SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
Quarterly Report Under Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Quarter Ended May 1, 1999 Commission File Number 0-15898
DESIGNS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as
specified in its charter)
Delaware 04-2623104
State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
66 B Street, Needham, MA 02494
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(781) 444-7222
(Registrant's telephone
number, including area code)
Indicate by "X" whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be
filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1934 during the preceding
12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file
such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the
past 90 days.
Yes X No
----- ----
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class Outstanding as of May 1, 1999
----- -----------------------------
Common 15,930,000
DESIGNS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
May 1, 1999, May 2, 1998 and January 30, 1999
(In thousands, except per share data)
May 1, May 2, January 30,
1999 1998 1999
ASSETS (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
------------- ------------ -----------
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents - $ 3,758 $ 153
Accounts receivable 480 214 178
Inventories 52,480 56,926 57,925
Income taxes refundable and deferred 802 2,760 272
Prepaid expenses 3,031 1,342 911
-------------------------------------------
Total current assets 56,793 65,000 59,439
Property and equipment, net of
accumulated depreciation and
amortization 17,142 32,724 17,788
Other assets:
Deferred income taxes 18,456 6,362 18,570
Intangible assets, net 2,549 2,885 2,628
Other assets 877 456 892
-------------------------------------------
Total assets $ 95,817 $ 107,427 $ 99,317
===========================================
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 7,926 $ 12,592 $ 8,716
Accrued expenses and other
current liabilities 6,278 6,543 6,433
Accrued rent 1,990 2,992 2,015
Reserve for severance and store
closings 3,598 491 4,372
Notes payable 12,829 1,000 13,825
--------------------------------------------
Total current liabilities 32,621 23,618 35,361
--------------------------------------------
Minority interest - 4,465 -
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value,
1,000,000 shares authorized,
none issued
Common Stock, $0.01 par value,
50,000,000 shares authorized,
16,217,000,16,020,000,and 16,178,000
shares issued at May 1, 1999,
May 2, 1998 and January 30, 1999,
respectively 162 160 162
Additional paid-in capital 53,996 53,668 53,908
Retained earnings 10,990 27,343 11,854
Treasury stock at cost, 286,650 shares
at May 1, 1999 and January 30, 1999
and 281,000 shares at May 2, 1998 (1,830) (1,827) (1,830)
Deferred compensation (122) - (138)
------------------------------------------
Total stockholders' equity 63,196 79,344 63,956
------------------------------------------
Total liabilities and
stockholders' equity $ 95,817 $ 107,427 $ 99,317
==========================================
The accompanying notes are an intergral part of
the consolidated financial statements.
DESIGNS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
------------------------------
May 1, May 2,
1999 1998
------------------------------
Sales $ 39,835 $ 43,400
Cost of goods sold including
occupancy 29,618 34,024
------------------------------
Gross profit 10,217 9,376
Expenses:
Selling, general and administrative 9,593 11,946
Depreciation and amortization 1,726 2,491
------------------------------
Total expenses 11,319 14,437
------------------------------
Operating loss (1,102) (5,061)
Interest expense 325 191
Interest income 6 20
------------------------------
Loss before minority
interest and income taxes (1,421) (5,232)
Less minority interest - (226)
------------------------------
Loss before income taxes (1,421) (5,006)
Benefit for income taxes (558) (1,954)
------------------------------
Net Loss $ (863) $ (3,052)
==============================
Loss per share- Basic and Diluted $(0.05) $(0.19)
Weighted average number of common
shares outstanding:
Basic 15,889 15,733
Diluted 15,889 15,733
The accompanying notes are an intergral part of
the consolidated financial statements.
DESIGNS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three months ended
-------------------------------
May 1, May 2,
1999 1998
-------------- -----------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss $ (863) $ (3,052)
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 1,726 2,491
Minority interest - (226)
Loss from disposal of property
and equipment 112 130
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (302) (100)
Inventories 5,445 (1,954)
Prepaid expenses (2,120) (327)
Other assets (39) (146)
Reserve for severance and store closings (774) (1,308)
Income taxes (530) 11,097
Accounts payable (3,273) 3,771
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 2,327 544
Accrued rent (25) 241
------------ ------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 1,798 11,161
------------ ------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment (1,131) (151)
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment 73 87
------------ ------------
Net cash used for investing activities (1,058) (64)
------------ ------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings (repayments) under credit facility (996) (8,828)
Issuance of common stock to Board of Directors 103 -
Issuance of common stock under option program (1) - 16
------------ ------------
Net cash used for financing activities (893) (8,812)
------------ ------------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash
equivalents (153) 2,285
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of the period 153 1,473
------------ ------------
End of the period - $3,758
============ ============
(1)Net of related tax effect.
The accompanying notes are an intergral part of
the consolidated financial statements.
DESIGNS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Basis of Presentation
In the opinion of management of the Company, the accompanying unaudited
consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary for a fair
presentation of the interim financial statements. These financial statements do
not include all disclosures associated with annual financial statements and,
accordingly, should be read in conjunction with the notes to the Company's
audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 30, 1999
(filed on Form 10-K, as amended, with the Securities and Exchange Commission).
The information set forth in these statements may be subject to normal year-end
adjustments. The information reflects all adjustments that, in the opinion of
management, are necessary to present fairly the Company's results of operations,
financial position and cash flows for the periods indicated. The preparation of
financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company's business
historically has been seasonal in nature and the results of the interim periods
presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the
full year.
2. Minority Interest
On January 28, 1995, Designs JV Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company
("Designs JV Subsidiary"), and LDJV Inc., a subsidiary of Levi's Only Stores,
Inc. ("LOS"), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Levi Strauss & Co., entered
into a partnership agreement (the "Partnership Agreement"). The purpose of the
Partnership Agreement was to sell Levi's(R) brand jeans and jeans-related
products in Original Levi's Stores(TM) and Levi's(R) Outlet stores in a
specified territory. The joint venture established under the Partnership
Agreement was known as The Designs/OLS Partnership (the "OLS Partnership").
In October 1998, the Company reached an agreement with LOS to dissolve and wind
up the OLS Partnership. Pursuant to this agreement, the OLS Partnership
distributed to Designs JV Subsidiary 11 Levi's(R) Outlet stores, with a net book
value of approximately $6.3 million. In addition, the OLS Partnership
distributed three Original Levi's Stores(TM) to LDJV Inc. The net book value of
these three Original Levi's Stores(TM) was approximately $5.5 million, which was
greater than LDJV Inc.'s equity interest in the OLS Partnership. Consequently,
LDJV Inc. made a $2.9 million capital contribution of cash to the OLS
Partnership at October 31, 1998.
Additionally, in connection with the plan to dissolve and wind up the OLS
Partnership, the OLS Partnership recorded a pre-tax charge of $4.5 million
during the third quarter of fiscal 1998, related to the closing of the remaining
eight Original Levi's Stores(TM) that it did not distribute. This $4.5 million
charge is included in the total $13.4 million charge recorded by the Company
and discussed in Note 3 below. The total estimated cost to close these stores
is $1.3 million less than the original charge, primarily due to favorable lease
termination payments. This $1.3 million was part of the total $2.9 million that
the Company recognized as restructuring income in the fourth quarter of fiscal
1998. All eight of these stores were closed by the end of fiscal 1998.
The operating results of the OLS Partnership are consolidated with the financial
statements of the Company for the three months ended May 2, 1998. Minority
interest at May 2, 1998 represents LDJV Inc.'s 30% interest in the OLS
Partnership.
