1
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.
FORM 10-K
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended November 30, 1997 Commission File No. 0-209
BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
VIRGINIA 54-0135270
---------------------------------------- -----------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
3525 FAIRYSTONE PARK HIGHWAY
BASSETT, VIRGINIA 24055
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code 540/629-6000
------------------------------------------
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Name of each exchange
Title of each class: on which registered
-------------------- --------------------------
Common Stock ($5.00 par value) NASDAQ
------------------------------ ------
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for at least the past 90 days.
[X] Yes [ ] No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held
by non-affiliates of the registrant as of February 18, 1998 was
$339,950,000.
The number of shares of the Registrant's common stock outstanding on
February 18, 1998 was 13,051,279.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
(1) Portions of the Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated Annual
Report to Stockholders for the year ended November 30, 1997 (the
"Annual Report") are incorporated by reference into Parts I and II of
this Form 10-K.
(2) Portions of the Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated definitive
Proxy Statement for its 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held
March 24,1998, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(the "Proxy Statement") are incorporated by reference into Part III of
this Form 10-K.
2
2
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
(dollar amounts in thousands except per share data)
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS
Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated was incorporated under
the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1930. The executive
offices are located in Bassett, Virginia.
During 1997, the Company commenced the restructuring of certain of
its operations and recorded restructuring and impaired asset charges
of $20,646. The restructuring plan is the result of management's
decision to focus on its core Bassett product line and efforts to
improve operating efficiencies. The principal actions of the plan
include the closure or sale of fourteen manufacturing facilities,
elimination of three product lines (National/Mt. Airy, Impact and
veneer production) and the severance of approximately 1,000
employees. The major components of the restructuring and impairment
of assets charges and the remaining reserves as of November 30,1997
are as follows:
Writedown of
property and
equipment to
Original net realizable Reserves Reserve
charges value utilized balance
--------- -------------- -------- --------
Non-cash write-downs of
property and equipment
to net realizable value $13,362 $13,362 $ - $ -
Severance and related
employee benefit cost 5,684 - 774 4,910
Lease exit costs 614 - - 614
Other 986 - 261 725
------- ------- ------ ------
Total $20,646 $13,362 $1,035 $6,249
======= ======= ====== ======
The Company completed the closure of five of the fourteen
manufacturing facilities, disposed of one of the facilities and
severed approximately 600 employees during 1997. Eight additional
facilities were closed subsequent to year-end and management expects
to complete the remaining restructuring actions during 1998. Net
sales and operating losses from activities which were discontinued
were $46,221 and $ (31,602) respectively in 1997, $60,119 and
$(1,867) respectively in 1996, and $70,149 and $ (1,495) respectively
in 1995.
As a result of the plan, additional unusual and nonrecurring charges
including moving costs, plant consolidation inefficiencies and
inventory writedowns totaling $31,654 were recorded in 1997. Of
these costs, $28,325 are included in cost of goods sold and $3,329
are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the
1997 consolidated statement of operations. The Company estimates
that additional charges due to plant inefficiencies and idle
facilities of approximately $10,540 will be incurred during 1998.
After an income tax benefit of $20,397, the restructuring and
impaired asset charges of $20,646 and additional nonrecurring
charges of $31,654 reduced fiscal year 1997 net income by $31,903 or
$2.34 per share.
In addition, the Company incurred other unusual and nonrecurring
charges during 1997 of $12,500 related to customer bankruptcies,
environmental matters and issues related to the Mattress Division.
Of these charges, $1,000 are included in cost of goods sold and
$11,500 are included in selling, general and administrative expenses
in the 1997 consolidated statement of operations. After an income
tax benefit of $4,875, these other unusual and nonrecurring charges
reduced fiscal year 1997 net income by $7,625 or $ .56 per share.
3
3
There have been no other material changes in the mode of conducting
business in the fiscal year beginning December 1, 1996.
INDUSTRY SEGMENT
In accordance with the instructions for this item, Bassett Furniture
Industries, Incorporated and its subsidiaries, all of which are
wholly-owned (Company), is deemed to have been engaged in only one
business segment, manufacture and sale of household furniture, for
the three years ended November 30, 1997.
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
The Company manufactures and sells a full line of furniture for the
home, including bedroom and dining suites and accent pieces;
occasional tables, wall and entertainment units; home office systems
and computer work stations; upholstered sofas, chairs and love seats
(motion and stationary); recliners; and mattresses and box springs.
The Company's products are distributed through a large number of
retailers, principally in the United States. The retailers selling
the Company's products include mass merchandisers, department
stores, independent furniture stores, chain furniture stores,
proprietary retail outlets called Bassett Furniture Direct, Bassett
Direct Plus and Bassett Gallery stores, decorator showrooms,
warehouse showrooms, specialty stores and rent-to-own stores.
The Company's significant product lines are: wood, upholstery and
bedding, which accounted for 46%, 29% and 12% of net sales during
1997, respectively.
Raw materials used by the Company are generally available from
numerous sources and are obtained principally from domestic sources.
The Company has not experienced significant raw materials cost
pressures in 1997.
The Company's trademark "Bassett" and the names of its marketing
divisions and product collections are significant to the conduct of
its business. This importance is due to consumer recognition of the
names and identification with the Company's broad range of products.
The Company owns certain patents and licenses that are important in
the conduct of the Company's business.
The furniture industry in which the Company competes is not
considered to be a seasonal industry. There are no special
practices in the furniture industry, or applicable to the Company,
that would have a significant effect on working capital items.
Sales to one customer (J. C. Penney Company) amounted to
approximately 14% of gross sales in 1997, 15% in 1996 and 14% in
1995. The Company's backlog of orders believed to be firm was
$43,000 at November 30,1997 and $48,000 at November 30, 1996. It is
expected that the November 30, 1997 backlog will be filled within
the 1998 fiscal year.
The furniture industry is very competitive and there are a large
number of manufacturers both within the United States and offshore
who compete in the market on the basis of product quality, price,
style, delivery and service. Based on annual sales revenue, the
Company is one of the largest furniture manufacturers located in the
United States. The Company has been successful in this competitive
environment because its products represent excellent values
combining attractive price and superior quality and styling; prompt
delivery; and quality, courteous service. Competition from foreign
manufacturers is not any more significant in the marketplace today
than competition from domestic manufacturers.
The furniture industry is considered to be a "fashion" industry
subject to constant change to meet the changing consumer preferences
and tastes. As such, the Company is continuously involved in the
development of new designs and products. Due to the nature of these
efforts and the close relationship to the manufacturing operations,
these costs are considered normal operating costs and are not
segregated. The Company is not otherwise involved in "traditional"
research and
4
4
development activities nor does the Company sponsor research and
development activities of any of its customers.
In management's view, the Company has complied in all material
respects with all federal, state and local standards in the area of
safety, health and pollution and environmental controls. Compliance
with these standards has not had a material adverse effect on past
earnings, capital expenditures or competitive position. The Company
is involved in environmental matters at certain of its plant
facilities, which arise in the normal course of business. Although
the final outcome of these environmental matters cannot be
determined, based on the facts presently known, it is management's
opinion that the final resolution of these matters will not have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or
future results of operations.
The Company had approximately 5,700 employees at November 30, 1997.
The Company owns a minority interest in International Home
Furnishings Center, which is a lessor of permanent exhibition space
to furniture and accessory manufacturers.
FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC OPERATIONS AND EXPORT SALES
The Company has no foreign operations, and its export sales are
insignificant.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
At November 30, 1997 the Company owns the following manufacturing facilities:
Plant Name Location Construction
---------- -------- ------------
J. D. Bassett Manufacturing Company Bassett, VA (2 plants) Brick, frame and concrete
Bassett Superior Lines Bassett, VA Brick, frame, concrete and steel
Bassett Chair Company Bassett, VA Brick, frame, concrete and steel
Bassett Table Company Bassett, VA Brick and frame
Bassett Fiberboard Bassett, VA Brick, concrete and steel
Bassett Upholstery Division Newton, NC (4 plants) Brick, concrete and steel
Bassett Upholstery Division Taylorsville, NC Brick, concrete and steel
Bassett Upholstery Division Dumas, AR Brick, concrete and steel
Bassett Furniture Industries of North
Carolina, Inc. Macon, GA Brick, concrete and steel
Dublin, GA Concrete block and steel
* Statesville, NC Brick, frame, concrete and steel
Burkeville Veneer * Burkeville, VA Brick and frame
National/Mt. Airy Mt. Airy, NC Brick, concrete and steel
Weiman Division Christiansburg, VA Metal frame
E. B. Malone Corporation Lake Wales, FL
(2 plants) Concrete block and frame
* Pottstown, PA Metal frame
* West Palm Beach, FL Concrete block and steel
Walworth, WI Concrete block and steel
Fredericksburg, VA Brick and frame
Chehalis, WA Concrete block and metal frame
Los Angeles, CA Concrete block and metal frame
5
5
Los Angeles, CA Brick, concrete and steel
Tipton, MO Concrete block and steel
Impact Furniture * Hickory, NC (1 plant and
1 warehouse) Brick, concrete and steel
Bassett Motion Division * Booneville, MS
(2 plants) Metal frame
The Company also owns its general corporate office building in
Bassett, Virginia (brick, concrete and steel), two warehouses in
Bassett, Virginia (brick and concrete) and a showroom in High Point,
North Carolina (brick, concrete and steel).
In general, these facilities are suitable and are considered to be
adequate for the continuing operations involved. All facilities,
except those held for sale, are in regular use.
Properties designated by an asterisk "*" have ceased manufacturing
operations and are currently held for sale in connection with the
restructuring efforts.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In June 1997, the Company's management learned that certain
mattresses and box springs manufactured by a subsidiary, E. B.
Malone Corporation, for sale to two major retail customers, were
made with different specifications that those originally
manufactured for sale by these retailers. To remedy this situation,
the Company implemented a program under which consumers who
purchased these products can obtain a rebate directly from the
Company.
On June 18, 1997, a suit was filed in the Superior Court of the
State of California for the County of Los Angeles (the "Superior
Court") against the Company, two major retailers and certain current
and former employees of the Company seeking certification of a class
consisting of all consumers who purchased the above described
products from these two major retailers. The suit alleges various
causes of action, including negligent misrepresentation, breach of
warranty, violations of deceptive practices laws, and fraud, and
seeks compensatory damages of $100 million and punitive damages.
The Company filed a demurrer seeking to dismiss several of the
causes of action and on September 12, 1997, the Superior Court
sustained the Company's demurrer but granted the plaintiffs leave to
amend. Plaintiffs thereafter filed a Second Amended Complaint
adding certain independent retailers as additional plaintiffs. On
December 17,1997, the Superior Court again sustained the Company's
demurrer to plaintiffs' fraud, negligent misrepresentation and
conspiracy counts, and plaintiffs filed a third Amended Complaint.
On February 10,1998 the Superior Court sustained the Company's
demurer, without leave to amend the class action allegations of the
Third Amended Complaint and ordered the case transferred out of the
class action department. The Superior Court also sustained a
demurrer, without leave to amend, to many of the individual claims.
As a result of these rulings, the number and types of claims have
been substantially reduced. Although it is impossible to predict the
ultimate out- come of this litigation, the Company intends to
vigorously defend this suit because it believes that the damages
sought are unjustified and because certification of a class of
consumers is unnecessary and inappropriate in this case. Because the
Company believes that the two major retailers were unaware of the
changes in product specifications, the Company has agreed to
indemnify the two major retailers with respect to the above.
The Company is also involved in various other claims and actions
which arise in the normal course of business. Although the final
outcome of these legal matters cannot be determined, based on the
facts presently known, it is management's opinion that the final
resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect
on the Company's financial position or future results of operations.
6
6
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
The information contained in the Annual Report under the caption
"Other Business Data" - "Market and Dividend Information" with
respect to number of stockholders, market prices and dividends paid
is incorporated herein by reference thereto.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The information for the five years ended November 30, 1997,
contained in the "Other Business Data" in the Annual Report is
incorporated herein by reference thereto.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The information contained in "Other Business
Data" in the Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference
thereto.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The consolidated financial statements and notes to consolidated
financial statements of the Registrant and its subsidiaries
contained in the Annual Report are incorporated herein by reference
thereto. In addition, financial statements of the registrant's 50%
or less owned significant subsidiary is included in this Form 10-K
following the Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement
Schedules.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Bassett Furniture Industries decided to change its independent
Public Accountants from KPMG Peat Marwick (KPMG) to Arthur Andersen
effective November 21, 1997, and KPMG Peat Marwick was notified on
that date. This decision was approved unanimously by the Board of
Directors. The new management team at Bassett Furniture Industries,
since taking charge in August 1997, has changed the Company's
management focus and philosophy to more of a strategic focus and
emphasis on return on assets employed. Management believes that
Arthur Andersen's "business risk" audit approach is directly aligned
with the Company's philosophy and will provide this Company's
management team with invaluable information towards managing the
Company better and planning for the future.
During the Company's two most recent fiscal years ended November
30, 1996 and November 30, 1995 and the subsequent interim period
through November 21, 1997, there were no disagreements with KPMG on
any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial
statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, which if not
resolved to their satisfaction would have caused them to make
reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection
with their opinion.
The audit reports of KPMG on the consolidated financial statements
of the Company for the fiscal years ended November 30, 1996 and
November 30, 1995 did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer
of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty,
audit scope or accounting principles.
7
7
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS OF THE
REGISTRANT
The information contained on pages 1 through 5 of the Proxy
Statement under the captions "Principal Stockholders and Holdings of
Management" and "Election of Directors" is incorporated herein by
reference thereto.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information contained on pages 6 through 13 of the Proxy
Statement under the captions "Organization, Compensation and
Nominating Committee Report," "Stockholder Return Performance
Graph," "Executive Compensation," "Supplemental Retirement Income
Plan" and "Deferred Compensation Agreements" is incorporated herein
by reference thereto.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The information contained on pages 1 through 3 of the Proxy
Statement under the heading "Principal Stockholders and Holdings of
Management" is incorporated herein by reference thereto.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information contained on page 5 of the Proxy statement under the
heading "Organization and Compensation Committee Interlocks and
Insider Participation" is incorporated herein by reference thereto.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) (1) The response to this portion of Item 14 is submitted as a
separate section of this report.
(2) All financial statement schedules for which provision is
made in the applicable accounting regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under
the related instructions or are inapplicable and, therefore,
have been omitted.
(3) Listing of Exhibits
3A. Articles of Incorporation as amended are incorporated
herein by reference to Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter
ended February 28, 1994.
3B. Bylaws as amended are incorporated as filed as an
exhibit to this form pursuant to item 14 (C) of this
report.
10A. Bassett 1993 Long Term Incentive Stock Option Plan is
incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-8 (no.33-52405) filed
on February 25, 1994.
10B. Bassett Executive Deferred Compensation Plan is filed
herewith.
10C. Bassett Supplemental Retirement Income Plan is filed
herewith.
8
8
10D. Bassett 1993 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors is
incorporated by reference of the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-8 (no. 33-52407) filed
on February 25, 1994.
13. The registrant's Annual Report to Stockholders for the
year ended November 30, 1997.*
21. List of subsidiaries of the registrant
23A. Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP is filed herewith.
23B. Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP is filed herewith.
23C. Consent of Dixon Odom PLLC is filed herewith.
27. Financial Data Schedule (EDGAR filing only)
*With the exception of the information incorporated in this Form
10-K by reference thereto, the Annual Report shall not be deemed
"filed" as a part of this Form 10-K.
(b) No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the last quarter of the
registrant's 1997 fiscal year.
9
9
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED (Registrant)
By: /s/ PAUL FULTON Date: 3/1/98
---------------------------------------- ------------------
Paul Fulton
Chairman of the Board of Directors and
Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, this report has
been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By: /s/ AMY W. BRINKLEY Date: 2/28/98
---------------------------------------- ------------------
Amy W. Brinkley
Director
By: Date:
---------------------------------------- ------------------
Peter W. Brown
Director
By: /s/ THOMAS E. CAPPS Date: 3/2/98
---------------------------------------- ------------------
Thomas E. Capps
Director
By: Date:
---------------------------------------- ------------------
Willie D. Davis
Director
By: Date:
---------------------------------------- ------------------
Alan T. Dickson
Director
By: /s/ WILLIAM H. GOODWIN, JR. Date: 3/2/98
---------------------------------------- ------------------
William H. Goodwin, Jr.
Director
10
10
SIGNATURES Continued
By: /s/ HOWARD H. HAWORTH Date: 2/28/98
---------------------------------------- ------------------
Howard H. Haworth
Director
By: /s/ JAMES W. MCGLOTHLIN Date: 3/2/98
---------------------------------------- ------------------
James W. McGlothlin
Director
By: /s/ THOMAS W. MOSS, JR. Date: 3/2/98
---------------------------------------- ------------------
Thomas W. Moss, Jr.
