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EX-21 - EXHIBIT 21 - BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES INCex21.htm
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EX-31.B - EXHIBIT 31.B - BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES INCex31-b.htm
EX-32.B - EXHIBIT 32.B - BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES INCex32-b.htm
EX-23.A - EXHIBIT 23.A - BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES INCex23-a.htm
EX-31.A - EXHIBIT 31.A - BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES INCex31-a.htm

 



UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C., 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

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

 

For the fiscal year ended November 28, 2015

 

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 No. 0-209


 

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

VIRGINIA

54-0135270

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

3525 FAIRYSTONE PARK HIGHWAY

BASSETT, VIRGINIA

24055

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

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

 

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

 

Title of each class:

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock ($5.00 par value)

 

NASDAQ

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:      None 

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. ☐  Yes    ☒  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 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 (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for at least the past 90 days.     ☒  Yes    ☐  No

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ☒

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (check one) Large Accelerated Filer ☐     Accelerated Filer ☒  Non-Accelerated Filer ☐  Smaller reporting company  ☐    

 

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

 

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of May 30, 2015 was $308,300,086.

 

The number of shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding on January 8, 2016 was 10,870,858.

 

 
 

 

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated definitive Proxy Statement for its 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held March 9, 2016, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Proxy Statement”) are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

 

 
 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

1
     

PART I

Item 1.

Business

2

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

7

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

10

Item 2.

Properties

10

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

11

Item 4B

Executive Officers of the Registrant

11
     

PART II

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

12

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

13

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

14

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

29

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

30

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

66

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

66

Item 9B.

Other Information

68
     

PART III

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

68

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

68

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

68

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

68

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

68
     

PART IV

Item 15.

Exhibits

69
     

SIGNATURES

71

 

 
 

 

 

As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, “Bassett,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and its subsidiaries. References to 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 mean the fiscal years ended November 28, 2015, November 29, 2014, November 30, 2013, November 24, 2012 and November 26, 2011. Please note that fiscal 2013 contained 53 weeks.

   

Safe-harbor, forward-looking statements

 

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

 

 

competitive conditions in the home furnishings industry

 

 

general economic conditions, including the strength of the housing market in the United States

 

 

overall retail traffic levels and consumer demand for home furnishings

 

 

ability of our customers and consumers to obtain credit

 

 

Bassett store openings

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

fluctuations in the cost and availability of raw materials, labor and sourced products

 

 

results of marketing and advertising campaigns

 

 

information and technology advances

 

 

future tax legislation, or regulatory or judicial positions

 

 

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

 

 

concentration of domestic manufacturing, particularly of upholstery products, and the resulting exposure to business interruption from accidents, weather and other events and circumstances beyond our control

 

 

general risks associated with providing freight transportation and other logistical services due to our acquisition of Zenith Freight Lines, LLC

 

 
1

 

 

PART I

  

ITEM 1.

BUSINESS

 

(dollar amounts in thousands except per share data)

 

General

 

Bassett is a leading vertically integrated manufacturer, importer and retailer of high quality, mid-priced home furnishings. With 93 Bassett Home Furnishings (“BHF”) stores at November 28, 2015, we have leveraged our strong brand name in furniture into a network of corporate and licensed stores that focus on providing consumers with a friendly environment for buying furniture and accessories.  We created our store program in 1997 to provide a single source home furnishings retail store that provides a unique combination of stylish, quality furniture and accessories with a high level of customer service.  The store features custom order furniture ready for delivery in less than 30 days, more than 1,000 upholstery fabrics, free in-home design visits, and perfectly coordinated decorating accessories.  We believe that our capabilities in custom furniture have become unmatched in recent years. Our manufacturing team takes great pride in the breadth of its options, the precision of its craftsmanship, and the speed of its delivery.  The selling philosophy in the stores is based on building strong long term relationships with each customer.  Sales people are referred to as Design Consultants and are trained to evaluate customer needs and provide comprehensive solutions for their home decor.  In order to reach markets that cannot be effectively served by our retail store network, we also distribute our products through other wholesale channels including multi-line furniture stores, many of which feature Bassett galleries or design centers, specialty stores and mass merchants. We use a network of over 25 independent sales representatives who have stated geographical territories. These sales representatives are compensated based on a standard commission rate. We believe this blended strategy provides us the greatest ability to effectively distribute our products throughout the United States and ultimately gain market share.  

 

For several years we owned 49% of Zenith Freight Lines, LLC (“Zenith”). During that time the strategic significance of our partnership with Zenith had risen to include the over-the-road transportation of furniture, the operation of regional freight terminals, warehouse and distribution facilities in eleven states, and the management of various home delivery facilities that service Bassett Home Furnishings stores and other clients in local markets around the United States. On February 2, 2015, we acquired the remaining 51% of Zenith, which now operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bassett. Our acquisition of Zenith brings to our Company the ability to deliver best-of-class shipping and logistical support services that are uniquely tailored to the needs of the furniture industry, as well as the ability to provide the expedited delivery service which is increasingly demanded by our industry. We believe that our ownership of Zenith will not only enhance our own wholesale and retail distribution capabilities, but will provide additional growth opportunities as Zenith continues to expand its service to other customers.

 

In September of 2011, we announced the formation of a strategic partnership with HGTV (Home and Garden Television), a division of Scripps Networks, LLC, which combines our heritage in the furniture industry with the penetration of 96 million households in the United States that HGTV enjoys today.  As part of this alliance, the in-store design centers have been co-branded with HGTV to more forcefully market the concept of a “home makeover”, an important point of differentiation for our stores that also mirrors much of the programming content on the HGTV network. In October of 2015, we announced the extension of our partnership with HGTV through 2019. While continuing to feature HGTV branded custom upholstery products in our HGTV HOME Design Studios in Bassett Home Furnishings stores, we will now expand the concept to select independent dealers.

 

 
2

 

 

Operating Segments

 

We have strategically aligned our business into three reportable segments: Wholesale, Retail – Company-owned stores, and Logistical services.

 

The wholesale home furnishings segment is involved principally in the design, manufacture, sourcing, sale and distribution of furniture products to a network of BHF stores (licensee-owned stores and Company-owned retail stores) and independent furniture retailers. The wholesale segment accounted for approximately one half of net sales, excluding logistical services, during fiscal 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

 

Our retail segment consists of 60 Company-owned and operated stores. The following table shows the number of Company-owned stores by state as of November 28, 2015:

  

State

 

Number of

Stores

 

State

 

Number of

Stores

 

Alabama

    1  

Mississippi

    1  

Arizona

    2  

Missouri

    1  

Arkansas

    1  

Nevada

    1  

California

    5  

New Jersey

    2  

Connecticut

    4  

New York

    4  

Delaware

    1  

North Carolina

    5  

Florida

    3  

Ohio

    1  

Georgia

    3  

South Carolina

    1  

Kentucky

    1  

Tennessee

    1  

Maryland

    3  

Texas

    12  

Massachusetts

    3  

Virginia

    4  
         

Total

    60  

 

With our acquisition of Zenith on February 2, 2015, we created the logistical services operating segment which reflects the operations of Zenith. In addition to providing shipping, delivery and warehousing services for the Company, Zenith also provides similar services to other customers, primarily in the furniture industry.

 

Prior to the beginning of fiscal 2015, our former investments and real estate segment included our short-term investments, our holdings of retail real estate previously leased as licensee stores, and our former equity investment in Zenith prior to acquisition. This segment has been eliminated and the assets formerly reported therein are now considered to be part of our wholesale segment.  

  

Wholesale Segment Overview

 

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

 

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

 

   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

 
                                                 

Wood

  $ 93,073       36.9 %   $ 86,577       38.7 %   $ 87,935       40.8 %

Upholstery

    156,768       62.2 %     135,831       60.6 %     125,403       58.2 %

Other

    2,339       0.9 %     1,585       0.7 %     2,113       1.0 %

Total

  $ 252,180       100.0 %   $ 223,993       100.0 %   $ 215,451       100.0 %

 

 
3

 

 

Approximately 37% of our 2015 wholesale sales were of imported product compared to 42% and 46% in 2014 and 2013, respectively. We define imported product as fully finished product that is sourced. Our domestic product includes certain products that contain components which were also sourced. We continue to believe that a blended strategy including domestically produced products primarily of a custom-order nature combined with sourcing of major collections provides the best value and quality of products to our customers. The decline in imported goods share of our wholesale sales over the last three years has been driven primarily by increasing sales of our domestic custom wood and upholstery product offerings.

 

The dollar value of our wholesale backlog, representing orders received but not yet shipped to the BHF store network or independent dealers, was $17,131 at November 28, 2015 and $13,644 at November 29, 2014. We expect that the November 28, 2015 backlog will be filled within fiscal 2016, with the majority of our backlog being filled during the first quarter.

 

We use lumber, fabric, leather, foam and other materials in the production of wood and upholstered furniture. These components are purchased from a variety of domestic and international suppliers and are widely available. The price of foam, which is highly dependent on the cost of petroleum, has shown significant volatility in recent years. We currently assemble and finish these components in our two plants in the United States.

  

Retail Segment Overview – Company-Owned Retail Stores

 

The retail furniture industry remains very competitive and includes local furniture stores, regional furniture retailers, national department and chain stores and single-vendor branded retailers. As a whole, our store network with 60 Company-owned stores and 33 licensee-owned, ranks in the top 30 in retail furniture sales in the United States. We plan to continue opening new stores, primarily in underpenetrated markets where we currently have stores.  In this regard we are currently considering several locations for new store expansion over the next three years, with at least three of these planned to open in fiscal 2016. We continue to evaluate all stores in our fleet and plan to close three underperforming stores this year as well.

 

Net sales for our Company-owned retail stores for the last three fiscal years are summarized below:

 

   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

 
                         

Net sales

  $ 249,379     $ 216,631     $ 199,380  

 

Maintaining and enhancing our brand are critical to our ability to expand our base of customers and drive increased traffic at both Company-owned and licensee-owned stores. Our advertising and marketing campaign utilizes local and national television, direct mail, catalogs, newspapers, magazines, radio and the internet in an effort to maintain and enhance our existing brand equity.

 

Our stores incorporate a stylish, residential feel while highlighting our unmatched custom manufacturing capabilities.  We leverage our customization capabilities by dedicating space in the stores to design solutions for dining, upholstery, home entertainment and storage.  Domestic custom manufacturing capabilities make it possible for us to offer a 30 day delivery promise on custom products. 

 

With the introduction of our strategic alliance with HGTV, the in-store design centers have been co-branded with HGTV to more forcefully market the concept of a “home makeover”, an important point of differentiation for our stores that also mirrors much of the programming content on the HGTV network. Coupled with expanded national advertising on the HGTV network, we believe this alliance will help to increase store traffic and, consequently, comparable store sales.

 

To further solidify ourselves as a complete home furnishings retailer, we have expanded accessory product lines including lighting, rugs decorative wall art, mirrors and accent pillows that coordinate with each lifestyle presentation throughout the store.  We have also increased our mattress offerings such that our stores now carry Sealy, Tempurpedic and Stearns & Foster branded products.

 

 
4

 

 

Logistical Services Overview

 

Zenith is a specialized supply chain solutions provider, offering the home furnishings industry the benefit of an asset-based network to move product with greater efficiency, enhanced speed to market, less damage, and a single source of shipment visibility. We provide fully integrated solutions with the highest commitment to customer care and service as we seek to go beyond our customers’ transactional expectations to create collaborative partnerships that provide a single source network to:

 

 

Better manage inventory across multiple locations and provide total audit-ready accountability

 

Reduce line haul and delivery costs

 

Ensure availability of high-volume items in stores

 

Integrate the omnichannel nature of today’s retail supply chain

 

Management and predictability of the total landed cost of goods

 

Achieve full visibility from vendor to showroom to final delivery

 

Our customer solutions are provided through the following services:

 

 

Network line haul freight

 

Warehousing, distribution and inventory management

 

Home delivery services to end-consumer

 

At November 28, 2015, our shipping and delivery fleet consisted of the following:

 

   

Owned

   

Leased

   

Total

 

Tractors

    154       53       207  

Trailers

    188       340       528  

Home delivery trucks

    12       10       22  

 

We own a central warehousing and national distribution hub located in Conover, North Carolina, and we lease nineteen facilities in eleven states across the continental United States from which we operate regional freight terminal, warehouse and distribution facilities.

 

Other Investments and Real Estate

 

Our balance sheet at November 28, 2015 includes short-term investments in certificates of deposit and certain retail real estate related to former licensee-owned stores. At November 29, 2014 and November 30, 2013 we also carried an equity investment in Zenith. As noted above, these assets are no longer viewed as belonging to a distinct operating segment but are now a part of our wholesale segment. The impact upon earnings arising from these assets is included in other loss, net, in our consolidated statements of income. Our investment balances at each of the last three fiscal year-ends are as follows:

 

   

November 28,

2015

   

November 29,

2014

   

November 30,

2013

 
                         

Investments in certificates of deposit

  $ 23,125     $ 23,125     $ 28,125  

Certain retail real estate

    3,120       14,969       10,435  

Retail real estate held for sale

    -       -       1,401  

Zenith (Recorded in Other long-term assets)

    -       7,915       7,254  

 

Our short-term investments at November 28, 2015 consist of certificates of deposit (CDs) with original terms generally ranging from six to twelve months, bearing interest at rates ranging from 0.28% to 1.00% with a weighted average yield of approximately 0.42%. At November 28, 2015, the weighted average remaining time to maturity of the CDs was approximately seven months. Each CD is placed with a federally insured financial institution and all deposits are within Federal deposit insurance limits.

 

We hold investments in retail store properties that we had previously leased to licensees. These holdings, which also include closed store real estate currently leased to non-licensees, are presented as a long-term asset in our consolidated balance sheets with the exception of one property which was included in other current assets as real estate held for sale at November 30, 2013 (the property was sold on December 26, 2013). These real estate holdings are typically in urban, high-traffic retail locations. See Item 2, Properties, for additional information about our retail real estate holdings.

 

Prior to February 2, 2015 we owned a 49% interest in Zenith. The balance of our investment in Zenith, which was accounted for under the equity method, was included in other long-term assets in our consolidated balance sheets.

 

 
5

 

 

Trademarks

 

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

 

Research and Development

 

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

 

Government Regulations

 

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

 

Our logistical services segment is also subject to regulation by several federal governmental agencies, including the Department of Transportation (“DOT”), specifically the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Surface Transportation Board, which are agencies within the DOT. We are also subject to rules and regulations of various state agencies. These regulatory authorities have broad powers, generally governing matters such as authority to engage in motor carrier operations, motor carrier registration, driver hours of service, safety and fitness of transportation equipment and drivers, and other matters.

 

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

 

People

 

We employed 2,237 people as of November 28, 2015, of which 793 were employed in our retail segment, 870 were employed in our wholesale segment and 669 were employed in our logistical services segment, which also utilized another 296 temporary workers provided through staffing agencies. None of our employees are subject to collective bargaining arrangements and we have not experienced any recent work stoppages. We consider our relationship with our employees to be good.

 

Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export Sales

 

We have no foreign manufacturing or retail operations. We define export sales as sales to any country or territory other than the United States or its territories or possessions. Our export sales were approximately $4,516, $4,774, and $4,603 in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. At November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014, we had $4,316 and $4,143, respectively of our finished goods inventory physically warehoused in Vietnam and Indonesia.

 

Major Customers

 

Our risk exposure related to our customers, consisting primarily of trade accounts receivable along with certain guarantees, net of recognized reserves, totaled approximately $23,648 and $18,866 at November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014, respectively. At November 28, 2015, approximately 26% of the aggregate risk exposure, net of reserves, was attributable to three customers. At November 29, 2014, approximately 24% of the aggregate risk exposure, net of reserves, was attributable to two customers. In fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, no customer accounted for more than 10% of total net sales.

 

 
6

 

 

Available Information

 

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

 

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

 

The following risk factors should be read carefully in connection with evaluating our business and the forward-looking information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The risk factors below represent what we believe are the known material risk factors with respect to us and our business. Any of the following risks could materially adversely affect our business, operations, industry, financial position or future financial results.

 

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

 

The home furnishings industry has experienced a difficult period over the last seven years marked with depressed housing starts, high unemployment, changing consumer confidence and uncertain fiscal policies. While the economy has improved over the most recent three years, the pace of the recovery continues to be slow by historical standards and remains fragile. Historically, the home furnishings industry has been subject to cyclical variations in the general economy and to uncertainty regarding future economic prospects. Should the current economic recovery falter or the current recovery in housing starts stall, consumer confidence and demand for home furnishings could deteriorate which could adversely affect our business through its impact on the performance of our Company-owned stores, as well as our licensees and the ability of a number of them to meet their obligations to us.

 

Our use of foreign sources of production for a substantial portion of our products exposes us to certain additional risks associated with international operations.

 

Our use of foreign sources for the supply of many of our products exposes us to risks associated with overseas sourcing.  These risks are related to government regulation, volatile ocean freight costs, delays in shipments, and extended lead time in ordering. Governments in the foreign countries where we source our products may change their laws, regulations and policies, including those related to tariffs and trade barriers, investments, taxation and exchange controls which could make it more difficult to service our customers resulting in an adverse effect on our earnings. We could also experience increases in the cost of ocean freight shipping which could have an adverse effect on our earnings. Shipping delays and extended order lead times may adversely affect our ability to respond to sudden changes in demand, resulting in the purchase of excess inventory in the face of declining demand, or lost sales due to insufficient inventory in the face of increasing demand, either of which would also have an adverse effect on our earnings or liquidity.

 

Our retail stores face significant competition from national, regional and local retailers of home furnishings.

 

The retail market for home furnishings is highly fragmented and intensely competitive. We currently compete against a diverse group of retailers, including national department stores, regional or independent specialty stores, and dedicated franchises of furniture manufacturers. National mass merchants such as Costco also have limited product offerings. We also compete with retailers that market products through store catalogs and the Internet. In addition, there are few barriers to entry into our current and contemplated markets, and new competitors may enter our current or future markets at any time. We have recently seen electronics and appliance retailers adding limited furniture products in their stores. Our existing competitors or new entrants into our industry may use a number of different strategies to compete against us, including aggressive advertising, pricing and marketing, extension of credit to customers on terms more favorable than we offer, and expansion into markets where we currently operate.

 

Competition from any of these sources could cause us to lose market share, revenues and customers, increase expenditures or reduce prices, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

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

 

We have a significant amount of accounts receivable attributable to our network of licensee-owned stores. We also guarantee some of the leases of some of our licensees. If these stores do not generate the necessary level of sales and profits, the licensees may not be able to fulfill their obligations to us resulting in additional bad debt expenses and real estate related losses.

 

 
7

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

We rely extensively on computer systems to process transactions, summarize results and manage our business.  Disruptions in both our primary and back-up systems could adversely affect our business and operating results.

 

Our primary and back-up computer systems are subject to damage or interruption from power outages, computer and telecommunications failures, computer viruses, security breaches, natural disasters and errors by employees.  Though losses arising from some of these issues would be covered by insurance, interruptions of our critical business computer systems or failure of our back-up systems could reduce our sales or result in longer production times.  If our critical business computer systems or back-up systems are damaged or cease to function properly, we may have to make a significant investment to repair or replace them.

 

We may incur costs resulting from security risks we face in connection with our electronic processing and transmission of confidential customer information.

 

We accept electronic payment cards in our stores. We may in the future become subject to claims for purportedly fraudulent transactions arising out of the actual or alleged theft of credit or debit card information, and we may also be subject to lawsuits or other proceedings in the future relating to these types of incidents. Proceedings related to theft of credit or debit card information may be brought by payment card providers, banks and credit unions that issue cards, cardholders (either individually or as part of a class action lawsuit) and federal and state regulators. Any such proceedings could distract our management from running our business and cause us to incur significant unplanned losses and expenses. Consumer perception of our brand could also be negatively affected by these events, which could further adversely affect our results and prospects.

 

 
8

 

 

We may suffer adverse impacts from additional risks associated with our entry into the freight transportation and logistics business following our acquisition of Zenith.

