Page 1 of 44 Index to Exhibits-Pages 18-25 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) [ X ] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended March 29, 1998 OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the Transition period from to Commission file number 1-3634 CONE MILLS CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) North Carolina 56-0367025 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 3101 North Elm Street, Greensboro, North Carolina 27408 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (336) 379-6220 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of April 22, 1998: 26,165,933 shares. 1 CONE MILLS CORPORATION INDEX Page Number PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Financial Statements Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations Thirteen weeks ended March 29, 1998 and March 30, 1997 (Unaudited)............................3 Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets March 29, 1998 and March 30, 1997 (Unaudited) and December 28, 1997.........................4 Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows Thirteen weeks ended March 29, 1998 and March 30, 1997 (Unaudited)............................5 Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited).................................................6 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations...............10 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings..............................................16 Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K...............................17 2 PART I Item 1. CONE MILLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (in thousands, except per share data) Thirteen Thirteen Weeks Ended Weeks Ended March 29, 1998 March 30, 1997 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Net Sales $ 190,171 $ 174,714 Operating Costs and Expenses: Cost of sales 159,846 148,059 Selling and administrative 19,779 18,304 Depreciation 7,174 6,671 Restructuring - 655 186,799 173,689 Income from Operations 3,372 1,025 Other Income (Expense): Interest income 611 188 Interest expense (3,547) (3,683) (2,936) (3,495) Income (Loss) before Income Taxes (Benefit) and Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Unconsolidated Affiliate 436 (2,470) Income Taxes (Benefit) 144 (988) Income (Loss) before Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Unconsolidated Affiliate 292 (1,482) Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Unconsolidated Affiliate 1,252 (513) Net Income (Loss) $ 1,544 $ (1,995) Income (Loss) Available to Common Shareholders $ 791 (2,715) Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Basic and Diluted $ .03 $ (.10) Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding: Basic 26,183 26,237 Diluted 26,210 26,237 See Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements. 3 CONE MILLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands, except share and par value data) March 29, March 30, December 28, 1998 1997 1997 ASSETS (Unaudited) ((Unaudited) (Note) Current Assets: Cash $ 525 $ 1,148 $ 856 Accounts receivable, less allowances of $1,500, $1,250 and $1,500 25,063 27,862 19,958 Subordinated note receivable 39,886 31,292 23,842 Inventories 122,287 145,491 115,663 Other current assets 18,913 12,716 19,228 Total Current Assets 206,674 218,509 179,547 Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates 38,033 33,631 36,781 Other Assets 37,844 39,819 38,431 Property, Plant and Equipment 250,017 249,689 251,887 $ 532,568 $ 541,648 $ 506,646 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities: Notes payable $ 7,500 $ 25,190 $ 4,500 Current maturities of long-term debt 10,714 10,754 10,714 Accounts payable 39,962 33,055 32,994 Sundry accounts payable and accrued liabilities 45,465 44,121 49,588 Deferred income taxes 20,436 23,594 23,370 Total Current Liabilities 124,077 136,714 121,166 Long-Term Debt 161,767 150,079 139,656 Deferred Income Taxes 40,913 40,598 38,523 Other Liabilities 10,936 10,229 10,781 Stockholders' Equity: Class A preferred stock - $100 par value; authorized 1,500,000 shares; issued and outstanding 383,948 shares 38,395 38,395 38,395 Class B preferred stock - no par value; authorized 5,000,000 shares - - - Common stock - $.10 par value; authorized 42,700,000 shares; issued and outstanding 26,166,933 shares; 1997, 26,119,133 shares and 26,201,633 shares 2,617 2,612 2,620 Capital in excess of par 62,057 61,625 62,300 Retained earnings 101,039 109,879 102,449 Deferred compensation - restricted stock (702) - (740) Accumulated other comprehensive income (8,531) (8,483) (8,504) Total Stockholders' Equity 194,875 204,028 196,520 $ 532,568 $ 541,648 $ 506,646 Note: The balance sheet at December 28, 1997, has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date. See Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements. 