Business OverviewKimball International, Inc. provides a variety of products from its two business segments: the Furniture segment and the Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) segment. The Furniture segment provides furniture for the office and hospitality industries, sold under the Company's family of brand names. The EMS segment provides engineering and manufacturing services which utilize common production and support capabilities to a variety of industries globally.
Management currently considers the following events, trends, and uncertainties to be most important to understanding the Company's financial condition and operating performance:
- Globalization continues to reshape not only the industries in which the Company operates but also its key customers.
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- The Company is continually assessing its strategies in relation to the instability in the economic environment and the volatility of the financial markets. The Company is closely monitoring market changes in order to proactively adjust discretionary spending in anticipation of the impact those market changes may have on its sales and operations. A portion of the Company's office furniture sales are to financial institutions which are being impacted by the credit market issues.
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- Competitive pricing within the EMS segment and on select projects within the Furniture segment continues to put pressure on the Company's operating margins.
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- Commodity and fuel prices are expected to be a challenge the Company will continue to address in the near term.
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- The Company currently has excess capacity at select operations.
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- The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer Association (BIFMA International) lowered its projection for growth in the office furniture industry and is currently projecting a year-over-year decline in the office furniture industry for the remainder of calendar year 2008 and calendar year 2009.
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- The nature of the electronic manufacturing services industry is such that the start-up of new programs to replace departing customers or expiring programs occurs frequently, and the new programs often carry lower margins. The success of the Company's EMS segment is dependent on the successful replacement of such customers or programs. Such changes usually occur gradually over time as old programs phase out of production while newer programs ramp up.
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- The Company continues its strategy of diversification within the EMS segment customer base as it focuses on four key market verticals: medical, automotive, industrial control, and public safety. Sales to customers in the medical industry are the largest portion of the Company's EMS segment with sales to customers in the automotive industry being the second largest. Diversification efforts have enabled net sales growth within the EMS segment despite a trend of declining sales to customers in the automotive industry.
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- Successful execution of the Company's restructuring plans is critical to the Company's future performance. The success of the restructuring initiatives is dependent on accomplishing the plans in a timely and effective manner. A critical component of the restructuring initiatives is transfer of production among facilities which contributed to some manufacturing inefficiencies and excess working capital. The Company's restructuring plans are discussed in the segment discussions below.
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- The EMS segment's new operation in China started production in June 2007. The continued success of this start-up operation is critical for securing additional customers and increasing facility utilization.
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- The Company continues to have a strong balance sheet which includes a net cash position from an aggregate of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, less short-term borrowings under credit facilities totaling $22 million at September 30, 2008. The Company also had $39.8 million available to borrow under its $100 million credit facility at September 30, 2008. In addition, the $100 million credit facility provides an option to increase the amount available for borrowing to $150 million at the Company's request, subject to participating banks' consent.
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- The Company monitors its accounts and notes receivables for possible risk of loss on collection of the receivables and records an appropriate allowance. As of September 30, 2008, the Company believes its accounts and notes receivable allowance is adequate. Given the current market conditions, circumstances could change in the future requiring the Company to record additional allowances.
- The increasingly competitive marketplace mandates that the Company continually re-evaluate its business models.
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- The regulatory and business environment for U.S. public companies requires that the Company continually evaluate and enhance its practices in the areas of corporate governance and management practices.
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- The Company's employees throughout its business operations are an integral part of the Company's ability to compete successfully, and the stability of its management team is critical to long-term Share Owner value.
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To address these and other trends and events, the Company has taken, or continues to consider and take, the following actions:
- As end markets dictate, the Company is continually assessing excess capacity and developing plans to better utilize manufacturing operations, including shifting manufacturing capacity to lower cost venues as necessary.
- During the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, the Company approved a restructuring plan to consolidate production of select office furniture manufacturing departments. The consolidation is expected to reduce manufacturing costs and excess capacity by eliminating redundant property and equipment, processes, and employee costs.
- During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008, the Company approved a plan to expand its European automotive electronics capabilities and to establish a European Medical Center of Expertise in Poznan, Poland. The Company presently has an operation in Poznan. The Company has begun moving production from Longford, Ireland into the existing Poznan facility. As part of the plan, the Company will also consolidate its EMS facilities located in Bridgend, Wales and Poznan into a new, larger facility in Poznan.
- In fiscal year 2008, the Company also completed the consolidation of U.S. manufacturing facilities within the EMS segment due to excess capacity resulting in the exit of two facilities.
