Quarter-over-quarter, written business of Ethan Allen-owned stores increased 18.1% and comparable store written business increased 15.4%. Over that same period, wholesale orders increased 18.8%. The increase in retail written sales during the current quarter was likely attributable to the positive effects of the continued re-positioning of the Company’s retail stores to larger and more prominent locations, recent product introductions, and, to some degree, the Company’s use of national television as an advertising medium during the period. Wholesale written business reflects, in addition to the aforementioned factors, the timing of orders booked for new product introduced at the Company’s annual retailer conference, held this year in July 2005, as compared to the prior year conference which was held in September 2004.
Gross profit increased during the quarter to $126.5 million from $110.4 million in the prior year comparable quarter. The $16.1 million, or 14.6%, increase in gross profit was primarily attributable to (i) an increase in total sales volume, including a higher proportionate share of retail sales to total sales (63% in the current quarter compared to 62% in the prior year period), (ii) a reduction in costs associated with excess capacity at the Company’s manufacturing facilities, and, to a lesser extent, (iii) a modest price increase implemented during the period. Consolidated gross margin increased to 50.4% in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 from 47.9% in the prior year quarter as a result, primarily, of the factors identified previously.
The Company recorded a pre-tax restructuring and impairment charge of $4.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 relating to its planned conversion of one of its existing manufacturing facilities into a regional distribution center. The facility, currently involved in the production of wood case goods furniture, is located in Dublin, Virginia. In connection with this initiative, the Company will permanently cease production at the Dublin location and will consolidate the distribution operations of its existing Old Fort, North Carolina location into the new, larger facility. The decision impacts approximately 325 employees, of which the Company expects approximately 75 to be employed in new positions. The costs incurred in connection with the decision to cease production at the Dublin facility consisted, primarily, of employee severance and benefits and other plant exit costs ($1.3 million), as well as fixed asset impairment charges ($2.9 million), primarily for machinery and equipment, associated with the affected facilities. In addition, adjustments totaling $0.2 million were recorded during the first quarter of fiscal 2005 to reverse certain accruals previously established in connection with an earlier plant consolidation plan which were no longer required.
As a result of the adoption of FAS 123 (R), operating expenses for the three month period ended September 30, 2005 include share-based compensation expense totaling $1.1 million. For the prior year comparable period, during which time the Company applied the APB No. 25 intrinsic value method of measuring compensation cost, the cost associated with share-based compensation arrangements totaled $0.1 million. As of September 30, 2005, there was $1.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.1 years.
ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Including the restructuring and impairment charge of $4.2 million recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2006, operating expenses increased $18.9 million, or 23.8%, to $98.3 million, or 39.1% of net sales, in the current year quarter from $79.4 million, or 34.5% of net sales, in the prior year quarter. This increase was primarily attributable to increased costs associated with the continued re-positioning of the Company’s retail stores to larger and more prominent locations which has resulted in higher costs associated with managerial salaries and benefits, advertising, occupancy, and delivery and warehousing. In addition, current quarter operating expenses were unfavorably impacted by the aforementioned restructuring and impairment charge, an increase in advertising costs within the wholesale segment as a result of the decision to use national television as an advertising medium during the period, increased distribution costs attributable to higher fuel and freight charges, and compensation expense recorded in connection with stock options and other share-based awards as a result of the Company’s adoption of FAS 123 (R) on July 1, 2005. These unfavorable variances were partially offset by cost savings attributable to the closure of selected plant locations in recent periods.
Including the restructuring and impairment charge of $4.2 million recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2006, operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2005 totaled $28.2 million, or 11.2% of net sales, compared to $31.0 million, or 13.4% of net sales, for the three months ended September 30, 2004. This represents a decrease of $2.8 million, and was attributable to the higher operating expenses referred to previously, partially offset by the overall increase in gross profit noted during the period.
