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EXCEL - IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT - COSTA INCFinancial_Report.xls
EX-32 - A.T. CROSS COMPANY 1ST QTR 2012 FORM 10-Q - COSTA INCexhibit32.htm
EX-31.1 - A.T. CROSS COMPANY 1ST QTR 2012 FORM 10-Q - COSTA INCexhibit31_1.htm
EX-31.2 - A.T. CROSS COMPANY 1ST QTR 2012 FORM 10-Q - COSTA INCexhibit31_2.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 quarterly period ended March 31, 2012

or

[  ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from __________to __________

Commission File Number  1-6720

A. T. CROSS COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Rhode Island
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
05-0126220
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
One Albion Road, Lincoln, Rhode Island
(Address of principal executive offices)
02865
(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (401) 333-1200

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.
 
X
Yes
__
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 (S232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
 
X
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.
 
Large accelerated filer
__
 
Accelerated filer
X
 
Non-accelerated filer
 
__
 
Smaller reporting company
__

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock as of April 28, 2012:
Class A common stock -
11,121,619 shares
 
Class B common stock -
1,804,800 shares
 

 
 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements.

A. T. CROSS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AND SHARES)
MARCH 31, 2012
 
DECEMBER 31, 2011
ASSETS
(UNAUDITED)
   
Current Assets
     
Cash and cash equivalents
 $14,817
 
 $25,991
Short-term investments
 202
 
 -
Accounts receivable, gross
 33,126
 
 30,130
Allowance for doubtful accounts
 (953)
 
 (1,020)
Accounts receivable, net
 32,173
 
 29,110
Inventories
 40,354
 
 36,482
Deferred income taxes
 4,154
 
 4,206
Other current assets
 7,476
 
 7,954
Total Current Assets
 99,176
 
 103,743
       
Property, plant and equipment, gross
 108,309
 
 107,933
Accumulated depreciation
 (95,103)
 
 (94,227)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
 13,206
 
 13,706
Goodwill
 15,279
 
 15,279
Intangibles, Net
 8,865
 
 9,002
Deferred Income Taxes
 10,894
 
 11,115
Other Assets
 2,286
 
 2,570
Total Assets
 $149,706
 
 $155,415
       
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
     
Current Liabilities
     
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
 $19,770
 
 $19,105
Accrued compensation and related taxes
 5,435
 
 7,509
Retirement plan obligations
 2,405
 
 2,508
Income taxes payable
 267
 
 712
Total Current Liabilities
 27,877
 
 29,834
       
Long-Term Debt
 18,221
 
 21,221
Retirement Plan Obligations
 19,703
 
 22,636
Deferred Gain on Sale of Real Estate
 2,086
 
 2,216
Other Long-Term Liabilities
 473
 
 464
Accrued Warranty Costs
 1,430
 
 1,391
Commitments and Contingencies (Note L)
  -
 
  -
Total Liabilities
 69,790
 
 77,762
Shareholders' Equity
     
Common stock, par value $1 per share:
     
Class A - authorized 40,000 shares, 18,759 shares issued and
     
11,086 shares outstanding at March 31, 2012, and 18,713 shares
   
issued and 11,133 shares outstanding at December 31, 2011
 18,759
 
 18,713
Class B - authorized 4,000 shares, 1,805 shares issued and
     
outstanding at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011
 1,805
 
 1,805
Additional paid-in capital
 30,439
 
 29,178
Retained earnings
 93,056
 
 91,518
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 (18,553)
 
 (18,718)
Treasury stock, at cost
 (45,590)
 
 (44,843)
Total Shareholders' Equity
 79,916
 
 77,653
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 $149,706
 
 $155,415

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
 

 

A. T. CROSS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED)


(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AND SHARES,
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED
 
EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
MARCH 31, 2012
 
APRIL 2, 2011
       
Net sales
 $41,946
 
 $39,782
Cost of goods sold
 18,376
 
 16,617
Gross Profit
 23,570
 
 23,165
       
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 18,475
 
 18,952
Service and distribution costs
 2,048
 
 1,579
Research and development expenses
 660
 
 571
Operating Income
 2,387
 
 2,063
       
Interest income
 3
 
 3
Interest expense
 (158)
 
 (227)
Other income
 23
 
 34
Interest and Other Expense
 (132)
 
 (190)
       
Income Before Income Taxes
 2,255
 
 1,873
Income tax provision
 717
 
 608
Net Income
 $1,538
 
 $1,265
       
Net Income Per Share:
     