- The Company has been focusing on reducing its increased inventory levels but has met obstacles resulting from the current economic conditions, such as customers delaying near-term requirements which in turn has postponed the reduction of inventory that was held in support of transfers of production between manufacturing facilities within the EMS segment.
- To support diversification efforts, the Company has focused on both organic growth and acquisition activities. Acquisitions allow rapid diversification of both customers and industries served.
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- The Company has taken a number of steps to conform its corporate governance to evolving national and industry-wide best practices among U.S. public companies, not only to comply with new legal requirements, but also to enhance the decision-making process of the Board of Directors.
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The preceding statements could be considered forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, a significant change in economic conditions, loss of key customers or suppliers, or similar unforeseen events.
The following discussions are based on income from continuing operations and therefore exclude all income statement activity of the prior year discontinued operations.
Financial Overview - Consolidated
First quarter fiscal year 2009 consolidated net sales were $339.5 million compared to first quarter fiscal year 2008 net sales of $333.9 million, a 2% increase which was primarily due to increased organic EMS segment net sales. The Company recorded income from continuing operations for the first quarter of fiscal year 2009 of $2.2 million, or $0.06 per Class B diluted share, inclusive of after-tax restructuring charges of $0.6 million, or $0.02 per Class B diluted share. The first quarter fiscal year 2009 restructuring charges were primarily related to the European consolidation plan. First quarter fiscal year 2008 income from continuing operations was $6.6 million, or $0.17 per Class B diluted share, inclusive of after-tax restructuring charges of $0.2 million, or $0.01 per Class B diluted share.
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First quarter fiscal year 2009 consolidated gross profit as a percent of net sales was 17.2% compared to 20.3% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008. Both the EMS segment and the Furniture segment contributed to the decline as discussed in more detail in the segment discussions below.
The first quarter fiscal year 2009 consolidated selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense level declined $6.2 million or 2.1 percentage points as a percent of net sales when compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2008. The decline in consolidated SG&A in absolute dollars and as a percent of net sales was primarily due to improvements resulting from the recent restructuring actions and a strong focus on improving profitability. Additionally, the Company recorded a $1.1 million favorable adjustment in SG&A due to a reduction in its Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan (SERP) liability resulting from the normal revaluation of the liability to fair value in the first quarter of fiscal year 2009 compared to $0.2 million expense that was recorded in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008 which resulted in a favorable $1.3 million variance quarter over quarter in SG&A. The gain resulting from the reduction of the SERP liability that was recognized in SG&A was exactly offset by a decline in the SERP investment which was recorded in Other Income; therefore there was no effect on net income. First quarter fiscal year 2009 incentive compensation costs, which are linked to profitability of the Company, were also lower than the first quarter of fiscal year 2008.
The Company recorded other expense of $0.8 million during the first quarter of fiscal year 2009 compared to first quarter fiscal year 2008 other income of $2.3 million. The aforementioned $1.3 million variance in SERP investments contributed to the decline in other income. First quarter fiscal year 2008 other income also included $1.3 million pre-tax income relating to funds received as part of a Polish offset credit program for investments made in the Company's Poland operation.
The effective tax rate for the first quarter of fiscal year 2009 of 37% was comparable to the effective tax rate of 36% for the first quarter of fiscal year 2008.
Comparing the balance sheets as of September 30, 2008 to June 30, 2008, the increase in the Company's inventory balance was primarily in support of the transfer of production between facilities. The assets held for sale line increased as an aircraft as well as a portion of the Company's timber and land that is to be auctioned have been classified as held for sale as of September 30, 2008. The timber and land was previously shown on the other assets line of the balance sheet; the aircraft was previously shown on the property and equipment line of the balance sheet. The Company's accounts payable balance increased since June 30, 2008 partially in relation to the increasing inventory balances; an increase in customer deposits for projects also increased the accounts payable balance. Accrued expenses as of September 30, 2008 declined when compared to June 30, 2008 primarily due to a significant portion of accrued bonus being paid and funding to the retirement trust occurring during the first quarter of fiscal year 2009.