Including the restructuring and impairment charge of $4.2 million recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2006, wholesale operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2005 totaled $29.8 million, or 16.7% of net sales, as compared to $28.3 million, or 17.5% of net sales, in the comparable prior year quarter. The increase of $1.5 million, or 5.3%, was primarily attributable to (i) the increase in wholesale sales volume, (ii) a reduction in costs associated with excess capacity at the Company’s manufacturing facilities, and, to a lesser extent, (iii) a modest price increase implemented during the period. These increases were partially offset by the aforementioned restructuring and impairment charge, an increase in advertising costs as a result of the decision to use national television as an advertising medium during the period, increased distribution costs attributable to higher fuel and freight charges, and compensation expense recorded in connection with stock options and other share-based awards as a result of the Company’s adoption of FAS 123 (R) on July 1, 2005.
Operating income for the retail segment decreased $1.3 million to $1.7 million, or 1.1% of net retail sales, for the first quarter of fiscal 2006, as compared to $3.0 million, or 2.1% of net retail sales, for the first quarter of fiscal 2005. The decrease in retail operating income generated by Ethan Allen-owned stores is primarily attributable to higher operating expenses related to the continued re-positioning of the Company’s retail store network, and, to a lesser extent, the sell-off of floor inventory necessary to make room for new product introductions, partially offset by higher sales volume generated by comparable, and newly-opened (including relocations) or acquired stores.
Interest and other related financing costs for the current quarter increased $0.3 million to $0.4 million from $0.1 million in the prior year quarter. The increase was due, primarily, to losses on certain hedging contracts entered into in connection with the recent issuance of senior unsecured debt, and additional interest expense incurred in connection with current period borrowing activity under the Company’s revolving credit facility.
Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2005 was $10.7 million as compared to $12.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004. The Company’s effective tax rate for the current quarter was 38.4%, down from 39.0% in the prior year quarter. The slightly lower effective tax rate was the result of tax planning measures implemented by the Company to offset the adverse impact of (i) recently-enacted changes within certain state tax legislation, and (ii) increased state income tax liability arising in connection with the operation of a greater number of Company-owned stores.
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ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
The Company recorded net income of $17.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, as compared to $18.8 million in the prior year quarter. Net income per diluted share totaled $0.49 for the current quarter and $0.51 per diluted share in the prior year quarter.
Financial Condition and Liquidity
The Company’s principal sources of liquidity include cash and cash equivalents, cash flow from operations, and borrowing capacity under a $200.0 million revolving credit facility. In addition to the $200.0 million revolving credit component, the credit facility includes an accordion feature which provides for an additional $100.0 million of liquidity, if needed, as well as sub-facilities for trade and standby letters of credit of $100.0 million and swingline loans of $5.0 million.
On September 27, 2005, the Company completed a private offering of $200.0 million in ten-year senior unsecured notes due 2015 (the “Senior Notes”). The Senior Notes were offered by Ethan Allen Global, Inc. (“Global”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and have an annual coupon rate of 5.375%. The Company intends to utilize the net proceeds of $198.4 million to expand its retail network, invest in its manufacturing and logistics operations, and for other general corporate purposes.
In connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes, Global, in July and August 2005, entered into 6 separate forward contracts to hedge the risk-free interest rate associated with $108.0 million of the related debt in order to minimize the negative impact of interest rate fluctuations on earnings, cash flows and equity. The forward contracts were entered into with a major banking institution thereby mitigating the risk of credit loss. Upon issuance of the Senior Notes and settlement of the related forward contracts, losses totaling $0.9 million were incurred representing the change in the fair value of the forward contracts since their respective trade dates. In accordance with FAS No. 133,Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities, as amended, it was determined that $0.1 million of the related losses was the result of hedge ineffectiveness and should be recognized as a charge to current period operations. The balance of the losses, $0.8 million, has, as of September 30, 2005, been included (on a net-of-tax basis) in the Consolidated Balance Sheet within accumulated other comprehensive income and will be amortized to interest expense over the life of the related debt.
