INTERFACE INC - Quarter Report: 2014 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

For Quarterly Period Ended September 28, 2014

Commission File Number 001-33994

INTERFACE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

2859 PACES FERRY ROAD, SUITE 2000, ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30339

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

(770) 437-6800

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Date File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☑ 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. (Check one):

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ☐     No ☑

Shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock at October 28, 2014:

 INTERFACE, INC.

INDEX

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

INTERFACE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(IN THOUSANDS)

See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

INTERFACE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)

(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

INTERFACE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

(IN THOUSANDS)

See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

 INTERFACE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

(IN THOUSANDS)

See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

INTERFACE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 – CONDENSED FOOTNOTES

As contemplated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) instructions to Form 10-Q, the following footnotes have been condensed and, therefore, do not contain all disclosures required in connection with annual financial statements. Reference should be made to the Company’s year-end audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013, as filed with the Commission.

The financial information included in this report has been prepared by the Company, without audit. In the opinion of management, the financial information included in this report contains all adjustments (all of which are normal and recurring) necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods. Nevertheless, the results shown for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year. The December 29, 2013 consolidated condensed balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

NOTE 2 – INVENTORIES

Inventories are summarized as follows:

NOTE 3 – EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

The Company computes basic earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”) by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average common shares outstanding, including participating securities outstanding, during the period as discussed below.  Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution beyond shares for basic EPS that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised, converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that would have shared in the Company’s earnings.

The Company includes all unvested stock awards which contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, in the number of shares outstanding in our basic and diluted EPS calculations when the inclusion of these shares would be dilutive. Unvested share-based awards of restricted stock are paid dividends equally with all other shares of common stock. As a result, the Company includes all outstanding restricted stock awards in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS. Distributed earnings include common stock dividends and dividends earned on unvested share-based payment awards. Undistributed earnings represent earnings that were available for distribution but were not distributed. The following tables show distributed and undistributed earnings:

The following tables present net income (loss) that was attributable to participating securities:

The weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted EPS were as follows:

For the three-month period ended September 28, 2014, no stock options have been included in the calculation of diluted EPS as the Company was in a net loss position and inclusion of these stock options would have been anti-dilutive. For all other periods presented, all outstanding stock options have been included in the calculation of diluted EPS.

NOTE 4 – LONG-TERM DEBT

7.625% Senior Notes

As of September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013, the Company had outstanding $247.5 million and $275.0 million in 7.625% Senior Notes due 2018 (the “7.625% Senior Notes”), respectively. The estimated fair value of the 7.625% Senior Notes as of September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013, based on then current market prices, was $257.4 million and $298.4 million, respectively.

On October 10, 2014, subsequent to the end of the third quarter, the Company elected to redeem $27.5 million aggregate principal amount of 7.625% Senior Notes at a price equal to 103% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed, plus accrued interest to the redemption date of November 26, 2014. On October 17, 2014, the Company elected to redeem the remaining $220 million aggregate principal amount of 7.625% Senior Notes that had not previously been called for redemption, at a price equal to 103.813% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed, plus accrued interest to the redemption date of December 1, 2014.

11.375% Senior Secured Notes

As of September 29, 2013, the Company had outstanding $8.1 million in 11.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2013 (the “11.375% Senior Secured Notes”). The estimated fair value of the 11.375% Senior Secured Notes as of September 29, 2013, based on then current market prices, was $8.1 million. The Company repaid the $8.1 million balance of these notes at maturity in November 2013.

Credit Facilities

On October 22, 2013, the Company entered into a Syndicated Facility Agreement among the Company, certain wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries of the Company as borrowers, certain subsidiaries of the Company as guarantors, Bank of America, N.A. as Administrative Agent, The Royal Bank of Scotland, as Syndication Agent, SunTrust Bank and Regions Bank, as Co-Documentation Agents, and the other lenders party thereto. Pursuant to the Syndicated Facility Agreement, the lenders provide to the Company and certain of its subsidiaries a multicurrency revolving credit facility (the “Syndicated Credit Facility”) of up to $200 million at any one time.

