Global Industrial Company - 10-Q quarterly report FY2012 Q3

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012

or

For the transition period from                     to

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-13792

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

11 Harbor Park Drive

Port Washington, New York 11050

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (516) 608-7000

 

 

Available Information

We maintain an internet web site at www.systemax.com. We file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and make available free of charge on or through this website our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, including all amendments to those reports.  These are available as soon as is reasonably practicable after they are filed with the SEC.  All reports mentioned above are also available from the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov). The information on our website is not part of this or any other report we file with, or furnish to, the SEC.

Our Board of Directors has adopted the following corporate governance documents with respect to the Company (the “Corporate Governance Documents”):

In accordance with the corporate governance rules of the New York Stock Exchange, each of the Corporate Governance Documents is available on our Company web site, www.systemax.com.

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements

Systemax Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Systemax Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Systemax Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)

Systemax Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Systemax Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Systemax Inc.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America are not required in these interim financial statements and have been condensed or omitted. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

We announced plans to exit the Software Solutions segment during the second quarter of 2009. As a result of the third party business activities of Software Solutions ending during the second quarter of 2012, all current and prior period results for this segment are now included in discontinued operations. Balance sheet amounts reflecting this change are not shown due to their immateriality.

In the third quarter of 2012, the Company reversed valuation allowances of approximately $15.1 million related to the deferred tax assets of the Company’s subsidiary in France. Demonstrated and projected profitable results in the subsidiary’s operations caused the valuation allowances to be deemed no longer necessary. The reversal of the valuation allowances positively impacted diluted earnings per share by $0.41.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contain all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2012 and the results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, statements of comprehensive income for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, cash flows for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 and changes in shareholders’ equity for the nine month period ended September 30, 2012. The December 31, 2011 condensed consolidated balance sheet has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2011 and for the year then ended included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.  The results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year.

Systemax manages its business and reports using a 52-53 week fiscal year that ends at midnight on the Saturday closest to December 31. For clarity of presentation herein, fiscal years and quarters are referred to as if they ended on the traditional calendar month.  The actual fiscal third quarter ended on September 29, 2012.  The third quarters of both 2012 and 2011 included 13 weeks and the first nine months of both 2012 and 2011 included 39 weeks.

Net income per common share - basic was calculated based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the respective periods presented using the two class method of computing earnings per share. The two class method was used as the Company has outstanding restricted stock with rights to dividend participation for unvested shares.  Net income per common share - diluted was calculated based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and included the equivalent shares for dilutive options and restricted stock awards outstanding during the respective periods, including unvested options. The dilutive effect of outstanding options and restricted stock issued by the Company is reflected in net income per share - diluted using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, options will only have a dilutive effect when the average market price of common stock during the period exceeds the exercise price of the options. The weighted average number of stock options outstanding included in the computation of diluted earnings per share was 0.04 million and 0.2 million shares for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and 0.1 million and 0.3 million shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The weighted average number of restricted stock awards included in the computation of diluted earnings per share was 0.09 million and 0.04 million shares for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and 0.1 million and 0.2 million shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The weighted average number of stock options outstanding excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share was 1.5 million and 0.7 million shares for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and 1.0 million and 0.7 million shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, due to their antidilutive effect. The weighted average number of restricted awards outstanding excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share was 0.1 million and 0 million shares for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and 0 million shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, due to their antidilutive effect.

The Company maintains a $125.0 million (which may be increased to $200.0 million, subject to certain conditions) secured revolving credit agreement with a group of financial institutions which provides for borrowings in the United States. The credit facility has a five year term and expires in October 2015. Availability is subject to a borrowing base formula that takes into account eligible receivables and eligible inventory. Borrowings are secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets, including accounts receivable, inventory and certain other assets, subject to limited exceptions. The credit agreement contains certain operating, financial and other covenants, including limits on annual levels of capital expenditures, availability tests related to payments of dividends and stock repurchases and fixed charge coverage tests related to acquisitions. The borrowings under the agreement are subject to borrowing base limitations of up to 85% of eligible accounts receivable and up to 40% of qualified inventories. The interest rate under this facility is computed at applicable market rates based on LIBOR or the Prime Rate, plus an applicable margin. The revolving credit agreement requires that a minimum level of availability be maintained. If such availability is not maintained, the Company will be required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined).  The applicable margin varies based on borrowing base availability. As of September 30, 2012, eligible collateral under the agreement was $119.6 million, total availability was $113.6 million, total outstanding letters of credit were $6.0 million and there were no outstanding advances. The Company was in compliance with all of the covenants under this facility as of September 30, 2012.

