Item 1. Business.
General
Phoenix Footwear Group specializes in quality comfort women’s and men’s footwear. We design, develop, market and sell footwear in a wide range of sizes and widths under the brands Trotters®, SoftWalk®, and H.S. Trask®. We have been engaged in the manufacture or importation and sale of quality footwear since 1882.
Prior to 1999, we manufactured and sold men’s and women’s slippers. From the fall of 1999 through 2005, we grew our Company through a series of acquisitions. Those acquisitions included: Penobscot Shoe Company and its women’s footwear brands Trotters and SoftWalk; and the men’s footwear brand, H.S. Trask & Co. Other acquisitions and subsequent divestitures during this time period included: Royal Robbins, an apparel brand company; Altama Delta Corporation, a military boot manufacturer and wholesaler; Chambers Belt Company, a leather belt and accessories company which held Wrangler licenses; and Paradise Shoe Company, which held the Tommy Bahama® footwear and accessories license.
Key Developments and Business Initiatives
During fiscal 2009, we focused on stabilizing our core footwear business and its supply chain, reducing and refinancing our debt, improving our working capital position and restructuring the organization to be more efficient and cost effective. The following significant events took place during fiscal 2009:
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in February 2009, we exited the Tommy Bahama business and subsequently liquidated its working capital;
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in the February and March 2009, we restructured and reduced the size of our business operations;
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in July 2009, we exited our Chambers belt and accessories business and subsequently liquidated its working capital;
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in November 2009, the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 was enacted, which allowed us in December 2009 to apply for a refund with the Internal Revenue Service of $2.0 million; and
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in December 2009, we entered into a two year, $4.5 million revolving credit facility with First Community Financial, a division of Pacific Western Bank (“First Community Financial”).
During fiscal 2010, we focused on growing our customers’ base of independent and retail accounts, securing increases in our future orders, further reducing our cost structure and securing a substantially larger credit facility to fund our working capital and inventory needs. The following significant events took place during fiscal 2010:
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in January 2010, we received the $2.0 million refund from the Internal Revenue Service;
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on April 29, 2010, we entered into a Promissory Note with First Community Financial pursuant to which we borrowed $800,000 under a term loan facility;
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on November 3, 2010, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with Gibraltar Business Capital, LLC and Westran Industrial Loan Co., LLC for a three-year revolving credit facility and a three-year term loan for a total credit facility of $5.75 million;
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On December 21, 2010, we filed with the SEC a definitive proxy statement seeking stockholder approval for a reverse and forward stock split that would reduce our number of record holders to below 300 persons, and allow us to deregister our common stock under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as a result thereof, terminate our periodic reporting obligations with the SEC. This was part of our restructuring and cost reduction strategy and is expected to permit us to forgo many of the expenses associated with operating as a public company, including the substantial costs associated with the compliance and auditing requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The stock split was approved by our stockholders on January 28, 2011 (please refer to the discussion below for details); and
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on December 28, 2010, we entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Canada Shoe (1998) Corp. (“Canada Shoe Corp”) for the importation and distribution of our Trotters and SoftWalk brands in Canada. As a result, we intend to dissolve our Canadian subsidiary during fiscal 2011. For consolidated financial statement reporting purposes, commencing with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, we began reporting our Canadian subsidiary as discontinued operations.
In addition, the following significant events took place since the beginning of the first quarter of fiscal 2011:
Reverse/Forward Stock Split and Voluntary Delisting from NYSE Amex
On January 28, 2011, our shareholders approved two amendments to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation (the “Amendments”) to effect a 1-for-200 reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”) of the Company’s common stock, to be immediately followed by a 200-for-1 forward stock split of the common stock (the “Forward Stock Split” and together with the Reverse Stock Split, the “Reverse/Forward Stock Split”). As a result, our registered shareholders owning fewer than 200 shares of common stock of record prior to the Reverse Stock Split had their pre-split shares cancelled and converted into the right to receive cash consideration of $0.75 per pre-split share. The Reverse/Forward Stock Split was effective following the close of business on January 31, 2011. The purpose of the Reverse/Forward Stock Split was to allow us to suspend our SEC reporting obligations by reducing the number of stockholders of record to fewer than 300.
Effective as of March 10, 2011, we voluntarily delisted our common stock from the NYSE Amex Stock Market. Our common stock subsequently began trading on the over-the-counter and being quoted by the OTC Link, an electronic quotation system operated by OTC Markets Group Inc. that displays quotes from broker dealers for many over-the-counter (OTC) securities, under the symbol “PXFG.PK.”
Subsequent to the filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K , we intend to file a Form 15 with the Securities and Exchange Commission to deregister our common stock and suspend our duty to file reports with the SEC under Sections 12(g) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our duty to file periodic reports, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K, ceases immediately upon filing the Form 15. Deregistration of our shares will be effective 90 days after the filing of the Form 15. Although we will no longer file reports with the SEC or be subject to NYSE Amex rules for the foreseeable future once the delisting and deregistration of our common stock is effective, we intend to continue making information available to stockholders and to observe corporate governance practice as may be required to maintain quotations in the OTC Link.
Other Events
We decided to pursue the sale of the H.S. Trask brand in light of our decision to focus our efforts and resources on our two primary brands, Trotters and SoftWalk. We are currently in the process of working with several interested parties and it is our intent to complete the sale in fiscal 2011; however it is uncertain if such a transaction will materialize.
Although we are encouraged by the progress we have made and expect to benefit from our restructuring and cost reduction initiatives, we cannot provide any assurance that we will realize the net benefits or proceeds we anticipate from these actions, that we will be able to significantly reduce or eliminate our debt or that we will return to profitability or achieve positive cash flow from operations.
Business Overview
Trotters and SoftWalk represent our two core brands, which make up our women’s footwear business. These products are designed for fit, quality and value for the consumer. We specialize in comfort footwear and manufacture each style in a large range of sizes and widths to ensure proper fit. We maintain an “open stock” inventory, which provides our customers the ability to replenish their inventory at retail and support special consumer orders.
In addition to these brands, we own H.S. Trask. This men’s brand is positioned to appeal to the “Authentic Western Heritage” consumer. We utilize America’s original leathers, including bison and elk, and emphasize quality and fit. We are currently pursuing the sale of the H.S. Trask brand in light of our decision to focus our efforts and resources on our two primary brands, Trotters and SoftWalk.
We plan to seek growth for our business by increasing the number of retail outlets carrying our products, improving our product offerings and focusing on what we believe to be our core strengths. These strengths include:
Product Development. We have a team of talented development specialists who are able to commercialize product designs and procure quality footwear that adheres to our fit, quality and constructions standards. They closely manage the production and quality processes with our independent manufacturers in China to ensure timely delivery of goods to the marketplace.
Providing Value in the Moderate Priced Footwear Market. Designed and developed with technical fitting features, our footwear provides value in the moderate priced market and allows our retail customers to generate reasonable gross profit margins. Our footwear brands are sold through department stores, leading specialty and independent retail stores, mail order catalogues, and internet retailers. We also operate our own direct to consumer internet retail business for all three brands.
Customer Relationships. We support our retail customers by maintaining limited in-stock inventory for selected styles, which minimizes the time necessary to fill “in season” inventory replenishment and customer special orders. In addition, we provide our customers with brand specific sales forces, EDI capability, advertising support and point-of-sale displays. We continually strive to strengthen our customer relationships by interpreting their product requests into our design and product offerings for their specific category needs.
Product Lines
Our products emphasize quality, fit and comfort with classic styling. These products compete predominately in the moderate-priced categories of the market.
Trotters. Competing primarily in the traditional women’s dress, tailored and casual classifications, Trotters provides retail price points from $69 to $99. The broad selection of sizes and widths for this brand fills an important need for our customers by emphasizing quality and fit with the continuity of style from season to season.
SoftWalk. SoftWalk competes in the women’s comfort footwear segment at moderate retail price points from $79 to $129. Utilizing its patented foot bed that fundamentally differentiates SoftWalk from its competitors, we believe SoftWalk’s consumer acceptance and popularity is attributable to its unique combination of comfort and contemporary styling. By molding multiple layers of high density materials together, our patented “egg-crate” technology allows for an insole construction that creates raised cushioning elements of a height, size and spacing so as to be self-adjusting to the foot. These elements combine to create a shoe that provide ultimate comfort and supports the foot similar to a mattress. Our patented foot bed technology provides the consumer with exceptional comfort without compromising style and is utilized in all of our SoftWalk products.
H.S. Trask. H.S. Trask is a men’s product line emphasizing Western American styling and heritage. We utilize high quality materials reminiscent of America’s original leathers such as bison, cowhide and elk. During fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2008, we invested in the redevelopment of this product line in an effort to leverage the favorable product positioning and western lifestyle image of the brand. During 2009 and 2010 we were not able to execute against this plan for growth due to the severe national recession and our working capital constraints. During fiscal 2011 we started pursuing the sale of the H.S. Task brand in light of our decision to focus our efforts and resources on our two primary brands, Trotters and SoftWalk.
During 2009 and 2010, we had one reportable segment consisting of our continuing operations of Trotters, SoftWalk and H.S. Trask.
Product Design and Development
Our footwear product lines are primarily developed by our own designers. They interpret footwear trends, actively seek out retailer feedback and monitor major American markets in order to research and confirm such trends. The designers present concept styles that maintain each brand’s distinct personality from which samples are refined and produced. After the samples are evaluated, lines are modified further for presentation at each season’s shoe shows. We incurred product design and development costs of approximately $169,000 and $453,000 during fiscal 2010 and in fiscal 2009, respectively.
Sourcing
Factories. Our footwear is produced by independent contract manufacturers located primarily in China. We do not own or operate any manufacturing facilities. We believe that the use of independent manufacturers increases our production flexibility and capacity while substantially reducing capital expenditures and avoiding the costs of managing a large production work force.
In an effort to ensure continuity of product quality and fit, as well as control of production costs, we use manufacturers that we have previous experience with when possible. We attempt to ensure that no one manufacturer is responsible for a disproportionate amount of our merchandise and allocate production between factories to achieve a balance between quality, cost and capability. We do not have any long-term contracts with any of our manufacturers; however, we have long-standing relationships with many of our manufacturers and believe our relationships to be good.
We monitor sales activity after initial introduction of a product to determine whether there is substantial demand for a style, thereby aiding us in our sourcing decisions. Styles that have substantial consumer appeal are highlighted in upcoming collections or offered as part of our periodic style offerings, while less popular styles can be discontinued after a limited production run. We analyze historical and current sales and market data from our wholesale account base to develop an internal product quantity forecast that allows us to manage our production and inventory levels. For those styles with high sell-through percentages, we maintain an in-stock position to minimize the time necessary to fill customer orders.
Production Oversight. To maintain product quality and consistency, we oversee the key steps of production from manufacturing of initial prototypes to final manufacturing runs. Monitoring of all production is performed by our in-house production team in the U.S., with closer inspection from our staff located in China. We believe this local presence allows us to negotiate supplier and manufacturer arrangements more effectively, decrease product turnaround time, manage quality control and ensure prompt delivery of finished footwear.
Quality Control. Quality control is an important and effective means of maintaining the high standards and reputation of our products. Our staff in China performs multiple inspection procedures at various stages of the production process. These include examining key raw materials prior to manufacture, samples and materials at various stages of production and final products prior to shipment. Our staff is often on site at each of our major manufacturers to oversee production.
Sales and Distribution
Trotters and SoftWalk products are sold by our own dedicated employee sales force that covers the U.S. market. Prior to the end of fiscal 2010, we also sold Trotters and SoftWalk products in Canada through our wholly-owned Canadian subsidiary, which utilized independent sales representatives. Beginning in fiscal 2011, we will conduct business in Canada under an exclusive distribution agreement whereby an independent third party, Canada Shoe Corp, will be the sole importer and distributor of our Trotters and SoftWalk brands in Canada. We sell H.S. Trask products through a combination of contracted key regional independent representatives and sales representative agencies.
During fiscal 2010, our products were carried by approximately 730 customers in over 1,155 retail locations throughout the United States. Our distribution channels include department stores, leading specialty and independent retail stores, mail order catalogues, and internet retailers. We also operate our own direct to consumer internet retail business for all three brands. Ten significant customers represented approximately 52% and 45% of net sales from continuing operations in fiscal 2010 and in fiscal 2009, respectively, including Zappos.com, which comprised approximately 12.6% net sales in fiscal 2010.
Consumer Direct
We believe our e-commerce web sites complement our existing wholesale business by increasing consumer awareness of our brands. Sales through our internet web sites represented approximately 6.0% and 5.0% of our net sales for fiscal 2010 and in fiscal 2009, respectively. The products marketed through our web sites are sold at our suggested retail price, enabling us to maintain the full retail margins on in-line products. Our footwear can be purchased at www.SoftWalkshoes.com; www.trotters.com; and www.hstrask.com.
Marketing and Advertising
We advertise and promote our products through a variety of methods, including point of purchase displays, product packaging, and print advertising and direct to consumer marketing. Additionally, we participate in the major industry tradeshows that are generally well-attended by our retail customers. These shows provide a platform for the unveiling of new products and are an important source of pre-season sales orders. We have not granted restricted or exclusive product sale arrangements.
Seasonality
Our footwear products are sold during two distinct selling seasons, Spring and Fall. We design and develop our new product introductions to coincide with this seasonality trend. Trotters and SoftWalk sales are approximately evenly split between these two seasons, while H.S. Trask is predominantly a Fall line.
Backlog
As of March 25, 2011, our backlog was $8.1 million, compared to $7.0 million as of March 19, 2010. We anticipate the majority of our existing backlog orders will be filled during the first three quarters of fiscal 2011. Backlog orders are subject to cancellation by customers and changes in planned customer demand or at-once orders. The backlog at any one point in time is affected by a number of factors, including seasonality, retail conditions, expected consumer demand, product availability and the schedule for the manufacture and shipment of products. Accordingly, a comparison of backlog at a particular time may not be indicative of future results.
Competition
We face intense competition in the footwear industry from numerous domestic and foreign designers and marketers. Many of our competitors have greater financial, distribution or marketing resources than we do, as well as greater brand recognition. Important elements of competition in the footwear industry include:
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anticipating and responding to changing consumer demands in a timely manner;
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maintaining brand reputation and authenticity;
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developing high quality products that appeal to consumers;
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appropriately pricing products;
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providing strong and effective product marketing support;
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ensuring product availability; and
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maintaining and effectively accessing our distribution channels.
Trotters primarily competes with the Naturalizer®, EasySpirit®, Munro America® and Ros Hommerson® brands, as well as with retailers’ private label footwear. SoftWalk primarily competes with the Sofft®, Born® and ECCO® brands. H.S. Trask primarily competes with the Cole-Haan®, Johnston Murphy® and Allen Edmonds® brands.
We believe that all of our brands are positioned to compete effectively in the footwear industry. By emphasizing traditional style, quality and fit, we believe these product lines will continue to maintain a loyal consumer following that is less susceptible to fluctuations due to changing fashions and changes in consumer preferences.
Trademarks, Patents and Licenses
We regard our proprietary rights as valuable assets and as important to our competitive advantage. Our trademarks which have been registered in the U.S. and a number of foreign countries include Trotters, SoftWalk, and H.S. Trask. Our SoftWalk brand contains a proprietary technology in the foot bed of the shoe, for which we own a patent in the U.S. We vigorously protect our intellectual property against infringement. Our patents expire at various times through August 2020. We cannot be sure, however, that our activities do not, and will not, infringe on the proprietary rights of others.
Employees
As of January 1, 2011, we had 42 employees. None of our employees are unionized or covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
Available Information
We maintain a website at www.phoenixfootwear.com. The information on or available through our website is not, and should not be considered, a part of this report.
You may read and copy any of the materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Also, access to our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports, as well as other reports relating to us that are filed or furnished to the SEC, may be accessed free of charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This annual report on Form 10-K and the SEC filings that are incorporated by reference into this annual report on Form 10-K contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. We intend that these forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created by those sections.
These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to our anticipated financial performance, business prospects, new developments, new merchandising strategies and similar matters, and/or statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “believes,” “could,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “seeks,” or similar expressions. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events, based on the information currently available to us. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, that may affect the operations, performance, development and results of our business. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date stated, or if no date is stated, as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or any other reason except as required under applicable law. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this annual report on Form 10-K may not occur.
Investors should also be aware that while we do, from time to time, communicate with securities analysts, it is against our policy to disclose to them any material non-public information or other confidential commercial information. Accordingly, investors should not assume that we agree with any statement or report issued by any analyst irrespective of the content of the statement or report.
Furthermore, we have a policy against publishing financial forecasts or projections issued by others or confirming financial forecasts, or projections issued by others. Thus, to the extent that reports issued by securities analysts contain any projections, forecasts or opinions, such reports are not the responsibility of the Company.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties.