As of September 28, 2014, the Company had $28.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the Syndicated Credit Facility with a weighted average interest rate of approximately 4.5%, and had $3.3 million in letters of credit outstanding under the Syndicated Credit Facility. As of September 28, 2014, the Company could have incurred $168.7 million of additional borrowings under the Syndicated Credit Facility.

On October 3, 2014, subsequent to the end of the third quarter, the Company amended the Syndicated Facility Agreement. The amendment expands the aggregate borrowing availability for revolving loans under the Syndicated Credit Facility from $200 million to $250 million, provides for up to $200 million of new Term Loan A borrowing availability which may be used to repurchase or redeem (before December 31, 2014) the Company’s 7.625% Senior Notes, and extends the maturity of the Syndicated Credit Facility to October 3, 2019. The amendment provides for required amortization payments of any Term Loan A borrowing, as well as mandatory prepayments of any Term Loan A borrowing (and any term loans made available pursuant to any future multicurrency loan facility increase) from certain asset sales, casualty events and debt issuances, subject to certain qualifications and exceptions as provided for therein. Pursuant to the amendment, the Company has the option to further increase (in the future) the borrowing availability under the Syndicated Credit Facility, either for revolving loans or term loans, by up to $150 million, subject to the receipt of lender commitments for such increase and the satisfaction of certain other conditions. All other terms of the Syndicated Credit Facility, including covenants, interest rates and fees, events of default and collateral, remain substantially unchanged.

The Company is currently in compliance with all covenants under the Syndicated Credit Facility and anticipates that it will remain in compliance with the covenants for the foreseeable future.

Other non-U.S. subsidiaries of the Company have an aggregate of the equivalent of $8.4 million of lines of credit available. As of September 28, 2014, there were no borrowings outstanding under these lines of credit.

NOTE 5 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Stock Option Awards

In accordance with accounting standards, the Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant date fair value of the award. That cost will be recognized over the period in which the employee is required to provide the services – the requisite service period (usually the vesting period) – in exchange for the award. The grant date fair value for options and similar instruments will be estimated using option pricing models. Under accounting standards, the Company is required to select a valuation technique or option pricing model that meets the criteria stated in the standard. The Company uses the Black-Scholes model. Accounting standards require that the Company estimate forfeitures for stock options and reduce compensation expense accordingly. The Company has reduced its stock compensation expense by the assumed forfeiture rate and will evaluate experience against this forfeiture rate going forward.

During the first nine months of 2013, the Company recognized stock option compensation expenses of $0.1 million. All outstanding stock options vested prior to 2014, and therefore there have been no stock option compensation expenses during 2014.

The following table summarizes stock options outstanding as of September 28, 2014, as well as activity during the nine months then ended:

At September 28, 2014, the aggregate intrinsic value of both in-the-money options outstanding and options exercisable was $1.2 million (the intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option).

Cash proceeds and intrinsic value related to total stock options exercised during the first nine months of fiscal years 2014 and 2013 are provided in the table below.

Restricted Stock Awards

During the nine months ended September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013, the Company granted restricted stock awards for 490,000 and 670,000 shares, respectively, of common stock. These awards (or a portion thereof) vest with respect to each recipient over a two to five year period from the date of grant, provided the individual remains in the employment or service of the Company as of the vesting date. Additionally, awards (or a portion thereof) could vest earlier upon the attainment of certain performance criteria, in the event of a change in control of the Company, or upon involuntary termination without cause.

Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards was $3.0 million and $5.0 million for the nine months ended September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013, respectively. Accounting standards require that the Company estimate forfeitures for restricted stock and reduce compensation expense accordingly. The Company has reduced its expense by the assumed forfeiture rate and will evaluate experience against this forfeiture rate going forward.

The following table summarizes restricted stock awards outstanding as of September 28, 2014, and activity during the nine months then ended:

As of September 28, 2014, the unrecognized total compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock was approximately $11.5 million. That cost is expected to be recognized by the end of 2017.

For the nine months ended September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013, the Company recognized tax benefits with regard to restricted stock of $0.6 million and $2.0 million, respectively.

