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SUPERIOR GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. - Quarter Report: 2005 March (Form 10-Q)

For The Quarter Ended March 31, 2005

 

FORM l0-Q

 


 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

(Mark One)

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

 

For the quarter ended March 31, 2005

 

OR

 

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

 

Commission file number 1-5869-1

 


 

SUPERIOR UNIFORM GROUP, INC.

 


 

Incorporated - Florida  

I.R.S. Employer Identification No.

11-1385670

 

10055 Seminole Boulevard

Seminole, Florida 33772-2539

Telephone No.: 727-397-9611

 


 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

As of April 28, 2005 the registrant had 7,451,662 common shares outstanding, which is the registrant’s only class of common stock.

 



PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. Financial Statements

 

SUPERIOR UNIFORM GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,

 
     2005

    2004

 

Net sales

   $ 31,857,089     $ 33,765,220  
    


 


Costs and expenses:

                

Cost of goods sold

     21,515,614       22,538,900  

Selling and administrative expenses

     9,980,168       9,317,791  

Interest expense

     141,864       158,061  
    


 


       31,637,646       32,014,752  
    


 


Earnings before taxes on income

     219,443       1,750,468  

Taxes on income

     80,000       620,000  
    


 


Net earnings

   $ 139,443     $ 1,130,468  
    


 


Weighted average number of shares out-standing during the period

                

(Basic)

     7,445,442 Shs.     7,394,795 Shs.

(Diluted)

     7,552,475 Shs.     7,588,541 Shs.

Basic net earnings per common share

   $ 0.02     $ 0.15  
    


 


Diluted net earnings per common share

   $ 0.02     $ 0.15  
    


 


Dividends per common share

   $ 0.135     $ 0.135  
    


 


 

The results of the three months ended March 31, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2005.

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

 

2


SUPERIOR UNIFORM GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

    

March 31,

2005
(Unaudited)


   December 31,
2004 (1)


ASSETS

             

CURRENT ASSETS:

             

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 151,821    $ 150,563

Accounts receivable and other current assets

     29,672,797      27,896,662

Inventories*

     47,714,968      45,741,410
    

  

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

     77,539,586      73,788,635

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net

     21,725,009      22,062,359

GOODWILL

     1,617,411      1,617,411

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

     1,428,952      1,488,492

OTHER ASSETS

     7,425,616      7,322,229
    

  

     $ 109,736,574    $ 106,279,126
    

  

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

             

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

             

Accounts payable

   $ 9,089,225    $ 7,177,596

Accrued expenses

     4,097,143      3,761,660

Current portion of long-term debt

     1,945,386      1,593,807
    

  

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

     15,131,754      12,533,063

LONG-TERM DEBT

     7,298,781      5,662,569

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

     855,000      1,015,000

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     86,451,039      87,068,494
    

  

     $ 109,736,574    $ 106,279,126
    

  


*  Inventories consist of the following:

             
    

March 31,

2005
(Unaudited)


   December 31,
2004


Finished goods

   $ 40,881,111    $ 39,347,976

Work in process

     830,438      648,197

Raw materials

     6,003,419      5,745,237
    

  

     $ 47,714,968    $ 45,741,410
    

  

 

(1) The balance sheet as of December 31, 2004 has been derived from the audited balance sheet as of that date and has been condensed.

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

 

3


SUPERIOR UNIFORM GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,

 
     2005

    2004

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

                

Net earnings

   $ 139,443     $ 1,130,468  

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:

                

Depreciation and amortization

     986,255       801,523  

Provision for bad debts

     1,000       29,000  

Deferred income tax benefit

     (160,000 )     (65,000 )

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisition:

                

Accounts receivable and other current assets

     (1,777,135 )     725,617  

Inventories

     (1,973,558 )     1,040,798  

Other assets

     (20,333 )     23,897  

Accounts payable

     1,911,629       411,063  

Accrued expenses

     453,483       1,424,291  
    


 


Net cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities

     (439,216 )     5,521,657  
    


 


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

                

Additions to property, plant and equipment

     (598,095 )     (1,726,299 )

Disposals of property, plant and equipment

     8,730       165,694  

Purchase of business, net of cash acquired

     —         (6,275,699 )

