

 

7



 

ITEM 6.   Selected Financial Data

 

The following selected consolidated financial information as of December 31, 2003 through 1999 and for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2003 has been derived from the consolidated financial statements of the Company. The consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and the consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, together with the notes thereto and the related report of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, are included elsewhere herein. The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of the Company included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

1999

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

Net sales

 

$

202,952

 

$

208,951

 

$

224,634

 

$

303,146

 

$

249,707

 

Cost of sales

 

146,136

 

157,490

 

155,842

 

212,208

 

174,114

 

Gross profit

 

56,816

 

51,461

 

68,792

 

90,938

 

75,593

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

56,712

 

63,282

 

63,933

 

69,971

 

61,782

 

Asset dispositions, impairment of long-lived assets and restructuring costs

 

586

 

4,482

 

 

(532

)

(17,234

)

Other operating income

 

(9,446

)

(1,852

)

(9,201

)

(8,145

)

(3,358

)

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations

 

8,964

 

(14,451

)

14,060

 

29,644

 

34,403

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(16,511

)

(20,148

)

(22,283

)

(23,312

)

(23,977

)

Interest income

 

2

 

1

 

215

 

70

 

137

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

(7,545

)

(34,598

)

(8,008

)

6,402

 

10,563

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

(2,194

)

(11,597

)

(1,614

)

1,821

 

3,960

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

 

(5,351

)

(23,001

)

(6,394

)

4,581

 

6,603

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations :

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from operations of discontinued subsidiary

 

(26,257

)

(6,386

)

(5,074

)

(2,664

)

(1,414

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

 

(31,608

)

(29,387

)

(11,468

)

1,917

 

5,189

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

 

 

(6,225

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

(31,608

)

(35,612

)

(11,468

)

1,917

 

5,189

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock dividend accrued

 

4,130

 

3,688

 

3,293

 

2,940

 

2,625

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders

 

$

(35,738

)

$

(39,300

)

$

(14,761

)

$

(1,023

)

$

2,564

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted income (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

 

$

(2.50

)

$

(7.05

)

$

(2.56

)

$

0.43

 

$

1.05

 

Loss from operations of discontinued subsidiary

 

(6.94

)

(1.69

)

(1.34

)

(0.70

)

(0.37

)

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

 

 

(1.65

)

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per common share

 

$

(9.44

)

$

(10.39

)

$

(3.90

)

$

(0.27

)

$

0.68

 

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding

 

3,784

 

3,784

 

3,784

 

3,784

 

3,784

 

 

8



 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

1999

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per share data )

 

BALANCE SHEET DATA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working capital

 

$

64,782

 

$

100,286

 

$

136,956

 

$

140,067

 

$

154,583

 

Total assets

 

118,604

 

204,462

 

238,202

 

301,090

 

266,517

 

Total debt

 

125,789

 

176,967

 

174,629

 

215,868

 

187,579

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

(55,812

)

(24,060

)

10,128

 

22,224

 

21,337

 

Book value per common share

 

(24.94

)

(15.45

)

(5.44

)

(1.38

)

(0.84

)

 

ITEM 7.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements. Except for the historical information contained or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the matters discussed or incorporated by reference herein are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, general economic and business conditions; industry capacity; industry trends; overseas expansion; the loss of major customers; changes in demand for the Company’s products; the timing of orders received from customers; cost and availability of raw materials; dependence on foreign sources of supply; changes in business strategy or development plans; availability and quality of management; availability, terms and deployment of capital; and the seasonal nature of the business. SPECIAL ATTENTION SHOULD BE PAID TO SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, STATEMENTS RELATING TO  (i) THE COMPANY’S ABILITY TO OBTAIN SUFFICIENT RESOURCES TO FINANCE ITS WORKING CAPITAL AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE NEEDS AND PROVIDE FOR ITS KNOWN OBLIGATIONS AND (ii) THE CONTINUATION OF, AND THE COMPANY’S ABILITY TO BENEFIT FROM, THE VENDOR CONSOLIDATION TREND IN THE RETAIL INDUSTRY DESCRIBED ELSEWHERE IN THE ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K.

 

9



 

Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth certain financial data as a percentage of net sales of the Company for each of the years presented.

 

 

 

Percentage of Net Sales
Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

Cost of sales

 

72.0

 

75.4

 

69.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

28.0

 

24.6

 

30.6

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

27.9

 

30.3

 

28.5

 

Asset dispositions, impairment of long-lived assets and restructuring costs

 

0.3

 

2.1

 

 

Other operating income

 

(4.6

)

(0.9

)

(4.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations

 

4.4

 

(6.9

)

6.2

 

Interest expense, net

 

(8.1

)

(9.7

)

(9.8

)

Interest income

 

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

(3.7

)

(16.6

)

(3.6

)

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

(1.1

)

(5.6

)

(0.8

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

 

(2.6

)%

(11.0

)%

(2.8

)%

 

Year ended December 31, 2003 compared to year ended December 31, 2002

 

Net sales decreased 2.9 % to $203.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 from $209.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. The $6.0 million decrease in sales reflects reduced sales of certain Tabletop and Giftware products, particularly premium products partially offset by increased sales of discontinued inventory. Changes in normal product prices did not materially impact net sales.

 

Gross profit increased to $56.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 from $51.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. Gross profit as a percentage of sales was 28.0% for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to 24.6% for the comparable 2002 period, an improvement of 3.4 percentage points. The Company is continuing its plan of reducing and closing out certain products that were previously sold through normal programs and distribution channels to accomplish planned reductions in storage space. In the fourth quarter of 2003 the Company increased its inventory reserves by $3.2 million as a result of the requirement to further reduce its inventory investment and its leased square footage in its Mira Loma, California distribution facility, and to the company’s decision to discontinue manufacturing at its North Dighton, Massachusetts facility. As a result, the Company is closing out additional finished goods inventory and writing down component inventories which will no longer be used in manufacturing. This $3.2 million writedown of inventory values is $4.2 million less than the $7.4 million taken in the fourth quarter of 2002 for close outs of inventory, and results in a comparative margin improvement of approximately 2 percentage points. An additional 0.8 % improvement in 2003 gross margin is due to the recognition of $1.7 million related to the deferred gain on the sale of the Company’s Mira Loma warehouse facility in January 2003.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (“S, G & A expenses”) decreased $6.6 million to $56.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, as compared with $63.3 million for the comparable period ended December 31, 2002.  S, G & A expenses as a percentage of sales decreased to 27.9% for the year ended December 31, 2003, as compared with 30.3% for the comparable period ended December 31, 2002. Included in 2003 S,G & A is $1.2 million of expenses due to an agreement

 

10



 

related to the resignation of the Company’s chairman of the board and $0.4 million related to other executive severance. The improvement in S, G & A reflects reduced personnel, sourcing, and office/showroom expenses related to restructuring and cost reduction programs initiated in 2002 as well as reduced commissions, advertising and royalty expenses.

 

In 2002, the Company had substantially reduced its space in its North Dighton facility and in November 2003 made the decision to close it. Operations are planned to cease by May 30, 2004. The Company recorded an asset impairment charge of $.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2003 related to the planned closure. Restructuring charges in 2002 are comprised of facility exit costs, employee separation payments, and the early termination of certain equipment leases and other commitments.  In the fourth quarter of 2002, due to excess capacity, the Company began executing a plan to remove from service portions of its leased space in its North Dighton manufacturing and distribution facility. The distribution operations were relocated to the Company’s Mira Loma warehouse during the first quarter of 2003, and the reduction in distribution and manufacturing space in North Dighton was completed by May 30, 2003. A charge of $2.1 million was recorded in 2002 to recognize the future costs associated with the unused space and related asset impairments. In 2002, the Company has also recorded a charge of $1.0 million related to abandonment of certain equipment leases, the exit of two of its showrooms, and contract cancellation costs and employee separation payments of $1.4 million.

 

The Company anticipates incurring approximately $1.5 million in additional charges in 2004 related to the closure of its North Dighton facility. These estimated charges are primarily related to employee severance and lease termination costs.

 

Other operating income included a $9.4 million gain on extinguishment of debt for the year ended December 31, 2003 related to the Company’s purchase of $25.7 million of its Senior Notes on the open market. The Company purchased $3.9 million of its Senior Notes and recorded a gain of $1.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2002.

 

Interest expense was $16.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, compared to $20.1 million in 2002. This decrease reflects the decline in the bank’s prime lending rate, decreased borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit facility and the reduced amount of 11% Senior Notes outstanding.

 

The benefit for income taxes was $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $11.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. The effective income tax rate decreased to 29.1% in 2003 from 33.5% in 2002 primarily due to a change in the mix of foreign taxable income and domestic tax losses.

 

Net loss applicable to common stockholders for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 was $35.7 million and $39.3 million, respectively, or $9.44 and $10.39, respectively, per basic and diluted share, on weighted-average shares of 3,784,018 in both periods.

 

In December 2003 the Company formalized its decision to sell or liquidate Rauch. The Company incurred charges of $18.6 million to reduce long lived assets to estimated fair value and a write down of $7.5 million to reduce inventory to its estimated liquidation value. The Company obtained a letter of intent from a prospective purchaser and is in the process of negotiating the terms of a proposed sale. It is anticipated that the sale of Rauch will occur in the second quarter of 2004. The Company anticipates incurring losses from operating activities of Rauch through the date of disposal and an estimated loss on disposition of $3 million.

 

Year ended December 31, 2002 compared to year ended December 31, 2001

 

Net sales decreased 7.0% to $209.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 from $224.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 reflecting lower demand for certain of the Company’s giftware products partially offset by higher demand for stainless steel flatware. Changes in normal product prices did not materially impact net sales.

 

Gross profit decreased to $51.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 from $68.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. Gross profit as a percentage of sales was 24.6% for the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to 30.6% for the comparable 2001 period. The reduced margin reflects an unfavorable mix of products including increased sales of discontinued products sold during the year as well as a reduction in gross margin (approximately 3 percentage points) due to a $7.4 million writedown of inventory values recorded in the fourth quarter resulting from the Company’s plan to reduce its leased square footage in its Mira Loma distribution facility and close the distribution portion of its North Dighton facility. The Company adopted a plan of reducing and closing out certain products that were previously sold through normal programs and distribution channels to accomplish the reduction in distribution facilities and storage space.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (“S, G & A expenses”) decreased $.6 million to $63.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, as compared with $63.9 million for the comparable period ended December 31, 2001. S, G & A expenses as a percentage of sales increased to 30.3% for the year ended December 31, 2002, as compared with 28.5% for the comparable period ended December 31, 2001, primarily as a result of the reduction in sales volume.

 

11



 

During 2002, the Company initiated restructuring programs focused on reducing its overall cost structure by eliminating excess capacity in its distribution, manufacturing, showroom and sourcing facilities as well as reductions in headcount and expense commitments. Restructuring charges in 2002 are comprised of facility exit costs, employee separation payments, and the early termination of certain equipment lease and other commitments. In the fourth quarter of 2002, due to excess capacity, the Company began executing a plan to remove from service portions of its leased space in its North Dighton manufacturing and distribution facility. The distribution operations were relocated to the Company’s Mira Loma warehouse during the first quarter of 2003, and the reduction in distribution and manufacturing space in North Dighton was completed by May 30, 2003. A charge of $2.1 million was recorded to recognize the future costs associated with the unused space and related asset impairments. The Company has also recorded a charge of $1.0 million related to abandonment of certain equipment leases, the exit of two of its showrooms, and contract cancellation costs. In connection with the restructuring, the Company recorded employee separation expense of $1.4 million.

 

Income from operations for 2002 also included other operating income of $1.9 million due to a gain on debt extinguishment related to the purchase of $3.9 million of its Senior Notes on the open market.

 

Interest expense was $20.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, compared to $22.3 million in the same period of 2001. This decrease reflects the decline in the bank’s prime lending rate, decreased borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit facility and the reduced amount of 11% Senior Notes outstanding.

 

The benefit for income taxes was $11.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. The effective income tax rate increased to 33.5% in 2002 from 20.2% in 2001 primarily due to a change in the mix of foreign taxable income and domestic tax losses.

 

Net loss applicable to common stockholders for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 was $39.3 million and $14.8 million, respectively, or $10.39 and $3.90, respectively, per basic and diluted share, on adjusted weighted-average shares of 3,784,018 in both periods.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

($ Thousands)

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from continuing operations

 

$

(4,985

)

$

(3,930

)

$

30,074

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities from continuing operations

 

$

26,297

 

$

(2,064

)

$

(5,479

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities from continuing operations

 

$

(31,523

)

$

2,571

 

$

(41,710

)

 

Net cash used in operating activities from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2003 was $5.0 million as compared with cash of $3.9 million used in operations for the year ended December 31, 2002. The decrease in operating cash flows reflects the decrease in the loss from continuing operations of $17.7 million which was offset by the increase in non-cash gains from debt extinguishment and the recognized gain on the sale of the Mira Loma CA facility along with changes in working capital.

 

The Company’s working capital requirements are seasonal and tend to be highest in the period from September through November due to the Christmas selling season. Accounts receivable tend to decline during December and the first quarter as receivables generated during the third and fourth quarters are collected and remain lower until the next peak season beginning in December. Inventories tend to increase from January through August of each year and gradually decrease during the final four months of the year. As a result of discontinuing the Rauch Christmas ball business, seasonal working capital fluctuations will be less pronounced in 2004 and beyond.

 

The Company anticipates incurring losses from operating activities of Rauch through the date of disposal and an estimated loss on disposition of $3 million.

 

Capital expenditures for continuing operations were approximately $4.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. These expenditures relate primarily to investment in information technology, and machinery, equipment and tools and dies for the Company’s manufacturing and distribution facilities. The Company also had capital spending of $.5 million related to the discontinued Rauch Christmas ball operations. The Company anticipates spending approximately $6 million on capital expenditures in 2004.

 

12



 

The $28.4 million increase in net cash provided by investing activities from continuing operations is attributable to the Company’s sale of two of its facilities. Proceeds of $14.1 million were received from the disposal of the Company’s Property in East Boston MA (“the Property”) which occurred on December 18, 2003. The Company leased a portion of the property back from the buyer. On January 15, 2003, the Company sold its warehouse property in Mira Loma CA (“the Mira Loma Property”). The net proceeds from the sale of $25.6 million were further reduced by the Buyer’s assumption of $9.8 million of the Company’s indebtedness related to the Mira Loma Property.

 

The $34.1 million decrease in net cash from financing activities from continuing operations is primarily due to the reduction in the revolving credit facilities and outstanding senior notes related to the proceeds from the sale of the Mira Loma CA and East Boston MA properties.

 

The Company has a Senior Revolving Credit Facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) dated April 16, 1997 (amended effective as of July 31, 1997, December 31, 1997, March 30, 1998, December 31, 1998, March 26, 2001, August 13, 2001, March 22, 2002, November 12, 2002, December 18, 2002, March 20, 2003, March 5, 2004 and March 26, 2004). At December 31, 2003, the obligations of the Company under the Revolving Credit Facility were secured by inventory and accounts receivable of the Company and its domestic subsidiaries, and by a pledge of 100% of the domestic subsidiaries’ and at least 65% of the foreign subsidiary’s outstanding capital stock.

 

On March 5, 2004 the Revolving Credit Facility was amended to eliminate the pledge of the outstanding capital stock of its domestic and foreign subsidiaries and, due to the Company’s plan to discontinue the Rauch business, to declare ineligible the inventory and accounts receivables of the Rauch subsidiary for purposes of determining borrowing capacity. The effect on borrowing capacity at the time of this amendment was approximately $2 million.

