The Company’s business is roughly 75% seasonal (Christmas, Valentines, Easter and Halloween products), with the remainder being everyday product sales. Seasonal products are sold primarily to mass market retailers and the Company typically has relatively high market shares in many of these categories. Most of these markets have shown little or no growth in recent years and there continues to be significant cost pressure in this area as our competitors source certain products overseas and our customers increase direct sourcing from overseas factories. Increasing customer concentration and bargaining power also contribute to price pressure.
The Company is responding to these pressures in a number of ways. First, we are increasing our investment in product and packaging design and product knowledge to assure we can continue to provide unique added value to our customers. Secondly, we have opened a new office and showroom in the Far East to better meet our customers’ buying needs and to be able to provide alternatively sourced products at competitive prices. Lastly, we increased our focus on efficiency and productivity in our North American production and distribution facilities to assure our competitiveness domestically.
Our everyday product lines, principally craft, floral and packaging products, have high inherent growth potential due to higher market growth rates, particularly in craft, and to our relatively low current market shares. We have established project teams to pursue top line sales growth in these and other areas.
The Company has experienced cost increases in certain key materials. These increases will impact fiscal 2006 and will require that management either obtains price increases from its customers or finds other means of reducing material costs in the products its sells.
Historically, significant growth at CSS has come through carefully chosen and executed acquisitions. Management anticipates that it will continue this pursuit in the future, as well.
As described in Item 3 of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004, a group of six domestic producers of tissue paper products and a labor union filed an anti-dumping duty petition with the U.S. Commerce Department (“Commerce Department”) and the U.S. International Trade Commission (“ITC”) on February 17, 2004. The petitioners are seeking the imposition of duties of 163.36% on certain tissue paper products imported from China. If the petitioners are successful, duties will be imposed on certain tissue paper products that the Company imports from China.
In September 2004, the Commerce Department issued its preliminary determination in the anti-dumping duty proceeding. As a result of this determination, importers of subject products will be required to post bond or a cash deposit upon importation of these products at rates ranging from 9.55% to 163.36%, reflecting the Commerce Department’s estimate of the duties that may be imposed on subject tissue paper products. The actual rates for these duties, if imposed, may be higher or lower, depending on the outcome of the proceedings being carried out by the Commerce Department and the ITC. These proceedings are expected to conclude with the issuance of final determinations by the Commerce Department and the ITC in February 2005 and March 2005, respectively.
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In order to mitigate the effect of any duties that may be imposed as a result of these proceedings, the Company resumed tissue-converting operations at the Company’s previously-closed facility in Maysville, Kentucky, and the Company reduced the volume of its imports from China. However, based on the Commerce Department’s preliminary determination, the Company will be required to post bond or a cash deposit at the rate of 125.58% with respect to certain tissue paper products imported or to be imported by the Company from and after June 23, 2004. If duties are ultimately imposed, the Company estimates that the impact on its earnings for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2005 will be in the range of approximately $0.02 to $0.15 per diluted share. The Company is vigorously contesting the imposition of these duties. The Company is developing additional alternative sourcing arrangements intended to avoid duties on imported tissue in the future.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The significant accounting policies of the Company are described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K. Judgments and estimates of uncertainties are required in applying the Company’s accounting policies in many areas. Following are some of the areas requiring significant judgments and estimates: useful lives of plant and equipment; cash flow and valuation assumptions in performing asset impairment tests of long-lived assets and goodwill; valuation reserves for inventory and accounts receivable; income tax accounting and resolution of litigation.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Seasonality
The seasonal nature of CSS’ business results in low sales and operating losses in the first and fourth quarters and high shipment levels and operating profits in the second and third quarters of the Company’s fiscal year which ends March 31, thereby causing significant fluctuations in the quarterly results of operations of the Company.
Six Months Ended September 30, 2004 Compared to Six Months Ended September 30, 2003
Sales for the six months ended September 30, 2004 decreased 3% to $231,266,000 from $237,452,000 in 2003 primarily due to the absence of sales related to a product line which was sold in July of 2003, and lower sales of ribbons and bows, which is substantially due to timing of shipments compared to a year ago. This sales decline was partially offset by higher sales of Christmas boxed greetings cards.
Cost of sales, as a percentage of sales, was 73% in 2004 and 2003. The decrease in cost of sales of $5,661,000, or 3%, is a result of lower sales of ribbons and bows partially offset by the higher volume of Christmas card sales.
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses, as a percentage of sales, were 19% in 2004 and 2003. The decrease in SG&A expenses of $1,225,000, or 3%, over the prior year six months is the result of successful integration savings related to recent acquisitions partially offset by costs incurred related to the Minneapolis restructuring plan.
