UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

_______________

 

FORM 10-K

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For The Fiscal Year Ended December 25, 200430, 2006

 

Commission File Number 1-08056

_______________

 

HANOVER DIRECT, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Delaware

13-0853260

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

 

1500 Harbor Boulevard, Weehawken, New Jersey

07086

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(Zip Code)

 

(201) 863-7300

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Common Stock, $0.01 Par ValueNone

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: NoneCommon Stock, $0.01 Par Value

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No x

 

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

 

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 the 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. x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, (as definedor a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).Act.

Yeso No

Large accelerated filer o

Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer x

 

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

Yeso No x

 

As of June 25, 2005,July 1, 2006, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $6,200,166$9,158,934 (based on the closing price of the Common Stock on the Pink Sheets on June 25, 2005July 1, 2006 of $0.88$1.30 per share; shares of Common Stock owned by directors and officers of the Company are excluded from this calculation; such exclusion does not represent a conclusion by the Company that all of such directors and officers are affiliates of the Company).

 

As of February 21, 2006,March 1, 2007, the registrant had 22,426,296 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

 

_______________




EXPLANATORY NOTEDocuments Incorporated by Reference

 

As explained herein, we have restated the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We have also restated the quarterly financial information for fiscal 2003 and the first two quarters of fiscal 2004. See Note 2 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements (collectively, the “Restatement”). By way of summary, the Restatement also affects periods prior to fiscal 2002. The Restatement’s impact on periods prior to fiscal 2002 has been reflected as an adjustment to accumulated deficit as of December 29, 2001 in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Deficiency as well as the Selected Financial Data in Part 1, Item 6 of this Form 10-K. The Restatement corrects a revenue recognition issue that resulted in revenue being recorded in advancePortions of the actual shipment of merchandise to the customer and the correction of an accounting policy to recognize revenue when the merchandise is received by the customer as opposed to when the merchandise is shipped, corrects an error in the accounting treatment of discounts obligations for certain of the Company’s buyers’ club programs, corrects two errors in the accounting treatment of a reserve for post-employment benefits including correcting the premature reversal of the reserve and other adjustments and recording legal fees in the proper periods that were inappropriately recorded related to the matter. The Restatement also records certain customer prepayments and credits inappropriately released and records other liabilitiesregistrant’s Proxy Statement relating to certain miscellaneous catalog costs and other miscellaneous costs that were inappropriately not accrued in the appropriate periods. In addition we have made adjustmentsits Annual Stockholders’ Meeting, to the deferred tax asset and liability to reflect the effect of the Restatement adjustments. For a more complete description of the Restatement, refer to Note 2 to the attached consolidated financial statements. We have not amended our previously filed Annual Reports on Form 10-K or Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the Restatement. As previously disclosed in our Current Report on Form 8-Kbe filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”and delivered to stockholders in connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on or about April 12, 2007 (the “Proxy Statement”) on November 10, 2004, the consolidated financial statements and related financial information contained in such reports for the fiscal years ended December 25, 1999, December 30, 2000, December 29, 2001, December 28, 2002 and December 27, 2003 and the fiscal quarters ended March 29, 2003, June 28, 2003, September 27, 2003, March 27, 2004 and June 26, 2004 should no longer be relied upon. Throughoutare incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K all referenced amounts for prior periods and prior period comparisons reflect the balances and amounts after giving effect to the Restatement.10-K.

As a result of the Restatement, we were unable to timely file the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2004._______________

 


 


PART I

 

Item 1. Business

 

Preliminary Statement

This Annual Report on Form10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The use of words such as “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” and “believes,” among others, generally identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are predictions of future trends and events and as such, there are substantial risks and uncertainties associated with forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond management’s control. Some of the more material risks and uncertainties are identified in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—1A. Risk Factors.” We do not intend, and disclaim any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements.

 

General

 

Hanover Direct, Inc. (collectively with its subsidiaries, referred to as the “Company,” “we” or “us” in this Form 10-K) is a direct marketer of quality, branded merchandise through a portfolio of catalogs and websites. We also manufacture down comforters and pillows that we sell in twoseveral of our catalogs and websites and our retail outlet stores and manufacture Scandia Down branded comforters, pillows and featherbeds that we sell through specialty retailers. In addition, we provide product fulfillment, telemarketing, information technologyretailers and e-commerce services to third party businesses involved inon the direct marketing business.Scandia.com website.

