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EX-15 - GRANT THORNTON LLP AWARENESS LETTER - SUPERIOR GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC.dex15.htm
EX-32 - SECTION 906 CEO AND CFO CERTIFICATION - SUPERIOR GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC.dex32.htm
EX-31.1 - SECTION 302 CEO CERTIFICATION - SUPERIOR GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC.dex311.htm
EX-31.2 - SECTION 302 CFO CERTIFICATION - SUPERIOR GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC.dex312.htm

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

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

For the quarter ended March 31, 2011

OR

 

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

Commission file number 001-05869

 

 

SUPERIOR UNIFORM GROUP, INC.

 

 

 

Incorporated - Florida   Employer Identification No.
  11-1385670

10055 Seminole Boulevard

Seminole, Florida 33772-2539

Telephone No.: 727-397-9611

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one)

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller Reporting Company   x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

As of April 19, 2011 the registrant had 5,993,039 common shares outstanding, which is the registrant’s only class of common stock.

 

 

 


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. Financial Statements

SUPERIOR UNIFORM GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(Unaudited)

 

           Three Months Ended March 31,  
           2011      2010  

Net sales

     $ 26,898,600       $ 25,979,862   

Costs and expenses:

       

Cost of goods sold

       17,047,681         17,048,374   

Selling and administrative expenses

       8,905,850         8,120,797   

Interest expense

       6,147         2,474   
                   
       25,959,678         25,171,645   
                   

Earnings before taxes on income

       938,922         808,217   

Income tax expense

       340,000         300,000   
                   

Net earnings

     $ 598,922       $ 508,217   
                   

Weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period

     (Basic     5,978,828         5,908,054   
     (Diluted     6,070,970         5,960,009   

Per Share Data:

       

Basic

       

Net earnings

     $ 0.10       $ 0.09   
                   

Diluted

       

Net earnings

     $ 0.10       $ 0.09   
                   

Cash dividends per common share

     $ 0.135       $ 0.135   
                   

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

 

2


SUPERIOR UNIFORM GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

ASSETS

 

     March 31,
2011
(Unaudited)
     December 31,
2010 (1)
 

CURRENT ASSETS:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,888,926       $ 9,107,461   

Accounts receivable and other current assets

     27,517,775         21,827,978   

Inventories*

     30,964,068         31,029,947   
                 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

     60,370,769         61,965,386   

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

     9,354,258         9,463,884   

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

     3,472,341         911,225   

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

     1,938,400         1,680,000   

OTHER ASSETS

     151,723         173,403   
                 
   $ 75,287,491       $ 74,193,898   
                 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 5,672,752      $ 5,103,768   

Other current liabilities

     2,416,266        3,713,038   
                

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

     8,089,018        8,816,806   

LONG-TERM PENSION LIABILITY

     3,611,405        3,535,470   

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

     770,000        742,000   

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

    

Preferred stock, $1 par value - authorized 300,000 shares (none issued)

     —          —     

Common stock, $.001 par value - authorized 50,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding - 5,990,669 and 5,959,975, respectively.

     5,990        5,960   

Additional paid-in capital

     18,676,909        16,753,094   

Retained earnings

     48,113,176        48,402,710   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax:

    

Pensions

     (3,979,007     (4,062,142
                

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     62,817,068        61,099,622   
                
   $ 75,287,491      $ 74,193,898   
                

 

*  Inventories consist of the following:

    
     March 31,
2011
(Unaudited)
    December 31,
2010
 

Finished goods

   $ 22,853,003      $ 23,828,283   

Work in process

     42,490        66,853   

Raw materials

     8,068,575        7,134,811   
                
   $ 30,964,068      $ 31,029,947   
                

 

(1) The balance sheet as of December 31, 2010 has been derived from the audited balance sheet as of that date and has been condensed.