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Results of Operations by Segment - Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2007
Electronic Manufacturing Services Segment
During the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, the Company acquired privately-held Genesis Electronics Manufacturing of Tampa, Florida. The acquisition supports the Company's growth and diversification strategy, bringing new customers in key target markets. The operating results of this acquisition were included in the Company's consolidated financial statements beginning on September 1, 2008 and had an immaterial impact on the first quarter fiscal year 2009 financial results. See Note 2 - Acquisition of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on the acquisition.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008, the Company approved a plan to expand its European automotive electronics capabilities and to establish a European Medical Center of Expertise in Poznan, Poland. The Company has begun moving production from Longford, Ireland into the existing Poznan facility. As part of the plan, the Company will also consolidate its EMS facilities located in Bridgend, Wales and Poznan, Poland into a new, larger facility in Poznan, which is expected to improve the Company's margins in the very competitive EMS market. The plan includes the sale of the existing Poland facility at a gain which will partially fund the consolidation activities. The plan is to be executed in stages with a projected completion date of December 2011.
See Note 7 - Restructuring Expense of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on restructuring charges.
EMS segment results were as follows:
| At or For the Three Months Ended September 30, | | |
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| 2008 | | 2007 | | % Change |
(Amounts in Millions) | | | | | |
Net Sales | $182.9 | | $178.0 | | 3% |
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Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations | ($ 0.8) | | $ 0.8 | | (199%) |
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Restructuring Expense, net of tax | $ 0.5 | | $ 0.0 | | |
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Open Orders | $200.6 | | $185.9 | | 8% |
First quarter fiscal year 2009 EMS segment net sales increased $4.9 million, or 3%, from the first quarter of fiscal year 2008. Increased sales to customers in the medical and public safety industries more than offset decreased sales to customers in the industrial control and automotive industries. Due to the contract nature of the Company's business, open orders at a point in time may not be indicative of future sales trends.
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First quarter fiscal year 2009 EMS segment gross profit as a percent of net sales declined 2.5 percentage points compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2008. First quarter fiscal year 2009 gross profit was negatively impacted by excess capacity costs, labor inefficiencies at select locations and anticipated inefficiencies resulting from the European consolidation restructuring plan as significant activity occurred in the first quarter of fiscal year 2009 to move production from the Company's Longford, Ireland facility to its Poland facility. In addition, contractual price reductions on select products effective late in fiscal year 2008 reduced the first quarter fiscal year 2009 EMS segment gross margin.
First quarter fiscal year 2009 SG&A decreased in both dollars and as a percent of net sales when compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2008. Lower incentive compensation costs which are linked to the Company's profitability and improvements resulting from the restructuring activities drove the SG&A decline. In addition, the leverage of higher sales volume contributed to the decline in SG&A as a percent of net sales.
The restructuring expense recorded in the first quarter of fiscal year 2009 was primarily related to the European consolidation plan.
First quarter fiscal year 2008 income from continuing operations included $1.3 million of pre-tax income relating to funds received as part of a Polish offset credit program for investments made in the Company's Poland operation.
The first quarter fiscal year 2009 and 2008 results of operations were unfavorably impacted by pre-tax costs, in millions, of $0.4 and $0.9, respectively, related to the manufacturing facility in China which began production in June 2007.
Included in this segment are a significant amount of sales to Bayer AG affiliates which accounted for the following portions of consolidated net sales and EMS segment net sales:
| Three Months Ended September 30, |
| 2008 | | 2007 |
Bayer AG affiliated sales as a percent of consolidated net sales | 12% | | 11% |
Bayer AG affiliated sales as a percent of EMS segment net sales | 23% | | 20% |
The nature of the electronic manufacturing services industry is such that the start-up of new customers and new programs to replace expiring programs occurs frequently. New customer and program start-ups generally cause losses early in the life of a program, which are generally recovered as the program matures and becomes established. This segment continues to experience margin pressures related to an overall excess capacity position in the electronics subcontracting services market. New business awards for projects, especially in the automotive industry, are extremely competitive.
Risk factors within this segment include, but are not limited to, general economic and market conditions, customer order delays, increased globalization, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, rapid technological changes, component availability, the contract nature of this industry, unexpected integration issues with acquisitions, and the importance of sales to large customers. The continuing success of this segment is dependent upon its ability to replace expiring customers/programs with new customers/programs. Additional risk factors that could have an effect on the Company's performance are contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.
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Furniture Segment
During the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, the Company approved a restructuring plan to consolidate production of select office furniture manufacturing departments. The consolidation is expected to reduce manufacturing costs and excess capacity by eliminating redundant property and equipment, processes, and employee costs. The consolidation is expected to be substantially complete by the end of fiscal year 2009. The Company estimates that the pre-tax charges related to the consolidation activities will be approximately $1.0 million, consisting of severance and other employee costs, property and equipment asset impairment, and other consolidation costs.
See Note 7 - Restructuring Expense of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on restructuring charges.