4 CONE MILLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) Thirteen Thirteen Weeks Ended Weeks Ended March 29, 1998 March 30, 1997 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Cash Used in Operations $ (14,461) $ (8,044) Investing Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 2,566 1,225 Capital expenditures (6,790) (6,556) Other - (1,500) Cash used in investing (4,224) (6,831) Financing Net borrowings under line of credit agreements 3,000 19,923 Decrease in checks issued in excess of deposits (3,446) (3,475) Proceeds from long-term debt borrowings 22,000 - Dividends paid - Class A Preferred (2,954) (55) Other (246) (1,388) Cash provided by financing 18,354 15,005 Net change in cash (331) 130 Cash at Beginning of Period 856 1,018 Cash at End of Period $ 525 $ 1,148 Supplemental Disclosures of Additional Cash Flow Information: Cash payments for: Interest, net of interest capitalized $ 6,520 $ 7,045 Income taxes, net of refunds $ (17) $ (3,714) Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities: Receivable recorded from sale of division $ - $ 2,703 Liability incurred for dividend payable $ - $ 2,777 See Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements. 5 CONE MILLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 29, 1998 Note 1. Basis of Financial Statement Preparation The Cone Mills Corporation (the "Company") consolidated condensed financial statements for March 29, 1998 and March 30, 1997 are unaudited, but in the opinion of management reflect all adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated condensed balance sheets of Cone Mills Corporation and Subsidiaries at March 29, 1998, March 30, 1997, and December 28, 1997, and the related consolidated condensed statements of operations and cash flows for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 1998 and March 30, 1997. All adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. These statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related notes included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for fiscal 1997. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The last-in, first-out (LIFO) method is used to determine cost of most domestically produced goods. The first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost methods are used to determine cost of all other inventories. Because amounts for inventories under the LIFO method are based on an annual determination of quantities as of the year-end, the inventories at March 29, 1998 and March 30, 1997 and related consolidated condensed statements of operations for the thirteen weeks then ended are based on certain estimates relating to quantities and cost as of the end of the fiscal year. Note 2. Inventories (in thousands) 3/29/98 3/30/97 12/28/97 Greige and finished goods $ 83,391 $ 93,131 $ 81,130 Work in process 10,578 12,060 11,260 Raw materials 16,057 14,300 11,122 Supplies and other 12,261 26,000 12,151 ------- ------- ------- $ 122,287 $ 145,491 $ 115,663 ======= ======= ======= 6 Note 3. Long-Term Debt (in thousands) 3/29/98 3/30/97 12/28/97 Senior Note $ 53,572 $ 64,286 $ 53,572 Revolving Credit Agreement 22,000 - - 8 1/8% Debentures 96,909 96,465 96,798 Other - 82 - ------- ------- ------- 172,481 160,833 150,370 Less current maturities 10,714 10,754 10,714 ------- ------- ------- $ 161,767 $ 150,079 $ 139,656 ======= ======= ======= Effective February 1998, the interest rate on the Company's Senior Note increased to 8.75%. Interest rates under the Revolving Credit Agreement are similar to the Company's unsecured short-term notes payable. Note 4. Class A Preferred Stock The 1999 dividend rate for Class A Preferred Stock is 7.50%, payable March 31, 1999. 7 Note 5. Earnings (Loss) Per Share The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share ("EPS"). (in thousands, except Thirteen Thirteen per share data) Weeks Ended Weeks Ended 3/29/98 3/30/97 Net income (loss) $ 1,544 $ (1,995) Preferred stock dividends (753) (720) ----- ----- Basic EPS - income (loss) available to common shareholders 791 (2,715) Effect of dilutive securities - - ----- ----- Diluted EPS - income (loss) available to common shareholders after assumed conversions $ 791 $ (2,715) ===== ===== Determination of shares: Basic EPS - weighted average shares 26,183 26,237 Effect of dilutive securities 27 - ----- ----- Diluted EPS - adjusted weighted- average shares and assumed conversions 26,210 26,237 ====== ====== Earnings (loss) per share: Basic $ .03 $ ( .10) ====== ====== Diluted $ .03 $ ( .10) ====== ====== Common stock options outstanding at March 30, 1997 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been antidilutive. 