BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INC.

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C., 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

 

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

For the fiscal year ended November 24, 2007

 

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

For the transition period from              to             

Commission File No. 0-209

 

 

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

VIRGINIA   54-0135270

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

3525 FAIRYSTONE PARK HIGHWAY

BASSETT, VIRGINIA

  24055
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code 276/629-6000

 

 

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

 

Title of each class:

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Common Stock ($5.00 par value)   NASDAQ

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    x  Yes    ¨  No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    ¨  Yes    x  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for at least the past 90 days.    x  Yes    ¨  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 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 a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer” in Rule 126-2 of the Exchange Act. (check one)

Large Accelerated Filer  ¨        Accelerated Filer  x        Non-Accelerated Filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12-b2 of the Exchange Act).    ¨  Yes    x  No

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of May 26, 2007 was $166,188,127.

The number of shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding on January 29, 2008 was 11,811,015.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

(1) Portions of the Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated definitive Proxy Statement for its 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held April 15, 2008, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Proxy Statement”) are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

 

 

 


PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

(dollar amounts in thousands except per share data)

General

Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “Bassett”, “we”, “our” or the “Company”), based in Bassett, Va., is a leading retailer, manufacturer and marketer of branded home furnishings. Our products are sold primarily through Bassett Furniture Direct® stores, with secondary distribution through Bassett Design Centers and other multi-line furniture stores. Bassettbaby® cribs and casegoods are sold through specialty stores and mass merchants. We were founded in 1902 and incorporated under the laws of Virginia in 1930. Our rich 105-year history has instilled the principles of quality, value, and integrity in everything that we do, while simultaneously providing us with the expertise to respond to ever-changing consumer tastes and to meet the demands of a global economy.

Two primary business developments continue to affect our business as they have for nearly a decade.

First, we created and re-channeled sales through a vertically integrated retail sales network. The Bassett Furniture Direct® (“BFD” or “store”) store program was created in 1997 as a single source home furnishings retail store that provides a unique combination of stylish, well-made furniture and accessories with a high level of customer service. This service includes complimentary room planning, in-home design visits, fast delivery, and custom-order furniture. This strategy both builds on our strengths (brand name, balance sheet, product offerings) and better positions us to capitalize on the changing furniture retail environment. This store network currently includes 98 licensee-owned stores and 32 Company-owned and operated stores.

Second, the furniture industry continues to experience a rapid shift from traditional domestic manufacturing to offshore sourcing in lower cost markets, primarily in China and other Pacific Rim countries. This shift in sourcing has resulted in downward pressure on retail prices and reductions in traditional channels of sales distribution. Many retailers now source their own products rather than relying on a traditional domestic manufacturer to supply goods.

We have responded to these changes by reducing our manufacturing production where we can more cost efficiently source product. Over the last seven years, we have reduced our number of facilities from 13 to 3 and reduced our headcount from approximately 4,200 to 1,450. During 2007, we closed a large wood manufacturing facility in Bassett, Va. This resulted in headcount reductions of approximately 280 employees and leaves us with one small wood assembly plant in Martinsville, Va., one fiberboard supply facility in Bassett, Va., and one upholstery facility in Newton, N.C. We have closed and consolidated seven wood factories over the past six years. These consolidations have allowed us to focus our manufacturing efforts on delivering custom upholstery and custom casual dining products within thirty days, while expanding our sourcing efforts to drive selection and value for our customers. We will continue to evaluate the cost effectiveness of domestic production on a product by product basis, as we strive to provide our customers with home furnishings at competitive prices.

Operating Segments

We have strategically aligned our business into three reportable segments: Wholesale, Retail and Investments/Real Estate.

The wholesale home furnishings segment is involved principally in the design, manufacture, sourcing, sale and distribution of furniture products to a network of BFD stores (independently-owned stores and Company-owned retail stores) and independent furniture retailers. The wholesale segment accounted for 70%, 74% and 79%, of net sales during 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.

 

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Our retail segment currently consists of 32 Company-owned stores in Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas. Our retail segment accounted for 30%, 26% and 21% of total net sales in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Our investments and real estate business segment consists of a 99.8% interest in the Bassett Industries Alternative Asset Fund (“Alternative Asset Fund”), a portfolio of marketable securities, an investment in the International Home Furnishings Center (“IHFC”) in High Point, N.C. and retail real estate utilized by licensee operated BFD stores.

Wholesale Segment Overview

The wholesale furniture industry is very competitive and there are a large number of manufacturers both within and outside the United States who compete in the market on the basis of product quality, price, style, delivery and service. Additionally, many retailers source imported product directly, thus bypassing domestic furniture manufacturers. We believe that we can be successful in the current competitive environment because our products represent excellent value combining attractive prices, quality and styling; prompt delivery; and courteous service.

Wholesale shipments by category for the last three fiscal years are summarized below:

 

     2007     2006     2005  

Wood

   $ 137,045    55.3 %   $ 164,030    57.6 %   $ 179,786    59.7 %

Upholstery

     108,312    43.7 %     117,668    41.3 %     114,372    38.0 %

Other

     2,319    1.0 %     3,105    1.1 %     7,092    2.3 %
                                       

Total

   $ 247,676    100.0 %   $ 284,803    100.0 %   $ 301,250    100.0 %
                                       

Approximately 49% of our 2007 wholesale sales were of imported product compared to 44% in 2006. We define imported product as fully finished product that is sourced. Our domestic product includes certain products that contain components which were also sourced. We continue to believe that a blended strategy including domestically produced products primarily of a custom-order nature combined with sourcing of major collections provides the best value and quality of products to our customers. We expect that overall operating margins will be positively impacted as we shift our mix of imported versus domestic product to a 60/40 mix during 2008.

Our backlog of wholesale orders believed to be firm was $19,972 at November 24, 2007 and $14,365 at November 25, 2006. We expect that the November 24, 2007 backlog will be filled within the 2008 fiscal year, with the majority of our backlog being filled during the first quarter of 2008.

We use lumber, fabric, leather and other materials in the production of wood and upholstered furniture. These components originate from a variety of domestic and international suppliers and are currently widely available. Overall, prices for these components have been relatively stable over the last several years. We currently assemble and finish these components in our plants in the United States.

Retail Segment Overview—Company Owned Retail Stores

The retail furniture industry remains very competitive and includes local furniture stores, regional furniture retailers and national department and chain stores. Additionally, there are a growing number of single-vendor branded retailers. There are a large number of fairly new entrants into the industry that have approached the industry from more of a consumer lifestyle and home accessory viewpoint. As a whole, our store network with 98 licensee-owned and 32 Company-owned stores, which is smaller than many of our competitors, now ranks in the top 25 in retail furniture sales.

 

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Retail net sales for our company-owned retail stores for the last three fiscal years are summarized below:

 

     2007    2006    2005

Retail Net sales

   $ 87,537    $ 84,401    $ 70,480
                    

We believe that having a substantial Company-owned retail store group will provide us with better first-hand retail experience that will allow us to make our entire BFD program more successful.

Maintaining and enhancing our brand is critical to our ability to expand our base of customers and drive increased traffic at both company-owned and licensee-owned stores. Our advertising and marketing campaign utilizes television, direct mail, and catalogs, in an effort to maintain and enhance our existing brand equity.

In the fourth quarter of 2007, we unveiled a new store prototype that we believe is critical to our retail success. The design of this store, incorporated in our existing Charlotte store and a new store in Atlanta, is based on extensive research we conducted and assessed over the past several years, including a comprehensive market segmentation study completed in 2006. We believe this design, organized around four targeted lifestyles that portrays a more stylish residential feel, better communicates our interior design and custom furniture capabilities to the consumer. Our lifestyle presentations are Cottage, Contemporary, Casual and Traditional as described below:

 

   

Cottage—Romantic, laid-back lifestyle of a retreat.

 

   

Contemporary—Youthful spirited lifestyle of a sophisticated city life.

 

   

Casual—Family-oriented with a relaxed atmosphere.

 

   

Traditional—Sensible lifestyle of established affluence.

Utilizing the basic tenants of our new prototype as a guideline, we are in the midst of a visual standardization program that will ultimately permeate our entire network of both company-owned and licensee-owned stores. Implementation will occur in stages beginning in 2008 and will logically display not only our styling point of view but also our points of differentiation in the marketplace.

Another major marketing strategy is our direct-to-consumer catalog. This catalog better defines and enhances Bassett®’s brand image while explaining to our consumers our product and service capabilities. We also plan to capitalize on the opportunities that the Internet affords retailers by introducing a commerce-enabled catalog and website with testing planned for 2008 and full rollout in 2009.

Investments/Real Estate Overview

The Company is committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet in order to weather difficult industry conditions, allow it to take advantage of opportunities as market conditions improve, and to execute its long-term retail growth strategies. Our balance sheet includes significant investments (Alternative Asset Fund and marketable securities), The International Home Furnishings Center (“IHFC”) and retail real estate related to licensee BFD stores. Our balances at fiscal year-end for the years presented are as follows:

 

     2007     2006     2005  

Alternative Asset Fund

   $ 51,779     $ 52,755     $ 51,593  

Other marketable securities

     25,145       25,862       25,297  

Corporate-store real estate

     28,552       25,243       26,285  

Licensee-store real estate

     31,207       33,501       31,640  

IHFC

     (12,244 )     (12,468 )     (12,575 )

 

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The Alternative Asset Fund was organized under the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act and commenced operations on July 1, 1998. Private Advisors, L.L.C. is the general partner (the General Partner) of the Alternative Asset Fund. The objective of the Alternative Asset Fund is to achieve consistent positive returns, while attempting to reduce risk and volatility, by placing its capital with a variety of hedge funds and experienced portfolio managers. Such hedge funds and portfolio managers employ a variety of trading styles or strategies, including, but not limited to, convertible arbitrage, merger or risk arbitrage, distressed debt, long/short equity, multi-strategy and other market-neutral strategies. Our marketable securities portfolio is diversified among eleven different money managers and sixteen different medium to large capitalization interests.

The International Home Furnishings Center (“IHFC”) owns and leases showroom space in High Point, North Carolina. Our ownership interest is 46.9% and is accounted for using the equity method. Our investment reflects a credit balance due to our cumulative receipt of dividends exceeding our investment in IHFC and cumulative portion of IHFC’s earnings attributable to our ownership interest. This negative book value resulted from IHFC’s refinancing of its real estate based on the market value of the property and using the proceeds to pay a special dividend to its owners.

As part of our retail growth strategy, we invest in retail store property that is either used by our company-owned stores or leased to our licensees. Real estate for our corporate stores is included in the property, plant and equipment balances in our consolidated balance sheet. Licensee-store real estate is presented as an other long-term asset in our consolidated balance sheet. These real estate holdings are typically in urban, high-traffic retail locations.

Trademarks and Patents

Our trademarks, including “Bassett” and the names of our marketing divisions, products and collections, are significant to the conduct of our business. This importance is due to consumer recognition of the names and identification with our broad range of products. Certain of our trademarks are licensed to independent retailers for use in full store and store gallery presentations of our products. We also own patents, trademarks and copyrights that are important in the conduct of our business.

Research and Development

The furniture industry is considered to be a “fashion” industry subject to constant fluctuations to meet changing consumer preferences and tastes. As such, we are continuously involved in the development of new designs and products. Due to the nature of these efforts and the close relationship to the manufacturing operations, these costs are considered normal operating costs and are not segregated. We are not otherwise involved in “traditional” research and development activities nor do we sponsor the research and development activities of any of our customers.

Government Regulations

We believe that we have materially complied with all federal, state and local standards in the areas of safety, health and pollution and environmental controls. We are involved in environmental matters at certain of our plant facilities, which arise in the normal course of business. Although the final outcome of these environmental matters cannot be determined, based on the present facts we do not believe that the final resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or future results of operations.

We may also be affected by laws and regulations of countries from which we source goods. Labor, environmental, and other laws and regulations change over time, especially in the developing countries from which we source. Changes in these areas of regulation could negatively impact the cost and availability of sourced goods. The timing and extent to which these regulations could have an adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations is difficult to predict. Based on the present facts, we do not believe that they will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or future results of operations.

 

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People

We employed 1,443 people as of November 24, 2007. Approximately 548 people were employed in our retail segment and 895 people were employed in our wholesale segment. None of our employees were subject to collective bargaining arrangements and we have not experienced any recent work stoppages. We consider our relationship with our employees to be good.

Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export Sales

We have no foreign manufacturing or retail operations, and our export sales were approximately $3.1 million, $3.7 million and $4.7 million in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Available Information

Through our website www.bassettfurniture.com, we make available free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing or furnishing with the SEC, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments thereto.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Our business is subject to a variety of risks. You should carefully consider the risk factors detailed below in conjunction with the other information contained in this document. These risks are not the only ones we face. Interest rates, consumer confidence, housing starts, and other general economic factors that affect many other businesses are particularly significant to us because our principal products are consumer goods. Additional factors that are presently unknown to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial also could affect our business.

We face a difficult current retail environment and changing economic conditions that may further adversely affect consumer demand and spending.

Historically, the home furnishings industry has been subject to cyclical variations in the general economy and to uncertainty regarding future economic prospects. Such uncertainty, as well as other variations in global economic conditions such as consumer confidence, rising fuel costs and slowing housing starts, may continue to cause inconsistent and unpredictable consumer spending habits. Many industry analysts believe the current home furnishings environment is as difficult as the industry has ever experienced. Should consumer demand for home furnishings continue at these current low levels for an extended period of time or further deteriorate, it will be difficult to achieve our planned level of financial improvement in 2008 and it could also impact the performance of our licensees and the ability of a number of them to meet their obligations to us.

Competition from domestic and overseas manufacturers continues to increase and may adversely affect our business, operating results or financial condition.

Our wholesale business segment is involved in the development of our brand, which encompasses the design, manufacture, sourcing, sales and distribution of our home furnishings products, and competes with other U.S. and foreign manufacturers and other wholesalers. Industry globalization and the development of manufacturing capabilities in other countries, particularly within Asia , has led to increased competitive pressures brought about by the increasing volume of imported finished goods and components, particularly for case good products. The increase in overseas production capacity in recent years has created over-capacity for many foreign and U.S. manufacturers, including us, which has led to industry-wide plant consolidation in the U.S. In addition, because many foreign manufacturers are able to maintain substantially lower production costs, including the cost of labor and overhead, imported product is capable of being sold at a lower price to consumers, which, in turn, has led to additional industry-wide price deflation. Governments in the foreign countries where we source our

 

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products also may change their laws, regulations and policies, including those related to tariffs and trade barriers, investments, taxation and exchange controls which could make it more difficult to service our customers resulting in an adverse effect on our earnings.

Our company-owned stores and others we may acquire in the future may not achieve the anticipated growth and profitability.

Our company-owned stores currently operate at a loss. Our short-term goal is to operate these stores at break-even to ultimately protect the operating margins generated by our wholesale operation. To be successful, we need to increase our sales per store while decreasing the support costs as a percentage of sales. As part of our strategy, we must hire, train and retain a qualified staff of design consultants to improve the customer experience. Competition with other furniture retailers for qualified design consultants also continues to increase. We also compete with other retailers for management personnel and appropriate retail locations. Failures and delays in implementing our retail strategies or failure to realize the benefits of these strategies could adversely impact our business and operating results.

Our licensee-owned stores may not be able to meet their obligations to us.

We have a significant amount of accounts and notes receivable from our network of licensee-owned BFD stores. We also own some of the real estate that is leased to the licensees and guarantee some of the debt and/or leases of some of the licensees. If these stores do not generate the necessary level of sales and profits, they may not be able to fulfill their obligations to us resulting in increased bad debt expenses and real estate related losses.

We receive a substantial amount of our earnings and cash flow from our investment in the International Home Furnishings Center (“IHFC”).

We own 46.9% of IHFC which owns and leases permanent exhibition space in High Point, North Carolina to furniture and accessory manufacturers throughout the United States and in many foreign countries, who showcase their products at the International Home Furnishings Market held each April and October. In fiscal 2007, we recognized $6.3 million in earnings and received $6.1 million in dividends from our investment in IHFC. There can be no assurance that we will continue to recognize this level of earnings or receive this level of dividends in the future as leases are typically for five years and the lessees may not renew their respective leases. In addition, changes in the overall home furnishings industry as well as the competing home furnishings market in Las Vegas could potentially impact the number of manufacturers showcasing their products at the High Point market, thereby reducing the demand for the exhibition space in High Point.

We receive a substantial amount of our earnings and cash flow from our investments in The Bassett Furniture Industries Alternative Asset Fund LP and our marketable securities portfolio.

We have $51.8 million invested in The Bassett Industries Alternative Asset Fund L.P. in which we are the only limited partner. The objective of the Fund is to achieve consistent positive returns, while attempting to reduce risk and volatility, by placing its capital with a variety of hedge funds and experienced portfolio managers. Such hedge funds and portfolio managers employ a variety of trading styles or strategies, including, but not limited to, convertible arbitrage, merger or risk arbitrage, distressed debt, long/short equity, multi-strategy and other market-neutral strategies. The general partner has discretion to make all investment and trading decisions, including the selection of investment managers. Our investment in the Fund includes investments in various other private limited partnerships, which contain contractual commitments with elements of market risk. These contractual commitments, which include fixed-income securities and derivatives, may involve future settlements, which give rise to both market and credit risk. The investment partnership’s exposure to market risk is determined by a number of factors, including the size, composition, and diversification of positions held, volatility of interest rates, market currency rates, and liquidity. Risks to these funds arise from possible adverse changes in the market value of such interests and the potential inability of counterparties to

 

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perform under the terms of the contracts. However, the risk to the Fund is limited to the amount of the Fund investment in each of the funds. There can be no assurance that the Fund will continue to produce the levels of returns it has historically provided to support our operating cash flow needs.

At November 24, 2007, we have $25.1 million in marketable securities on our balance sheet consisting of both equity and debt instruments. This portfolio is diversified among eleven different money managers and sixteen different medium to large capitalization equity interests. There can be no assurance that this portfolio will produce the levels of returns it has historically provided to support our operating cash flow needs as it is subject to those risks inherent in the stock and money markets including:

 

   

changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws,

 

   

changes in interest rates and the effects of inflation, and

 

   

changes in the outlook for the economy as a whole or shifts in investor attitudes.

Unsuccessful implementation of our new store design, or failure to realize the intended benefits of the new design, may be detrimental to future operating results and financial condition.

In 2007, we unveiled a new store prototype that we believe is critical to our retail success. The design of this store concept is based on extensive research we conducted and assessed over the past several years, including a comprehensive market segmentation study completed in 2006. We believe this design, organized around four targeted lifestyles that portrays a more stylish residential feel, better communicates our interior design and custom furniture capabilities to the consumer. Utilizing the basic tenants of our new prototype as a guideline, we are in the midst of a visual standardization program that will ultimately permeate our entire fleet of stores. Implementation will occur in stages during 2008 and will logically display not only our styling point of view but also our points of differentiation in the marketplace. Failure to successfully implement the new store design, realize the intended benefits of the new design, could prove costly and could adversely impact our operating results and financial condition.

Consolidating variable interest entities into our financial statements may reduce our net income.

Applicable accounting rules categorize an entity that does not have sufficient equity to carry out its business without financial support as a “variable interest entity.” If some of our independent dealers do not generate the necessary level of sales and profits, they could be considered variable interest entities. If we are considered the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity’s business activities, the rules require us to consolidate its assets, liabilities, and results of operations into our consolidated financial statements. Once consolidated, the rules require us to absorb all of the dealer’s net losses in excess of its equity and to recognize its net earnings, but only to the extent of recouping losses we previously recorded. We continue to assess our licensees to determine whether other subordinated financial support will be required by us to ensure their continued operation, thereby requiring them to be consolidated. Should we be required to consolidate additional variable interest entities, our future earnings would likely be reduced.

Failure to successfully anticipate or respond to changes in consumer tastes and trends in a timely manner could adversely impact our business, operating results and financial condition.

Sales of our furniture are dependent upon consumer acceptance of our designs, styles, quality and price. As with all retailers, our business is susceptible to changes in consumer tastes and trends. We attempt to monitor changes in consumer tastes and home design trends through attendance at international industry events and fashion shows, internal marketing research, and communication with our retailers and design consultants who provide valuable input on consumer tendencies. However, such tastes and trends can change rapidly and any delay or failure to anticipate or respond to changing consumer tastes and trends in a timely manner could adversely impact our business, operating results and financial condition.

 

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Our success depends upon our brand, marketing and advertising efforts and pricing strategies, and if we are not able to maintain and enhance our brand, or if we are not successful in these efforts and strategies, our business and operating results could be adversely affected.

Maintaining and enhancing our brand is critical to our ability to expand our base of customers and drive increased traffic at both company-owned and licensee-owned stores. Our advertising and marketing campaign utilizes television, direct mail, catalogs, newspapers, magazines and radio in an effort to maintain and enhance our existing brand equity. We cannot provide assurance that our marketing, advertising and other efforts to promote and maintain awareness of our brand will not require us to incur substantial costs. If these efforts are unsuccessful or we incur substantial costs in connection with these efforts, our business, operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Manufacturing realignments could result in a decrease in our near-term earnings.

We regularly review and evaluate our domestic manufacturing operations and offshore (import) sourcing capabilities. As a result, we sometimes realign those operations and capabilities and institute cost savings programs. These programs can include the consolidation and integration of facilities, functions, systems and procedures. We also may shift certain products from domestic manufacturing to offshore sourcing. These realignments and cost savings programs generally involve some initial cost and can result in decreases in our near-term earnings until we achieve the expected cost reductions. We may not always accomplish these actions as quickly as anticipated, and we may not fully achieve the expected cost reductions.

Fluctuations in the price, availability and quality of raw materials could result in increased costs or cause production delays which might result in a decline in sales, either of which could adversely impact our earnings.