Furniture segment results were as follows:
| At or For the Three Months Ended September 30, | | |
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| 2008 | | 2007 | | % Change |
(Amounts in Millions) | | | | | |
Net Sales | $156.6 | | $155.9 | | 0% |
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Income from Continuing Operations | $ 3.2 | | $ 5.1 | | (37%) |
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Restructuring Expense, net of tax | $ 0.1 | | $ 0.1 | | |
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Open Orders | $124.1 | | $111.7 | | 11% |
Increased net sales of hospitality furniture offset decreased net sales of office furniture for the first quarter of fiscal year 2009 compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2008. Price increases net of higher discounting contributed approximately $3.3 million to net sales during the first quarter of fiscal year 2009 when compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2008. First quarter fiscal year 2009 sales of newly introduced office furniture products which were not sold during the first quarter of fiscal year 2008 approximated $8.0 million. Furniture products open orders at September 30, 2008 were 11% higher than open orders at June 30, 2008 due to higher office and hospitality furniture open orders. Open orders at a point in time may not be indicative of future sales trends.
First quarter fiscal year 2009 gross profit as a percent of net sales declined 3.5 percentage points when compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2008. Gross profit was negatively impacted by higher steel prices and other supply chain cost increases, increased freight and fuel expense, and a sales mix shift to lower margin product. In addition, an increase in LIFO inventory reserves associated with inflation in select raw materials negatively impacted the first quarter fiscal year 2009 gross profit. Price increases on select office furniture products partially offset the higher costs.
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As compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2008, the first quarter fiscal year 2009 SG&A expenses decreased in both absolute dollars and as a percent of net sales as the Furniture segment incurred lower incentive compensation costs which are linked to profitability and also realized benefits related to the restructuring activities. The Furniture segment earnings were also positively impacted by savings realized through various cost reduction initiatives.
Risk factors within this segment include, but are not limited to, general economic and market conditions, increased global competition, supply chain cost pressures, and relationships with strategic customers and product distributors. Additional risk factors that could have an effect on the Company's performance are contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Working capital at September 30, 2008 was $161 million compared to working capital of $163 million at June 30, 2008. The current ratio was 1.5 at both September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008.
The Company's internal measure of Accounts Receivable performance, also referred to as Days Sales Outstanding (DSO), for the first three months of fiscal year 2009 of 45.0 days approximated the 45.2 days for the first three months of fiscal year 2008. The Company defines DSO as the average of monthly accounts and notes receivable divided by an annual average day's net sales. The Company's Production Days Supply on Hand (PDSOH) of inventory measure for the first three months of fiscal year 2009 increased to 64.6 from 56.7 for the first three months of fiscal year 2008. The increased PDSOH was driven by EMS segment increased average inventory balances primarily due to customers delaying near-term requirements which in turn has postponed the reduction of inventory that was held in support of transfers of production between manufacturing facilities within the EMS segment. The Company defines PDSOH as the average of the monthly gross inventory divided by an annual average day's cost of sales.
The Company's net cash position from an aggregate of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments less short-term borrowings under credit facilities decreased from $30 million at June 30, 2008 to $22 million at September 30, 2008, as cash flow generated from operations was more than offset by cash payments during the first quarter of fiscal year 2009 for capital expenditures, the acquisition within the EMS segment, and dividends. Operating activities generated $14 million of cash flow in the first quarter of fiscal year 2009 compared to $17 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008. The Company reinvested $9 million into capital investments for the future, primarily for manufacturing equipment and facility improvements. The Company expended $5.4 million for the acquisition within the EMS segment during the first quarter of fiscal year 2009. Financing cash flow activities for the first quarter of fiscal year 2009 included $6 million in dividend payments, which remained flat with the first quarter of fiscal year 2008. During fiscal year 2009, the Company expects to continue to invest in manufacturing equipment and also is constructing a new EMS manufacturing facility in Poland as part of the consolidation of the European manufacturing footprint. The land and new facility are expected to cost approximately $35 million, and the Company has a conditional agreement to sell the current Poland facility for approximately $22 million. Additionally, during fiscal year 2009, the Company intends to sell approximately 27,300 acres of timber and farm land that it currently owns.
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The Company maintains a $100 million credit facility with an expiration date in April 2013 that allows for both issuances of letters of credit and cash borrowings. The $100 million credit facility provides an option to increase the amount available for borrowing to $150 million at the Company's request, subject to participating banks' consent. The $100 million credit facility requires the Company to comply with certain debt covenants including interest coverage ratio, minimum net worth, and other terms and conditions. The Company was in compliance with these covenants at September 30, 2008.