Director
By: /s/ MICHAEL E. MURPHY Date: 3/2/98
---------------------------------------- ------------------
Michael E. Murphy
Director
By: Date:
---------------------------------------- ------------------
Albert F. Sloan
Director
By: Date:
---------------------------------------- ------------------
John W. Snow
Director
By: /s/ DOUGLAS W. MILLER Date: 3/2/98
---------------------------------------- ------------------
Douglas W. Miller
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
By: /s/ RONALD D. CASSELL Date: 3/2/98
---------------------------------------- ------------------
Ronald D. Cassell
Controller
11
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
ITEM 14(a)(1) AND (c)
INDEX OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CERTAIN EXHIBITS
YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1997
BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
BASSETT, VIRGINIA
12
INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC.
===============================================================================
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
--------
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Balance Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Statements of Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Statements of Stockholders' Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Statements of Cash Flows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Notes to Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
13
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Board of Directors
International Home Furnishings Center, Inc.
High Point, North Carolina
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of International Home
Furnishings Center, Inc. as of October 31, 1997 and 1996 and the related
statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended October 31, 1997. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of International Home Furnishings
Center, Inc. at October 31, 1997 and 1996 and the results of its operations and
its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 1997
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
High Point, North Carolina
December 1, 1997
------------
Page 1
14
INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
===============================================================================
ASSETS 1997 1996
-------------- -----------------
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,574,018 $ 39,519,299
Short-term investments 78,444 223,859
Receivables
Trade 1,899,925 2,079,608
Interest 16,200 168,814
Deferred income tax asset 599,000 551,000
Prepaid expenses 283,063 247,365
-------------- -----------------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 8,450,650 42,789,945
-------------- -----------------
INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS
Theater complex, at cost less amortization (Note F) 1,063,364 1,106,619
Other investments, at cost - 4,000
-------------- -----------------
1,063,364 1,110,619
-------------- -----------------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, at cost
Land and land improvements 3,293,772 3,293,772
Buildings, exclusive of theater complex 74,932,651 74,860,339
Furniture and equipment 3,353,057 3,306,837
-------------- -----------------
81,579,480 81,460,948
Accumulated depreciation (39,581,587) (37,421,526)
------------- ----------------
41,997,893 44,039,422
-------------- -----------------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 51,511,907 $ 87,939,986
============== =================
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable, trade $ 736,947 $ 993,748
Accrued property taxes 1,662,933 1,691,800
Other accrued expenses 415,462 397,076
Rents received in advance 1,498,572 1,377,620
-------------- -----------------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 4,313,914 4,460,244
-------------- -----------------
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Supplemental retirement benefits 803,741 656,194
Deferred income tax liability 2,020,000 2,110,000
-------------- -----------------
2,823,741 2,766,194
-------------- -----------------
COMMITMENT (Note F)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $5 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized,
527,638 shares issued and outstanding in 1997 and 1996 2,638,190 2,638,190
Additional paid-in capital 169,360 169,360
Retained earnings 41,566,702 77,905,998
-------------- -----------------
44,374,252 80,713,548
-------------- -----------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $51,511,907 $ 87,939,986
============== =================
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See accompanying notes to financial statements. Page 2
15
INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC.
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
===============================================================================
1997 1996 1995
--------------- --------------- ----------------
OPERATING REVENUES
Rental income $ 31,099,737 $ 30,185,343 $ 29,485,652
Other revenues 5,907,086 5,321,123 5,082,713
--------------- --------------- ----------------
TOTAL OPERATING REVENUES 37,006,823 35,506,466 34,568,365
--------------- --------------- ----------------
OPERATING EXPENSES
Compensation and benefits 3,503,952 3,277,406 3,220,208
Market and promotional 2,705,908 2,406,917 2,339,099
Maintenance and building costs 1,188,784 1,714,734 1,237,126
Depreciation expense 2,191,755 2,257,549 2,085,521
Rent 138,835 138,835 138,835
Property taxes and insurance 2,061,772 2,078,482 2,007,112
Utilities 1,685,299 1,777,009 1,858,860
Other operating costs 439,691 558,173 650,896
--------------- --------------- ----------------
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 13,915,996 14,209,105 13,537,657
--------------- --------------- ----------------
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS 23,090,827 21,297,361 21,030,708
--------------- --------------- ----------------
NONOPERATING INCOME
Interest income 1,552,708 1,562,480 1,391,149
Dividend income 3,874 2,819 2,470
--------------- --------------- ----------------
TOTAL NONOPERATING INCOME 1,556,582 1,565,299 1,393,619
--------------- --------------- ----------------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 24,647,409 22,862,660 22,424,327
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 9,542,000 8,413,000 8,719,000
--------------- --------------- --- ---------
NET INCOME $ 15,105,409 $ 14,449,660 $ 13,705,327
=============== =============== ================
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE $ 28.63 $ 27.13 $ 24.68
=============== =============== ================
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF
COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING 527,638 532,558 555,343
=============== =============== ================
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See accompanying notes to financial statements. Page 3
16
INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC.
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
===============================================================================
Additional
Common Paid-In Retained
Stock Capital Earnings Total
-------------- -------------- -------------- ----------------
BALANCE, OCTOBER 31, 1994 $ 2,776,715 $ 178,252 $ 60,018,264 $ 62,973,231
Net income - - 13,705,327 13,705,327
Dividends paid ($5.00 per
common share) - - (2,776,715) (2,776,715)
-------------- -------------- ------------- ----------------
BALANCE, OCTOBER 31, 1995 2,776,715 178,252 70,946,876 73,901,843
Net income - - 14,449,660 14,449,660
Purchase and retirement of 27,705
common shares (138,525) (8,892) (7,490,538) (7,637,955)
------------- ------------- ------------- ----------------
BALANCE, OCTOBER 31, 1996 2,638,190 169,360 77,905,998 80,713,548
Net income - - 15,105,409 15,105,409
Dividends paid ($97.50 per common share) - - (51,444,705) (51,444,705)
-------------- -------------- ------------- ----------------
BALANCE, OCTOBER 31, 1997 $ 2,638,190 $ 169,360 $ 41,566,702 $ 44,374,252
============== ============== ============== ================
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See accompanying notes to financial statements. Page 4
17
INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended October 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
===============================================================================
1997 1996 1995
-------------- -------------- --------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income $ 15,105,409 $ 14,449,660 $ 13,705,327
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 2,230,876 2,296,669 2,124,642
Provision for losses on accounts receivable 1,963 12,123 14,718
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets 2,000 (1,707) 111,412
Deferred income taxes (138,000) (67,000) 29,000
Change in assets and liabilities
(Increase) decrease in trade and interest receivables 330,334 (142,682) 74,066
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses (35,698) 549,905 (16,701)
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses (267,282) (78,363) (2,306,984)
Increase in rents received in advance 120,952 28,833 121,396
Decrease in deferred compensation liability - (3,100) (52,846)
Increase in supplemental retirement benefits 147,547 136,617 126,497
-------------- -------------- --------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY
OPERATING ACTIVITIES 17,498,101 17,180,955 13,930,527
-------------- -------------- --------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase and construction of property and equipment (146,092) (327,533) (4,576,376)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 2,000 2,500 -
Collections on notes receivable - 25,350 6,200
Proceeds from liquidation of subsidiary - - 15,000
Purchase of certificates of deposit - (2,000,000) -
Purchase of short-term investments (4,585) (6,929) (1,189,115)
Proceeds from maturity of certificates of deposit - 2,000,000 1,000,000
Proceeds from maturity of short-term investments 150,000 1,034,865 1,062,868
-------------- -------------- -------------
NET CASH PROVIDED (USED)
BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES 1,323 728,253 (3,681,423)
-------------- -------------- -------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends paid (51,444,705) - (2,776,715)
Purchase and retirement of common stock - (7,637,955) -
-------------- -------------- -------------
NET CASH USED BY
FINANCING ACTIVITIES (51,444,705) (7,637,955) (2,776,715)
-------------- -------------- -------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (33,945,281) 10,271,25 37,472,389
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING 39,519,299 29,248,046 21,775,657
-------------- -------------- -------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, ENDING $ 5,574,018 $ 39,519,299 $ 29,248,046
============== ============== =============
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW
INFORMATION
Cash paid during the year for:
Income taxes $ 9,707,600 $ 8,195,264 $ 8,476,889
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See accompanying notes to financial statements. Page 5
18
INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
===============================================================================
NOTE A - DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
The Company is the lessor of permanent exhibition space to furniture and
accessory manufacturers which are headquartered throughout the United States
and in many foreign countries. This exhibition space, located in High Point,
North Carolina, is used by the Home Furnishings Industry to showcase its
products at the International Home Furnishings Market held each April and
October. The details of the operating leases with the Company's tenants are
described in Note H.
The Company has been in business since June 27, 1919, and operates under the
trade name of "International Home Furnishings Center."
NOTE B - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accounting policies relative to the carrying values of property and
equipment and theater complex are indicated in the captions on the balance
sheets. Other significant accounting policies are as follows:
Rental Income
Income from rental of exhibition space is recognized under the operating
method. Aggregate rentals are reported as income on the straight-line basis
over the lives of the leases and expenses are charged as incurred against such
income. Future rentals under existing leases are not recorded as assets in the
accompanying balance sheets.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity
of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Investment Securities
The Company has investments in debt and marketable equity securities. Debt
securities consist of obligations of state and local governments and U. S.
corporations. Marketable equity securities consist primarily of investments in
mutual funds.
Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the date
of adoption and thereafter at the date individual investment securities are
acquired, and the appropriateness of such classification is reassessed at each
balance sheet date. Since the Company neither buys investment securities in
anticipation of short-term fluctuations in market prices or commits to holding
debt securities to their maturities, investments in debt and marketable equity
securities have been classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale
securities are stated at fair value, and unrealized holding gains and losses,
if significant, net of the related deferred tax effect, are reported as a
separate component of stockholders' equity. Premiums and discounts on
investments in debt securities are amortized over their contractual lives.
Interest on debt securities is recognized in income as accrued, and dividends
on marketable equity securities are recognized in income when declared.
Realized gains and losses are included in income and are determined on the
basis of the specific securities sold.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 6
19
INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
===============================================================================
NOTE B - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Property, Equipment and Depreciation
Additions to property and equipment are recorded at cost. Expenditures for
maintenance, repairs, and minor renewals are charged to expense as incurred.
Depreciation is provided primarily on the straight-line method over the
following estimated useful lives:
Land improvements 10 years
Building structures 20 to 50 years
Building components 5 to 20 years
Furniture and equipment 3 to 10 years
Income Taxes
Income taxes are provided for the tax effects of transactions reported in the
financial statements and consist of taxes currently due plus deferred taxes
related to temporary differences between the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and their tax bases. The deferred tax assets and liabilities
represent the future tax return consequences of those differences, which will
either be taxable or deductible when the assets and liabilities are recovered
or settled. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects
of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.
Retirement Plans
The Company maintains a 401(k) qualified retirement plan covering eligible
employees under which participants may contribute up to 25% of their
compensation subject to maximum allowable contributions. The Company is
obligated to contribute, on a matching basis, 50% of the first 6% of
compensation voluntarily contributed by participants. The Company may also
make additional contributions to the plan if it so elects.
In 1991, the Company adopted a nonqualified supplemental retirement benefits
plan for key management employees. Benefits payable under the plan are based
upon the participant's average compensation during his last five years of
employment and are reduced by benefits payable under the Company's qualified
retirement plan and by one-half of the participant's social security benefits.
Benefits under the plan do not vest until the attainment of normal retirement
age; however, a reduced benefit is payable if employment terminates prior to
normal retirement age because of death or disability. The Company has no
obligation to fund this supplemental plan.
Earnings Per Common Share
Earnings per common share amounts are based upon the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding during the year. The Company has no common
equivalent shares.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 7
20
INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
===============================================================================
NOTE B - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Earnings Per Common Share (Continued)
In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 128,
Earnings Per Share ("SFAS No. 128"), which specifies the computation,
presentation and disclosure requirements for earnings per share ("EPS"). It
replaces the presentation of primary and fully diluted EPS with basic and
diluted EPS. Basic EPS excludes all dilution and is based upon the weighted
average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS
reflects the potential dilution that would occur if securities or other
contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.
The Company will adopt SFAS No. 128 as of the first quarter of fiscal 1998 and
believes adoption of the new standards will not have a significant effect on
previously reported earnings per common share.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the 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.
NOTE C - ACQUISITION AND MERGER OF AFFILIATED COMPANY
On November 8, 1995, the Company and Southern Furniture Exposition Building,
Inc. (SFEB) agreed to a plan to merge SFEB into the Company. On that date, in
anticipation of the merger, six shareholders of SFEB who owned 527,638 shares
(95.01%) of the SFEB outstanding common stock exchanged their shares in SFEB
for 527,638 shares (100%) of the common stock of the Company. As of January 4,
1996, the date SFEB was merged into the Company, the Company acquired and
retired the remaining 4.99% (27,705 shares) of the common stock of SFEB for
cash of $7,637,955.
Because the Company and SFEB were commonly controlled, the exchange of stock
and resulting merger has been accounted for at historical cost in a manner
similar to a pooling of interest. Accordingly, the accompanying financial
statements for the year ended October 31, 1996 are based on the assumption that
the two companies were combined for the full year, and financial statements of
prior years have been restated to give effect to the combination. Because the
Company was incorporated on October 30, 1995 and had no operations or
transactions prior to its acquisition of SFEB, the amounts included in the
accompanying financial statements for the year ended October 31, 1995 represent
amounts as previously reported by SFEB.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 8
21
INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
===============================================================================
NOTE D - INVESTMENT IN DEBT AND MARKETABLE EQUITY SECURITIES
The following is a summary of the Company's investment in available-for-sale
securities as of October 31, 1997 and 1996:
1997
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
Cost Gains Losses Value
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Debt securities
State and local governments $ 1,054,136 $ - $ - $ 1,054,136
U. S. corporations 2,000,000 - - 2,000,000
Equity securities 78,444 - - 78,444
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
$ 3,132,580 $ - $ - $ 3,132,580
============== ============== ============== ==============
1996
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
Cost Gains Losses Value
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Debt securities
State and local governments $ 26,247,827 $ - $ - $ 26,247,827
U. S. corporations 11,000,000 - - 11,000,000
Equity securities 224,305 - (446) 223,859
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
$ 37,472,132 $ - $ (446) $ 37,471,686
============== ============== ============== ==============
Available-for-sale securities are classified in the following balance sheet
captions as of October 31, 1997 and 1996:
1997 1996
--------------- ---------------
Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,054,136 $ 37,247,827
Short-term investments 78,444 223,859
--------------- ---------------
$ 3,132,580 $ 37,471,686
=============== ===============
All the Company's debt securities mature within one year.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 9
22
INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
===============================================================================
NOTE E - INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes consisted of the following for the years ended
October 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995:
1997 1996 1995
------------- -------------- --------------
Federal:
Current $ 7,785,000 $ 6,740,000 $ 6,980,000
Deferred (109,000) (54,000) 17,000
------------ ------------- --------------
7,676,000 6,686,000 6,997,000
------------- -------------- --------------
State:
Current 1,895,000 1,740,000 1,710,000
Deferred (29,000) (13,000) 12,000
------------ ------------- --------------
1,866,000 1,727,000 1,722,000
------------- -------------- --------------
TOTAL $ 9,542,000 $ 8,413,000 $ 8,719,000
============= ============== ==============
A reconciliation of the income tax provision at the federal statutory rate to
the income tax provision at the effective tax rate is as follows:
1997 1996 1995
------------- -------------- -------------
Income taxes computed at the federal
statutory rate $ 8,627,000 $ 8,002,000 $ 7,849,000
State taxes, net of federal benefit 1,232,000 1,143,000 1,121,000
Nontaxable interest income (414,000) (411,000) (339,000)
Other, net 97,000 (321,000) 88,000
------------- ------------- -------------
$ 9,542,000 $ 8,413,000 $ 8,719,000
============= ============== =============
The components of deferred income taxes consist of the following:
1997 1996 1995
------------- -------------- ----------------
Deferred income tax assets:
Rents received in advance $ 599,000 $ 551,000 $ 522,000
Supplemental retirement benefits 321,000 264,000 230,000
------------- -------------- ---------------
TOTAL DEFERRED TAX ASSETS 920,000 815,000 752,000
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Depreciation (2,341,000) (2,374,000) (2,378,000)
------------- -------------- ---------------
TOTAL NET DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES $ (1,421,000) $ (1,559,000) $ (1,626,000)
============= ============== ================
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 10
23
INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
===============================================================================
NOTE F - LAND LEASE COMMITMENT
During 1975, the Company completed construction of an eleven-story exhibition
building. The building is constructed on land leased from the City of High
Point, North Carolina under a noncancelable lease. The lease is for an initial
term of fifty years with three options to renew for periods of ten years each
and a final renewal option for nineteen years. Annual rental under the lease
is $138,835 as of October 31, 1997 and is subject to adjustment at the end of
each five-year period, such adjustment being computed as defined in the lease
agreement. As part of the lease agreement, the Company constructed a theater
complex for public use and office space for use by the City of High Point on
the lower levels of the building. Annual rental cash payments over the initial
fifty-year lease term are being reduced by $39,121 which represents
amortization of the cost of the theater and office complex constructed for the
City of High Point. At the termination of the lease, the building becomes the
property of the City of High Point. Under the terms of the lease, the Company
is responsible for all expenses applicable to the exhibition portion of the
building. The City of High Point is responsible for all expenses applicable to
the theater complex and office space constructed for use by the City.