 

Our entry into the freight transportation and logistics business through our acquisition of Zenith exposes us to certain risks common to that business, including, but not limited to: difficulties attracting and retaining qualified drivers which could result in increases in driver compensation and could adversely affect our profitability and our ability to maintain or grow our fleet; adverse impacts from unfavorable fluctuations in the availability and price of diesel fuel; increased costs of compliance with, or liability for violation of, existing or future regulations in the highly regulated freight transportation industry; and adverse impacts upon Zenith’s results of operations which may result from seasonal factors and harsh weather conditions.

 

 
9

 

  

ITEM 1B.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

None.

  

ITEM 2.

PROPERTIES

 

General

 

We own our corporate office building, which includes an annex, located in Bassett, Va.

 

We own the following facilities, by segment:

 

Wholesale Segment:

 

Facility

 

Location

 
       

Bassett Wood Division

 

Martinsville, Va.

 

Bassett Upholstery Division

 

Newton, N.C. 

 

3 Warehouses

 

Bassett, Va.

 

 

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

 

Retail Segment:

 

Real estate associated with our retail segment consists of 11 owned locations with an aggregate square footage of 276,887 and a net book value of $27,843. These stores are located as follows:

 

Concord, North Carolina

 

Greensboro, North Carolina

Greenville, South Carolina

 

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Houston, Texas (3 locations)

 

Gulfport, Mississippi

Knoxville, Tennessee

 

Las Vegas, Nevada

Louisville, Kentucky

   
     
     

 

Of these locations, two are subject to land leases and two are subject to mortgages. Our remaining 49 store locations are leased from third-parties.

 

Logistical Services Segment:

 

Owned real estate associated with our logistical services segment is located in Conover, North Carolina and includes the following facilities:

 

Facility

 

Square Footage

 

Distribution center and corporate office

    242,000  

2 Maintenance facilities

    15,142  

2 Transit warehouses

    86,135  

 

The distribution center and corporate office is subject to a mortgage.

 

In addition to the owned facilities listed above, we also lease warehouse space in 19 locations across the United States with an aggregate square footage of 1,468,406.

 

Other Real Estate Owned:

 

We hold investments in retail store property that we previously leased to licensees and now lease to others. Such properties consist of two locations with aggregate square footage of 41,021 and net book value of $3,120 at November 28, 2015.

 

At November 28, 2015, there was one closed store for which we are paying the monthly lease amount due to being the lessee. We have a sublease agreement on this property which helps to defray a portion of the on-going cash requirements.

 

See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Annual Report for more information with respect to our operating lease obligations.

 

 
10

 

 

ITEM 3.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

In 2004, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advised us that we had been identified as a potentially responsible party (PRP) at the Ward Transformer Superfund site in Wake County, North Carolina. The EPA alleges that we are a responsible party because, prior to 1990, we sent transformers to the site for repair that contained certain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) which were allegedly mishandled by the owner/operator of the site. Pursuant to a settlement agreement that we and several other PRPs (the “Initial PRP Group”) entered into with the EPA in 2005, the Initial PRP Group has paid for remediation work conducted at the Ward Transformer site. To date we have spent approximately $1,000 on the remediation of the site, which exceeded our share of the remediation expense under the law at the time of the remediation. Through the litigation and collection efforts of the Initial PRP Group, we sought recovery of our excess payment from dozens of other PRPs. Most of the PRPs in the litigation had either sent transformers to Ward for repair (“repair transactions”), sold used transformers to Ward (“sale transactions”), or both. Certain PRPs in the litigation involved in “sale transactions” have been allowed to avoid liability for their share of the cost of remediation as a result of court decisions upheld by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in 2015. We are in negotiations with members of the Initial PRP Group to determine our remaining share of the remediation cost.  

  

ITEM 4B.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

 

David C. Baker, 55, joined the Company in 2005 as Director, Store Operations. From 2006 to 2015 he served as Vice President – Corporate Retail, and currently serves as Senior Vice President – Corporate Retail. Prior to joining Bassett, Mr. Baker managed Bassett stores for licensees from 1999 to 2005 after having previously managed stores for other furniture retail chains including Haverty’s and Rhodes Furniture.

 

John E. Bassett III, 57, has been with the Company since 1981 and served as Vice President of Wood Manufacturing from 1997 to 2001, as Vice President Global Sourcing from 2001 to 2006 and as Senior Vice-President of Global Sourcing since 2006.

 

Bruce R. Cohenour, 57, has been with the Company since 2011, serving as Senior Vice President of Sales and Merchandising since January 2013, prior to which he served as Senior Vice President of Upholstery Merchandising. Prior to joining Bassett, Mr. Cohenour was with Hooker Furniture Corp. from 2007 through 2010, serving as Senior Vice President of National Accounts and Business Development until 2009. In 2009, he was promoted to Executive Vice President of Marketing and in 2010, he was promoted to President of the Case Goods Division.

 

J. Michael Daniel, 54, joined the Company in 2007 as Corporate Controller. From April 2009 through December 2009, he served as Corporate Controller and Interim Chief Financial Officer. In January 2010, he was appointed Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer. In January 2013, he was promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

 

Jack L. Hawn., 62, has been with the company since 2015 as President and CEO of Zenith Freight Lines, LLC, which he founded in 1988. From 1979 to 1987 he was President and CEO of Carrier Freight Lines.

 

Jay R. Hervey, Esq., 56, has served as the General Counsel, Vice President – Real Estate and Secretary for the Company since 1997.

 

Mark S. Jordan, 62, joined the Company in 1999 as Plant Manager. In 2001, he was promoted to Vice President of Upholstery Manufacturing and in 2002 he was promoted to Vice President and General Manager-Upholstery. He has served as Senior Vice President of Upholstery since 2006.

 

Robert H. Spilman, Jr., 59, has been with the Company since 1984. Since 2000, he has served as Chief Executive Officer and President.

 

 
11

 

 

PART II

 

ITEM 5.

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

 

Market and Dividend Information:

 

Bassett’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ global select market system under the symbol “BSET.” We had approximately 1,300 registered stockholders at November 28, 2015. The range of per share amounts for the high and low market prices and dividends declared for the last two fiscal years are listed below:

 

   

Market Prices of Common Stock

                 
   

2015

   

2014

   

Dividends Declared

 

Quarter

 

High

   

Low

   

High

   

Low

   

2015

   

2014

 
                                                 

First

  $ 26.97     $ 18.22     $ 16.19     $ 13.32     $ 0.08     $ 0.06  

Second

    32.54       24.59       16.02       13.13       0.08       0.06  

Third

    38.02       26.81       15.73       12.07       0.09       0.08  

Fourth

    33.30       27.85       19.60       13.21       0.29       0.28  

  

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

(dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

   

Total

Shares Purchased

   

Average

Price Paid

   

Total Number of Shares 

Purchased as Part of

Publicly Announced Plans

or Programs (1)

   

Approximate Dollar Value

of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans

or Programs (1)

 
                                 

August 30 - October 3, 2015

    16,350     $ 28.14       16,350     $ 18,166  

October 3 - October 31, 2015

    -     $ -       -     $ 18,166  

November 1 - November 28, 2015

    8,200     $ 28.85       8,200     $ 17,929  

 


(1)

The Company is authorized to repurchase Company stock under a plan which was originally announced in 1998. On October 9, 2014, the Board of Directors increased the remaining limit of the repurchase plan to $20,000. At November 28, 2015, $17,929 remains available for stock repurchases under the plan.

 

 
12

 

 

ITEM 6.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

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

  

   

2015

   

2014

   

2013 (1)

   

2012

   

2011

 
                                         
                                         

Net sales

  $ 430,927 (2)   $ 340,738     $ 321,286     $ 269,972     $ 253,208  

Operating income (loss)

  $ 25,989     $ 15,131     $ 10,005     $ 5,080 (3)   $ (20,622) (3)

Gain on sale of affiliate

  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 85,542 (4)

Other income (loss), net

  $ 5,879 (5)   $ (524)     $ (1,818)     $ 6,934 (6)   $ (5,169) (6)

Income before income taxes

  $ 31,868     $ 14,607     $ 8,187     $ 12,014     $ 59,571  

Income tax expense (benefit)

  $ 11,435     $ 5,308     $ 3,091     $ (14,699) (7)   $ (4,409)  

Net income

  $ 20,433     $ 9,299     $ 5,096     $ 26,713     $ 55,342  

Diluted earnings per share

  $ 1.88     $ 0.87     $ 0.47     $ 2.41     $ 4.79  

Cash dividends declared

  $ 5,868     $ 5,805     $ 4,565     $ 15,920     $ 6,757  

Cash dividends per share

  $ 0.54     $ 0.48     $ 0.42     $ 1.45     $ 0.60  

Total assets

  $ 282,543     $ 240,746     $ 225,849     $ 227,180     $ 223,174  

Long-term debt

  $ 8,500 (8)   $ 1,902     $ 2,467     $ 3,053     $ 3,662  

Current ratio (9)

    1.84 to 1       1.95 to 1       2.37 to 1       2.39 to 1       2.70 to 1  

Book value per share

  $ 16.25     $ 14.95     $ 14.50     $ 14.51     $ 13.44  

  

 

(1)

Fiscal 2013 contained 53 weeks, whereas all other fiscal years presented above contained 52 weeks.

 

 

(2)

Fiscal 2015 included logistical services revenue from Zenith in the amount of $43,522 since the acquisition of Zenith on February 2, 2015.

 

 

(3)

Fiscal 2012 included restructuring and asset impairment charges and lease exits costs totalling $1,070. Fiscal 2011 included restructuring and asset impairment charges of $6,228 as well as licensee debt cancellation charges of $6,447.

 

 

(4)

On May 2, 2011 we sold our 46.9% interest in International Home Furnishings Center, Inc. (“IHFC”) resulting in a gain of $85,542.

 

 

(5)

See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements related to a remeasurement gain of $7,212 arising from our acquisition of Zenith during fiscal 2015. Also see Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements related to $1,156 of income from the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act (“CDSOA”) received in fiscal 2015.

 

 

(6)

During fiscal 2012 and 2011, other income (loss), net included income from the CDSOA of $9,010 and $765, respectively.

 

 

(7)

Fiscal 2012 included the effects of changes in our valuation allowance on deferred tax assets resulting in a credit to income of $18,704.

 

 

(8)

See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements related to notes payable in connection with our acquisition of Zenith during fiscal 2015, the long-term portion of which totaled $7,143 at November 28, 2015.

 

 

(9)

See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements regarding our fiscal 2015 adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2015-17, which requires the classification of all deferred tax assets and liabilities as non-current. The current ratio for all prior periods presented has been restated to reflect the reclassification of our current deferred tax assets to non-current.

 

 
13

 

 

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

 

(Amounts in thousands except share and per share data)

 

Overview

 

Bassett is a leading retailer, manufacturer and marketer of branded home furnishings. Our products are sold primarily through a network of Company-owned and licensee-owned branded stores under the Bassett Home Furnishings (“BHF”) name, with additional distribution through other wholesale channels including multi-line furniture stores, many of which feature Bassett galleries or design centers, specialty stores and mass merchants. We were founded in 1902 and incorporated under the laws of Virginia in 1930. Our rich 113-year history has instilled the principles of quality, value, and integrity in everything that we do, while simultaneously providing us with the expertise to respond to ever-changing consumer tastes and to meet the demands of a global economy.

 

With 93 BHF stores at November 28, 2015, we have leveraged our strong brand name in furniture into a network of corporate and licensed stores that focus on providing consumers with a friendly environment for buying furniture and accessories.  We created our store program in 1997 to provide a single source home furnishings retail store that provides a unique combination of stylish, quality furniture and accessories with a high level of customer service.  The store features custom order furniture ready for delivery in less than 30 days, more than 1,000 upholstery fabrics, free in-home design visits, and coordinated decorating accessories.  We believe that our capabilities in custom upholstery have become unmatched in recent years. Our manufacturing team takes great pride in the breadth of its options, the precision of its craftsmanship, and the speed of its delivery.  The selling philosophy in the stores is based on building strong long-term relationships with each customer.  Sales people are referred to as Design Consultants and are each trained to evaluate customer needs and provide comprehensive solutions for their home decor. We continue to strengthen the sales and design talent within our Company-owned retail stores.  Our Design Consultants undergo extensive Design Certification training. This training has strengthened their skills related to our house call and design business, and is intended to increase business with our most valuable customers.

 

In order to reach markets that cannot be effectively served by our retail store network, we also distribute our products through other wholesale channels including multi-line furniture stores, many of which feature Bassett galleries or design centers, specialty stores and mass merchants. We use a network of over 25 independent sales representatives who have stated geographical territories. These sales representatives are compensated based on a standard commission rate. We believe this blended strategy provides us the greatest ability to effectively distribute our products throughout the United States and ultimately gain market share.  

 

For many years we owned 49% of Zenith Freight Lines, LLC (“Zenith”). During that time the strategic significance of our partnership with Zenith had risen to include the over-the-road transportation of furniture, the operation of regional freight terminal, warehouse and distribution facilities in eleven states, and the management of various home delivery facilities that service Bassett Home Furnishings stores and other clients in local markets around the United States. On February 2, 2015, we acquired the remaining 51% of Zenith, which now operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bassett. Our acquisition of Zenith brings to our Company the ability to deliver best-of-class shipping and logistical support services that are uniquely tailored to the needs of the furniture industry, as well as the ability to provide the expedited delivery service which is increasingly demanded by our industry. We believe that our ownership of Zenith will not only enhance our own wholesale and retail distribution capabilities, but will provide additional growth opportunities as Zenith continues to expand its service to other customers.

 

In September of 2011, we announced the formation of a strategic partnership with HGTV (Home and Garden Television), a division of Scripps Networks, LLC, which combines our heritage in the furniture industry with the penetration of 96 million households in the United States that HGTV enjoys today.  As part of this alliance, the in-store design centers have been co-branded with HGTV to more forcefully market the concept of a “home makeover”, an important point of differentiation for our stores that also mirrors much of the programming content on the HGTV network. We believe the new co-branded design centers coupled with the targeted national advertising on HGTV have played a key role in our improved comparable store sales since their introduction. In October of 2015, we announced the extension of our partnership with HGTV through 2019. While continuing to feature HGTV branded custom upholstery products in our HGTV HOME Design Studios in Bassett Home Furnishings stores, we will now expand the concept to select independent dealers. We believe this will provide additional growth outside our BHF store network.

 

At November 28, 2015, our BFH store network included 60 Company-owned stores and 33 licensee-owned stores. Due to the improved operating performance of our retail network along with continued improvement in underlying economic factors such as the housing market and consumer confidence, we have been expanding our retail presence in various parts of the country. As part of this expansion we opened one new store and relocated two stores during fiscal 2015 while opening six new stores and relocating two stores in fiscal 2014. We plan to continue opening new stores, primarily in underpenetrated markets where we currently have stores. In this regard we are currently considering several locations for new store expansion over the next three years, with at least three of these planned to open in fiscal 2016. We continue to evaluate all stores in our fleet and plan to close three underperforming stores this year as well.

 

 
14

 

 

As with any retail operation, prior to opening a new store we incur such expenses as rent, training costs and other payroll related costs. These costs generally range between $100 to $300 per store depending on the overall rent costs for the location and the period between the time when we take physical possession of the store space and the time of the store opening. Generally, rent payments during a buildout period between delivery of possession and opening of a new store are deferred and therefore straight line rent expense recognized during that time does not require cash. Inherent in our retail business model, we also incur losses in the two to three months of operation following a new store opening. Like other furniture retailers, we do not recognize a sale until the furniture is delivered to our customer. Because our retail business model does not involve maintaining a stock of retail inventory that would result in quick delivery and because of the custom nature of many of our furniture offerings, delivery to our customers usually occurs about 30 days after an order is placed. We generally require a deposit at the time of order and collect the remaining balance when the furniture is delivered, at which time the sale is recognized. Coupled with the previously discussed store pre-opening costs, total start-up losses can range from $300 to $500 per store. While our retail expansion is initially costly, we believe our site selection and new store presentation will generally result in locations that operate at or above a retail break-even level within a reasonable period of time following store opening. Factors affecting the length of time required to achieve this goal on a store-by-store basis may include the level of brand recognition, the degree of local competition and the depth of penetration in a particular market. Even as new stores ramp up to break-even, we do realize additional wholesale sales volume that leverages the fixed costs in our wholesale business.

 

Our wholesale operations include an upholstery plant in Newton, North Carolina that produces a wide range of upholstered furniture. We believe that we are an industry leader with our quick-ship custom upholstery offerings. We also operate a custom dining manufacturing facility in Martinsville, Virginia. Most of our wood furniture and certain of our upholstery offerings are sourced through several foreign plants, primarily in Vietnam, Indonesia and China. We define imported product as fully finished product that is sourced internationally. For fiscal 2015, approximately 37% of our wholesale sales were of imported product compared to 42% for fiscal 2014. In fiscal 2015 we launched several significant new product categories. An important new product introduction in 2015 has been “Bench Made”, a selection of American dining furniture that appeared in retail showrooms during the second quarter of 2015. Partnering with nearby hardwood component manufacturers, we are preparing, distressing, finishing, and assembling an assortment of solid maple tables and chairs in our newly renovated Company-owned facility in Bassett, Virginia. Sales of “Bench   Made” product during 2015 were ahead of our expectations. Also extremely significant is the second phase of our store assortment makeover that began with the introduction of new wood items and finishes last spring. We are planning to move to a living area centric floor plan that will focus more on the upholstery products that are driving our sales today complemented by both imported and domestically produced entertainment and occasional furnishings. All of these new products have been carefully designed in coordination with our merchants, designers, engineers and finishing technicians to achieve the upscale casual decor that we believe speaks to today’s consumer. We will begin production in a new manufacturing facility in Grand Prairie, Texas in early March. The new plant will begin by producing a portion of the upholstery assortment for customers and stores in the Texas area and west.

 

Our website, www.bassettfurniture.com, provides our consumers with the ability to research and purchase our merchandise online. The ultimate goal of our digital strategy is to drive traffic to our stores while deepening interactions with our consumers. We have worked diligently to enhance our online presence by making it easier for consumers to browse our wide array of goods and to design custom furniture. Late in 2015, we launched a new responsive platform allowing smartphone and tablet users to browse and purchase our product assortment on their mobile devices. Our e-commerce platform is simple, easy to use and amplifies the experience of the Bassett brand reflected in our stores, direct mail and television commercials. We constantly update our website to reflect current product availability, pricing and special offers. In 2016, we will continue to make improvements to our website to improve brand interaction and drive more qualified prospects to our stores. While sales through our website are currently not material, they have increased significantly in the last several years. We are leveraging our Company-owned and licensed store network to handle delivery and customer service for orders placed online.

 

 
15

 

 

Analysis of Operations

 

Our fiscal year ends on the last Saturday of November, which periodically results in a 53-week year. Fiscal 2013 contained 53 weeks, while fiscal 2015 and 2014 each contained 52 weeks. Net sales revenue, cost of furniture and accessories sold, selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense, new store pre-opening costs, other charges, and income from operations were as follows for the years ended November 28, 2015, November 29, 2014 and November 30, 2013:

 

   

2015

 

2014

 

2013

Sales Revenue:

                                               

Furniture and accessories

  $ 387,405       89.9 %   $ 340,738       100.0 %   $ 321,286       100.0 %

Logistics

    43,522       10.1 %     -       0.0 %     -       0.0 %

Total net sales revenue

    430,927       100.0 %     340,738       100.0 %     321,286       100.0 %
                                                 

Cost of furniture and accessories sold

    179,291       41.6 %     158,317       46.5 %     155,292       48.3 %

SG&A

    224,050       52.0 %     166,073       48.7 %     155,318       48.3 %

New store pre-opening costs

    623       0.1 %     1,217       0.4 %     671       0.2 %

Other charges

    974       0.2 %     -       0.0 %     -       0.0 %
                                                 

Income from operations

  $ 25,989       6.0 %   $ 15,131       4.4 %   $ 10,005       3.1 %

 

Sales for fiscal 2015 include the logistical services revenue of Zenith from customers outside of the Company since the date of acquisition on February 2, 2015. Sales of furniture and accessories, net of estimates for returns and allowances, were $387,405 for fiscal 2015 as compared to $340,738 for 2014 and $321,286 for 2013, representing increases of 13% and 6.1%, respectively. As noted above, fiscal 2013 contained 53 weeks while fiscal 2015 and 2014 contained 52 weeks. On an average weekly basis, sales for 2014 increased 8.1% over 2013. This trend primarily reflects the increase in the number of stores owned and operated by us, as well as growth in our wholesale shipments outside of our licensee network. Our consolidated net sales by segment were as follows:

 

   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

 
                         

Wholesale

  $ 252,180     $ 223,993     $ 215,451  

Retail

    249,379       216,631       199,380  

Logistical services

    77,250       -       -  

Inter-company eliminations:

                       

Furniture and accessories

    (114,154 )     (99,886 )     (93,545 )

Logistical services

    (33,728 )     -       -  

Consolidated net sales

  $ 430,927     $ 340,738     $ 321,286  

 

Operating income was $25,989 for 2015 as compared to $15,131 for 2014 and $10,005 for 2013. These increases have been primarily attributable to increased retail volume, the addition of Zenith, which contributed an additional $3,528 of operating income for fiscal 2015, and increased wholesale volume. Other charges of $974 during fiscal 2015 include lease exit costs of $419, asset impairment charges of $106, and a management restructuring charge of $449. See Note 15 of our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding these charges.