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

 

3


SUPERIOR UNIFORM GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Three Months Ended March 31,

(Unaudited)

 

     2011     2010  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

    

Net earnings

   $ 598,922      $ 508,217   

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash used in operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     793,734        680,271   

Provision for bad debts

     28,168        44,602   

Share-based compensation expense

     788,021        381,704   

Deferred income tax benefit

     (301,400     (270,250

Gain on sales of property, plant and equipment

     —          (37,937

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable and other current assets

     (5,717,965     (870,835

Inventories

     65,879        (1,738,144

Other assets

     21,680        39,211   

Accounts payable

     568,984        (256,182

Accrued expenses

     (1,296,772     (43,973

Pension liability

     202,070        28,047   

Other long-term liabilities

     28,000        25,000   
                

Net cash flows used in operating activities

     (4,220,679     (1,510,269
                

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

    

Additions to property, plant and equipment

     (394,778     (616,924

Disposals of property, plant and equipment

     10,986        44,156   

Proceeds from notes receivable collections

     —          7,626   

Acquisition of intangible assets

     (2,061,432     —     
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (2,445,224     (565,142
                

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

    

Proceeds from long-term debt

     3,320,000        3,035,000   

Repayment of long-term debt

     (3,320,000     (3,035,000

Payment of cash dividends

     (806,776     (797,847

Proceeds received on exercise of stock options

     366,774        28,008   

Common stock reacquired and retired

     (112,630     (182,881
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (552,632     (952,720
                

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (7,218,535     (3,028,131

Cash and cash equivalents balance, beginning of year

     9,107,461        6,365,557   
                

Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of period

   $ 1,888,926      $ 3,337,426   
                

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

 

4


SUPERIOR UNIFORM GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2011 AND 2010

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1 – Summary of Significant Interim Accounting Policies:

a) Basis of presentation

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements include the accounts of Superior Uniform Group, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries Fashion Seal Corporation and Superior Office Solutions, and their jointly owned subsidiaries, The Office Gurus and The Office Masters. They also include Superior Office Solutions S.A. and Scratt Kit S.R.L., wholly owned subsidiaries of Superior Office Solutions. Intercompany items have been eliminated in consolidation. The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The interim financial information contained herein is not certified or audited; it reflects all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring accruals) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the operating results for the periods presented, stated on a basis consistent with that of the audited financial statements. The unaudited financial information included in this report as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2011 has been reviewed by Grant Thornton LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, and their review report thereon accompanies this filing. Such review was made in accordance with established professional standards and procedures for such a review. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year.

b) Revenue recognition

The Company records revenue as products are shipped and title passes. A provision for estimated returns and allowances is recorded based on historical experience and current allowance programs.

c) Recognition of costs and expenses

Costs and expenses other than product costs are charged to income in interim periods as incurred, or allocated among interim periods based on an estimate of time expired, benefit received or activity associated with the periods. Procedures adopted for assigning specific cost and expense items to an interim period are consistent with the basis followed by the registrant in reporting results of operations at annual reporting dates. However, when a specific cost or expense item charged to expense for annual reporting purposes benefits more than one interim period, the cost or expense item is allocated to the interim periods.

d) Amortization of other intangible assets

The Company amortizes identifiable intangible assets on a straight line basis over their expected useful lives. Amortization expense for other intangible assets was $300,000 and $96,000 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

e) Advertising expenses

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were $22,000 and $8,000.

f) Shipping and handling fees and costs

The Company includes shipping and handling fees billed to customers in net sales. Shipping and handling costs associated with in-bound and out-bound freight are generally recorded in cost of goods sold. Other shipping and handling costs such as labor and overhead are included in selling and administrative expenses and totaled $1,471,000 and $1,603,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

5


g) Inventories

Inventories at interim dates are determined by using both perpetual records on a first-in, first-out basis and gross profit calculations.

h) Accounting for income taxes

The provision for income taxes is calculated by using the effective tax rate anticipated for the full year.

i) Employee benefit plan settlements

The Company recognizes settlement gains and losses in its financial statements when the cost of all settlements in a year is greater than the sum of the service cost and interest cost components of net periodic pension cost for the plan for the year.

j) Earnings per share

Historical basic per share data is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Historical diluted per share data is reconciled by adding to weighted average shares outstanding the dilutive impact of the exercise of outstanding stock options and stock appreciation rights.

