Total net sales for the three-month period ended March 31, 2009 increased by 7% to $107,429 from $100,539 for the comparable period of 2008. A net sales increase in the Wholesale Division of 8% was accompanied by a net sales increase of 5% in the Retail Division. Overall gross profit margin increased 50 basis points to 40.5% in the first quarter of 2009 from 40.0% in the first quarter of 2008. During the first quarter of 2008, we recorded a one-time charge of $4,921 related to the resignation of our former CEO. Operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2009 were $36,088 compared to $40,734, or $35,813 exclusive of the one-time charge, in the same period last year. As a percentage of sales, exclusive of the one-time charge of $4,921 in 2008, operating expenses for the first quarter of 2009 decreased to 33.6% from 35.6% in the same period of last year, reflecting our ability to manage our costs even while sales are increasing. Commission and licensing fee income was $2,905 in the first quarter of 2009 compared to $3,356 in the first quarter of 2008. Operating income for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 was $10,304 while in the same period of last year, including the one-time charge of $4,921 related to the resignation of the CEO, operating income was $2,837. Net income for the first quarter of 2009 was $6,577 and, including the charge of $4,921 ($3,002 net of tax effect) related to the resignation of our CEO, net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 was $2,052.
Net sales generated by the Wholesale Segment accounted for $81,285 or 76%, and $75,560 or 75% of total Company net sales for the first quarters of 2009 and 2008, respectively. The 8% increase in net sales was propelled primarily by double digit net sales increases in three of our wholesale divisions. The Madden Girl Division continued its growth trend from 2008 by posting a net sales increase of over 20%. This net sales increase is the result of Madden Girl’s strong product performance at retail that has resulted in an increased store count with department stores such as Macy’s. Net sales in the Steve Madden Womens Division increased by 10% primarily due to the strong performance of flat sandals and wedges during the quarter. Our Accessories Division maintained its momentum established in 2008 by achieving an 11% sales increase in the first quarter of 2009 due to robust retail sales of Betsey Johnson, Steve Madden and Steven handbags during the quarter. Net sales for the first quarter of 2009 were also impacted by the previously mentioned shifts related to our Candies and International businesses. As a result of the transition of our Candies business from a “wholesale” model to a “first cost” model, net sales for the first quarter of 2009 did not reflect Candies revenue while net sales in the first quarter of 2008 reflected revenue of $4,852 for the Candies business. Prior to 2009, our International business operated under the “first cost” model and thus the revenues were included in Commissions and Licensing Fees on the Statement of Income. In 2009, our International business began to operate under the “wholesale” model and thus, as of the first quarter of 2009, international revenues are included in the Net Sales line on the Statement of Income. For the quarter ended March 31, 2009, our International business contributed net sales of $5,184. The sales increases outlined above were partially offset by a 7% net sales decrease in the Madden Mens division, primarily due to the general softness in the casual category. A modest decrease in the net sales in our Stevies division was the result of a department store customer transitioning to our First Cost Division.
Gross profit margin in the Wholesale segment increased to 38.1% in the first quarter of this year from 37.4% in the same period last year, primarily due to a decrease in markdown allowances and savings in our inbound freight costs. In the first quarter of 2009, operating expenses decreased to $18,070 compared to $22,522 in the prior year, primarily due to the charge of $4,921 related to the resignation of our CEO that was recorded in the first quarter of 2008. Income from operations for the Wholesale Division increased to $12,908 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2009 compared to $2,764 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2008.