The Company’s Inmac-WStore subsidiary maintained a secured revolving credit agreement with a financial institution in France which was secured by Inmac-WStore accounts receivable balances. Available amounts for borrowing under this facility included all accounts receivable balances not over 60 days past due reduced by the greater of €4.0 million or 10% of the eligible accounts receivable. This credit facility was terminated by the Company on June 9, 2012.

The Company (through a subsidiary) has an outstanding Bond financing with the Development Authority of Jefferson, Georgia (the “Authority”).  The Bonds were issued by the Authority and purchased by GE Government Finance Inc., and mature on October 1, 2018.  The proceeds from the Bond were used to finance capital equipment purchased for the Company’s distribution facility located in Jefferson, Georgia.  The purchase and installation of the equipment for the facility was completed by December 31, 2011. Pursuant to the transaction, the Company transferred to the Authority, for consideration consisting of the Bond proceeds, ownership of the equipment and the Authority leased the equipment to the Company’s subsidiary pursuant to a capital equipment lease expiring October 1, 2018.  Under the capital equipment lease, the Company has the right to acquire ownership of the equipment at any time for a purchase price sufficient to pay off all principal and interest on the Bonds, plus $1.00.  As of September 30, 2012 there was $6.3 million outstanding against this financing facility.

The Company’s Industrial Products segment incurred severance, personnel and other exit costs related to the planned closing and relocation of one of our smaller distribution centers to a new, significantly larger distribution and call center in the second quarter of 2012.  There were no additional costs for the three month period ended September 30, 2012 and $2.2 million for the  nine month period ended September 30, 2012. These costs were recorded as special charges within the Industrial Products segment.  The Company anticipates incurring minimal additional costs related to this facility closing and relocation.

The following table details the associated liabilities incurred related to this plan (in thousands):

The Company’s North America Technology Products segment incurred costs associated with senior staffing changes for which no future services will be rendered and also incurred additional legal and professional fees related to the previously disclosed completed investigation and settlement with a former officer and director and in pursuing related matters.  These combined costs, for the three and nine months period ended September 30, 2012, were approximately $0.2 million and $2.1 million, respectively and were included in special charges.  The Company also incurred $1.7 million of patent settlements with non-practicing entities and severance charges of $0.1 million for the three and nine months period ended September 30, 2012.  These charges were recorded within the Technology Products segment.

Systemax is primarily a direct marketer of brand name and private label products. Our operations are organized into two reportable business segments – Technology Products and Industrial Products.

Our Technology Products segment sells computers, computer supplies and consumer electronics which are marketed in North America, Puerto Rico and Europe. Most of these products are manufactured by other companies; however, we do offer a selection of products that are manufactured for us to our own design and marketed on a private label basis.

Our Industrial Products segment sells a wide array of industrial products and supplies which are marketed in North America. Most of these products are manufactured by other companies. Some products are manufactured for us to our own design and marketed on a private label basis.

The Company’s chief operating decision-maker is the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. The Company evaluates segment performance based on operating income, before net interest, foreign exchange gains and losses, special charges, internal management fees and income taxes. Corporate costs not identified with the disclosed segments are grouped as “Corporate and other expenses”.

The chief operating decision-maker reviews assets and makes capital expenditure decisions for the Company on a consolidated basis only. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those of the Company.

The Company’s Industrial Products and Technology Products segments sell dissimilar products. Industrial products are generally higher in price, lower in volume and higher in product margin. Technology products are generally higher in volume, lower in price and lower in product margin. This results in higher operating margin for the Industrial Products segment. Each segment carries specifically identifiable selling, general and administrative expenses, with the selling, general and administrative expenses for the Industrial Products segment being higher as a percentage of sales than those of the Technology Products segment as a result of the Industrial Products segment having a longer selling cycle than the Technology Products segment.

 

Financial information relating to the Company’s operations, excluding discontinued operations, by reportable segment was as follows (in thousands):

 

Financial information relating to the Company’s operations, excluding discontinued operations, by geographic area was as follows (in thousands):

Revenues are attributed to countries based on the location of the selling subsidiary.