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2011      2010  

Net earnings used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share

   $ 598,922       $ 508,217   
                 

Weighted average shares outstanding - basic

     5,978,828         5,908,054   

Common stock equivalents

     92,142         51,955   
                 

Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted

     6,070,970         5,960,009   
                 

Per Share Data:

     

Basic

     

Net earnings

   $ 0.10       $ 0.09   
                 

Diluted

     

Net earnings

   $ 0.10       $ 0.09   
                 

Awards to purchase 533,000 and 608,000 shares of common stock with weighted average exercise prices of $11.96 and $11.61 per share were outstanding during the three-month periods ending March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the awards’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares.

k) Use of estimates

The preparation of 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 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

l) Comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income represents the change in equity during a period from sources other than transactions with shareholders and, as such, includes net earnings. For the Company, the only other component of total comprehensive income is the change in pension costs.

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2011      2010  

Net earnings

   $ 598,922       $ 508,217   

Other comprehensive income:

     

Pensions - reclassification to net earnings during the period

     83,135         74,930   
                 
   $ 682,057       $ 583,147   
                 

m) Operating Segments

Accounting standards require disclosures of certain information about operating segments and about products and services, geographic areas in which the Company operates, and their major customers. The Company has evaluated its operations and has determined that currently it operates in one segment, as defined in the standards.

 

6


n) Share-Based Compensation

The Company awards share-based compensation as an incentive for employees to contribute to the Company’s long-term success. Historically, the Company has issued options and stock settled stock appreciation rights. At March 31, 2011, the Company had 1,424,250 shares of common stock authorized for awards of share-based compensation under its 2003 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan.

For the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, the Company recognized $788,000 and $382,000 of share-based compensation recorded in selling and administrative expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. This expense was offset by a $132,000 and a $29,000 deferred tax benefit for non-qualified share-based compensation for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. As of March 31, 2011, the Company had no unrecognized compensation cost expected to be recognized for prior share-based awards.

The Company grants stock options and stock settled stock appreciation rights (“SARS”) to employees that allow them to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock. Options are also granted to outside members of the Board of Directors of the Company. The Company determines the fair value of stock options and SARS at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model.

All options and SARS vest immediately at the date of grant. Awards generally expire five years after the date of grant with the exception of options granted to outside directors, which expire ten years after the date of grant. The Company issues new shares upon the exercise of stock options and SARS.

During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, the Company received $367,000 and $28,000 in cash from stock option exercises. No tax benefit was recognized for these exercises, as the options exercised were qualified incentive stock options.

A summary of options transactions during the three months ended March 31, 2011 follows:

 

     No. of
Shares
    Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 

Outstanding December 31, 2010

     699,790      $ 10.29   

Granted

     139,356        11.24   

Exercised

     (40,174     9.13   

Lapsed

     (52,500     11.20   

Cancelled

     (1,850     10.05   
                

Outstanding March 31, 2011

     744,622      $ 10.46   
                

At March 31, 2011, options outstanding, all of which were fully vested and exercisable, had an aggregate intrinsic value of $910,349.

Options exercised during the three-month period ended March 31, 2011 had an intrinsic value of $80,252. Options exercised during the three-month period ended March 31, 2010 had an intrinsic value of $4,806. The weighted average grant date fair value of the Company’s options granted during the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $2.96 and $2.29, respectively.

A summary of SARS transactions during the three months ended March 31, 2011 follows:

 

     No. of
Shares
    Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 

Outstanding December 31, 2010

     207,380      $ 11.30   

Granted

     127,144        11.24   

Exercised

     (2,100     9.16   

Lapsed

     (75,000     11.20   

Cancelled

     —          —     
                

Outstanding March 31, 2011

     257,424      $ 11.32   
                

At March 31, 2011, SARS outstanding, all of which were fully vested and exercisable, had an aggregate intrinsic value of $112,022.

 

7


SARS exercised during the three-month period ended March 31, 2011 had an intrinsic value of $4,893. There were no SARS exercised during the three-month period ended March 31, 2010. The weighted average grant date fair value of the Company’s SARS granted during the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $2.96 and $2.29, respectively.

The following table summarizes significant assumptions utilized to determine the fair value of share-based compensation awards.