The general location, use and approximate size of our principal properties are set forth below:
We lease facilities under operating lease agreements expiring through April 2014. Our corporate headquarters is located in Carlsbad, California and consists of approximately 5,195 square feet. The lease expires in April 2014. We believe that our current facilities are adequate for our current and foreseeable future requirements.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
From time to time we are involved with legal proceedings, claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. On February 14, 2011, the Company files suit against Tandy in the Superior Court of the State of Delaware in Newcastle County, seeking recovery of $524,257, representing an underpayment of the earn-out payment due under the Asset Purchase Agreement dated July 9, 2009, based on the results of the audit we performed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. Tandy believes that they overpaid Chambers, and are owed a refund of $609,000 of the $2.6 million in earn-out payment revenue we recognized in fiscal 2010. On April 4, 2011, Tandy filed a claim in Delaware Chancery Court, seeking to stay the Superior Court action, and to compel us to arbitrate under the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement. Tandy has argued that whether the results of the earn-out audit are subject to arbitration is an issue to be determined by an arbitrator. Based on the outcome of the lawsuit, we may have additional earn-out revenue related to the Chambers sale; however, an amount is not estimable at this time.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Effective as of the opening of business on March 10, 2011, we voluntarily delisted our common stock from the NYSE Amex. The last trading day for our common stock on the NYSE Amex was Wednesday, March 9, 2011. Our common stock had been traded on the NYSE Amex under the symbol “PXG”. Our common stock is currently traded in an over-the-counter market and is quoted on OTC Link under the symbol “PXFG.PK”. The over-the-counter market generally provides significantly less liquidity than established stock exchanges such as the NYSE Amex. Therefore, prices for securities traded solely over-the-counter may be difficult to obtain, and shareholders may find it difficult to resell their shares.
As described under “Key Developments and Business Initiatives” in Item 1 above, we voluntarily delisted our common stock from the NYSE Amex as part of our restructuring and cost reduction strategy.
The following table sets forth, for each fiscal periods indicated, the high and low closing sale prices per share of our common stock as reported on the NYSE Amex.
The last reported sale price per share of our common stock on March 25, 2011 on the Pink OTC Market was $0.22, and on that date there were 143 holders of record of our common stock. However, many shares are held in “street name”; therefore, the actual number of shareholders may have been substantially greater.
Dividends
We do not pay cash dividends on our capital stock. We do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We currently anticipate that we will retain all future earnings for use in servicing our current debt and funding the expansion of our business and general corporate purposes. In addition, our revolving credit facility restricts our ability to declare or pay dividends without the lender’s consent. Any future determination as to the payment of dividends will be subject to applicable limitations, will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table sets forth information about our equity compensation plans as of January 1, 2011, including the total number of shares of our common stock which may be issued upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and other rights under compensation plans approved by the shareholders, and under compensation plans not approved by the shareholders. The table also sets forth the weighted average purchase price per share of the shares subject to those options, and the number of shares available for future issuance under those plans:
Equity Compensation Plan Information
(1) Consists of the following plans: 2001 Long-Term Incentive Plan and the 1995 Stock Incentive Plan. No further shares are available for grant under the 1995 Stock Incentive Plan at January 2, 2010. The 2001 Long-Term Incentive Plan permits the award of stock options, restricted stock and various other stock-based awards.
(2) Consists of options to purchase shares of common stock granted to James R. Riedman and Riedman Corporation at a weighted average exercise price of $1.96 per share in connection with financial guaranties and loans granted to us.
Common Stock Repurchases
We did not make any repurchases of our common stock during fiscal 2010 or 2009. Effective the close of business on January 31, 2011, following a shareholder approval on January 28, 2011, we effected a 1-for-200 reverse stock split immediately followed by a 200-for-1 forward stock split of our common stock. As a result, our registered shareholders owning fewer than 200 shares of common stock of record prior to the reverse stock split had their pre-split shares cancelled and converted into the right to receive cash consideration of $0.75 per pre-split share. As a result of the Reverse/Forward Stock Split we repurchased approximately 12,800 shares for $9,600. The repurchased shares have been recorded as treasury stock.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
Because we are a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item.
Item 7.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following discussion provides information and analysis of our results of operations and our liquidity and capital resources, and should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the other financial information included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of any number of factors, including those set forth under captions contained in this annual report on Form 10-K.
Our operating and reporting period is on a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Saturday nearest to December 31. We refer to the fiscal year ended January 2, 2010 as “fiscal 2009,” the fiscal year ending January 1, 2011 as “fiscal 2010,” and the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011 as “fiscal 2011.” The 52-week fiscal years consist of four equal quarters of 13 weeks each, and the 53-week fiscal years consist of three 13-week fiscal quarters and one 14-week fiscal quarter. The financial results for the 53-week fiscal years and 14-week fiscal quarters will not be exactly comparable to the 52-week fiscal years and 13-week fiscal quarters. Fiscal 2009, fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2011 each include 52 weeks.
General
Phoenix Footwear Group, Inc. specializes in quality comfort women’s and men’s footwear. We design, develop, market, and sell footwear in a wide range of sizes and widths under the brands Trotters®, SoftWalk®, and H.S. Trask®. We have been engaged in the manufacture or importation and sale of quality footwear since 1882.
Trotters and SoftWalk products are sold by our own dedicated employee sales force that covers the U.S. market. Prior to the end of fiscal 2010, we also sold Trotters and SoftWalk products in Canada through our wholly-owned Canadian subsidiary, which utilized independent sales representatives. Beginning in fiscal 2011, we will conduct business in Canada under an exclusive distribution agreement whereby an independent third party, Canada Shoe Corp, will be the sole importer and distributor of our Trotters and SoftWalk brands in Canada. We sell H.S. Trask products through a combination of contracted key regional independent representatives and sales representative agencies. During fiscal 2011, we started pursuing the sale of the H.S. Task brand in light of our decision to focus our efforts and resources on our two primary brands, Trotters and SoftWalk. We are working with several interested parties and it is our intent to complete the sale in fiscal 2011; however it is uncertain if such a transaction will materialize.
During fiscal 2010, our products were carried by approximately 730 customers in over 1,155 retail locations throughout the United States. Our distribution channels include department stores, leading specialty and independent retail stores, mail order catalogues, and internet retailers. We also operate our own direct to consumer internet retail business for all three brands.
Fiscal 2010 Financial Overview
Continuing Operations. We continue to realize the positive effects from the restructuring and divestiture activities completed in fiscal 2009. Our net sales for fiscal 2010 were $17.3 million, a decrease of $1.5 million, or 8%, compared to net sales of $18.8 million in fiscal 2009. Losses from continuing operations were $4.0 million, a decrease of $1.2 million, or 23%, from losses from continuing operations of $5.2 million in fiscal 2009.
Our working capital (excluding discontinued operations) was $3.7 million as of January 1, 2011, a decrease of $1.8 million from the working capital of $5.5 million as of January 2, 2010. Our bank debt of $4.0 million represents a $1.0 million increase in fiscal 2010 compared to bank debt as of January 2, 2010 of $3.0 million.
On November 3, 2010, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with Gibraltar Business Capital, which established a three year revolving credit facility with a borrowing base of up to $4.25 million (subject to eligible accounts receivable and eligible inventory formulas) and a $1.5 million three year term loan. Concurrently with the execution of the Loan and Security Agreement, we made an initial borrowing in the amount of $3.2 million available under the revolving credit facility and borrowed the full $1.5 million available under the term loan facility. The proceeds of the new credit facility with Gibraltar Business Capital were used to pay the outstanding balance under the First Community Financial facilities and for ongoing working capital needs. As of April 4, 2011, we had $105,000 in available borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility.
Discontinued Operations. In fiscal 2009, we exited the Chambers and Tommy Bahama businesses and classified both as discontinued operations. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, we entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with a third party to distribute our Trotters and SoftWalk branded footwear and related products in Canada and consequently plan to cease operating our PXG Canada subsidiary as soon as practicable. As a result, for consolidated financial statement reporting purposes, commencing with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, we began reporting PXG Canada as discontinued operations.
Earnings from discontinued operations in fiscal 2010 were $2.3 million, an increase of $4.1 million compared to a loss of $1.8 million in fiscal 2009. Earnings in fiscal 2010 were comprised primarily of earn-out receipts in connection with the sales of certain Chambers assets to Tandy.
As of January 1, 2011, we have recorded $5.4 million of earn-out revenue, which includes substantially all of the twelve month earn-out period, of which $2.6 million was recognized during fiscal 2010. The earn-out reported to us by Tandy was subject to audit by us which was finalized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. Based on these results, we believe we have additional earn-out revenue; however, Tandy has claimed that they have overpaid us and do not agree with our findings. As we have been unable to reach an agreement with Tandy regarding the earn-out we believe is due to us, we filed a lawsuit on February 14, 2011, against Tandy in the Superior Court of the State of Delaware in Newcastle County, seeking recovery of $524,257, representing an underpayment of the earn-out payment due under the Asset Purchase Agreement dated July 9, 2009, based on the results of the audit we performed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. Tandy believes that they overpaid Chambers, and are owed a refund of $609,000 of the $2.6 million in earn-out payment revenue we recognized in fiscal 2010. On April 4, 2011, Tandy filed a claim in Delaware Chancery Court, seeking to stay the Superior Court action, and to compel us to arbitrate under the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement. Tandy has argued that whether the results of the earn-out audit are subject to arbitration is an issue to be determined by an arbitrator. Based on the outcome of the lawsuit, we may have additional earn-out revenue related to the Chambers sale; however, an amount is not estimable at this time.
Although all operations of the Chambers and Tommy Bahama businesses ceased in fiscal 2009, we are continuing to wind down these businesses. Current liabilities of discontinued operations were $412,000 as of January 1, 2011, a decrease of $1.7 million, compared to $2.1 million as of January 2, 2010.
Net Loss Per Share. Net loss per share for fiscal 2010 was $0.20, a $0.66 improvement over the net loss per share of $0.86 for fiscal 2009. Net loss per share from continuing operations for fiscal 2010 was $0.48, a $0.16 improvement over the net loss per share from continuing operations of $0.64 for fiscal 2009.
Fiscal 2010 Significant Events
During fiscal 2010, we focused on growing our customers’ base of independent and retail accounts, securing increases in our future orders, further reducing our cost structure and securing a substantially larger credit facility to fund our working capital and inventory needs. The following significant events took place during fiscal 2010:
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in January 2010, we received the $2.0 million refund from the Internal Revenue Service;
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on April 29, 2010, we entered into a Promissory Note with First Community Financial pursuant to which we borrowed $800,000 under a term loan facility;
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on November 3, 2010, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with Gibraltar Business Capital, LLC and Westran Industrial Loan Co., LLC for a three-year revolving credit facility and a three-year term loan for a total credit facility of $5.75 million;
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on October 26, 2010, and December 21, 2010, we filed with the SEC a preliminary and a definitive proxy statements, respectively, seeking stockholder approval for a reverse and forward stock split that would reduce our number of record holders to below 300 persons, and allow us to deregister our common stock under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as a result thereof, suspend our periodic reporting obligations with the SEC. This was part of our restructuring and cost reduction strategy and is expected to permit us to forgo many of the expenses associated with operating as a public company, including the substantial costs associated with the compliance and auditing requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The stock split was approved by our stockholders on January 28, 2011 (please refer to the discussion below for details); and
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on December 28, 2010, we entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Canada Shoe (1998) Corp. (“Canada Shoe Corp”) for the importation and distribution of our Trotters and SoftWalk brands in Canada. As a result, we intend to dissolve our Canadian subsidiary during fiscal 2011. For consolidated financial statement reporting purposes, commencing with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, we began reporting our Canadian subsidiary as discontinued operations.
In addition, the following significant events took place since the beginning of the first quarter of fiscal 2011:
Reverse/Forward Stock Split and Voluntary Delisting from NYSE Amex
On January 28, 2011, our shareholders approved two amendments to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation (the “Amendments”) to effect a 1-for-200 reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”) of the Company’s common stock, to be immediately followed by a 200-for-1 forward stock split of the common stock (the “Forward Stock Split” and together with the Reverse Stock Split, the “Reverse/Forward Stock Split”). As a result, our registered shareholders owning fewer than 200 shares of common stock of record prior to the Reverse Stock Split had their pre-split shares cancelled and converted into the right to receive cash consideration of $0.75 per pre-split share. The Reverse/Forward Stock Split was effective following the close of business on January 31, 2011. The purpose of the Reverse/Forward Stock Split was to allow us to suspend our Securities and Exchange Commission reporting obligations by reducing the number of stockholders of record to fewer than 300.
Effective as of March 10, 2011, we voluntarily delisted our common stock from the NYSE Amex Stock Market. Our common stock subsequently began trading on the over-the-counter and being quoted by the OTC Link, an electronic quotation system operated by OTC Markets Group Inc. that displays quotes from broker dealers for many over-the-counter (OTC) securities, under the symbol “PXFG.PK.”
Subsequent to the filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K , we intend to file a Form 15 with the Securities and Exchange Commission to deregister our common stock and suspend our duty to file reports with the SEC under Sections 12(g) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our duty to file periodic reports, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K, ceases immediately upon filing the Form 15. Deregistration of our shares will be effective 90 days after the filing of the Form 15. Although we will no longer file reports with the SEC or be subject to NYSE Amex rules for the foreseeable future once the delisting and deregistration of our common stock is effective, we intend to continue making information available to stockholders and to observe corporate governance practice as may be required to maintain quotations in the OTC Link.
Other Events
We decided to pursue the sale of the H.S. Task brand in light of our decision to focus our efforts and resources on our two primary brands, Trotters and SoftWalk. We are currently in the process of working with several interested parties and it is our intent to complete the sale in fiscal 2011; however it is uncertain if such a transaction will materialize.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth selected consolidated operating results for each of the last two fiscal years, presented as a percentage of net sales.
Note: For consolidated financial statement reporting purposes, commencing with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, we began reporting PXG Canada as discontinued operations (refer to Note 3 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional detail). As a result, certain amounts in the prior year’s consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Fiscal 2010 Compared to Fiscal 2009
* Greater than 100%
Net Sales
Net sales from continuing operations decreased $1.5 million, or 8%, to $17.3 million in fiscal 2010 compared to $18.8 million in fiscal 2009. During fiscal 2010, net sales of our Trotters product line increased by 2.2% while SoftWalk and H.S. Trask declined 5% and 65%, respectively. In the first quarter of fiscal 2009, a substantial amount of H.S. Trask inventory was sold at below cost in order to generate cash flow and in an effort to purge slow moving and discontinued styles, generating net sales much greater than normal as a percentage of total sales. Net sales of the H.S. Trask brand made up approximately 4.4% of our consolidated net sales in fiscal 2010 compared to approximately 11.5% in fiscal 2009, resulting in a variance year over year of $1.4 million. During fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2008, we invested in the redevelopment of this product line in an effort to leverage the favorable product positioning and western lifestyle image of the brand. During 2009 and 2010, we were not able to execute against this plan for growth due to the severe national recession and our working capital constraints. During fiscal 2011, we started pursuing the sale of the H.S. Task brand in light of our decision to focus our efforts and resources on our two primary brands, Trotters and SoftWalk.
To a lesser extent, sales were also adversely impacted by our working capital constraints during fiscal 2009, which are discussed below under “Liquidity and Capital Resources”.
Gross Profit
Gross profit from continuing operations decreased by $418,000 to $4.9 million in fiscal 2010 compared to $5.3 million in fiscal 2009. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales, is consistent at 28% for fiscal 2010 as compared to fiscal 2009. Gross profit for SoftWalk decreased slightly to 27.1% in fiscal 2010 from 28.4% in fiscal 2009 primarily due to the decrease in sales. Gross profit for Trotters decreased by approximately 2.7% to 28.5% in fiscal 2010 compared to 31.2% in fiscal 2009, primarily due to increase in product costs. Gross profit for H.S. Trask increased significantly to 36% in fiscal 2010 compared to 14.4% in fiscal 2009 as a result of fewer close out sales, however this increase did not have a significant impact on total gross profit as gross profit dollars of H.S. Trask comprised only about 6% of the total gross profit dollars in fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009.
Our cost of goods sold includes all direct costs of products (net of purchase discounts and vendor allowances), allocated overhead (primarily sourcing and indirect production costs), inbound freight and merchandise acquisition costs such as import fees, as well as outbound shipping and handling. Our cost of goods sold may not be comparable to those of other entities, since some entities include all of the costs associated with their distribution functions in cost of goods sold while we include these costs in SG&A expenses.
Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses from continuing operations decreased $3.5 million, or 29%, to $8.5 million in fiscal 2010 compared to $12.0 million in fiscal 2009.
Selling, general and administrative expenses, or SG&A, decreased $2.5 million, or 22%, to $8.5 million in fiscal 2010 compared to approximately $11.0 million in fiscal 2009. SG&A as a percentage of net sales was 49% for fiscal 2010, compared to 58% for fiscal 2009. The decrease results from a significant restructuring effort aimed at driving efficiency and cost control throughout the organization that was implemented primarily during the first quarter of fiscal 2009.