As of September 30, 2005 the Company maintained cash and short-term investments totaling $188.7 million and outstanding debt and capital lease obligations totaling $202.9 million. The current and long-term portions of the Company’s outstanding debt and capital lease obligations totaled $0.2 million and $202.7 million, respectively, at that date. The Company had no revolving loans outstanding under the credit facility as of September 30, 2005, and standby letters of credit outstanding under the facility at that date totaled $16.1 million. Remaining available borrowing capacity under the facility was $183.9 million at September 30, 2005.
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $45.6 million for the first three months of fiscal 2006 as compared to $37.4 million for the first three months of fiscal 2005. The period-over-period increase of $8.2 million was principally the result of (i) changes in accounts payable ($14.7 million effect) due, primarily, to increased payables associated with income taxes, advertising-related expenditures, imported products, and other items arising in the ordinary course of business, (ii) restructuring and impairment charges ($4.4 million effect), (iii) changes in customer deposits ($3.3 million effect) reflecting the period-to-period change in the level of written and delivered sales, (iv) changes in accrued expenses ($2.0 million effect) as a result of normal business activity, and (v) compensation expense related to stock option grants and restricted stock awards ($1.1 million effect) as a result of the Company’s adoption of FAS 123 (R) on July 1, 2005. These favorable variances were offset partially by unfavorable variances related to (i) changes in inventories ($12.0 million effect) which, net of acquired inventory, increased $4.3 million in the current period as compared to a decline of $7.7 million in the prior year period, (ii) deferred income taxes ($4.4 million effect), and (iii) a decrease in net income ($1.6 million effect).
22
ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
The increase in inventory levels from June 2005 was the result, primarily, of an increase in finished goods as a result of additional in-transit imported product and, within the retail segment, the higher volume of wholesale shipments occurring during the period. In addition, raw material inventories within the Upholstery division increased in anticipation of future production needs. These increases were partially offset by a modest decline in work-in-process inventories stemming from the increase in delivered sales and better Company-wide management of inventories.
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $6.9 million for the first three months of fiscal 2006 compared to $7.2 million in the prior year period. The period-over-period decrease of $0.3 million was due, primarily, to a decrease in cash utilized for capital expenditures, exclusive of acquisitions, of $2.6 million and an increase in proceeds from the disposal of certain property, plant and equipment of $0.2 million. These factors were partially offset by a $1.6 million increase in cash utilized to fund acquisition activity and cash payments on hedging contracts totaling $0.9 million. The current level of capital spending is principally attributable to (i) new store development and renovation, (ii) Company-wide technology initiatives, and (iii) improvements within the Company’s remaining manufacturing facilities. The Company anticipates that cash from operations will be sufficient to fund future capital expenditures.
Net cash provided by financing activities totaled $146.5 million for the three months ended September 2005 as compared to cash used of $22.1 million in the prior year period. The period-over-period increase of $168.6 million was the result, primarily, of the receipt of the net proceeds ($198.4 million) associated with the issuance of senior unsecured debt during the period. This favorable variance was partially offset by unfavorable variances related to (i) an increase in payments related to the acquisition of treasury stock ($18.2 million), (ii) net borrowing activity on the Company’s revolving credit facility ($8.0 million), (iii) an increase cash utilized in the payment of deferred financing costs ($2.0 million), and (iv) an increase in cash utilized in the payment of dividends ($1.5 million).
On July 26, 2005, the Company declared a dividend of $0.18 per common share, payable on October 25, 2005 to shareholders of record as of October 11, 2005. The Company expects to continue to declare quarterly dividends for the foreseeable future.
In addition to using available cash to fund changes in working capital, necessary capital expenditures, acquisition activity, the repayment of debt, and the payment of dividends, the Company has been authorized by its Board of Directors to repurchase its common stock, from time to time, either directly or through agents, in the open market at prices and on terms satisfactory to the Company. All of the Company’s common stock repurchases and retirements are recorded as treasury stock and result in a reduction of shareholders’ equity.