8 Note 6. Recent Account Pronouncements Beginning in fiscal year 1998, the Company adopted SFAS 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income." Comprehensive income is the total of net income and other changes in equity, except those resulting from investments by owners and distribution to owners not reflected in net income. Total comprehensive income for the periods was as follows: (in thousands) Thirteen Thirteen Weeks Ended Weeks Ended 3/29/98 3/30/97 Net income (loss) $ 1,544 $ (1,995) Other comprehensive income (loss), currency translation adjustment (27) ( 8) ----- ----- $ 1,517 $ (2,003) ===== ===== 9 Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS RESULTS OF OPERATIONS First Quarter Ended March 29, 1998 Compared with First Quarter Ended March 30, 1997. In the first quarter of 1998, Cone Mills experienced strong denim demand and began to experience better market conditions in decorative print fabrics markets. For the quarter, Cone Mills had sales of $190.2 million, up 8.8%, as compared with sales of $174.7 million for the first quarter of 1997. After eliminating the sales of businesses which were divested in 1997, sales were up approximately 11%. Higher sales of denim products, finishing services and jacquard fabrics accounted for the increase. Lower specialty sportswear sales, primarily shirting fabrics, partially offset the sales increases. International sales were $50.9 million, or 27% of total sales, as compared with $43.9 million, or 25% of sales, for the first quarter of 1997. Cone Mills had net income for the first quarter of 1998 of $1.5 million, or $.03 per share after preferred dividends. For comparison, first quarter 1997 had a net loss of $2.0 million, or $.10 per share, including a pre-tax charge of $.7 million related to the consolidation of the Granite and Carlisle finishing operations. Gross profit for the first quarter of 1998 (net sales less cost of sales and depreciation) was 12.2% of sales, as compared with 11.4% for the previous year. The increase was primarily the result of the improved sales volume, lower raw material costs and higher capacity utilization partially offset by additional expense at the Carlisle Finishing plant. 10 Business Segments. Cone operates in two principal business segments, apparel fabrics and home furnishings products. The following table sets forth certain net sales and operating income (loss) information. First Quarter 1998 1997 (Dollar amounts in millions) NET SALES Apparel(1) $ 158.2 83.2% $ 148.4 84.9% Home Furnishings(2) 32.0 16.8 26.3 15.1 ----- ---- ----- ----- Total $ 190.2 100.0% $ 174.7 100.0% ===== ===== ===== ===== OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)(3) Apparel $ 6.8 4.3% $ 6.1 4.1% Home Furnishings (2.2) (7.0) (3.5) (13.4) Restructuring - - (.7) - (1) Apparel includes synthetic fabrics net sales of $2.7 million in 1997. (2) Home furnishings includes Greeff's and real estate's net sales of $1.4 million in 1997. (3) Operating income (loss) excludes general corporate expenses. Percentages reflect operating income (loss) as a percentage of segment net sales. Apparel Fabrics. Apparel fabrics segment sales for the first quarter of 1998 were $158.2 million, up 6.6% from first quarter of 1997 sales of $148.4 million. Excluding sales of the synthetic fabric business which was sold in January 1997, first quarter 1998 sales were up approximately 9%. Increased sales of denims, partially offset by lower specialty sportswear sales, accounted for the increase. Average denim prices were essentially flat year over year. Cotton costs were down in the first quarter of 1998, reflecting more favorable world cotton prices. Denim manufacturing facilities operated at capacity during the first quarter of the 1998 period. For the first quarter of 1998, the apparel fabric segment had operating income of $6.8 million, or 4.3% of sales, as compared with $6.1 million, or 4.1% of sales, in the first quarter of 1997. Improved profits from denim operations in the first quarter of 1998 were substantially offset by unfavorable specialty sportswear results. 11 Home Furnishings. For the first quarter of 1998, home furnishings segment sales were $32.0 million, up 21.8% as compared with $26.3 million for the first quarter of 1997. Excluding operating units sold in 1997, first quarter 1998 sales were up approximately 28%. Stronger commission finishing and jacquard fabric sales accounted for the increase. John Wolf sales were off slightly from year-ago levels. Home furnishings had an operating loss of $2.2 million, as compared with a loss of $3.5 million for the first quarter of 1997. With the exception of the Carlisle Finishing plant, home furnishings units substantially improved operating results in 1998 as compared with 1997. Total Company selling and administrative expenses increased from $18.3 million for the first quarter of 1997 to $19.8 million in the first quarter of 1998, which included the expenses associated with the Company's increased marketing and merchandising efforts. Selling and administrative expenses were 10.4% of sales in the first quarter of 1998, as compared with 10.5% in the first quarter of 1997. Income taxes as a percentage of pre-tax income for the first quarter of 1998 were 33.0% reflecting the tax benefit resulting from operation of the Company's foreign sales corporation. Equity in earnings of Parras Cone, the joint venture plant in Mexico, was $1.3 