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BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES INC - Quarter Report: 2008 August (Form 10-Q)

Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended August 30, 2008

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission File No. 0-209

 

 

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Virginia   54-0135270

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

3525 Fairystone Park Highway

Bassett, Virginia 24055

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(276) 629-6000

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. (See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.)

Large Accelerated Filer  ¨    Accelerated Filer  x     Non-accelerated Filer  ¨    Smaller Reporting Company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

At August 30, 2008, 11,521,282 shares of common stock of the Registrant were outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ITEM         PAGE
   PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

1.

   Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of August 30, 2008 (unaudited) and November 24, 2007 and for the quarters and nine months ended August 30, 2008 (unaudited) and August 25, 2007 (unaudited)   
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Retained Earnings

   3
  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

   4
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   5
  

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   6
2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    17
3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    25
4.    Controls and Procedures    26
   PART II - OTHER INFORMATION   
2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    28
4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    28
6.    Exhibits    29

 

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Table of Contents

PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND RETAINED EARNINGS

FOR THE PERIODS ENDED AUGUST 30, 2008 AND AUGUST 25, 2007 – UNAUDITED

(In thousands except per share data)

 

     Quarter Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     August 30, 2008     August 25, 2007     August 30, 2008     August 25, 2007  

Net sales

   $ 70,159     $ 70,497     $ 226,620     $ 219,349  

Cost of sales

     42,105       45,847       136,421       148,442  
                                

Gross profit

     28,054       24,650       90,199       70,907  

Selling, general and administrative

     32,247       27,123       95,509       79,005  

Proxy defense costs

     —         —         1,418       —    

Restructuring, asset impairment charges and unusual gains, net

     240       —         (718 )     5,544  

Lease exit costs

     640       —         640       1,934  
                                

Loss from operations

     (5,073 )     (2,473 )     (6,650 )     (15,576 )

Other, net

     (745 )     785       (460 )     4,477  
                                

Loss before income taxes

     (5,818 )     (1,688 )     (7,110 )     (11,099 )

Income tax benefit

     3,166       2,364       4,582       5,168  
                                

Net income (loss)

   $ (2,652 )   $ 676     $ (2,528 )   $ (5,931 )

Retained earnings-beginning of period

     126,119       140,201       131,725       151,535  

Change in Accounting Principle—Adoption of FIN 48 (See Note 12)

     —         —         (746 )     —    

Cash dividends

        

Regular Dividend

     (2,597 )     (2,362 )     (7,581 )     (7,088 )

Special Dividend

     (8,734 )     —         (8,734 )     —    
                                

Retained earnings-end of period

   $ 112,136     $ 138,515     $ 112,136     $ 138,515  
                                

Basic earnings (loss) per share

   $ (0.23 )   $ 0.06     $ (0.22 )   $ (0.50 )
                                

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

   $ (0.23 )   $ 0.06     $ (0.22 )   $ (0.50 )
                                

Dividends per share

        

Regular

   $ 0.225     $ 0.20     $ 0.625     $ 0.60  
                                

Special

   $ 0.75     $ —       $ 0.75     $ —    
                                

The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial

statements.

 

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Table of Contents

PART I–FINANCIAL INFORMATION – CONTINUED

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

AUGUST 30, 2008 AND NOVEMBER 24, 2007

(In thousands)

 

      (Unaudited)
August 30, 2008
    November 24, 2007
Assets     

Current assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 5,572     $ 3,538

Accounts receivable, net

     41,036       38,612

Inventories

     42,114       50,550

Deferred income taxes

     7,831       6,001

Other current assets

     11,998       12,421
              

Total current assets

     108,551       111,122
              

Property and equipment

    

Cost

     155,158       153,995

Less accumulated depreciation

     98,247       100,770
              

Property and equipment, net

     56,911       53,225
              

Investments

     45,430       76,924

Retail real estate, net

     30,008       31,207

Notes receivable, net

     14,853       14,128

Deferred income taxes

     14,868       9,902

Other

     12,057       14,195
              
     117,216       146,356
              

Total assets

   $ 282,678     $ 310,703
              
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity     

Current liabilities

    

Accounts payable

   $ 18,325     $ 26,104

Accrued compensation and benefits

     4,076       5,611

Customer deposits

     7,455       8,894

Dividends payable

     2,597       2,363

Other accrued liabilities

     13,334       13,622
              

Total current liabilities

     45,787       56,594
              

Long-term liabilities

    

Post employment benefit obligations

     14,188       14,493

Long-term revolving debt

     12,000       10,000

Real estate notes payable

     21,553       18,850

Distributions in excess of affiliate earnings

     14,439       12,244

Other long-term liabilities

     5,012       3,670
              
     67,192       59,257
              

Commitments and Contingencies

    

Stockholders’ equity

    

Common stock

     57,606       59,033

Retained earnings

     112,136       131,725

Additional paid-in-capital

     326       2,180

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (369 )     1,914
              

Total stockholders’ equity

     169,699       194,852
              

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 282,678     $ 310,703
              

The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION – CONTINUED

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE PERIODS ENDED AUGUST 30, 2008 AND AUGUST 25, 2007 – UNAUDITED

(In thousands)

 

     Nine Months Ended  
     August 30, 2008     August 25, 2007  

Operating activities:

    

Net loss

   $ (2,528 )   $ (5,931 )

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     5,732       6,864  

Equity in undistributed income of investments and unconsolidated affiliated companies

     (2,450 )     (6,358 )

Provision for restructuring, asset impairment charges and unusual gains, net

     (718 )     5,544  

Provision for corporate retail lease exit costs

     640       1,934  

Realized income from investments

     (980 )     (2,393 )

Impairment of licensed retail real estate

     499       —    

Provision for losses on trade accounts receivable

     6,059       2,205  

Deferred income taxes

     (3,478 )     (3,693 )

Other, net

     137       115  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

    

Accounts receivable

     (9,789 )     (9,660 )

Inventories

     8,436       5,465  

Other current assets

     (1,411 )     (3,283 )

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     (12,816 )     2,487  
                

Net cash used in operating activities

     (12,667 )     (6,704 )
                

Investing activities:

    

Purchases of property and equipment

     (3,006 )     (2,842 )

Purchases of retail real estate

     (630 )     (40 )

Proceeds from sales of property and equipment

     2,205       3,111  

Acquisition of Charleston stores, net

     (216 )     —    

Proceeds from sales of investments

     31,829       13,134  

Purchases of investments

     (4,212 )     (8,590 )

Dividends from an affiliate

     6,091       6,091  

Net cash received on licensee notes

     790       920  

Other, net

     26       (322 )
                

Net cash provided by investing activities

     32,877       11,462  
                

Financing activities:

    

Net borrowings under revolving credit facility

     2,000       2,000  

Repayments of long-term debt

     —         (770 )

Repayments of real estate notes payable

     (590 )     (500 )

Issuance of common stock

     123       385  

Repurchases of common stock

     (3,622 )     (476 )

Cash dividends

     (16,087 )     (7,088 )
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (18,176 )     (6,449 )
                

Change in cash and cash equivalents

     2,034       (1,691 )

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period

     3,538       6,051  
                

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period

   $ 5,572     $ 4,360  
                

The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION-CONTINUED

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-UNAUDITED

August 30, 2008

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share data)

1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated (“Bassett”, “we”, “our”, “the Company”) and our majority owned subsidiaries of which we have operating control. The equity method of accounting is used for our investments in affiliated companies in which we exercise significant influence but do not maintain control, unless consolidated pursuant to Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Revised Interpretation No. 46 “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN46R”).

As part of our efforts to standardize wholesale pricing throughout the country, in July 2007 we began invoicing all of the store network and certain wholesale customers on a fully landed basis such that the invoice price includes the freight charge for delivery. This business change resulted in $3,970 and $12,663, respectively, of additional reported revenue and selling, general and administrative expenses for the quarter and nine months ended August 30, 2008 and $1,020 of such revenues and expenses for the quarter and nine months ended August 25, 2007.

Due to our fiscal calendar, our nine month period ended August 30, 2008 consisted of 40 weeks as compared to 39 weeks for the nine month period ended August 25, 2007. Our third quarter of 2008 and 2007 consisted of 13 weeks. Our 2008 fiscal year will consist of 53 weeks.

2. Interim Financial Presentation

All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the condensed consolidated financial statements. The results of operations for the quarter and nine months ended August 30, 2008, are not necessarily indicative of results for the fiscal year. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 24, 2007.