Specifically, the net savings are made up of a $942,000 decrease in compensation and employee benefits resulting from planned headcount reductions, a $542,000 decrease in professional fees and consulting costs as the result of reducing the utilization of outside services, a $181,000 decrease in bank fees and a $672,000 decrease in selling expenses, which was a result of eliminating certain tradeshow activities, reducing customer advertising support, eliminating direct to consumer catalogues and reducing sales sample purchases. In addition, we decreased accrued liabilities in the amount of $366,000 to reflect a change in estimate relating to a sales tax accrual. These SG&A savings were offset by a $262,000 expense related to our remaining lease obligation for the lease of our previous corporate headquarters which we vacated in January 2011.
SG&A consist primarily of the following: sales representative sample costs, sales commissions, trade shows, advertising, salaries, wages and related taxes, various overhead costs associated with our corporate staff, professional fees related to both legal and accounting, insurance, and depreciation, amongst other expenses. Our distribution network related costs are included in SG&A (except those costs specifically included in cost of goods sold above).
“Other expense, net” was a total net expense of $1.0 million in fiscal 2009, which was comprised of the severance charges related to our reorganization in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. These charges did not include the severances specifically related to discontinued operations. There were no such reorganization expenses in fiscal 2010.
Interest Expense from Continuing Operations
Interest expense from continuing operations decreased $102,000, or 18%, to $468,000 in fiscal 2010 compared to $570,000 for fiscal 2009. During fiscal 2010, interest expense was related to our revolving line of credit and term loans with First Community Financial and Gibraltar Business Capital, the amortization of the associated deferred financing costs and $113,000 of debt issuance costs written off as a result of the early payment of our revolving credit facility and term loan with First Community Financial as discussed in Note 6 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Interest expense during fiscal 2009 included the write off of $541,000 in debt issuance costs related to the fiscal 2009 modification and subsequent payoff of the revolving line of credit with our then lender, Wells Fargo. Interest incurred on this former revolving line of credit has been included in discontinued operations.
Income Tax Provision from Continuing Operations
Income tax benefit from continuing operations in fiscal 2010 was $120,000. We recorded an income tax benefit from continuing operations of $2.0 million during fiscal 2009. On November 6, 2009, the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 (the “Act”) was enacted. The Act provides an election for federal taxpayers to increase the carry back period for an applicable net operating loss to 3, 4, or 5 years from 2 years. We applied for a refund with the Internal Revenue Service for approximately $2.0 million on December 3, 2009, which we received in first quarter of 2010. The refund reduced our deferred tax asset and related valuation allowance. Our effective tax rate during both fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009 was 0%. We do not expect our fiscal effective tax rate to return to positive levels until our business returns to stabilized profitability. Until then, we will continue to record a full tax valuation allowance.
Income (loss) from Discontinued Operations
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, we entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with a third party to distribute our Trotters and SoftWalk branded footwear and related products in Canada and as a result plan to cease operating our PXG Canada subsidiary as soon as practicable. As a result, for consolidated financial statement reporting purposes, commencing with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, we began reporting PXG Canada as discontinued operations. The financial results of PXG Canada are reclassified to discontinued operations for all periods presented.
Earnings from discontinued operations in fiscal 2010 were $2.3 million compared to a loss of $1.8 million in fiscal 2009. Earnings per share from discontinued operations were $0.28 for fiscal 2010 compared to loss per share of $0.21 for fiscal 2009.
Discontinued operations in fiscal 2010 included the earn-out revenue recognized in connection with the sales of certain Chambers assets to Tandy. On a monthly basis, Tandy was obligated to pay us 21.5% of the net revenue that it recognized from sales through July 9, 2010 of private label products previously sold by Chambers, Chambers trademark branded products, and Wrangler branded products to the mass merchandise market. We recorded approximately $2.6 million of earn-out revenue during fiscal 2010. The earn-out reported to us by Tandy was subject to audit by us which was finalized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. Based on these results, we believe we have additional earn-out revenue; however, Tandy has claimed that they have overpaid us and do not agree with our findings. As we have been unable to reach an agreement with Tandy regarding the earn-out we believe is due to us, we filed a lawsuit on February 14, 2011, against Tandy in the Superior Court of the State of Delaware in Newcastle County, seeking recovery of $524,257, representing an underpayment of the earn-out payment due under the Asset Purchase Agreement dated July 9, 2009, based on the results of the audit we performed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. Tandy believes that they overpaid Chambers, and are owed a refund of $609,000 of the $2.6 million in earn-out payment revenue we recognized in fiscal 2010. On April 4, 2011, Tandy filed a claim in Delaware Chancery Court, seeking to stay the Superior Court action, and to compel us to arbitrate under the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement. Tandy has argued that whether the results of the earn-out audit are subject to arbitration is an issue to be determined by an arbitrator. Based on the outcome of the lawsuit, we may have additional earn-out revenue related to the Chambers sale; however, an amount is not estimable at this time. Discontinued operations in fiscal 2010 also include a net loss of $199,000 related to the operations of our Canadian subsidiary, PXG Canada.
The loss from discontinued operations for fiscal 2009 was primarily due to a combined gross profit (exclusive of inventory write downs) of $1.7 million from Chambers and Tommy Bahama, $2.9 million in earn-out revenue and $79,000 gain from the sale of certain Chambers fixed assets, offset by non-cash write-offs of inventory and other assets of $2.1 million and cash expenses of $460,000 resulting from the winding down of the Chambers and Tommy Bahama businesses, $2.6 million of combined other operating costs, $734,000 in severance costs, $434,000 of interest expense and $59,000 net loss related to the operations of our Canadian subsidiary, PXG Canada.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our principal capital uses have been reducing bank debt and working capital needs. Our principal liquidity sources historically have been internally generated funds from operating activities, trade credit, and bank borrowings to finance our operations. In addition, we sold several of our operating divisions which generated significant amounts of additional funds during fiscal 2007, fiscal 2008, fiscal 2009, and the first nine months of fiscal 2010. During 2010, our principal sources of cash were cash collections from sales, the receipt of an IRS refund, the collection of the Tandy earn-out, borrowing on our term loan with First Community Financial, and our new credit facility with Gibraltar Business Capital. These funds have been used to reduce our bank debt and satisfy other obligations.
During fiscal 2010, we funded our operations with cash generated by operating activities and borrowings from our revolving credit and term loan facilities. On November 3, 2010, we terminated our credit facility with First Community Financial and replaced it with a new credit facility with Gibraltar Business Capital, which in addition to repaying in full our First Community Financial credit facility, is being used for ongoing working capital needs. See Note 6 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for a more full description our credit facility with Gibraltar Business Capital. Cash is used for the purchases of inventory and general corporate purposes as needed. Historically, we have also funded our operations, including product purchases, through vendor provided credit. In some cases, we were required to post letters of credit or make cash deposits.
During fiscal 2009, we principally used our cash flow and capital resources to fund operating losses and reduce bank debt. Our principal liquidity sources used to fund operating losses was a reduction of working capital from continuing operations, trade credit through a portion of fiscal 2009, and reborrowings under our revolving line of credit. In addition, we sold several of our operating divisions which generated significant amounts of excess cash that was used to reduce our bank debt and satisfy other obligations during fiscal 2007, fiscal 2008, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010.
We currently fund our operations with cash generated by operating activities and borrowings from our revolving line of credit and term loan credit facilities. Many of our footwear suppliers currently do not provide us credit for inventory purchases and therefore, when purchasing inventory we must make cash deposits or provide cash collateralized trade letters of credit. This advance payment practice has had a negative impact on our required working capital. Factory prepayments combined with cash collateralized letters of credit totaled $1.0 million as of January 1, 2011 compared to $802,000 as of January 2, 2010. We are currently seeking to reestablish credit with all vendors; however, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in doing so or of when we may obtain it.
Our working capital varies from time to time as a result of the seasonal requirements of our brands (which have historically been heightened during the first and third quarters), the timing of factory shipments, the need to increase inventories and support an in-stock position in anticipation of customers’ orders, and the timing of accounts receivable collections.
As of January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010, working capital consisted of the following:
The primary changes in the components of working capital were to accounts receivable, inventory, other current assets, income tax receivable, accounts payable and lines of credit, as well as the earn-out revenue and liabilities of discontinued operations.
Accounts Payable
We faced significant working capital constraints during fiscal 2009 as the result of a decline in our sales, expenditures associated with our restructuring, and diminished borrowing capacity under our former Wells Fargo revolving line of credit and the related forbearance agreement. During fiscal 2009, Wells Fargo required us to reduce our debt to them until we refinanced the facility in December 2009. Due to these working capital constraints, we deferred payments on certain obligations beyond the otherwise applicable terms, including payables to our footwear suppliers. As a result, certain vendors placed us on credit hold and required payments of past due amounts as well as advance cash payments before shipping products.
During fiscal 2010, we reduced a number of our past due trade payables with liquidity resulting from the Chambers asset sale, receipt of the $2.0 million refund from the Internal Revenue Service, the availability under our First Community Financial revolving line of credit, the $800,000 First Community Financial term loan facility and our new credit facility with Gibraltar Business Capital. As of April 4, 2011, we had $1.8 million and $179,000 of outstanding accounts payable for continuing operations and discontinued operations, respectively.
Inventory
As of January 1, 2011, gross inventory was $6.1 million compared to $6.5 million as of January 2, 2010. Inventory levels are consistent with the seasonality of the business and the current sales trends. We may look to further adjust inventory levels as needed to manage cash flow and adjust to consumer demand.
Accounts Receivable
As of January 1, 2011, gross accounts receivable was $2.6 million, a decrease of $600,000, or 19%, from the $3.2 million reported as of January 2, 2010. The decrease is a result of lower sales volume during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.
Income Tax Receivable
After the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 (the “Act”) was enacted in November 2009, we applied for a refund with the Internal Revenue Service for approximately $2.0 million, which accounted for most of the income tax receivable as of January 2, 2010. We received the refund in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. These funds were applied to increase our liquidity and working capital.
Earn-out Receivable
Tandy was obligated to pay us on a monthly basis 21.5% of the net revenue that Tandy recognizes from sales of private label products previously sold by Chambers, Chambers trademark branded products, and Wrangler branded products to the mass merchandise market (“earn-out”), less a $150,000 adjustment provided per the earn-out provisions of the purchase agreement as Tandy reached the predetermined earn-out milestone and less $430,000 of prepaid earn-out received at closing. Since the Chambers closing, we have been collecting on Tandy’s 12 month post-closing earn-out obligation to us. The earn-out period ran through July 9, 2010. As of January 1, 2011, we have recorded $5.4 million of earn-out revenue, which includes all of the twelve month earn-out period reported to us by Tandy, of which $2.6 million was recognized in fiscal 2010.
The earn-out reported to us by Tandy was subject to audit by us which was finalized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. Based on these results, we believe we have additional earn-out revenue; however, Tandy has claimed that they have overpaid us and do not agree with our findings. As we have been unable to reach an agreement with Tandy regarding the earn-out we believe is due to us, we filed a lawsuit on February 14, 2011, against Tandy in the Superior Court of the State of Delaware in Newcastle County, seeking recovery of $524,257, representing an underpayment of the earn-out payment due under the Asset Purchase Agreement dated July 9, 2009, based on the results of the audit we performed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. Tandy believes that they overpaid Chambers, and are owed a refund of $609,000 of the $2.6 million in earn-out payment revenue we recognized in fiscal 2010. On April 4, 2011, Tandy filed a claim in Delaware Chancery Court, seeking to stay the Superior Court action, and to compel us to arbitrate under the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement. Tandy has argued that whether the results of the earn-out audit are subject to arbitration is an issue to be determined by an arbitrator. Based on the outcome of the lawsuit, we may have additional earn-out revenue related to the Chambers sale; however, an amount is not estimable at this time. As of January 1, 2011, we had $75,000 recorded in earn-out receivable, which was included in other current assets of continuing operations. This, along with any additional earn-out revenue, if any, will be netted against $181,000 due Tandy for prepaid earn-out received at closing, which was included in other current liabilities of continued operations. As discussed below, all proceeds from these payments are applied directly to our revolving line of credit, which, in turn, has created availability to reduce trade payables.
Discontinued Operations
Since fiscal 2007, we have actively reduced our bank debt through asset sales and by restructuring our operations. During fiscal 2009, we continued this process by exiting the Tommy Bahama business and selling principally all the assets related to the Chambers accessories business. Following the completion of the Chambers asset sale on July 9, 2009, we monetized all of the Chambers accounts receivable. Liquidity resulting from our earn-out revenue and income tax refund was used to reduce these liabilities. We plan to continue reducing these obligations (working capital deficit) in an orderly fashion with liquidity resulting from our ongoing operations.
As of January 1, 2011, current liabilities of discontinued operations related to our Tommy Bahama and Chambers businesses were $244,000 compared to $2.1 million as of January 2, 2010. As of January 1, 2011, current liabilities of discontinued operations related to our Canadian subsidiary were $168,000 compared to $41,000 as of January 2, 2010.
Bank Credit Agreement
Included in our working capital, under total current liabilities, was $2.5 million of outstanding revolving line of credit debt as of January 1, 2011, which represents a decrease of $500,000 from $3.0 million as of January 2, 2010.
In June 2008, we entered into a Credit and Security Agreement with Wells Fargo, which was subsequently terminated in December 2009, for a three year revolving line of credit and letters of credit collateralized by all of our assets. We defaulted under this credit agreement as of September 27, 2008 and operated in default of it until it was paid off in December 2009.
On December 4, 2009, we entered into an Accounts Receivable and Inventory Security Agreement with First Community Financial which established a two year revolving credit facility collateralized by all of our personal property. Under the facility, we could borrow up to $4.5 million (subject to a borrowing base which included eligible accounts receivable and eligible inventory formulas). In addition to the repayment of Wells Fargo credit facility, the proceeds of the First Community Financial credit facility were used for ongoing working capital needs.
On April 29, 2010, we entered into an amendment to Accounts Receivable and Inventory Security Agreement with First Community Financial to modify the definition of eligible inventory and the related sublimits.
On April 29, 2010, we also entered into a promissory note with First Community Financial pursuant to which we borrowed $800,000 under a term loan facility, the proceeds of which were used for our ongoing working capital needs. In consideration for the term loan facility, we paid First Community Financial a commitment and funding fee of $16,000.
Borrowings under the term loan facility accrued interest at a rate of 12.00% per annum. Interest on the unpaid balance was payable monthly commencing May 10, 2010. Principal was payable in successive installments in accordance with the terms of the promissory note.
The Accounts Receivable and Inventory Security Agreement included various financial and other covenants with which we had to comply in order to maintain borrowing availability under our revolving credit facility and avoid penalties, including a minimum net worth requirement and limitations on our cash collections, accounts receivable turnover and past due payables. Other covenants included, but were not limited to, covenants limiting or restricting our ability to incur indebtedness, incur liens, enter into mergers or consolidations, dispose of assets, make investments, pay dividends, enter into transactions with affiliates, or prepay certain indebtedness. The Accounts Receivable and Inventory Security Agreement also contained customary events of default including, but not limited to, payment defaults, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to other indebtedness, material judgment defaults, inaccuracy of representations and warranties, bankruptcy and insolvency events, defects in the security interest of First Community Financial, change in control events, and material adverse change. The term loan facility also included various customary obligations and events default, including repayment defaults, defects in the security interest of First Community Financial and breaches of any representation, warranty, or covenant under the Accounts Receivable and Inventory Security Agreement. The occurrence of an event of default carried a default rate of interest of 4.0% over the rate otherwise applicable.
As of April 3, 2010, we were in default of the financial covenant for aging of payables, which required us to have no more than 50% of our trade payables greater than 60 days from their invoice date. Although the financial covenant for aging of payables contemplated trade payables based on invoice date, we manage our trade payables based on due date. At that time, less than 50% of our trade payables were greater than 60 days from their due dates; nevertheless, we were in default of the covenant. On May 6, 2010, we obtained from First Community Financial a waiver of the defaulted covenant through May 1, 2010. We regained compliance with this covenant as of July 3, 2010; however, operated in default of it from July 31, 2010 until November 3, 2010.
On November 3, 2010, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with Gibraltar Business Capital and Westran Industrial Loan Co for a three-year revolving credit facility and a three-year term loan, collateralized by all of our assets and those of our subsidiaries. The Loan and Security Agreement provides for up to $5.75 million in borrowing capacity consisting of a secured first lien revolving credit facility of up to $4.25 million (subject to a borrowing base which includes Eligible Accounts Receivable and Eligible Inventory) with a three-year maturity and a secured second lien term loan of $1.5 million with a three-year maturity. Gibraltar Business Capital, LLC is a first lien lender with a 76% participation in the revolving loan facility and a second lien lender with a 33% participation in the term loan facility. Westran Industrial Loan Co., LLC is a first lien lender with a 24% participation in the revolving loan facility and a second lien lender with a 67% participation in the term loan facility.
