SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_______________________
FORM 10-K
(Mark one)
_x_ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. (FEE REQUIRED)
For the fiscal year ended January 29, 1999
OR
___ TRANSACTION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. (NO FEE REQUIRED)
For the transition period from _____ to _____
Commission file number 1-9769
LANDS' END, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 36-2512786
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
Lands' End Lane, Dodgeville, Wisconsin 53595
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code 608-935-9341
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Name of each exchange
- ------------------- on which registered
Common Stock ($0.01 per value) -----------------------
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
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 __
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment
to this Form 10-K. ( X )
As of March 26, 1999, the aggregate market value of the Common Stock of the
registrant held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $381,959,655.
The number of shares of Common Stock ($0.01 par value) outstanding as of
March 26, 1999, was 30,084,880.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Documents Form 10-K Reference
Notice of 1999 Annual Meeting and Part III, Items 10,
Proxy Statement dated April 19, 1999 11, 12 and 13
Lands' End, Inc. & Subsidiaries
Index To
Annual Report On Form 10-K
For Year Ended January 29, 1999
Part I. Page
Item 1. Business ............................................. 3-8
Executive Officers of the Registrant ................. 9
Item 2. Properties ........................................... 10-11
Item 3. Legal Proceedings .................................... 11
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders .. 11
Part II.
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
Shareholder Matters ................................ 12
Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data ................. 13
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated
Financial Condition and Results of Operations ...... 14-23
Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary
Data ............................................... 24-47
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements on Accounting and
Consolidated Financial Disclosure................... 48
Part III.
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.... 48
Item 11. Executive Compensation ............................... 48
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management ......................................... 48
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions ....... 48
Part IV.
Item 14. Exhibits, Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules,
and Reports on Form 8-K ............................ 49
Signatures .......................................................... 50
2
PART I.
Item 1. Business
Lands' End, Inc., is a leading direct marketer of traditionally styled, casual
clothing for men, women and children, accessories, domestics, shoes and soft
luggage. The company strives to provide products of exceptional quality at
prices representing honest value, enhanced by a commitment to excellence in
customer service and an unconditional guarantee. The company offers its
products through multiple distribution channels consisting of regular mailings
of its monthly primary catalogs, prospecting catalogs, specialty catalogs
(including Kids, Corporate Sales and Coming Home) as well as through the
Internet, and its international businesses.
The company's growth strategy has three key elements. First, the company
seeks to increase sales from its regular catalogs in the United States both by
expanding its customer base and by increasing sales to its existing customers
through improvements in its merchandise offerings and creative presentations.
Second, the company endeavors to generate additional sales by making targeted
mailings of its specialty catalogs to existing and prospective customers, and
by offering its products on the Internet. Third, the company is actively
pursuing opportunities to apply its merchandising, marketing and order
fulfillment skills abroad by continuing its efforts in Japan, the United
Kingdom and Germany.
Date of Incorporation
The Registrant was incorporated in Illinois in 1963 and became a Delaware
corporation in 1986.
Catalogs and Marketing
Lands' End views each catalog issue as a unique opportunity to communicate
with its customers. Products are described in visual and editorial detail in
which the company shares its view of the benefits and features of its
merchandise. The catalogs use such techniques as background stories,
editorials, monthly publication and distinctive covers to stimulate the
reader's interest, combining a consistent theme with varying monthly features.
Core, Specialty and International Segments
The company organizes and manages its businesses based on type of catalog,
which focuses on specific customer needs and markets served. The company has
three operating segments consisting of core, specialty and international.
Worldwide, the company mailed approximately 259 million full-price catalogs,
including specialty catalogs, abridged issues and international catalogs.
Company catalogs are mailed to customers throughout the world, and products
are exported to more than 175 countries. Fulfillment for these export sales
is handled through the company's Wisconsin facilities in the United States.
Core Segment (U.S. Based Operations)
The core business segment consists of adult apparel offered through the
company's regular monthly and prospecting catalogs and its two tailored
catalogs - "First Person Singular" for women and "Beyond Buttondowns" for men.
During fiscal 1999, the company mailed 12 issues of its regular monthly
(primary) catalog with an average of 163 pages per issue from its U.S. based
operations.
3
Each issue of the regular catalog offers certain basic product lines for adult
men and women (including knit shirts, sweaters, dress and sport shirts, casual
pants, dresses, skirts, accessories, and soft luggage) that customers have
come to expect. The regular catalog also offers seasonal merchandise, such as
swimsuits, outerwear and holiday gifts. In addition to the mailings of the
regular catalog, each year Lands' End generally mails two end-of-season
clearance catalogs, an interim catalog, and two additional holiday catalogs.
The company mails an abridged version of its regular catalog to prospective
customers who are identified based on lists of magazine subscribers and
customers of other direct marketers and on lists compiled of households
meeting certain demographic criteria. In addition, the company identifies
prospective new customers through its national advertising campaign.
The company mails two tailored catalogs, Beyond Buttondowns and First Person
Singular. Beyond Buttondowns was introduced in fiscal 1991, and offers fine
tailored clothing and accessories for men. In fiscal 1994, the company
introduced Textures, which was revamped as First Person Singular in fiscal
1997. First Person Singular features women's finely tailored clothing and
accessories suitable for the workplace. In fiscal 1999, the company mailed
six issues of its Beyond Buttondowns catalog and five issues of its First
Person Singular catalog.
Specialty Segment
The specialty business segment consists of Kids, Corporate Sales, Coming Home
and the Willis & Geiger catalogs. The specialty catalogs have been developed
over the years to target specific needs for additional merchandise identified
by customers. Since fiscal 1991, the Kids catalog has offered a collection of
comfortable, casual clothing for children. In fiscal 1998 a Kids uniform
catalog was introduced that targets the growing trend in many public and
private schools. In fiscal 1999, the company mailed seven issues of its Kids
catalog and two issues of its Kids uniform catalog.
In fiscal 1994, Corporate Sales, the company's business-to-business catalog,
was introduced. Corporate Sales offers quality products to groups, teams and
clubs or to companies that use Lands' End's merchandise for corporate premiums
or incentive programs. The company's embroidery capabilities allow for the
design and monogram of unique logos or emblems for groups. In fiscal 1999, the
company mailed five issues of its Corporate Sales catalog.
Since fiscal 1991, the Coming Home catalog offers domestic products, primarily
bedding and bath items. In fiscal 1999, the company mailed six issues of its
Coming Home catalog.
The Willis & Geiger catalog offers apparel and related products targeted to
the outdoor enthusiast. There were four issues of Willis & Geiger catalog
mailed in fiscal 1999. The company began to liquidate the Willis & Geiger
business in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999.
International Segment (Foreign Based Operations)
The international business segment is represented by operations in Japan, the
United Kingdom, and Germany. Catalogs mailed in these countries are written
in the local languages and denominated in local currencies.
4
In September 1991, the company launched its first United Kingdom (U.K.)
catalog. In August 1993, the company opened a leased telephone order and
distribution center in Oakham, England, which allowed the company to fill
orders locally and greatly reduce delivery time to U.K. customers.
Construction of a new phone and distribution center in Oakham was completed in
the summer of 1998. Seven issues of the U.K. catalog were mailed in fiscal
1999.
In fall 1994, the company launched operations in Japan, and in fiscal 1999,
the company mailed eight issues of the Japanese catalog. During fiscal 1998,
the company's phone center and administrative office moved to a larger
facility in Yokohama. The distribution center moved to Fujieda from Maebashi
in fiscal 1997 to accommodate future growth. Packages are delivered from this
warehouse in Fujieda which is managed by Lands' End's employees.
In August 1996, the company launched its first German catalog. Seven issues
were mailed during fiscal 1999. The company's phone center and administrative
functions operate from its Mettlach, Germany, offices. Orders are packed and
shipped from the Lands' End distribution center in Oakham, England.
Financial Information about business segments
See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 for segment
financial data.
The Internet
Lands' End offers its customers a variety of shopping options, including
shopping from its catalogs via toll-free telephone, mail, fax and through its
Internet site. The Internet has allowed the company to attract new customers
and better serve existing customers. The company offers online shopping,
featuring more than 1,000 products, engaging editorials and other services to
its customers on its user-friendly Web site at www.landsend.com. On its Web
site, the company added a personalization feature which stores customers
shipping and credit card information for ease of future shopping. The company
is striving to make every customer visit to its Web site a personalized one.
The online shopper can expect the same high degree of customer service,
whether the customer converses by telephone, fax, mail, e-mail or over the
Internet.
During fiscal 1999, the company introduced two new shopping tools, Your
Personal ModelTM and Oxford ExpressTM, on its Web site to further meet
customers' needs for a personalized and interactive shopping experience. Your
Personal Model enables women to build and store a 3-D model of their body
type. The model recommends outfits that flatter their body profiles and
suggest sizes based upon the measurement data supplied by the customer.
Similar to a helpful sales person, the Oxford Express prompts the online
shopper to provide sizes, fabrics, styles, collars, and cuff preferences. A
digital image of the shirt appears, and customers can then order the shirt or
change any feature to view new options.
The company will continue to explore the development of interactive shopping
to meet its customers expectations. However, marketing the company's products
through regular and specialty catalogs is expected to remain the primary means
of communicating with customers.
5
Customers
A principal factor in the company's success to date has been the development
of its own list of active customers, many of whom have been identified through
their response to the company's advertising. At the end of fiscal 1999, the
company's mailing list consisted of about 29.5 million persons, approximately
6.1 million of whom are viewed as "current customers" because they have made
at least one purchase from the company within the last 12 months. Also, 10.1
million customers have made at least one purchase from the company within the
last 36 months. The company routinely updates and refines this list prior to
individual catalog mailings to monitor customer interest as reflected in
criteria such as the recency, frequency, dollar amount, and product type of
purchases.
The company believes that its customer list has desirable demographic
characteristics and is well-suited to the products offered in the company's
catalogs. A customer research survey conducted by the company in the United
States as of January 1999 indicated that approximately 54 percent of its
customers were in the 35-54 age group and had median incomes of $60,000. This
research indicated that approximately 88 percent of Lands' End customers
attended or graduated from college.
The company conducts a national advertising campaign intended to build the
company's reputation and to attract new customers. In fiscal 1999, this
advertising appeared in about 30 national magazines, as well as on national
television and radio. In addition, the company advertises in approximately 30
national, regional and local publications in the U.K., Japan, Germany, the
Middle East, and in Pacific Rim countries.
The company is not dependent upon any single customer, or upon any single
group of customers, the loss of which would have a material effect on the
company.
Product Development
Lands' End concentrates on traditional clothing and other products that are
classically inspired, simply styled and quality crafted to meet the changing
tastes of the company's customers rather than to mimic the changing fads of
the fashion world. At the same time, the company seeks to maintain customer
interest by developing new product offerings, improving existing core products
and reinforcing its value positioning.
The company continues to incorporate innovations in fabric, construction and
detail that add value and excitement and differentiate Lands' End from the
competition. In order to ensure that products are manufactured to the
company's quality standards at reasonable prices, product managers, designers
and quality assurance specialists develop the company's own product. They
also specify the fibers, fabric construction and manufacturing source for each
item and are responsible for the styling and quality features of the products.