 

On March 26, 2004, the Revolving Credit Facility was further amended and restated. Under the terms of the restated agreement (i) the term of the facility was extended and now expires on March 31, 2006, (ii) maximum borrowings were reduced from $86.4 million to $70 million, (iii) maximum borrowing capacity related to inventory was reduced from $55 million to $30 million, (iv) the Company’s optional interest rate was lowered to the Eurodollar rate plus 300 basis points (formerly plus 375 basis points) or the Prime rate plus 100 basis points, and (v) the provision for repurchases of the Company’s Senior Notes was eliminated. The restated agreement contains customary covenants of the Company, including but not limited to maximum capital expenditures and certain ratios of earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization and certain adjustments (“EBITDA”), to cash interest and to fixed charges, as defined. For any period of four fiscal quarters ended on or after December 31, 2004, the Company must have a minimum ratio of EBITDA to cash interest, as defined, of 1.0 to 1.0. For any period of four fiscal quarters ended on or after December 31, 2005, the Company must have a minimum ratio of EBITDA to fixed charges, as defined, of 1.0 to 1.0. If fixed charges exceed EBITDA, as defined, by more than $5 million, for any period of four quarters ended on or after June 30, 2005, interest rates will be increased to the Eurodollar Rate plus 375 basis points or the Prime Rate plus 125 basis points. Non-compliance with the EBITDA covenant at December 31, 2003 was waived under this amendment. The Revolving Credit Facility, as restated, requires the Company to maintain minimum borrowing availability of $20 million until April, 30, 2004, $7.5 million from May 1, 2004 to December 30, 2004, $20 million from December 31, 2004 through April 30, 2005, and then $7.5 million until December 31, 2005 when it increases to $20 million through the expiration of the facility.

 

At December 31, 2003, there was $7.5 million outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility and all of these borrowings bore interest at the Prime Rate plus 100 basis points. The weighted-average interest rate on borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility for the year ended December 31, 2003 was 6.4%. Availability under the Revolving Credit Facility, net of outstanding letters of credit and minimum availability requirements, was approximately $26.7 million at December 31, 2003. Non-compliance with the EBITDA covenant at December 31, 2003 was waived under the March 26, 2004 amended and restated Revolving Credit Agreement. The Company is in compliance with all other covenants, as amended, as of December 31, 2003.

 

At December 31, 2003, the Company also had debt financing with third parties of $118.3 million of 11% Senior Notes which are due April 15, 2007 and require interest payments to be made semi-annually on April 15 and October 15. The Senior Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company and rank pari passu in right of payment with all current and future unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company, including borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility. However, all borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are secured by a first priority lien on the accounts receivable and inventory of the Company and its domestic subsidiaries (“Guarantor Subsidiaries”) but not of its foreign subsidiary. Consequently, the obligations of the Company under the Senior Notes are effectively subordinated to its obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility to the extent of such assets. The Senior Notes became redeemable, in whole or in part, at the Company’s option, after April 15, 2002.

 

During 2003 the Company purchased an aggregate $25.7 million of its Senior Notes on the open market for $15.7 million resulting in a gain on extinguishment of debt of $9.4 million. The Company may from time to time in the future purchase

 

13



 

material amounts of additional Senior Notes on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. Such purchases would be subject to obtaining prior approval from the Company’s lenders.

 

On April 2, 2001, the Company executed a $10 million promissory note secured by certain real property and building improvements located in Mira Loma, California. On January 15, 2003, the Company was relieved of all of its obligations under the note upon the sale of its Mira Loma warehouse and distribution facility. The purchase price of $26.8 million was partially paid by the Buyer’s assumption of the $9.8 of indebtedness related to the Property and the remainder was paid in cash.

 

On January 31, 2004 the Company’s $.5 million credit facility under its Wallace de Puerto Rico subsidiary expired and was not renewed by the Company. At December 31, 2003 there were no borrowings outstanding under this facility and borrowing availability was $.5 million.

 

The Company’s level of indebtedness will have several important effects on its future operation, including (i) a substantial portion of the Company’s cash flow from operations must be dedicated to the payment of interest on its indebtedness and will not be available for other purposes, (ii) covenants contained in the Revolving Credit Facility and the Indenture governing the Senior Notes will require the Company to meet certain financial tests, and other restrictions may limit its ability to borrow additional funds or to dispose of assets and may affect the Company’s flexibility in planning for, and reacting to, changes in its business, including possible acquisition activities, and (iii) the Company’s ability to obtain additional financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, general corporate purposes or other purposes may be impaired.

 

The Company believes that borrowings available under the Revolving Credit Facility, as amended and restated, will be sufficient to finance the Company’s working capital requirements, provide for all known obligations of the Company (including the obligations of the Company under the $118.3 million Notes and under its operating leases) and fund planned capital expenditures through December 31, 2004.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

The following table presents contractual obligations as of December 31, 2003:

 

 

 

Payments due by period

 

($Millions)

 

Total

 

Less than
1 Year

 

1-3
Years

 

3-5
Years

 

More than
5 Years

 

Operating leases

 

$

21.1

 

$

5.6

 

$

9.2

 

$

5.2

 

$

1.1

 

Advertsing costs

 

5.0

 

1.0

 

3.0

 

1.0

 

 

Interest on Senior Notes

 

42.8

 

13.0

 

26.0

 

3.8

 

 

Senior Notes

 

118.3

 

 

 

118.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

187.2

 

$

19.6

 

$

38.2

 

$

128.3

 

$

1.1

 

 

Significant Accounting Policies

 

The Company’s management is required to make estimates and assumptions in order to prepare financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  While actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions, the Company does not believe that such differences would have a material effect on its results of operations or financial position.  The Company’s significant accounting policies are included in Note 1 of the Notes to the consolidated financial statements.  The most significant accounting policies or estimates that underlie the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are the revenue recognition and depreciation policies, in addition to the judgments used to review long-lived assets for impairment.  Additionally, the Company’s depreciation policy reflects judgments on the estimated useful life of assets.

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - Accounts receivable are reduced by an allowance for amounts that may become uncollectible in the future.  Our estimate for the allowance for doubtful accounts related to trade receivables includes evaluation of specific accounts where we have information that the customer may have an inability to meet its financial obligation together with a general provision for unknown but existing doubtful accounts.  Actual collection experience may improve or decline.

 

14



 

Inventories and Related Reserves for Obsolete and Excess Inventory - Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market and are reduced by a reserve for excess and potentially obsolete inventories. The Company regularly reviews inventory values on hand using specific aging categories, and records a provision for obsolete and excess inventory based on historical usage and estimated future usage. As actual demand or market conditions may vary from those projected by management, adjustments to inventory valuations may be required.

 

Income Taxes - Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax carry forwards.

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. We recorded a valuation allowance that represents operating loss carry forwards for which utilization is uncertain.  Management judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and the valuation allowance recorded against our net deferred tax assets.

 

Environmental Liabilities - Our global operations are regulated by laws for the protection of the environment. Under various circumstances these laws may require remediation at sites where hazardous substances have been released and are endangering the environment.  We have expended substantial resources to comply with the applicable environmental laws and regulations. We believe we are in substantial compliance with these laws and regulations and we maintain procedures designed to foster and ensure compliance. However, we have been and may in the future be subject to formal or informal enforcement actions or proceedings regarding noncompliance with such laws or regulations, whether or not determined to be ultimately responsible, in the normal course of business.

 

Employee Benefit Plans - We provide a range of benefits to our employees, including pensions and some post retirement benefits. Annually we record expenses relating to these plans based on calculations specified by U.S. GAAP, which are dependent upon various actuarial assumptions such as discount rates, assumed rates of return, compensation increases, turnover rates, and health care cost trends. The expected return on plan assets assumption is based on our expectation of the long-term average rate of return on assets in the pension funds and is reflective of the current and projected asset mix of the funds and considers the historical returns earned on the funds. We review our actuarial assumptions on at least an annual basis and make modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends when appropriate. Based on information provided by our actuaries and other relevant sources, we believe that our assumptions are reasonable.

 

Accounting Pronouncements

 

In April 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” SFAS No. 149 amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for hedging activities and derivative instruments including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts. SFAS No. 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003. The adoption of SFAS No. 149 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150 “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity”. SFAS 150 establishes standards on the classification and measurement of certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. The provisions of SFAS 150 are effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003 and to all other instruments that exist as of the beginning of the first interim financial reporting period beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of SFAS 150 did not have a material impact on the results of operations or financial position.

 

In December 2003, the FASB revised SFAS No. 132, “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits.”  SFAS No. 132 requires additional disclosure about the assets, obligations, cash flows, and net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit pension plans and other defined benefit postretirement plans.  This statement also requires disclosure about the types of plan assets, investment strategy, measurement dates, plan obligations, and cash flows.  SFAS No. 132 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2003, and the required disclosures have been presented in the financial statements.

 

15



 

ITEM 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk primarily through its borrowing activities. The Company’s short-term borrowings are substantially all denominated in U.S. dollars and bear interest at variable rates primarily based on either a prime rate or Eurodollar rate. The effect of a 10% change in the prime or the Eurodollar rate would not have a material impact on the Company’s financial results.  The Company also has fixed debt financing of $118.3 million of 11% Senior Notes due April 15, 2007 that had a fair value of $92.3 million as of December 31, 2003 based upon recent private market trades.  There is inherent rollover risk for these borrowings upon maturity and are renewed at current market rates. The extent of this risk is not quantifiable or predictable because of the variability of future interest rates and the Company’s future financing requirements. The Company does not enter into financial instruments transactions for trading or other speculative purposes or to manage interest rate exposure and does not have investments in debt or equity securities.

 

The Company transacts sales and purchases primarily in U.S. dollars and maintains minimum cash balances denominated in foreign currencies.  The Company does not enter into foreign currency hedge transactions. Through December 31, 2003, foreign currency fluctuations have not had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations or cash flows in any one year and the Company does not believe that its exposure to foreign currency rate fluctuations is material.

 

16



 

ITEM 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Report of Independent Auditors.

 

Consolidated Financial Statements:

 

Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2003 and 2002.

 

Consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.

 

Consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

 

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.

 

Notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

17



 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Syratech Corporation:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Syratech Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003. Our audits also included the consolidated financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and the financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and the financial statement schedule based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Syratech Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such consolidated financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

 

As discussed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for goodwill and intangible assets to conform to the provisions of SFAS No. 142 in 2002.

 

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

 

 

 

Boston, Massachusetts

 

March 29, 2004

 

 

18



 

SYRATECH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share data)

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and equivalents

 

$

1,399

 

$

1,399

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

31,543

 

32,934

 

Inventories

 

37,500

 

48,983

 

Deferred income taxes

 

16,613

 

20,649

 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

2,840

 

1,812

 

Assets held for sale

 

15,000

 

51,339

 

Total current assets

 

104,895

 

157,116

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, Plant and equipment, net

 

11,478

 

42,250

 

Other assets, net

 

2,231

 

5,096

 

Total

 

$

118,604

 

$

204,462

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Revolving loan facilities and notes payable

 

$

7,518

 

$

23,383

 

Accounts payable

 

9,821

 

7,938

 

Accrued expenses

 

10,559

 

11,230

 

Accrued interest

 

2,907

 

3,586

 

Accrued compensation

 

2,539

 

3,502

 

Accrued advertising

 

2,916

 

3,945

 

Income taxes payable

 

325

 

1,013

 

Deferred gain

 

1,990

 

 

Liabilities held for sale

 

1,538

 

2,233

 

Total current liabilities

 

40,113

 

56,830

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long - term debt

 

118,271

 

153,584

 

Deferred income taxes

 

6,982

 

15,434

 

Pension liability

 

2,308

 

2,674

 

Deferred gain

 

6,742

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 500,000 shares authorized;
(25,000 designated as cumulative redeemable preferred stock, 18,000 shares issued and outstanding, liquidation value of $18,000, includes accrued and unpaid dividends of $20,549 and $16,419 in 2003 and 2002, respectively)

 

38,549

 

34,419

 

Common stock, $.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized; 3,784,018 shares issued and outstanding

 

38

 

38

 

Deficit

 

(94,130

)

(58,392

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(269

)

(125

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

(55,812

)

(24,060

)

Total

 

$

118,604

 

$

204,462

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

19



 

SYRATECH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

202,952

 

$

208,951

 

$

224,634

 

Cost of sales

 

146,136

 

157,490

 

155,842

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

56,816

 

51,461

 

68,792

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

56,712

 

63,282

 

63,933

 

Asset dispositions, impairment of long-lived assets and restructuring costs

 

586

 

4,482

 

 

Other operating income

 

(9,446

)

(1,852

)

(9,201

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations

 

8,964

 

(14,451

)

14,060

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(16,511

)

(20,148

)

(22,283

)

Interest income

 

2

 

1

 

215

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

(7,545

)

(34,598

)

(8,008

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

(2,194

)

(11,597

)

(1,614

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

 

(5,351

)

(23,001

)

(6,394

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from operations of discontinued subsidiaries

 

(26,257

)

(6,386

)

(5,074

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

 

(31,608

)

(29,387

)

(11,468

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

 

 

(6,225

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

(31,608

)

(35,612

)

(11,468

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock dividend accrued

 

4,130

 

3,688

 

3,293

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders

 

$

(35,738

)

$

(39,300

)

$

(14,761

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted income (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

 

$

(2.50

)

$

(7.05

)

$

(2.56

)

Loss from operations of discontinued subsidiaries

 

(6.94

)

(1.69

)

(1.34

)

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

 

 

(1.65

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per common share

 

$

(9.44

)

$

(10.39

)

$

(3.90

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding

 

3,784

 

3,784

 

3,784

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

20



 

SYRATECH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

(in thousands, except for share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cumulative
Redeemable
Preferred Stock

 

 

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income / (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Deficit

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, January 1, 2001

 

3,784,018

 

$

38

 

18,000

 

$

27,438

 

$

(4,331

)

$

(921

)

$

22,224

 

Accrued preferred stock dividend

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,293

 

(3,293

)

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(245

)

(245

)

Minimum pension adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(383

)

(383

)

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(11,468

)

 

 

(11,468

)

Total comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(12,096

)

Balance, December 31, 2001

 

3,784,018

 

38

 

18,000

 

30,731

 

(19,092

)

(1,549

)

10,128

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued preferred stock dividend

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,688

 

(3,688

)

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

750

 

750

 

Minimum pension adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

674

 

674

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(35,612

)

 

 

(35,612

)

Total comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(34,188

)

Balance, December 31, 2002

 

3,784,018

 

38

 

18,000

 

34,419

 

(58,392

)

(125

)

(24,060

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued preferred stock dividend

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,130

 

(4,130

)

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(188

)

(188

)

Minimum pension adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

44

 

44

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(31,608

)

 

 

(31,608

)

Total comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(31,752

)

Balance, December 31, 2003

 

3,784,018

 

$

38

 

18,000

 

$

38,549

 

$

(94,130

)

$

(269

)

$

(55,812

)

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

21



 

SYRATECH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(31,608

)

$

(35,612

)

$

(11,468

)

Less net loss from discontinued operations

 

26,257

 

6,386

 

5,074

 

Less effect of accounting change

 

 

 

6,225

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

(5,351

)

(23,001

)

(6,394

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

6,641

 

7,846

 

7,292

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(4,416

)

(6,468

)

(3,891

)

Pension liability

 

(366

)

(135

)

241

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

586

 

 

 

 

 

Gain on extinguishment of debt before income taxes

 

(9,446

)

(1,852

)

(459

)

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets and other

 

(1,673

)

569

 

81

 

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

1,232

 

6,805

 

30,982

 

Inventories

 

11,483

 

12,133

 

10,114

 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

(1,028

)

(162

)

844

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

(1,959

)

582

 

(6,842

)

Income taxes payable

 

(688

)

(247

)

(1,894

)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from continuing operations

 

(4,985

)

(3,930

)

30,074

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from discontinued operations

 

7,939

 

187

 

20,383

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

2,954

 

(3,743

)

50,457

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

(4,442

)

(2,136

)

(5,605

)

Net Proceeds from disposal of assets

 

29,945

 

 

 

191

 

Other

 

794

 

72

 

(65

)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities from continuing operations

 

26,297

 

(2,064

)

(5,479

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities from discontinued operations

 

2,257

 

(591

)

(645

)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

28,554

 

(2,655

)

(6,124

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in revolving loan facilities

 

(15,716

)

6,378

 

(50,462

)

Retirement of outstanding senior notes

 

(15,724

)

(1,959

)

(227

)

Proceeds from long-term debt

 

 

 

 

 

10,000

 

Repayment of long-term debt

 

 

 

(140

)

(73

)

Other

 

(83

)

(1,708

)

(948

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities from continuing operations

 

(31,523

)

2,571

 

(41,710

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities from discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(31,523

)

2,571

 

(41,710

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents

 

15

 

624

 

(564

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents

 

 

(3,203

)

2,059

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and equivalents, beginning of year

 

1,399

 

4,602

 

2,543

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and equivalents, end of year

 

$

1,399

 

$

1,399

 

$

4,602

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

22



 

SYRATECH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands of dollars except share and per share data)

 

1.  Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Business

 

Syratech Corporation designs, manufactures, imports and markets a diverse portfolio of tabletop, giftware and seasonal products, including: sterling silver, silver-plated and stainless steel flatware, sterling silver, silver-plated and brass hollowware, picture frames and photo albums, glassware, woodenware and ceramics, fine porcelain boxes, figurines, waterglobes and Christmas ornaments, trim, lighting and tree skirts.  In connection with the anticipated disposition of it’s Rauch operations discussed in Note 3, the Company will be exiting the majority of its Christmas ball ornaments, trim and tree skirt product offerings.