At September 30, 2008, the Company had $56.0 million of short-term borrowings outstanding. The outstanding balance consisted of $15.7 million for a Euro currency borrowing which provides a natural currency hedge against Euro denominated intercompany notes between the U.S. parent and the Euro functional currency subsidiaries, and an additional $39.1 million borrowing, which funded short-term cash needs. In addition, at September 30, 2008, the Company had $1.2 million of short-term borrowings outstanding under a separate Thailand credit facility which is backed by the $100 million credit facility. The Company also had letters of credit against the credit facility. Total availability to borrow under the $100 million credit facility was $39.8 million at September 30, 2008. At June 30, 2008, the Company had $52.6 million of short-term borrowings outstanding.
The Company also has a credit facility for its electronics operation in Wales, United Kingdom, which allows for multi-currency borrowings up to 2 million Sterling equivalent (approximately $3.6 million U.S. dollars at current exchange rates) and is available to cover bank overdrafts. The facility will be reviewed in November 2008 and will expire if not renewed at that time. Bank overdrafts may be deemed necessary to satisfy short-term cash needs rather than funding from intercompany sources. At both September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the overdraft facility.
The Company believes its principal sources of liquidity from available funds on hand, cash generated from operations, and the availability of borrowing under the Company's credit facilities will be sufficient in fiscal year 2009 and the foreseeable future for working capital needs, dividends, and for funding investments in the Company's future, including potential acquisitions. One of the Company's primary sources of funds is its ability to generate cash from operations to meet its liquidity obligations, which could be affected by factors such as general economic and market conditions, a decline in demand for the Company's products, loss of key contract customers, the ability of the Company to generate profits, and other unforeseen circumstances. Another source of funds is the Company's credit facilities. The $100 million credit facility is contingent on complying with certain debt covenants. The Company does not expect the covenants to limit or restrict its ability to borrow on the facility in fiscal year 2009. The Company anticipates maintaining a strong liquidity position for the next twelve months.
The preceding statements are forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain factors could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements.
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Fair Value
The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, which defines fair value, for financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at July 1, 2008. The adoption had an immaterial impact on the Company's financial statements for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, no financial assets were affected by a lack of market liquidity. For level 1 financial assets, readily available market pricing was used to value the financial instruments. For available-for-sale securities classified as level 2 assets, the Company's investment portfolio custodians use a pricing service to value the instruments. The fair values are determined based on observable market inputs which use evaluated pricing models that vary by asset class and incorporate available trade, bid and other market information. The Company evaluated the inputs used by the pricing service to value the instruments and validated the accuracy of the instrument fair values based on historical evidence. The Company's derivatives, which were classified as level 2 assets/liabilities, were valued using a financial risk management software package. The derivative fair values were validated via pricing received from banks which is based on observable market inputs using standard calculations, such as time value, forward interest rate yield curves, and current spot rates. The Company's own credit risk and counterparty credit risk had an immaterial impact on valuation of derivatives. See Note 8 - Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Contractual Obligations
There have been no material changes outside the ordinary course of business to the Company's summary of contractual obligations under the caption "Contractual Obligations" in Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2008.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements other than standby letters of credit and operating leases entered into in the normal course of business. These arrangements do not have a material current effect and are not reasonably likely to have a material future effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital resources. See Note 6 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on standby letters of credit. The Company does not have material exposures to trading activities of non-exchange traded contracts.
The preceding statements are forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain factors could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements.
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Critical Accounting Policies
The Company's consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These principles require the use of estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported and disclosed in the consolidated financial statements and related notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions. Management uses its best judgment in the assumptions used to value these estimates, which are based on current facts and circumstances, prior experience, and other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable. The Company's management overlays a fundamental philosophy of valuing its assets and liabilities in an appropriately conservative manner. Management believes the following critical accounting policies reflect the more significant judgments and estimates used in preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements and are the policies that are most critical in the portrayal of the Company's financial position and results of operations. Management has discussed these critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors and with the Company's independent registered public accounting firm.
Revenue recognition - The Company recognizes revenue when title and risk transfer to the customer, which under the terms and conditions of the sale may occur either at the time of shipment or when the product is delivered to the customer. Service revenue is recognized as services are rendered. Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are recorded as sales while the related shipping and handling costs are included in cost of goods sold. The Company recognizes sales net of applicable sales tax.