Concurrently with the execution of the Loan and Security Agreement, we made an initial borrowing in the amount of $3.2 million available under the revolving credit facility and borrowed the full $1.5 million available under the term loan facility. Proceeds from the borrowings made on November 3, 2010 were used to pay in full, the outstanding balances of $2.9 million, including $60,000 of prepayment penalties, owed to our prior lender, First Community Financial, the first installment in the amount of $58,000 of a $173,000 closing fee related to the transaction, with the remaining proceeds of approximately $1.8 million available for working capital purposes. As a result, all commitments under the Accounts Receivable and Inventory Security Agreement dated December 4, 2009, with First Community Financial, a Division of Pacific Western Bank, as amended, and related $4,500,000 Multiple Advance Promissory Note dated December 4, 2009 and Intellectual Property Security Agreement dated December 4, 2009 were terminated, all borrowings thereunder were repaid, and all liens thereunder were released, in each case effective November 4, 2010.
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a minimum rate equal to the prime rate (subject to a minimum prime rate of not less than 3.25%) plus 8%, or 11.25 % per annum as determined by the bank from time to time. Borrowings under the Term Loan Facility bear interest at a rate equal to greater of 16% per annum or the prime rate (subject to a minimum prime rate of not less than 3.25%) plus 12.75%. In addition, the Company will be charged a $5,000 monthly loan servicing fee. A prepayment premium will be due the lenders if the Company terminates the credit facility prior to the original three year term date. The prepayment premium is based on 3% of the outstanding credit facility for prepayments within the first year of closing, 2% of the outstanding credit facility for prepayments within the second year of closing, and 1% of the outstanding credit facility for prepayments within the third year of closing prior to the termination date.
The Loan and Security Agreement includes various financial and other covenants with which the Company has to comply in order to maintain borrowing availability and avoid penalties, including maintaining required EBITDA amounts.
Other covenants include, but are not limited to, covenants limiting or restricting the Company’s ability to incur indebtedness, incur liens, enter into mergers or consolidations, dispose of assets, make investments, pay dividends, enter into transactions with affiliates, or prepay certain indebtedness. The Loan and Security Agreement also contains customary events of default including, but not limited to, payment defaults, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to other indebtedness, material judgment defaults, inaccuracy of representations and warranties, bankruptcy and insolvency events, defects in the Lenders’ security interests, change in control events and material adverse change. The occurrence of an event of default will increase the interest rate by 4.0% over the rate otherwise applicable and could result in the acceleration of all obligations of the Company to the Lenders with respect to indebtedness, whether under the Loan and Security Agreement or otherwise.
The Loan and Security Agreement also provides a right of first offer in favor of the Lenders in connection with any new equity securities issued by the Company, or securities convertible or exercisable for equity securities. The amount that the Company must first offer is that portion of such new securities up to a maximum amount so that if purchased by the Lender such new securities together with all other shares of capital stock of Borrower owned by the Lender shall not exceed 1% of the Company’s outstanding common stock on a fully diluted basis on the date of purchase. Each Lender has the right to purchase such amount at the price and on the terms of the new equity issuance. The right of first offer does not apply to: (i) stock dividends or stock splits; (ii) convertible securities previously subject to this right of first offer; (iii) employee incentive awards; (iv) existing warrants; and (v) securities issued in an acquisition or other reorganization or recapitalization.
In connection with the Loan and Security Agreement, the Company also entered into the following additional agreements with Gibraltar Business Capital as agent for the Lenders on November 3, 2010: 1) an Intellectual Property Security Agreement in which it granted a continuing security interest in the Company’s intellectual property, including its trademarks, license agreements, goodwill, copyrights, trade secrets, and patents; 2) a Pledge Agreement under which it pledged the shares of its subsidiaries H.S. Trask & Co., Penobscot Shoe Company and PXG Canada, Inc., as collateral for the loans; and 3) a Deposit Account Control Agreement with Pacific Western Bank, with respect to the security interest granted the Lenders in the Company’s deposit account with Pacific Western Bank.
Also, in connection with the Loan and Security Agreement, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, James Riedman and our former Chief Financial Officer, Dennis Nelson, provided personal guarantees dated November 3, 2010, of their respective representations and warranties as to the status and validity of the Company’s accounts receivable and other collateral securing the credit facility, based on their actual knowledge. The guarantees of collection provide an indemnity in favor of Gibraltar Business Capital and the Lenders against actual damages resulting from any breach of their representations and warranties, but not consequential damages or lost profits.
If in the future we default under our current revolving and term loan credit facility, our lender could, among other things, declare our debt to be immediately due and payable. If this were to occur, we would be unable to repay our bank debt in full unless we could sell sufficient assets or obtain new financing through a replacement credit facility or equity transaction. If a new credit facility could be obtained, it is likely that it would have higher interest rates and impose significant additional restrictions and requirements on us. New securities issuances would dilute your stock ownership. There is no assurance that we would be able to obtain a waiver or amendment from our lender or obtain replacement debt financing or issue sufficient equity securities to refinance our current revolving credit facility. Additionally, our ability to obtain a waiver, amend the current facility, obtain a replacement facility or access additional capital may be made more difficult due to the current global financial crisis and its effect on the capital markets. If we are unable to pay off the facility, our lender could foreclose on our assets, which may result in a loss of your investment.
As of April 4, 2011 we had $105,000 in available borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility.
Economic Outlook
The recent economic environment has resulted in lower consumer confidence. This trend may lead to reduced consumer spending which could affect our net sales and our future profitability. During fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010, we have taken actions to restructure and reduce our business operations, overhead structure and bank debt in an effort to return to profitability and achieve positive cash flow from operations. These included: shutting down the Tommy Bahama footwear division, monetizing working capital from the sale of the certain Chambers’ assets, reducing our administrative expenses, including reducing our executive team and employee headcount, securing a substantially larger credit facility of up to $5.75 million under our Loan and Security Agreement with Gibraltar Business Capital, LLC and Westran Industrial Loan Co., LLC, and delisting from the NYSE Amex to be able to further reduce our operating costs in the future by forgoing many of the expenses associated with operating as a public company, including the substantial costs associated with the compliance and auditing requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
If the anticipated sales growth does not materialize, the possibility exists that there may be insufficient availability under our revolving credit facility for planned inventory purchases. This factor together with our net losses and negative cash flows during the past three fiscal years raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. See our independent registered public accountants’ report thereon including an explanatory paragraph with respect to our ability to continue as a “going concern”. This going concern paragraph could make it challenging and difficult for us to raise additional debt or equity financing to the extent needed, all of which could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects. Additionally, if we become unable to continue as a going concern, we would have to liquidate our assets and we might receive significantly less than the values at which our assets are carried on our consolidated financial statements which have been prepared on the basis of a going concern. This could have an adverse impact on your investment.
In the absence of increased sales levels, we may need to pursue a variety of alternatives to avoid delayed or missed inventory shipments. These alternatives include continuing to seek the reestablishment of vendor financing and management of our working capital, including reducing our inventory purchases and/or liquidating in-stock inventory by way of close out sales (which would adversely impact gross margins). We believe that the management of working capital is to a large extent within our control and will allow us to address liquidity issues, but could have an adverse impact to our financial performance due to constrained inventory levels or reduced gross profit. Based on the foregoing, and so long as there is no default under our revolving credit facility, we believe that we will have sufficient liquidity including funds from operations and advances under our revolving line of credit and, if necessary, from working capital management to meet our operating, working capital, and investment requirements for the next twelve months.
Cash Flows Provided by (Used in) Operations
Continuing Operations
Net cash used in operating activities of continuing operations was $1.5 million in fiscal 2010 compared to $3.1 million in fiscal 2009. These amounts reflect losses from continuing operations adjusted for non-cash items and working capital changes. The primary contributors to cash flow from operations in fiscal 2010 were a $4.0 million loss from continuing operations combined with a $1.2 decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses, offset by $393,000 non-cash charges included in income from continuing operations and primarily related to depreciation and amortization expenses, the $2.0 million receipt of an income tax receivable related to the IRS refund discussed in the Liquidity and Capital Resources above, a $599,000 decrease in accounts receivable due to the combined impact of reduced sales volume and collection efforts, a $536,000 decrease in net inventories as a result of planned inventory reduction efforts, a $346,000 decrease in other current assets related to factory prepayments and prepaid letters of credit due to timing of inventory purchases, combined with the collections of the Tandy earn-out receivable.
The primary contributors to cash flow from operations during fiscal 2009 were a $2.9 million decrease in net inventory as a result of early closeout sales and reduced inventory purchases to keep inventory levels in line with sales, a $900,000 decrease in accounts receivable due primarily to lower sales volume and improved collection efforts, a $1.3 million increase in accounts payable due to our working capital constraints, offset by a $2.0 million increase in our income tax receivable and a $1.2 million increase in other current assets. Included in other current assets as of January 2, 2010 is $833,000 of earn-out receivable related to the sale of certain Chambers assets.
Discontinued Operations
Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations in fiscal 2010 was $2.5 million compared to $8.9 million net cash provided by discontinued operations in fiscal 2009. These amounts reflect earnings/losses from discontinued operations adjusted for non-cash items and working capital changes. The primary contributors to cash flow from discontinued operations in fiscal 2010 was a $1.7 million decrease in accounts payable, a $300,000 operating loss primarily related to our Canadian subsidiary, non-cash adjustment of $509,000 earn-out receivable included in continuing operations, accrued expenses and other short term liabilities as we continued to settle the remaining Chambers and Tommy Bahama liabilities, offset by a $110,000 decrease in accounts receivable related to our Canadian subsidiary.
The primary contributors to cash flow from discontinued operations in fiscal 2009 were the result of the monetization of working capital attributable to the Tommy Bahamas and Chambers businesses, which included an $8.2 million decrease in accounts receivable, an $8.5 million decrease in net inventory and a $589,000 decrease in other current assets, offset by a $3.3 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses. Non-cash adjustments were primarily attributable to the release of the Tommy Bahama purchase holdback liability and the $2.9 million of earn-out revenue offset by the $833,000 earn-out receivable included in continuing operations.
Cash Flows Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
Cash flow provided by investing activities during fiscal 2010 was $3.0 million and was comprised of proceeds collected from the Tandy earn-out of $3.1 million, offset by $37,000 of fixed assets capital expenditures of continued operations. Cash flow from investing activities during fiscal 2009 of $3.0 million was comprised of $2.5 million of proceeds collected from the Tandy minimum earn-out and $572,000 of proceeds from sale of fixed assets of discontinued operations, offset by $60,000 fixed assets capital expenditures of continued operations.
Cash Flows Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
During fiscal 2010, our net cash provided by financing activities was $928,000 compared to net cash used by financing activities of $8.8 million for fiscal 2009. The net cash provided for fiscal 2010 was primarily due to borrowings in excess of payments of approximately $1.1 million on our revolving line of credit and term loan facilities with First Community Financial and Gibraltar Business Capital, offset by payments for debt issuance related costs of $152,000. The net cash used in fiscal 2009 was due to payments, in excess of draws, on our Wells Fargo revolving line of credit primarily made with the proceeds received from the sale and winding down of the Chambers and Tommy Bahama businesses.
Inflation
We believe that the relatively moderate rates of inflation in recent years have not had a significant impact on our net sales or profitability.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements other than operating leases. We do not believe that these operating leases are material to our current or future financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital resources or capital expenditures.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. As disclosed in Note 1, our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Although these estimates are based on our knowledge of current events and actions we may undertake in the future, actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates and assumptions. Furthermore, when testing assets for impairment in future periods, if management uses different assumptions or if different conditions occur, impairment charges may result.
We believe that the following discussion addresses our most critical accounting policies, which are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We provide a reserve against our accounts receivable for estimated losses that may result from non-collection due to the financial position of our customers. To minimize the likelihood of uncollectibility, customers’ credit-worthiness is reviewed periodically based on external credit reporting services and our experience with the account, and it is adjusted accordingly. When a customer’s account becomes significantly past due, we generally place a hold on the account and discontinue further shipments to that customer, minimizing further risk of loss. We determine the amount of the reserve by analyzing known uncollectible accounts, aged receivables, economic conditions in the customers’ industries, historical losses and our customers’ credit-worthiness. Amounts later determined and specifically identified to be uncollectible are charged or written off against this reserve. In addition to these individual
assessments, in general, outstanding trade accounts receivable amounts that are greater than 365 days are fully reserved for and amounts greater than 120 days are 75% reserved for. Our levels of reserves fluctuate depending upon all of the factors mentioned above. We also reserve for potential trade discounts and deductions for co-op advertising normally taken by our customers, allowances we provide to our retail customers to effectively flow goods through the retail channels and an allowance for estimated sales returns.
Historically, actual results in these areas have not been materially different than our estimates, and we do not anticipate that our estimates and assumptions are likely to materially change in the future. However, if we incorrectly anticipate trends or unexpected events occur, our results of operations could be materially affected.
Reserve for Obsolete or Slow Moving Inventory
We reduce the carrying cost of inventories for obsolete or slow moving items as necessary to properly reflect inventory value. Reserves are estimated based upon inventory on hand, historical sales activity and the expected net realizable value. Our analysis includes a review of inventory quantities on hand at period end in relation to year-to-date sales, existing orders from customers and projections for sales in the near future. The net realizable value, or market value, is determined using our estimate of sales prices of such inventory based upon historical sales experience on a style by style basis or, if necessary, through off-price or discount store channels.
Historically, actual results in these areas have not been materially different than our estimates, and we do not anticipate that our estimates and assumptions are likely to materially change in the future. However, the likelihood of any material change is dependent primarily on our expectation of future consumer demand for our footwear. A misinterpretation or misunderstanding of future consumer demand for our footwear or of the economy, or other failure to estimate correctly, could result in inventory valuation changes, either favorably or unfavorably, compared to the requirement determined to be appropriate as of the balance sheet date.
Valuation of Deferred Income Taxes
We record a valuation allowance when necessary to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. We evaluate our projections of taxable income to determine the recoverability of our deferred tax assets and the need for a valuation allowance. We consider all evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. As of January 1, 2011, we had a full valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets. The likelihood of a material change in our expected realization of our deferred tax assets depends on future taxable income and the effectiveness of our tax planning strategies amongst the various domestic and international tax jurisdictions in which we operate.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
At this time, none of the recent accounting pronouncements are expected to have a material impact on our accounting policies or consolidated financial statements.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Our financial statements are set forth under “Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules,” and beginning with page.
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
Item 9A(T).
Item 9A(T). Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management has established disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms. Such disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Based on management’s evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act) were effective as of the end of the period covered by this annual report on Form 10-K.
There can be no assurance, however, that our disclosure controls and procedures will detect or uncover all failures of persons within Phoenix Footwear and its consolidated subsidiaries to disclose material information otherwise required to be set forth in our periodic reports. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance of achieving their control objectives.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only with proper authorizations; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Our management, under the supervision of and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of January 1, 2011 based on criteria for effective control over financial reporting described in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on this assessment, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of January 1, 2011.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to Section 404(c) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which permits us to provide only management’s report in this annual report on Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, there were no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information.
None
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
Directors and Executive Officers
All directors and executive officers may be reached by contacting the Company, at its offices located at 5937 Darwin Court, Suite 109, Carlsbad, California 92008, telephone number (760) 602-9688.
Recent Changes in Executives
Effective March 31, 2011, Dennis Nelson resigned as Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer of the Company. He was succeeded by Greg Slack, who assumed the position of Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer effective April 1, 2011.
Recent Changes in Directors
As previously reported, we planned to reduce the size of our Board, subsequent to our delisting from NYSE Amex, by eliminating some or all of our independent director positions and no longer pay cash retainers or meeting fees. As a company listed previously on the NYSE Amex, we were required to have a majority of independent directors. Following our voluntarily delisting from the NYSE Amex, we will no longer be subject to those requirements. As a result, effective on April 4, 2011, we reduced the size of our Board of Directors from seven to three directors and directors, Gregory M. Harden, John C. Kratzer, Wilhelm Pfander and Kevin G. Wulff have concurrently resigned from the Company’s Board of Directors.
The following tables and text set forth certain information concerning our current members of the Board of Directors of the Company and our executive officers. All of the Company’s directors and executive officers are citizens of the United States.
The following table sets forth the names and ages of the directors and executive officers of the Company and certain additional information:
Executive officers are appointed by the Board of Directors and, subject to the terms of their employment agreements, serve until their successors are duly elected and qualify, subject to earlier removal by the Board of Directors. Directors are elected to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors have been elected and have qualified.
Set forth below are the names of the current members of our Board, as well as background information relating to each individual’s business experience, qualifications, attributes and skills and why our Board of Directors and believe each individual is a valuable member of our Board of Directors.
Mr. Riedman has served on our Board of Directors since 1993 and has been Chairman of our Board of Directors since 1996. He served as our Chief Executive Officer from 1996 to 2004, May 2006 to April 2007 and September 2010 to the present. Mr. Riedman is also a director of Harris Interactive Inc., a leading market research firm (NASDQ: HPOL).