NOTE G - RETIREMENT EXPENSE
Amounts expensed under the Company's retirement plans amounted to $293,974,
$277,553 and $261,874 for the years ended October 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively, including $147,547, $136,617 and $126,497 under the supplemental
retirement benefits plan for the years ended October 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
NOTE H - RENTALS UNDER OPERATING LEASES
The Company's leasing operations consist principally of leasing exhibition
space. Property on operating leases consists of substantially all of the asset
"buildings, exclusive of theater complex" included on the balance sheets.
Accumulated depreciation on this property amounted to $36,893,568 at October
31, 1997 and $34,866,712 at October 31, 1996. Leases are typically for
five-year periods and contain provisions to escalate rentals based upon either
the increase in the consumer price index or increases in ad valorem taxes,
utility rates and charges, minimum wage imposed by federal and state
governments, maintenance contracts for elevators and air conditioning,
maintenance of common areas, social security payments, increases resulting from
collective bargaining contracts, if any, and such other similar charges and
rates required in operating the Company. Tenants normally renew their leases.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 11
24
INTERNATIONAL HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
===============================================================================
NOTE H - RENTALS UNDER OPERATING LEASES (CONTINUED)
The following is a schedule of minimum future rentals under noncancelable
operating leases as of October 31, 1997, exclusive of amounts due under
escalation provisions of lease agreements:
Year Ending October 31,
1998 $ 26,196,947
1999 23,252,490
2000 12,379,320
2001 6,623,316
2002 1,708,230
Thereafter 373,192
---------------
Total minimum future rentals $ 70,533,495
===============
Rental income includes contingent rentals under escalation provisions of leases
of $1,534,413, $1,270,969 and $906,071 for the years ended October 31, 1997,
1996 and 1995, respectively.
NOTE I - CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of
credit risk consist principally of cash deposits in excess of federally insured
limits and trade accounts receivable from customers predominantly in the Home
Furnishings Industry. The Company's trade accounts receivable are generally
collateralized by merchandise in leased exhibition spaces which is in the
Company's possession. As of October 31, 1997, the Company's bank balances
exceeded federally insured limits by $2,889,175.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 12
25
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit No.
3A Articles of Incorporation as amended - incorporated by reference
to Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 1994
3B Amended By-laws are filed herewith.
10A Bassett 1993 Long Term Incentive Stock Option Plan is
incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-8 (no.33-52405) filed on
February 25, 1994.
10B Bassett Executive Deferred Compensation Plan is filed herewith.
10C Bassett Supplemental Retirement Income Plan is filed herewith.
10D Bassett 1993 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors is
incorporated by reference of the Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (no. 33-52407) filed on February 25, 1994.
13 Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc. Annual Report to Stockholders
for the year ended November 30, 1997
21 List of subsidiaries of registrant
23A Consent of Independent Public Accountants
23B Consent of Previous Independent Public Accountants
23C Consent of Independent Public Accountants
27 Financial Data Schedule (EDGAR filing only)
1
EXHIBIT 3B
EXHIBIT 3B - BY-LAWS
OF
BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INC.
ARTICLE I. OFFICES
The principal office of the Corporation in the State of Virginia shall be
located in Bassett, County of Henry. The Corporation may have such other
offices, either within or without the State of Virginia, as the Board of
Directors may designate or as the business of the Corporation may require from
time to time.
ARTICLE II. SHAREHOLDERS
SECTION 1. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Shareholders shall be
held on the fourth Tuesday of March of each year and the hour shall be set by
the Chairman of the Board or by the President, for the purpose of electing
Directors and for the transaction of such other business as may come before the
meeting. If the election of Directors shall not be held on the day designated
for any annual meeting of the Shareholders, or at any adjournment thereof, the
Board of Directors shall cause the election to be held at a special meeting of
the Shareholders as soon thereafter as conveniently may be.
SECTION 2. SPECIAL MEETING. Special meetings of the Shareholders, for any
purpose or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by statute, may be called by
the Chairman of the Board, by the President, or by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 3. PLACE OF MEETING. The Board of Directors may designate any
place, either within or without the State of Virginia unless otherwise
prescribed by statute, as the place of meeting for any annual meeting or for
any special meeting called by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 4. NOTICE OF MEETING. Written or printed notice stating the place,
day and hour of the meeting and, in case of special meeting, the purpose or
purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be delivered not less than 10
nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting, either personally or by
mail, by or at the direction of the President, or the Secretary, or the Officer
or persons calling the meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be
delivered when deposited in the United States mail, addressed to the
Shareholder at his address as it appears on the stock transfer books of the
Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid. In the event the purpose or
purposes for which a special or general meeting may be called are such that the
law required a longer notice prior to the meeting, such notice shall be as
required by the law.
SECTION 5. QUORUM. A majority of the outstanding shares of the Corporation
entitled to vote, represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum
at a meeting of
2
Shareholders. If less than a majority of the outstanding shares are
represented at a meeting, a majority of the shares so represented may adjourn
the meeting from time to time without further notice.
SECTION 6. PROXIES. At all meetings of Shareholders, a Shareholder may
vote by proxy executed in writing by the Shareholder or by his duly authorized
attorney in fact. Such proxy shall be filed with the Secretary of the
Corporation before or at the time of the meeting.
SECTION 7. VOTING OF SHARES. Each outstanding share entitled to vote shall
be entitled to one vote upon each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of
Shareholders.
SECTION 8. VOTING OF SHARES BY CERTAIN HOLDERS. Shares standing in the
name of another corporation may be voted by such Officer, agent or proxy as the
by-laws of such corporation may prescribe, or, in the absence of such
provision, as the Board of Directors of such corporation may determine.
Shares held by an administrator, executor, guardian or conservator may be
voted by him, either in person or by proxy, without a transfer of such shares
into his name. Shares standing in the name of a trustee may be voted by him,
either in person or by proxy, but no trustee shall be entitled to vote shares
held by him without a transfer of such shares into his name.
Shares standing in the name of a receiver may be voted by such receiver, and
shares held by or under the control of a receiver may be voted by such receiver
without the transfer thereof into his name if authority so to do be contained
in an appropriate order of the court by which such receiver was appointed.
A Shareholder whose shares are pledged shall be entitled to vote such shares
until the shares have been transferred into the name of the pledgee, and
thereafter the pledgee shall be entitled to vote the shares so transferred.
Shares of its own stock belonging to the Corporation or held by it in a
fiduciary capacity shall not be voted, directly or indirectly, at any meeting,
and shall not be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares
at any given time.
SECTION 9. NOMINATIONS FOR DIRECTORS. Nominations for the election of
Directors shall be made by the Board of Directors or by any Shareholder
entitled to vote in elections of Directors. However, any Shareholder entitled
to vote in elections of Directors may nominate one or more persons for election
as Directors at an annual meeting only if written notice of such Shareholder's
intent to make such nomination or nominations has been given, either by
personal delivery or by United States registered or certified mail, postage
prepaid, to the Secretary of the Corporation not later than 90 days prior to
the date of the anniversary of the immediately preceding annual meeting. Each
notice shall set forth (i) the name and address of the Shareholder who intends
to make the nomination and of the person or persons to be nominated, (ii) a
representation that the Shareholder is a holder of record of shares of the
Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or
by proxy at the meeting to nominate the person or persons specified in the
notice, (iii) a description of all
3
arrangements or understandings between the Shareholder and each nominee and any
other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the
nomination or nominations are to be made by the Shareholder, and (iv) such
other information regarding each nominee proposed by such Shareholder as would
be required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the proxy
rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, had the nominee been
nominated, or intended to be nominated, by the Board of Directors, and shall
include a consent signed by each such nominee, to serve as a Director of the
Corporation if so elected. The Chairman of the meeting may refuse to
acknowledge the nomination of any person not made in compliance with the
foregoing procedure.
SECTION 10. NOTICE OF BUSINESS AT ANNUAL MEETING. To be properly brought
before an annual meeting of Shareholders, business must be (i) specified in the
Notice of Meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of
the Board of Directors, (ii) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by
or at the direction of the Board of Directors, or (iii) otherwise properly
brought before the annual meeting by a Shareholder. In addition to any other
applicable requirements, for business to be properly brought before an annual
meeting by a Shareholder, the Shareholder must have given timely notice thereof
in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, a Shareholder's
notice must be given, either by personal delivery or by United States
registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, to the Secretary of the
Corporation not later than 160 days prior to the date of the anniversary of the
immediately preceding annual meeting. A Shareholders' notice to the Secretary
shall set forth as to each matter the Shareholder proposes to bring before the
annual meeting (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought
before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the
annual meeting, (ii) the name and address of record of the Shareholder
proposing such business, (iii) the class and number of shares of the
Corporation that are beneficially owned by the Shareholder and (iv) any
material interest of the Shareholder in such business. In the event that a
Shareholder attempts to bring business before an annual meeting without
complying with the foregoing procedure, the Chairman of the meeting may declare
to the meeting that the business was not properly brought before the meeting
and, if he shall so declare, such business shall not be transacted.
ARTICLE III. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SECTION 1. GENERAL POWERS: The business and affairs of the Corporation
shall be managed by its Board of Directors.
SECTION 2. NUMBER, TENURE AND QUALIFICATIONS. The number of Directors of
the Corporation shall be twelve. Each Director shall hold office until the
next annual meeting of the Shareholders and until his successor shall have been
elected and qualified.
SECTION 3. REGULAR MEETINGS. A regular meeting of the Board of Directors
shall be held without other notice than this By-law immediately prior to, and
at the same place as, the annual meeting of Shareholders. The Board of
Directors may provide, by resolution, the time and place for the holding of
additional regular meetings without other notice than such resolution.
4
SECTION 4. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the Board of Directors
may be called by the Chairman of the Board on at least 24-hours' notice to each
Director of the date, time and place thereof, and shall be called by the
Chairman of the Board or by the Secretary on like notice on the request in
writing of a majority of the total number of Directors in office at the time of
such request. The time and place of the special meeting shall be stated in the
notice.
SECTION 5. NOTICE. Notice of any special meeting shall be given at least
24-hours previously thereto by written notice delivered personally or mailed to
each Director at his business address, or by telegram. If mailed, such notice
shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail so
addressed, with postage thereon prepaid. If notice be given by telegram, such
notice shall be deemed to be delivered when the telegram is delivered to the
telegraph company. Any Director may waive notice of any meeting. The
attendance of a Director at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of
such meeting, except where a Director attends a meeting for the express purpose
of objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not
lawfully called or convened.
SECTION 6. QUORUM. A majority of the number of Directors fixed by Section
2 of this Article III shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business
at any meeting of the Board of Directors, but if less than such majority is
present at a meeting, a majority of the Directors present may adjourn the
meeting from time to time without further notice.
SECTION 7. MANNER OF ACTING. The act of the majority of the Directors
present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board
of Directors.
SECTION 8. VACANCIES. Any Directorship to be filled by reason of any
vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors or of an increase in the number of
Directors shall be filled at any Director's meeting or any Stockholder's
meeting.
SECTION 9. COMPENSATION. By resolution of the Board of Directors, the
Directors may be paid their expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of
the Board of Directors, and may be paid a fixed sum for attendance at each
meeting of the Board of Directors or a stated salary as Director. No such
payment shall preclude any Director from serving the Corporation in any other
capacity and receiving compensation therefor.
SECTION 10. PRESUMPTION OF ASSENT. A Director of the Corporation who is
present at a meeting of the Board of Directors at which action on any corporate
matter is taken shall be presumed to have assented to the action taken unless
his dissent shall be entered in the minutes of the meeting or unless he shall
file his written dissent to such action with the person acting as the Secretary
of the meeting before the adjournment thereof or shall forward such dissent by
registered mail to the Secretary of the Corporation immediately after the
adjournment of the meeting. Such right to dissent shall not apply to a
Director who voted in favor of such action.
SECTION 11. REDEMPTION OF SHARES. Pursuant to Section 13.1-728.7 of the
Virginia Stock Corporation Act, the Board may redeem shares [at the price
established by
5
Section 13.1-728.7.C] if the requirements of either Section 13.1-728.7.A or
Section 13.1-728.7.B have occurred.
ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS
SECTION 1. NUMBER. The Officers of the Corporation shall be a Chairman of
the Board of Directors Emeritus, a Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief
Executive Officer, a President, Vice Presidents, a Secretary and an Treasurer,
each of whom shall be elected by the Board of Directors. More than one office
may be held by the same person with the exception that the same person cannot
hold the office of President and Secretary at the same time. Such other
Officers and assistant Officers as may be deemed necessary may be elected or
appointed by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 2. ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE. The Officers of the Corporation to
be elected by the Board of Directors shall be elected annually by the Board of
Directors at the meeting held after each annual meeting of the Shareholders.
If the election of Officers shall not be held at such meeting, such election
shall be held as soon thereafter as conveniently may be. Each Officer shall
hold office until his successor shall have been duly elected and shall have
qualified or until his death or until he shall resign or shall have been
removed in the manner hereinafter provided.
SECTION 3. REMOVAL. Any Officer or agent elected or appointed by the Board
of Directors may be removed by the Board of Directors whenever in its judgment
the best interests of the Corporation would be served thereby, but such removal
shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so
removed.
SECTION 4. VACANCIES. A vacancy in any office because of death,
resignation, removal, disqualification or otherwise, may be filled by the Board
of Directors for the unexpired portion of the term.
SECTION 5. CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. The Chairman of the Board and the Chief
Executive Officer shall be the principal executive Officer of the Corporation,
and, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, shall in general
supervise and control all of the business and affairs of the Corporation. He
shall, when present, preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors.
SECTION 6. PRESIDENT. The President shall be the principal executive
Officer under the immediate supervision of the Chairman of the Board and
subject to the supervision of the Chairman of the Board and to the control of
the Board of Directors, shall in general supervise and control all of the
business and affairs of the Corporation. He may sign, with the Secretary or
any other proper Officer of the Corporation thereunto authorized by the Board
of Directors, certificates for shares of the Corporation, any deeds, mortgages,
bonds, contracts, or other instruments which the Board of Directors has
authorized to be executed, except in cases where the signing and execution
thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors or by these
By-laws to some other Officer or agent of the Corporation, or shall be required
by
6
law to be otherwise signed or executed; and in general shall perform all
duties incident to the office of President and such other duties as may be
prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time.
SECTION 7. VICE PRESIDENTS. In the absence of the President or in event of
his death, inability or refusal to act, a Vice President shall perform the
duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and
be subject to all the restrictions upon the President. The Vice Presidents
shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to them by
the President or by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 8. SECRETARY. The Secretary shall: (a) keep the minutes of the
Shareholders and of the Board of Directors' meetings in one or more books
provided for that purpose; (b) see that all notices are duly given in
accordance with the provisions of these By-laws or as required by law; (c) be
custodian of the corporate records and of the Seal of the Corporation and see
that the Seal of the Corporation is affixed to all documents the execution of
which on behalf of the Corporation under its Seal is duly authorized; (d) keep
a register of the post office address of each Shareholder which shall be
furnished to the Secretary by such Shareholder; (e) have general charge of the
stock transfer books of the Corporation; and (f) in general perform all duties
incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties as from time to time
may be assigned to him by the President or by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 9. TREASURER. If required by the Board of Directors, the Treasurer
shall give a bond for the faithful discharge of his duties in such sum and with
such surety or sureties as the Board of Directors shall determine. He shall
(a) have charge and custody of and be responsible for all funds and securities
of the Corporation; receive and give receipts for moneys due and payable to the
Corporation from any source whatsoever, and deposit all such moneys in the name
of the Corporation in such banks, trust companies or other depositaries as
shall be selected in accordance with the provisions of Article V of these
By-laws; and (b) in general perform all the duties incident to the office of
Treasurer and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by
the President or by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 10. SALARIES. The salaries of the Officers shall be fixed from
time to time by the Board of Directors or by authority of the Board of
Directors delegated to the Chairman of the Board or the President, and no
Officer shall be prevented from receiving such salary by reason of the fact
that he is also a Director of the Corporation.
ARTICLE V. CONTRACTS, LOANS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITS
SECTION 1. CONTRACTS. The Board of Directors may authorize any Officer or
Officers, agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver
any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation, and such
authority may be general or confined to specific instances.
7
SECTION 2. LOANS. No loans shall be contracted on behalf of the
Corporation and no evidences of indebtedness shall be issued in its name unless
authorized by a resolution of the Board of Directors. Such authority may be
general or confined to specific instances.
SECTION 3. CHECKS, DRAFTS, ETC. All checks, drafts or other orders for the
payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name
of the Corporation shall be signed by such Officer or Officers, agent or agents
of the Corporation and in such manner as shall from time to time be determined
by resolution of the Board of Directors.
SECTION 4. DEPOSITS. All funds of the Corporation not otherwise employed
shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Corporation in such
banks, trust companies or other depositaries as the Board of Directors may
select.