Financial information relating to the Company’s entity-wide product category sales, excluding discontinued operations, was as follows (in millions):

Financial instruments consist primarily of investments in cash, trade accounts receivable, debt and accounts payable. The Company estimates the fair value of financial instruments based on interest rates available to the Company and by comparison to quoted market prices. At September 30, 2012 and 2011, the carrying amounts of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable are considered to be representative of their respective fair values due to their short-term nature. The Company’s debt is considered to representative of its fair value because of its variable interest rate.

The fair value of goodwill and non-amortizing intangibles is measured on a non-recurring basis in connection with the Company’s annual impairment testing. For goodwill, the fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill has been assigned is determined using a discounted cash flow model. A discounted cash flow model is also used to determine fair value of indefinite-lived intangibles using projected cash flows of the intangible. Unobservable inputs related to these discounted cash flow models include projected sales growth, same store sales growth, gross margin percentages, new business opportunities, working capital requirements, capital expenditures and growth in selling, general and administrative expense and are classified in accordance with ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”, within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

Although the Company does not expect, based on currently available information, that the outcome in any of these matters, individually or collectively, will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations, the ultimate outcome is inherently unpredictable.  Therefore, judgments could be rendered or settlements entered, that could adversely affect the Company’s operating results or cash flows in a particular period.  The Company routinely assesses all of its litigation and threatened litigation as to the probability of ultimately incurring a liability, and records its best estimate of the ultimate loss in situations where it assesses the likelihood of loss as probable and estimable.

Early in the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company conducted an evaluation of its multi-brand United States consumer strategy and the intangible assets used in that strategy and on October 31, 2012 its Board of Directors concluded that the Company’s future North American consumer business would be optimized by consolidating its United States consumer operations under TigerDirect, its leading and largest brand.  Accordingly, the Company will record one-time, non-cash impairment charges related to the intangible assets of CompUSA and Circuit City of approximately $34 million, pre-tax, in the fourth quarter of 2012.

 

Early in the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company conducted an evaluation of its PC manufacturing operations located in Ohio and  on October 31, 2012 its Board of Directors concluded that the Company’s future North American technology results will be enhanced by exiting the computer manufacturing business.  The Company will continue service and support for its previously sold PCs.  As a result of exiting this business, the Company expects to incur aggregate one-time charges of approximately $6 to $8 million, pre tax,  in the fourth quarter of 2012 and during 2013 for asset impairment, exit and severance expenses. This amount includes approximately $5 million in non cash charges for asset impairments including an expected write-down of our manufacturing facility to current market values, $750,000 in estimated cash charges for workforce reduction costs, and $500,000 in estimated cash charges for other related shut down expenses.

 

To facilitate the continued growth of its European Technology business, the Company intends to open a shared services center in Eastern Europe in 2013.  This new facility, approved by the Board of Directors on October 31, 2012, will  provide certain administrative and back office services and will help drive operational efficiencies and better serve the Company’s pan-European operating strategy.  The Company expects that one-time exit, severance and startup costs in order to implement the shared services center, as well as other cost reduction initiatives in Europe anticipated to occur in the fourth quarter of 2012 and the first quarter of 2013, will aggregate between $14 and $16 million, pre tax, during the fourth quarter of 2012 and during 2013. This amount includes approximately $9 million for workforce reduction costs, $3 million in start up costs related to our new facility, and $3 million in other tax, legal,  and commercial fees. The Company anticipates that approximately all of the exit, severance and start-up costs will result in future cash expenditures which will be incurred in the fourth quarter of 2012 and the first half of 2013. Not all of the components of this initiative are finalized, and the actual costs and specific timing of the costs could change from the Company’s estimate as the scope of the initiative and underlying assumptions may change.

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward Looking Statements

This report contains forward looking statements within the meaning of that term in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Additional written or oral forward looking statements may be made by the Company from time to time, in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission or otherwise.  Statements contained in this report that are not historical facts are forward looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward looking statements may include, but are not limited to, projections of revenue, income or loss and capital expenditures, statements regarding future operations, financing needs, compliance with financial covenants in loan agreements, plans for acquisition or sale of assets or businesses and consolidation of operations of newly acquired businesses, and plans relating to products or services of the Company, assessments of materiality, predictions of future events and the effects of pending and possible litigation, as well as assumptions relating to the foregoing. In addition, when used in this discussion, the words “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans” and variations thereof and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements.