 

Three months ended

        March 31,

   SARS     Options  

Exercise price

    

2011

   $ 11.24      $ 11.24   

2010

   $ 9.80      $ 9.80   

Market price

    

2011

   $ 11.24      $ 11.24   

2010

   $ 9.80      $ 9.80   

Risk free interest rate (1)

    

2011

     2.3     2.3

2010

     2.2     2.2

Expected award life (2)

     5 years        5 years   

Expected volatility (3)

    

2011

     43.5     43.5

2010

     41.7     41.7

Expected dividend yield (4)

    

2011

     4.8     4.8

2010

     5.5     5.5

 

(1) The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield of a U.S. treasury bond with a similar maturity as the expected life of the awards.
(2) The expected life in years for awards granted was based on the historical exercise patterns experienced by the Company when the award is made.
(3) The determination of expected stock price volatility for awards granted in each of the three-month periods ending March 31, was based on historical Superior common stock prices over a period commensurate with the expected life.
(4) The dividend yield assumption is based on the history and expectation of the Company’s dividend payouts.

Note 2 – Acquisition of Intangible Assets

On January 4, 2011, the Company entered into a License and Distribution Agreement (the “License Agreement”) with EyeLevel Interactive, LLC (“Licensor”), a leading technology company, pursuant to which the Company was granted a license to market, promote, sell and distribute garments utilizing certain intellectual property of Licensor (the “Products”) to the Company’s current and potential clients. The License Agreement expires three years and 180 days following the Effective Date (the “Term”). The Company may renew the License Agreement for additional three year terms by giving written notice to Licensor at least 90 days prior to the expiration of the then current term, provided the Company has met certain sales requirements relating to the Products and is not otherwise in default under the License Agreement or any manufacturing agreement with Licensor. Any renewal of the License Agreement will be on Licensor’s then current form, provided that the license fee, the restrictive covenants and certain other provisions of the License Agreement will be incorporated into the new form of agreement. The License Fee shall be payable on the first day of the renewal term.

In conjunction with the execution of the License Agreement, the Company paid Licensor a license fee (the “License Fee”) equal to (1) $2.0 million cash, plus (2) a warrant to acquire 360,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Warrant”) at the greater of the Company’s closing price as quoted on the Nasdaq Stock Market or the book value per share of the Company’s common stock as of the Effective Date. This Warrant will be exercisable until January 4, 2016, and has an exercise price of $10.63 per share. The Company determined the fair value of the Warrant at $800,000 utilizing the Black-Scholes valuation model. Additionally, the Company incurred $61,432 in expenses associated with the acquisition of the License Agreement. The total capitalized cost of the License Agreement is $2,861,432. This amount is being amortized over the initial term of the agreement of 42 months.

 

8


In the event the Company achieves a specified level of Gross Sales (as calculated pursuant to the License Agreement), during the initial Term, from the sale of Products, the Company will be required to pay Licensor an additional cash license fee. If the Company does not attain such level of Gross Sales during the initial Term, the Company may terminate the License Agreement. In addition to the License Fee, the Company shall pay Licensor a monthly royalty fee based upon Gross Sales from the sale of Products for the immediately preceding month of operation, subject to a minimum required annual payment if the License Agreement is not terminated prior to the end of the then current term.

NOTE 3 - Long-Term Debt:

 

     March 31,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 

Note payable to Wachovia, pursuant to revolving credit agreement, matured June 30, 2010

   $ —         $ —     

Note payable to Fifth Third Bank, pursuant to revolving credit agreement, maturing June 24, 2013

   $ —         $ —     

On June 25, 2010, the Company entered into a 3-year credit agreement with Fifth Third Bank that made available to the Company up to $15,000,000 on a revolving credit basis. Interest is payable at LIBOR plus 0.90% based upon the one-month LIBOR rate for U.S. dollar based borrowings (1.14% at March 31, 2011). The Company pays an annual commitment fee of 0.15% on the average unused portion of the commitment. The available balance under the credit agreement is reduced by outstanding letters of credit. As of March 31, 2011, there were no balances outstanding under letters of credit. The revolving credit agreement expires on June 24, 2013. At the option of the Company, any outstanding balance on the agreement at that date will convert to a one-year term loan. On June 30, 2010, the Company’s previous revolving credit agreement with Wachovia Bank expired.