 

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Syratech Corporation and its domestic subsidiaries (the “Company”). Its subsidiaries include  Wallace International Silversmiths, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Wallace”), Leonard Florence Associates, Inc. (“LFA”), Towle Manufacturing Company and its subsidiaries (“Towle”), Rochard, Inc. (“Rochard”), Rauch Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Rauch”), Silvestri Inc. (“Silvestri”), and its foreign subsidiary Syratech (H.K.) Ltd. (“Syratech H.K.”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Subsequent to year-end, the Company merged all domestic subsidiaries except Rauch into Syratech Corporation.

 

Use of Estimates

 

In preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Significant estimates include income taxes, long lived asset impairment, reserves for potentially obsolete and slow moving inventory, and reserves for potential bad debts and sales returns.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue is recognized when significant risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to the buyer, costs can be measured reliably and receipt of the future economic benefits is probable, typically when goods are shipped to customers. Additionally, the Company records an allowance for estimated returns, in compliance with SFAS No. 48, “Revenue Recognition When Right of Return Exists.” The Company provides allowances for estimated doubtful accounts and sales returns based on historical experience and evaluation of specific accounts. Such allowances related to continuing operations were comprised of the following:

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales returns and allowances

 

$

8,606

 

$

7,661

 

Doubtful accounts

 

1,451

 

1,744

 

 

 

$

10,057

 

$

9,405

 

 

23



 

Concentrations of Credit Risk

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company manages its cash credit risk by maintaining cash and cash equivalents with financial institutions that it believes are financially sound. In regards to accounts receivable, the Company performs on going credit evaluations of its customers. The Company sells its products to a multitude of customers in numerous geographical locations.

 

Customers

 

Substantially all customers are retailers. The Company does not provide its customers with any significant promotional allowances other than its co-operative advertising program. Customers in one geographic area do not constitute a significant portion of sales.  Sales to one customer did not represent more than 10% of 2003, 2002 and 2001 consolidated net sales from continuing operations, respectively. At December 31, 2003, no one customer represented more than 10 % of net accounts receivable of continuing operations. Including net accounts receivable of discontinuing operations for 2003, one customer represented 25.2% of net accounts receivable and another customer represented 16.3% of net accounts receivable.  At December 31, 2002, one customer represented ­­ 18.3% of net accounts receivable and another customer represented 13.8% of net accounts receivable.

 

Cash Equivalents

 

Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments purchased with a remaining maturity of three months or less.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined on the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method.

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Purchased property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets and over the terms, if shorter, of the related leases, as follows:

 

 

 

Years

 

Buildings and improvements

 

2 to 40

 

Tools and dies

 

2 to 50

 

Machinery and equipment

 

3 to 10

 

Other

 

3 to 10

 

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company evaluates potential impairment of long-lived assets and long-lived assets to be disposed of in accordance with Statements of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” which was adopted as of January 1, 2002.  SFAS No. 144 requires that those long-lived assets be measured at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell, whether reported in continuing operations or in discontinued operations. SFAS No. 144 also redefined qualifying discontinued operations.  Prior to January 1, 2002, the Company followed the provisions of SFAS No. 121,  requiring that  long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles to be held and used by an entity be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Accordingly, the adoption of SFAS No. 144 had no impact on the recorded amount of long-lived assets.

 

24



 

Other Assets

 

Other assets include deferred financing costs, the intangible asset related to its officers retirement plan and deposits. Deferred financing costs are being amortized using the interest method over the terms of the related debt. The following table presents the balances of deferred financing costs at December 31, 2003 and 2002.

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred Financing Costs

 

$

9,596

 

$

11,719

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated amortization

 

7,531

 

7,362

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net

 

$

2,065

 

$

4,357

 

 

 

Advertising Costs

 

Advertising costs are charged to operations when incurred. These costs are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses and, for continuing operations, totaled $3,718, $3,847 and $3,576 in the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

Financial Instruments

 

The carrying values of cash and equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and borrowings under revolving credit facilities approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. At December 31, 2003, the Company had debt financing of $118,271 of 11% Senior Notes (the “Senior Notes”). The fair value of the Senior Notes (Note 7) was estimated to be $92,251 as of December 31, 2003 and $83,489 as of December 31, 2002, based upon private market trades.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company and its domestic subsidiaries (except for Wallace’s Puerto Rican subsidiaries) file a consolidated federal income tax return. The Puerto Rican subsidiaries file separate returns in accordance with Section 936 of the Internal Revenue Code.  The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes.  Deferred taxes are determined based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities given the provisions of the enacted tax laws.  The Company provides for taxes on substantially all undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries.

 

The Company records valuation allowances against net deferred tax assets, if based upon the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income and when temporary differences become deductible.  The Company considers, among other available information, uncertainties surrounding the recoverability of deferred tax assets, scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and other matters in making this assessment.

 

Foreign Currency Translation

 

Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates and income and expense items are translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing during each year. The effects of foreign currency fluctuations on the foreign subsidiaries’ assets and liabilities have been recorded directly to other comprehensive income included as a component of stockholders’ equity.  Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are included in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income.

 

25



 

Environmental Costs

 

The Company provides for environmental remediation costs when they meet the requirements set forth in AICPA Statement of Position No. 96-1, Environmental Remediation Liabilities. The Company has accrued $0.5 million in 2003 related to continuing operations to address environmental clean-up costs related to the decommissioning of its North Dighton MA facility, and based upon currently available information, the Company does not expect that any additional costs of such compliance and clean-up will be material.

 

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share reflect the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each period.  Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflect the impact of potential common shares from options and warrants, using the treasury stock method. There were no potential common shares in 2003, 2002 or 2001.

 

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

Comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of net income, foreign currency translation adjustments, and pension adjustments related to recording the minimum pension liability and maximum intangible asset. Accumulated other comprehensive income by component is as follows:

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

Translation adjustment

 

$

(269

)

$

(81

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum pension adjustment

 

 

(44

)

Total accumulated other comprehensive income

 

$

(269

)

$

(125

)

 

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In April 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” SFAS No. 149 amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for hedging activities and derivative instruments including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts. SFAS No. 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003. The adoption of SFAS No. 149 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150 “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity”. SFAS No. 150 establishes standards on the classification and measurement of certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. The provisions of SFAS No. 150 are effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003 and to all other instruments that exist as of the beginning of the first interim financial reporting period beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of SFAS No. 150 did not have a material impact on the results of operations or financial position.

 

In December 2003, the FASB revised SFAS No. 132, “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits.”  SFAS No. 132 requires additional disclosure about the assets, obligations, cash flows, and net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit pension plans and other defined benefit postretirement plans.  This statement also requires disclosure about the types of plan assets, investment strategy, measurement dates, plan obligations, and cash flows.  SFAS No. 132 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2003, and the required disclosures have been presented herein.

 

26



 

Reclassification

 

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2003 presentation.

 

Cash Flow Information

 

Supplemental cash flow information is as follows:

 

Cash paid from continuing operations during the year for:

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

15,623

 

$

19,760

 

$

20,619

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

$

1,187

 

$

2,639

 

$

1,902

 

 

2.  Asset Dispositions, Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Restructuring Costs

 

Asset Dispositions

 

On December 18, 2003, the Company sold its corporate headquarters office and distribution property in East Boston MA (“the Property”). The proceeds from the sale of the Property was $14,110, and the Company leased a portion of the property back from the buyer. A gain of $4,319 related to the sale of the Property will be recognized over the 60 month term of the lease, of which $3,498 is classified as a long term deferred gain at December 31, 2003. The entire gain has been deferred to future periods.

 

On January 15, 2003, the Company through an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary sold its warehouse property in Mira Loma CA (“the Mira Loma Property”). Net proceeds of the sale of $25,622 was further reduced by the Buyer’s assumption of $9,787 of the Company’s indebtedness related to the Mira Loma Property. The Buyer leased the Mira Loma Property back to the Company. The lease agreement provides for gradual reductions in the square footage leased by the Company during its 66 month term. A gain of $6,085 related to the sale of the Mira Loma Property will be recognized over the term of the lease.  For the year ended December 31, 2003, $1,673 of the gain was recognized, and $4,412 has been deferred to future periods, of which $3,244 is classified as a long term deferred gain at December 31, 2003.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Restructuring Costs

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating lease and contract cancellations

 

$

 

$

1,010

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs associated with unused space

 

 

2,054

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employee severance

 

 

1,418

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset impairments

 

586

 

 

 

 

 

$

586

 

$

4,482

 

$

 

 

In 2002 the Company planned to reduce its Mira Loma CA warehouse space from approximately 886,000 square feet to approximately 644,000 square feet, which was completed in 2003. In 2004 the Company plans an additional reduction of its Mira Loma CA warehouse space to 424,000 square feet. In 2002, the Company had established an aggressive program of inventory reduction to accomplish the space reduction. As a result, the Company recorded a charge of $7,447 in 2002 to reduce inventory carrying values for anticipated losses resulting from the planned

 

27



 

inventory reductions. In 2003, the Company recorded an additional inventory write-down of $3,172 in the fourth quarter of 2003 as a result of its plan to further reduce inventories and warehouse space and its decision to close its manufacturing facility in North Dighton, MA. Previously, the Company sold these goods through its normal programs and channels. These charges were included in cost of sales.

 

The Company recorded a charge of $1,010 in 2002 related to the early termination of certain equipment leases, the exit of two of its showrooms, and contract cancelation costs. In connection with the restructuring associated with the Mira Loma CA warehouse, the Company recorded employee separation payments of $1,418, of which $1,128 was unpaid at December 31, 2002 and no amounts remain unpaid at December 31, 2003.

 

In addition, the Company initiated restructuring programs focused on reducing its overall cost structure by eliminating excess capacity in its distribution, manufacturing, showroom and sourcing facilities as well as reductions in headcount and expense commitments. Restructuring charges in 2003 and 2002 are comprised of facility exit costs, employee separation payments, and the elimination of certain equipment lease and other commitments.  In the fourth quarter of 2002, due to excess capacity, the Company began executing a plan to remove from service portions of its leased space in its North Dighton MA manufacturing and distribution facility. The distribution operations were re-located to the Company’s Mira Loma CA warehouse during the first quarter of 2003. In November 2003, the Company made the decision to completely close the North Dighton MA facility. Operations are planned to cease by May 30, 2004.

 

A charge of $586 was recorded in 2003 to reflect the impairment of assets of the North Dighton MA manufacturing facility. In addition, the Company anticipates incurring approximately $1,533 in additional charges related to its closure. These estimated charges relate to operating leases and estimated severance. During 2002, the Company recorded a charge of $2,054 to recognize the future costs, primarily operating associated with unused space at the North Dighton MA facility.

 

During the fourth quarter of 2001, the Company recorded an asset impairment of $1,575 relating to excess equipment primarily relating to the consolidation of its Rauch manufacturing operations. The charge has been included in discontinued operations due to the decision to offer Rauch for sale (See Note 3).

 

3. Discontinued Operations

 

In December 2003, the Company formalized its decision to sell or liquidate Rauch.   The Company adopted SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (“SFAS No. 144”)” as of January 1, 2002. Accordingly, results of this operation have been classified as discontinued and prior periods have been restated. The Company incurred charges of $18,641 to reduce long-lived assets to estimated fair value and a write down of $7,530 to reduce inventory to its estimated liquidation value. The Company obtained a letter of intent from a prospective purchaser and is in the process of negotiating the terms of a proposed sale. It is anticipated that the sale of Rauch will occur in the second quarter of 2004. The Company anticipates incurring losses from operating activities of Rauch through the date of disposal and an estimated loss on disposition of $3 million.

 

Net sales and net income (loss) from discontinued operations from the sale of Rauch Industries, Inc. are as follows:

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

39,706

 

$

43,509

 

$

42,597

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-tax income (loss) from discontinued operations

 

$

(26,204

)

$

458

 

$

(5,415

)

Income tax (provision) benefit

 

 

(179

)

2,112

 

Net income (loss) from discontinued operations

 

$

(26,204

)

$

279

 

$

(3,303

)

 

28



 

Assets and liabilities of the discontinued operation are as follows:

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

$

15,000

 

$

30,394

 

Property plant and equipment

 

 

17,492

 

Other assets

 

 

58

 

Current liabilities

 

(1,538

)

(1,588

)

Net assets of discontinued operation

 

$

13,462

 

$

46,356

 

 

In December 2002 the Company formalized its decision to offer for sale its indirect wholly owned subsidiary, C.J. Vander Ltd. and its subsidiaries. Accordingly, results of this operation were classified as discontinued at December 31, 2002. In connection with the proposed sale, which was consummated on March 21, 2003, the Company incurred charges of $5,305 to reduce this business to fair value less costs to sell were recorded in 2002.  Proceeds of the sale net of selling costs were approximately $2,750. In connection with the sale, two subsidiaries of the Company entered into agreements to supply certain products to the new company and one of its subsidiaries for a period of five years. In December 2002, the Company also recognized a pre-tax loss of $821 from discontinued operations ($533 net of a $288 tax benefit) related to worker’s compensation expense of its former subsidiary Syroco, Inc. which was sold in 1995. The Company does not expect any material losses in the future related to Syroco, Inc.

 

Net sales and net loss from discontinued operations from the sale of C.J. Vander Ltd. including the Syroco, Inc. adjustment are as follows:

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

1,675

 

$

7,534

 

$

7,711

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-tax loss from discontinued operations

 

$

53

 

$

6,953

 

$

1,771

 

Income tax benefit

 

 

(288

)

 

Net loss from discontinued operations

 

$

53

 

$

6,665

 

$

1,771

 

 

Assets and liabilities of the discontinued operation are as follows:

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

$

3,395

 

Property plant and equipment

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

(645

)

Net assets of discontinued operation

 

 

$

2,750

 

 

29



 

4.     Inventories

 

Inventories by major classification are as follows:

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raw materials

 

$

3,418

 

$

3,957

 

Work-in-process

 

942

 

1,313

 

Finished goods

 

33,140

 

43,713

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

37,500

 

$

48,983

 

 

5.     Goodwill

 

The Company adopted SFAS No. 142  “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” as required in fiscal 2002. The implementation of SFAS 142 resulted in the Company recording a  non-cash, goodwill impairment charge of $6,225 as of January 1, 2002. The impairment results from a change in the criteria for the measurement of impairments from an undiscounted to a discounted cash flow method. This charge reflects the cumulative effect of adopting the accounting change in the statement of operations, but had no impact on cash flows. The impaired goodwill was not deductible for taxes, and as a result, no tax benefit was recorded in relation to the charge. The Company recorded approximately $341 of goodwill amortization in 2001. Under SFAS 142 goodwill amortization was not recorded during 2003 and 2002. The Company has not recorded any other specifically identified intangible assets for its intellectual property that includes copyrights and trademarks.

 

6.     Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment was comprised of the following:

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land and improvements

 

$

15

 

$

6,078

 

Buildings and improvements

 

1,673

 

34,980

 

Tools and dies

 

18,490

 

18,652

 

Machinery and equipment

 

24,412

 

23,818

 

Other

 

3,818

 

4,210

 

Construction in progress

 

1,988

 

259

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

50,396

 

87,997

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(38,918

)

(45,747

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net

 

$

11,478

 

$

42,250

 

 

30



 

Capitalized interest is not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements in any year presented.  Commitments for the purchase of property, plant and equipment are not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2003.