 

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PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION-CONTINUED

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-UNAUDITED

August 30, 2008

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share data)

 

3. Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined for domestic furniture inventories using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. The costs for imported inventories are determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. During the quarter and nine months ended August 25, 2007, we liquidated certain LIFO inventories which decreased cost of sales $1,017 and $2,934, respectively.

Inventories were comprised of the following:

 

     August 30, 2008     November 24, 2007  

Finished goods

   $ 26,595     $ 36,102  

Work in process

     241       247  

Raw materials and supplies

     8,075       7,887  

Retail merchandise

     14,562       13,723  
                

Total inventories at FIFO

     49,473       57,959  

LIFO adjustment

     (7,359 )     (7,409 )
                
   $ 42,114     $ 50,550  
                

4. Unconsolidated Affiliated Companies

The International Home Furnishings Center (“IHFC”) owns and leases out floor space in a showroom facility in High Point, North Carolina. We owned 46.9% of IHFC at August 30, 2008, and August 25, 2007, and accounted for the investment using the equity method since we do not maintain operating control of IHFC. Our investment reflects a credit balance of $14,439 and $12,244 at August 30, 2008, and November 24, 2007, respectively, which is reflected in the liabilities section in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as “distributions in excess of affiliate earnings.” Based on current and expected future earnings of IHFC, we believe the market value of this investment is positive and substantially greater than its negative book value at August 30, 2008. This negative book value resulted from IHFC’s refinancing of its real estate based on the market value of the property and using the proceeds to pay a special dividend to its owners. We recorded income and received dividends from IHFC as follows:

 

     Quarter ended    Nine months ended
     August 30, 2008    August 25, 2007    August 30, 2008    August 25, 2007

Income recorded

   $ 1,470    $ 1,404    $ 3,896    $ 4,390

Dividends received

     3,280      3,280      6,091      6,091

Summarized unaudited income statement information for IHFC for its first nine months of 2008 and 2007, respectively, is as follows:

 

     2008    2007

Revenue

   $ 32,505    $ 33,082

Operating income

     17,732      19,350

Net income

     8,316      9,371

In addition to our investment in IHFC, we have a 49% ownership interest in Zenith Freight Lines, LLC (“Zenith”) and we recorded the following loss in other, net in our condensed consolidated statements of operations and retained earnings:

 

     Quarter ended     Nine months ended  
     August 30, 2008     August 25, 2007     August 30, 2008     August 25, 2007  

Loss in other income

   $ (9 )   $ (203 )   $ (351 )   $ (323 )

 

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PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION-CONTINUED

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-UNAUDITED

August 30, 2008

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share data)

 

At the beginning of fiscal 2007, we also owned a 30% interest in BFD Northeast, LLC (“BFDNE”) and accounted for that investment using the equity method. On February 28, 2007, we entered into an agreement with BFDNE whereby we contributed our 30% interest to BFDNE in exchange for certain assets (primarily inventory and leasehold improvements) of BFDNE’s two stores in Boston, Massachusetts, and the assumption of BFDNE’s outstanding bank debt. As part of the transaction, we also restructured amounts BFDNE previously owed us. For the nine months ended August 25, 2007, we recorded losses of $(595) in other, net in our condensed consolidated statement of operations and retained earnings for our share of BFDNE’s net losses.

5. Real Estate Notes Payable and Other Long-Term Debt

Certain of our retail real estate properties have been financed through commercial mortgages which are payable over periods of four to twenty years and have interest rates ranging from 6.73% to 9.18%. These mortgages are collateralized by the respective properties with net book values totaling approximately $32,309 and $25,767 at August 30, 2008, and November 24, 2007, respectively. The current portion of these mortgages, $2,355 and $672 as of August 30, 2008, and November 24, 2007, respectively, has been included as a current liability in other accrued liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. The long-term portion, $21,553 and $18,850 as of August 30, 2008 and November 24, 2007, respectively, is presented as real estate notes payable in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

We amended our existing revolving credit facility in August 2008 by extending the maturity date an additional two years and amending certain covenants. The credit facility, as amended, provides for borrowings of up to $45,000 at a variable interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.75% (4.24% on August 30, 2008). The facility is secured by a pledge of certain of our marketable securities (see also Note 13) and substantially all of our receivables and inventories. Borrowings under the facility, which matures November 30, 2010, totaled $12,000 and $10,000 at August 30, 2008, and November 24, 2007, respectively. After coverage for letters of credit and certain loan guarantees, we had $22,706 available for borrowing under the facility at August 30, 2008. To the extent the value of the marketable securities falls below $16 million, our Borrowing Base, as defined, is decreased by 125% of the difference between $16 million and the actual value of those securities.

In the fourth quarter of 2007, we announced the acquisition of the operations of two stores in the Charleston, South Carolina area from a former licensee and that we had begun the process of acquiring the land and buildings for those stores. During the quarter ended March 1, 2008, we completed the acquisition of the land and buildings for $6,800. We funded the acquisition through additional real estate debt of approximately $5,000 and the use of preexisting accounts receivable from the former licensee.

 

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PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION-CONTINUED

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-UNAUDITED

August 30, 2008

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share data)

 

6. Comprehensive Income

For the quarters ended August 30, 2008, and August 25, 2007, total comprehensive loss was $(3,468) and $(215), respectively. For the nine months ended August 30, 2008, and August 25, 2007, total comprehensive loss was $(4,811) and $(6,828) respectively. Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income for the quarters and nine months ended August 30, 2008 and August 25, 2007 are as follows:

 

     Quarter ended     Nine months ended  
     August 30, 2008     August 25, 2007     August 30, 2008     August 25, 2007  

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 447     $ 3,314     $ 1,914     $ 3,320  

Change in unrealized holding gains, net of tax

     (822 )     (893 )     (2,303 )     (902 )

Amortization of minimum pension liability

     6       2       20       5  
                                

Balance at end of period

   $ (369 )   $ 2,423     $ (369 )   $ 2,423  
                                

7. Restructuring, Asset Impairment Charges and Unusual Gains, net

The results for the nine months ended August 30, 2008 included three unusual pretax items consisting of $1,418 of legal and other expenses for the proxy contest with Costa Brava Partnership III L.P., a $1,342 gain associated with the sale of our airplane and a $624 impairment charge associated with the writeoff of leasehold improvements for a closed store of which $240 was recorded in the third quarter.

During the first quarter of 2007, we made the decision to cease operations at our wood manufacturing facility in Bassett, Virginia. The closure of the 323,000 square foot facility was completed during June of 2007 and affected approximately 280 employees or 15 percent of the Company’s workforce. The Company has sourced the majority of the products previously produced at this facility from overseas suppliers, continued to produce certain custom bedroom products domestically and discontinued providing certain slower selling items. As a result of this decision, we recorded a $3,609 charge in the first quarter of 2007 to write down the value of the plant and equipment and a $960 charge in the second quarter of 2007 for severance benefits. As of August 30, 2008, we have disbursed substantially all of the severance benefits.

During the second quarter of 2007, we also reduced our leased showroom space in the International Home Furnishings Center by approximately 60% and recorded a $975 charge to writeoff the net book value of the corresponding capitalized tenant improvements.

The following table summarizes these charges as follows:

 

     13 Weeks Ended
August 30, 2008
   13 Weeks Ended
August 25, 2007
   40 Weeks Ended
August 30, 2008
    39 Weeks Ended
August 25, 2007

Proxy defense costs

   $ —      $ —      $ 1,418     $ —  
                            

Restructuring, asset impairment charges and unusual gains, net

          

Gain on sale of airplane

   $ —      $ —      $ (1,342 )   $ —  

Write off of leasehold improvements

     240      —        624       975

Asset impairment charge associated with Bassett plant closure

     —        —        —         3,609

Severance

     —        —        —         960
                            
   $ 240    $ —      $ (718 )   $ 5,544
                            

 

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PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION-CONTINUED

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-UNAUDITED

August 30, 2008

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share data)

 

8. Lease Exit Costs and Licensee Real Estate Impairment

During the third quarter of 2008, we closed one of our leased corporate retail store locations and recorded a $640 pretax charge to recognize the fair value of the future lease obligations. In the first half of 2007, we recorded a $1,934 pretax charge to recognize the fair value of the future obligations associated with the leases on three closed corporate retail stores.

During 2008, a licensee closed a store, which operated under a sublease agreement with us, where we were the primary lease obligor to the landlord. Consequently, we recorded a $129 charge in other, net in our statement of operations to recognize the fair value of the future obligations associated with the lease. We also recorded a $499 impairment charge in other, net to writedown the previously capitalized tenant improvements associated with this store.