Other assets

     (83,054 )     (18,565 )
    


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (672,419 )     (7,854,869 )
    


 


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

                

Proceeds from long-term debt

     2,297,000       —    

Repayment of long-term debt

     (309,209 )     (287,864 )

Payment of cash dividends

     (1,005,647 )     (998,712 )

Proceeds received on exercised stock options

     130,749       574,487  
    


 


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     1,112,893       (712,089 )
    


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     1,258       (3,045,301 )

Cash and cash equivalents balance, beginning of year

     150,563       14,915,079  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of period

   $ 151,821     $ 11,869,778  
    


 


 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

 

4


SUPERIOR UNIFORM GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2005 AND 2004

 

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1 – Summary of Significant Interim Accounting Policies:

 

a) Basis of presentation

 

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements include the accounts of Superior Uniform Group, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Fashion Seal Corporation. Intercompany items have been eliminated in consolidation. The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. These condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The interim financial information contained herein is not certified or audited; it reflects all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring accruals) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the operating results for the periods presented, stated on a basis consistent with that of the audited financial statements. The unaudited financial information included in this report as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2005 has been reviewed by Grant Thornton LLP, independent certified public accountants, and their review report thereon accompanies this filing; such review was made in accordance with established professional standards and procedures for such a review. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year.

 

b) Revenue recognition

 

The Company records revenue as products are shipped and title passes. A provision for estimated returns and allowances is recorded based on historical experience and current allowance programs.

 

c) Recognition of costs and expenses

 

Costs and expenses other than product costs are charged to income in interim periods as incurred, or allocated among interim periods based on an estimate of time expired, benefit received or activity associated with the periods. Procedures adopted for assigning specific cost and expense items to an interim period are consistent with the basis followed by the registrant in reporting results of operations at annual reporting dates. However, when a specific cost or expense item charged to expense for annual reporting purposes benefits more than one interim period, the cost or expense item is allocated to the interim periods.

 

d) Advertising expenses

 

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Total advertising costs for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, were $11,681 and $35,399.

 

e) Shipping and handling fees and costs

 

The Company follows EITF 00-10, Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs which requires shipping and handling fees billed to customers to be classified as revenue and shipping and handling costs to be either classified as cost of sales or disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. The Company includes shipping and handling fees billed to customers in Net sales. Shipping and handling costs associated with in-bound and out-bound freight are generally recorded in cost of goods sold. Other shipping and handling costs are included in selling and administrative expenses and totaled $2,330,416, and $1,777,839 in 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

f) Inventories

 

Inventories at interim dates are determined by using both perpetual records on a first-in, first-out basis and gross profit calculations.

 

g) Accounting for income taxes

 

The provision for income taxes is calculated by using the effective tax rate anticipated for the full year.

 

5


h) Earnings per share

 

Historical basic per share data is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Historical diluted per share data is reconciled by adding to weighted average shares outstanding the dilutive impact of the exercise of outstanding stock options.

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,

     2005

   2004

Earnings used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:

             

Net earnings

   $ 139,443    $ 1,130,468
    

  

Weighted average shares outstanding

     7,445,442      7,394,795

Common stock equivalents

     107,033      193,746
    

  

Total weighted average shares outstanding

     7,552,475      7,588,541
    

  

Earnings per common share:

             

Basic net earnings

   $ 0.02    $ 0.15
    

  

Diluted net earnings

   $ 0.02    $ 0.15
    

  

 

i) Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

j) Comprehensive Income

 

Total comprehensive income represents the change in equity during a period from sources other than transactions with shareholders and, as such, includes net earnings. For the Company, the only other component of total comprehensive income is the change in the fair value of derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges.

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,

 
     2005

   2004

 

Net earnings

   $ 139,443    $ 1,130,468  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

               

Net unrealized gain (loss) during the period related to cash flow hedges

     118,000      (5,000 )
    

  


Comprehensive income

   $ 257,443    $ 1,125,468  
    

  


 

k) Operating Segments

 

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (FAS) No. 131 “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” requires disclosures of certain information about operating segments and about products and services, geographic areas in which the Company operates, and their major customers. The Company has evaluated the effect of this standard and has determined that currently it operates in one segment, as defined in this statement.

