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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004
Commission file number 1-878
BLAIR CORPORATION
Incorporated in Delaware I.R.S. Employer Identification Number:
220 Hickory Street
Warren, Pennsylvania 16366 25-0691670
(814) 723-3600
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
TITLE OF EACH CLASS NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE ON WHICH REGISTERED
Common Stock, without nominal or par value American Stock Exchange
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: NONE
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as
defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes [X] No [ ]
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the
registrant as of June 30, 2004 was approximately $236,838,997. There were
8,243,326 shares of common stock outstanding as of February 23, 2005 as reported
by the Company's transfer agent and the aggregate market value of the voting
stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant as of February 23, 2005 was
$276,151,421.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the
"2005 Proxy Statement") are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form
10-K.
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
(a) GENERAL.
Blair Corporation (the "Company") was founded in 1910 by John L. Blair, Sr., and
was incorporated in 1924 under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Company's
business consists of the sale of fashion apparel for men and women, plus a wide
range of home products. Although the Company's revenues are generated primarily
through direct mail merchandising, the Company has transitioned into a
multi-channel direct marketer, as an increasing amount of total sales revenue,
approximately 16% in 2004, is being generated through its e-commerce Web sites,
which were launched in 2000. The Company operates three retail stores, two in
Pennsylvania and one in Delaware. The Company employs approximately 2,000
people. None of the Company's employees are subject to collective bargaining
agreements.
(b) INFORMATION REGARDING INDUSTRY SEGMENTS.
The Company operates as one reporting segment, which is direct mail, e-commerce
and retail merchandising of men's and women's fashion apparel and home products.
The Company does not aggregate operating segments. Retail store sales comprise
less than 1% of the Company's total net sales and the method used to distribute
the Company's products (United States Postal Service or United Parcel Service)
is the same for 99% of the business (i.e., direct mail and internet). The
Company's customer base is comprised of individuals throughout the United States
and is diverse in both geographic and demographic terms. Advertising is done
mainly by means of catalogs, direct mail letters and the internet, which offer
the Company's merchandise.
The format of the information used by the Company's CEO in the oversight of the
business is consistent with the reporting format used in the Company's 2004 Form
10-K and other external financial information.
The direct mail business represents approximately 83% of net sales, the internet
accounts for approximately 16% and the retail component accounts for
approximately 1%. The Company considers all of these components to be engaged in
business activities from which revenues are earned and expenses are incurred
relating to transactions of the same enterprise.
(c) DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS.
The Company markets a wide range of merchandise, manufactured by a number of
independent suppliers, both domestic and foreign. Most of these suppliers have
been associated with the Company for many years and manufacture products based
upon the Company's specifications. Suppliers are selected in accordance with
their ability to produce high quality products in a cost-effective manner.
The Company markets its products mainly by direct mail. Catalogs and letters
containing color folders depict the current styles of Womenswear (such as
coordinates, dresses, tops, pants, skirts, lingerie, sportswear, suits, jackets,
outerwear and shoes), Menswear (such as suits, shirts, outerwear, active wear,
slacks, shoes, and accessories), and Home (such as bedspread ensembles,
draperies, furniture covers, area rugs, bath accessories, kitchenware, gifts,
collectibles and personal care items) are mailed directly to existing and
prospective customers. Sales of the Menswear and Womenswear products accounted
for 87% of the Company's total sales in 2004, and sales of home products
accounted for the remaining 13%.
The environment for our products is very competitive and the Company has
numerous competitors throughout various channels within the industry. Our
current and potential competitors include brick and mortar retailers and catalog
retailers, many of which possess significant brand awareness, sales volume, and
customer bases. Some of these competitors currently sell products through the
internet, mail order, or direct marketing. We believe that the principal
competitive factors in our market segments include value, credit, availability,
convenience, brand recognition, customer service, and reliability.
The Company considers its merchandise to be value-priced and competes for sales
with other direct marketers, retail department stores, specialty shops, discount
store chains and e-commerce and multi-channel marketers. The Company competes
based on its sales expertise and its unique combination of product, quality,
price, credit, guarantee and service.
As of December 31, 2004 the Company had $5,946,766 of backlog orders of which
the Company reasonably did not expect to fill $683,878, compared to $9,224,041
of backlog orders as of December 31, 2003 of which the Company reasonably did
not expect to fill $1,060,765. The majority of the backlog orders was the result
of ordered items being out of stock at the time the order was originally placed.
The reduction in backlog orders was the result of the Company's enhanced
inventory management efforts. Emphasis was placed on carrying greater quantities
of recurring or staple products. Conversely, lower levels of newly introduced or
untested products were maintained.
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Media and co-op prospect advertising programs continue to be used as components
of the Company's customer acquisition strategy. The Company continued to expand
its internet presence in 2004 generating over $91 million in sales demand,
approximately 16% of the Company's total gross sales, as compared to
approximately $84 million in sales demand or 12% in 2003. The Company launched
its e-commerce Web sites in the third quarter of 2000 and has continued to
expand its affiliate partnerships to extend the reach of the Web sites. The
Company's Web sites have also become an effective way to help liquidate excess
inventory.
Both catalog mailings and letter mailings are mailed from commercial printers
engaged by the Company. Orders for merchandise are processed at the Company's
corporate offices in Warren, Pennsylvania (telephone orders via the call centers
in Franklin, Pennsylvania, Erie, Pennsylvania and Warren, Pennsylvania) and
orders are filled and mailed from the Company's Distribution Center in Irvine,
Pennsylvania. All of the Company's products, including Allegheny Trail, are
warehoused in its Irvine, Pennsylvania Distribution Center. The Distribution
Center has been expanded to include the former Mailing Center, and enhanced to
improve customer service levels and to support the Company's growth plans.
Merchandise returns operations are located in Erie, Pennsylvania. The Company
serves customers throughout the United States.
The Delaware retail store is the only Company retail facility located outside of
the Company's home state of Pennsylvania.
During 2004, the Company continued to broaden its customer information database
system. The marketing and credit department databases are continually updated in
order to enhance the Company's ability to market to both customers and
prospects. The information database system, covering all of the Company's
products and customer file, is used by the marketing and credit departments to
administer strategic business decisions.
The Company announced on May 3, 2004, that it will discontinue circulation of
its Crossing Pointe catalog title beginning in 2005. The Company's intention is
to more fully focus new business development efforts on the core Blair brand and
its proven appeal to significant market segments. The Company has evaluated the
impact of discontinuing circulation of the Crossing Pointe title on all assets
associated with this operation. All appropriate reserves have been recorded.
This decision did not have a negative effect on 2004 profitability, but is
expected to moderately benefit 2005 performance.
In June 2003, the Company formed a new wholly-owned subsidiary, Allegheny Trail
Corp., to launch a wholesale business targeted primarily at outdoor sporting
goods and recreational retailers. Allegheny Trail offers a product line of men's
and women's outdoor apparel basics at entry-level price points allowing
retailers to be more competitive with major brands. On January 25, 2005, the
Company decided to phase out its Allegheny Trail wholesale business by April 30,
2005. The Company's intention is to more fully focus new business development
efforts on the core Blair brand and its proven appeal to significant customer
profiles. The decision to focus on core operations is based in part on the
historical success of the Blair brand and an extensive consumer and brand
strategy study undertaken by the Company as part of its efforts to enhance
profitability and shareholder value. The Company has evaluated the impact of
phasing out the Allegheny Trail business on all assets associated with this
operation. All appropriate reserves have been recorded. This decision did not
have a negative effect on 2004 profitability, and is not expected to negatively
impact 2005 performance.
In August 2003, the Company commenced operations of a new wholly-owned
subsidiary, JLB Service Bank. The establishment of JLB Service Bank will enable
the Company to manage its credit portfolio in a more cost-effective and
efficient manner. The bank's products will involve the extension of credit on an
unsecured basis to individuals who are customers of Blair Corporation to
facilitate their purchases of Blair's merchandise.
Neither of the two new businesses required an investment of a material amount of
working capital.
(d) FOREIGN OPERATIONS AND EXPORT SALES.
The Company does not conduct export sales of merchandise from the United States.
The Company's International Trade Offices, the Company's only foreign
operations, directly source more than 28% of the Company's merchandise from
foreign suppliers. All activity is intercompany and the foreign offices have
insignificant amounts of cash and fixed assets.
(e) AVAILABLE INFORMATION.
The Company makes available free of charge copies of its Annual Reports on Form
10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and any
amendments made to these reports pursuant to Section 13(a) and 15(d) of the
Exchange Act, on its Web site at www.blair.com. Such reports are posted as soon
as reasonably practicable after being filed with the SEC.
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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company owns the following properties:
1. Blair Headquarters (220 Hickory Street, Warren, Pennsylvania).
2. Blair Distribution Center South (Route 62, Irvine, Pennsylvania).
3. Blair Distribution Center North (Route 62, Irvine, Pennsylvania).
4. Blair Warehouse Outlet (Route 62, Starbrick, Pennsylvania).
5. Blair Warehouse Outlet (Millcreek Mall, Erie, Pennsylvania).
6. Bell Warehouse Building (Liberty Street, Warren, Pennsylvania).
7. Starbrick Warehouse Building (Route 62, Starbrick, Pennsylvania).
The Blair Warehouse Outlet building in Erie Pennsylvania is not currently being
used by the Company. The Company is seeking prospective buyers for the Erie
facility. A $300,773 impairment charge was taken in 2003 to reduce the value of
the asset to its fair value less costs to sell. The Company is continuing to
seek buyers for this facility and will monitor the realization of the net
carrying value.
The Company leases the following properties:
1. Blair Retail Store (Wilmington, Delaware).
2. Telephone Call Center (Erie, Pennsylvania).
3. Telephone Call Center (Franklin, Pennsylvania).
4. Blair Retail Store (Grove City, Pennsylvania).
5. Blair Returns Center (Erie, Pennsylvania).
6. International Trade Offices (Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, India, and China).
The Korea office, which was established in support of the Crossing Pointe
catalog, was closed in July 2004 consistent with the Company's decision to
discontinue circulation of this catalog title beginning in 2005.
In addition, four of the Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries lease office space
in the Wilmington, Delaware area, which they use as their principal offices.
Management believes that these properties are capable of meeting the Company's
anticipated needs for the near future.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is not involved in any pending legal proceedings other than legal
proceedings occurring in the ordinary course of business. Management believes
that none of these legal proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will
have a material adverse impact on the results of operations or financial
condition of the Company.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders, through the
solicitation of proxies or otherwise, during the fourth quarter of the fiscal
year covered by this report.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
The Company's common stock is traded on the American Stock Exchange (symbol:
BL). The number of record holders of the Company's common stock at December 31,
2004 was 2,155.
2004 2003
Sales Price Dividends Sales Price Dividends
High Low Declared High Low Declared
First Quarter $26.94 $23.75 $.15 $24.80 $21.72 $ .15
Second Quarter 29.35 25.25 .15 24.73 20.60 .15
Third Quarter 29.50 25.31 .15 23.00 20.22 .15
Fourth Quarter 36.70 28.00 .15 25.70 21.15 .15
The Company and its affiliates have not repurchased any Company securities
during the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003.
The payment of dividends is dependent on future earnings, capital requirements
and financial condition. The Company currently intends to continue its policy of
paying regular cash dividends; however, the Company will evaluate its dividend
policy on an ongoing basis.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Year Ended December 31 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
Net sales.................. $ 496,120,207 $ 581,939,971 $ 568,545,582 $ 580,700,163 $ 574,595,907
Net income................. 14,868,647 14,526,182 19,135,556 9,292,146 21,104,444
Total assets .............. 346,140,844 345,975,803 344,097,432 324,113,329 356,506,152
Long-term debt ............ -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
Per share:
Basic earnings.......... 1.83 1.82 2.39 1.17 2.63
Diluted earnings........ 1.80 1.81 2.38 1.17 2.63
Cash dividends
declared............ .60 .60 .60 .60 .60
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATION
RESULTS OF OPERATION
During 2004, the Company laid the groundwork for its efforts to focus on
profitability and enhance shareholder value. Margins were maintained due to
deflationary experience on merchandise purchases, fewer promotions and less
inventory liquidation costs. All of these factors were offset by higher outbound
freight costs. The planned elimination of unprofitable circular mailings and a
reduction in Crossing Pointe mailings served to reduce net sales, but improve
selling expense efficiency. The Company also experienced reduced provisions for
doubtful accounts.
The Company discontinued circulation of its Crossing Pointe catalog title as of
December 31, 2004 and plans to phase out its Allegheny Trail wholesale business
by April 30, 2005. The Company's intention is to more fully focus on core
operations. These decisions are based in part on the historical success of the
Blair brand and its proven appeal to significant market segments.
Also contributing to the Company's decision to focus on core operations were the
findings of an extensive consumer and brand strategy study undertaken by the
Company as part of its efforts to enhance profitability and shareholder value.
The study, conducted with the assistance of a national marketing and strategy
consulting firm, provided a deeper understanding of who the customer is, well
beyond the demographics of age and income. The study suggests the Company's core
customer comprises a significant portion of the identified customer profiles.
The Company believes that by focusing on these customer profiles it will be
better positioned for increased profitability and enhanced shareholder value.
COMPARISON OF 2004 AND 2003
Net income for 2004 increased 2.4% to $14.9 million or $1.83 basic earnings per
share and $1.80 diluted earnings per share, compared to $14.5 million, or $1.82
basic earnings per share and $1.81 diluted earnings per share, in 2003. The
Company realized advertising efficiency and improved bad debt experience in
2004. This positive experience was primarily offset by lower net sales
attributed to lower response rates, the planned elimination of unprofitable
letter mailings, and reduced Crossing Pointe mailings.