 

Our direct marketing operations consist of a portfolio ofthree catalogs and associated websites in the home fashions men’s and women’s apparel and gift categories that included during 2004, category,Domestications, The Company Store, Company Kids and Domestications, one in the women’s apparel category,Silhouettesand two in men’s apparel, International Male and Undergear. Each catalog can be accessed on the Internet individually by name. We also owned and operated the Gump’s retail store in San Francisco and the Gump’s By Mail catalog and website until March 14, 2005, when we sold them to an unrelated third party. In addition, we manufacture at our factory in LaCrosse, Wisconsin high quality pillows and comforters for sale in The Company Store, Company Kids and Domestications catalogs and websites and through our retail outlet stores andstores. Our factory also manufactures super-premium down comforters, pillows and featherbeds under the Scandia Down brand name, which we sell through third party luxury retailers in North and South America. In June 2006, we launched an e-commerce capable website to sell Scandia Down products directly to consumers.

 

Leveraging our in-house expertise in product fulfillment and utilizing our excess capacity, weWe currently provide third party, end-to-end, fulfillment, logistics, telemarketing and information technology services to businesses we formerly owned by the Company and select third party companies involved in the direct marketing business. The agreements were not extended and we expect to be out of the third party fulfillment business by the end of the third quarter of 2007.

 

The Company isWe are incorporated in Delaware and our executive offices are located at 1500 Harbor Boulevard, Weehawken, New Jersey 07086. The Company’sOur telephone number is (201) 863-7300. The Company is the successor of the 1993 merger between The Horn & Hardart Company, a restaurant company that traces its origins to 1888 and Hanover House Industries, Inc., which was founded in 1934.

At the Company’s 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on August 12, 2004, the Company’s shareholders approved a one-for-ten reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock (“Common Stock”), which became effective at the close of business on September 22, 2004. In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding, per share amounts, stock warrants, stock option and exercise price data relating to the Company’s Common Stock for periods prior to the reverse stock split have been restated to reflect the effect of the reverse stock split. See Note 9 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for more information regarding the reverse stock split and additional amendments to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation.

 

Restatement of Prior Financial InformationSignificant Shareholder; Going Private and Related MattersLitigation

 

We have restated the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2003a significant shareholder, Chelsey Direct, LLC. Chelsey and December 28, 2002 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We have also restated the quarterly financial information for fiscal 2003its related affiliates (“Chelsey”) beneficially own approximately 69% of our issued and the first two quarters of fiscal 2004. See Note 2 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements (collectively, the “Restatement”). The Restatement also affects periods prior to fiscal 2002. The Restatement’s impact on periods prior to fiscal 2002 have been reflected as an adjustment to accumulated deficit as of December 29, 2001 in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Deficiency.


We have also restated the applicable financial information for fiscal 2000, fiscal 2001, fiscal 2002outstanding common stock and fiscal 2003 in “Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data.”

The Restatement corrects a revenue recognition issue that resulted in revenue being recorded in advanceapproximately 77% of the actual receipt of merchandise by the customer, corrects an error in the accounting treatment of discounts obligations for certain of the Company’s buyers’ club programs, corrects two errors in the accounting treatment of a reserve, including re-establishing a reserve balance prematurely released based on a summary judgment decision which could be and was appealed, and recording legal fees in the proper periods that were inappropriately recorded related to the matter. The Restatement also records certain customer prepayments and credits prematurely released, and records other liabilities relating to certain miscellaneous catalog costs and other miscellaneous costs that were inappropriately not accrued in the appropriate periods. In addition, we have made adjustments to the deferred tax asset and liability to reflect the effect of the Restatement adjustments. We did not amend our previously filed Annual Reports on Form 10-K or Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the Restatement. As previously disclosed in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on November 10, 2004, the consolidated financial statements and related financial information contained in such reports for the fiscal years ended December 25, 1999, December 30, 2000, December 29, 2001, December 28, 2002 and December 27, 2003 and the fiscal quarters ended March 29, 2003, June 28, 2003, September 27, 2003, March 27, 2004 and June 26, 2004 should no longer be relied upon. Throughout this Form 10-K all referenced amounts for prior periods and prior period comparisons reflect the balances and amountscommon stock after giving effect to the Restatement.exercise of all of Chelsey’s outstanding options and warrants. In addition, Chelsey holds all 564,819 shares of our Series C Participating Preferred Stock (“Series C Preferred”), which has 100 votes per share and is our only outstanding preferred stock. Including the Series C Preferred and the outstanding options and warrants beneficially owned by Chelsey, Chelsey controls approximately 92% of our vote.