Basic
$0.13
 
$0.10
Diluted
$0.12
 
$0.10
       
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
     
Denominator for Basic Net Income Per Share
 12,288
 
 12,113
Effect of dilutive securities
 605
 
 778
Denominator for Diluted Net Income Per Share
 12,893
 
 12,891




A. T. CROSS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(UNAUDITED)


(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED
 
 
MARCH 31, 2012
 
APRIL 2, 2011
       
Net Income
 $1,538
 
 $1,265
       
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax:
     
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 206
 
 258
Unrealized (loss) gain on interest rate swap, net
 (3)
 
 87
Pension liability adjustment, net
 (38)
 
 (53)
Comprehensive Income
 $1,703
 
 $1,557


See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
 

 


A. T. CROSS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)


(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED
 
 
MARCH 31, 2012
 
APRIL 2, 2011
Cash Used in Operating Activities:
     
Net Income
 $1,538
 
 $1,265
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
     
used in operating activities:
     
Depreciation
 1,348
 
 1,318
Amortization
 184
 
 131
Amortization of deferred gain
 (130)
 
 (130)
Provision for bad debts
 (27)
 
 4
Provision for accrued warranty costs
 174
 
 (143)
Warranty costs paid
 (135)
 
 (76)
Stock-based compensation and directors' fees
 587
 
 473
Unrealized gain on short-term investments
 (7)
 
 (24)
Unrealized (gain) loss on foreign exchange contracts
 (182)
 
 429
Unrealized foreign currency transaction gain
 (105)
 
 (152)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
     
Accounts receivable
 (2,972)
 
 (160)
Inventories
 (3,814)
 
 (6,306)
Other assets
 965
 
 (619)
Accounts payable
 466
 
 685
Other liabilities
 (5,303)
 
 (5,381)
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities
 (7,413)
 
 (8,686)
Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities:
     
Purchases of short-term investments
 (8,185)
 
 (996)
Sales of short-term investments
 7,990
 
 2,731
Additions to property, plant and equipment
 (831)
 
 (807)
Additions to trademarks and patents
 (47)
 
 (30)
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities
 (1,073)
 
 898
Cash Used in Financing Activities:
     
Excess tax benefit from stock-based awards
 353
 
 -
Borrowing on long-term debt
 -
 
 4,500
Repayment of long-term debt
 (3,000)
 
 (4,500)
Proceeds from sale of Class A common stock, net
 232
 
 29
Purchase of treasury stock
 (612)
 
 (836)
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
 (3,027)
 
 (807)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 339
 
 77
Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
 (11,174)
 
 (8,518)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 25,991
 
 16,650
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
 $14,817
 
 $8,132
       
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
     
Income taxes paid, net
 $466
 
 $175
Interest paid
 $144
 
 $218


See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


 
 

 

A. T. CROSS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2012
(UNAUDITED)

NOTE A - Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation
S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by US GAAP for financial statements.  The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.  In the opinion of the Company's management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of items of a normal and recurring nature) necessary to present fairly the financial position as of March 31, 2012, and the results of operations for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2012 and April 2, 2011.  The results of operations for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.  The Company considers events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued to provide additional evidence relative to certain estimates or to identify matters that require additional disclosure.  Subsequent events have been evaluated to the date of issuance of these financial statements.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, which includes consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the years ended December 31, 2011, January 1, 2011 and January 2, 2010.  The Company operates on a 52/53 week fiscal year, ending on the last Saturday closest to December 31, and consists of 13 week fiscal quarters.

NOTE B - Inventory
During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company changed its method of accounting for domestic writing instrument inventories from determining cost using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method to determining cost using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method.  All of the Company’s inventories are now valued at the lower of cost, determined using the FIFO method, or market.  The Company believes this change is preferable as it provides uniformity across the Company’s operations with respect to the method for inventory accounting, better reflects the current value of inventories on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and improves comparability with the Company’s peers.

The change in accounting method from LIFO to FIFO for domestic writing instrument inventories has been applied retrospectively by adjusting the financial statement amounts for the prior periods presented to reflect the value of domestic writing instrument inventories on a FIFO basis.  The effect of the change on the condensed consolidated statements of income and the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the quarter ended April 2, 2011, was not significant.

The components of inventory are as follows:

(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2012
 
DECEMBER 31, 2011
Finished goods
 $26,421
 
 $23,538
Work in process
 4,010
 
 3,967
Raw materials
 9,923
 
 8,977
 
 $40,354
 
 $36,482


NOTE C - Income Taxes
In the first three months of 2012 the effective tax rate was 31.8%.  In the first three months of 2011 the effective tax rate was 32.5%.