Interest expense, net was $1,126,000 in 2004 and $1,689,000 in 2003.The decrease in interest expense was primarily due to lower borrowing levels as a result of the cash generated from operations and improved management of working capital, partially offset by higher interest rates.
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Income taxes, as a percentage of income before taxes, were 36% in 2004 and 2003.
Net income for the six months ended September 30, 2004 was $11,206,000, or $.89 per diluted share compared to $10,177,000, or $.83 per diluted share in 2003. The increase in net income is primarily attributable to higher margins, integration savings and lower interest expense, partially offset by the impact of lower sales and restructuring costs related to the Minneapolis restructuring plan.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2004 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2003
Sales for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 increased 1% to $181,711,000 from $179,162,000 in 2003 primarily as a result of higher sales of certain Christmas products, partially offset by lower sales of ribbons and bows, which is substantially due to the timing of shipments compared to the same quarter in the prior year.
Cost of sales, as a percentage of sales, was 73% in 2004 and 2003. The increase in cost of sales of $1,439,000, or 1%, is primarily due to the increase in sales.
SG&A expenses, as a percentage of sales, were 14% in 2004 and 2003. The decrease in SG&A expenses of $322,000, or 1%, over the prior year quarter is attributable to the achievement of integration savings related to recently acquired businesses partially offset by restructuring costs incurred in the second quarter ended September 30, 2004.
Interest expense, net was $709,000 in 2004 and $984,000 in 2003. The decrease in interest expense was primarily due to lower borrowing levels partially offset by higher interest rates.
Income taxes, as a percentage of loss before taxes, were 36% in 2004 and 2003.
Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2004 was $15,613,000, or $1.24 per diluted share compared to $14,216,000, or $1.15 per diluted share in 2003. The increase in net income is primarily attributable to the impact of higher sales and integration savings, partially offset by restructuring costs incurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2004.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
At September 30, 2004, the Company had working capital of $198,756,000 and stockholders’ equity of $256,189,000. The increase in accounts receivable from March 31, 2004 reflected seasonal billings of current year Halloween and Christmas accounts receivables, net of current year collections. The increase in inventories and other current liabilities from March 31, 2004 reflected the normal seasonal inventory build necessary for the fiscal 2005 shipping season. The increase in stockholders’ equity was primarily attributable to the year-to-date net income and capital contributed upon exercise of employee stock options, partially offset by treasury share repurchases and payments of cash dividends.
The Company relies primarily on cash generated from operations and seasonal borrowings to meet its liquidity requirements. Historically, most revenues are seasonal with approximately 80% of sales generated in the second and third quarters. Payment for Christmas related products is usually not received until after the holiday selling season in accordance with general industry practice. As a result, short-term borrowing needs increase through December and peak prior to Christmas. Seasonal borrowings are made under a $50,000,000 revolving credit facility with five banks and a receivable purchase agreement in an amount up to $100,000,000 with an issuer of receivables-backed commercial paper. In addition, the Company has outstanding $50,000,000 of 4.48% senior notes due ratably in annual installments over five years beginning in December 2005. These financing facilities are available to fund the Company’s seasonal borrowing needs and to provide the Company with sources of capital for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions as permitted under the revolving credit facility. At September 30, 2004, there was $50,000,000 of long-term borrowings outstanding related to the senior notes and $37,880,000 outstanding under the Company’s short-term credit facilities. Based on its current operating plan, the Company believes its sources of available capital are adequate to meet its ongoing cash needs for the foreseeable future.
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As of September 30, 2004, the Company’s contractual obligations and commitments are as follows (in thousands):
| | | Less than 1 Year | | | 1-3 Years | | | 4-5 Years | | | After 5 Years | | | Total | |
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Short-term debt | | $ | 37,880 | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | 37,880 | |
Capital lease obligations | | | 335 | | | 56 | | | — | | | — | | | 391 | |
Operating leases | | | 7,576 | | | 7,149 | | | 3,250 | | | 1,668 | | | 19,643 | |
Long-term debt | | | — | | | 20,000 | | | 20,000 | | | 10,000 | | | 50,000 | |
Other long-term obligations | | | 183 | | | 603 | | | 86 | | | 2,824 | | | 3,696 | |
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| | $ | 45,974 | | $ | 27,808 | | $ | 23,336 | | $ | 14,492 | | $ | 111,610 | |
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Other long-term obligations consist primarily of medical postretirement liabilities and deferred compensation arrangements. Future timing of payments other long-term obligations represent management’s best estimate.