million for the first quarter of 1998, as compared with a loss of $0.5 million for the first quarter of 1997. The 1998 results reflect full operating schedules compared with partially curtailed operations for the 1997 period. The Company continues to experience strong denim sales and sales increases in home furnishings operations as the second quarter of 1998 begins. The Company's short-term operating imperatives are effective marketing for specialty sportswear, satisfactory manufacturing results from Carlisle Finishing and successful execution of the restructuring plan for John Wolf. New management is in place at each of these units. As the Company continues to make progress on marketing initiatives and cost control, improved operating effectiveness should follow. Liquidity and Capital Resources The Company's principal long-term capital components consist of debt outstanding under its Senior Note, its 8 1/8% Debentures and stockholders' equity. Primary sources of liquidity are internally generated funds, the $80 million Revolving Credit Facility and the $40 million Receivables Purchase Agreement. The Receivables Purchase 12 Agreement, a one-year facility, was renewed in March 1998. On March 29, 1998, the Company had funds available of $58.0 million under its Revolving Credit Facility. During the first quarter of 1998, the Company generated cash from operating activities before changes in working capital of $6.7 million, as compared with $6.1 million for the first quarter of 1997. Working capital increases in 1998, primarily accounts receivable and inventories, were $21.2 million. Other sources of cash included proceeds of $2.6 million realized from the sale of old manufacturing equipment. Uses of cash included $6.8 million for capital expenditures, and $3.0 million for preferred stock dividends. The Company believes that internally generated operating funds and funds available under its credit facilities will be sufficient to meet its needs for working capital, capital spending, potential stock repurchases and financing for the foreseeable future. On March 29, 1998, the Company's long-term capital structure consisted of $161.8 million of long-term debt and $194.9 million of stockholders' equity. For comparison, on March 30, 1997, the Company had $150.1 million of long-term debt and $204.0 million of stockholders' equity. Long-term debt (including current maturities of long-term debt) as a percentage of long-term debt and stockholders' equity was 47% at March 29, 1998, as compared with 44% at March 30, 1997. Accounts and note receivable on March 29, 1998, were $64.9 million, an increase of $5.8 million, as compared with March 30, 1997. This increase in accounts and note receivable was primarily due to increases in sales. Receivables, including those sold pursuant to the Receivables Purchase Agreement, represented 51 days of sales outstanding at March 29, 1998 and 49 days at March 30, 1997. Inventories on March 29, 1998, were $122.3 million, down $23.2 million from March 30, 1997. The decrease was primarily due to the sale of operating units and lower denim finished goods inventories which were partially offset by increases in raw material levels. Capital spending in the first quarter of 1998 was $6.8 million, as compared with $6.6 million for the first quarter of 1997. Capital spending in 1998 is expected to be approximately $37 million. Projects include new weaving machines and link ring spinning for the White Oak denim plant and additional looms for the jacquard facility. 13 The Company recognizes the business implications regarding the Year 2000 as it relates to computer programs and software systems. The Company is currently adopting new software and modifying existing software to ensure that business operations are not negatively impacted by the millennium change. The Company is coordinating Year 2000 readiness with other entities with which it interacts, both domestically and globally, including suppliers, customers and financial service organizations. Federal, state and local regulations relating to the workplace and the discharge of materials into the environment continue to change and, consequently, it is difficult to gauge the total future impact of such regulations on the Company. Existing government regulations are not expected to cause a material change in the Company's competitive position, operating results or planned capital expenditures. The Company has an active environmental committee which fosters protection of the environment and compliance with laws. The Company is a party to various legal claims and actions. Management believes that none of these claims or actions, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company. "Safe Harbor" Statement under Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1993, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Except for the historical information presented, the matters disclosed in the foregoing discussion and analysis and other parts of this