We use various types of wood, foam, fibers, fabrics, leathers, and other raw materials in manufacturing our furniture. Certain of our raw materials, including fabrics, are purchased both abroad and domestically. Fluctuations in the price, availability and quality of raw materials could result in increased costs or a delay in manufacturing our products, which in turn could result in a delay in delivering products to our customers. For example, lumber prices fluctuate over time based on factors such as weather and demand, which in turn, impact availability. Production delays or upward trends in raw material prices could result in lower sales or margins, thereby adversely impacting our earnings.

In addition, certain suppliers may require extensive advance notice of our requirements in order to produce products in the quantities we desire. This long lead time may require us to place orders far in advance of the time when certain products will be offered for sale, thereby exposing us to risks relating to shifts in consumer demand and trends, and any downturn in the U.S. economy.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

General

We own our corporate office building located in Bassett, Va. We also lease office space in Greensboro, NC for our retail and marketing headquarters and lease showroom space in the International Home Furnishings Center, an unconsolidated affiliated entity.

We own the following facilities, by segment:

Wholesale Segment:

 

Facility

  

Location

Bassett Wood Division

   Martinsville, Va.

Bassett Fiberboard

   Bassett, Va.

Bassett Upholstery Division

   Newton, N.C.

Warehouse

   Bassett, Va.

Warehouse

   Mt. Airy, N.C.

Outlet Store

   Bassett, Va.

In general, these facilities are suitable and are considered to be adequate for the continuing operations involved. All facilities are in regular use and provide more than adequate capacity for our manufacturing needs.

The following properties have ceased manufacturing operations and are currently held as idle facilities in connection with restructuring efforts:

 

Facility

  

Location

J. D. Bassett Manufacturing

   Bassett, Va.

Bassett Superior Lines

   Bassett, Va.

Bassett Chair

   Bassett, Va.

Bassett Table

   Bassett, Va.

Retail Segment:

Our interest in retail real estate is as follows:

 

     Company-Owned
Stores
   Licensee-Owned
Stores
   Total
Network

Owned properties

   7    8    15

Leased properties

   25    16    41

Lease guarantees

      18    18

No real estate involvement

      56    56
              

Total

   32    98    130
              

As of November 24, 2007, we had 130 stores in our retail network; 32 Company-owned stores that comprise our retail segment and 98 owned and operated by independent third party licensees. Of the 32 retail store locations owned and operated by us, 7 of the properties are owned and 25 are leased. Of the 7 properties that we own, one property is subject to a land lease.

We also own an additional 8 retail properties that are leased to our licensee dealers. Of these 8 properties, two are subject to land leases. In addition, we lease another 16 properties from third party landlords which we then sublease to our licensee dealers. To further support our licensee dealers, we have also provided lease guarantees on 18 licensee operated stores. See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Annual Report for more information with respect to our operating lease obligations.

 

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On January 18, 2008, Costa Brava Partnership III, L.P. (“Costa Brava”), the beneficial owner of 5.1% of the Company’s outstanding shares, submitted to the Company a notice of its intent to nominate seven individuals for election to the Board of Directors at the Company’s 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. On January 29, 2008, the Company notified Costa Brava that the notice and purported nominations fail to comply with the Company’s Bylaws. Among other things, the Bylaws require that any such notice include a representation that the shareholder is a holder of record of shares entitled to vote at the meeting. In its notice, Costa Brava acknowledged that it was not in fact a holder of record of the Company’s shares. On January 29, 2008, the Company also filed suit in the Circuit Court of Henry County, Virginia seeking a declaration that Costa Brava’s failure to comply with the Company’s Bylaws entitles the chairman of the 2008 Annual Meeting to refuse to acknowledge Costa Brava’s purported nominations.

We are also involved in other various claims and actions, including environmental matters, which arise in the normal course of business. Although the final outcome of these matters cannot be determined, based on the facts presently known, it is our opinion that the final resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or future results of operations.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

None.

 

ITEM 4B. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

John E. Bassett III, 49, has been with the Company since 1981 and served as Vice President of Wood Manufacturing from 1997 to 2001 and as Vice President Global Sourcing since 2001.

Jason W. Camp, 39, joined the Company in 2006 as Senior Vice President of Retail. Prior to joining Bassett, Mr. Camp was with Restoration Hardware, Inc. for nine years advancing to the position of Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Retail Division.

Jay R. Hervey, Esq., 48, has served as the General Counsel, Vice President and Secretary for the Company since 1997.

Matthew S. Johnson, 46, has been with the Company since 1984. Since 2000, he has been serving as Vice President of Merchandising and Design.

Mark S. Jordan, 54, joined the Company in 1999 as Plant Manager. In 2001, he was promoted to Vice President of Upholstery Manufacturing and in 2002 he was promoted to Vice President and General Manager-Upholstery.

Barry C. Safrit, 45, joined the Company as Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer in 1998. He was promoted to Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration, Chief Financial Officer in 2006.

Keith R. Sanders, 63, joined the Company in 1998 as the Vice President of Upholstery Manufacturing . In 1999, he was promoted to Executive Vice President, Operations.

Robert H. Spilman, Jr., 51, has been with the Company since 1984. Since 2000, he has served as Chief Executive Officer and President.

 

11


PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market and Dividend Information:

Bassett’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ national market system under the symbol “BSET.” We had approximately 1,068 registered stockholders at November 24, 2007. The range of per share amounts for the high and low market prices and dividends declared for the last two fiscal years are listed below:

 

     Market Prices of Common Stock          
     2007    2006    Dividends Declared

Quarter

   High    Low    High    Low    2007    2006

First

   18.80    15.00    19.60    17.99    0.20    0.20

Second

   16.71    13.25    19.95    16.59    0.20    0.20

Third

   14.53    11.05    18.51    16.56    0.20    0.20

Fourth

   11.89    9.41    17.48    15.24    0.20    0.20

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

     Total
Shares
Purchased
   Avg
Price
Paid
   Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced Plans or
Programs(1)
   Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar Value) of
Shares that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the Plans
or Programs(1)

August 26 – September 29, 2007

            $ 8,348,587

September 30 – October 27, 2007

            $ 8,348,587

October 28 – November 24, 2007

            $ 8,348,587

 

(1) The Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $40,000,000 in Company stock. This repurchase plan was announced on June 23, 1998.

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The selected financial data set forth below for the fiscal years indicated were derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. The information should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements (including the notes thereto) and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” appearing elsewhere in, or incorporated by reference into, this report.

 

    2007     2006     2005   2004     2003  

Net sales

  $ 295,384     $ 328,214     $ 335,207   $ 315,654     $ 316,857  

Cost of sales

  $ 195,001     $ 225,319     $ 236,843   $ 234,612     $ 234,861  

Operating profit (loss)

  $ (19,916 )(1)   $ (466 )   $ 5,134   $ 3,727 (2)   $ (1,230 )(3)

Other income, net

  $ 5,947     $ 6,921     $ 8,061   $ 7,123     $ 6,097  

Income (loss) before income taxes

  $ (13,969 )   $ 6,455     $ 13,195   $ 10,850     $ 4,867  

Income tax expense (benefit)

  $ (4,059 )   $ 1,026     $ 3,381   $ 2,641     $ 462  

Net income (loss)

  $ (9,910 )   $ 5,429     $ 9,814   $ 8,209     $ (470 )(4)

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

  $ (0.84 )   $ 0.46     $ 0.82   $ 0.69     $ (0.04)  

Cash dividends declared

  $ 9,450     $ 9,449     $ 9,433   $ 9,355     $ 9,261  

Cash dividends per share

  $ 0.80     $ 0.80     $ 0.80   $ 0.80     $ 0.80  

Total assets

  $ 310,703     $ 310,223     $ 313,158   $ 299,477     $ 281,891  

Long-term debt

  $ 28,850     $ 23,522     $ 19,054   $ 15,604     $ —    

Current ratio

    1.96 to 1       2.47 to 1       2.19 to 1     2.66 to 1       2.78 to 1  

Book value per share

  $ 16.50     $ 18.24     $ 18.61   $ 18.58       $18.69  

Weighted average number of shares

    11,810,055       11,808,053       11,785,613     11,686,649       11,608,853  

 

12


 

(1) See note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements related to restructuring and asset impairment charges recorded in 2007, 2006, and 2005. See also note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, with respect to funds received from the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act in 2007 and 2006.

 

(2) During 2004, we recorded $4,060 of restructuring and asset impairment charges and a $3,890 gain on the sale of our California upholstery operation.

 

(3) During 2003, we recorded $3,200 of restructuring and asset impairment charges.

 

(4) During 2003, we recorded a $4,875 cumulative effect adjustment related to the adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 46(R), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities—an Interpretation of ARB No. 51”.

 

13


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “Bassett”, “we”, “our” or the “Company”), based in Bassett, Va., is a leading retailer, manufacturer and marketer of branded home furnishings. Our products are sold primarily through Bassett Furniture Direct® stores, with secondary distribution through Bassett Design Centers and other multi-line furniture stores. Bassettbaby® cribs and casegoods are sold through specialty stores and mass merchants. We were founded in 1902 and incorporated under the laws of Virginia in 1930. Our rich 105-year history has instilled the principles of quality, value, and integrity in everything that we do, while simultaneously providing us with the expertise to respond to ever-changing consumer tastes and to meet the demands of a global economy

Two primary business developments continue to affect our business as they have for nearly a decade.

First, we created and re-channeled sales through a vertically integrated retail store network. The Bassett Furniture Direct® (“BFD” or “store”) store program was created in 1997 as a single source home furnishings retail store that provides a unique combination of stylish, well-made furniture and accessories with a high level of customer service. This service includes complimentary room planning, in-home design visits, fast delivery, and custom-order furniture. This strategy both builds on our strengths (brand name, balance sheet, product offerings) and better positions us to capitalize on the changing furniture retail environment. This store network currently includes 98 licensee-owned stores and 32 Company-owned and operated stores.

Second, the furniture industry continues to experience a rapid shift from traditional domestic manufacturing to offshore sourcing in lower cost markets, primarily in China and other Pacific Rim countries. This shift in sourcing has resulted in downward pressure on retail prices and reductions in traditional channels of sales distribution. Many retailers now source their own products rather than relying on a traditional domestic manufacturer to supply goods. Sales of imported products increased to 49% of our total wholesale volume. We expect this to increase to approximately 60% in 2008.

We have responded to these changes by reducing manufacturing production where we can more cost efficiently source product. Over the last seven years, we have reduced the number of facilities from 13 to 3, and reduced our headcount from approximately 4,200 to 1,450. During 2007, we closed a large wood manufacturing facility in Bassett, Va. This resulted in headcount reductions of approximately 280 employees and leaves us with one wood assembly plant in Martinsville, Va., one fiberboard supply facility in Bassett, Va., and one upholstery facility in Newton, N.C. We have closed and consolidated seven wood factories over the past six years.

We intend to execute our strategies in such a way as to preserve our investments while simultaneously minimizing the need for borrowed funds. Maintenance of a strong balance sheet is a stated management goal and vital to our retail growth strategy. The store program entails key business risks, including the realization of receivables and the coverage of both direct and contingent liabilities primarily associated with retail real estate. We have established decision criteria and business disciplines aimed at minimizing potential losses from these risks.

Overall conditions for our industry and our Company have been difficult throughout 2007 with new housing starts down significantly and a deteriorating consumer credit environment. With that as a backdrop, we have continued to invest in the long-term health and future of our retail network. Although we believe 2008 will continue to be difficult, we plan simultaneously to continue to adjust our overall cost structure and further evaluate the performance of our corporate and licensee stores while properly supporting our retail initiatives that are the foundation of the Company’s future plans.

 

14


Restatement of IHFC Financial Statements

During the fourth quarter of 2007, IHFC determined that the method of accounting for its post-retirement health care plan did not conform to the requirements of SFAS No. 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions”, and restated its 2006 and 2005 operating results. As a result of this restatement and in accordance with SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections”, we have restated the balance of our equity investment as of the beginning of the year ended November 26, 2005 by increasing the negative balance in the investment by $742 (reflected as “Distributions in excess of affiliate earnings” in the consolidated balance sheet), increasing deferred tax assets by $296 and reducing retained earnings by $446. Due to the immateriality of the effects of the IHFC restatement on the Company’s statements of operations and cash flows for 2006 and 2005, no adjustments have been recorded in those previously reported statements; however, $42 was recorded as a reduction to the income recognized in 2007 as the cumulative impact of 2006 and 2005 unrecorded expense.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America which requires that certain estimates and assumptions be made that affect the amounts and disclosures reported in those financial statements and the related accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions. We use our best judgment in valuing these estimates and may, as warranted, solicit external advice. Estimates are based on current facts and circumstances, prior experience and other assumptions believed to be reasonable. The following critical accounting policies, some of which are impacted significantly by judgments, assumptions and estimates, affect our consolidated financial statements.

Consolidation—The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and its majority-owned subsidiaries for whom we have operating control. We also consolidate variable interest entities for which we are the primary beneficiary.

Allowance for Accounts and Notes Receivable—We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on a review of specifically identified accounts and notes receivable in addition to an overall aging analysis. We evaluate the collectibility of our receivables from our licensees on a quarterly basis. Our allowance for doubtful accounts represents our best estimate of potential losses on our accounts and notes receivables and is adjusted accordingly based on historical experience, current developments and economic trends. Actual losses could differ from those estimates.

Inventories—Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined for domestic furniture inventories using the last-in, first-out method. The cost of imported inventories is determined on a first-in, first-out basis. We estimate an inventory reserve for excess quantities and obsolete items based on specific identification and historical write-offs, taking into account future demand and market conditions. If actual demand or market conditions in the future are less favorable than those estimated, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

Investments—Investments are marked to market and recorded at their fair value. We account for the Alternative Asset Fund by marking it to market value each month based on the net asset values provided by the general partner. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related income tax effect, on available for sale securities are excluded from income and are reported as other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses from securities classified as available for sale are included in income and are determined using the specific identification method for ascertaining the cost of securities sold.

Goodwill—As specified in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141, “Accounting for Business Combinations”, goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the value assigned to tangible assets and liabilities and identifiable intangible assets of businesses acquired. SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and

 

15


Intangible Assets”, requires that goodwill be reviewed for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Our policy is to perform the annual impairment analysis as of the beginning of our fiscal fourth quarter. SFAS No. 142 also requires that the assets and liabilities acquired and the resulting goodwill be allocated to the entity’s respective reporting units. We have identified three reporting units for our business: Wholesale, Retail and Real Estate/Investments.

The required impairment test is a two step process. The first step compares the carrying value of each reporting unit that has goodwill with the estimated fair value of the respective reporting unit. Should the carrying value of a reporting unit be in excess of the estimated fair value of that reporting unit, the second step is performed whereby we must calculate the implied fair value of goodwill by deducting the fair value of all tangible and intangible net assets of the reporting unit from the fair value of the reporting unit. This second step represents a hypothetical purchase price allocation as if we had acquired the reporting unit on that date. Our impairment methodology uses a discounted cash flow analysis requiring certain assumptions and estimates to be made regarding future profitability of the reporting unit and industry economic factors. While we believe such assumptions and estimates are reasonable, the actual results may differ materially from the projected amounts.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets—We periodically evaluate whether events or circumstances have occurred that indicate long-lived assets may not be recoverable or that the remaining useful life may warrant revision. When such events or circumstances are present, we assess the recoverability of long-lived assets by determining whether the carrying value will be recovered through the expected undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset. In the event the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss equal to the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value is recorded.

Revenue Recognition—Revenue is recognized when the risks and rewards of ownership and title to the product have transferred to the buyer. This generally occurs upon the shipment of goods to independent dealers or, in the case of Company-owned retail stores, upon delivery to the customer. Our terms vary from 30 to 60 days. An estimate for returns and allowances has been provided in recorded sales. The contracts with our licensee store owners do not provide for any royalty or license fee to be paid to us. We are responsible for paying the delivery cost of our products. As part of our efforts to standardize wholesale pricing throughout the country, we began in July 2007 invoicing all of the store network and certain wholesale customers on a fully landed basis such that the invoice price includes the freight charge for delivery. This business change resulted in approximately $5,232 of additional reported revenue and selling, general and administrative expenses for 2007. We expect the impact on 2008 sales to be significantly higher than that reported for 2007 since 2008 will include a full year under the new practice.

Loss Reserves—We have a number of other potential loss exposures incurred in the ordinary course of business such as environmental claims, product liability, litigation, restructuring charges, and the recoverability of deferred income tax benefits. Establishing loss reserves for these matters requires estimates and judgment with regard to maximum risk exposure and ultimate liability or realization. As a result, these estimates are often developed with the assistance of appropriate advisors, and are based on our current understanding of the underlying facts and circumstances. Because of uncertainties related to the ultimate outcomes of these issues or the possibilities of changes in the underlying facts and circumstances, additional charges related to these issues could be required in the future.

 

16


Analysis of Operations

Summarized consolidated operating information is as follows:

 

     November 24,
2007
    November 25,
2006
    November 26,
2005
 

Net sales

   $ 295,384     $ 328,214     $ 335,207  

Gross profit

     100,383       102,895       98,364  

SG&A

     112,439       103,551       91,270  

Restructuring, asset impairment charges and other one-time items, net

     7,860       (190 )     1,960  

Operating income (loss)

     (19,916 )     (466 )     5,134  

Other income, net

     5,947       6,921       8,061  

Tax (expense) benefit

     4,059       (1,026 )     (3,381 )

Net income (loss)

     (9,910 )     5,429       9,814  

Sales for the year ended November 24, 2007 were $295,384 as compared to $328,214 for 2006 and $335,207 in 2005, representing decreases of 10% and 2%, respectively. The 2007 reported sales were positively impacted by a change in our invoicing practices with respect to freight for the delivery of wholesale furniture to our retail stores. During July 2007, we began invoicing these customers on a fully landed basis such that the dealer invoice price includes the freight charge for delivery. This change positively impacted reported revenue by approximately $5,232. Excluding the effects of the invoicing change, sales decreased 12% for 2007. These shortfalls are primarily due to continued soft furniture retail conditions, which have impacted both retail sales and wholesale shipments in both 2007 and 2006. Gross margins for 2007, 2006, and 2005 were 34.0%, 31.3%, and 29.3%, respectively. Excluding the effects of the above-mentioned invoicing change, gross margins would have been 32.8% for 2007. The 2007 increase over 2006 is due primarily to improved retail margins and a shift in wood product mix from domestic to imported, partially offset by the wind-down costs and inventory markdowns associated with the closure of the Bassett plant and lower volumes in our two domestic production facilities. The gross margin increase in 2006 as compared to 2005 is due primarily to the inclusion of more retail stores which carry a higher gross margin and improved wholesale import product mix. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $8,888 for 2007, primarily due to the inclusion of $5,232 from the change in our invoicing practices described above, the additional expense associated with more company-owned stores, spending to support our key retail initiatives and increases to recorded reserves primarily for bad debts. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $12,281 during 2006, primarily due to stores acquired in 2005, as we consolidated a complete year of the Dallas, Atlanta and upstate New York retail operations in 2006. Other income was $5,947, $6,921, and $8,061 in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. We reported a net loss of $(9,910) in 2007 as compared to net income of $5,429 and $9,814 in 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Certain items affecting comparability between periods are noted below in “Investment and Real Estate Segment and Other Items Affecting Net Income (Loss)”.

Our 2007, 2006, and 2005 results were negatively (positively) impacted by certain restructuring and non-recurring items totaling $7,860, ($190), and $1,960, respectively, and are detailed below:

 

     November 24,
2007
    November 25,
2006
    November 26,
2005

Income from CDSOA

     (2,135 )     (1,549 )     —  

LRG settlement and debt restructuring

     2,154       —         —  

Lease exit costs

     2,297       —         —  

Restructuring & impaired asset charges

     5,544       1,359       1,960
                      

Total, net

   $ 7,860     $ (190 )   $ 1,960
                      

 

17


During 2007 and 2006, we recorded several restructuring and other non-recurring items. In the first quarter of 2007, we announced the closing of our wood manufacturing facility in Bassett, Va. As a result, we recorded $3,609 of asset impairment charges and $960 of restructuring charges largely related to severance. We have begun to experience gross margin improvement as we have effectively sourced certain of the products previously produced at the plant from overseas vendors.

We also took a number of other actions to reduce our overall expense structure. These included making a decision to exit four store locations and reducing the size of our wholesale showroom by more than half. We recorded pretax non-cash charges of $2,297 related to lease exit costs and $975 for an asset impairment charge related to the downsizing of our wholesale showroom. We have negotiated subleases on two of the closed store locations and are actively marketing the other locations.

During the fourth quarter of 2007, we recorded a pretax charge of $2,154 related to a settlement and debt restructuring with the minority interest partners of LRG Furniture, LLC. This charge is recorded in LRG settlement and debt restructuring in the consolidated statement of operations. As part of the settlement, we purchased the remaining 20% interest in LRG and restructured certain debt obligations to be paid out over the next six years.

Earnings for 2007 and 2006 were positively impacted by $2,135 and $1,549, respectively, of income related to subsidies received in connection with the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act (CDSOA) for wooden bedroom furniture imported from China.

During the fourth quarter of 2006, we recorded a $1,359 charge associated with the impairment of previously recorded goodwill.

During fiscal year 2005, we closed our wood manufacturing facility in Mt. Airy, N.C., due to excess domestic capacity as we continued to experience a shift in demand from domestically produced products to imported products. This resulted in a charge of $1,960 for impaired assets and severance.

Segment Information

We have strategically aligned our business into three reportable segments: Wholesale, Retail and Investments/Real Estate. The wholesale home furnishings segment is involved principally in the design, manufacture, sourcing, sale and distribution of furniture products to a network of Bassett stores (licensee-owned stores and Company-owned retail stores) and independent furniture retailers. Our wholesale segment includes our wood and upholstery operations as well as all corporate selling, general and administrative expenses, including those corporate expenses related to both corporate and licensee owned stores. During the second quarter of 2006, we sold our contemporary furniture business (Weiman), which was previously included in this segment.