NOTE D - Segment Information
The Company has two reportable business segments: Cross Accessory Division ("CAD") and Cross Optical Group ("COG").  The Company evaluates segment performance based upon operating profit or loss.  Following is the segment information for the Company:


(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED
 
 
MARCH 31, 2012
 
APRIL 2, 2011
       
Revenues from External Customers:
     
CAD
 $21,929
 
 $22,840
COG
 20,017
 
 16,942
Total
 $41,946
 
 $39,782
Depreciation and Amortization:
     
CAD
 $1,143
 
 $1,144
COG
 389
 
 305
Total
 $1,532
 
 $1,449
Operating Income (Loss):
     
CAD
 $(462)
 
 $(313)
COG
 2,849
 
 2,376
Total
 $2,387
 
 $2,063
       
Total Interest and Other Expense:
 $(132)
 
 $(190)
       
Total Income Before Income Taxes:
 $2,255
 
 $1,873
       
Expenditure for Long-Lived Assets:
     
CAD
 $522
 
 $365
COG
 356
 
 472
Total
 $878
 
 $837
       
 
MARCH 31, 2012
 
DECEMBER 31, 2011
Segment Assets:
     
CAD
 $92,276
 
 $104,761
COG
 57,430
 
 50,654
Total
 $149,706
 
 $155,415
Goodwill:
     
CAD
 $-
 
 $-
COG
 15,279
 
 15,279
Total
 $15,279
 
 $15,279


NOTE E - Warranty Costs
CAD’s Cross-branded writing instruments are sold with a full warranty of unlimited duration against mechanical failure.  CAD's accessories are sold with a one-year warranty against mechanical failure and defects in workmanship and timepieces are warranted for a period of two years.  Costa and Native sunglasses are sold with a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.  Estimated warranty costs are accrued at the time of sale.  The most significant factors in the estimation of warranty cost liabilities include the operating efficiency and related cost of the service department, unit sales and the number of units that are eventually returned for warranty repair.  The current portions of accrued warranty costs were $0.5 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and were recorded in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities.  The following chart reflects the activity in aggregate accrued warranty costs:


(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED
 
 
MARCH 31, 2012
 
APRIL 2, 2011
Accrued Warranty Costs - Beginning of Period
 $1,892
 
 $1,998
Warranty costs paid
 (135)
 
 (76)
Warranty costs accrued
 174
 
 83
Impact of changes in estimates and assumptions
 -
 
 (226)
Accrued Warranty Costs - End of Period
 $1,931
 
 $1,779


NOTE F - Line of Credit
The Company maintains a $40 million revolving line of credit with Bank of America, N.A. (the “Bank”).  Under the line of credit agreement, the Bank agreed to make loans to the Company in an aggregate amount not to exceed $40 million, including up to $10 million equivalent in Eurocurrency loans denominated in pounds sterling or Euro (“Eurocurrency Loans”) and up to $30 million of other committed loans to the Company (“Committed Loans”) at any time.  As part of the aggregate availability, the Bank may also issue up to $7.5 million in letters of credit.  Subject to the limits on availability and the other terms and conditions of this credit agreement, amounts may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed without penalty.  This credit facility matures and amounts outstanding must be paid by July 28, 2013.

The interest rate for the Committed Loans will be, at the Company's option, either (i) the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus an applicable margin or (ii) the higher of the federal funds rate plus 50 basis points or the Bank's prime rate plus an applicable margin.  The interest rate for any Eurocurrency Loans will be an interest settlement rate for deposits in pounds sterling or Euro plus an applicable margin.  The applicable margin for LIBOR and Eurocurrency loans will be an amount between 1.75% and 2.25%, and the applicable margin for federal funds or the Bank's prime rate will be an amount between 0.25% and 0.75%, which will vary from time to time based upon the Company's consolidated leverage ratio.

Under the line of credit agreement, the Company has agreed to comply with certain affirmative and negative covenants.  The most restrictive covenant requires the Company to maintain a maximum ratio of consolidated funded indebtedness to consolidated adjusted EBITDA over any four-quarter period.  The agreement requires the Company to maintain a minimum consolidated tangible net worth, computed at each year end, a maximum level of capital expenditures, each of which is calculated in accordance with the agreement.  Amounts due under the credit agreement are guaranteed by certain domestic and foreign subsidiaries of the Company.  Amounts due are also secured by a pledge of the assets of the Company and those of certain of its domestic subsidiaries.