NOTE 6 – EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The following tables provide the components of net periodic benefit cost for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013, respectively:

NOTE 7 – SEGMENT INFORMATION

Based on applicable accounting standards, the Company has determined that it has three operating segments – namely, the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific geographic regions. Pursuant to accounting standards, the Company has aggregated the three operating segments into one reporting segment because they have similar economic characteristics, and the operating segments are similar in all of the following areas: (a) the nature of the products and services; (b) the nature of the production processes; (c) the type or class of customer for their products and services; (d) the methods used to distribute their products or provide their services; and (e) the nature of the regulatory environment.

NOTE 8 – 2014 RESTRUCTURING CHARGE

In the third quarter of 2014, the Company committed to a restructuring plan in its continuing efforts to reduce costs across its worldwide operations. In connection with this restructuring plan, the Company incurred a pre-tax restructuring and asset impairment charge in the third quarter of 2014 in an amount of $12.4 million. The charge was comprised of severance expenses of $9.7 million for a reduction of 100 employees, other related exit costs of $0.1 million, and a charge for impairment of assets of $2.6 million. Approximately $10 million of the charge will result in cash expenditures, primarily severance expense.

A summary of these restructuring activities is presented below:

NOTE 9 – SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Cash payments for interest amounted to $10.6 million and $11.6 million for the nine months ended September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013, respectively. Income tax payments amounted to $5.8 million and $7.1 million for the nine months ended September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013, respectively.

NOTE 10 – RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting standard regarding recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. In summary, the core principle of this standard is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period, and early application is not permitted. While the Company is currently reviewing this new standard, it is not expected that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

In July 2013, the FASB issued an accounting standard regarding the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, or similar tax credit carryforward, exists. This standard clarifies that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, if such settlement is required or expected in the event the uncertain tax benefit is disallowed. In situations where a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction or the tax law of the jurisdiction does not require, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be netted with the deferred tax asset. The Company implemented this standard in the first quarter of 2014, which resulted in reductions of deferred tax asset (long-term) and long-term other liabilities of approximately $21.8 million each. Pursuant to this standard, the Company also adjusted its December 29, 2013 consolidated balance sheet, resulting in decreases in its deferred tax asset (long-term) and long-term other liabilities of approximately $21.8 million each.

NOTE 11 – INCOME TAXES

In the first quarter of 2013, the Company executed advance pricing agreements for tax years 2006 through 2011 with the Canada Revenue Agency and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service in relation to the U.S. bilateral advanced pricing agreement filed in 2008. As a result of executing the advance pricing agreements, the Company was able to reduce its liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the first quarter of 2013 by $1.9 million. This benefit has been included in the “Income Tax Expense (Benefit)” line of the Company’s consolidated condensed statement of operations for the nine months ended September 29, 2013.

Accounting standards require that all tax positions be analyzed using a two-step approach. The first step requires an entity to determine if a tax position is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination. In the second step, the tax benefit is measured as the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis, that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. In the first nine months of 2014, the Company decreased its liability for unrecognized tax benefits by $0.8 million. As of September 28, 2014, the Company had accrued approximately $26.6 million for unrecognized tax benefits. In accordance with applicable accounting standards, the Company’s deferred tax asset as of September 28, 2014 reflects a reduction for $21.8 million of these unrecognized tax benefits (see Note 10 for additional information).

NOTE 12 – FIRE AT AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING FACILITY

In July 2012, a fire occurred at the Company’s manufacturing facility in Picton, Australia, rendering the facility inoperable. In January 2014, the Company commenced operations at a new facility in Minto, Australia to service the Australia and New Zealand markets. For further information, please refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013.

NOTE 13 – ITEMS RECLASSIFIED FROM OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

During the first nine months of 2014, the Company did not reclassify any significant amounts out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The reclassifications that occurred in that period were primarily comprised of $0.7 million related to the Company’s defined benefit retirement plan and salary continuation plan. These reclassifications were included in the selling, general and administrative expenses line item of the Company’s consolidated condensed statement of operations.

NOTE 14 – SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING GUARANTOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Guarantor Subsidiaries, which consist of the Company’s principal domestic subsidiaries, are guarantors of the Company’s 7.625% Senior Notes due 2018. The Guarantor Subsidiaries are 100% owned by the Company, and these guarantees are full and unconditional. The Supplemental Guarantor Financial Statements are presented herein pursuant to requirements of the Commission.