As of September 30, 2004, the Company’s other commitments are as follows (in thousands):
| | | Less than 1 Year | | | 1-3 Years | | | 4-5 Years | | | After 5 Years | | | Total | |
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Letters of credit | | $ | 7,003 | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | 7,003 | |
The Company has letters of credit that guarantee funding of workers compensation claims as well as obligations to certain vendors. The Company has no financial guarantees or other arrangements with any third parties or related parties other than its subsidiaries.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into arrangements with vendors to purchase merchandise in advance of expected delivery. These purchase orders do not contain any significant termination payments or other penalties if cancelled.
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.” In April 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity.” In December 2003, the FASB revised SFAS No. 132 “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits.” In May 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. 106-2 “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003.” See the notes to the consolidated financial statements for information concerning the Company’s implementation and impact of these standards.
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ITEM 3. QUANTITIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company is exposed to the impact of interest rate changes and manages this exposure through the use of variable-rate and fixed-rate debt. The Company does not enter into contracts for trading purposes and does not use leveraged instruments. The market risks associated with debt obligations and other significant instruments as of September 30, 2004 has not materially changed from March 31, 2004 (See Item 7A of the Annual Report on Form 10-K).
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) | Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. As of the end of the period covered by this report, with the participation of the Company’s management, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures in accordance with Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon that evaluation, the President and Chief Executive Officer and Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in providing reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the Commission’s rules and procedures. |
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(b) | Changes in Internal Controls. The evaluation referred to above did not identify any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2004 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. |
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CSS INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
As described in Item 3 of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004, a group of six domestic producers of tissue paper products and a labor union filed an anti-dumping duty petition with the U.S. Commerce Department (“Commerce Department”) and the U.S. International Trade Commission (“ITC”) on February 17, 2004. The petitioners are seeking the imposition of duties of 163.36% on certain tissue paper products imported from China. If the petitioners are successful, duties will be imposed on certain tissue paper products that the Company imports from China.
In September 2004, Commerce Department issued its preliminary determination in the anti-dumping duty proceeding. As a result of this determination, importers of subject products will be required to post bond or a cash deposit upon importation of these products at rates ranging from 9.55% to 163.36%, reflecting the Commerce Department’s estimate of the duties that may be imposed on subject tissue paper products. The actual rates for these duties, if imposed, may be higher or lower, depending on the outcome of the proceedings being carried out by the Commerce Department and the ITC. These proceedings are expected to conclude with the issuance of final determinations by the Commerce Department and the ITC in February 2005 and March 2005, respectively.
In order to mitigate the effect of any duties that may be imposed as a result of these proceedings, the Company resumed tissue-converting operations at the Company’s previously-closed facility in Maysville, Kentucky, and the Company reduced the volume of its imports from China. However, based on the Commerce Department’s preliminary determination, the Company will be required to post bond or a cash deposit at the rate of 125.58% with respect to certain tissue paper products imported or to be imported by the Company from and after June 23, 2004. If duties are ultimately imposed, the Company estimates that the impact on its earnings for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2005 will be in the range of $0.02 to $0.15 per diluted share. The Company is vigorously contesting the imposition of these duties. The Company is developing additional alternative sourcing arrangements intended to avoid duties on imported tissue in the future.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Share Repurchase Program
As of September 30, 2004, the Company had repurchased 6,232,576 shares of CSS common stock, consisting of the shares repurchased pursuant to the repurchase program described below and an additional 1,650,000 shares (on a split-adjusted basis) purchased on June 24, 2002 from the Company’s Chairman, members of his family and a trust for members of his family. A total of 128,400 shares were repurchased at an average price of $31.67, in the second quarter of fiscal 2005. As of September 30, 2004, there remained an outstanding authorization to repurchase 517,424 shares of outstanding CSS common stock as represented in the table below.