Net sales for 2004 decreased $85.8 million to $496.1 million or 14.8% less than
net sales for 2003. The decrease in net sales was primarily attributable to
strategic decreases in catalog and letter mailings in an attempt to focus on the
Company's core Blair brand. In support of this strategic decision, during 2004,
the Company eliminated unprofitable letter mailings and reduced the number of
Crossing Pointe mailings. These efforts resulted in slightly improved
advertising efficiency and reduced provisions for doubtful accounts. In May,
2004 the Company announced that it would be discontinuing its Crossing Pointe
catalog title at the end of 2004 and would be more fully focusing new business
development efforts on the core Blair brand and its proven appeal to significant
market segments. The decision to focus on core operations is based in part on
the historical success of the Blair brand and an extensive consumer and brand
strategy study undertaken by the Company as a component of its efforts to
enhance profitability and shareholder value. Actual response rates in 2004 were
lower than in 2003 and were lower than expected levels for 2004.
The provision for returned merchandise ($71.7 million) as a percentage of gross
sales decreased 57 basis points or $3.3 million in 2004 as compared to 2003.
Management attributes this favorable change to improved product quality and fit,
and to delivery efficiencies driven by its new fulfillment equipment.
Other income increased approximately $3.2 million or 7.6% to $44.7 million in
2004 as compared to 2003. The increase was primarily due to increased finance
charge revenues associated with the establishment of JLB Service Bank on August
20, 2003.
Cost of goods sold decreased $40.7 million or 14.8% to $235.0 million in 2004
compared to 2003 as a result of decreased sales as described above. As a
percentage of net sales, cost of goods sold was 47.4% in both 2004 and 2003.
The Company's gross profit may not be comparable to that of other direct
marketers, as some direct marketers include all costs related to their
distribution network in cost of goods sold and others may exclude a portion of
these costs from cost of goods sold, including them in a line item such as
general and administrative expenses.
While costs of goods sold as a percent of net sales remained consistent with the
prior year, multiple variables were considered in 2004. Serving to positively
impact cost of goods sold by approximately $1.6 million were: deflationary
experience on merchandise purchases, effective inventory management resulting in
lower inventory liquidation costs, fewer promotions and lower customer
merchandise returns. Cost of goods sold was negatively impacted by approximately
$1.6 million in 2004 as a result of shipping a greater mix of packages in excess
of one pound that increased shipping costs. The Company's decision to
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carry more inventory led to fewer cancellations and provided the ability to ship
more multiple unit orders. This led to increased shipping costs that were more
than offset by reduced order fulfillment costs, primarily lower warehouse
staffing requirements. In addition, the basic profile of the products ordered by
the customer also contributed to the increased average package weight in 2004.
The Company's International Trade Offices, the Company's only foreign
operations, directly sourced more than 28% of the Company's merchandise from
foreign suppliers in 2004 as compared to 33% in 2003. The existence of these
offices serves to lower the Company's cost of acquiring merchandise. All
activity is intercompany and all merchandise is purchased in U.S. dollars. The
foreign offices have insignificant amounts of cash and fixed assets, which are
converted to U.S. dollars for financial statement purposes.
Advertising expense in 2004 decreased $28.1 million or 18.0% to $128.3 million.
The Company's more targeted mailings led to strategic decreases in catalog and
letter mailings. This reduction includes the reduction in Crossing Pointe
mailings as a result of the Company's decision to discontinue circulation of its
4 year old Crossing Pointe catalog title in early 2005.
The total number of catalog mailings released in 2004 was 24.8 million or 11.8%
less than those released in 2003. The total number of letter mailings released
in 2004 was 23.8 million or 41.4% less than those released in 2003. The more
targeted mailing strategy led to a reduction in customer catalog mailings of 7.9
million or 5.3% and prospect mailings of 16.9 million or 27.6%. The reduced
prospect catalog circulation was primarily attributable to reduced Crossing
Pointe circulation in 2004 compared to 2003.
Total circulation of the co-op and media advertising programs decreased by 180.3
million pieces or 17.9% in 2004 as compared to 2003.
The Company launched its e-commerce sites in the third quarter of 2000. In 2004,
the Company generated $91.7 million in e-commerce sales demand as compared to
$84.3 million in 2003. This increase was achieved after considering the
reduction in Crossing Pointe web demand associated with the Company's decision
to reduce Crossing Pointe mailings in 2004 as a precursor to discontinuing this
catalog title in 2005.
General and administrative expense decreased by $4.8 million or 3.5% in 2004 as
compared to 2003. Reduced variable employee costs associated with lower sales
volume served to lower general and administrative expense by $6.8 million. As a
percent of net sales, general and administrative expenses were 26.5% for 2004
compared to 23.4% for 2003. The increase in percentage of net sales is primarily
attributable to increased fees for professional services. $1.1 million is due to
the added expense of complying with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Another component of the increased professional fees was the cost associated
with an extensive consumer and brand strategy study conducted by the Company in
2004 of $1.9 million. The study concluded the Company would enhance
profitability and improve shareholder value by focusing new business
developments on the core Blair brand and its proven appeal to significant
customer profiles.
The provision for doubtful accounts decreased $9.1 million from $31.8 million to
$22.6 million or 28.8% in 2004 compared to 2003. The decrease is primarily the
result of a 14.0% decrease in credit sales. The estimated bad debt rate used in
2004 was 124 basis points lower than the bad debt rate used in 2003. The
estimated bad debt rate has decreased primarily due to reduced credit offers to
both Blair and Crossing Pointe prospects as well as improved delinquency and
charge-off experience. Prospect credit offers traditionally result in higher bad
debts. In the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company raised the acceptable FICO
(Beacon) credit score that a customer is required to have in order to be
eligible for Blair credit. This action began to improve the creditworthiness of
the portfolio in the fourth quarter and is expected to positively impact
delinquency rates and related bad debt experience in 2005.
The provision for doubtful accounts is based on current expectations (consumer
credit and economic trends, etc.), sales mix (prospect/customer) and current and
prior years' experience, especially delinquencies (accounts over 30 days past
due) and actual charge-offs (accounts removed from accounts receivable for
non-payment). At December 31, 2004, the delinquency rate on open accounts
receivable was 96 basis points lower than at December 31, 2003. Further, the
charge-off rate for 2004 was 11 basis points less than the charge-off rate for
2003. The reduced charge off experience is the result of reduced customer and
prospect credit marketing initiatives implemented in the second half of the
year. The initial impact of raising the acceptable FICO (Beacon) score also
contributed to reduced delinquencies. Due to the reduced credit risk associated
with these initiatives, bad debt and related charge off experience decreased.
Recoveries of bad debts previously charged off have been credited back against
the allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts as a
percentage of delinquent accounts is 2.8% lower than the prior year. At December
31, 2004, the allowance for doubtful accounts as a percentage of open accounts
is 204 basis points less than December 31, 2003. Both statistics reflect the
greater mix of customer (versus prospect) open accounts at year-end and a much
smaller Crossing Pointe credit portfolio associated with the Company's decision
to discontinue its Crossing Pointe catalog title.
At this time, the Company feels that the allowance for doubtful accounts is
sufficient to cover the charge-offs from the current customer accounts
receivable portfolio. Also, credit granting, collection and behavior models
continue to be updated and
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improved, and, along with expanding database capabilities, provide valuable
credit-marketing opportunities and improve the ability to forecast doubtful
accounts.
Interest income, net of interest expense increased $43,000 or 54.2% to $122,757
in 2004 as compared to 2003. Interest income results from the Company's
investment of surplus cash into money market securities and other investments
with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Interest expense
primarily reflects the impact of $15 million of borrowings that are required
under the receivables securitization. At December 31, 2004, inventories were
1.5% lower and gross customer accounts receivable were 4.2% lower as compared to
December 31, 2003. Average borrowings were comparable in 2004 to 2003. Interest
rates trended up throughout 2004.
Other expense, net, decreased $38,000 or 14.7% to $221,699 in 2004 as compared
to 2003. In 2004 the Company charged off $240,000 of construction in progress
related to its decision to phase out the Allegheny Trail business by April 30,
2005. In 2003 the Company closed its outlet store in Erie, Pennsylvania. This
facility is held for sale. A $300,773 impairment charge was taken in 2003 to
reduce the value of the asset to its fair value less costs to sell. The balance
of this line item is gain on foreign currency translation.
Income taxes as a percentage of income before income taxes were 36.4% in 2004
and 37.3% in 2003. The statutory federal income tax rate of 35% was favorably
impacted in 2004 by a change in estimated foreign tax credits.
COMPARISON OF 2003 AND 2002
Net income for 2003 decreased 24.1% to $14.5 million or $1.82 basic earnings per
share, $1.81 diluted earnings per share, compared to $19.1 million, or $2.39
basic earnings per share, $2.38 diluted earnings per share in 2002. The decline
in net income in 2003 resulted primarily from increases in advertising expenses,
cost of goods sold, general & administrative expenses and the provision for
doubtful accounts that were not totally offset by the increase in sales.
Net sales for 2003 increased $13.4 million to $581.9 million or 2.4% greater
than net sales for 2002. The increase in net sales was primarily attributable to
increases in catalog and letter mailings to current and prospective customers
that served to generate sales, maintain the customer file and improve inventory
management. Actual response rates in 2003 were lower than in 2002 and were lower
than expected levels for 2003. The provision for returned merchandise as a
percentage of gross sales decreased 50 basis points or $3.4 million in 2003 as
compared to 2002. Management attributes this favorable change to improved
product quality and fit, and to delivery efficiencies driven by its new
fulfillment equipment.
Other income increased approximately $3.3 million or 8.8% to $41.6 million in
2003 as compared to 2002. The increase was substantially impacted by increased
finance charge revenues associated with the establishment of JLB Service Bank on
August 20, 2003.
Cost of goods sold increased $7.0 million or 2.6% to $275.7 million in 2003
compared to 2002. As a percentage of net sales, cost of goods sold increased to
47.4% in 2003 from 47.3% in 2002. The slight increase in cost of goods sold
reflects the net impact of multiple variables. Serving to positively impact cost
of goods sold were: effective inventory management resulting in lower inventory
liquidation costs, less outbound freight in the fourth quarter attributable to
increased use of shipping consolidators affording the company the opportunity to
disseminate customer packages deeper in the mail stream which provided greater
postal discounts, and lower in-bound freight in the fourth quarter compared to
the prior year. In 2002, the Company incurred significant amounts of air freight
(driven by the west coast dock strike) to expedite foreign merchandise receipts
in an attempt to fill customer backorders. Cost of goods sold was negatively
impacted in 2003 by: an increase in sales generated from promotional activities
intended to address lower response rates, higher inbound freight expenses in the
first quarter associated with the west coast dock strike, a greater mix in the
first quarter of outbound packages in excess of one pound that increased
shipping costs, and the postal rate increase of approximately 10% that took
place on June 30, 2002. The Company's International Trade Offices, the Company's
only foreign operations, directly sourced more than 33% of the Company's
merchandise from foreign suppliers in 2003 as compared to 30% in 2002. The
existence of these offices serves to lower the Company's cost of acquiring
merchandise. All activity is intercompany and all merchandise is purchased in
U.S. dollars. The foreign offices have insignificant amounts of cash and fixed
assets, which are converted to U.S. dollars for financial statement purposes.
Advertising expense in 2003 increased $10.5 million or 7.2% to $156.4 million.
Strategic increases in letter and catalog mailings to current customers
accounted for the majority of the increase. The June 30, 2002 postal rate
increase and a 2% increase in printing costs effective April 1, 2003 also
contributed to this variance.
The total number of catalog mailings released in 2003 was 26.6 million or 14.5%
greater than those released in 2002. The total number of letter mailings
released in 2003 was 3.3 million or 6.2% greater than those released in 2002.
Total circulation of the co-op and media advertising programs increased by 89.4
million pieces or 9.8% in 2003 as compared to 2002.
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The Company launched its e-commerce sites in the third quarter of 2000. In 2003,
the Company generated $83.5 million in e-commerce sales demand as compared to
$65.6 million in 2002.
General and administrative expense increased by $5.3 million or 4.1% in 2003 as
compared to 2002. The increase in general and administrative expense is
attributable to increased employee costs (primarily wages and the cost of health
insurance), professional fees, additional bank fees incurred as a result of rate
increases for check processing along with the amortization of costs associated
with the amended securitization of accounts receivable, increased costs incurred
to service an expanded credit program, depreciation on the new fulfillment
equipment and professional fees incurred for the establishment of the JLB
Service Bank and Allegheny Trail subsidiaries. The Company's amended
securitization of accounts receivable, which is discussed further in the
"Liquidity and Sources of Capital" section, provided additional liquidity and
extended the term of the facility. JLB Service Bank enables the Company to
manage its accounts receivable portfolio in a more cost-effective and efficient
manner. The formation of Allegheny Trail represents the launch of a wholesale
business targeted at outdoor sporting goods and recreational retailers.
The provision for doubtful accounts increased $1.8 million from $30.0 million to
$31.8 million or 6.1% in 2003 compared to 2002. The increase is primarily the
result of a 4.8% increase in credit sales. The estimated bad debt rate used in
2003 was 26 basis points lower than the bad debt rate used in 2002. The
estimated bad debt rate has decreased primarily due to reduced credit offers to
both Blair and Crossing Pointe prospects in the second half of the year and
improved credit experience on the Crossing Pointe credit portfolio. Prospect
credit offers traditionally result in higher bad debts.
The provision for doubtful accounts is based on current expectations (consumer
credit and economic trends, etc.), sales mix (prospect/customer) and current and
prior years' experience, especially delinquencies (accounts over 30 days past
due) and actual charge-offs (accounts removed from accounts receivable for
non-payment). At December 31, 2003, the delinquency rate of open accounts
receivable was 30 basis points lower than at December 31, 2002. Conversely, the
charge-off rate for 2003 was 15 basis points greater than the charge-off rate
for 2002. The increased charge off experience is the result of additional
customer and prospect credit marketing initiatives implemented early in 2003.
Due to the inherent credit risk associated with these initiatives, bad debt and
related charge off experience increased to anticipated levels. As the year
progressed, the credit marketing initiatives were curtailed resulting in less
credit risky sales (primarily in the fourth quarter) and an improved year-end
delinquency rate.