ARTICLE VI. CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES AND THEIR TRANSFER
SECTION 1. CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES. Certificates representing shares of
the Corporation shall be in such form as shall be determined by the Board of
Directors. Such certificates shall be signed by the President and by the
Secretary or by such other Officers authorized by law and by the Board of
Directors so to do. All certificates for shares shall be consecutively
numbered or otherwise identified. The name and address of the person to whom
the shares represented thereby are issued, with the number of shares and date
of issue, shall be entered on the Stock Transfer Books of the Corporation. All
certificates surrendered to the Corporation for transfer shall be canceled and
no new certificate shall be issued until the former certificate for a like
number of shares shall have been surrendered and canceled, except that in case
of a lost, destroyed or mutilated certificate a new one may be issued therefor
upon such terms and indemnity to the Corporation as the Board of Directors may
prescribe.
SECTION 2. TRANSFER OF SHARES. Transfer of shares of the Corporation shall
be made only on the Stock Transfer Books of the Corporation by the holder of
record thereof or by his legal representative, who shall furnish proper
evidence of authority to transfer, or by his attorney thereunto authorized by
power of attorney duly executed and filed with the Secretary of the
Corporation, and on surrender for cancellation of the certificate for such
shares. The person in whose name shares stand on the books of the Corporation
shall be deemed by the Corporation to be the owner thereof for all purposes.
SECTION 3. RESTRICTION ON TRANSFER. To the extent that any provision of
the Rights Agreement between the Corporation and Dominion Trust, as Rights
Agent, dated May 4, 1988, is deemed to constitute a restriction on the transfer
of any securities of the Corporation, including, without limitation, the
Rights, as defined therein, such restriction is hereby authorized by the
By-laws of the Corporation.
ARTICLE VII. FISCAL YEAR
8
The fiscal year of the Corporation shall begin on the first day of December
and end on the 30th day of November of each year.
ARTICLE VIII. DIVIDENDS
The Board of Directors may from time to time declare, and the Corporation
may pay, dividends on its outstanding shares in the manner and upon the terms
and conditions provided by law and its Articles of Incorporation, and may set
the stock "of record" date for such payment.
ARTICLE IX. SEAL
The Board of Directors shall provide a Corporate Seal which shall be
circular in form and shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation,
the State of Incorporation and the words, "Corporate Seal."
ARTICLE X. WAIVER OF NOTICE
Unless otherwise provided by law, whenever any notice is required to be
given to any Director of the Corporation under the provisions of these By-laws
or under the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, a waiver thereof in
writing signed by such Director entitled to such notice, whether before or
after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such
notice.
ARTICLE XI. AMENDMENTS
These By-laws may be altered, amended or repealed and new By-laws may be
adopted by the Board of Directors. But By-laws made by the Board of Directors
may be repealed or changed, and new By-laws made, by the Shareholders at any
annual Shareholders meeting or at any special Shareholders meeting when the
proposed changes have been set out in the notice of such meeting.
9
ARTICLE XII. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
SECTION 1. The Corporation shall indemnify to the extent, in the manner and
subject to compliance with the applicable standards of conduct provided by
Section 13.1, et seq of the Virginia Stock Corporation Act of the Code of
Virginia, as revised, every person who is or was (i) a Director or Officer of
the Corporation (ii) an employee, including an employee of a subsidiary of the
Corporation who is designated by the Board of Directors, or (iii) at the
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise who is
designated from time to time by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 2. The indemnification hereby provided shall be applicable to
claims, actions, suits or proceedings made or commenced after the adoption
hereof, whether arising from actions or omissions to act occurring, before or
after the adoption hereof. Such indemnification (i) shall not be deemed
exclusive of any other rights to which any person seeking indemnification under
or apart from this Article XII may be entitled under any By-law, agreement,
vote of Stockholders or disinterested Directors or otherwise, both as to action
in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding
such office, (ii) shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a
Director, Officer, employee, or agent, (iii) shall inure to the benefit of the
heirs, executor or administrator of such a person and (iv) shall inure to any
individual who has served, or may now or hereafter serve, as a Director or
Officer of a corporation which is a subsidiary of this Corporation, provided
however, that no indemnification shall be afforded as to acts of any Officer or
Director of a subsidiary for any period prior to the time such Corporation
became a subsidiary. The term subsidiary as used in this Section shall mean
any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations
beginning with the Company if each of the corporations other than the last
corporation in such chain owns stock possessing at least fifty percent of the
voting power in one of the other corporations in such chain.
1
EXHIBIT 10B
EXHIBIT 10B - BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INC.
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYEE DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc., a Virginia corporation (the
"Company"), hereby establishes this Executive Employee Deferred Compensation
Plan (the "Plan"), effective as of November 1, 1984, for the purpose of
promoting in its Executive Employees the strongest interest in the successful
operation of the Company and increased efficiency in their work and to provide
benefits upon retirement, death, disability or other termination of employment.
1. Definitions.
a. Administrative Committee. "Administrative Committee" shall mean
the committee appointed pursuant to Section 5 of the Plan.
b. Age. "Age" shall mean the age of the person as of his last
birthdate.
c. Compensation - "Compensation" shall mean a Participant's base
salary, and bonus payments for personal services rendered by a
Participant to the Company during a Plan year.
d. Deferred Compensation Agreement. "Deferred Compensation
Agreement" shall mean a written agreement between a Participant and
the Company, whereby a Participant agrees to defer a portion of his
Compensation pursuant to the provisions of the Plan, and the Company
agrees to make benefit payments in accordance with the provisions of
the Plan.
e. Deferral Period. "Deferral Period" shall mean a forty-eight (48)
month period designated in Section 4 of the Executive Employee
Deferred Compensation Agreement.
f. Disability. "Disability" shall mean the Participant's total
disability as determined by the Company in its complete and sole
discretion.
g. Disability Benefit. "Disability Benefit" shall mean the amount of
disability benefit set forth in the Deferred Compensation Agreement.
h. Executive Employees. "Executive Employees" shall mean all
employees of the Company who are designated as executive employees by
the Administrative Committee. A person designated as an Executive
Employee shall remain so until such designation is revoked by the
Administrative Committee in its sole discretion.
i. Normal Benefit. "Normal Benefit" under this Plan shall mean the
normal benefit amount specified in the Deferred Compensation
Agreement.
j. Normal Retirement Date. "Normal Retirement Date" shall mean the
first day of the month following the month in which a Participant
reaches age 65.
k. Participant. "Participant" shall mean an Executive Employee of
the Company who has entered into a Deferred Compensation Agreement
with the Company.
l. Plan Year. "Plan Year" shall mean the twelve (12) month period
commencing November 1 and ending the following October 31.
m. Stated Deferral. "Stated Deferral" shall mean the amount of
Compensation the Participant agrees to defer in the Deferred
Compensation Agreement.
n. Survivor's Benefit. "Survivor's Benefit" shall be the amount of
survivor's benefit set forth in the Deferred Compensation Agreement.
2
o. Termination of Employment. "Termination of Employment" shall mean
the Participant's ceasing to be employed by the Company for any reason
whatsoever, voluntary or involuntary, including by reason of death or
disability.
2. Eligibility All of the initial Executive Employees in this Plan
shall be entitled to participate as of November 1, 1984, following their
execution of a Deferred Compensation Agreement and upon the Company's execution
of the Deferred Compensation Agreement. All subsequent Executive Employees
shall be entitled to participate hereunder as of the first day of the Plan Year
following their execution of a Deferred Compensation Agreement and upon the
Company's execution of the Deferred Compensation Agreement.
A Participant shall cease to be a Participant at Termination of
Employment or upon revocation by the Administrative Committee of the
Participant's status as an Executive Employee. However, the employment of a
Participant shall not be deemed to be terminated by reason of an approved leave
of absence granted by the Company. If a Participant terminates his employment
and is subsequently re-employed by the Company, he may become a Participant in
the same manner as if his re-employment constituted his first employment with
the Company.
3. Participant Compensation Deferral.
3.1 Deferral and Reduction of Compensation.
a. Initial Deferral. Any Executive Employee wishing to become a
Participant hereunder as of the effective date of this plan shall,
prior to November 1, 1984, elect to defer a portion of his
Compensation earned and payable on or after November 1, 1984 and prior
to October 31, 1988.
b. Subsequent Deferrals. Subsequent to the initial deferral provided
for in subparagraph a. above, any election to defer Compensation
hereunder shall be made no later than the end of the Plan Year prior
to the first Plan Year in which services are to be rendered for the
Compensation which is to be deferred.
c. Procedure for Deferral. The Executive Employee shall make the
election provided for in subparagraphs a. and b. above by
executing a Deferred Compensation Agreement in the form provided by
the Company. In no event shall a Participant be permitted to defer
more than that amount of his Compensation for any Plan Year as may be
permitted by the Administrative Committee in its sole discretion, and
as set forth in the Deferred Compensation Agreement. The Deferred
Compensation Agreement shall set forth the Compensation which the
Executive Employee elects to defer (the "Stated Deferral"). The
amount deferred in each Plan Year during the Deferral Period shall
first be subtracted from any bonus which would have otherwise been
payable to the Participant during the Plan Year; the balance, if any,
shall be subtracted in equal monthly installments from the
Participant's salary payable during said Plan Year. Unless otherwise
permitted by the Company under Section 3.3 of the
3
Plan, the deferral specified in the Deferred Compensation Agreement
shall be deferred, and the Participant'' compensation shall be
correspondingly reduced.
3.2 New Executive Employees. An Executive Employee who is first employed
by the Company or who is first designated an Executive Employee subsequent to
October 31, 1984, shall be entitled to participate in the Plan commencing with
the first day of the Plan Year immediately following such Executive Employee's
designation as an Executive Employee. Upon execution of a Deferred
Compensation Agreement, such new Executive Employee shall be bound by all the
terms and conditions of the Plan.
3.3 Election to Defer Irrevocable; Exceptions. Except as otherwise
provided herein, a Participant's election to defer Compensation shall be
irrevocable. The Administrative Committee, in its sole discretion, upon
demonstration of substantial hardship by the Participant, may permit subsequent
alteration of a Participant's deferral election. A request to alter the amount
of Compensation deferred shall be submitted by a Participant in writing to the
Administrative Committee prior to November 1 of the year in which such
reduction is to take effect. The application shall set forth in detail the
reasons for the requested reduction. If a modification of the deferral is
granted by the Administrative Committee, such reduced deferral shall be
effective for all future periods of deferral. The Participant's benefits under
the Plan shall be adjusted to reflect the reduced deferral and also to reflect
any costs incurred by the Company to effect the adjusted benefits payable to
the Participant.
4. Payment of Benefits.
4.1 Benefits upon Normal Retirement. Upon a Participant's Termination of
Employment on the Normal Retirement Date, the Company shall pay to the
Participant, as compensation for services rendered prior to such date, the
Normal Benefit in 180 equal monthly installments commencing on the Normal
Retirement Date and continuing on the first day of each month thereafter.
4.2 Benefits upon Late Retirement. Upon a Participant's Termination of
Employment after the Normal Retirement Date, the Company shall pay to the
Participant as compensation for services rendered prior to such date, the
Normal Benefit, in 180 equal monthly installments commencing on the first day
of the month coincident with or next following the date of Termination of
Employment and continuing on the first day of each month thereafter. The
amount of Normal Benefit payable to the Participant shall be actuarially
increased according to the Participant's actual age upon Termination of
Employment.
4.3 Benefits upon Disability. Upon a Participant's Termination of
Employment prior to the Normal Retirement Date due to Disability, and upon the
continuation of the Participant's disability for a period of six (6)
consecutive months, the Company shall pay to the Participant the Disability
Benefit in monthly installments commencing on the later of (i) the first day of
the year following the deferral period specified in the Deferred Compensation
Agreement, or (ii) the first day of the seventh consecutive month following the
Participant's Disability (in which case the first payment to the Participant
shall include the Disability Benefit for each of the initial six (6) months of
the Participant's Disability).
4
The Company shall continue to pay the Disability Benefit as follows:
a. In the event a Participant becomes disabled prior to attaining age
60, until the Participant is no longer disabled or until the
Participant's death; or
b. In the event a Participant becomes disabled after attaining age
60, until the earlier of (i) termination of the disability; (ii) death
of Participant, or (iii) the Participant's Normal Retirement Date.
A participant who reaches his Normal Retirement Date while disabled
shall receive, commencing upon such normal Retirement Date, the Normal Benefit
in 180 equal monthly installments commencing on the Normal Retirement Date and
continuing on the first day of each month thereafter. Such Normal Benefit
payments shall be in addition to the Disability Benefit, if any, which the
Participant is receiving under this Section 4.3.
4.4 Benefits upon Other Termination of Employment. Upon a Participant's
Termination of Employment prior to reaching the Normal Retirement Date, for
reasons other than death or disability, the Company shall pay to the
Participant, as compensation for services rendered prior to the date of
Termination of Employment, the Normal benefit, in 180 equal monthly
installments commencing on the Normal Retirement Date and continuing on the
first day of each month thereafter.
4.5 Survivorship Benefits.
a. Prior to Commencement of Normal Benefits. If a Participant dies
prior to commencement of the Normal Benefit payments under the Plan,
the Company shall pay to the Participant's beneficiary, in 180 equal
monthly installments commencing on the first day of the month after
the Participant's death and continuing on the first day of each month
thereafter, the Survivor's Benefit specified in the Deferred
Compensation Agreement. In the event a beneficiary dies before
receiving all the Survivor's Benefit payments, the remaining payments
shall be paid to the legal representatives of the beneficiary's
estate. Payment of the Survivor's Benefit shall relieve the Company
of the obligation to pay the Normal Benefit which the Participant
would have otherwise received.
b. After Commencement of Benefits. If a Participant dies after
Normal Benefit payments have commenced, but prior to receiving all of
the scheduled monthly payments, the Company shall pay the remaining
monthly payments to the Participant's beneficiary. In the event a
beneficiary dies before receiving all the remaining payments, the
then-remaining payments shall be paid to the legal representatives of
the beneficiary's estate.
4.6 Vesting of Benefits. All Normal Benefits and Survivor's Benefits
payable under this Article 4 shall be proportionately adjusted by a fraction,
the numerator of which is the actual amount of compensation deferred by the
Participant and the denominator of which is the
5
Stated Deferral, provided, however, that no such reduction shall occur in the
event that the difference between the actual amount deferred and the Stated
Deferral occurs as a result of the Participant's death or Disability.
4.7 Recipients of Payments: Designation of Beneficiary. All payments to
be made by the Company shall be made to the Participant, if living. Upon the
death of a Participant, survivorship benefits will be paid to the Participant's
beneficiary. In the event a beneficiary dies before receiving all the payments
to such beneficiaries pursuant to this Plan, the then-remaining payments shall
be to the legal representatives of the beneficiary's estate. The Participant
shall designate a beneficiary by filing a written notice of such designation
with the Administrative Committee on such form as the Administrative Committee
may prescribe. The Participant may revoke or modify said designation at any
time by a further written designation. The Participant's beneficiary
designation shall be deemed automatically revoked in the event of the death of
the beneficiary or, if the beneficiary is the Participant's spouse, in the
event of dissolution of marriage. If the Participant's Compensation
constitutes community property, then any beneficiary designation made by the
Participant other than a designation of such Participant's spouse shall not be
effective if any such beneficiary or beneficiaries are to receive more than
fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate benefits payable hereunder unless such
spouse shall approve designation in writing. If no designation shall be in
effect at the time when any benefits payable under this Plan shall become due,
the beneficiary shall be the spouse of the Participant, or if no spouse is then
living, the legal representatives of the Participant's estate.
In the event a benefit is payable to a minor or person declared
incompetent or to a person incapable of handling the disposition of his
property, the Administrative Committee may pay such benefit to the guardian,
legal representative or person having the care or custody of such minor,
incompetent or person. The Administrative Committee may require proof of
incompetency, minority, or guardianship as it may deem appropriate prior to
distribution of the benefit. Such distribution shall completely discharge the
Administrative Committee and the Company from all liability with respect to
such benefit.
5. Administration and Interpretation of the Plan. The Board of Directors
shall appoint an Administrative Committee consisting of three (3) or more
persons to administer and interpret the Plan. Interpretation by the
Administrative Committee shall be final and binding upon a Participant. The
Administrative Committee may adopt rules and regulations relating to the Plan
as it may deem necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.
6. Claims Procedure. If the Participant or the Participant's beneficiary
(hereinafter referred to as a "Claimant") is denied all or a portion of an
expected benefit under this Plan for any reason, he or she may file a claim
with the Administrative Committee. The Administrative Committee shall notify
the Claimant within sixty (60) days of allowance or denial of the claim, unless
the Claimant receives written notice from the Administrative Committee prior to
the end of the sixty (60) day period stating that special circumstances require
an extension of the time for decision, in which event the Administrative
Committee shall notify the Claimant of its decision within sixty (60) days
following the end of the initial sixty (60) day period. The notice of the
Administrative Committee's decision shall be in
6
writing, sent by mail to the Claimant's last known address, and, if a denial of
the claim, must contain the following information:
a. the specific reasons for the denial;
b. specific reference to pertinent provisions of the Plan on which
the denial is based; and
c. if applicable, a description of any additional information or
material necessary to perfect the claim, an explanation of why such
information or material is necessary, and an explanation of the claims
review procedure.