As part of its "direct merchant" philosophy, Lands' End seeks to deal directly
with its suppliers and to avoid intermediaries. All goods are produced by
independent manufacturers, except for a portion of our soft luggage which is
assembled at the company's own facilities. During fiscal 1999, the company
purchased merchandise from about 520 domestic and foreign manufacturers, with
one manufacturer accounting for about 13 percent of company purchases in
fiscal 1999. The company would be subject to minimal risk to the extent of
finding alternative sourcing if this manufacturer experiences prolonged work
stoppages or economic problems. In fiscal 1999, about 55 percent of our
merchandise was imported, mainly from Asia, Central America, South America and
6
Europe. The remaining 45 percent of our merchandise was made in the United
States. The company will continue to take advantage of worldwide sourcing
without sacrificing customer service or quality standards. The availability
and cost of certain foreign products may be affected by United States trade
policies, economic events and the value of the United States dollar relative
to foreign currencies.
Order Entry and Fulfillment
The company attempts to simplify catalog shopping as much as possible and
believes that its fulfillment systems are among the best in the United States.
Lands' End utilizes toll-free telephone numbers which may be called 24 hours a
day, seven days a week (except Christmas Day) to place orders, to request a
catalog or to seek assistance. Approximately 85 - 90 percent of catalog
orders are placed by telephone. Telephone calls are answered by as many as
3,000 well-trained sales representatives who utilize on-line computer
terminals to enter customer orders and to retrieve information about product
characteristics and availability. Additional services are provided through
the company's Web site, the use of AT&T language lines to serve foreign
customers and TDD (telephone device for the deaf). The company's three U.S.
telephone centers are located in Dodgeville, Cross Plains and Reedsburg,
Wisconsin. International telephone centers are located in Oakham, England,
Yokohama, Japan and Mettlach, Germany.
The company has achieved efficiencies in order entry and fulfillment that
permits the shipment of in-stock orders on the following day, except orders
requiring monogramming or inseaming, which typically require one or two extra
days. The company's sales representatives enter orders into an on-line order
entry and inventory control system. Computer processing of orders is
performed each night on a batch basis, at which time picking tickets are
printed with bar codes for optical scanning. Inventory is picked based on the
location of individual products rather than orders, followed by computerized
sorting and transporting of goods to multiple packing stations and shipping
zones. The computerized inventory control system also handles the receipt of
shipments from manufacturers, permitting faster access to newly arrived
merchandise, as well as the handling of items returned by customers.
Orders are generally shipped by United Parcel Service (UPS) at various tiered
rates dependent upon the total dollar value of each customer's order. Other
expedited delivery services are available at additional charges. The company
utilizes a two-day UPS service at standard rates, enhancing its customer
service.
Merchandise Liquidation
Liquidations, sales of overstocks and end-of-season merchandise at reduced
prices, were approximately 10 percent, 8 percent and 9 percent of net sales in
fiscal 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. A majority of liquidation sales
were made through catalogs and other print media. The balance was sold
principally through the company's outlet and inlet retail stores, and the
company's Web site.
Competition
The company's principal competitors are other catalog companies and retail
stores, including specialty shops and department stores. The company may also
face increased competition from other retailers as the number of television
shopping channels and the variety of merchandise offered through electronic
media increase. The apparel retail business in general is intensely
competitive. Lands' End competes principally on the basis of merchandise
7
value (quality and price), its established customer list and customer service,
including fast order fulfillment, its unqualified guarantee, and its services
and information provided at its user-friendly Web site.
The company is one of the leading catalog companies in the U.S. The company
attributes the growth in the catalog industry to many factors including
customer convenience, widespread use of credit cards, the use of toll-free
telephone lines, customers having less time to shop in stores, and purchasing
of product online through various computer networks. At the same time, the
catalog business is subject to uncertainties in the economy, which result in
fluctuating levels of overall consumer spending. Due to the lead times
required for catalog production and distribution and product development,
catalog retailers may not be able to respond as quickly as traditional
retailers in an environment of rapidly changing prices. In the future,
e-commerce growth should reduce lead times that are required by catalogs and
decrease operating costs incurred in creating, printing and mailing catalogs.
Trademarks
The company uses the trademarks of "Lands' End" and "Coming Home" on products
and catalogs. Some of the trademarks used in the catalogs include "Super-T"
shirts, "Squall" jackets and "Drifter" sweaters. "Oxford Express" and "Your
Personal Model" are trademarks associated with personalized customer services
offered through the company's Web site. With the exception of "Lands' End"
and "Coming Home," the company believes that loss or abandonment of any
particular trademark would not significantly affect its business.
Seasonality of Business
The company's business is highly seasonal. Historically, a disproportionate
amount of the company's net sales and a majority of its profits have been
realized during the fourth quarter. If the company's sales were materially
different from seasonal norms during the fourth quarter, the company's annual
operating results could be materially affected. In addition, as the company
continues to refine its marketing efforts by experimenting with the timing of
its catalog mailings, quarterly results may fluctuate. Accordingly, results
for the individual quarters are not necessarily indicative of the results to
be expected for the entire year.
Employees
The company believes that its skilled and dedicated workforce is one of its
key resources. Employees are not covered by collective bargaining agreements,
and the company considers its employee relations to be very positive. As a
result of the highly seasonal nature of the company's business, the size of the
company's workforce varies, ranging from approximately 7,200 to 9,700
individuals in fiscal 1999. During the peak winter season of fiscal 1999,
nearly 4,900 of the company's approximately 9,700 employees were temporary
employees.
8
Executive Officers of the Registrant
The following are the executive officers of the company:
David F. Dyer, 49, is President, Chief Executive Office and member of the
board of directors since rejoining the company in October 1998. In 1989, Mr.
Dyer entered the employ of the company as Managing Director of Home
Furnishings, became Executive Vice President of Merchandising in 1990, and was
named Vice Chairman, Merchandising and Sales in 1993. He was a director of
the company from 1991 until August 1994. Mr. Dyer was president and chief
operating officer of the Home Shopping network from August 1994 until August
1995, at which time he became an independent catalog/retail consultant, most
recently with the Texas Pacific Group and the J. Crew Group. From 1972 to
1989, Mr. Dyer was employed at Burdine's a specialty retail chain, where he
served as Senior Vice President of Marketing and General Merchandising Manager
of Women's Apparel, Accessories and Cosmetics.
Lee Eisenberg, 52, is Executive Vice President and Creative Director. Since
May 1995, Mr. Eisenberg was with TIME Magazine as Editor/Creative Development.
In this capacity, he was involved in the launch of TIME for Kids.
Mr. Eisenberg began his career at Esquire magazine in 1970, and went on
to serve as their top editor.
Mindy Meads, 47, is Executive Vice President of Merchandising and Design.
Ms. Meads originally joined the company in 1991 as Vice President and Group
Merchandising Manager for the women's apparel division and, in 1994, the men's
and coed groups were added to her responsibilities. In January 1995, she was
named Senior Vice President, Merchandising and Design. She left the company
in 1996 to join Gymboree Corporation in San Francisco as their Senior Vice
President and General Merchandise Manager. Before first joining Lands' End,
Ms. Meads was Merchandise Manager for The Limited. Before The Limited, she
had a 12-year tenure with R. H. Macy & Company of New York where she rose to
Senior Vice President, Merchandise.
Stephen A. (Chip) Orum, 53, is currently Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer. Mr. Orum joined the company as Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer in June 1991, was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer in February 1993, and became Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer in addition to Chief Financial Officer in October 1994.
From 1994 until January 1999, Mr. Orum served as Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining Lands' End, Mr. Orum was employed
by Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc. since 1982 in various capacities, reaching
the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
Francis P. Schaecher, 51, is Senior Vice President of Operations. Mr.
Schaecher joined the company in 1982 as Operations Manager. He served as Vice
President of Operations from 1983 until 1990, at which time he assumed his
present position.
All executive officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
There is no family relationship between any of the executive officers of the
company. None of the company's directors or executive officers were involved
in any criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar
misdemeanors) nor was any such person a party to any civil proceeding of a
judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction as a result of which
such person was or is subject to a judgment decree or final order enjoining
future violations of or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to
federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such
laws.
9
Item 2. Properties
The following table sets forth certain information of the company and its
subsidiaries relating to their principal facilities as of January 29, 1999.
None of these properties is subject to mortgage or collateral assignment.
Type of
Location Interest
Domestic Properties:
Wisconsin:
Warehouses in Dodgeville and Reedsburg Owned
Phone centers and offices in Dodgeville,
Cross Plains and Reedsburg Owned
Activity Center in Dodgeville Owned
Hangars in Madison and Mineral Point Owned
Inlet (B) stores in Brookfield, Fox Point
and Madison Leased
Outlet stores in Madison, Oshkosh, and Dodgeville Leased
Offices in Madison Leased
Iowa:
Manufacturing plants in West Union and Elkader Owned
Outlet store in Iowa City (A) Leased
Illinois:
Outlet stores in Evanston, Lombard, Niles, Schaumburg
Vernon Hills (A), Champaign, Springfield, and
Rockford (A) Leased
Minnesota:
Inlet (B) stores in Richfield and Minnetonka
and Woodbury Leased
Travelers Inlet Store (C) at the Minneapolis/
St. Paul International Airport Leased
New York:
Inlet (B)-store in Rochester Leased
International Properties:
United Kingdom:
Warehouse, phone center, outlet store, and offices
in Oakham Owned
Outlet store in Bicester Village Leased
Sourcing office in London Leased
Japan:
Warehouse in Fujieda City Leased
Offices and phone center in Yokohama Leased
Germany:
Offices and phone center in Mettlach Leased
Portugal:
Sourcing office in Maia Leased
Hong Kong: Sourcing Office Leased
The company believes that its facilities are in good condition, well
maintained and suitable for their intended uses.
10
(A) Outlet stores will be closing in the first quarter of fiscal 2000.
(B) The company introduced its "inlet" (originally known only as outlet)
concept during fiscal 1997. The "inlet" store enhances the traditional
outlet "overstock" store and offers face-to-face catalog shopping
within a store. The "inlet" stores carry a limited selection of Lands'
End signature items at regular catalog prices, along with expanded
customer service that catalog customers have come to expect.
(C) The Traveler's Inlet is located at the Minneapolis/St. Paul
International Airport and carries only full-price merchandise and
offers special services to travelers.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
There are no material legal proceedings presently pending, except for routine
litigation incidental to the business, to which the company is a party or of
which any of its property is the subject.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of the fiscal year ended January 29, 1999.
11
PART II.
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Shareholder
Matters
Market Information
The common stock of the company is listed and traded on the New York Stock
Exchange. The stock tables in most daily newspapers list the company as
"LandsE". Ticker symbol: LE. See Note 13 "Consolidated quarterly analysis"
for information on the high and low stock prices of the company's common
stock. The closing price of the company's stock on the New York Stock
Exchange on March 26, 1999, (the record date) was $32 9/16 per share.
Shareholders
As of March 26, 1999, the number of shareholders of record of common stock
of the company was 2,348. This number excludes shareholders whose stock is
held in nominee or street name by brokers.
Dividends
See Item 7 "Liquidity and capital resources" of Management's Discussion and
Analysis for the company's decision not to pay cash dividends during fiscal
years 1999, 1998 and 1997.