 

l) Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Company has only limited involvement with derivative financial instruments. The Company has one interest rate swap agreement to hedge against the potential impact on earnings from increases in market interest rates of a variable rate term loan. Under the interest rate swap agreement, the Company receives or makes payments on a monthly basis, based on the differential between a specified interest rate and one month LIBOR. A term loan of $5,956,838 is designated as a hedged item for interest rate swaps at March 31, 2005.

 

This interest rate swap is accounted for as a cash flow hedge in accordance with FAS 133 and FAS 138. As of the report date, all swaps met effectiveness tests, and as such no gains or losses were included in net income during the quarter related to hedge ineffectiveness and there was no income adjustment related to any portion excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. A gain of $118,000 and a loss of $5,000 was included in other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The original term of the contract is ten years.

 

6


m) Stock-based Compensation:

 

The Company continues to apply Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 for the method used to account for stock-based employee compensation arrangements, where applicable, and has adopted the disclosure requirements of FAS 148. The Company estimated the fair value of options utilizing the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

 

The following table illustrates the effect on net earnings and earnings per common share as if the fair value based method had been applied to all awards in each period.

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,

     2005

    2004

Net earnings, as reported

   $ 139,443     $ 1,130,468

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

     561,927       401,521
    


 

Pro forma net (loss) earnings

   $ (422,484 )   $ 728,947
    


 

Net earnings (loss) per common share:

              

Basic – as reported

   $ 0.02     $ 0.15
    


 

Basic – pro forma

   $ (0.06 )   $ 0.10
    


 

Diluted – as reported

   $ 0.02     $ 0.15
    


 

Diluted – pro forma

   $ (0.06 )   $ 0.10
    


 

 

n) Reclassifications

 

Certain reclassifications to the 2004 financial information have been made to conform to the 2005 presentation of the condensed consolidated summary of operations.

 

NOTE 2 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued FAS No. 123 (revised 2004), “Shared-Based Payment.” FAS 123(R) addresses the accounting for share-based payment transactions in which an enterprise receives employee services in exchange for (a) equity instruments of the enterprise or (b) liabilities that are based on the fair value of the enterprise’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of such equity instruments. Statement 123(R) requires an entity to recognize the grant-date fair-value of stock options and other equity-based compensation issued to employees in the income statement. The revised Statement generally requires that an entity account for those transactions using the fair-value-based method, and eliminates the intrinsic value method of accounting in APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, which was permitted under Statement 123, as originally issued.

 

The revised Statement requires entities to disclose information about the nature of the share-based payment transactions and the effects of those transactions on the financial statements. FAS 123(R) is effective for public companies that do not file as small business issuers as of the beginning of the first annual reporting period that begins after June 15, 2005 (i.e., first quarter 2006 for the Company). All public companies must use either the modified prospective or the modified retrospective transition method. The Company has not yet evaluated the impact of adoption of this pronouncement that must be adopted in the first quarter of our fiscal year 2006.

 

In November 2004, the FASB issued FAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs - an Amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4,” to provide clarification that abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material be recognized as current-period charges. In addition, this standard requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of this standard are effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the standard will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

7


NOTE 3 - Long-Term Debt:

     March 31,
2005


   December 31,
2004


Note payable to Wachovia, pursuant to revolving credit agreement, maturing April 26, 2007

   $ 2,297,000    $ —  

6.75% term loan payable to Wachovia, with monthly payments of principal and interest, maturing April 1, 2009

     5,956,838      6,266,047

Note payable to Bank of America, 0% interest payable in three equal installments on July 1, 2005, January 1, 2006, and January 1, 2007

     990,329      990,329
    

  

       9,244,167      7,256,376

Less payments due within one year included in current liabilities

     1,945,386      1,593,807
    

  

Long-term debt less current maturities

   $ 7,298,781    $ 5,662,569
    

  

 