Forward-looking statements in this report are based on the Company’s beliefs and expectations as of the date of this report and are subject to risks and uncertainties which may have a significant impact on the Company’s business, operating results or financial condition. Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results or outcomes may vary materially from those described herein. Statements in this report, particularly in “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, describe certain factors, among others, that could contribute to or cause such differences.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward looking statements contained in this report, which speak only as of the date of this report.  We undertake no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unexpected events.

Overview

Systemax is primarily a direct marketer of brand name and private label products. Our operations are organized in two reportable business segments – Technology Products and Industrial Products.

Our Technology Products segment sells computers, computer supplies and consumer electronics which are marketed in North America, Puerto Rico and Europe. Most of these products are manufactured by other companies.  Some products are manufactured for us to our own design and marketed on a private label basis. For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012, Technology products accounted for 87% and 88%, respectively, of our net sales.

Our Industrial Products segment sells a wide array of industrial products and supplies which are marketed in North America. Most of these products are manufactured by other companies. Some products are manufactured for us to our own design and marketed on a private label basis. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, Industrial products accounted for 13% and 12%, respectively, of our net sales.  In both of our Technology Products and Industrial Products segments, we offer our customers a broad selection of products, prompt order fulfillment and extensive customer service.

Early in the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company conducted an evaluation of its Technology Products multi-brand United States consumer strategy and the intangible assets used in that strategy and on October 31, 2012 its Board of Directors concluded that the Company’s future North American consumer business would be optimized by consolidating its United States consumer operations under TigerDirect, its leading and largest brand.  Accordingly, the Company will record one- time, non-cash impairment charges related to the intangible assets of CompUSA and Circuit City of approximately $34 million, pre-tax, in the fourth quarter of 2012.

 

Early in the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company conducted an evaluation of its PC manufacturing operations located in Ohio and  on October 31, 2012 its Board of Directors concluded that the Company’s future North American technology results will be enhanced by exiting the computer manufacturing business.  The Company will continue service and support for its previously sold PCs.  As a result of exiting this business, the Company expects to incur aggregate one-time  charges of approximately $6 to $8 million, pre tax,  in the fourth quarter of 2012 and during 2013 for asset impairment, exit and severance expenses . This amount includes approximately $5 million in non cash charges for asset impairments including an expected write-down of our manufacturing facility to current market values, $750,000 in estimated cash charges for workforce reduction costs, and $500,000 in estimated cash charges for other related shut down expenses. The Company anticipates that the opportunity benefit of strengthening its strategic relationships with vendor partners within the desktop PC category should provide improved profitability  of between $1 and $2 million, pre tax,  on an annual basis.

To facilitate the continued growth of its European Technology business, the Company intends to open a shared services center in Eastern Europe in 2013.  This new facility, approved by the Board of Directors on October 31, 2012, will  provide certain administrative and back office services and will help drive operational efficiencies and better serve the Company’s pan-European operating strategy.  The Company expects that one-time exit, severance and startup costs in order to implement the shared services center, as well as other cost reduction initiatives in Europe anticipated to occur in the fourth quarter of 2012 and the first quarter of 2013, will aggregate between $14 and $16 million, pre tax, during the fourth quarter of 2012 and during 2013. This amount includes approximately  $9 million for workforce reduction costs, $3 million in start up costs related to our new facility, and $3 million in other tax, legal,  and commercial fees. The Company anticipates that approximately all of the exit, severance and start-up costs will result in future cash expenditures which will be incurred in the fourth quarter of 2012 and the first half of 2013. The Company anticipates that it will realize a reduction in its cost structure of between $9 and $11 million, pre tax, on an annual basis after  implementation of the shared services center. Not all of the components of this initiative are finalized, and the actual costs and specific timing of the costs could change from the Company’s estimate as the scope of the initiative and underlying assumptions may change.

We announced plans to exit the Software Solutions segment during the second quarter of 2009. As a result of the third party business activities of Software Solutions ending during the second quarter of 2012, all current and prior period results for this segment are now included in discontinued operations.

Our Industrial Products and Technology Products segments sell dissimilar products. Industrial products are generally higher in price, lower in volume and higher in product margin. Technology products are generally higher in volume, lower in price and lower in product margin. This results in higher operating margin for the Industrial Products segment. Each segment carries specifically identifiable selling, general and administrative expenses, with the selling, general and administrative expenses for the Industrial Products segment being higher as a percentage of sales than those of the Technology Products segment as a result of the Industrial Products segment having a longer selling cycle for its business customers than the Technology Products segment. Additionally, the Industrial Products segment’s vendors generally do not provide funding to offset its marketing expenses.