The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Riedman’s qualifications to sit on our Board include his business acumen and financial knowledge, and his deep understanding of the Company and its operations derived from nine years as our Chief Executive Officer and 17 years serving on our Board, including 14 years as our Chairman.
Mr. DePerrior has served on our Board of Directors since 1996. For more than the past five years, Mr. DePerrior has been employed with First Niagara Benefits Business Consulting (formerly the Burke Group), an employee benefits administration and compensation consulting firm with a principal address of 777 Canal View Blvd Suite 100, Rochester New York, New York 14623, which provides services to us, as a record keeper. From 1997 until its sale in 2001, Mr. DePerrior was a principal in the Burke Group.
The Board of Directors believes that Mr. DePerrior’s qualifications to sit on our Board include his business acumen and financial knowledge and extensive experience in human resource consulting, executive compensation and strategic planning.
Mr. Port has served on our Board of Directors since 2004. Mr. Port has served in a variety of senior management positions involving start up and maturing companies, global and domestic, with emphasis on strategy, transition management, acquisition and integration, executive organization and recruiting. From 1995 to 2000, he served as a director of Callaway Golf (NYSE: ELY) and as President of Callaway Golf International. Prior to that (from 1993 to 1995) he was Managing Director of Korn/Ferry International and President (from 1987 to 1992) of the Owl Companies, a private multiple-industry, holding company.
The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Port’s qualifications to sit on our Board include his extensive executive experience and strategic planning, as well as the knowledge, perspective and corporate governance expertise derived from his experience on the boards and board committees of other companies.
Set forth below is certain biographical information regarding our current executive officers not serving on our Board of Directors:
Mr. Slack was elected by the Board of Directors on March 16, 2011 to serve as our new Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, effective April 1, 2011. Prior to joining Phoenix Footwear Group, Inc., Mr. Slack was serving as the President and Chief Financial Officer of Uniforms Express International, Inc. Mr. Slack has held a number of senior financial positions during his 20 year career, including serving as the Chief Financial Officer at JMC Management and prior to that, Bay Logics, Inc. From 2004 to 2009, Mr. Slack served as the as the Director of Internal Audit, VP of Finance & Controller and Chief Financial Officer at Ashworth, Inc., a publicly traded apparel company, a position he held until the company’s acquisition by Taylor Made Adidas Golf.
Mr. Carter has served as our Executive Vice-President of Sales since October, 2010 and prior to that as Vice-President of Sales since February, 2009. Before joining Phoenix Footwear, Mr. Carter served as VP of Sales for Privo by Clarks from May, 2004 to February, 2009. Mr. Carter has more than 24 years of shoe business experience in both retail and wholesale. Over the past 15 years, Mr. Carter has served in leadership roles for Clarks Companies, NA and Skechers USA (Manhattan Beach, CA). Beginning in 1998, Mr. Carter held the title of Key Account Director for Clarks. In 2001, Mr. Carter joined Skechers USA, also in an executive sales role. In 2004, Mr. Carter returned to Clarks with oversight responsibility for the sales and distribution of Privo in North America.
None of these persons were convicted in a criminal proceeding during the past ten years. Additionally, none of these persons were a party to any judicial or administrative proceeding during the past five years that resulted in a judgment, decree or final order enjoining the person from future violations of, or prohibiting activities subject to, federal or state securities laws, or a finding of any violation of federal or state securities laws.
Audit Committee and Financial Expert
We do not have a separately designated standing audit committee. The entire Board of Directors acts as an audit committee for the purpose of overseeing accounting and financial reporting processes, and audits of our financial statements
We do not have an audit committee financial expert, as such term is defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K, serving on our audit committee as we do not have a separately standing audit committee and we are not required to have an audit committee because subsequent to our voluntary delisting from the NYSE Amex on March 10, 2011, we are no longer a listed issuer as defined in Section 240.10A-3. However, we believe that the members of the Board of Directors have the requisite financial background, experience, and knowledge of the Company and its affairs to adequately carry out their duties.
Code of Ethics
Our Code of Ethics, the policies we adopted on ethical behavior, is provided on our web site, www.phoenixfootwear.com. The Code of Ethics applies to all of our directors and employees (including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer).
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our directors and executive officers and persons who hold more than 10% of its common stock to file with the SEC reports of ownership and changes in ownership of common stock. Officers, directors and greater-than-10% stockholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on review of the copies of such reports furnished to us and written representations that no other reports were required, we believe that, with respect to its 2010 fiscal year, all filing requirements applicable to our officers, directors and greater-than-10% stockholders were complied with.
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth all of the compensation received by the Chairman, Chief Executive Office, former Chief Executive Officer, former Chief Financial Officer and an executive officer, other than the principal executive officers, that served as an executive officer at the conclusion of the fiscal year ended January 1, 2011, and who received total compensation in excess of $100,000 during such fiscal year (collectively, the “Named Executive Officers”). Robby L. Carter was elected to the positions of Executive Vice President in October 2010 and as a result his fiscal 2009 compensation received was not included in the table below.
(1) In accordance with the rules of the SEC, the compensation described in this table does not include medical, group life insurance or other benefits which are available generally to all of our salaried employees and certain perquisites and other personal benefits received by a named executive officer which do not exceed $10,000 in the aggregate.
(2) Includes $10,088 of automobile allowance.
(3) Includes $11,467 of automobile allowance.
(4) Mr. Riedman was elected as President and Chief Executive Officer on September 17, 2010.
(5) Mr. Hall resigned from all positions effective September 10, 2010.
(6) Mr. Nelson resigned from all positions effective March 31, 2011.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table provides certain information regarding unexercised options to purchase common stock, stock options that have not vested held by the Named Executive Officers of January 1, 2011 and includes a column for current market value for these awards issued under the 2001 Long-Term Incentive Plan of Phoenix Footwear Group, Inc. (the “2001 Plan”). Under the 2001 Plan, we may grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards and other awards from time to time to key employees, officers, directors, advisors and independent consultants to us or to any of our subsidiaries.
(1) Mr. Hall resigned from all positions effective September 10, 2010, and consequently, forfeited all unvested stock awards.
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
No options were exercised and no deferred stock awards vested for the Named Executive Officers during fiscal 2010.
Pension Benefits
We do not maintain any plans that provide pension benefits primarily at or following retirement for Named Executive Officers.
Named Executive Officers are eligible to participate in our defined contribution 401(k) savings plan (“the Plan”), which covers substantially all employees. The Plan allows employees to elect to contribute a portion of their wages on a tax-deferred basis, and the Company may match, at our discretion, a portion of the employee contribution.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans
We do not provide any defined contribution or other plans for Named Executive Officers for the deferral of compensation that is not tax qualified.
2010 Bonus Plan
In December 2009, the Compensation Committee approved a 2010 Cash Bonus Plan (“Bonus Plan”) for our executives, including our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. The Bonus Plan provided performance criteria based upon meeting predetermined fiscal year 2010 operating income targets. With respect to the other executives, specific to their position, the bonus percentage ranges were 4% to 35% of their eligible base salaries. As the operating targets under the 2010 Bonus Plan were not reached, no bonuses were paid out under this plan.
Employment Agreements with Named Executive Officers and Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control
Employment Agreement with Mr. Riedman
On September 17, 2010, James R. Riedman was elected as President and Chief Executive Officer, to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Russell Hall. Mr. Riedman will continue under the current employment contract dated August 6, 2008, which was amended September 17, 2010 to reflect his election as President and Chief Executive Officer. The agreement provides for an annual base salary of $325,000, which is subject to increase upon annual review, and participation in executive bonus plans as may be established. The agreement also provides for confidentiality, employee non-solicitation, customer non-solicitation and non-compete covenants that extend for 18 months after the termination of his employment. The agreement renews automatically for one year terms unless either party gives thirty (30) day written notice of their intent not to renew.
Under the agreement, if we terminate his employment other than for cause, death or disability, we are obligated to pay him as non-compete payments an amount equal to his salary and benefits for 18 months, payable under the same terms as provided while he was an employee. “For cause” is defined in the agreement and includes: (i) refusal to comply with lawful written instructions of the Board of Directors regarding specific actions; (ii) engagement in an act of dishonesty or falsification or any transaction involving material conflict of interest which was not disclosed to and approved by our Board of Directors; (iii) use of illegal narcotics; (iv) engagement in theft, embezzlement, fraud, misappropriation of funds, or other act involving moral turpitude; or (v) engagement in any violation of law relating to employment by us.
The employment agreement also provides that if Mr. Riedman’s employment is terminated by us without cause in connection with a “change of control,” we would be obligated to make a single lump-sum payment an amount equal to 18 months of his salary and benefits for his non-compete covenant, 18 months of his salary then in effect and pro rated amount of any unpaid bonus provided for in any bonus program. Additionally, under his performance-based deferred stock award agreement, the shares of common stock under the agreement immediately vest in connection with a change in control. Under his employment agreement, if any of the severance payments would constitute an “excess parachute payment” as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 280G, the severance payments shall be increased by an amount equal to all applicable excise taxes.
Employment Agreements with Mr. Hall and Mr. Nelson
The Company’s compensatory arrangements with its former named executive officers Messrs. Hall and Nelson were not set forth in any formal document. Russell D. Hall’s employment with us provided for standard employee benefits and an annual base salary of $340,000. Dennis T. Nelson’s employment with us provided for standard employee benefits and an annual base salary of $175,000. Mssrs. Hall and Nelson resigned effective September 10, 2010, and March 31, 2011, respectively. Neither Mr. Hall nor Mr. Nelson received a performance-based bonus in fiscal 2010.
Employment Agreement with Mr. Slack
On March 16, 2011, Greg W. Slack was elected as Chief Financial Officer and Secretary effective April 1, 2011. The terms of Mr. Slack’s employment are set forth in an employment contract dated March 16, 2011. His employment with us provides for standard employee benefits and an annual base salary of $154,000 for the first twelve months of employment, increasing to $175,000 in the second year. In addition, Mr. Slack is granted 50,000 shares of company stock to vest in 1/3 increments on his employment anniversary dates. The underlying shares are issued under our Amended and Restated 2001 Long-Term Incentive Plan following the vesting of award. Mr. Slack is also eligible for an annual incentive bonus in the range of 0% to 50% of his current annual base salary, subject to the determination and approval of the Board of Directors.
The employment agreement also provides that if Mr. Slack’s employment is terminated by us without cause in connection with a “change of control,” we would be obligated to make a single lump-sum payment an amount equal to 12 months of his salary then in effect and he will be eligible to continue to participate in our benefit plans upon the same terms and contributions in effect prior to his termination. Additionally, under his stock option agreement, the shares of common stock under the agreement immediately vest in connection with a change in control.
Employment Agreements with Mr. Carter
Mr. Carter’s employment with the Company provides for standard employee benefits and an annual base salary of $265,000 and a performance-based bonus as prescribed by the Compensation Committee-under the Company’s 2010 Cash Bonus Plan. In addition, Mr. Carter is granted 100,000 shares of company stock to vest in 1/3 increments on his employment anniversary dates. The underlying shares are issued under our Amended and Restated 2001 Long-Term Incentive Plan following the vesting of award.
The employment agreement also provides that if Mr. Carter’s employment is terminated by us without cause in connection with a “change of control,” we would be obligated to make a single lump-sum payment an amount equal to 1.5 multiplied by the annual base salary rate then in effect for Executive and a partial year pro rated amount of any bonus payment provided for in any bonus program in which the executive is then participating to the extent and on the terms and conditions approved by the Board. Additionally, under his stock option agreement, the shares of common stock under the agreement immediately vest in connection with a change in control
Deferred Stock Awards Subject to Change in Control Provisions
We do not have any deferred stock awards currently subject to change in control provisions.
Non-Employee Director Compensation
During fiscal 2008, each of our non-employee directors received cash compensation in the form of an annual retainer of $25,000. Effective as of March 31, 2009, this amount has been reduced to $20,000. In addition, during fiscal 2008, the chairs of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee each received additional annual retainers of $5,000; effective March 31, 2009, this has been eliminated except for a $2,500 annual retainer for the Chairman of the Audit Committee. During fiscal 2008, each non-employee director serving on the Audit Committee also received an annual retainer of $2,500 and effective March 31, 2009, this has also been eliminated. Directors are eligible to receive awards under our Amended and Restated 2001 Long Term Incentive Plan, including stock options and deferred stock awards. Directors are also reimbursed for their reasonable expenses incurred in attending meetings of our Board of Directors and committees of the Board of Directors.
Due to our need to retain funds for the Company’s operations, we plan to suspend payment of cash fees to our directors in fiscal 2011 and compensate our directors through stock awards.
Non-Employee Director Compensation Table
The following table sets forth information concerning compensation paid or accrued for services rendered to us by our non-employee directors for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2011:
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
Share Ownership of Directors, Executive Officers, and Owners of 5% or More of the Shares of Common Stock
The following tables show the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by directors, executive officers, beneficially owned by directors and executive officers as a group, and owned by persons known to the Company to beneficially own more than five percent of the outstanding shares of common stock as of March 25, 2011. For the purposes of computing a person’s beneficial ownership, shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of securities exercisable within 60 days of March 25, 2011 are deemed outstanding for the purposes of computing the share ownership and percentage ownership of the person holding such securities, but are not deemed outstanding for the purposes of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.
Percentage of beneficial ownership is calculated assuming 8,178,362 shares of our common stock (net of treasury shares) were outstanding as of March 25, 2011. Except as otherwise indicated, to our knowledge, the beneficial owners of common stock listed below have sole investment and voting power with respect to such shares.
* Less than 1% of our outstanding common stock.
(1) Unless otherwise noted, and subject to applicable community property laws, each person has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to all shares of common stock beneficially shown as owned by that person.
(2) Includes shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options as follows:
(3) Includes the following shares held in such person’s account under our 401(k) Plan over which, by the terms of the plan, each has investment control, but not voting control:
(4) Includes 443,808 shares owned directly or indirectly through CE Capital, LLC, an affiliated entity, and the following shares and shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options of which Mr. Riedman disclaims beneficial ownership: 382,710 shares and 50,000 stock options beneficially owned by Riedman Corporation, of which Mr. Riedman is a director and a shareholder; 87,337 shares owned by his children; and 193,608 shares held by our 401(k) Plan, not including those shares allocated to his account. Mr. Riedman is a member of the Board’s Retirement Plan Committee, which serves as fiduciary for our 401(k) Plan, and through that committee he shares voting control over such shares.
(5) Mr. Nelson resigned from all positions effective March 31, 2011.
(6) Includes 210,623 shares held by our 401(k) Plan. Mr. DePerrior is a member of the Board’s Retirement Plan Committee, which serves as fiduciary for our 401(k) Plan, and through that committee he shares voting control over such shares.
(7) Includes 2,900 shares held by the David E. Harden Family Trust dated December 2, 1992, of which Mr. Harden serves as trustee.
(8) Includes 700 shares held by the Frederick and Linda Port Family Trust dated February 23, 2000, of which Mr. Port serves as trustee.
(9) Shares held by the Ilse Pfander Revocable Trust U/A dated December 23, 2005, of which Mr. Pfander serves as trustee.
(10) Effective on April 4, 2011, we reduced the size of our Board of Directors from seven to three directors and Messrs. and Harden, Kratzer, Pfander and. Wulff concurrently resigned from the Company’s Board of Directors
(11) The members of the Board’s Retirement Plan Committee, which serves as fiduciary for our 401(k) plan, share voting control over these shares. The plan’s mailing address is c/o Phoenix Footwear Group, Inc., 5937 Darwin Court, Suite 109, Carlsbad, California 92008.
(12) Based solely on a Schedule 13G, as amended, dated November 19, 2009, jointly filed with the SEC by Steven Tannenbaum, Greenwood Investments, Inc. (the “General Partner”), Greenwood Capital Limited Partnership (“Capital”) and Greenwood Investors Limited Partnership (“Investors”), 222 Berkeley Street, 17th Floor, Boston, MA 02116, are the beneficial owners of 1,462,050 shares. Mr. Tannenbaum is the President of the General Partner, which is the sole general partner of each of Capital and Investors. The beneficial ownership of each reporting person is as follows: (i) Capital beneficially owns 740,500 shares of common stock; (ii) Investors beneficially owns 721,550 shares of common stock; and (iii) each of the General Partner, as the sole general partner of each of Capital and Investors, and Mr. Tannenbaum, as the president of the General Partner, beneficially owns 1,462,050 shares of common stock. Each of Capital and Investors has the power to vote and dispose of their shares reported on the 13G beneficially owned by such entity (as described above). The General Partner, as the sole general partner of each of Capital and Investors, has the authority to vote and dispose of all of the shares reported on the 13G. Mr. Tannenbaum, by virtue of his position as president of the General Partner, has the authority to vote and dispose of all of the shares reported on the 13G.