On March 26, 1999, the Company entered into a 3-year credit agreement with Wachovia Bank that made available to the Company up to $15,000,000 on a revolving credit basis. Interest is payable at LIBOR plus 0.60% based upon the one-month LIBOR rate for U.S. dollar based borrowings (3.5% at March 31, 2005). The Company pays an annual commitment fee of 0.15% on the average unused portion of the commitment. The available balance under the credit agreement is reduced by outstanding letters of credit. As of March 31, 2005, approximately $372,000 was outstanding under letters of credit. On March 27, 2001 and again on April 27, 2004, the Company entered into agreements with Wachovia Bank to extend the maturity of the revolving credit agreement. The revolving credit agreement matures on June 30, 2007. At the option of the Company, any outstanding balance on the agreement at that date will convert to a one-year term loan. The remaining terms of the original revolving credit agreement remain unchanged. The Company also entered into a $12,000,000 10-year term loan on March 26, 1999 with the same bank. The term loan is an amortizing loan, with monthly payments of principal and interest, maturing on April 1, 2009. The term loan carries a variable interest rate of LIBOR plus 0.80% based upon the one-month LIBOR rate for U.S. dollar based borrowings. Concurrent with the execution of the term loan agreement, the Company entered into an interest rate swap with the bank under which the Company receives a variable rate of interest on a notional amount equal to the outstanding balance of the term loan from the bank and the Company pays a fixed rate of 6.75% on a notional amount equal to the outstanding balance of the term loan to the bank.

 

The credit agreement and the term loans with Wachovia contain restrictive provisions concerning debt to net worth ratios, other borrowings, capital expenditures, tangible net worth ($76,448,000 at March 31, 2005); working capital ratio (2.5:1), fixed charges coverage ratio (2.5:1), stock repurchases and payment of dividends. At March 31, 2005, under the most restrictive terms of the debt agreements, retained earnings of approximately $7,170,000 were available for declaration of dividends. The Company is in full compliance with all terms, conditions and covenants of the various credit agreements.

 

NOTE 4 – Periodic Pension Expense

 

The following table presents the net periodic pension expense under our plans for the three month periods ended March 31,:

 

     2005

    2004

 

Service cost - benefits earned during the period

   $ 167,000     $ 168,000  

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation

     270,000       258,000  

Expected return on plan assets

     (345,000 )     (312,000 )

Amortization of prior service cost

     44,000       43,000  

Recognized actuarial loss

     20,000       8,000  
    


 


Net periodic pension cost

   $ 156,000     $ 165,000  
    


 


 

There were no contributions made to the Company’s benefit plans during the periods ended March 31, 2005 or 2004.

 

8


NOTE 5 – Supplemental Cash Flow Information:

 

Cash paid (refunded) for income taxes was $17,172 and $(7,529), respectively for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004. Cash paid for interest was $147,399 and $161,974, respectively for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004.

 

NOTE 6 – Contingencies:

 

The Company is involved in various legal actions and claims arising from the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate outcome of these matters will not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.

 

9


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Board of Directors and Shareholders

Superior Uniforms Group, Inc.

 

We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Superior Uniform Group, Inc. and subsidiary (“the Company”) as of March 31, 2005, the related condensed consolidated summary of operations for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005, and the condensed consolidated summary of cash flows for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

 

We conducted our review in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

 

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying interim financial information for it to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

The condensed consolidated summary of operations for the three-month period ended March 31, 2004, and the condensed consolidated summary of cash flows for the three-month period ended March 31, 2004, were reviewed by other accountants whose reports dated April 21, 2004, stated that they were not aware of any material modifications that should be made to those statements in order for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP

 

Tampa, Florida

April 27, 2005

 

10


ITEM 2.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Certain matters discussed in this Form 10-Q are “forward-looking statements” intended to qualify for the safe harbors from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because the context of the statement will include words such as we “believe,” “anticipate”, “expect” or words of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe our future plans, objectives, strategies or goals are also forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that may materially adversely affect the anticipated results. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited, to the following: general economic conditions in the areas of the United States in which the Company’s customers are located; changes in the healthcare, resort and commercial industries where uniforms and service apparel are worn; the impact of competition; the availability of manufacturing materials, and other factors described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements made herein and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made herein are only made as of the date of this Form 10-Q and we disclaim any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004. Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for the preparation of interim financial statements. The preparation of the financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate the estimates that we have made. These estimates are based upon our historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Our actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Revenue Recognition, Sales Returns and Allowances, and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