 

The market for computer products and consumer electronics is subject to intense price competition and is characterized by narrow gross profit margins. The North American industrial products market is highly fragmented and we compete against multiple distribution channels. Distribution is working capital intensive, requiring us to incur significant costs associated with the warehousing of many products, including the costs of maintaining inventory, leasing warehouse space, inventory management systems, and employing personnel to perform the associated tasks. We supplement our on-hand product availability by maintaining relationships with major distributors and manufacturers, utilizing a combination of stock and drop-shipment fulfillment.

The primary component of our operating expenses historically has been employee related costs, which includes items such as wages, commissions, bonuses, employee benefits and stock option expenses. We continually assess our operations to ensure that they are efficient, aligned with market conditions and responsive to customer needs.

The discussion of our results of operations and financial condition that follows will provide information that will assist in understanding our financial statements, the factors that we believe may affect our future results and financial condition as well as information about how certain accounting principles and estimates affect the consolidated financial statements. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements included herein and in conjunction with the audited financial statements as of December 31, 2011 and the other information provided in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

Critical Accounting Policies and 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 at the date of the financial statements, and revenues and expenses during the period. Significant accounting policies employed by the Company, including the use of estimates, were presented in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Critical accounting policies are those that are most important to the presentation of our financial condition and results of operations, require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments, and involve uncertainties. The accounting policies that have been identified as critical to our business operations and understanding the results of operations pertain to revenue recognition; accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts; inventories; goodwill and intangible assets; long-lived assets; accruals; income taxes; and reorganization and other costs. The application of each of these critical accounting policies and estimates was discussed in Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. There have been no significant changes in the application of critical accounting policies or estimates during 2012. Management believes that full consideration has been given to all relevant circumstances that we may be subject to, and the condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company accurately reflect management’s best estimate of the consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows of the Company for the periods presented. Because of the uncertainty in these estimates, actual results could differ from estimates used in applying the critical accounting policies. We are not aware of any reasonably likely events or circumstances which would result in different amounts being reported that would materially affect the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Public companies in the United States are subject to the accounting and reporting requirements of various authorities, including the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These authorities issue numerous pronouncements, most of which are not applicable to the Company’s current or reasonably foreseeable operating structure. Below are the new authoritative pronouncements that management believes are relevant to the Company’s current operations.

In July 2012, the FASB issued an update related to annual impairment testing for indefinite-lived intangible assets which provides companies with the option to perform a qualitative impairment assessment for their indefinite-lived intangible assets that may allow them to skip the annual fair value calculation.  The qualitative assessment is similar to the screen companies can use to determine whether they must perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. Companies must identify and evaluate changes in economic, industry and company-specific events and circumstances that could affect the significant inputs used in determining the fair value of these assets.  This ASU is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012.  The Company does not believe that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Results of Operations

Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 compared to the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011

Key Performance Indicators* (in millions):

*excludes discontinued operations

**includes special charges (gains), net (See Note 4 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).

(1)Not meaningful due to the reversal of $15.1 million in valuation allowances (See Note 1 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).

 

NET SALES

 

SEGMENTS

 

The Technology Products net sales decrease is attributable to continued weakness in the consumer channels:  internet, retail and   television shopping channel sales in North America.  These declines are the result of industry trends that include soft consumer demand for personal computers and a number of consumer electronics products, as well as increased competition. The declines were partially offset by solid performance in the business to business channels.  On a constant currency basis, Technology Products net sales would have decreased 6.5% and 4.2%, respectively, for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012.

 

The Industrial Products net sales increase for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 is attributable to the addition of products offered and new product categories on the Company’s website, the addition of sales personnel and the operation of a Canadian website in 2012.

CHANNELS

The increase in consolidated business to business channel sales was driven by the Industrial Products segment’s additional products offered and new product categories on the Company’s website and the addition of sales personnel.  On a constant currency basis, worldwide business to business channel sales grew 8.8% for the third quarter and 9.6% for the nine month period ended September 30, 2012.

The decline in consolidated consumer-channel sales resulted from softness in television shopping, internet and retail stores, in North America.  On a constant currency basis, worldwide consumer channel sales decreased 19.2% for the third quarter of 2012 and 14.5% for the nine month period ended September 30, 2012.