At March 31, 2012, the outstanding balance of the Company's line of credit was $18.2 million, bearing an interest rate of approximately 2.0%, and the unused and available portion, according to the terms of the agreement, was $21.8 million.  At December 31, 2011, the outstanding balance of the Company's line of credit was $21.2 million, bearing an interest rate of approximately 2.0%, and the unused and available portion, according to the terms of the agreement, was $18.8 million.

NOTE G - Employee Benefit Plans
The following table illustrates the components of net periodic benefit cost:


(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED
 
 
MARCH 31, 2012
 
APRIL 2, 2011
Service cost
 $12
 
 $12
Interest cost
 560
 
 554
Expected return on plan assets
 (577)
 
 (559)
Amortization of unrecognized loss
 288
 
 239
Amortization of prior service cost
 3
 
 3
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 $286
 
 $249


The Company contributed $3.0 million to its defined benefit pension plans in the first quarter of 2012, $2.5 million of which was an additional voluntary contribution.  The Company expects to contribute $6.0 million to its defined benefit pension plans in 2012, $3.5 million to meet minimum required contributions and the $2.5 million additional voluntary contribution.  Additionally, the Company expects to contribute $0.9 million to its defined contribution retirement plans in 2012.

NOTE H - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but are subject to annual impairment tests, more frequently if events or circumstances occur that would indicate a potential decline in their fair value.  The Company has identified two reporting units, consisting of the CAD and COG segments.  The Company performs the assessments annually during the fourth quarter or on an interim basis if potential impairment indicators arise.  The fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill is determined using established income and market valuation approaches and the fair value of other indefinite-lived intangible assets, consisting of two COG segment trade names, is determined using a forward relief from royalty method.  For further discussion about impairment analysis, see the "Impairment Analysis" section of Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," included in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the approximate $15.3 million carrying value of goodwill, $11.9 million of which is expected to be tax deductible, related entirely to the COG segment.  Other intangibles consisted of the following:


(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2012
 
DECEMBER 31, 2011
 
GROSS CARRYING AMOUNT
ACCUMULATED AMORTIZATION
OTHER INTANGIBLES, NET
 
GROSS CARRYING AMOUNT
ACCUMULATED AMORTIZATION
OTHER INTANGIBLES, NET
Amortized:
             
Trademarks
 $9,409
 $9,038
 $371
 
 $9,374
 $8,990
 $384
Patents
 3,483
 3,248
 235
 
 3,471
 3,225
 246
Customer relationships
 3,170
 1,811
 1,359
 
 3,170
 1,698
 1,472
 
 $16,062
 $14,097
 1,965
 
 $16,015
 $13,913
 2,102
Not Amortized:
             
Trade names
   
 6,900
     
 6,900
Intangibles, Net
   
 $8,865
     
 $9,002

Amortization expense for the three month period ended March 31, 2012 was approximately $0.2 million.  The estimated future amortization expense for other intangibles remaining as of March 31, 2012 is as follows:


(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
THEREAFTER
 
 $514
 
 $643
 
 $588
 
 $190
 
 $30
 
 $-


NOTE I - Financial Instruments
The Company is exposed to market risks arising from adverse changes in foreign exchange and interest rates.  In the normal course of business, the Company manages these risks through a variety of strategies, including the use of derivatives.  Certain derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges and qualify for hedge accounting treatment, while others do not qualify and are marked to market through earnings.  Gains or losses from derivatives used to manage foreign exchange are classified as selling, general and administrative expenses.
 
 
For cash flow hedges, changes in fair value are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive loss within shareholders' equity until the underlying hedged item is recognized in net income.  For fair value hedges, changes in fair value are recognized immediately in earnings, consistent with the underlying hedged item.  Hedging transactions are limited to an underlying exposure.  As a result, any change in the value of the derivative instruments would be substantially offset by an opposite change in the value of the underlying hedged items.  Hedging ineffectiveness and a net earnings impact occur when the change in the value of the hedge does not offset the change in the value of the underlying hedged item.  Ineffectiveness of the Company's hedges is not material.  If the derivative instrument is terminated, the Company continues to defer the related gain or loss and include it as a component of the cost of the underlying hedged item.  Upon determination that the underlying hedged item will not be part of an actual transaction, the Company recognizes the related gain or loss in the statement of income immediately.