 

7.     Revolving Loan Facilities and Notes Payable

 

Revolving Loan Facilities

 

The Company has a Senior Revolving Credit Facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) dated April 16, 1997 (amended effective as of July 31, 1997, December 31, 1997, March 30, 1998, December 31, 1998, March 26, 2001, August 13, 2001, March 22, 2002, November 12, 2002, December 18, 2002, March 20, 2003, March 6, 2004 and March 26, 2004).  At December 31, 2003, the obligations of the Company under the Revolving Credit Facility were secured by inventory and accounts receivable of the Company and its domestic subsidiaries, and by a pledge of 100% of the domestic subsidiaries’ and at least 65% of its foreign subsidiary’s outstanding capital stock.

 

On March 5, 2004, the Revolving Credit Facility was amended to eliminate the pledge of the outstanding capital stock of its domestic and foreign subsidiaries and, due to the Company’s plan to discontinue the Rauch business, to declare ineligible the inventory and accounts receivable of the Rauch subsidiary for purposes of determining borrowing capacity. The effect on borrowing capacity at the time of this amendment was approximately $2,000.

 

On March 26, 2004, the Revolving Credit Facility was further amended and restated. Under the terms of the restated agreement (i) the term of the facility was extended and now expires on March 31, 2006, (ii) maximum borrowings were reduced from $86,400 to $70,000, (iii) maximum borrowing capacity related to inventory was reduced from $55,000 to $30,000, iv) the Company’s optional interest rate was lowered to the Eurodollar rate plus 300 basis points (formerly plus 375 basis points) or the Prime rate plus 100 basis points, and (v) the provision for repurchases of the Company’s Senior Notes was eliminated. The restated agreement contains customary covenants of the Company, including but not limited to maximum capital expenditures and certain ratios of earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization and certain adjustments (“EBITDA”), to cash interest and to fixed charges, as defined. For any period of four fiscal quarters ended on or after December 31, 2004, the Company must have a minimum ratio of EBITDA to cash interest, as defined, of 1.0 to 1.0. For any period of four fiscal quarters ended on or after December 31, 2005, the Company must have a minimum ratio of EBITDA to fixed charges, as defined, of 1.0 to 1.0.  If fixed charges exceed EBITDA, as defined, by more than $5 million, for any period of four quarters ended on or after June 30, 2005, interest rates will be increased to the Eurodollar Rate plus 375 basis points or the Prime Rate plus 125 basis points. The Revolving Credit Facility, as restated, requires the Company to maintain minimum borrowing availability of $20,000 until April, 30, 2004, $7,500 from May 1, 2004 to December 30, 2004, $20,000 from December 31, 2004 through April 30, 2005, and then $7,500 until December 31, 2005 when it increases to $20,000 through the expiration of the facility.

 

At December 31, 2003, there was $7,518 outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility and all of these borrowings bore interest at the Prime Rate plus 100 basis points. The weighted-average interest rate on borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility for the year ended December 31, 2003 was 6.4%. Availability under the Revolving Credit Facility, net of outstanding letters of credit and minimum availability requirements, was approximately $26,693 at December 31, 2003. Non-compliance with the EBITDA covenant at December 31, 2003 was waived under the March 26, 2004 amended and restated Revolving Credit Agreement. The Company is in compliance with all other covenants, as amended, as of December 31, 2003.

 

Notes Payable

 

At December 31, 2003, the Company also had debt financing with third parties of $118,271 of 11% Senior Notes which are due April 15, 2007 and require interest payments to be made semi-annually on April 15 and October 15. The Senior Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company and rank pari passu in right of payment with all

 

31



 

current and future unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company, including borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility. However, all borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are secured by a first priority lien on the accounts receivable and inventory of the Company and its domestic subsidiaries (“Guarantor Subsidiaries”) but not of its foreign subsidiary (See Note 17). Consequently, the obligations of the Company under the Senior Notes are effectively subordinated to its obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility to the extent of such assets. The Senior Notes became redeemable, in whole or in part, at the Company’s option after April 15, 2002.

 

During 2003 the Company, purchased an aggregate $25,675 million of its Senior Notes on the open market resulting in a pre-tax gain of $9,446 million.

 

The Company’s ability to pay dividends is restricted by terms of the Revolving Credit Facility and the Senior Notes. The Senior Notes also include financial covenants, which are less restrictive than the covenants contained in the Revolving Credit Facility. Cross default provisions exist between the Senior Notes and the Revolving Credit Facility.

 

Other Debt Facilities

 

The Company had no borrowings outstanding under one of Wallace’s Puerto Rican subsidiaries’ $1,000 debt facility (the “Facility”), expiring on April 30, 2003. In May 2003, the Company renewed the credit facility. The renewed facility was reduced from $1,000 to $500 and expired on January 30, 2004. The Company did not renew the facility upon expiration.

 

On April 2, 2001, the Company executed a $10,000 promissory note secured by certain real property and building improvements located in Mira Loma, California.  The note bears interest at a rate of 7.42% and was to be repaid in monthly installments until May, 2011 when a final payment of $8.1 million was due. On January 15, 2003, the Company was relieved of all of its obligations under the note upon the sale of its Mira Loma CA warehouse and distribution facility.

 

8.     Income Taxes

 

The benefit for income taxes from continuing operations was comprised of the following:

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

585

 

$

(6,771

)

$

636

 

State

 

436

 

642

 

273

 

Foreign

 

1,201

 

1,001

 

1,372

 

 

 

2,222

 

(5,128

)

2,281

 

Deferred:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

(2,555

)

(6,077

)

(3,562

)

State

 

(1,834

)

(392

)

(333

)

Foreign

 

(27

)

 

 

 

 

(4,416

)

(6,469

)

(3,895

)

Total benefit

 

$

(2,194

)

$

(11,597

)

$

(1,614

)

 

32



 

The reconciliations between the Company’s effective income tax rate and the U.S. federal statutory rate from continuing operations were as follows:

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal statutory rate

 

(35.0

)%

(35.0

)%

(35.0

)%

State taxes, net of federal income tax benefit

 

0.6

%

0.2

%

1.6

%

Foreign income taxes (including Puerto Rico)

 

6.2

%

1.2

%

10.8

%

Other

 

(0.9

)%

0.1

%

2.4

%

Effective income tax rate

 

(29.1

)%

(33.5

)%

(20.2

)%

 

The components of loss before benefit for income taxes from continuing operations were comprised of the following:

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic

 

$

(14,642

)

$

(41,410

)

$

(17,341

)

Foreign

 

7,097

 

6,812

 

9,333

 

Total

 

$

(7,545

)

$

(34,598

)

$

(8,008

)

 

Wallace’s Puerto Rican subsidiaries operate under grants from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico exempting 90% of their income from taxation through December 2003.  Had the Company not been eligible for the tax exemption, net loss for 2003 would have increased by $440, net loss in 2002 would have increased by $762 and net loss for 2001 would have increased by $720, and basic and diluted earnings per share would have been decreased by approximately $.12, $.20 and $.19, for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

In July of 2003 the Company filed an application for a new tax grant with the Treasury Department. The Company has been in contact with the Treasury Department and it expects that the grant will be accepted as filed during 2004.  The Company requested that the grant be effective as of January 1, 2004 and provides for a flat income tax rate of 4%.

 

33


 

The tax effects of significant items comprising the Company’s net deferred tax asset (liability) are as follows:

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

$

4,307

 

$

4,806

 

Asset impairment

 

9,167

 

 

Inventory

 

4,614

 

6,087

 

Reserves and accruals

 

3,361

 

3,427

 

Operating loss carryforwards

 

7,604

 

8,347

 

Other

 

579

 

501

 

Total

 

29,632

 

23,168

 

Valuation allowance

 

(13,019

)

(2,519

)

Net current deferred tax asset

 

$

16,613

 

$

20,649

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

$

(1,389

)

$

(10,732

)

Deferred compensation

 

699

 

812

 

Foreign earnings to be remitted

 

(6,292

)

(5,514

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net non-current deferred tax liability

 

$

(6,982

)

$

(15,434

)

 

The 2003 increase in the valuation allowance relates primarily to losses and temporary differences generated at Rauch. Upon the liquidation or sale of Rauch, these losses and temporary differences are expected to be capital in nature. The Company does not expect to generate sufficient capital gains in the future with which to offset these capital losses.

 

At December 31, 2003, the Company has available tax loss carryforwards in the United States of approximately $21,725 which will expire between the years 2018 and 2022.

 

34



 

9.   Commitments and Contingencies

 

The Company and its subsidiaries have various operating lease commitments for buildings and equipment. The lease agreements generally require the Company to pay insurance, real estate taxes, and maintenance and contain various renewal options. Future minimum rental payments for all non-cancelable operating leases for each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows:

 

2004

 

$

5,636

 

2005

 

4,878

 

2006

 

4,350

 

2007

 

3,224

 

Subsequent to 2007

 

3,103

 

 

Rent expense for operating leases related to continuing operations was approximately $5,738, $5,005 and $4,456 in 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively.

 

On April 16, 2003, the Company entered into a licensing agreement with V.E.W.LTD to produce a line of branded sterling silver, silverplate and stainless steel flatware and sterling silver giftware in association with designer Vera Wang. The agreement provides for minimum guaranteed royalties of $250 in 2003 and an aggregate of $1,925 for the 5 year period ending December 31, 2008. The Company is committed to advertising expenditures through December 2008 as follows:

 

2004

 

$

1,000

 

2005

 

1,000

 

2006

 

1,000

 

2007

 

1,000

 

2008

 

1,000

 

 

Certain subsidiaries were contingently obligated for outstanding letters of credit, trade acceptances and similar instruments aggregating $5,189 at December 31, 2003 (Note 7).

 

10.   Employee Benefit Plans

 

The following information is provided in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 132, “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and other Postretirement Benefits.”

 

401(K) Savings Plans

 

The Company has three 401(k) savings plans (the “Plans”). The Plans cover substantially all employees of its domestic and Puerto Rican subsidiaries, and are subject to certain minimum age and length of employment requirements.  Under two of the Plans, the Company matched 50% of the first five hundred twenty dollars contributed by the participants’ to the plan and 30% of the remaining contributions made by the participants’ to the plan up to a maximum of 6% of compensation. Under the third Plan, the Company matched 35% of contributions up to 6% of compensation. The Company also has a savings plan, established in 1991, covering substantially all employees of the Company’s Hong Kong subsidiary. Under the Hong Kong plan, the Company contributed up to 10% of the participants’ compensation. The Company contributed an aggregate of $462, $444 and $669 to all of these plans in 2003, 2002 and 2001.

 

35



 

Officers Retirement Plan

 

The Company has employment agreements with certain officers for terms of three years.

 

Agreements with three of the Company’s officers provide for retirement benefit payments. Two agreements provide that the benefit payments be based upon two percent of the average total annual compensation (salary and bonus) for the three-year period preceding the executives’ retirement dates multiplied by the number of years of service. In addition, one of the agreements provides for a 100% survivor benefit for the executive’s spouse. One agreement provides for benefit payments based upon the greater of (i) $75 or (ii) one-half of one percent of the average total annual compensation (salary and bonus) for the three-year period preceding the executives’ retirement dates multiplied by the number of years of service.

 

These agreements provide for minimum annual salaries aggregating $1,984 and certain other benefits.  Pension expense is determined using assumptions at the beginning of the year. Assumptions used in determining the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation include a discount rate of 6.00% in 2003 and 6.75% in 2002 and 2001, and a rate of future increases in benefit compensation of 3%.

 

Components of net periodic benefit costs:

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost for benefits earned

 

$

70

 

$

100

 

$

56

 

Interest cost benefit obligation

 

190

 

197

 

145

 

Amortization of prior service cost

 

38

 

38

 

(34

)

Settlement loss

 

 

244

 

206

 

Amortization of loss

 

 

44

 

63

 

Net periodic pension cost

 

$

298

 

$

623

 

$

436

 

 

Change in projected benefit obligation:

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

 

$

3,066

 

$

2,872

 

$

2,727

 

Service cost

 

70

 

100

 

56

 

Amendments

 

0

 

836

 

0

 

Interest cost

 

190

 

197

 

145

 

Actuarial loss/(gain)

 

(556

)

(287

)

521

 

Payments

 

(111

)

(652

)

(577

)

Benefit obligation at end of year

 

$

2,659

 

$

3,066

 

$

2,872

 

 

36



 

Funded status as of December 31, 2003 and 2002:

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

Funded status

 

$

2,659

 

$

3,066

 

Unrecognized prior service cost

 

(530

)

(568

)

Unrecognized gain/(loss)

 

119

 

(436

)

Net amount recognized

 

$

2,248

 

$

2,062

 

 

Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

Accrued benefit liability

 

$

2,248

 

$

2,674

 

Intangible asset

 

 

(568

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

(44

)

Net amount recognized

 

$

2,248

 

$

2,062

 

 

The Company expects to pay retirement benefits in each year from 2004 through 2013 as follows:

 

2004

 

 

$

148

 

2005

 

 

148

 

2006

 

 

148

 

2007

 

 

148

 

2008

 

 

148

 

Thereafter

 

 

739

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

$

1,479

 

 

11.   Stockholders’ Equity

 

Preferred Stock

 

The liquidation preference of the Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock is $1,000 per share plus accrued but unpaid dividends. Holders of the Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock are entitled, subject to the rights of creditors, in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation of the Company, to an amount in cash equal to $1,000 for each share outstanding plus all accrued and unpaid dividends. The rights of holders of the Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock upon liquidation of the Company rank prior to those of the holders of Common Stock.

 

Dividends on shares of Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock are cumulative from the date of issue and are payable when and as declared from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Company. Such dividends accrue on a daily basis (whether or not declared) from the original date of issue at an annual rate per share equal to 12% of

 

37



 

the original purchase price per share, with such amount to be compounded annually on each December 31 so that if the dividend is not paid for any year the unpaid amount will be added to the original purchase price of the Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock for the purpose of calculating succeeding years’ dividends. At December 31, 2003, $20,549 was accrued.

 

The Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock is redeemable at any time at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, at $1,000 per share plus all accumulated and unpaid dividends, if any, to the date of redemption. Subject to the Company’s existing debt agreements, the Company must redeem all outstanding Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock in the event of a public offering of equity, a change of control or certain sales of assets.

 

12.   Related-Party Transactions

 

Effective October 22, 2003, Leonard Florence resigned as Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors. Mr. Florence, who founded Syratech in 1986 and is also a 9.6%  shareholder, stepped down as Chief Executive Officer on March 11, 2002. Under the terms of an agreement related to the resignation (i) Mr. Florence resigned as an officer and director of the Company and its subsidiaries and was released from his obligation to provide advisory services to the Company; (ii) the Company paid Mr. Florence $750, and also $25 of his legal expense, and is obligated to pay Mr. Florence an additional $200 in January 2005; (iii) the Company was relieved of its obligation to provide medical benefits after January 22, 2004 and (iv) the Company agreed to reimburse certain secretarial and office costs through April 16, 2005. The charges for these amounts aggregating $1,215 are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the 2003 consolidated statement of operations.

 

In connection with the 1997 merger between the Company and THL Transaction I Corp, a Delaware corporation, controlled by affiliates of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. (“THL”), the Company entered into a Management Agreement with THL. The Company paid and expensed $450 in 2003, 2002 and 2001 under this arrangement. THL and affiliates own 59.9% of the outstanding common stock and 89.9% of the preferred stock of the Company.

 

A to Z Event Sales (“A to Z”) purchased from the Company merchandise in the amount of approximately $56 for the year ended December 31, 2003 at terms and prices consistent with those offered to comparable customers. Robert Meers, President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Company has been a director of A to Z since 2003 and indirectly owns 26.7% of A to Z.  Michael Meers, Vice President of Operations of A to Z is the son of Robert Meers.

 

13.   Segment Disclosures

 

The Company has identified only one distinct and reportable segment: Home Entertainment and Decorative Products. The Company has determined that it only has one reportable segment meeting the criteria established under SFAS No. 131 “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information”, as the Company’s chief operating decision maker, as defined, (determined to be the Chief Executive Officer and President) and the Board of Directors do not manage any part of the Company separately and review and evaluate only the Company’s consolidated operating results.