3. Charge for Store Closings
During the third quarter of fiscal 1998, the Company announced its plans to
close 14 unprofitable Designs stores and eight unprofitable Boston Trading
Co.(R)/BTC(TM) stores through lease terminations and expirations. This store
closing strategy resulted in the Company recording a pre-tax charge of $13.4
million, or $0.47 per share after tax, related to the closing of 14 Designs
stores, eight Boston Trading Co.(R)/BTC(TM) and the remaining eight Original
Levi's Stores(TM) closed by the joint venture. The total revised estimated cost
to close these stores is $10.5 million, which is $2.9 million less than the
original charge, primarily due to favorable landlord negotiations on lease
termination payments. As a result, the Company recognized pre-tax income of
$2.9 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998. Total estimated cash costs
are expected to be $4.2 million related to lease terminations, employee
severance and other related expenses. The remainder of the $10.5 million charge
consists of non-cash costs of approximately $6.3 million in store fixed asset
write-offs. All of these stores were closed by the end of fiscal 1998. At
May 1, 1999, the remaining reserve balance related to these store closings was
$1.4 million, which primarily relates to landlord settlements and severance
payments that the Company anticipates will be paid in fiscal 1999.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, the Company recorded additional store
closing and severance reserves of $5.2 million, or $0.20 per share, related to
the decision to close three BTC(TM) stores, one Designs store, and four
Boston Traders(R) Outlet stores and to further reduce corporate headcount. This
pre-tax charge included cash costs of approximately $2.9 million related to
lease terminations and corporate severance, and $2.3 million of non-cash costs
related to store fixed asset write-offs and markdowns. At May 1, 1999, the
remaining reserve balance related to these store closings is $4.2 million.
The combined earnings and cash flow benefits of the third and fourth quarter
charges are expected, barring unforeseen circumstances, to be $8.5 million and
$13.5 million, respectively, for both fiscal 1999 and 2000.
4. Boston Trading Ltd., Inc. Litigation
On May 2, 1995, the Company acquired certain assets of Boston Trading Ltd., Inc.
In accordance with the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 21,
1995, the Company paid $5.4 million in cash, financed by operations, and
delivered a non-negotiable promissory note in the original principal amount of
$1 million (the "Purchase Note") payable in two equal annual installments
through May 2, 1997. In the first quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company asserted
rights of indemnification under the Asset Purchase Agreement. In accordance with
that Agreement, the Company, when exercising its indemnification rights, has the
right, among other courses of action, to offset against the payment of principal
and interest due and payable under the Purchase Note, the value of its
indemnification claim. Accordingly, based on these indemnification rights, the
Company ultimately did not make either of the $500,000 payments of principal due
on the Purchase Note on May 2, 1996 and May 2, 1997. Nevertheless, the Company
continued to pay interest on the original principal amount of the Purchase Note
through May 2, 1996 and continued to pay interest thereafter through November 2,
1997 on $500,000 of principal. In January 1998, Atlantic Harbor, Inc. (formerly
known as "Boston Trading Ltd., Inc.") filed a lawsuit against the Company for
refusing to pay the purportedly outstanding principal amount of the Purchase
Note. Thereafter, the Company filed claims against Atlantic Harbor, Inc. and its
stockholders alleging that the Company was damaged in excess of $1 million
because of the breach of certain representations and warranties concerning,
among other things, the existence and condition of certain foreign trademark
registrations and license agreements. Barring unforeseen circumstances,
management of the Company does not believe that the result of this litigation
will have a material adverse impact on the Company's business or financial
condition.
5. Credit Facility
On June 4, 1998 the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Loan and
Security Agreement with a subsidiary of BankBoston, N.A., BankBoston Retail
Finance Inc., as agent for the lenders named therein (the "Credit Agreement").
This credit facility, which terminates on June 4, 2001, consists of a revolving
line of credit permitting the Company to borrow up to $50 million. Under this
facility, the Company has the ability to cause the lenders to issue documentary
and standby letters of credit up to $5 million. The Company's obligations under
the Credit Agreement are secured by a lien on all of the Company's assets. The
ability of the Company to borrow under the Credit Agreement is subject to a
number of conditions, including the accuracy of certain representations and
compliance with tangible net worth and fixed charge coverage ratio covenants.
The availability of the unused revolving line of credit is limited to specified
percentages of the value of the Company's eligible inventory determined under
the Credit Agreement, ranging from 60% to 65%. At the option of the Company,
borrowings under this facility bear interest at BankBoston N.A.'s prime rate or
at LIBOR-based fixed rates. The Credit Agreement contains certain covenants and
events of default customary for credit facilities of this nature, including
change of control provisions and limitations on payment of dividends by the
Company. The Company is subject to a prepayment penalty of $250,000 to $500,000
if the Credit Agreement terminates prior to June 4, 2000.
In the third quarter of fiscal 1998, the Credit Agreement was amended to, among
other things, permit and acknowledge the Company's acquisition of nine Levi's(R)
Outlet stores and 16 Dockers(R) Outlet stores from LOS and to permit and
acknowledge the transactions associated with the dissolution and winding up of
the OLS Partnership. These amendments included an increase in the minimum
tangible net worth that the Company must have, which was adjusted to recognize
the value of the assets distributed to the Company by the OLS Partnership. Prior
to these amendments, the tangible net worth of the OLS Partnership was excluded
from the calculation of the Company's tangible net worth for purposes of these
financial covenants. Subject to certain limitations and conditions, the Credit
Agreement permits the Company, without the prior permission of the lenders, to
consummate certain acquisitions and to repurchase shares of the Company's Common
Stock. These amendments, among other things, reduced the amount that the Company
may expend for such purposes without obtaining the prior permission of its
lenders.
At May 1, 1999 the Company had borrowings of approximately $11.8 million
outstanding under this facility and had two outstanding standby letters of
credit totaling approximately $377,400. Average borrowings outstanding under
this credit facility for the first quarter of fiscal 1999 were approximately
$14.3 million. The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants under the
Credit Agreement at the end of the first quarter.
6. Net Loss Per Share
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings per Share"
requires the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share. Basic earnings
per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average
number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings
per share is determined by giving effect to the exercise of stock options using
the treasury stock method. The following table provides a reconciliation of the
number of shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share.
For the
three months ended
(In thousands) 5/1/99 5/2/98
------- ------
Basic weighted average common
shares outstanding 15,889 15,733
Stock options, excluding anti-dilutive options
of 139 shares and 56 shares for May 1, 1999
and May 2, 1998, respectively -- --
------ ------
Diluted weighted average shares
Outstanding 15,889 15,733
====== ======
Options to purchase shares of the Company's Common Stock of 1,867,832 and
1,938,350 for May 1, 1999 and May 2, 1998, respectively, were excluded from the
computation of diluted EPS because the exercise price of the options was greater
than the average market price per share of Common Stock for the periods
reported.
7. Segment Disclosure
The Company operates its business under two reportable store segments:
(i) the Outlet Store Group and (ii) the Specialty Store Group. The Company
also has a segment for Closed Stores and Other which includes the operations
of all closed stores and stores that are expected to close through the third
quarter of fiscal 1999.