 

AsWe received a resultproposal from Chelsey to acquire the shares of Common Stock that Chelsey does not already own for a cash purchase price of $1.25 per share in a letter dated February 23, 2006. Shortly after receipt of the Restatement, we were unable to timely file our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 27, 2004 or this Form 10-K. As a result of our not filing our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 27, 2004 on a timely basis and our inability to meet the continued listing requirements of the American Stock Exchange (“AMEX”), trading in our Common Stock on the AMEX was halted and ultimately the Common Stock was delisted by the AMEX on February 16, 2005.

In response to the discovery of certain of the matters leading up to the Restatement, the Audit Committee ofletter, the Board of Directors launched an investigation in November 2004 relating to(“Board”) met and formed a special committee (“Special Committee”) comprised of A. David Brown, Robert H. Masson and Donald Hecht, the restatement ofthree directors who were not Company employees or affiliated with Chelsey; Mr. Masson was appointed as the Company’s consolidated financial statements and other accounting-related matters and engaged the law firm ofSpecial Committee’s Chairman. The Special Committee appointed Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP (“Wilmer Cutler”Hale”) as its independent outside counsel and engaged Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin (“Houlihan Lokey”) as its financial advisor.

As a result of the going private proposal, three substantially identical complaints were filed against Chelsey, each of our directors and us.

On May 25, 2006, we were advised that discussions between Chelsey and the Special Committee concerning Chelsey's going private proposal had been terminated and as a result, the offer had been withdrawn. Efforts to assist withrevive the investigation. In March 2005,process broke down and after June 28, 2006, Houlihan did not provide any further services to the AuditSpecial Committee, concludedthe Board or Hanover. On July 18, 2006, the directors who were members of the Special Committee resigned.

On September 19, 2006, the Board engaged Goldsmith, Agio, Helms, & Lynner (“Agio”) to prepare a valuation analysis of Hanover. Agio delivered its investigationreport and with the assistancevaluation analysis of Wilmer Cutler, reported its findingsHanover (“Valuation Analysis”) to the Board on November 8, 2006. Agio concluded that our Common Stock had no value insofar as the concluded enterprise value range was less than the concluded value of Directors. The Audit Committee, again with the assistance of Wilmer Cutler, formulated a series of recommendations to the Companyour outstanding debt and the Board of Directors concerning potential improvements in the Company’s internal controls and procedures for financial reporting. The Board of Directors and management have begun implementing these recommendations.

The Company was notified in January 2005 by the SEC that the SEC was conducting an informal inquiry relating to the Company’s financial results and financial reporting since 1998. The SEC indicated in its letter to the Company that the inquiry should not be construed as an indication by the SEC that there has been any violation of the federal securities laws. The Company is cooperating fully with the SEC in connection with the inquiry and Wilmer Cutler has briefed the SEC and the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Goldstein Golub Kessler LLP (“GGK”) on the results of its investigation. The Company intends to continue to cooperate with the SEC in connection with its informal inquiry concerning the Company’s financial reporting.

We hired a new Chief Executive Officer in May 2004 who, together with current management, identified the issues leading to the Restatement. Based on recommendations of the Audit Committee concerning potential improvements in the Company’s internal controls and procedures for financial reporting, management has responded to the weaknesses in internal controls exposed by the Restatement by revamping and augmenting the Company’s accounting and finance functions, hiring a new Chief Financial Officer, strengthening the Company’s internal controls, hiring an internal general counsel and replacing the Company’s external counsel, and instituting a corporate culture that demands ethical behavior of all employees, the highest level of compliance and encourages free communication up and down the ranks. See “Controls and Procedures” for more information regarding these and other initiatives.

Preferred Stock.