During the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, the Company repurchased and/or retired the following shares of its common stock:
| Three Months Ended September 30, |
---|
| 2005
| 2004(1)
|
---|
Common shares repurchased | | | | 1,140,000 | | | 624,500 | |
Cost to repurchase common shares | | | $ | 36,799,643 | | $ | 21,760,694 | |
Average price per share | | | $ | 32.28 | | $ | 34.85 | |
| (1) | The cost to repurchase shares during the three months ended September 30, 2004 reflects $3,933,146 in common stock repurchases with a September 2004 trade date and an October 2004 settlement date, and excludes $745,735 in common stock purchases with a June 2004 trade date and a July 2004 settlement date. |
For each of the periods presented above, the Company funded its purchases of treasury stock with existing cash on hand and cash generated through current period operations. As of September 30, 2005, the Company had a remaining Board authorization to repurchase 860,000 shares.
Subsequent to September 30, 2005 and through November 8, 2005, the Company repurchased, in 8 separate open market transactions, an additional 466,900 shares of
23
ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
its common stock at a total cost of $14.3 million, representing an average price per share of $30.71. As of November 8, 2005, the Company had a remaining Board authorization to repurchase 393,100 shares.
As of September 30, 2005, aggregate scheduled maturities of long-term debt, including capital lease obligations, for each of the next five fiscal years are: $0.2 million in fiscal 2006; and less than $0.1 million in each of fiscal 2007, fiscal 2008, fiscal 2009, and fiscal 2010. The balance of the Company’s long-term debt and capital lease obligations ($202.5 million) matures in fiscal years 2011 and thereafter. The Company believes that its cash flow from operations, together with its other available sources of liquidity, will be adequate to make all required payments of principal and interest on its debt, to permit anticipated capital expenditures and to fund working capital and other cash requirements. As of September 30, 2005, the Company had working capital of $294.5 million and a current ratio of 2.85 to 1.
The following table summarizes, as of September 30, 2005, the timing of cash payments related to the Company’s outstanding contractual obligations (in thousands):
| Total
| Less than 1 Year
| 1-3 Years
| 4-5 Years
| More than 5 Years
|
---|
| | | | | |
---|
Long-term debt obligations | | | $ | 202,872 | | $ | 216 | | $ | 79 | | $ | 83 | | $ | 202,494 | |
Capital lease obligations | | | | 16 | | | 16 | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | |
Operating lease obligations | | | | 178,509 | | | 31,498 | | | 51,819 | | | 36,917 | | | 58,275 | |
Letters of credit | | | | 16,134 | | | 16,134 | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | |
Purchase obligations (1) | | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | |
Other long-term liabilities | | | | 407 | | | 44 | | | 89 | | | 65 | | | 209 | |
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Total contractual obligations | | | $ | 397,938 | | $ | 47,908 | | $ | 51,987 | | $ | 37,065 | | $ | 260,978 | |
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| (1) | For purposes of this table, purchase obligations are defined as agreements that are enforceable and legally binding and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. While the Company is not a party to any significant long-term supply contracts or purchase commitments, the Company does, in the normal course of business, regularly initiate purchase orders for the procurement of (i) selected finished goods sourced from third-party vendors, (ii) lumber, fabric, leather and other raw materials used in production, and (iii) certain outsourced services. All purchase orders are based on current needs and are fulfilled by suppliers within short time periods. At any point in time, the Company’s open purchase orders with respect to such goods and services totals approximately $55.0 to $65.0 million. |
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Other Commitments, Contingencies and Contractual Obligations
Except as indicated below, the Company does not utilize or employ any off-balance sheet arrangements, including special-purpose entities, in operating its business. As such, the Company does not maintain, as of September 30, 2005, any (i) retained or contingent interests, (ii) derivative instruments, or (iii) variable interests which could serve as a source of potential risk to its future liquidity, capital resources and results of operations.
In connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes, Global, in July and August 2005, entered into 6 separate forward contracts to hedge the risk-free interest rate associated with $108.0 million of the related debt in order to minimize the negative impact of interest rate fluctuations on earnings, cash flows and equity. The forward contracts were entered into with a major banking institution thereby mitigating the risk of credit loss. As of September 30, 2005, the Senior Notes had been issued and the related forward contracts were no longer outstanding. At the present time, the Company has no current plans to engage in further hedging activities.
The Company, may, from time to time in the ordinary course of business, provide guarantees on behalf of selected affiliated entities or become contractually obligated to perform in accordance with the terms and conditions of certain business agreements. The nature and extent of these guarantees and obligations may vary based on the underlying
24
ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
relationship of the benefiting party to the Company and the business purpose for which the guarantee or obligation is being provided. Details of those arrangements for which the Company acts as guarantor or obligor are provided below.
Retailer-Related Guarantees
Ethan Allen has obligated itself, on behalf of one of its independent retailers, with respect to a $1.5 million credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) comprised of a $1.1 million revolving line of credit and a $0.4 million term loan. This obligation requires the Company, in the event of the retailer’s default under the Credit Facility, to repurchase the retailer’s inventory, applying such purchase price to the retailer’s outstanding indebtedness under the Credit Facility. The Company’s obligation remains in effect for the life of the term loan which expires in April 2008. The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) that the Company could be required to make under this obligation is limited to the amount outstanding under the Credit Facility at the time of default (subject to pre-determined lending limits based on the value of the underlying inventory) and, as such, is not an estimate of future cash flows. No specific recourse or collateral provisions exist that would enable recovery of any portion of amounts paid under this obligation, except to the extent that the Company maintains the right to take title to the repurchased inventory. Management anticipates that the repurchased inventory could subsequently be sold through the Company’s retail store network. As of September 30, 2005, the amount outstanding under the Credit Facility totaled approximately $1.1 million, of which $0.9 million was outstanding under the revolving credit line. Management expects that, based on the underlying creditworthiness of the respective retailer, this obligation will expire without requiring funding by the Company. However, in accordance with the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 45,Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, a liability has been established to reflect the Company’s non-contingent obligation under this arrangement as a result of modifications made to the Credit Facility subsequent to January 1, 2003. As of September 30, 2005, the carrying amount of such liability is less than $50,000.
Indemnification Agreement
In connection with the Company’s joint venture arrangement with United Kingdom-based MFI Furniture Group Plc., Ethan Allen has entered into a tax cross-indemnification agreement with the joint venture partner. The indemnification agreement stipulates that both parties agree to pay fifty percent of the amount of any tax liability arising as a result of (i) an adverse tax judgment or (ii) the imposition of additional taxes against either partner, and attributable to the operations of the joint venture. The indemnification agreement is effective until such time that the joint venture is terminated. At the present time, management anticipates that the joint venture will continue to operate for the foreseeable future.
The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) that the Company could be required to make under this indemnification agreement is indeterminable as no such tax liability currently exists. Further, the nature, extent and magnitude of any such tax liability arising in the future as a result of an adverse tax judgment or change in applicable tax law cannot be estimated with any reasonable certainty. It should be further noted that no recourse or collateral provisions exist that would enable recovery of any portion of amounts paid under this indemnification agreement. Management expects, based on its current understanding of the applicable tax laws and the existing legal structure of the joint venture, subject to future changes in applicable laws and regulations, this cross-indemnity agreement will expire without requiring funding by the Company. Accordingly, as of September 30, 2005, the carrying amount of the liability related to this indemnification agreement is zero.