9. Contingencies

We are involved in various legal and environmental matters, which arise in the normal course of business. Although the final outcome of these matters cannot be determined, based on the facts presently known, we believe that the final resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or future results of operations.

We lease land and buildings that are used in the operation of our Company-owned retail stores as well as in the operation of licensee-owned stores. We had obligations of $95,577 and $96,393 at August 30, 2008 and November 24, 2007, respectively, for future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases having remaining terms in excess of one year. As part of the store program strategy, we have guaranteed certain lease obligations of licensee operators. Lease guarantees range from one to ten years. We were contingently liable under licensee lease obligation guarantees in the amount of $11,936 and $12,672 at August 30, 2008, and November 24, 2007, respectively.

We have also guaranteed loans of certain of our licensees to finance initial inventory packages for those stores. The total contingent liabilities with respect to these loan guarantees as of August 30, 2008, and November 24, 2007, were $7,213 and $9,056, respectively, and range from one to ten years.

In the event of default by an independent dealer under the guaranteed lease or loan, our costs may be mitigated through a combination of options that include, but are not limited to, arranging for a replacement dealer, liquidating the collateral (primarily inventory), and pursuing payment under the personal guarantees of the independent dealer. The proceeds of the above options are expected to cover the estimated amount of our future payments under the guarantee obligations, net of recorded reserves. The fair value of lease and loan guarantees at August 30, 2008, and November 24, 2007, were $298 and $428, respectively, and are recorded in accrued liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

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Table of Contents

PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION-CONTINUED

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-UNAUDITED

August 30, 2008

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share data)

 

10. Post Employment Benefit Obligations

We have an unfunded Supplemental Retirement Income Plan (the “Supplemental Plan”) that covers one current and certain former executives. The liability for this plan was $11,801 and $12,034 as of August 30, 2008 and November 24, 2007, respectively, and is recorded as follows in the consolidated balance sheets:

 

     August 30, 2008    November 24, 2007

Other accrued liabilities

   $ 984    $ 984

Post employment benefit obligations

     10,817      11,050
             

Total pension liability

   $ 11,801    $ 12,034
             

Components of net periodic pension costs are as follows:

 

     Quarter Ended    Nine Months Ended
     August 30, 2008    August 25, 2007    August 30, 2008    August 25, 2007

Service cost

   $ 13    $ 25    $ 41    $ 75

Interest cost

     158      169      474      507

Amortization of transition obligation

     11      11      32      33

Amortization of unrecognized actuarial loss

     —        3      —        9
                           

Net periodic pension cost

   $ 182    $ 208    $ 547    $ 624
                           

We have an unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan that covers one current and certain former executives and provides for voluntary deferral of compensation. This plan has been frozen with no additional participants or deferrals permitted. We recognized expense of $114 and $113 for the third quarter of 2008 and 2007 and $342 and $338 for the nine months ended August 30, 2008 and August 25, 2007, respectively. Our liability under this plan was $3,371 and $3,443 as of August 30, 2008 and November 24, 2007, respectively, and is reflected in post employment benefit obligations.

 

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PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION-CONTINUED

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-UNAUDITED

August 30, 2008

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share data)

 

11. Earnings per share

The following reconciles basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

     Net Income
(Loss)
    Weighted Average
Shares
       Earnings
(loss) per
share
 

For the quarter ended August 30, 2008:

         

Net loss

   $ (2,652 )   11,601,118      $ (0.23 )

Add effect of dilutive securities:

         

Options

     —       —     *      —    
                       

Diluted earnings per share

   $ (2,652 )   11,601,118      $ (0.23 )
                       

For the quarter ended August 25, 2007:

         

Net income

   $ 676     11,805,138      $ 0.06  

Add effect of dilutive securities:

         

Options

     —       2,439        —    
                       

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 676     11,807,577      $ 0.06  
                       

For the nine months ended August 30, 2008:

         

Net loss

   $ (2,528 )   11,725,600      $ (0.22 )

Add effect of dilutive securities:

         

Options

     —       —     *      —    
                       

Diluted loss per share

   $ (2,528 )   11,725,600      $ (0.22 )
                       

For the nine months ended August 25, 2007:

         

Net loss

   $ (5,931 )   11,811,352      $ (0.50 )

Add effect of dilutive securities:

         

Options

     —       —     *      —    
                       

Diluted earnings per share

   $ (5,931 )   11,811,352      $ (0.50 )
                       

 

* Due to the net loss, the potentially dilutive securities would have been antidilutive and are therefore excluded.

Options to purchase approximately 1,273,000 and 1,342,000 shares of common stock at August 30, 2008 and August 25, 2007, respectively, were excluded from the computation as their effect is antidilutive.

12. Income Taxes

We calculate an anticipated effective tax rate for the year based on our annual estimates of pretax income or loss and use that effective rate to record our year-to-date income tax benefit. Any change in annual projections of pretax income or loss could have a significant impact on our effective tax rate for the respective quarter.

The effective income tax rate was 54% and 140% in the third quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively. The effective income tax rate was 64% and 47% for the nine month periods of 2008 and 2007, respectively. The effective tax rate for the third quarter has been impacted by changes in projected pretax loss as compared to projections as of the end of the second quarter combined with the effect of certain income exclusions, primarily dividends received from our investment in IHFC. The effective tax rates for 2007 were impacted by the $5,544 restructuring and asset impairment charges and the $1,934 lease exit costs which were taxed at a 39% effective rate.

 

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PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION-CONTINUED

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-UNAUDITED

August 30, 2008

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share data)

 

Effective November 25, 2007, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. (“FIN”) 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes”, which provides a comprehensive model for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure in a company’s financial statements of uncertain tax positions taken, or expected to be taken, on a tax return. Under FIN 48, if an income tax position exceeds a more likely than not (i.e. greater than 50%) probability of success upon tax audit, based solely on the technical merits of the position, the company is to recognize an income tax benefit in its financial statements. The tax benefits recognized are to be measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. If it is not more likely than not that the benefit will be sustained on its technical merits, no benefit is to be recorded. Uncertain tax positions that relate only to timing of when an item is included on a tax return are considered to have met the recognition threshold for purposes of applying FIN 48. Therefore, if it can be established that the only uncertainty is when an item is taken on a tax return, such positions have satisfied the recognition step for purposes of FIN 48 and uncertainty related to timing should be assessed as part of measurement. FIN 48 requires that a liability associated with an unrecognized tax benefit be classified as a long-term liability, except for the amount for which a cash payment is expected to be made within one year. Further, companies are required to accrue interest and related penalties, if applicable, on all tax exposures consistent with the respective jurisdictional tax laws.

The adoption of FIN 48 resulted in a non-cash transition (cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle) adjustment of $746 which was recorded as a decrease to beginning retained earnings. The transition adjustment is a result, primarily, of tax positions associated with state income tax exposures and interest on certain temporary differences. Our continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters as a component of income tax expense.

As of the adoption date of FIN 48, we had unrecognized income tax benefits totaling $1,687, of which $902 would impact our effective income tax rate if recognized. During the quarter ended August 30, 2008, we recognized $122 of previously unrecognized tax benefits due to lapsing of certain state and federal statute of limitations. We currently have $780 of unrecognized tax benefits that would impact our effective tax rate if recognized. We do not currently anticipate significant changes in such amounts over the next twelve months. As of the date of adoption, the total amount of accrued interest and penalties was $578. During the quarter ended August 30, 2008, we reversed $261 of previously accrued interest and penalties due to lapsing of certain state and federal statutes of limitations. For the nine months ended August 30, 2008, additional charges for accrued interest and penalties were not significant.

We remain subject to examination for tax years 2004 through 2006 for all of our major tax jurisdictions.

13. Fair Value Disclosures

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157” or “the Standard”). The Standard defines fair value, provides a consistent framework for measuring fair value under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and expands fair value financial statement disclosure requirements. SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements. It only applies to accounting pronouncements that already require or permit fair value measures, except for standards that relate to share-based payments (SFAS 123R, Share Based Payment.)

SFAS 157’s valuation techniques are based on observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect readily obtainable data from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. The Standard classifies these inputs into the following hierarchy:

Level 1 Inputs– Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2 Inputs– Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.

Level 3 Inputs– Instruments with primarily unobservable value drivers.