INTERFACE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 28, 2014

INTERFACE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 28, 2014

INTERFACE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE

INCOME (LOSS) FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 28, 2014

 INTERFACE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE

INCOME (LOSS) FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 28, 2014

INTERFACE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

SEPTEMBER 28, 2014

 INTERFACE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 28, 2014

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

OPERATIONS

Our discussions below in this Item 2 are based upon the more detailed discussions about our business, operations and financial condition included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013, under Item 7 of that Form 10-K. Our discussions here focus on our results during the quarter and nine months ended, or as of, September 28, 2014, and the comparable periods of 2013 for comparison purposes, and, to the extent applicable, any material changes from the information discussed in that Form 10-K or other important intervening developments or information since that time. These discussions should be read in conjunction with that Form 10-K for more detailed and background information.

Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains statements which may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the planned bond redemptions and debt refinancing and anticipated interest savings therefrom, as well as the anticipated future charges, expenditures and savings relating to the restructuring plan adopted in the third quarter of 2014. Important factors currently known to management that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties associated with economic conditions in the commercial interiors industry, risks associated with the possible nonsatisfaction of the conditions to borrowing under the Company’s Syndicated Credit Facility, which facility is needed to complete the bond redemptions described in this report, as well as the risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” included in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013, which discussion is hereby incorporated by reference. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results over time.

2014 Restructuring Charge

In the third quarter of 2014, we committed to a restructuring plan in our continuing efforts to reduce costs across our worldwide operations. In connection with this restructuring plan, we incurred a pre-tax restructuring and asset impairment charge in the third quarter of 2014 in an amount of $12.4 million. The charge was comprised of severance expenses of $9.7 million for a reduction of 100 employees, other related exit costs of $0.1 million, and impairment of assets of $2.6 million. Approximately $10 million of the charge will result in cash expenditures, primarily severance expense. This restructuring plan is anticipated to be substantially completed by the end of 2014, and is expected to yield annual cost savings of approximately $14 million beginning in 2015.

Fire at Australia Facility

In July 2012, a fire occurred at our manufacturing facility in Picton, Australia, which served customers throughout Australia and New Zealand. The fire caused extensive damage to the facility, as well as disruption to business activity in the region. Following the fire, we utilized adequate production capacity at our manufacturing facilities in Thailand, China, the U.S. and Europe to meet customer demand formerly serviced from Picton. While this has been executed with success, there were, as expected, business disruptions and delays in shipments that affected sales following the fire. We have now completed the build-out of a new manufacturing facility in Minto, Australia, which commenced operations in January 2014. For additional information on the fire, please see the Note entitled “Fire at Australian Manufacturing Facility” in Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013.

General

During the quarter ended September 28, 2014, we had net sales of $252.2 million, compared with net sales of $254.4 million in the third quarter last year. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates did not have a significant impact during the quarter compared with the prior year period. During the first nine months of fiscal year 2014, we had net sales of $731.8 million, compared with net sales of $708.3 million in the first nine months of last year. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates did not have a significant impact on this comparison.

Included in our results for the third quarter of 2014 is the pre-tax restructuring and asset impairment charge of $12.4 million described above.

During the third quarter of 2014, including the restructuring and asset impairment charge discussed above, we had a net loss of $0.4 million, or $0.01 per share. We had net income of $15.0 million, or $0.23 per share, in the third quarter of 2013. During the nine months ended September 28, 2014, including the restructuring and asset impairment charge discussed above, we had net income of $16.7 million, or $0.25 per share. During the nine months ended September 29, 2013, we had net income of $32.9 million, or $0.50 per share. Included in the results for the first nine months of 2013 was a one-time tax dispute resolution benefit of $1.9 million related to the execution of bilateral pricing agreements. See the discussion in Note 11 of Part I, Item 1 of this report, entitled “Income Taxes,” for further information.

Results of Operations

The following table presents, as a percentage of net sales, certain items included in our Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013, respectively:

Net Sales

Below we provide information regarding net sales, and analyze those results, for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013, respectively.