Outlet Store Group: At May 1, 1999, this store group included the Company's 60
Levi's(R) Outlet by Designs stores, the 25 acquired Dockers(R) and Levi's(R)
Outlet stores, the 11 Levi's(R) Outlet stores that were previously owned and
operated by the OLS Partnership through October 31, 1998 and the five Buffalo
Jeans Factory Stores. These outlet stores all operate in outlet parks located in
the eastern United States and primarily sell close out and end-of-season
merchandise from vendors.
Specialty Store Group: At May 1, 1999, this store group consisted of the five
remaining Designs stores that the Company intends to operate through fiscal
1999. These stores are located in enclosed regional shopping centers and offer a
broad selection of Levi Strauss & Co. branded merchandise together with other
complementary brands of tops and bottoms.
Closed Stores and Other: This group included the Designs, Boston Trading Co.(R)
and Boston Traders(R) Outlet stores that were closed as part of the fiscal 1997
and fiscal 1998 store closing programs. The operations of the three Original
Levi's Stores(TM) that were distributed to LDJV Inc in October 1998 and the
operations of the eight Original Levi's Stores(TM) that were closed in fiscal
1998 are also included in this group. Also included in this segment are the four
Boston Traders(R) Outlet stores, two BTC(TM) and one Designs store that are all
planned, barring unforeseen circumstances, to close by the end of the third
quarter of fiscal 1999.
The Company evaluates individual store profitability based on the store's
"Contribution to Profit", which is defined by the Company as gross margin less
occupancy costs and all store specific expenses such as payroll, advertising,
insurance and depreciation. The Company sometimes transfers end-of-season
merchandise from its Specialty stores to its Outlet stores. Transfers
represented approximately five percent of the Outlet Store Group's total
receipts in fiscal 1998. The Company transfers merchandise at the receiving
store's retail price with any associated markdowns being recorded by the
sending store.
Below is a summary of the results of operations for each of the reportable
segments for the three months ended May 1, 1999 and May 2, 1998:
For the three months ended May 1, 1999
- --------------------------------------
Closed
(in thousands) Outlets Specialty and Other Total
- -------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Sales $ 36,644 $ 1,544 $ 1,647 $ 39,835
Merchandise margin 15,305 529 646 16,480
Occupancy costs 5,230 418 615 6,263
Gross margin 10,075 111 31 10,217
Contribution to profit 3,332 (281) (506) 2,545
Segment Assets:
Inventory 50,264 2,100 116 52,480
Fixed assets, net 9,461 859 6,822 (1) 17,142
For the three months ended May 2, 1998
- --------------------------------------
Closed
(in thousands) Outlets Specialty and Other Total
- ------------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Sales $ 28,883 $ 1,907 $ 12,610 $ 43,400
Merchandise margin 12,663 621 5,148 18,432
Occupancy costs 4,103 500 4,453 9,056
Gross margin 8,560 121 695 9,376
Contribution to profit 3,075 (276) (3,661) (862)
Segment Assets:
Inventory 37,420 2,321 17,185 56,926
Fixed assets, net 6,735 1,099 24,890 (1) 32,724
(1) Fixed assets for the Closed Stores and Other includes fixed assets for the
corporate office which were $6.2 million and $8.2 million as of May 1,
1999 and May 2, 1998, respectively.
Reconciliation of Contribution to Profit to Operating Loss
- ----------------------------------------------------------
For the three months ended
(in thousands) May 1, 1999 May 2, 1998
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contribution to Profit:
Outlet store segment $ 3,332 $ 3,075
Specialty store segment (281) (276)
Closed store and other (506) (3,661)
General and Administrative Expenses (3,647) (4,199)
----------- --------
Total Operating Loss $ (1,102) $(5,061)
8. Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments
and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS 133"). SFAS 133 requires that all derivative
instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at their fair value. Changes in the
fair value of derivatives are recorded in current earnings or other
comprehensive income, depending on whether the derivative is designed as part of
a hedge transaction and, if it is, the type of hedge transaction. The Company
will be required to adopt SFAS 133 for the fiscal year ending January 29, 2000.
The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of SFAS 133 will have a
significant effect on the Company's results of operations or financial position.
Part I. Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
On December 7, 1998, a consent with respect to 1,570,000 shares of Common Stock
executed on behalf of Jewelcor Management, Inc., a Nevada corporation
("Jewelcor"), and its controlling shareholder, Seymour Holtzman, was delivered
to the Company for the purpose of removing and replacing the members of the
Company's Board of Directors other than the Chairman, Stanley I. Berger. A
preliminary Consent Solicitation Statement was filed on December 7, 1998 by the
Holtzman Group with the Securities and Exchange Commission. On December 11,
1998, the Board of Directors of the Company determined to oppose the consent
solicitation (the "Consent Solicitation") by Jewelcor and Mr. Holtzman.
The Consent Solicitation expired without the election of any new members to the
Company's Board of Directors. Accordingly, Stanley I. Berger, Joel H. Reichman,
James G. Groninger, Melvin I. Shapiro, Peter L. Thigpen and Bernard M. Manuel
remained in office as members of the Company's Board of Directors following the
termination of the Consent Solicitation.
The Company did not enter into any settlement with Jewelcor or Mr. Holtzman
terminating the Consent Solicitation.
On December 11, 1998, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had
formed a committee of independent outside directors to consider the Company's
strategic alternatives, including a possible sale of the Company, with a view
towards maximizing shareholder value in the near term.
On April 30, 1999, the Company announced that Jewelcor had submitted a proposal
to the Company to explore the purchase by Jewelcor or its affiliates of all of
the outstanding Common Stock of the Company for $3.65 per share. The proposal is
subject to various contingencies, including obtaining adequate financing,
completion of certain due diligence matters and obtaining the prior consent of
Levi Strauss & Co. under the Outlet License Agreement, as defined below in
"Capital Expenditures". On May 6, 1999, the Special Committee of the Board of
Directors responded to the proposal in a letter to Jewelcor that indicated its
willingness to explore the acquisition by Jewelcor and its affiliates of all of
the outstanding Common Stock of the Company, subject to the resolution of the
contingencies outlined above.
The Company is cooperating with Jewelcor on its various due diligence requests
and has urged Jewelcor to provide more details regarding the structure, terms
and financing of Jewelcor's proposal, which to date has not been forthcoming.
To date, the Company has not entered into an agreement providing for the sale of
the Company.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Sales
- -----
Set forth below are the Company's total sales and comparable store sales for the
first quarter of fiscal 1999 and fiscal 1998. Of the 113 stores the Company
operated as of May 1, 1999, 73 were comparable stores.
Percentage
(In thousands, Change at
except percentage data) May 1, 1999 May 2, 1998 May 1, 1999
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparable Stores $ 31,509 $ 30,792 2.3%
New Stores (1) 6,679 -- 100.0%
Closed Stores (2) 1,647 12,608 (86.9%)
----- ------ ------
Total Sales $ 39,835 $ 43,400 (8.2%)
(1) New Stores include stores that have been operating less than 13 months.
(2) Closed stores include seven stores scheduled to close in fiscal 1999
as part of the Company's fiscal 1998 restructuring program.
The decline in total sales of $3.6 million or 8.2 percent for the three months
ended May 1, 1999 as compared to the same period in the prior year is primarily
due to the closure of 34 stores in fiscal 1998. This decrease was partially
offset by sales generated by new stores and comparable store sales growth. The
Company's Outlet Store Group, which represents approximately 93% of sales,
had comparable store sales growth of 3.7% for the first three months of fiscal
1999 as compared to the same period in the prior year, due primarily to
increased sales of men's Dockers(R) brand products and women's and youthwear
Levi's(R)and Dockers(R) brand product.