 

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PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION-CONTINUED

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-UNAUDITED

August 30, 2008

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share data)

 

The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Effective November 25, 2007, we adopted the provisions of SFAS 157.

We have $16,389 of marketable securities consisting of a combination of equity and fixed income securities with maturities that range from one to six years. Although we have the ability to buy and sell the individual marketable securities, we are required to maintain a certain dollar amount in those brokerage accounts subject to the Securities Account Control Agreement as part of the revolving credit facility (see also Note 5).

We determine the fair value of our marketable securities based on quoted market prices. The adoption of SFAS 157 had no effect on the valuation of our marketable securities.

We also have $29,041 invested in the Bassett Industries Alternative Asset Fund LP (BIAAF) at August 30, 2008 which is recorded at fair value. We primarily determine the fair value of our investment in the BIAAF based on the net asset values as provided by the general partner. The general partner obtains these net asset values from the individual investee fund managers. Investment balances by fund are presented below.

 

     August 30, 2008    November 24, 2007

Styx Partners, L.P.

   $ 14,448    $ 13,974

HBK Fund, L.P.

     9,455      13,589

Drawbridge Special Opportunities Fund, L.P.

     —        12,400

DB Zwirn Special Opportunities Fund, L.P.

     4,789      5,735

Cash and Other

     349      98

Contrarian Capital Trade Claims, L.P.

     —        5,983
             
   $ 29,041    $ 51,779
             

We are entitled to affect partial withdrawals from our capital account at the end of any calendar quarter or calendar year subject to the withdrawal provisions and notice periods required by the underlying managers. These notice periods range from sixty-five days to six months and may be subject to lockup periods of up to one year. However, we have requested our general partner to attempt to liquidate all of our investments in the BIAAF to fund special dividends, our increased share repurchase program and capital spending for our new prototype stores. During the third quarter of 2008, we received all of our investment in the Drawbridge Special Opportunities Fund, L.P. for the stated net asset value of $12,650. During the third quarter of 2008, we also received $3,600 from the HBK Fund, L.P. Due to the level of redemption requests, we have been informed that the remainder of the HBK Fund, L.P. should be redeemed over the next two years. We also have been informed that due to the magnitude of other redemption requests on the DB Zwirn Special Opportunities Fund, L,P., it is likely that it will be two to three years before our investment is fully redeemed. We expect to receive the total stated net asset value for the Zwirn investment and currently expect to receive substantially all of the proceeds from our investment in Styx Partners, L.P. early in 2009. Due to these liquidation restrictions, we have determined that a discount to the stated net asset values is necessary to reflect the fair value as proscribed by SFAS No. 157. Consequently, we recorded a fair value adjustment of $543 during the first half of 2008. However, primarily due to lower fund balances from redemptions received during the third quarter and the passage of time, we have recorded a fair value recovery of $138 in the third quarter of 2008. This adjustment has been recorded in other, net in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Our total fair value adjustment is $405 at August 30, 2008.

The fair values of our marketable securities and our investment in the BIAAF based on the level of inputs are summarized below:

 

     August 30, 2008
     Fair Value Measurements Using    Assets at
Fair Value
     Level 1    Level 2    Level 3   

Assets

           

Marketable Securities

   $ 16,389    —        —      $ 16,389

Investment in BIAAF

     —      —        29,041      29,041
                         

Total Assets

   $ 16,389    —      $ 29,041    $ 45,430
                         

 

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PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION-CONTINUED

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-UNAUDITED

August 30, 2008

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share data)

 

The table below provides a reconciliation of all assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis which use level three or significant unobservable inputs for the period of November 24, 2007 to August 30, 2008.

 

     Fair Value Measurements Using
Significant Unobservable Inputs

(Level 3 Inputs)
 
     Investment
in BIAAF
 

Balance at November 24, 2007

   $ 51,779  

Total losses included in earnings related to changes in underlying net assets

     (1,019 )

Tax withholdings by general partner

     (64 )

Total losses included in earnings related to liquidity discount

     (405 )

Redemptions

     (21,250 )

Transfers in and/or out of Level 3

     —    
        

Balance August 30, 2008

   $ 29,041  
        

Of the $(1,019) losses from the underlying net assets noted above, $(677) of those losses relate to fund assets that remain in the BIAAF as of August 30, 2008.

14. Segment Information

We have strategically aligned our business into three reportable segments: wholesale, retail and investments/real estate. The wholesale home furnishings segment is involved principally in the design, manufacture, sourcing, sale and distribution of furniture products to a network of Bassett stores (independently-owned stores and Company-owned retail stores) and independent furniture retailers. Our wholesale segment includes our wood and upholstery operations as well as all corporate selling, general and administrative expenses.

Our retail segment consists of Company-owned stores. Our retail segment includes the revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities (including real estate) and capital expenditures directly related to these stores.

Our investments/real estate segment consists of our investments (Alternative Asset Fund and marketable securities), distributions in excess of affiliate earnings (IHFC) and retail real estate related to licensee stores. Although this segment does not have operating earnings, income from the segment is included in other, net in our condensed consolidated statements of operations and retained earnings. Our equity investment in IHFC is not included in the identifiable assets of this segment since it has a negative book value and is therefore included in the long-term liabilities section of our condensed consolidated balance sheet. See Note 4 for a further discussion of IHFC.

 

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PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION-CONTINUED

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-UNAUDITED

August 30, 2008

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share data)

 

Inter-company net sales elimination represents the elimination of wholesale sales to our Company-owned stores. Inter-company income elimination represents the embedded wholesale profit in the Company-owned store inventory that has not been realized. These profits will be recorded when merchandise is delivered to the end retail consumer.

The following table presents our segment information:

 

     Quarter Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     August 30, 2008     August 25, 2007     August 30, 2008     August 25, 2007  

Net Sales

        

Wholesale

   $ 59,466     $ 58,482     $ 190,766     $ 184,216  

Retail

     24,004       22,222       74,529       65,314  

Inter-company elimination

     (13,311 )     (10,207 )     (38,675 )     (30,181 )
                                

Consolidated

   $ 70,159     $ 70,497     $ 226,620     $ 219,349  
                                

Income (loss) from Operations

        

Wholesale

   $ (995 )   $ 555     $ 2,559     $ 157  

Retail

     (2,807 )     (2,898 )     (7,222 )     (8,023 )

Inter-company elimination

     (391 )     (130 )     (647 )     (232 )

Proxy defense costs

     —         —         (1,418 )     —    

Restructuring, asset impairment charges and unusual gains, net

     (240 )     —         718       (5,544 )

Lease exit costs

     (640 )     —         (640 )     (1,934 )
                                

Consolidated

   $ (5,073 )   $ (2,473 )   $ (6,650 )   $ (15,576 )
                                

Depreciation and Amortization

        

Wholesale

   $ 789     $ 1,161     $ 2,656     $ 4,087  

Retail

     562       487       1,780       1,469  

Investments/real estate

     432       437       1,296       1,308  
                                

Consolidated

   $ 1,783     $ 2,085     $ 5,732     $ 6,864  
                                

Capital Expenditures

        

Wholesale

   $ 168     $ 793     $ 624     $ 1,346  

Retail

     1,635       1,202       2,382       1,496  

Investments/real estate

     132       32       630       40  
                                

Consolidated

   $ 1,935     $ 2,027     $ 3,636     $ 2,882  
                                
     As of
August 30, 2008
    As of
November 24, 2007
       

Identifiable Assets

      

Wholesale

   $ 150,918     $ 149,948    

Retail

     56,322       52,624    

Investments/real estate

     75,438       108,131    
                  

Consolidated

   $ 282,678     $ 310,703    
                  

 

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PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION-CONTINUED

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

August 30, 2008

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share data)

 

Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

The following discussion should be read along with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q, as well as the company’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which provides a more thorough discussion of the Company’s products and services, industry outlook, and business trends.

Bassett Furniture Industries Inc., based in Bassett, Virginia., is a leading retailer, manufacturer and marketer of branded home furnishings. Bassett’s products are sold primarily through Bassett Furniture Direct and Bassett stores, with secondary distribution through multi-line furniture stores, many with in-store Bassett Design Centers. Bassettbaby cribs and casegoods are sold through specialty stores and mass merchants.