The Company recognizes revenue in the period in which the product is shipped and title passes. The Company provides an allowance for estimated returns and allowances each period based upon historical experience and current allowance programs. Judgments and estimates are used in determining the collectability of accounts receivable. The Company analyzes specific accounts receivable and historical bad debt experience, customer credit worthiness, current economic trends and the age of outstanding balances when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Management judgments and estimates are used in connection with establishing the allowance in any accounting period. Changes in estimates are reflected in the period they become known. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Judgments and estimates are used in determining the likelihood that new goods on hand can be sold to customers. Historical inventory usage and current revenue trends are considered in estimating both excess and obsolete inventories. If actual product demand and market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

 

Insurance

 

The Company self-insures for certain obligations related to health and workers’ compensation programs. The Company also purchases stop-loss insurance policies to protect it from catastrophic losses. Judgments and estimates are used in determining the potential value associated with reported claims and for losses that have occurred, but have not been reported. The Company’s estimates consider historical claim experience and other factors. The Company’s liabilities are based on estimates, and, while the Company believes that the accrual for loss is adequate, the ultimate liability may be in excess of or less than the amounts recorded. Changes in claim experience, the Company’s ability to settle claims or other estimates and judgments used by management could have a material impact on the amount and timing of expense for any period.

 

Results of Operations

 

Net sales decreased from $33,765,220 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 to $31,857,089 for the three months ended March 31, 2005. The decrease is primarily attributed to the January implementation of our new Warehouse Management

 

11


System. During the latter half of January and through the month of February, we experienced significant difficulty in shipping customer orders. As a result, sales for the first two months of the quarter were down approximately $2.8 million. We continue to improve the operating efficiency of the system and were able to make up approximately $900,000 in revenues during the month of March as compared to the prior year month. Our backlog of open orders at March 31, 2005 was approximately $7.5 million as compared to $6.0 million at March 31, 2004.

 

Cost of goods sold, as a percentage of sales, approximated 67.5% and 66.8%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004. The increase as a percentage of sales is primarily attributed to lower sales and manufacturing levels in the current period to cover fixed overhead expenses. The Company’s gross margins may not be comparable with other entities, since some entities include all of the costs related to their distribution network in cost of goods sold. As disclosed in Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company includes a portion of the costs associated with its distribution network in selling and administrative expenses.

 

Selling and administrative expenses, as a percentage of sales approximated 31.3% for the first three months of 2005 as compared to 27.6% for the first three months of 2004. The increase as a percentage of sales is attributed to the decrease in sales volume in the current period (2.0%) and increased salaries and wages primarily associated with the new Warehouse Management System issues in the current quarter (1.0%).

 

Interest expense of $141,864 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005 decreased 10.2% from $158,061 for the similar period ended March 31, 2004. This decrease is attributed primarily to lower outstanding borrowings under the Company’s fixed rate term loan with Wachovia.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Accounts receivable and other current assets increased 6.4% from $27,896,662 on December 31, 2004 to $29,672,797 as of March 31, 2005 due primarily to higher sales in the month of March 2005 versus December of 2004.

 

Inventories as of March 31, 2005 increased 4.3% to $47,714,968 from $45,741,410 on December 31, 2004 due primarily to lower than expected sales in the first three months of 2005 as a result of shipping difficulties experienced with the Company’s new Warehouse Management System.

 

Other Intangible Assets decreased from $1,488,492 at December 31, 2004 to $1,428,952 as a result of scheduled amortization of the intangible assets.

 

Accounts payable increased 26.6% from $7,177,596 on December 31, 2004 to $9,089,225 on March 31, 2005 due primarily to the increase in inventory levels.

 