Our retail segment consists of Company-owned stores. Our retail segment includes the revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities (including real estate) and capital expenditures directly related to these stores.

Our investments/real estate segment consists of our investments (Alternative Asset Fund and marketable securities), distributions in excess of affiliate earnings (IHFC) and retail real estate related to licensee stores.

Wholesale Segment

 

     2007     2006     2005  

Net sales

   $ 247,676     100.0 %   $ 284,803     100.0 %   $ 301,250     100.0 %
                                          

Gross profit

     60,471     24.4 %     68,374     24.0 %     68,646     22.8 %

SG&A

     (61,435 )   -24.8 %     (56,278 )   -19.8 %     (59,099 )   -19.6 %
                                          

Operating earnings (loss)

   $ (964 )   -0.4 %   $ 12,096     4.2 %   $ 9,547     3.2 %
                                          

 

18


Fiscal 2007 as Compared to Fiscal 2006

Wholesale net sales for the year ended November 24, 2007 were $247,676 as compared to $284,803 for the year ended November 25, 2006. Excluding the $5,232 increase in recorded revenue due to the invoicing change described above, sales decreased $42,359 or 15% year over year. Approximately 49% of wholesale shipments during 2007 were imported products compared to 44% for 2006. We expect sales of imported products to increase to approximately 60% for 2008. Gross margins were 24.4% for the year ended November 24, 2007. Excluding the effects of the invoicing change described above, gross margins would have been 22.8% as compared to 24.0% for 2006. Margins have been negatively impacted by the wind-down costs and inventory markdowns associated with the closure of the Bassett plant and lower volumes in our two domestic production facilities. We experienced increased margins, particularly during the fourth quarter of 2007, as a greater portion of our wholesale shipments were of higher margin imported product. We expect improved wholesale operating results in 2008 from a full year of improved product mix, the absence of any Bassett Plant closing costs and efforts to reduce variable spending in the remaining facilities and corporate support areas. With the continued difficult furniture retail environment, we will continue to assess and adjust our wholesale cost structure to match associated demand.

Fiscal 2006 as Compared to Fiscal 2005

In 2006, wholesale sales were $284,803 as compared to $301,250, 5% below sales levels attained in 2005. Approximately 44% of wholesale shipments during 2006 were imported products compared to 34% for 2005. Gross margins for 2006 were 24.0% as compared to 22.8% for 2005. This improvement was primarily driven by an improved mix of imported products and the performance of the upholstery division. Upholstery shipments and operating earnings continued to improve due to the retail acceptance of our custom programs and the new imported leather products introduced over the past several years.

Wholesale shipments by category for the last three fiscal years are summarized below:

 

     2007     2006     2005  

Wood

   $ 137,045    55.3 %   $ 164,030    57.6 %   $ 179,786    59.7 %

Upholstery

     108,312    43.7 %     117,668    41.3 %     114,372    38.0 %

Other

     2,319    0.9 %     3,105    1.1 %     7,092    2.3 %
                                       

Total

   $ 247,676    100.0 %   $ 284,803    100.0 %   $ 301,250    100.0 %
                                       

Retail Segment—Company Owned Stores

 

     2007     2006     2005  

Net sales

   $ 87,537     100.0 %   $ 84,401     100.0 %   $ 70,480     100.0 %
                                          

Gross profit

     37,930     43.3 %     35,146     41.6 %     30,512     43.3 %

SG&A

     (48,710 )   -55.6 %     (47,272 )   -56.0 %     (32,173 )   -45.6 %
                                          

Operating earnings (losses)

   $ (10,780 )   -12.3 %   $ (12,126 )   -14.4 %   $ (1,661 )   -2.3 %
                                          

Fiscal 2007 as Compared to Fiscal 2006

Our 32 corporate stores made progress despite difficult conditions at retail. Net sales increased $3,136 from $84,401 in 2006 to $87,537 in 2007. This sales increase primarily resulted from the additional Company-owned stores acquired in 2007 and increases in comparable store sales (sales for stores open for longer than one year). Comparable store sales for Company-owned stores increased 2% for the year. Gross margins for the year increased 1.7%, due to improved pricing and promotional strategies, coupled with less clearance sales activity as compared to 2006. We believe that the combination of new product introductions, store prototype retrofits, better hiring and training of design consultants and continued improved marketing efforts will lead to the further improvement in retail operating results.

 

19


Effective November 1, 2007, we acquired the operations of two stores in the Charleston, South Carolina area from a licensee for its net book value. Immediately upon acquisition, we began the process of closing one of the stores. Subsequent to year-end, we entered into an agreement to acquire the real estate for these stores from this licensee for $6,800. These acquisitions will be funded through a combination of the existing licensee’s accounts payable to us and additional debt of between $4,500 and $5,000.

Fiscal 2006 as Compared to Fiscal 2005

Our 27 corporate stores experienced soft conditions at retail. Net sales for the retail segment increased nearly 20% in 2006 from 2005, primarily due to having a full year of sales from the 15 additional stores purchased in 2005. For our 11 stores that were in operation in both 2006 and 2005, we experienced slight sales decreases, primarily due to overall soft retail conditions. Our gross margin decreased 1.7 percentage points in 2006 from 2005, primarily due to selling selected products at clearance prices in order to prepare for the arrival of new products and featured catalog products, promotions geared to respond to the overall soft market conditions, and the discounting related to the clearance events at the two stores that were closed. Retail SG&A increased from $32,173 in 2005 to $47,272 in 2006. This increase was anticipated and was due almost entirely to adding the expense structure of the stores acquired during 2005. Sales in 2006 were more than 10% below the levels anticipated which resulted in a higher SG&A percentage as a large majority of these costs are relatively fixed in nature.

Investment and Real Estate Segment and Other Items Affecting Net Income (Loss)

Our investments and real estate segment consists of our investments (Alternative Asset Fund and marketable securities), distributions in excess of affiliate earnings (IHFC) and retail real estate related to licensee BFD stores. Although this segment does not have operating earnings, income from the segment is included in income from investments in our consolidated statements of operations. Our equity investment in IHFC is not included in the identifiable assets of this segment since it has a negative book value and is therefore included in the long-term liabilities section of our consolidated balance sheet. Income and expense items for fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:

 

     2007     2006     2005  

Income from investments

   5,921     7,318     6,743  

Income from unconsolidated affiliated companies, net

   5,298     4,464     6,045  

Interest expense

   (3,671 )   (3,864 )   (3,242 )

Income from investments for 2007 was below the levels realized in 2006 and 2005, primarily due to a decrease in investment return from the Alternative Asset Fund. Even though the fund’s performance for 2007 was below our expectations, for a period of high volatility and intense risk aversion, we believe that the fund held up well. We also believe that the fund’s orientation toward capital preservation is prudent in a market characterized by increased volatility, deteriorating consumer credit, prolonged weakness in the residential real estate market, and mounting concern over the degree of economic slowdown.

Income from unconsolidated affiliated companies, net includes income from our investment in IHFC as well as income (loss) from other equity method investments. We recognized income from IHFC of $6,316, $6,666 and $6,367 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Significant fluctuations have been primarily caused by losses recognized related to our previous investment in BFD Northeast, LLC (“BFDNE”) of $595 and $1,954 in 2007 and 2006, respectively. On February 28, 2007, we entered into an agreement with BFDNE whereby we contributed our 30% interest in BFDNE to BFDNE in exchange for certain assets (primarily inventory and leasehold improvements) of BFDNE’s two stores in Boston, Massachusetts.

 

20


Income taxes

Our effective income tax rate was (29.1%), 15.9% and 25.7% for 2007, 2006 and 2005. The effective tax rate in all years was lower than the statutory rate primarily due to exclusions for dividends received from our investment in IHFC. In addition, we recorded a tax charge of $2,383 in 2007 associated with the write-off of deferred tax assets due to the termination of the LRG partnership. Our effective rate for 2006 was also increased by the write-off of goodwill associated with our retail segment as it was not tax-deductible.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company is committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet in order to weather difficult industry conditions, allow it to take advantage of opportunities as market conditions improve, and to execute its long-term retail growth strategies. We have $10 million outstanding on our revolving line of credit. As we have $15,331 of availability under our revolving line of credit and a sizeable investment portfolio, our balance sheet remains strong and continues to bolster our retail growth strategy, which includes entering into operating leases and lease and loan guarantees for our licensees. Our primary sources of funds in 2007 and 2006 have been income from investments, including dividends from IHFC, revolver borrowings, and cash received on the sale of certain assets associated with the closed facilities. Cash was primarily used to fund operations and pay dividends. In 2005, our primary sources of funds were from operations and dividends from IHFC which were used to pay dividends and make capital investments.

The current ratio at November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006 was 1.96 to 1 and 2.47 to 1, respectively. Working capital was $54,528 and $63,918 at November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006, respectively.

Net cash generated by (used in) operating activities was $(8,462), $(6,150) and $10,903 in fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The cash deficit for 2007 was driven by the net operating loss and the increase in net working capital. The deficit for 2006 was primarily driven by increases in net working capital, partially offset by positive net earnings. The cash flow from operations in 2005 was primarily due to the net income recognized.

During 2007 and 2006, decreased customer traffic and retail sales trends negatively impacted our licensees’ cash flow and in turn the timing of our wholesale collections. As part of the improvement plans with certain of our licensees, we converted approximately $4,953 of trade accounts receivable to long-term interest bearing notes during the year ended November 24, 2007. We continually assess our levels of bad debt reserves and increased those reserves by $3,852 during 2007. Our allowance for doubtful accounts represents our best estimate of potential losses on our accounts and notes receivables and is adjusted accordingly based on historical experience, current business levels, individual developments with certain licensees and economic trends. Although we believe we have adequate reserves for bad debts, we will continue to aggressively work to improve the long-term viability of our dealer network and our actions could result in additional store closings in 2008.

We also experienced a significant increase in our accounts payable balance during 2007. These were timing related inventory increases during November in preparation for our January 2008 new product introductions. We expect both reduced inventory and accounts payable levels by the end of the first quarter of 2008.

As noted on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and statement of cash flows, we segregate property and equipment into two groups: (1) property and equipment utilized by our wholesale and retail segments, and (2) retail real estate utilized by BFD licensees. Over the past three years we have continued to invest in our company-owned retail stores and machinery, equipment and technology utilized by our wholesale segment in the amounts of $5,544, $3,344, and $4,804, respectively. A significant portion of our 2007 spending was related to the retrofitting of our Charlotte store and the build-out of the new Atlanta store. Spending in 2007 associated with retail real estate utilized by BFD licensees consisted only of minor leasehold improvements.

Both purchases of investments and proceeds from the sales of investments relate primarily to the active management of a portion of our overall investment portfolio. During the year, marketable securities are bought and sold generating proceeds, purchases, gains and losses. For 2007, 2006 and 2005 net proceeds from sales of

 

21


investments were $6,569, $6,870 and $3,479, respectively, which were primarily used to fund operations and pay dividends. Dividends from an affiliate represent cash distributions from our investment in the International Home Furnishings Center (“IHFC”). Our investment in IHFC reflects a credit balance and is shown in the liabilities section of our balance sheet as distributions in excess of affiliate earnings. Based on current and expected future earnings of IHFC, we believe that the market value of this investment is positive and substantially greater than its current negative book value. The financial statements of IHFC are included as an attachment to this Form 10-K.

We amended our existing revolving credit facility in October 2007 by extending the agreement by two years and amending certain covenants. The credit facility provides for borrowings of up to $40,000 at a variable interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.5% (6.19% on November 24, 2007). The facility is secured by a pledge on certain marketable securities and substantially all of our receivables and inventories. Borrowings under the facility, which matures November 30, 2009, totaled $10,000 and $4,000 at November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006, respectively. After coverage for letters of credit and loan guarantees, we had $15,331 available for borrowing under the facility at November 24, 2007.

This facility contains, among other provisions, certain defined financial requirements including a maximum ratio of debt to equity and a minimum level of net worth. We were in compliance with these covenants as of November 24, 2007. As in previous years, we have paid $0.80 per share in annual dividends representing an approximate annual cash requirement of $9,450. Although we have experienced operating cash flow deficits in 2007 and 2006, we plan for improved cash flow in 2008, primarily due to a combination of improved operating performance and working capital management.

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared on the basis of historical dollars and are not intended to show the impact of inflation or changing prices. Neither inflation nor changing prices has had a material effect on our consolidated financial position and results of operations in prior years.

We currently anticipate that total capital expenditures for fiscal 2008 will be approximately $7,000 most of which is intended for retrofits for the new prototype design primarily at Company-owned stores and information systems to support e-commerce initiatives. We have plans to continue to invest in store remodels, conversions, and new store real estate over the next three to four years and at potentially greater levels of up to $10,000 to $12,000 per year. The funding for this retail growth could come from multiple sources, including our investment portfolio, our borrowing capacity, and/or our expected cash flow from operations. Our capital expenditure and working capital requirements in the foreseeable future may change depending on many factors, including but not limited to our rate of growth, our operating results and any unplanned adjustments to our operating plan in response to economic, competitive or other circumstances. We believe that our existing cash and investment portfolio, and our borrowing capacity, together with cash expected to be provided by operations, will be more than sufficient to meet our capital expenditure and working capital requirements for the foreseeable future.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides a comprehensive model for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure in a company’s financial statements of uncertain tax positions taken, or expected to be taken, on a tax return. If an income tax position exceeds a more likely than not (i.e., greater than 50%) probability of success upon tax audit, we are to recognize an income tax benefit in its financial statements. Additionally, companies are required to accrue interest and related penalties, if applicable, on all tax exposures consistent with the respective jurisdictional tax laws. This interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, our fiscal year ending November 30, 2008. We are currently in the process of inventorying and evaluating our uncertain tax positions to determine what impact FIN 48 will have on our results of operations or financial condition.

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted

 

22


accounting principles (“GAAP”) and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. SFAS No.157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted, our fiscal 2008 first quarter ending March 1, 2008. We are currently in the process of determining the impact, if any, that the implementation of SFAS No. 157 will have on our results of operations or financial condition.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments:

We enter into contractual obligations and commercial commitments in the ordinary course of business (See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of these obligations). The following table summarizes our contractual payment obligations and other commercial commitments.

 

     2008    2009    2010    2011    2012    Thereafter    Total

Post employment benefit obligations(1)

   $ 1,736    $ 1,703    $ 1,680    $ 1,633    $ 1,510    $ 10,280    $ 18,542

Real estate notes payable

     672      729      8,379      5,447      172      4,123      19,522

Long-term debt

     —        10,000      —        —        —        —        10,000

Interest payable

     2,156      2,098      896      517      284      2,254      8,205

Letters of credit

     4,230      —        —        —        —        —        4,230

Operating leases(2)

     13,811      13,423      13,057      12,383      12,086      31,633      96,393

Lease guarantees

     7,032      1,593      1,626      1,069      311      1,041      12,672

Loan guarantees

     4,197      3,077      1,444      338      —        —        9,056

Purchase obligations(3)

     —        —        —        —        —        —        —  
                                                

Total

   $ 33,834    $ 32,623    $ 27,082    $ 21,387    $ 14,363    $ 49,331    $ 178,620
                                                

 

(1) Does not reflect a reduction for the impact of any company owned life insurance proceeds to be received. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

 

(2) Does not reflect a reduction for the impact of sublease income to be received. See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

 

(3) The Company is not a party to any long-term supply contracts with respect to the purchase of raw materials or finished goods. At the end of fiscal year 2007, we had $29,366 in open purchase orders, primarily for imported inventories, which are in the ordinary course of business.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements:

We utilize stand-by letters of credit in the procurement of certain goods in the normal course of business. We lease land and buildings that are primarily used in the operation of BFD stores. We have guaranteed certain lease obligations of licensee operators of the BFD stores as part of our retail expansion strategy. We also have guaranteed loans of certain of our BFD dealers to finance initial inventory packages for these stores. See Contractual Obligations and Commitments table above and Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statement for further discussion of operating leases, lease guarantees and loan guarantees, including descriptions of the terms of such commitments and methods used to mitigate risks associated with these arrangements.

Contingencies:

We are involved in various claims and litigation as well as environmental matters, which arise in the normal course of business. Although the final outcome of these legal and environmental matters cannot be determined, based on the facts presently known, it is our opinion that the final resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or future results of operations.

 

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Safe-harbor, forward-looking statements:

This discussion contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and subsidiaries. Such forward-looking statements are identified by use of forward-looking words such as “anticipates”, “believes”, “plans”, “estimates”, “expects”, “aimed” and “intends” or words or phrases of similar expression. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. No assurance can be given that any such matters will be realized. Important factors, which should be read in conjunction with Item 1A “Risk Factors”, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include:

 

   

competitive conditions in the home furnishings industry

 

   

general economic conditions

 

   

overall retail traffic levels and consumer demand for home furnishings

 

   

Bassett store openings

 

   

Store closings and the profitability of the stores (independent licensees and Company-owned retail stores)

 

   

ability to implement our Company-owned retail strategies and realize the benefits from such strategies as they are implemented

 

   

fluctuations in the cost and availability of raw materials, labor and sourced products (including fabrics from troubled suppliers)

 

   

results of marketing and advertising campaigns

 

   

information and technology advances

 

   

ability to execute new global sourcing strategies

 

   

performance of our marketable securities portfolio and our investment in BIAAF

 

   

future tax legislation, or regulatory or judicial positions

 

   

ability to efficiently manage the import supply chain to minimize business interruption

 

   

effects of profit improvement initiatives in our domestic wood operations

 

   

continued profitability of our unconsolidated affiliated companies, particularly IHFC

 

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risk for changes in market prices of our various types of investments. Our investments include marketable securities and an investment partnership (Alternative Asset Fund). Our marketable securities portfolio, which totaled $25,145, at November 24, 2007, is diversified among eleven different money managers and sixteen different medium to large capitalization equity interests. Although there are no maturity dates for our equity investments, we will liquidate these holdings as necessary to fund operations or other growth strategies. Maturity dates on other investments in the portfolio range from one to six years. As part of our current debt facility, we have pledged certain of these securities as collateral.

The Bassett Industries Alternative Asset Fund L.P was organized under the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act and commenced operations on July 1, 1998. Private Advisors, L.L.C. is the general partner (the General Partner) of the Alternative Asset Fund. We and the General Partner are currently the only two partners. The objective of the Alternative Asset Fund is to achieve consistent positive returns, while attempting to reduce risk and volatility, by placing its capital with a variety of hedge funds and experienced portfolio managers. Such hedge funds and portfolio managers employ a variety of trading styles or strategies, including, but not limited to, convertible arbitrage, merger or risk arbitrage, distressed debt, long/short equity, multi-strategy and other market-neutral strategies. The General Partner has discretion to make all investment and trading decisions, including the selection of investment managers. The General Partner selects portfolio managers on the basis of various criteria, including, among other things, the manager’s investment performance during various time periods and market cycles, the fund’s infrastructure, and the manager’s reputation, experience, training and investment philosophy. Typically, the General Partner requires that each portfolio manager have a substantial personal investment in the investment program. Our investment in the Alternative Asset Fund, which totaled $51,779 at November 24, 2007, includes investments in various other private limited partnerships, which contain contractual commitments with elements of market risk. These contractual commitments, which include fixed-income securities and derivatives, may involve future settlements, which give rise to both market and credit risk. The investment partnership’s exposure to market risk is determined by a number of factors, including the size, composition, and diversification of positions held, volatility of interest rates, market currency rates, and liquidity. Risks to these funds arise from possible adverse changes in the market value of such interests and the potential inability of counterparties to perform under the terms of the contracts. However, the risk to the Company is limited to the amount of the Alternative Asset Fund investment in each of the funds. We believe that the Alternative Asset Fund did not hold any investments that have a material exposure, individually or in aggregate, to residential subprime loans either directly or through structured finance entities, such as collateralized debt obligations. However, in the future, managers incorporating a multi-strategy investing mandate may participate in these securities through their distressed portfolios if the risk/return characteristics are deemed attractive.

We account for our investments by marking them to market value each month based on the net asset values provided by the General Partner. The hedge funds and portfolio managers provide the General Partner with estimated net asset values on a monthly basis that represent the amount the partnership would receive if it were to liquidate its investments in the investee funds. We are entitled to affect partial withdrawals from our capital account in the Alternative Asset Fund at the end of any calendar quarter or any calendar year provided that Bassett shall be subject to the withdrawal provisions and notice periods required by the underlying managers. These notice periods range from 65 days to six months and may be subject to lockup periods of up to one year. (See Note 5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements).

 

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and subsidiaries as of November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended November 24, 2007. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule 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. The financial statements of International Home Furnishings Center, Inc. (a corporation in which the Company has a 47% interest), have been audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us, and our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for International Home Furnishings Center, Inc., is based solely on the report of the other auditors. In the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s investment in International Home Furnishings Center, Inc. is stated at $(12,244,000) and $(12,468,000), respectively, at November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006, and the Company’s equity in the net income of International Home Furnishings Center, Inc. is stated at $6,316,000, $6,666,000, and $6,367,000 for each of the three years in the period ended November 24, 2007.