Bassett Furniture Direct (“BFD” or “store”) was created in 1997 as a single source home furnishings retail store that provides a unique combination of stylish, well-made furniture and accessories with a high level of customer service. This service includes complimentary room planning, in-home design visits, fast delivery, and custom-order furniture. The retail store program had 120 stores in operation at the end of the third quarter of 2008, 29 of which we own and operate. During 2008, we opened one new corporate-owned store and closed three underperforming corporate-owned stores. In addition, we remodeled four corporate-owned stores to incorporate various aspects of the new prototype concept which was unveiled late in fiscal 2007. We also expect to complete a remodel of one additional store during the remainder of 2008.

Overall conditions for our industry and our Company have been difficult throughout 2007 and the first nine months of 2008. New housing starts are down significantly and consumers continue to be faced with general economic uncertainty fueled by deteriorating consumer credit markets, increased prices for petroleum products, and lagging consumer confidence as a result of volatile and often erratic financial markets. All of this has significantly impacted big ticket consumer purchases such as furniture. Consequently, this has put pressure on our dealers’ ability to generate adequate profits. As a result, 10 licensee-owned stores have closed during 2008 and our exposure in our accounts receivable has increased. During the third quarter of 2008, we recorded $4,051 in provisions for bad debts to reflect this added exposure. Although management will continue to work closely with its licensees to ensure the success of both the licensee and Bassett, the Company expects an additional three to five underperforming stores to close during the remainder of 2008.

Given the difficult and somewhat unprecedented environment, we have had no choice but to take several important actions aimed at improving our results in the short-term. These include:

 

   

Aggressively working with certain licensees to close those stores that are underperforming thereby limiting further exposure in our accounts receivable.

 

   

Reducing our inventory levels to improve working capital and cash flow.

 

   

Right-sizing our expense structure in both our wholesale and corporate retail divisions.

Concurrently with our implementation of this short-term plan, we plan to continue pursuing our long-term objectives by investing in store prototype conversions and remodels and working diligently with our network of licensees to improve their operating results. With the existing and planned improvements in our retail program and our strong balance sheet, we believe we are well positioned not only to survive these turbulent times, but also to gain market share as some of our competitors exit the industry.

Key marketing initiatives for Bassett during the first nine months of 2008 included the mailing of our spring and summer 2008 catalog and the production of a new series of television commercials that began airing in April. The catalog better defines and enhances Bassett’s brand image while explaining to our consumers our product and service capabilities. The new television advertisements present the Bassett brand as a choice for an enhanced lifestyle. In addition to the catalog and television advertisements, the Company has several other marketing and merchandising initiatives underway including product introductions centered around the Company’s core middle price point category and the development and circulation of our fall catalog.

 

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PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION-CONTINUED

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

August 30, 2008

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share data)

 

Results of Operations – Quarter and Nine Months ended August 30, 2008 compared with the Quarter and Nine Months ended August 25, 2007:

Net sales, gross profit, selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense, and operating loss were as follows for the periods ended August 30, 2008 and August 25, 2007:

 

     Quarter Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     August 30, 2008     August 25, 2007     August 30, 2008     August 25, 2007  

Net sales

   $ 70,159     100.0 %   $ 70,497     100.0 %   $ 226,620     100.0 %   $ 219,349     100.0 %
                                                        

Gross profit

     28,054     40.0 %     24,650     35.0 %     90,199     39.8 %     70,907     32.3 %

SG&A

     24,226     34.5 %     25,293     35.9 %     76,787     33.9 %     75,780     34.5 %

Bad debt expense

     4,051     5.8 %     810     1.1 %     6,059     2.7 %     2,205     1.0 %

Landed freight

     3,970     5.7 %     1,020     1.4 %     12,663     5.6 %     1,020     0.5 %

Unusual charges, net

     880     1.3 %     —       0.0 %     1,340     0.6 %     7,478     3.4 %
                                                        

Operating income (loss)

   $ (5,073 )   -7.2 %   $ (2,473 )   -3.5 %   $ (6,650 )   -2.9 %   $ (15,576 )   -7.1 %
                                                        

Note: For comparability purposes, we have presented our selling, general and administrative expenses above without consideration of the effects of the landed freight change and the bad debt expense.

On a consolidated basis, we reported net sales for the third quarter of 2008 of $70,159, a decrease of $338 or 1% from sales levels attained in the third quarter of 2007. The 2008 and 2007 reported sales were increased by reported revenue of $3,970 and $1,020, respectively, due to a change in our business practices with respect to freight for the delivery of wholesale furniture to our retail stores. During July of 2007, we began invoicing these customers on a fully landed basis such that the dealer invoice price includes the freight charge for delivery. Excluding the effects of this business change, sales would have been $66,189 for the quarter ended August 30, 2008 as compared to $69,477 for the quarter ended August 25, 2007, a 5% decrease due primarily to a further softening in the overall retail environment late in the third quarter. Gross margins for the third quarter of 2008 and 2007 were 40.0% and 35.0%, respectively. Excluding the effects of the above-mentioned business change, the gross margins for 2008 and 2007 would have been 36.4% and 34.0%, respectively. This significant increase over 2007 results from improved margins in both the wholesale and retail segments. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $(1,066) due to lower spending in the wholesale segment. Bad debt expense increased due to the prolonged weak retail environment that is affecting our licensed retail network. We reported a net loss of $(2,652), or $(0.23) per share for the quarter ended August 30, 2008, as compared to net income of $676, or $0.06 per share, for the quarter ended August 25, 2007.

Sales for the nine months ended August 30, 2008 were $226,620 as compared to $219,349 for the nine months ended August 25, 2007, an increase of 3%. The 2008 and 2007 reported sales were increased by reported revenue of $12,663 and $1,020 respectively, due to a change in our business practices as described above. In addition, fiscal 2008 included an additional week of sales due to our fiscal calendar. Gross margins for the 40 weeks ended August 30, 2008 and 39 weeks ended August 25, 2007 were 39.8% and 32.3%, respectively. Excluding the effects of the above-mentioned business change, the gross margin for 2008 and 2007 would have been 36.2% and 32.0%, respectively. This significant increase over 2007 results from improved margins in both the wholesale and retail segments. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $1,007 due to more Corporate retail stores partially offset by decreased spending in the wholesale segment. Bad debt expense increased due to the prolonged weak retail environment that is affecting our licensed retail network. We reported a net loss of $(2,528) or $(0.22) per share for the 40 weeks ended August 30, 2008, as compared to a net loss of $(5,931), or $(0.50) per share, for the 39 weeks ended August 25, 2007.

 

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PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION-CONTINUED

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

August 30, 2008

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share data)

 

Segment Information

We have strategically aligned our business into three reportable segments: wholesale, retail and investments/real estate. The wholesale home furnishings segment is involved principally in the design, manufacture, sourcing, sale and distribution of furniture products to a network of stores (independently-owned stores and Company-owned retail stores) and independent furniture retailers. Our wholesale segment includes our wood and upholstery operations as well as all corporate selling, general and administrative expenses, including those corporate expenses related to both corporate and licensee owned stores.

Our retail segment consists of Company-owned stores. Our retail segment includes the revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities (including real estate) and capital expenditures directly related to these stores.

Our investments/real estate segment consists of our investments (Alternative Asset Fund and marketable securities), distributions in excess of affiliate earnings (IHFC) and retail real estate related to licensee stores. Although this segment does not have operating earnings, income from the segment is included in other, net in our condensed consolidated statements of income and retained earnings.

The following is a discussion of operating results for our wholesale and retail segments:

Wholesale Segment

 

     Quarter Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     August 30, 2008     August 25, 2007     August 30, 2008     August 25, 2007  

Net sales

   $ 59,466     100.0 %   $ 58,482    100.0 %   $ 190,766    100.0 %   $ 184,216    100.0 %
                                                     

Gross profit

     17,654     29.7 %     14,278    24.4 %     56,748    29.7 %     42,213    22.9 %

SG&A

     10,628     17.9 %     11,893    20.3 %     35,467    18.6 %     38,831    21.1 %

Bad debt expense

     4,051     6.8 %     810    1.4 %     6,059    3.2 %     2,205    1.2 %

Landed freight

     3,970     6.7 %     1,020    1.7 %     12,663    6.6 %     1,020    0.6 %
                                                     

Operating income (loss)

   $ (995 )   -1.7 %   $ 555    0.9 %   $ 2,559    1.3 %   $ 157    0.1 %
                                                     

Note: For comparability purposes, we have presented our selling, general and administrative expenses above without consideration of the effects of the landed freight change and the bad debt expense.