12
Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data
FIVE-YEAR CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL SUMMARY (unaudited)
Lands' End, Inc. & Subsidiaries
(In thousands, except for share data)
Fiscal Year 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
Income statement data:
Net sales $1,371,375 $1,263,629 $1,118,743 $1,031,548 $992,106
Pretax income 49,500 101,825 84,919 50,925 59,663
Percent to net sales 3.6% 8.1% 7.6% 4.9% 6.0%
Net income 31,185 64,150 50,952 30,555 36,096
Per share of common stock:1
Basic earnings per share $1.02 $2.01 $1.54 $0.89 $1.03
Diluted earnings per share $1.01 $2.00 $1.53 $0.89 $1.02
Cash dividends per share - - - - -
Common shares outstanding 30,142 30,979 32,442 33,659 34,826
Balance sheet data:
Current assets $294,303 $299,146 $272,039 $222,089 $198,168
Current liabilities 205,283 182,013 145,566 114,744 102,717
Property, plant, equipment
and intangibles, net 161,616 134,326 106,006 101,408 99,444
Total assets 455,919 433,472 378,045 323,497 297,612
Noncurrent liabilities 8,133 8,747 9,474 7,561 5,767
Shareholders'
investment 242,503 242,712 223,005 201,192 189,128
Other data:
Net working capital $ 89,020 $117,133 $126,473 $107,345 $ 95,451
Capital expenditures 46,750 48,228 17,992 14,780 27,005
Depreciation and
amortization expense 18,731 15,127 13,558 12,456 10,311
Return on average
shareholders'
investment 13% 28% 24% 16% 20%
Return on average assets 7% 16% 15% 10% 13%
1. Net income per share was computed after giving retroactive effect on the
two-for-one stock split in May 1994.
13
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Financial
Condition and Results of Operations
Results of operations for fiscal 1999, compared to fiscal 1998
For fiscal 1999, sales growth softened to 8.5 percent, compared to 13 percent
in the prior year. The growth in sales was mainly from the company's
specialty segment. Gross profit margin decreased due primarily to more steep
markdowns on a higher proportion of sales of liquidated merchandise. Higher
inventory levels throughout the year allowed the company to achieve a first-
time fulfillment of 91 percent. This exceeded our goal of shipping at least
90 percent of all items when the customer places an order. Net income
decreased 51 percent compared to last year. Net income includes after-tax
non-recurring charges of $7.9 million for fiscal 1999, or $0.26 per share.
Consolidated statements of operations presented as a percentage of net sales:
For the period ended
January 29, January 30, January 31,
1999 1998 1997
Net sales 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Cost of sales 55.0 53.4 54.5
Gross profit 45.0 46.6 45.5
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 39.7 38.8 37.9
Non-recurring charge 0.9 - -
Charge from sale of subsidiary - - 0.1
Income from operations 4.4 7.8 7.5
Interest income (expense), net (0.6) - 0.1
Gain on sale of subsidiary - 0.6 -
Other (0.2) (0.3) -
Income before income taxes 3.6 8.1 7.6
Income tax provision 1.3 3.0 3.0
Net income 2.3% 5.1% 4.6%
14
Net sales grew by 8.5 percent
Net sales for the year just ended totaled $1.371 billion, compared with $1.264
billion in the prior year, an increase of 8.5 percent. The increase in sales
was due primarily to additional catalogs and pages mailed to customers. The
growth in sales came from all of the company's operating segments. In fiscal
1999, our company expanded the number of reported operating segments to three:
core, specialty and international. Prior to this, only domestic and foreign
segments were disclosed. (See Note 12.)
Within the core operating segment, sales from the monthly and prospecting
full-price catalogs were down from the prior year despite an increase in pages
circulated. The specialty segment has a higher operating profit compared with
the core and international segments, due principally to higher gross profit
margins and relatively lower costs of catalog advertising.
Year-end inventory was $220 million, down 9 percent from $241 million in
fiscal 1998. Inventory throughout most of the year was higher as we
experienced softening sales, especially in the third quarter. To correct
this, we instituted price rollbacks, price reductions and some promotional
pricing in the fourth quarter. This helped increase sales, but also had a
negative effect on the gross profit margin.
Gross profit margin decreased
Gross profit for the year just ended was $617 million, or 45.0 percent of net
sales, compared with $588 million, or 46.6 percent of net sales, for the prior
year. The decrease in gross profit margin was due primarily to more steep
markdowns on higher sales of liquidated merchandise, especially in the fourth
quarter when we aggressively addressed our overstock situation, as well as
from lower initial markups. Liquidations were about 10 percent of total net
sales in fiscal 1999, compared with 8 percent in the prior year.
In fiscal 1999, inflationary pressure was low, and costs of inventory
purchases increased 0.5 percent, compared with 1.2 percent in fiscal 1998.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses rose 11.1 percent to $544
million in fiscal 1999, compared with $490 million in the prior year. As a
percentage of sales, SG&A was 39.7 percent in fiscal 1999 and 38.8 percent in
fiscal 1998. The increase in the SG&A percentage was mainly the result of
lower productivity in the catalogs due to an increase in pages and catalogs
mailed and a weaker response from customers. Additional factors increasing
the SG&A percentage were relatively higher salaries and benefits, higher Year
2000 expenses, and increased investment in the Internet site. This was
partially offset by lower bonus and profit-sharing expense due to lower
profitability. The number of full-price catalogs mailed totaled 259 million
in fiscal 1999, up 12 percent from the prior year, while the total number of
pages mailed increased by about 10 percent.
Over the past two years, catalog circulation has increased 22 percent and page
circulation by 38 percent. This level of circulation was due in part to our
efforts to clear excess inventory in the fourth quarter. Starting this fall,
we will circulate fewer catalogs and pages to reduce less profitable mailings.
This will have a negative effect on sales growth, but is expected to have a
positive impact on operating profit margins by increasing catalog
productivity, or sales per page.
15
The cost of producing and mailing catalogs represented about 43 percent and 41
percent of total SG&A in fiscal 1999 and 1998, respectively.
Depreciation and amortization expense was $18.7 million, up 23.8 percent from
the prior year, primarily because of additional equipment, computer hardware
and software, and buildings. Rental expense was $15.6 million, up 15.7
percent, due mainly to increased computer-related rentals.
In fiscal 1999, we recorded a non-recurring charge of $12.6 million. This
charge includes costs associated with severance payments due to organizational
changes, liquidation of the Willis & Geiger division, closing of three outlet
stores and the termination of a licensing agreement with MontBell Co. Ltd.
(See Note 9.)
Utilization of credit lines increased
Because of higher inventory levels and lower profits throughout the year,
there was additional borrowing under our short-term lines of credit,
increasing our interest expense to $7.7 million in fiscal 1999. In addition,
we spent $47 million in capital expenditures and purchased about $36 million
in treasury stock. Our lines of credit peaked at $257 million in October
1998, compared with a peak of $118 million in the prior year. At January 29,
1999, the company's foreign subsidiaries had short-term debt outstanding of
$17.1 million and domestic operations had borrowings of $21.8 million. No
long-term debt was outstanding at fiscal year-end 1999.
Net income decreased
Net income for fiscal 1999 was $31.2 million, down 51 percent from the $64.2
million earned in fiscal 1998. Diluted earnings per share for the year just
ended were $1.01, compared with $2.00 per share for the prior year. The
diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding was 30.8 million
for fiscal 1999 and 32.1 million for fiscal 1998.
The fiscal 1999 results include an after-tax non-recurring charge of $7.9
million, or $0.26 per share. In the first quarter of fiscal 1998 the company
had an after-tax gain of $4.9 million, or $0.15 per share, from the sale of
its majority interest in The Territory Ahead. Before the effect of these
adjustments, net income for fiscal 1999 was $39.1 million, or $1.27 per share,
compared with $59.2 million, or $1.85 per share in fiscal 1998.
Fiscal 1998, compared with fiscal 1997
Sales growth was strong throughout fiscal 1998. Gross profit margin improved,
mainly due to higher initial margins, while selling, general and
administrative expenses rose due primarily to a higher number of pages mailed,
which reduced productivity, or sales per page. In fiscal 1997, inventory
levels were too low, and we disappointed more customers than in prior years.
Higher inventory levels in the last half of fiscal 1998 increased our first-
time fulfillment rate and resulted in fewer lost sales and backorders. Sales
in the United States from our core monthly and prospecting catalogs accounted
for about 53 percent of total net sales in fiscal 1998. Sales from our
foreign-based operations in Japan, the United Kingdom and Germany accounted
for just above 10 percent of total net sales. Net income increased 25.9
percent this year compared to last year. Net income in fiscal 1998 included
an after-tax gain of $4.9 million from the sale of our majority interest in
The Territory Ahead.
16
Net sales grew by 13 percent
Net sales for the year just ended totaled $1.264 billion, compared with $1.119
billion in the prior year, an increase of 13.0 percent. Our sales increase in
fiscal 1998 came mainly from growth in our specialty businesses, as well as
from our core business, represented by the monthly and prospecting catalogs,
and from our foreign-based operations. Our sales growth can be attributed to
increases in the number of pages and catalogs mailed. In fiscal 1998,
worldwide, we mailed 230 million full-price catalogs, compared to the prior
year's 211 million. The total number of pages mailed increased about 26
percent. The company had a majority interest in The Territory Ahead for the
first two months of fiscal 1998 and throughout all of fiscal 1997. Net sales
for fiscal 1998 and 1997 included $5.1 million and $30.1 million,
respectively, from The Territory Ahead. Excluding these amounts from both
fiscal years' revenues, net sales for fiscal 1998 increased 15.6 percent.
Our inventory balance at the end of fiscal 1998 was $241 million, up 69
percent from fiscal 1997 ending inventory of $142 million. In fiscal 1997,
many customers were disappointed when their orders could not be filled during
the late fall and holiday seasons. During 1998 we increased inventory,
especially in the last half of the year, resulting in higher fulfillment rates
for the most recent holiday period and reaching an annualized first-time
fulfillment rate of 88 percent. This compares to an 86 percent rate in fiscal
1997, but was below our goal of shipping at least 90 percent of all items when
the customer places an order. Higher inventory levels may result in greater
product liquidations at lower margins in future periods.
Gross profit margin improved
Gross profit increased 15.5 percent to $588 million in fiscal 1998, compared
with $510 million in fiscal 1997. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit
rose to 46.6 percent in fiscal 1998, compared with 45.5 percent in fiscal
1997. The increase in gross profit margin was due primarily to higher initial
markups and less steep markdowns on fewer liquidated sales. Liquidation of
out-of-season and overstocked merchandise was 8 percent of net sales in fiscal
1998, compared with 9 percent in the prior year.
In fiscal 1998, inflationary pressure was low, and costs of inventory
purchases increased 1.2 percent, compared with 1.0 percent in fiscal 1997.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses rose 15.4 percent in fiscal 1998
to $490 million, from $424 million in fiscal 1997. As a percentage of sales,
SG&A was 38.8 percent in fiscal 1998, compared with 37.9 percent in fiscal
1997. The increase in the SG&A ratio was mainly the result of lower
productivity, or sales per page, in the core catalogs due to an increase in
the number of pages mailed, partially offset by lower paper prices. An
additional factor increasing the SG&A ratio was relatively higher spending on
information systems development. The cost of producing and mailing catalogs
represented about 41 percent and 42 percent of total SG&A in fiscal 1998 and
1997, respectively.
Depreciation and amortization expense was $15.1 million, up 11.6 percent from
the prior year, primarily because of additional equipment, computer hardware
and software, and buildings. Rental expense was $13.5 million, up 5.4
percent, due mainly to increased computer-related rentals and building
rentals.
17
Utilization of credit lines increased
Because of higher inventory levels for most 1998, there was additional
borrowing under our short-term lines of credit, increasing our interest
expense by nearly $1.5 million from fiscal 1997. In addition, we spent $48
million in capital expenditures and purchased about $46 million in treasury
stock. Our lines of credit peaked at $118 million in October 1997, compared
with a peak of $27 million in the prior year. At January 30, 1998, we had
short-term debt outstanding for foreign subsidiaries of $25 million, and
domestic operations of $7.0 million and no long-term debt outstanding.