Product Warranties
The Company’s products, including its case goods, upholstery and home accents, generally carry explicit product warranties that extend from three to five years and are provided based on terms that are generally accepted in the industry. All of the Company’s domestic independent retailers are required to enter into, and perform in accordance with
25
ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
the terms and conditions of, a warranty service agreement. The Company records provisions for estimated warranty and other related costs at time of sale based on historical warranty loss experience and makes periodic adjustments to those provisions to reflect actual experience. On rare occasion, certain warranty and other related claims involve matters of dispute that ultimately are resolved by negotiation, arbitration or litigation. In certain cases, a material warranty issue may arise which is beyond the scope of the Company’s historical experience. The Company provides for such warranty issues as they become known and are deemed to be both probable and estimable. It is reasonably possible that, from time to time, additional warranty and other related claims could arise from disputes or other matters beyond the scope of the Company’s historical experience. As of September 30, 2005, the Company’s product warranty liability totaled $1.4 million.
Business Outlook
Despite encouraging signs noted during the past three months, the Company has experienced inconsistent business activity throughout much of the last year. Macro-economic factors, including the ongoing war in Iraq, rising fuel prices, the threat of further interest rate increases, and uncertainty within the stock markets, continue to hamper consumer confidence. In addition, several industry participants have recently expressed concern with respect to potential shortages of petroleum-based raw materials (specifically foam and fiber), and/or significant price increases associated with such raw materials, as a result of the hurricane activity noted throughout the Gulf region during the past three months. At this time, the Company has not encountered any significant difficulties in procuring the necessary raw materials used in its manufacturing activities.
Despite the ongoing economic challenges, the Company believes it is well-positioned for the next phase of economic growth as a result of (i) its established brand, (ii) its comprehensive complement of home decorating solutions, and (iii) its vertically-integrated business model. Should the economy strengthen, however, it is also possible that costs associated with production (including raw materials and labor), distribution (including freight and fuel charges), and retail operations (including compensation, delivery and warehousing, occupancy and advertising expenses) may continue to increase. Similarly, continued increases in interest rates and crude oil prices could serve to further adversely impact the level of discretionary spending on the part of consumers. We cannot reasonably predict when, or to what extent, such events may occur or what effect, if any, such events may have on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
The industry remains extremely competitive with domestic manufacturers facing continued pricing pressure as a result of the manufacturing capabilities developed during recent years in other countries, specifically within Asia. In response to these pressures, a large number of U.S. furniture manufacturers and retailers, including Ethan Allen, have increased their overseas sourcing activities in an attempt to maintain a competitive advantage and retain market share. At the present time, the Company manufactures and/or assembles approximately 65-70% of its products. Management of the Company continues to believe that a balanced approach to product sourcing, which includes the domestic manufacture of certain product offerings coupled with the import of other selected products, provides the greatest degree of flexibility and is the most effective approach to ensuring that acceptable levels of quality, service and value are attained.
26
ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
The Company is exposed to market risks relating to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates.
Interest rate risk exists primarily through the Company’s borrowing activities. Ethan Allen’s policy has been to utilize United States dollar denominated borrowings to fund its working capital and investment needs. Short-term debt, if required, is used to meet working capital requirements and long-term debt is generally used to finance long-term investments. There is inherent rollover risk for borrowings as they mature and are renewed at current market rates. The extent of this risk is not quantifiable or predictable because of the variability of future interest rates and the Company’s future financing requirements.
For floating-rate obligations, interest rate changes do not affect the fair value of the underlying financial instrument but do impact future earnings and cash flows, assuming other factors are held constant. Conversely, for fixed-rate obligations, interest rate changes affect the fair value of the underlying financial instrument but do not impact earnings or cash flows. At September 30, 2005, the Company had no floating-rate debt obligations outstanding. Further, as the Company completed its private offering of the Senior Notes on September 27, 2005, management believes that the fair value of its fixed-rate debt obligations approximates carrying value as of September 30, 2005.