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 and the report of other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of other auditors, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and subsidiaries at November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended November 24, 2007, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

As more fully described in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements, the financial statements of International Home Furnishings Center, Inc., which were audited by other auditors, were restated. Accordingly, the Company has restated its consolidated balance sheet as of November 25, 2006, and its consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity for each of the two years in the period ended November 25, 2006 to reflect the effect of the restatement of the financial statements of International Home Furnishings Center, Inc. on the Company’s accounting for this equity method investee.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated’s internal control over financial reporting as of November 24, 2007, 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 6, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Greensboro, North Carolina

February 6, 2008

 

26


Consolidated Balance Sheets

Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006 (Restated)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

     2007    As restated
2006

Assets

     

Current assets

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 3,538    $ 6,051

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $7,661 and $5,746 as of November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006, respectively

     38,612      38,253

Inventories

     50,550      48,880

Deferred income taxes

     6,001      6,391

Assets held for sale

     —        1,091

Other current assets

     12,421      6,812
             

Total current assets

     111,122      107,478
             

Property and equipment, net

     53,225      58,925
             

Investments

     76,924      78,617

Retail real estate

     31,207      33,501

Notes receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,700 and $2,855 as of November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006, respectively

     14,128      13,391

Deferred income taxes

     9,902      5,953

Other

     14,195      12,368
             
     146,356      143,830
             

Total assets

   $ 310,703    $ 310,233
             

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

     

Current liabilities

     

Accounts payable

   $ 26,104    $ 16,927

Accrued compensation and benefits

     5,611      5,561

Customer deposits

     8,894      8,310

Dividends payable

     2,363      2,361

Other accrued liabilities

     13,622      10,401
             

Total current liabilities

     56,594      43,560
             

Long-term liabilities

     

Post employment benefit obligations

     14,493      15,263

Long-term debt

     10,000      4,000

Real estate notes payable

     18,850      19,522

Other long-term liabilities

     3,670      —  

Distributions in excess of affiliate earnings

     12,244      12,468
             
     59,257      51,253
             

Commitments and Contingencies

     

Stockholders’ equity

     

Common stock, par value $5 a share, 50,000,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding 11,806,592 in 2007 and 11,803,656 in 2006

     59,033      59,018

Retained earnings

     131,725      151,089

Additional paid-in-capital

     2,180      1,993

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     1,914      3,320
             

Total stockholders’ equity

     194,852      215,420
             

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 310,703    $ 310,233
             

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these balance sheets.

 

27


Consolidated Statements of Operations

Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

For the years ended November 24, 2007, November 25, 2006, and November 26, 2005

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

     2007     2006     2005  

Net sales

   $ 295,384     $ 328,214     $ 335,207  

Cost of sales

     195,001       225,319       236,843  
                        

Gross profit

     100,383       102,895       98,364  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     112,439       103,551       91,270  

Income from Continued Dumping & Subsidy Offset Act

     (2,135 )     (1,549 )     —    

Restructuring and asset impairment charges

     5,544       1,359       1,960  

Lease exit costs

     2,297       —         —    

LRG settlement and debt restructuring

     2,154       —         —    
                        

Income (loss) from operations

     (19,916 )     (466 )     5,134  

Income from investments

     5,921       7,318       6,743  

Income from unconsolidated affiliated companies, net

     5,298       4,464       6,045  

Interest expense

     (3,671 )     (3,864 )     (3,242 )

Other expense, net

     (1,601 )     (997 )     (1,485 )
                        

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (13,969 )     6,455       13,195  

Income tax (provision) benefit

     4,059       (1,026 )     (3,381 )
                        

Net income (loss)

   $ (9,910 )   $ 5,429     $ 9,814  
                        

Net income (loss) per share

      

Basic earnings (loss) per share:

   $ (0.84 )   $ 0.46     $ 0.83  
                        

Diluted earnings (loss) per share:

   $ (0.84 )   $ 0.46     $ 0.82  
                        

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

28


Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

For the years ended November 24, 2007, November 25, 2006 (Restated), and November 26, 2005 (Restated)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

    Common Stock     Additional
paid-in
capital
    Retained
earnings
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
    Total  
    Shares     Amount          

Balance, November 27, 2004 as previously reported

  11,735,967     $ 58,680     $ 1,373     $ 155,174     $ 2,818     $ 218,045  

IHFC restatement adjustment
(see Note 8)

          (446 )       (446 )
                                             

Balance, November 28, 2004, as restated

  11,735,967       58,680       1,373       154,728       2,818       217,599  

Net income

  —         —         —         9,814       —         9,814  

Net change in unrealized holding gains

  —         —         —         —         (166 )     (166 )
                 

Comprehensive income

              9,648  

Dividends ($.80 per share)

  —         —         —         (9,433 )     —         (9,433 )

Issuance of common stock

  75,584       377       761       —         —         1,138  

Purchase and retirement of common stock

  (7,093 )     (35 )     (89 )     —         —         (124 )

Tax benefit from exercise of options

  —         —         49       —         —         49  

Unamortized stock compensation

  —         —         (26 )     —         —         (26 )
                                             

Balance, November 26, 2005, as restated

  11,804,458       59,022       2,068       155,109       2,652       218,851  

Net income

  —         —         —         5,429       —         5,429  

Excess of additional pension liability over unamortized transition obligation

  —         —         —         —         (205 )     (205 )

Net change in unrealized holding gains

  —         —         —         —         873       873  
                 

Comprehensive income

              6,097  

Dividends ($.80 per share)

  —         —         —         (9,449 )     —         (9,449 )

Issuance of common stock

  55,637       278       561       —         —         839  

Purchase and retirement of common stock

  (56,439 )     (282 )     (702 )     —         —         (984 )

Stock-based compensation

  —         —         66       —         —         66  
                                             

Balance, November 25, 2006, as restated

  11,803,656       59,018       1,993       151,089       3,320       215,420  

Net loss

  —         —         —         (9,910 )     —         (9,910 )

Excess of additional pension liability over unamortized transition obligation

  —         —         —         —         (28 )     (28 )

Net change in unrealized holding gains

  —         —         —         —         (833 )     (833 )
                 

Comprehensive loss

              (10,771 )

Dividends ($.80 per share)

  —         —         —         (9,454 )     —         (9,454 )

Issuance of common stock

  42,236       211       365       —         —         576  

Purchase and retirement of common stock

  (39,300 )     (196 )     (350 )     —         —         (546 )

Stock-based compensation

  —         —         172       —         —         172  

Adjustment to initially apply SFAS 158, net

  —         —         —         —         (545 )     (545 )
                                             

Balance, November 24, 2007

  11,806,592     $ 59,033     $ 2,180     $ 131,725     $ 1,914     $ 194,852  
                                             

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

29


Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

For the years ended November 24, 2007, November 25, 2006, and November 26, 2005

(In thousands)

 

    2007     2006     2005  

Operating Activities

     

Net income (loss)

  $ (9,910 )   $ 5,429     $ 9,814  

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

     

Depreciation and amortization

    9,089       9,253       9,674  

Equity in undistributed income of investments and unconsolidated affiliated companies

    (8,323 )     (9,594 )     (11,011 )

Provision for restructuring and asset impairment costs

    5,544       1,359       920  

Provision for lease exit costs

    2,297       —         —    

LRG settlement and debt restructuring

    2,154       —         —    

Provision for losses on trade accounts receivable

    3,852       3,364       2,603  

Realized income from investments

    (2,937 )     (2,121 )     (1,743 )

Deferred income taxes

    (2,963 )     (1,437 )     60  

Other, net

    669       (353 )     (192 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, exclusive of assets and liabilities impacted by business combinations:

     

Accounts receivable

    (10,919 )     (7,417 )     (7,666 )

Inventories

    (315 )     2,503       4,625  

Other current assets

    (5,662 )     (1,477 )     587  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

    8,962       (5,659 )     3,232  
                       

Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating Activities

    (8,462 )     (6,150 )     10,903  
                       

Investing Activities

     

Purchases of property and equipment

    (5,544 )     (3,344 )     (4,804 )

Purchases of retail real estate

    (375 )     (3,594 )     (6,286 )

Proceeds from sales of property and equipment

    3,176       1,736       1,644  

Proceeds from sale of Weiman

    —         1,300       —    

Proceeds from sales of investments

    16,982       21,618       17,818  

Purchases of investments

    (10,413 )     (14,748 )     (14,339 )

Dividends from an affiliate

    6,091       6,559       5,623  

Net cash received on licensee notes

    1,029       411       828  

Acquisition of retail licensee stores, net of cash acquired

    120       (430 )     67  

Other, net

    (177 )     833       761  
                       

Net Cash Provided By Investing Activities

    10,889       10,341       1,312  
                       

Financing Activities

     

Net borrowings under revolving credit arrangement

    6,000       1,000       3,000  

Repayments of long-term debt

    (770 )     (910 )     (3,145 )

Borrowings (repayments) under real estate notes payable

    (622 )     4,378       (460 )

Issuance of common stock

    448       745       1,065  

Repurchases of common stock

    (546 )     (1,013 )     (155 )

Cash dividends

    (9,450 )     (9,449 )     (9,433 )
                       

Net Cash Used In Financing Activities

    (4,940 )     (5,249 )     (9,128 )
                       

Change In Cash And Cash Equivalents

    (2,513 )     (1,058 )     3,087  

Cash And Cash Equivalents—beginning of year

    6,051       7,109       4,022  
                       

Cash And Cash Equivalents—end of year

  $ 3,538     $ 6,051     $ 7,109  
                       

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

30


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

1. Description of Business

Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “Bassett”, “we”, “our”, “the Company”) based in Bassett, Va., is a leading manufacturer, marketer and retailer of branded home furnishings. Bassett’s products, designed to provide quality, style and value, are sold through Bassett Furniture Direct® stores, Bassett Design Centers, and other furniture stores. Bassett’s full range of furniture products and accessories are primarily sold through an exclusive nation-wide network of 130 retail stores known as Bassett Furniture Direct (“BFD” or “store”), of which 98 are independently owned (“licensee operated”) and 32 are controlled and consolidated by the Company (“Company-owned retail stores”). The Company sourced 49% of its wholesale products to be distributed through the store network from various countries, with the remaining volume produced at its two domestic manufacturing facilities.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation and Fiscal Year

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and our majority-owned subsidiaries for whom we have operating control. We also consolidate variable interest entities for which we are the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest November 30.

Cash Equivalents

All temporary, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount of these investments approximates fair value.

Accounts Receivable and Notes Receivable

Substantially all of our trade accounts receivable and notes receivable are due from customers located within the United States. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on a review of specifically identified accounts in addition to an overall aging analysis. Judgments are made with respect to the collectibility of accounts receivable based on historical experience and current economic trends. Actual losses could differ from those estimates. Allowances for doubtful accounts were $7,661 and $5,746 at November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006, respectively. Notes receivable reserves were $1,700 and $2,855 at November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006, respectively. Accounts and notes receivable are generally secured by liens on merchandise sold to licensees.

Concentrations of Credit Risk and Major Customers

Financial instruments that subject us to credit risk consist primarily of investments, accounts and notes receivable and financial guarantees. Investments are managed within established guidelines to mitigate risks. Accounts and notes receivable subject us to credit risk partially due to the concentration of amounts due from customers. In 2007 and 2006, no customer accounted for more than 10% of total net sales or total accounts receivable in the periods presented.

Inventories

Inventories (retail merchandise, finished goods, work in process and raw materials) are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined for domestic manufactured furniture inventories using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method. The cost of imported inventories is determined on a first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) basis.

 

31


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Inventories accounted for under the LIFO method represented 19% and 29% of total inventory before reserves at November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006, respectively. We estimate inventory reserves for excess quantities and obsolete items based on specific identification and historical write-offs, taking into account future demand and market conditions. If actual demand or market conditions in the future are less favorable than those estimated, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is comprised of all land, buildings and leasehold improvements and machinery and equipment used in the manufacturing and warehousing of furniture, our Company-owned retail operations and the administration of the wholesale and Company-owned retail operations. This property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is computed over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets utilizing the straight-line method. Buildings and improvements are generally depreciated over a period of 10 to 39 years. Machinery and equipment are generally depreciated over a period of 5 to 10 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized based on the underlying lease term, or the asset’s estimated useful life, whichever is shorter.

Retail Real Estate

Retail real estate is comprised of owned and leased properties utilized by licensee operated BFD stores. These properties are located in high traffic, upscale locations that are normally occupied by large successful national retailers. This real estate is stated at cost and depreciated over the useful lives of the respective assets utilizing the straight line method. Buildings and improvements are generally depreciated over a period of 10 to 39 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized based on the underlying lease term, or the asset’s estimated useful life, whichever is shorter. As of November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006, the cost of retail real estate included land totaling $6,451 and building and leasehold improvements of $31,293 and $32,267, respectively. As of November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006, accumulated depreciation of retail real estate was $6,796 and $5,217, respectively. Depreciation expense was $1,745, $1,765, and $1,200 in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.

Goodwill

As specified in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141, “Accounting for Business Combinations”, goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the value assigned to tangible assets and liabilities and identifiable intangible assets of businesses acquired. SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets”, requires that goodwill be reviewed for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Our policy is to perform the annual impairment analysis as of the beginning of our fiscal fourth quarter. SFAS No. 142 also requires that the assets and liabilities acquired and the resulting goodwill be allocated to the entity’s respective reporting units. We have identified three reporting units for our business; Wholesale, Retail and Real Estate/Investments.

Impairment of Long Lived Assets

We periodically evaluate whether events or circumstances have occurred that indicate long-lived assets may not be recoverable or that the remaining useful life may warrant revision. When such events or circumstances are present, we assess the recoverability of long-lived assets by determining whether the carrying value will be recovered through the expected undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset. In the event the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss equal to the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value is recorded. Fair value is determined based on discounted cash flows or appraised values depending on the nature of the assets. The long-term nature of these assets requires the estimation of cash inflows and outflows several years into the future and only takes into consideration technological advances known at the time of the impairment test.

 

32


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Investments

Our investments consist of a portfolio of marketable securities and the Bassett Industries Alternative Asset Fund (“Alternative Asset Fund”). We classify our marketable securities as available-for-sale, which are reported at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related income tax effect, on available-for-sale securities are excluded from income and are reported as other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses from securities classified as available-for-sale are included in income and are determined using the specific identification method for ascertaining the cost of securities sold. All investments are marked-to-market and recorded at their fair value. Gains and losses on financial instruments that do not qualify as accounting hedges are recorded as other income or expense. Investments in the Alternative Asset Fund are valued on the basis of net asset value, with the resultant difference from the prior valuation included in other income or expense in the accompanying statements of operations. The net asset value is determined by the investee fund based on its underlying financial instruments as provided by the general partner.

Unconsolidated Affiliated Companies

The equity method of accounting is used for our investments in affiliated companies in which we exercise significant influence but do not maintain operating control. For equity investments that have been reduced to zero through equity method losses, additional equity losses incurred have reduced notes receivable from the investee.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when the risks and rewards of ownership and title to the product have transferred to the buyer. This occurs upon the shipment of goods to independent dealers or, in the case of Company-owned retail stores, upon delivery to the customer. We offer terms varying from 30 to 60 days for wholesale customers. Estimates for returns and allowances for advertising and promotional arrangements have been recorded as a reduction to revenue. The contracts with our licensee store owners do not provide for any royalty or license fee to be paid to us. We are responsible for paying the delivery cost of our products. As part of our efforts to standardize wholesale pricing throughout the country, we began in July 2007 invoicing all of the store network and certain wholesale customers on a fully landed basis such that the invoice price includes the freight charge for delivery. This business change resulted in approximately $5,232 of additional reported revenue and selling, general and administrative expenses for 2007.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method in accordance with SFAS 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company provides valuation allowances against the net deferred tax asset for amounts that are not considered more likely than not to be realized.

Significant judgment is required in evaluating the Company’s federal, state and foreign tax positions and in the determination of its tax provision. Despite management’s belief that the Company’s tax return positions are fully supportable, the Company may establish and has established reserves when it believes that certain tax

 

33


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

positions are likely to be challenged and it may not fully prevail in overcoming these challenges. The Company may adjust these reserves as relevant circumstances evolve, such as guidance from the relevant tax authority, its tax advisors, or resolution of issues in the courts. The Company’s tax expense includes the impact of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that it considers appropriate, as well as related interest.

Earnings (loss) per Share

Basic earnings (loss) per share is determined by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings (loss) per share also considers the dilutive effect for stock options and restricted stock.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Costs incurred to deliver retail merchandise to customers are recorded in selling, general and administrative expense and totaled $2,300 for 2007, $2,775 for 2006, and $2,385 for 2005. In order to drive price consistency throughout the store network, in July 2007, we began invoicing all of the store network and certain other wholesale customers on a fully landed basis such that the invoice price includes the freight charge for delivery. This business change resulted in approximately $5,232 of additional reported revenue and selling, general and administrative expenses for 2007.

Advertising

Costs incurred for producing and distributing advertising and advertising materials are expensed when incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Advertising costs totaled $12,482, $11,194, and $9,278, in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, notes receivable, investment securities, cost and equity method investments, accounts payable and long-term debt. Because of their short maturity, the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value. Our cost and equity method investments generally involve entities for which it is not practical to determine fair values. The carrying amounts of notes receivable approximate fair value as the effective rates for these instruments are comparable to market rates at year-end.

Business Insurance Reserves

We have self-funded insurance programs in place to cover workers’ compensation and health insurance claims. These insurance programs are subject to various stop-loss limitations and partially re-insured through a captive insurance program. We accrue estimated losses using historical loss experience. Although we believe that the insurance reserves are adequate, the reserve estimates are based on historical experience, which may not be indicative of current and future losses. We adjust insurance reserves, as needed, in the event that future loss experience differs from historical loss patterns.

Variable Interest Entities

In 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46R”), which addresses the consolidation of certain business enterprises (“variable interest entities” or “VIEs”), to which the usual condition of consolidation, a controlling financial interest, does not apply. FIN 46R requires an entity to assess its equity investments, among other interests, to determine if they are variable interest entities. As

 

34


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

defined in FIN 46R, VIEs are contractual, ownership or other interests in entities that change with the changes in the entities’ net asset value. Variable interests in an entity may arise from guarantees, leases, borrowings and other arrangements with the VIE. An entity that will absorb a majority of the variable interest entity’s expected losses or expected residual returns, as defined in FIN 46R, is considered the primary beneficiary of the VIE. Under FIN 46R, the primary beneficiary must include the VIE’s assets, liabilities and results of operations in its consolidated financial statements.

We analyzed our partnership licensee and our independent licensees under the requirements of FIN 46R. All of these licensees operate as Bassett Furniture Direct stores and are furniture retailers. We sell furniture to these licensees, and in some cases have extended credit beyond normal terms, made lease guarantees, guaranteed loans, or loaned directly to the licensees. Consistent with our critical accounting policies, we have recorded reserves for potential exposures related to these licensees. See Note 16 for disclosure of leases, lease guarantees and loan guarantees. Based on financial projections and best available information, all licensees have sufficient equity to carry out their principal operating activities without subordinated financial support. We completed our assessment for other potential VIEs, and concluded that these entities were not required to be consolidated by us. Since adoption of FIN 46R, we have and will continue to reassess the status of potential VIEs including when facts and circumstances surrounding each potential VIE change.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides a comprehensive model for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure in a company’s financial statements of uncertain tax positions taken, or expected to be taken, on a tax return. If an income tax position exceeds a more likely than not (i.e., greater than 50%) probability of success upon tax audit, we are to recognize an income tax benefit in its financial statements. Additionally, companies are required to accrue interest and related penalties, if applicable, on all tax exposures consistent with the respective jurisdictional tax laws. This interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, our fiscal year ending November 29, 2008. We are currently in the process of inventorying and evaluating our uncertain tax positions to determine what impact FIN 48 will have on our results of operations or financial condition.

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. SFAS No.157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted, our fiscal 2008 first quarter ending March 1, 2008. We are currently in the process of determining the impact, if any, that the implementation of SFAS No. 157 will have on our results of operations or financial condition.

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, “Fair Value Option” which provides companies with an irrevocable option to report certain assets and liabilities at fair value. SFAS No. 159 is intended to reduce the volatility in earnings and the complexity in accounting caused by differences in existing accounting rules. In addition, SFAS No. 159, helps achieve further convergence with the International Accounting Standards Board, which previously adopted a fair value option for financial instruments. It is effective for an entity’s fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007, our fiscal year ending November 29, 2008. We are currently in the process of determining the impact, if any, the irrevocable option and subsequent implementation of SFAS No. 159 would have on our results of operations or financial condition.

 

35


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

For comparative purposes, certain amounts in the 2006 and 2005 financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2007 presentation.

3. Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

 

     November 24,
2007
    November 25,
2006
 

Finished goods

   $ 36,102     $ 34,159  

Work in process

     247       987  

Raw materials and supplies

     7,887       10,111  

Retail merchandise

     13,723       14,472  
                

Total inventories on first-in, first-out cost method

     57,959       59,729  

LIFO adjustment

     (7,409 )     (10,849 )
                
   $ 50,550     $ 48,880  
                

During 2007 and 2006, we liquidated certain LIFO inventories, which decreased cost of sales by $3,440 and $3,516, respectively. We source a significant amount of our wholesale product from other countries. During 2007, we purchased $26,063 and $20,014 from two vendors, respectively, located in China.

4. Property and Equipment

 

     November 24,
2007
    November 25,
2006
 

Land

   $ 9,195     $ 9,195  

Buildings and leasehold improvements

     57,825       58,568  

Machinery and equipment

     86,975       101,337  
                
     153,995       169,100  

Less accumulated depreciation

     (100,770 )     (110,175 )
                
   $ 53,225     $ 58,925  
                

Depreciation expense for property and equipment was $6,625, $7,142, and $8,268, in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. Net book value of property and equipment utilized by Company-owned stores for 2007, 2006 and 2005, was $28,552, $25,243 and $26,285, respectively.

 

36


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

5. Investments

Our investments consist of a 99.95% interest in the Alternative Asset Fund and a portfolio of marketable securities.