Recoveries of bad debts previously charged off have been credited back against
the allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts as a
percentage of delinquent accounts is the same at December 31, 2003 and December
31, 2002. At December 31, 2003, the allowance for doubtful accounts as a
percentage of open accounts is 61 basis points less than December 31, 2002. This
trend reflects the greater mix of customer (versus prospect) open accounts at
year-end.
At this time, the Company feels that the allowance for doubtful accounts is
sufficient to cover the charge-offs from the current customer accounts
receivable portfolio. Also, credit granting, collection and behavior models
continue to be updated and improved, and, along with expanding database
capabilities, provide valuable credit-marketing opportunities and improve the
ability to forecast doubtful accounts.
Interest income, net of interest expense increased $188,000 or 73.5% to $79,613
in 2003 as compared to 2002. Interest income results from the Company's
investment of surplus cash into money market securities and other investments
with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Interest expense
primarily reflects the impact of $15 million of borrowings that are required
under the receivables securitization. Interest expense for 2002 included an
amount attributable to an IRS tax settlement. At December 31, 2003, inventories
were 15.3% higher and gross customer accounts receivable were 2.9% higher as
compared to December 31, 2002. Average borrowings were comparable in 2003 to
2002. Interest rates were substantially lower throughout 2003.
Other expense, net, increased $229,000 to $260,035 in 2003 as compared to 2002.
In 2003 the Company closed its outlet store in Erie, Pennsylvania. This facility
is held for sale. A $300,773 impairment charge was taken in 2003 to reduce the
value of the asset to its fair value less costs to sell. The balance of this
line item is gain/(loss) on foreign currency translation.
Income taxes as a percentage of income before income taxes were 37.3% in 2003
and 38.5% in 2002. The statutory federal income tax rate was 35% in both years.
The difference in the total income tax rate was caused by minor changes in
several estimated items.
LIQUIDITY AND SOURCES OF CAPITAL
All working capital and cash requirements for the year 2004 were met using funds
from operations and surplus cash. The Company maintains two facilities that
collectively provide $110 million of credit. As of December 31, 2004 the Company
was in compliance with all debt covenants.
9
The syndicated revolving facility (the "Credit Agreement") was originally signed
on December 20, 2001 and has been amended four times, most recently on October
28, 2004. The amended Credit Agreement provides a commitment of $40 million and
is secured by inventory and certain other assets of the Company and its
subsidiaries. The Company is required to meet certain covenants that relate to
tangible net worth, maintaining a defined leverage ratio and fixed charge
coverage ratio, and complying with certain indebtedness restrictions. At
December 31, 2004, the Company had no borrowings (loans) outstanding on this
credit facility and had letters of credit totaling $16.1 million outstanding,
which reduces the amount of borrowings available under the Credit Agreement.
Outstanding letters of credit totaled $20.9 million at December 31, 2003.
Letters of credit are comprised mainly of two categories. One such category is
comprised of commercial letters of credit used for the purpose of purchasing
goods from non-U.S. suppliers. The other category is comprised of a performance
guarantee of a consolidated subsidiary of the Company. All letters of credit
have a term of one year or less. The amended facility is scheduled to expire on
September 1, 2007.
The Company also maintains a securitization of up to $100 million in accounts
receivable. At the present time, $70 million of the $100 million is available to
the Company. The Company sells all right, title and interest in and to certain
of its accounts receivable to Blair Factoring Company, a wholly-owned
subsidiary. Blair Factoring Company is a separate, bankruptcy remote, special
purpose entity that entered into a Receivables Purchase Agreement with PNC Bank,
National Association, as administrator, and certain conduit purchasers. The
Company's consolidated financial statements reflect all the accounts of Blair
Factoring Company, including the receivables and secured borrowings.
Transactions entered into under the Receivables Purchase Agreement are
considered secured borrowings and collateral transactions under the provisions
of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 140 Accounting for Transfers
and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities. The
securitization requires certain performance standards for the Company's accounts
receivable portfolio in addition to complying with the covenants in the Credit
Agreement. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, $15 million had been borrowed under
the securitization and is included on the balance sheet as $15 million of short
term notes payable. $15 million is the minimum amount required to be outstanding
under the Receivables Purchase Agreement. Accordingly, at December 31, 2004 and
2003, $15 million of undivided interests in the receivables pool has been
utilized under the terms of the facility, resulting in a remaining unused
commitment of $55 million. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the weighted average
interest rate was 2.26% and 1.97%, respectively. Interest paid during 2004,
2003, and 2002 was approximately $339,000, $282,000, and $366,000, respectively.
The securitization has a scheduled termination date of April 7, 2006.
The following table and narrative highlight significant changes in cash and cash
equivalents for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003.
Twelve Months Ended
December 31
Increase/
2004 2003 (decrease)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 21,342,668 $ (2,390,612) $ 23,733,280
Net cash (used in) investing activities (4,623,552) (7,191,272) 2,567,720
Net cash (used in) financing activities (2,436,554) (3,976,022) 1,539,468
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (102,616) (37,548) (65,068)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$ 14,179,946 $(13,595,454) $ 27,775,400
============ ============ ============
Net cash provided by operating activities was $21.3 million for the year ended
December 31, 2004, a $23.7 million increase over the same period in fiscal 2003.
This increase is primarily attributable to favorable year over year changes in
several components of working capital. The primary factors of improved working
capital are favorable changes to accounts receivable ($11.9 million) and in
inventory ($12.7 million). In 2003, inventories rose approximately $11.4 million
over 2002 levels. 2004 inventory levels are $1.3 million below year end 2003
levels. These positive impacts were offset somewhat by an unfavorable change
($4.6 million) in payables and accrual balances resulting from generally lower
costs and expenses coupled with the timing of merchandise purchases.
Net cash used in investing activities was lower by $2.6 million due to a lower
level of capital expenditures in 2004. In 2003, the Company was in the final
stages of a modernization and expansion program of its fulfillment complex.
The $1.5 million reduction in net cash used in financing activities for the
twelve months ended December 31, 2004 over the comparable period in 2003 is
primarily attributable to $1.5 million higher proceeds from exercised stock
options.
Cash funding requirements in 2004 were primarily for capital expenditures and
shareholder dividend payments. The Company expects to fund 2005 requirements
with cash provided from operations and cash on hand.
The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants as of December 31, 2004.
The Company believes it has adequate financial resources to support anticipated
short-term and long-term capital needs and commitments.
10
Merchandise inventory turnover was 2.6 at December 31, 2004, 3.4 at December 31,
2003 and 3.4 at December 31, 2002. Merchandise inventory as of December 31, 2004
increased 2.4% from December 31, 2003 and increased 19.8% from December 31,
2002. Merchandise inventory levels have been generally higher from December 31,
2003 through December 31, 2004 due to strategic efforts to increase inventory
levels for recurring merchandise items in an effort to improve fill rates and
related customer service levels. Inventory liquidation efforts were consistent
with the prior year.
The merchandise inventory levels are net of the Company's reserve for inventory
obsolescence. The reserve totaled $3.6 million at December 31, 2004, $3.6
million at December 31, 2003 and $4.0 million at December 31, 2002. Inventory
write-offs and write-downs (reductions to below cost) charged against the
reserve for obsolescence were $6.3 million in 2004, $4.9 million in 2003 and
$5.7 million in 2002. The closing of the Starbrick Outlet Store in January 2004
accounts for $2.4 million of the write-downs in 2004. These writedowns were
primarily provided for in the December 31, 2003 obsolescence reserve. Due to the
nonrecurring nature of the write-downs related to the closing of the Starbrick
Outlet Store, the obsolescence reserve at December 31, 2004 might be expected to
be lower than the reserve at December 31, 2003 on comparable inventory levels.
However, the Company's decisions to discontinue its Crossing Pointe catalog
title in 2005 and to phase out the Allegheny Trail wholesale business by April
30, 2005 have created the need to reserve a greater portion of these inventories
due to anticipated lower recovery. Management believes that the amount of the
reserve for obsolescence is appropriate. A monthly provision for obsolete
inventory is added to the reserve and expensed to cost of goods sold, based on
the levels of merchandise inventory and merchandise purchases.
An operating segment is identified as a component of an enterprise for which
separate financial information is available for evaluation by the chief
decision-maker, or decision-making group, in deciding on how to allocate
resources and assess performance. The Company operates as one business segment
consisting of the Womenswear, Menswear, Home, Crossing Pointe, Stores and
Allegheny Trail product lines. The Stores product line was added in the first
quarter of 2004 reflecting a reclassification within the segment from the other
product lines to this product line. Allegheny Trail was added in the third
quarter of 2003.
On January 25, 2005, the Company decided to phase out its Allegheny Trail
wholesale business by April 30, 2005. The remaining products will be transferred
to other existing product lines. The Company's intention is to more fully focus
new business development efforts on the core Blair brand and its proven appeal
to significant market segments. The decision to focus on core operations is
based in part on the historical success of the Blair brand and an extensive
consumer and brand strategy study undertaken by the Company as part of its
efforts to enhance profitability and shareholder value. The Company has
evaluated the impact of phasing out the Allegheny Trail business on all assets
associated with this operation. All appropriate reserves have been recorded.
This decision did not have a negative effect on 2004 profitability, and is not
expected to negatively impact 2005 performance.
The table below illustrates a reduction in Crossing Pointe net sales, which is
attributable to reduced circulation in 2004 compared to 2003. The Company will
discontinue its 4 year old Crossing Pointe catalog title in early 2005. All
appropriate reserves have been recorded. This decision did not have a negative
effect on 2004 profitability and is expected to positively impact 2005
performance.
The Store product line shows a decrease of $3.4 million in merchandise inventory
when comparing the December 31, 2004 balance to the December 31, 2003 balance.
This is due to the closing of the Starbrick Outlet Store in January, 2004, which
was accounted for in the fourth quarter of 2003.
The following tables illustrate the percent of net sales and merchandise
inventory that each product line represents.
12/31/04 Percent of 12/31/03 Percent of 12/31/02 Percent of
Net Sales Total Net Net Sales Total Net Net Sales Total Net
Product Line (in millions) Sales (in millions) Sales (in millions) Sales
--------------- ------------- ---------- ------------- ---------- ------------- ----------
Womenswear $ 310.6 62.6% $365.9 62.9% $ 358.9 63.1%
Menswear 96.1 19.4% 100.6 17.3% 107.4 18.9%
Home 64.9 13.1% 68.5 11.8% 59.2 10.4%
Crossing Pointe 20.0 4.0% 39.6 6.8% 34.7 6.1%
Stores 3.1 0.6% 6.5 1.1% 8.3 1.5%
Allegheny Trail 1.4 0.3% .8 .1% N/A N/A
--------- ------- ------ -------- ---------- -------
Total $ 496.1 100.0% $581.9 100.0% $ 568.5 100.0%
========= ======= ====== ======== ========== =======
11
12/31/04 12/31/03 12/31/02
Merchandise Merchandise Merchandise
Inventory Inventory Inventory
Product Line (in millions) (in millions) (in millions)
--------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Womenswear $ 42.9 $ 41.0 $ 29.5
Menswear 14.3 6.9 10.0
Home 8.4 6.5 4.7
Crossing Pointe .2 6.4 6.5
Stores .4 3.8 4.4
Allegheny Trail 1.4 1.4 N/A
--------- -------- --------
Total $ 67.6 $ 66.0 $ 55.1
========= ======== ========
The Company looks upon its credit granting (Blair Credit) as a marketing
advantage. Blair Credit customers, on average, buy more, buy more often and are
more loyal than cash and third party credit card customers. The Company has
determined that the benefit from the increased sales volume achieved by offering
Blair Credit is significant and more than offsets the cost of the credit
program. The cost of the credit program is comparable to the discount rates of
third party credit cards. The Company's gross credit sales decreased 14% in 2004
as compared to 2003 in line with the strategic decision to focus on more
targeted mailings for greater efficiency and optimized yield. The Company's
gross credit sales increased 4.8% in 2003 as compared to 2002 and decreased 3.3%
in 2002 as compared to 2001.
On August 20, 2003 the Company commenced operations of a new wholly owned
subsidiary, JLB Service Bank. The establishment of JLB Service Bank enables the
Company to manage its credit portfolio in a more cost-effective and efficient
manner. The bank's products involve the extension of credit on an unsecured
basis to individuals who are customers of Blair Corporation to facilitate their
purchases of Blair's merchandise. As of December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003,
JLB Service Bank's total assets represented 1.3% of the total consolidated
assets of the Company. Gross revenue of JLB Service Bank was .94% and .32%
respectively of the Company's consolidated total revenues for the years ended
December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003.
The Company has added new facilities, modernized its existing facilities and
acquired new cost-saving equipment during the last several years. Capital
expenditures for property, plant and equipment totaled $4.6 million during 2004,
$7.2 million during 2003 and $12.3 million during 2002. Most of the $4.6 million
of capital expenditures in 2004 were attributable to the previously announced
modernization and enhancement of the Company's fulfillment operations. This
investment has increased the productivity of the Company's fulfillment
operations. The reduction in capital expenditures over the three year period is
attributable in part to economic conditions.
In addition, expenditures incurred for Sarbanes Oxley compliance and the
comprehensive brand and market study have led to additional cash requirements of
approximately $3 million, which were reflected in the consolidated statement of
income.
Capital expenditures are projected to be approximately $35 million in total for
the years 2005, 2006, 2007. Approximately $18 million of the $35 million is
attributable to improving our information services capabilities as they support
the order taking and order fulfillment functions.
Upon review of the Company's inventory liquidation strategy, the Company made
the decision in January 2004 to close its outlet store located in Warren, Pa.
This closure was effective at the close of business on January 16, 2004.
Evolvement of the Company's inventory liquidation strategy into more rapid and
profitable methods of disposing obsolete and excess inventory led to this
decision. Over the past three years, package insertions, telephone upsell
promotions, sale catalogs and the e-commerce channel have proven to be more
successful and profitable in moving inventory than the traditional outlet sales
process. The building is a sheet metal warehouse design and the Company has
considered the possible impairment of the facility. It is continuing to be used
and maintained in an operating condition and several options for additional
and/or alternative uses are being explored for its future use. For these
reasons, the Company does not believe impairment of the facility is appropriate.