 

Certain other items affecting comparability between periods are discussed below in “Other Items Affecting Net Income”.

 

 
16

 

 

Segment Information

 

We have strategically aligned our business into three reportable segments as described below:

 

Wholesale. The wholesale home furnishings segment is involved principally in the design, manufacture, sourcing, sale and distribution of furniture products to a network of Bassett stores (licensee-owned stores and Company-owned stores) and independent furniture retailers. Our wholesale segment includes our wood and upholstery operations as well as all corporate selling, general and administrative expenses, including those corporate expenses related to both Company- and licensee-owned stores. We eliminate the sales between our wholesale and retail segments as well as the imbedded profit in the retail inventory for the consolidated presentation in our financial statements.

 

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

 

Logistical services. With our acquisition of Zenith on February 2, 2015, we created the logistical services operating segment which reflects the operations of Zenith. In addition to providing shipping, delivery and warehousing services for the Company, Zenith also provides similar services to other customers, primarily in the furniture industry. Revenue from the performance of these services to other customers is included in logistics revenue in our consolidated statement of income. Zenith’s operating costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Amounts charged by Zenith to the Company for transportation and logistical services prior to February 2, 2015 are included in selling, general and administrative expenses, and our equity in the earnings of Zenith prior to the date of acquisition is included in other loss, net, in the consolidated statements of income.

 

Prior to the beginning of fiscal 2015, our former investments and real estate segment included our short-term investments, our holdings of retail real estate previously leased as licensee stores, and our former equity investment in Zenith prior to acquisition. This segment has been eliminated and the assets formerly reported therein are now considered to be part of our wholesale segment. The earnings and costs associated with these assets, including our equity in the income of Zenith prior to the date of acquisition, will continue to be included in other loss, net, in our condensed consolidated statements of income.

 

 
17

 

 

The following tables illustrate the effects of various intercompany eliminations on income (loss) from operations in the consolidation of our segment results:

 

   

Year Ended November 28, 2015

 
   

Wholesale

   

Retail

   

Logistics

   

Eliminations

   

Consolidated

 

Sales revenue:

                                       

Furniture & accessories

  $ 252,180     $ 249,379     $ -     $ (114,154) (1)   $ 387,405  

Logistics

    -       -       77,250       (33,728) (2)     43,522  

Total sales revenue

    252,180       249,379       77,250       (147,882)       430,927  

Cost of furniture and accessories sold

    168,792       124,376       -       (113,877) (3)     179,291  

SG&A expense

    67,770       118,210       73,722       (35,652) (4)     224,050  

New store pre-opening costs

    -       623       -       -       623  

Income from operations (5)

  $ 15,618     $ 6,170     $ 3,528     $ 1,647     $ 26,963  

 

   

Year Ended November 29, 2014

 
   

Wholesale

   

Retail

   

Logistics

   

Eliminations

   

Consolidated

 

Sales revenue:

                                       

Furniture & accessories

  $ 223,993     $ 216,631     $ -     $ (99,886) (1)   $ 340,738  

Logistics

    -       -       -       - (2)     -  

Total sales revenue

    223,993       216,631       -       (99,886)       340,738  

Cost of furniture and accessories sold

    149,646       108,174       -       (99,503) (3)     158,317  

SG&A expense

    60,227       107,768       -       (1,922) (4)     166,073  

New store pre-opening costs

    -       1,217       -       -       1,217  

Income (loss) from operations

  $ 14,120     $ (528 )   $ -     $ 1,539     $ 15,131  

 

   

Year Ended November 30, 2013

 
   

Wholesale

   

Retail

   

Logistics

   

Eliminations

   

Consolidated

 

Sales revenue:

                                       

Furniture & accessories

  $ 215,451     $ 199,380     $ -     $ (93,545) (1)   $ 321,286  

Logistics

    -       -       -       - (2)     -  

Total sales revenue

    215,451       199,380       -       (93,545)       321,286  

Cost of furniture and accessories sold

    144,639       102,911       -       (92,258) (3)     155,292  

SG&A expense

    59,929       97,250       -       (1,861) (4)     155,318  

New store pre-opening costs

    -       671       -       -       671  

Income (loss) from operations

  $ 10,883     $ (1,452 )   $ -     $ 574     $ 10,005  

 

(1)

Represents the elimination of sales from our wholesale segment to our Company-owned BHF stores.

(2)

Represents the elimination of logistical services billed to our wholesale and retail segments.

(3)

Represents the elimination of purchases by our Company-owned BHF stores from our wholesale segment, as well as the change for the period in the elimination of intercompany profit in ending retail inventory.

(4)

Represents the elimination of rent paid by our retail stores occupying Company-owned real estate, and for the year ended November 28, 2015, logisitcal services expense incurred from Zenith by our retail and wholesale segments.

(5)

Excludes the effects of asset impairment charges, lease exit costs and management restructuring costs which are not allocated to our segments.

 

 
18

 

 

Wholesale Segment

 

Net sales, gross profit, selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense and operating income (loss) from operations for our Wholesale Segment were as follows for the years ended November 28, 2015, November 29, 2014 and November 30, 2013:

 

   

2015

 

2014

 

2013

                                                 

Net sales

  $ 252,180       100.0 %   $ 223,993       100.0 %   $ 215,451       100.0 %

Gross profit

    83,388       33.1 %     74,347       33.2 %     70,812       32.9 %

SG&A

    67,770       26.9 %     60,227       26.9 %     59,929       27.8 %

Income from operations

  $ 15,618       6.2 %   $ 14,120       6.3 %   $ 10,883       5.1 %

   

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

 

   

2015

 

2014

 

2013

                                                 

Wood

  $ 93,073       36.9 %   $ 86,577       38.7 %   $ 87,935       40.8 %

Upholstery

    156,768       62.2 %     135,831       60.6 %     125,403       58.2 %

Other

    2,339       0.9 %     1,585       0.7 %     2,113       1.0 %

Total

  $ 252,180       100.0 %   $ 223,993       100.0 %   $ 215,451       100.0 %

 

Fiscal 2015 as Compared to Fiscal 2014

 

Net sales for the wholesale segment were $252,180 for 2015 as compared to $223,993 for 2014, an increase of $28,187 or 13%. This sales increase was driven by a 13% increase in shipments to the BHF store network and a 7.4% increase in open market shipments (outside the BHF store network). Gross margins for the wholesale segment decreased slightly to 33.1% for 2015 as compared to 33.2% for 2014. Wholesale SG&A increased $7,543 to $67,770 for 2015 as compared to $60,227 for 2014. SG&A as a percentage of sales was 26.9% for both fiscal 2015 and 2014. Included in SG&A for 2015 is an additional $850 in increased legal and environmental costs, an additional $541 of incentive compensation, and a $289 increase in bad debt costs largely associated with one remaining long-term note from a prior licensee. Also included in SG&A during 2015 are $209 of costs associated with the acquisition of Zenith. Operating income was $15,618 or 6.2% of sales for 2015 as compared to $14,120 or 6.3% of sales in 2014.

 

Fiscal 2014 as Compared to Fiscal 2013

 

Net sales for the wholesale segment were $223,993 for 2014 as compared to $215,451 for 2013, an increase of $8,542, or 4%. On an average weekly basis (normalizing for the extra week in fiscal 2013), wholesale net sales increased 6%. Average weekly wholesale shipments to the open market (outside the Bassett Home Furnishings store network) for 2014 increased 10%, while average weekly shipments to the Bassett Home Furnishings store network increased by 4.2% compared to 2013. We gained market share in the traditional furniture store channel as recent product offerings were well received in 2014. Sales to our BHF store network were negatively impacted by slower business due to inclement weather during the winter months in early 2014 along with overall softness in the demand for wood furniture. Gross margins for the wholesale segment increased 30 basis points to 33.2% for 2014 as compared to 32.9% for 2013. This increase was primarily due to improved margins in the wood operations over the course of 2014 after discounting of discontinued product earlier in the year, and also due to the increased leveraging of fixed costs from higher sales volume in our upholstery operations. Wholesale SG&A increased $298 to $60,227 for 2014 as compared to $59,929 for 2013. SG&A costs as a percentage of sales decreased to 26.9% as compared to 27.6% for 2013 primarily due to tighter expense control. Income from operations was $14,120, or 6.3% of sales, for fiscal 2014 as compared to $10,883, or 5.1% of sales, for the prior year.

 

Wholesale Backlog

 

The dollar value of our wholesale backlog, representing orders received but not yet delivered to dealers and Company stores as of November 28, 2015, November 29, 2014, and November 30, 2013 was as follows:

 

   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

 
                         

Year end wholesale backlog

  $ 17,131     $ 13,644     $ 11,916  

 

 
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Retail Segment – Company Owned Stores

 

Net sales, gross profit, selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense, new store pre-opening costs and operating income (loss) for our Retail Segment were as follows for the years ended November 28, 2015, November 29, 2014 and November 30, 2013:

 

   

2015 vs 2014

   

2014 vs 2013

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2014

   

2013

 
                                                                 

Net sales

  $ 249,379       100.0 %   $ 216,631       100.0 %   $ 216,631       100.0 %   $ 199,380       100.0 %

Gross profit

    125,003       50.1 %     108,457       50.1 %     108,457       50.1 %     96,469       48.4 %

SG&A expense

    118,210       47.4 %     107,768       49.7 %     107,768       49.7 %     97,250       48.8 %

New store pre-opening costs

    623       0.2 %     1,217       0.6 %     1,217       0.6 %     671       0.3 %

Income (loss) from operations

  $ 6,170       2.5 %   $ (528 )     -0.2 %   $ (528 )     -0.2 %   $ (1,452 )     -0.7 %

  

The following tables present operating results on a comparable store basis for each comparative set of periods. Table A compares the results of the 53 stores that were open and operating for all of 2015 and 2014. Table B compares the results of the 51 stores that were open and operating for all of 2014 and 2013.

 

Comparable Store Results:

 

   

Table A: 2015 vs 2014 (53 Stores)

   

Table B: 2014 vs 2013 (51 Stores)

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2014

   

2013

 
                                                                 

Net sales

  $ 225,444       100.0 %   $ 199,048       100.0 %   $ 194,092       100.0 %   $ 187,146       100.0 %

Gross profit

    112,815       50.0 %     99,591       50.0 %     96,905       49.9 %     90,626       48.4 %

SG&A expense

    105,347       46.7 %     97,325       48.9 %     94,726       48.8 %     90,389       48.3 %

Income (loss) from operations

  $ 7,468       3.3 %   $ 2,266       1.1 %   $ 2,179       1.1 %   $ 237       0.1 %

 

The following tables present operating results for all other stores which were not comparable year-over-year. Each table includes the results of stores that either opened or closed at some point during the 24 months of each comparative set of periods.

 

All Other (Non-Comparable) Store Results:

 

   

2015 vs 2014 All Other Stores

   

2014 vs 2013 All Other Stores

 
   

2015

   

2014

   

2014

   

2013

 
                                                                 

Net sales

  $ 23,935       100.0 %   $ 17,583       100.0 %   $ 22,539       100.0 %   $ 12,234       100.0 %

Gross profit

    12,188       50.9 %     8,866       50.4 %     11,552       51.3 %     5,843       47.8 %

SG&A expense

    12,863       53.7 %     10,443       59.4 %     13,042       57.9 %     6,861       56.1 %

New store pre-opening costs

    623       2.6 %     1,217       6.9 %     1,217       5.4 %     671       5.5 %

Loss from operations

  $ (1,298 )     -5.4 %   $ (2,794 )     -15.9 %   $ (2,707 )     -12.0 %   $ (1,689 )     -13.8 %

 

Fiscal 2015 as Compared to Fiscal 2014

 

Net sales for the 60 Company-owned Bassett Home Furnishings stores were $249,379 for fiscal 2015 as compared to $216,631 for fiscal 2014, an increase of $32,748 or 15%. The increase was primarily due to a $26,396 or 13% increase in comparable store sales coupled with a $6,352 increase in non-comparable store sales from 7 new stores opened in the last 24 months.

 

While we do not recognize sales until goods are delivered to the consumer, management tracks written sales (the retail dollar value of sales orders taken, rather than delivered) as a key store performance indicator. Written sales for comparable stores increased by 11% for 2015 over 2014.

 

 

 
20

 

 

The consolidated retail operating income for 2015 was $6,170 as compared to a loss of $528 for 2014, a $6,698 improvement. The 53 comparable stores generated operating income of $7,468 for the year, or 3.3% of sales, as compared to $2,266, or 1.1% of sales, for the prior year. Gross margins were 50.0% for 2015, unchanged from the prior year. SG&A expenses for comparable stores increased $8,022 to $105,347 or 46.7% of sales as compared to 48.9% of sales for 2014. This decrease is primarily due to greater leverage of fixed costs due to higher sales volumes.

 

Losses from the non-comparable stores in 2015 were $1,298 compared to $2,794 for 2014. This decrease is due in part to a decline in new store pre-opening costs from $1,217 recognized in 2014 due to the six new store openings during that year as compared with $623 in 2015 primarily associated with the Woodland Hills, California store which opened in early October of 2015. These costs included rent, training costs and other payroll-related costs specific to a new store location incurred during the period leading up to its opening and generally range between $100 to $300 per store based on the overall rent costs for the location and the period between the time when we take possession of the physical store space and the time of the store opening. Also included in the non-comparable store loss for 2014 was $983 in post-opening losses from six stores opened during 2014. We incur losses in the two to three months of operation following a store opening as sales are not recognized in the income statement until the furniture is delivered to its customers resulting in operating expenses without the normal sales volume. Because we do not maintain a stock of retail inventory that would result in quick delivery, and because of the custom nature of the furniture offerings, such deliveries are generally not made until after 30 days from when the furniture is ordered by the customer. Coupled with the pre-opening costs, total start-up losses typically amount to $300 to $500 per store.

 

Each addition to our Company-owned store network results in incremental fixed overhead costs, primarily associated with local store personnel, occupancy costs and warehousing expenses. The incremental SG&A expenses associated with each new store will be ongoing.

 

Fiscal 2014 as Compared to Fiscal 2013

 

Net sales for the 60 Company-owned stores were $216,631 for fiscal 2014 as compared to $199,380 for 2013, an increase of $17,251 or 8.7%. The increase was comprised of a $6,946 or 3.7% increase in comparable store sales and a $10,305 increase in non-comparable store sales. On an average weekly basis (normalizing for the extra week in the first quarter of 2013), comparable store sales increased 5.7%.

 

While we do not recognize sales until goods are delivered to the consumer, we track written sales (the retail dollar value of sales orders taken, rather than delivered) as a key store performance indicator. Written sales for comparable stores increased by 4.3% for fiscal 2014 as compared to 2013. On an average weekly basis, written sales increased 6.4% over the prior year.

 

The operating loss for the 60 Company-owned stores for fiscal 2014 was $528 as compared to an operating loss of $1,452 for 2013. This decline in the consolidated retail operating loss was primarily due to improved margins, partially offset by increased new store related opening costs, overlapping rent costs during the transition period for store relocations, and initial operating losses at newly opened locations.

 

The 51 comparable stores generated operating income of $2,179 for 2014 as compared to $237 for the prior year. Gross margins at our comparable stores improved to 49.9% compared to 48.4% in the prior year due primarily to improved pricing strategies. SG&A expenses for comparable stores increased $4,337 to $94,726 or 48.8% of sales as compared to 48.3% for 2013. This increase is primarily due to planned increases in advertising spending, higher health care benefit costs, increased other overhead costs as the store network continues to grow and the effects of having one less week to leverage fixed costs. In addition, we incurred $222 of overlapping rent while two stores were in the process of being relocated. As with new store openings as described below, we begin to recognize rent expense at the date we take possession of the new store location. We recognized rent expense on both locations until the date that the previously existing store closed. We completed relocations in Little Rock, Arkansas and Boston, Massachusetts during fiscal 2014, with two additional relocations in Texas expected which were completed during the first quarter of fiscal 2015. We define a store relocation as the closing of one store and opening of another store in the same market. Since there is no change in the store count for a specific market, we continue to include relocation costs as part of the comparable store operations.

 

Losses from the non-comparable stores during fiscal 2014 were $2,707 which includes $1,217 of costs incurred prior to the opening of six stores during the year. These costs include rent, training costs and other payroll-related costs specific to a new store location incurred during the period leading up to its open and generally range between $100 to $300 per store based on the overall rent costs for the location and the period between the time when we take physical possession of the store space and the time when the store opens. Also included in the non-comparable store loss is $983 in post-opening losses from these six store openings. We incur losses in the first two to three months of operation following a store opening as sales are not recognized in the income statement until the furniture is delivered to its customers resulting in operating expenses without the normal sales volume. Because we do not maintain a stock of retail inventory that would result in quick delivery, and because of the custom nature of the furniture offerings, such deliveries are generally not made until after 30 days from when the furniture is ordered by the customer. Coupled with the pre-opening costs, total start-up losses typically amount to $300 to $500 per store. The remaining non-comparable stores incurred an operating loss of $507 during 2014.

 

 

 
21

 

  

Each addition to our Company-owned store network results in incremental fixed overhead costs, primarily associated with local store personnel, occupancy costs and warehousing expenses. The incremental SG&A expenses associated with each new store will be ongoing.

 

Retail Comparable Store Sales Increases

 

The following table provides year-over-year comparable store sales increases for the last three fiscal years:

  

   

2015

   

2014

      2013 (1)
                         

Delivered

    13.3 %     3.7 %     7.6 %

Written

    11.0 %     4.3 %     9.0 %

 

(1) The reported amounts for fiscal 2013 reflect the fact that 2013 contained 53 weeks versus 52 weeks for the preceding year. Adjusting for the additional week of sales on an average weekly basis, 2013 delivered and written sales would have increased 5.6% and 7.0%, respectively, over 2012.

 

Retail Backlog

 

The dollar value of our retail backlog, representing orders received but not yet delivered to customers as of November 28, 2015, November 29, 2014, and November 30, 2013, was as follows:

 

   

2015

    2014    

2013

 
                         

Year end retail backlog

  $ 31,871     $ 30,206     $ 22,483  

Retail backlog per open store

  $ 531     $ 503     $ 409  

  

Logistical Services Segment

 

Our logistical services segment was created with the acquisition of Zenith on February 2, 2015. Results for that segment since the date of acquisition during fiscal 2015 are as follows:

  

Logistics revenue

  $ 77,250       100.0 %

Operating expenses

    73,722       95.4 %
                 

Income from operations

  $ 3,528       4.6 %

 

Operating expenses since the date of acquisition during fiscal 2015 include depreciation and amortization of $2,634.

  

 

 
22

 

   

Other Items Affecting Net Income (Loss)

 

Other items affecting net income for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

 

   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

 
                         

Remeasurement gain on acquisition of affiliate (1)

  $ 7,212     $ -     $ -  

Income from unconsolidated affiliated company (2)

    220       661       770  

Income from Continued Dumping & Subsidy Offset Act (3)

    1,156       -       -  

Interest expense (4)

    (607 )     (188 )     (255 )

Retail real estate impairment charges (5)

    (182 )     -       (416 )

Loan and lease guarantee (expense) recovery (6)

    73       66       (40 )

Investment income (7)

    228       352       99  

Other (8)

    (2,221 )     (1,415 )     (1,976 )
                         

Total other income (loss), net

  $ 5,879     $ (524 )   $ (1,818 )

 

(1)

See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to our acquisition of Zenith and the recognition of a remeasurement gain on our pre-acquisition equity method investment in Zenith.