The credit agreement with Fifth Third Bank contains restrictive provisions concerning liabilities to tangible net worth ratios (.75:1), other borrowings, and fixed charges coverage ratio (2.5:1). The Company is in full compliance with all terms, conditions and covenants of the credit agreement.

NOTE 4 – Periodic Pension Expense:

The following table presents the net periodic pension expense under our plans for the three month periods ended March 31:

 

     2011     2010  

Service cost - benefits earned during the period

   $ 139,000      $ 158,000   

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation

     273,000        257,000   

Expected return on plan assets

     (337,000     (270,000

Amortization of prior service cost

     7,000        7,000   

Recognized actuarial loss

     120,000        108,000   
                

Net periodic pension cost

   $ 202,000      $ 260,000   
                

There were no contributions made to the Company’s benefit plans during the periods ended March 31, 2011 or 2010.

NOTE 5 - Supplemental Cash Flow Information:

Cash paid for income taxes was $26,000 for each of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010. Cash paid for interest was $6,000 and $12,000, respectively for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010.

Additionally, the Company issued a warrant valued at $800,000 to acquire 360,000 shares of the Company’s common stock as partial payment for the License Agreement.

NOTE 6 – Contingencies:

The Company is involved in various legal actions and claims arising from the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate outcome of these matters will not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.

 

9


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Superior Uniform Group, Inc. (a Florida Corporation) and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2011, the related condensed consolidated statements of earnings and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 25, 2011, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2010, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the balance sheet from which it has been derived.

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP

Tampa, Florida

April 21, 2011

 

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ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Certain matters discussed in this Form 10-Q are “forward-looking statements” intended to qualify for the safe harbors from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because the context of the statement will include words such as we “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect” or words of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe our future plans, objectives, strategies or goals are also forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q include, without limitation: (1) projections of revenue, earnings, and other financial items, (2) statements of our plans, objectives, and intentions, (3) statements regarding the capabilities, capacities, and expected development of our business operations, and (4) statements of expected future economic performance. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that may materially adversely affect the anticipated results. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: general economic conditions, including employment levels, in the areas of the United States in which the Company’s customers are located; changes in the healthcare, resort and commercial industries where uniforms and service apparel are worn; the impact of competition; the price and availability of cotton and other manufacturing materials, and other factors described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those described in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements made herein and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made herein are only made as of the date of this Form 10-Q and we disclaim any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of the financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate the estimates that we have made. These estimates are based upon our historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Our actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Our critical accounting estimates are those that we believe require our most significant judgments about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. A discussion of our critical accounting estimates, the underlying judgments and uncertainties used to make them and the likelihood that materially different estimates would be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions is as follows:

Allowance for Losses on Accounts Receivable

These allowances are based on both recent trends of certain customers estimated to be a greater credit risk as well as general trends of the entire customer pool. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. An additional impairment in value of one percent of net accounts receivable would require an increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts and would result in additional expense of approximately $180,000.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Judgments and estimates are used in determining the likelihood that new goods on hand can be sold to customers. Historical inventory usage and current revenue trends are considered in estimating both excess and obsolete inventories. If actual product demand and market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

Insurance

The Company self-insures for certain obligations related to health insurance programs. The Company also purchases stop-loss insurance policies to protect it from catastrophic losses. Judgments and estimates are used in determining the potential value associated with reported claims and for losses that have occurred, but have not been reported. The Company’s estimates consider historical claim experience and other factors. The Company’s liabilities are based on estimates, and, while the Company believes that the accrual for loss is adequate, the ultimate liability may be in excess of or less than the amounts recorded. Changes in claim experience, the Company’s ability to settle claims or other estimates and judgments used by management could have a material impact on the amount and timing of expense for any period.

Pensions

The Company’s pension obligations are determined using estimates including those related to discount rates, asset values and changes in compensation. The discount rates used for the Company’s pension plans were determined based on the Citigroup Pension Yield Curve. This rate was selected as the best estimate of the rate at which the benefit obligations could be effectively settled on the measurement date taking into account the nature and duration of the benefit obligations of the plan using high-quality fixed-income investments currently available (rated AA or better) and expected to be available during the period to maturity of the benefits. The 8% expected return on plan assets was determined based on historical long-term investment returns as well as future expectations given target investment asset allocations and current economic conditions.