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| | Total Number of Shares Purchased | | | Average Price Paid per Share | | | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Program (1) (2) | | | Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program | |
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July 1 through July 31, 2004 | | 64,600 | | $ | 33.55 | | | 64,600 | | | 581,224 | |
August 1 through August 31, 2004 | | 37,700 | | $ | 30.16 | | | 37,700 | | | 543,524 | |
September 1 through September 30, 2004 | | 26,100 | | $ | 30.41 | | | 26,100 | | | 517,424 | |
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Total Second Quarter | | 128,400 | | $ | 31.67 | | | 128,400 | | | 517,424 | |
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(1) | The Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized on February 18, 1998 the repurchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Repurchase Program”). Thereafter, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had increased the number of shares authorized to be repurchased by the Company pursuant to the Repurchase Program as follows: November 9, 1998 (500,000 additional shares); May 4, 1999 (500,000 additional shares); September 28, 1999 (500,000 additional shares); September 26, 2000 (500,000 additional shares); and February 27, 2003 (400,000 additional shares). As a result of the Company’s three-for-two stock split distributed on July 10, 2003, the number of shares authorized for repurchase pursuant to the Repurchase Program was automatically increased to 5,100,000 shares. The aggregate number of shares repurchased by the Company pursuant to the Repurchase Program as of September 30, 2004 was 4,582,576 on a split-adjusted basis. An expiration date has not been established for the Repurchase Program. |
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(2) | All open market share repurchases were effected in accordance with the safe harbor provisions of Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act. |
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
| (a) | The annual meeting of stockholders of the registrant was held on August 4, 2004. |
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| (b) | The following were elected to serve as Directors of the registrant until the next annual meeting and until their successors shall be elected and qualify: |
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| | SHARES OF VOTING STOCK (1) | |
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| | FOR | | | WITHHELD | |
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James H. Bromley | | 9,835,596 | | | 1,008,536 | |
Stephen V. Dubin | | 9,929,682 | | | 914,450 | |
David J. M. Erskine | | 9,955,181 | | | 888,951 | |
Jack Farber | | 9,954,994 | | | 889,138 | |
Leonard E. Grossman | | 10,005,082 | | | 839,050 | |
James E. Ksansnak | | 9,913,691 | | | 930,441 | |
Rebecca C. Matthias | | 9,926,336 | | | 917,796 | |
Michael L. Sanyour | | 9,913,691 | | | 930,441 | |
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| (c) | The results of the vote of the stockholders on the proposal to approve the CSS Industries, Inc. 2004 Equity Compensation Plan was as follows: |
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For | 6,002,910 |
Against | 3,298,698 |
Abstain | 590,820 |
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| (d) | The results of the vote of the stockholders as to the proposal to amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock to 25,000,000 shares was as follows: |
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For | 10,693,330 |
Against | 150,433 |
Abstain | 369 |
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Item 6. | Exhibits | | |
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| Exhibit 3.1 | | Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed August 4, 2004. |
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| Exhibit 3.2 | | Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended to date (as last amended August 4, 2004). |
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| Exhibit 10.1 | | Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated April 23, 2004. |
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| Exhibit 10.2 | | Second Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of July 29, 2003. |
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| Exhibit 10.3 | | Third Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated June 1, 2004. |
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| Exhibit 10.4 | | Second Amendment to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of July 29, 2003. |
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| Exhibit 10.5 | | Third Amendment to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of April 26, 2004. |
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| Exhibit 10.6 | | Fourth Amendment to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated June 1, 2004. |
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| Exhibit 10.7 | | CSS Industries, Inc. 2004 Equity Compensation Plan. |
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| Exhibit 10.8 | | First Amendment to Note Purchase Agreements dated October 27, 2004. |
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| Exhibit 31.1 | | Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of CSS Industries, Inc. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002. |
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| Exhibit 31.2 | | Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of CSS Industries, Inc. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002. |
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| Exhibit 32.1 | | Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of CSS Industries, Inc. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002. |
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| Exhibit 32.2 | | Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of CSS Industries, Inc. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| | CSS INDUSTRIES, INC. |
| | (Registrant) |
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Date: November 8, 2004 | By: | /s/ David J. M. Erskine |
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| | David J. M. Erskine |
| | President and Chief |
| | Executive Officer |
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Date: November 8, 2004 | By: | /s/ Clifford E. Pietrafitta |
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| | Clifford E. Pietrafitta |
| | Vice President – Finance, |
| | Chief Financial Officer and |
| | Principal Accounting Officer |
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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. | | |
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| 3.1 | | Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed August 4, 2004. |
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| 3.2 | | Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended to date (as last amended August 4, 2004). |
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| 10.1 | | Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated April 23, 2004. |
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| 10.2 | | Second Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of July 29, 2003. |
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| 10.3 | | Third Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated June 1, 2004. |
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| 10.4 | | Second Amendment to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of July 29, 2003. |
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| 10.5 | | Third Amendment to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of April 26, 2004. |
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| 10.6 | | Fourth Amendment to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated June 1, 2004. |
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| 10.7 | | CSS Industries, Inc. 2004 Equity Compensation Plan. |
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| 10.8 | | First Amendment to Note Purchase Agreements dated October 27, 2004. |
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| 31.1 | | Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of CSS Industries, Inc. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. |
| | | Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002. |
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| 31.2 | | Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of CSS Industries, Inc. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. |
| | | Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002. |
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| 32.1 | | Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of CSS Industries, Inc. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. |
| | | Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002. |
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| 32.2 | | Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of CSS Industries, Inc. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. |
| | | Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002. |
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