 

The Company’s operations and sales activities are conducted primarily in the United States of America (U.S.), with only two locations representing, individually, more than 10% of revenues or income from operations: the U.S. and Hong Kong. The Company has classified Rauch and C.J. Vander as discontinued operations. Rauch and C.J. Vander conduct operations in the United States and Europe, respectively. The related revenues and income from operations are excluded from the following information.

 

38



 

The following presents information in accordance with SFAS No. 131:

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Geographic Location:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales from continuing operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

148,827

 

$

155,815

 

$

169,492

 

Hong Kong

 

54,125

 

53,136

 

55,142

 

Total

 

$

202,952

 

$

208,951

 

$

224,634

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

1,942

 

$

(20,722

)

$

5,460

 

Hong Kong

 

7,022

 

6,271

 

8,600

 

Total

 

$

8,964

 

$

(14,451

)

$

14,060

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identifiable assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

97,245

 

$

147,998

 

$

168,666

 

Hong Kong

 

6,359

 

5,125

 

6,979

 

Discontinued operations

 

15,000

 

51,339

 

62,557

 

Total

 

$

118,604

 

$

204,462

 

$

238,202

 

 

14.   Litigation

 

The Company has been named as a defendant in certain legal actions arising from its normal business activities. The Company carries insurance against liability for certain types of risks. Although the amount of liability that could result from any litigation cannot be predicted, in the opinion of management, the Company’s potential liability on all known claims would not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company.

 

39



 

15.   Quarterly Results (Unaudited)

 

 

 

First
Quarter

 

Second
Quarter

 

Third
Quarter

 

Fourth
Quarter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2003:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

40,551

 

$

35,495

 

$

70,644

 

$

56,262

 

Gross profit

 

10,984

 

10,339

 

22,980

 

12,513

 

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations

 

7,237

 

(2,506

)

8,139

 

(3,906

)

Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

2,999

 

(6,416

)

4,029

 

(8,157

)

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

2,119

 

(3,516

)

1,596

 

(5,550

)

Discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from operations of discontinued subsidiary

 

(895

)

(693

)

1,906

 

(26,575

)

Net income (loss)

 

1,224

 

(4,209

)

3,502

 

(32,125

)

Preferred stock dividend accrued

 

1,032

 

1,033

 

1,033

 

1,032

 

Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders

 

192

 

(5,242

)

2,469

 

(33,157

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted income (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

$

0.29

 

$

(1.20

)

$

0.15

 

$

(1.74

)

Loss from operations of discontinued subsidiary

 

(0.24

)

(0.18

)

0.50

 

(7.02

)

Net income (loss) per common share

 

$

0.05

 

$

(1.38

)

$

0.65

 

$

(8.76

)

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding

 

3,784

 

3,784

 

3,784

 

3,784

 

 

Certain adjustments as described in Notes 2 and 3 were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2003.

 

40



 

 

 

First
Quarter

 

Second
Quarter

 

Third
Quarter

 

Fourth
Quarter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2002:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

38,207

 

$

37,895

 

$

77,645

 

$

55,204

 

Gross profit

 

11,463

 

11,972

 

24,583

 

3,443

 

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations

 

(1,558

)

(2,508

)

7,981

 

(18,366

)

Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

(6,469

)

(13,610

)

2,928

 

(17,447

)

Income (loss) from continuing operations before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

 

(5,219

)

(11,955

)

2,552

 

(8,379

)

Discontinued operation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from operations of discontinued subsidiary

 

(1,008

)

(1,065

)

692

 

(5,005

)

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

 

(6,225

)

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

(12,452

)

(13,020

)

3,244

 

(13,384

)

Preferred stock dividend accrued

 

(921

)

(923

)

(922

)

(922

)

Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders

 

(13,373

)

(13,943

)

2,322

 

(14,306

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted income (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before cumulative change in accounting principle

 

$

(1.62

)

$

(3.40

)

$

0.43

 

$

(2.46

)

Loss from operations of discontinued subsidiary

 

(0.27

)

(0.28

)

0.18

 

(1.32

)

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

 

(1.65

)

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per common share

 

$

(3.54

)

$

(3.68

)

$

0.61

 

$

(3.78

)

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding

 

3,784

 

3,784

 

3,784

 

3,784

 

 

Certain adjustments as described in Notes 2 and 3 were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2002.

 

16.   Supplemental Consolidating Financial Statements

 

The following supplemental consolidating financial statements as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, present separate financial information for the Issuer/Guarantor Parent, the Guarantor Subsidiaries, and the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Note 7).  Separate financial statements of each guarantor are not presented because management believes that such statements would not be materially different from the information presented herein.

 

41



 

SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

December 31, 2003

 

 

 

Issuer/
Guarantor
Parent

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and equivalents

 

$

 

 

$

27

 

$

1,372

 

$

 

 

$

1,399

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

 

 

27,715

 

3,828

 

 

 

31,543

 

Inventories

 

 

 

36,806

 

694

 

 

 

37,500

 

Deferred income taxes

 

3,753

 

12,833

 

27

 

 

 

16,613

 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

113

 

2,564

 

163

 

 

 

2,840

 

Assets held for sale

 

 

 

15,000

 

 

 

 

 

15,000

 

Total current assets

 

3,866

 

94,945

 

6,084

 

 

104,895

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 

 

11,203

 

275

 

 

 

11,478

 

Other assets, net

 

3,171

 

166

 

 

 

(1,106

)

2,231

 

Investment

 

49,665

 

27,702

 

 

 

(77,367

)

 

Total

 

$

56,702

 

$

134,016

 

$

6,359

 

$

(78,473

)

$

118,604

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revolving loan facilities and notes payable

 

$

 

 

$

7,518

 

$

 

$

 

 

$

7,518

 

Accounts payable

 

 

 

5,729

 

4,092

 

 

 

9,821

 

Accrued expenses

 

39

 

10,285

 

235

 

 

 

10,559

 

Accrued interest

 

3,832

 

(925

)

 

 

 

 

2,907

 

Accrued compensation

 

 

 

1,803

 

736

 

 

 

2,539

 

Accrued advertising

 

 

 

2,916

 

 

 

 

 

2,916

 

Income taxes payable

 

(7,280

)

4,117

 

773

 

2,715

 

325

 

Deferred Gain

 

 

 

1,990

 

 

 

 

 

1,990

 

Liabilities held for sale

 

 

 

1,538

 

 

 

 

 

1,538

 

Total current liabilities

 

(3,409

)

34,971

 

5,836

 

2,715

 

40,113

 

Long-term debt

 

165,000

 

 

 

 

 

(46,729

)

118,271

 

Deferred income taxes

 

6,293

 

689

 

 

 

 

 

6,982

 

Pension liability

 

 

 

2,308

 

 

 

 

 

2,308

 

Deferred Gain

 

 

 

6,742

 

 

 

 

 

6,742

 

Intercompany (receivable) payable

 

28,896

 

15,473

 

(42,977

)

(1,392

)

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

(140,078

)

73,833

 

43,500

 

(33,067

)

(55,812

)

Total

 

$

56,702

 

$

134,016

 

$

6,359

 

$

(78,473

)

$

118,604

 

 

42



 

SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

December 31, 2002

 

 

 

Issuer/
Guarantor
Parent

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and equivalents

 

$

 

 

$

331

 

$

1,068

 

$

 

 

$

1,399

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

 

 

30,519

 

2,415

 

 

 

32,934

 

Inventories

 

 

 

48,514

 

428

 

41

 

48,983

 

Deferred income taxes

 

5,829

 

14,820

 

 

 

 

 

20,649

 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

113

 

1,420

 

279

 

 

 

1,812

 

Assets held for sale

 

 

 

47,944

 

3,395

 

 

 

51,339

 

Total current assets

 

5,942

 

143,548

 

7,585

 

41

 

157,116

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 

 

42,161

 

140

 

(51

)

42,250

 

Other assets, net

 

4,737

 

960

 

 

 

(601

)

5,096

 

Investment

 

49,665

 

11,978

 

 

 

(61,643

)

 

 

Total

 

$

60,344

 

$

198,647

 

$

7,725

 

$

(62,254

)

$

204,462

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revolving loan facilities and notes payable

 

$

 

 

$

23,383

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

23,383

 

Accounts payable

 

 

 

5,042

 

2,896

 

 

 

7,938

 

Accrued expenses

 

40

 

10,089

 

1,101

 

 

 

11,230

 

Accrued interest

 

3,832

 

(246

)

 

 

 

 

3,586

 

Accrued compensation

 

 

 

2,747

 

755

 

 

 

3,502

 

Accrued advertising

 

 

 

3,945

 

 

 

 

 

3,945

 

Income taxes payable

 

(6,083

)

4,477

 

(90

)

2,709

 

1,013

 

Liabilities held for sale

 

 

 

1,588

 

645

 

 

 

2,233

 

Total current liabilities

 

(2,211

)

51,025

 

5,307

 

2,709

 

56,830

 

Long-term debt

 

165,000

 

9,638

 

 

 

(21,054

)

153,584

 

Deferred income taxes

 

5,515

 

9,919

 

 

 

 

 

15,434

 

Pension liability

 

 

 

2,674

 

 

 

 

 

2,674

 

Intercompany (receivable) payable

 

13,570

 

22,406

 

(34,584

)

(1,392

)

 

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

(121,530

)

102,985

 

37,002

 

(42,517

)

(24,060

)

Total

 

$

60,344

 

$

198,647

 

$

7,725

 

$

(62,254

)

$

204,462

 

 

43



 

SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003

 

 

 

Issuer/
Guarantor
Parent

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

 

 

$

148,827

 

$

105,723

 

$

(51,598

)

$

202,952

 

Cost of sales

 

 

 

110,752

 

86,982

 

(51,598

)

146,136

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

 

 

38,075

 

18,741

 

 

 

56,816

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

450

 

44,543

 

11,719

 

 

 

56,712

 

Asset disposition, impairments, restructuring

 

 

 

586

 

 

 

 

 

586

 

Other operating income

 

(9,446

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(9,446

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations

 

8,996

 

(7,054

)

7,022

 

 

8,964

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(19,808

)

3,223

 

74

 

 

 

(16,511

)

Interest income

 

 

 

1

 

1

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

(10,812

)

(3,830

)

7,097

 

 

 

(7,545

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

(1,711

)

(1,657

)

1,174

 

 

 

(2,194

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

 

(9,101

)

(2,173

)

5,923

 

 

(5,351

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from operations of discontinued subsidiaries

 

 

 

(27,019

)

(15,201

)

15,963

 

(26,257

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

 

(9,101

)

(29,192

)

(9,278

)

15,963

 

(31,608

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

(9,101

)

(29,192

)

(9,278

)

15,963

 

(31,608

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock dividend accrued

 

4,130

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,130

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders

 

$

(13,231

)

$

(29,192

)

$

(9,278

)

$

15,963

 

$

(35,738

)

 

44



 

SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002

 

 

 

Issuer/
Guarantor
Parent

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

 

 

$

112,515

 

$

113,974

 

$

(17,538

)

$

208,951

 

Cost of sales

 

 

 

80,816

 

94,212

 

(17,538

)

157,490

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

 

 

31,699

 

19,762

 

 

51,461

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

450

 

49,513

 

13,319

 

 

 

63,282

 

Asset dispositions, impairment of long-lived assets

 

 

 

4,310

 

172

 

 

 

4,482

 

Other operating income

 

(1,852

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,852

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations

 

1,402

 

(22,124

)

6,271

 

 

(14,451

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(20,305

)

(384

)

541

 

 

 

(20,148

)

Interest income

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

(18,903

)

(22,508

)

6,813

 

 

(34,598

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

(4,582

)

(8,016

)

1,001

 

 

 

(11,597

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

(14,321

)

(14,492

)

5,812

 

 

(23,001

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from operations of discontinued subsidiaries

 

 

 

(254

)

(6,132

)

 

 

(6,386

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

 

(14,321

)

(14,746

)

(320

)

 

(29,387

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

 

 

 

(6,225

)

 

 

 

 

(6,225

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

(14,321

)

(20,971

)

(320

)

 

(35,612

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock dividend accrued

 

3,688

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,688

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders

 

$

(18,009

)

$

(20,971

)

$

(320

)

$

 

$

(39,300

)

 

45



 

SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001

 

 

 

Issuer/
Guarantor
Parent

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

 

 

$

170,051

 

$

114,146

 

$

(59,563

)

$

224,634

 

Cost of sales

 

 

 

123,851

 

91,554

 

(59,563

)

155,842

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

 

 

46,200

 

22,592

 

 

68,792

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

450

 

49,491

 

13,992

 

 

63,933

 

Asset dispositions and impairment of long-lived assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other operating income

 

(459

)

(8,742

)

 

 

 

 

(9,201

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations

 

9

 

5,451

 

8,600

 

 

14,060

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(20,567

)

(2,434

)

718

 

 

 

(22,283

)

Interest income

 

 

 

200

 

15

 

 

 

215

 

Dividend income

 

5,680

 

 

 

 

 

(5,680

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

(14,878

)

3,217

 

9,333

 

(5,680

)

(8,008

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

(4,169

)

1,183

 

1,372

 

 

 

(1,614

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

(10,709

)

2,034

 

7,961

 

(5,680

)

(6,394

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from operations of discontinued subsidiaries

 

 

 

(3,303

)

(1,771

)

 

 

(5,074

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

(10,709

)

(1,269

)

6,190

 

(5,680

)

(11,468

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock dividends accrued

 

3,293

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,293

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders

 

$

(14,002

)

$

(1,269

)

$

6,190

 

$

(5,680

)

$

(14,761

)

 

46



 

SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003

 

 

 

Issuer/
Guarantor
Parent

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(9,101

)

$

(29,192

)

$

(9,278

)

$

15,963

 

$

(31,608

)

Less net (income) loss from discontinued operations

 

 

 

27,019

 

15,201

 

(15,963

)

26,257

 

Less effect of accounting change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

(9,101

)

(2,173

)

5,923

 

0

 

(5,351

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,649

 

4,884

 

108

 

 

 

6,641

 

Deferred income taxes

 

2,854

 

(7,243

)

(27

)

 

 

(4,416

)

Impairment of long-lived assets and other asset dispositions

 

 

 

586

 

 

 

 

 

586

 

Gain on extinguishment of debt, before income taxes

 

(9,446

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(9,446

)

(Gain) or loss on disposal of assets

 

 

 

(1,680

)

7

 

 

 

(1,673

)

Pension liability

 

 

 

(366

)

 

 

 

 

(366

)

Increase (decrease) in assets and liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

 

 

2,645

 

(1,413

)

 

 

1,232

 

Inventories

 

 

 

11,749

 

(266

)

 

 

11,483

 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

 

 

(1,144

)

116

 

 

 

(1,028

)

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

(2

)

(2,268

)

311

 

 

 

(1,959

)

Income taxes payable

 

(1,197

)

(354

)

863

 

 

 

(688

)

Intercompany account

 

15,326

 

(6,933

)

(8,393

)

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

 

83

 

(2,297

)

(2,771

)

 

(4,985

)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from discontinued operations

 

 

 

7,160

 

779

 

 

 

7,939

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

83

 

4,863

 

(1,992

)

 

2,954

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

(4,192

)

(250

)

 

 

(4,442

)

Proceeds from disposal of assets

 

 

 

29,945

 

 

 

 

29,945

 

Other

 

 

 

794

 

 

 

 

 

794

 

Net cash (used in) investing activities from continuing operations

 

 

26,547

 

(250

)

 

26,297

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities from discontinued operations

 

 

 

(493

)

2,750

 

 

 

2,257

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

 

26,054

 

2,500

 

 

28,554

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net borrowings under revolving loan facilities

 

 

 

(15,716

)

 

 

 

(15,716

)

Retirement of outstanding senior notes

 

 

 

(15,724

)

 

 

 

(15,724

)

Other

 

(83

)

 

 

 

 

 

(83

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities from continuing operations

 

(83

)

(31,440

)

 

 

(31,523

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents

 