 

     November 24,
2007
   November 25,
2006

Alternative Asset Fund

   $ 51,779    $ 52,755

Marketable Securities

     25,145      25,862
             
   $ 76,924    $ 78,617
             

The Alternative Asset Fund commenced operations on July 1, 1998. Private Advisors, L.L.C. is the general partner (General Partner) of the Alternative Asset Fund. Bassett and the General Partner are the only two partners. The objective of the Alternative Asset Fund is to achieve consistent positive returns, while attempting to reduce risk and volatility, by placing its capital with a variety of hedge funds and experienced portfolio managers. Such hedge funds and portfolio managers employ a variety of trading styles or strategies, including, but not limited to, convertible arbitrage, merger or risk arbitrage, distressed debt, long/short equity, multi- strategy and other market—neutral strategies. The General Partner has discretion to make all investment and trading decisions, including the selection of investment managers. The General Partner selects portfolio managers on the basis of various criteria, including, among other things, the manager’s investment performance during various time periods and market cycles, the fund’s infrastructure, and the manager’s reputation, experience, training and investment philosophy. Typically, the General Partner requires that each portfolio manager have a substantial personal investment in the investment program. Our investment in the Alternative Asset Fund, which totaled $51,779 at November 24, 2007, includes investments in various other private limited partnerships, which contain contractual commitments with elements of market risk.

These contractual commitments, which include fixed-income securities and derivatives, may involve future settlements, which give rise to both market and credit risk. The investment partnership’s exposure to market risk is determined by a number of factors, including the size, composition, and diversification of positions held, volatility of interest rates, market currency rates, and liquidity. We account for the investments by marking them to market value each month based on the net asset values provided by the General Partner. The hedge funds and portfolio managers provide the General Partner with estimated net asset values on a monthly basis that represents the amount the partnership would receive if it were to liquidate its investments in the investee funds. We are entitled to affect partial withdrawals from our capital account in the Alternative Asset Fund at the end of any calendar quarter or any calendar year provided that Bassett shall be subject to the withdrawal provisions and notice periods required by the underlying managers. These notice periods range from 65 days to six months and may be subject to lockup periods of up to one year.

The Alternative Asset Fund was comprised of the following investments. All investments are at fair value and all are below five percent of the respective portfolio manager’s total fund investment.

 

     November 24,
2007
   November 25,
2006

Styx Partners, L.P.

   $ 13,974    $ 22,698

HBK Fund, L.P.

     13,589      13,094

Contrarian Capital Trade Claims, L.P.

     5,983      5,640

Drawbridge Special Opportunities Fund, L.P.

     12,400      6,099

DB Zwirn Special Opportunities Fund, L.P.

     5,735      5,031

Cash and Other

     98      193
             
   $ 51,779    $ 52,755
             

 

37


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Our earnings from the Alternative Asset Fund were $3,024, $5,162, and $5,000 for 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. We received distributions of $4,000 from the sales of investments in the Alternative Asset Fund in both 2007 and 2006.

Cost and unrealized holding gains of marketable securities are as follows:

 

     November 24,
2007
   November 25,
2006

Fixed income securities

   $ 1,361    $ 3,666

Equity securities

     19,371      16,738
             

Total cost

     20,732      20,404

Unrealized holding gains

     4,413      5,458
             

Fair value

   $ 25,145    $ 25,862
             

Investments in marketable securities are considered “available for sale”. The realized earnings from our marketable securities portfolio which includes realized gains or losses and dividend and interest income were $2,897, $2,121 and $1,743 for 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The change in unrealized holding gains of $(1,045), $1,314, and $(259) is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes of $212 for 2007, $(441) for 2006, and $93 for 2005.

6. Income from the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act

In 2000, the United States Congress passed the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act (CDSOA). The Act requires that revenues from antidumping and countervailing duties on designated imports be distributed, on an annual basis, to the domestic producers that were either petitioners or interested parties supporting the petition that resulted in duties being levied. The CDSOA originally targeted the steel industry and eventually spread to other industries, including the furniture industry, specifically targeting wooden bedroom furniture produced in China. We supported the petition on wooden bedroom furniture produced in China. We recognized $2,135 and $1,549 of CDSOA income in 2007 and 2006, respectively. Amounts received in 2005 were insignificant.

In early 2006, legislation was enacted that ends CDSOA distributions for monies collected after September 30, 2007. Therefore, we expect that distributions after 2007 will be reduced and will eventually cease.

7. Goodwill

The Company had $3,548 and $3,463 of goodwill as of November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006, respectively, recorded as part of other long-term assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

In 2006, we performed our annual goodwill impairment review and determined that the goodwill associated with our retail reporting unit was impaired and recorded a $1,359 charge to write-off all of the retail goodwill. The overall retail furniture environment and the markets in which our Company-owned stores operated, in particular, softened considerably more than anticipated. In addition, our strategy to streamline and standardize operations to reduce overhead and other costs took more time to implement than expected. Higher gasoline costs and interest rates combined with decreased housing starts contributed to the difficult retail furniture environment. These factors led to increased promotional discounts on our products in an attempt to maintain sales volumes that resulted in a significant increase in the operating losses for our Company-owned stores.

Our discounted cash flow analysis for 2007 on the goodwill associated with our wholesale reporting unit indicated that the carrying value was realizable from future cash flows and that the fair value of the reporting unit was in excess of 110% of the book value.

 

38


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

The carrying value of our goodwill by reporting unit and the activity for fiscal 2007 and 2006 is as follows:

 

     Wholesale     Retail     Real Estate/
Investments
   Total  

Balance as of November 26, 2005

   $ 3,127     $ 1,145     $ —      $ 4,272  

Goodwill from acquisitions

     278       109       —        387  

Other activity

     58       105       —        163  

Fourth quarter impairment charge

     —         (1,359 )     —        (1,359 )
                               

Balance as of November 25, 2006

   $ 3,463     $ —       $ —      $ 3,463  
                               

Goodwill from acquisitions

     120       —         —        120  

Other activity

     (35 )     —         —        (35 )
                               

Balance as of November 24, 2007

   $ 3,548     $ —       $ —      $ 3,548  
                               

8. Unconsolidated Affiliated Companies

International Home Furnishings Center:

The International Home Furnishings Center (“IHFC”) owns and leases showroom space in High Point, North Carolina. Our ownership interest is 46.9% and is accounted for using the equity method. During the fourth quarter of 2007, IHFC determined that the method of accounting for its post-retirement health care plan did not conform to the requirements of SFAS No. 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions”, and restated its 2006 and 2005 operating results. As a result of this restatement and in accordance with SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections”, we have restated the balance of our equity investment as of the beginning of the year ended November 26, 2005 by increasing the negative balance in the investment by $742 (reflected as “Distributions in excess of affiliate earnings” in the consolidated balance sheet), increasing deferred tax assets by $296 and reducing retained earnings by $446. Due to the immateriality of the effects of the IHFC restatement on the Company’s statements of operations and cash flows for 2006 and 2005, no adjustments have been recorded in those previously reported statements; however, $42 was recorded as a reduction to the income recognized in 2007 as the cumulative impact of 2006 and 2005 unrecorded expense.

Our investment reflects a credit balance due to our cumulative receipt of dividends exceeding our cumulative portion of IHFC’s earnings. The credit balance was $12,244 and $12,468 at November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006, respectively, and is reflected in the liabilities section in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. This negative book value resulted from IHFC’s refinancing of its real estate based on the market value of the property and using the proceeds to pay a special dividend to its owners. The carrying value of our investment in IHFC is greater than the underlying deficit in the IHFC financial statements by $16,997.

Our share of earnings and dividends from this investment were as follows:

 

     Earnings
Recognized
   Dividends
Received

Fiscal 2007

   $ 6,316    $ 6,091

Fiscal 2006

     6,666      6,560

Fiscal 2005

     6,367      5,623

 

39


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Summarized financial information for IHFC is as follows:

 

     2007    Restated
2006
   Restated
2005

Current assets

   $ 16,935    $ 19,871    $ 25,015

Non-current assets

     48,284      47,535      46,229

Current liabilities

     15,243      19,566      17,756

Long-term liabilities

     112,625      110,906      117,695

Revenues

     47,089      46,764      46,411

Net income

     13,570      14,198      13,533

The complete financial statements of IHFC are included in our annual report on Form 10-K. Based on current and expected future earnings of IHFC, we believe that the market value of this investment is positive and substantially greater than its book value of negative $12,244 at November 24, 2007.

We also lease 28,576 square feet of showroom space from IHFC at what we believe to be competitive market rates.

Other affiliates:

We own 49% of Zenith Freight Lines, LLC, (“Zenith”) which hauls freight for many of our customers. Our investment balance was $4,842 at November 24, 2007 and $5,264 at November 25, 2006 and is recorded in other long-term assets. Company-owned retail stores paid Zenith approximately $3,518, $3,700, and $2,589, for freight expense in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. We recorded the following income (losses) in other income, net in our consolidated statements of operations:

 

     2007     2006     2005

Income (losses) in other income, net

   $ (422 )   $ (248 )   $ 500

On February 28, 2007, we entered into an agreement with BFD Northeast, LLC (“BFDNE”) whereby we contributed our 30% interest in BFDNE to BFDNE in exchange for certain assets (primarily inventory and leasehold improvements) of BFDNE’s two stores in Boston, Massachusetts with an estimated fair value of $2,031, and the assumption of $770 of BFDNE’s outstanding bank debt. As part of the transaction, we also restructured amounts BFDNE previously owed us including converting $3,400 of accounts receivable into a long-term note receivable. No goodwill or identified intangible assets were recorded as part of this transaction. The consolidated statements of operations include the results of these two stores since March 1, 2007.

Prior to the BFDNE transaction, we accounted for our 30% investment in BFDNE using the equity method of accounting. Accordingly, we recorded the following losses in other income, net in our consolidated statements of operations:

 

     2007     2006     2005  

Losses in other income, net

   $ (595 )   $ (1,954 )   $ (166 )

 

40


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

9. Income Taxes

A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective income tax rate, as a percentage of income before income taxes, is as follows:

 

     November 24,
2007
    November 25,
2006
    November 26,
2005
 

Statutory federal income tax rate

   (35.0 )%   35.0 %   35.0 %

Dividends received deduction

   (13.9 )   (33.2 )   (14.2 )

Adjustment to deferred tax asset related to

      

LRG investment becoming wholly owned

   17.1     —       —    

Goodwill impairment

   —       7.4     —    

Change in income tax valuation allowance

   1.9     6.3     3.8  

Change in income tax reserves

   0.6     1.1     (2.8 )

State income tax, net of federal benefit

   (1.5 )   —       4.4  

Other

   1.7     (0.7 )   (0.5 )
                  

Effective income tax rate

   (29.1 )%   15.9 %   25.7 %
                  

During the fourth quarter of 2007, we recorded a pretax charge of $2,154 related to a settlement and debt restructuring with the minority interest parties of LRG Furniture, LLC. As part of the settlement and debt restructuring, we purchased the remaining 20% interest in LRG and restructured certain debt obligations to be paid out over the next six years. In conjunction with the acquisition, the Company recorded a tax charge of $2,383 associated with the write-off of deferred tax assets due to the termination of the LRG partnership.

The components of the income tax provision (benefit) are as follows:

 

     November 24,
2007
    November 25,
2006
    November 26,
2005
 

Current:

      

Federal

   $ (2,012 )   $ 1,608     $ 2,739  

State

     916       855       582  

Deferred:

      

Federal

     (2,417 )     (1,411 )     (137 )

State

     (546 )     (26 )     197  
                        

Total

   $ (4,059 )   $ 1,026     $ 3,381  
                        

 

41


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

The income tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards, which give rise to significant portions of the deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities, are as follows:

 

     November 24,
2007
    (As restated)
November 25,
2006
 

Deferred income tax assets:

    

Trade accounts receivable

   $ 2,988     $ 3,344  

Inventories

     1,600       1,466  

Property and equipment

     1,561       —    

Retirement benefits

     5,888       5,651  

State net operating loss carryforwards

     1,227       1,499  

Net distributions from affiliates in excess of income

     3,270       4,918  

Lease termination accruals

     843    

Other

     1,404       1,671  
                

Gross deferred income tax assets

     18,781       18,549  

State net operating loss carryforward valuation allowance

     (1,047 )     (1,406 )
                

Total deferred income tax assets

     17,734       17,143  

Deferred income tax liabilities:

    

Property and equipment

     —         2,679  

Prepaid expenses and other

     110       155  

Unrealized holding gains

     1,721       1,965  
                

Total gross deferred income tax liabilities

     1,831       4,799  
                

Net deferred income tax assets

   $ 15,903     $ 12,344  
                

The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets decreased on a net basis by $359 in 2007 primarily due to a change in tax law for one state whereby previously generated net operating loss carry-forwards have been effectively eliminated and converted to tax credits of nominal value to be used against the new state taxing methodology. This decrease has no impact on tax expense. The decrease was partially offset by losses in certain states generated in the current year for which we have concluded it is more likely than not that these tax benefits would not be realized prior to expiration and resulted in additional valuation allowance of $265 which increased tax expense. We have state net operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes available to offset future taxable state income of $28,102, which expire in varying amounts between 2008 and 2027. Realization is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income prior to expiration of the loss carryforwards. When realization of any of these previously-reserved carryforwards is more likely than not to occur, the benefit would be recognized as a reduction to income tax expense in that period. The Company is currently in the process of performing a legal entity reorganization that may result in the ability to more readily realize certain state tax carryforwards on a prospective basis.

We have $733 and $1,040 in tax contingency reserves as of November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006, respectively. Despite our belief that our tax return positions are fully supportable, reserves are established in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies”, where we believe that certain tax positions are likely to be challenged and we may not fully prevail in overcoming these challenges. We may adjust these tax contingency reserves as relevant circumstances evolve, such as guidance from the relevant tax authority, our tax advisors, or resolution of issues in the courts. Our tax expense includes the impact of tax contingency reserve positions and changes to tax reserves that we consider appropriate, as well as related interest. In fiscal 2007, our tax expense was increased by $83 relating to the accrual of interest on existing tax reserve positions. The $390 decrease to the tax contingency reserve primarily related to the

 

42


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

resolution and payment of certain state tax matters and did not impact tax expense. In fiscal 2006, our tax expense was increased $439 related to certain state tax matters and interest on certain timing differences and was decreased $370 related to the resolution of certain partnership accounting issues resulting in a net increase to the tax reserves of $69. In fiscal 2005, our tax expense was increased $139 related to interest on certain timing differences and was decreased $697 primarily related to the resolution of certain partnership accounting issues, state tax matters and permanent deductions resulting in net decrease to the tax reserves of $558. We cannot predict when or if any other future tax payments related to these tax positions may occur. Therefore, all of the reserves for these positions are classified as current liabilities in our balance sheet.

Income taxes paid, net of refunds received, during 2007, 2006, and 2005 were $1,785, $3,579, and $1,570, respectively.

10. Real Estate Notes Payable and Other Long-Term Debt

Certain of our retail real estate properties have been financed through commercial mortgages which are payable over periods of six to twenty years and have interest rates ranging from 6.73% to 9.18%. These mortgages are collateralized by the respective properties with net book value of $25,767 at November 24, 2007. The current portion of these mortgages, $672 and $622 as of November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006, respectively, has been included as a current liability in other accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The long-term portion, $18,850 and $19,522 as of November 24, 2007, and November 25, 2006, respectively, is presented as real estate notes payable in the consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of our real estate notes payable was $20,044 and $21,026 at November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006, respectively. Our weighted average interest rate was 7.94% at November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006. Interest paid on our mortgages during 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $1,587, $1,293 and $1,384, respectively.

Maturities of real estate notes payable are as follows:

 

2008

   $ 672

2009

     729

2010

     8,379

2011

     5,447

2012

     172

Thereafter

     4,123
      
   $ 19,522
      

We amended our existing revolving credit facility in October 2007 by extending the agreement by two years and amending certain covenants. The credit facility provides for borrowings of up to $40,000 at a variable interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.5% (6.19% on November 24, 2007). The facility is secured by a pledge of certain marketable securities and substantially all of our receivables and inventories. Borrowings under the facility, which matures November 30, 2009, totaled $10,000 and $4,000 at November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006, respectively. After coverage for letters of credit, we had $15,331 available for borrowing under the facility at November 24, 2007. The average interest rate was 6.78% for the year ended November 24, 2007. Interest paid on our credit facility during 2007, 2006, and 2005 was $1,187, $873, and $619, respectively.

This facility contains, among other provisions, certain defined financial requirements including a maximum ratio of debt to equity and a minimum level of net worth. We were in compliance with these covenants as of November 24, 2007.

Total interest paid during 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $2,774, $2,166 and $2,003, respectively.

 

43


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

11. Post-Employment Benefit Obligations

Supplemental Retirement Income Plan

We have an unfunded Supplemental Retirement Income Plan (the “Supplemental Plan”) that covers one current and certain former executives. Upon retirement, the Supplemental Plan provides for lifetime monthly payments in an amount equal to 65% of the participant’s final average compensation as defined in the Supplemental Plan, which amount is reduced by certain social security benefits to be received and other benefits provided by us. The Supplemental Plan also provides a death benefit that is divided into (a) prior to retirement death, which pays the beneficiary 50% of final average annual compensation for a period of 120 months, and (b) post-retirement death, which pays the beneficiary 200% of final average compensation in a single payment. We own life insurance policies with a current net death benefit of $6,598 on these executives and expect to substantially fund this death benefit through the proceeds received upon the death of the executive. Funding for the remaining cash flows is expected to be provided through operations. There are no benefits payable as a result of a termination of employment for any reason other than death or retirement, other than a change of control provision which provides for the immediate vesting and payment of the retirement benefit under the Supplemental Plan in the event of an employment termination resulting from a change of control.

We have adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)” ( “SFAS 158”), as of November 24, 2007. In accordance with SFAS 158, our fiscal year 2006 accounting and related disclosures were not affected by the adoption of the new standard. The table below summarizes the incremental effects of SFAS 158 adoption on the individual line items in our Consolidated Balance Sheet at November 24, 2007 (in thousands):

 

     Pre-SFAS 158
Adoption
   SFAS 158
Adjustment
    Post-SFAS 158
Adoption

Assets:

       

Long-Term deferred income taxes

   9,538    $ 364     $ 9,902

Other

   14,662      (467 )     14,195

Liabilities:

       

Other accrued liabilities

   12,638      984       13,622

Post-employment benefit obligations

   15,077      (584 )     14,493

Stockholders’ Equity:

       

Accumulated other comprehensive income

   2,459      (545 )     1,914

 

44


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Summarized information for the plan measured as of the end of each year presented, is as follows:

 

           2007     2006  

Change in Benefit Obligation:

      

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year

     $ 12,819     $ 12,036  

Service cost

       101       89  

Interest cost

       676       631  

Actuarial losses (gains)

       (579 )     1,101  

Benefits paid

       (983 )     (1,038 )
                  

Projected benefit obligation at end of year (Funded Status)

     $ 12,034     $ 12,819  

Accumulated Benefit Obligation

     $ 11,634     $ 11,730  

Unrecognized transition obligation

     $ —       $ (511 )

Unrecognized actuarial loss

       —         (1,432 )

Additional minimum liability recorded as intangible asset

       —         511  

Additional minimum liability recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income

       —         343  
                  

Net amount recorded as post employment benefit obligations

     $ 23,668     $ 23,460  
                  

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet:

     $ —       $ —    

Current liabilities

       (984 )     —    

Noncurrent liabilities

       (11,050 )     (11,730 )
                  
     $ (12,034 )   $ (11,730 )
                  

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:

      

Additional minimum liablity

     $ —       $ 343  

Transition obligation

       455       —    

Actuarial loss

       842       —    
                  

Net amount recognized

     $ 1,297     $ 343  
                  

Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and accumulated other comprehensive income:

     $ 2,128     $ 1,105  
                  
     2007     2006     2005  

Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost:

      

Service cost

   $ 101     $ 89     $ 88  

Interest cost

     676       631       661  

Amortization of transition obligation

     42       42       42  

Amortization of unrecognized actuarial loss

     12       —         —    
                        

Net periodic pension cost

   $ 831     $ 762     $ 791  
                        

Assumptions used to determine net periodic pension cost:

      

Discount rate

     5.50 %     5.75 %     5.50 %

Increase in future compensation levels

     3.00 %     6.00 %     6.00 %

Estimated Future Benefit Payments (with mortality):

      

Fiscal 2008

   $ 1,193      

Fiscal 2009

     1,160      

Fiscal 2010

     1,124      

Fiscal 2011

     1,084      

Fiscal 2012

     1,041      

Fiscal 2013 through 2017

     4,469      

 

45


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Deferred Compensation Plan

We have an unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan that covers two current and certain former executives and provides for voluntary deferral of compensation. This plan has been frozen with no additional participants or benefits permitted. We recognized expense of $450, $454, and $458 in fiscal 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively, associated with the plan. Our liability under this plan was $3,443 and $3,533 as of November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006, respectively, and is reflected in post employment benefit obligations.

Defined Contribution Plan

We have a qualified defined contribution plan (Employee Savings/Retirement Plan) that covers substantially all employees who elect to participate and have fulfilled the necessary service requirements. Prior to October 1, 2006, employee contributions to the Plan were matched by us at the rate of 115% of the first 2% through 5% of the employee’s contribution, based on years of service. Beginning October 1, 2006, employee contributions are matched at the rate of 50% of up to 8% of gross pay, regardless of years of service. The Plan incorporates provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Employer matching contributions to the Plan for 2007, 2006, and 2005 were approximately $783, $875, and $1,059, respectively.

12. Capital Stock and Stock Compensation

In the first quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment, (“SFAS No. 123R”) which revises SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” and supersedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion (“APB”) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” for our stock-based employee and director compensation plans. SFAS 123R requires recognition of the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments in the financial statements over the period the employee is required to perform the services in exchange for the award (presumptively the vesting period). Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, as permitted by SFAS No. 123, the Company accounted for similar transactions in accordance with APB No. 25 which employed the intrinsic value method of measuring compensation cost. Accordingly, no compensation expense was recognized in the statements of income for options granted with exercise prices equal to the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.