GROSS MARGIN

The decrease in consolidated gross margin resulted primarily from increasing price competition in our North America Technology operations,  freight incentives offered to maintain market share and geographic and category mix within our businesses. In our Industrial Products segment gross margin was negatively impacted by a shift towards drop shipped products, a decline in freight margins and costs related to the opening of a a new distribution center as it continued to ramp up operations  Gross margin is dependent on variables such as product mix, price protection and other sales incentives offered by the Company’s vendors, competition, pricing strategy, co-operative advertising funds required to be classified as a reduction to cost of sales, freight discounting and other variables, any or all of which may result in fluctuations in gross margin.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Overall selling, general and administrative expenses reflect our planned investments to support our strategic initiatives for our businesses offset by spending reductions in our North American Technology business.

The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 was the result of investment in a new leadership team to support our pan European structure, reduced vendor co-operative funding partially offset by savings in catalog and other advertising costs, increased internet advertising, and increased temporary and contract labor costs and other operating costs.  Significant expense increases for the three months ended September 30, 2012 included approximately $1.6 million of reduced vendor co-operative funding offset by savings in catalog and store advertising costs, $2.9 million of increased internet advertising costs, and $0.7 million of increased temporary and contract labor costs.  Significant expense increases for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 included approximately $4.3 million of reduced vendor co-operative funding partially offset by savings in catalog and store advertising costs, $6.7 million of increased internet advertising costs, and $2.4 million of increased temporary and contract labor costs.

SPECIAL CHARGES (GAINS), NET

OPERATING MARGIN

The decline in Technology Products operating margin was primarily due to the soft demand for personal computers and consumer electronics, a decline in vendor co-operative funding within the North America technology business, and lower sales and associated gross profit to cover fixed selling, general and administrative expenses, partially offset by continued strength in business to business operations. Operating loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was positively impacted by approximately $2.6 million related to the favorable resolution of certain contingent liabilities recorded in the second quarter of 2012 and negatively impacted by $1.7 million of patent claim settlements with non practing entities..

The decline in Industrial Products operating margin was due to a shift towards drop shipped products which tend to lower consolidated profit margins, a decline in freight margins, costs incurred for the  new distribution and call center opened in the second quarter of 2012, and sales and other personnel costs as the segment continues to expand into newer product categories.

The increase in Corporate and other loss primarily resulted from increased overhead expenses.

The discontinued operations of Software Solutions contibuted income of $0.04 million, net of tax, for the three month period ended September 30, 2012 and a loss of $0.2 million, net of tax, for the nine month period ended September 30, 2012.

INTEREST EXPENSE

The interest expense decrease is attributable to decreasing balances owed on the Recovery Zone Bond facility and outstanding capital lease obligations.  Interest expense for 2011 is attributable to interest on the Recovery Zone Bond facility used to finance the second Technology Products distribution center.

 

INCOME TAXES

The Company’s effective tax rate for the third quarter was a 755.9% benefit compared to a 37.7% expense in the third quarter of 2011. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was a 274.8% benefit compared to 32.5% expense for the same period last year. The unusual effective tax rate  for both the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012, is primarily due to the reversal of approximately $15.1 million of valuation allowances against deferred tax assets of the Company’s French subsidiary.  Demonstrated and projected profitable results in the subsidiary’s operations caused the valuation allowances to be deemed no longer necessary.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary liquidity needs are to support working capital requirements in our business, including working capital for the planned exit from the computer manufacturing business, opening of a shared service center in Eastern Europe,  a new distribution and call center for our Industrial Products segment, funding capital expenditures, including those related to our retail stores and information technology systems, repaying outstanding debt and funding acquisitions. We rely principally upon operating cash flow to meet these needs. We believe that cash flow available from these sources and our availability under credit facilities will be sufficient to fund our working capital and other cash requirements for at least the next twelve months. We believe our current capital structure and cash resources are adequate for our internal growth initiatives.  To the extent our growth initiatives expand, including major acquisitions, we would seek to raise additional capital.  We believe that, if needed, we can access public or private funding alternatives to raise additional capital.

 

Our working capital increased primarily as the result of increased cash balances, prepaid expenses and other current asset balances offset by decreased inventory balances, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities balances.