 

 

219

 

(204

)

 

 

15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents

 

 

(304

)

304

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and equivalents, beginning of year

 

 

331

 

1,068

 

 

 

1,399

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and equivalents, end of year

 

$

 

$

27

 

$

1,372

 

$

 

$

1,399

 

 

47



 

SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002

 

 

 

Issuer/
Guarantor
Parent

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(14,321

)

$

(20,971

)

$

(320

)

$

 

$

(35,612

)

Less net loss from discontinued operations

 

 

 

254

 

6,132

 

 

 

6,386

 

Less effect of accounting change

 

 

 

6,225

 

 

 

 

 

6,225

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

(14,321

)

(14,492

)

5,812

 

 

(23,001

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,691

 

6,006

 

149

 

 

 

7,846

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(4,129

)

(2,339

)

 

 

 

 

(6,468

)

Pension liability

 

 

 

(135

)

 

 

 

 

(135

)

Gain on extinguishment of debt, before income taxes

 

(1,852

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,852

)

(Gain) or loss on disposal of assets

 

 

 

561

 

8

 

 

 

569

 

Increase (decrease) in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

 

 

5,047

 

1,758

 

 

 

6,805

 

Inventories 

 

 

 

12,329

 

(196

)

 

 

12,133

 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

 

(85

)

(77

)

 

 

(162

)

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

1

 

1,070

 

(489

)

 

 

582

 

Income taxes payable

 

6,604

 

(6,281

)

(570

)

 

 

(247

)

Intercompany account

 

13,624

 

(8,742

)

(4,882

)

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from continuing operations

 

1,618

 

(7,061

)

1,513

 

 

(3,930

)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from discontinued operations

 

 

 

2,675

 

(2,488

)

 

 

187

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

1,618

 

(4,386

)

(975

)

 

(3,743

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

(2,047

)

(89

)

 

 

(2,136

)

Other

 

 

72

 

 

 

 

 

72

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities from continuing operations

 

 

(1,975

)

(89

)

 

(2,064

)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities from discontinued operations

 

 

 

(575

)

(16

)

 

 

(591

)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

 

(2,550

)

(105

)

 

(2,655

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net borrowings under revolving loan facilities

 

 

 

6,378

 

 

 

 

 

6,378

 

Retirement of outstanding senior notes

 

 

 

(1,959

)

 

 

 

 

(1,959

)

Proceeds from long-term debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retirement of outstanding senior notes

 

 

 

(140

)

 

 

 

 

(140

)

Other

 

(1,618

)

(90

)

 

 

 

 

(1,708

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities from continuing operations

 

(1,618

)

4,189

 

 

 

 

 

2,571

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities from discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(1,618

)

4,189

 

 

 

 

 

2,571

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents

 

 

 

(171

)

795

 

 

 

624

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and equivalents

 

 

 

(2,918

)

(285

)

 

 

(3,203

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and equivalents, beginning of year

 

 

 

3,249

 

1,353

 

 

 

4,602

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and equivalents, end of year

 

$

 

$

331

 

$

1,068

 

$

 

$

1,399

 

 

48



 

SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001

 

 

 

Issuer/
Guarantor
Parent

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(10,709

)

$

(1,269

)

$

6,190

 

$

(5,680

)

$

(11,468

)

Less net loss from discontinued operations

 

 

 

3,303

 

1,771

 

 

 

5,074

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

(10,709

)

2,034

 

7,961

 

(5,680

)

(6,394

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,768

 

5,189

 

335

 

 

 

7,292

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(1,562

)

(2,329

)

 

 

 

 

(3,891

)

Pension liability

 

 

 

241

 

 

 

 

 

241

 

Gain on extinguishment of debt before income taxes

 

(459

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(459

)

Dividend income

 

(5,680

)

 

 

 

 

5,680

 

 

 

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets and other

 

 

 

73

 

8

 

 

 

81

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

 

 

30,996

 

(14

)

 

 

30,982

 

Inventories

 

 

 

9,816

 

298

 

 

 

10,114

 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

 

 

749

 

95

 

 

 

844

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

(2

)

(6,042

)

(798

)

 

 

(6,842

)

Income taxes payable

 

(2,606

)

578

 

134

 

 

 

(1,894

)

Intercompany account

 

19,931

 

(11,907

)

(8,024

)

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from continuing operations

 

681

 

29,398

 

(5

)

 

30,074

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from discontinued operations

 

 

 

20,320

 

63

 

 

 

20,383

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

681

 

49,718

 

58

 

 

50,457

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

(5,515

)

(90

)

 

 

(5,605

)

  Proceeds from disposal of assets

 

 

 

191

 

 

 

 

191

 

  Other

 

 

 

(65

)

 

 

 

 

(65

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities from continuing operations

 

 

 

(5,389

)

(90

)

 

 

(5,479

)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities from discontinued operations

 

 

 

(637

)

(8

)

 

 

(645

)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

 

(6,026

)

(98

)

 

(6,124

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Change in revolving loan facilities

 

 

 

(50,462

)

 

 

 

 

(50,462

)

  Retirement of outstanding senior notes

 

 

 

(227

)

 

 

 

 

(227

)

  Proceeds from long-term debt

 

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

 

 

10,000

 

  Repayment of long-term debt

 

 

 

(73

)

 

 

 

 

(73

)

  Other

 

(681

)

(267

)

 

 

 

 

(948

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities from continuing operations

 

(681

)

(41,029

)

 

 

 

 

(41,710

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities from discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(681

)

(41,029

)

 

 

 

 

(41,710

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents

 

 

 

(382

)

(182

)

 

 

(564

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents

 

 

 

2,281

 

(222

)

 

 

2,059

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and equivalents, beginning of year

 

 

 

968

 

1,575

 

 

 

2,543

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and equivalents, end of year

 

$

 

$

3,249

 

$

1,353

 

$

 

$

4,602

 

 

49



 

ITEM 9.   Changes In And Disagreements With Accountants On Accounting And Financial Disclosure

 

Not applicable

 

ITEM 9A.   Controls and Procedures

 

Syratech management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b), as of December 31, 2003. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective and no changes are required at this time. In connection with the evaluation by Syratech management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of our internal control over financial reporting, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(d), no changes during the year ended December 31, 2003 were identified that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

PART III

 

ITEM 10.   Directors and Executive Officers Of The Registrant

 

 

Name

 

Age

 

Principal Occupation

 

Director
Since

Robert Meers

 

60

 

President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Director

 

2002

Melvin L. Levine

 

72

 

Vice President of Purchasing of the Company, Director

 

1989

Alan R. Kanter

 

51

 

Vice President of Sales of the Company, Director

 

1997

Gregory W. Hunt

 

47

 

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Director

 

2001

Faye A. Florence

 

47

 

Vice President and General Counsel; Secretary of the Company

 

David V. Harkins

 

63

 

Director

 

1997

Thomas M. Hagerty

 

41

 

Director

 

1997

Scott A. Schoen

 

45

 

Director

 

1997

Kent R. Weldon

 

36

 

Director

 

1997

George R. Taylor

 

33

 

Director

 

2000

 

 

Robert Meers was named President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company in March, 2002.  Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Meers was Chairman of BBM Holding, Inc., a specialty retailer and an importer/exporter in the food industry, from 1999 to 2002.  Prior thereto, Mr. Meers was Executive Vice President of Reebok International Ltd. from February 1994 and President and Chief Executive Officer of the Reebok Division from October 1995.

 

Melvin L. Levine has been a Vice President of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries since September 1986. Mr. Levine has been an executive in the tabletop and giftware products industry for more than 45 years. He became a director of the Company in May 1989.

 

50



 

Alan R. Kanter has been a Vice President of the Company and a subsidiary of the Company since September 1986. He became a director of the Company in April 1997.  Mr. Kanter has been employed in the tabletop and giftware industry for more than 30 years.

 

Gregory W. Hunt was appointed Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company in July, 2001.  Mr. Hunt is also a Director of the Company.  Prior to this, Mr. Hunt was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of NRT Incorporated, a residential real estate brokerage company. He served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Culligan Water Technologies from 1995 to 1996, and Astrum International, parent company of Culligan Water Technologies and Samsonite Corp. from 1990 to 1995. Mr. Hunt is also an officer of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries.

 

Faye A. Florence, an attorney, has been Vice President and General Counsel of the Company since June 1987 and Secretary since August 1987. Ms. Florence is also an officer of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and has been employed in the tabletop and giftware industry for more than 15 years.  Ms. Florence is the daughter of Leonard Florence.

 

David V. Harkins has been affiliated with Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. and its predecessor, Thomas H. Lee Company since its founding in 1974 and currently serves as President of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. Mr. Harkins also serves as President of Thomas H. Lee Advisors, LLC and Thomas H. Lee Management Company and Vice President of THL Equity Holdings III, Inc. Mr. Harkins also founded National Dentex Corporation and currently serves as Chairman of the Board.  He is also currently a director of Cott Corporation, and Metris Companies Inc.

 

Thomas M. Hagerty has been employed by Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. and its predecessor, Thomas H. Lee Company, since 1988 and currently serves as a Managing Director.  Mr. Hagerty is also a director of Affordable Residential Communities, Cott Corporation, Metris Companies Inc., and MGIC Investment Corporation.

 

Scott A. Schoen has been employed by Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. and its predecessor, Thomas H. Lee Company, since 1986 and currently serves as a Senior Managing Director. In addition, Mr. Schoen is a Trustee of THL Equity Trust III, the general partner of THL Equity Advisors III, L.P., which is the general partner of Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund III, L.P. Mr. Schoen is also a director of AXIS Capital Holdings Limited, Affordable Residential Communities (A.R.C), The Simmons Company, TransWestern Publishing, L.P., United Industries Corporation and Wyndham International.

 

51



 

Kent R. Weldon has been employed by Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. and its predecessor, Thomas H. Lee Company, from 1991 until 1993 and since 1995, when he rejoined the firm.  He currently serves as a Managing Director.  Prior to joining Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., Mr. Weldon worked at Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated in the Corporate Finance Department.  Mr. Weldon is a Vice President of THL Equity Trust III, the General Partner of THL Equity Advisors III, L.P., which is the General Partner of Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund III, L.P.  Mr. Weldon also serves as a director of Michael Food, Inc. and FairPoint Communications, Inc.

 

George R. Taylor has been employed by Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. and its predecessor, Thomas H. Lee Company, from 1996 until 1998 and since 2000, when he rejoined the firm. He currently serves as a Vice President.  Prior to joining the firm he was a financial analyst at ABS Capital Partners of Baltimore. Mr. Taylor currently serves as a director of the Simmons Company.

 

 

Meetings Of The Board Of Directors

 

The Board of Directors consists of Robert Meers, Melvin L. Levine, Alan R. Kanter, Gregory W. Hunt, David V. Harkins, Thomas M. Hagerty, Scott A. Schoen, Kent R. Weldon and George R. Taylor. Leonard Florence was a director and Chairman of the Board until his resignation on October 22, 2003.  The Committees of the Board include an Audit Committee and a Compensation and Stock Option Committee.

 

The Audit Committee consists of David V. Harkins, Kent R. Weldon and George R. Taylor. Mr. Harkins is the Chairman of the Audit Committee. This Committee has oversight authority and responsibility for the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries. In conjunction with its responsibilities, the Committee invites representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP to be present at its meetings.

 

The Compensation and Stock Option Committee consists of David V. Harkins, Thomas M. Hagerty and George R. Taylor. Mr. Harkins is the Chairman of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee. The functions of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee include fixing the compensation and reviewing the salaries, of the Chief Executive Officer and the executive officers of the Company, including the review of incentive plans and benefits.

 

52



 

ITEM 11.   Executive Compensation

 

The following table sets forth for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 the compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to the Chief Executive Officer, and the four other most highly compensated executive officers serving at December 31, 2003, and an additional person no longer serving at December 31, 2003.

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

 

 

Fiscal
Year

 

Annual Compensation (1)

 

All Other
Compensation

 

Name and Principal Position

 

 

Salary

 

Bonus

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert Meers (2),(3)

 

12/31/2003

 

$

475,000

 

$

 

$

29,799

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

12/31/2002

 

$

395,833

 

$

 

$

18,663

 

 

 

12/31/2001

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gregory W. Hunt (2),(4)

 

12/31/2003

 

$

350,000

 

$

 

$

6,525

 

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial

 

12/31/2002

 

$

325,000

 

$

150,000

 

$

4,054

 

Officer and Treasurer

 

12/31/2001

 

$

147,708

 

$

100,000

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alan R. Kanter (2),(5)

 

12/31/2003

 

$

415,000

 

$

 

$

6,643

 

Vice President of Sales

 

12/31/2002

 

$

432,319

 

$

 

$

6,223

 

 

 

12/31/2001

 

$

390,000

 

$

109,200

 

$

3,254

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Melvin L. Levine (2),(5)

 

12/31/2003

 

$

465,423

 

$

 

$

4,869

 

Vice President of Purchasing

 

12/31/2002

 

$

406,870

 

$

 

$

6,223

 

 

 

12/31/2001

 

$

390,000

 

$

109,200

 

$

3,254

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Faye A. Florence (2)

 

12/31/2003

 

$

240,000

 

$

 

$

5,851

 

Vice President , General Counsel

 

12/31/2002

 

$

240,000

 

$

 

$

5,191

 

and Secretary

 

12/31/2001

 

$

223,750

 

$

28,800

 

$

3,254

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leonard Florence (5),(6)

 

12/31/2003

 

$

1,208,925

 

 

 

$

173,969

 

Chairman of the Board

 

12/31/2002

 

$

1,539,348

 

 

 

$

6,755

 

until October 22, 2003

 

12/31/2001

 

$

1,150,000

 

$

323,000

 

$

3,254

 

 

 


(1)               The column designated “Other Annual Compensation” by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the reporting of perquisites and other personal benefits has been eliminated because the amounts paid to each executive officer do not exceed the disclosure threshold established by the SEC pursuant to applicable rules and no other compensation required to be reported under that column was awarded to, earned by or paid to any of the named executive officers during the period covered by the table. In addition, the columns designated by the SEC for the reporting of certain long-term compensation, including awards of restricted stock and long-term incentive plan payouts have been eliminated as no such awards or payouts were made during the period covered by the table.

 

(2)               Amounts reported under All Other Compensation include an automobile allowance for Mr. Meers. All other amounts to the accounts of Messrs. Meers, Levine, Kanter, Hunt, and Ms. Florence represent payments for long term disability insurance and contributions made by the Company pursuant to the Company’s 401(k) Plan.

 

53



 

(3)               Mr. Meers was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer on March 11, 2002.  Amounts shown as salary for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 represent compensation for the period from March 11, 2002 to December 31, 2002.

 

(4)               Mr. Hunt was appointed Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer on July 17, 2001.  Amounts shown as salary for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001 represent compensation for the period beginning July 17, 2001 to December 31, 2001.

 

(5)               Bonuses reported for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001 for Messrs. Florence, Levine, and Kanter include amounts related to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 of $185,000, $62,400, and $62,400, respectively.  These amounts were not previously reported as they were determined and paid after the date of the Company’s report on form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000.

 

(6)               Mr. Florence was Chairman of the Board and served in an advisory capacity until his resignation on October 22, 2003. Amounts reported as salary for the year ended December 31, 2003 represent compensation for his services as an advisor to the Company and $950,000 under the terms of an agreement related to his resignation, of which $200,000 has been deferred until January 2005. Amounts included under the heading All Other Compensation for Mr. Florence for the year ended December 31, 2003 include reimbursement of $25,000 of his legal expenses and $142,234 for the reimbursement of certain secretarial and office costs from the date of resignation through April 15, 2005 in accordance with the resignation agreement. All other amounts reported under the heading All Other Compensation represent payments for long term disability insurance and contributions made by the Company pursuant to the Company’s 401(k) Plan. Amounts reported as salary for the year ended December 31, 2002 include compensation for the period he was Chief Executive Officer and for the period that he served in an advisory capacity, and include a one time payment of $655,000 related to his service to the Company.

 

 

Stock Option Grants

 

In June 2002 the stockholders approved the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2002 Plan”). At December 31, 2003 no options had been granted under the 2002 Plan, therefore there were no grants of stock options to any of the named executive officers during the fiscal year 2002. The Company does not grant stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) of any kind.