The Blair Warehouse Outlet building in Erie Pennsylvania is not currently being
used by the Company. The Company is seeking prospective buyers for the Erie
facility. However, the sales process has taken longer than anticipated and the
assets are no longer being classified as Held for Sale in accordance with SFAS
No. 144. The carrying value of the asset, after considering a $300,773
impairment charge taken in 2003 to reduce the value of the asset to its fair
value less costs to sell, is deemed to be stated fairly at December 31, 2004.
The facility will continue to be depreciated.
12
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The Company has contractual obligations consisting of capital leases for data
processing and telephone equipment, operating leases for buildings, data
processing, office and telephone equipment and a line of credit securitization
for general liquidity, which requires a minimum borrowing level.
PAYMENTS DUE BY PERIOD
LESS THAN 1 - 3 4 - 5 MORE THAN 5
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS TOTAL 1 YEAR YEARS YEARS YEARS
------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Capital Lease Obligations $ 127,706 $ 114,702 $ 13,004 $ -0- $ -0-
Operating leases 10,168,629 2,998,902 3,876,093 2,029,219 1,264,415
Unconditional Purchase
Obligations - Outstanding
Letters of Credit 16,100,000 16,100,000 -0- -0- -0-
Line of Credit -
Securitization 15,000,000 15,000,000 -0- -0- -0-
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
TOTAL $ 41,396,335 $ 34,213,604 $ 3,889,097 $ 2,029,219 $ 1,264,415
============ ============ =========== =========== ===========
The Company has commercial commitments consisting of a revolving credit facility
of up to $40 million and a receivables securitization of up to $70 million. At
December 31, 2004, $15 million of undivided interests in the receivables pool
has been utilized under the terms of the receivables facility.
AMOUNT OF COMMITMENT
EXPIRATION PER PERIOD
AFTER
OTHER COMMERCIAL TOTAL AMOUNTS LESS THAN 1 - 3 4 - 5 5
COMMITMENTS COMMITTED 1 YEAR YEARS YEARS YEARS
------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------ ----- -----
Line of Credit - Revolving
effective 9/1/04 $ 40,000,000 $ -0- $ 40,000,000 $ -0- $ -0-
Line of Credit - Securitization
effective 4/9/03 70,000,000 70,000,000 -0- -0- -0-
------------- ------------- ------------ ----- -----
TOTAL $ 110,000,000 $ 70,000,000 $ 40,000,000 $ -0- $ -0-
============= ============= ============ ===== =====
If an event of default should occur, payments and/or maturity of the lines of
credit could be accelerated. The Company is not in default and does not expect
to be in default of any of the provisions of the credit facilities. (See
"Liquidity and Sources of Capital" for details of the Company's credit
facilities).
The Company recently declared a quarterly dividend of $.15 per share payable on
March 15, 2005. The Company has declared dividends for 285 consecutive quarters.
It is the Company's intent to continue paying dividends; however, the Company
will evaluate its dividend practice on an ongoing basis. See "Future
Considerations."
Future cash needs beyond 2005 will be financed by cash flow from operations,
existing borrowing arrangements and, if needed, other financing arrangements
that may be available to the Company. The Company's current projection of future
cash requirements, however, may be affected by numerous factors, including
changes in customer payments on accounts receivable, consumer credit industry
trends, sales volume, operating cost fluctuations, revised capital spending
plans and unplanned capital spending.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Preparation of the Company's financial statements requires the application of a
number of accounting policies, which are described in "Note 1. Significant
Accounting Policies" in the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements." The
critical accounting policies, which if interpreted differently under different
conditions or circumstances could result in material changes to the reported
results, deal with properly valuing accounts receivable and inventory. Properly
valuing accounts receivable and inventory requires establishing proper reserve
and allowance levels, specifically the allowances for doubtful
13
accounts and returns, and the reserve for inventory obsolescence. The Company's
senior financial management and the Company's auditors (Ernst & Young) review
the critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of the
Board of Directors.
The Company's revenue recognition policy is as follows: Sales (cash, Blair
Credit, or third party credit card) are recorded when the merchandise is shipped
to the customer in accordance with the provisions of Staff Accounting Bulletin
No. 104, Revenue Recognition.
Finance charges on time payment accounts are recognized on an accrual basis of
accounting.
The allowance for doubtful accounts and related items, provision for doubtful
accounts and Blair Credit, are discussed in "Results of Operations," "Liquidity
and Sources of Capital" and "Future Considerations." A change in the bad debt
rate would cause changes in the provision for doubtful accounts and the
allowance for doubtful accounts. Based on the Company's 2004 level of credit
sales and finance charges, net income would change by approximately $2.3
million, or $.27 per share, from a one percentage point change in the bad debt
rate.
The allowance for returns is recorded as an offset against customer accounts
receivable. A monthly provision for anticipated returns is recorded as a
percentage of gross sales, based upon historical experience. The provision is
charged against gross sales to arrive at net sales, and actual returns are
charged against the allowance for returns. Returns are generally more
predictable as they settle within two-to-three months but are impacted by
season, new products and/or product lines, type of sale (cash, credit card,
Blair Credit) and sales mix (prospect/customer). The Company feels that the
allowance for returns is sufficient to cover the actual returns that will occur
in 2005 on 2004 sales. A change in the returns rate would cause changes in the
provision for returns and the allowance for returns. Based on the Company's 2004
level of sales, net income would change by approximately $1.7 million, or $.21
per share, from a one percentage point change in return rate.
The reserve for inventory obsolescence and related items, inventory levels and
write-downs, are discussed in "Liquidity and Sources of Capital" and "Future
Considerations." The Company feels that the reserve for inventory obsolescence
is sufficient to cover the write-offs that will occur in future years on
merchandise in inventory as of December 31, 2004. A change in the obsolescence
rate would cause changes in cost of goods sold and the reserve for inventory
obsolescence. Based on the Company's 2004 level of merchandise subject to
obsolescence, net income would change by approximately $1.7 million, or $.21 per
share, from a one percentage point change in the obsolescence rate.
The Company's advertising expense policy is as follows: Advertising and shipping
supply inventories include printed advertising material and related mailing
supplies for promotional mailings, which are generally scheduled to occur within
two months. These direct-response advertising costs are then expensed over the
period of expected future benefit, generally nine weeks.
At December 31, 2004, the Company had total net current deferred tax assets of
$10.7 million. These assets relate principally to asset valuation reserves
including bad debts, returns and inventory obsolescence. Based on recent
historical earnings performance and current projections, management believes
that a valuation allowance is not required against these deferred tax assets,
except for the valuation allowances against state net operating losses and the
Allegheny Trail inventory obsolescence reserve. The state net operating loss
valuation allowance was provided due to its uncertainty of realization based
upon the state's net operating loss carryforward rules. The Allegheny Trail
inventory obsolescence reserve valuation allowance was provided due to the
Company's decision to phase out this business by April 30, 2005.
IMPACT OF INFLATION AND CHANGING PRICES
Although inflation has moderated in our economy, the Company is continually
seeking ways to cope with its impact. To the extent permitted by competition,
increased costs are passed on to customers by selectively increasing selling
prices over a period of time. Historically, profit margins have been pressured
by postal and paper rate increases. Paper rates increased approximately 5% in
2004, were flat in 2003 and realized a 19% reduction in 2002. Postal rates
increased on January 10, 1999, on January 7, 2001, on July 1, 2001, and again on
June 30, 2002. Based on recent public communications by the United States Postal
Service, it is anticipated that postal rates will not increase again until 2006.
The Company spent approximately $83.7 million for postage and delivery services
in 2004.
The Company principally uses the LIFO method of accounting for its merchandise
inventories. Under this method, the cost of products sold reported in the
financial statements approximates current costs and thus reduces distortion in
reported income due to increasing costs. However, the Company has been
experiencing consistent to declining merchandise costs and the LIFO reserve has
fallen to $3.8 million at December 31, 2004 from $4.5 million at December 31,
2003. The LIFO reserve was $5.7 million at December 31, 2002.
14
The World Trade Organization members agreed several years ago that starting in
January of 2005, quota on imported textile products would be removed. The
elimination of this quota will result in lower priced textile products from most
of the World Trade member countries. Because some member countries did not
charge for quota, not all products will experience lower costs. However, in most
World Trade member countries, lower prices are anticipated to range between 5%
and 20%, depending on the item and the country of origin. These lower prices
will result in lower landed duty paid prices for American importers. China is
the only World Trade Organization member country that could be required to have
quotas reinstated if their imports exceed a set amount per category.
Property, plant and equipment are continuously being expanded and updated. Major
projects are discussed under "Liquidity and Sources of Capital". Assets acquired
in prior years will be replaced at higher costs but this will take place over
many years. New assets, when acquired, will result in higher depreciation
charges, but in many cases, due to technological improvements, savings in
operating costs should result. The charges to operations for depreciation
represent the allocation of historical costs incurred over past years and are
significantly less than if they were based on the current cost of productive
capacity being used.
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
On December 16, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123 (revised 2004),
Share-Based Payment, which is a revision of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation. SFAS No. 123(R) supersedes Accounting Principles Board
(APB) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and amends SFAS
No. 95, Statement of Cash Flows. Generally, the approach in SFAS No. 123(R) is
similar to the approach described in SFAS No. 123. However, SFAS No. 123(R)
requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee
stock options, to be recognized in the income statement based on fair values.
Pro forma disclosure is no longer an alternative. SFAS No. 123(R) must be
adopted no later than July 1, 2005. We expect to adopt SFAS No. 123(R) on July
1, 2005.
As permitted by SFAS No. 123, the Company currently accounts for share-based
payments to employees using Opinion 25's intrinsic value method and, as such,
generally recognizes no compensation cost for employee stock options.
Accordingly, the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R)'s fair value method will have a
significant impact on our result of operations, although it will have no impact
on our overall financial position. The impact of adoption of SFAS No. 123(R)
cannot be predicted at this time because it will depend on levels of share-based
payments granted in the future. However, had we adopted SFAS No. 123(R) in prior
periods, the impact of that standard would have approximated the impact of SFAS
No. 123 as described in the disclosure of pro forma net income and earnings per
share in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements. SFAS No. 123(R) also
requires the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation
cost to be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash
flow as required under current literature. This requirement will reduce net
operating cash flows and increase net financing cash flows in periods after
adoption. While the company cannot estimate what those amounts will be in the
future (because they depend on, among other things, when employees exercise
stock options), the amount of operating cash flows recognized in prior periods
for such excess tax deductions were $411,000, $129,000, and $22,000 in 2004,
2003 and 2002, respectively.
FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
The Company is faced with the ever-present challenge of maintaining and
expanding its customer file. This involves the acquisition of new customers
(prospects), the conversion of new customers to established customers (active
repeat buyers) and the retention and/or reactivation of established customers.
These actions are vital in growing the business but are being negatively
impacted by increased operating costs, increased competition in the retail
sector, high levels of consumer debt, varying consumer response rates and an
uncertain economy. The preceding factors can also negatively impact the
Company's ability to properly value accounts receivable and inventories by
making it more difficult to establish proper reserve and allowance levels,
specifically, the allowances for doubtful accounts and returns and the reserve
for inventory obsolescence.
The Company's marketing strategy includes targeting customers in the "40 to 75,
low-to-moderate income" market. Success of the Company's marketing strategy
requires investment in database management, digital asset management, campaign
management, financial and operating systems, prospecting programs, catalog
marketing, new product lines, telephone call centers, e-commerce, fulfillment
operations and the management of credit extension. Management believes that
these investments should improve Blair Corporation's position in new and
existing markets and provide opportunities for future earnings growth.
The Company announced on May 3, 2004, that it will discontinue circulation of
its four year-old Crossing Pointe catalog title in 2005. The Company's intention
is to more fully focus new business development efforts on the core Blair brand
and its
15
proven appeal to significant market segments. The decision to focus on core
operations is based in part on the historical success of the Blair brand and an
extensive consumer and brand strategy study undertaken by the Company as part of
its efforts to enhance profitability and shareholder value. This decision did
not have a negative effect on 2004 profitability, and the Company expects it to
moderately benefit 2005 performance.
On January 25, 2005, the Company decided to phase out its Allegheny Trail
wholesale business by April 30, 2005. The remaining products will be transferred
to other existing product lines. This decision is consistent with the Company's
intention to more fully focus new business development efforts on the core Blair
brand and its proven appeal to significant market segments. The Company has
evaluated the impact of phasing out the Allegheny Trail business on all assets
associated with this operation. All appropriate reserves have been recorded.
This decision did not have a negative effect on 2004 profitability and is not
expected to negatively impact 2005 performance.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
Forward-looking statements in this report, including without limitation,
statements relating to the Company's plans, strategies, objectives,
expectations, intentions and adequacy of resources, are made pursuant to the
Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Words such as "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," and similar
expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Any statements
contained in this report that are not statements of historical fact may be
deemed to be forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are
included in, but not limited to, this ITEM 7.
Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and
uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those
in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation the following:
(i) the Company's plans, strategies, objectives, expectations and intentions are
subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Company; (ii) the
Company's plans and results of operations will be affected by the Company's
ability to manage its growth, accounts receivable and inventory; (iii) external
factors such as, but not limited to, changes in consumer response rates, changes
in consumer credit trends, success of new business lines and increases in
postal, paper and printing costs; and (iv) other risks and uncertainties
indicated from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
New requirements adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission in response
to the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 will require an annual review
and evaluation of our internal control systems and attestation of these systems
by our independent auditors. We are currently reviewing our internal control
procedures and considering further documentation of such procedures that may be
necessary. While we currently believe we have identified and committed the
appropriate resources and developed an achievable plan of execution to meet all
of the new requirements in a timely manner, there is risk inherent in the
significant number of tasks to be completed over the balance of our fiscal year.
Any improvements in our internal control systems or in documentation of such
control systems could be costly to prepare or implement, could divert attention
of management of finance staff, and may cause our operating expenses to increase
over the ensuing year.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The carrying amounts of cash, customer accounts receivable, accounts payable,
and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities
of these assets and liabilities. The interest rates on the Company's securitized
and revolving credit facilities are adjusted regularly to reflect current market
rates. Accordingly, the carrying amounts of the Company's borrowings also
approximate fair value.