(2)

See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to our equity in the income of Zenith as an unconsolidated affiliate prior to our acquisition of Zenith.

(3)

See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to our income from the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act (“CDSOA”).

(4)

Our interest expense prior to fiscal 2015 consisted primarily of interest on our retail real estate mortgage obligations and has been declining steadily as those obligations are being repaid. During fiscal 2015 our interest expense increased significantly due to debt arising from our acquisition of Zenith. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements regarding debt incurred and assumed at the date of the acquisition. See also Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our outstanding debt at November 28, 2015.

(5)

See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding impairment charges related to our retail real estate.

(6)

Loan and lease guarantee expense consists of adjustments to our reserves for the net amount of our estimated losses on loan and lease guarantees that we have entered into on behalf of our licensees. The recovery (expense) recognized for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 reflects the changes in our estimates of the risk that we may have to assume the underlying obligations with respect to our guarantees.

(7)

Investment income for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 includes interest income arising from our short-term investments. See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our investments in certificates of deposit. Investment income for Fiscal 2015 and 2014 also includes gains of $136 and $280 arising from the partial liquidation of our previously impaired investment in the Fortress Value Recovery Fund I, LLC, which was fully impaired during fiscal 2012.

(8)

Fiscal 2014 includes $827 in death benefits received from life insurance policies covering former executives, compared with $304 of similar proceeds in fiscal 2013 and none in fiscal 2015.

 

 

 
23

 

 

Provision for Income taxes

  

We recorded an income tax provision of $11,629, $5,308 and $3,091 in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. For fiscal 2015, our effective tax rate of approximately 35.9% differs from the statutory rate of 35.0% primarily due to the effects of state income taxes, partially offset by a lower effective tax rate on the gain associated with our acquisition of Zenith arising from the remeasurement of our previous 49% equity method investment in Zenith. For fiscal 2014, our effective tax rate of approximately 36.3% differs from the statutory rate of 35.0% primarily due to the effects of state income taxes, adjustments to state net operating loss carryforwards, a reduction in the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets and permanent differences arising from non-taxable income. For fiscal 2013, our effective tax rate of approximately 37.8% differs from the statutory rate of 34.0% primarily due to the effects of state income taxes and permanent differences arising from non-deductible expenses. See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our income tax provision (benefit), as well as our net deferred tax assets and other matters.

 

We have net deferred tax assets of $13,470 as of November 28, 2015, which, upon utilization, are expected to reduce our cash outlays for income taxes in future years. It will require approximately $35,000 of future taxable income to utilize our net deferred tax assets.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We are committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet in order to weather difficult industry conditions, to allow us to take advantage of opportunities as market conditions improve, and to execute our long-term retail strategies.

 
Cash Flows

 

Cash provided by operations for fiscal 2015 was $32,398 compared to $29,961 for fiscal 2014, an increase of $2,437. The improvement is primarily the result of higher operating income, partially offset by increases in inventory levels due to the introduction of new products and increased purchase activity to support higher order volume.

 

Our overall cash position increased by $9,595 during 2015. Offsetting the cash provided by operations, we used $19,661 of cash in investing activities, primarily consisting of: cash paid for the acquisition of Zenith (net of cash acquired); a capital contribution made to Zenith prior to the acquisition; capital expenditures which included retail store relocations, retail store remodels, and in-process spending on new stores, expanding and upgrading our manufacturing capabilities, and the purchase of freight transportation equipment. Net cash used in financing activities was $3,132, including dividend payments of $5,786 and stock repurchases of $2,071 under our existing share repurchase plan, of which $17,929 remains authorized at November 28, 2015. These uses were partially offset by net proceeds and excess tax benefits associated with the exercise of stock options. With cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments totaling $59,393 on hand at November 28, 2015, we believe we have sufficient liquidity to fund operations for the foreseeable future.

 

Debt and Other Obligations

 

Our credit facility with our bank provides for a line of credit of up to $15,000 and is secured by our accounts receivable and inventory. The facility contains covenants requiring us to maintain certain key financial ratios. We are in compliance with all covenants under the agreement and expect to remain in compliance for the foreseeable future. The line matured in December 2015 but has been temporarily extended while we are in negotiations with our bank for a new line, which we expect to obtain during the first quarter of fiscal 2016 under substantially similar terms, except that the line is expected to be unsecured. We have $1,970 outstanding under standby letters of credit against our line, leaving availability under our credit line of $13,030. In addition, we have outstanding standby letters of credit with another bank totaling $356.

 

At November 28, 2015 we have outstanding principal totaling $14,085, excluding discounts, under notes payable of which $5,477 matures within one year of the balance sheet date. See Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements for additional details regarding these notes, including collateral and future maturities. We expect to satisfy these obligations as they mature using cash flow from operations or our available cash on hand.

 

We lease land and buildings that are used in the operation of our Company-owned retail stores as well as in the operation of certain of our licensee-owned stores, and we lease land and buildings at various locations throughout the continental United States for warehousing and distribution hubs used in our logistical services segment. We also lease tractors, trailers and local delivery trucks used in our logistical services segment. We had obligations of $124,897 at November 28, 2015 for future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases having remaining terms in excess of one year. We also have guaranteed certain lease obligations of licensee operators. Remaining terms under these lease guarantees range from approximately one to five years. We were contingently liable under licensee lease obligation guarantees in the amount of $2,494 at November 28, 2015. See Note 17 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for additional details regarding our leases and lease guarantees.

 

Dividends and Share Repurchases

 

During fiscal 2015, we declared four quarterly dividends totaling $3,684, or $0.34 per share, and one special dividend of $2,184, or $0.20 per share. Cash dividend payments to our shareholders during fiscal 2014 totaled $5,786. During fiscal 2015, we also repurchased 76,350 shares of our stock for $2,071 under our share repurchase program. The weighted-average effect of these share repurchases was to increase both our basic and diluted earnings per share in 2015 by approximately $0.01.

 

 

 
24

 

 

Capital Expenditures

 

We currently anticipate that total capital expenditures for fiscal 2016 will be approximately $20 million which will be used primarily for the build out of new stores and remodeling existing Company-owned stores in our retail segment, and the purchase of transportation equipment for our logistical services segment. Our capital expenditure and working capital requirements in the foreseeable future may change depending on many factors, including but not limited to the overall performance of the new stores, our rate of growth, our operating results and any adjustments in our operating plan needed in response to industry conditions, competition or unexpected events. We believe that our existing cash, together with cash from operations, will be sufficient to meet our capital expenditure and working capital requirements for the foreseeable future.

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

We account for items measured at fair value in accordance with ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. ASC 820’s valuation techniques are based on observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect readily obtainable data from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. ASC 820 classifies these inputs into the following hierarchy:

 

Level 1 Inputs– Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

 

Level 2 Inputs– Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.

 

Level 3 Inputs– Instruments with primarily unobservable value drivers.

 

We believe that the carrying amounts of our current assets and current liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these items. The recurring estimate of the fair value of our mortgages and notes payable for disclosure purposes (see Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) involves Level 3 inputs. Our primary non-recurring fair value estimates, typically involving the valuation of business acquisitions (see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) and asset impairments (see Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) have utilized Level 3 inputs.

  

 

 
25

 

 

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

 

We enter into contractual obligations and commercial commitments in the ordinary course of business (See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of these obligations). The following table summarizes our contractual payment obligations and other commercial commitments and the fiscal year in which they are expected to be paid.

 

   

2016

   

2017

   

2018

   

2019

   

2020

   

Thereafter

   

Total

 

Post employment benefit obligations (1)

  $ 1,069     $ 1,013     $ 980     $ 926     $ 885     $ 11,137     $ 16,010  

Notes payable

    5,477       4,112       3,803       543       150       -       14,085  

Other obligations & commitments

    840       840       740       740       100       200       3,460  

Contractual advertising

    3,010       3,190       3,375       3,560       -       -       13,135  

Interest payable

    264       172       113       27       14       -       590  

Letters of credit

    2,326       -       -                       -       2,326  

Operating leases (2)

    25,356       22,576       17,642       14,737       12,817       31,769       124,897  

Lease guarantees (4)

    1,070       739       728       -       -       -       2,537  

Purchase obligations (3)

    -       -       -                       -       -  

Total

  $ 39,412     $ 32,642     $ 27,381     $ 20,533     $ 13,966     $ 43,106     $ 177,040  

 

(1)

Does not reflect a reduction for the impact of any company owned life insurance proceeds to be received. Currently, we have life insurance policies with net death benefits of $3,087 to provide funding for these obligations. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

(2)

Does not reflect a reduction for the impact of sublease income to be received. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

(3)

The Company is not a party to any long-term supply contracts with respect to the purchase of raw materials or finished goods. At the end of fiscal year 2015, we had approximately $15,076 in open purchase orders, primarily for imported inventories, which are in the ordinary course of business. We also have a firm commitment to purchase transportation equipment in fiscal 2016 totaling approximately $4,670.

(4)

Lease guarantees relate to payments we would only be required to make in the event of default on the part of the guaranteed parties.

   

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We utilize stand-by letters of credit in the procurement of certain goods in the normal course of business. We lease land and buildings that are primarily used in the operation of BHF stores and Zenith distribution facilities. We have guaranteed certain lease obligations of licensee operators as part of our retail strategy. See Contractual Obligations and Commitments table above and Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for further discussion of operating leases and lease guarantees, including descriptions of the terms of such commitments and methods used to mitigate risks associated with these arrangements.

 

Contingencies

 

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

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

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

 

Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and its majority-owned subsidiaries for whom we have operating control. In accordance with ASC Topic 810, Consolidation, we have evaluated our licensees and certain other entities to determine whether they are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) of which we are the primary beneficiary and thus would require consolidation in our financial statements. To date we have concluded that none of our licensees nor any other of our counterparties represent VIEs.

 

 

 
26

 

 

Revenue Recognition - Revenue is recognized when the risks and rewards of ownership and title to the product have transferred to the buyer. This generally occurs upon the shipment of goods to independent dealers or, in the case of Company-owned retail stores, upon delivery to the customer. Our wholesale payment terms generally vary from 30 to 60 days. For retail sales, we typically receive a significant portion of the purchase price as a customer deposit upon order, with the balance typically collected upon delivery. An estimate for returns and allowances has been provided in recorded sales. The contracts with our licensee store owners do not provide for any royalty or license fee to be paid to us. For our logistical services segment, line-haul freight revenue and home delivery revenue are recognized upon delivery to the destination. Warehousing services revenue is based upon warehouse space occupied by a customer’s goods and inventory movements in and out of a warehouse and is recognized as such services are provided.

 

Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, Revenue Recognition (“SAB 104”) outlines the four basic criteria for recognizing revenue as follows: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (3) the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and (4) collectibility is reasonably assured. SAB 104 further asserts that if collectibility of all or a portion of the revenue is not reasonably assured, revenue recognition should be deferred until payment is received. During fiscal 2015 and 2014, there were no dealers for which these criteria were not met.

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. Our accounts receivable reserves were $1,175 and $1,249 at November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014, respectively, representing 5.3% and 7.6% of our gross accounts receivable balances at those dates, respectively. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on a review of specifically identified customer accounts in addition to an overall aging analysis. We evaluate the collectibility of our receivables from our licensees and other customers on a quarterly basis based on factors such as their financial condition, our collateral position, potential future plans with licensees and other similar factors. Our allowance for doubtful accounts represents our best estimate of potential losses on our accounts and notes receivable and is adjusted accordingly based on historical experience, current developments and present economic conditions and trends. Although actual losses have not differed materially from our previous estimates, future losses could differ from our current estimates. Unforeseen events such as a licensee or customer bankruptcy filing could have a material impact on our results of operations.

 

Inventories - Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined for domestic furniture inventories using the last-in, first-out method. The cost of imported inventories is determined on a first-in, first-out basis. We estimate an inventory reserve for excess quantities and obsolete items based on specific identification and historical write-offs, taking into account future demand and market conditions. Our reserves for excess and obsolete inventory were $1,397 and $1,412 at November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014, respectively, representing 2.3% and 2.4%, respectively, of our inventories on a last-in, first-out basis. If actual demand or market conditions in the future are less favorable than those estimated, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

 

Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax AssetsWe evaluate our deferred income tax assets to determine if valuation allowances are required or should be adjusted. A valuation allowance is established against our deferred tax assets based on consideration of all available evidence, both positive and negative, using a “more likely than not” standard. This assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of recent losses, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, our experience with tax attributes expiring unused and tax planning alternatives. In making such judgments, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified. During fiscal 2014, reductions in the reserve related to changes in laws which impact our ability to recover certain state net operating loss carryforwards resulted in a credit to income of $974, which is included in our net income tax expense for 2014. The remaining valuation allowance at November 28, 2015 is $0.

 

Goodwill – Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the value assigned to tangible assets and liabilities and identifiable intangible assets of businesses acquired. The acquisition of assets and liabilities and any resulting goodwill is allocated to the respective reporting unit; Wood, Upholstery, Retail or Logistical Services. We review goodwill at the reporting unit level annually for impairment or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that assets might be impaired.

 

In accordance with ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill & Other, the goodwill impairment test consists of a two-step process, if necessary. However, we 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 ASC Topic 350. The more likely than not threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50 percent. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary and our goodwill is considered to be unimpaired. However, if based on our qualitative assessment we conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we will proceed with performing the two-step process. Based on our qualitative assessment as described above, we have concluded that our goodwill in the amount of $11,588 is not impaired as of November 28, 2015.

 

 

 
27

 

 

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

 

Other Intangible Assets – Intangible assets acquired in a business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized but are tested for impairment annually or between annual tests when an impairment indicator exists. The recoverability of indefinite-lived intangible assets is assessed by comparison of the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value. If we determine that the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment loss equal to the excess would be recorded. At November 28, 2015, our indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill consist of trade names acquired in the acquisition of Zenith and have a carrying value of $2,490.

 

Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. We estimate the useful lives of our intangible assets and ratably amortize the value over the estimated useful lives of those assets. If the estimates of the useful lives should change, we will amortize the remaining book value over the remaining useful lives or, if an asset is deemed to be impaired, a write-down of the value of the asset may be required at such time. At November 28, 2015 our definite-lived intangible assets consist of customer relationships and customized technology applications acquired in the acquisition of Zenith with a total carrying value of $3,604.

  

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets - We periodically evaluate whether events or circumstances have occurred that indicate long-lived assets may not be recoverable or that the remaining useful life may warrant revision. When such events or circumstances are present, we assess the recoverability of long-lived assets by determining whether the carrying value will be recovered through the expected undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset. In the event the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss equal to the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value is recorded. When analyzing our real estate properties for potential impairment, we consider such qualitative factors as our experience in leasing and selling real estate properties as well as specific site and local market characteristics. Upon the closure of a Bassett Home Furnishings store, we generally write off all tenant improvements which are only suitable for use in such a store.

  

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

See note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements regarding the impact or potential impact of recent accounting pronouncements upon our financial position and results of operations.

 

 
28

 

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

  

We are exposed to market risk from changes in the value of foreign currencies. Substantially all of our imports purchased outside of North America are denominated in U.S. dollars. Therefore, we believe that gains or losses resulting from changes in the value of foreign currencies relating to foreign purchases not denominated in U.S. dollars would not be material to our results from operations in fiscal 2015.

   

We are exposed to market risk from changes in the cost of raw materials used in our manufacturing processes, principally wood, woven fabric, and foam products. An increase in the rate of in home construction could result in increases in wood and fabric costs from current levels, and the cost of foam products, which are petroleum-based, is sensitive to changes in the price of oil.

   

We are also exposed to commodity price risk related to diesel fuel prices for fuel used in our logistical services segment. We manage our exposure to that risk primarily through the application of fuel surcharges to our customers.

   

We have potential exposure to market risk related to conditions in the commercial real estate market. Our retail real estate holdings of $3,120 and $6,302 at November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014, respectively, for stores formerly operated by licensees as well as our holdings of $27,175 and $27,843 at November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014, respectively, for Company-owned stores could suffer significant impairment in value if we are forced to close additional stores and sell or lease the related properties during periods of weakness in certain markets. Additionally, if we are required to assume responsibility for payment under the lease obligations of $2,537 and $3,296 which we have guaranteed on behalf of licensees as of November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014, respectively, we may not be able to secure sufficient sub-lease income in the current market to offset the payments required under the guarantees.

   

                   

Net Book

 
   

Number of

   

Aggregate

   

Value

 
   

Locations

   

Square Footage

   

(in thousands)

 
                         

Real estate occupied by Company-owned and operated stores, included in property and equipment, net (1)

    11       276,887     $ 27,175  
                         

Investment real estate leased to others

    2       41,021       3,120  
                         

Total Company investment in retail real estate

    13       317,908     $ 30,295  

 

   (1) Includes two properties encumbered under mortgages totaling $1,709 at November 28, 2015.