Net income increased
Net income for fiscal 1998 was $64.2 million, up 25.9 percent from the $51.0
million earned in fiscal 1997. Diluted earnings per share for the year just
ended were $2.00, compared with $1.53 per share for the prior year. Fiscal
1998 net income includes an after-tax foreign currency exchange loss of $2.4
million, recorded as other expense. The diluted weighted average number of
common shares outstanding was 32.1 million for fiscal 1998 and 33.2 million
for fiscal 1997.
As previously reported, in the first quarter of fiscal 1998, we had an after-
tax gain of $4.9 million, or $0.15 per share, from the sale of our majority
interest in The Territory Ahead. In the third quarter of fiscal 1997, we
recorded an after-tax charge to earnings of $840,000, or $0.03 per share, in
connection with the sale of our wholly owned subsidiary MontBell America, Inc.
Before the effect of these adjustments, net income for fiscal 1998 was $59.2
million, or $1.85 per share, compared with $51.8 million, or $1.56 per share,
in fiscal 1997.
In August 1997, United Parcel Service (UPS), which delivers almost all
packages to our customers, was on strike for 15 days. During this period, the
company was able to deliver all orders in a timely fashion through the United
States Postal Service (USPS). The cumulative costs of lost sales, increased
shipping through USPS and advertising to notify customers that orders would be
shipped were estimated to have a negative impact of $0.04 to $0.08 per share.
The Christmas season is our busiest
Our business is highly seasonal. The fall/winter season is a five-month
period ending in December. In the longer spring/summer season, orders are
fewer and the merchandise offered generally has lower unit selling prices than
products offered in the fall/winter season. As a result, net sales are
usually substantially greater in the fall/winter season, and SG&A as a
percentage of net sales is usually higher in the spring/summer season. In
fiscal 1999, a greater amount of net sales occurred later in the holiday
season, compared to previous years. Additionally, as we continue to refine
our marketing efforts by experimenting with the timing of our catalog
mailings, quarterly results may fluctuate.
Nearly 40 percent of our annual sales came in the fourth quarter of fiscal
years 1999 and 1998. Approximately 82 percent and 63 percent of before-tax
profit was realized in the same quarter of fiscal 1999 and 1998, respectively.
18
Liquidity and capital resources
To date, the bulk of our working capital needs have been met through funds
generated from operations and from short-term bank loans. Our principal need
for working capital has been to meet peak inventory requirements associated
with our seasonal sales pattern. In addition, our resources have been used to
make asset additions and purchase treasury stock.
At January 29, 1999, we had unsecured domestic credit facilities totaling $120
million, of which $21.8 million was used. The company also maintains foreign
credit lines for use in foreign operations totaling the equivalent of
approximately $52 million, of which $17.1 million was used at January 29,
1999. The company has a separate $20 million bank facility available to fund
treasury stock purchases and capital expenditures. This facility runs through
May 31, 1999.
Since fiscal 1990, the company's board of directors has authorized the
purchase of a total of 12.7 million shares of the company's common stock. A
total of 1.1 million, 1.5 million, and 1.3 million shares have been purchased
in the fiscal years ended January 29, 1999, January 30, 1998 and January 31,
1997, respectively. As of January 29, 1999, 11.4 million shares have been
purchased, and there is a balance of 1.3 million shares authorized to be
purchased by the company.
During fiscal 1995, the board of directors evaluated its dividend practice
whereby it had paid annual dividends. Given our intent to buy back additional
shares, the payment of cash dividends is not planned for the foreseeable
future.
Capital investment
Capital investment was about $47 million in fiscal 1999. Major projects
included computer hardware and software, materials handling equipment, a new
distribution and phone center in Oakham, England, expansion of office
facilities in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, and expansion of distribution facilities
in Reedsburg, Wisconsin.
In the coming year, we plan less than $20 million in capital expenditures.
Major projects will include computer hardware and software, distribution
center equipment and materials handling equipment. We believe that our cash
flow from operations and borrowings under our current credit facilities will
provide adequate resources to meet our capital requirements and operational
needs for the foreseeable future.
Other matters
Segment disclosure
In June 1997, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information"
("SFAS No. 131"). SFAS No. 131 establishes standards for the way companies
report information about operating segments including the related disclosures
about products and services. The company has adopted SFAS No. 131 during the
fiscal year ended January 29, 1999, and, as required, has restated prior years
for comparability. The company has three business segments consisting of
core (regular monthly, First Person Singular, Beyond Buttondowns, and
prospector catalogs), specialty (Kids, Coming Home, Willis & Geiger and
Corporate Sales) and international (foreign-based operations in Japan, the
United Kingdom and Germany). See Note 12, where the company discloses
information about its reportable segments.
19
Year 2000
The "Year 2000" issue refers to the possibility that some date-sensitive
computer software will not correctly interpret "00" references, possibly
resulting in processing errors or system failures. We do not manufacture or
sell any products that could encounter Year 2000 problems. However, the Year
2000 issue could affect computers that we use for entering orders from
customers, for monitoring business information such as customer lists and
inventory positions, and for other business processes, as well as
microprocessors embedded in equipment used in our warehouses and other
facilities. In addition, the Year 2000 issue could affect third parties on
which we depend, such as our product vendors and suppliers of telephone
communications, credit card processing, Internet support, product shipment,
package delivery, catalog production and distribution, and other important
services. Our facilities also depend on basic infrastructure items such as
electricity and water utilities. Computer errors or failures in any of these
areas have the potential to disrupt our business operations.
We began to address the Year 2000 issue in 1996 and established a Year 2000
project office in 1997. The project office works with our information systems
department and outside consultants to identify and assess the Year 2000
readiness of our internal computer systems and microprocessors and, where
appropriate, to remediate and test them. The project office is also working
with our buyers, quality assurance and other personnel to assess the readiness
of our suppliers to deal with the Year 2000 issue. The principal activities
of our Year 2000 project office are as follows:
Internal Systems: Most of the software that is critical to our business runs
on mainframe computers in a MVS operating environment, as well as on a few
mid-range computers. Certain less important functions are performed on a
mainframe computer in a VM operating environment. We have completed
substantially all of the identification, assessment, remediation and unit
testing efforts.
A substantial amount of the mainframe remediation and unit testing work has
been performed by a consulting firm. Another firm has completed its
assessment and recommendation for integration testing, which is underway and
is currently expected to be substantially complete by the third quarter of
1999. However, due to the less critical nature of certain operations
performed in the VM environment, further remediation in that area, as well as
related unit and integration testing, is expected to continue throughout 1999
on a selectively prioritized basis, and some of these functions may not be
remediated.
We completed an inventory and assessment of hardware and software associated
with personal computers in 1998. We currently expect to complete remediation
of these systems in mid-1999.
We have also identified and assessed the microprocessors used in our
warehouses and other facilities in the United States, Japan and the United
Kingdom. We have not identified significant problems in this area and
currently expect to complete remediation and testing by mid-1999.
20
Suppliers: Our Year 2000 project office is working closely with other
departments, including our merchandising, inventory and quality assurance
staff, to track the Year 2000 readiness of our principal product vendors
through written questionnaires, telephone calls and on-site visits. Among
other things, we are evaluating the readiness of vendors' manufacturing
processes and business operations and their ability to perform electronic data
interchange with us. In addition, we are evaluating the vulnerability of
vendors to possible interruption of the supply of key components of their
products, such as fabric, buttons and zippers.
Our evaluation of product vendors is focused on approximately 50 suppliers
that collectively account for more than 85 percent of our unit volume of
product purchases. Out of that group, we currently believe that approximately
74 percent are making substantial progress and should continue to be
monitored, while approximately 26 percent may experience problems that will
need to be addressed further in contingency planning. In addition, we have
successfully verified and tested electronic data interchange with all product
vendors.
We have also identified approximately 150 suppliers of services and
infrastructure items that are most important to our business operations. Each
of these service providers has been assigned a business leader who is
responsible for ensuring the Year 2000 assessment information is current as
well as establishing contingency plans as needed. We currently believe that
approximately 71 percent are making substantial progress, while 29 percent may
experience Year 2000-related problems and merit increased monitoring and
contingency planning. With respect to our most critical telecommunications,
catalog production and delivery providers, we have had extensive contacts with
them and received substantial information concerning their Year 2000
readiness, and have identified no significant problems that are likely to be
encountered.
We currently have less comfort regarding foreign suppliers and infrastructure
issues, especially in Asia, than we do in the domestic environment. Foreign
service suppliers are very important to our business because approximately
half of our products are manufactured abroad. In many cases we are currently
unable to assess the extent of Year 2000 problems that may be encountered. We
continue to monitor these suppliers based on our business exposure in each
country.
Contingency Planning: The Year 2000 project office currently expects to have
developed most of the initial contingency plans by April 1999 in order to
address any internal items that cannot be remediated and third-party issues
that may place our operations at risk. We expect to review and modify these
contingency plans throughout 1999.
Based on the activities of our Year 2000 project office, we currently expect
that our most important computer systems will be able to function adequately
into the next century. While some disruptions are likely to occur with
internal systems and at least a few product vendors, we believe the most
probable scenario is that there will not be a systemic failure of important
services or infrastructure that will materially disrupt our operations as a
whole. Moreover, in view of the strong seasonality of our business, any
disruptions that do occur are likely to take place in the off-peak selling
period following the 1999 holiday season. However, our expectations in this
regard are forward-looking in nature and are necessarily subject to the many
uncertainties that relate to the Year 2000 issue, especially as it affects our
suppliers and other third parties over whom we have little or no control. If
21
our remediation, supplier evaluation and contingency planning efforts are not
successful, there could be a material adverse effect on our business, results
of operations or financial condition. We currently believe that the greatest
area of risk in this regard relates to foreign supply and infrastructure
issues such as the ability to ship products produced in other countries. In
addition, our sales volume could be adversely affected if widespread Year 2000
problems in our domestic or foreign markets were to result in a general
slowdown of economic activity and consumer demand.
Cost: The total cost of our Year 2000 efforts is expected to be about $21
million, which is being expensed as incurred except for about $1 million of
hardware replacement costs that have been or will be capitalized. About $3.4
million of the total amount was incurred through the end of fiscal 1998 and
approximately an additional $8.9 million in fiscal 1999. We currently expect
that about $7.8 million of additional expenditures will be incurred in fiscal
2000, and about $1 million in fiscal 2001. The timing and amount of these
future expenditures are forward-looking and subject to uncertainties relating
to our ongoing assessment of the Year 2000 issue and appropriate remediation
efforts, contingency plans and responses to any problems that may arise. Our
Year 2000 expenses have been paid out of our annual budgets for information
services. Accordingly, other technology development projects have been
delayed to the extent that resources have been devoted to the Year 2000
project.
Exchange rate sensitivity (derivatives)
The table below provides information about the company's derivative financial
instruments and related underlying transactions that are sensitive to foreign
exchange rates, summarized by currency in U.S. dollar equivalents. As of
January 29, 1999, the company estimates a net foreign currency transaction
exposure of $57.4 million of which $43.0 million is hedged with foreign
currency forward and option contracts.
The table shows the impact to the company from a plus/minus 10 percent change
in exchange rates on the company's net currency exposure. The company
believes it has no material sensitivity to changes in foreign currency
exchange rates on its net exposed derivative financial instrument position.