For the three months ended September 28, 2014, net sales decreased $2.3 million (0.9%) versus the comparable period in 2013. On a geographic basis, we experienced a slight decline (less than 1%) in the Americas, a 4% decline in Europe (in local currency and as translated into U.S. dollars), and a 3% increase in the Asia-Pacific region. In the Americas, increases in the hospitality (up 53%) and residential (up 15%) market segments were offset by declines in the retail (down 6%) and education (down 2%) market segments. The increase in the residential market segment was primarily in the multi-family sector as our residential consumer business, FLOR, experienced an 8% decline for the quarter. The corporate office market segment in the Americas experienced a small increase (up less than 1%) for the quarter. The decline in Europe was due to the negative impacts of political unrest and economic uncertainty in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Russia. In Europe, the corporate office segment experienced an increase of 2%, which was more than offset by declines in non-office market segments, particularly government (down 40%) and education (down 19%). In Asia-Pacific, we saw a strong sales increase in Australia (up 13%) as a result of the full impact of our return to local manufacturing there, offset by weaker sales performance in Asia (down 6%). The sales decline in Asia was a result of generally softer economic conditions in China and political uncertainty in Southeast Asia. In the Asia-Pacific region, the largest sales increases were seen in the healthcare (up over 100%) and education (up 53%) market segments. These increases were partially offset by declines in the retail (down 33%) and government (down 51%) market segments. In Asia-Pacific, the corporate office market segment was essentially even compared with the third quarter of 2013.

For the nine months ended September 28, 2014, sales increased $23.5 million (3.3%) versus the comparable period in 2013. This sales increase was seen in the first six months of 2014, as we experienced declining sales in the third quarter of 2014 compared with the third quarter of 2013. On a geographic basis, sales increased in the Americas (up 3%) and Europe (up 8% in U.S. dollars, or 5% in local currency) for the nine-month period, partially offset by a decline in Asia-Pacific of 3%. In the Americas, the largest sales increases were in the hospitality (up 34%), residential (up 20%), education (up 5%) and retail (up 6%) market segments. Corporate office segment sales in the Americas increased by approximately 1% for the period. These increases were partially offset by a decline in the government (down 4%) market segment. In Europe, the corporate office segment accounted for almost the entirety of the increase (up 11% in U.S. dollars, or 7% in local currency), as non-office market segments in the aggregate were essentially even year-over-year. In Asia-Pacific, the sales decline occurred mostly in the corporate (down 6%), retail (down 28%) and government (down 61%) market segments. These declines were partially mitigated by sales increases in the education (up 35%) and healthcare (up over 100%) market segments.

Cost and Expenses

The following table presents, on a consolidated basis for our operations, our overall cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 28, 2014, and September 29, 2013, respectively:

For the three months ended September 28, 2014, our costs of sales increased $5.9 million (3.6%) versus the comparable period in the prior year. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates did not have a significant impact on this comparison. Our raw material prices did not experience significant fluctuation during the third quarter of 2014 compared with the third quarter of 2013. The increase in cost of sales is largely as a result of increased manufacturing complexity associated with new product introductions during the current year period. We also experienced a sales mix toward lower gross margin products during the 2014 third quarter as we continue to expand in market segments with historically lower penetration of carpet tile. In addition, disruptions in yarn supply also caused manufacturing inefficiencies in the 2014 third quarter. As a result of these factors, as a percentage of sales, cost of sales increased to 66.9% for the three months ended September 28, 2014, compared with 63.9% for the comparable period of 2013. In connection with our restructuring actions taken during the third quarter of 2014, as well as other manufacturing efficiency initiatives, we expect to see gross margin expansion in future periods.

For the nine months ended September 28, 2014, our cost of sales increased $24.1 million (5.2%) versus the comparable period in the prior year. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates did not have a significant impact on this comparison. Our raw material prices did not experience significant fluctuation during the first nine months of 2014 compared with the first nine months of 2013. The increase in cost of sales was due to the factors described above for the three months ended September 28, 2014, as well as increased materials costs ($12 million) and labor costs ($1.8 million) associated with higher production levels during the first six months of 2014. Due to these factors, as a percentage of sales, cost of sales increased to 66.0% for the first nine months of 2014 versus 64.8% for the first nine months of 2013.