 

 

 
29

 

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries as of November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended November 28, 2015. Our audits also included Financial Statement Schedule II - Analysis of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for each of the three years in the period ended November 28, 2015. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries at November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended November 28, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of November 28, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated January 21, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

 

Richmond, Virginia

 

January 21, 2016

 

 

 
30

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

   

2015

   

2014

 

Assets

               

Current assets

               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 36,268     $ 26,673  

Short-term investments

    23,125       23,125  

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,175 and $1,249 as of November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014, respectively

    21,197       15,228  

Inventories

    59,896       57,272  

Other current assets

    6,798       7,796  

Total current assets

    147,284       130,094  
                 

Property and equipment, net

    96,104       74,812  
                 

Other long-term assets

               

Deferred income taxes, net

    13,471       14,969  

Goodwill and other intangible assets

    17,682       1,730  

Other

    8,002       19,141  

Total other long-term assets

    39,155       35,840  

Total assets

  $ 282,543     $ 240,746  
                 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

               

Current liabilities

               

Accounts payable

  $ 20,916     $ 22,251  

Accrued compensation and benefits

    14,345       8,931  

Customer deposits

    23,999       22,202  

Dividends payable

    2,184       2,102  

Current portion of long-term debt

    5,273       316  

Other accrued liabilities

    13,133       10,971  

Total current liabilities

    79,850       66,773  
                 

Long-term liabilities

               

Post employment benefit obligations

    12,694       11,498  

Notes payable

    8,500       1,902  

Other long-term liabilities

    4,133       3,741  

Total long-term liabilities

    25,327       17,141  
                 

Commitments and Contingencies

               
                 

Stockholders’ equity

               

Common stock, $5 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding 10,916,021 at November 28, 2015 and 10,493,393 at November 29, 2014

    54,580       52,467  

Retained earnings

    120,904       106,339  

Additional paid-in-capital

    4,560       -  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (2,678 )     (1,974 )

Total stockholders' equity

    177,366       156,832  

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $ 282,543     $ 240,746  

 

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

 

 
31

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Income

Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

For the years ended November 28, 2015, November 29, 2014, and November 30, 2013

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

    2015     2014     2013  

Sales revenue:

                       

Furniture and accessories

  $ 387,405     $ 340,738     $ 321,286  

Logistics

    43,522       -       -  

Total sales revenue

    430,927       340,738       321,286  
                         

Cost of furniture and accessories sold

    179,291       158,317       155,292  
                         

Selling, general and administrative expenses excluding new store pre-opening costs

    224,050       166,073       155,318  

New store pre-opening costs

    623       1,217       671  

Lease exit costs

    419       -       -  

Asset impairment charges

    106       -       -  

Management restructuring costs

    449       -       -  
                         

Income from operations

    25,989       15,131       10,005  
                         

Remeasurement gain on acquisition of affiliate

    7,212       -       -  

Income from Continued Dumping & Subsidy Offset Act

    1,156       -       -  

Income from unconsolidated affiliated company

    220       661       770  

Interest expense

    (607 )     (188 )     (255 )

Other loss, net

    (2,102 )     (997 )     (2,333 )
                         

Income before income taxes

    31,868       14,607       8,187  
                         

Income tax expense

    11,435       5,308       3,091  
                         

Net income

  $ 20,433     $ 9,299     $ 5,096  
                         

Net income per share

                       
                         

Basic income per share

  $ 1.91     $ 0.88     $ 0.48  
                         

Diluted income per share

  $ 1.88     $ 0.87     $ 0.47  
                         

Dividends per share

                       

Regular dividends

  $ 0.34     $ 0.28     $ 0.22  

Special dividend

  $ 0.20     $ 0.20     $ 0.20  

   

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

 

 

 
32

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

For the years ended November 28, 2015, November 29, 2014, and November 30, 2013

(In thousands)

 

   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

 
                         

Net income

  $ 20,433     $ 9,299     $ 5,096  

Other comprehensive loss:

                       

Actuarial adjustment to supplemental executive retirement defined benefit plan (SERP)

    (1,135 )     (918 )     (310 )

Income taxes related to SERP

    431       358       119  
                         

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

    (704 )     (560 )     (191 )
                         

Total comprehensive income

  $ 19,729     $ 8,739     $ 4,905  

  

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

    

 

 
33

 

       

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

For the years ended November 28, 2015, November 29, 2014, and November 30, 2013

(In thousands)

  

   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

 

Operating activities:

                       

Net income

  $ 20,433     $ 9,299     $ 5,096  

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

                       

Depreciation and amortization

    10,137       7,316       6,198  

Equity in undistributed income of investments and unconsolidated affiliated companies

    (220 )     (661 )     (770 )

Non-cash asset impairment charges

    106       -       -  

Non-cash portion of lease exit costs

    419       -       -  

Remeasurement gain on acquisition of affiliate

    (7,212 )     -       -  

Tenant improvement allowances received from lessors

    1,283       3,060       -  

Collateral deposited with insurance carrier

    -       (1,150 )     -  

Impairment and lease exit charges on retail real estate

    -       -       416  

Deferred income taxes

    1,930       544       2,282  

Other, net

    2,082       264       677  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

                       

Accounts receivable

    (2,354 )     775       (686 )

Inventories

    (2,624 )     (4,203 )     4,847  

Other current and long-term assets

    1,494       1,548       (4,819 )

Customer deposits

    1,796       5,912       3,961  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

    5,128       7,257       (6,562 )

Net cash provided by operating activities

    32,398       29,961       10,640  
                         

Investing activities:

                       

Purchases of property and equipment

    (13,974 )     (17,980 )     (14,302 )

Proceeds from sales of property and equipment

    2,981       5,157       958  

Cash paid for business acquisition, net of cash acquired

    (7,323 )     -       -  

Capital contribution to affiliate

    (1,345 )     -       -  

Proceeds from sale of affiliate

    -       2,348       2,348  

Proceeds from maturities and sales of investments

    -       5,000       -  

Purchases of investments

    -       -       (28,125 )

Cash received on notes receivable and other

    -       320       89  

Net cash used in investing activities

    (19,661 )     (5,155 )     (39,032 )
                         

Financing activities:

                       

Cash dividends

    (5,786 )     (5,155 )     (2,935 )

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

    4,031       297       313  

Issuance of common stock

    325       311       393  

Repurchases of common stock

    (2,071 )     (5,602 )     (1,750 )

Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards

    (178 )     (489 )     (226 )

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

    1,998       300       313  

Proceeds from equipment loan

    1,307       -       -  

Payments on notes

    (2,768 )     (528 )     (549 )

Other, net

    -       -       -  

Net cash used in financing activities

    (3,142 )     (10,866 )     (4,441 )

Change in cash and cash equivalents

    9,595       13,940       (32,833 )

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year

    26,673       12,733       45,566  
      .       .       .  

Cash and cash equivalents - end of year

  $ 36,268     $ 26,673     $ 12,733  

 

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

 

 

 
34

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

For the years ended November 28, 2015, November 29, 2014, and November 30, 2013

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

  

                                   

Accumulated

         
                   

Additional

           

other

         
   

Common Stock

   

paid-in

   

Retained

   

comprehensive

         
   

Shares

   

Amount

   

capital

   

earnings

   

income (loss)

   

Total

 
                                                 

Balance, November 24, 2012

    10,836,840     $ 54,184     $ -     $ 104,319     $ (1,223 )   $ 157,280  
                                                 

Comprehensive income

                                               

Net income

    -       -       -       5,096       -       5,096  

Actuarial adjustment to SERP

    -       -       -       -       (191     (191

Regular dividends ($0.22 per share)

    -       -       -       (2,393 )     -       (2,393 )

Special dividend ($0.20 per share)

    -       -       -       (2,172 )     -       (2,172 )

Issuance of common stock

    160,128       801       (104 )     -       -       697  

Purchase and retirement of common stock

    (137,650 )     (688 )     (937 )     (324 )     -       (1,949 )

Stock-based compensation

    -       -       728       -       -       728  

Excess tax benefits from

                                               

Stock-based compensation

    -       -       313       -       -       313  
                                                 

Balance, November 30, 2013

    10,859,318       54,297       -       104,526       (1,414 )     157,409  
                                                 

Comprehensive income

                                               

Net income

    -       -       -       9,299       -       9,299  

Actuarial adjustment to SERP, net of tax

    -       -       -       -       (560 )     (560 )

Regular dividends ($0.28 per share)

    -       -       -       (2,983 )     -       (2,983 )

Special dividend ($0.20 per share)

    -       -       -       (2,102 )     -       (2,102 )

Issuance of common stock

    69,619       348       260       -       -       608  

Purchase and retirement of common stock

    (435,544 )     (2,178 )     (1,511 )     (2,401 )     -       (6,090 )

Stock-based compensation

    -       -       951       -       -       951  

Excess tax benefits from

                                               

Stock-based compensation

    -       -       300       -       -       300  
                                                 

Balance, November 29, 2014

    10,493,393       52,467       -       106,339       (1,974 )     156,832  
                                                 

Comprehensive income

                                               

Net income

    -       -       -       20,433       -       20,433  

Actuarial adjustment to SERP, net of tax

    -       -       -       -       (704 )     (704 )

Regular dividends ($0.34 per share)

    -       -       -       (3,684 )     -       (3,684 )

Special dividend ($0.20 per share)

    -       -       -       (2,184 )     -       (2,184 )

Issuance of common stock

    503,814       2,519       3,511       -       -       6,030  

Purchase and retirement of common stock

    (81,186 )     (406 )     (1,843 )             -       (2,249 )

Stock-based compensation

    -       -       894       -       -       894  

Excess tax benefits from

                                               

Stock-based compensation

    -       -       1,998       -       -       1,998  
                                                 

Balance, November 28, 2015

    10,916,021     $ 54,580     $ 4,560     $ 120,904     $ (2,678 )   $ 177,366  

  

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

 

 

 
35

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

1.

Description of Business

 

Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “Bassett”, “we”, “our”, the “Company”) based in Bassett, Va., is a leading manufacturer, marketer and retailer of branded home furnishings. Bassett’s full range of furniture products and accessories, designed to provide quality, style and value, are sold through an exclusive nation-wide network of 93 retail stores known as Bassett Home Furnishings (referred to as “BHF”). Of the 93 stores, the Company owns and operates 60 stores (“Company-owned retail stores”) with the other 33 being independently owned (“licensee operated”). We also distribute our products through other multi-line furniture stores, many of which feature Bassett galleries or design centers, specialty stores and mass merchants.

 

We sourced approximately 37% of our wholesale products from various countries, with the remaining volume produced at our three domestic manufacturing facilities.

 

Zenith Acquisition

 

Prior to February 2, 2015 we held a 49% interest in Zenith Freight Lines, LLC (“Zenith”) for which we used the equity method of accounting. On February 2, 2015 we acquired the remaining 51% ownership interest (see Note 3, Business Combinations). Zenith provides over-the-road transportation of furniture, operates regional freight terminal, warehouse and distribution facilities in eleven states, and manages various home delivery facilities that service Bassett Home Furnishings stores and other clients in local markets around the United States. With the acquisition of Zenith, we established our logistical services operating segment.

   

2. Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

 

Our fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in November, which periodically results in a 53-week year.   Fiscal 2015 and 2014 each contained 52 weeks, whereas Fiscal 2013 contained 53 weeks. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and our majority-owned subsidiaries in which we have a controlling interest. All significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Accordingly, the results of Zenith have been consolidated with our results since the date of the acquisition. Sales of logistical services from Zenith to our wholesale and retail segments have been eliminated, and Zenith’s operating costs and expenses since the date of acquisition are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our condensed consolidated statements of net income. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP"). Unless otherwise indicated, references in the Consolidated Financial Statements to fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 are to Bassett's fiscal year ended November 28, 2015, November 29, 2014 and November 30, 2013, respectively. References to the “ASC” included hereinafter refer to the Accounting Standards Codification established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board as the source of authoritative GAAP.

 

For comparative purposes, certain amounts in the 2014 and 2013 financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2015 presentation. See “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” below regarding the impact of our adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2015-17 upon the classification of deferred tax assets in our consolidated balance sheets.

 

The equity method of accounting was used for our investment in Zenith prior to the date of acquisition because we exercised significant influence but did not maintain a controlling interest. Consolidated net income includes our proportionate share of the net income or net loss of Zenith prior to the date of the acquisition.

 

We analyzed our licensees under the requirements for variable interest entities (“VIEs”). All of these licensees operate as BHF stores and are furniture retailers. We sell furniture to these licensees, and in some cases have extended credit beyond normal terms, made lease guarantees, guaranteed loans, or loaned directly to the licensees. We have recorded reserves for potential exposures related to these licensees. See Note 17 for disclosure of leases and lease guarantees. Based on financial projections and best available information, all licensees have sufficient equity to carry out their principal operating activities without subordinated financial support. Furthermore, we believe that the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the licensees’ operating performance continues to lie with the ownership of the licensee dealers. Our rights to assume control over or otherwise influence the licensees’ significant activities only exist pursuant to our license and security agreements and are in the nature of protective rights as contemplated under ASC Topic 810. We completed our assessment for other potential VIEs, and concluded that there were none. We will continue to reassess the status of potential VIEs including when facts and circumstances surrounding each potential VIE change.

 

 

 
36

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Some of the more significant estimates include allowances for doubtful accounts, calculation of inventory reserves, valuation of income tax reserves, lease guarantees, insurance reserves, and assumptions related to our post-employment benefit obligations. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue is recognized when the risks and rewards of ownership and title to the product have transferred to the buyer. This occurs upon the shipment of goods to independent dealers or, in the case of Company-owned retail stores, upon delivery to the customer. We offer terms varying from 30 to 60 days for wholesale customers. For retail sales, we typically collect a significant portion of the purchase price as a customer deposit upon order, with the balance typically collected upon delivery. These deposits are carried on our balance sheet as a current liability until delivery is fulfilled. Estimates for returns and allowances have been recorded as a reduction to revenue. The contracts with our licensee store owners do not provide for any royalty or license fee to be paid to us. Revenue is reported net of any taxes collected. For our logistical services segment, line-haul freight revenue and home delivery revenue are recognized upon the completion of delivery to the destination. Warehousing services revenue is based upon warehouse space occupied by a customer’s goods and inventory movements in and out of a warehouse and is recognized as such services are provided.

 

Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, Revenue Recognition (“SAB 104”) outlines the four basic criteria for recognizing revenue as follows: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (3) the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and (4) collectability is reasonably assured. SAB 104 further asserts that if collectability of all or a portion of the revenue is not reasonably assured, revenue recognition should be deferred until payment is received. During fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, there were no dealers for which these criteria were not met. As of and subsequent to November 30, 2013 there have been no dealers that remained on a cost recovery basis.

 

Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers cash on hand, demand deposits in banks and all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents. Our short-term investments, which consist of certificates of deposit, are not considered cash equivalents since they have original maturities of greater than three months.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

Substantially all of our trade accounts receivable is due from customers located within the United States. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on a review of specifically identified accounts in addition to an overall aging analysis. Judgments are made with respect to the collectibility of accounts receivable based on historical experience and current economic trends. Actual losses could differ from those estimates. A significant portion of our trade accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts are attributable to amounts owed to us by our licensees, with the remaining receivables due primarily from national account customers, traditional distribution channel customers and logistical services customers. The percentages of our trade accounts receivable and related allowance for doubtful accounts owed to us by our licensees were as follows at November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014:

  

   

2015

   

2014

 

Portion of trade accounts receivable owed by licensees

    34 %     46 %

Portion of allowance for doubtful accounts attributable to licensees

    32 %     58 %

  

 

 
37

 

  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

Concentrations of Credit Risk and Major Customers

 

Financial instruments that subject us to credit risk consist primarily of investments, accounts and notes receivable and financial guarantees. Investments are managed within established guidelines to mitigate risks. Accounts and notes receivable and financial guarantees subject us to credit risk partially due to the concentration of amounts due from and guaranteed on behalf of independent licensee customers. At November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014, our aggregate exposure from receivables and guarantees related to customers consisted of the following:

  

   

2015

   

2014

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowances (Note 5)

  $ 21,197     $ 15,228  

Notes receivable, net of allowances

    10       592  

Contingent obligations under lease and loan guarantees, less amounts recognized (Note 17)

    2,441       3,046  

Total credit risk exposure related to customers

  $ 23,648     $ 18,866  

 

At November 28, 2015, approximately 26% of the aggregate risk exposure, net of reserves, shown above was attributable to three customers. At November 29, 2014, approximately 24% of the aggregate risk exposure, net of reserves, shown above was attributable to two customers. In fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, no customer accounted for more than 10% of total net sales.

 

We have no foreign manufacturing or retail operations. We define export sales as sales to any country or territory other than the United States or its territories or possessions. Our export sales were approximately $4,516, $4,774, and $4,603 in fiscal 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. All of our export sales are invoiced and settled in U.S. dollars.

  

Inventories

 

Inventories (retail merchandise, finished goods, work in process and raw materials) are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined for domestic manufactured furniture inventories using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method because we believe this methodology provides better matching of revenue and expenses. The cost of imported inventories is determined on a first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) basis. Inventories accounted for under the LIFO method represented 43% and 40% of total inventory before reserves at November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014, respectively. We estimate inventory reserves for excess quantities and obsolete items based on specific identification and historical write-offs, taking into account future demand and market conditions. If actual demand or market conditions in the future are less favorable than those estimated, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

 

Property and Equipment

 

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

 

Retail Real Estate

 

Retail real estate is comprised of owned and leased properties which have been utilized by licensee operated BHF stores, including properties which are now leased or subleased to non-licensee tenants. These properties are located in high traffic, upscale locations that are normally occupied by large successful national retailers. This real estate is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and is depreciated over the useful lives of the respective assets utilizing the straight line method. Buildings and improvements are generally depreciated over a period of 10 to 39 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized based on the underlying lease term, or the asset’s estimated useful life, whichever is shorter. As of November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014, the cost of retail real estate included land totaling $990 and $1,990, respectively, and building and leasehold improvements of $6,178 and $8,831, respectively. As of November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014, accumulated depreciation of retail real estate was $4,160 and $4,631, respectively. The net book value of our retail real estate is included in other long-term assets in our consolidated balance sheets. Depreciation expense was $184, $400, and $484 in fiscal 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, and is included in other loss, net, in our consolidated statements of income.

 

 

 
38

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

During the year ended November 28, 2015 we closed on the sale of our retail real estate investment property located in Sugerland, Texas and received cash in the amount of $2,835. During fiscal 2015 we recognized a non-cash charge of $182 to write down the carrying value of the Sugarland real estate to the selling price.

 

During the year ended November 29, 2014 we received proceeds from the disposition of retail real estate totaling $5,157. During the first quarter of fiscal 2014 we received $1,407 from the sale of our retail real estate investment property in Henderson, Nevada. During the third quarter of fiscal 2014 we received net proceeds in the amount of $3,750 from the sale of our retail real estate investment property located in Denver, Colorado. There were no material gains or losses associated with these dispositions during fiscal 2014, however an impairment charge in the amount of $416 was recognized during fiscal 2013 to write down the carrying value of the Henderson real estate to the selling price for which it was under contract.

 

The fiscal 2015 and 2014 sales proceeds described above are included in proceeds from sales of property and equipment in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows. The fiscal 2015 and 2013 impairment charges described above are included in other loss, net, in our consolidated statements of income.

  

Goodwill

 

Goodwill represents the excess of the fair value of consideration given over the fair value of the tangible assets and liabilities and identifiable intangible assets of businesses acquired. The acquisition of assets and liabilities and the resulting goodwill is allocated to the respective reporting unit: Wood, Upholstery, Retail or Logistical Services. We review goodwill at the reporting unit level annually for impairment or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that assets might be impaired.

 

In accordance with ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill & Other, the goodwill impairment test consists of a two-step process, if necessary. However, we 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 ASC Topic 350. The more likely than not threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50 percent. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary and our goodwill is considered to be unimpaired. However, if based on our qualitative assessment we conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we will proceed with performing the two-step process. Based on our qualitative assessment as described above, we have concluded that our goodwill is not impaired as of November 28, 2015.

 

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

 

Other Intangible Assets

 

Intangible assets acquired in a business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized but are tested for impairment annually or between annual tests when an impairment indicator exists. The recoverability of indefinite-lived intangible assets is assessed by comparison of the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value. If we determine that the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment loss equal to the excess would be recorded.

 

Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. We estimate the useful lives of our intangible assets and ratably amortize the value over the estimated useful lives of those assets. If the estimates of the useful lives should change, we will amortize the remaining book value over the remaining useful lives or, if an asset is deemed to be impaired, a write-down of the value of the asset may be required at such time.

 

 

 
39

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

Impairment of Long Lived Assets

 

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

 

When analyzing our real estate properties for potential impairment, we consider such qualitative factors as our experience in leasing and selling real estate properties as well as specific site and local market characteristics. Upon the closure of a Bassett Home Furnishings store, we generally write off all tenant improvements which are only suitable for use in such a store.

   

Income Taxes

 

We account for income taxes under the liability method which requires that we recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. Despite our belief that our liability for unrecognized tax benefits is adequate, it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of the resolution of any particular tax matters. We may adjust these liabilities as relevant circumstances evolve, such as guidance from the relevant tax authority or our tax advisors, or resolution of issues in the courts. These adjustments are recognized as a component of income tax expense in the period in which they are identified.

 

We evaluate our deferred income tax assets to determine if valuation allowances are required or should be adjusted. A valuation allowance is established against our deferred tax assets based on consideration of all available evidence, both positive and negative, using a “more likely than not” standard. This assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of recent losses, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, our experience with tax attributes expiring unused and tax planning alternatives. In making such judgments, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified. See Note 11.

  

New Store Pre-Opening Costs

 

Income (loss) from operations for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 includes new store pre-opening costs of $623, $1,217 and $671, respectively. Such costs consist of expenses incurred at the new store location during the period prior to its opening and include, among other things, facility occupancy costs such as rent and utilities and local store personnel costs related to pre-opening activities including training. New store pre-opening costs do not include costs which are capitalized in accordance with our property and equipment capitalization policies, such as leasehold improvements and store fixtures and equipment. Such capitalized costs associated with new stores are depreciated commencing with the opening of the store. There are no pre-opening costs associated with stores acquired from licensees, as such locations were already in operation at the time of their acquisition.

  

Shipping and Handling Costs

 

Costs incurred to deliver wholesale merchandise to customers are recorded in selling, general and administrative expense and totaled $18,624, $16,162, and $15,685 for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Costs incurred to deliver retail merchandise to customers are also recorded in selling, general and administrative expense and totaled $15,383, $12,844, and $10,855 for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

 

 
40

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

Advertising

 

Costs incurred for producing and distributing advertising and advertising materials are expensed when incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Advertising costs totaled $16,228, $15,614, and $14,750 in fiscal 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

 

Insurance Reserves

 

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

  

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

 

In connection with our acquisition of Zenith, non-cash financing activities included the issuance of 89,485 shares of our common stock valued at $1,675, and the issuance of a note payable with a discounted fair value of $8,436. See Note 3 for additional information regarding the fair value of the consideration given for the acquisition of Zenith. There were no material non-cash investing or financing activities during fiscal 2014 or 2013.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements 

 

In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08 (ASU 2014-08), which updated the guidance in ASC Topic 205, Presentation of Financial Statements, and ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment. The amendments in ASU 2014-08 change the criteria for reporting discontinued operations for all public and nonpublic entities. The amendments also require new disclosures about discontinued operations and disposals of components of an entity that do not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. This guidance will become effective for all disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years, and therefore will become effective for us as of the beginning of our 2016 fiscal year. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact upon our financial condition or results of operations.