Cash provided by continuing operations during 2012 resulted from changes in our working capital accounts, which provided $23.6 million in cash compared to $2.5 million used in 2011. Cash provided by continuing operations in 2012 is primarily the result of a reduction in inventory balances partially offset by increases in prepaid expenses and other current assets and accounts payable balances. Cash generated from net income from continuing operations adjusted by other non-cash items provided $23.6 million during 2012 compared to $48.3 million during 2011, primarily the result of the release of deferred tax asset valuation allowances  related to the Company’s French subsidiary and higher net income and return of common stock in 2011.  Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations during 2012 was $0.4 million and $0.07 million in 2011.

Cash flows used in investing activities during 2012 totaled $11.3 million and were for fabrication materials, expenditures for a new retail store opening, upgrades and enhancements to our information and communications systems hardware and software, and expenditures related to the new distribution and call center.  Net cash used in investing activities in 2011 totaled $9.1 million and were for upgrades and enhancements to our information and communications systems hardware and software, and expenditures in retail stores in North America.

Net cash of $1.2 million was used in financing activities during 2012. We repaid approximately $2.0 million of capital lease obligations.  Net proceeds and excess tax benefits from stock option exercises provided $0.8 million.  In 2011, we borrowed and repaid $10.9 million from revolving credit and short term debt facilities.  In addition, we repaid $2.0 million in capital lease obligations. Net proceeds and excess tax benefits from stock option exercises provided approximately $0.4 million of cash and we received proceeds of approximately $0.6 million from the Recovery Zone Facility Bond.  Net cash used in financing activities from discontinued operations was $0.2 million during 2011.

The Company maintains a $125.0 million (which may be increased to $200.0 million, subject to certain conditions) secured revolving credit agreement with a group of financial institutions which provides for borrowings in the United States. The credit facility has a five year term and expires in October 2015. Availability is subject to a borrowing base formula that takes into account eligible receivables and eligible inventory. Borrowings are secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets, including accounts receivable, inventory and certain other assets, subject to limited exceptions. The credit agreement contains certain operating, financial and other covenants, including limits on annual levels of capital expenditures, availability tests related to payments of dividends and stock repurchases and fixed charge coverage tests related to acquisitions. The revolving credit agreement requires that a minimum level of availability be maintained. If such availability is not maintained, the Company will be required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined). The borrowings under the agreement are subject to borrowing base limitations of up to 85% of eligible accounts receivable and up to 40% of qualified inventories. The interest rate under this facility is computed at applicable market rates based on LIBOR or the Prime Rate, plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin varies based on borrowing base availability. As of September 30, 2012, eligible collateral under this agreement was $119.6 million, total availability was $113.6 million, total outstanding letters of credit were $6.0 million and there were no outstanding advances. The Company was in compliance with all of the covenants under this facility as of September 30, 2012.

The Company’s WStore subsidiary maintained a revolving credit agreement with a financial institution in France which is secured by WStore accounts receivable balances. This credit facility was terminated by the Company on June 9, 2012.Available amounts for borrowing under this facility included all accounts receivable balances not over 60 days past due reduced by the greater of €4.0 million or 10% of the eligible accounts receivable.

The Company (through a subsidiary) has an outstanding Bond financing with the Development Authority of Jefferson, Georgia (the “Authority”).  The Bonds were issued by the Authority and initially purchased by GE Government Finance Inc., and mature on October 1, 2018. The proceeds from the Bonds were used to finance capital equipment purchased for the Company’s distribution facility located in Jefferson, Georgia. The purchase and installation of the equipment for the facility was completed by December 31, 2011. Pursuant to the transaction, the Company transferred to the Authority, for consideration consisting of the Bonds proceeds, ownership of the equipment and the Authority leased the equipment to the Company’s subsidiary pursuant to a capital equipment lease expiring October 1, 2018. Under the capital equipment lease the Company has the right to acquire ownership of the equipment at any time for a purchase price sufficient to pay off all principal and interest on the Bonds, plus $1.00. As a result of the capital lease treatment for this transaction, the leased equipment is included in property, plant and equipment in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. As of September 30, 2012, the Company had $6.3 million outstanding against this financing facility.

We also have certain obligations with various parties that include commitments to make future payments. Our principal commitments at September 30, 2012 consisted of payments under operating leases for certain of our real property and equipment, payments under capital leases for equipment, and payments under employment and other service agreements.