7. Review Procedure.
a. A Claimant is entitled to request a review of any denial of his
claim by the Administrative Committee. The request for review must be
submitted in writing within 60 days of mailing of notice of the
denial. Absent a request for review within the 60-day period, the
claim will be deemed to be conclusively denied. The Claimant or his
representative shall be entitled to review all pertinent documents,
and to submit issues and comments orally and in writing.
b. If the request for review by a Claimant concerns the
interpretation and application of the provisions of this Plan and the
Company's obligations, then the review shall be conducted by a
separate committee consisting of three persons designated or appointed
by the Administrative Committee. The separate committee shall afford
the Claimant a hearing and the opportunity to review all pertinent
documents and submit issues and comments orally and in writing and
shall render a review decision in writing, all within sixty (60) days
after receipt of a request for a review, provided that, in special
circumstances (such as the necessity of holding a hearing) the
separate committee may extend the time for decision by not more than
sixty (60) days upon written notice to the Claimant. The Claimant
shall receive written notice of the separate committee's review
decision, together with specific reasons for the decision and
reference to the pertinent provisions of the Plan.
8. Life Insurance and Funding. The Company in its discretion may apply
for and procure as owner and for its own benefit, insurance on the life of the
Participant, in such amounts and in such forms as the Company may choose. The
Participant shall have no interest whatsoever in any such policy or policies,
but at the request of the Company he shall submit to medical examinations and
supply such information and execute such documents as may be required by the
insurance company or companies to whom the Company has applied for insurance.
The rights of the Participant, or his beneficiary, or estate, to
benefits under the Plan shall be solely those of an unsecured creditor of the
Company. Any insurance policy or other assets acquired by or held by the
Company in connection with the liabilities assumed by it pursuant to the Plan
shall not be deemed to be held under any trust for the benefit of the
Participant, his beneficiary, or his estate, or to be security for the
performance of the obligations of the Company but shall be, and remain, a
general, unpledged, and unrestricted asset of the Company.
7
9. Assignment of Benefits. Neither the Participant nor any beneficiary
under the Plan shall have any right to assign the right to receive any benefits
hereunder, and in the event of any attempted assignment or transfer, the
Company shall have no further liability hereunder.
10. Employment Not Guaranteed by Plan. Neither this Plan nor any action
taken hereunder shall be construed as giving a Participant the right to be
retained as an Executive Employee or as an employee of the Company for any
period.
11. Taxes. The Company shall deduct from all payments made hereunder all
applicable federal or state taxes required by law to be withheld from such
payments.
12. Amendment and Termination. The Board of Directors may, at any time,
amend or terminate the Plan, provided that the Board may not reduce or modify
any benefit payable to a Participant and based on deferrals already made,
without the prior consent of the Participant.
13. Construction. The Plan shall be construed according to the laws of
the Commonwealth of Virginia.
14. Form of Communication. Any election, application, claim, notice or
other communication required or permitted to be made by a Participant to the
Company shall be made in writing and in such form as the Company shall
prescribe. Such communication shall be effective upon mailing, if sent by
first class mail, postage prepaid, and addressed to the Company's office at
Bassett, Virginia.
15. Captions. The captions at the head of a section or a paragraph of
this Plan are designed for convenience of reference only and are not to be
resorted to for the purpose of interpreting any provision of this Plan.
16. Severability. The invalidity of any portion of this Plan shall not
invalidate the remainder thereof, and said remainder shall continue in full
force and effect.
17. Binding Upon Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this Plan
shall be binding upon the Participant and the Company and their successors,
assigns, heirs, executors and beneficiaries.
ADOPTED pursuant to resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company this
_______ day of ___________, 19_____.
1
EXHIBIT 10C
EXHIBIT 10C - BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INC.
SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT INCOME PLAN
Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc., a Virginia corporation (the
"Company"), hereby establishes this Supplemental Retirement Income Plan (the
"Plan"), effective as of June 25, 1984, for the purpose of promotiong in its
Executive Employees the strongest interest in the successful operation of the
Company and increased efficiency in their work and to provide such Executive
Employees benefits upon retirement, death, disability or other termination of
employment, in consideration of services to be performed after the date of
this Agreement but prior to such Executive Employees' retirement.
1. Definitions.
a. Administrative Committee - "Administrative Committee" shall
mean the committee appointed pursuant to Section 4 of the Plan.
b. Age - "Age" shall mean the age of the person as of his last
birthdate.
c. Average Monthly Compensation - "Average Monthly Compensation"
shall be determined by dividing by sixty ( 60 ) a Participant's
Compensation for the sixty ( 60 ) months immediately preceding the
earlier of his Termination of Employment or his Normal Retirement Date.
d. Compensation - "Compensation" shall mean a participant's annual
rate of salary plus bonus paid in the past twelve ( 12 ) months prior to
any deferral under the Qualified Plan and the Executive Employee Deferred
Compensation Plan.
e. Disability - "Disability" shall mean the Participant's total
disability as determined by the Company in its complete and sole
discretion.
f. Executive Employees - "Executive Employees" shall mean all
employees of the Company who are designated as executive employees by the
Administrative Committee.
g. Final Compensation - " Final Compensation" shall mean a
Participant's Compensation in effect at the date of termination of
Employment.
2
h. Normal Retirement Date - "Normal Retirement Date" shall mean
the later of ( i ) the first day of the month following the month in
which a Participant reaches age 65; or ( ii ) the first day of the month
following Termination of Employment.
i. Participant - "Participant" shall mean an Executive Employee of
the Company who has entered into a Participation Agreement with the
Company and therefore is not eligible to participate in
the Company's Plan of group term life insurance.
j. Participation Agreement - "Participation Agreement" shall mean
a written agreement between an Executive Employee and the
Company whereby the Executive Employee agrees to participate in
the Plan.
k. Retirement - "Retirement" shall mean ( I ) a Participant's
Termination of Employment after reaching his normal Retirement Date or
( ii ) a Participant's Termination of Employment if there has been a
substantial Change in Company Ownership, provided that such Termination
of Employment was not as a result of the Participant's conviction of a
felony.
l. Qualified Plan - "Qualified Plan" shall mean the Company's
Qualified Employee Savings/Retirement Plan ( including Fund C and D thereof ) ,
or any successor Retirement Pension Plan or plans maintained by the Company
which qualify under IRC S 401( a ).
m. Substantial Change in Company Ownership - "Substantial Change
in Company Ownership" shall mean any "Person" who is an "Acquiring Person"
(as such terms are defined in Article ( i) of the Company's Articles of
Incorporation as amended), becoming, after effective date of this plan, the
beneficial owner (directly or indirectly) of more than fifty percent (50%)
of the Company's common shares outstanding.
n. Termination of Employment - "Termination of Employment: shall
mean the Participant's ceasing to be employed by the Company for any reason
whatsoever, voluntary or involuntary, including by reason of death of
disability.
2. Eligibility . Each Executive Employee shall be entitled
to participate in this Plan as of the day following the later of: ( I ) his
designation as an Executive Employee; and ( ii ) the Company's execution of
the Participation Agreement.
A Participant shall cease to be a Participant at Termination of
Employment. However, the employment of a Participant shall not be deemed to be
terminated by reason of an approved leave of absence
3
granted by the Company. If a Participant terminates his employment and is
subsequently re-employed by the Company, he may become a Participant in the
same manner as if his re-employment constituted his first Employment by the
Company, and all benefits hereunder shall be computed as if such re-employment
Constituted his first employment with the Company.
3. Payment of Benefits .
3.1 Benefits Upon Retirement . Upon a Participant's Retirement, the
Company shall pay to the Participant, as compensation for services rendered
prior to such date, lifetime monthly payments in Amount equal to sixty five
percent ( 65% ) of the participant's Average Monthly Compensation, Reduced by
the sum of ( I ) , ( ii ) , and ( iii ) below:
( i ) fifty percent ( 50% ) of the amount of unreduced primary ( not
family ) retirement benefits under the United States social Security Act
that the Participant would not be eligible for if application were made as
of the date when benefits under this Plan are to commence;
( ii ) the benefit that would be payable on a life annuity basis from Fund
C, assuming the following:
( a ) balances in Fund C as of February 29, 1984, together with
any prior withdrawals from Fund C, are valued at $30 per share.
( b ) Participants contribute to date of termination the amount
necessary to receive the highest Company match under the Qualified Plan.
( c ) balances (including future Company contributions) will grow
at an annual effective rate of interest of eight percent ( 8% ) to
Termination.
( d ) if any portion of the fund balance is withdrawn prior to
Termination of Employment, this calculation shall assume the fund would
continue to grow as if it had never been withdrawn.
( iii ) The benefit that would be payable on a life annuity basis from
Fund D, assuming that balances as of February 29, 1984, plus any prior
withdrawals together with interest at an annual effective rate of interest
Of eight and one half percent ( 8 1/2% ) to February 29, 1984, grow at an
annual rate of interest of eight and one half percent ( 8 1/2% ) to
Termination. If any portion of the fund balance is withdrawn prior to
Termination of Employment, this calculation shall assume the fund would
continue to grow as if it had never been withdrawn.
4
Such payments shall commence on the first day of the month coincident with
or next following Retirement shall continue on the first day of each month
thereafter for the life of the Participant.
3.2 Benefits Upon Disability . Upon a Participant's
Termination of Employment prior to the Normal Retirement Date due to
Disability, no separate provision is made for a disability benefit under this
Plan. However, Any such participant shall be considered, notwithstanding such
Termination of Employment, to continue to be a Participant in this Plan, and in
the event of such participant's death prior to the Normal Retirement Date, such
Participant's such Participant's beneficiary shall receive the Survivor's
Benefit described in Section 3.4( a ), Based upon the Participant's Final
Compensation at Termination of Employment. In the event such Participant lives
to the Normal Retirement Date, the Participant shall be entitled to receive
the Normal Retirement Benefit described in Section 3.1, above, based on the
Participant's Average Monthly Compensation at date of Termination of
Employment, payable in equal monthly installments commencing on the first day
of each month Thereafter until the Participant's death. Such benefit shall be
based upon the payment of the benefit at the Normal retirement Date in
accordance with Section 3.1, except Fund C and D will be the assumed balance at
the date of Termination of Employment and otherwise applying the formula,
offsets and assumptions described in Section 3.1.
3 .3 Benefits upon other Termination of Employment. Upon a
Participant's Termination of Employment for reasons other than death,
Disability or Retirement, the Company shall not be obligated to pay and benefit
to the participant pursuant to the Plan, and the Participant shall have no
further right to receive any benefit hereunder.
3 .4 Survivorship Benefits.
a. Prior to Termination of Employment.
If a Participant dies prior to Termination of Employment, the
Company shall pay to the participant's
Beneficiary a survivor's benefit equal to fifty percent ( 50% )
of the Participant's Final Compensation, divided by twelve
( 12 ). Payable for 120 months, commencing on the first day of
the month after the Participant's death occurs and continuing on
the first day of each month thereafter.
5
b. After Retirement . If a Participant dies after
Retirement, the Company shall pay to the Participant's
beneficiary two hundred percent ( 200% ) of the
participants Final Compensation Payable in a single
payment within 60 days after the Participant's death.
3.5 Recipients of Payments: Designation of Beneficiary
All payments to be made by the Company shall be made to the Participant, if
living. Upon the death of a Participant, survivorship benefits will be paid to
the Participant's beneficiary. In the event a beneficiary dies before
receiving all the payments due to such beneficiaries pursuant to this Plan, the
then-remaining payments shall be to the legal representatives of the
beneficiary's estate. The participant shall designation with the Administrative
Committee on such form as the Administrative Committee may prescribe. The
Participant may revoke or modify said designation at any time by a further
written designation. The Participant's beneficiary designation shall be deemed
automatically revoked in the event of the death of the event of the death of
the beneficiary or, if the beneficiary is the Participant's spouse, in the
event of dissolution of marriage. If the Participant's Compensation
constitutes community property, then any beneficiary designation made by the
Participant other than a designation of such Participant's spouse shall not be
effective if any such beneficiary or beneficiaries are to receive more than
fifty percent ( 50% ) of the aggregate benefits payable hereunder unless such
spouse shall approve such designation in writing. If no designation shall be in
effect at the time when any benefits payable under this Plan shall become due,
the beneficiary shall be the spouse of the Participant, or if no spouse is then
living, to the legal representatives of the participant's estate.
In the event a benefit is payable to a minor or person declared
incompetent or to a person incapable of handling the disposition of his
property, the Administrative Committee may pay such benefit to the guardian,
legal representative or person having the care of custody of such minor,
incompetent or person. The Administrative Committee may require proof of
incompetency, minority or guardianship as it may deem appropriate prior to
discharge the Administrative Committee and the Company from all liability
6
with respect to such benefit.
4. Administration and Interpretation of the Plan. The Board of
Directors of the Company shall appoint an Administrative Committee consisting
of three ( 3 ) or more persons to administer and interpret the Plan.
Interpretation by the Administrative Committee shall be final and binding upon
a Participant. The Administrative Committee may adopt rules and regulations
relating to the Plan as it may deem necessary or advisable for the
administration of the Plan.
4 . Claims Procedure. If the Participant or the Participant's
beneficiary (hereafter referred to as a "Claimant") is denied all or a portion
of an expected benefit under this Plan for any reason, he or she may file a
claim with the Administrative Committee. The Administrative Committee shall
notify the Claimant within sixty ( 60 ) days of allowance or denial of the
claim, unless the Claimant receives written notice from the Administrative
Committee prior to the end of the sixty ( 60 ) day period stating that special
circumstances require an extension of the time for decision, in which event the
Administrative Committee shall notify the Claimant of its decision within
( 60 ) days following the end of the initial committee's decision shall be in
writing, sent by mail to Claimant's last known address, and, if a denial of the
claim, must contain the following information:
a. the specific reasons for the denial;
b. specific reference to pertinent provisions of the
Plan on which the denial is based; and
c. if applicable, a description of any additional
information or material necessary to perfect the claim, an
explanation of why such information or material is necessary, and
explanation of the claims review procedure.
5 . Review Procedure.
a. A Claimant is entitled to request a review of any denial of his
claim by the Administrative Committee. The request for review must
be submitted in writing within a sixty ( 60 ) day period, the Claim
will be deemed to be conclusively denied. The Claimant or his
representative shall be entitled to review all pertinent documents,
and to submit issues and comments orally and in writing.
7
b. If the request for review by a Claimant concerns the
interpretation and application of the provisions of this Plan and
the Company's obligations, then the review shall be conducted by a
separate committee consisting of three persons designated or
appointed by the Administrative Committee. The separate committee
shall afford the Claimant a hearing and the opportunity to review
all pertinent documents and submit issues and comments orally and
in writing and shall render a review decision in writing, all
within sixty ( 60 ) days upon written notice to the Claimant. The
Claimant shall receive written notice of the separate committee's
review decision, together with Specific reasons for the decision
and reference to the pertinent provisions of the Plan.
6 . Life Insurance and Funding. The Company in its discretion may
apply for and procure as owner and for its own benefit, insurance on the life
of the Participant, in such amounts and in such forms as the Company may
choose. The Participant shall have no interest whatsoever in any such policy
or policies, but at the request of the Company shall submit to medical
examinations and supply such information and execute such documents as may be
required by the insurance company or companies to whom the Company has applied
for insurance.
The rights of the Participant, or his beneficiary, or estate, to
benefits under the Plan shall be solely those of an unsecured creditor of the
Company. Any insurance policy or other assets acquired by or held by the
Company in connection with the liabilities assumed by it pursuant to the Plan
shall not be deemed to be held under any trust for the benefit of the
Participant, his beneficiary, or his estate, or to be security for the
performance of the obligations of the Company but shall be, and remain, a
general, unpledged, and unrestricted asset of the Company.
8. Assignment of Benefits. Neither the Participant nor any
beneficiary under the Plan shall have any right to assign the right to receive
any benefits hereunder, and in the event of any attempted assignment or
transfer,
8
the Company shall have no further liability hereunder.
9. Employment Not Guaranteed by Plan. Neither this Plan nor any
action taken hereunder shall be construed as giving a Participant the right to
be retained as an Executive Employee or as an employee of the Company for any
period.
10. Convenant Not to Compete. Payment of benefits pursuant to this
Plan shall be coditioned upon the Participant not acting in any similar
employment capacity for any business enterprise which competes to a substantial
degree with the Company, nor engaging in any activity involving substantial
competition with the Company, during his employment with the Company, or after
his retirement from the Company, without the Company's prior written consent.
Nothwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of a Participant's Termination of
Employment after a Substantial Change in Company Ownership, this Section 10
shall be inoperative.
11. Taxes. The Company shall deduct from all payments made
hereunder all applicable federal or state taxes required by law to be withheld
from such payments.