- Allowance for sales returns - At the time revenue is recognized certain provisions may also be recorded, including returns and allowances, which involve estimates based on current discussions with applicable customers, historical experience with a particular customer and/or product, and other relevant factors. As such, these factors may change over time causing the provisions to be adjusted accordingly. At September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008, the reserve for returns and allowances was $3.2 million and $3.3 million, respectively. Over the past two years, the returns and allowances reserve has approximated 2% of gross trade receivables.
- Allowance for doubtful accounts - Allowance for doubtful accounts is generally based on a percentage of aged accounts receivable, where the percentage increases as the accounts receivable become older. However, management judgment is utilized in the final determination of the allowance based on several factors including specific analysis of a customer's credit worthiness, changes in a customer's payment history, historical bad debt experience, and general economic and market trends. The allowance for doubtful accounts at September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008 was $0.9 million and $0.8 million, respectively, and over the past two years, this reserve has been less than 1% of gross trade accounts receivable.
Excess and obsolete inventory - Inventories were valued using the lower of last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost or market value for approximately 15% and 17% of consolidated inventories at September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008, respectively, including approximately 79% and 85% of the Furniture segment inventories at September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008, respectively. The remaining inventories are valued at lower of first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost or market value. Inventories recorded on the Company's balance sheet are adjusted for excess and obsolete inventory. In general, the Company purchases materials and finished goods for contract-based business from customer orders and projections, primarily in the case of long lead time items, and has a general philosophy to only purchase materials to the extent covered by a written commitment from its customers. However, there are times when inventory is purchased beyond customer commitments due to minimum lot sizes and inventory lead time requirements, or where component allocation or other procurement issues may exist. The Company may also purchase additional inventory to support transfers of production between manufacturing facilities. Evaluation of excess inventory includes such factors as anticipated usage, inventory turnover, inventory levels, and product demand levels. Factors considered when evaluating inventory obsolescence include the age of on-hand inventory and reduction in value due to damage, use as showroom samples, design changes, or cessation of product lines.
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Self-insurance reserves - The Company is self-insured up to certain limits for auto and general liability, workers' compensation, and certain employee health benefits such as medical, short-term disability, and dental with the related liabilities included in the accompanying financial statements. The Company's policy is to estimate reserves based upon a number of factors including known claims, estimated incurred but not reported claims, and other analyses, which are based on historical information along with certain assumptions about future events. Changes in assumptions for such matters as increased medical costs and changes in actual experience could cause these estimates to change and reserve levels to be adjusted accordingly. At September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008, the Company's accrued liabilities for self-insurance exposure were $6.2 million and $6.6 million, respectively, excluding immaterial amounts held in a voluntary employees' beneficiary association (VEBA) trust.
Income taxes - Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. These assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The Company evaluates the recoverability of its deferred tax assets each quarter by assessing the likelihood of future profitability and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize its deferred tax assets. If recovery is not likely, the Company provides a valuation allowance based on its best estimate of future taxable income in the various taxing jurisdictions and the amount of deferred taxes ultimately realizable. Future events could change management's assessment.
The Company operates within multiple taxing jurisdictions and is subject to tax audits in these jurisdictions. These audits can involve complex issues, which may require an extended period of time to resolve. However, the Company believes it has made adequate provision for income taxes for all years that are subject to audit. As tax periods are effectively settled, the provision will be adjusted accordingly. The liability for uncertain tax positions was $2.4 million at both September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008.
Goodwill - Goodwill represents the difference between the purchase price and the related underlying tangible and intangible net asset values resulting from business acquisitions. Annually, or if conditions indicate an earlier review is necessary, the Company compares the carrying value of the reporting unit to an estimate of the reporting unit's fair value. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value, goodwill is impaired and will be written down to its estimated fair value. Goodwill is assigned to and the fair value is tested at the reporting unit level. At September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008, the Company's goodwill totaled, in millions, $17.2 and $15.4, respectively.
New Accounting Standards
See Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding New Accounting Standards.
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Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained within this document are considered forward-looking under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by the use of words such as "believes," "estimates," "projects," "expects," "anticipates," "forecasts," and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, general economic conditions, significant volume reductions from key contract customers, loss of key customers or suppliers within specific industries, availability or cost of raw materials, increased competitive pricing pressures reflecting excess industry capacities, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, or similar unforeseen events. Additional cautionary statements regarding other risk factors that could have an effect on the future performance of the Company are contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.
There have been no material changes to market risks from the information disclosed in Item 7A "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.
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.