Net sales for the wholesale segment were $59,466 for the third quarter of 2008 as compared to $58,482 for the third quarter of 2007, an increase of 2%. The 2008 and 2007 reported sales were increased by reported revenue of $3,970 and $1,020, respectively, due to a change in our business practices as described above. Excluding the effects of the business change, sales would have been $55,496 for the quarter ended August 30, 2008 as compared to $57,462 for the quarter ended August 25, 2007, a 3% decrease. Approximately 53% of wholesale shipments during the third quarter of 2008 were imported products compared to 51% for third quarter of 2007. Gross margins for the wholesale segment were 29.7% for the third quarter of 2008 as compared to 24.4% for the third quarter of 2007. Excluding the effects of the business change described above, gross margins for the third quarter of 2008 and 2007 would have been 24.7% and 23.1%, respectively, a 1.6 percentage point increase over 2007. This increase is primarily due to an improved product mix associated with increased imported products which carry a higher margin and the absence of certain wind down costs incurred in 2007 related to the closing of the Bassett plant. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $(1,265) due to lower spending as we continue to adjust our overall cost structure to match the size of the operations. Bad debt expense increased as our licensee-owned stores continue to be impacted by the deteriorating retail environment and strained credit markets coupled with lower consumer confidence.

Net sales for the wholesale segment were $190,766 for the 40 weeks ended August 30, 2008 as compared to $184,216 for the 39 weeks ended August 25, 2007, an increase of 4%. The 2008 and 2007 reported sales were increased by reported revenue of $12,663 and $1,020, respectively, due to a change in our business practices as described above. Gross margins for the wholesale segment were 29.7% for the 40 weeks ended August 30, 2008 as compared to 22.9% for the 39 weeks ended August 25, 2007. Excluding the effects of the business change described above, gross margins for the nine months of 2008 and 2007 would have been 24.8% and 22.5%, respectively, a 2.3 percentage point increase over 2007. This increase is primarily due to an improved product mix associated with

 

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BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

August 30, 2008

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share data)

 

increased imported products which carry a higher margin and the absence of the significant wind down costs incurred in 2007 related to the closing of the Bassett plant. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $(3,364) due to lower spending as we continue to adjust our overall cost structure to match the size of the operations. Bad debt expense increased as our licensee-owned stores continue to be impacted by the deteriorating retail environment and strained credit markets coupled with lower consumer confidence.

Wholesale shipments by type:

 

     Quarter Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     August 30, 2008     August 25, 2007     August 30, 2008     August 25, 2007  

Wood

   $ 31,083    52.3 %   $ 32,642    55.8 %   $ 101,329    53.1 %   $ 102,385    55.6 %

Upholstery

     27,168    45.7 %     25,139    43.0 %     86,995    45.6 %     79,633    43.2 %

Accessories and other

     1,215    2.0 %     701    1.2 %     2,442    1.3 %     2,198    1.2 %
                                                    

Total

   $ 59,466    100.0 %   $ 58,482    100.0 %   $ 190,766    100.0 %   $ 184,216    100.0 %
                                                    

We define imported product as fully finished product that is sourced internationally. In the first nine months of 2008, 55% of our wholesale sales were of imported product compared to 47% in the first nine months of 2007. Our domestic product includes certain products that contain components which are also sourced internationally. We continue to believe that a blended strategy, including domestically produced products primarily of a custom-order nature combined with importing certain product categories and major collections, provides the best combination of value and quality to our customers.

Retail Segment – Company-Owned Retail Stores

 

     Quarter Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     August 30, 2008     August 25, 2007     August 30, 2008     August 25, 2007  

Net sales

   $ 24,004     100.0 %   $ 22,222     100.0 %   $ 74,529     100.0 %   $ 65,314     100.0 %
                                                        

Gross profit

     10,803     45.0 %     10,501     47.3 %     34,115     45.8 %     28,930     44.3 %

SG&A

     13,610     56.7 %     13,399     60.3 %     41,337     55.5 %     36,953     56.6 %
                                                        

Operating loss

   $ (2,807 )   -11.7 %   $ (2,898 )   -13.0 %   $ (7,222 )   -9.7 %   $ (8,023 )   -12.3 %
                                                        

The third quarter featured an unusual amount of activity in our 29 corporate stores, as one store was permanently closed, two stores were temporarily closed for conversion to the new store prototype, and three stores were remodeled. Nevertheless, retail sales increased to $24,004 in the third quarter of 2008 as compared to $22,222 in the third quarter of 2007. These sales increases have primarily resulted from the additional company-owned stores acquired during 2007 and an increase in comparable store sales. The comparable store sales increases were primarily driven by progress in our Dallas market, the benefits of store consolidation in upstate New York, and increased sales in our Pineville, NC store due to its conversion to the new store prototype Gross margins for the quarter decreased 2.3 percentage points due primarily to lower margins in the Houston and Atlanta markets, resulting from the temporary closure of two stores for conversion to the new store prototype concept as these stores ran inventory liquidation events. Even with the lower gross margins and an overall difficult retail environment, the retail segment slightly reduced its operating loss over the prior year period. For our 24 comparable corporate stores, we reduced our operating losses by approximately 20% in the third quarter of 2008 as compared to the third quarter of 2007. We believe that the combination of new product introductions, store prototype retrofits, better hiring and training of design consultants and continued improved marketing efforts will lead to further improvement in retail operating results.

Net sales for the nine months ended August 30, 2008 were $74,529 as compared to $65,314 for the nine months ended August 25, 2007. Due to our fiscal calendar, the nine months ended August 30, 2008 included 40 weeks compared to 39 weeks for the nine months ended August 25, 2007. These sales increases have primarily resulted from the additional Company-owned stores and increases in comparable store sales. Gross margins for the 2008 period increased 1.5 percentage points due to improved pricing and promotional strategies. Our retail segment reduced its total operating losses by $801, a 10% decrease. For the 22 comparable corporate stores, we reduced our operating losses by approximately 35% in the 40 weeks ended August 30, 2008 as compared to the 39 weeks ended August 25, 2007.

 

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PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION-CONTINUED

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

August 30, 2008

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share data)

 

Our retail segment includes the expenses of retail real estate utilized by Company-owned retail stores. Rental income and expenses from our properties utilized by independent licensees and partnership licensees are included in our investment and real estate segment.

Other Items Affecting Net Income

During the quarter ended May 31, 2008, we closed our Parkland, Florida store, and recorded a $384 charge to writedown certain of the capitalized leasehold improvements. During the quarter ended August 30, 2008, we reassessed the tenant improvements and the lease obligation based on changes in the real estate and leasing market and recorded an impairment charge of $240 to writeoff additional tenant improvements and a $640 charge to recognize the fair value of the future lease obligations. In addition to the aforementioned items, the nine months ended August 30, 2008 included three other unusual pretax items consisting of $1,418 of legal and other expenses for the proxy contest with Costa Brava Partnership III L.P., a $1,342 gain associated with the sale of our airplane and a $384 impairment charge associated with the writeoff of leasehold improvements for a closed store. The loss for the nine months ended August 25, 2007 included unusual pretax charges of $1,934 associated with lease exit costs for certain closed stores, $975 associated with the writeoff of tenant improvements from the downsizing of our showroom space and $960 associated with severance from the closure of the Bassett plant. In addition, the nine months ended August 25, 2007 included a $3,609 pretax charge recorded in the first quarter of 2007 for the writedown of the plant and equipment for the closing of the Bassett plant. The following table summarizes these charges as follows:

 

     13 Weeks Ended
August 30, 2008
   13 Weeks Ended
August 25, 2007
   40 Weeks Ended
August 30, 2008
    39 Weeks Ended
August 25, 2007

Proxy defense costs

   $ —      $ —      $ 1,418     $ —  

Restructuring, asset impairment charges and unusual gains, net

          

Gain on sale of airplane

     —        —        (1,342 )     —  

Write off of leasehold improvements

     240      —        624       975

Asset impairment charge associated with Bassett plant closure

     —        —        —         3,609

Severance

     —        —        —         960

Lease exit costs

     640      —        640       1,934
                            

Total

   $ 880    $ —      $ 1,340     $ 7,478
                            

Other, net for the quarter and nine months ended August 30, 2008 was $(745) and $(460), respectively, as compared to $785 and $4,477 for the quarter and nine months ended August 25, 2007, respectively. These decreases were primarily due to market losses from our Alternative Asset Fund of $(610) and $(1,019) for the quarter and nine months ended August 30, 2008, as compared to income of $130 and $2,886 for the quarter and nine months ended August 25, 2007, respectively. As of August 30, 2008, our investment in the Alternative Asset Fund was $29,041 and is included in investments in the consolidated balance sheet. Other, net also includes charges associated with the closure of a licensee store, which operated under a sublease agreement with us where we were the primary lease obligor to the landlord. Consequently, we recorded a $129 charge to recognize the fair value of the future obligations associated with the lease. We also recorded a $499 impairment charge to writedown the previously capitalized tenant improvements associated with this store.