(13) Based on a Schedule 13G, as amended, dated February 15, 2011, WEDBUSH, Inc. (“WI”), Edward W. Wedbush (“EWW”) and Wedbush Securities, Inc. (“WS”), 1000 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90017, are the beneficial owners of 798,643 shares. EWW is the Chairman of WI. EWW owns a majority of the outstanding shares of WI. EWW is the President of WMS. WI owns all of the shares of WS. WI has sole power to vote and dispose of 69,937 shares. EWW has sole power to vote and dispose of 92,570 shares. WS has sole power to vote and dispose of 636,136 shares. WI, EWW and WS have shared power to vote and dispose of 798,643 shares. EWW specifically disclaimed beneficial ownership of any shares reported on the schedule 13G.
(14) The principal business address for Riedman Corporation, a New York corporation, is c/o Phoenix Footwear Group, Inc. at 5937 Darwin Court, Suite 109, Carlsbad, California 92008. James R. Riedman and John R. Riedman, as directors of Riedman Corporation, share voting and dipositive power over shares beneficially owned by Riedman Corporation.
(15) Based solely on a Schedule 13G, as amended, dated February 11, 2011, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP (“Dimensional”), Palisades West, Building One, 6300 Bee Cave Road, Austin, TX 78746, is the beneficial owner of 434,545 shares. Dimensional has sole power to vote 434,545 shares and sole power to dispose of 434,545 shares. Dimensional is an investment advisor registered under Section 203 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Dimensional disclaimed beneficial ownership of the shares in the Schedule 13G.
Equity Compensation Plan Information. See Item 5 “Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities- Equity Compensation Plan Information” above.
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Since December 30, 2007, there have been no transactions or series of transactions, to which we or any of our subsidiaries were or are to be a party, in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and in which any director, nominee, executive officer or holder known to us of more than 5% of our common stock, or any member of the immediate family of any of them, is a party, directly or indirectly.
The Board has adopted a written policy to address related party transactions, upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee. The policy has been adopted to ensure that related party relationships and transactions are properly identified, accounted for and adequately disclosed in our financial statements and publicly-filed reports. Approval by the Board is required for any transactions or series of transactions with a related party in the amount of $50,000 or more. Transactions covered by the policy include those with a person defined as a “related person” under Item 404 of Regulation S-K.
Director Independence
Subsequent to our delisting from the NYSE Amex, we are not required to have independent members of the board of directors. OTC Markets facilitates quotation of unlisted securities by broker-dealers. As such, there is no regulatory relationship between OTC Markets and companies like ours whose securities are quoted on OTC Link.
Prior to our delisting from the NYSE Amex on March 10, 2011, we were subject to the director independence rules of under NYSE Amex listing standards. Under those standards, a majority of the members of a listed company’s Board of Directors must qualify as “independent,” as affirmatively determined by the Board. The Board consults with our counsel to ensure that the Board’s determinations are consistent with relevant securities and other laws and regulations regarding the definition of “independent,” including those set forth in pertinent listing standards of NYSE Amex, as in effect time to time.
Consistent with these considerations, after review of all relevant transactions or relationships between each director, or any of his family members, and us, our senior management and our independent auditors, the Board has affirmatively determined that Messrs. DePerrior, Harden, Kratzer, Port and Pfander, constituting a majority of our fiscal 2010 members of the Board of Directors, are independent, as defined in the corporate governance rules of NYSE Amex. In making this determination, the Board found that none of these directors had a material or other disqualifying relationship with us. During fiscal 2010, Mr. Riedman was not considered independent for purposes of the NYSE Amex corporate governance rules due to his employment with us.
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Relationship with Independent Registered Public Accountants
Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. (“MHM”), an independent registered public accounting firm, audited our books and accounts for fiscal 2010 and 2009.
During the fiscal years ended January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010, we had no disagreement with MHM on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which a disagreement, if not resolved to the satisfaction of MHM, would have caused them to make reference thereto in their report on our financial statements for such years. During the fiscal years ended January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010, we did not consult with MHM, regarding any of the matters set forth in Item 304(a)(2)(i) and (ii) of Regulation S-K. We expect to select MHM as our independent auditors for fiscal 2011.
Audit Fees
The following table presents aggregate fees billed to us for fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009 by Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. (“MHM”):
(1) Audit fees consist of fees for professional services performed by MHM for the audit of our annual financial statements, reviews of our quarterly financial statements and, consents and other services related to SEC matters.
Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services
Our entire Board of Directors, acting as the Audit Committee, approves in advance all services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:
(1) The following financial statements beginning at page:
1. Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
2. Consolidated Balance Sheets
3. Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Earnings (Loss)
4. Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
5. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
6. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
(3) Exhibits
* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
** Certain confidential information contained in the document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 406 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Rule 24b-2 promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
*By:
/S/ JAMES R. RIEDMAN
(James R. Riedman, Attorney-in-Fact)
PHOENIX FOOTWEAR GROUP, INC.
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Earnings (Loss)
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Schedule II Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Phoenix Footwear Group, Inc.
Carlsbad, California
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Phoenix Footwear Group, Inc. as of January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years then ended. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These consolidated financial statements and the financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and the schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Phoenix Footwear Group, Inc. as of January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule referred to above, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses and negative cash flows from continuing operations. These factors, among others, as discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C.
San Diego, California
April 14, 2011
PHOENIX FOOTWEAR GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except for per share data)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
PHOENIX FOOTWEAR GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (LOSS)
YEARS ENDED JANUARY 1, 2011 and JANUARY 2, 2010
(In thousands, except per share data)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
PHOENIX FOOTWEAR GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
PHOENIX FOOTWEAR GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED JANUARY 1, 2011 and JANUARY 2, 2010
(In thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
PHOENIX FOOTWEAR GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED JANUARY 1, 2011 and JANUARY 2, 2010
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Description of Business
In these notes, the terms “Phoenix Footwear,” “the Company,” “our,” “us” and “we” mean Phoenix Footwear Group, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Phoenix Footwear Group specializes in quality comfort women’s and men’s footwear with a design focus on fitting features. We design, develop, market and sell footwear in a wide range of sizes and widths under the brands Trotters®, SoftWalk®, and H.S. Trask®. We have been engaged in the manufacture or importation and sale of quality footwear since 1882.
During fiscal 2010, our products were carried by approximately 730 customers in over 1,155 retail locations throughout the United States We also sold our footwear in Canada through our wholly-owned Canadian subsidiary during fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010. Beginning in fiscal 2011, we will conduct business in Canada under a license agreement whereby a third party will be the sole importer and distributor of our Trotters and SoftWalk brands in Canada. Our distribution channels include department stores, leading specialty and independent retail stores, mail order catalogues, and internet retailers. We also operate our own direct to consumer internet retail business for all three brands.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Although these estimates are based on our knowledge of current events and actions we may undertake in the future, actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates and assumptions. Furthermore, when testing assets for impairment in future periods, if management uses different assumptions or if different conditions occur, impairment charges may result.
Certain amounts in the prior year's consolidated financial statements and notes have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications were necessary to properly present discontinued operations and had no effect on previously reported net loss or equity.
Accounting Period
Our operating and reporting period is on a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Saturday nearest to December 31. We refer to the fiscal year ended January 2, 2010 as “fiscal 2009,” the fiscal year ending January 1, 2011 as “fiscal 2010” and the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011 as “fiscal 2011.” The 52-week fiscal years consist of four equal quarters of 13 weeks each, and the 53-week fiscal years consist of three 13-week fiscal quarters and one 14-week fiscal quarter. The financial results for the 53-week fiscal years and 14-week fiscal quarters will not be exactly comparable to the 52-week fiscal years and 13-week fiscal quarters. Fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009 each include 52 weeks, respectively.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements consist of Phoenix Footwear Group, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Penobscot Shoe Company, H.S. Trask & Co., Belt Company (f/k/a Chambers Belt Company), PXG Canada, Inc. and Phoenix Delaware Acquisition Company (d/b/a Tommy Bahama Footwear). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Net sales relating to our Canadian operations for fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009 were $1.0 million and $1.2 million, respectively.
Foreign Currency Translation
The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars. Where the functional currency of a foreign subsidiary is its local currency, balance sheet accounts are translated at the current exchange rate and income statement items are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. Gains and losses resulting from translation are accumulated in accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss) within stockholders’ equity. These adjustments, along with gains and losses on transactions denominated and settled in a foreign currency, are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive earnings (loss).
Segments
We determine operating segments on the same basis that we use to evaluate performance internally. The operating segments have been aggregated and are reported as one reportable financial segment. We aggregate our operating segments for financial reporting purposes because they are similar in each of the following areas: economic characteristics; type of customer; nature of products; nature of production processes; and distribution methods.
With the discontinuance of the Tommy Bahama business operations in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 and the discontinuance of Chambers’ operations in the third quarter of fiscal 2009, we had only one reportable segment in both fiscal 2009 and 2010 consisting of Trotters, SoftWalk and H.S. Trask.
Business and Credit Concentrations
We maintain cash in U.S. bank accounts which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. Additionally, we maintain foreign bank accounts with certain international banks; these accounts totaled approximately $142,000 and $73,000 at January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010, respectively. Both of these potentially subject us to concentration of credit risk. We have not experienced any losses in such accounts, and believe we are not exposed to any significant risk on our cash.
We sell much of our footwear to 730 customers across the United States, comprised of department stores, leading specialty and independent retail stores, mail order catalogues and internet retailers. A decision by the controlling owner of a group of stores or any significant customer to decrease the amount of merchandise purchased from us or to cease carrying our products could have an adverse effect on our results of operations in future periods. Additionally, the financial difficulties of a customer could cause us to curtail business with that customer or the customer to reduce its business with us and cancel orders. Ten significant customers represented approximately 52% and 45% of our net sales from continuing operations in fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009, respectively, including one customer, which comprised 12.6% of net sales in fiscal 2010.
We extend credit to these customers based on an evaluation of each customer’s financial condition. We monitor our exposure for credit losses on all receivables and maintain allowances for anticipated losses. Credit risk is impacted by conditions or occurrences within the economy and the retail industry and is principally dependent on each customer’s financial condition. Four of our customers constituted 40% of trade accounts receivable outstanding at January 1, 2011. Our inability to collect on our trade accounts receivable from any of our major customers could adversely affect our results of operation and financial condition.
We currently buy all our products from four independent contract manufacturers located in China. As of January 1, 2011, one of our vendors constituted 20% of our accounts payable. We do not have long-term written agreements with any of our manufacturers. We could experience difficulties with these manufacturers, including reductions in the availability of production capacity, failure to meet our quality control standards, failure to meet production deadlines or increased manufacturing costs. If our current manufacturers cease doing business with us, we could experience an interruption in the manufacture of our products. Although we believe that we could find alternative manufacturers, we may be unable to establish relationships with alternative manufacturers that will be as favorable as the relationships we have now. If we are unable to provide products consistent with our standards or the manufacture of our footwear is delayed or becomes more expensive, this could result in our customers canceling orders, refusing to accept deliveries or demanding reductions in purchase prices, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. In addition, our operations are subject to the customary risks of doing business abroad, including but not limited to currency fluctuations and revaluations, custom duties and related fees, various import controls and other monetary barriers, restrictions on the transfer of funds, labor unrest and strikes and, in certain parts of the world, political instability.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Our financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and other receivables, accounts payable, accrued expenses and our revolving credit facility. The carrying amount of cash, accounts and other receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximates fair value due to the relatively short maturity of such instruments. The carrying amount of our note payable outstanding under the revolving credit facility approximates its fair value based upon current rates and terms available to us for similar debt.
Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable
We provide a reserve against our accounts receivable for estimated losses that may result from non-collection due to the financial position of our customers. To minimize the likelihood of uncollectibility, customers’ credit-worthiness is reviewed periodically based on external credit reporting services and our experience with the account, and it is adjusted accordingly. When a customer’s account becomes significantly past due, we generally place a hold on the account and discontinue further shipments to that customer, minimizing further risk of loss. We determine the amount of the reserve by analyzing known uncollectible accounts, aged receivables, economic conditions in the customers’ industries, historical losses and our customers’ credit-worthiness. Amounts later determined and specifically identified to be uncollectible are charged or written off against this reserve. In addition to these individual assessments, in general, outstanding trade accounts receivable amounts that are greater than 365 days are fully reserved for and amounts greater than 120 days are 75% reserved for. Our levels of reserves fluctuate depending upon all of the factors mentioned above. We also reserve for potential trade discounts and deductions for co-op advertising normally taken by our customers, allowances we provide to our retail customers to effectively flow goods through the retail channels and an allowance for estimated sales returns.
Historically, actual results in these areas have not been materially different than our estimates, and we do not anticipate that our estimates and assumptions are likely to materially change in the future. However, if we incorrectly anticipate trends or unexpected events occur, our results of operations could be materially affected.
Inventories and Cost of Goods Sold
Inventories, principally finished goods, are valued at the lower of cost (based on the first-in, first-out method) or market. The cost elements included in inventory consist of all direct costs of products (net of purchase discounts and vendor allowances), allocated overhead (primarily sourcing and indirect production costs), inbound freight and merchandise acquisition costs such as import fees. We reduce the carrying cost of inventories for obsolete or slow moving items as necessary to properly reflect inventory value. Reserves are estimated based upon inventory on hand, historical sales activity and the expected net realizable value. Our analysis includes a review of inventory quantities on hand at period end in relation to year-to-date sales, existing orders from customers and projections for sales in the near future. The net realizable value, or market value, is determined using our estimate of sales prices of such inventory based upon historical sales experience on a style by style basis or, if necessary, through off-price or discount store channels.
Cost of goods sold includes the inventory cost elements listed above as well as outbound shipping and handling. Our cost of goods sold may not be comparable to those of other entities, since some entities include all of the costs associated with their distribution functions in cost of goods sold while we include these costs in SG&A expenses.
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs are amortized over the term of the related debt instrument. Amortization expense associated with deferred financing costs is recorded as interest expense and totaled $124,000 and $545,000 in fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009, respectively. The amortization expense in fiscal 2010 is the result of debt costs which were fully expensed due to the First Community Financial early pay off of the revolving credit facility and amortization expense associated with our Gibraltar Business Capital revolving credit facility. The amortization expense in fiscal 2009 is the result of debt costs which were fully expensed due to the Wells Fargo early pay off of the revolving credit facility and amortization expense associated with our First Community Financial revolving credit facility. As of January 1, 2011, deferred financing costs of $45,000 and $83,000 were included in other current assets and other assets.
Property, Plant, Equipment, Depreciation and Amortization
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Repair and maintenance costs that do not improve service potential or extend economic life are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Land is not depreciated, and construction in progress is not depreciated until ready for service. Leasehold improvements recorded at the inception of a lease are amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the lease or the useful life of the improvement, whichever is shorter. For improvements made during the lease term, the amortization period is the shorter of the useful life or the remaining lease term (including any renewal periods that are deemed to be reasonably assured). Property under capital leases is amortized over the lives of the respective leases or the estimated useful lives of the assets, whichever is shorter.
The following table summarizes our major classes of property, plant and equipment:
In conjunction with our settlement to terminate our lease with H.G. Fenton at the end of February, 2011, we expensed $15,000 in lease hold improvements for our location on 5840 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA. Depreciation expense for fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009 was $280,000 and $323,000, respectively.
Long-lived Assets Impairments
We review the carrying value of our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Identification of any impairment would include a comparison of estimated future undiscounted operating cash flows anticipated to be generated during the remaining life of the assets with their net carrying value. An impairment loss would be recognized as the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds their fair value.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue from product sales when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, products are shipped and the customer takes title and assumes risk of loss, the sales price charged is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Product sales and shipping revenues, net of sales allowances, discounts and return allowances, are recorded when the products are shipped or, in certain situations, upon acceptance by the customer. Allowances for estimated returns are accounted for as reductions to sales, cost of goods sold, accounts receivable and an increase in inventory to the extent such product is resalable. We base our estimates on historical rates of customer returns and allowances, as well as the specific identification of outstanding returns and allowances, which are known to us but which have not yet been received or paid. Sales taxes collected from e-commerce customers are excluded from reported sales.
Shipping Activities
Amounts billed to customers related to shipping and handling costs incurred in delivering product to the customer are included in net sales. Related costs incurred are included in cost of goods sold. Shipping and handling costs incurred in bringing products to our warehouse are capitalized as part of inventory. Costs associated with our own distribution and warehousing are recognized as expense as incurred and are included in SG&A.
Product Design and Development Costs
Expenditures relating to the design of new products and processes, including significant improvements and refinements to existing products, are expensed as incurred and included in SG&A. The amounts charged to expense were $169,000 and $453,000 in fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009, respectively.
Advertising Programs
We capitalize direct-response advertising costs when (1) it can be shown that customers responded to a specific advertisement and (2) there is a probable future economic benefit. Direct-response advertising costs, such as those for our catalogues, are capitalized and amortized over their useful lives (generally two to four months). As of January 1, 2011, we had no capitalized advertising costs. We expense nondirect-response advertising production costs as incurred and record communication costs as an expense when the advertisement first takes place. Catalogue and other advertising costs totaled $229,000 and $476,000 during fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009 respectively.