Effective for the first quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123R, using the modified prospective approach to transition. Accordingly, prior year amounts have not been restated. Under the modified prospective approach, the provisions of SFAS No. 123R are to be applied to new awards granted after November 27, 2005, and the Company is required to recognize compensation expense for stock options granted prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R under the fair value method and recognize those amounts over the remaining vesting period of the stock options. The Company’s results of operations for the years ending November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006, include $228 and $151, respectively of compensation expense related to restricted stock and stock options.

We had a Long Term Incentive Stock Option Plan that was adopted in 1993 (the “1993 Plan”) and expired in 2003. Under the 1993 Plan, we had reserved for issuance 450,000 shares of common stock. Options outstanding under the 1993 Plan expire at various dates through 2007. Under the Employee Stock Plan adopted in 1997 (the “1997 Plan”), we reserved for issuance 950,000 shares of common stock. In addition, the terms of the 1997 Plan allow for the re-issuance of any stock options which have been forfeited before being exercised. An additional 500,000 shares of common stock were authorized for issuance in 2000. Options granted under the 1997 Plan may be for such terms and exercised at such times as determined by the Organization, Compensation, and Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors. Vesting periods typically range from one to three years. We have approximately 691,432 shares available for grant under the 1997 Plan at November 24, 2007.

 

46


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

We had a Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors, adopted in 1993 and amended in 2000, which expired in 2003. Under this stock option plan, we reserved for issuance 125,000 shares of common stock, including an additional 50,000 shares of common stock that were authorized for issuance in 2001. No shares were available for grant under the plan at November 24, 2007. These options are exercisable for 10 years commencing six months after the date of grant.

During 2005, we adopted a Non-Employee Directors Stock Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”). The Incentive Plan authorized incentive awards in the form of restricted stock or stock grants. All Directors of the Company who are not full-time employees of the Company are eligible to receive incentive awards under the Incentive Plan. There were 100,000 shares of common stock reserved for grant under the Incentive Plan. Shares available for grant under the Incentive Plan were 82,705 and 89,059 at November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006, respectively.

Option activity under the foregoing plans is as follows:

 

     Number of
shares
    Weighted
average
price per
share

Outstanding at November 27, 2004

   1,468,031     $ 20.43

Granted

   —         —  

Exercised

   (62,362 )     14.28

Forfeited

   (79,259 )     23.53
        

Outstanding at November 26, 2005

   1,326,410       20.54

Granted

   150,000       16.96

Exercised

   (22,500 )     15.83

Forfeited

   (38,000 )     23.67
        

Outstanding at November 25, 2006

   1,415,910       20.15

Granted

   213,500       11.71

Exercised

   (19,000 )     13.79

Forfeited

   (119,725 )     24.83
        

Outstanding at November 24, 2007

   1,490,685     $ 18.64
        

Exercisable at November 24, 2007

   1,164,685     $ 20.08

Exercisable at November 25, 2006

   1,262,577     $ 20.54

Exercisable at November 26, 2005

   1,318,744     $  20.57

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The risk free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rate for the expected life at the time of grant, volatility is based on the average long-term implied volatilities of peer companies, the expected life is based on the estimated average of the life of options, and forfeitures are estimated on the date of grant based on certain historical data. The weighted average for key assumptions used in determining the fair value of options granted during 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     2007     2006  

Expected life of options in years

   5     5  

Risk-free interest rate

   4.2 %   5.1 %

Expected volatility

   25.0 %   30.0 %

Dividend yield

   7.0 %   4.5 %

 

47


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

As of November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006, there were 326,000 and 153,333 unvested stock options, respectively and $640 and $504, respectively, of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options granted under the Plans. Substantially all of these options vest over four years with 25% vesting on each anniversary date. The weighted average grant date fair value of these unvested options at November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006 was $2.22 and $3.70, respectively. As of November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006, there were 1,164,685 and 1,262,577 vested stock options with a weighted average grant date fair value of $5.43 and $5.60, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of forfeited options at November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006 was $6.90 and $6.56, respectively.

The weighted average fair value of options granted during 2007 and 2006 were $1.44 and $3.71, respectively. No options were granted during 2005. The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable at November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006 was $0 and $1,407, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during 2007 and 2006 was $50 and $47, respectively.

The following pro forma information is presented as if we had adopted the fair value method for recognition purposes under SFAS No. 123R for all outstanding and unvested awards in the prior year comparable periods.

 

     Year Ended
November 26,
2005
 

Net income:

  

As reported

   $ 9,814  

Less: pro forma expense, net of tax, related to stock options

     (49 )
        

Pro forma net income

   $ 9,765  
        

Earnings per share:

  

As reported

  

Basic

   $ 0.83  

Diluted

     0.82  

Pro forma

  

Basic

     0.83  

Diluted

     0.82  

We implemented an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2000. This plan allows eligible employees to purchase a limited number of shares of our stock at 85% of market value. Under the plan we sold 16,882, 14,213 and 13,713 shares to employees in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, which resulted in an immaterial amount of compensation expense.

We issued 7,800 shares of restricted stock in 2006, under the 1997 Plan. These shares vest over a two year period with half vesting after one year of service and the other half vesting after two years of service. As of November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006, there was $38 and $66 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to the restricted shares.

Our Board of Directors adopted a Shareholders Rights Plan in 1998. If a person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the common stock outstanding, each right distributed under the plan will entitle its holder (other than such person or group) to purchase, at the right’s exercise price, a certain number of shares of our Common Stock, other securities or property.

 

48


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

For various price ranges, weighted-average characteristics of outstanding stock options at November 24, 2007, were as follows:

 

     Options Outstanding    Options Exercisable

Range of exercise prices

   Number
outstanding
   Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life (years)
   Weighted
average
exercise
price
   Number
exercisable
   Weighted
average
exercise
price

$9.68 - $12.90

   174,000    9.2    $ 10.70    18,000    $ 11.56

12.91 - 16.12

   573,638    3.6      14.98    516,138      15.00

16.13 - 19.35

   161,500    8.2      16.91    49,000      16.79

19.36 - 22.57

   369,000    4.7      21.38    369,000      21.38

22.58 - 25.80

   10,000    1.3      22.81    10,000      22.81

25.81 - 29.02

   9,500    0.4      29.00    9,500      29.00

29.03 - 32.25

   193,047    0.3      32.21    193,047      32.21
                  
   1,490,685          1,164,685   
                  

13. Restructuring, Asset Impairment, and Other Charges

In the first quarter of 2007, we announced the closure of our wood manufacturing facility in Bassett, Va. The closure of the 323,000 square foot facility was completed during June of 2007 and affected approximately 280 employees or 15 percent of the Company’s workforce. As a result, we recorded $3,609 of asset impairment charges and $960 of restructuring charges, largely related to severance. We have experienced margin improvement as we have effectively sourced certain of the products previously produced at the plant from overseas vendors. As of November 24, 2007, we have disbursed $828 leaving $132 to be paid primarily during the first half of 2008.

During the second quarter of 2007, we also reduced our leased showroom space in the International Home Furnishings Center by approximately 60%. In connection with this decision, we recorded a $975 charge to writeoff the net book value of the corresponding capitalized tenant improvements. Beginning in May of 2007, we began incurring reduced rental expenses for the remaining showroom space.

As part of our expense reduction initiatives, we concluded during 2007 that four of our leased store locations would no longer be used by us as retail furniture locations. We have finalized sublease agreements for two of the stores thereby reducing our future cash outlays. Although no sublessee has been identified for the other store leases, we are actively marketing these locations. In accordance with FASB Statement No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities”, we recorded a $2,297 charge to recognize the future obligations associated with the leases, net of estimated sublease income. This charge was recorded in restructuring and asset impairment charges in the consolidated statement of operations.

During the fourth quarter of 2007, we recorded a pretax charge of $2,154 related to a settlement and debt restructuring with the minority interest partners of LRG Furniture, LLC. This $2,154 liability bears interest at 6.0% and is payable quarterly with principal amounts ranging from $50 to $75 depending on available cash flow, as defined, from LRG. As part of the settlement, we purchased the remaining 20% interest in LRG for an additional $100. In conjunction with the settlement and debt restructuring, we recorded a tax charge of $2,383 associated with the write-off of deferred taxes due to the termination of the LRG partnership.

During the first quarter of 2007, we completed the sale of the Macon plant which was previously recorded in assets held for sale. Net cash proceeds, which were all received in the first quarter of 2007, were $1,009.

During fiscal year 2005, we closed our wood manufacturing facility in Mt. Airy, N.C. and recorded an asset impairment charge of $920 and a restructuring charge of $1,040, largely related to employee severance.

 

49


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

14. Acquisition of Retail Licensee Stores

During the second quarter of 2005, we acquired a 76% ownership interest in our Dallas, Texas BFD store operation (“BFD-Dallas”). BFD-Dallas consisted of eight BFD stores in the greater Dallas, Texas metropolitan area. We accounted for this transaction using the purchase method of accounting. As such, as of the end of our fiscal 2005 second quarter, we began consolidating BFD-Dallas results of operations into our consolidated statements of operations.

During the third quarter of 2005, we acquired 100% of the assets of our BFD licensee in upstate New York (“BFD-UNY”) and an additional 36% interest in our BFD licensee in Atlanta, Georgia (“BFD-Atlanta”) bringing our total ownership interest to 66%. BFD-UNY consists of two BFD stores in Rochester, N.Y., and one store in Buffalo, N.Y. BFD-Atlanta consisted of four BFD stores in the greater Atlanta, Ga., metropolitan area. We accounted for these transactions using the purchase method of accounting. We began consolidating BFD-UNY’s results of operations into our consolidated statements of operations in August 2005. We began consolidating BFD-Atlanta’s results of operations into our consolidated statements of operations in September 2005.

The aggregate purchase consideration for these three transactions was $3,550, which included $1,050 of cash and $2,500 of notes receivable converted to equity. The acquisitions included assets of $16,768 comprised of cash of $946, inventory of $8,336, notes receivable of $4,100, fixed assets of $2,415 and other assets of $971. We assumed liabilities of $22,481 comprised of various accounts and notes payable to the Company of $13,555, other accounts payable of $6,512 and long-term debt of $2,414.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair market values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the respective dates of acquisition which were consolidated into our balance sheet:

 

Fair value of assets acquired

   $  16,768  

Fair value of liabilities assumed

     22,481  
        

Net liabilities assumed

     5,713  

Purchase consideration

     3,550  
        

Goodwill and other intangibles before adjustments

     9,263  

Less identifiable intangible assets

     (710 )

Reversal of specific reserves associated with these licensees

     (4,586 )
        

Goodwill

   $ 3,967  
        

Prior to the acquisitions, we had $8,968 of accounts and notes receivable from the licensees net of bad debt reserves of $4,586. At the time of the acquisition, those reserves were used to reduce the amount of goodwill associated with the acquisitions. In addition, because of the negative book value of the acquired licensees, the resulting asset associated with minority interest for the Dallas and Atlanta licensees was recorded as an increase to goodwill. The identifiable intangible assets primarily consist of the value of the licensees’ customer bases and will be amortized over five years.

The acquisitions discussed above are central to our overall retail strategies and the purchase consideration paid for these transactions was based on both maintaining distribution for our wholesale business and generating a reasonable store level retail return from these operations. Therefore, we allocated $1,116 of the goodwill to our retail segment and $2,851 to our wholesale segment.

 

50


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

The following unaudited pro forma financial information for 2005 is presented to illustrate what the estimated effect of the 2005 acquisitions of BFD-Dallas and BFD-Atlanta would have been if the transactions had occurred as of the beginning of each period presented below. The pro forma results do not include the acquisition of BFD-UNY as complete and accurate financial information was not available for those periods. The pro forma information shows sales net of elimination of inter-company sales and profit. The pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations as they would have been had the transactions been effected on the assumed date nor is it necessarily indicative of future results.

 

     Unaudited Pro Forma
November 26, 2005

Net sales

   $ 344,415
      

Net income

   $ 7,282
      

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.61
      

During the first quarter of 2006, we purchased the remaining 34% interest in BFD-Atlanta for $200 and recorded an additional $137 of goodwill. During the second quarter of 2006, we purchased an additional 15% interest in BFD-Dallas for $230 and recorded an additional $222 of goodwill. During the first quarter of 2007, we acquired the remaining 9% of BFD-Dallas for $120.

Effective November 1, 2007, we acquired the operations of two stores in the Charleston, South Carolina area from a licensee for its net book value. Immediately upon acquisition, we began the process of closing one of the stores. Subsequent to year-end, we entered into an agreement to acquire the real estate for these stores from this licensee for $6,800.

15. Contingencies

We are involved in various claims and actions, including environmental matters, which arise in the normal course of business. Although the final outcome of these matters cannot be determined, based on the facts presently known, it is our opinion that the final resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or future results of operations.

In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, we announced in November 2007 the voluntary recall of certain Wendy Bellissimo Collection convertible cribs sold exclusively at Babies “R” Us. During the fourth quarter, the Company recorded a $819 charge largely for product to be returned, crib repair kits, customer refunds and other costs associated with the recall. The Company plans to have newly-designed Wendy Bellissimo cribs on the floor at Babies “R” Us early in the second quarter of 2008.

 

51


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

16. Leases, Lease Guarantees and Loan Guarantees

We lease land and buildings that are used in the operation of our Company-owned retail stores as well as in the operation of independent and partnership licensee BFD stores. Our decision to exercise renewal options is primarily dependent on the level of business conducted at the location and the profitability thereof. Some store leases contain contingent rental provisions based upon sales volume. Additionally, we lease showroom space from IHFC, which is priced at what we believe to be a market rate. Lease terms range from one to 15 years and generally have renewal options of between five and 15 years. The following schedule shows future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable leases having remaining terms in excess of one year as of November 24, 2007:

 

2008

   $  13,811

2009

     13,423

2010

     13,057

2011

     12,383

2012

     12,086

Thereafter

     31,633
      
   $ 96,393
      

Lease expense was $12,679, $11,507, and $7,726 for 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.

In addition to subleasing certain of these properties, we own retail real estate which we in turn lease to licensee operators of BFD stores. The following schedule shows minimum future rental income related to pass-through rental expense on subleased property as well as rental income on real estate owned by Bassett, excluding subleases based on a percentage of sales.

 

2008

   $ 5,387

2009

     5,535

2010

     5,380

2011

     4,756

2012

     4,792

Thereafter

     12,340
      
   $ 38,190
      

Real estate expense (including lease costs, depreciation, insurance, and taxes), net of rental income, was $838 in 2007, $775 in 2006, and $684 in 2005 and is reflected in other expense, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

As part of the expansion strategy for our BFD program, we have guaranteed certain lease obligations and real estate loan obligations of licensee operators. Lease guarantees range from one to ten years. The guarantee party is generally required to make periodic fee payments to us in exchange for the guarantee. We were contingently liable under licensee lease obligation guarantees in the amount of $12,672 and $20,566 at November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006, respectively.

We have also guaranteed loans of certain of our BFD dealers to finance initial inventory packages for those stores. Loan guarantees have three year terms, are collateralized by the inventory and generally carry a personal guarantee of the independent dealer. The total contingent liability with respect to these loan guarantees as of November 24, 2007, and November 25, 2006, was $9,056 and $10,047, respectively.

 

52


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

In the event of default by an independent dealer under the guaranteed lease or loan, we believe that the risk of loss is mitigated through a combination of options that include, but are not limited to, arranging for a replacement dealer, liquidating the collateral, and pursuing payment under the personal guarantees of the independent dealer. The proceeds of the above options are estimated to cover the maximum amount of our future payments under the guarantee obligations. The fair value of guarantees at November 25, 2007 and November 25, 2006, were $428 and $410, respectively, and are recorded in accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

17. Earnings Per Share

The following table reconciles basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

     Shares    Net Income (loss)     Earnings (loss)
Per Share
 

2007:

       

Basic EPS

   11,810,055    $ (9,910 )   $ (0.84 )

Effect of Options

   —        —         —    
                     

Diluted EPS

   11,810,055    $ (9,910 )   $ (0.84 )
                     

2006:

       

Basic EPS

   11,808,053    $ 5,429     $ 0.46  

Effect of Options

   93,530      —         —    
                     

Diluted EPS

   11,901,583    $ 5,429     $ 0.46  
                     

2005:

       

Basic EPS

   11,785,613    $ 9,814     $ 0.83  

Effect of Options

   137,112      —         (0.01 )
                     

Diluted EPS

   11,922,725    $ 9,814     $ 0.82  
                     

Due to the net loss in 2007, the potentially dilutive securities would have been antidilutive and are therefore excluded.

Options to purchase 1,490,685 shares of common stock in 2007, 701,272 shares of common stock in 2006, and 732,272 shares of common stock in 2005 were outstanding at the end of each such fiscal year and were excluded from the computation as their effect is antidilutive.

18. Segment Information

We have strategically aligned our business into three reportable segments: Wholesale, Retail and Investments/Real Estate. The wholesale home furnishings segment is involved principally in the design, manufacture, sourcing, sale and distribution of furniture products to a network of BFD stores (independently-owned stores, Company-owned retail stores and partnership licensees) and independent furniture retailers. Our wholesale segment includes our wood and upholstery operations as well as all corporate selling, general and administrative expenses. During the second quarter of 2006, we sold our contemporary furniture business (Weiman), which was previously included in this segment.

Our retail segment consists of Company-owned BFD stores. Our retail segment includes the revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities (including real estate) and capital expenditures directly related to these stores.

 

53


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

Our investments/real estate segment consists of our investments (Alternative Asset Fund and marketable securities), distributions in excess of affiliate earnings (IHFC) and retail real estate related to licensee BFD stores. Although this segment does not have operating earnings, income from the segment is significant to our consolidated statements of operations. Our equity investment in IHFC is not included in the identifiable assets of this segment since it has a negative book value and is therefore included in the long-term liabilities section of our consolidated balance sheet. See Note 8 for a further discussion of IHFC.

Inter-Company net sales elimination represents the elimination of wholesale sales to our Company-owned BFD stores. Inter-company income elimination represents the embedded wholesale profit in the Company-owned store inventory that has not been realized. These profits will be recorded when merchandise is delivered to the retail consumer.

The following table presents segment information for each of the last three fiscal years:

 

     November 24,
2007
    November 25,
2006
    November 26,
2005
 

Net Sales

      

Wholesale

   $ 247,676     $ 284,803     $ 301,250  

Retail

     87,537       84,401       70,480  

Inter-company elimination

     (39,829 )     (40,990 )     (36,523 )
                        

Consolidated

   $ 295,384     $ 328,214     $ 335,207  
                        

Income(loss) from Operations

      

Wholesale

   $ (964 )   $ 12,096     $ 9,547  

Retail

     (10,780 )     (12,126 )     (1,661 )

Inter-company elimination

     (312 )     (626 )     (792 )

Restructuring and impaired asset charges

     (5,544 )     (1,359 )     (1,960 )

Income from CDSOA

     2,135       1,549       —    

Lease exit costs

     (2,297 )     —         —    

LRG settlement and debt restructuring

     (2,154 )     —         —    
                        

Consolidated

   $ (19,916 )   $ (466 )   $ 5,134  
                        

Identifiable Assets

      

Wholesale

   $ 149,627     $ 147,557     $ 150,072  

Retail

     52,624       50,558       54,852  

Investments and real estate

     108,452       112,118       108,530  
                        

Consolidated

   $ 310,703     $ 310,233     $ 313,454  
                        

Depreciation and Amortization

      

Wholesale

   $ 5,570     $ 5,695     $ 7,032  

Retail

     1,706       1,793       1,442  

Investments and real estate

     1,813       1,765       1,200  
                        

Consolidated

   $ 9,089     $ 9,253     $ 9,674  
                        

Capital Expenditures

      

Wholesale

   $ 1,818     $ 2,822     $ 3,722  

Retail

     3,726       522       1,082  

Investments and real estate

     375       3,594       6,286  
                        

Consolidated

   $ 5,919     $ 6,938     $ 11,090  
                        

 

54


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

A breakdown of wholesale sales by product category for each of the last three fiscal years is provided below:

 

     November 24,
2007
    November 25,
2006
    November 26,
2005
 

Wood

   56 %   58 %   60 %

Upholstery

   44 %   42 %   40 %
                  
   100 %   100 %   100 %
                  

19. Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited)

 

     2007  
     First(1)     Second(2)     Third    Fourth(3)  

Net sales

   $ 73,420     $ 75,432     $ 70,497    $ 76,035  

Gross profit

     22,311       23,946       24,650      29,476  

Net income (loss)

     (4,188 )     (2,420 )     676      (3,978 )

Basic earnings (loss) per share

     (0.35 )     (0.20 )     0.06      (0.35 )

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

     (0.35 )     (0.20 )     0.06      (0.35 )
     2006  
     First     Second     Third    Fourth(4)  

Net sales

   $ 86,489     $ 87,663     $ 77,560    $ 76,502  

Gross profit

     27,338       27,776       23,334      24,447  

Net income

     2,180       2,833       57      359  

Basic earnings per share

     0.18       0.24       0.01      0.03  

Diluted earnings per share

     0.18       0.24       0.01      0.03  

 

(1) Includes asset impairment charge of $3,609 related to the closure of the Bassett plant. See Note 13 for further details.

 

(2) Includes charges of $1,934 for lease exit costs, $975 write-off leasehold improvements for our showroom and $960 of severance charges associated with the closure of the Bassett plant. See Note 13 for further details.

 

(3) Includes charges of $2,154 for the LRG settlement and debt restructuring, $2,383 for the write-off of deferred tax assets associated with LRG, and income of $2,135 associated with the Continued Dumping & Subsidy Offset Act. See Note 6 for further details.

 

(4) Includes a liquidation of LIFO inventories that increased gross profit by $1,958. See Note 3 for further details.

 

55


ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of our Disclosure Controls.

As of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have evaluated the effectiveness of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (“Disclosure Controls”). Disclosure Controls, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), are procedures that are designed with the objective of ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this Annual Report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure Controls are also designed with the objective of ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that our Disclosure Controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.