 


Significant Shareholder

After its January 10, 2005 purchase of an aggregate of 3,799,735 shares of Common Stock formerly held by Regan Partners, L.P., Regan International Fund Limited and Basil Regan,On November 17, 2006, Chelsey Direct, LLC and related affiliates (“Chelsey”) beneficially own approximately 69% ofpresented a proposal to the Board to acquire all the issued and outstanding Common Stockcommon stock of Hanover held by stockholders other than Chelsey or its affiliates for a price of $0.25 per share of common stock, without interest pursuant to an Agreement and approximately 75%Plan of Merger (“Merger Agreement”) by and among Hanover, Chelsey and Chelsey Acquisition, Inc. (“MergerCo”) (a newly formed wholly owned subsidiary of Chelsey organized to effect the merger). The Board unanimously approved the adoption of the Common Stock after giving effectMerger Agreement recommended that Hanover’s stockholders adopt the Merger Agreement.

The Merger Agreement was executed by Chelsey, MergerCo and Hanover on November 27, 2006. On December 15, 2006, Hanover filed a Preliminary Proxy Statement (“Proxy”) and Schedule 13E-3 with the SEC. The Proxy will be mailed to Hanover’s stockholders on or about March 12, 2007. The Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held on or about April 12, 2007 and the exercise of all outstanding options and warrantsstockholders will be asked to purchase Common Stock beneficially owned by Chelsey. In addition,vote on the Merger Agreement. Because Chelsey is holder of allcontrols a majority of the Company’s Series C Participating Preferred Stock (“Series C Preferred”). Including the Series C Preferredvote and outstanding options and warrants beneficially owned by Chelsey, Chelsey maintains approximately 91%has committed to vote in favor of the voting rights ofMerger Agreement, we anticipate that the Company (after giving effect toMerger Agreement will be approved and the exercise of all outstanding options and warrants). Chelsey made its initial investment inmerger will be consummated shortly after the Company on May 19, 2003 by acquiring 2,944,688 shares of Common Stock and 1,622,111 shares of Series B Participating Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred”) from Richemont Finance S.A (“Richemont”). Stuart Feldman, a Chelsey affiliate, held 16,090 shares of Common Stock when Chelsey acquired Richemont’s shares. Chelsey’s Common Stock ownership has increased since its initial investment as a result of three transactions:Annual Meeting.

 

Once the merger occurs:

The recapitalizationEach share of our common stock, other than shares held by Hanover, Chelsey or stockholders who elect and properly perfect their appraisal rights under the Company on November 30, 2003 wherebyDelaware General Corporation Law (“”DGCL”) (we refer to these stockholders as “Dissenting Stockholders”), will be converted into the Series B Preferred was exchanged for 564,819 shares of Series C Preferred which has, in general, 100 votesright to receive $0.25 per share, and, as part of this transaction, the Company’s issuance of 8,185,783 shares of Common Stock to Chelsey.merger consideration provided for in the Merger Agreement;

On July 8, 2004, Chelsey Finance, LLC, (“Chelsey Finance”),Hanover will no longer be a Chelsey affiliate, provided us with a $20.0 million junior secured credit facility, of whichpublic company, price quotations on the entire $20.0 million was borrowed by the Company (the “Chelsey Facility”). As part of this transaction, the Company issued to Chelsey 434,476 shares of Common Stock in payment of a waiver feePink Sheets will no longer be available, our common stock will deregistered and Chelsey Finance received a 10-year warrant to purchase 30.0% of the fully diluted shares of Common Stock (then equal to 10,259,366 shares of Common Stock). The terms of the Chelsey Facility are described in greater detail in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II.we will no longer file periodic SEC reports;

On January 10, 2005,The common stock, Preferred Stock and the common stock warrant held by Chelsey purchased an aggregatewill be cancelled;

Each share of 3,799,735 shares of Common Stock from Basil Regan, Regan International Fund Ltd. and Regan Partners, L.P, constituting allMergerCo common stock will be converted into one share of the Common Stock heldcommon stock of the surviving corporation, Hanover; as a result Hanover will be solely owned by them. Basil Regan had previously resigned fromChelsey; and

Our current common stockholders other than Chelsey will no longer have an interest in or be a stockholder of Hanover and, therefore, will not participate in the Board of Directors on July 30, 2004.surviving company’s future earnings and growth, if any.