12. Amendment and Termination. The Board of Directors of the
Company may amend or terminate the Plan, provided, however, that the Board may
not ( I ) reduce or modify any benefit payable Retirement of such Participant
prior to such amendment or termination; or ( ii ) amend or terminate the Plan
in any respect after a Substantial Change in Company Ownership has occurred.
13. Construction. The Plan shall be construed according to the
laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
14. Form of Construction. Any election, application, claim notice
or other communication required or permitted to be made by a Participant to the
Administrative Committee shall be made in writing and in such form as the
Administrative Committee shall prescribe. Such communication shall be
effective upon mailing, if sent by first class mail, postage pre-paid, and
addressed to the Company's offices at Bassett, Vriginia.
15. Captions. The captions at the head of a section or a
paragraph of this Plan are designed for convenience of reference only and are
not to be resorted to for the purpose of interpreting any provision of this
Plan.
9
16. Severability. The invalidity of any portion of this Plan
shall not invalidate the remainder thereof, and said remainder shall continue
in full force and effect.
17. Binding Agreement. The provisions of this Plan shall be
binding upon the participant and the Company and their successors, assigns,
heirs, executors and beneficiaries.
ADOPTED pursuant to resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company
this 25th day of June 1984.
AMEND THE SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT PLAN
1. Delete: "and the participant has had 10 years of prior service
with the company upon Termination of Employment."
2. Delete: " the later of attainment of age 55."
3. Delete para. M "Substantial change in company ownership," and
insert new paragraph ( attached) with the following features:
A substantial change of ownership occurs if:
( a ) acquisition of 30% of company stock by raider
except:
( I ) a swap of a division to a shareholder for
his shares, thereby raising another
shareholder above the 30% level.
( ii ) purchase by Bassett of another company
for stock.
( iii ) adoption of an ESOP or similar.
( iv ) purchase of Bassett by another company,
after which Bassett shareholders would
control 75% of the total new company.
( b ) majority of directors are replaced and are not
classified by old directors as "incumbent."
( c ) approval by shareholders of a reorganization or
consolidation in which old Bassett shareholders
would then own less than 75% of the new voting stock.
( d ) approval by shareholders of liquidation of the
corporation or sale of substantially all of the
assets, unless to a new company which would then be at
least 75% owned by the old Bassett shareholders.
10
Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated
Proposed Definition of " Change of Control"
" SUBSTANTIAL CHANGE IN COMPANY OWNERSHIP" SHALL MEAN:
( a ) the acquisition by any person, individual, entity or "group"
(within the meaning of Section 13 ( d ) ( 3 ) or 14 (d ) ( 2 ) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ( the "Exchange Act"))
(collectively, " Persons") of beneficial ownership ( the phrases "beneficial
ownership," "beneficial owners" and "beneficially owned" as used herin being
within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of Thirty
percent ( 30% ) or more of either ( I ) the then outstanding shares of common
stock of the Corporation ( the " Outstanding Corporation common Stock") or
( ii ) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of
the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors ( the
" Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities") ; provided, however, that the
following acquisitions shall not constitute Change of Control: ( I ) any
acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or
maintained by the Corporation with respect to which, following such
acquisition, more than Seventy Five percent ( 75% ) of, respectively, the then
outstanding shares of common stock of such corporation and the combined voting
power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to
vote generally in the election of directors are then beneficially owned by all
or substantially all of the persons who were the beneficial owners,
respectively, of the Outstanding Corporation Common Stock and Outstanding
Corporation Voting Securities immediately prior to such acquisition in
substantially the same proportions as their beneficial ownership, immediately
prior to such acquisition, of the Outstanding Corporation Common Stock and
Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities, as the case may be; or
( b ) If Directors who, as of August 2, 1989, constitute
the Board of Directors of the
11
corporation ( the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to consontitute at
least a majority of the Board of Directors; provided, however, that any
individual who becomes a director subsequent to August 2, 1989 and whose
election, or whose nomination for election by the Corporation's shareholders,
to the Board of Directors was approved by a vote of at least A Majority of
the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though
such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this
purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a
result of either an actual or threatened election contest ( as such terms are
used in Rule 14a-11 of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act),
other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents or an actual or
threatened tender offer; or
( c ) Approval by the shareholders of the Corporation of the
reorganization, merger or consolidation, in each case, with respect to which
all or substantially all of the Persons who were the beneficial owners,
respectively, of the Outstanding Corporation Common Stock and Outstanding
Corporation Voting Securities immediately prior to such reorganization, merger
or consolidation do not, following such reorganization, merger or consolidation
do not, following such reorganization , merger or consolidation, beneficially
own more than Seventy Five percent ( 75% ) of, respectively, the then
outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then
outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors, as the case may be, of the corporation resulting from such
reorganization, merger or consolidation in substantially the same proportions
as their beneficial ownership, immediately prior to such reorganization, merger
or consolidation, of the Outstanding Corporation Common Stock and Outstanding
Corporation Voting Securities, as the case may be; or
( d ) Approval by the shareholders of the Corporation of ( I )
a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation or ( ii ) the sale or
other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation,
other than to a corporation, with respect to which following such sale other
than a orporation, with respect to which following such sale or other
disposition, more than Seventy Five percent
12
( 75% ) of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of such
corporation and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting
securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors is then beneficially owned by all or substantially all of the persons
who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Corporation
Voting Securities immediately prior to such sale or other disposition in
substantially the same proportion as their beneficial ownership, immediately
prior to such sale or other disposition, of the Outstanding Corporation Common
Stock and Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities, as the case may be.
13
Amendments
10. Forfeiture of Benefits. Payment of benefits pursuant to this Plan
shall be conditioned upon the participant not acting in any similar
employment capacity for any business enterprise which competes to a
substantial degree with the company, nor engaging in any activity
involving substantial competition with the Company, during his
employment with the Company or (within 5 years) after his
retirement from the Company, without the Company's prior written
consent. Any Participant who violates the foregoing condition shall
permanently forfeit any retirement or death benefit otherwise
payable from the date any such violation first occurs. Without
limiting the foregoing general language: ( 1 ) the term "any
similar employment capacity" shall include a salaried or hourly-paid
employee, an officer, an independent contractor, an agent, or a
consultant; and ( 2 ) the term "business enterprise which
competes to a substantial degree with the Company" shall include any
manufacturer of residential or office furniture or bedding.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of a Participant's
Termination of Employment after a substantial change in Company
ownership, this Section 10 shall be inoperative.
1
OTHER BUSINESS DATA
Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
(dollars in thousands except per share data)
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net Sales $ 446,893 $ 450,717 $ 490,817 $ 510,561 $ 503,770
Cost of Sales $ 396,875 $ 379,259 $ 407,750 $ 419,394 $ 413,055
Operating profit (loss) $ (55,322)(1) $ 7,306 $ 17,129 $ 25,123 $ 27,243
Other income $ 13,367 $ 14,982 $ 13,000 $ 9,657 $ 9,270
Income (loss) Before Income Taxes $ (41,955) $ 22,288 $ 30,129 $ 34,780 $ 36,513
Income Taxes $ (22,346) $ 3,787 $ 7,226 $ 9,804 $ 10,644
Net Income (loss) $ (19,609)(1) $ 18,501 $ 22,903 $ 24,466 $ 25,869
Net Income (loss) Per Share $ (1.50)(1) $ 1.39 $ 1.63 $ 1.71 $ 1.79
Cash Dividends Declared $ 13,041 10,626 $ 11,197 $ 11,411 $ 11,358
Cash Dividends Per Share $ 1.00 $ .80 $ .80 $ .80 $ .78
Total Assets $ 320,325 $ 335,166 $ 346,720 $ 340,498 $ 330,678
Current Ratio 4.18 to 1 6.42 to 1 5.79 to 1 5.67 to 1 6.07 to 1
Book Value Per Share $ 20.01 $ 22.29 $ 21.88 $ 20.96 $ 19.99
Weighted Average Number of Shares 13,045,789 13,351,585 14,052,794 14,294,803 14,440,341
(1) Includes $20,646 in restructuring and impaired asset charges; net of income
tax the charges were $12,594 or $(.97) per share.
QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
1997
------------------------------------------------------------
FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net Sales............................................... $109,806 $113,198 $110,252 $113,637
Gross Profit............................................ 18,233 11,840 9,651 10,294
Net Income (loss) ...................................... 3,433 (14,025)(2) (5,072)(2) (3,945)(2)
Per Share........................................... .26 (1.07) (.39) (.30)
(2) Includes pre-tax restructuring and impaired asset charges as management
committed to restructuring action plans of $13,929 in the second quarter, $2,360
in the third quarter and $4,357 in the fourth quarter; charges net of income tax
for the respective quarters were $8,496, $1,440 and $2,658; the loss per share
effect of the charges was $(.65), $(.11) and $(.21), respectively.
1996
------------------------------------------------------------
FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net Sales............................................... $111,951 $111,273 $109,008 $118,485
Gross Profit............................................ 17,768 17,715 17,782 18,193
Net Income.............................................. 4,714 4,992 4,826 3,969
Per Share........................................... .35 .37 .36 .31
MARKET AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION
The Company's Common Stock trades on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol
"BSET."The Company had approximately 1,900 registered stockholders at November
30, 1997. The range of per share amounts for high and low market prices and
dividends declared for the last two fiscal years are listed below:
MARKET PRICES OF COMMON STOCK DIVIDENDS DECLARED
------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------
QUARTER 1997 1996 1997 1996
------- ------------------ ------------------ ------- -------
HIGH LOW HIGH LOW
First $25.50 $22.25 $25.75 $22.38 $.40 $.20
Second 25.75 22.38 26.38 24.25 .20 .20
Third 30.75 26.00 27.00 22.00 .20 .20
Fourth 29.50 26.63 24.88 22.13 .20 .20
2
OTHER BUSINESS DATA - CONTINUED
Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
(dollar amounts in thousands)
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:
NET SALES
Net sales for 1997 compared to prior years are as follows:
1997 1996 1995
-------- -------- ----------
Net sales $446,893 $450,717 $ 490,817
% change from prior year (.9)% (8.2)% (3.9)%
The Company achieved increased sales in the Wood Division where sales were up
6.9% for the year. This improvement was offset by a decline in sales resulting
from the discontinuance of the Impact and National/Mt. Airy product lines and
decreases in sales in both the Upholstery and Mattress Divisions. Sales in the
discontinued divisions were $9,877 less than in 1996. Sales for the Upholstery
Division decreased 2.9% for the year, while Mattress Division sales decreased
3.9% for the year.
Wood Division sales were strong throughout 1997 and sales growth improved as the
year progressed. New management has been appointed in both the Upholstery and
Mattress Divisions and significant changes in the sales force were undertaken to
improve our penetration of selected markets. Both divisions are developing
strategies to restore and solidify a strong base in their respective markets.
For 1996, net sales decreased 8% below the 1995 volume as the Upholstery and
Impact Divisions' sales decreased significantly. All other divisions experienced
slight sales decreases, except the Mattress Division, where volume remained
constant with prior year's level.
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Throughout the second half of 1997, the Company was engaged in implementing
major changes. Three manufacturing divisions (Impact, National/Mt. Airy and
veneer production) ceased production and plans were developed and initiated to
consolidate certain operations in all remaining divisions. As a result, the
Company announced the closing of 14 plants, five of which were consummated
before fiscal year-end. Four of the remaining plants were closed in December
1997, three in January 1998 and one in February 1998. Of the 14, the production
capabilities of 11 will be consolidated into ongoing facilities.
As a result of the execution of these plans, the Company recorded a $20,646
restructuring and asset impairment charge which included asset impairment losses
incurred on closed facilities, severance and related employee benefit costs for
terminated employees and various other charges as detailed in Note J in the
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Also resulting from these plans, the
Company incurred $44,154 in charges related to consolidation inefficiencies,
inventory write-downs, customer bankruptcies, environmental matters and the
Mattress Division issue as described in Note J in the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements.These unusual and nonrecurring charges are included in cost
of sales and selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses in the 1997
Statement of Operations.
Below is a comparison of cost data for the past three years (as a percent of net
sales):
1997 1996 1995
---- ---- ----
Cost of sales 88.8% 83.6% 83.1%
SG&A expenses 18.9 14.2 13.4
The increase in cost of sales was primarily attributable to the restructuring
and other unusual and nonrecurring charges, with $29,325 of these charges
included in cost of sales. Inventory write-downs and losses resulting from
exiting three sales divisions and several plants during 1997, transition costs
of consolidating operations, losses incurred in closing facilities and carrying
costs of closed facilities were the primary factors driving the cost of sales
percentage increase.While management does expect to incur additional expenses of
$10,540 in 1998 related to plant consolidations and carrying costs of closed
facilities, it believes that efficiencies will be realized in labor and overhead
expenses in the facilities involved in consolidations.
In 1996, cost of sales was up slightly as the Company incurred a one-time
pre-tax charge of $2,675 in recording the costs and expenses related to the
closure of one plant in the Motion Division and the consolidation of that
plant's business into the remaining Motion Division plants. The charge also
included the write-down of certain inventories and adjustments in fixed asset
carrying values. Gross profit margins continued to decline as material costs
increased. Also, overhead as a percent of net sales increased as sales volume
declined.
The current year increase in SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales was
attributable to several factors. The activities related to the restructuring and
unusual and nonrecurring charges resulted in $14,829 of additional SG&A expenses
in 1997. In addition, the Company implemented a co-op advertising program during
1997 and increased its spending for sales promotion. Expenses related to both
the Bassett Furniture Direct (BFD) stores and Gallery stores increased
significantly. For example, a structured training program for the BFD stores was
implemented during the year. Several one-time expenses were incurred during the
fourth quarter, including consultants and various professional services, to
assist the Company and develop strategies for future operating improvements.
Finally, expense associated with the stock options granted during 1997 was
incurred in the third and fourth quarters. We expect SG&A expenses to average
between 15% and 16% of sales in future periods.
During 1996, SG&A expenses as a percent of net sales increased slightly as net
sales declined, resulting from the fixed cost elements of many SG&A expenses.
OTHER INCOME, NET
Other income was down $1,600 from the 1996 level. Gains from the sale of
investment securities declined $4,900 as management decided not to further
liquidate its investment portfolio until its new investment strategy is
formulated and implemented. This decrease in income was offset by increased
income from interest bearing investments, equity in undistributed earnings of
affiliates, gains on sales of properties and decreased net cost related to
corporate
3
OTHER BUSINESS DATA - CONTINUED
Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
(dollar amounts in thousands)
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - CONTINUED
owned life insurance. In late 1997, the Company changed its investment strategy
from primarily tax free municipal securities to selected taxable securities to
enhance its overall investment return, which provided some of the above
mentioned increases in investment income. Note I in the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements provides the components of other income for the last three
years.
INCOME TAXES
The effective income tax rate for 1997 was (53.3)% compared to 17.0% in 1996 and
24.0% in 1995. The unusual rate for the year was a result of the restructuring,
impaired asset and other unusual and nonrecurring charges incurred, leaving the
Company with a loss for the year. Non-taxable income items had a similar impact
on the effective tax rate for 1997 as they did in 1996. Note F in the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements contains complete disclosure of the Company's
income tax status for the past three years.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES:
Cash provided by operating activities was $21,320 in 1997 compared to $25,527 in
1996 and $26,316 in 1995. The decrease was partially attributable to the
expenses related to the plant closings and the transition costs of moving the
production of certain products from the closed plants to continuing plants.
Inventory decreases, as a result of the discontinued divisions and plants,
totaling $25,368 were a significant source of working capital. For the last few
years prior to 1997, working capital generated by operations remained constant.
As in prior years, the Company continued to purchase, rather than lease, its
capital equipment requirements. During 1997, $10,824 was spent for new equipment
and improvement of existing facilities; in 1996, comparable purchases totaled
$9,627. A comparison of property and equipment purchases and depreciation
charges is shown below:
1997 1996 1995
------- ------ ------
Purchases of property and equipment $10,824 $9,627 $7,226
Depreciation charges 6,192 6,312 8,607
The Company plans to expend substantial funds in the upcoming two to three years
to enhance the environmental efficiencies of the facilities. These plans include
replacing certain of our boilers and renovating others for the short-term, while
considering alternate cleaner sources of energy for the long-term future.
The Company purchased and retired 60,000 shares of its Common Stock during 1997.
The average cost of the shares purchased was $22.50, resulting in a total
expenditure of $1,350. In 1996, the Company purchased and retired 584,343 shares
for $14,119, while in 1995, 429,701 shares were purchased and retired for
$10,125.
The current ratio for the past two years was 4.18 to 1 and 6.42 to 1,
respectively. Working capital was $152,577 at November 30, 1997 and $164,373 at
November 30, 1996. Cash provided by operating activities is expected to be
adequate for normal future cash requirements. There were no material commitments
for capital expenditures at November 30, 1997. Capital expenditures made in the
future for normal expansion are anticipated to be made from funds generated by
operating activities. The Company has not typically used the debt or equity
markets as sources of funds or capital.
The Company's consolidated financial statements are prepared on the basis of
historical dollars and are not intended to show the impact of inflation or
changing prices. Neither inflation nor changing prices has had a material effect
on the Company's consolidated financial position and results of operations in
prior years.