As of January 29, 1999
(Dollars in millions)
U.S. Dollar Net Net Foreign Foreign
Value of Net Underlying Exposed Exchange Exchange
Foreign Foreign Long/ Loss From Gain From
Exchange Currency (Short) 10% Appre- 10% Depre-
and Option Transaction Currency ciation of ciation of
Currency Contracts Exposures Position U.S. Dollar U.S. Dollar
Japanese yen $ 25.8 $ 31.5 $ 5.7 $ (0.6) $ 0.6
German mark $ 17.2 $ 25.9 $ 8.7 $ (0.9) $ 0.9
Total $ 43.0 $ 57.4 $14.4 $ (1.5) $ 1.5
Interest rate sensitivity
The company's unsecured lines of credit are subject to floating interest
rates. As of January 29, 1999, the company had short-term debt outstanding of
$38.9 million and no long-term debt outstanding. At January 29, 1999, a
sensitivity analysis was performed for financial instruments that have
interest rate risk. The company has determined that an increase of 10 percent
in the company's weighted average interest rates would have no material affect
on the consolidated financial position.
22
Possible future changes
A 1992 Supreme Court decision confirmed that the Commerce Clause of the United
States Constitution prevents a state from requiring the collection of its use
tax by a mail order company unless the company has a physical presence in the
state. However, there continues to be uncertainty due to inconsistent
application of the Supreme Court decision by state and federal courts. The
company attempts to conduct its operations in compliance with its
interpretation of the applicable legal standard, but there can be no assurance
that such compliance will not be challenged.
In recent challenges, various states have sought to require companies to begin
collection of use taxes and/or pay taxes from previous sales. The company has
not received assessments from any state.
The Supreme Court decision also established that Congress has the power to
enact legislation which would permit states to require collection of use taxes
by mail order companies. Congress has from time to time considered proposals
for such legislation. The company anticipates that any legislative change, if
adopted, would be applied only on a prospective basis.
In October 1998, The Internet Tax Freedom Act was signed into law. Among the
provisions of this Act is a three-year moratorium on multiple and
discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce. An Advisory Commission on
Electronic Commerce has been appointed to study and report back to Congress on
whether, and if so, how, electronic commerce should be taxed. We are
monitoring the activities of the Commission, as well as any proposed changes
in the sales and use tax laws and policies in general.
Statement regarding forward-looking information
Statements in this report (including, but not limited to, the president's
letter and Management's Discussion and Analysis) that are not historical are
forward looking, including, without limitation, statements about goals for
Internet sales, anticipated cost savings, and possible circulation reductions
and their anticipated effects on sales or profits. As such, these statements
are inherently subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Future results
may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these
statements due to various factors that may occur. Such factors include, but
are not limited to, the following: general economic or business conditions,
both domestic and foreign; continued growth rates for e-commerce shopping; the
company's ability to attract customers to the Internet; technology
developments and their availability and cost; customer response to product
offerings and initiatives; costs associated with printing and mailing
catalogs; dependence on consumer seasonal buying patterns; the ability of the
company to complete its Y2K programs; and fluctuations in foreign currency
exchange rates.
23
Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statement and Supplementary Data
Consolidated Statement of Operations
Lands' End, Inc. & Subsidiaries
(In thousands, except per share data)
For the period ended
January 29, January 30, January 31,
1999 1998 1997
Net sales $1,371,375 $1,263,629 $1,118,743
Cost of sales 754,661 675,138 609,168
Gross profit 616,714 588,491 509,575
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 544,446 489,923 424,390
Non-recurring charge 12,600 - -
Charge from sale of subsidiary - - 1,400
Income from operations 59,668 98,568 83,785
Other income (expense):
Interest expense (7,734) (1,995) (510)
Interest income 16 1,725 1,148
Gain on sale of subsidiary - 7,805 -
Other (2,450) (4,278) 496
Total other income (expense),
net (10,168) 3,257 1,134
Income before income taxes 49,500 101,825 84,919
Income tax provision 18,315 37,675 33,967
Net income $ 31,185 $ 64,150 $ 50,952
Basic earnings per share $ 1.02 $ 2.01 $ 1.54
Diluted earnings per share $ 1.01 $ 2.00 $ 1.53
Basic weighted average shares
outstanding 30,471 31,851 33,078
Diluted weighted average shares
outstanding 30,763 32,132 33,237
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral
part of these consolidated statements.
24
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Lands' End, Inc. & Subsidiaries
(In thousands) January 29, January 30,
1999 1998
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,641 $ 6,338
Receivables, net 21,083 15,443
Inventory 219,686 241,154
Prepaid advertising 21,357 18,513
Other prepaid expenses 7,589 5,085
Deferred income tax benefits 17,947 12,613
Total current assets 294,303 299,146
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
Land and buildings 102,018 81,781
Fixtures and equipment 154,663 118,190
Leasehold improvements 5,475 5,443
Construction in progress - 12,222
Total property, plant and equipment 262,156 217,636
Less-accumulated depreciation
and amortization 101,570 84,227
Property, plant and equipment, net 160,586 133,409
Intangibles, net 1,030 917
Total assets $455,919 $433,472
Liabilities and shareholders' investment
Current liabilities:
Lines of credit $ 38,942 $ 32,437
Accounts payable 87,922 83,743
Reserve for returns 7,193 6,128
Accrued liabilities 54,392 34,942
Accrued profit sharing 2,256 4,286
Income taxes payable 14,578 20,477
Total current liabilities 205,283 182,013
Deferred income taxes 8,133 8,747
Shareholders' investment:
Common stock, 40,221 shares issued 402 402
Donated capital 8,400 8,400
Additional paid-in capital 26,994 26,457
Deferred compensation (394) (1,047)
Accumulated other comprehensive income 2,003 875
Retained earnings 406,396 375,211
Treasury stock, 10,317 and 9,281
shares at cost, respectively (201,298) (167,586)
Total shareholders' investment 242,503 242,712
Total liabilities and shareholders'
investment $455,919 $433,472
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an
integral part of these consolidated balance sheets.
25
Lands' End, Inc. & Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Investment
Accumulated
Additional Other
Comprehensive Common Donated Paid-in Deferred Comprehensive Retained Treasury
(Dollars in thousands) Income Stock Capital Capital Compensation Income Earnings Stock Total
Balance, Feb. 2, 1996 $402 $8,400 $26,165 $(1,193) $360 $260,109 $ (93,051) $201,192
Purchase of treasury stock - - - - - - (30,143) (30,143)
Issuance of treasury stock - - - (494) - - 1,098 604
Tax benefit of stock
options exercised - - 65 - - - - 65
Deferred compensation expense - - - 317 - - - 317
Comprehensive income:
Net income $50,952 - - - - - 50,952 - 50,952
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation
adjustments 18 - - - - 18 - - 18
Comprehensive income $50,970
Balance, Jan. 31, 1997 $402 $8,400 $26,230 $(1,370) $378 $311,061 $(122,096) $223,005
Purchase of treasury stock - - - - - - (45,899) (45,899)
Issuance of treasury stock - - - - - - 409 409
Tax benefit of stock
options exercised - - 227 - - - - 227
Deferred compensation expense - - - 323 - - - 323
Comprehensive income:
Net income $64,150 - - - - - 64,150 - 64,150
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation
adjustments 497 - - - - 497 - - 497
Comprehensive income $64,647
Balance, Jan. 30, 1998 $402 $8,400 $26,457 $(1,047) $875 $375,211 $(167,586) $242,712
Purchase of treasury stock - - - - - - (35,557) (35,557)
Issuance of treasury stock - - - - - - 1,845 1,845
Tax benefit of stock
options exercised - - 537 - - - - 537
Deferred compensation expense - - - 653 - - - 653
Comprehensive income:
Net income $31,185 - - - - - 31,185 - 31,185
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation
adjustments 1,128 - - - - 1,128 - - 1,128
Comprehensive income $32,313
Balance, January 29, 1999 $402 $8,400 $26,994 $(394) $2,003 $406,396 $(201,298) $242,503
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
26
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Lands' End, Inc. & Subsidiaries For the period ended
(In thousands) Jan. 29, Jan. 30, Jan. 31,
1999 1998 1997
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 31,185 $ 64,150 $ 50,952
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash flows from operating activities-
Pre-tax non-recurring charge 12,600 - -
Depreciation and amortization 18,731 15,127 13,558
Deferred compensation expense 653 323 317
Deferred income taxes (5,948) (1,158) 994
Pre-tax gain on sale of subsidiary - (7,805) -
Loss on disposal of fixed assets 586 1,127 325
Changes in assets and liabilities excluding the
effects of divestitures:
Receivables (5,640) (7,019) (675)
Inventory 21,468 (104,545) 22,371
Prepaid advertising (2,844) (7,447) 4,758
Other prepaid expenses (2,504) (1,366) (145)
Accounts payable 4,179 11,616 14,205
Reserve for returns 1,065 944 629
Accrued liabilities 6,993 8,755 4,390
Accrued profit sharing (2,030) 1,349 1,454
Income taxes payable (5,899) (1,047) 8,268
Other 1,665 64 394
Net cash flows from (used for) operating
activities 74,260 (26,932) 121,795
Cash flows from (used for) investing activities:
Cash paid for capital additions (46,750) (47,659) (18,481)
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary - 12,350 -
Net cash flows used for investing activities (46,750) (35,309) (18,481)
Cash flows from (used for) financing activities:
Proceeds from short-term borrowings 6,505 21,242 1,876
Purchases of treasury stock (35,557) (45,899) (30,143)
Issuance of treasury stock 1,845 409 604
Net cash flows used for financing activities (27,207) (24,248) (27,663)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
and cash equivalents 303 (86,489) 75,651
Beginning cash and cash equivalents 6,338 92,827 17,176
Ending cash and cash equivalents $ 6,641 $ 6,338 $ 92,827
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Interest paid $ 7,693 $ 1,995 $ 517
Income taxes paid 27,857 39,337 25,261
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral
part of these consolidated statements.
27
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Lands' End, Inc. & Subsidiaries
Note 1. Summary of significant accounting policies
Nature of business
Lands' End, Inc., (the company) is a direct marketer of traditionally
styled apparel, domestics (primarily bedding and bath items), soft
luggage, and other products. The company manages its businesses in
three operating segments consisting of core, specialty and
international, based principally on type of catalog focusing on
specific customer needs and market served. The company's primary
market is the United States, and other markets include the Pacific
Basin area, Europe and Canada.
Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the
company and its subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany
accounts and transactions.
Year-end
The company's fiscal year is comprised of 52-53 weeks ending on the
Friday closest to January 31. Fiscal 1999 ended on January 29, 1999,
fiscal 1998 ended on January 30, 1998 and fiscal 1997 ended on
January 31, 1997. All three years were comprised of 52 weeks.
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the
date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues
and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could
differ from those estimates.
Inventory
Inventory, primarily merchandise held for sale, is stated at last-in,
first-out (LIFO) cost, which is lower than market. If the first-in,
first-out (FIFO) method of accounting for inventory had been used,
inventory would have been approximately $26.9 million and $25.1
million higher than reported at January 29, 1999 and January 30, 1998,
respectively.
Advertising
The company expenses the costs of advertising for magazines,
television, radio, and other media the first time the advertising
takes place, except for direct-response advertising, which is
capitalized and amortized over its expected period of future benefits.
28
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Lands' End, Inc. & Subsidiaries
Direct-response advertising consists primarily of catalog production
and mailing costs that are generally amortized within three months
from the date catalogs are mailed. Advertising costs reported as
prepaid assets were $21.4 million and $18.5 million as of January 29,
1999 and January 30, 1998, respectively. Advertising expense was
$262.9 million, $226.7 million and $195.7 million for fiscal years
ended January 29, 1999, January 30, 1998 and January 31, 1997,
respectively.