report include forward-looking statements. These statements represent the Company's current judgment on the future and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Such factors include, without limitation: (i) the demand for textile products, including the Company's products, will vary with the U.S. and world business cycles, imbalances between consumer demand and inventories of retailers and manufacturers and changes in fashion trends, (ii) the highly competitive nature of the textile industry and the possible effects of reduced import protection and free-trade initiatives, (iii) the unpredictability of the cost and availability of cotton, the Company's principal raw material, and (iv) the Company's relationships with Levi Strauss as its major customer. For a further description of these risks see the Company's 1997 Form 10-K, "Item 1. Business -Competition, -Raw Materials and Customers" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of 14 Results of Operations and Financial Condition -- Overview" of the Company's 1997 Annual Report to Shareholders incorporated by reference into Item 7. of the Form 10-K. Other risks and uncertainties may be described from time to time in the Company's other reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 15 PART II Item 1. Legal Proceedings In November 1988, William J. Elmore and Wayne Comer (the "Plaintiffs") former employees of the Company, instituted a class action suit against the Company and certain other defendants in which the Plaintiffs asserted a variety of claims related to the Cone Mills Corporation 1983 ESOP (the "1983 ESOP") and certain other employee benefit plans maintained by the Company. In March 1992, the United States District Court in Greenville, South Carolina entered a judgment in the amount of $15.5 million (including an attorneys' fee award) against the Company with respect to an alleged promise to make additional Company contributions to the 1983 ESOP and all claims unrelated to the alleged promise were dismissed. The Company, certain individual defendants and the Plaintiffs appealed. On May 6, 1994, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, sitting en banc, affirmed the prior conclusion of a panel of three of its judges and unanimously reversed the $15.5 million judgment and unanimously affirmed all of the District Court's rulings in favor of the Company. However, the Court of Appeals affirmed, by an equally divided court, the District Court's holding that Plaintiffs should be allowed to proceed on an alternative theory whether, subject to proof of detrimental reliance, Plaintiffs could establish that a letter to salaried employees on December 15, 1983 created an enforceable obligation that could allow recovery on a theory of equitable estoppel. Accordingly, the case was remanded to the District Court for a determination of whether the Plaintiffs could establish detrimental reliance creating estoppel of the Company. On April 19, 1995, the District Court granted a motion by the Company for summary judgment on the issues of equitable estoppel and third-party beneficiary of contract which had been remanded to it by the Court of Appeals. The Court ruled that the Plaintiffs could not forecast necessary proof of detrimental reliance. The District Court, however, granted Plaintiffs motion to amend the complaint insofar as they sought to pursue a "new" claim for unjust enrichment, but denied their motion to amend so far as they sought to add claims for promissory estoppel and unilateral contract. The court further denied the Company's motion to decertify the class. The District Court held a hearing on July 24, 1995 to decide on the merits Plaintiffs' lone remaining claim of unjust enrichment, and in an order entered September 25, 1995, the District Court dismissed that claim with prejudice. On October 20, 1995, the Plaintiffs 16 appealed to the Court of Appeals from the April 19, 1995 and September 25, 1995 orders of the District Court. Oral argument on Plaintiffs' appeal was held in the Court of Appeals on October 31, 1996. Due to the uncertainties inherent in the litigation process, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of this lawsuit. However, the Company has defended this matter vigorously, and it is the opinion of the Company's management that the probability is remote that this lawsuit, when finally concluded, will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. Although there can be no assurance as to the ultimate disposition of these matters, management believes that the probable resolution of such contingencies will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company. Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (a) The exhibits to this Form 10-Q are listed in the accompanying Index to Exhibits. (b) Reports on Form 8-K. None 17 Exhibit Sequential No. Description Page No. *2.1(a) Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Cone Receivables LLC dated as of March 25, 1997, filed as Exhibit 2.1(l) to Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 30, 1997. *2.1(b) Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of March 25, 1997, among Cone Receivables LLC, as Seller, the Registrant, as Servicer, and Delaware Funding Corporation, as buyer, filed as Exhibit 2.1(m) to Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 30, 1997. 2.1(c) Amendment to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated March 24, 1998, between the Registrant and Delaware Funding Corporation. 27 *2.2(a) Investment Agreement dated as of June 18, 1993, among Compania Industrial de Parras, S.A. de C.V., Sr. Rodolfo Garcia Muriel, and Cone Mills Corporation, filed as Exhibit 2.2(a) to Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 4, 1993, with exhibits herein numbered 2.2(b),(c), (d), (f), (g), and (j) attached. *2.2(b) Commercial Agreement dated as of June 25, 1993, among Compania Industrial de Parras, S.A.de C.V., Cone Mills Corporation and Parras Cone de Mexico, S.A., filed as Exhibit 2.2(b) to Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 4, 1993. *2.2(c) Guaranty Agreement dated as of June 25, 1993, between Cone Mills Corporation and Compania Industrial de Parras, S.A. de C.V., filed as Exhibit 2.2(c) to Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 4, 1993. 18 Exhibit Sequential No. Description Page No. *2.2(d) Joint Venture Agreement dated as of June 25, 1993, between Compania Industrial de Parras, S.A. de C.V., and Cone Mills (Mexico), S.A. de C.V. filed as Exhibit 2.2(d) to Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 4, 1993. *2.2(e) First Amendment to Joint Venture Agreement dated as of June 14, 1995, between Compania Industrial de Parras, S.A. de C.V., and Cone Mills (Mexico), S.A. de C.V., filed as Exhibit 2.2(e) to the Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 2, 1995. *2.2(f) Joint Venture Registration Rights Agreement dated as of June 25, 1993, among Parras Cone de Mexico, S.A., Compania Industrial de Parras, S.A. de C.V. and Cone Mills (Mexico), S.A. de C.V. filed as Exhibit 2.2(e) to Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 4, 1993. *2.2(g) Parras Registration Rights Agreement dated as of June 25, 1993, between Compania Industrial de Parras, S.A. de C.V. and Cone Mills Corporation filed as Exhibit 2.2(f) to the Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 4, 1993. *2.2(h) Guaranty Agreement dated as of June 14, 1995, between Compania Industrial de Parras, S.A. de C.V. and Cone Mills Corporation filed as Exhibit 2.2(h) to the Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 2, 1995. *2.2(i) Guaranty Agreement dated as of June 15, 1995, between Cone Mills Corporation and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York filed as Exhibit 2.2(i) to the Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 2, 1995. 19 Exhibit Sequential No. Description Page No. *2.2(j) Support Agreement dated as of June 25, 1993, among Cone Mills Corporation, Sr. Rodolfo L. Garcia, Sr. Rodolfo Garcia Muriel and certain other person listed herein ("private stockholders") filed as Exhibit 2.2(g) to Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 4, 1993. *2.2(k) Call Option dated September 25, 1995, between Registrant and SMM Trust, 1995 - M, a Delaware business trust, filed as Exhibit 2.2(k) to the Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 1, 1995. *2.2(l) Put Option dated September 25, 1995, between Registrant and SMM Trust,1995 - M, a Delaware business trust, filed as Exhibit 2.2(l)to the Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 1, 1995. *2.2(m) Letter Agreement dated January 11, 1996 among Registrant, Rodolfo Garcia Muriel, and Compania Industrial de Parras, S.A. de C.V.,filed as Exhibit 2.2(m) to the Registrant's report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995. *4.1 Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant effective August 25, 1993, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 3, 1993. *4.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Registrant, Effective June 18, 1992, filed as Exhibit 3.5 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-46907). *4.3 Note Agreement dated as of August 13, 1992, between Cone Mills Corporation and The Prudential Insurance Company of America, 20 Exhibit Sequential No. Description Page No. with form of 8% promissory note attached, filed as Exhibit 4.01 to the Registrant's report on Form 8-K dated August 13, 1992. *4.3(a) Letter Agreement dated September 11, 1992, amending the Note Agreement dated August 13, 1992, between the Registrant and The Prudential Insurance Company of America filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's report on Form 8-K dated March 1, 1995. *4.3(b) Letter Agreement dated July 19, 1993, amending the Note Agreement dated August 13, 1992, between the Registrant and The Prudential Insurance Company of America filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's report on Form 8-K dated March 1, 