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (ASU 2014-09), which creates ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, including most industry-specific revenue recognition guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. In addition, ASU 2014-09 supersedes the cost guidance in Subtopic 605-35, Revenue Recognition—Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts, and creates new Subtopic 340-40, Other Assets and Deferred Costs—Contracts with Customers. In summary, the core principle of Topic 606 is to recognize revenue when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services. Companies are allowed to select between two transition methods: (1) a full retrospective transition method with the application of the new guidance to each prior reporting period presented, or (2) a retrospective transition method that recognizes the cumulative effect on prior periods at the date of adoption together with additional footnote disclosures. The amendments in ASU 2014-09 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, and early application is not permitted. Therefore the amendments in ASU 2014-09 will become effective for us as of the beginning of our 2019 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and have not made any decision on the method of adoption.

 

In January 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-01, Income Statement — Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20): Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items. ASU 2015-01 eliminates the concept of reporting extraordinary items, but retains current presentation and disclosure requirements for an event or transaction that is of an unusual nature or of a type that indicates infrequency of occurrence. Transactions that meet both criteria would now also follow such presentation and disclosure requirements. For all entities, the guidance is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after 15 December 2015. Early adoption is permitted; however, adoption must occur at the beginning of an annual period. Therefore the amendments in ASU 2015-01 will become effective for us as of the beginning of our 2017 fiscal year. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact upon our financial condition or results of operations.

 

 

 
41

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

In July 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. ASU 2015-11 requires that inventory within the scope of this Update be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The amendments in this Update do not apply to inventory that is measured using last-in, first-out (LIFO) or the retail inventory method. The amendments apply to all other inventory, which includes inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost. For all entities, the guidance is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. Therefore the amendments in ASU 2015-11 will become effective for us as of the beginning of our 2018 fiscal year. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact upon our financial condition or results of operations.

 

In July 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement Period Adjustments. ASU 2015-16 requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The amendments in this Update require that the acquirer record, in the same period’s financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. Any current period adjustments to provisional amounts that would have impacted a prior period’s earnings had they been recognized at the acquisition date are required to be presented separately on the face of the income statement or disclosed in the notes. The amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments in this Update should be applied prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the effective date of this Update with earlier application permitted for financial statements that have not been issued. Therefore the amendments in ASU 2015-16 will become effective for us as of the beginning of our 2017 fiscal year. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact upon our financial condition or results of operations.

 

In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. Current GAAP requires an entity to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts in a classified statement of financial position. To simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes, ASU 2015-17 requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The

current requirement that deferred tax liabilities and assets of a tax-paying component of an entity be offset and presented as a single amount is not affected by the amendments in this Update. The amendments in this Update are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Earlier application is permitted for all entities as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. We have elected to adopt this update as of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. Accordingly, deferred tax assets in the amount of $5,268 which were formerly classified as current assets at November 29, 2014 have been reclassified as non-current assets in our consolidated balance sheet.

  

 

 
42

 

  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

3.

Business Combination – Acquisition of Zenith

  

Prior to February 2, 2015 we held a 49% interest in Zenith for which we used the equity method of accounting. Zenith provides domestic transportation and warehousing services primarily to furniture manufacturers and distributors and also provides home delivery services to furniture retailers. We historically have contracted with Zenith to provide substantially all of our domestic freight, transportation and warehousing needs for the wholesale business. In addition, Zenith provides home delivery services for many of our Company-owned retail stores. On February 2, 2015, we acquired the remaining 51% of Zenith in exchange for cash, Bassett common stock and a note payable with a total fair value of $19,111. The value of the Bassett common stock was based on the closing market price of our shares on the acquisition date, discounted for lack of marketability due to restrictions on the seller’s ability to transfer the shares. The restrictions on one half of the shares expire on the first anniversary of the acquisition, with the remainder expiring on the second anniversary. The note is payable in three annual installments of $3,000 each beginning February 2, 2016, and has been discounted to its fair value as of the date of the acquisition based on our estimated borrowing rate.

 

The carrying value of our 49% interest in Zenith prior to the acquisition was $9,480 (see Note 9, Unconsolidated Affiliated Company). In connection with the acquisition, this investment was remeasured to a fair value of $16,692 resulting in the recognition of a gain of $7,212 during the year ended November 28, 2015. The impact of this gain upon our basic and diluted earnings per share for the year ended November 28, 2015 is approximately $0.41 net of the related tax expense. The remeasured fair value of our prior interest in Zenith was estimated based on the fair value of the consideration transferred to acquire the remaining 51% of Zenith less an estimated control premium.

 

Under the acquisition method of accounting, the fair value of the consideration transferred along with the fair value of our previous 49% interest in Zenith was allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date with the remaining unallocated amount recorded as goodwill.

 

The total fair value of the acquired business was determined as follows:

  

Fair value of consideration transferred in exchange for 51% of Zenith:

       

Cash

  $ 9,000  

Bassett common stock, 89,485 shares, par value $5.00 per share, fair value at closing $18.72 per share

    1,675  

Note payable

    8,436  

Total fair value of consideration transferred to seller

    19,111  

Less effective settlement of previous amounts payable to Zenith at acquisition

    (3,622 )

Total fair value of consideration net of effective settlement

    15,489  

Fair value of Bassett's previous 49% interest in Zenith

    16,692  
         

Total fair value of acquired business

  $ 32,181  

  

 

 
43

 

  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

The preliminary allocation of the fair value of the acquired business was based upon a preliminary valuation. Our estimates and assumptions are subject to change as we obtain additional information for our estimates during the measurement period (up to one year from the acquisition date). The primary areas of the preliminary allocation of the fair value of consideration transferred that are not yet finalized relate to the fair values of certain tangible and intangible assets acquired and the residual goodwill. The preliminary allocation of the fair value of the acquired business is as follows:

 

Identifiable assets acquired:

       

Acquired cash and cash equivalents

  $ 1,677  

Accounts receivable, net

    3,399  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    496  

Property and equipment

    18,110  

Other long-term assets

    646  

Intangible assets

    6,362  

Total identifiable assets acquired

    30,690  

Liabilities assumed:

       

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

    (4,038 )

Notes payable

    (4,329 )

Total liabilities assumed

    (8,367 )

Net identifiable assets acquired

    22,323  

Goodwill

    9,858  

Total net assets acquired

  $ 32,181  

  

Goodwill was determined based on the residual difference between the fair value of the consideration transferred and the value assigned to tangible and intangible assets and liabilities. Approximately $6,982 of the acquired goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. Among the factors that contributed to a purchase price resulting in the recognition of goodwill were Zenith’s reputation for best-in-class, fully integrated logistical services which are uniquely tailored to the needs of the furniture industry, as well as their ability to provide expedited delivery service which is increasingly in demand in the furniture industry.

 

A portion of the fair value of consideration transferred has been provisionally assigned to identifiable intangible assets as follows:

 

   

Useful Life

         
Description:  

In Years

   

Fair Value

 
                 

Customer relationships

    15     $ 3,038  

Trade names

 

Indefinite

      2,490  

Technology - customized applications

    7       834  
                 

Total acquired intangible assets

          $ 6,362  

 

The finite-lived intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives. The indefinite-lived intangible asset and goodwill are not amortized but will be tested for impairment annually or between annual tests if an indicator of impairment exists.

 

The fair values of consideration transferred and net assets acquired were determined using a combination of Level 2 and Level 3 inputs as specified in the fair value hierarchy in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. See Note 4.

 

Acquisition costs related to the Zenith acquisition totaled $209 during the year ended November 28, 2015 and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. The acquisition costs are primarily related to legal, accounting and valuation services.

  

Zenith’s revenue since February 2, 2015 included in our consolidated statement of income for the year ended November 28, 2015 is $43,522 after the elimination of intercompany transactions. Net income of Zenith included in our consolidated statement of income for the year ended November 28, 2015 is $2,078. The pro forma results of operations for the acquisition of Zenith have not been presented because they are not material to our consolidated results of operations.

  

 

 
44

 

    

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

4.

Financial Instruments, Investments and Fair Value Measurements

 

Financial Instruments

 

Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments in certificates of deposit, accounts receivable, cost method investments, accounts payable and long-term debt. Because of their short maturities, the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments in certificates of deposit, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value. Our cost method investments generally involve entities for which it is not practical to determine fair values.

 

Investments

 

Our short-term investments of $23,125 at both November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014 consisted of certificates of deposit (CDs) with original terms of twelve months, bearing interest at rates ranging from 0.28% to 1.00%. At November 28, 2015, the weighted average remaining time to maturity of the CDs was approximately seven months and the weighted average yield of the CDs was approximately 0.42%. Each CD is placed with a Federally insured financial institution and all deposits are within Federal deposit insurance limits. As the CDs mature, we expect to reinvest them in CDs of similar maturities of up to one year. Due to the nature of these investments and their relatively short maturities, the carrying amount of the short-term investments at November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014 approximates their fair value.

 

Fair Value Measurement 

 

The Company accounts for items measured at fair value in accordance with ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. ASC 820’s valuation techniques are based on observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect readily obtainable data from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. ASC 820 classifies these inputs into the following hierarchy:

 

Level 1 Inputs– Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

 

Level 2 Inputs– Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.

 

Level 3 Inputs– Instruments with primarily unobservable value drivers.

  

We believe that the carrying amounts of our current assets and current liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these items. The recurring estimate of the fair value of our notes payable for disclosure purposes (see Note 10) involves Level 3 inputs. Our primary non-recurring fair value estimates typically involve business acquisitions (Note 3) which involve a combination of Level 2 and Level 3 inputs, and asset impairments (Note 15) which utilize Level 3 inputs.

  

 

 
45

 

   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

5. Accounts Receivable

  

Accounts receivable consists of the following:

  

   

November 28, 2015

   

November 29, 2014

 

Gross accounts receivable

  $ 22,372     $ 16,477  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

    (1,175 )     (1,249 )

Net accounts receivable

  $ 21,197     $ 15,228  

 

Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows:

  

   

2015

   

2014

 
                 

Balance, beginning of the year

  $ 1,249     $ 1,607  

Acquired allowance on accounts receivable (Note 3)

    209       -  

Reductions to allowance, net

    (283 )     (358 )

Balance, end of the year

  $ 1,175     $ 1,249  

 

We believe that the carrying value of our net accounts receivable approximates fair value. The inputs into these fair value estimates reflect our market assumptions and are not observable. Consequently, the inputs are considered to be Level 3 as specified in the fair value hierarchy in ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. See Note 4.

   

6. Inventories

 

Inventories consist of the following:

 

   

November 28, 2015

   

November 29, 2014

 

Wholesale finished goods

  $ 31,253     $ 31,399  

Work in process

    318       298  

Raw materials and supplies

    9,793       8,109  

Retail merchandise

    27,680       26,428  

Total inventories on first-in, first-out method

    69,044       66,234  

LIFO adjustment

    (7,751 )     (7,550 )

Reserve for excess and obsolete inventory

    (1,397 )     (1,412 )
    $ 59,896     $ 57,272  

 

We source a significant amount of our wholesale product from other countries. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, purchases from our two largest vendors located in China and Vietnam were $25,190, $26,707 and $24,217 respectively.

 

We estimate an inventory reserve for excess quantities and obsolete items based on specific identification and historical write-offs, taking into account future demand, market conditions and the respective valuations at LIFO. The need for these reserves is primarily driven by the normal product life cycle. As products mature and sales volumes decline, we rationalize our product offerings to respond to consumer tastes and keep our product lines fresh. If actual demand or market conditions in the future are less favorable than those estimated, additional inventory write-downs may be required. In determining reserves, we calculate separate reserves on our wholesale and retail inventories. Our wholesale inventories tend to carry the majority of the reserves for excess quantities and obsolete inventory due to the nature of our distribution model. These wholesale reserves primarily represent design and style obsolescence. Typically, product is not shipped to our retail warehouses until a consumer has ordered and paid a deposit for the product. We do not typically hold retail inventory for stock purposes. Consequently, floor sample inventory and inventory for delivery to customers account for the majority of our inventory at retail. Retail reserves are based on accessory and clearance floor sample inventory in our stores and any inventory that is not associated with a specific customer order in our retail warehouses.

  

 

 
46

 

  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

Activity in the reserves for excess quantities and obsolete inventory by segment are as follows:

  

   

Wholesale Segment

   

Retail Segment

   

Total

 

Balance at November 30, 2013

  $ 1,001     $ 292     $ 1,293  

Additions charged to expense

    1,666       331       1,997  

Write-offs

    (1,607 )     (271 )     (1,878 )

Balance at November 29, 2014

    1,060       352       1,412  

Additions charged to expense

    2,442       430       2,872  

Write-offs

    (2,415 )     (472 )     (2,887 )

Balance at November 28, 2015

  $ 1,087     $ 310     $ 1,397  

  

7. Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment consist of the following:

  

   

November 28, 2015

   

November 29, 2014

 

Land

  $ 12,311     $ 11,371  

Buildings and leasehold improvements

    104,265       90,204  

Machinery and equipment

    85,490       70,184  
Property and equipment at cost      202,066       171,759  

Less accumulated depreciation

    (105,962 )     (96,947 )
Property and equipment, net    $ 96,104     $ 74,812  

  

The net book value of our property and equipment by reportable segment is a follows:

  

   

November 28, 2015

   

November 29, 2014

 

Wholesale

  $ 17,763     $ 14,933  

Retail - Company-owned stores

    60,810       59,879  

Logistical Services

    17,531       -  
Total property and equipment, net    $ 96,104     $ 74,812  

 

Depreciation expense associated with the property and equipment shown above was included in income from operations in our consolidated statements of income as follows:

  

   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

 
                         

Cost of goods sold (1)

  $ 599     $ 542     $ 595  

Selling, general and adminstrative expenses (2)

    9,627       6,814       5,279  

Total depreciation expense included in income from operations

  $ 10,226     $ 7,356     $ 5,874  

 

(1) All associated with our wholesale segment for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013.

(2) Includes depreciation associated with our retail segment of $5,970, $5,782 and $4,531 for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Fiscal 2015 includes depreciation associated with our logistical services segment of $2,366.

  

 

 
47

 

   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

8. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

At November 28, 2015 goodwill and other intangible assets consisted of the following:

 

   

Gross Carrying Amount

   

Accumulated Amortization

   

Intangible Assets, Net

 

Intangibles subject to amortization:

                       

Customer relationships

  $ 3,038     $ (169 )   $ 2,869  

Technology - customized applications

    834       (99 )     735  
                         

Total intangible assets subject to amortization

    3,872       (268 )     3,604  
                         

Intangibles not subject to amortization:

                       

Trade names

    2,490       -       2,490  

Goodwill

    11,588       -       11,588  
                         

Total goodwill and other intangible assets

  $ 17,950     $ (268 )   $ 17,682  

 

At November 29, 2014 our only intangible asset was goodwill with a carrying value of $1,730.

 

Changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by reportable segment were as follows:

  

   

Wholesale

   

Retail

   

Logistics

   

Total

 
                                 

Balance as of November 29, 2014

  $ 1,128     $ 602     $ -     $ 1,730  
Goodwill arising from acquisition of Zenith     3,711       1,218       4,929       9,858  
                                 

Balance as of November 28, 2015

  $ 4,839     $ 1,820     $ 4,929     $ 11,588  

 

The goodwill recognized in connection with our acquisition of Zenith remains subject to future adjustments before the close of the measurement period in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. Refer to Note 3, Business Combinations, for additional information regarding the Zenith acquisition. There were no changes in the carrying value of our goodwill during fiscal 2014, and there were no accumulated impairment losses on goodwill as of November 28, 2015 or November 29, 2014.

 

Amortization expense associated with intangible assets during the year ended November 28, 2015 was $268 and is included in selling, general and administrative expense in our consolidated statement of income. All expense arising from the amortization of intangible assets is associated with our logistical services segment. There was no amortization expense recognized during fiscal 2014 or 2013. Estimated future amortization expense for intangible assets that exist at November 28, 2015 is as follows:

  

Fiscal 2016

  $ 322  

Fiscal 2017

    322  

Fiscal 2018

    322  

Fiscal 2019

    322  

Fiscal 2020

    322  

Thereafter

    1,994  
         

Total

  $ 3,604  

   

 

 
48

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

9. Unconsolidated Affiliated Companies

 

Zenith Freight Lines, LLC

 

Prior to February 2, 2015 we owned 49% of Zenith and accounted for our investment under the equity method. Our investment in Zenith at November 29, 2014 was $7,915 and is included in other assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheet. The balance of our investment in Zenith was adjusted for our equity in the earnings of Zenith through February 2, 2015 of $220, and increased by $1,345 representing our 49% share of a $2,745 capital contribution made to Zenith, a portion of which was used for retirement of certain of Zenith’s debt prior to the acquisition. This activity resulted in a carrying value for our investment in Zenith of $9,480 on the date of acquisition. See Note 3 regarding the remeasurement of this carrying value to fair value in connection with the acquisition and the resulting gain.

  

Prior to the acquisition on February 2, 2015, we recorded the following income from Zenith in our consolidated statements of income:

  

   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

 

Earnings recognized

  $ 220     $ 661     $ 770  

 

At November 29, 2014, we owed Zenith $2,628 for services rendered to us. Prior to the acquisition, we paid Zenith approximately $6,863, $31,308 and $29,313, for freight expense and logistical services in fiscal 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. We believe the transactions with Zenith were recorded at current market rates.

 

International Home Furnishings Center

 

In connection with the sale of our interest in International Home Furnishings Center, Inc. (“IHFC”) on May 2, 2011, to International Market Centers, L.P. (“IMC”), $6,106 of the sales proceeds were placed in escrow at the time of the sale to cover various contingencies. At various times during fiscal 2012, 2013 and 2014, the contingencies were satisfied without loss to the Company and the funds were released to us. During fiscal 2014 and 2013 we received the final two payments of sales proceeds in the amount of $2,348 each which are included in cash flows from investing activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows.

 

In addition to the proceeds described above, at the time of the sale we acquired a minority interest in IMC in exchange for $1,000. IMC is majority owned by funds managed by Bain Capital Partners and a subsidiary of certain investment funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. Our investment in IMC is included in other long-term assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and is accounted for using the cost method as we do not have significant influence over IMC.

   

 

 
49

 

  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

10. Notes Payable and Bank Credit Facility

 

Our notes payable consist of the following:

  

   

November 28, 2015

 
   

Principal Balance

   

Unamortized Discount

   

Net Carrying Amount

 
                         

Zenith acquisition note payable

  $ 9,000     $ (312 )   $ 8,688  

Transportation equipment notes payable

    2,152       -       2,152  

Real estate notes payable

    2,933       -       2,933  
                         

Total debt

    14,085       (312 )     13,773  

Less current portion

    (5,477 )     204       (5,273 )
                         

Total long-term debt

  $ 8,608     $ (108 )   $ 8,500  

 

   

November 29, 2014

 
   

Principal Balance

   

Unamortized Discount

   

Net Carrying Amount

 
                         

Real estate notes payable

  $ 2,218     $ -     $ 2,218  

Less current portion

    (316 )     -       (316 )
                         

Total long-term debt

  $ 1,902     $ -     $ 1,902  

 

The future maturities of our notes payable are as follows:

  

Fiscal 2016

  $ 5,477  

Fiscal 2017

    4,112  

Fiscal 2018

    3,803  

Fiscal 2019

    543  

Fiscal 2020

    150  

Thereafter

    -  
    $ 14,085  

 

Zenith Acquisition Note Payable

 

As part of the consideration given for our acquisition of Zenith on February 2, 2015, we issued an unsecured note payable to the former owner in the amount of $9,000. The note is payable in three annual installments $3,000 beginning February 2, 2016. Interest is payable annually at the one year LIBOR rate, which was established at 0.62% on February 2, 2015 and resets on each anniversary of the note. The note was recorded at its fair value in connection with the acquisition resulting in a debt discount that is amortized to the principal amount through the recognition of non-cash interest expense over the term of the note. Interest expense resulting from the amortization of the discount for the year ended November 28, 2015 was $252. The current portion of the note due within one year, net of the current portion of the unamortized discount, is $2,796 at November 28, 2015.