Based upon their controls evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that our Disclosure Controls are effective at a reasonable assurance level.

Management’s Report of Internal Control over Financial Reporting .

We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. With the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of November 24, 2007 based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of November 24, 2007, based on those criteria. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.

Ernst & Young LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting.

There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during our fourth fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

56


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated:

We have audited Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated’s internal control over financial reporting as of November 24, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on 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, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, 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, Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of November 24, 2007 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 Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated as of November 24, 2007 and November 25, 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended November 24, 2007, and our report dated February 6, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Greensboro, North Carolina

February 6, 2008

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

 

57


PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The information to be contained in the Proxy Statement under the captions “Election of Directors”, “Corporate Governance” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” is incorporated herein by reference thereto. Please see section entitled “Executive Officers of the Registrant” in Item 4b of Part I of this report for information concerning executive officers.

The Registrant has a code of ethics that applies to all of its employees, officers and directors. The code of ethics is available on the Registrant’s website at www.bassettfurniture.com and the Registrant will post any amendments to, or waivers, from, the code of ethics on that website.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information to be contained in the Proxy Statement under the captions “Organization, Compensation and Nominating Committee Report,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, “Executive Compensation,” and “Director Compensation” is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information to be contained in the Proxy Statement under the headings “Principal Stockholders and Holdings of Management” and “Election of Directors” is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

The information to be included in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Equity Compensation Plan Information” is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The information to be contained in the Proxy Statement under the headings “Other Transactions” and “Corporate Governance” is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information to be contained in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Audit and Other Fees” is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

 

58


PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a)(1) International Home Furnishings Center, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

 

    (2) Financial Statement Schedule:

Schedule II—Analysis of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended November 24, 2007 November 25, 2006 and November 26, 2005.

 

    (3) Listing of Exhibits

 

      3A.    Articles of Incorporation as amended are incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 1994.
      3B.    Amendment to By-laws including By-laws as amended to date is incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed on December 21, 2004.
      4A.    Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and General Security Agreement with Branch Banking & Trust Company dated October 31, 2007 among the Registrant, certain subsidiaries of the Registrant, the banks listed therein and Branch Banking and Trust Company, as agent.
      4B.    Third Amended and Restated General Security Agreement dated October 31, 2007 among the Registrant, certain subsidiaries of the Registrant and Branch Banking and Trust Company, as agent.
**10A.    Bassett 1993 Long Term Incentive Stock Option Plan is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (no.33-52405) filed on February 25, 1994.
**10B.    Bassett Executive Deferred Compensation Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 1997.
**10C.    Bassett Supplemental Retirement Income Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 1997.
**10D.    Bassett 1993 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors as amended is incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 25, 2000.
**10E.    Bassett 1997 Employee Stock Plan is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (no. 333-60327) filed on July 31, 1998.
**10F.    Bassett Furniture 2005 Non-Employee Directors Stock Incentive Plan is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed on January 28, 2005.
**10G.    Bassett Furniture 2005 Non-Employee Directors Stock Incentive Form Grant Letter for Restricted Stock Award is incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 26, 2005.
**10H.    Bassett Furniture Directors Compensation is incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 26, 2005.
**10I.    Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc. 1997 Employee Stock Plan Form Stock Option Award Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 26, 2005.
**10J.    Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc. 1997 Employee Stock Plan Form Grant Letter for Restricted Stock Award is incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 26, 2005.
      21.    List of subsidiaries of the Registrant
   23A.    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

59


   23B.    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
   31A.    Certification of Robert H. Spilman, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31B.    Certification of Barry C. Safrit, Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32A.    Certification of Robert H. Spilman, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32B.    Certification of Barry C. Safrit, Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

** Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement of the Company.

 

60


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED (Registrant)

 

By:

 

/s/ ROBERT H. SPILMAN, JR.

   Date: February 7, 2008     
   

Robert H. Spilman, Jr.

President and Chief Executive Officer

Director

           

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By:

 

/s/ PAUL FULTON

   Date: February 7, 2008     
   

Paul Fulton

Chairman of the Board of Directors

           

By:

 

/s/ PETER W. BROWN

   Date: February 7, 2008     
   

Peter W. Brown

Director

           

By:

 

/s/ HOWARD H. HAWORTH

   Date: February 7, 2008     
   

Howard H. Haworth

Director

           

By:

 

/s/ GEORGE W. HENDERSON, III

   Date: February 7, 2008     
   

George W. Henderson, III

Director

           

By:

 

/s/ KRISTINA K. HERBIG

   Date: February 7, 2008     
   

Kristina K. Herbig

Director

           

By:

 

/s/ DALE C. POND

   Date: February 7, 2008     
   

Dale C. Pond

Director

           

By:

 

/s/ WILLIAM C. WAMPLER, JR.

   Date: February 7, 2008     
   

William C. Wampler, Jr.

Director

           

By:

 

/s/ WILLIAM C. WARDEN, JR.

   Date: February 7, 2008     
   

William C. Warden, Jr.

Director

           

By:

 

/s/ BARRY C. SAFRIT

   Date: February 7, 2008     
   

Barry C. Safrit

Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration, Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

           

 

61


LOGO


International Home Furnishings Center, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page No.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   1

Consolidated Financial Statements

  

Consolidated Balance Sheets

   2

Consolidated Statements of Income

   3

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)

   4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   5

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   7


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors

International Home Furnishings Center, Inc.

High Point, North Carolina

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of International Home Furnishings Center, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of October 31, 2007 and 2006 and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2007. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements 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 consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of International Home Furnishings Center, Inc. and Subsidiaries at October 31, 2007 and 2006 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2007 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Note L, the Company restated previously reported results to account for the Company’s health care plan and other items in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Dixon Hughes PLLC                    

Dixon Hughes PLLC

High Point, North Carolina

January 12, 2008

 

Page 1


INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

October 31, 2007 and 2006

 

 

 

           2006  
           As Restated  
     2007     (Note L)  

ASSETS

    

CURRENT ASSETS

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 9,383,356     $ 10,830,899  

Restricted cash

     143,750       143,750  

Short-term investments

     921,323       1,041,745  

Receivables

    

Trade

     1,966,144       2,399,062  

Interest

     1,323       1,247  

Deferred income tax benefit

     3,942,000       4,903,000  

Prepaid expenses

     577,383       551,542  
                

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

     16,935,279       19,871,245  
                
    

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, at cost

    

Land and land improvements

     3,640,498       3,640,498  

Buildings, exclusive of theater complex

     98,116,360       94,758,584  

Furniture and equipment

     4,248,714       4,234,312  

Construction-in-progress

     137,000       557,604  
                
     106,142,572       103,190,998  

Accumulated depreciation

     (62,031,837 )     (59,276,658 )
                
     44,110,735       43,914,340  
                

OTHER ASSETS

    

Prepaid rent

     630,814       674,069  

Deferred income tax benefit

     3,069,000       2,311,000  

Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $335,431 and $173,698 at October 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively

     473,252       634,985  
                
     4,173,066       3,620,054  
                

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 65,219,080     $ 67,405,639  
                
    

LIABILITIES LESS STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

    

CURRENT LIABILITIES

    

Accounts payable, trade

   $ 648,538     $ 1,642,896  

Accrued property taxes

     2,412,940       2,342,129  

Other accrued expenses

     923,101       864,836  

Rents received in advance

     9,982,409       12,416,302  

Income taxes payable

     1,275,539       2,300,190  
                

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

     15,242,527       19,566,353  
                
    

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

    

Long-term debt

     107,000,000       106,000,000  

Supplemental retirement benefits

     2,414,479       1,917,107  

Postretirement health benefits

     3,210,112       2,988,695  
                
     112,624,591       110,905,802  
                
    

COMMITMENTS (Notes F and K)

    

STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

    

Common stock, $5 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized,

    

481,628 shares issued in 2007 and 2006

     2,408,140       2,408,140  

Additional paid-in capital

     154,592       154,592  

Accumulated deficit

     (64,976,172 )     (65,545,879 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (234,598 )     (83,369 )
                
     (62,648,038 )     (63,066,516 )
                

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

   $ 65,219,080     $ 67,405,639  
                

See accompanying notes.


INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Years Ended October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

 

 

           2006     2005  
           As Restated     As Restated  
     2007     (Note L)     (Note L)  

OPERATING REVENUES

      

Rental income

   $ 40,750,253     $ 40,231,432     $ 39,229,054  

Other revenues

     6,338,592       6,532,130       7,182,321  
                        

TOTAL OPERATING REVENUES

     47,088,845       46,763,562       46,411,375  
                        

OPERATING EXPENSES

      

Compensation and benefits

     5,598,026       5,684,616       6,190,297  

Market and promotional

     2,634,814       2,500,395       2,503,038  

Maintenance and building costs

     1,966,684       1,290,097       952,712  

Depreciation expense

     3,160,454       2,873,755       2,802,712  

Rent

     163,689       163,689       163,689  

Property taxes and insurance

     3,258,439       3,174,248       2,930,665  

Utilities

     1,996,604       1,741,321       1,538,809  

Other operating costs

     626,617       669,387       577,467  
                        

TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES

     19,405,327       18,097,508       17,659,389  
                        

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

     27,683,518       28,666,054       28,751,986  
                        

NONOPERATING INCOME (EXPENSE)

      

Interest income

     187,760       221,181       459,546  

Dividend income

     —         —         6,114  

Interest expense

     (5,451,569 )     (5,484,792 )     (6,994,449 )

Other expense

     —         (315 )     (82 )
                        

TOTAL NONOPERATING EXPENSES

     (5,263,809 )     (5,263,926 )     (6,528,871 )
                        

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     22,419,709       23,402,128       22,223,115  

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

     8,850,000       9,204,000       8,690,000  
                        

NET INCOME

   $ 13,569,709     $ 14,198,128     $ 13,533,115  
                        

BASIC EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

   $ 28.17     $ 29.48     $ 28.10  
                        

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING

     481,628       481,628       481,628  
                        

See accompanying notes.


INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)

Years Ended October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

 

 

                     Accumulated         
          Additional          Other         
     Common    Paid-In    Accumulated     Comprehensive         
     Stock    Capital    Deficit     Loss      Total  

BALANCE (DEFICIT), OCTOBER 31, 2004, AS RESTATED (NOTE L)

   $ 2,408,140    $ 154,592    $ (67,277,120 )   $ (381,617 )    $ (65,096,005 )

Dividends paid ($24.915 per common share)

     —        —        (12,000,001 )     —          (12,000,001 )

Comprehensive income:

             

Net income, as restated (Note L)

     —        —        13,533,115       —          13,533,115  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

             

Amount related to minimum pension liability, net of deferred tax of $8,000, as restated (Note L)

     —        —        —         (12,655 )      (12,655 )

Change in fair value of interest rate floor hedging activity, net of deferred tax of $80,396

     —        —        —         125,747        125,747  

Reclassification adjustment for losses recognized in net income, net of deferred tax benefit of $110,193

     —        —        —         172,354        172,354  
                                       

Total comprehensive income

                13,818,561  
                   

BALANCE (DEFICIT), OCTOBER 31, 2005, AS RESTATED (NOTE L)

     2,408,140      154,592      (65,744,006 )     (96,171 )      (63,277,445 )

Dividends paid ($29.068 per common share)

     —        —        (14,000,001 )     —          (14,000,001 )

Comprehensive income:

             

Net income, as restated (Note L)

     —        —        14,198,128       —          14,198,128  

Other comprehensive income:

             

Amount related to minimum pension liability, net of deferred tax of $8,000, as restated (Note L)

     —        —        —         12,802        12,802  
                                       

Total comprehensive income

                14,210,930  
                   

BALANCE (DEFICIT), OCTOBER 31, 2006, AS RESTATED (NOTE L)

     2,408,140      154,592      (65,545,879 )     (83,369 )      (63,066,516 )
                                       

Dividends paid ($26.992 per common share)

     —        —        (13,000,002 )     —          (13,000,002 )

Comprehensive income:

             

Net income

     —        —        13,569,709       —          13,569,709  

Other comprehensive income:

             

Amount related to minimum pension liability, net of deferred tax of $46,000

     —        —        —         72,048        72,048  
                                       

Total comprehensive income

                13,641,757  
                   

Adjustment to initially apply FASB Statement No. 158, net of deferred tax of $143,000

     —        —        —         (223,277 )      (223,277 )
                                       

BALANCE (DEFICIT), OCTOBER 31, 2007

   $ 2,408,140    $ 154,592    $ (64,976,172 )   $ (234,598 )    $ (62,648,038 )
                                       

See accompanying notes.


INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Years Ended October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

 

 

           2006     2005  
           As Restated     As Restated  
     2007     (Note L)     (Note L)  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

      

Net income

   $ 13,569,709     $ 14,198,128     $ 13,533,115  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities

      

Depreciation and amortization

     3,361,308       3,074,610       3,520,800  

Decrease in fair value of interest rate cap agreements

     —         —         82  

Provision for losses on accounts receivable

     22,308       3,671       24,232  

(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment

     (16,979 )     1,778       —    

Non-cash compensation

     —         38,040       —    

Supplemental retirement benefits expense

     329,019       445,840       1,169,123  

Postretirement health benefits expense

     221,417       196,695       222,000  

Deferred income taxes

     299,000       (523,000 )     (1,637,000 )

Change in assets and liabilities

      

(Increase) decrease in trade and interest receivables

     410,534       332,064       (272,889 )

Increase in prepaid expenses

     (25,841 )     (148,559 )     (132,374 )

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses

     (953,017 )     628,561       (380,828 )

Increase (decrease) in rents received in advance

     (2,433,893 )     1,200,409       1,912,880  

Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable

     (1,024,651 )     (609,437 )     730,850  

Increase (decrease) in supplemental retirement benefits

     (78,876 )     (2,602,135 )     (78,876 )
                        

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

     13,680,038       16,236,665       18,611,115  
                        

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

      

Purchase and construction of property and equipment

     (3,248,001 )     (2,676,083 )     (1,045,562 )

Purchases of short-term investments

     (15,582,606 )     (23,033,500 )     (26,652,016 )

Proceeds from sales of short-term investments

     15,703,028       29,214,939       24,092,071  

Decrease in restricted cash

     —         —         20,579,914  
                        

NET CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES

     (3,127,579 )     3,505,356       16,974,407  
                        

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

      

Principal payments on long-term debt

     (11,000,000 )     (16,000,000 )     (138,515,718 )

Proceeds from long-term debt

     12,000,000       11,000,000       125,000,000  

Dividends paid

     (13,000,002 )     (14,000,001 )     (12,000,001 )

Financing costs paid

     —         —         (808,683 )
                        

NET CASH USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

     (12,000,002 )     (19,000,001 )     (26,324,402 )
                        

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (1,447,543 )     742,020       9,261,120  

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING

     10,830,899       10,088,879       827,759  
                        

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, ENDING

   $ 9,383,356     $ 10,830,899     $ 10,088,879  
                        

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW

      

INFORMATION

      

Cash paid during the year for:

      

Income taxes

   $ 9,575,651     $ 10,336,437     $ 9,596,150  

Interest, net of amount capitalized

     5,287,791       4,860,719       6,779,023  

See accompanying notes.


INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Years Ended October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

 

 

     2007    2006
As Restated
(Note L)
    2005
As Restated
(Note L
 

SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES

       

Accounts payable incurred for acquisition of property and equipment

   $ 87,735    $ 498,954     $ —    
                       

Increase (decrease) in accrued minimum pension liability including the effects of FASB Statement No. 158 in 2007, net of tax of $96,000, $(8,000) and $8,000 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively

   $ 247,229    $ (20,802 )   $ 20,655  
                       

Decrease in fair value of interest rate floor agreement, net of deferred income taxes of $190,589

   $ —      $ —       $ (298,101 )
                       

See accompanying notes.


INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

 

NOTE A - DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

International Home Furnishings Center, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, IHFC Holdings, LLC and IHFC Properties, LLC, (collectively, the “Company”) are the lessors of permanent exhibition space to furniture and accessory manufacturers which are headquartered throughout the United States and in many foreign countries. This exhibition space, located in High Point, North Carolina, is used by the Home Furnishings Industry to showcase its products at the International Home Furnishings Market (the “Market”) held each April and October. The details of the operating leases with the Company’s tenants are described in Note H.

The Company has been in business since June 27, 1919, and operates under the trade name of “International Home Furnishings Center.”

NOTE B - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accounting policy relative to the carrying values of property and equipment is indicated in the caption on the consolidated balance sheet. Other significant accounting policies are as follows:

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of International Home Furnishings Center, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, IHFC Holdings, LLC, organized on October 4, 2005 and IHFC Properties, LLC, a company organized on December 21, 2000. All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

Operating Revenues

Rental income consists entirely of rentals from exhibition space which are recognized on the straight-line basis over the lives of the leases.

Other revenues consist principally of advertising revenue generated from the Company’s various Market publications and service revenue generated from various services provided to the Company’s tenants. Advertising revenue is recognized in the period the related Market publications are published and service revenue is recognized when the related service has been provided.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.


INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

 

NOTE B - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Short-Term Investments

Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the date individual investment securities are acquired, and the appropriateness of such classification is reassessed at each balance sheet date. Since the Company neither buys investment securities in anticipation of short-term fluctuations in market prices nor commits to holding debt securities to their maturities, investments in debt and marketable equity securities have been classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are stated at fair value, and unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related deferred tax effect, are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. Premiums and discounts on investments in debt securities are amortized over their contractual lives. Interest on debt securities is recognized in income as accrued, and dividends on marketable equity securities are recognized in income when declared. Realized gains and losses are included in income and are determined on the basis of the specific securities sold.

Property, Equipment and Depreciation

Expenditures for maintenance, repairs, and minor renewals are charged to expense as incurred. Major renewals and betterments are capitalized. Depreciation is provided primarily on the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

 

Land improvements

   10 years

Building structures

   20 to 50 years

Building components

   5 to 20 years

Furniture and equipment

   3 to 10 years

In accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment and Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, the Company periodically reviews long-lived assets when indications of impairment exist, and if the value of the assets is impaired, an impairment loss would be recognized.

Deferred Financing Costs

Costs associated with obtaining long-term financing have been deferred and are being amortized to interest expense on the interest method over the term of the related debt. Amortization of deferred financing costs during the years ended October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $161,734, $161,734 and $678,967, respectively.

Reporting Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is the total of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income represents changes in equity, other than net income, from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. Accordingly, comprehensive income includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by stockholders and distributions to stockholders.


INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

 

NOTE B - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Derivative Instruments

The Company may hold and issue derivative instruments for the purpose of hedging the risks related to the variability of cash flows caused by changes in interest rates. The Company’s objectives are to decrease the volatility of earnings and cash flows associated with changing interest rates by entering into interest rate floor and cap agreements that effectively limit the range of interest rate exposure on its debt (see Note D).

The Company designates its derivatives based upon criteria established by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. For a derivative designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the derivative’s gain or loss is initially reported as a component of other comprehensive income net of tax and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged exposure affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss is reported in earnings immediately.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are provided for the tax effects of transactions reported in the consolidated financial statements and consist of taxes currently due plus deferred taxes related to temporary differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. The deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the future tax consequences of those differences, which will either be taxable or deductible when the assets and liabilities are recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. The Company provides valuation allowances against net deferred tax assets for amounts that are not considered more likely than not to be realized.

Earnings Per Common Share

The Company follows the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings Per Share, which specifies the computation, presentation and disclosure requirements for earnings per share (“EPS”). Basic EPS excludes all dilution and has been computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that would occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. The Company has no potential common shares.

Retirement Plans

The Company maintains a 401(k) qualified retirement plan covering eligible employees under which participants may contribute up to 25% of their compensation subject to maximum allowable contributions. The Company is obligated to contribute, on a matching basis, 50% of the first 6% of compensation voluntarily contributed by participants. The Company may also make additional contributions to the plan if it so elects.


INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

 

NOTE B - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Retirement Plans (Continued)

In 1991, the Company adopted a nonqualified supplemental retirement benefits plan for key management employees. Benefits payable under the plan are based upon 60% of the participant’s average compensation during his or her last five years of employment and are reduced by benefits payable under the Company’s qualified retirement plan and by one-half of the participant’s social security benefits. Benefits under the plan do not vest until the attainment of normal retirement age; however, a reduced benefit is payable if employment terminates prior to normal retirement age because of death or disability.

Postretirement Health Benefits

The Company provides health coverage for actives employees and postretirement coverage. The coverage is comprehensive with standard exclusions and operated through a preferred provider network, with provision for those who seek services outside the network. All full-time employees who are scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week are eligible. Spouses are eligible as well as children until the age of 19 (or 26 if unmarried and a full-time student). A retired employee is eligible when they have achieved 15 years of service and age 62. Retired dependents will also be covered if they were covered prior to retirement. The plan is not contractual in nature and the Company maintains the right to alter it at any time.

For years prior to 2007, the plan was accounted for on a cash basis without recognition of the liability for the postretirement obligations. For the year ended October 31, 2007, the Company has accounted for the plan in accordance with SFAS No. 106, Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions. As a result, the Company has restated prior fiscal years to reflect actuarially-determined postretirement obligations (see Note L).

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of the Company’s significant financial instruments, none of which are held for trading purposes, approximate fair value at October 31, 2007 and 2006. Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, trade receivables, trade payables, accrued property taxes, other accrued expenses, and income taxes payable approximate fair value because of the short maturities of these instruments. Variable rate long-term debt approximates fair value because of its floating interest rate terms. Fixed rate long-term debt approximates fair value because the interest rate approximates current rates available in the market for loans of similar terms and risks.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.


INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

 

NOTE B - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, FASB issued SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (SFAS No. 158), an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132 (R). For fiscal years ending after December 15, 2006, SFAS No. 158 requires an employer to recognize the funded status of a benefit plan on its balance sheet and to recognize the gains or losses and prior service costs, not already recognized, as a component of other comprehensive income, net of taxes. The Company has elected to adopt SFAS No. 158 effective as of the end of its fiscal year ending October 31, 2007. At October 31, 2007, the Company’s nonqualified supplemental retirement plan was underfunded by approximately $2,493,355 and recorded in other liabilities. The portion of the liability resulting from the adoption of SFAS No. 158 has been charged to accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, in the amount of $223,277 at October 31, 2007 (see Note G).

FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN No. 48), was issued in June 2006 to clarify the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. The interpretation defines a criterion that an individual tax position must meet for any part of the benefit of that position to be recognized in the financial statements. It also provides guidance on measurement, underecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. During 2007, FASB delayed the Interpretation to be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. The Company has not determined the effect, if any, that the adoption of FIN No. 48 will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operation.

NOTE C - SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

The Company’s short-term investments in available-for-sale securities consist of obligations of state and local governments with short-term maturities ranging from seven to 39 days. Fair market value of short-term investments approximates amortized cost at October 31, 2007 and 2006.

 

     Amortized Cost
     2007    2006

Debt securities

   $ 921,323    $ 1,041,745
             


INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

 

 

NOTE D - LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consists of the following at October 31, 2007 and 2006:

 

     2007    2006

IXIS Real Estate Capital, Inc.

     

Revolving credit agreement with a maximum availability of $25,000,000, maturing on November 1, 2010. Interest is payable monthly at the LIBOR rate plus .6% (5.3063% at October 31, 2007).

   $ 7,000,000    $ 6,000,000

Term loan payable with interest-only payments due monthly at 4.99%. All principal and unpaid interest is payable in full on November 1, 2010.

     100,000,000      100,000,000
             
     107,000,000      106,000,000

Less current maturities

     —        —  
             
   $ 107,000,000    $ 106,000,000
             

The loans payable to IXIS Real Estate Capital, Inc. are secured by substantially all the Company’s real estate and a security interest in the Company’s restricted cash account. The term loan requires that the Company maintain compliance with certain financial ratios. The Company was in compliance with these covenants at October 31, 2007.

Interest costs for the years ended October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 in the amount of $17,404, $17,667 and $7,790, respectively, were capitalized as part of the building construction costs.


INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

 

 

NOTE E - INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes consists of the following for the years ended October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005:

 

     2007    2006     2005  

Federal:

       

Current

   $ 7,052,000    $ 8,029,000     $ 8,532,000  

Deferred

     247,000      (432,000 )     (1,359,000 )
                       
     7,299,000      7,597,000       7,173,000  
                       

State:

       

Current

     1,499,000      1,698,000       1,795,000  

Deferred

     52,000      (91,000 )     (278,000 )
                       
     1,551,000      1,607,000       1,517,000  
                       

TOTAL

   $ 8,850,000    $ 9,204,000     $ 8,690,000  
                       

A reconciliation of the income tax provision at the federal statutory rate to the income tax provision at the effective tax rate is as follows:

 

     2007     2006     2005  

Income taxes computed at the federal statutory rate

   $ 7,847,000     $ 8,191,000     $ 7,778,000  

State taxes, net of federal benefit

     1,005,000       1,046,000       987,000  

Nontaxable investment income

     (40,000 )     (37,000 )     (42,000 )

Other, net

     38,000       4,000       (33,000 )
                        
   $ 8,850,000     $ 9,204,000     $ 8,690,000  
                        


INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

 

NOTE E - INCOME TAXES (Continued)

 

The components of deferred income taxes consist of the following:

 

     2007    2006  

Deferred income tax assets:

     

Rents received in advance

   $ 3,942,000    $ 4,902,000  

Adjustment for restatement of loss

     —        19,000  

Depreciation

     324,000      —    

Postretirement benefits

     1,307,000      1,205,000  

Supplemental retirement benefits

     1,438,000      1,268,000  
               

TOTAL DEFERRED TAX ASSETS

     7,011,000      7,394,000  
               

Deferred income tax liabilities:

     

Depreciation

     —        (180,000 )
               

TOTAL DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES

     —        (180,000 )
               

TOTAL NET DEFERRED TAX ASSETS

   $ 7,011,000    $ 7,214,000  
               

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible.

Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences at October 31, 2007.


INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

 

 

NOTE F - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Land Lease

During 1975, the Company completed construction of an eleven-story exhibition building. The building is constructed on land leased from the City of High Point, North Carolina under a noncancelable lease. The lease is for an initial term of fifty years with three options to renew for periods of ten years each and a final renewal option for nineteen years. Annual rental under the lease is $163,689 as of October 31, 2007 and is subject to adjustment at the end of each five-year period, such adjustment being computed as defined in the lease agreement. As part of the lease agreement, the Company constructed a theater complex for public use and office space for use by the City of High Point on the lower levels of the building. Annual rental cash payments over the initial fifty-year lease term are being reduced by $39,121 which represents amortization of the cost of the theater and office complex constructed for the City of High Point. The unamortized cost of the theater and office complex is reported on the consolidated balance sheet as prepaid rent. At the termination of the lease, the building becomes the property of the City of High Point. Under the terms of the lease, the Company is responsible for all expenses applicable to the exhibition portion of the building. The City of High Point is responsible for all expenses applicable to the theater complex and office space constructed for use by the City.

Future minimum lease payments due under the terms of the lease are as follows:

 

Year Ending October 31,

  

2008

   $ 124,568

2009

     124,568

2010

     124,568

2011

     124,568

2012

     124,568

Due after five years

     1,318,345
      
   $ 1,941,185
      

Other Commitments

At October 31, 2007, the Company has outstanding commitments for building improvements of approximately $ 500,000.

The Company has entered into a noncancelable elevator maintenance contract that expires January 31, 2012. The contract requires monthly payments of $21,000, with a 4% escalation cap over the life of the contract.


INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

 

NOTE F - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)

 

Contingencies

Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement 143, Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations, requires that the Company evaluate its assets to determine the existence of future retirement liabilities resulting from statutory or contractual responsibilities. As of October 31, 2007, the Company was unable to estimate the range of settlement dates and the related probabilities for certain asbestos remediation asset retirement obligations (AROs). These conditional AROs are primarily related to fireproofing material containing asbestos installed on portions of its skeletal steel in one exhibition building totaling approximately 376,000 square feet. The asbestos is not subject to abatement unless the buildings are either demolished or the company undertakes major renovations. Because these conditional obligations have indeterminate settlement dates, the Company could not develop a reasonable estimate of their fair values. The Company will continue to assess its ability to estimate fair values at each future reporting date. The liability will be recognized once sufficient additional information becomes available.

NOTE G - PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

Effective October 31, 2007, the Company adopted SFAS No. 158, which requires the recognition in pension obligations and accumulated other comprehensive income of actuarial gains and losses, prior service costs and transition obligations that had previously been deferred under the reporting requirements of SFAS No. 87, SFAS No. 106 and SFAS No. 132 R. The following table reflects the effects of the adoption of SFAS No. 158 on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of October 31, 2007.

 

     Before
Application of
SFAS No. 158
    Adjustments     After
Application of
SFAS No. 158
 

Deferred income tax asset (non-current portion)

   $ 2,926,000     $ 143,000     $ 3,069,000  

Total assets

     65,076,080       143,000       65,219,080  

Supplemental retirement liability

     2,127,078       366,277       2,493,355  

Total liabilities

     127,500,841       366,277       127,867,118  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (11,321 )     (223,277 )     (234,598 )

Total stockholders’ deficit

     (62,424,761 )     (223,277 )     (62,648,038 )


INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

 

NOTE G - PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)

 

Summarized information for the Company’s defined benefit plan and post retirement healthcare plan is as follows:

 

     Supplemental
Retirement Plan
    Postretirement
Health Care Benefits
 
     2007     2006     2007     2006  

Change in benefit obligation

        

Benefit obligations at November 1

   $ 2,305,175     $ 4,562,873     $ 3,088,695     $ 2,892,000  

Service cost

     156,969       283,842       131,296       128,000  

Interest cost

     135,748       138,737       186,373       174,195  

Actuarial (gain) loss

     (25,661 )     (78,142 )     —         —    

Benefit payments

     (78,876 )     (2,602,135 )     (96,252 )     (105,500 )
                                

Benefit obligations at October 31

   $ 2,493,355     $ 2,305,175     $ 3,310,112     $ 3,088,695  
                                

Change in plan assets

        

Fair value of plan assets at November 1

   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —    

Employer contributions

     78,876       2,602,135       96,252       105,500  

Benefit payments

     (78,876 )     (2,602,135 )     (96,252 )     (105,500 )
                                

Fair value of plan assets at October 31

   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —    
                                

Funded status

        

Funded status at October 31

   $ (2,493,355 )   $ (2,305,175 )   $ (3,310,112 )   $ (3,088,695 )

Unrecognized transition asset

     —         (87,047 )     —         —    

Unrecognized actuarial loss

     —         533,608       —         —    
                                

Net amount recognized

   $ (2,493,355 )   $ (1,858,614 )   $ (3,310,112 )   $ (3,088,695 )
                                

Amounts recognized in balance sheets

        

Noncurrent assets

   $ —       $ 54,000     $ —       $ —    

Current liabilities

     (78,876 )     (78,876 )     100,000       100,000  

Noncurrent liabilities

     (2,414,479 )     (1,917,107 )     3,210,112       2,988,695  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     —         83,369       —         —    
                                

Net amount recognized

   $ (2,493,355 )   $ (1,858,614 )   $ 3,310,112     $ 3,088,695  
                                

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax

        

Transition asset

   $ (48,269 )   $ —       $ —       $ —    

Actuarial loss

     282,867       —         —         —    

Additional minimum pension liability

     —         83,369       —         —    
                                

Net amount recognized

   $ 234,598     $ 83,369     $ —       $ —    
                                


INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

 

NOTE G - PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)

 

The net periodic benefit cost for the plans includes the following components:

 

     Supplemental Retirement Plan     Postretirement Health Care Benefits
     2007     2006     2005     2007    2006    2005

Service cost

   $ 156,969     $ 283,842     $ 914,656     $ 131,296    $ 128,000    $ 125,000

Interest cost

     135,748       138,737       206,495       186,373      177,195      162,000

Amortization of net transition asset

     (7,914 )     (7,914 )     (7,914 )     —        —        —  

Amortization of unrecognized loss

     44,216       21,018       22,266       —        —        —  
                                            

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 329,019     $ 435,683     $ 1,135,503     $ 317,669    $ 305,195    $ 287,000
                                            

During 2005, the Company granted additional retirement benefits to one of its key employees covered under the nonqualified supplemental retirement plan in recognition of years of service provided to the Company beyond normal retirement age as defined in the plan. This change resulted in a significant increase in expense for the year.

The following amounts represent the benefit payments, which reflect expected future service expected to be paid during the ten-year period ended October 31, 2017:

 

Supplemental Retirement Plan

       

Postretirement Health Care Benefits

2008

   $ 78,876      

2008

   $ 104,572

2009

     78,876      

2009

     128,347

2010

     78,876      

2010

     137,883

2011

     116,275      

2011

     152,828

2012

     189,628      

2012

     177,617

2013-2017

     1,263,048      

2013-2017

     1,060,000

Because the plans are unfunded, the Company’s expected contributions are equal to the benefit payment schedules above.

The weighted average actuarial assumptions used to determine benefit obligations for the plan are as follows:

 

     Supplemental Retirement Plan   Postretirement Health Care Benefits
     2007   2006   2005   2007   2006   2005

Discount rate

   6.0%   6.0%   6.0%   6.0%   6.0%   6.0%

Rate of salary increase

   5.0   5.0   5.0   N/A   N/A   N/A

Rate of inflation

   N/A   N/A   N/A   3.5   3.5   3.5

Rate of healthcare inflation

   N/A   N/A   N/A   6.0-9.0   6.0-9.0   6.0-9.0

Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net periodic pension cost in 2008 are as follows:

 

Transition asset

   $ (7,914 )

Actuarial loss

     23,457  
        
   $ 15,543  
        


INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

 

NOTE G - PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)

 

Amounts expensed under the Company’s 401(k) qualified retirement plan amounted to $182,224, $189,861 and $185,407 for the years ended October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

NOTE H - RENTALS UNDER OPERATING LEASES

The Company’s leasing operations consist principally of leasing exhibition space. Property on operating leases consists of substantially all of the asset “buildings, exclusive of theater complex” included on the consolidated balance sheets. Leases are typically for five-year periods and contain provisions to escalate rentals based upon either the increase in the consumer price index or increases in ad valorem taxes, utility rates and charges, minimum wage imposed by federal and state governments, maintenance contracts for elevators and air conditioning, maintenance of common areas, social security payments, increases resulting from collective bargaining contracts, if any, and such other similar charges and rates required in operating the Company. Tenants normally renew their leases.

The following is a schedule of minimum future rentals under noncancelable operating leases as of October 31, 2007, exclusive of amounts due under escalation provisions of lease agreements:

 

Year Ending October 31,

  

2008

   $ 31,221,605

2009

     27,416,577

2010

     18,012,185

2011

     8,525,138

2012

     1,858,112
      

Total minimum future rentals

   $ 87,033,617
      

Rental income includes contingent rentals under escalation provisions of leases of $1,689,065, $1,719,212 and $1,399,479 for the years ended October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

The Company leases exhibition space to one of the Company’s stockholders. Rental income from this related party amounted to $367,334, $530,824 and $621,380 for the years ended October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

NOTE I - CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash deposits in excess of federally insured limits and trade accounts receivable from customers predominantly in the Home Furnishings Industry. As of October 31, 2007, the Company’s bank balances exceeded federally insured limits by $8,946,706. The Company’s trade accounts receivable are generally collateralized by merchandise in leased exhibition spaces which is in the Company’s possession.


INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

 

 

NOTE J - STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

The stockholders’ deficit resulted from the payment of dividends substantially in excess of accumulated earnings. The dividends in excess of accumulated earnings were financed, in part, with the proceeds of long-term debt. Although interest on this debt will negatively impact future earnings, management believes, based on projections of future operations and cash flows, that future earnings will provide adequate equity capital for the Company and that operating cash flows will be sufficient to provide for debt service and for the Company’s other financing and investing needs.

NOTE K - SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On December 7, 2007, the Board of Directors authorized payment of a cash dividend totaling $6,000,000 to stockholders of record as of December 13, 2007.

NOTE L - RESTATEMENTS OF PREVIOUSLY REPORTED RESULTS

During 2007, management determined that the method of accounting for its health care plan did not conform to the requirements of SFAS No. 106, Employers’ Accounting for Postretirements Benefits Other than Pensions. The Company had not reported the actuarially determined obligation under the plan in previously issued financial statements; therefore, these financial statements have been restated. In addition, the Company elected to correct errors relating to reporting amortization of past service costs and actuarial losses for the Company’s supplemental retirement plan, and correct an error in under reporting of income relating to billing for tenant utilities. In accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections, the effects of correcting these errors is reported as a prior period adjustment as of November 1, 2004, the first day of the fiscal year ended October 31, 2005 as follows:

 

     Increase
(Decrease)
 

Deferred income tax asset

   $ 1,159,000  

Other accrued expenses

     (166,358 )

Income tax payable

     92,000  

Supplement retirement obligation

     232,415  

Postretirement healthcare obligation

     2,670,000  

Accumulated deficit

     (1,585,541 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (83,516 )

The effects of these corrections on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, statements of changes in stockholder’s deficit and statements of income as of and for the years ended October 31, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:


INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

 

NOTE L - RESTATEMENTS OF PREVIOUSLY REPORTED RESULTS (Continued)

 

Consolidated Balance Sheet – October 31, 2006

 

     As Previously
Reported
    Adjustments     As Restated  

Deferred income tax benefit

   $ 1,087,000     $ 1,224,000     $ 2,311,000  

Other assets

     2,396,054       1,224,000       3,620,054  

Total assets

     66,181,639       1,224,000       67,405,639  

Other accrued expenses

     893,918       (29,082 )     864,836  

Income taxes payable

     2,199,190       101,000       2,300,190  

Total current liabilities

     19,494,435       71,918       19,566,353  

Postretirement obligation - healthcare

     —         2,988,695       2,988,695  

Long-term liabilities

     107,995,983       2,909,819       110,905,802  

Accumulated deficit

     (63,871,511 )     (1,674,368 )     (65,545,879 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     —         (83,369 )     (83,369 )

Total stockholder’s deficit

     (61,308,779 )     (1,757,737 )     (63,066,516 )

Total liabilities less stockholders’ deficit

     66,181,639       1,224,000       67,405,639  

Consolidated Statement of Income – October 31, 2006

 

 

     As Previously
Reported
    Adjustments     As Restated  

Compensation and benefits

   $ 5,624,995     $ 59,621     $ 5,684,616  

Other operating costs

     679,287       (9,900 )     669,387  

Total operating expenses

     18,047,787       49,721       18,097,508  

Income from operations

     28,715,775       (49,721 )     28,666,054  

Income before income taxes

     23,451,849       (49,721 )     23,402,128  

Provision for income taxes

     9,223,000       (19,000 )     9,204,000  

Net income

     14,228,849       (30,721 )     14,198,128  

Earnings per share

   $ 29.54     $ (.06 )   $ 29.48  

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Deficit – October 31, 2006

 

 

     As Previously
Reported
    Adjustments     As Restated  

Deficit at October 31, 2005

   $ (61,537,627 )   $ (1,739,818 )   $ (63,277,445 )

Net income

     14,228,849       (30,721 )     14,198,128  

Other comprehensive income

     —         12,802       12,802  

Total comprehensive income

     14,228,849       (17,919 )     14,210,930  

Deficit at October 31, 2006

     (61,308,779 )     (1,757,737 )     (63,066,516 )


INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

 

NOTE L - RESTATEMENTS OF PREVIOUSLY REPORTED RESULTS (Continued)

 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow – October 31, 2006

 

     As Previously
Reported
    Adjustments     As Restated  

Net income

   $ 14,228,849     $ (30,721 )   $ 14,198,128  

Increase in postretirement healthcare benefits

     —         196,695       196,695  

Deferred income taxes

     (504,000 )     (19,000 )     (523,000 )

Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses

     648,461       (19,900 )     628,561  

Increase in supplemental retirement benefits

     (2,602,135 )     (127,074 )     (2,729,209 )

Consolidated Statement of Income – October 31, 2005

 

 

     As Previously
Reported
    Adjustments     As Restated  

Compensation and benefits

   $ 6,083,491     $ 106,806     $ 6,190,297  

Other operating costs

     589,167       (11,700 )     577,467  

Total operating expenses

     17,564,283       95,106       17,659,389  

Income from operations

     28,847,092       (95,106 )     28,751,986  

Income before income taxes

     22,318,221       (95,106 )     22,223,115  

Provision for income taxes

     8,727,000       (37,000 )     8,690,000  

Net income

     13,591,221       (58,106 )     13,533,115  

Earnings per share

   $ 28.22     $ (.12 )   $ 28.10  

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Deficit – October 31, 2005

 

 

     As Previously
Reported
    Adjustments     As Restated  

Deficit at October 31, 2004

   $ (63,426,948 )   $ (1,669,057 )   $ (65,096,005 )

Net income

     13,591,221       (58,106 )     13,533,115  

Other comprehensive income

      

Amount related to minimum pension liability, net of deferred tax

     —         (12,655 )     (12,655 )

Total comprehensive income

     13,889,322       (70,761 )     13,818,561  

Deficit at October 31, 2005

     (61,537,627 )     (1,739,818 )     (63,277,445 )

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow – October 31, 2005

 

 

     As Previously
Reported
    Adjustments     As Restated  

Net income

   $ 13,591,221     $ (58,106 )   $ 13,533,115  

Increase in postretirement healthcare benefits

     —         22,000       222,000  

Deferred income taxes

     (1,600,000 )     (37,000 )     (1,637,000 )

(Decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses

     (359,128 )     (21,700 )     (380,828 )

Decrease in supplemental retirement benefits

     (78,876 )     (105,194 )     (184,070 )


Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc.

Schedule II

Analysis of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

For the Years Ended November 24, 2007 November 25, 2006 and November 26, 2005

(in thousands)

 

     Balance
Beginning of
Period
   Additions
Charged to Cost
and Expenses
    Deductions(1)     Other    Balance End
of Period

For the Year Ended November 26, 2005:

            

Reserve deducted from assets to which it applies

            

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ 4,751    $ 2,403     $ (3,428 )   $ —      $ 3,726
                                    

Notes receivable reserve

   $ 800    $ 880     $ (180 )   $ —      $ 1,500
                                    

Restructuring reserve

   $ 440    $ 1,040     $ (698 )   $ —      $ 782
                                    

Income tax valuation allowance

   $ 503    $ 497     $ —       $ —      $ 1,000
                                    

For the Year Ended November 25, 2006:

            

Reserve deducted from assets to which it applies

            

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ 3,726    $ 3,364     $ (1,344 )   $ —      $ 5,746
                                    

Notes receivable reserve

   $ 1,500    $ 2,521     $ (1,166 )   $ —      $ 2,855
                                    

Restructuring reserve

   $ 782    $ —       $ (753 )   $ —      $ 29
                                    

Income tax valuation allowance

   $ 1,000    $ 406     $ —       $ —      $ 1,406
                                    

For the Year Ended November 24, 2007:

            

Reserve deducted from assets to which it applies

            

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ 5,746    $ 3,852     $ (1,937 )   $ —      $ 7,661
                                    

Notes receivable reserve

   $ 2,855    $ —       $ (1,155 )   $ —      $ 1,700
                                    

Restructuring reserve

   $ 29    $ 960     $ (857 )   $ —      $ 132
                                    

Income tax valuation allowance

   $ 1,406    $ (359 )   $ —       $ —      $ 1,047
                                    

 

(1) Deductions are for the purpose for which the reserve was created.