Foreign currency exchange risk is primarily limited to its operation of 5 Ethan Allen-owned retail stores located in Canada as substantially all purchases of imported parts and finished goods are denominated in United States dollars. As such, gains or losses resulting from market changes in the value of foreign currencies have not had, nor are they expected to have, a material effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations.
Historically, the Company has not entered into financial instrument, including derivative, transactions for trading or other speculative purposes or to manage interest rate or currency exposure. However, in connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes, Global, in July and August 2005, entered into 6 separate forward contracts to hedge the risk-free interest rate associated with $108.0 million of the related debt in order to minimize the negative impact of interest rate fluctuations on earnings, cash flows and equity. The forward contracts were entered into with a major banking institution thereby mitigating the risk of credit loss. As of September 30, 2005, the Senior Notes had been issued and the related forward contracts were no longer outstanding. At the present time, the Company has no current plans to engage in further hedging activities.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Management’s Report on Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Ethan Allen’s management, including the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Vice President-Finance (“VPF”), conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the CEO and VPF have concluded that, as of September 30, 2005, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that material information relating to the Company, which is required to be included in the Company’s periodic filings under the Exchange Act, was made known to them in a timely manner.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended September 30, 2005 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
27
ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
There has been no material change to the matters discussed in Part I, Item 3 — Legal Proceedings in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as of September 13, 2005.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Certain information regarding purchases made by or on behalf of the Company or any affiliated purchaser (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) of our common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2005 is provided below:
Period
| Total Number of Shares Purchased
| Average Price Paid Per Share
| Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (c)
| Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (c)
|
---|
July 2005 (a) | | | | 100,000 | | $ | 33.16 | | | 100,000 | | | 1,900,000 | |
August 2005 (b) | | | | 1,040,000 | | $ | 32.20 | | | 1,040,000 | | | 860,000 | |
September 2005 | | | | -- | | $ | -- | | | -- | | | 860,000 | |
|
| | |
| | |
Total | | | | 1,140,000 | | $ | 32.28 | | | 1,140,000 | |
|
| | |
| | |
| (a) | Purchased in one open market transaction on a single day. |
| (b) | Purchased in sixteen separate open market transactions on sixteen different days. |
| (c) | On November 21, 2002, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to 2,000,000 shares of its common stock, from time to time, either directly or through agents, in the open market at prices and on terms satisfactory to the Company. Subsequent to that date, the Board of Directors increased the remaining authorization as follows: from 904,755 shares to 2,500,000 shares on April 27, 2004; from 753,600 shares to 2,000,000 shares on November 16, 2004; and from 691,100 shares to 2,000,000 shares on April 26, 2005. |
Subsequent to September 30, 2005 and through November 8, 2005, the Company repurchased, in 8 separate open market transactions, an additional 466,900 shares of its common stock at a total cost of $14.3 million, representing an average price per share of $30.71. As of November 8, 2005, the Company had a remaining Board authorization to repurchase 393,100 shares.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None.
Item 5. Other Information
On July 26, 2005, in accordance with the Company’s 1992 Stock Option Plan, each of the Company’s 6 independent directors was awarded 3,000 options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock. The options have an exercise price of $32.74 per share, representing the closing market price on the date of grant, vest ratably over a 2-year period, and have a 10-year contractual life.
Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit Number
| | Description
|
---|
* | 31.1 | | Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer |
* | 31.2 | | Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer |
* | 32.1 | | Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer |
* | 32.2 | | Section 1350 Certification of Principal Financial Officer |
* Filed herewith.
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ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
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.
ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC.
(Registrant)
DATE: November 9, 2005 | | BY:/s/ M. Farooq Kathwari M. Farooq Kathwari Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) |
DATE: November 9, 2005 | | BY:/s/ Jeffrey Hoyt Jeffrey Hoyt Vice President, Finance and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) |
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ETHAN ALLEN INTERIORS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number
| Exhibit
|
---|
| |
---|
31.1 | Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer |
31.2 | Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer |
32.1 | Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer |
32.2 | Section 1350 Certification of Principal Financial Officer |
30