Gross Margin
- ------------
Set forth below are merchandise and gross margin rates and occupancy costs as a
percentage of total sales for the first quarter of fiscal 1999 and fiscal 1998.
Gross Margin Percentage
Rate Change at
May 1, 1999 May 2, 1998 May 1, 1999
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Merchandise Margin 41.3% 42.5% (2.8%)
Occupancy Costs 15.7% 20.9% 24.9%
Gross Margin 25.6% 21.6% 18.5%
The 4.0 percentage point increase in gross margin in the first quarter of fiscal
1999 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 1998 is primarily the result of
occupancy costs remaining stable while sales increased, which resulted in a
5.2 percentage point increase in occupancy. This increase was partially
offset by a 1.2 percentage point decrease in merchandise margin, which was the
result of short-term promotional mark-ups on selected merchandise during the
first quarter of fiscal 1998.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
- --------------------------------------------
Set forth below is certain information concerning the Company's selling, general
and administrative expenses for the first quarter of fiscal 1999 and fiscal
1998.
(In thousands, except May 1, 1999 May 2, 1998
percentage data) $ % of sales $ % of sales
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selling, General and Administrative $9,593 24.1% $ 11,946 27.5%
The $2.4 million or 19.7 percent decrease in selling, general and administrative
expenses was primarily due to the expense reduction actions taken in fiscal 1998
and 1997 as well as ongoing expense reduction programs. Store payroll expense,
the largest component of selling, general and administrative expenses, was 11.7
percent of sales, compared with 13.1 percent of sales in the prior year.
Depreciation and Amortization
- ------------------------------
Set forth below are depreciation and amortization expenses for the Company for
the first quarter of fiscal 1999 and fiscal 1998.
Percentage
(In thousands, except Change at
percentage data) May 1, 1999 May 2, 1998 May 1, 1999
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depreciation and
Amortization $1,726 $2,491 (30.7%)
The decrease in depreciation and amortization expenses in the first quarter of
fiscal year 1999 compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 1998 is
principally due to the write off of fixed assets in fiscal 1998 as part of the
Company's store closing program.
Interest Expense
- ----------------
Interest expense was $325,000 and $191,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 1999
and fiscal 1998, respectively. This increase was attributable to higher average
borrowing levels under the Company's revolving credit facility for the three
months ended May 1, 1999 as compared to the same period in the prior year. The
Company anticipates, barring unforeseen circumstances, that interest expense for
the remainder of fiscal 1999 will be greater than the prior year due to the
anticipated additional borrowings under the Company's revolving credit facility.
These additional borrowings primarily will fund payments necessary for capital
expenditures, lease terminations in connection with store closings and
merchandise purchases for the Levi's(R) and Dockers(R) Outlets by Designs
stores.
Interest Income
- ---------------
Interest income for the first quarter of fiscal 1999 was $6,000 compared to
$20,000 in the first quarter of fiscal year 1998. The decrease in interest
income is attributable to lower average investment balances compared to the same
periods in the prior year. The Company anticipates that interest income will be
minimal through fiscal 1999.
Net Profit/Loss
- ---------------
Set forth below is the net loss for the Company for the first quarter of fiscal
1999 and fiscal 1998.
Net Loss
(In thousands, except May 1, 1999 May 2, 1998
per share data) $ per share $ per share
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended $ (863) $(0.05) $( 3,052) ($0.19)
Segment Information
- -------------------
The Company operates its business under two reportable store segments:
(i) the Outlet Store Group and (ii) the Specialty Store Group. The Company
also has a segment for Closed Stores and Other which includes the operations
of all closed stores and stores that are expected to close through the third
quarter of fiscal 1999.
Outlet Store Group: At May 1, 1999, this store group included the Company's 60
Levi's(R) Outlet by Designs stores, the 25 acquired Dockers(R) and Levi's(R)
Outlet stores, the 11 Levi's(R) Outlet stores that were previously owned and
operated by the OLS Partnership through October 31, 1998 and five Buffalo Jeans
Factory Stores. These outlet stores all operate in outlet parks located
primarily in the eastern United States and primarily sell close out and end of
season merchandise from vendors.
Specialty Store Group: At May 1, 1999, this store group consisted of the five
remaining Designs stores that the Company intends to operate through fiscal
1999. These stores are located in enclosed regional shopping centers and offer a
broad selection of Levi Strauss & Co. branded merchandise with complementary
brands of tops and bottoms.
Closed Stores and Other: This group included the Designs, Boston Trading Co.(TM)
and Boston Traders(R) Outlet stores that were closed as part of the fiscal 1997
and fiscal 1998 store closing programs. The operations of the three Original
Levi's Stores(TM) that were distributed to LDJV, Inc. in October 1998 and the
operations of the eight Original Levi's Stores(TM) that were closed in fiscal
1998 are also included in this group. Also included in this segment are the four
Boston Traders(R) Outlet stores, two BTC(TM) and one Designs store that are all
expected to close by the end of the third quarter of fiscal 1999.
The Company evaluates individual store profitability based on the store's
"Contribution to Profit", which is defined by the Company as gross margin less
occupancy costs and all store specific expenses such as payroll, advertising,
insurance and depreciation. The Company sometimes transfers end-of-season
merchandise from its Specialty stores to its Outlet stores. Transfers
represented approximately five percent of the Outlet Store Group's total
receipts in fiscal 1998. The Company transfers merchandise at the receiving
store's retail price with any associated markdowns being recorded by the
sending store.
Below is a summary of the results of operations for each of the reportable
segments for the three months ended May 1, 1999 and May 2, 1998:
For the three months ended May 1, 1999
- --------------------------------------
Closed
(in thousands) Outlets Specialty and Other Total
- -------------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Sales $ 36,644 $ 1,544 $ 1,647 $ 39,835
Merchandise margin 15,305 529 646 16,480
Occupancy costs 5,230 418 615 6,263
Gross margin 10,075 111 31 10,217
Contribution to profit 3,332 (281) (506) 2,545
Segment Assets:
Inventory 50,264 2,100 116 52,480
Fixed assets, net 9,461 859 6,822 (1) 17,142
For the three months ended May 2, 1998
- --------------------------------------
Closed
(in thousands) Outlets Specialty and Other Total
- -------------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Sales $ 28,883 $ 1,907 $ 12,610 $ 43,400
Merchandise margin 12,663 621 5,148 18,432
Occupancy costs 4,103 500 4,453 9,056
Gross margin 8,560 121 695 9,376
Contribution to profit 3,075 (276) (3,661) (862)
Segment Assets:
Inventory 37,420 2,321 17,185 56,926
Fixed assets, net 6,735 1,099 24,890 (1) 32,724
(1)Fixed assets for the Closed Stores and Other include fixed assets for the
corporate office which were $6.2 million and $8.2 million as of May 1,
1999 and May 2, 1998, respectively.