 

Option Exercises/Value Of Unexercised Options

 

At December 31, 2003 no options had been granted under the 2002 Plan, therefore no stock options were exercised during fiscal year 2003 and there are no unexercised options at December 31, 2003.

 

Compensation Of Directors

 

The directors who are not also officers of the Company are currently compensated indirectly through the management fee agreement between the Company and THL I. (See notes to the consolidated financial statements).

 

Compensation And Stock Option Committee Interlocks And Insider Participation

 

In connection with the Merger, the Company entered into a management agreement with Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. for which the Company pays an annual management fee in the amount of $450,000.

 

54



 

Compensation And Stock Option Committee Report

 

The Members of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Committee”) are all non-employee directors. The Committee is charged with the responsibility of fixing the annual compensation of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, determining the annual compensation of the other executive officers of the Company and the officers of each subsidiary of the Company, subject in each case to any employment or other contract between the Company or a subsidiary thereof and any such officer. In addition, the Committee is charged with the responsibility to determine the payment of bonuses or other supplemental compensation to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and, in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, to determine payment of bonuses or other supplemental compensation to any other officer of the Company or any subsidiary thereof.

 

The Committee has the authority over the issuance of stock options or the grant of awards under any stock option, stock bonus or other stock based compensation and/or incentive plans for officers and/or employees of the Company.

 

The overall compensation paid to executive officers of the Company includes cash compensation consisting of a base salary and may include a performance bonus and stock options for executive officers.  In addition, all executive officers participate in various benefit plans generally available to employees, such as health insurance and contributions made to the accounts of its employees pursuant to the Company’s 401(k) Plan.

 

The Committee attempts to balance the compensation paid to the executive officers of the Company to the Company’s performance. In its review, the Committee may consider the level of compensation paid to executive officers of companies of comparable market capitalization, however, this is somewhat difficult since industry peers, and principal competitors are often either privately held companies or divisions of large publicly held companies, and therefore, executive compensation information is not publicly available. The Committee, therefore, has generally relied upon its analysis of overall Company performance including the level of net sales and net income and the individual efforts and achievements of each executive officer during the fiscal year.

 

The Company was a party to employment agreements with the Chairman and certain of the named executive officers during fiscal year 2003. Such agreements were approved by both the Committee and the Board of Directors of the Company and fixed the minimum salary levels of the Chairman and such officers. The Employment agreements with two of its officers, were amended in January, 2002 and April 2002, one reflecting changes to the annual retirement benefits to be received and the other extending the Agreement for one (1) year. Employment agreements were entered into as of June 2001 and March 2002 with two additional officers.

 

In evaluating the compensation paid to the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Meers, the Committee evaluates certain factors. The Committee, following an analysis of the Company’s overall performance and financial results, establishes Mr. Meer’s overall compensation. Additionally, Mr. Meer’s performance in his position is reviewed in conjunction with his ongoing ability to provide the necessary direction for the Company’s continued growth.

 

55



 

Employment Agreements

 

The Company entered into an employment agreement with Robert Meers, effective as of March 11, 2002 (the “Meers Employment Agreement”) as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.  The Meers Employment Agreement provides for the services of the Executive for a period of three (3) years at a minimum base salary of not less than Four Hundred Seventy Five Thousand Dollars ($475,000) annually. The Executive is eligible to receive a percentage of Base Salary as an annual incentive bonus based on the Company’s actual EBITDA with respect to each such fiscal year compared with the Company’s EBITDA for such fiscal year as projected by the Board, prior to such year’s commencement.

 

The Company entered into an employment agreement with Gregory W. Hunt, effective as of June 1, 2001 (the “Hunt Employment Agreement”) as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company.  The Hunt Employment Agreement provides for the services of the Executive for a period of three (3) years at a minimum base salary of not less than Three Hundred Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($325,000) annually and a guaranteed bonus of $100,000 for the period ended December 31, 2001 was paid.  The Executive is eligible to receive future annual performance bonuses based on the Company’s actual EBITDA with respect to each such fiscal year compared with the Company’s EBITDA for such fiscal year as projected by the Board, prior to such year’s commencement or at the discretion of the Compensation Committee.

 

The Company entered into an employment agreement (the “Kanter Employment Agreement”) with Alan R. Kanter, Vice President of Sales of the Company, as of August 16, 1991 (amended effective as of July 27, 1996, January 31, 1997, and January 1, 2002). The agreement with Mr. Kanter, as amended, provides that unless otherwise terminated by the Company as provided in the Kanter Employment Agreement, his term of full-time employment would continue until the third anniversary of receipt of a notice of termination given by the Company to the executive or by such executive to the Company. The Company may, at its discretion, but without any obligation, increase Mr. Kanter’s base salary during the term of full-time employment. Once the base salary shall have been increased, it shall not thereafter be decreased without his written consent. The Kanter Employment Agreement obligates Mr. Kanter to provide certain advisory services to the Company following the term of his full-time employment (the “Advisory Period”) and provides for Mr. Kanter to receive annual compensation during the Advisory Period in an amount equal to not less than 25% of his base salary during the final year of his full-time employment. The period during which Mr. Kanter has agreed to provide advisory services to the Company (and to be bound by a non-competition agreement) following the term of his full-time employment will be the three years with such advisory period and the coextensive non-competition covenant being subject to termination at the election of the Company on six months prior notice to the executive. The Kanter Employment Agreement, as amended provides for annual retirement benefit payments to Mr. Kanter or his surviving spouse equal to the greater of Seventy Five Thousand Dollars ($75,000.) or 2% of his average total compensation (i.e. base salary and bonus compensation) in the three years prior to reaching age sixty-five or termination of his employment, whichever occurs later, multiplied by the number of years of service to the Company.  Mr. Kanter’s current base salary is $415,000 per annum.

 

The employment agreement with Mr. Kanter, as amended, provides for retirement benefit payments determined and payable in accordance with the agreement.. The following table shows the estimated annual benefits payable to Mr. Kanter upon retirement based upon various compensation levels and years of service.

 

PENSION PLAN TABLE

 

 

 

Years of Service

 

REMUNERATION

 

15

 

20

 

400,000

 

 

120,000

 

160,000

 

500,000

 

 

150,000

 

200,000

 

600,000

 

 

180,000

 

240,000

 

 

56



 

Mr. Kanter has completed 17 years of credited service. Retirement benefits under the employment agreements are computed on the basis of a straight-life annuity and are not reduced by the benefits received under Social Security, but would be reduced by any benefits received under any Company funded pension plan that hereafter may be adopted.

 

The Company entered into an employment agreement with Melvin L. Levine Vice President of Purchasing, (the “Levine Employment Agreement”) as of August 16, 1991 (amended effective as of May 11, 1995, January 31, 1997 April 16,1997, April 11, 2002, and June 12, 2003). The Levine Employment Agreement, as amended, is similar to the Kanter Employment agreement, as amended. On April 16, 2003, Mr. Levine’s term of full time employment ended and a fixed three year term of advisory services began. Mr. Levine receives an annual retirement benefit of $147,809 and is compensated $103,750 per annum for advisory services pursuant to his agreement. As of June 12, 2003, the Agreement with Mr. Levine was further amended to provide for an expansion of Mr. Levine’s duties during the Advisory Period, specifically through June 11, 2004. Such additional duties included the responsibility for certain Special Projects.  Mr. Levine was to be compensated an additional $100,000 per annum during such Special Projects Period. As of December 1, 2003, Mr. Levine informed the Company that pursuant to the Amendment, he would no longer be engaging in the Special Projects and the additional payments ceased.

 

Faye A. Florence and the Company entered into a Retirement Benefit Agreement effective July 27, 1996 that provides, inter alia, for the payment at age 65 or upon termination of such officer’s employment, whichever is later, of an annual retirement benefit to such officer equal to one-half of one percent of her average annual compensation (base salary plus bonus compensation) for the three fiscal years ended immediately prior to the date on which such officer ceases to be a full time employee of the Company multiplied by the number of years of such officer’s service to the Company. The minimum annual retirement benefit for Ms. Florence will be $75,000.

 

Effective October 22, 2003, Leonard Florence resigned as Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors. Mr. Florence, who founded Syratech in 1986, stepped down as Chief Executive Officer on March 11, 2002. Under the terms of an agreement related to the resignation (i) Mr. Florence resigned as an officer and director of the Company and its subsidiaries and was released from his obligation to provide advisory services to the Company; (ii) the Company paid Mr. Florence $750,000 and also $25,000 of his legal expense, and is obligated to pay Mr. Florence an additional $200,000 in January 2005; (iii) the Company was relieved of its obligation to provide medical benefits following January 22, 2004 and (iv) the Company agreed to reimburse certain secretarial and office costs through April 16, 2005.

 

57



 

ITEM 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

 

The following table sets forth certain information as of January 15, 2004 concerning the beneficial ownership of Syratech Common Stock (i) by each stockholder who is known by the Company to own beneficially in excess of 5% of the outstanding Common Stock, (ii) by each director, and (iii) by each executive officer named in the Summary Compensation Table under “Executive Compensation” and (iv) by all executive officers and directors as a group.  Except as otherwise indicated, all persons listed below have (i) sole voting power and investment power with respect to their shares of Common Stock, except to the extent that authority is shared by spouses under applicable law, and (ii) record and beneficial ownership with respect to their shares of Common Stock.

 

Name

 

Shares of
Common Stock
Beneficially
Owned

 

Percentage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert Meers

 

0

 

 

Melvin L. Levine

 

44,256

 

1.2

%

Alan R. Kanter

 

51,356

 

1.4

%

Gregory W. Hunt

 

0

 

 

David V. Harkins (a)

 

2,210,788

 

58.4

%

Scott A. Schoen (a)

 

2,205,936

 

58.3

%

Thomas M. Hagerty (a)

 

2,204,316

 

58.3

%

George R. Taylor (a)

 

2,196,216

 

58.0

%

Kent R. Weldon (a)

 

2,197,431

 

58.1

%

Thomas H. Lee Company Affiliates (b)

 

2,267,671

 

59.9

%

Officers and Directors as a group (10 persons)

 

2,328,962

 

61.5

%

Leonard Florence (c)

 

362,850

 

9.6

%

CMS Companies Inc. Affiliates (d)

 

255,678

 

6.8

%

 

 


* Less then 1% of the issued and outstanding Syratech Common Stock.

 

 (a)  The business address of this stockholder is c/o Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., 100 Federal Street, 35th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. Includes an aggregate of 2,196,216 shares of common stock owned by Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund III, L.P., Thomas H. Lee Foreign Fund III, L.P. and Thomas H. Lee Investors L.P. which may be deemed to be beneficially owned by Messrs. Harkins, Hagerty, Schoen, Weldon and Taylor, officers of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. Each of such persons disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares.

 

(b)  THL Equity Advisors III Limited Partnership (“Advisors”), the general partner of Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund III, L.P. and Thomas H. Lee Foreign Fund III, L.P., THL Equity Trust III (“Equity Trust”), the general partner of Advisors, Thomas H. Lee, Messrs. Harkins, Hagerty, Schoen and Weldon and other managing directors of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. may be deemed to be beneficial owners of the shares of Syratech Common Stock held by such funds. Each of such persons maintains a principal business address at 100 Federal Street, 35th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. Each of such persons disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares.

 

(c)  The business address for Leonard Florence is c/o Leonard Florence Group, LLC. 300 First Ave. Needham, Massachusetts, 02494.

 

(d)  All such voting securities are owned by CMS Business Spectrum Fund L.P., CMS Co-Investment Subpartners, CMS Mid-Atlantic Business Opportunity Partners, L.P., and CMS diversified Partners. Each of such persons

 

58



 

maintains a principal business address c/o CMS Companies, Inc. 1926 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1484.

 

ITEM 13.   Certain Relationships And Related Transactions

 

In connection with the Merger, the Company entered into a management agreement with the Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. for which the Company pays an annual management fee in the amount of $450,000.

 

A to Z Event Sales (“A to Z”) purchased from the Company merchandise in the amount of approximately $56,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003 at terms and prices consistent with those offered to comparable customers.  Robert Meers, President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Company has been a director of A to Z since 2003 and indirectly owns 26.7% of A to Z.  Michael Meers, Vice President of Operations of A to Z is the son of Robert Meers.

 

ITEM 14.   Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

The following is a summary of the fees billed to us by Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”) for professional services rendered for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002:

 

 

Fee Category

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audit Fees

 

$

355,000

 

$

412,392

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

24,000

 

24,550

 

Tax Fees

 

48,060

 

395,036

 

All Other Fees

 

34,550

 

27,140

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Fees

 

$

461,610

 

$

859,118

 

 

 

Audit Fees.    Consists of aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and review of the interim consolidated financial statements, including quarterly reports and services that are normally provided by Deloitte in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

 

Audit-Related Fees.    Consists of aggregate fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees.” In fiscal 2003, these services included benefit plan audits, consultation on accounting standards or transactions, statutory audits. In fiscal 2002, these services included plan audits, consultation on accounting standards or transactions, statutory audits.

 

Tax Fees.    Consists of aggregate fees billed for professional services for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. These services included assistance regarding federal, state and international tax compliance, and international tax planning.

 

All Other Fees.    The fees relate to consulting relative to 401 (K) plans and advisory services related to Sarbanes- Oxley 404 implementation.

 

The Audit Committee considers whether the provision of these services is compatible with maintaining the auditor’s independence, and has determined such services for fiscal 2003 and 2002 were compatible.

 

59



 

Audit Committee Policy on Pre-Approval of Services of Independent Auditors

 

The Audit Committee’s policy is to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent auditors. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. Pre-approval is generally provided for up to one year. The Audit Committee may also pre-approve particular services on a case-by-case basis.

 

60



 

PART IV

 

ITEM 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules And Reports On Form 8—K

 

(a)                         Exhibits:

 

2.1

 

Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger dated November 27, 1996, effective as of October 23, 1996 between Syratech and THL Transaction I Corp. and the Amendment, dated February 14, 1997 to the Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2.1 to Form S-4 Registration Statement No. 333-16917.

3.1

 

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Syratech. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to Form S-1 Registration Statement No.  33-41619.

3.2

 

Syratech Corporation Certificate of Designations in respect of Series A Preferred Stock dated October 26, 1992. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.2 to Form S-4 Registration Statement No. 333-16917.

3.3

 

Bylaws of Syratech. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.2 to Form S-1 Registration Statement No. 33-41619.

3.4

 

Amendment to Section 2.9 of the Bylaws of Syratech, effective August 15, 1991. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.3 to Form S-1 Registration Statement No. 33-41619.

3.5

 

Certificate of Ownership and Merger of WSC Liquidating, Inc. by and into Syratech Corporation dated May 9, 1996. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.5 to Form S-4 Registration Statement No. 333-16917.

3.6

 

Specimen Common Stock Certificate. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit  4.1 to Form 10-K of Syratech for the year ended December 31, 1993.

10.1

 

Form of Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of April 16, 1997 between Leonard Florence and the Company. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to Form S-4 Registration Statement No.  333-16917.

10.1.1

 

Amendment No. 1 dated July 29, 1998 to Employment Agreement dated as of April 16, 1997 between Leonard Florence and the Company.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 from 10-Q dated June 30, 1998.

10.2

 

Employment Agreement dated August 16, 1991 between E. Merle Randolph and the Company. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.17 to Form S-1 Registration Statement No. 33-41619.

10.3

 

Employment Agreement dated August 16, 1991, between Melvin L. Levine and the Company. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.18 to Form S-1 Registration Statement No. 33-41619.

10.4

 

Employment Agreement dated August 16, 1991 between Alan R. Kanter and the Company. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.19 to Form S-1 Registration Statement No. 33-41619.

10.5

 

Amendment No. 1 dated as of July 27, 1996 to Employment Agreement dated as of August 16, 1991 between E. Merle Randolph and the Company.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.5 to Form S-4 Registration Statement No. 333-16917.

10.6

 

Amendment No. 1 dated as of May 11, 1995 to Employment Agreement dated as of August 16, 1991 between Melvin L. Levine and the Company.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.8 to Form 10-K for Syratech for the year ended December 31, 1995.