The Company also uses derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment.  The Company accounts for such derivatives at market value with the resulting gains and losses reflected in the statements of income.

The Company enters into arrangements with one financial institution that it believes is creditworthy and generally settles such arrangements on a net basis.  In addition, the Company performs a quarterly assessment of counterparty credit risk, including a review of credit ratings, credit default swap rates and potential nonperformance of the counterparty.  Based on the most recent quarterly assessment of counterparty credit risk, the Company considers this risk to be low.

Foreign Exchange
The Company enters into derivatives, primarily forward foreign exchange contracts with terms of no more than one year, to manage risk associated with exposure to certain foreign currency denominated balance sheet positions, primarily intercompany accounts receivable.  Gains or losses resulting from the translation of certain foreign currency balance sheet positions are recognized in the statement of income as incurred.  Foreign currency derivatives had a total notional value of $35.4 million as of March 31, 2012 and $39.4 million as of December 31, 2011.  Gains and losses on the derivatives were generally offset by changes in U.S. dollar value of the underlying hedged items.

Interest Rates
In 2010, the Company entered into a forward interest rate swap agreement with an initial notional amount of $15.0 million and a term of three years.  This swap effectively fixes the interest rate on a portion of the Company’s line of credit at approximately 1.2%.  The item being hedged is the first interest payment to be made on $15.0 million of principal expected to occur each month beginning March 31, 2011.  The Company measures hedge ineffectiveness using the “hypothetical” derivative method.  This swap has been designated a cash flow hedge and the effect of the mark-to-market valuation is recorded as an adjustment, net of tax, to accumulated other comprehensive loss.  From inception to March 31, 2012, the effect of the mark-to-market valuation, net of tax, was $0.1 million and was included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Fair Value Measurements
The fair value framework requires the categorization of assets and liabilities into three levels based upon the assumptions (inputs) used to price the assets or liabilities.  Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair value, whereas Level 3 generally requires significant management judgment.  The three levels are defined as follows:

Level 1
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
Level 2
Observable inputs other than those included in Level 1. For example, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets.
Level 3
Unobservable inputs reflecting management's own assumptions about the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability.

The fair values of our financial assets and liabilities are categorized as follows:


(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
MARCH 31, 2012
 
DECEMBER 31, 2011
 
LEVEL 1
LEVEL 2
LEVEL 3
TOTAL
 
LEVEL 1
LEVEL 2
LEVEL 3
TOTAL
Assets:
                 
Money market funds (A)
 $1,005
 $-
 $-
 $1,005
 
 $10,404
 $-
 $-
 $10,404
Short-term investments (B)
 202
 -
 -
 202
 
 -
 -
 -
 -
Derivatives not designated as
                 
hedging instruments:
                 
Foreign exchange contracts (C)
 -
 182
 -
 182
 
 -
 55
 -
 55
 
 $1,207
 $182
 $-
 $1,389
 
 $10,404
 $55
 $-
 $10,459
Liabilities
                 
Derivatives designated as
                 
hedging instruments:
                 
Interest rate swaps (D)
 $-
 $173
 $-
 $173
 
 $-
 $169
 $-
 $169
Derivatives not designated as
                 
hedging instruments:
                 
Foreign exchange contracts (C)
 -
 -
 -
 -
 
 -
 31
 -
 31
 
 $-
 $173
 $-
 $173
 
 $-
 $200
 $-
 $200


(A)
Value is based on quoted market prices of identical instruments, fair value is included in cash and cash equivalents
(B)
Value is based on quoted market prices of identical instruments
(C)
Value is based on the present value of the forward rates less the contract rate multiplied by the notional amount, fair value is included in other current assets or accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
(D)
Value is derived from a discounted cash flow analysis based on the terms of the contract and the interest rate curve, fair value is included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities

Accounts receivable are recorded at net realizable value, which approximates fair value.  Accounts payable, included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities, are recorded at historical cost, which approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of the liabilities.  Long-term debt is recorded at historical cost, which approximates fair value since the interest rate varies with prevailing market rates similar to level 2 categorized items.