Retail Segment:
Net sales generated by the Retail Division accounted for $26,144, or 24%, and $24,979, or 25%, of total net sales for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. We opened three new stores and closed nine under-performing stores during the twelve months ended March 31, 2009. As a result, we had 94 retail stores as of March 31, 2009 compared to 100 stores as of March 31, 2008. The 94 stores currently in operation include 89 under the Steve Madden brand, four under the Steven brand and one e-commerce website. Comparable store sales (sales of those stores, including the e-commerce website, that were open throughout the first quarters of 2008 and 2007) increased 7.7% in the first quarter of this year due primarily to strong boot sales early in the quarter and the success of casual flats throughout the quarter. Gross profit as a percentage of sales remained at 47.8% for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2009 and 2008. In the first quarter of 2009, operating expenses decreased to $18,018 compared to $18,212 in the first quarter of 2008. As a percentage of sales, operating expenses decreased to 68.9% in the first quarter of 2009 compared to 72.9% in the same quarter of 2008 reflecting our ability to manage our costs even while sales are increasing. Loss from operations for the Retail Division was $5,509 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2009 compared to $6,283 for the same period of 2008.
First Cost Segment:
The First Cost Division generated net commission income and design fees of $2,068 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2009, compared to $2,340 for the comparable period of 2008.
Licensing Segment:
During the quarter ended March 31, 2009, licensing income decreased to $837 from $1,016 in the same period of last year primarily due to a decrease in sales by one of our licensees.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
($ in thousands)
We had working capital of $133,020 at March 31, 2009 compared to $122,246 at December 31, 2008. The increase was primarily due to the net income for the three months ended March 31, 2009.
Under the terms of our factoring agreement with GMAC Commercial Finance LLC (“GMAC”), as amended, we may request advances from the factor of up to 85% of aggregate receivables factored by GMAC. This agreement, which has no specific expiration date and can be terminated by either party with 60 days written notice after June 30, 2009, provides us with a $50 million credit facility with a $25 million sub-limit on the aggregate face amount of Letters of Credit with some other stipulations. In November of 2008, we borrowed the maximum amount allowed by the terms of the agreement. As of December 31, 2008, we had advances payable due to GMAC of $30,168 against gross factored receivables of $44,082. Subsequent to the year end, we began reducing the loan balance with the proceeds from the collections of factored accounts receivable, and as of February 17, 2009, the loan was completely paid off. The interest rate on the advances, which has changed from time to time by amendments to the agreement and which is currently a variable rate based on the 30-day London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), averaged 3.9% through the date of repayment.
As of March 31, 2009, we held marketable securities valued at $29,395, consisting primarily of corporate and municipal bonds, U.S. Treasury notes and equities.
We believe that based upon our current financial position and available cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, we will meet all of our financial commitments and operating needs for at least the next twelve months.
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
($ in thousands)
During the three-month period ended March 31, 2009, net cash provided by operating activities was $3,825. The primary sources of cash were net income of $6,557, decreases in inventory of $3,526 and prepaid expenses, prepaid taxes, deposits and other assets of $2,636. The primary uses of cash were an increase in due from factor of $5,793, a decrease in accounts payable and other accrued expenses of $3,556 and an increase in accounts receivable of $1,399.
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INVESTING ACTIVITIES
($ in thousands)
During the three-month period ended March 31, 2009, we invested $81 in marketable securities and received $5,779 from the maturities and sales of securities. We also paid $4,526 for the 2008 provision of the earn-out agreement pertaining to the acquisition of Daniel M. Friedman. Additionally, we made capital expenditures of $1,182, principally for the remodeling of three existing stores, the one new store opened in the current period, leasehold improvements to our corporate office space and for systems enhancements.
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
($ in thousands)
During the three-month period ended March 31, 2009, net cash used in financing activities represented $30,168 repayment of advances from factor.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
($ in thousands)
Our contractual obligations as of March 31, 2009 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Payment due by period | |
Contractual Obligations | | Total | | Remainder of 2009 | | 2010-2011 | | 2012-2013 | | 2014 and after | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating lease obligations | | $ | 122,965 | | $ | 13,561 | | $ | 34,653 | | $ | 30,292 | | $ | 44,459 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Purchase obligations | | | 63,008 | | | 63,008 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other long-term liabilities (future minimum royalty payments) | | | 4,841 | | | 543 | | | 4,135 | | | 163 | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 190,814 | | $ | 77,112 | | $ | 38,788 | | $ | 30,455 | | $ | 44,459 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
At March 31, 2009, we had un-negotiated open letters of credit for the purchase of inventory of approximately $2,517.