Our earnings and cash flows are seasonal in nature, with the fourth quarter of the fiscal year generating somewhat higher earnings and cash flows than the other quarters. Levels of earnings and cash flows are dependent on factors such as consolidated gross margin and selling, general and administrative costs as a percentage of sales, product mix and relative levels of domestic and foreign sales. Unusual expense items, such as special charges, may impact earnings and are separately disclosed. We expect that past performance may not be indicative of future performance due to the competitive nature of our Technology Products segment where the need to adjust prices to gain or hold market share is prevalent.

Macroeconomic conditions, such as business and consumer sentiment, may affect our revenues, cash flows or financial condition.  However, we do not believe that there is a direct correlation between any specific macroeconomic indicator and our revenues, cash flows or financial condition.  We are not currently interest rate sensitive, as we have minimal debt.

We anticipate cash needs to support our growth and expansion plans, specifically the opening of a new shared services center in Eastern Europe next year, and continued investment in upgrading and expanding our technological capabilities and information technology infrastructure, and capital equipment needs for our retail store network.  We anticipate cash needs to fund working capital requirements in our business, including the planned exit from the computer manufacturing business, the new distribution and call center for our Industrial Products segment, repaying outstanding debt, and funding acquisitions. These expenses and capital expenditures will require significant levels of liquidity, which we believe can be adequately funded from our currently available cash and revolving credit resources. We have recently engaged in several opportunistic acquisitions, choosing to pay the purchase price in cash, and may do so in the future as favorable situations arise. However, a deep and prolonged period of reduced consumer spending could adversely impact our cash resources and force us to either forego future acquisition opportunities or to pay the purchase price in shares of our common stock, which could have a dilutive effect on our earnings per share.

We maintain our cash primarily in money market funds or their equivalent. As of September 30, 2012, all of our investments had maturities of less than three months. Accordingly, we do not believe that our investments have significant exposure to interest rate risk.

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations.

The Company has not created, and is not party to, any special-purpose or off-balance sheet entities for the purpose of raising capital, incurring debt or operating the Company’s business. The Company does not have any arrangements or relationships with entities that are not consolidated into the financial statements that are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s liquidity or the availability of capital resources.

In April 2012, the Company entered into a lease for a distribution and call center for the Industrial Products segment.  The facility, located in Robbinsville, New Jersey, is approximately 500,000 square feet and is leased through August 2032.  The following table details the contractual obligations related to this lease (in thousands):

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are exposed to market risks, which include changes in U.S. and international interest rates as well as changes in currency exchange rates (principally Pounds, Euros and Canadian dollars) as measured against the U.S. dollar and each other.

The translation of the financial statements of our operations outside of the United States is impacted by movements in foreign currency exchange rates. Changes in currency exchange rates as measured against the U.S. dollar may positively or negatively affect sales, gross margins, operating expenses and retained earnings as expressed in U.S. dollars. We have limited involvement with derivative financial instruments and do not use them for trading purposes.  We may enter into foreign currency options or forward exchange contracts aimed at limiting in part the impact of certain currency fluctuations, but as of September 30, 2012 we had no outstanding option or forward exchange contracts.

Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our variable rate debt. Our variable rate debt includes short-term borrowings under our credit facilities. As of September 30, 2012, there were no outstanding balances under our variable rate credit facility. A hypothetical change in average interest rates of one percentage point is not expected to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Company carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2012. Based upon this evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the Company’s assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that the Company’s receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of the Company’s management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

Management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that the Company’s internal controls will prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of internal controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. Also, any evaluation of the effectiveness of controls in future periods are subject to the risk that those internal controls may become inadequate because of changes in business conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various lawsuits, claims, investigations and  proceedings including commercial, employment, consumer, personal injury and health and safety law matters, which are being handled and defended in the ordinary course of business.  In addition, the Company is subject to various lawsuits, claims, proceedings and requests for indemnification concerning intellectual property, including patent infringement suits involving technologies that are incorporated in a broad spectrum of products the Company sells or which are utilized in our ecommerce operations. The Company is also audited by (or has initiated voluntary disclosure agreements with) numerous governmental agencies in various countries, including U.S. Federal and state authorities, concerning potential income tax, sales tax and unclaimed property liabilities. These matters are in various stages of investigation, negotiation and/or litigation, and are being vigorously defended. Results for the nine month period ended September 30, 2012 were positively impacted by approximately $2.6 million related to the favorable resolution of contingent liabilities which were recorded in the second quarter of 2012 and negatively impacted by $1.7 million of patent claim settlements with non practicing entities which were recorded in the third quarter of 2012.  

 

Item 6.  Exhibits

 

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.

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