For the three months ended September 28, 2014, our selling, general and administrative expenses remained essentially even with the comparable period in 2013. Within the selling, general and administrative expenses line item, we experienced current year period increases in selling expense (up $1.3 million) associated with our targeted sales personnel additions, primarily within our Americas business, and $0.7 million of increased marketing expense for global marketing efforts. These increases were almost entirely offset by reduced administrative costs associated with lower levels of incentive compensation as performance targets were not met to the same level as in 2013. As discussed above, we implemented a restructuring plan in the third quarter of 2014 which is expected to reduce our selling, general and administrative expense going forward. As a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 25.4% for the three months ended September 28, 2014, versus 25.1% for the comparable period of 2013.

For the nine months ended September 28, 2014, our selling, general and administrative expenses increased $7.1 million (3.8%) versus the comparable period in 2013. All of this increase occurred in the first six months of 2014, as these expenses were essentially even in the third quarter of 2014 compared with the third quarter of 2013. The increase for the nine-month period was primarily due to increased selling expense ($5.5 million) associated with increased sales for the first six months of 2014, particularly in our European operations, and targeted sales force additions in key end user markets, particularly in the Americas. We also experienced an increase in marketing expense of approximately $1.2 million for continued global marketing campaigns and new product introductions in the current year period. The rate of sales increase for the nine months ended September 28, 2014 kept pace with these additional expenses, and as a result, selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales increased only slightly to 26.3% for the period, versus 26.2% for the nine-month period ended September 29, 2013.

Interest Expense

For the three-month period ended September 28, 2014, our interest expense decreased $0.7 million to $5.6 million, versus $6.3 million in the comparable period of 2013. For the nine months ended September 28, 2014, our interest expense decreased $1.9 million to $16.5 million, versus $18.4 million in the comparable period of 2013. The primary reasons for these decreases were the redemption of $27.5 million of our 7.625% Senior Notes in the fourth quarter of 2013, as well as the repayment at maturity of the remaining $8.1 million of our 11.375% Senior Subordinated Notes in the fourth quarter of 2013. While we did have borrowings outstanding under our Syndicated Credit Facility for the third quarter and first nine months of 2014, which were not present in the third quarter and first nine months of 2013, these borrowings were at a significantly lower interest rate than the senior notes which were repaid and redeemed in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

General

At September 28, 2014, we had $68.5 million in cash. At that date, we had $28.0 million of borrowings and $3.3 million in letters of credit outstanding under our Syndicated Credit Facility. As of September 28, 2014, we could have incurred $168.7 million of additional borrowings under our Syndicated Credit Facility. In addition, we could have incurred an additional $8.4 million of borrowings under our other lines of credit in place at other non-U.S. subsidiaries.

On October 3, 2014, subsequent to the end of the third quarter, we amended our Syndicated Credit Facility. The amendment expands the aggregate borrowing availability for revolving loans under the Syndicated Credit Facility from $200 million to $250 million, provides for up to $200 million of new Term Loan A borrowing availability which may be used to repurchase or redeem (before December 31, 2014) the Company’s 7.625% Senior Notes, and extends the maturity of the Syndicated Credit Facility to October 3, 2019. The amendment provides for required amortization payments of any Term Loan A borrowing, as well as mandatory prepayments of any Term Loan A borrowing (and any term loans made available pursuant to any future multicurrency loan facility increase) from certain asset sales, casualty events and debt issuances, subject to certain qualifications and exceptions as provided for therein. Pursuant to the amendment, we have the option to further increase (in the future) the borrowing availability under the Syndicated Credit Facility, either for revolving loans or term loans, by up to $150 million, subject to the receipt of lender commitments for such increase and the satisfaction of certain other conditions. All other terms of the Syndicated Credit Facility, including covenants, interest rates and fees, events of default and collateral, remain substantially unchanged.