Reconciliation of Contribution to Profit to Operating Loss
- ----------------------------------------------------------
For the three months ended
(in thousands) May 1, 1999 May 2, 1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outlet store segment $ 3,332 $ 3,075
Specialty store segment (281) (276)
Closed store and other (506) (3,661)
General and Administrative Expenses (3,647) (4,199)
---------- --------
Total Operating Loss $ (1,102) $(5,061)
STORE CLOSING PROGRAMS
During the third quarter of fiscal 1998, the Company announced its plans to
close 14 unprofitable Designs stores and eight unprofitable Boston Trading
Co.(R)/BTC(TM) stores through lease terminations and expirations. This store
closing strategy resulted in the Company recording a pre-tax charge of $13.4
million, or $0.47 per share after tax, related to the closing of 14 Designs
stores, eight Boston Trading Co.(R)/BTC(TM) and eight remaining Original Levi's
Stores(TM) closed by the joint venture. The total revised estimated cost to
close these stores is $10.5 million, which is $2.9 million less than the
original charge, primarily due to favorable landlord negotiations on lease
termination payments. As a result, the Company recognized pre-tax income of
$2.9 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998. Total estimated cash costs
are expected to be $4.2 million related to lease terminations, employee
severance and other related expenses. The remainder of the $10.5 million charge
consists of non-cash costs of approximately $6.3 million in store fixed asset
write-offs. All of these stores were closed by the end of fiscal 1998. At
May 1, 1999, the remaining reserve balance related to these store closings was
$1.4 million, which primarily relates to landlord settlements and severance
payments that the Company anticipates will be paid in fiscal 1999.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, the Company recorded additional store
closing and severance reserves of $5.2 million, or $0.20 per share, related to
the decision to close three BTC(TM) stores, one Designs store, and four
Boston Traders(R) Outlet stores and to further reduce corporate headcount. This
pre-tax charge included cash costs of approximately $2.9 million related to
lease terminations and corporate severance, and $2.3 million of non-cash costs
related to store fixed asset write-offs and markdowns. At May 1, 1999, the
remaining reserve balance related to these store closings is $4.2 million.
The combined earnings and cash flow benefits of the third and fourth quarter
charges are expected, barring unforeseen circumstances, to be $8.5 million and
$13.5 million, respectively, for both fiscal 1999 and 2000.
Seasonality
- -----------
The Company's business historically has been seasonal, reflecting increased
consumer buying in the "Fall" and "Holiday" seasons. Historically, the second
half of each fiscal year has generated a greater portion of the Company's annual
sales and operating income. In recent years, the Company's focus has shifted
towards its outlet store business. The percentage of the Company's outlet
business has increased and is anticipated to continue to increase because of the
shift in the Company's store mix towards outlet stores and away from mall-based
specialty stores. Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company's primary cash needs have been for operating expenses, including
cash outlays associated with inventory purchases, capital expenditures for new
and remodeled stores, and the purchase of 25 outlet stores from Levi's Only
Stores, Inc. in fiscal 1998. During fiscal 1999, the Company expects to incur
capital expenditures related to building new outlet stores and outlet store
relocations and system enhancements of $2.6 million. The Company expects that
cash flow from operations, short-term revolving borrowings and trade credit will
enable it to finance its current working capital, store remodeling and opening
requirements.
Working Capital and Cash Flows
- ------------------------------
To date, the Company has financed its working capital requirements,store opening
and store closing programs and remodeling programs with cash flow from
operations, income tax refunds, and borrowings under the Company's credit
facility. Cash provided by operations for the first three months of fiscal 1999
was $1.8 million as compared to cash provided for operations of $11.2 million
for the same period in the prior year. This $9.4 million change is primarily the
result of the receipt of a federal income tax refund of $12.9 million received
in the first quarter of fiscal 1998.
There was no cash and investment position at May 1, 1999 as compared to $3.8
million at May 2, 1998. At May 1, 1999, the Company had borrowings of $11.8
million outstanding under its revolving credit facility as compared to no
outstanding borrowings at May 2, 1998. The increase in the Company's net
borrowing position at May 1, 1999 as compared to May 2, 1998 is primarily due to
the fact that in the first quarter of fiscal 1998, the Company received a
$12.9 million income tax refund, which cash was not received in the same period
this year. In addition, in October 1998, the Company purchased from Levi's Only
Stores, Inc. 16 Dockers(R) Outlet stores and nine Levi's(R) Outlet stores for
$9.7 million, which was financed by borrowings under the Company's credit
facility. The Company expects that average borrowings for fiscal 1999 will be
higher than those in fiscal 1998 as a result of borrowings in the third quarter
of fiscal 1998 to fund the acquisition of the 25 outlet stores, fiscal 1999
inventory purchases and the cost of lease terminations associated with the
closing of unprofitable stores, as described above.
In May 1999, the Company borrowed $2.3 million and deposited that amount in a
trust established for the purpose of securing already existing obligations of
the Company to its three senior executive officers, Mr. Joel H. Reichman,
Mr. Scott N. Semel and Mrs. Carolyn R. Faulkner, under their employment
agreements with the Company. These funds will be held in a trust to pay the
amounts due under the employment agreements in the event of a change in control
of the Company and also to pay any amounts due to them pursuant to
indemnification obligations of the Company under certain indemnification
agreements and the Company's by-laws.
The Company's working capital at May 1, 1999 was approximately $24.2 million,
compared to $41.4 million at May 2, 1998. This decrease in working capital was
primarily attributable to operating losses for the twelve months ending May 1,
1999 and costs incurred as part of the Company's store closing program in fiscal
1998. The Company's working capital for the first quarter of fiscal 1999 of
$24.2 million has slightly increased from $24.1 million at January 30, 1999. At
May 1, 1999, total inventory equaled $52.5 million, compared to $56.9 million at
May 2, 1998. The decrease of 7 percent in the Company's inventory level was
primarily due to store closings in fiscal 1998.
The Company stocks its Levi's(R) Outlet by Designs and Dockers(R) Outlet by
Designs stores with manufacturing overruns, merchandise specifically
made for the outlets, discontinued lines and irregulars purchased
directly from Levi Strauss & Co., and end-of-season merchandise transferred
from the Company's Specialty Stores Group. By its nature, this merchandise,
including the most popular Levi Strauss & Co. styles of merchandise and the
breadth of the mix of this merchandise, is subject to limited availability. The
Company may act upon opportunities to purchase substantial quantities of
Levi's(R), Dockers(R) and Slates(R) brand products for its Levi's(R) and
Dockers(R) Outlet stores.
At May 1, 1999, the accounts payable balance was $5.4 million as compared with a
balance of $12.6 million at May 2, 1998. This 57 percent decrease was primarily
related to the timing of payments to vendors associated with a reduced store
count and the timing of merchandise receipts. The Company's trade payables to
Levi Strauss & Co., its principal vendor, generally are due 30 days after the
date of invoice. The Company expects, barring unforeseen circumstances, that any
purchases of branded merchandise from vendors other than Levi Strauss & Co. will
be limited and will be in accordance with customary industry credit terms.
On June 4, 1998 the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Loan and
Security Agreement with a subsidiary of BankBoston, N.A., BankBoston Retail
Finance Inc., as agent for the lenders named therein (the "Credit Agreement").
This credit facility, which terminates on June 4, 2001, consists of a revolving
line of credit permitting the Company to borrow up to $50 million. Under this
facility, the Company has the ability to cause the lenders to issue documentary
and standby letters of credit up to $5 million. The Company's obligations under
the Credit Agreement are secured by a lien on all of the Company's assets. The
ability of the Company to borrow under the Credit Agreement is subject to a
number of conditions, including the accuracy of certain representations and
compliance with tangible net worth and fixed charge coverage ratio covenants.