Depreciation
Depreciation expense is calculated using the straight-line method over
the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are 20 to 30 years for
buildings and land improvements and five to 10 years for leasehold
improvements and furniture, fixtures, equipment, and software. The
company provides one-half year of depreciation in the year of addition
and retirement.
Intangibles
Intangible assets consist primarily of trademarks, as well as their
associated goodwill that is being amortized over 15 years on a
straight-line basis.
Reserve for losses on customer returns
At the time of sale, the company provides a reserve equal to the gross
profit on projected merchandise returns, based on its prior returns
experience.
Financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk
The company is party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet
risk in the normal course of business to reduce its exposure to
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and to meet financing
needs.
29
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Lands' End, Inc. & Subsidiaries
The company enters into forward exchange contracts and options to
hedge anticipated foreign currency transactions during the upcoming
seasons. The purpose of the company's foreign currency hedging
activities is to protect the company from the risk that the eventual
dollar cash flows resulting from these transactions will be adversely
affected by changes in exchange rates. At January 29, 1999, the
company had forward exchange contracts, maturing through November
1999, to sell approximately 2.9 billion Japanese yen and 24.0 million
Deutsche marks. In addition, as of January 29, 1999, the company had
outstanding forward currency options to sell 400.0 million Japanese
yen and 5.0 million Deutsche marks. The gains and losses on the
outstanding forward exchange contracts are reflected in the financial
statements in the period in which the currency fluctuation occurs.
The premiums on options are amortized over the life of the option.
The company also uses import letters of credit to purchase foreign-
sourced merchandise. The letters of credit are primarily U.S. dollar-
denominated and are issued through third-party financial institutions
to guarantee payment for such merchandise within agreed-upon time
periods. At January 29, 1999, the company had outstanding letters of
credit of approximately $18 million, all of which had expiration dates
of less than one year.
The counterparties to the financial instruments discussed above are
primarily large financial institutions; management believes the risk
of counterparty nonperformance on these financial instruments is not
significant.
Foreign currency and transactions
Financial statements of the foreign subsidiaries are translated into
U.S. dollars in accordance with the provisions of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 52. Translation adjustments
are accumulated in a separate component of stockholders' equity.
Foreign currency transaction gains and losses, recorded as other
income and expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations,
included losses of $1.9 million and $3.8 million and a gain of $0.2
million in fiscal 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Fair values of financial instruments
The fair value of financial instruments does not materially differ
from their carrying values.
Reclassifications
Certain financial statement amounts have been reclassified to be
consistent with the fiscal 1999 presentation.
30
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Lands' End, Inc. & Subsidiaries
Accounting standards
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
133, "Accounting For Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities."
This statement addresses the accounting for derivative instruments,
including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts,
and hedging activities. The provisions of SFAS No. 133 are effective
for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999. The company may adopt
this standard in fiscal 2000, and is currently assessing its impact.
Note 2. Shareholders' investment
Capital stock
The company currently has 160 million shares of $0.01 par value common
stock. The company is authorized to issue 5 million shares of
preferred stock, $0.01 par value. The company's board of directors
has the authority to issue shares and to fix dividend, voting and
conversion rights, redemption provisions, liquidation preferences, and
other rights and restrictions of the preferred stock. No preferred
shares have been issued.
Treasury stock
The company's board of directors has authorized the purchase of a
total of 12.7 million shares of the company's common stock. A total
of 11.4 million, 10.3 million and 8.8 million shares had been
purchased as of January 29, 1999, January 30, 1998 and January 31,
1997, respectively.
Treasury stock activity was as follows:
For the period ended
Jan. 29, 1999 Jan. 30, 1998 Jan. 31, 1997
Beginning balance 9,281,138 7,778,258 6,561,298
Purchase of stock 1,144,460 1,533,880 1,284,270
Issuance of stock (108,480) (31,000) (67,310)
Ending Balance 10,317,118 9,281,138 7,778,258
31
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Lands' End, Inc. & Subsidiaries
Earnings per share
A reconciliation of the basic and diluted per share computations is as
follows (dollars are shown in thousands, except per share data):
Jan. 29, Jan. 30, Jan. 31,
1999 1998 1997
Net income $31,185 $64,150 $50,952
Basic weighted average shares of
common stock outstanding 30,471 31,851 33,078
Incremental shares from assumed
exercise of stock options 292 281 159
Diluted weighted average shares of
common stock outstanding 30,763 32,132 33,237
Basic earnings per share $ 1.02 $ 2.01 $ 1.54
Diluted earnings per share $ 1.01 $ 2.00 $ 1.53
Options to purchase the following shares of common stock were
outstanding as of each date indicated but were not included in the
computation of diluted EPS because the options' exercise prices were
greater than the average market price of the common shares:
Shares Exercise Price
January 29, 1999 80,000 $28.63
2,917 30.94
155,500 34.94
5,000 34.00
669,000 32.38
January 30, 1998 2,917 $30.94
265,000 34.94
January 31, 1997 150,000 $25.50
Stock awards and grants
The company has a restricted stock award plan. Under the provisions
of the plan, a committee of the company's board of directors may award
shares of the company's common stock to its officers and key
employees. Such shares vest over a five- or 10-year period on a
straight-line basis from the date of the award.
32
Note to Consolidated Financial Statements
Lands' End, Inc. & Subsidiaries
The following table reflects the activity under the stock award and
stock grant plans:
Awards Grants
Balance at February 2, 1996 96,680 0
Granted - 25,000
Forfeited (6,560) -
Vested (15,000) -
Balance at January 31, 1997 75,120 25,000
Granted - -
Forfeited (980) -
Vested (17,140) (5,000)
Balance at January 30, 1998 57,000 20,000
Granted - -
Forfeited (11,860) (15,000)
Vested (14,140) (5,000)
Balance at January 29, 1999 31,000 0
The granting of these awards and grants has been recorded as deferred
compensation based on the fair market value of the shares at the date
of grant. Compensation expense under these plans is recorded as
shares vest.
Stock options
The company has 5.5 million shares of common stock (which includes 3.0
million shares subject to shareholder approval at the 1999 annual
meeting of shareholders) and 0.4 million shares, either authorized and
unissued or treasury shares, that may be issued pursuant to the
exercise of options granted under the company's Stock Option Plan (for
employees) and the Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan,
respectively.
Under the company's Stock Option Plan, options are granted at the
discretion of a committee of the company's board of directors to
officers and key employees of the company. In fiscal 1998, the board
of directors of the company adopted the Non-Employee Director Stock
Option Plan to encourage stock ownership by members of the board of
directors of the company who are not also employed by the company in
order to further align the interests of the non-employee directors
with those of the shareholders. No option may have an exercise price
less than the fair market value per share of the common stock at the
date of the grant.
33
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Lands' End, Inc. & Subsidiaries
Activity under the stock option plans is as follows:
Average
Exercise Exercisable
Options Price Options
Balance at February 2, 1996 621,700 $15.87 150,240
Granted 647,000 $20.52
Exercised (42,310) $14.28
Forfeited (75,990) $16.69
Balance at January 31, 1997 1,150,400 $18.49 193,140
Granted 347,917 $33.45
Exercised (31,000) $13.21
Forfeited - -
Balance at January 30, 1998 1,467,317 $21.42 350,107
Granted 1,874,000 $23.73
Exercised (108,480) $17.01
Forfeited (541,330) $22.35
Balance at January 29, 1999 2,691,507 $23.41 473,597
The range of options outstanding as of January 29, 1999 is as follows:
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Number of Options Weighted Average Contractual
Price Range Shares Exercise Price Life
Per Share Outstanding/Exercisable Outstanding/Exercisable (In years)
$12.00-$19.99 1,422,650/306,740 $17.88/$16.20 8.6
$20.00-$29.99 436,440/133,940 23.41/ 25.43 8.6
$30.00-$35.00 832,417/ 32,917 32.86/ 34.44 9.8
2,691,507/473,597 $23.41/$20.08 9.0
The options above generally have a 10-year term. Options granted
under the company's Stock Option Plan generally vest from six months
to five years; options granted under the Non-Employee Director Stock
Option Plan vest over a period from zero to two years.
Stock-based compensation
During fiscal 1996 the company adopted SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation." As permitted by the statement, the company
will continue to account for its stock-based compensation plans as
presented by APB Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations.
Accordingly, compensation costs related to the stock awards and grants
were $0.7 million, $0.3 million and $0.3 million in fiscal 1999, 1998,
and 1997, respectively. These compensation costs are recorded in
Deferred Compensation in the Shareholders' investment section of the
Consolidated Balance Sheet.
34
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Lands' End, Inc. & Subsidiaries
Had compensation cost for the company's options granted after
January 27, 1995 been determined consistent with SFAS No. 123, the
company's net income and earnings per share would have been reduced to
the following pro forma amounts:
(In thousands, Jan. 29, Jan. 30, Jan. 31,
except per share data) 1999 1998 1997
Net income
As reported $31,185 $64,150 $50,952
Pro forma $26,429 $62,511 $50,402
Basic earnings per share
As reported $ 1.02 $ 2.01 $ 1.54
Pro forma $ 0.87 $ 1.96 $ 1.52
Diluted earnings per share
As reported $ 1.01 $ 2.00 $ 1.53
Pro forma $ 0.86 $ 1.95 $ 1.52
The fair value of each option grant was estimated as of the date of
grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model. The resulting
compensation cost was amortized over the vesting period.
The option grant fair values and assumptions used to determine such
value are as follows:
Options granted during 1999 1998 1997
Weighted average grant-date
fair value $11.21 $17.02 $13.34
Assumptions:
Risk-free interest rates 4.74% 6.10% 6.57%
Expected volatility 35.86% 37.30% 42.21%
Expected term (in years) 7.0 7.0 7.0
Note 3. Income taxes
Earnings before income taxes consisted of the following (in
thousands):
1999 1998 1997
United States $ 44,499 $ 95,909 $ 80,807
Foreign 5,001 5,916 4,112
Total $ 49,500 $101,825 $ 84,919
35
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Lands' End, Inc. & Subsidiaries
The components of the provision for income taxes for each of the
periods presented are as follows (in thousands):
Period ended,
January 29, January 30, January 31,
1999 1998 1997
Current:
Federal $ 21,026 $ 31,335 $ 26,291
State 1,752 4,449 4,993
Foreign 1,485 3,049 1,689
Deferred (5,948) (1,158) 994
$ 18,315 $ 37,675 $ 33,967
The difference between income taxes at the statutory federal income
tax rate of 35 percent and income tax reported in the statements of
operations is as follows (in thousands):
Period ended,
January 29, January 30, January 31,
1999 1998 1997
Amount Percent Amount Percent Amount Percent
Tax at statutory
federal tax rate $17,325 35% $35,640 35% $29,720 35%
Foreign taxes (excess
over statutory rate) 263 - 1,130 1 551 1
State income taxes,
net of federal benefit 1,306 3 3,999 4 3,314 4
Tax credits & other (579) (1) (3,094) (3) 382 -
$18,315 37% $37,675 37% $33,967 40%
Under the liability method prescribed by the SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for
Income Taxes," deferred taxes are provided based upon enacted tax laws and
rates applicable to the periods in which taxes become payable.