10.7

 

Amendment No. 1 dated as of July 27, 1996 to Employment Agreement dated as of August 16, 1991 between Alan R. Kanter and the Company.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.7 to Form S-4 Registration Statement No. 333-16917.

10.8

 

Retirement Benefit Agreement dated as of July 27, 1996 between Faye A. Florence

 

61



 

 

 

and the Company. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.8 to Form S-4 Registration Statement No. 333-16917.

10.9

 

Amendment No. 2, dated as of January 31, 1997, effective as of December 31, 1996, to Employment Agreement dated as of August 16, 1991 between E. Merle Randolph and the Company. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.9 to Form S-4 Registration Statement No. 333-16917.

10.10

 

Amendment No. 2, dated as of January 31, 1997, effective as of December 31, 1996, to Employment Agreement dated as of August 16, 1991 between Melvin L. Levine and the Company. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.10 to Form S-4 Registration Statement No. 333-16917.

10.11

 

Amendment No. 2 dated January 31, 1997 effective as of December 31, 1996, to Employment Agreement dated as of August 16, 1991 between Alan R. Kanter and the Company. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.11 to Form S-4 Registration Statement No. 333-16917.

10.12

 

Agreement dated December 31, 1996 by and between the Company, THL I Transaction Corp., Leonard Florence and Melvin L. Levine. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.12 to Form S-4 Registration Statement No.  333-16917.

10.13

 

Agreement dated December 31, 1996 by and between the Company, THL I Transaction Corp., Leonard Florence and E. Merle Randolph. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.13 to Form S-4 Registration Statement No.  333-16917.

10.14

 

Agreement dated December 31, 1996 by and between the Company, THL I Transaction Corp., Leonard Florence and Alan R. Kanter. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.14 to Form S-4 Registration Statement No. 333-16917.

10.15

 

Asset Purchase Agreement dated February 2, 1996 by and between Farberware Inc., the Company, Lifetime Hoan Corporation and Far-B Acquisition Corp., Inc. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 1 to Form 8-K dated April 16, 1996.

10.16

 

Settlement Agreement dated February 3, 1997 by and among Bruckner Manufacturing Corp. (formerly Farberware Inc.), U.S. Industries, Inc., Farberware Inc. (formerly Far-B Acquisition Corp.) and Lifetime Hoan Corporation. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.16 to Form S-4 Registration Statement No. 333-16917.

10.17

 

Agreement dated as of December 7, 1995 among the Company, SYR Acquisition Inc. and Rauch Industries, Inc. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 1 to Form 8-K of the Company dated December 7, 1995.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.17 to Form S-4 Registration Statement No. 333-16917.

10.18

 

Amended and Restated Line of Credit Agreement among Wallace International de Puerto Rico, Inc., International Silver de Puerto Rico, Inc. and Banco Popular de Puerto Rico dated October 15, 1996.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.18 to Form S-4 Registration Statement No. 333-16917.

10.19

 

Agreement, dated as of February 2, 1996, by and among the Company, Lifetime Hoan Corporation and Far-B Acquisition Corp. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.19 to Form S-4 Registration Statement No.  333-16917.

 

 

 

10.20

 

Agreement, dated as of May 3, 1996, by and among the Company, Farberware Inc. and Meyer Manufacturing Co. Ltd. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.20 to Form S-4 Registration Statement No. 333-16917.

 

 

 

10.21

 

License Agreement, dated as of July 12, 1996, by and between Farberware Inc. and Service Merchandise Company, Inc. (redacted to omit

 

62



 

 

 

certain royalty information). Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.21 to Form S-4 Registration Statement No. 333-16917.

10.22

 

Agreement, dated as of October 16, 1996, among Farberware Inc., Service Merchandise Company, Inc. and Windmere-Durable Holdings, Inc. (amending Item 10.21). Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.22 to Form S-4 Registration Statement No. 333-16917.

10.23

 

Commitment Letter between Banco Popular de Puerto Rico and Wallace International de PR, Inc. dated May 1, 1997. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10-1 to Form 10-Q dated August 13, 1997.

10.24

 

Letter Agreement between Banco Popular de Puerto Rico and Wallace International de PR, Inc. dated May 12, 1997. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10-2 to Form 10-Q dated August 13, 1997.

10.25

 

Amendment No. 1, dated as of July 31, 1997, to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of April 16, 1997. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10-1 to Form 10-Q dated November 12, 1997.

10.26

 

Amendment No. 2, dated as of December 31, 1997, to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of April 16, 1997.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.26 from 10-K dated March 31, 1998

10.27

 

Amendment No. 3 dated as of January 26, 1998 to Employment Agreement dated as of August 16, 1991 between E. Merle Randolph and the Company.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.27 from 10-K dated March 31, 1998.

10.28

 

Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of January 28, 1998 by and among The Claremont Company, Inc. and Faye A. Florence, Leonard Florence and E. Merle Randolph, Trustees of 175 Amlegion Realty Trust.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.28 from 10-K dated March 31, 1998.

10.29

 

Escrow Agreement dated January 28, 1998 by and among Faye A. Florence, Leonard Florence and E. Merle Randolph, Trustees of 175 Amlegion Realty Trust and The Claremont Company and Hutchins, Wheeler & Dittmar, A Professional Corporation.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.29 From 10-K dated March 31, 1998.

10.30

 

Agreement between Rauch Industries, Inc. and Guy Yocom Construction, Inc., dated July 31, 1997.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.30 from 10-K dated March 31, 1998.

10.31

 

Agreement between Rauch Industries, Inc. and C.A.S. Construction Inc., dated August 25, 1997.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.31 from 10-K dated March 31, 1998.

10.32

 

Varco-Pruden Purchase Order dated June 16, 1997.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.32 from 10-K dated March 31, 1998.

10.33

 

Amendment No. 3, dated as of March 30, 1998, to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of April 16, 1997.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.33 from 10-K dated March 31, 1998.

10.34

 

Amendment No. 4, dated as of March 26, 1999, to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of April 16, 1997.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.34 from 10-K dated March 31, 1999.

10.35

 

Advice of Borrowing Terms between C. J. Vander Ltd. And Nat West Bank P.L.C., dated March 19, 1999.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.35 from 10-K dated March 31, 1999.

10.36

 

Advice of Borrowing Terms between C. J. Vander Ltd. And Nat West Bank P.L.C., dated August 5, 1999. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 from 10-Q dated June 30, 1999.

10.37

 

Letter Agreement between Banco Popular and Wallace International de Puerto Rico, Inc. dated June 1, 1999. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 from 10-Q dated June 30, 1999.

10.38

 

Employment Agreement dated as of July 8, 1999 between Ami A. Trauber and the Company. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 from 10-Q dated June 30, 1999.

10.39

 

Lyme Properties LLC. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 from 10-Q dated September 30, 1999.

 

63



 

10.40

 

Advice of Borrowing Terms between C.J. Vander Ltd/International Silver Company Ltd and Nat West P.L.C., dated March 10, 2000.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.40 from 10-K dated December 31, 1999.

10.41

 

Letter Agreement dated as of December 31, 1998 between Farberware Inc. Excel Importing Corp. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.36 from 10-K dated March 31, 1999.

10.42

 

Report on Form 15 Certification and Notice of Termination of Registration under Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or Suspension of Duty to File Reports under Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed on December 7, 1998. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.37 from 10-K dated March 31, 1999.

10.43

 

Letter Agreement between Banco Popular and Wallace International de Puerto Rico, Inc. dated July 31, 2000.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10 to Form 10-Q dated June 30, 2000.

10.44

 

Advice of Borrowing Terms between C. J. Vander Ltd. and Nat West Bank P.L.C., dated August 23, 2000.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q dated September 30, 2000.

10.45

 

Letter Agreement dated August 24, 2000 between Syratech Corporation and affiliates and Bank of America, N.A. administrative agent for lenders under Loan and Security Agreement.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q dated September 30, 2000.

10.46

 

Amendment No. 5 dated as of March 26, 2001, to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of April 16, 1997.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.46 from Form 10-K dated March 30, 2001.

10.47

 

Advice of Borrowing Terms between C. J. Vander Ltd/International Silver Company Ltd and Nat West P.L.C., dated March 20, 2001.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 from Form 10-Q dated March 31, 2001.

10.48

 

Promissory Note For $10,000,000 dated April 2, 2001 between ML Distribution Center LLC and SunAmerica Life Insurance company.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 from Form 10-Q dated March 31, 2001.

10.49

 

Letter Agreement between Banco Popular and Wallace International de Puerto Rico, Inc. dated August 2, 2001.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 from Form 10-Q dated June 30, 2001.

10.50

 

Amendment No. 6 dated as of August 13, 2001, to Loan and Security Agreement, dated April 16, 1997.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 from Form 10-Q dated June 30, 2001.

10.51

 

Advice of Borrowing Terms between C. J. Vander Ltd/International Silver Company Ltd and Nat West P.L.C., dated September 28, 2001. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 from Form 10-Q dated September 30, 2001.

10.52

 

Employment And Non-Competition Agreement dated February 27, 2002 between Robert Meers and the Company.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.52 from 10-K dated December 31, 2001.

10.53

 

Amendment No. 2 To Amended And Restated Employment Agreement dated as of April 16, 1997 between Leonard Florence and the Company.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.53 from 10-K dated December 31, 2001.

10.54

 

Amendment No. 7 And Consent dated March 22, 2002 to Loan And Security Agreement dated as of April 16, 1997.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.54 from 10-K dated December 31, 2001.

10.55

 

Acquisition Agreement dated December 31, 2001 between Farberware Inc. and the Company.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.55 from 10K dated December 31, 2001.

10.56

 

Employment Agreement dated June 1, 2001 between Gregory Hunt and the Company.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.56 from 10-K dated December 31, 2001.

10.57

 

Amendment No. 4 dated as of February 22, 2001 to Employment Agreement dated as of August 16, 1991 between E. Merle Randolph and the Company.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.57 from 10-K dated December 31, 2001.

10.58

 

Advice of Borrowing Terms between C. J. Vander Ltd/International Silver Company Ltd and Nat West P.L.C., dated as of April 1, 2002.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 from Form 10-Q dated March 31, 2002.

10.59

 

Amendment No. 4 dated as of April 11, 2002 to Employment Agreement dated as of August 16, 1991, between Melvin L. Levine and the Company.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 from Form 10-Q dated March 31, 2002.

10.60

 

Letter Agreement between Banco Popular and Wallace International de Puerto Rico, Inc. dated April 30, 2002.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 from Form 10-Q dated March 31, 2002.

10.61

 

Amendment No. 3 dated as of January 1, 2002 to Employment Agreement dated as of August 16, 1991,

 

64



 

 

 

between Alan R. Kanter and the Company.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 from Form 10-Q dated June 30, 2002.

10.62

 

Syratech Corporation 2002 Stock Incentive Plan.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 from Form 10-Q dated June 30, 2002.

10.63

 

Amendment No. 8 and Waiver dated as of November 12, 2002, to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of April 16, 1997.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 from Form 10-Q dated September 30, 2002.

10.64

 

Amendment No. 9 dated as of December 18, 2002 to Loan and Security Agreements, dated April 16, 1997.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99-1 from Form 8K dated December 18, 2002.

10.65

 

Purchase and Sales Agreement dated December 13, 2002 between ML Distribution Center, IDI, Inc., and Syratech Corporation.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.1 to 8K dated January 15, 2003.

10.66

 

First Amendment to Purchase and Sales Agreement dated December 18, 2002 between ML Distribution Center, IDI, Inc., and Syratech Corporation.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.2 to 8K dated January 15, 2003.

10.67

 

First Amendment to Purchase and Sales Agreement dated December 18, 2002 between ML Distribution Center, IDI, Inc., and Syratech Corporation.  Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.3 to 8K dated January 15, 2003.

10.68

 

Mira Loma Industrial Lease Agreement between 11640 Harrell and Syratech dated January 15, 2003. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.68 to 10-K dated December 31, 2002.

10.69

 

Amendment 10, Consent and Waiver dated March 14, 2003 to Loan and Security Agreement dated April 16, 1997. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.69 to 10-K dated December 31, 2002.

10.70

 

Share Sale Agreement dated March 21, 2003 relating to the sale of C J Vander between Syratech and HLW Limited. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.70 to 10-K dated December 31, 2002.

10.71

 

Letter Agreement between Banco Popular and Wallace International de Puerto Rico, Inc. dated May 14, 2003. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to 10-Q dated March 31, 2003.

10.72

 

License Agreement dated as of April 16, 2003 by and between V.E.W. LTD and Syratech Corporation. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to 10-Q dated March 31, 2003.

10.73

 

Agreement dated October 22, 2003 between Leonard Florence and the Company. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to 10-Q dated September 30, 2003.

10.74

 

Amendment No. 11 dated as of March 5, 2004 to Loan and Security Agreements, dated April 16, 1997.

10.75

 

Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of March 25, 2004 between Syratech Corporation, Bank of America N.A. and Congress Financial Corporation (Southwest).

10.76

 

Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of November 26, 2003, by and between Leonard Florence Associates, Inc., Berkeley Investments, Inc., and Syratech Corporation.

10.77

 

Lease dated December 18, 2003, by and between 175 McClellan Highway LLC and Syratech Corporation.

10.78

 

First Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of December 11, 2003, by and among Leonard Florence Associates, Inc., 175 McClellan Highway LLC, and Syratech Corporation.

 

 

 

12

 

Computation of ratio of earnings before fixed charges to fixed charges.

22

 

List of Subsidiaries.

31.1

 

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2

 

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1

 

Certification Pursuant to18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2

 

Certification Pursuant to18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

(b)                Financial Statement Schedule:

 

Schedule II:  Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

 

65



 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) the Securities Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Boston, State of Massachusetts, on the 30th day of March, 2004.

 

 

SYRATECH CORPORATION

 

 

 

By:

/s/    Gregory W. Hunt

 

Gregory W. Hunt

 

 

Senior Vice President,

 

 

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated below.

 

SIGNATURE

 

TITLE

 

DATE

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Robert Meers

 

 

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

 

March 30, 2004

Robert Meers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Gregory W. Hunt

 

 

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and

 

March 30, 2004

Gregory W. Hunt

 

Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer);

 

 

 

 

Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Thomas M. Hagerty

 

 

Director

 

March 30, 2004

Thomas M. Hagerty

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ David V. Harkins

 

 

Director

 

March 30, 2004

David V. Harkins

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Alan R. Kanter

 

 

Director

 

March 30, 2004

Alan R. Kanter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Melvin L. Levine

 

 

Director

 

March 30, 2004

Melvin L. Levine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Scott A. Schoen

 

 

Director

 

March 30, 2004

Scott A. Schoen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Kent R. Weldon

 

 

Director

 

March 30, 2004

Kent R. Weldon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ George R. Taylor

 

 

Director

 

March 30, 2004

George R. Taylor

 

 

 

 

 

66



 

SCHEDULE II

 

SYRATECH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

(IN THOUSANDS)

 

 

 

 

 

Column C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Column B

 

(1)

 

(2)

 

 

 

Column E

 

Column A

 

Beginning of

 

Costs and

 

Charged to

 

Column D

 

End of

 

Description

 

Period

 

Expenses

 

Other Accts.

 

Deductions

 

Period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

$

1,744

 

$

611

 

 

 

$

(904

)

$

1,451

 

Sales returns and allowances

 

7,661

 

8,431

 

 

 

(7,486

)

8,606

 

 

 

$

9,405

 

$

9,042

 

$

 

$

(8,390

)

$

10,057

 

Year Ended December 31, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

$

1,995

 

$

820

 

 

 

$

(1,071

)(a)

$

1,744

 

Sales returns and allowances

 

8,636

 

11,514

 

 

 

(12,489

)(b)

7,661

 

 

 

$

10,631

 

$

12,334

 

$

 

$

(13,560

)

$

9,405

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

$

1,406

 

$

1,010

 

 

 

$

(421

)(a)

$

1,995

 

Sales returns and allowances

 

9,149

 

9,393

 

 

 

(9,906

)(b)

8,636

 

 

 

$

10,555

 

$

10,403

 

$

 

$

(10,327

)

$

10,631

 

 


(a) Doubtful accounts written off

 

(b) Sales returns and other

 

67