The effective income tax rate was 54% and 140% in the third quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively. The effective income tax rate was 64% and 47% for the nine month periods of 2008 and 2007, respectively. The effective tax rate for the third quarter has been impacted by changes in projected pretax loss as compared to projections as of the end of the second quarter combined with the effect of certain income exclusions, primarily dividends received from our investment in IHFC. The effective tax rates for 2007 were impacted by the $5,544 restructuring and asset impairment charges and the $1,934 lease exit costs which were taxed at a 39% effective rate.

 

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PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION-CONTINUED

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

August 30, 2008

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share data)

 

Adoption of FIN 48

Effective November 25, 2007, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Interpretation No. ("FIN") 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes”, which provides a comprehensive model for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure in a company’s financial statements of uncertain tax positions taken, or expected to be taken, on a tax return. Under FIN 48, if an income tax position exceeds a more likely than not (i.e. greater than 50%) probability of success upon tax audit, based solely on the technical merits of the position, the company is to recognize an income tax benefit in its financial statements. The tax benefits recognized are to be measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. If it is not more likely than not that the benefit will be sustained on its technical merits, no benefit is to be recorded. Uncertain tax positions that relate only to timing of when an item is included on a tax return are considered to have met the recognition threshold for purposes of applying FIN 48. Therefore, if it can be established that the only uncertainty is when an item is taken on a tax return, such positions have satisfied the recognition step for purposes of FIN 48 and uncertainty related to timing should be assessed as part of measurement. FIN 48 requires that a liability associated with an unrecognized tax benefit be classified as a long-term liability, except for the amount for which a cash payment is expected to be made within one year. Further, companies are required to accrue interest and related penalties, if applicable, on all tax exposures consistent with the respective jurisdictional tax laws.

The adoption of FIN 48 resulted in a non-cash transition (cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle) adjustment of $746 which was recorded as a decrease to beginning retained earnings. The transition adjustment is a result, primarily, of tax positions associated with state income tax exposures and interest on certain temporary differences. Our continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters as a component of income tax expense.

As of the adoption date of FIN 48, we had unrecognized income tax benefits totaling $1,687, of which $902 would impact our effective income tax rate if recognized. During the quarter ended August 30, 2008, we recognized $122 of previously unrecognized tax benefits due to lapsing of certain state and federal statutes of limitations. We currently have $780 of unrecognized tax benefits that would impact our effective tax rate if recognized. We do not currently anticipate significant changes in such amounts over the next twelve months. As of the date of adoption, the total amount of accrued interest and penalties was $578. During the quarter ended August 30, 2008, we reversed $261 of previously accrued interest and penalties due to lapsing of certain state and federal statute of limitations. For the nine months ended August 30, 2008, additional charges for accrued interest and penalties were not significant.

We remain subject to examination for tax years 2004 through 2006 for all of our major tax jurisdictions.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our August 30, 2008 balance sheet, with $22,706 available on our revolving line of credit coupled with a sizeable investment portfolio, continues to bolster our retail strategy. This strategy includes capital expenditures and operating leases for our company-owned stores and lease and loan guarantees for our licensees. Capital spending for retail real estate is expected to be approximately $4,000 in 2008 largely for store build-outs related to our new prototype. We expect our capital expenditures for retail real estate and store build-outs to approximate $5,000 in 2009. We currently anticipate that manufacturing capital spending for fiscal 2008 and 2009 will approximate $1,500, primarily for machinery and equipment and information technology related to our initiative to develop e-commerce capabilities in late 2008 in certain markets. Our capital expenditure and working capital requirements in the foreseeable future may change depending on many factors, including but not limited to the overall performance of the new prototype stores, our rate of growth, our operating results and any other adjustments in our operating plan needed in response to industry conditions, competition, acquisition opportunities or unexpected events. We believe that our existing cash and investment portfolio that remains after the orderly liquidation of the Alternative Asset Fund (as discussed below), and our borrowing capacity, together with cash from operations, will be sufficient to meet our capital expenditure and working capital requirements for the foreseeable future.

 

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PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION-CONTINUED

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

August 30, 2008

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share data)

 

We lease land and buildings that are used in the operation of our Company-owned retail stores as well as in the operation of licensee-owned stores. We had obligations of $95,577 and $96,393 at August 30, 2008 and November 24, 2007, respectively, for future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases having remaining terms in excess of one year. We also have guaranteed certain lease obligations of licensee operators. Lease guarantees range from one to ten years. We were contingently liable under licensee lease obligation guarantees in the amount of $11,936 and $12,672 at August 30, 2008 and November 24, 2007, respectively. We have also guaranteed loans of certain of our licensees to finance initial inventory packages for those stores. The total contingent liabilities with respect to these loan guarantees as of August 30, 2008 and November 24, 2007, were $7,213 and $9,056, respectively.

Our cash requirements for the first nine months of 2008 were funded through $27,617 of net investment sales, $6,091 in dividends from our investment in the International Home Furnishings Center and $2,000 in additional borrowings on the revolving credit facility. Net accounts receivable increased $2,424 during the nine months ended August 30, 2008, due primarily to the slower pace of collections from certain store licensees related primarily to the overall retail environment. We continually assess our level of bad debt reserves and recorded $6,059 in provision for losses on accounts receivable in 2008. A continuing difficult and weak retail environment could result in further bad debt expenses, reduced revenue and other store real estate charges, including lease termination and impairment charges. Although we believe we have adequate reserves for bad debts, we will continue to work with our licensees to help limit bad debt exposure. We expect three to five underperforming stores to close during the remainder of 2008.

We used $12,667 of cash in operating activities during the nine months ended August 30, 2008 primarily due to the continued difficult environment at retail as well as increased payments to fund the inventory build at the end of 2007 due to the January 2008 new product rollout. Representing one of the most extensive redesigns and rollouts in our recent history, the new product has been well-received at retail and has helped fuel sales. Due to the lead time to source the majority of the new product, inventory and accounts payable balances were unusually high at the end of fiscal 2007. Our inventory levels peaked in January and began returning to more normalized levels during February. We expect inventory levels to slightly increase over the remainder of the year as we prepare for additional product introductions in January 2009. However, these introductions will not be as extensive as the 2008 rollout. Our accounts payable balance was reduced by $7,779 during the 40 week period and has returned to a more normalized level. We also funded $16,087 in dividends and repurchased $3,622 of common stock under the previously announced $20,000 share repurchase plan. In the fourth quarter of 2007, we announced the acquisition of the operations of two stores in the Charleston, South Carolina area from a former licensee and that we had begun the process of acquiring the land and building of those stores. During the quarter ended March 1, 2008, we completed the acquisition of the land and building for $6,800. We funded the acquisition through additional real estate debt of approximately $5,000 and the use of preexisting accounts receivable from the former licensee.

During the quarter ended August 30, 2008, we announced that our Board of Directors had approved the first installment of $0.75 per share to be paid as part of the $1.25 special dividend announced in April. Accordingly, $8,734 was paid out in August. To fund this special dividend, we received $12,650 during the quarter from the full liquidation of one position in the Alternative Asset Fund and $3,600 from the partial liquidation of another position, with excess funds primarily being used for additional repurchases of common stock under the Company’s share repurchase plan and to reduce outstanding debt.

During the third quarter, we amended our existing revolving credit facility by extending the maturity date an additional two years and amending certain covenants. The credit facility, as amended, provides for borrowings of up to $45,000 at a variable interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.75% (4.24% on August 30, 2008). The facility is secured by a pledge of certain of our marketable securities and substantially all of our receivables and inventories. Borrowings under the facility, which matures November 30, 2010, totaled $12,000 and $10,000 at August 30, 2008, and November 24, 2007, respectively. After coverage for letters of credit and certain loan guarantees, we had $22,706 available for borrowing under the facility at August 30, 2008. To the extent the value of the marketable securities falls below $16 million, our Borrowing Base, as defined, is decreased by 125% of the difference between $16 million and the actual value of those securities.