The Company is subject to market interest rate risk from exposure to changes in
interest rates based upon its financing, investing and cash management
activities. The Company utilizes variable-rate debt to manage its exposure to
changes in interest rates. The Company does not expect changes in interest rates
to have a material adverse effect on its income or cash flow in 2005. A change
of one percentage point in the interest rate would cause a change in interest
expense, based on the Company's levels of debt for the years 2003 and 2004, of
approximately $150,000 in each year.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
See Item 15 of this Report.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
16
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As of the end of the period covered by this report, based on an evaluation of
the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act
Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)), each of the Chief Executive Officer and the
Chief Financial Officer of the Company has concluded that the Company's
disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information
required to be disclosed by the Company in its Exchange Act reports is recorded,
processed, summarized and reported within the applicable time periods specified
by the SEC's rules and forms.
There were no significant changes in the Company's internal controls or in any
other factors that could significantly affect those controls subsequent to the
date of the most recent evaluation of the Company's internal controls by the
Company, including any corrective actions with regard to any significant
deficiencies or material weaknesses.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
On February 26, 2004, the Company adopted a Code of Ethics for its Principal
Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officer (the "Code of Ethics"). A copy of
the Code of Ethics is filed as exhibit 14 in the 2003 Form 10-K. The Code of
Ethics is also available free of charge by writing to the Secretary of Blair
Corporation, 220 Hickory Street, Warren, Pennsylvania 16366.
Information regarding directors and executive officers of the Company appearing
under the caption "Election of Directors" in the 2005 Proxy Statement for the
2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 21, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference.
Certain information regarding section 16 of the Exchange Act reporting by
directors, officers and beneficial owners of more than ten percent (10%) of the
Company's common stock appearing under caption "Section 16(a) Beneficial
Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the 2005 Proxy Statement is hereby
incorporated by reference.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information appearing under the caption "Executive Compensation" in the 2005
Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Information setting forth the security ownership of certain beneficial owners
and management appearing under the captions "Security Ownership of Certain
Beneficial Owners," "Security Ownership of Management" and "Equity Compensation
Plan Information" in the 2005 Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by
reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Not applicable.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Information appearing under the caption "Principal Accountant Fees and Services"
in the 2005 Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.
17
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES.
(1) Financial Statements. The Company's consolidated financial statements are
included at pages F-1 to F-21.
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting................................ F-1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm................................................ F-2
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting... F-3
Consolidated Balance Sheets -- December 31, 2004 and 2003.............................................. F-4
Consolidated Statements of Income -- Years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002...................... F-6
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity -- Years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002........ F-7
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -- Years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.................. F-9
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -- December 31, 2004........................................ F-10
(2) Quarterly Results of Operations (page F-22)
(3) Financial Statement Schedules. SCHEDULE II -- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING
ACCOUNTS is being filed as part of this report on Form 10-K pursuant to
Item 15(c), and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements of the Company described in Item 15(a)(1) above,
which such Schedule II follows at page F-23.
All other schedules set forth in the applicable accounting regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission either are not required under the related
instructions or are not applicable and, therefore, have been omitted.
(4) List of Exhibits.
The exhibits filed as a part of this Form 10-K are as follows (filed herewith
unless otherwise noted):
3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (1)
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (2)
4 Form of Specimen Common Stock Certificate of Blair Corporation (3)
10.1 Stock Accumulation and Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors (4)
10.2 Blair Corporation 2000 Omnibus Stock Plan (5)
10.3 Blair Credit Agreement (6)
10.4 Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement (7)
10.5 Amendment No. 3 to Credit Agreement (8)
10.6 Amendment No. 4 to Credit Agreement (9)
10.7 Change in Control Severance Agreement - Vice Presidents (10)
10.8 Change in Control Severance Agreement - CEO and Senior Vice Presidents (11)
11 Statement regarding computation of per share earnings (12)
14 Code of Ethics (13)
21 Subsidiaries of Blair Corporation
23 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
18
31.1 CEO Certification pursuant to Section 302
31.2 CFO Certification pursuant to Section 302
32.1 CEO Certification pursuant to Section 906
32.2 CFO Certification pursuant to Section 906
-----------------------
(1) Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit A to the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 10, 1995
(SEC File No. 1-878).
(2) Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the SEC on July 19,
2000 (SEC File No. 333-41772).
(3) Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the SEC on July 19,
2000 (SEC File No. 333-41770).
(4) Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit A to the Company's Proxy
Statement filed with the SEC on March 20, 1998 (SEC File No. 1-878).
(5) Incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A to the Company's
Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on March 14, 2003 (SEC File No.
1-878).
(6) Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company's
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 9, 2002 (SEC File No. 1-878).
(7) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q of the Company filed with the SEC on August 8, 2003 (SEC
File No. 1-878). Certain schedules to the agreement have been
omitted.
(8) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q of the Company filed with the SEC on November 9, 2004 (SEC
File No. 1-878). Certain schedules to the agreement have been
omitted.
(9) Certain schedules to the agreement have been omitted.
(10) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q of the Company filed with the SEC on November 9, 2004 (SEC
File No. 1-878).
(11) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q of the Company filed with the SEC on November 9, 2004 (SEC
File No. 1-878).
(12) Incorporated by reference to Note 5 of the financial statements
included herein.
(13) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 to the 2003 Annual Report on
Form 10-K of the Company filed with the SEC on March 15, 2004 (SEC
File No. 1-878).
19
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
BLAIR CORPORATION (REGISTRANT)
Date: March 1, 2005 By: /s/ John E. Zawacki
------------------------------------
John E. Zawacki
President and
Chief Executive Officer
By: /s/ Bryan J. Flanagan
------------------------------------
Bryan J. Flanagan
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
By: /s/ Michael R. DelPrince
----------------------------------------
Michael R. DelPrince
Controller
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
Date: March 1, 2005 By: /s/ Craig N. Johnson
----------------------------------------
Craig N. Johnson
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Date: March 1, 2005 By: /s/ John E. Zawacki
----------------------------------------
John E. Zawacki
President, Chief Executive Officer
and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: March 1, 2005 By: /s/ Bryan J. Flanagan
----------------------------------------
Bryan J. Flanagan
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Director
(Chief Financial Officer)
Date: March 1, 2005 By: /s/ Steven M. Blair
----------------------------------------
Steven M. Blair
Vice President, Customer
Services and Director
Date: March 1, 2005 By: /s/ Thomas P. McKeever
----------------------------------------
Thomas P. McKeever
Senior Vice President, Operations and
Administration and Director
Date: March 1, 2005 By: /s/ Robert D. Crowley
------------------------------------------
Robert D. Crowley
Senior Vice President, Menswear, Home and
Marketing Services and Director
Date: March 1, 2005 By: /s/ Murray K. McComas
---------------------------------
Murray K. McComas
Director
20
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The management of Blair Corporation and Subsidiaries is responsible for
establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.
The Company's management utilizes the Internal Control - Integrated Framework
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission
to evaluate the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial
reporting.
As of December 31, 2004, based on management's evaluation of the effectiveness
of the Company's internal control over financial reporting, the Company has
concluded that its internal control over financial reporting is effective for
the purpose of providing reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external
purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Because of its inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial
reporting can provide only reasonable assurance and may not prevent or detect
misstatements. In addition, because of changes in conditions, effectiveness of
internal controls over financial reporting may vary over time.
Ernst & Young, the registered public accounting firm that audited the financial
statements included in this annual report, has issued an attestation report on
management's assessment of the Company's internal control over financial
reporting.
F-1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Blair Corporation and Subsidiaries
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Blair
Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related
consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004. Our audits also
included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a).
These financial statements and schedules are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements and 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. 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 financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Blair Corporation
and Subsidiaries at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the consolidated results of
their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2004, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when
considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole,
presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Blair
Corporation and Subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control--Integrated
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission and our report dated February 23, 2005 expressed an unqualified
opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Buffalo, New York
February 23, 2005
F-2
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control
over Financial Reporting
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Blair Corporation and Subsidiaries
We have audited management's assessment, included in the accompanying
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that
Blair Corporation and Subsidiaries maintained effective internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in
Internal Control--Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Blair Corporation
and Subsidiaries' management is responsible for maintaining effective internal
control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of
internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on management's assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the
company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit 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 effective
internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material
respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over
financial reporting, evaluating management's assessment, testing and evaluating
the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such
other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe
that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company's 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. A company's internal control over
financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to
the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly
reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2)
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to
permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of
the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's
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.
In our opinion, management's assessment that Blair Corporation and Subsidiaries
maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December
31, 2004, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the COSO
criteria. Also, in our opinion, Blair Corporation and Subsidiaries maintained,
in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as
of December 31, 2004, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of
Blair Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the
related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 and our report
dated February 23, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Buffalo, New York
February 23, 2005
F-3
Blair Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
DECEMBER 31
2004 2003
------------------ ---------------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 50,559,995 $ 36,380,049
Customer accounts receivable, less allowances
for doubtful accounts and returns of
$38,924,914 in 2004 and $47,473,108 in 2003 148,171,292 154,660,076
Inventories:
Merchandise 67,597,084 65,990,631
Advertising and shipping supplies 16,697,349 19,610,207
------------------ ---------------
84,294,433 85,600,838
Deferred income taxes (Note 6) 10,657,000 12,211,000
Prepaid expenses 2,210,181 2,200,191
------------------ ---------------
Total current assets 295,892,901 291,052,154
Property, plant, and equipment:
Land 1,142,144 1,142,144
Buildings and leasehold improvements 66,803,458 67,169,830
Equipment 74,793,330 72,979,845
Construction in progress 1,686,408 1,386,067
------------------ ---------------
144,425,340 142,677,886
Less allowances for depreciation 95,066,355 88,798,632
------------------ ---------------
49,358,985 53,879,254
Trademarks 415,921 488,164
Other long-term assets 473,037 556,231
------------------ ---------------
Total assets $ 346,140,844 $ 345,975,803
================== ===============
See accompanying notes.
F-4
DECEMBER 31
2004 2003
---------------- ----------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Notes payable (Note 2) $ 15,000,000 $ 15,000,000
Trade accounts payable 24,831,335 35,129,055
Advance payments from customers 1,854,086 2,286,055
Accrued expenses (Note 3) 15,406,631 17,732,395
Accrued federal and state taxes 3,689,994 3,997,935
Current portion of capital lease obligations (Note 4) 111,254 378,632
---------------- --------------
Total current liabilities 60,893,300 74,524,072
Capital lease obligations, less current portion (Note 4) 12,270 101,622
Deferred income taxes (Note 6) 2,668,000 2,549,000
Stockholders' equity (Note 5):
Common stock without par value:
Authorized 12,000,000 shares
issued 10,075,440 shares (including shares
held in treasury) -- stated value 419,810 419,810
Additional paid-in capital 13,238,311 14,134,983
Retained earnings 306,544,284 296,397,999
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (118,634) (20,016)
---------------- --------------
320,083,771 310,932,776
Less 1,846,542 shares in 2004 and 1,962,439
shares in 2003 of common stock
in treasury -- at cost 35,955,582 39,514,841
Less receivable and deferred compensation
from stock plans 1,560,915 2,616,826
---------------- --------------
282,567,274 268,801,109
---------------- --------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 346,140,844 $ 345,975,803
================ ==============
See accompanying notes.
F-5
Blair Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
2004 2003 2002
--------------- ----------------- ----------------
Net sales $ 496,120,207 $ 581,939,971 $ 568,545,582
Other revenue (Note 7) 44,714,912 41,563,467 38,218,673
--------------- ----------------- ----------------
540,835,119 623,503,438 606,764,255
Cost and expenses:
Cost of goods sold 234,972,079 275,708,662 268,736,004
Advertising 128,324,650 156,412,869 145,906,864
General and administrative 131,408,753 136,211,667 130,882,944
Provision for doubtful accounts 22,664,048 31,826,636 29,986,973
Interest (income) expense, net (122,757) (79,613) 108,349
Other expense, net 221,699 260,035 30,565
--------------- ----------------- ----------------
517,468,472 600,340,256 575,651,699
--------------- ----------------- ----------------
Income before income taxes 23,366,647 23,163,182 31,112,556
Income taxes (Note 6) 8,498,000 8,637,000 11,977,000
--------------- ----------------- ----------------
Net income $ 14,868,647 $ 14,526,182 $ 19,135,556
=============== ================= ================
Basic earnings per share based on
weighted average shares outstanding $ 1.83 $ 1.82 $ 2.39
=============== ================= ================
Diluted earnings per share based on
weighted average shares outstanding
and assumed conversions $ 1.80 $ 1.81 $ 2.38
=============== ================== ================
See accompanying notes.