1995. *4.3(c) Letter Agreement dated June 30, 1994, amending the Note Agreement dated August 13, 1992, between the Registrant and The Prudential Insurance Company of America filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant's report on Form 8-K dated March 1, 1995. *4.3(d) Letter Agreement dated November 14, 1994, amending the Note Agreement dated August 13, 1992, between the Registrant and The Prudential Insurance Company of America filed as Exhibit 4.5 to the Registrant's report on Form 8-K dated March 1, 1995. *4.3(e) Letter Agreement dated as of June 30, 1995, amending the Note Agreement dated August 13, 1992, between the Registrant and The Prudential Insurance Company of America filed as Exhibit 4.3(e) to the Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 2, 1995. 21 Exhibit Sequential No. Description Page No. *4.3(f) Letter Agreement dated as of June 30, 1995, between the Registrant and The Prudential Insurance Company of America superseding Letter Agreement filed as Exhibit 4.3(e) to the Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 2, 1995. *4.3(g) Letter Agreement dated as of March 30,1996, between the Registrant and The Prudential Insurance Company of America filed as Exhibit 4.3(g) to the Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1996. *4.3(h) Letter Agreement dated as of January 31, 1997, between the Registrant and The Prudential Insurance Company of America filed as Exhibit 4.3(h) to the Registrant's report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 1996. *4.3(i) Letter Agreement dated as of July 31, 1997, between the Registrant and The Prudential Insurance Company of America, filed as Exhibit 4.3(i) to the Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 28, 1997. 4.3(j) Modification to Note Agreement dated as of February 14, 1998, between the Registrant and The Prudential Insurance Company of America. 30 *4.4 Credit Agreement dated August 7, 1997, among the Registrant, various banks and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York as agent, filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 28, 1997. 22 Exhibit Sequential No. Description Page No. *4.5 Specimen Class A Preferred Stock Certificate, filed as Exhibit 4.5 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1(File No. 33-46907). *4.6 Specimen Common Stock Certificate, effective June 18, 1992, filed as Exhibit 4.7 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-46907). *4.7 The 401(k)Program of Cone Mills Corporation, amended and restated effective December 1, 1994, filed as Exhibit 4.8 to the Registrant's report on Form 10-K for year ended January 1, 1995. *4.7(a) First Amendment to the 401(k) Program of Cone Mills Corporation dated May 9, 1995, filed as Exhibit 4.8(a) to the Registrant's report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1995. *4.7(b) Second Amendment to the 401(k) Program of Cone Mills Corporation dated December 5, 1995, filed as Exhibit 4.8(b) to the Registrant's report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1995. *4.7(c) Third Amendment to the 401(k)Program of Cone Mills Corporation dated August 7, 1997, filed as Exhibit 4.7(c) to the Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 28, 1997. *4.7(d) Fourth Amendment to the 401(k) Program of Cone Mills Corporation dated December 4, 1997, filed as Exhibit 4.7(d) to the Registrant's report on Form 10-K for the year 23 Exhibit Sequential No. Description Page No. ended December 28, 1998. *4.8 Cone Mills Corporation 1983 ESOP as amended and restated effective December 1, 1994, filed as Exhibit 4.9 to the Registrant's report on Form 10-K for year ended January 1, 1995. *4.8(a) First Amendment to the Cone Mills Corporation 1983 ESOP dated May 9,1995, filed as Exhibit 4.9(a) to the Registrant's report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1995. *4.8(b) Second Amendment to the Cone Mills Corporation 1983 ESOP dated December 5, 1995, filed as Exhibit 4.9(b) to the Registrant's report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1995. *4.8(c) Third Amendment to the Cone Mills Corporation 1983 ESOP dated August 7, 1997, filed as Exhibit 4.(c) to the Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 28, 1997. *4.8(d) Fourth Amendment to the Cone Mills Corporation 1983 ESOP dated December 4, 1997, filed as Exhibit 4.8(d) to the Registrant's report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 1997. *4.9 Indenture dated as of February 14, 1995, between Cone Mills Corporation and Wachovia Bank of North Carolina, N.A. as Trustee, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 33-57713). 24 Exhibit Sequential No. Description Page No. 27 Financial Data Schedule 44 * Incorporated by reference to the statement or report indicated. 25 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. CONE MILLS CORPORATION (Registrant) Date May 8, 1998 /s/ Anthony L. Furr ------------------- ------------------- Anthony L. Furr Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 26