 

Transportation Equipment Notes Payable

 

Certain of the transportation equipment operated in our logistical services segment is financed by notes payable in the amount of $2,152. These notes are payable in fixed monthly payments of principal and interest at the fixed rate of 3.75%, with remaining terms of nineteen to forty months. The current portion of these notes due within one year at November 28, 2015 is $901. The notes are secured by tractors, trailers and local delivery trucks with a total net book value of $3,796 at November 28, 2015.

 

Real Estate Notes Payable

 

Two of our retail real estate properties have been financed through commercial mortgages with interest rates of 6.73%. These mortgages are collateralized by the respective properties with net book values totaling approximately $5,993 and $6,127 at November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014, respectively. The total balance outstanding under these mortgages was $1,709 and $2,218 at November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014, respectively. The current portion of these mortgages due within one year was $351 and $316 as of November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014, respectively.

 

 

 
50

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

Certain of the real estate located in Conover, NC and operated in our logistical services segment is subject to a note payable in the amount of $1,224. The note is payable in monthly installments of principal and interest at the fixed rate of 3.75% through October 2016, at which time the remaining balance on the note of approximately $1,004 will be due. Therefore, the entire balance due on this note is included in the current portion of our long-term debt at November 28, 2015. The note is secured by land and buildings with a total net book value of $6,226 at November 28, 2015.

 

Fair Value 

 

We believe that the carrying amount of our notes payable approximates fair value at both November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014. In estimating the fair value, we utilize current market interest rates for similar instruments. The inputs into these fair value calculations reflect our market assumptions and are not observable. Consequently, the inputs are considered to be Level 3 as specified in the fair value hierarchy in ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. See Note 4.

  

Bank Credit Facility

 

Our credit facility with our bank provides for a line of credit of up to $15,000. This credit facility is secured by our accounts receivable and inventory. The facility contains covenants requiring us to maintain certain key financial ratios. We are in compliance with all covenants under the agreement and expect to remain in compliance for the foreseeable future. The line matured in December 2015 but has been temporarily extended while we are in negotiations with our bank for a new line, which we expect to obtain during the first quarter of fiscal 2016 under substantially similar terms, except that the line is expected to be unsecured.

 

We have $1,970 outstanding under standby letters of credit against our line, leaving availability under our credit line of $13,030. In addition, we have outstanding standby letters of credit with another bank totaling $356.

 

Total interest paid during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $277, 176 and $244, respectively.

  

11. Post-Employment Benefit Obligations   

 

Supplemental Retirement Income Plan

 

We have an unfunded Supplemental Retirement Income Plan (the “Supplemental Plan”) that covers one current and certain former executives. Upon retirement, the Supplemental Plan provides for lifetime monthly payments in an amount equal to 65% of the participant’s final average compensation as defined in the Supplemental Plan, which is reduced by certain social security benefits to be received and other benefits provided by us. The Supplemental Plan also provides a death benefit that is calculated as (a) prior to retirement death, which pays the beneficiary 50% of final average annual compensation for a period of 120 months, or (b) post-retirement death, which pays the beneficiary 200% of final average compensation in a single payment. We own life insurance policies on these executives with a current net death benefit of $3,087 at November 28, 2015 and we expect to substantially fund this death benefit through the proceeds received upon the death of the executive. Funding for the remaining cash flows is expected to be provided through operations. There are no benefits payable as a result of a termination of employment for any reason other than death or retirement, other than a change of control provision which provides for the immediate vesting and payment of the retirement benefit under the Supplemental Plan in the event of an employment termination resulting from a change of control.

  

 

 
51

 

  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

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

 

 

 

2015

   

2014

 

Change in Benefit Obligation:

               

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year

  $ 10,376     $ 9,775  

Service cost

    105       78  

Interest cost

    374       373  

Actuarial losses

    1,372       1,084  

Benefits paid

    (549 )     (934 )

Projected benefit obligation at end of year

  $ 11,678     $ 10,376  
                 

Accumulated Benefit Obligation

  $ 10,967     $ 9,748  
                 

Discount rate used to value the ending benefit obligations:

    3.75 %     3.75 %
                 

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet:

               

Current liabilities

  $ 749     $ 724  

Noncurrent liabilities

    10,929       9,652  
Total amounts recognized    $ 11,678     $ 10,376  

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:

               

Transition obligation

  $ 127     $ 170  

Actuarial loss

    4,223       3,046  

Net amount recognized

  $ 4,350     $ 3,216  
                 

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

  $ 1,851     $ 1,535  

 

   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

 
                         

Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost:

                       

Service cost

  $ 105     $ 78     $ 71  

Interest cost

    374       373       350  

Amortization of transition obligation

    42       42       42  

Amortization of other loss

    195       123       81  
                         

Net periodic pension cost

  $ 716     $ 616     $ 544  

 

Assumptions used to determine net periodic pension cost:

                       

Discount rate

    3.75 %     3.75 %     4.25 %

Increase in future compensation levels

    3.00 %     3.00 %     3.00 %

 

Estimated Future Benefit Payments (with mortality):

                       

Fiscal 2016

            749          

Fiscal 2017

            717          

Fiscal 2018

            684          

Fiscal 2019

            652          

Fiscal 2020

            619          

Fiscal 2021 through 2024

            4,442          

 

Of the $4,350 recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income at November 28, 2015, $42 of net transition obligation and $323 of net loss are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic pension cost during fiscal 2016.

  

 

 
52

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

Deferred Compensation Plan

 

We have an unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan that covers one current and certain former executives and provides for voluntary deferral of compensation. This plan has been frozen with no additional participants or benefits permitted. We recognized expense of $248, $134, and $288 in fiscal 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, associated with the plan. The expense for fiscal 2014 is net of a credit to income of $124 due to a change in our estimate of the future obligation of a former employee. Our liability under this plan was $2,085 and $2,174 as of November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014, respectively. The non-current portion of this obligation is included in post-employment benefit obligations in our consolidated balance sheets, with the current portion included in accrued compensation and benefits.

   

Defined Contribution Plan

 

We have a qualified defined contribution plan (Employee Savings/Retirement Plan) that covers substantially all employees who elect to participate and have fulfilled the necessary service requirements. Employee contributions to the Plan are matched at the rate of 20% of up to 8% of gross pay, regardless of years of service. Expense for employer matching contributions was $662, $397 and $340 during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The increase in contribution expense for fiscal 2015 over prior years was largely due to an increase in the matching rate from 15% in 2014 to 20% in 2015, as well as the acquisition of Zenith.

  

12. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

 

The activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the fiscal years ended November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014, which is comprised solely of post-retirement benefit costs related to our SERP, is as follows:

   

Balance at November 30, 2013

  $ (1,414 )

Actuarial losses

    (1,084 )

Net pension amortization reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

    166  

Tax effects

    358  

Balance at November 29, 2014

    (1,974 )

Actuarial losses

    (1,372 )

Net pension amortization reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

    237  

Tax effects

    431  

Balance at November 28, 2015

  $ (2,678 )

  

 

 
53

 

     

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

13. Capital Stock and Stock Compensation   

 

We account for our stock-based employee and director compensation plans in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. ASC 718 requires recognition of the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments in the financial statements over the period the employee is required to perform the services in exchange for the award (presumptively the vesting period) which we recognize on a straight-line basis. Compensation expense related to restricted stock and stock options included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of income for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

  

   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

 
Stock based compensation expense    $ 894     $ 951     $ 728  

 

Stock Option Plans

 

In 1997, we adopted an Employee Stock Plan (the “1997 Plan”), and reserved for issuance 950,000 shares of common stock. An additional 500,000 shares of common stock were authorized for issuance in 2000. In addition, the terms of the 1997 Plan allow for the re-issuance of any stock options which have been forfeited before being exercised. Options granted under the 1997 Plan may be for such terms and exercised at such times as determined by the Organization, Compensation, and Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors. Vesting periods typically range from one to three years. There are no shares available for grant under the 1997 Plan at November 28, 2015, however up to 500,000 shares associated with outstanding grants under the 1997 Plan may become available for grant under the 2010 Plan (see below).

 

On April 14, 2010, our shareholders approved the Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”). All present and future non-employee directors, key employees and outside consultants for the Company are eligible to receive incentive awards under the 2010 Plan. Our Organization, Compensation and Nominating Committee (the “Compensation Committee”) selects eligible key employees and outside consultants to receive awards under the 2010 Plan in its discretion. Our Board of Directors or any committee designated by the Board of Directors selects eligible non-employee directors to receive awards under the 2010 Plan in its discretion. Five hundred thousand (500,000) shares of common stock are reserved for issuance under the 2010 Plan. In addition, up to 500,000 shares that are represented by outstanding awards under the 1997 Employee Stock Plan which are forfeited, expire or are canceled after the effective date of the 2010 Plan will be added to the reserve and may be used for new awards under the 2010 Plan. Participants may receive the following types of incentive awards under the 2010 Plan: stock options, stock appreciation rights, payment shares, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares. Stock options may be incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options. Stock appreciation rights may be granted in tandem with stock options or as a freestanding award. Non-employee directors and outside consultants are eligible to receive restricted stock and restricted stock units only. We expect to issue new common stock upon the exercise of options.

 

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The risk free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rate for the expected life at the time of grant, volatility is based on the average long-term implied volatilities of peer companies, the expected life is based on the estimated average of the life of options using the simplified method, and forfeitures are estimated on the date of grant based on certain historical data. We utilize the simplified method to determine the expected life of our options due to insufficient exercise activity during recent years as a basis from which to estimate future exercise patterns.

  

 

 
54

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

Stock Options

 

There were no new grants of options made in 2015, 2014 or 2013.

 

Changes in the outstanding options under our plans during the year ended November 28, 2015 were as follows:

  

   

Number of Shares

   

Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share

 
                 

Outstanding at November 29, 2014

    437,250     $ 11.94  

Granted

    -       -  

Exercised

    (351,000 )     12.09  

Forfeited/Expired

    (2,000 )     8.02  

Outstanding at November 28, 2015

    84,250       11.42  

Exercisable at November 28, 2015

    84,250     $ 11.42  

 

Changes in the non-vested options under our plans during the year ended November 28, 2015 were as follows:

  

   

Number of Shares

   

Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share

 
                 

Non-vested options outstanding at November 29, 2014

    22,750     $ 8.04  

Granted

    -       -  

Vested

    (20,750 )     8.05  

Forfeited/Expired

    (2,000 )     8.02  

Non-vested options outstanding at November 28, 2015

    -       -  

   

Additional information regarding our outstanding stock options at November 28, 2015 is as follows:

 

           

Options Outstanding

           

Options Exercisable

 

Range of Exercise Prices

   

Shares

   

Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)

   

Weighted Average Exercise Price

   

Shares

   

Weighted Average Exercise Price

 
$ 3.23 - $6.45       1,000       4.6     $ 4.38       1,000     $ 4.38  
$ 6.45 - $9.67       22,750       5.6       8.02       22,750       8.02  
$ 9.68 - $12.90       28,000       1.9       10.60       28,000       10.60  
$ 12.91 - $16.13       32,500       1.4       14.73       32,500       14.73  
              84,250                       84,250          
                                                 

Aggregate intrinsic value

    $ 1,714                     $ 1,714          

   

 

 
55

 

   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

Additional information regarding activity in our stock options during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:

  

   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

 
                         

Total intrinsic value of options exercised

  $ 5,934     $ 236     $ 387  

Total fair value of options vested

    87       200       363  

Total cash received from the exercise of options

    4,031       382       413  

Excess tax benefits recognized as additional paid-in capital upon the exercise of options

    1,899       72       106  

 

Restricted Shares

 

Changes in the outstanding non-vested restricted shares during the year ended November 28, 2015 were as follows:

  

   

Number of Shares

   

Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share

 
                 

Non-vested restricted shares outstanding at November 29, 2014

    123,737     $ 15.28  

Granted

    54,354       21.81  

Vested

    (26,337 )     15.42  

Forfeited

    (17,600 )     17.00  

Non-vested restricted shares outstanding at November 28, 2015

    134,154     $ 17.68  

 

Restricted share awards granted in fiscal 2015 included the grant of 46,000 shares on January 14, 2015 which were subject to a performance condition as well as a service condition. The performance condition was based on a measure of the Company’s operating cash flow for 2014 and has now been satisfied. They will remain subject to an additional two-year service requirement and will vest on the third anniversary of the grant. The remaining grants for 2015 consisted of 6,354 restricted shares granted to our non-employee directors on April 1, 2015 which will vest on the first anniversary of the grant, and 2,000 shares granted to an employee on July 14, 2015 which will vest on the third anniversary of the grant.

 

During fiscal 2015, 26,337 restricted shares were vested and released, of which 13,998 shares had been granted to employees and 12,339 shares to directors. Of the shares released to employees, 4,836 shares were withheld by the Company to cover withholding taxes of $154. During fiscal 2014 and 2013, 31,234 shares and 11,550 shares, respectively, were withheld to cover withholding taxes of $489 and $202, respectively, arising from the vesting of restricted shares. Excess tax benefits of $99, $228 and $207 were recognized during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as additional paid-in capital upon the release of vested shares.

 

Additional information regarding our outstanding non-vested restricted shares at November 28, 2015 is as follows:

  

                   

Remaining

 
   

Restricted

   

Share Value

   

Restriction

 

Grant

 

Shares

   

at Grant Date

   

Period

 

Date

 

Outstanding

   

Per Share

   

(Years)

 
                         
                         

July 17, 2013

    37,800     $ 16.64       2.6  

January 15, 2014

    48,000       14.12       1.1  

January 14, 2015

    40,000       20.21       2.1  

April 1, 2015

    6,354       28.33       0.3  

July 14, 2015

    2,000       38.02       2.6  
                         
      134,154                  

 

Unrecognized compensation cost related to these non-vested restricted shares at November 28, 2015 is $636, expected to be recognized over approximately a two and one-half year period.

 

 

 
56

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

In 2000, we adopted and implemented an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) that allows eligible employees to purchase a limited number of shares of our stock at 85% of market value. Under the ESPP we sold 19,053, 25,677 and 38,206 shares to employees in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which resulted in an immaterial amount of compensation expense.

   

14. Income Taxes   

 

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

  

   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

 

Current:

                       

Federal

  $ 7,972     $ 4,168     $ 759  

State

    1,533       596       50  
                         

Deferred:

                       

Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance

    (70 )     (974 )     136  

Federal

    1,520       221       1,970  

State

    480       1,297       176  

Total

  $ 11,435     $ 5,308     $ 3,091  

  

Excess tax benefits in the amount of $1,998, $300 and $313 were recognized as additional paid-in capital during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, resulting from the exercise of stock options and the release of restricted shares.

 

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

 

   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

 

Statutory federal income tax rate

    35.0

%

    35.0

%

    34.0

%

Adjustments to state net operating loss carryforwards

    -       3.3       -  

Change in income tax valuation allowance

    (0.1 )     (3.7 )     1.7  

Change in income tax reserves

    0.1       (1.7 )     0.1  

State income tax, net of federal benefit

    4.4       4.9       3.7  

Benefit of goodwill basis difference

    (3.2 )     -       -  

Other

    (0.3 )     (1.5 )     (1.7 )

Effective income tax rate

    35.9

%

    36.3

%

    37.8

%

  

 

 
57

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

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

 

   

November 28, 2015

   

November 29, 2014

 

Deferred income tax assets:

               

Trade accounts receivable

  $ 506     $ 483  

Inventories

    2,420       2,384  

Notes receivable

    1,795       1,599  

Retirement benefits

    6,992       6,093  

State net operating loss carryforwards

    927       1,141  

Unrealized loss from affiliates

    356       595  

Lease termination accruals

    219       167  

Net deferred rents

    2,674       2,251  

Other

    1,946       1,699  

Gross deferred income tax assets

    17,835       16,412  

Valuation allowance

    -       (70 )

Total deferred income tax assets

    17,835       16,342  
                 

Deferred income tax liabilities:

               

Property and equipment

    3,093       282  

Intangible assets

    860       -  

Unrealized gains from affiliates

    8       963  

Prepaid expenses and other

    403       128  
                 

Total deferred income tax liabilities

    4,364       1,373  
                 

Net deferred income tax assets

  $ 13,471     $ 14,969  

 

At the beginning of fiscal 2014 we carried a valuation allowance of $1,044 which was primarily related to state net operating loss carryforwards for which it was considered to be more likely than not that they would not be utilized prior to their expiration. During fiscal 2014 we reduced our valuation allowance related to adjustments to state net operating loss carryforwards primarily due to state tax law changes resulting in a credit to income of $974, or $0.09 per basic and diluted share. The remaining balance in the valuation allowance at November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014 was $0 and $70, respectively.

 

The following table represents a summary of the valuation allowances against deferred tax assets:

  

   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

 
                         

Balance, beginning of the year

  $ 70     $ 1,044     $ 908  

Additions charged to expense

            -       136  

Deductions reducing expense

    (70 )     (974 )     -  

Balance, end of the year

  $ -     $ 70     $ 1,044  

 

We have state net operating loss carryforwards available to offset future taxable state income of $12,715, which expire in varying amounts between 2015 and 2030. Realization is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income prior to expiration of the loss carryforwards.

 

Income taxes paid, net of refunds received, during 2015, 2014 and 2014 were $5,906, $2,367, and $2,723, respectively.

 

As of November 29, 2014, the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits was approximately $1,236, exclusive of interest and penalties. Substantially all of this balance, along with additional amounts recognized during fiscal 2015, has been effectively settled as of November 28, 2015. We regularly evaluate, assess and adjust the related liabilities in light of changing facts and circumstances, which could cause the effective tax rate to fluctuate from period to period.

 

 

 
58

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

The following table summarizes the activity related to our gross unrecognized tax benefits:

  

   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

 

Balance, beginning of the year

  $ 1,236     $ 1,497     $ 1,228  

Gross increases

    12       -       401  

Gross decreases due to settlements

    (1,236 )     (221 )     -  

Gross decreases primarily due to the expiration of statutes

    -       (40 )     (132 )
                         

Balance, end of the year

  $ 12     $ 1,236     $ 1,497  

 

We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. During fiscal 2015, 2014, and 2013, we recognized $(144), $7, and $23 of interest expense recovery and $3, $10, and $31 of penalty recovery (expense), respectively, related to the unrecognized benefits noted above in our consolidated statements of income. At November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014, the balance of accrued interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits was not material. At November 29, 2014, $1,370 was included in other accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet representing the entire amount of our gross unrecognized tax benefits along with the accrued interest and penalties thereon. The balance at November 28, 2015 was not material.

 

Significant judgment is required in evaluating the Company's federal and state tax positions and in the determination of its tax provision. Despite our belief that the liability for unrecognized tax benefits is adequate, it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of the resolution of any particular tax matter. We may adjust these liabilities as relevant circumstances evolve, such as guidance from the relevant tax authority, or resolution of issues in the courts. These adjustments are recognized as a component of income tax expense in the period in which they are identified. The Company also cannot predict when or if any other future tax payments related to these tax positions may occur.

 

We remain subject to examination for tax years 2012 through 2014 for all of our major tax jurisdictions. The examination of our 2012 and 2013 federal tax returns was completed in 2015 and did not result in a significant adjustment to income tax expense.

 

 

The IRS released the final and re-proposed tangible property regulations in September of 2013. While the regulations are now final, they were effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014, which for the Company was fiscal 2015. We comply with the regulations and the related administrative procedures. The regulations did not have a significant impact on our financial statements.

 

 

 
59

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

15. Restructuring, asset impairment, and other charges

 

Asset Impairment Charges and Lease Exit Costs

 

During fiscal 2015 income from operations included $106 of non-cash asset impairment charges and a $419 charge for the accrual of lease exit costs, both incurred in connection with the closing of our Company-owned retail store location in Memphis, Tennessee.