We have an employment agreement with Steven Madden, our founder and Creative and Design Chief, which provides for an annual base salary of $600 subject to certain specified adjustments through June 30, 2015. The agreement also provides for annual bonuses based on EBITDA, revenue of any new business and royalty income over $2 million, plus an equity grant and a non-accountable expense allowance.
We have employment agreements with certain executive officers, which provide for the payment of compensation aggregating approximately $1,815 during the remaining nine months of 2009 and $940 in 2010. In addition, some of the employment agreements provide for a discretionary bonus and some provide for incentive compensation based on various performance criteria as well as other benefits including stock options. Our Chief Operating Officer is entitled to deferred compensation calculated as a percentage of his base salary.
Ninety-nine percent (99%) of our products are produced at overseas locations, the majority of which are located in China, with a small percentage located in Brazil, Italy, India, Spain and Mexico. We have not entered into any long-term manufacturing or supply contracts with any of these foreign companies. We believe that a sufficient number of alternative sources exist outside of the United States for the manufacture of our products. We currently make approximately 99% of our purchases in U.S. dollars.
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INFLATION
We do not believe that the inflation experienced over the last few years in the United Sates, where we primarily compete, has had a significant effect on sales or profitability. Historically, we have minimalized the impact of product cost increases by improving operating efficiencies, changing suppliers and increasing prices. However, no assurance can be given that we will be able to offset such inflationary cost increases in the future.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND THE USE OF ESTIMATES
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based upon our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, sales and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Estimates by their nature are based on judgments and available information. Our estimates are made based upon historical factors, current circumstances and the experience and judgment of management. Assumptions and estimates are evaluated on an ongoing basis and we may employ outside experts to assist in evaluations. Therefore, actual results could materially differ from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions. Management believes the following critical accounting estimates are more significantly affected by judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements: allowance for bad debts, returns, and customer chargebacks; inventory reserves; valuation of intangible assets; litigation reserves and cost of sales.
Allowances for bad debts, returns and customer chargebacks. We provide reserves against our trade accounts receivables for future customer chargebacks, co-op advertising allowances, discounts, returns and other miscellaneous deductions that relate to the current period. The reserve against our non-factored trade receivables also includes estimated losses that may result from customers’ inability to pay. The amount of the reserve for bad debts, returns, discounts and compliance chargebacks are determined by analyzing aged receivables, current economic conditions, the prevailing retail environment and historical dilution levels for customers. We evaluate anticipated customer markdowns and advertising chargebacks by reviewing several performance indicators for our major customers. These performance indicators (which include inventory levels at the retail floors, sell through rates and gross margin levels) are analyzed by key account executives and the Vice President of Wholesale Sales to estimate the amount of the anticipated customer allowance. Failure to correctly estimate the amount of the reserve could materially impact our results of operations and financial position.
Inventory reserves. Inventories are stated at lower of cost or market, on a first-in, first-out basis. We review inventory on a regular basis for excess and slow moving inventory. The review is based on an analysis of inventory on hand, prior sales, and expected net realizable value through future sales. The analysis includes a review of inventory quantities on hand at period-end in relation to year-to-date sales and projections for sales in the foreseeable future as well as subsequent sales. We consider quantities on hand in excess of estimated future sales to be at risk for market impairment. The net realizable value, or market value, is determined based on the estimate of sales prices of such inventory through off-price or discount store channels. The likelihood of any material inventory write-down is dependent primarily on the expectation of future consumer demand for our product. A misinterpretation or misunderstanding of future consumer demand for our product, the economy, or other failure to estimate correctly, in addition to abnormal weather patterns, could result in inventory valuation changes, either favorably or unfavorably, compared to the valuation determined to be appropriate as of the balance sheet date.