Cash and cash equivalents increased by $1,528 from $150,563 on December 31, 2004 to $151,821 as of March 31, 2005. This increase is attributed to $418,883 used in operating activities and $692,752 used in investing activities offset by $1,112,893 provided by financing activities. The $692,752 used in investing activities consists primarily of $598,095 utilized for additions to fixed assets. Total borrowings under long-term debt agreements increased by $1,987,791 from $7,256,376 on December 31, 2004 to $9,244,167 on March 31, 2005 as a result of $2,297,000 of borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2005, offset by scheduled repayments of outstanding borrowings. The Company has operated without hindrance or restraint with its present working capital, as income generated from operations and outside sources of credit, both trade and institutional, have been more than adequate. At March 31, 2005, our principal sources of liquidity consisted of cash and available borrowings under our revolving credit facility and term loan with Wachovia. The credit agreement and the term loan with Wachovia contain restrictive provisions concerning debt to net worth ratios, other borrowings, capital expenditures, tangible net worth ($76,448,000 at March 31, 2005); working capital ratio (2.5:1), fixed charges coverage ratio (2.5:1), stock repurchases and payment of dividends. At March 31, 2005, under the most restrictive terms of the debt agreements, retained earnings of approximately $7,170,000 were available for declaration of dividends. The Company is in full compliance with all terms, conditions and covenants of the various credit agreements.

 

In the foreseeable future, the Company will continue its ongoing capital expenditure program designed to maintain and improve its facilities. The Company at all times evaluates its capital expenditure program in light of prevailing economic conditions.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, the Company paid cash dividends of $1,005,647 and $998,712. The Company did not reacquire any shares of its Common Stock in the three-month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004. The Company anticipates that it will continue to pay dividends and that it will reacquire and retire additional shares of its common stock in the future as financial conditions permit.

 

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The Company believes that its cash flow from operating activities together with other capital resources and funds from credit sources will be adequate to meet all of its funding requirements for the remainder of the year and for the foreseeable future.

 

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates, which may adversely affect its results of operations and financial condition. The Company seeks to minimize the risks from these interest rates when considered appropriate, through the limited use of derivative financial instruments. The Company’s policy is to not use financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes and is not a party to any leveraged financial instruments. The Company has debt obligations with variable interest rates tied to LIBOR which are described in “Liquidity and Capital Resources” as well as Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company estimates that a hypothetical increase in interest rates of 1% would have resulted in an insignificant change in the Company’s interest expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2005.

 

The Company has one interest rate swap agreement to hedge against the potential impact on earnings from increases in market interest rates of a variable rate term loan. Under the interest rate swap agreement, the Company receives or makes payments on a monthly basis, based on the differential between a specified interest rate and one month LIBOR. A term loan of $5,956,838 is designated as a hedged item for interest rate swaps at March 31, 2005. This interest rate swap is accounted for as a cash flow hedge in accordance with FAS 133 and FAS 138. As of the report date, all swaps met effectiveness tests, and as such no gains or losses were included in net income during the quarter related to hedge ineffectiveness and there was no income adjustment related to any portion excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. A gain of $ 118,000 and a loss of $5,000 was included in other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The original term of the contract is ten years.

 

The Company is also exposed to changes in prevailing market interest rates affecting the return on its investments but does not consider this interest rate market risk exposure to be material to its financial condition or results of operations. The Company invests primarily in highly liquid debt instruments with strong credit ratings and short-term (less than three months) maturities.

 

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

 

The Chief Executive Officer, Michael Benstock, and the Chief Financial Officer, Andrew D. Demott, Jr., evaluated the effectiveness of Superior’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report (the “Evaluation Date”), and concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, Superior’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information Superior is required to disclose in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Superior in the reports that it files under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to Superior’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting identified in connection with this evaluation that occurred during the period covered by this report and that have affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings

 

None.

 

ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

None.

 

ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

Inapplicable.

 

ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security-Holders

 

None.

 

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ITEM 5. Other Information

 

On March 25, 2005, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K regarding entering into a contract for the sale of its plant in Tampa, Florida. The transaction contemplated by this contract has not yet closed. The Registrant may, at its option, continue to occupy the plant for up to one year following the closing by making lease payments to the purchaser in the amount of $21,600 per month.

 

ITEM 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibits

 

15    Letter re: Unaudited Interim Financial Information.
31.1    Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2    Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32    Certification of Periodic Financial Report by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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.

 

Date: May 6, 2005

 

SUPERIOR UNIFORM GROUP, INC.

   

By

 

/s/ Michael Benstock


       

Michael Benstock

       

Chief Executive Officer

   

By

 

/s/ Andrew D. Demott, Jr.


       

Andrew D. Demott, Jr.

       

Sr. Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

       

and Treasurer (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description


15    Letter re: Unaudited Interim Financial Information.
31.1    Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2    Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32    Certification of Periodic Financial Report by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.