The effective portion of the pre-tax gains (losses) on our derivative instruments for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and April 2, 2011 are categorized in the following table:


(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED
 
 
MARCH 31, 2012
 
APRIL 2, 2011
Fair Value / Non-designated Hedges:
     
Foreign exchange contracts (A)
 $182
 
 $(429)
Cash Flow Hedges:
     
Effective portion recognized in other
     
comprehensive income:
     
Interest rate swaps
 $31
 
 $261
Effective portion reclassified from other
     
comprehensive income:
     
Interest rate swaps (B)
 $(35)
 
 $(127)


(A)
Included in selling, general and administrative expenses
 
(B)
Included in interest expense


NOTE J - Short-Term Investments
At March 31, 2012, the Company had short-term investments of $0.2 million classified as trading securities.  Realized and unrealized gains or losses on these short-term investments are included in other income.  The amount of unrealized gain on these short-term investments was not material at March 31, 2012.

NOTE K - New Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) which simplifies how companies test goodwill for impairment.  The ASU permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in the goodwill accounting standard.  The amendments are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted.  We do not expect the new ASU to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) - Presentation of Comprehensive Income (ASU 2011-05), to require an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements.  ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity.  In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-12, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) - Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in ASU 2011-05 (ASU 2011-12), which defers the effective date of only those changes in ASU 2011-05 that relate to the presentation of reclassification adjustments.  ASU 2011-05 is effective for us in our first quarter of fiscal 2012 and should be applied retrospectively.  The adoption of ASU 2011-05 and ASU 2011-12 did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) updated the accounting guidance related to fair value measurements. This amendment results in convergence of fair value measurement and disclosure requirements between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).  We complied with this amendment beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2012.

NOTE L - Commitments and Contingencies
The Company was named as one of approximately ninety defendants in a contribution suit brought by CCL/Unilever relating to the J.M. Mills Landfill Site (the “Site”), which is part of the Peterson/Puritan Superfund Site in Cumberland, Rhode Island.  These complaints alleged that the Company was liable under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA") for contribution for Site investigation costs.  The Company has reached settlement of the case and paid a settlement amount of approximately $0.2 million in 2010.

The Company expects that the Federal Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") will select a remedy for the Site in 2012.  At that time, the EPA will initiate an administrative process (the "Special Notice Process") pursuant to CERCLA whereby the EPA will request that those entities that the EPA contends arranged for the disposal of hazardous materials at the Site (the PRPs), undertake the selected remedy at the Site.  The EPA contends that the Company is a PRP at the Site.  During the Special Notice Process, the Company and the other PRPs will engage in negotiations with the EPA regarding the remedy, and among themselves regarding the contribution of each PRP to overall remediation costs.  Neither the cost of the remedy nor the identity of all PRPs is known at this time.  Therefore it is not possible to assess the outcome of the Special Notice Process as it may relate to the Company's contribution to remediation costs.

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”) has asserted that it believes that the Company has had a triggering event under Section 4062(e) of ERISA, which, had such an event occurred, could lead to an acceleration of funding contributions to the Company’s defined benefit plan.  Specifically, during 2010, the PBGC has asserted that the Company closed a facility in the USA when it completed the transfer of a significant portion of its manufacturing operations offshore.  The Company maintains that the facility did not close, and therefore no triggering event occurred.  Discussions are ongoing.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company intends to ensure that its defined benefit plan remains viable and healthy and intends to continue to make all legally required contributions under the plan.  The Company further believes that it has sufficient liquidity to meet any required contributions to the Plan, and in fact, has made additional voluntary contributions of $4 million to the plan since October 2011.

The Company is involved in various other litigation and legal matters that have arisen in the ordinary course of business.  To its knowledge, management believes that the ultimate resolution of any of those existing matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.



 
 

 


Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Overview
A.T. Cross Company is a designer and marketer of branded personal accessories including writing instruments, reading glasses, personal and business accessories and sunglasses.  The Company has been operating in a difficult economic environment in mature as well as competitive categories.  The Company has challenged itself to build upon its unique attributes in order to develop a vibrant, diversified and forward-looking company poised for sustainable growth and long-term profit.

Cross Accessory Division ("CAD")
The Company has been a manufacturer and marketer of fine quality writing instruments since 1846.  Sold primarily under the Cross brand, ball-point, fountain and selectip rolling ball pens and mechanical pencils are offered in a variety of styles and finishes.  Cross also manufactures and markets a line of FranklinCovey® entry level price point refillable writing instruments.  Also under the Cross brand, CAD offers a variety of personal and business accessories including leather goods, reading glasses, watches, desk sets, cufflinks, and stationery.  This segment typically records its highest sales and operating income in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year.

Cross Optical Group ("COG")
The Company’s COG segment consists of its wholly-owned subsidiary Cross Optical Group, Inc.  This business designs, manufactures and markets high-quality, high-performance polarized sunglasses under the brand names Costa and Native.  This segment typically records its highest sales and operating income in the second quarter of the fiscal year.