Valuation of intangible assets. SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, requires that goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives no longer be amortized, but rather be tested for impairment at least annually. This pronouncement also requires that intangible assets with finite lives be amortized over their respective lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144 “Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets.” In accordance with SFAS No. 144, long-lived assets, such as property, equipment, leasehold improvements and goodwill subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.
Litigation reserves. Estimated amounts for litigation claims that are probable and can be reasonably estimated are recorded as liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The likelihood of a material change in these estimated reserves would be dependent on new claims as they may arise and the favorable or unfavorable events of a particular litigation. As additional information becomes available, management will assess the potential liability related to the pending litigation and revise their estimates. Such revisions in management’s estimates of a contingent liability could materially impact our results of operation and financial position.
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Cost of sales. All costs incurred to bring finished products to our distribution center and, in the Retail Division, the costs to bring products to our stores, are included in the Cost of Sales line item on our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income. These include the cost of finished products, purchase commissions, letter of credit fees, brokerage fees, material and labor and related items, sample expenses, custom duty, inbound freight, royalty payments on licensed products, labels and product packaging. All warehouse and distribution costs are included in the Operating Expenses line item of our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. We classify shipping costs to customers, if any, as operating expense. Our gross profit margins may not be comparable to other companies in the industry because some companies may include warehouse and distribution as a component of cost of sales, while other companies report on the same basis as we do and include them in operating expenses.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
($ in thousands)
We do not engage in the trading of market risk sensitive instruments in the normal course of business. Our financing arrangements are subject to variable interest rates, primarily based on LIBOR. An analysis of our credit agreements with GMAC can be found in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section under Item 2 of this document.
As of March 31, 2009, we held marketable securities valued at $29,395, which consist primarily of corporate and municipal bonds and U.S. treasury notes, as well as marketable equity securities. These investments are subject to interest rate risk and will decrease in value if market interest rates increase. We have the ability to hold these investments until maturity. In addition, any decline in interest rates would be expected to reduce our interest income.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the fiscal quarter covered by this quarterly report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) were, as of the end of the fiscal quarter covered by this quarterly report, effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
As required by Rule 13a-15(d) under the Exchange Act, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated our internal controls over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the quarter covered by this quarterly report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, there has been no such change during the quarter covered by this report.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Certain legal proceedings in which we are involved are discussed in Note L and Part I, Item 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. Unless otherwise indicated, all proceedings discussed in those earlier reports remain outstanding.
We have been named as a defendant in certain other lawsuits in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, after consulting with legal counsel, the liabilities, if any, resulting from these matters should not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations. It is the policy of management to disclose the amount or range of reasonably possible losses in excess of recorded amounts.
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The risk factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 have not materially changed.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
There were no unregistered sales of equity securities and we did not repurchase any of our common stock during the quarter ended March 31, 2009.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
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3.1 | Certificate of Incorporation of Steven Madden, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to Steven Madden, Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated November 23, 1998, Securities and Exchange Commission File Number 000-23702, Film Number 98757800). |
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3.2 | Amended & Restated By-Laws of Steven Madden, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Steven Madden, Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated March 28, 2008). |
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4.1 | Specimen Certificate for shares of Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.01 to Steven Madden, Ltd.’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2/A, dated September 29, 1993). |
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4.2 | Rights Agreement between Steven Madden, Ltd. and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Steven Madden, Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 16, 2001, SEC File Number 000-23702, Film Number 1794721). |
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31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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32.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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32.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report on Form 10-Q to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
DATE: May 8, 2009
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| STEVEN MADDEN, LTD. |
| |
| /s/ EDWARD R. ROSENFELD |
| |
| Edward R. Rosenfeld |
| Chief Executive Officer |
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| /s/ ARVIND DHARIA |
| |
| Arvind Dharia |
| Chief Financial Officer |
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