F-6
Blair Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders'Equity
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
2004 2003 2002
---------------- --------------- ----------------
COMMON STOCK $ 419,810 $ 419,810 $ 419,810
ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL:
Balance at beginning of year 14,134,983 14,428,903 14,589,838
Issuance of 4,050 shares in 2004, 5,375 shares in 2003
and 3,000 shares in 2002 of common stock to
non-employee directors (24,358) (6,355) (2,619)
Issuance of 0 shares in 2004, 13,350 shares in 2003
and 66,960 shares in 2002 of common stock under
Omnibus Stock Plan - Restricted Stock Awards (Note 5) - 10,695 (80,386)
Issuance of 3,000 shares in 2004, 0 shares in 2003
and 0 shares in 2002 of common stock under Omnibus
Stock Plan - Executive Officer Stock Awards (Note 5) (18,509) - -
Forfeitures of 19,700 shares in 2004, 2,700 shares in 2003
and 7,000 shares in 2002 of common stock under Omnibus
Stock and Employee Stock Purchase Plans (Note 5) (107,644) (18,055) (17,279)
Exercise of 128,547 shares in 2004, 54,146 shares in 2003
and 10,001 shares in 2002 of common stock under Omnibus
Stock Plan - Non-Qualified Stock Options (1,157,161) (409,205) (82,651)
Tax benefit on exercise of Non-Qualified Stock Options 411,000 129,000 22,000
--------------- --------------- ----------------
Balance at end of year 13,238,311 14,134,983 14,428,903
RETAINED EARNINGS:
Balance at beginning of year 296,397,999 286,511,847 271,954,815
Net income 14,868,647 14,526,182 19,135,556
Cash dividends per share - $.60 in 2004, 2003 and 2002 (4,722,362) (4,640,030) (4,578,524)
--------------- --------------- ----------------
Balance at end of year 306,544,284 296,397,999 286,511,847
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME:
Balance at beginning of year (20,016) 12,686 -
Foreign currency translation (98,618) (32,702) 12,686
--------------- --------------- ----------------
Balance at end of year (118,634) (20,016) 12,686
TREASURY STOCK:
Balance at beginning of year (39,514,841) (41,264,330) (43,187,542)
Issuance of 4,050 shares in 2004, 5,375 shares in 2003
and 3,000 shares in 2002 of common stock to
non-employee directors 126,509 130,219 63,279
Issuance of 0 shares in 2004, 13,350 shares in 2003
and 66,960 shares in 2002 of common stock under
Omnibus Stock Plan - Restricted Stock Awards (Note 5) - 275,663 1,740,780
Issuance of 3,000 shares in 2004, 0 shares in 2003 and 0 shares
in 2002 of common stock under Omnibus Stock Plan -
Executive Officer Stock Awards (Note 5) 85,875 - -
Forfeitures of 19,700 shares in 2004, 2,700 shares in 2003
and 7,000 shares in 2002 of common stock under Omnibus
Stock and Employee Stock Purchase Plans (Note 5) (332,770) (45,696) (134,515)
Exercise of 128,547 shares in 2004, 54,146 shares in 2003
and 10,001 shares in 2002 of common stock under Omnibus
Stock Plan - Non-Qualified Stock Options 3,679,645 1,389,303 253,668
--------------- --------------- ----------------
Balance at end of year (35,955,582) (39,514,841) ( 41,264,330)
See accompanying notes.
F-7
Blair Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
2004 2003 2002
-------------- --------------- ---------------
RECEIVABLE AND DEFERRED COMPENSATION FROM STOCK PLANS:
Balance at beginning of year (2,616,826) (2,775,102) (1,987,850)
Issuance (net of forfeitures) of common stock under
Omnibus Stock Plan - Restricted Stock Awards and
Executive Officer Awards: (Note 5)
Receivable 100,263 (77,763) (448,333)
Deferred compensation - (192,907) (1,070,667)
Amortization of deferred compensation, net of forfeitures 245,575 163,495 84,445
Amortization of Executive Officer Stock awards, net of vesting
and forfeitures 407,854 35,357 -
Applications of dividends and cash repayments 302,219 230,094 647,303
------------- -------------- ---------------
Balance at end of year (1,560,915) (2,616,826) (2,775,102)
------------- -------------- ---------------
Total stockholders' equity $ 282,567,274 $ 268,801,109 $ 257,333,814
============= ============== ===============
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
Net income $ 14,868,647 $ 14,526,182 $ 19,135,556
Adjustment from foreign currency translation (98,618) (32,702) 12,686
------------- -------------- ---------------
Comprehensive income $ 14,770,029 $ 14,493,480 $ 19,148,242
============= ============== ===============
See accompanying notes.
F-8
Blair Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
2004 2003 2002
-------------- --------------- ---------------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income $ 14,868,647 $ 14,526,182 $ 19,135,556
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation 8,825,999 8,988,722 8,329,970
Amortization 329,497 342,903 340,547
Impairment of assets held for sale - 300,773 -
Loss on disposal of property and equipment 320,905 - -
Provision for doubtful accounts 22,664,048 31,826,636 29,986,973
Provision for deferred income taxes 1,673,000 350,000 (1,346,000)
Tax benefit on exercise of non-qualified stock options 411,000 129,000 22,000
Compensation expense (net of forfeitures)
for stock awards 664,798 470,667 345,313
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
providing (using) cash:
Customer accounts receivable (16,175,065) (37,257,221) (20,913,273)
Inventories 1,306,405 (11,383,533) 21,194,839
Prepaid expenses and other assets (182,206) (509,428) (1,445,772)
Trade accounts payable (10,297,653) (5,676,968) (6,828,013)
Advance payments from customers (431,969) (1,673,746) 2,034,182
Accrued expenses (2,326,843) (2,365,447) 8,150,694
Federal and state taxes (307,895) (459,152) 1,805,828
-------------- -------------- ---------------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 21,342,668 (2,390,612) 60,812,844
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment (4,623,552) (7,191,272) (12,261,333)
-------------- -------------- ---------------
Net cash used in investing activities (4,623,552) (7,191,272) (12,261,333)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Principal repayments on capital lease obligations (356,891) (350,171) (331,495)
Dividends paid (4,722,362) (4,640,030) (4,578,524)
Exercise of non-qualified stock options 2,522,484 980,098 171,017
Repayments of notes receivable from stock plans 120,215 34,081 436,695
-------------- -------------- ---------------
Net cash used in financing activities (2,436,554) (3,976,022) (4,302,307)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (102,616) (37,548) 13,804
-------------- -------------- ---------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash 14,179,946 (13,595,454) 44,263,008
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 36,380,049 49,975,503 5,712,495
-------------- -------------- ---------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 50,559,995 $ 36,380,049 $ 49,975,503
============== ============== ===============
See accompanying notes.
F-9
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
ORGANIZATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Blair Corporation
and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts are
eliminated upon consolidation.
On January 25, 2005, the Company decided to phase out its Allegheny Trail
wholesale business by April 30, 2005. The remaining products will be transferred
to other existing product lines. The Company's intention is to more fully focus
new business development efforts on the core Blair brand and its proven appeal
to significant market segments. The decision to focus on core operations is
based in part on the historical success of the Blair brand and an extensive
consumer and brand strategy study undertaken by the Company as part of its
efforts to enhance profitability and shareholder value. The Company has
evaluated the impact of phasing out the Allegheny Trail business on all assets
associated with this operation. All appropriate reserves have been recorded.
This decision did not have a negative effect on 2004 profitability, and is not
expected to negatively impact 2005 performance.
On August 20, 2003 the Company commenced operations of a new wholly owned
subsidiary, JLB Service Bank. The establishment of JLB Service Bank enables the
Company to manage its credit portfolio in a more cost-effective and efficient
manner. The bank's products involve the extension of credit on an unsecured
basis to individuals who are customers of Blair Corporation to facilitate their
purchases of Blair's merchandise. As of December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003,
JLB Service Bank's total assets represented 1.3% of the total consolidated
assets of the Company. Gross revenue of JLB Service Bank was .95% and .32%
respectively of the Company's consolidated total revenues for the years ended
December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Sales (cash, Blair credit, or third-party credit card) are recorded when the
merchandise is shipped to the customer, in accordance with the provisions of
Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements
and Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, Revenue Recognition, as issued by the
Securities & Exchange Commission. Blair credit sales are made under Easy Payment
Plan sales arrangements. Monthly, a provision for potentially doubtful accounts
is charged against income based on management's estimate of realization. Any
recoveries of bad debts previously written-off are credited back against the
allowance for doubtful accounts in the period received. As reported in the
balance sheet, the carrying amount, net of allowances for doubtful accounts and
returns, for customer accounts receivable on Blair credit sales approximates
fair value.
Shipping and processing revenue is included in net sales.
Finance charges on time payment accounts are recognized on an accrual basis of
accounting. The increase in finance charges compared to the prior year primarily
resulted from increased finance charge revenues associated with the credit
activities of JLB Service Bank.
COSTS AND EXPENSES
The Company includes the following costs in the line items listed below in its
Consolidated Statements of Income:
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold consists of merchandise costs, including sourcing, importing
and inbound freight costs. In addition, cost of goods sold includes writedowns,
shipping cartons, shipping supplies, and merchandise samples.
The Company records internally incurred shipping and handling costs in cost of
sales.
General and administrative expenses
Occupancy and warehousing costs consist of compensation, employee benefit
expenses and related building costs. Examples of building costs include
depreciation, repairs and maintenance, utilities, rent, real estate taxes, and
maintenance contracts. Occupancy and warehousing costs incurred in support of
the Company's order fulfillment process were $37,345,543, $40,845,998 and
$37,991,814 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 respectively.
The Company does not separately track purchasing and related costs which are
also included in general and administrative expenses. In addition, the general
and administrative costs incurred to support the Company's product development;
circulation planning and customer file maintenance efforts are also included in
general and administrative expenses.
F-10
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
INTEREST (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET
Interest (income) expense, net, consists of the following:
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
2004 2003 2002
---------- --------- ---------
Interest expense $ 370,474 $ 351,120 $ 958,443
Interest income (493,231) (430,733) (850,094)
---------- --------- ---------
Interest (income) expense, net $ (122,757) $ (79,613) $ 108,349
========== ========= =========
Interest income results from the Company's investment of surplus cash into money
market securities and other investments with a maturity of three months or less
when purchased. Interest expense primarily reflects the impact of $15 million of
borrowings that are required under the receivables securitization. Interest
expense for 2002 included an amount attributable to an IRS tax settlement.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents consist of available cash, money market securities,
and other investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased.
Amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets approximate fair values.
RETURNS
A provision for anticipated returns is recorded monthly as a percentage of gross
sales based upon historical experience. This provision is charged directly
against gross sales to arrive at net sales as reported in the Consolidated
Statements of Income. Actual returns are charged against the allowance for
returns, which is netted against accounts receivable in the balance sheet. The
provision for returns charged against income in 2004, 2003, and 2002 amounted to
$71,666,391, $87,238,648, and $85,734,678, respectively. Management believes
these provisions are adequate based upon the relevant information presently
available. However, changes in facts or circumstances could result in additional
adjustment to the Company's provisions.
DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
A provision for doubtful accounts is recorded monthly as a percentage of gross
credit sales based upon experience of delinquencies (accounts over 30 days past
due) and charge-offs (accounts removed from accounts receivable for non-payment)
and current credit market conditions. Management believes these provisions are
adequate based upon the relevant information presently available. However,
changes in facts or circumstances could result in additional adjustment to the
Company's provisions.
INVENTORIES
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost of merchandise
inventories is determined principally on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method.
If the FIFO method had been used, merchandise inventories would have increased
by approximately $3,776,000 and $4,488,000 at December 31, 2004 and 2003,
respectively. Cost of advertising and shipping supplies is determined on the
first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Advertising and shipping supplies include
printed advertising material and related mailing supplies for promotional
mailings, which are generally scheduled to occur within two months. These direct
response advertising costs are then expensed over the period of expected future
benefit, based on buying patterns, generally nine weeks or less. The Company has
a reserve for slow moving and obsolete inventory amounting to $3,600,000 at both
December 31, 2004 and 2003. A monthly provision for obsolete inventory is added
to the reserve and expensed to cost of goods sold, based on the levels of
merchandise inventory and merchandise purchases. The closing of the Starbrick
Outlet Store in January 2004 resulted in $2.4 million of writedowns in the first
quarter of 2004. These writedowns primarily were provided for in the December
31, 2003 obsolescence reserve. The December 31, 2004 obsolescence reserve takes
into consideration the Company's decisions to discontinue its Crossing Pointe
catalog title in 2005 and to phase out the Allegheny Trail wholesale business by
April 30, 2005, which created the need to reserve a greater portion of these
inventories due to anticipated lower recovery.
F-11
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
During 2004, inventory quantities in certain LIFO pools were reduced resulting
in a liquidation of certain LIFO inventory quantities carried at higher costs
prevailing in prior years as compared with costs at December 31, 2004. The
effect of this liquidation was to decrease net income by approximately $.01 per
share in 2004.
PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant, and equipment are stated on the basis of cost. Depreciation has
been provided principally by the straight-line method using rates, which are
estimated to be sufficient to depreciate the cost of the assets over their
period of usefulness. Amortization of assets recorded under capital lease
obligations is included with depreciation expense. Estimated useful lives of
property, plant and equipment range from 3 to 39.5 years. Maintenance and
repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
TRADEMARKS
Trademarks, net of accumulated amortization of $667,728 at December 31, 2004 and
$595,485 at December 31, 2003, are stated on the basis of cost. The Company has
one trademark which is being amortized by the straight-line method for a period
of 15 years. Amortization expense amounted to $72,243, $72,243, and $72,244 in
2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively.
ASSET IMPAIRMENT
The Company analyzes its long-lived and intangible assets for events and
circumstances that might indicate that the assets may be impaired and the
undiscounted net cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less
than their carrying amounts. There are no indications of impairment present at
December 31, 2004.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
The Company's employee benefits include a profit sharing and retirement feature
available to all eligible employees. Contributions are dependent on net income
of the Company and recognized on an accrual basis of accounting. The
contributions to the plan charged against income in 2004, 2003, and 2002
amounted to $1,525,408, $1,436,117, and $2,094,327, respectively.
As part of the same benefit plan, the Company has a contributory savings feature
whereby all eligible employees may contribute up to 25% of their annual base
salaries. The Company's matching contribution to the plan is based upon a
percentage formula as set forth in the plan agreement. The Company's matching
contributions to the plan charged against income in 2004, 2003, and 2002
amounted to $1,826,706, $2,033,288, and $1,921,688, respectively.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying amounts of cash, customer accounts receivable, accounts payable,
and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities
of these assets and liabilities. The interest rates on the Company's securitized
and revolving credit facilities are adjusted regularly to reflect current market
rates. Accordingly, the carrying amounts of the Company's borrowings also
approximate fair value.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
On December 16, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123 (revised 2004),
Share-Based Payment, which is a revision of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation. SFAS No. 123(R) supersedes Accounting Principles Board
(APB) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and amends SFAS
No. 95, Statement of Cash Flows. Generally, the approach in SFAS No. 123(R) is
similar to the approach described in SFAS No. 123. However, SFAS No. 123(R)
requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee
stock options, to be recognized in the income statement based on fair values.