 

There were no asset impairment charges or lease exit costs incurred against income from operations during fiscal 2014 or 2013. See Note 2 regarding non-operating impairment charges incurred in connection with our investments in retail real estate.

 

Management Restructuring Costs

 

During the year ended November 28, 2015, we recognized $449 of expense related to severance payable to a former executive, who left the Company in April, 2015. As of November 28, 2015, all required payments of severance have been disbursed. These management restructuring costs were incurred within our wholesale segment. There were no restructuring charges incurred in fiscal 2014 or 2013.

   

The following table summarizes the activity related to our accrued lease exit costs:

 

   

2015

   

2014

 
                 

Balance, beginning of the year

  $ 433     $ 907  

Provisions associated with Company-owned retail stores

    419       -  

Provisions made to adjust previous estimates

    111       14  

Payments on unexpired leases, net of sublease rent received

    (410 )     (510 )

Accretion of interest on obligations

    13       22  
                 

Balance, end of the year

  $ 566     $ 433  
                 

Current portion included in other accrued liabilities

  $ 351     $ 117  

Long-term portion included in other long-term liabilities

    215       316  
    $ 566     $ 433  

 

16. Income from the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act

 

During the year ended November 28, 2015, we recognized income of $1,156 arising from distributions received from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“Customs”) under the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act of 2000 (“CDSOA”). These distributions primarily represent amounts previously withheld by Customs pending the resolution of claims filed by certain manufacturers who did not support the antidumping petition (“Non-Supporting Producers”) challenging certain provisions of the CDSOA and seeking to share in the distributions. The Non-Supporting Producers’ claims were dismissed by the courts and all appeals were exhausted in 2014. While it is possible that we may receive additional distributions from Customs, we cannot estimate the likelihood or amount of any future distributions.

 

 

 
60

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

17. Leases and Lease Guarantees    

 

Leases

 

We lease land and buildings that are used in the operation of our Company-owned retail stores as well as in the operation of certain of our licensee-owned stores, and we lease land and buildings at various locations throughout the continental United States for warehousing and distribution hubs used in our logistical services segment. We also lease tractors, trailers and local delivery trucks used in our logistical services segment. Our real estate lease terms range from one to 15 years and generally have renewal options of between five and 15 years. Some store leases contain contingent rental provisions based upon sales volume. Our transportation equipment leases have terms ranging from two to seven years with fixed monthly rental payments plus variable charges based upon mileage. The following schedule shows future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases with terms in excess of one year as of November 25, 2015:

  

   

Retail Stores

   

Distribution Centers

   

Transportation Equipment

   

Total

 
                                 

Fiscal 2016

  $ 18,490     $ 4,087     $ 2,779     $ 25,356  

Fiscal 2017

    16,651       3,946       1,979       22,576  

Fiscal 2018

    14,140       2,696       806       17,642  

Fiscal 2019

    12,251       1,731       755       14,737  

Fiscal 2020

    10,916       1,230       671       12,817  

Thereafter

    27,461       4,278       30       31,769  
Total future minimum lease payments    $ 99,909     $ 17,968     $ 7,020     $ 124,897  

  

Lease expense was $26,382, $19,903 and $18,403 for 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

 

In addition to subleasing certain of these properties, we own retail real estate which we in turn lease to licensee operators of BHF stores. We also own real estate for closed stores which we lease to non-licensees. The following schedule shows minimum future rental income related to pass-through rental expense on subleased property as well as rental income on real estate owned by Bassett.

  

Fiscal 2016

  $ 2,132  

Fiscal 2017

    2,119  

Fiscal 2018

    1,589  

Fiscal 2019

    1,247  

Fiscal 2020

    1,194  

Thereafter

    359  
Total minimum future rental income    $ 8,640  

 

Real estate rental income (loss), net of expense (including lease costs, depreciation, insurance, and taxes), related to licensee stores and other investment real estate, was $(181), $(248) and $(594) in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and is reflected in other expense, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

Guarantees

 

As part of the strategy for our store program, we have guaranteed certain lease obligations of licensee operators. Lease guarantees range from one to ten years. We were contingently liable under licensee lease obligation guarantees in the amount of $2,494 and $3,164 at November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014, respectively.

 

In the event of default by an independent dealer under the guaranteed lease, we believe that the risk of loss is mitigated through a combination of options that include, but are not limited to, arranging for a replacement dealer, liquidating the collateral, and pursuing payment under the personal guarantees of the independent dealer. The proceeds of the above options are estimated to cover the maximum amount of our future payments under the guarantee obligations, net of reserves. The fair value of lease guarantees (an estimate of the cost to the Company to perform on these guarantees) at November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014, were not material.

 

 

 
61

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

18. Contingencies

 

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

 

19. Earnings Per Share

 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

  

   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

 

Numerator:

                       

Net income

  $ 20,433     $ 9,299     $ 5,096  
                         

Denominator:

                       

Denominator for basic income per share - weighted average shares

    10,701,829       10,552,462       10,721,652  

Effect of dilutive securities

    141,198       140,569       150,897  

Denominator for diluted income per share — weighted average shares and assumed conversions

    10,843,027       10,693,031       10,872,549  
                         

Basic income per share:

                       

Net income per share — basic

  $ 1.91     $ 0.88     $ 0.48  
                         

Diluted income per share:

                       

Net income per share — diluted

  $ 1.88     $ 0.87     $ 0.47  

 

For fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, the following potentially dilutive shares were excluded from the computations as there effect was anti-dilutive:

  

   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

 

Stock options

    -       150,000       472,500  

Unvested restricted shares

    8,354       -       81,295  
                         

Total anti-dilutive securities

    8,354       150,000       553,795  

 

 

 
62

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

20. Segment Information

 

We have strategically aligned our business into three reportable segments as defined in ASC 280, Segment Reporting, and as described below:

 

 

Wholesale. The wholesale home furnishings segment is involved principally in the design, manufacture, sourcing, sale and distribution of furniture products to a network of Bassett stores (Company-owned and licensee-owned stores retail stores) and independent furniture retailers. Our wholesale segment includes our wood and upholstery operations as well as all corporate selling, general and administrative expenses, including those corporate expenses related to both Company- and licensee-owned stores.

 

 

Retail – Company-owned stores. Our retail segment consists of Company-owned stores and includes the revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities and capital expenditures directly related to these stores.

 

 

Logistical services. With our acquisition of Zenith on February 2, 2015, we created the logistical services operating segment which reflects the operations of Zenith. In addition to providing shipping, delivery and warehousing services for the Company, Zenith also provides similar services to other customers, primarily in the furniture industry. Revenue from the performance of these services to other customers is included in logistics revenue in our condensed consolidated statement of income. Zenith’s operating costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses and total $73,722 for the year ended November 28, 2015 since the date of acquisition. Amounts charged by Zenith to the Company for logistical services prior to the date of acquisition are included in selling, general and administrative expenses, and our equity in the earnings of Zenith prior to the date of acquisition is included in other loss, net, in the accompanying statements of income.

 

Inter-company sales elimination represents the elimination of wholesale sales to our Company-owned stores and the elimination of Zenith logistics revenue from our wholesale and retail segments. Inter-company income elimination includes the embedded wholesale profit in the Company-owned store inventory that has not been realized. These profits will be recorded when merchandise is delivered to the retail consumer. The inter-company income elimination also includes rent paid by our retail stores occupying Company-owned real estate, and the elimination of shipping and handling charges from Zenith for services provided to our wholesale and retail operations.

 

Prior to the beginning of fiscal 2015, our former investments and real estate segment included our short-term investments, our holdings of retail real estate previously leased as licensee stores, and our former equity investment in Zenith prior to acquisition. This segment has been eliminated and the assets formerly reported therein are now considered to be part of our wholesale segment. The earnings and costs associated with these assets, including our equity in the income of Zenith prior to the date of acquisition, will continue to be included in other loss, net, in our condensed consolidated statements of income.

 

 
63

 

   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

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

  

   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

 

Net Sales

                       

Wholesale

  $ 252,180     $ 223,993     $ 215,451  

Retail

    249,379       216,631       199,380  

Logistical services

    77,250       -       -  

Inter-company eliminations:

                       

Furniture and accessories

    (114,154 )     (99,886 )     (93,545 )

Logistical services

    (33,728 )     -       -  

Consolidated

  $ 430,927     $ 340,738     $ 321,286  
                         

Income (loss) from Operations

                       

Wholesale

  $ 15,618     $ 14,120     $ 10,883  

Retail

    6,170       (528 )     (1,452 )

Logistical services

    3,528       -       -  

Inter-company elimination

    1,647       1,539       574  

Lease exit costs

    (419 )     -       -  

Asset impairment charges

    (106 )     -       -  

Management restructuring costs

    (449 )     -       -  

Consolidated income from operations

  $ 25,989     $ 15,131     $ 10,005  
                         

Depreciation and Amortization

                       

Wholesale

  $ 2,075     $ 1,972     $ 1,826  

Retail

    5,428       5,344       4,372  

Logistical services

    2,634       -       -  

Consolidated

  $ 10,137     $ 7,316     $ 6,198  
                         

Capital Expenditures

                       

Wholesale

  $ 4,898     $ 4,527     $ 3,839  

Retail

    7,077       13,836       10,846  

Logistical services

    1,999       -       -  

Consolidated

  $ 13,974     $ 18,363     $ 14,685  
                         

Identifiable Assets

                       

Wholesale

  $ 146,878     $ 154,319     $ 148,518  

Retail

    88,878       86,471       77,331  

Logistical services

    46,787       -       -  

Consolidated

  $ 282,543     $ 240,746     $ 225,849  

  

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

  

   

2015

   

2014

   

2013

 
                         

Wood

    37 %     39 %     41 %

Upholstery

    63 %     61 %     59 %
      100 %     100 %     100 %

 

 

 
64

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -Continued

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

21. Quarterly Results of Operations

  

   

2015

 
   

First

Quarter (1)

   

Second

Quarter (2)

   

Third

Quarter

   

Fourth

Quarter (3)

 
                                 

Sales revenue:

                               

Furniture and accessories

  $ 89,548     $ 99,467     $ 97,107     $ 101,283  

Logistics

    3,259       12,086       13,904       14,273  

Total sales revenue

    92,807       111,553       111,011       115,556  

Cost of furniture and accessories sold

    41,930       46,921       44,824       45,616  

Income from operations

    2,877       6,714       7,692       8,706  

Net income

    5,956       4,529       4,266       5,682  

Basic earnings per share

    0.57       0.42       0.39       0.53  

Diluted earnings per share

    0.56       0.42       0.39       0.52  

 

   

2014

 
   

First

Quarter (4)

   

Second

Quarter

   

Third

Quarter

   

Fourth

Quarter

 
                                 

Sales revenue:

                               

Furniture and accessories

  $ 75,647     $ 85,185     $ 85,186     $ 94,720  

Logistics

    -       -       -       -  

Total sales revenue

    75,647       85,185       85,186       94,720  

Cost of furniture and accessories sold

    35,394       39,872       40,168       42,883  

Income from operations

    1,086       3,891       3,399       6,755  

Net income

    843       2,551       2,256       3,649  

Basic earnings per share

    0.08       0.24       0.22       0.35  

Diluted earnings per share

    0.08       0.24       0.21       0.35  

  

All quarters shown above for fiscal 2015 and 2014 consist of 13 week fiscal periods.

 

Sales revenue from logistics is recognized from the date of our acquisition of Zenith, February 2, 2015. Prior to the acquisition of Zenith, net income included our 49% equity in the earnings of Zenith, which is included in other loss, net in our consolidated statements of income.

 

 

(1)

Income from operations includes asset impairment charges and lease exit costs totaling $525 (see Note 15). Net income includes a gain of $7,212, net of income tax effects of approximately $2,777, resulting from the remeasurement of our prior ownership interest in Zenith upon acquisition (see Note 3).

 

(2)

Income from operations includes management restructuring charges of $449 (see Note 15). Net income includes income of $1,066 from the CDSOA, net of related income tax effects of approximately $410 (see Note 16).

 

(3)

Net income includes the effect of a $1,111 tax benefit arising from purchase accounting adjustments relating to the gain recorded on the remeasurement of our prior ownership in Zenith.

 

(4)

Net income includes $662 of income from death benefits from life insurance policies covering a former executive.

  

 

 
65

 

  

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

 

None.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

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

 

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

 

We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. With the participation of our CEO and CFO, our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of November 28, 2015 based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The scope of our efforts to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act with respect to fiscal 2015 included all of our operations other than those we acquired in fiscal 2015 related to the acquisition of Zenith Freight Lines, LLC (“Zenith”). In accordance with the SEC’s published guidance, because we acquired the operations of Zenith during the fiscal year, we excluded these operations from our efforts to comply with Section 404 Rules with respect to fiscal 2015. Total assets as of November 28, 2015 and total revenues for the year ending November 28, 2015 for Zenith were $30,836 and $43,522, respectively. SEC rules require that we complete our assessment of the internal control over financial reporting of the acquisition within one year after the date of the acquisition. Based on this evaluation, excluding the operations of Zenith discussed above, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of November 28, 2015, based on those criteria. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.

 

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

  

Changes in internal control over financial reporting. 

 

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

 

 

 
66

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

 

We have audited Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of November 28, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries’ management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

As indicated in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of Zenith Freight Lines, LLC, which is included in the 2015 consolidated financial statements of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries and constituted $30.8 million of total assets as of November 28, 2015 and $43.5 million of revenues for the year then ended. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of Zenith Freight Lines, LLC.

 

In our opinion, Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of November 28, 2015, based on the COSO criteria.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries as of November 28, 2015 and November 29, 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended November 28, 2015 of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries and our report dated January 21, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

 

Richmond, Virginia

 

January 21, 2016

 

 

 
67

 

  

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

  

PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

 

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

 

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

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

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

 

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

 

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

  

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

The information to be contained in the Proxy Statement under the captions “Board and Board Committee Information” and “Other Transactions” is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

 

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

 

 

 
68

 

  

PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a)

(1)

(a)Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended November 28, 2015, November 29, 2014 and November 30, 2013.

     

 

(2)

Financial Statement Schedule:

     

 

 

Schedule II- Analysis of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended November 28, 2015, November 29, 2014 and November 26, 2011

     

 

(3)

Listing of Exhibits

       

 

 

3A.

Articles of Incorporation as amended are incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 1994.

       

 

 

3B.

By-laws as amended to date are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3b to Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended August 25, 2012, filed October 4, 2012.

       
   

4.

Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with BB&T dated December 9, 2012 and First Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with BB&T dated December 18, 2012. Registrant hereby agrees to furnish the SEC, upon request, other instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Registrant.

       

 

 

        *10A.

Bassett 1993 Long Term Incentive Stock Option Plan is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (no.33-52405) filed on February 25, 1994.

       

 

 

*10B.

Bassett Executive Deferred Compensation Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 1997.

       

 

 

*10C.

Bassett Supplemental Retirement Income Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 1997.

       

 

 

*10E.

Bassett 1997 Employee Stock Plan is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (no. 333-60327) filed on July 31, 1998.

       

 

 

*10F.

Bassett Furniture 2005 Non-Employee Directors Stock Incentive Plan is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed on January 28, 2005.

       

 

 

*10G.

Bassett Furniture 2005 Non-Employee Directors Stock Incentive Form Grant Letter for Restricted Stock Award is incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 26, 2005.

       

 

 

*10H.

Bassett Furniture Directors Compensation is incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 26, 2005.

       

 

 

*10I.

Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc. 1997 Employee Stock Plan Form Stock Option Award Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 26, 2005.

       

 

 

*10J.

Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc. 1997 Employee Stock Plan Form Grant Letter for Restricted Stock Award is incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 26, 2005.

       

 

 

*10K.

Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K filed on April 14, 2010.

       
   

*10L.

Form of Performance Share Award Agreement, Restricted Stock Award Agreement and Stock Option Award Agreement under the Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 29, 2014.

       
   

*10M.

Schedule of Terms for Employment Continuity Agreements with Certain Executive Officers is incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 1, 2014.

       
   

*10N.

Restated Supplemental Retirement Income Plan, effective May 1, 2014, is incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended May 31, 2014.

 

 

 
69

 

 

 

 

21.

List of subsidiaries of the Registrant

       

 

 

23A.

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

       

 

 

31A.

Certification of Robert H. Spilman, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

       

 

 

31B.

Certification of J. Michael Daniel, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

       

 

 

32A.

Certification of Robert H. Spilman, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

       
   

32B.

Certification of J. Michael Daniel, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

       
   

101.

The following financial statements from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 28, 2015, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (“XBRL”): (i) consolidated balance sheets, (ii) consolidated statements of operations, (iii) consolidated statements of cash flows, (iv) consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity, and (v) the notes to the consolidated financial statements, tagged as blocks of text.

       
   

101.INS**

XBRL Instance

       
   

101.SCH**

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

       
   

101.CAL**

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation

       
   

101.DEF**

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition

       
   

101.LAB**

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels

       

 

 

101.PRE**

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation

  

*

Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement of the Company.

**

XBRL information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

 

 

 
70

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED (Registrant)

 

By:

/s/ Robert H. Spilman, Jr.

Date: January 21, 2016

  

Robert H. Spilman, Jr.

President and Chief Executive Officer

Director

  

 

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

 

By:

/s/ Paul Fulton

Date: January 21, 2016

  

Paul Fulton

Chairman of the Board of Directors

  

  

  

  

By:

/s/ Peter W. Brown

Date: January 21, 2016

  

Peter W. Brown

Director

  

  

  

  

By:

/s/ Kristina K. Cashman

Date: January 21, 2016

  

Kristina K. Cashman

Director

  

  

  

  

By:

/s/ Howard H. Haworth

Date: January 21, 2016

  

Howard H. Haworth

Director

  

  

  

  

By:

/s/ George W. Henderson, III

Date: January 21, 2016

  

George W. Henderson, III

Director

  

  

  

  

By:

/s/ J. Walter McDowell

Date: January 21, 2016

  

J. Walter McDowell

  

  

Director

  

  

  

  

By:

/s/ Dale C. Pond

Date: January 21, 2016

  

Dale C. Pond

Director

  

  

  

  

By:

/s/ William C. Wampler, Jr.

Date: January 21, 2016

  

William C. Wampler, Jr.

Director

  

  

  

  

By:

/s/ William C. Warden, Jr.

Date: January 21, 2016

  

William C. Warden, Jr.

Director

  

  

  

  

By:

/s/ J. Michael Daniel

Date: January 21, 2016

  

J. Michael Daniel

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

  

 

 

 
71

 

 

Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated

Schedule II

 

Analysis of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

For the Years Ended November 28, 2015, November 29, 2014 and November 30, 2013

(amounts in thousands)

 

   

Balance Beginning of Period

   

Additions Charged to Cost and Expenses

    Deductions (1)     Other    

Balance End of Period

 
For the Year Ended November 30, 2013:                                        
Reserve deducted from assets to which it applies                                        

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  $ 1,789     $ 361     $ (543 )   $ -     $ 1,607  

Notes receivable valuation reserves

  $ 4,139     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 4,139  

Income tax valuation allowance

  $ 908     $ 136     $ -     $ -     $ 1,044  

For the Year Ended November 29, 2014:

                                       

Reserve deducted from assets to which it applies

                                       

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  $ 1,607     $ 77     $ (435 )   $ -     $ 1,249  

Notes receivable valuation reserves

  $ 4,139     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 4,139  

Income tax valuation allowance

  $ 1,044     $ -     $ (974 )   $ -     $ 70  

For the Year Ended November 28, 2015:

                                       

Reserve deducted from assets to which it applies

                                       

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  $ 1,249     $ (216 )   $ (67 )   $ 209 (2)   $ 1,175  

Notes receivable valuation reserves

  $ 4,139     $ 582     $ (75 )   $ -     $ 4,646  

Income tax valuation allowance

  $ 70     $ -     $ (70 )   $ -     $ -  

 

(1) Deductions are for the purpose for which the reserve was created. Deductions from the income tax valuation allowance for the year ended November 30, 2013 were due to the removal of the majority of our valuation allowance.

(2) Represents reserves of acquired company at date of acquisition.

 

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