36
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Lands' End, Inc., & Subsidiaries
Temporary differences which give rise to deferred tax assets and
liabilities as of January 29, 1999 and January 30, 1998 are as follows
(in thousands):
Jan. 29, 1999 Jan. 30, 1998
Deferred tax assets:
Catalog advertising $ (3,914) $ (1,810)
Inventory 9,198 7,016
Employee benefits 7,937 3,891
Reserve for returns 2,661 2,451
Foreign operating
loss carryforwards 686 1,271
Valuation allowance (686) (1,271)
Other 2,065 1,065
Total $ 17,947 $ 12,613
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation $ 8,141 $ 8,857
Other (8) (110)
Total $ 8,133 $ 8,747
The valuation allowance required under SFAS No. 109 has been
established for the deferred income tax benefits related to certain
subsidiary loss carryforwards, which management currently estimates
may not be realized. These carryforwards do not expire.
Note 4. Lines of credit
The company has unsecured domestic lines of credit with various U.S.
banks totaling $120 million. There was $21.8 million outstanding at
January 29, 1999, compared to $7.0 million outstanding at January 30,
1998.
In addition, the company has unsecured lines of credit with various
foreign banks totaling the equivalent of approximately $52 million for
its wholly owned subsidiaries. There was $17.1 million outstanding at
January 29, 1999, compared with $25.4 million as of January 30, 1998.
The following table summarizes certain information regarding these
short-term borrowings (dollars in millions):
1999 1998 1997
Maximum amount of borrowings $ 257 $ 118 $ 27
Average amount of borrowings $ 134 $ 38 $ 15
Weighted average interest rate
during year 5.77% 5.25% 3.50%
Weighted average interest rate
at year-end 5.42% 5.27% 3.60%
37
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Lands' End, Inc., & Subsidiaries
Note 5. Long-term debt
There was no long-term debt as of January 29, 1999 and January 30,
1998.
The company has an agreement that expires May 31, 1999 with a bank
for a $20 million credit facility available to fund capital
expenditures and treasury stock purchases.
Note 6. Leases
The company leases store and office space and equipment under various
leasing arrangements. The leases are accounted for as operating
leases. Total rental expense under these leases was $15.6 million,
$13.5 million and $12.8 million for the years ended January 29, 1999,
January 30, 1998 and January 31, 1997, respectively.
Total future fiscal year commitments under these leases as of
January 29, 1999 are as follows (in thousands):
2000 $ 10,241
2001 5,904
2002 3,289
2003 2,457
2004 1,846
Thereafter 239
$ 23,976
Note 7. Retirement plan
The company has a retirement plan which covers most regular employees
and provides for annual contributions at the discretion of the board
of directors. Also included in the plan is a 401(k) feature that
allows employees to make contributions, and the company matches a
portion of those contributions. Total expense provided under this
plan was $4.8 million, $6.6 million and $5.0 million for the years
ended January 29, 1999, January 30, 1998 and January 31, 1997,
respectively.
Note 8. Postretirement benefits
In January 1998, the company implemented a plan to provide health
insurance benefits for eligible retired employees. These insurance
benefits will be funded through insurance contracts, a group benefit
trust or general assets of the company. The assets were contributed
to the plan in January 1999. The cost of these insurance benefits is
recognized as the eligible employees render service.
38
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Lands' End, Inc., & Subsidiaries
The following table presents the change in the benefit obligation and
plan assets in fiscal years 1999 and 1998:
(In thousands) 1999 1998
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 4,419 $ -
Service cost 630 53
Interest cost 308 25
Plan participants' contributions 13 -
Actuarial (gain)/loss 376 (3)
Benefits paid (15) -
Implementation of plan - 4,344
Benefit obligation at end of year $ 5,731 $ 4,419
Change in plan assets:
Employer contributions $ 1,980 $ -
Plan participants' contributions 13 -
Benefits paid (15) -
Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 1,978 $ -
Net amount recognized:
Funded status $ (3,753) $ (4,419)
Unrecognized net actuarial (gain)/loss 373 (3)
Unrecognized prior service cost 4,052 4,322
Prepaid/(accrued) benefit cost $ 672 $ (100)
Weighted-average assumptions
at end of year:
Discount rate 6.75% 7.00%
Expected return on plan assets 7.50% n/a
The components of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended
January 29, 1999 and January 30, 1998 were as follows:
(In thousands) 1999 1998
Service cost $ 630 $ 53
Interest cost 308 25
Expected return on plan assets - -
Amortization of prior service cost 270 22
Postretirement benefit cost $ 1,208 $ 100
For measurement purposes, a 7 percent annual rate of increase in the
per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for fiscal
year 2000. The rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 5 percent
for 2004 and remain at that level thereafter.
39
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Lands' End, Inc., & Subsidiaries
Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the
amounts reported for the health care plan. A 1 percentage point
change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the
following effects:
Service and Postretirement
(In thousands) Interest Costs Benefit Obligation
1 percent increase $ 50 $ 281
1 percent decrease (42) (238)
Note 9. Non-recurring charge
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999, the Board of Directors
approved and management announced a Plan (the "Plan") designed to
reduce administrative and operational costs stemming from duplicative
responsibilities and certain non-profitable operations. The Plan
included a reduction of 94 total positions (60 salaried staff), the
closing of three outlet stores, the liquidation of the Willis & Geiger
operations and the termination of a licensing agreement with MontBell
Co. Ltd. The Plan resulted in a $12.6 million non-recurring charge,
which was comprised of the following:
Severance costs $6.7 million
Asset impairments 3.3 million
Facility exit costs and other 2.6 million
Total $12.6 million
The severance costs include salaries, medical benefits and certain
outplacement costs for terminated employees. The company will close
three outlet stores, resulting in $1.0 millon of lease termination
costs and $0.8 million of leasehold improvement write-offs. The
liquidation of the Willis & Geiger operations resulted in a $2.5
million charge, which includes $2.2 million of inventory written down
to net realizable value and $0.3 million of fixed asset write downs.
Lastly, the company has terminated its licensing agreement with
MontBell Co. Ltd. The agreement was in the second year of a five-year
contract, and $1.6 million represents the termination cost of the
contract.
The fixed assets at the locations to be closed have been written down
to their estimated fair value. No significant cash proceeds are
expected to be received from the ultimate disposal of these assets.
At January 29, 1999, there was a balance of $12.5 million remaining on
the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The company expects to incur the
majority of the charges in fiscal 2000, with the balance,
predominantly severance, being paid in fiscal 2001.
40
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Lands' End, Inc., & Subsidiaries
Note 10. Divestitures
Willis & Geiger
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999, the company announced and
began to liquidate its Willis & Geiger division, as described in
Note 9.
The Territory Ahead
During the first quarter of fiscal 1998, the company sold its majority
interest in The Territory Ahead to The International Cornerstone
Group, Inc. of Boston, Massachusetts, resulting in an after-tax gain
of $4.9 million. The after-tax gain was recorded in the first quarter
of fiscal 1998.
MontBell
In connection with the sale of MontBell America, Inc. (MontBell), the
company recorded an after-tax charge of $0.8 million in fiscal 1997.
In fiscal 1998, the company signed a licensing agreement with
MontBell, which was terminated in fiscal 1999. (See Note 9.)
Sales and results of operations of MontBell America, Inc., The
Territory Ahead and Willis & Geiger were not material to the
consolidated financial statements.
Note 11. Sales and use tax
A 1992 Supreme Court decision confirmed that the Commerce Clause of
the United States Constitution prevents a state from requiring the
collection of its use tax by a mail order company unless the company
has a physical presence in the state. However, there continues to be
uncertainty due to inconsistent application of the Supreme Court
decision by state and federal courts. The company attempts to conduct
its operations in compliance with its interpretation of the applicable
legal standard, but there can be no assurance that such compliance
will not be challenged.
In recent challenges, various states have sought to require companies
to begin collection of use taxes and/or pay taxes from previous sales.
The company has not received assessments from any state. The amount
of potential assessments, if any, cannot be reasonably estimated.
The Supreme Court decision also established that Congress has the
power to enact legislation which would permit states to require
collection of use taxes by mail order companies. Congress has from
time to time considered proposals for such legislation. The company
anticipates that any legislative change, if adopted, would be applied
only on a prospective basis.
In October 1998, The Internet Tax Freedom Act was signed into law.
Among the provisions of this Act is a three-year moratorium on
multiple and discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce. An Advisory
Commission on Electronic Commerce has been appointed to study and
report back to Congress on whether and, if so, how electronic commerce
should be taxed. We are monitoring the activities of the Commission,
as well as any proposed changes in the sales and use tax laws and
policies in general.
41
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Lands' End, Inc., & Subsidiaries
Note 12. Segment disclosure
During the fiscal year ended January 29, 1999, Lands' End adopted
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosures
about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" (SFAS 131).
The adoption of SFAS 131 did not affect results of operations or
financial position, but did affect the disclosure of segment
information.
The company organizes and manages its businesses based on type of
catalog, which focuses on specific customer needs and markets served.
Each business segment is separately evaluated by executive management
with financial information reviewed to assess performance. Certain
catalogs are combined for purposes of assessing financial performance.
The company evaluates the performance of its business segments based
on operating profit. The accounting policies of the company's
segments are the same as those described in Note 1. The company is
not dependent upon any single customer or group of customers, the loss
of which would have a material effect on the company. Based on the
way the company organizes and manages its businesses, it has three
reportable segments: core, specialty and international.
CORE
The core segment is composed of adult apparel offered through our
regular monthly catalogs, tailored catalogs and prospector catalogs.
Sales for these catalogs that are received via the Internet,
liquidation or export channels are included in this core segment. The
regular monthly catalogs contain a full assortment of classically
inspired, traditionally styled casualwear for adults. Some of these
products include dress shirts, jeans, mesh knit shirts, women's knits,
sweaters, outerwear, and turtlenecks. The prospecting catalog is a
condensed version of our monthly catalog featuring some of the
company's best selling products. The prospector catalogs are sent to
active buyers, to those on the house file who have been inactive or
have yet to make a purchase and to prospective customers. The
tailored catalogs are Beyond Buttondowns, offering a broad assortment
of fine tailored clothing for men, and First Person Singular,
featuring women's finely tailored clothing suitable for the workplace.
SPECIALTY
The specialty segment is composed of Kids, Corporate Sales, Coming
Home and the Willis & Geiger catalogs. Sales for these catalogs that
are received via the Internet, liquidation or export channels are
included in this specialty segment. The specialty catalogs have been
developed over the years in response to customer requests for
additional merchandise and are used to target specific needs that are
important to Lands' End customers. The specialty businesses include
the Kids catalog, which offers a collection of clothing for children
of all ages. In addition, there is a Kids uniform catalog that
targets the growing uniform trend in many public and private schools.
The Corporate Sales catalog is a business-to-business catalog that
utilizes the company's embroidery capabilities to design and monogram
unique emblems and logos on Lands' End product for corporations,
clubs, teams, and other groups. The Coming Home catalog offers home
products, primarily bedding and bath items. The Willis & Geiger
42
Notes of Consolidated Financial Statements
Lands' End, Inc., & Subsidiaries
catalog offers related products targeted to the outdoor enthusiast.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999, we announced and began to
liquidate the Willis & Geiger business.
INTERNATIONAL
The international segment consists of foreign-based operations located
in Japan, the United Kingdom and Germany, which include catalogs and
liquidation channels. Catalogs are denominated in local currencies
and written in native languages. There are phone and distribution
centers located in both Japan and the United Kingdom. Germany has its
own phone and customer service center, but orders are packed and
shipped from the distribution center in the United Kingdom.
Segment sales represent sales to external parties. Segment operating
profit is revenue less direct and allocable operating expenses, which
includes interest expense. Segment identifiable assets are those that
are directly used in or identified with segment operations. "Other"
includes corporate expenses, inter-company eliminations, interest
revenue, and other income and deduction items that are not allocated
to segments. Segment capital expenditures are not allocated by
management for measurement purposes. Thus, these costs are not
available by segment.