Pro forma disclosure is no longer an alternative. SFAS No. 123(R) must be
adopted no later than July 1, 2005. We expect to adopt SFAS No. 123(R) on July
1, 2005.
As permitted by SFAS No. 123, the Company currently accounts for share-based
payments to employees using Opinion 25's intrinsic value method and, as such,
generally recognizes no compensation cost for employee stock options.
Accordingly, the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R)'s fair value method will have a
significant impact on our result of operations, although it will have no impact
on our overall financial position. The impact of adoption of SFAS No. 123(R)
cannot be predicted at this time because it will depend on levels of share-based
payments granted in the future. However, had we adopted SFAS No. 123(R) in prior
periods, the impact of that standard would have approximated the impact of SFAS
No. 123 as described in the disclosure of pro forma net income and earnings per
share in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements. SFAS No. 123(R) also
requires the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized
F-12
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
compensation cost to be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an
operating cash flow as required under current literature. This requirement will
reduce net operating cash flows and increase net financing cash flows in periods
after adoption. While the company cannot estimate what those amounts will be in
the future (because they depend on, among other things, when employees exercise
stock options), the amount of operating cash flows recognized in prior periods
for such excess tax deductions were $411,000, $129,000, and $22,000 in 2004,
2003 and 2002, respectively.
STOCK COMPENSATION
In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123 the Company has elected to
continue applying the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25
and related interpretations in accounting for its stock-based compensation
plans. Accordingly, the Company does not recognize compensation expense for
stock options when the stock option price at the grant date is equal to or
greater than the fair market value of the stock at that date.
Stock activity in 2004, 2003 and 2002 generally includes transactions pertaining
to stock awarded to non-employee directors as well as stock awarded and
forfeited via the Company's Omnibus Stock and Employee Stock Purchase Plans.
Activity is accounted for by comparing the market value of the awards, as
required by the Plans, to the cost of the treasury shares used for these
transactions. The difference is booked to additional paid-in capital.
The following illustrates the pro forma effect on net income and earnings per
share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS
No. 123 for the years ended December 31:
PRO FORMA
-----------------------------------------------
2004 2003 2002
-------------- ------------- --------------
Net income as reported $ 14,868,647 $ 14,526,182 $ 19,135,556
Add: Total stock-based employee compensation
expense recorded for all awards, net of related
tax effects 532,104 313,138 511,831
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation
expense determined under fair value method for
all awards, net of related tax effects (1,243,583) (1,057,347) (884,486)
-------------- ------------- ---------------
Pro forma net income $ 14,157,168 $ 13,781,973 $ 18,762,901
============== ============= ===============
Earnings per share:
Basic - as reported $ 1.83 $ 1.82 $ 2.39
============== ============= ===============
Basic - pro forma $ 1.75 $ 1.73 $ 2.34
============== ============= ===============
Diluted - as reported $ 1.80 $ 1.81 $ 2.38
============== ============= ===============
Diluted - pro forma $ 1.74 $ 1.72 $ 2.34
============== ============= ===============
Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is required by
SFAS No. 123, and has been determined as if the Company had accounted for its
stock options under the fair value method of SFAS No. 123. The fair value for
these options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option
pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
Options issued Options issued Options issued
4/15/03 4/15/02 4/16/01
-------------- ------------- ---------------
Risk-free interest rate 3.49% 4.95% 5.20%
Dividend yields 2.54% 3.11% 3.50%
Volatility .540 .564 .547
Weighted-average expected life 7 years 7 years 7 years
Per share fair value $ 10.63 $ 8.83 $ 7.40
RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain amounts in the prior year financial statements have been reclassified to
conform with the current year presentation.
F-13
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
CONTINGENCIES
The Company is involved in certain items of litigation, arising in the normal
course of business. While it cannot be predicted with certainty, management
believes that the outcome will not have a material effect on the Company's
financial condition or results of operations.
2. FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
The Company maintains two facilities that collectively provide $110 million of
credit. As of December 31, 2004 the Company was in compliance with all debt
covenants.
The syndicated revolving facility (the "Credit Agreement") was originally signed
on December 20, 2001 and has been amended four times, most recently on October
28, 2004. The amended Credit Agreement provides a commitment of $40 million and
is secured by inventory and certain other assets of the Company and its
subsidiaries. The Company is required to meet certain covenants that relate to
tangible net worth, maintaining a defined leverage ratio and fixed charge
coverage ratio, and complying with certain indebtedness restrictions. At
December 31, 2004, the Company had no borrowings (loans) outstanding on this
credit facility and had letters of credit totaling $16.1 million outstanding,
which reduces the amount of borrowings available, under the Credit Agreement.
Outstanding letters of credit totaled $20.9 million at December 31, 2003.
Letters of credit are comprised mainly of two categories. One such category is
comprised of commercial letters of credit used for the purpose of purchasing
goods from non-U.S. suppliers. The other category is comprised of a performance
guarantee of a consolidated subsidiary of the Company. All letters of credit
have a term of one year or less. The amended facility is scheduled to expire on
September 1, 2007.
The Company also maintains a securitization of up to $100 million in accounts
receivable. At the present time, $70 million of the $100 million is available to
the Company. The Company sells all right, title and interest in and to certain
of its accounts receivable to Blair Factoring Company, a wholly-owned
subsidiary. Blair Factoring Company is a separate, bankruptcy remote, special
purpose entity that entered into a Receivables Purchase Agreement with PNC Bank,
National Association, as administrator, and certain conduit purchasers. The
Company's consolidated financial statements reflect all the accounts of Blair
Factoring Company, including the receivables and secured borrowings.
Transactions entered into under the Receivables Purchase Agreement are
considered secured borrowings and collateral transactions under the provisions
of SFAS No. 140 Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and
Extinguishment of Liabilities. The securitization requires certain performance
standards for the Company's accounts receivable portfolio in addition to
complying with the covenants in the Credit Agreement. At December 31, 2004 and
2003, $15 million had been borrowed under the securitization and is included on
the balance sheet as $15 million of short term notes payable. $15 million is the
minimum amount required to be outstanding under the Receivables Purchase
Agreement. Accordingly, at December 31, 2004 and 2003, $15 million of undivided
interests in the receivables pool has been utilized under the terms of the
facility, resulting in a remaining unused commitment of $55 million. At December
31, 2004 and 2003, the weighted average interest rate was 2.26% and 1.97%,
respectively. Interest paid during 2004, 2003, and 2002 was approximately
$339,000, $282,000, and $366,000, respectively. The securitization has a
scheduled termination date of April 7, 2006.
3. ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses consist of:
DECEMBER 31
2004 2003
----------- -----------
Employee compensation $ 9,904,200 $12,395,998
Contribution to profit sharing and retirement plan 1,525,158 1,436,117
Health insurance 809,297 1,148,038
Voluntary Separation Program 494,790 762,106
Taxes, other than taxes on income 325,335 814,574
Other accrued items 2,347,851 1,175,562
----------- -----------
$15,406,631 $17,732,395
=========== ===========
F-14
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
4. LEASES
CAPITAL LEASES
The Company leases certain data processing and telephone equipment under
agreements that expire in various years through 2007. The following is a
schedule by year of future minimum capital lease payments required under capital
leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one
year as of December 31, 2004:
2005 $ 114,702
2006 11,146
2007 1,858
--------------
127,706
Less amount representing interest (4,182)
--------------
Present value of minimum lease payments 123,524
Less current portion (111,254)
--------------
Long-term portion of capital lease obligation $ 12,270
==============
The Company entered into capital lease obligations amounting to $29,224 and $0
in 2004 and 2003, respectively.
OPERATING LEASES
The Company leases certain data processing, office, and telephone equipment
under agreements that expire in various years through 2009. The Company has also
entered into several lease agreements for buildings, expiring in various years
through 2012. Rent expense for the Company for 2004, 2003, and 2002 was
$3,474,281, $4,099,730, and $4,121,734, respectively. The following is a
schedule by years of future minimum rental payments required under operating
leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one
year as of December 31, 2004:
2005 $ 2,998,902
2006 2,338,494
2007 1,537,599
2008 1,070,730
2009 958,489
Thereafter 1,264,415
-----------
$10,168,629
===========
5. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
EARNINGS PER SHARE AND WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING
The following table sets forth the computations of basic and diluted earnings
per share as required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128:
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
2004 2003 2002
------------ ------------ ------------
Numerator:
Net income $ 14,868,647 $ 14,526,182 $ 19,135,556
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding 8,172,711 8,058,039 8,067,293
Contingently issueable shares - Omnibus
Stock Purchase Plan (65,136) (74,861) (62,111)
------------ ------------ ------------
Denominator for basic earnings per share 8,107,575 7,983,178 8,005,182
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options 133,940 34,426 26,061
------------ ------------ ------------
Denominator for diluted earnings per share 8,241,515 8,017,604 8,031,243
Basic earnings per share ============ ============ ============
$ 1.83 $ 1.82 $ 2.39
============ ============ ============
Diluted earnings per share $ 1.80 $ 1.81 $ 2.38
============ ============ ============
F-15
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
DIVIDENDS
In 2004, 2003, and 2002, the Company declared dividends of $.60 per share or
$4,904,606, $4,835,912, and $4,805,171 of which $4,722,362, $4,640,030 and
$4,578,524 was paid directly to shareholders and charged to retained earnings.
The remaining dividends declared, $182,244 in 2004, $195,882 in 2003, and
$226,647 in 2002 were associated with the shares of stock held by the Company
according to the provisions of the restricted stock awards. These remaining
dividends were applied against the receivable from stock plans and were charged
to compensation in the financial statements.
RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS
During 2000, the Company adopted, with stockholder approval, an Omnibus Stock
Plan (Omnibus Plan) that provided for 750,000 shares of the Company's treasury
stock to be reserved for sale and issuance to employees at a price to be
established by the Omnibus Stock Plan Committee. In April 2003, the Company
reserved, with stockholder approval, 400,000 additional shares. At December 31,
2004, 2003 and 2002, 562,914, 599,852 and 397,927 shares were available to be
issued under the Plan, respectively. The difference between the exercise price
and the market price of the shares awarded equals compensation, which $-0-,
$-0-, and $90,644 was expensed in 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. Under the
Omnibus Plan, no awards were granted in 2004, awards were granted on one date in
2003 and three separate dates in 2002. In 2004, 2003 and 2002, under the
provisions of certain awards granted, compensation of $-0-, $192,907 and
$1,070,667, net of forfeitures, respectively, was recorded as deferred expense
and will be amortized over the vesting period of seven years. Amortization
expense was $147,145, $153,085 and $68,745 in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Total compensation expense for the application of dividends to receivable and
amortization of deferred compensation from restricted stock awards recognized
for 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $329,389, $348,967 and $295,392, respectively.
A summary of the restricted stock activity under the Omnibus Plan is as follows:
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
2004 2003 2002
------------- -------------- --------------------------
Shares granted and issued - 13,350 11,611, 51,500, and 3,849
Grant and issue price per share - $7.00 $7.50, $8.00, and $-0-
Market value per share at date of issue - $21.45 $23.20, $25.25, and $23.55
Weighted average market price per share at
date of issue - $21.45 $24.80
Shares canceled and forfeited 10,100 1,200 1,000
Original price per share $6.50 - $8.00 $8.00 - $10.50 $7.50
Weighted average price per share $7.21 $7.63 $7.50
EXECUTIVE OFFICER STOCK AWARDS
In 2004 and 2003, under the provisions of certain awards granted to executive
officers on three and two separate dates, respectively, shares vest at the rate
of 20% per year over the five-year vesting period. The Company records equity
and expense during the vesting periods of the awards based on the number of
eligible shares and the market value of the shares on the grant date. Upon
vesting, shares are issued out of treasury stock. The Company recorded expense
of $489,232 and $21,344 in 2004 and 2003, respectively. When the awards vest,
the Company also pays a cash bonus to the recipient to assist in the income tax
obligation related to the awards. Total compensation expense recognized in
income was $977,967 and $35,357 in 2004 and 2003, respectively.
F-16
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
A summary of the executive officer stock activity under the Omnibus Plan is as
follows:
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
2004 2003 2002
------------------------- ----------------- ------
Shares granted 27,275, 15,000 AND 13,925 10,650 and 4,848 -
Market valve per share at date of issue $24.20, $26.74 AND 436.50 $21.44 and $24.58 -
Weighted average market value per share at
date of issue $27.93 $22.42 -
Shares canceled and forfeited 1,525 - -
Original price per share $21.44 -$24.20 - -
Weighted average price per share $23.29 - -
NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTIONS
Under the Omnibus Plan, the Company also may provide non-qualified stock
options. The price of option shares granted under the Omnibus Plan shall not be
less than the fair market value of common stock on the date of grant, and the
term of the stock option shall not exceed ten years from date of grant. Options
vest over a three-year period. The Company did not issue Options in 2004.
A summary of the stock options activity in the Company's Omnibus Plan is as
follows:
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
OPTIONS EXERCISE PRICE
-------- --------------
Outstanding at January 1, 2002 90,519 $ 17.10
Granted in 2002 167,229 19.30
Exercised in 2002 (10,001) 17.10
Forfeited in 2002 (7,035) 18.57
-------- --------------
Outstanding at December 31, 2002 240,712 18.59
Granted in 2003 170,427 23.60
Exercised in 2003 (54,146) 18.10
Forfeited in 2003 - -
-------- --------------
Outstanding at December 31, 2003 356,993 21.05
Granted in 2004 - -
Exercised in 2004 (128,547) 19.62
Forfeited in 2004 (7,637) 22.19
-------- --------------
Outstanding at December 31, 2004 220,809 $ 21.85
======== ==============
The exercise price of options outstanding ranged from $17.10 to $23.60, with a
weighted-average remaining contractual life of 7.85 years at December 31, 2004.
The Company does not recognize compensation expense on the income statement for
any of its stock options.