 

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The 4.5% rate of compensation increase represents the long-term assumption for expected increases in salaries among continuing active participants accruing benefits under the plans. Interest rates and pension plan valuations may vary significantly based on worldwide economic conditions and asset investment decisions.

Income Taxes

The Company is required to estimate and record income taxes payable for federal and state jurisdictions in which the Company operates. This process involves estimating actual current tax expense and assessing temporary differences resulting from differing accounting treatments between tax and book that result in deferred tax assets and liabilities. In addition, accruals are also estimated for federal and state tax matters for which deductibility is subject to interpretation. Taxes payable and the related deferred tax differences may be impacted by changes to tax laws, changes in tax rates and changes in taxable profits and losses. Federal income taxes are not provided on that portion of unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are expected to be reinvested indefinitely. Reserves are also estimated for uncertain tax positions that are currently unresolved. The Company routinely monitors the potential impact of such situations and believes that it is properly reserved. We accrue interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense, and the related liability is included in the total liability for unrecognized tax benefits.

Share-based Compensation

The Company recognizes expense for all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, in the financial statements based on their fair values. Share-based compensation expense that was recorded in 2011 and 2010 includes the compensation expense for the share-based payments granted in those years. In the Company’s share-based compensation strategy we utilize a combination of stock options and stock appreciation rights (“SARS”) that fully vest on the date of grant. Therefore, the fair value of the options and SARS granted is recognized as expense on the date of grant. The Company used the Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model to value any share-based compensation. Option valuation methods, including Black-Scholes-Merton, require the input of assumptions including the risk free interest rate, dividend rate, expected term and volatility rate. The Company determines the assumptions to be used based upon current economic conditions. The impact of changing any of the individual assumptions by 10% would not have a material impact on the recorded expense.

Business Outlook

The current economic environment in the United States remains challenging. Our primary products are provided to workers employed by our customers and, as a result, our business prospects are dependent upon levels of employment among other factors. Our revenues are impacted by the opening and closing of locations by our customers and reductions and increases in headcount by our customers. Additionally, voluntary employee turnover has been reduced significantly as a result of fewer alternative jobs available to employees of our customers. Fewer available jobs coupled with less attrition results in decreased demand for our uniforms and service apparel. In an effort to mitigate these factors in the current economic environment, we have implemented the following strategies. First, we are actively pursuing acquisitions to increase our market share in our image apparel business. Image apparel business consists of uniforms and service apparel. Second, we diversified our business model by providing call center services to other businesses. We entered this business sector to provide call center services to the Company at a lower cost in order to improve our own operating results. Our call center operations, located in El Salvador and Costa Rica, have enabled us to reduce our operating expenses and to more effectively service our customers’ needs. We began selling call center services to third parties at the end of 2009. We have grown our call center business to third party customers from approximately $120,000 in annual net sales in 2009 to approximately $1 million in net sales in 2010. We generated net sales of approximately $575,000 from our call center business in the first quarter of 2011 as compared to $68,000 in the first quarter of 2010. We are aggressively marketing our call center services to third parties and believe that this area will be a strong growth sector for the Company in 2011 and beyond. Finally, we are pursuing new product lines to enhance our market position in the image apparel business. Toward this end, we entered into a licensing agreement in January of 2011 that provides us with access to patented technology which will allow us to market a new line of image apparel to our customers. Our new line of image apparel is designed to provide our customers with the ability to turn their employee uniforms into point of sale advertisements that will, in turn, give them the ability to generate advertising revenues for their businesses. We believe that this new product line will provide us with the opportunity for significant growth in our image apparel business in the future. We expect to begin generating revenues from this new product line in the fourth quarter of 2011.

During the latter part of 2010, cotton prices began increasing dramatically and recently reached historical highs due to weather-related and other supply disruptions. This supply shortage combined with robust global demand, particularly in Asia, has created global concerns about availability of cotton resulting in increased costs for raw materials needed to manufacture our products. While we have been able to pass a portion of these price increases on to our customers, we expect that increases in cotton prices could negatively impact our gross margins during the remainder of 2011. Additionally, in order to secure adequate supplies of raw materials going forward, our suppliers are currently requiring increased deposits against certain purchase orders at the time they are placed.