Results of Operations First Quarter 2012 Compared to First Quarter 2011

In the first quarter of 2012, the Company reported net income of $1.5 million, or $0.13 per basic and $0.12 per diluted share, compared to net income of $1.3 million, or $0.10 per basic and diluted share in the first quarter of 2011.

The following chart details net sales performance:


(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED
   
PERCENTAGE
 
MARCH 31, 2012
 
APRIL 2, 2011
 
CHANGE
           
Cross Accessories Division (CAD)
 $21,929
 
 $22,840
 
-4.0%
Cross Optical Group (COG)
 20,017
 
 16,942
 
18.2%
Consolidated Net Sales
 $41,946
 
 $39,782
 
5.4%

Consolidated net sales were $41.9 million in the first quarter of 2012 compared to $39.8 million in the first quarter of 2011.  The effect of foreign exchange was not material to consolidated first quarter 2012 sales results.

CAD sales decreased 4.0% in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the first quarter of 2011 due to economic conditions affecting its European, Middle Eastern and African markets.

COG grew by 18.2%, led by the Costa brand which increased 21.0% compared to the prior year first quarter.

The following chart details gross profit margins for both segments as well as the consolidated gross profit margins:


(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED
   
PERCENTAGE
 
MARCH 31, 2012
 
APRIL 2, 2011
 
POINT CHANGE
           
CAD
54.0%
 
57.1%
 
(3.1)
COG
58.6%
 
59.7%
 
(1.1)
Consolidated Gross Profit Margins
56.2%
 
58.2%
 
(2.0)

Consolidated gross margins were 56.2% in the first quarter, 200 basis points lower than the same period last year.  CAD gross margins declined in the first quarter of 2012 to 54.0%, 310 basis points lower than 2011.  The decline in gross margin was related to inflation factors impacting CAD that were not present in the 2011 first quarter as well as the mix of sales of low margin discontinued products in the quarter.  COG margins in the first quarter of 2012 were down from last year by 110 basis points due to shifts in product mix.  The Company expects the consolidated full year 2012 gross margin will be 55.5%

Consolidated operating expenses for the first quarter of 2012 were $21.2 million, or 50.5% of sales, as compared to $21.1 million, or 53.0% of sales a year ago; a decrease of 250 basis points.  The CAD segment operating expenses were 7.9% lower than the prior year’s first quarter due to cost controls to mitigate the sales decline.  The COG segment’s operating expenses were 14.7% higher than last year.  These increases were directly related to the higher sales volume in the first quarter of 2012 compared to 2011.

In the first three months of 2012, the effective tax rate was 31.8%.  In the first three months of 2011, the effective tax rate was 32.5%.

Liquidity and Sources of Capital

Historically, the Company's sources of liquidity and capital resources have been its cash and cash equivalents (“cash”), short-term investments, cash generated from operations and amounts available under the Company's line of credit.  These sources have been sufficient in the past to support the Company's routine operating requirements, capital projects, contributions to the retirement plans, stock repurchase programs and debt service.  The Company expects its future cash needs in 2012 will be met by these historical sources of liquidity and capital.

The Company's cash and short-term investment balance of $15.0 million at March 31, 2012 decreased $11.0 million from December 31, 2011.  The most significant factors affecting the Company's cash balance are discussed in this section.

Inventory was $40.4 million at March 31, 2012, an increase of $3.9 million since December 31, 2011.  CAD inventory increased $1.4 million and COG inventory levels increased by $2.5 million from year end 2011.  The increase in COG inventory was to support anticipated higher sales volumes, as COG typically records its highest sales in the second quarter.

The Company contributed $3.0 million to its defined benefit pension plans in the first quarter of 2012, $2.5 million of which was an additional voluntary contribution.  The Company expects to contribute $6.0 million to its defined benefit pension plans in 2012, $3.5 million to meet minimum required contributions and the $2.5 million additional voluntary contribution.  Additionally, the Company expects to contribute $0.9 million to its defined contribution retirement plans in 2012.