The availability of the unused revolving line of credit is limited to specified
percentages of the value of the Company's eligible inventory determined under
the Credit Agreement, ranging from 60% to 65%. At the option of the Company,
borrowings under this facility bear interest at BankBoston N.A.'s prime rate or
at LIBOR-based fixed rates. The Credit Agreement contains certain covenants and
events of default customary for credit facilities of this nature, including
change of control provisions and restrictions on payment of dividends by the
Company. The Company is subject to a prepayment penalty of $250,000 to $500,000
if the Credit Agreement terminates prior to June 4, 2000.
In the third quarter of fiscal 1998, the Credit Agreement was amended to, among
other things, permit and acknowledge the Company's acquisition of nine Levi's(R)
Outlet and 16 Dockers(R) Outlet stores from Levi's Only Stores, Inc. and to
permit and acknowledge the transactions associated with the dissolution and
winding up of The Designs/OLS Partnership (the "OLS Partnership"). These
amendments include an increase in the minimum tangible net worth that the
Company must have, which was adjusted to recognize the value of the assets
distributed to the Company by the OLS Partnership. Prior to these amendments,
the tangible net worth of the OLS Partnership was excluded from the calculation
of the Company's tangible net worth for purposes of these financial covenants.
Subject to certain limitations and conditions, the Credit Agreement permits the
Company, without the prior permission of the lenders, to consummate certain
acquisitions and to repurchase shares of the Company's Common Stock. These
amendments, among other things, reduced the amount that the Company may expend
for such purposes without obtaining the prior permission of its lenders.
At May 1, 1999, the Company had borrowings of $11.8 million outstanding under
this facility and had two outstanding standby letters of credit totaling
approximately $377,400. The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants at
the end of the first quarter.
On May 2, 1995, the Company acquired certain assets of Boston Trading Ltd., Inc.
("Boston Trading") in accordance with the terms of an Asset Purchase Agreement
dated April 21, 1995. The Company paid $5.4 million in cash, financed by
operations, and delivered a non-negotiable promissory note in the original
principal amount of $1 million (the "Purchase Note"). The principal amount of
the Purchase Note was payable in two equal installments through May 1997. In the
first quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company asserted certain indemnification
rights under the Asset Purchase Agreement. In accordance with the Asset Purchase
Agreement, the Company, when exercising its indemnification rights, has the
right, among other courses of action, to offset against the payment of principal
and interest due and payable under the Purchase Note the value of its
indemnification claim. Accordingly, based on these indemnification rights, the
Company ultimately did not make either of the $500,000 payments of principal on
the Purchase Note that were due on May 2, 1996 and May 2, 1997. Nevertheless,
the Company continued to pay interest on the original principal amount of the
Purchase Note through May 2, 1996 and continued to pay interest thereafter
through November 2, 1997 on $500,000 of principal. The portion of the principal
amount of the Purchase Note ultimately to be paid by the Company depends upon
whether its claims are satisfied by Boston Trading and its stockholders.
Year 2000 Issue
- ---------------
I. State of Readiness: Most of the Company's computer and process control
systems were designed to use only two digits to represent years. As a
result, they may not recognize "00" as representing the year 2000, but
rather the year 1900 which could result in errors or system failures.
The Company is in the process of converting technology and its
information systems to be Year 2000 compliant. Barring unforeseen
circumstances, the Company anticipates that the conversion will be
complete by the end of calendar year 1999.
The Company's primary data processing systems for financial reporting,
and merchandise management have been upgraded with new releases of year
2000 compliant software. Other significant systems utilized by the
Company, which include point of sale register systems are in the
process of being upgraded and will be complete in the second quarter of
1999. The payroll system is in process of being reviewed and the
Company plans to upgrade this system in 1999.
Management is reviewing embedded systems impacted by the year 2000
issue and a plan has been developed to address embedded systems based
upon how critical they are to the business. During the second quarter
of fiscal 1999 the Company expects to implement a plan to determine the
year 2000 readiness of the Company's vendors including, Levi Strauss &
Co. and the Company's other merchandise vendors.
II. Cost to Address Year 2000 Issues: The Company expects to spend a total
of approximately $600,000,which will be expensed in the Company's
financial statements as incurred, in conversion and upgrade costs.
Through the end of fiscal year 1998, the Company had spent $300,000.
The Company expects that cash flow from operations, and short-term
revolving borrowings will enable it to fund its Year 2000 remediation.
III. Risks related to the Company's Year 2000 Issues: The Company's ability
to operate would be impacted by the lack of electronic transmission of
data from its merchandise vendors and would result in the
implementation of manual processes to account for receipt of
merchandise. The implementation of manual processes would result in a
slow down of product shipments to the Company's stores, which could
have an adverse impact on sales. In a worst case scenario,
telecommunications or electrical power interruptions on a regional or
national scale could adversely affect all merchants' ability to
operate.
IV. Company's Contingency Plan: The Company's contingency plan in the event
that a slow down of shipments from Levi Strauss & Co. occurs includes
increasing purchases in advance of the beginning of the year 2000 to
ensure adequate supplies of merchandise would be available.
Capital Expenditures
- ---------------------
Total cash outlays for capital expenditures for the first three months of fiscal
1999 were $1,131,000, which represents the cost of new and remodeled stores.
Total cash outlays for the first three months of fiscal 1998 were $151,000.
During the first three months of fiscal 1999, the Company opened three new
Levi's(R)/Dockers(R) Outlet by Designs stores and began to remodel four of the
older Levi's(R) Outlet by Designs stores.
The Company's present plans for expansion for the remainder of fiscal 1999,
barring unforeseen circumstances, include relocating an additional eight
Levi's(R)/Dockers(R) Outlet by Designs stores, and opening two Dockers(R) Outlet
by Designs stores and one Levi's(R) Outlet by Designs store.
On October 31, 1998 the Company and Levi Strauss & Co. amended the trademark
license agreement (as amended, the "Outlet License Agreement") that authorizes
the Company to use certain Levi Strauss & Co. trademarks in connection with the
operation of the Company's Levi's(R) Outlet by Designs and Dockers(R) Outlet by
Designs stores in 25 states in the eastern portion of the United States. Subject
to certain default provisions, the term of the Outlet License Agreement was
extended to September 30, 2004, and the license for any particular store is the
period co-terminous with the lease term for such store (including extension
options). Beginning with the amendment to the Outlet License Agreement effective
on October 31, 1998, the Outlet License Agreement provides that the Company has
the opportunity to extend the term of the license associated with one or more of
the Company's older Levi's(R) Outlet by Designs stores by either renovating the
store or replacing the store with a new store with an updated format and
fixturing. In order to extend the license associated with each of the Company's
59 older outlet stores, the Company must, subject to certain grace periods,
complete these renovations or the construction of replacement stores by December
31, 2004. At May 1, 1999, the average remaining lease term (including extension
options) of the Company's Levi's(R) Outlet by Designs and Dockers(R) Outlet by
Designs stores was approximately 10 years.
The Company, with the approval of Levi Strauss & Co., initiated a program to
remodel or replace its 59 oldest Levi's(R) Outlet by Designs stores beginning in
fiscal 1999. The Company intends, barring unforeseen circumstances, to move,
remodel or replace these stores over the next five years beginning in fiscal
1999. At May 1, 1998, the Company had closed two of its older 59 Levi's(R)
Outlet stores and has opened three new Levi's(R)/Dockers(R) Outlet by Designs
stores.