 

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Results of Operations

Net sales increased 3.5% from $25,980,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 to $26,899,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The 3.5% increase in net sales for the quarter is split between growth in our call center operations (2.0%) and increases in net sales from our image apparel business (1.5%).

Cost of goods sold, as a percentage of sales, approximated 63.4% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2011 and 65.6% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2010. The decrease as a percentage of cost of sales is attributed to a decrease in direct product costs as a percentage of net sales during the current quarter (2.1%). This decrease is due to a combination of two factors. First, we have increased prices during the last year in order to cover higher product and operating costs. These increases in product costs are just beginning to affect our current inventory prices and could adversely impact our margins going forward. The impact of this item on our direct product costs as a percentage of net sales was a 1.5% reduction in the current quarter. Secondly, our call center net sales increased approximately $508,000 in the current quarter. The direct costs of sales associated with this operation are significantly lower than those in our image apparel business. The impact of this item on our direct product costs as a percentage of net sales was a 0.6% reduction in the current quarter. As disclosed in Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company includes a portion of the costs associated with its distribution network in selling and administrative expenses. The amounts included in selling and administrative expenses for the quarters ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were $1,471,000 and $1,603,000.

Selling and administrative expenses, as a percentage of sales approximated 33.1% for the first three months of 2011 as compared to 31.3% for the first three months of 2010. The increase as a percentage of sales is attributed primarily to an increase in salaries, wages and benefits in the current period (3.1%), offset by the impact of higher net sales to cover operating expenses (1.1%) and by a reduction in depreciation expense (0.4%). The increase in salaries, wages and benefits is attributed to higher stock compensation expense in the current period as a result of grants of more options and stock appreciation rights in the current period (1.5%), higher incentive compensation expense as a result of improved operating results (0.9%) and the balance is primarily attributed to an increase in employment levels to support our call center business.

Interest expense of $6,000 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2011 increased from $2,000 for the similar period ended March 31, 2010.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was 36.2% versus 37.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The 0.9% decrease in such effective tax rate is attributed primarily to the following: reduced provisions for uncertain tax positions (1.7%), a reduction in our non-deductible qualified stock compensation expense in the current period (0.7%), offset by an increase in our state income tax rate (1.4%).

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Accounts receivable and other current assets increased 26.1% from $21,828,000 on December 31, 2010 to $27,518,000 on March 31, 2011. Accounts receivable, net of allowance increased by $2,180,000 primarily as a result of higher net sales in the last month of the current period as compared to the last month of the previous period. Other current assets increased 87.1% by $3,510,000 due primarily to deposits placed with our suppliers against purchase orders at the time certain orders have been placed, in order to secure adequate supplies of raw materials. This increase in deposit requirements is attributed to the raw material shortages described above and is expected to remain a necessity at least for the short-term.

Inventories decreased 0.2% from $31,030,000 on December 31, 2010 to $30,964,000 as of March 31, 2011.

Other intangible assets increased 281.1% from $911,000 on December 31, 2010 to $3,472,000 on March 31, 2011. This increase is primarily attributed to the consummation of our license agreement with EyeLevel Interactive, LLC during the first quarter, which was offset by current amortization of other intangible assets.

Accounts payable increased 11.1% from $5,104,000 on December 31, 2010 to $5,673,000 on March 31, 2011. This increase is primarily attributed to the timing of purchases of raw materials.

Other current liabilities decreased 34.9% from $3,713,000 on December 31, 2010 to $2,416,000 on March 31, 2011. This decrease is primarily due to the reduction in accrued incentive compensation as year end accruals are paid out during the first quarter of each year.

 

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Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $7,218,000 from $9,107,000 on December 31, 2010 to $1,889,000 as of March 31, 2011. The Company used $4,221,000 in cash from operating activities, $2,445,000 in investing activities primarily related to the acquisition of intangible assets of $2,061,000, and used $552,000 in financing activities. Financing activities included the payment of cash dividends, as discussed below, offset primarily by proceeds received from the exercise of stock options of $367,000.