The Company has a $40 million secured line of credit with a bank.  Under this agreement, the Company has the option to borrow at various interest rates depending upon the type of borrowings made and the Company's consolidated leverage ratio.  At March 31, 2012, the outstanding balance of the Company's line of credit was $18.2 million, bearing an interest rate of approximately 2.0%, and the unused and available portion, according to the terms of the agreement, was $21.8 million.  At December 31, 2011, the outstanding balance of the Company's line of credit was $21.2 million, bearing an interest rate of approximately 2.0%, and the unused and available portion, according to the terms of the agreement, was $18.8 million.  The Company was in compliance with its various debt covenants as of March 31, 2012.  The agreement requires the Company to maintain a minimum consolidated tangible net worth, computed at each year end, a maximum level of capital expenditures and a minimum ratio of adjusted EBITDA to required debt service payments over any four-quarter period, each of which is calculated in accordance with the agreement:

 
Covenant
Description
 
Covenant
Requirement
 
Calculated Company
Value March 31, 2012
 
Consolidated
Tangible Net Worth
 
Cannot be less than $37.5 million plus 50% of Net Income For Fiscal Years after 2010, or $42.4 million
 
$55.8 million
 
Capital Expenditures
 
Cannot exceed the greater of $10 million in a year or $10 million plus the prior year $10 million cap less expenditures
 
$0.8 million
 
Consolidated
Leverage Ratio
 
Cannot exceed 2.75 to 1
 
0.88:1

The Company believes that existing cash and cash provided by operations, supplemented as appropriate by the Company's borrowing arrangements, will be adequate to finance its foreseeable operating and capital requirements, the stock repurchase plan and contributions to the retirement plans.  Should operating cash flows in 2012 not materialize as projected, the Company has a number of planned alternatives to ensure that it will have sufficient cash to meet its operating needs.  These alternatives include implementation of strict cost controls on discretionary spending and delaying non-critical research and development, capital projects and completion of the stock repurchase plan.

At March 31, 2012, cash and short-term investments available for domestic operations was approximately $5.0 million, while cash held offshore was approximately $10.0 million.

Critical Accounting Policies

There have been no changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates from the information provided in Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," included in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

 
 

 


Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained herein that are not historical fact are forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  In addition, words such as "believes," "anticipates," "expects," “intends,” "will" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements related to the availability of sources of cash; anticipated compliance with laws and regulations (including but not limited to environmental laws); and anticipated sufficiency of available working capital.  The Company cautions that a number of important factors could cause the Company's actual results for fiscal 2012 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the Company.  Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties.  For a discussion of certain of other of those risks, see "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of the Company's 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Refer to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 for a complete discussion of the Company's market risk.  There have been no material changes to the market risk information included in the Company's 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2012 and have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms.  These disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the first quarter of 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



 
 

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings.

Refer to Item 3 in the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 for a complete discussion of the Company's legal proceedings.  No material developments have occurred in the Legal Proceedings described in such Item 3.

The Company is involved in various other litigation and legal matters that have arisen in the ordinary course of business.  To its knowledge, management believes that the ultimate resolution of any of those existing matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

Refer to Item 1A in the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 for a complete discussion of the risk factors which could materially affect the Company's business, financial condition or future results.

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

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities:

 
TOTAL NUMBER OF SHARES PURCHASED
 
AVERAGE PRICE PAID PER SHARE
 
TOTAL NUMBER OF SHARES PURCHASED AS PART OF PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED PLANS OR PROGRAMS
 
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SHARES THAT MAY YET BE PURCHASED UNDER THE PLANS OR PROGRAMS
January 1, 2012 - January 28, 2012
 -
 
 -
 
 -
 
 270,250
January 29, 2012 - February 25, 2012
 4,000
 
$10.90
 
 4,000
 
 966,250
February 26, 2012 - March 31, 2012
 57,417
 
$9.90
 
 57,417
 
 908,833
 
 61,417
 
$9.97
 
 61,417
   

In 2008, the Company's Board of Directors authorized management to repurchase up to 1.0 million shares of the Company's outstanding Class A common stock, depending on market conditions.  On February 22, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a 700,000 shares increase to the 2008 program.  Cumulatively, through March 31, 2012, the Company purchased approximately 0.8 million shares under this plan for approximately $4.2 million at an average price per share of $5.28.

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

None

Item 5.  Other Information.

None

Item 6.  Exhibits.

Exhibit 31.1
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 31.2
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 32
Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 101
Interactive XBRL Data Files

 
 

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirement 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.

 
A. T. CROSS COMPANY
   
Date:  May 9, 2012
By:  DAVID G. WHALEN
David G. Whalen
Chief Executive Officer
   
Date:  May 9, 2012
By:  KEVIN F. MAHONEY
Kevin F. Mahoney
Senior Vice President, Finance and
Chief Financial Officer