CONTINGENCIES:
The Company is involved in various claims and litigation, including a lawsuit
concerning our Mattress Division, as well as environmental matters at certain
plant facilities, which arise in the normal course of business. The details of
these matters are described in Note K in the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements. Although the final outcome of these legal and environmental matters
cannot be determined, based on the facts presently known, it is management's
opinion that the final resolution of these matters will not have a material
adverse effect on the Company's financial position or future results of
operations.
YEAR 2000:
Over the past few years, the Company has been steadily reengineering its
business processes and information systems to prepare for the conversion to year
2000. This effort has incorporated an analysis of Year 2000 issues and, as a
result, management believes that appropriate and timely action has been taken to
minimize the negative impact of this event. The Year 2000 issue results from the
inability of many computer systems and applications to recognize the year 2000
as the year following 1999. This could cause systems to process critical
information incorrectly. The Company plans to implement new systems and
technologies in 1998 and 1999 that will provide solutions to these issues. In
addition, the Company plans to purchase an enterprise system in 1998, which will
be implemented prior to year 2000, which will be in compliance with Year 2000
issues. The Company continues to work with it customers, suppliers and third
party service providers to identify external weaknesses and provide solutions
which will prevent the disruption of business activities at that time.
SAFE HARBOR-FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:
This discussion contains certain forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to
the financial condition, results of operations and business of Bassett Furniture
Industries, Incorporated. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks
and uncertainties. No assurance can be given that any such matters will be
realized. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those
contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, among others, the
following possibilities: (I) competitive conditions in the industry in which
Bassett operates; and (II) general economic conditions that are less favorable
than expected.
4
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
(dollars in thousands except per share data)
ASSETS
NOVEMBER 30,
-------------------------
1997 1996
--------- --------
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents ........................................ $ 29,552 $ 57,285
Marketable securities ............................................ 49,985 --
Trade accounts receivable, less allowances for doubtful
accounts (1997- $1,984; 1996- $1,355) ........................ 57,327 65,417
Inventories ....................................................... 41,714 67,082
Prepaid expenses ................................................. 1,405 1,493
Refundable income taxes .......................................... 5,025 845
Deferred income taxes ............................................ 15,476 2,597
--------- --------
200,484 194,719
--------- --------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Buildings ........................................................ 50,021 74,597
Equipment ........................................................ 114,495 139,557
--------- --------
164,516 214,154
Less allowances for depreciation ................................. 124,547 162,150
--------- --------
39,969 52,004
Land ............................................................. 3,510 4,375
--------- --------
43,479 56,379
--------- --------
OTHER ASSETS
Investment securities ............................................ 29,922 29,625
Investment in affiliated companies ............................... 30,502 45,821
Deferred income taxes ............................................ 1,866 --
Assets held for sale ............................................. 3,506 --
Other ............................................................ 10,566 8,622
--------- --------
76,362 84,068
--------- --------
$ 320,325 $335,166
========= ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable ................................................. $ 21,694 $ 20,541
Accrued liabilities .............................................. 26,213 9,805
--------- --------
47,907 30,346
--------- --------
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Employee benefits ................................................ 11,248 10,835
Deferred income taxes ............................................ -- 2,504
--------- --------
11,248 13,339
--------- --------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTES A AND J)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, par value $5 a share, 50,000,000 shares authorized.. 65,256 65,378
Additional paid in capital ....................................... 2,438 --
Retained earnings ................................................ 188,761 222,417
Unrealized holding gains, net of income tax effect ............... 5,575 3,686
Unamortized stock compensation ................................... (860) --
--------- --------
261,170 291,481
--------- --------
$ 320,325 $335,166
========= ========
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part
of these balance sheets.
5
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
(dollars in thousands except per share data)
YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
----------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
--------- -------- --------
Net Sales .................................. $ 446,893 $450,717 $490,817
--------- -------- --------
Costs and Expenses
Cost of Sales ............................ 396,875 379,259 407,750
Selling, General and Administrative ...... 84,694 64,152 65,938
Restructuring and Impaired Asset Charges.. 20,646 -- --
--------- -------- --------
502,215 443,411 473,688
--------- -------- --------
Income (loss) from Operations .............. (55,322) 7,306 17,129
Other Income, Net .......................... 13,367 14,982 13,000
--------- -------- --------
Income (loss) Before Income Taxes .......... (41,955) 22,288 30,129
Income Taxes ............................... (22,346) 3,787 7,226
--------- -------- --------
Net Income (loss) .......................... $ (19,609) $ 18,501 $ 22,903
========= ======== ========
Net Income (loss) Per Share ................ $ (1.50) $ 1.39 $ 1.63
========= ======== ========
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
(dollars in thousands )
COMMON STOCK ADDITIONAL UNAMORTIZED
---------------------- PAID-IN RETAINED UNREALIZED STOCK
SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL EARNINGS HOLDING GAINS COMPENSATION
---------- -------- ------- --------- ------------- ------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 1, 1994 ............................ 14,086,815 $ 70,434 $ -- $ 221,950 $ 2,809 $ --
Net income ......................................... -- -- -- 22,903 -- --
Cash dividends ..................................... -- -- -- (11,197) -- --
Issuance of Common Stock to non-employee directors.. 1,839 9 40 -- -- --
Purchase and retirement of Common Stock ............ (429,701) (2,148) (40) (7,937) -- --
Net change in unrealized holding gains ............. -- -- -- -- 2,081 --
---------- -------- ------- --------- ------- -----
BALANCE, NOVEMBER 30, 1995 ........................... 13,658,953 68,295 -- 225,719 4,890 --
Net income ......................................... -- -- -- 18,501 -- --
Cash dividends ..................................... -- -- -- (10,626) -- --
Issuance of Common Stock to non-employee directors.. 985 5 20 -- -- --
Purchase and retirement of Common Stock ............ (584,343) (2,922) (20) (11,177) -- --
Net change in unrealized holding gains ............. -- -- -- -- (1,204) --
---------- -------- ------- --------- ------- -----
BALANCE, NOVEMBER 30, 1996 ........................... 13,075,595 65,378 -- 222,417 3,686 --
Net loss ........................................... -- -- -- (19,609) -- --
Cash dividends ..................................... -- -- -- (13,041) -- --
Issuance of Common Stock to non-employee directors.. 4,288 21 86 -- -- --
Purchase and retirement of Common Stock ............ (60,000) (300) (44) (1,006) -- --
Issuance of Restricted Common Stock to officers .... 31,396 157 714 -- -- (871)
Amortization of stock compensation ................. -- -- -- -- -- 11
Stock option grants ................................ -- -- 1,682 -- -- --
Net change in unrealized holding gains ............. -- -- -- -- $ 1,889 --
---------- -------- ------- --------- ------- -----
BALANCE, NOVEMBER 30, 1997 ........................... 13,051,279 $ 65,256 $ 2,438 $ 188,761 $ 5,575 $(860)
========== ======== ======= ========= ======= =====
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part
of these balance sheets.
6
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
(dollars in thousands)
YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
-------- -------- --------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss) .................................................... $(19,609) $ 18,501 $ 22,903
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Unused reserves for impairment of assets .......................... 11,181 -- --
Depreciation and amortization ..................................... 6,192 6,312 8,607
Equity in undistributed income of affiliated companies ............ (5,926) (5,422) (4,986)
Provision for losses on trade accounts receivable ................. 7,706 241 607
Net gain from sales of investment securities ...................... (1,804) (6,720) (4,142)
Net (gain) loss from sales of property, and equipment ............. 970 (29) (1)
Compensation earned under restricted stock and stock option plans.. 1,693 -- --
Deferred income taxes ............................................. (18,549) 527 (108)
Changes in deferred liabilities ................................... 413 538 766
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable ...................................... 384 2,934 2,739
Other receivables .............................................. (168) 127 (31)
Inventories and prepaid expenses ............................... 25,456 14,409 (703)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities ....................... 17,561 (4,144) (512)
Income taxes ................................................... (4,180) (1,747) 1,177
-------- -------- --------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 21,320 25,527 26,316
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property, and equipment ................................. (10,824) (9,627) (7,226)
Proceeds from sales of property, and equipment ....................... 1,875 91 49
Purchases of marketable securities ................................... (49,985) -- --
Purchases of investment securities ................................... (207) (6,588) (4,073)
Proceeds from sales of investment securities ......................... 4,903 20,793 16,157
Dividends from affiliated company .................................... 21,245 -- 1,089
Additional investment in affiliated company .......................... -- -- (1,100)
Change in investment in corporate owned life insurance ............... (1,153) 738 (920)
Other ................................................................ (623) (260) (3)
-------- -------- --------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES (34,769) 5,147 3,973
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issuance of Common Stock ............................................. 107 25 49
Purchase of Common Stock ............................................. (1,350) (14,119) (10,125)
Cash dividends ....................................................... (13,041) (10,626) (11,197)
-------- -------- --------
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES (14,284) (24,720) (21,273)
-------- -------- --------
CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ....................................... (27,733) 5,954 9,016
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - beginning of year ............................. 57,285 51,331 42,315
-------- -------- --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - end of year ................................... $ 29,552 $ 57,285 $ 51,331
======== ======== ========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Interest payments ......................................................... $ 8,205 $ 5,495 $ 3,136
======== ======== ========
Income tax payments ....................................................... $ 1,402 $ 5,007 $ 6,157
======== ======== ========
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part
of these statements.
7
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
(dollars in thousands except per share data)
A. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. All significant intercompany
balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all temporary, highly liquid investments with a maturity
of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount approximates
fair value because of the short maturity of these investments.
Marketable Securities
The Company considers investments in government agencies with various
maturities, but with short-term calls, to be marketable securities. The carrying
amount approximates fair value because of the short-term nature of the
investments.
Trade Accounts Receivable
The Company has only one business segment, the manufacture and sale of household
furniture. Substantially all of the Company's trade accounts receivable are due
from retailers in this segment throughout the United States. The Company
performs on-going evaluations of its customers' credit worthiness and,
generally, requires no collateral. There is no disproportionate concentration of
credit risk.
Inventories
All inventories are valued at last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost which is not in
excess of market value.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed over the
estimated useful lives of the respective assets utilizing straight-line and
accelerated methods. The Company reviews the carrying value of property and
equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying
value may not be recoverable. Measurement of any impairment would include a
comparison of estimated future operating cash flows anticipated to be generated
during the remaining life to the net carrying value of the asset.
Investment Securities
The Company classifies its investment securities as available-for-sale, which is
reported at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related
income tax effect, on available-for-sale securities are excluded from income and
are reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity. Realized gains and
losses from securities classified as available-for-sale are included in income
and are determined using the specific identification method for ascertaining the
cost of securities sold.
Investment in Affiliated Companies
The equity method of accounting for investments in common stock is used for the
Company's investment in affiliated companies in which the Company exercises
significant influence but does not maintain control through majority ownership.
Assets Held For Sale
Several manufacturing facilities, with their related equipment, were closed
during 1997 and are being held for sale. Those facilities were written down to
their estimated fair market value and depreciation of the facilities was
terminated at the time of closure.
Investment in Corporate Owned Life Insurance
The company is the beneficiary of life insurance policies with a face value of
$756,592, which are maintained to fund various employee and director benefit
plans. Policy loans outstanding of $106,775 and $103,966 at November 30, 1997
and 1996, respectively, are recorded as a reduction in the cash surrender value
of these policies that is included in other assets in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheets. The net life insurance expense, which includes
premiums and interest on policy loans, net of increases in cash surrender values
and death benefits received, is included in other income in the accompanying
consolidated statements of operations.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue from sales is recognized when the goods are shipped to the customer.
Sales to one customer, as a percent of gross sales, amounted to 14% in 1997, 15%
in 1996 and 14% in 1995.
Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes are determined based on the difference between the
financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted
tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to
reverse.
Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares
outstanding during each period. The effect of common stock equivalents on
earnings per share is not material.
In March 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 128,
"Earnings Per Share." This Statement requires the presentation of basic earnings
per share (net income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted
average number of shares of common stock outstanding) and a disclosure
reconciling the numerator and the denominator of the earnings per share
calculations. SFAS No. 128 is effective for interim and annual periods ending
after December 15, 1997, and early application is prohibited.
Accordingly, the accompanying financial statements do not reflect the provisions
of SFAS No. 128. The Company will adopt the provisions of SFAS No. 128 in the
first quarter of fiscal 1998. Management does not expect the impact of the
adoption of this statement on the Company's financial position and results of
operations to be material.
8
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
(dollars in thousands except per share data)
A. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONTINUED
Stock-Based Compensation
As permitted by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123,
"Stock-Based Compensation," the Company has continued to measure compensation
expense for its stock-based employee compensation plans using the intrinsic
value method prescribed by Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25,
"Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." Pro forma disclosures of net income
and earnings per share are presented as if the fair value-based method
prescribed by SFAS NO. 123 had been applied in measuring compensation expense
for the periods required by the Statement.
Comprehensive Income
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards board issued SFAS No. 130,
"Reporting Comprehensive Income." This Statement establishes standards for the
prominent reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in a
full set of general-purpose financial statements. Comprehensive income is the
total of net income and other changes in equity that are excluded from the
measurement of income. The Statement is effective for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 1997. The Company plans to adopt the provisions of this
Statement in fiscal 1999. Management does not expect the impact of the adoption
of this Statement on the Company's financial positon and results of operations
to be material.
Segment Reporting
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 131
"Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information." This
statement introduces a new model for segment reporting and requires that the
Company report profit and loss, assets and liabilities by segment. The statement
is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. The Company
plans to adopt the provisions of this Statement in fiscal 1999. Management does
not expect the impact of adoption of this Statement on the Company's financial
position and results of operations to be material.
B. INVENTORIES
Inventories consist of the following:
November 30,
----------------------
1997 1996
---- ----
Finished goods $29,485 $42,594
Work in process 9,025 14,008
Raw materials and supplies 28,420 38,276
------- -------
Total inventories on first-in, first-out
cost method 66,930 94,878
LIFO adjustment 25,216 27,796
------- -------
$41,714 $67,082
======= =======
During 1997, the company liquidated certain LIFO inventories which decreased
cost of sales by approximately $3,450.
C. INVESTMENT SECURITIES
Investment securities by major security type are as follows:
November 30, 1997
------------------------
Gross Gross
Unrealized Unrealized
Holding Holding Fair
Cost Gains Losses Value
---- ----- ------ -----
Equity securities $13,051 $8,249 $ 1 $21,299
Mutual funds 2,277 792 -- 3,069
Municipal securities 5,460 94 -- 5,554
------- ------ ------- -------
$20,788 $9,135 $ 1 $29,922
======= ====== ======= =======
November 30, 1996
-------------------------
Gross Gross
Unrealized Unrealized
Holding Holding Fair
Cost Gains Losses Value
---- ----- ------ -----
Equity securities $15,014 $6,007 $ 613 $20,408
Mutual funds 3,145 579 54 3,670
Municipal securities 5,521 26 -- 5,547
------- ------ ------- -------
$23,680 $6,612 $ 667 $29,625
======= ====== ======= =======
Maturities of the municipal securities held are five years or less
D. INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATED COMPANIES
The Company has minority equity interests in two entities that provide services
and raw materials to various furniture and furniture accessory manufacturers.
The recorded investment in these entities at November 30, 1997 and 1996, exceeds
the Company's interest in the underlying net assets of these entities by $9,689
and $10,110, respectively. This difference is being amortized and the related
investment balance reduced utilizing the straight line method over 35 years.
Summarized combined financial information for these affiliated companies is as
follows:
1997 1996 1995
---- ---- ----
Total assets $56,794 $93,187 $86,474
Total liabilities 10,212 10,263 9,905
Revenues 41,730 40,221 39,457
Income from operations 23,027 21,099 20,993
Net income 15,104 13,992 12,778
Dividends received 21,245 -- 1,089
The Company had $20,479 and $35,486 of undistributed earnings from these
investments included in retained earnings at November 30, 1997 and 1996,
respectively. Deferred income taxes related to these undistributed earnings have
been provided in the accompanying consolidated financial statements of the
Company.