 

Chelsey has designated fourFollowing the execution of the seven membersMerger Agreement and Hanover’s December 15, 2006 filing of the Company’s BoardProxy and Schedule 13E-3 with the SEC, two of Directors including its Chairman.the plaintiffs, who filed a complaint after Chelsey’s initial going private proposal, filed an amended complaint under seal on December 22, 2006 in Delaware Chancery Court. Please refer to Item 3, Legal Proceedings for more information on the Delaware Chancery Court action.

 

Please refer to the Proxy for more information about the merger, the reasons for the merger and the consequences of the merger.

Direct Commerce

 

General. We are a leading specialty multi-channel direct marketer with a diverse portfolio of home fashions and men’s and women’s apparel and gift products marketed via direct mail-order catalogs, websites and retail outlets (“direct commerce”). All of these categories utilize our centralized purchasing and inventory management functions and our common systems platform and our telemarketing, fulfillment, distribution and administrative functions.outlets. We mailed approximately 172182 million, 180174 million and 191164 million catalogs for the fiscal years ended 2006, 2005 and 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Although the past three years indicate a downward trend in catalog circulation and sales revenues, we began to reverse this trend during the second half of 2004 when catalog circulation increased by 6% compared with the second half of 2003, and revenue trends began to rise due to several factors including improved customer service levels which were made possible by enhanced liquidity provided by the Chelsey Facility. The enhanced liquidity also allowed us to increase inventory levels and realize a stronger catalog performance.

Sales revenues generated by our websites continue to increase, both in dollar terms and as a percentageApproximately 44.9% of our net revenues. Website sales comprised 32.0% of combineddirect commerce revenues come through the Internet and catalog net revenues for the year ended December 25, 2004 compared with 27.9% for the comparable period in 2003, and have increased by approximately $11.6we shipped over 4.7 million or 10.8%,packages to $118.7 million for the year ended December 25, 2004 from $107.1 million for the comparable period in 2003.our customers (excluding packages shipped on behalf of our third party fulfillment customers).

 

We continually review our portfolio of catalogs and websites. On March 14, 2005, we completed the sale of the Gump’s By Mail catalog and Gump’s retail store located in San Francisco, California to an unrelated third party in part because the Gump’s operations, which were based primarily on the retail operation, did not fit within the Company’s direct marketing core competency.


While our back-end/fulfillment functions are centralized, we operate merchandising, purchasing and catalog production separately for each of The Company Store/Company Kids, Domestications, Silhouettes and International Male/Undergear catalogs and websites. Previously, we operated The Company Store/Company Kids and Domestications as a single unit. During 2004, after a review of the management structure of the catalogs, we determined that we would better served by having separate management teams to guide each of the catalogs because of the diversity of the target customer base and sales volumes of the catalogs.

Each of our specialty catalogs and websites targets its market by offering a focused assortment of merchandise designed to meet the needs and preferences of each catalog’s customers. Through market research and ongoing testing of new products and concepts, each catalog has its own merchandise strategy, including appropriate price points, mailing plans and presentation of its products. We are continuing our development of exclusive or private label products for a number of our catalogs to further differentiate the catalog’s identities.

While each our catalogs and associated websites have unique product offerings and targets disparate customers, our backend support functions are largely centralized to achieve economies of scale. All of our catalogs and websites utilize our centralized purchasing and inventory management functions and a common order entry system platform. Our centralized systems also provide telemarketing, fulfillment, distribution and administrative functions to all of product categories.

 

Our catalogs range in size from approximately 48 to 108120 pages with 9 to 2738 editions per year depending on the seasonality and fashion content of the products offered. Each edition may be mailed several times each season with variations in format and content. The Company employsWe either employ the services of outside creative agencies or has itssome of our catalogs use their own creative staff that is responsible for the designs, layout, copy, feel and theme of the catalogs. Generally, the initial sourcing of new merchandise for a catalog begins six to nine months before the catalog is


mailed. The Company has created

We operate commerce-enabled websites for each of its catalogs.product categories. The websites offer all of a particular catalog’s merchandise and more extensive offerings than any single issue of a print catalog. Customers can request catalogs and place orders for not only website merchandise, but also from any print catalog already mailed.