We participate in certain cooperative advertising programs to reimburse a portion of advertising and marketing costs that our customers may incur. Such costs include mailing expenses for catalogues and advertisement runs in newspapers, magazines, radio and television. We record cooperative advertising costs as an expense when the advertising first takes place. Total cooperative advertising expense, which was included in SG&A, was $127,000 and $341,000 for fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009, respectively.
Income Taxes
We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes, in accordance with ASC 740-10 (formerly SFAS 109), which requires that we recognize deferred tax liabilities for taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets for deductible temporary differences and operating loss carryforwards using enacted tax rates in effect in the years the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred income tax benefit or expense is recognized as a result of changes in net deferred tax assets or deferred tax liabilities. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some or all of any deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Effective December 31, 2006, we adopted the provisions of ASC 740-10 (formerly FIN 48), which contains a two-step process for recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to determine whether or not a tax benefit should be recognized. A tax benefit will be recognized if the weight of available evidence indicates that the tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the relevant tax authorities. The recognition and measurement of benefits related to our tax positions requires significant judgment, as uncertainties often exist with respect to new laws, new interpretations of existing laws, and rulings by taxing authorities. Differences between actual results and our assumptions or changes in our assumptions in future periods are recorded in the period they become known.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing earnings allocated to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect, in periods in which they have a dilutive effect, the effect of unvested restricted stock not classified as participating securities and common shares issuable upon exercise of stock options or warrants. The difference between reported basic and diluted weighted-average common shares results from the assumption that all dilutive stock options and warrants outstanding were exercised and all outstanding restricted shares have vested.
Options and stock rights outstanding to purchase 666,000 and 664,000 shares of common stock were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009, respectively, because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
Reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share for fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009 is as follows:
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In April 2010, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to ASC Topic No. 718, Compensation Stock Compensation. ASC No. 718 stipulates that a share-based payment award that contains a condition that is not a market, performance, or a service condition is required to be classified as a liability. This update clarifies that when an employee share-based payment award with an exercise price denominated in the currency of a market in which a substantial portion of the entity’s securities trades differs from the functional currency of the employer entity or payroll currency of the employee, such award should not be considered to contain a condition that is not a market, performance, or service condition. Therefore, an entity would not classify such an award as a liability if it otherwise qualifies as equity. The amendments in this update will be effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2010, which will be our 2011 fiscal year. The amendments in this update should be applied by recording a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The cumulative-effect adjustment should be calculated for all awards outstanding as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which the amendments are initially applied and should be presented separately. Early adoption is permitted; however, the Company does not plan to adopt the amendments early. We do not anticipate that the adoption of this amendment will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
2. GOING CONCERN
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which assumes continuity of operations and realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. The severe global recession has been challenging during the past two years and has dramatically affected our business as it is dependent on consumer demand for our products. During this time, we have faced significant working capital constraints as the result of the decline in our sales, expenditures and obligations associated with our restructuring and diminished borrowing capacity. These factors together with our net losses and negative cash flows during the past three fiscal years raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
During fiscal 2009, we took several actions to restructure and reduce our business operations, overhead structure and bank debt in an effort to return to profitability. These included: shutting down the Tommy Bahama footwear division, reducing our administrative expenses, including reducing our executive team and employee headcount, monetizing working capital from the sale of the certain Chambers’ assets, and replacing our Wells Fargo credit facility with an Accounts Receivable and Inventory Security Agreement with First Community Financial.
In fiscal 2010, we established a new credit facility with Gibraltar Business Capital which replaced our First Community Financial credit facility. We also entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Canada Shoe (1998) Corp. (the “Distributor”) while negotiating an exit from our management services agreement with Double J. The new credit facility provides a greater line of credit than was in place with First Community Financial and allows a greater utilization of inventory balances for collateral to be included in the borrowing base. The new Canadian distribution agreement provides for the Distributor to purchase our current inventory for $200,000. The additional capital from both agreements will be used to catch up with past due payments to footwear factories both in China and Brazil. We believe this additional access to capital provides us with enough capacity to continue to manage the business and flow inventory for the peak shipping season ahead. Based upon anticipated levels of sales and operations and provided that there is no default and acceleration of our revolving line of credit, we believe we have sufficient liquidity (including working capital, anticipated funds from operations and availability under our revolving line of credit) to fund operations and meet our operating, working capital and investment requirements for the next twelve months.
There can be no assurance that we will achieve our overall goal or that the targeted benefits from our restructuring actions will be adequate in that regard. A continuation or worsening of the current downturn in the economy may affect consumer purchases of our products and adversely impact our sales and profitability. Accordingly, if the anticipated sales growth does not materialize, the possibility exists that there may be insufficient availability under our revolving credit facility for planned inventory purchases. In the absence of increased sales levels we would need to pursue a variety of alternatives to avoid delayed or missed inventory shipments. These alternatives include seeking the reestablishment of vendor financing and an increase under our revolving line of credit and management of our working capital, including reducing our inventory purchases and/or liquidating in-stock inventory by way of close out sales (which would adversely impact gross margins). While we have no assurance of the first two alternatives, we believe that the management of working capital is to a large extent within our control and will allow us to address liquidity issues, but with an adverse impact to our financial performance.
3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Tommy Bahama
On February 24, 2009, we entered into an Amendment to License Agreement (the “Amendment”) with Tommy Bahama Group, Inc. that amended and terminated the 2008 License Agreement and 2005 License Agreement. The 2008 License Agreement was terminated effective January 31, 2009. The 2005 License Agreement was amended and terminated effective February 24, 2009. As of the termination date, we ceased all manufacturing of licensed products other than work in process. The Amendment extended the sell-off period of remaining products through May 1, 2009 with provisions that extended it to June 1, 2009. The termination was not due to breach or default by us or Tommy Bahama Group, Inc. In connection with the termination of the license agreements, we sold the majority of our remaining Tommy Bahama-branded goods to Tommy Bahama Group, Inc. at predetermined unit prices. The total purchase, net of outstanding royalty obligations, was approximately $2.1 million, all of which was received on or before May 7, 2009. We used these proceeds to reduce our bank debt.
In connection with our acquisition of substantially all of the assets of The Paradise Shoe Company, LLC (“Paradise Shoe”), during 2005, a Holdback Agreement was executed pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement dated August 3, 2005, between Paradise Shoe, Paradise Shoe’s two members, Sensi USA, Inc. and Tommy Bahama Group, Inc., and us (collectively, “the Parties”) whereby the holdback of $500,000 was to be released after 14 months less any indemnity claims made by us. On October 3, 2006, we notified the sellers we were withholding payment of the $500,000 holdback that we maintained under the terms of the Holdback Agreement because certain acquired assets did not conform to the representations and warranties contained in the Asset Purchase Agreement. On February 24, 2009, the Parties entered into a Settlement Agreement to resolve and mutually settle the holdback dispute. During the first half of fiscal 2009, we paid Sensi USA, Inc. $100,000 in consideration for mutual release of the holdback.
For consolidated financial statement reporting purposes, commencing with the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we began reporting the Tommy Bahama business as discontinued operations. The financial results of the Tommy Bahama business are reported separately as discontinued operations for all periods presented. In connection with ceasing the Tommy Bahama business operations, 3 positions were eliminated. In the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we incurred $286,000 of severance charges. The unpaid balance related to these charges as of January 2, 2010 was $38,000, which was paid in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. In addition, we recorded in fiscal 2009 non-cash charges of $363,000 of inventory and other write-offs and $36,000 of fixed assets and intangible impairment charges and $55,000 of other write-offs.
Chambers
On July 9, 2009, we sold to Tandy Brands Accessories, Inc. (“Tandy”) substantially all of Chambers Belt Company’s (our former belt and accessories business n/k/a Belt Company) assets (excluding, among other assets, accounts receivable, cash and cash equivalents) used in the operation of our private label and Wrangler brand businesses. We conducted the Wrangler brand business under a License Agreement dated January 1, 2007 between Chambers and Wrangler pursuant to which Chambers had the right to sell Wrangler branded products to the mass market (the “Mass License”) and a License Agreement dated January 1, 2008 between Chambers and Wrangler pursuant to which Chambers had the right to sell to the western store market (the “Western License”). Also Tandy assumed all of Chambers’ obligations arising after the closing under vendor and customer purchase orders, Chambers’ Maquiladora Agreement and certain leases. In partial payment of the purchase price due for the purchased assets, Tandy paid to us, at the closing, approximately $3.5 million in immediately available funds, including approximately $2.6 million for inventory and $567,000 for fixed assets. As additional purchase price consideration, during the first 12 months after the closing, Tandy was obligated to pay us on a monthly basis 21.5% of the net revenue that Tandy recognized from sales of private label products previously sold by Chambers, Chambers trademark branded products and Wrangler branded products to the mass merchandise market (“earn-out”), less a $150,000 adjustment provided per the earn-out provisions of the purchase agreement as Tandy reached the predetermined earn-out milestone and less $430,000 of prepaid earn-out received at closing. As of January 2, 2010, we had recognized $2.9 million in Tandy earn-out payments. As of January 2, 2010, we had $833,000 recorded in earn-out receivable, which was included in other current assets of continuing operations. We had collected substantially all of Chambers’ accounts receivable and were in the process of settling its accounts payable. As of January 1, 2011, we have recorded $5.4 million of earn-out revenue, which includes all of the twelve month earn-out period reported to us by Tandy, of which $2.6 million was recognized in the first nine months of fiscal 2010. The earn-out reported to us by Tandy was subject to audit by us and was finalized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. Based on these results, we believe we have additional earn-out revenue; however, Tandy has claimed that they have overpaid us does not agree with our findings. As we have been unable to reach an agreement with Tandy regarding the earn-out we believe is due to us, we filed a lawsuit on February 14, 2011, against Tandy in the Superior Court of the State of Delaware in Newcastle County, seeking recovery of $524,257, representing an underpayment of the earn-out payment due under the Asset Purchase Agreement dated July 9, 2009, based on the results of the audit we performed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. Tandy believes that they overpaid Chambers, and are owed a refund of $609,000 of the $2.6 million in earn-out payment revenue we recognized in fiscal 2010. On April 4, 2011, Tandy filed a claim in Delaware Chancery Court, seeking to stay the Superior Court action, and to compel us to arbitrate under the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement. Tandy has argued that whether the results of the earn-out audit are subject to arbitration is an issue to be determined by an arbitrator.
As of January 1, 2011, we had $75,000 recorded in earn-out receivable, which was included in other current assets of continuing operations. This, along with any additional earn-out revenue, if any, will be netted against $181,000 due Tandy for prepaid earn-out received at closing, which was included in other current liabilities of continued operations. During fiscal 2010, Chambers collected or wrote off all of its accounts receivable and significantly reduced its accounts payable from $1,556,000 to $111,000.
Concurrently with the closing of the Chambers asset sale, Chambers, Tandy and Wrangler entered into an Amendment, Assignment and Assumption of License Agreement pursuant to which Chambers assigned to Tandy all of its rights and Tandy assumed all of Chambers’ remaining obligations (other than the remaining quarterly royalty obligations due Wrangler which continues to be our responsibility except in the case of a default on the license by Tandy) under the Mass License (which was amended to extend through and including June 30, 2010). The terms of the Mass License provides for no limitation to the maximum potential future payments under the agreements and no minimum royalty commitments required for after fiscal 2009. Also, the same parties entered into an Amendment, Assignment and Assumption of License Agreement pursuant to which Chambers assigned to Tandy all of its rights and Tandy assumed all of Chambers’ remaining obligations under the Western License.
For consolidated financial statement reporting purposes, commencing with the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we began reporting Chambers as discontinued operations. In connection with ceasing the Chambers business, during the second and third quarters of fiscal 2009, we incurred $448,000 of severance charges. The unpaid balance related to these charges as of January 2, 2010 was $25,000, which was paid in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. In fiscal 2010 we recorded a net gain of $2.4 million primarily from Tandy earn-out payments. In addition, we recorded in fiscal 2009 a net gain on sale of $824,000, which included the $2.9 million in Tandy earn-out payments and the $79,000 gain on sale of fixed assets, offset by non-cash charges of $1.7 million for write-off of inventory and fixed assets and $384,000 of other cash charges associated with exiting the business.
PXG Canada
On December 28, 2010, we entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Canada Shoe (1998) Corp. (the “Distributor”). The agreement grants the Distributor an exclusive right to distribute Trotters and SoftWalk branded footwear and related products in Canada. The agreement is effective on January 1, 2011, for an initial term of three years, with a three-year renewal option subject to the mutual agreement of both parties. The Distributor’s exclusivity under the agreement is subject to its satisfaction of certain minimum annual performance and advertising requirements. As part of the agreement, the Distributor will purchase our current inventory for $200,000. The Agreement also provides for a 20% royalty payable to us on subsequent inventory purchases by the Distributor.
In parallel with the implementation of this distributor agreement, we negotiated an exit from the management services agreement with Double J, the company that had been running our Canadian operations over the last several years. On January 27, 2011 we signed a termination agreement that ended the contract ahead of its expiration date of December 31, 2011. In exchange for the termination, we agreed to pay Double J $124,000.
During the first half of fiscal 2011 we will work to liquidate all the remaining working capital by selling inventory to the new distributor and collecting out receivables. We intend to formally cease operating PXG Canada, file final tax returns and dissolve the Canadian corporation.
For consolidated financial statement reporting purposes, commencing with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, we began reporting PXG Canada as discontinued operations. In connection with ceasing Canadian operation under PXG Canada and moving to a distributor agreement, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, we incurred $38,000 of severance charges. The unpaid balance related to these charges as of January 1, 2011 was $38,000, which were paid in the first quarter of fiscal 2011. In addition, we recorded in fiscal 2010 the cost of $124,000 for the termination of the management services agreement.
Presentation of Discontinued Operations
The following table summarizes the results of the Tommy Bahama, Chambers, and PXG Canada businesses for fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009:
Interest expense incurred on the debt that was required to be repaid as a result of each sale was allocated to discontinued operations for the periods presented and is included in cost of goods sold and operating expenses. Interest expense of $0 and $434,000 was allocated to discontinued operations in fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009, respectively.
Assets and liabilities of Tommy Bahama, Chambers, and PXG Canada businesses included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are summarized as follows:
Cash flows from operating activities of discontinued operations are summarized in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Included in those amounts are $4.7 million and $10.7 million of adjustments to reconcile loss from discontinued operations to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities for fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009, respectively.
The adjustment for fiscal 2010 is primarily comprised of a $1.5 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses and $3.1 million of cash collected from the earnout. The adjustment for fiscal 2009 is primarily comprised of a $8.3 million decrease in accounts receivable, a $8.8 million decrease in net inventory as a result of the monetization of the Tommy Bahamas and Chambers assets, offset by a $3.4 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses, $2.0 million of earn-out revenue and non-cash adjustments of $845,000, including the $400,000 release of the holdback liability related to the Tommy Bahama business.
4. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
We lease facilities under operating lease agreements expiring through April 2014. Our corporate headquarters is located in Carlsbad, California and consisted of approximately 22,000 square feet during fiscal 2010. After relocating the corporate headquarters within Carlsbad, California in February 2011, we now lease 5,200 square feet. During January 2011, we entered into an agreement to terminate the prior lease and settle the payments due for the unexpired balance of the lease term. This settlement amount of $308,000 was recognized in fiscal 2010 and is included in the total rent expense amount for fiscal 2010. See Note 12 Subsequent Events for further explanation. Also, as part of the settlement agreement, our landlord was allowed to keep the $41,000 deposit. This amount was recognized in 2010 and is also included in total rent expense for 2010. Concurrently, while settling with our former landlord, we entered into a new lease agreement. This lease commenced in February 2011 and will expire in April 2014. Finally, in February 2011, we negotiated a settlement in the amount of $26,200 to amend the cancellation date of our New York showroom lease from February 29, 2012 to March 14, 2011. The terms of the settlement require us to pay three monthly installments of $8,700 on March 1, 2011 April 1, 2011 and May 1, 2011. We also agreed to let the landlord keep the $7,800 deposit. Both the settlement of $26,200 and the deposit of $7,800 were recognized in fiscal 2010 and are included in the total rent expense for 2010. Minimum lease payments, which take into account escalation clauses, are recognized on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease term. Rent expense included in continuing operations for fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009 was $873,000 and $507,000 respectively.
We also lease certain equipment under an operating lease agreement expiring in December 2011.
Future minimum commitments under the facilities and equipment lease agreements are as follows:
We occasionally become involved in litigation arising from the normal course of business. The ultimate amount of liability or financial impact with respect to these actions at January 1, 2011 cannot be determined as such matters are subject to many uncertainties and outcomes are not predictable with assurance. Although the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to these actions cannot be accurately predicted, in our opinion, any such liability will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. As discusses in footnote 3 above, we are currently in litigation with Tandy related to the earn-out reported to us by Tandy was subject to audit by us which was finalized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010.
5. DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN
We have a defined contribution 401(k) savings plan (“the Plan”), which covers substantially all employees. The Plan allows employees to elect to contribute a portion of their wages on a tax-deferred basis, and the Company may match, at our discretion, a portion of the employee contribution. The cost recognized for the employer match in fiscal 2010 totaled $4,300. There was no employer matching contribution in fiscal 2009.
6. DEBT
In June 2008, we entered into a Credit and Security Agreement with Wells Fargo, which was subsequently terminated in December 2009, for a three year revolving line of credit and letters of credit collateralized by all of our assets. We defaulted under this credit agreement as of September 27, 2008 and operated in default of it until it was paid off in December 2009.
On December 4, 2009, we entered into an Accounts Receivable and Inventory Security Agreement with First Community Financial which established a two year revolving credit facility collateralized by all of our personal property. Under the facility, we could borrow up to $4.5 million (subject to a borrowing base which included eligible accounts receivable and eligible inventory formulas). In addition to the repayment of Wells Fargo credit facility, the proceeds of the First Community Financial credit facility were used for ongoing working capital needs.
On April 29, 2010, we entered into an amendment to Accounts Receivable and Inventory Security Agreement with First Community Financial to modify the definition of eligible inventory and the related sublimits.
On April 29, 2010, we also entered into a promissory note with First Community Financial pursuant to which we borrowed $800,000 under a term loan facility, the proceeds of which were used for our ongoing working capital needs. In consideration for the term loan facility, we paid First Community Financial a commitment and funding fee of $16,000.
Borrowings under the term loan facility accrued interest at a rate of 12.00% per annum. Interest on the unpaid balance was payable monthly commencing May 10, 2010. Principal was be payable in successive installments in accordance with the terms of the promissory note.
The Accounts Receivable and Inventory Security Agreement included various financial and other covenants with which we had to comply in order to maintain borrowing availability under our revolving credit facility and avoid penalties, including a minimum net worth requirement and limitations on our cash collections, accounts receivable turnover and past due payables. Other covenants included, but were not limited to, covenants limiting or restricting our ability to incur indebtedness, incur liens, enter into mergers or consolidations, dispose of assets, make investments, pay dividends, enter into transactions with affiliates, or prepay certain indebtedness. The Accounts Receivable and Inventory Security Agreement also contained customary events of default including, but not limited to, payment defaults, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to other indebtedness, material judgment defaults, inaccuracy of representations and warranties, bankruptcy and insolvency events, defects in the security interest of First Community Financial, change in control events, and material adverse change. The term loan facility also included various customary obligations and events default, including repayment defaults, defects in the security interest of First Community Financial and breaches of any representation, warranty, or covenant under the Accounts Receivable and Inventory Security Agreement. The occurrence of an event of default carried a default rate of interest of 4.0% over the rate otherwise applicable.
As of April 3, 2010, we were in default of the financial covenant for aging of payables, which required us to have no more than 50% of our trade payables greater than 60 days from their invoice date. Although the financial covenant for aging of payables contemplated trade payables based on invoice date, we manage our trade payables based on due date. At that time, less than 50% of our trade payables were greater than 60 days from their due dates; nevertheless, we were in default of the covenant. On May 6, 2010, we obtained from First Community Financial a waiver of the defaulted covenant through May 1, 2010. We regained compliance with this covenant as of July 3, 2010; however, operated in default of it from July 31, 2010 until November 3, 2010.
On November 3, 2010, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with Gibraltar Business Capital, LLC (“Gibraltar Business Capital”) as agent for the benefit of Gibraltar Business Capital and Westran Industrial Loan Co., LLC (“Westran Industrial Loan Co.”), (collectively “the Lenders”), for a three-year revolving credit facility and a three-year term loan, collateralized by substantially all of our assets and those of our subsidiaries. The Loan and Security Agreement provides for up to $5.75 million in borrowing capacity consisting of a secured first lien revolving credit facility of up to $4.25 million (subject to a borrowing base which includes eligible accounts receivable and eligible inventory formulas) with a three-year maturity (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and a secured second lien term loan of $1.5 million with a three-year maturity (the “Term Loan Facility”). Gibraltar Business Capital, LLC is a first lien lender with a 76% participation in the revolving loan facility and a second lien lender with a 33% participation in the term loan facility. Westran Industrial Loan Co., LLC is a first lien lender with a 24% participation in the revolving loan facility and a second lien lender with a 67% participation in the term loan facility.
Under the Loan and Security Agreement, we entered into the following promissory notes with the Lenders: $3,250,000 Revolving Credit Note with Gibraltar Business Capital; $1,000,000 Revolving Credit Note with Westran Industrial Loan Co., LLC; $1,000,000 Term Loan Note with Westran Industrial Loan Co., LLC; and, $500,000 Term Loan Note with Gibraltar Business Capital, LLC.
Concurrently with the execution of the Loan and Security Agreement, we made an initial borrowing in the amount of $3.2 million available under the revolving credit facility and borrowed the full $1.5 million available under the term loan facility. Proceeds from the borrowings made on November 3, 2010 were used to pay in full, the outstanding balances of $2.9 million, including $60,000 of prepayment penalties, owed to our prior lender, First Community Financial, the first installment in the amount of $58,000 of a $173,000 closing fee related to the transaction, with the remaining proceeds of approximately $1.8 million available for working capital purposes. As a result, all commitments under the Accounts Receivable and Inventory Security Agreement dated December 4, 2009, with First Community Financial, a Division of Pacific Western Bank, as amended, and related $4,500,000 Multiple Advance Promissory Note dated December 4, 2009 and Intellectual Property Security Agreement dated December 4, 2009 were terminated, all borrowings thereunder were repaid, and all liens thereunder were released, in each case effective November 4, 2010. Following the November 3, 2010 borrowings, we had $484,000 in available borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility.
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a minimum rate equal to the prime rate (subject to a minimum prime rate of not less than 3.25%) plus 8% or 11.25% per annum as determined by the bank from time to time. Borrowings under the Term Loan Facility bear interest at a rate equal to greater of 16% per annum or the prime rate (subject to a minimum prime rate of not less than 3.25%) plus 12.75%. In addition, the Company will be charged a $5,000 monthly loan servicing fee. A prepayment premium will be due the lenders if the Company terminates the credit facility prior to the original three year term date. If the prepayment occurs prior to November 3, 2011, the amount will be equal to 3% of the prepayment determination amount, if it occurs on or after November 3, 2011 but before November 3, 2012, it will be equal to 2% of the prepayment determination amount and if the prepayment occurs on or after November 3, 2012 but prior to the maturity date, the amount will be equal to 1% of the total prepayment determination amount. The Loan and Security Agreement includes various financial and other covenants with which the Company has to comply in order to maintain borrowing availability and avoid penalties, including maintaining required EBITDA amounts.
Other covenants include, but are not limited to, covenants limiting or restricting the Company’s ability to incur indebtedness, incur liens, enter into mergers or consolidations, dispose of assets, make investments, pay dividends, enter into transactions with affiliates, or prepay certain indebtedness. The Loan and Security Agreement also contains customary events of default including, but not limited to, payment defaults, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to other indebtedness, material judgment defaults, inaccuracy of representations and warranties, bankruptcy and insolvency events, defects in the Lenders’ security interests, change in control events, and material adverse change. The occurrence of an event of default will increase the interest rate by 4.0% over the rate otherwise applicable and could result in the acceleration of all obligations of the Company to the Lenders with respect to indebtedness, whether under the Loan and Security Agreement or otherwise. As of January 1, 2011, we were not aware of any occurrence of default.
As of January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010, debt consisted of the following:
As of January 1, 2011, we had $261,000 in available borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility.
7. INCOME TAXES
The following summarizes the income tax expense (benefit) for fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009:
Income tax expense (benefit) on our adjusted historical earnings differs from the amounts computed by applying the applicable federal statutory rates due to the following:
Components of our deferred tax assets (liabilities) as of January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010 are as follows:
We have determined it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets will not be realized. Accordingly, a valuation allowance has been recorded at January 1, 2011 to fully offset the deferred tax asset of $14.3 million.
As of January 1, 2011, we had approximately $31.1 million of net operating loss carryforwards available for federal tax purposes which begin to expire in 2027. As of January 1, 2011, we also had approximately $20.4 million of net operating loss carryforwards for California. These net operating losses begin to expire in 2016. Additionally, as of January 1, 2011, we had $0.4 million of capital loss carryforwards remaining from the pre-tax loss on the sale of Altama. These loss carryforwards will expire in 2012 and may only be utilized against future capital gains.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (excluding interest and penalties):
Estimated interest and penalties related to our unrecognized tax benefits, which are classified as a component of income tax expense, were $(61,000) for fiscal 2010. As of January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010, accrued interest and penalties were $0 and $0, respectively.
We are subject to taxation in the U.S., Canada and various state tax jurisdictions. For federal tax purposes, our 2003 through 2009 tax years remain open for examination by the tax authorities under the normal three year statute of limitations, including adjustments to the statute for the carry back of net operating losses to prior years. Generally, for state tax purposes, our 2006 through 2009 tax years remain open for examination by the tax authorities under a four year statute of limitations; however, certain states may keep their statute open for six to ten years. For Canadian tax purposes, our 2006 through 2009 tax years remain open for examination by the tax authorities.
8. STOCK-BASED COMPENATION
Under the 2001 Long-Term Incentive Plan of Phoenix Footwear Group, Inc. (the “2001 Plan”), we may grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards and other awards from time to time to key employees, officers, directors, advisors and independent consultants to us or to any of our subsidiaries. Shares available for future option and restricted stock grants as of January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010 totaled 1.9 million and 2.0 million, respectively.
At January 1, 2011, outstanding stock-based awards consisted of the following:
Total stock-based compensation expense recognized for fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009 was as follows:
Options
In general, options become exercisable over either a two- or three-year period from the grant date and expire 10 years after the date of grant. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatility of our stock price and implied. We use historical data to estimate an option’s expected life; the expected life for grants to senior management-level employees and other employees are considered separately for valuation purposes. The risk-free interest rate input is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. Compensation cost, net of projected forfeitures, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the period between the grant and vesting dates, with compensation cost for grants with a graded vesting schedule recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards.
On October 1, 2010, we granted options for the purchase of 100,000 shares of common stock to a member of senior management at an exercise price of $1.00 per share. We did no grant any other stock-based awards during fiscal 2009 or fiscal 2010. In addition, during the third quarter of fiscal 2010, a total of 50,000 performance-based restricted stock rights issued to our former Chief Executive Officer were cancelled due to his resignation pursuant to the terms of the Company’s employee stock option plan. We did not modify any outstanding stock awards during fiscal 2009 and 2010.
Options outstanding under these arrangements totaled 368,000 and 295,000 as of January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010, respectively. Of these options outstanding, 268,000 and 295,000 were exercisable as of January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010, respectively.
The following table summarizes the stock option transactions during fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009:
The outstanding stock options as of January 1, 2011 have an exercise price ranging from $1.00-$13.33 per share and expire at various dates through October 2020.
The following table summarizes information about employee stock options outstanding and exercisable at January 1, 2011.
Restricted Stock Rights
In general, service-based stock rights vest over a two-year period from the grant date. Performance-based stock rights cliff vest based on specifically defined performance criteria consisting primarily of revenue, income and shareholder value targets and expire generally within a three to five-year period if the performance or service criteria have not been met. We deem stock rights to be equivalent to a stock option for the purpose of calculating dilutive shares.
Compensation cost for restricted stock rights is measured as the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of our stock at the grant date over the amount the holder must pay to acquire the stock (which is generally zero). Compensation cost, net of projected forfeitures, is recognized over the period between the issue date and the date any restrictions lapse, with compensation cost for grants with a graded vesting schedule (service-based) recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the total award. In any event, compensation expense is not recognized, if at all, until vesting is considered probable.
As of January 1, 2011, the total compensation cost related to stock-based awards granted to non-employee directors was fully amortized.
The following table summarizes service-based and performance-based stock rights issued as of January 1, 2011:
In addition to the stock options and restricted stock rights outstanding under the 2001 Plan, we granted options to two separate major stockholders in consideration for debt and debt guarantees. Options outstanding and exercisable under these arrangements totaled 298,000 as of January 1, 2011. These options were granted July 17, 1997 and on various dates during 2001 with an exercise prices ranging from $1.75 to $2.38 per share and expire at various dates through June 2011.
In conjunction with our secondary offering completed on July 19, 2004, we issued 50,000 warrants with an exercise price of $15.00 to the managing underwriters. These warrants expired on July 18, 2009.
9. OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME), NET
There was no recorded other expense (income) for fiscal 2010. For fiscal 2009, other expense was $1.0 million and consisted of severances related to the elimination of 13 managerial and support positions (excluded the severances specifically related to discontinued operations). The unpaid balance of $39,000 as of January 2, 2010 was paid in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.
10. RELATED PARTIES
Prior to the sale of the Chambers accessories business in 2009, we provided raw materials, components and equipment utilized in manufacturing its product, to Maquiladora Chambers de Mexico, S.A., a manufacturing company located in Sonora, Mexico. Maquiladora Chambers de Mexico, S.A. provided production related services to convert these raw materials into finished goods for the Company. The Executive Vice President of Sales of the Company’s Chambers accessories business, who is a former principal of Chambers Belt prior to the Company’s 2005 acquisition of the brand, owns an equity interest in Maquiladora Chambers de Mexico, S.A. During fiscal 2009, we purchased a total $1.0 million in production related services from Maquiladora Chambers de Mexico, S.A. Those production related services are included in discontinued operations. As of January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010, we did not have any assets/liabilities related to Maquiladora Chambers de Mexico, S.A.
11. ASSETS HELD AND USED
In February of 2011, the Company began working with several interested parties with the intent of completing a sale of the H.S Trask brand in fiscal 2011. As such, we have subsequently classified the assets and liabilities of our H.S. Trask brand as held for sale. In accordance with authoritative guidance we have not reclassified amounts in the year-end balance sheet and have disclosed, in the following table, the carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities related to our H.S Trask brand as of January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010:
12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company evaluated subsequent events after the balance sheet date through the financial statement issuance date of April 14, 2011 to determine if financial statement recognition or additional disclosure is required.
On December 28, 2010, we entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Canada Shoe (1998) Corp. (the “Distributor”). In parallel with the implementation of this agreement, we negotiated an exit from the management services agreement with Double J, the company that had been running the Canadian operations for us over the last several years. On January 27, 2011 we signed a termination agreement that ended the contract ahead of the expiration date of December 31, 2011. In exchange for the termination, we agreed to pay Double J $124,000.
On January 26, 2011, we entered into an agreement with H.G. Fenton Property Company, (“Fenton”), the landlord for our former corporate headquarters office in Carlsbad, California regarding the payment of our remaining lease obligation. This agreement terminated the lease as of February 11, 2011 and provides for the payment of the remaining eight months of the obligation in the amount of $308,000 to be spread over a 24 month period at a rate of 8% per annum. Payments began on February 1, 2011 and shall continue on the first calendar date of the month thereafter until the obligation is paid in full. Fenton may declare the balance immediately due and payable upon the failure to make the specified monthly payment. This settlement amount was recognized in fiscal 2010 and is included in the total rent expense amount for fiscal 2010.
Concurrently, we relocated our corporate headquarters have been relocated within Carlsbad, California to a smaller facility, in which we entered into an agreement with Air Commercial Real Estate Association to lease office facilities in Carlsbad, California. The lease commenced in February 2011 and will expire in April 2014. We also pay taxes, maintenance and insurance in addition to the lease obligation. Minimum lease payments, which take into account escalation clauses, are recognized on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease term.
Effective the close of business on January 31, 2011, following a shareholder approval on January 28, 2011, we effected a 1-for-200 reverse stock split immediately followed by a 200-for-1 forward stock split of our common stock. As a result, our registered shareholders owning fewer than 200 shares of common stock of record prior to the reverse stock split had their pre-split shares cancelled and converted into the right to receive cash consideration of $0.75 per pre-split share. As a result of the Reverse/Forward Stock Split we repurchased approximately 12,800 shares for $9,600. The repurchased shares have been recorded as treasury stock.
On February 2, 2011, we entered into an agreement with Joseph P Day Realty Corp, as agent for Ronbet 366 LLC (“Landlord”) to amend the expiration date of our New York Showroom lease from February 29, 2011 to March 14, 2011. The settlement provides we pay $26,200 in three monthly installments of $8,700 on March 1, 2011, April 1, 2011 and May 1, 2011. If any payment is made late or any payment by check is returned uncollected by the bank for any reason then the Landlord shall have the right to commence an action to collect the same.
SCHEDULE II CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
For The Years Ended January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010
3) Exhibits.
* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
** Certain confidential information contained in the document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 406 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Rule 24b-2 promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.