 

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PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION-CONTINUED

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

August 30, 2008

(Dollars in thousands except share and per share data)

 

Critical Accounting Policies

There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates from the information provided in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, included in our 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 24, 2007, except as follows:

Income Taxes – We adopted the provisions of Financial Standards Accounting Board Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109”, on November 25, 2007. We account for our uncertain tax positions in accordance with this standard. The federal, state, and local income tax laws and regulations to which we are subject are voluminous, inherently complex and are often ambiguous. We are required to make many subjective judgments and assumptions regarding our income tax exposures. Interpretations of these income tax laws and regulations change over time. As such, changes in our subjective assumptions and judgments can materially affect amounts recognized in our consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations.

Investments – Investments in our Alternative Asset Fund and our marketable securities portfolio are recorded at their fair value. We account for the Alternative Asset Fund by marking it to market value each month based primarily on the net asset values provided by the general partner. We provide discounts on those values based on the redemption restrictions of the respective fund and record changes in the discount as a component of earnings. Such discounts are highly subjective and are likely to result in actual redemption amounts that differ from those presented in the balance sheet. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related income tax effect, on our marketable securities portfolio are excluded from income and are reported as other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses from our marketable securities portfolio are included in income and are determined using the specific identification method for ascertaining the cost of securities sold.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We utilize stand-by letters of credit in the procurement of certain goods in the normal course of business. We lease land and buildings that are primarily used in the operation of both Company-owned and licensee stores. We have guaranteed certain lease obligations of licensee operators of the stores as part of our retail expansion strategy. We also have guaranteed loans of certain of our dealers to finance initial inventory packages for these stores. See Note 9 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of operating leases, lease guarantees and loan guarantees, including descriptions of the terms of such commitments and methods used to mitigate risks associated with these arrangements.

Contingencies

We are involved in various legal and environmental matters, which arise in the normal course of business. Although the final outcome of these matters cannot be determined, based on the facts presently known, it is our opinion that the final resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or future results of operations.

 

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PART II-OTHER INFORMATION

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

August 30, 2008

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk:

We are exposed to market risk for changes in market prices of our various types of investments. Our investments include marketable securities and an investment partnership (Alternative Asset Fund). Our marketable securities portfolio, which totaled $16,389, at August 30, 2008, is diversified among eight different money managers and sixteen different medium to large capitalization equity interests. Although there are no maturity dates for our equity investments, maturity dates on other investments in the portfolio range from one to six years. As part of our current debt facility, we have pledged certain of our marketable securities as collateral. To the extent the value of the marketable securities falls below $16 million, our Borrowing Base, as defined, is decreased by 125% of the difference between $16 million and the actual value of those securities. The Bassett Industries Alternative Asset Fund L.P was organized under the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act and commenced operations on July 1, 1998. Private Advisors, L.L.C. is the general partner (the General Partner) of the Alternative Asset Fund. We and the General Partner are currently the only two partners. The objective of the Alternative Asset Fund is to achieve consistent positive returns, while attempting to reduce risk and volatility, by placing its capital with a variety of hedge funds and experienced portfolio managers. Such hedge funds and portfolio managers employ a variety of trading styles or strategies, including, but not limited to, convertible arbitrage, merger or risk arbitrage, distressed debt, long/short equity, multi-strategy and other market-neutral strategies. Our investment in the Alternative Asset Fund, which totaled $29,041 at August 30, 2008, includes investments in various other private limited partnerships, which contain contractual commitments with elements of market risk. These contractual commitments, which include fixed-income securities and derivatives, may involve future settlements, which give rise to both market and credit risk. The investment partnership’s exposure to market risk is determined by a number of factors, including the size, composition, and diversification of positions held, volatility of interest rates, market currency rates, and liquidity. Risks to these funds arise from possible adverse changes in the market value of such interests and the potential inability of counterparties to perform under the terms of the contracts. However, the risk to the Company is limited to the amount of the Alternative Asset Fund investment in each of the funds. We believe that at August 30, 2008 the Alternative Asset Fund did not hold any investments that have a material exposure, individually or in aggregate, to residential subprime loans either directly or through structured finance entities, such as collateralized debt obligations.

We are entitled to affect partial withdrawals from our capital account at the end of any calendar quarter or calendar year subject to the withdrawal provisions and notice periods required by the underlying managers. These notice periods range from sixty-five days to six months and may be subject to lockup periods of up to one year. However, we have requested our general partner to attempt to liquidate all of our investments in the BIAAF to fund a special dividend, our increased share repurchase program and capital spending for our new prototype stores. During the third quarter of 2008, we received all of our investment in the Drawbridge Special Opportunities Fund, L.P. for the stated net asset value of $12,650. During the third quarter of 2008, we also received $3,600 from the HBK Fund, L.P. Due to the level of redemption requests, we have been informed that the remainder of the HBK Fund, L.P. will be redeemed over the next two years. We also have been informed that due to the magnitude of other redemption requests on the DB Zwirn Special Opportunities Fund, L,P., it is likely that it will be two to three years before our investment is fully redeemed. We expect to receive the total stated net asset value for the Zwirn investment and currently expect to receive substantially all of the proceeds from our investment in Styx Partners, L.P. early in 2009.

 

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PART II-OTHER INFORMATION

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

August 30, 2008

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures:

The Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have evaluated the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based upon their evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective at a reasonable assurance level. There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Safe-harbor, forward-looking statements:

The discussion in items 2 and 3 above contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and subsidiaries. Such forward-looking statements are identified by use of forward-looking words such as “anticipates”, “believes”, “plans”, “estimates”, “expects”, “aimed” and “intends” or words or phrases of similar expression. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. No assurance can be given that any such matters will be realized. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements are listed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2007 and include:

 

   

competitive conditions in the home furnishings industry

 

   

general economic conditions

 

   

overall retail traffic levels and consumer demand for home furnishings

 

   

ability of our customers and consumers to obtain credit

 

   

Bassett store openings

 

   

Store closings and the profitability of the stores (independent licensees and company-owned retail stores)

 

   

ability to implement our company-owned retail strategies and realize the benefits from such strategies as they are implemented

 

   

fluctuations in the cost and availability of raw materials, labor and sourced products (including fabrics from troubled suppliers)

 

   

results of marketing and advertising campaigns

 

   

information and technology advances

 

   

ability to execute new global sourcing strategies

 

   

performance of our marketable securities portfolio and our investment in BIAAF

 

   

delays or difficulties in converting some of our non-operating assets to cash

 

   

future tax legislation, or regulatory or judicial positions

 

   

ability to efficiently manage the import supply chain to minimize business interruption

 

   

continued profitability of our unconsolidated affiliated companies, particularly IHFC

 

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PART II-OTHER INFORMATION

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

August 30, 2008

 

Any forward-looking statement that Bassett makes speaks only as of the date of such statement, and Bassett undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Comparisons of results for current and any prior periods are not intended to express any future trends or indication of future performance, unless expressed as such, and should only be viewed as historical data.

 

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PART II-OTHER INFORMATION

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

August 30, 2008

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds:

The following table summarizes the Company’s repurchase of common stock during the quarter-ended August 30, 2008:

 

     Total Number of
Shares Purchased
   Avg Price
Paid
   Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or Programs
(1)
   Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar Value) of
Shares that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the Plans or
Programs (1)

June 1, 2008 - July 5, 2008

   —        n/a    —      $ 25,544

July 6, 2008 - August 2, 2008

   84,400    $ 11.66    84,400    $ 24,560

August 3, 2008 - August 30, 2008

   36,500    $ 11.08    36,500    $ 24,156

 

(1) The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $60,000 in Company stock. This repurchase plan was initially announced on June 23, 1998. On March 17, 2008, the Board of Directors increased the repurchase plan by $20,000.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders:

None.

 

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PART II-OTHER INFORMATION

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

August 30, 2008

 

Item 6. Exhibits:

 

a. Exhibits:

Exhibit 3a – Articles of Incorporation as amended are incorporated herein by reference to the Exhibit to Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 1994.

Exhibit 3b – By-laws as amended are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3 to Form 8-K filed on December 21, 2004.

Exhibit 4 – First Amendment, dated August 7, 2008, to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated October 31, 2007, between the Registrant and Branch Banking & Trust Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed August 14, 2008.

Exhibit 31a – Chief Executive Officer’s certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit 31b – Chief Financial Officer’s certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit 32a – Chief Executive Officer’s certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit 32b – Chief Financial Officer’s certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

/s/ Robert H. Spilman, Jr.

Robert H. Spilman, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer
October 9, 2008

/s/ Barry C. Safrit

Barry C. Safrit, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
October 9, 2008

 

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