THE FOREGOING DISCUSSION OF THE COMPANY'S RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, LIQUIDITY,
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURES INCLUDES CERTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING
INFORMATION. SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION REQUIRES MANAGEMENT TO MAKE
CERTAIN ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING THE COMPANY'S EXPECTED STRATEGIC
DIRECTION AND THE RELATED EFFECT OF SUCH PLANS ON THE FINANCIAL RESULTS OF THE
COMPANY. ACCORDINGLY, ACTUAL RESULTS AND THE COMPANY'S IMPLEMENTATION OF ITS
PLANS AND OPERATIONS MAY DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS MADE
BY THE COMPANY. THE COMPANY ENCOURAGES READERS OF THIS INFORMATION TO REFER TO
EXHIBIT 99 OF THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K, PREVIOUSLY FILED WITH
THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 1, 1998, WHICH
IDENTIFIES CERTAIN RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES THAT MAY HAVE AN IMPACT ON FUTURE
EARNINGS AND THE DIRECTION OF THE COMPANY.
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Not applicable.
Part II. Other Information
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings
In January 1998 Atlantic Harbor, Inc. (formerly known as "Boston
Trading Ltd., Inc.") filed a lawsuit against the Company for failing to pay the
outstanding principal amount of the Purchase Note. Thereafter, the Company filed
claims against Atlantic Harbor, Inc. and its stockholders alleging that the
Company was damaged in excess of $1 million because of the breach of certain
representations and warranties concerning the existence and condition of certain
foreign trademark registrations and license agreements. Barring unforeseen
circumstances, management of the Company does not believe that the result of
this litigation will have a material adverse effect on the Company's business or
financial condition.
The Company is a party to other litigation and claims arising in the
normal course of its business. Barring unforeseen circumstances, management does
not expect the results of these actions to have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business or financial condition.
ITEM 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
ITEM 3. Default Upon Senior Securities
None.
ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
On December 7, 1998, a consent with respect to 1,570,000 shares of
Common Stock executed on behalf of Jewelcor Management, Inc., a Nevada
corporation ("Jewelcor"), and its controlling shareholder, Seymour Holtzman, was
delivered to the Company for the purpose of removing and replacing the members
of the Company's Board of Directors other than the Chairman, Stanley I. Berger.
A preliminary Consent Solicitation Statement was filed on December 7, 1998 by
the Holtzman Group with the Securities and Exchange Commission. On December 11,
1998, the Board of Directors of the Company determined to oppose the consent
solicitation (the "Consent Solicitation") by Jewelcor and Mr. Holtzman.
The Consent Solicitation expired without the election of any new members
to the Company's Board of Directors. Accordingly, Stanley I. Berger, Joel H.
Reichman, James G. Groninger, Melvin I. Shapiro, Peter L. Thigpen and
Bernard M. Manuel remained in office as members of the Company's Board of
Directors following the termination of the Consent Solicitation.
The Company did not enter into any settlement with Jewelcor or
Mr. Holtzman terminating the Consent Solicitation.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
Accompanying this Quarterly Report as Exhibit 99.2 and incorporated
herein by reference is a copy of a letter sent by the Special Committee of the
Board of Directors of Designs, Inc. to Mr. Seymour Holtzman, President of
Jewelcor Management, Inc. on June 11, 1999.
ITEM 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
A. Reports on Form 8-K:
None.
B. Exhibits:
3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as
amended (included as Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 3 of the
Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-13402),
and incorporated herein by reference). *
3.2 Certificate of Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation,
as amended, dated June 22, 1993 (included as Exhibit 3.2 to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 17, 1996, and
incorporated herein by reference). *
3.3 Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of a Series
of Preferred Stock of the Company establishing Series A Junior
Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock dated May 1, 1995
(included as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K dated May 1, 1996, and incorporated herein by
reference). *
3.4 By-Laws of the Company, as amended (included as Exhibit 3.4 to
the Company's Amendment No. 1 to Annual Report on Form 10-K-/A
dated May 28, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference). *
4.1 Shareholder Rights Agreement dated as of May 1, 1995 between the
Company and its transfer agent (included as Exhibit 4.1 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 1, 1995, and
incorporated herein by reference). *
4.2 First Amendment dated as of October 6, 1997 to the Shareholder
Rights Agreement dated as of May 1, 1995 between the Company its
transfer agent (included as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current
Report on Form 8-K dated October 9, 1997, and incorporated
herein by reference). *
4.3 Second Amendment dated as of May 19, 1999 to the Shareholder
Rights Agreement between the Company and its transfer agent, as
amended (included as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report
on Form 8-K dated May 25, 1999, and incorporated herein by
reference. *
10.1 1987 Incentive Stock Option Plan, as amended (included as Exhibit
10.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K dated April 29,
1993, and incorporated herein by reference). *
10.2 1987 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, as amended (included as
Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K dated
April 29, 1993, and incorporated herein by reference). *
10.3 1992 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (included as Exhibit 10.3
to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 16,
1998, and incorporated herein by reference). *
10.4 Senior Executive Incentive Plan for fiscal year ending January 29,
2000 (included as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K dated April 30, 1999 and incorporated herein
by reference). *
10.5 License Agreement between the Company and Levi Strauss & Co.
dated as of April 14, 1992 (included as Exhibit 10.8 to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K dated April 29, 1993, and
incorporated herein by reference). *
10.6 Amended and Restated Trademark License Agreement between the
Company and Levi Strauss & Co. dated as of October 31, 1998
(included as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K dated December 3, 1998, and incorporated herein by
reference). *
10.7 Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of
June 4, 1998, between the Company and BankBoston Retail Finance
Inc., as agent for the Lender(s) identified therein ("BRBF"),
and the Lender(s) (included as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's
Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 11, 1998, and incorporated
herein by reference). *
10.8 Fee letter dated as of June 4, 1998, between the Company and
BBRF (included as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report
on Form 8-K dated June 11, 1998, and incorporated herein
by reference). *
10.9 First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of
September 29, 1998 among the Company, BBRF and the Lender(s)
identified therein (included as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's
Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 3, 1998, and
incorporated herein by reference). *
10.10 Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of
October 31, 1998 among the Company, BBRF and the Lender(s)
identified therein (included as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's
Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 3, 1998, and
incorporated herein by reference). *
10.11 Participation Agreement among Designs JV Corp. (the "Designs
Partner"), the Company, LDJV Inc. (the "LOS Partner"), Levi's
Only Stores, Inc. ("LOS"), Levi Strauss & Co. ("LS&CO") and
Levi Strauss Associates Inc. ("LSAI") dated January 28, 1995
(included as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K dated April 24, 1995, and incorporated herein by
reference). *
10.12 Partnership Agreement of The Designs/OLS Partnership (the "OLS
Partnership") between the LOS Partner and the Designs Partner
dated January 28, 1995 (included as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's
Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 24, 1995, and incorporated
herein by reference). *
10.13 Glossary executed by the Designs Partner, the Company, the LOS
Partner, LOS, LS&CO, LSAI and the OLS Partnership dated
January 28, 1995 (included as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's
Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 24, 1995, and
incorporated herein by reference). *
10.14 Sublicense Agreement between LOS and the LOS Partner dated
January 28, 1995 (included as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's
Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 24, 1995, and
incorporated herein by reference). *
10.15 Sublicense Agreement between the LOS Partner and the OLS
Partnership dated January 28, 1995 (included as Exhibit 10.5
to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 24,
1995, and incorporated herein by reference). *
10.16 License Agreement between the Company and the OLS Partnership
dated January 28, 1995 (included as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's
Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 24, 1995, and incorporated
herein by reference). *
10.17 Administrative Services Agreement between the Company and the
OLS Partnership dated January 28, 1995 (included as Exhibit 10.7
to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 24, 1995,
and incorporated herein by reference). *
10.18 Amendment and Distribution Agreement dated as of October 31, 1998
among the Designs Partner, the LOS Partner and the OLS
Partnership (included as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current
Report on Form 8-K dated December 3, 1998, and incorporated
herein by reference). *
10.19 Guaranty by the Company in favor of LS&CO. of the indemnification
obligation of the Designs Partner dated as of October 31, 1998
(included as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K dated December 3, 1998, and incorporated herein by
reference). *
10.20 Asset Purchase Agreement between LOS and the Company relating to
the sale by the Company of stores located in Minneapolis,
Minnesota dated January 28, 1995 (included as Exhibit 10.9 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 24, 1995,
and incorporated herein by reference). *
10.21 Asset Purchase Agreement among Boston Trading Ltd., Inc., Designs
Acquisition Corp., the Company and others dated April 21, 1995
(included as 10.16 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
dated September 12, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference). *
10.22 Non-Negotiable Promissory Note between the Company and Atlantic
Harbor, Inc., formerly known as Boston Trading Ltd., Inc., dated
May 2, 1995 (included as 10.17 to the Company's Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q dated September 12, 1995, and incorporated herein
by reference). *
10.23 Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of September 30, 1998 between
the Company and LOS relating to the purchase by the Company of 16
Dockers(R) Outlet and nine Levi's(R) Outlet stores (included as
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
December 3, 1998, and incorporated herein by reference). *
10.24 Employment Agreement dated as of October 16, 1995 between the
Company and Joel H. Reichman (included as Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 6, 1995,
and incorporated herein by reference). *
10.25 Employment Agreement dated as of October 16, 1995 between the
Company and Scott N. Semel (included as Exhibit 10.2 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 6, 1995,
and incorporated herein by reference). *
10.26 Employment Agreement dated as of May 9, 1997 between the
Company and Carolyn R. Faulkner (included as Exhibit 10.23 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 17, 1997,