Following the amendment of our Syndicated Credit Facility, on October 10, 2014, we elected to redeem $27.5 million aggregate principal amount of our 7.625% Senior Notes at a price equal to 103% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed, plus accrued interest to the redemption date of November 26, 2014. In addition, on October 17, 2014, we elected to redeem the remaining $220 million aggregate principal amount of 7.625% Senior Notes that had not previously been called for redemption, at a price equal to 103.813% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed, plus accrued interest to the redemption date of December 1, 2014. These redemptions are expected to require $266.1 million, and to be funded through a combination of Term Loan A and revolving borrowings under the expanded Syndicated Credit Facility, and cash on hand. It is estimated that the redemptions and refinancing of this debt will result in $12 million to $13 million in annualized interest savings, based on current interest rates.

Analysis of Cash Flows

Our primary sources of cash during the nine months ended September 28, 2014 were (1) $14.4 million due to an increase in accounts payables and accruals, (2) $1.9 million of borrowings under our Syndicated Credit Facility, and (3) $1.8 million due to a decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets. Our primary uses of cash during this period were (1) $32.1 million for capital expenditures, (2) $15.5 million for increased inventory levels, and (3) $7.4 million due to an increase in accounts receivable.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our discussion below in this Item 3 is based upon the more detailed discussions of our market risk and related matters included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013, under Item 7A of that Form 10-K. Our discussion here focuses on the period ended September 28, 2014, and any material changes from (or other important intervening developments since the time of) the information discussed in that Form 10-K. This discussion should be read in conjunction with that Form 10-K for more detailed and background information.

At September 28, 2014, we recognized an $11.8 million decrease in our foreign currency translation adjustment account compared to December 29, 2013, primarily because of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against certain foreign currencies.

Sensitivity Analysis. For purposes of specific risk analysis, we use sensitivity analysis to measure the impact that market risk may have on the fair values of our market sensitive instruments.

To perform sensitivity analysis, we assess the risk of loss in fair values associated with the impact of hypothetical changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates on market sensitive instruments. The market value of instruments affected by interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate risk is computed based on the present value of future cash flows as impacted by the changes in the rates attributable to the market risk being measured. The discount rates used for the present value computations were selected based on market interest and foreign currency exchange rates in effect at September 28, 2014. The values that result from these computations are compared with the market values of these financial instruments at September 28, 2014. The differences in this comparison are the hypothetical gains or losses associated with each type of risk.

As of September 28, 2014, based on a hypothetical immediate 150 basis point increase in interest rates, with all other variables held constant, the market value of our fixed rate long-term debt would be impacted by a net decrease of approximately $0.7 million. Conversely, a 150 basis point decrease in interest rates would result in a net increase in the market value of our fixed rate long-term debt of approximately $0.7 million.

As of September 28, 2014, a 10% decrease or increase in the levels of foreign currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar, with all other variables held constant, would result in a decrease in the fair value of our financial instruments of $10.1 million or an increase in the fair value of our financial instruments of $8.2 million, respectively. As the impact of offsetting changes in the fair market value of our net foreign investments is not included in the sensitivity model, these results are not indicative of our actual exposure to foreign currency exchange risk.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Act”), pursuant to Rule 13a-14(c) under the Act. Based on that evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are subject to various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, none of which is required to be disclosed under this Item 1.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There were no material changes in risk factors in the third quarter of 2014. For a discussion of risk factors, see Part I, Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table contains information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of the Company, or any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), of our common stock during our third quarter ended September 28, 2014:

⁽¹⁾ The monthly periods identified above correspond to the Company’s fiscal third quarter of 2014, which commenced June 30, 2014 and ended September 28, 2014.

⁽²⁾ The referenced shares were acquired by the Company from certain of our employees to satisfy income tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting, in the third quarter of 2014, of certain previous awards of restricted stock.

⁽³⁾ The referenced price paid per share represents the fair market value of all shares acquired from employees on the date the shares vested, which is equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the NASDAQ stock exchange on the day preceding the vesting date. The total represents the weighted average price paid per share.

⁽⁴⁾ We did not have a publicly announced stock repurchase program in place in the third quarter of 2014. On October 7, 2014, subsequent to the end of the third quarter, the Company announced a program to repurchase up to 500,000 shares of common stock per fiscal year, commencing with the 2014 fiscal year.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

The following exhibits are filed with this report:

SIGNATURE

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.

EXHIBITS INCLUDED HEREWTIH

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