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
EXERCISABLE AT THE END OF THE YEAR: OPTIONS EXERCISE PRICE
------- --------------
December 31, 2002 20,170 $ 17.30
December 31, 2003 71,614 18.19
DECEMBER 31, 2004 69,041 20.58
6. INCOME TAXES
The liability method is used in accounting for income taxes. Under this method,
deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference
between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using
the enacted tax rate(s) expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in
which the deferred tax liability or asset is expected to be settled or realized.
F-17
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
The Company accounts for the tax benefit from the exercise of non-qualified
stock options by reducing its accrued income tax liability and increasing
additional paid-in capital.
The components of income tax expense are as follows:
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
2004 2003 2002
------------ ------------ -------------
Currently payable:
Federal $ 5,914,000 $ 7,045,000 $ 12,060,000
Foreign 76,000 280,000 300,000
State 835,000 962,000 963,000
------------ ------------ -------------
6,825,000 8,287,000 13,323,000
Deferred 1,673,000 350,000 (1,346,000)
------------ ------------ -------------
$ 8,498,000 $ 8,637,000 $ 11,977,000
============ ============ =============
The differences between total tax expense and the amount computed by applying
the statutory Federal income tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes are
as follows:
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
2004 2003 2002
------------ ------------ -------------
Statutory rate applied to pretax income $ 8,178,000 $ 8,107,000 $ 10,889,000
State income taxes, net of Federal benefit 842,000 825,000 545,000
------------ ------------ -------------
Other items (522,000) (295,000) 543,000
------------ ------------ -------------
$ 8,498,000 $ 8,637,000 $ 11,977,000
============ ============ =============
The Company has approximately $2 million of a Pennsylvania net operating loss
carryforward that can be used to offset future Pennsylvania Taxable Income. A
deferred tax asset has been established based on the $2 million net operating
loss available to be carried forward. The deferred tax asset is offset by a
valuation allowance because it is uncertain as to whether the Company will
generate sufficient income in the State of Pennsylvania in the future to absorb
the net operating losses before they expire in 2011.
Income taxes paid during 2004, 2003, and 2002 amounted to $6,703,349,
$8,807,997, and $11,400,758, respectively.
F-18
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
Components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities under the liability method
are as follows:
DECEMBER 31
2004 2003
--------------- --------------
CURRENT DEFERRED TAX ASSETS:
Doubtful accounts $ 11,737,000 $ 14,122,000
Returns allowance 1,922,000 2,306,000
Inventory obsolescence 1,374,000 1,374,000
State net operating loss 72,000 196,000
Vacation pay 1,466,000 1,798,000
Group insurance 431,000 364,000
Other items 946,000 717,000
--------------- --------------
GROSS CURRENT DEFERRED TAX ASSETS 17,948,000 20,877,000
State valuation allowance (121,000) (196,000)
--------------- --------------
17,827,000 20,681,000
CURRENT DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES:
Advertising costs $ 6,152,000 $ 7,542,000
Inventory costs 776,000 372,000
Other items 242,000 556,000
--------------- --------------
GROSS CURRENT DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES 7,170,000 8,470,000
--------------- --------------
NET CURRENT DEFERRED TAX ASSET $ 10,657,000 $ 12,211,000
=============== ==============
LONG TERM DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY:
Property, plant, and equipment $ 2,668,000 $ 2,549,000
=============== ==============
7. OTHER REVENUE
Other revenue consists of:
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
2004 2003 2002
------------- ------------- --------------
Finance charges on time payment accounts $ 40,165,327 $ 36,163,981 $ 34,776,872
Commissions earned 1,732,026 1,493,579 2,239,888
Other items 2,817,559 3,905,907 1,201,913
------------- ------------- --------------
$ 44,714,912 $ 41,563,467 $ 38,218,673
============= ============= ==============
Commissions earned result from an arrangement under which a third party sells
jewelry to the Company's customers and all related significant activities are
conducted by, and are the responsibility of, the third party. The Company
receives payments from the customer and makes remittances, net of commissions to
the third party. The Company bears the credit risk and recognizes a credit loss
when the customer does not honor its payment obligation.
Other items are comprised of items such as customer list rentals, dishonored
check service charges and package insert income.
8. BUSINESS SEGMENT AND CONCENTRATION OF BUSINESS RISK
The Company operates as one segment in the business of selling women's and men's
fashion wearing apparel and accessories and home furnishing items. Specifically,
the segment includes the Womenswear, Menswear, Home, Crossing Pointe, Stores and
Allegheny Trail product lines. The Stores product line was added in the first
quarter of 2004 reflecting a reclassification within the segment from the other
product lines to this product line. Allegheny Trail was added in the third
quarter of 2003.
The Company announced on May 3, 2004, that they will discontinue circulation of
its Crossing Pointe catalog title beginning in 2005. The Company's intention is
to more fully focus new business development efforts on the core Blair brand and
its proven appeal to significant market segments. The decision to focus on core
operations is based in part on the historical success of the Blair brand and an
extensive consumer and brand strategy study undertaken by the Company as part of
its efforts to enhance profitability and shareholder value. The Company has
evaluated the impact of
F-19
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
discontinuing circulation of the Crossing Pointe title on all assets associated
with this operation. All appropriate reserves have been recorded. This decision
did not have a negative effect on 2004 profitability, and is expected to
moderately benefit 2005 performance.
On January 25, 2005, the Company decided to phase out its Allegheny Trail
wholesale business by April 30, 2005. The remaining products will be transferred
to other existing product lines. This decision is consistent with the Company's
intention to more fully focus new business development efforts on the core Blair
brand and its proven appeal to significant market segments. The Company has
evaluated the impact of phasing out the Allegheny Trail business on all assets
associated with this operation. All appropriate reserves have been recorded.
This decision did not have a negative effect on 2004 profitability, and is not
expected to negatively impact 2005 performance.
The Company's segment reporting is consistent with the presentation made to the
Company's chief operating decision-maker. The Company's customer base is
comprised of individuals throughout the United States and is diverse in both
geographic and demographic terms. Advertising is done mainly by means of
catalogs, direct mail letters and the internet, which offer the Company's
merchandise.
The following table illustrates the percent of net sales that each product line
represents.
12/31/04 Percent 12/31/03 Percent of 12/31/02 Percent
Net Sales of Total Net Sales Total Net Net Sales of Total
Product Line (in millions) Net Sales (in millions) Sales (in millions) Net Sales
--------------- ------------- --------- ------------- ---------- ------------- ----------
Womenswear $ 310.6 62.6% $ 365.9 62.9% $ 358.9 63.1%
Menswear 96.1 19.4% 100.6 17.3% 107.4 18.9%
Home 64.9 13.1% 68.5 11.8% 59.2 10.4%
Crossing Pointe 20.0 4.0% 39.6 6.8% 34.7 6.1%
Stores 3.1 0.6% 6.5 1.1% 8.3 1.5%
Allegheny Trail 1.4 0.3% .8 .1% N/A N/A
------------- --------- ------------- ---------- ------------- ---------
Total $ 496.1 100.0% $ 581.9 100.0% $ 568.5 100.0%
============= ========= ============= ========== ============= =========
9. LONG-LIVED ASSETS PREVIOUSLY CLASSIFIED AS HELD FOR SALE
In January 2003, the Company made the decision to close its liquidation outlet
store located in Erie, Pennsylvania. This closure was effective at the close of
business on March 28, 2003. While the Company continues to hold the assets for
sale, the sales process has taken longer than anticipated and the assets are no
longer being classified as Held for Sale in accordance with SFAS No. 144. The
$1.3 million carrying value of the asset, after considering a $300,773
impairment charge taken in 2003 to reduce the value of the asset to its fair
value less costs to sell, is deemed to be stated fairly at December 31, 2004.
The $300,773 impairment charge was included in other expense, net in the 2003
Consolidated Statement of Income.
10. VOLUNTARY SEPARATION PROGRAM
In the first quarter of 2004, the Company accrued and charged to expense $67,000
in separation costs. The costs were charged to General and Administrative
Expense in the income statement. The $67,000 charge represents severance pay,
related payroll taxes and medical benefits due the 33 eligible employees who
accepted the voluntary separation program offered in connection with closing the
Company's Outlet Store located in Warren, Pennsylvania on January 16, 2004. As
of the end of the first quarter of 2004, $67,000 had been paid. This liability
is considered satisfied.
In the first quarter of 2003, the Company accrued and charged to expense $75,000
in separation costs. The costs were charged to General and Administrative
Expense in the income statement. The $75,000 charge represents severance pay,
related payroll taxes, and medical benefits due the 32 eligible employees who
accepted the voluntary separation program offered in connection with closing the
Company's Outlet Store located in Erie, Pennsylvania on March 28, 2003. As of
the end of the second quarter of 2003, $53,000 had been paid. This liability is
considered satisfied and resulted in $22,000 being taken back to income in the
second quarter of 2003.
In the first quarter of 2001, the Company accrued and charged to expense $2.5
million in separation costs. The costs were charged to General and
Administrative Expense in the income statement. The one-time $2.5 million charge
represents severance pay, related payroll taxes, and medical benefits due the 56
eligible employees who accepted the voluntary
F-20
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
separation program rather than relocate or accept other positions in the
Company. The program was offered to eligible employees of the Blair Mailing
Center from which the merchandise returns operations have been relocated and the
mailing operations have been outsourced. As of December 31, 2004, approximately
$2.0 million of the $2.5 million has been paid. Approximately $267,000,
$281,000, and $336,000 were paid out during 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively.
The following table summarizes the charges to income and related accruals as of
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 pertaining to the voluntary separation programs
described above.
Blair Mailing Center Erie Outlet Store Starbrick Outlet Store
-------------------- ---------------- ----------------------
Accrual at January 1, 2002 $ 1,384,000 $ - $ -
Expense - - -
Payments 336,000 - -
-------------------- ----------------- ----------------------
Accrual at December 31, 2002 1,048,000 - -
Expense - 53,000 -
Payments 281,000 53,000 -
-------------------- ----------------- ----------------------
Accrual at December 31, 2003 767,000 - -
Expense - - 67,000
Payments 267,000 - 67,000
-------------------- ----------------- ----------------------
Accrual at December 31, 2004 $ 500,000 $ - $ -
==================== ================= ======================
F-21
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly results of operations for the
years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003.
2004 2003
Quarter Ended Quarter Ended
March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31
Net Sales........... $ 128,642 $ 126,993 $ 107,074 $ 133,411 $ 137,014 $ 154,345 $ 124,100 $ 166,481
Cost of goods sold.. 63,087 57,892 51,124 62,869 67,418 72,346 60,441 75,504
Net income.......... 571 5,011 2,941 6,346 500 4,101 793 9,132
Basic earnings per
share............... 0.07 0.62 0.36 .78 0.06 0.51 0.10 1.15
Diluted earnings
per share........... 0.07 0.61 0.36 .77 0.06 0.51 0.10 1.14
Quarter ended December 31, 2004 includes additional net income of $1,000,000,
$.12 per basic and diluted share. The additional net income and increase in
basic and diluted earnings per share in the quarter was due to reductions in the
provisions for doubtful accounts and returns resulting from actual bad debt and
returns experience bettering prior estimates.
Quarter ended December 31, 2003 includes additional net income of $600,000, $.07
per basic and diluted share. The additional net income and basic and diluted
earnings per share in the quarter was due to reductions in the provisions for
doubtful accounts and returns resulting from actual bad debt and returns
experience bettering prior estimates.
F-22
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
DECEMBER 31, 2004
COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D COLUMN E
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONS-
BALANCE AT CHARGED TO BALANCE
BEGINNING COSTS AND DEDUCTIONS- AT END
OF PERIOD EXPENSES DESCRIBE OF PERIOD
------------- --------------- --------------- --------------
Description
Year ended December 31, 2004:
Allowance deducted from asset account
(customer accounts receivable):
For doubtful accounts $ 40,349,957 $ 22,664,048(A) $ 29,187,091(B) $ 33,826,914
For estimated loss on returns 7,123,151 71,666,392 73,691,543(C) 5,098,000
------------- --------------- --------------- --------------
Total 47,473,108 94,330,440 102,878,634 38,924,914
Allowance deducted from asset account
(merchandise inventories)
For obsolete inventory 3,600,000 6,329,398 6,329,398(D) 3,600,000
------------- --------------- --------------- --------------
Total $ 51,073,108 $ 100,659,838 $ 109,208,032 $ 42,524,914
============= =============== =============== ==============
Year ended December 31, 2003:
Allowance deducted from asset account
(customer accounts receivable):
For doubtful accounts $ 40,138,263 $ 31,826,636(A) $ 31,614,942(B) $ 40,349,957
For estimated loss on returns 7,067,965 87,238,648 87,183,462(C) 7,123,151
------------- --------------- --------------- --------------
Total 47,206,228 119,065,284 118,798,404 47,473,108
Allowance deducted from asset account
(merchandise inventories)
For obsolete inventory 4,000,000 4,515,882 4,915,882(D) 3,600,000
------------- --------------- --------------- --------------
Total $ 51,206,228 $ 123,581,166 $ 123,714,286 $ 51,073,108
============= =============== =============== ==============
Year ended December 31, 2002:
Allowance deducted from asset account
(customer accounts receivable):
For doubtful accounts $ 39,088,189 $ 29,986,973(A) $ 28,936,899(B) $ 40,138,263
For estimated loss on returns 6,878,971 85,734,678 85,545,684(C) 7,067,965
------------- --------------- --------------- --------------
Total 45,967,160 115,721,651 114,482,583 47,206,228
Allowance deducted from asset account
(merchandise inventories)
For obsolete inventory 4,150,000 5,562,834 5,712,834(D) 4,000,000
------------- --------------- --------------- --------------
Total $ 50,117,160 $ 121,284,485 $ 120,195,417 $ 51,206,228
============= =============== =============== ==============
------------------------
Note (A) -- Current year provision for doubtful accounts, charged against
income.
Note (B) -- Accounts charged off, net of recoveries.
Note (C) -- Sales value of merchandise returned.
Note (D) -- Inventory liquidated, net of proceeds received.
F-23