and incorporated herein by reference). *
10.27 Indemnification Agreement between the Company and James G.
Groninger, dated December 10, 1998 (included as Exhibit 10.30
to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K dated April 30, 1999
and incorporated herein by reference). *
10.28 Indemnification Agreement between the Company and Bernard M.
Manuel, dated December 10, 1998 (included as Exhibit 10.31 to
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K dated April 30, 1999
and incorporated herein by reference). *
10.29 Indemnification Agreement between the Company and Peter L.
Thigpen, dated December 10, 1998 (included as Exhibit 10.32 to
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K dated April 30, 1999
and incorporated herein by reference). *
10.30 Indemnification Agreement between the Company and Melvin I.
Shapiro, dated December 10, 1998 (included as Exhibit 10.33 to
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K dated April 30, 1999
and incorporated herein by reference). *
10.31 Indemnification Agreement between the Company and Joel H.
Reichman, dated December 10, 1998 (included as Exhibit 10.34 to
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K dated April 30, 1999
and incorporated herein by reference). *
10.32 Indemnification Agreement between the Company and Scott N. Semel,
dated December 10, 1998 (included as Exhibit 10.35 to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K dated April 30, 1999 and
incorporated herein by reference). *
10.33 Indemnification Agreement between the Company and Carolyn R.
Faulkner, dated December 10, 1998 (included as Exhibit 10.36 to
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K dated April 30, 1999
and incorporated herein by reference). *
11 Statement re: computation of per share earnings.
27 Financial Data Schedule.
99.1 Report of the Company dated May 1, 1998 concerning certain
cautionary statements of the Company to be taken into account in
conjunction with consideration and review of the Company's
publicly-disseminated documents (including oral statements made
by others on behalf of the Company) that include forward
looking information. *
99.2 Letter dated June 11, 1999 from the Special Committee of the
Board of Directors of Designs, Inc. to Mr. Seymour Holtzman.
* Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Pursuant to the requirements 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.
DESIGNS, INC.
June 15, 1999 By: /s/ CAROLYN R. FAULKNER
-------------------------------------
Carolyn R. Faulkner, Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
EX-11
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Exhibit 11. Statement Re: Computation of Per Share Earnings
EX-11
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Three months ended
May 1, 1999 May 2, 1998
----------- -----------
(in thousands except per share data)
Basic EPS Computation
Numerator:
Net loss $ (863) $ (3,052)
Denominator:
Weighted average
common shares outstanding 15,889 15,733
-----------------------------
Basic EPS $ (0.05) $ (0.19)
Diluted EPS Computation
Numerator:
Net loss $ (863) $ (3,052)
Denominator:
Weighted average common
shares outstanding 15,889 15,733
Stock options, excluding anti-dilutive
options of 139 shares and 56 shares
for the three months ending May 1, 1999
and May 2, 1998, respectively. --- ---
------------------------------
Total Shares 15,889 15,733
Diluted EPS $ (0.05) $ (0.19)
5
1000
3-mos
JAN-29-2000
JAN-31-1999
MAY-01-1999
0
0
480
0
52,480
56,793
45,538
28,396
95,817
32,621
0
0
0
162
63,034
95,817
39,835
39,835
29,618
29,618
11,319
0
325
(1,421)
(558)
(863)
0
0
0
(863)
(0.05)
(0.05)
Special Committee of the Board of Directors
Designs, Inc.
66 B Street
Needham, Massachusetts 02494
June 11, 1999
Via Telecopy - 561-447-4758
Mr. Seymour Holtzman
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Jewelcor Companies
100 North Wilkes-Barre Boulevard
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Dear Mr. Holtzman:
In your proposal letter dated April 28, 1999, you stated that you could
speedily and efficiently complete the proposed acquisition of the Company.
Considerable time has passed since then, and unfortunately it remains unclear
whether you are willing or able to complete this transaction.
The Company has responded promptly and diligently to satisfy the
conditions you raised. We have facilitated your completion of an appraisal of
the Company's inventory and provided you with all the information you requested
on our tax reserve.
You have stated that the consent of Levi Strauss & Co. is a necessary
condition to consummating the acquisition. We provided you with contact
information at Levi Strauss and, as you requested, the Board of Directors of the
Company has amended the Company's Shareholder Rights Agreement to permit Stanley
Berger to participate with you in seeking the consent of Levi Strauss & Co. We
understand that Levi Strauss & Co. is still awaiting your response to a
questionnaire that they provided to you as part of their review. We urge you to
complete all communications with Levi Strauss as soon as possible.
We are concerned that your requests to talk with other large
stockholders of Designs about joining your effort to acquire the Company suggest
that you may be experiencing difficulty in arranging the financing for the
acquisition of the Company's common stock at $3.65 per share. In April, you
expressed confidence that you could arrange financing for the transaction. To
date, however, you have not shared your financing plans with us or provided us
any other information to enable us to assess the viability of your proposed
financing. In view of your recent requests, we ask that you provide to us a
written description of your financing plans and an opportunity to discuss those
plans with your prospective financing sources as soon as possible.
The Special Committee remains ready to pursue your original proposal
to acquire the Company's outstanding common stock at a price of $3.65 per share
in cash. In the interests of all Designs' stockholders, the Special Committee
reiterates its need to obtain greater clarity and certainty regarding your
proposal and to complete this process expeditiously.
Special Committee of the
Board of Directors
/s/ JAMES G. GRONINGER
James G. Groninger
Chairman