In the foreseeable future, the Company will continue its ongoing capital expenditure program designed to maintain and improve its facilities. The Company at all times evaluates its capital expenditure program in light of prevailing economic conditions.

During the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, the Company paid cash dividends of $807,000 and $798,000. The Company reacquired 9,905 and 19,022 shares of its common stock at a total cost of $113,000 and $183,000 in the three-month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, pursuant to its share repurchase program. The Company anticipates that it will continue to pay dividends and that it will reacquire and retire additional shares of its common stock in the future as financial conditions permit.

On June 25, 2010, the Company entered into a 3-year credit agreement with Fifth Third Bank that made available to the Company up to $15,000,000 on a revolving credit basis. Interest is payable at LIBOR plus 0.90% based upon the one-month LIBOR rate for U.S. dollar based borrowings (1.14% at March 31, 2011). The Company pays an annual commitment fee of 0.15% on the average unused portion of the commitment. The available balance under the credit agreement is reduced by outstanding letters of credit. As of March 31, 2011, there were no balances outstanding under letters of credit. The revolving credit agreement expires on June 24, 2013. At the option of the Company, any outstanding balance on the agreement at that date will convert to a one-year term loan. On June 30, 2010, the Company’s previous revolving credit agreement with Wachovia Bank expired.

The credit agreement with Fifth Third Bank contains restrictive provisions concerning liabilities to tangible net worth ratios (.75:1), other borrowings, and fixed charges coverage ratio (2.5:1). The Company is in full compliance with all terms, conditions and covenants of the credit agreement.

The Company believes that its cash flows from operating activities together with other capital resources and funds from credit sources will be adequate to meet all of its funding requirements for the remainder of the year and for the foreseeable future.

 

ITEM 3. Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 4. Controls And Procedures.

The Principal Executive Officer, Michael Benstock, and the Principal Financial Officer, Andrew D. Demott, Jr., evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report (the “Evaluation Date”), and, based on such evaluation, concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information the Company is required to disclose in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with this evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(d) under the Exchange Act that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings

None.

 

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

We are exposed to certain risks and uncertainties that could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and operating results. There have been no material changes to the Risk Factors described in Part I, Item 1A-Risk Factors in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

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ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

There were no unregistered sales of equity securities during the quarter ended March 31, 2011, that were not previously reported in a Current Report on Form 8-K.

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The table below sets forth information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of Superior Uniform Group, Inc. or any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act), of our common shares during the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

Period

   (a) Total Number of
Shares Purchased
     (b) Average Price Paid
per Share
     (c) Total Number of  Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced Plans
or Programs
     (d) Maximum Number
of Shares that May Yet
Be Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs (1)
 

Month #1 (January 1, 2011 to January 31, 2011)

     —           —           —        

Month #2 (February 1, 2011 to February 28, 2011)

     —           —           —        

Month #3 (March 1, 2011 to March 31, 2011)

     9,905       $ 11.37         9,905      
                                   

TOTAL

     9,905       $ 11.37         9,905         378,244   
                                   

 

(1) On August 1, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an increase to the outstanding authorization to allow for the repurchase of 1,000,000 additional shares of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. There is no expiration date or other restriction governing the period over which the Company can make share repurchases under the program. All such purchases were open market transactions.

Under our credit agreement with Fifth Third, if an event of default exists, we may not make distributions to our shareholders. The Company is in full compliance with all terms, conditions and covenants of its credit agreement.

 

ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Inapplicable.

 

ITEM 4. Removed and Reserved

 

ITEM 5. Other Information

None.

 

ITEM 6. Exhibits

See Exhibit Index.

 

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SIGNATURES

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.

 

Date: April 21, 2011   SUPERIOR UNIFORM GROUP, INC.
  By  

/s/ Michael Benstock

    Michael Benstock
    Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
  By  

/s/ Andrew D. Demott, Jr.

    Andrew D. Demott, Jr.
    Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
    and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
No.

  

Description

  3.1    Amended and Restated Bylaws of Superior Uniform Group, effective February 23, 2011, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 28, 2011 (File No.: 001-05869) and incorporated herein by reference.
15    Grant Thornton LLP Awareness Letter.
31.1    Certification by the Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2    Certification by the Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32    Certification of Periodic Financial Report by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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