9
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
(dollars in thousands except per share data)
E. ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Accrued liabilities consist of the following:
November 30,
---------------------
1997 1996
---- ----
Compensation and related benefits $10,016 $8,475
Severance and related employee
benefit costs 4,910 --
Advertising and rebates 3,781 321
Other 7,506 1,009
------- ------
$26,213 $9,805
======= ======
F. INCOME TAXES
A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective
income tax rate, as a percentage of income (loss) before income taxes, is as
follows:
1997 1996 1995
---- ---- ----
Statutory federal income tax rate (35.0%) 35.0% 35.0%
Dividends received exclusion (.7) (1.6) (1.7)
Tax exempt interest (1.0) (3.4) (2.4)
Undistributed affiliate income (4.2) (6.5) (4.5)
Corporate owned life insurance (4.3) (7.0) (2.7)
State income tax, net of
federal benefit (6.0) 0.9 1.9
Tax credits - - (0.2)
Property donation (3.2) - -
Other 1.1 (0.4) (1.4)
----- ---- ----
Effective income tax rate (53.3%) 17.0% 24.0%
===== ==== ====
The income tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
portions of the deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities
at November 30, are as follows:
1997 1996
---- ----
Deferred income tax assets:
Trade accounts receivable $ 1,554 $ 515
Inventories 3,488 840
Investment securities - 333
Impaired asset reserves 4,634 -
Retirement benefits 5,047 4,105
Severance and related employee benefit cost 1,915 -
Net operating loss carry forwards 900 -
Other liabilities and reserves 8,768 1,769
------- ------
Total gross deferred income tax assets 26,306 7,562
------- ------
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Property and equipment 2,939 2,334
Undistributed affiliate income 1,983 2,697
Prepaid expenses 483 179
Unrealized holding gains 3,559 2,259
------- ------
Total gross deferred income tax liabilities 8,964 7,469
------- ------
Net deferred income tax assets $17,342 $ 93
======= ======
The Company has recorded $900 for the benefit of approximately $13,400 in state
income tax loss carry-forwards which expire in varying amounts between 2003 and
2013. Realization is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income prior to
expiration of the loss carry forwards. Based upon the level of historical
taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods which
the deferred income tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more
likely than not the Company will realize the benefits of the deferred income tax
assets.
The components of the income tax provision (benefit) are as follows:
1997 1996 1995
---- ---- ----
Federal $(3,968) $3,140 $6,455
State 171 268 879
Deferred (18,549) 379 (108)
-------- ------ ------
Total $(22,346) $3,787 $7,226
======== ====== ======
G. RETIREMENT PLANS
The Company has a qualified defined contribution plan (Employee Savings/
Retirement Plan) which covers all employees, with over one year service, who
elect to participate and have fulfilled the necessary service requirements.
Employee contributions to the Plan are matched by the Company at the rate of
115% of the first 2% through 5% of the employee's contribution, based on
seniority. The Plan incorporates provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal
Revenue Code. The expense for the Plan for 1997, 1996 and 1995, amounted to
approximately $2,453, $2,379 and $2,395, respectively.
The Company has a Supplemental Retirement Income Plan that covers certain senior
executives and provides additional retirement and death benefits. Also, the
Company has a Deferred Compensation Plan for certain senior executives which
provides for voluntary deferral of compensation, otherwise payable. The unfunded
future liability of the Company under these Plans is included in long-term
liabilities.
H. CAPITAL STOCK AND STOCK COMPENSATION
The Company has a Long Term Incentive Stock Option Plan which was adopted in
1993. Under the stock option plan, the Company has reserved for issuance,
450,000 shares of Common Stock of which 33,675 are available for grant at
November 30, 1997. Options granted under the plan may be for such terms and
exercised at such times as determined at the time of grant by the Organization,
Compensation and Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors. Options to
purchase 360,750 shares of Common Stock were granted during 1997 to officers and
key employees. The exercise price of these options is $22,625 which equaled the
fair market value of the Company's Common Stock at the date of the grant.
However, this exercise price was less than the fair market value at the
measurement date for 330,000 of the options granted. All of these options became
exercisable in 1997. Compensation expense related to these options of $1,682 is
included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying
1997 consolidated statement of operations. These options expire at various dates
through 2007.
10
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
(dollars in thousands except per share data)
H. CAPITAL STOCK AND STOCK COMPENSATION - CONTINUED
The Company has a Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors which was adopted in
1993. Under this stock option plan, the Company has reserved for issuance,
75,000 shares of Common Stock of which 45,000 are available for grant at
November 30, 1997. Under the terms of this plan, each non-employee director will
automatically be granted an option to purchase 500 shares of Common Stock on
April 1 of each year. These options are exercisable for ten years commencing six
months after the date of the grant. An additional 17,500 options to purchase
common Stock were awarded to non-employee directors during 1997. These options
are exercisable for five years commencing six months after the date of the
grant.
Option activity under these plans is as follows:
Number of Average price
shares per share
------ ---------
Outstanding at November 30, 1994 345,217 $32.10
Granted in 1995 4,500 $26.50
Exercised in 1995 - -
Cancelled in 1995 (17,292) $30.07
-------
Outstanding at November 30, 1995 332,425 $32.13
Granted in 1996 4,500 $25.75
Exercised in 1996 - -
Cancelled in 1996 (15,300) $32.40
------
Outstanding at November 30, 1996 321,625 $32.02
Granted in 1997 382,750 $22.87
Exercised in 1997 (2,000) $25.97
Cancelled in 1997 (49,577) $31.50
------
Outstanding at November 30, 1997 652,798 $26.80
=======
Exercisable at November 30, 1997 602,726 $26.22
Exercisable at November 30, 1996 267,770 $31.88
Exercisable at November 30, 1995 251,923 $31.91
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at
November 30, 1997
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
------------------- -------------------
Weighted
Number average Weighted Number Weighted
Range of outstanding remaining average exercisable at average
exercise at Nov. 30, contractual exercise Nov. 30, exercisable
prices 1997 life (years) price 1997 price
------ ---- ------------ ----- ---- -----
$22.63 - $27.75 442,150 9.0 $23.35 424,650 $23.17
28.00 - 37.40 210,648 5.0 33.79 178,076 33.51
- --------------- ------- --- ------ ------- ------
$22.63 - $37.40 652,798 7.7 $26.72 602,726 $26.22
=============== ======= === ====== ======= ======
The Company has elected to continue to account for stock option grants under ABP
Opinion No. 25 and is required to provide pro forma disclosures of what net
income and earnings per share would have been had the Company adopted the new
fair value method for recognition purposes under SFAS No. 123. The following
information is presented as if the Company had adopted SFAS No. 123 and restated
its results:
1997 1996
---- ----
Net Income (loss):
As reported $(19,609) $18,501
Pro Forma $(19,945) $18,481
Net Income (loss) per share:
As reported $(1.50) $1.39
Pro Forma $(1.53) $1.38
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the following weighted average
assumptions:
1997 1996
---- ----
Expected lives 5 years 5 years
Risk-free interest rate 6.6% 6.3%
Expected volatility 29.5% 29.6%
Dividend yield 3.3% 2.8%
The weighted average fair value of options granted during 1997 and 1996 were
$6.15 and $7.23, respectively. Because the SFAS No. 123 method of accounting has
not been applied to options granted prior to December 15, 1995, the above pro
forma amounts may not be representative of the estimated compensation costs to
be expected in future years utilizing this pro forma approach.
During 1997, the company issued 31,396 shares of restricted common stock under
the 1993 Long Term Incentive Stock Option Plan as compensation for certain key
salaried employees. These shares carry dividend and voting rights. Sale of these
shares is restricted prior to the date of vesting which is five years from the
date of grant. Shares issued under this plan were recorded at their fair market
value on the date of the grant with a corresponding charge to stockholders'
equity. The unearned portion is being amortized as compensation expense on a
straight-line basis over the related vesting period. Compensation expense
related to this grant was $11 in 1997.
I. OTHER INCOME, NET
1997 1996 1995
---- ---- ----
Dividends $ 1,141 $ 1,497 $ 2,209
Interest (principally tax exempt) 3,328 2,361 2,360
Equity in undistributed income
of affiliated companies 5,926 5,422 4,986
Net gain from sales of investment
securities 1,804 6,720 4,142
Corporate owned life insurance,
net of interest expense (1,148) (2,125) (1,676)
Other 2,316 1,107 979
-------- -------- --------
$ 13,367 $ 14,982 $ 13,000
======== ======== ========
Interest expense on corporate owned life insurance policy loans was $7,295 in
1997, $6,377 in 1996 and $3,898 in 1995.
J. RESTRUCTURING, IMPAIRED ASSET AND OTHER UNUSUAL AND NONRECURRING CHARGES:
During 1997, the Company commenced the restructuring of certain of its
operations and recorded restructuring and impaired asset charges of $20,646. The
restructuring plan is the result of management's decision to
11
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
(dollars in thousands except per share data)
J. RESTRUCTURING, IMPAIRED ASSET AND OTHER UNUSUAL AND
NONRECURRING CHARGES: - CONTINUED
focus on it's core Bassett product line and efforts to improve operating
efficiencies. The principal actions of the plan include the closure or sale of
fourteen manufacturing facilities, elimination of three product lines
(National/Mt. Airy, Impact and veneer production) and the severance of
approximately 1,000 employees. The major components of the restructuring and
impairment of assets charges and the remaining reserves as of November 30, 1997
are as follows:
Writedown of
property and
equipment to
Original net realizable Reserves Reserve
charges value utilized balance
------- ----- -------- -------
Non-cash write-downs of
property and equipment
to net realizable value $13,362 $13,362 - -
Severance and related
employee benefit cost 5,684 - 774 4,910
Lease exit costs 614 - - 614
Other 986 - 261 725
------- ------- ------ ------
Total $20,646 $13,362 $1,035 $6,249
======= ======= ====== ======
The Company completed the closure of five of the fourteen manufacturing
facilities, disposed of one of the facilities and severed approximately 600
employees during 1997. Eight additional facilities were closed subsequent to
year-end and management expects to complete the remaining restructuring actions
during 1998. Net sales and operating income from activities which were
discontinued were $46,221 and $(31,602) respectively in 1997, $60,119 and
$(1,867) respectively in 1996, and $70,149 and $(1,495) respectively in 1995.
As a result of the plan, additional unusual and nonrecurring charges including
moving costs, plant consolidation inefficiencies and inventory write-downs
totaling $31,654 were recorded in 1997. Of these costs, $28,325 are included in
cost of goods sold and $3,329 are included in selling, general and
administrative expenses in the accompanying 1997 consolidated statement of
operations. The Company estimates that additional charges due to plant
inefficiencies and idle facilities of approximately $10,540 will be incurred
during 1998. After an income tax benefit of $20,397, the restructuring and
impaired asset charges of $20,646 and additional nonrecurring charges of $31,654
reduced fiscal year 1997 net income by $31,903 or $2.34 per share.
In addition, the Company incurred other unusual and nonrecurring charges during
1997 of $12,500 related to customer bankruptcies, environmental matters and
issues related to the Mattress Division (Note K). Of these charges, $1,000 are
included in cost of goods sold and $11,500 are included in selling, general and
administrative expenses in the accompanying 1997 consolidated statement of
operations. After an income tax benefit of $4,875, these other unusual and
nonrecurring charges reduced fiscal year 1997 net income by $7,625 or $.56 per
share.
K. CONTINGENCIES
In June 1997, the Company's management learned that certain mattresses and box
springs manufactured by a subsidiary, E. B. Malone Corporation, for sale to two
major retail customers, were made with different specifications than those
originally manufactured for sale by these retailers. To remedy this situation,
the Company implemented a program under which consumers who purchased these
products can obtain a rebate directly from the Company.
On June 18, 1997, a suit was filed in the Superior Court of the State of
California for the County of Los Angeles (the "Superior Court") against the
Company, two major retailers and certain current and former employees of the
Company seeking certification of a class consisting of all consumers who
purchased the above described products from these two major retailers. The suit
alleges various causes of action, including negligent misrepresentation, breach
of warranty, violations of deceptive practices laws, and fraud, and seeks
compensatory damages of $100 million and punitive damages. The Company filed a
demurrer seeking to dismiss several of the causes of action and on September 12,
1997, the Superior Court sustained the demurrer but granted the plaintiffs leave
to amend. Plaintiffs thereafter filed a Second Amended Complaint adding certain
independent retailers as additional plaintiffs. On December 17, 1997, the
Superior Court again sustained the Company's demurrer to plaintiffs' fraud,
negligent misrepresentation and conspiracy counts, and plaintiffs filed a Third
Amended Complaint. On February 10, 1998 the Superior Court sustained the
Company's demurrer, without leave to amend the class action allegations of the
Third Amended Complaint and ordered the case transferred out of the class action
department. The Superior Court also sustained a demurrer, without leave to
amend, to many of the individual claims. As a result of these rulings, the
number and types of claims have been substantially reduced. Although it is
impossible to predict the ultimate outcome of this litigation, the Company
intends to vigorously defend this suit because it believes that the damages
sought are unjustified and because certification of a class of consumers is
unnecessary and inappropriate in this case. Because the Company believes that
the two major retailers were unaware of the changes in product specifications,
the Company has agreed to indemnify the two major retailers with respect to the
above.
The Company is also involved in various other claims and actions, including
environmental matters at certain of its plant facilities, which arise in the
normal course of business. Although the final outcome of these legal and
environmental matters cannot be determined, based on the facts presently known,
it is management's opinion that the final resolution of these matters will not
have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or future
results of operations.
12
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Bassett
Furniture Industries, Incorporated (a Virginia corporation) and subsidiaries as
of November 30, 1997, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audit. The accompanying 1996 and 1995 financial statements of Bassett
Furniture Industries, Incorporated and subsidiaries were audited by other
auditors whose report dated December 17, 1996 expressed an unqualified opinion
on those financial statements.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the 1997 financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Bassett Furniture
Industries, Incorporated and subsidiaries as of November 30, 1997, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
-----------------------------------
Greensboro, North Carolina,
January 2, 1998
13
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
P. FULTON
Chairman of the Board and W.H. GOODWIN, JR.
Chief Executive Officer Chairman of the Board
CCA Industries, Inc.
P.W. BROWN, M.D.
Partner, Virginia Surgical Associates J.W. MCGLOTHLIN
of Richmond Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer,
A.W. BRINKLEY The United Company
Executive Vice President and
Marketing Group T.W. MOSS, JR.
Executive, NationsBank Corporation Speaker of the Virginia
House of Delegates
T.E. CAPPS
Chairman of the Board, President M.E. MURPHY
and Chief Executive Officer, Retired Vice Chairman and
Dominion Resources, Inc. Chief Administrative Officer of
Sara Lee Corporation.
W.D. DAVIS
President of All Pro A.F. SLOAN
Broadcasting, Inc. Retired Chairman of the Board,
Lance, Inc.
A.T. DICKSON
Chairman of the Board R.H. SPILMAN, JR.
Ruddick Corporation President and
Chief Operating Officer
H.H. HAWORTH
President, Haworth Group
OFFICERS
P. FULTON R.H. SPILMAN, JR.
Chairman of the Board and President and
Chief Executive Officer Chief Operating Officer
VICE PRESIDENTS
J.F. ALBANESE J.E. HAMLIN
Vice President - Vice President -
Retail Development Marketing
J.E. BASSETT III J.R. HERVEY
Vice President - Vice President and
Wood Manufacturing General Counsel
P.E. BOOKER D.W. MILLER
Vice President and Vice President and
General Manager - Chief Financial Officer
Mattress Manufacturing
R.W. DOWNING J.C. PHILPOTT
Vice President - Executive Vice President -
Sales Wood Manufacturing
G.S. ELLIOTT S.P. RINDSKOPF
Vice President - Vice President -
Strategic Planning Human Resources
M.B. GOSNELL
Vice President -
Upholstery Manufacturing
1
EXHIBIT 21
EXHIBIT 21 - LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES
(a) Bassett Furniture Industries of North Carolina Inc. (North Carolina
corporation)
(b) E.B. Malone Corporation (Delaware corporation)
1
EXHIBIT 23A
EXHIBIT 23A- CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Board of Directors
Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated
Bassett, Virginia
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of
our report dated January 2, 1998 which is included in the Company's annual
report to its stockholders and incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K,
into the Company's previously filed Registration Statement File Nos. 33-52405
and 33-52407.
Arthur Andersen LLP
Greensboro, North Carolina
February 27, 1998
1
EXHIBIT 23B
EXHIBIT 23B-CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Board of Directors
Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated
Bassett, Virginia
We consent to incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Nos.
33-52405 and 33-52407) on Form S-8 of Bassett Furniture, Industries,
Incorporated and subsidiaries of our report dated December 17, 1996, relating
to the consolidated balance sheet of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated
and subsidiaries as of November 30, 1996, and the related consolidated
statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows of each of the
years in the two-year period then ended, which report is incorporated by
reference in the November 30, 1997 annual report on Form 10-K of Bassett
Furniture Industries, Incorporated and subsidiaries.
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Greensboro, North Carolina
February 25, 1998
1
EXHIBIT 23C
EXHIBIT 23C-CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Board of Directors
Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated
Bassett, Virginia
We Consent to incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Nos.
33-52405 and 33-52407) on Form S-8 of Bassett Furniture Industries,
Incorporated and subsidiaries of our report dated December 1, 1997, relating to
the balance sheets of International Home Furnishings Center Inc. as of October
31, 1997 and 1996, and the related statements of income, stockholders' equity
and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31,
1997, which report is incorporated by reference in the November 30, 1997 annual
report on Form 10-K of Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated and
subsidiaries.
Dixon Odom PLLC
High Point, North Carolina
February 26, 1998
5
1,000
YEAR
NOV-30-1997
DEC-01-1996
NOV-30-1997
29,552
79,907
59,311
1,984
41,714
200,484
168,026
124,547
320,325
47,907
0
0
0
65,256
195,914
320,325
446,893
460,260
396,875
502,215
20,646
7,662
7,295
(41,955)
(22,346)
(19,609)
0
0
0
(19,609)
(1.50)
0