Pertinent financial data by operating segment for the three years
ended January 29, 1999, are as follows (in thousands):
Fiscal year ended January 29, 1999
Core Specialty International Other Consolidated
Net sales $862,302 $365,181 $145,908 $(2,016) $1,371,375
Operating profit
(loss)1 $ 28,051 $ 23,336 $ 4,822 $(6,709) $ 49,500
Identifiable
assets $273,929 $116,007 $ 65,983 $ - $ 455,919
Depreciation and
amortization $ 11,310 $ 5,323 $ 2,098 $ - $ 18,731
Interest expense $ 3,910 $ 2,296 $ 1,528 $ - $ 7,734
Fiscal year ended January 30, 1998
Core Specialty International Other Consolidated
Net sales $825,998 $307,409 $131,789 $(1,567) $1,263,629
Operating profit
(loss) $ 60,045 $ 30,480 $ 6,989 $ 4,311 $ 101,825
Identifiable
assets $275,764 $102,630 $ 55,078 $ - $ 433,472
Depreciation and
amortization $ 9,805 $ 3,813 $ 1,509 $ - $ 15,127
Interest expense $ 714 $ 351 $ 930 $ - $ 1,995
43
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Lands' End, Inc., & Subsidiaries
Fiscal year ended January 31, 1997
Core Specialty International Other Consolidated
Net sales $753,932 $269,995 $ 95,708 $( 892) $1,118,743
Operating profit
(loss) $ 55,739 $ 26,462 $ 4,310 $(1,592) $ 84,919
Identifiable
assets $254,708 $ 91,215 $ 32,122 $ - $ 378,045
Depreciation and
amortization $ 9,456 $ 2,986 $ 1,116 $ - $ 13,558
Interest expense $ 220 $ 108 $ 182 $ - $ 510
(1) Includes non-recurring charges of $7.6 million and $5.0 million
allocated to the core and specialty segments, respectively.
Pertinent financial data by geographical location for the three years ended
January 29, 1999 are as follows (in thousands):
Net Sales Identifiable Assets
01/29/99 01/30/98 01/31/97 01/29/99 01/30/98 01/31/97
United States $1,225,467 $1,131,840 $1,023,035 $389,936 $378,394 $345,923
Other countries 145,908 131,789 95,708 65,983 55,078 32,122
Total $1,371,375 $1,263,629 $1,118,743 $455,919 $433,472 $378,045
44
Note 13. Consolidated quarterly analysis (unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)
Fiscal 1999
1st Qtr. 2nd Qtr. 3rd Qtr. 4th Qtr.
Net Sales $268,587 $239,194 $322,422 $541,172
Gross profit 124,740 115,478 145,262 231,234
Pretax income 8,266 (97) 551 40,780
Net income $ 5,208 $ (61) $ 347 $ 25,691
Basic earnings per share $ 0.17 $ 0.00 $ 0.01 $ 0.85
Diluted earnings per share $ 0.17 $ 0.00 $ 0.01 $ 0.84
Common shares outstanding 30,961 30,236 30,239 30,142
(In dollars)
Market price of shares
outstanding:
- Market high 44 1/8 37 5/8 30 3/8 32 7/16
- Market low 35 26 1/8 15 3/8 16 3/4
Fiscal 1998
1st Qtr. 2nd Qtr. 3rd Qtr. 4th Qtr.
Net Sales $244,720 $219,883 $318,608 $480,418
Gross profit 112,732 102,533 146,749 226,477
Pretax income 18,844 5,755 13,562 63,664
Net income $ 11,306 $ 3,428 $ 8,162 $ 41,254
Basic earnings per share $ 0.35 $ 0.11 $ 0.26 $ 1.33
Diluted earnings per share $ 0.35 $ 0.11 $ 0.26 $ 1.32
Common shares outstanding 32,350 32,144 31,328 30,979
(In dollars)
Market price of shares
outstanding:
- Market high 29 1/8 30 7/8 32 7/8 39 7/16
- Market low 25 1/8 25 5/8 26 3/16 31 13/16
Quarterly earnings per share amounts are based on the weighted average common
shares outstanding for each quarter and, therefore, might not equal the
amount computed for the total year.
45
RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The management of Lands' End, Inc. and its subsidiaries has the
responsibility for preparing the accompanying financial statements and for
their integrity and objectivity. The statements were prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis.
The consolidated financial statements include amounts that are based on
management's best estimates and judgments. Management also prepared the
other information in the annual report and is responsible for its accuracy
and consistency with the consolidated financial statements.
The company's consolidated financial statements have been audited by Arthur
Andersen LLP, independent certified public accountants. Management has made
available to Arthur Andersen LLP all the company's financial records
and related data, as well as the minutes of shareholders' and directors'
meetings. Furthermore, management believes that all representations made to
Arthur Andersen LLP during its audit were valid and appropriate.
Management of the company has established and maintains a system of internal
control that provides for appropriate division of responsibility, reasonable
assurance as to the integrity and reliability of the consolidated financial
statements, the protection of assets from unauthorized use or disposition,
the prevention and detection of fraudulent financial reporting, and the
maintenance of an active program of internal audits. Management believes
that, as of January 29, 1999, the company's system of internal control is
adequate to accomplish the objectives discussed herein.
Two directors of the company, not members of management, serve as the audit
committee of the board of directors and are the principal means through which
the board supervises the performance of the financial reporting duties of
management. The audit committee meets with management, the internal audit
staff and the company's independent auditors to review the results of the
audits of the company and to discuss plans for future audits. At these
meetings, the audit committee also meets privately with the internal audit
staff and the independent auditors to assure its free access to them.
/s/ DAVID F. DYER /s/ STEPHEN A. ORUM
David F. Dyer Stephen A. Orum
Chief Executive Officer Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
46
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Lands' End, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Lands' End,
Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and its subsidiaries as of January 29, 1999,
and January 30, 1998, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
shareholders' investment and cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended January 29, 1999. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Lands' End, Inc. and
subsidiaries as of January 29, 1999, and January 30, 1998, and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended January 29, 1999, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
March 5, 1999
47
Part II continued
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements on Accounting and Consolidated
Financial Disclosure
The company has had no change in, or disagreements with, its independent
certified public accountants on accounting and financial disclosure.
Part III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
The information required by this item with respect to directors of the
company is incorporated herein by reference to pages 1 through 4 of
the Lands' End, Inc. Notice of 1999 Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement
dated April 19, 1999 (the "Proxy Statement").
The information required by this item with respect to executive
officers of the company is included on page 9 in Part I of this
Form 10-K report.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by
reference to pages 4 through 11 of the Proxy Statement.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by
reference to page 13 through 17 of the Proxy Statement.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by
reference to page 10 of the Proxy Statement.
48
PART IV.
Item 14. Exhibits, Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules and Reports
on Form 8-K
(a) 1. Consolidated Financial Statements
See index on page 2.
2. Exhibits
Table Exhibit
Number Description Number
------ ----------- -------
(23) Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP 1
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
There were no reports filed on Form 8-K during the
three-month period ended January 29, 1999.
49
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 on April 28,
1999.
LANDS' END, INC.
By /s/ STEPHEN A. ORUM
---------------------------
Stephen A. Orum
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities shown, as of April 28, 1999.
/s/ GARY C. COMER Chairman of the Board and Director
- ---------------------------
Gary C. Comer
/s/ RICHARD C. ANDERSON Vice Chairman of the Board and Director
- ---------------------------
Richard C. Anderson
/s/ DAVID F. DYER Chief Executive Officer and Director
- ---------------------------
David F. Dyer
/s/ JOHN N. LATTER Director
- ---------------------------
John N. Latter
/s/ DAVID B. HELLER Director
- ---------------------------
David B. Heller
/s/ HOWARD G. KRANE Director
- ---------------------------
Howard G. Krane
/s/ DANIEL OKRENT Director
- ---------------------------
Daniel Okrent
50
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS ON SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEDULE
We have audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the
consolidated financial statements included in the Lands' End, Inc. annual
report to shareholders included in this Form 10-K and have issued our report
thereon dated March 5, 1999. Our audit was made for the purpose of forming
an opinion on those statements taken as a whole. The schedule on page 52 of
this Form 10-K is the responsibility of the company's management and is
presented for the purpose of complying with the Securities and Exchange
Commission's rules and is not part of the basic consolidated financial
statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures
applied in the audit of the basic consolidated financial statements and, in
our opinion, fairly states in all material respects the financial data
required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic consolidated
financial statements taken as a whole.
/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
March 5, 1999
51
LANDS' END, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance, Amounts Write-Offs Balance,
Beginning Charged to Against End of
of Period Net Income Reserve Period
--------- ---------- ------- ------
Reserve for Returns:
Year Ended January 29, 1999 $ 6,128 $205,557 $204,492 $ 7,193
======= ======== ========= ========
Year Ended January 30, 1998 $ 5,184 $179,096 $178,152 $ 6,128
======= ======== ======== ========
Year Ended January 31, 1997 $ 4,555 $150,820 $150,191 $ 5,184
======= ======== ======== ========
52
LIST OF DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
In addition to the exhibits filed with this report, the exhibits listed
below have been heretofore filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission as exhibits to the company's registration statement on Form S-8
(File No. 033-63461) and on Form S-1 (File No. 33-08217) or to other filings
with the Commission and are incorporated herein as exhibits by reference,
pursuant to Rule 24 of the SEC Rules of Practice. The exhibit number of the
document so filed is stated next to the description of such exhibit. The
file number for all other documents is 1-9769.
Table Description Exhibit Doc
Number of Item Number Desc
------ ----------- ------- ----
(3) Articles of Incorporation and By-laws:
Certificate of Incorporation of the company, 1 S-1
as amended through October 3, 1986.
Amendment to Certification of Incorporation of 3 10-Q
the company, dated August 10, 1987. Oct 1987
Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of 4 10-Q
the company, dated May 20, 1994. July 1994
Amended and Restated By-laws of the company. 2 10-K
1993
(4) Equity Instrument and Agreements relating
to Debt Obligations:
Form of Stock Certificate to evidence the 1 10-Q
Common stock. Aug 1990
First Amendment to the Lands' End 2 S-8
Retirement Plan Oct 1995
(10) Material Contracts:
Form of letter from bank approving the 7 10-K
company's unsecured line of credit 1992
and corresponding note.
Term Loan Note and Loan Agreement between 11 10-Q
the company and the American National Aug 1990
Bank and Trust Company of Chicago.
Ninth Amendment to Loan Agreement between the 1 10-Q
company and the American National Bank May 1998
and Trust Company of Chicago, dated
May 31, 1998
53
Table Description Exhibit Doc
Number of Item Number Desc
------ ----------- ------- -----
(10) Buying Agreement between the company and 7 10-Q
the European Buying Agency, Ltd. Nov 1990
Salaried Incentive Bonus Plan 9 S-1
Annual Incentive Plan and Long-Term Proxy
Incentive Plan 1996
Stock Option Plan of the company 1 10-K
1995
Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan Proxy
1997
Amended and Restated Retirement Plan, 3 10-K
dated February 1, 1992 1994
Form of Director Deferred Compensation 1 10-Q
Agreement July 1995
Resignation Agreement between Michael J. Smith 1 10-Q
and the company Oct. 1998
Resignation Agreement between William E. Ferry 2 10-Q
and the company Oct. 1998
Employment and Option Agreements between 3 10-Q
David F. Dyer and the company Oct. 1998
54
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of
our reports included in this Form 10-K into the Company's previously filed
Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 033-63461).
/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
April 28, 1999