 

The following is a brief description of our catalogs:catalogs and associated websites, their merchandise offerings and target customers:

 

The Company Storeis an upscalea home fashions catalog focused on high quality products that we manufacture and other private label and branded home furnishings. furnishings. Basic bedding lines are produced at our LaCrosse, Wisconsin factory accounts for approximately 27% of The Company Store product in 2004.factory.

 

Exclusive designs and vibrant colors, along with a unique and sophisticated catalog presentation, gives The Company Store a strong identity within its market. The Company Store is expanding its product categories with an increasing selection of hard goods. Even as The Company Store website continued to grow with an increasing percentage of its revenue coming through this channel, catalogs remained the biggest catalyst for driving website orders.

 

Company Kidsis a catalog developed from a category offered in The Company Store catalogs and now accounts for approximately 17% of the total Company Store volumecatalog and has grown over the past threefive years to nineten exclusive Company Kids mailings. The unique themes and full room views, gives the Company Kids customer the opportunity to purchase the “entire room”"entire room" including bed, bedding, storage, wall hangings, lamps and rugs.

Creative design and varied color pallets for the complete bed ensemble are developed by The Company Store’sStore's own design staff and sourced around the world. These exclusive designs and vibrant color pallets remain the signature identity for this quality oriented, better-priced catalog and position both The Company Store and Company Kids as strong competitors in the direct home textile market.

 

Domesticationsis “America’s“America’s Authority in Home Fashions®.” Celebrating our 20th anniversary in 2004,For over twenty years we have been, and continue to be, the value mindedvalue-minded customer’s top-of-mind choice when shopping for the latest in home furnishings.fashions. Domestications targets the mid-tier marketplace with itsa primary focus on bedding for every taste and lifestyle, featuringlifestyle. Our bedding collections feature unique and novel ideas, hard to find problem solvers,affordable luxury and exclusive designs found nowhere else.else, as well as hard-to-find solutions. We also offer a wide range of fashion and seasonal products for every other room of the house and even have greatin your home. We also offer ideas for the backyard.outdoor entertaining and decorating.

2004 was a turnaround year for Domestications as new management began to reposition the business to a more promotional strategy that focuses on new merchandising and creative marketing initiatives.


 

Silhouettes is a moderate-to-better priced fashion catalog dedicated to woman’s styles starting at size 12W. The catalog carries the current trends in fashion along with core classics, seasonal favorites and Silhouettes®Silhouettes exclusives. Silhouettes carries a full range of apparel from shoes and boots to bathing suits,coats, sleepwear to swimwear, and everything in between.

 

Silhouettes core strengths include exclusive designs and manufacturing sourced around the world. UtilizingThese styles are globally sourced utilizing key manufacturing plants allows Silhouettes to control costs and ensure the quality of these designs, offering the customer a product of style and value.quality.

 

The Silhouettes catalog and website create a virtual department store, carrying something for every 12W plus-sized woman. The catalog continues to be the primary driver for website orders. In each of the past four years Silhouettes®Silhouettes has enjoyed significant Internet sales growth. Improved on-site search capabilities and navigations have taken the tedium and frustration out of the search and have created a better virtual shopping experience, getting Silhouettes®Silhouettes closer to its goal of being the customer’s best friend.ultimate shopping source.

 

International Male and Undergear offers contemporaryIn 2005 we relocated our men’s fashions and accessories at reasonable prices. As we celebrate International Male’s 30th Anniversary, the Company has relocated the businessdivision catalogs to its headquarters in Weehawken,our New Jersey and hired aheadquarters, where new management and a newly formed creative team forwas charged with the catalog, which isultimate goal of re-establishing the unique qualities of both brands and making them well-known to consumers. We are still refocusing our brands and identifying and honing in our target customers. Fashion offerings have been increased and diversified, while the catalogs have been given a more modern look and feel to accurately reflect our evolving image and solidify our niche in the process of repositioning International Male to return it to its roots as a young men’s “lifestyle”men's fashion leader. This merchandising shift will be evident in catalogs commencing in the fourth quarter of 2005.and underwear business.

International Male, currently entering its thirty-first year in business, carries a full line of men's apparel, from sportswear to swimwear,dress clothing, outerwear to underwear, shoes and accessories, offering contemporary fashion at prices that represent value to the consumer. By updating our selection with a merchandisemore eclectic mix that is both excitingof current designs, we have increased our appeal to new customers in our target demographic group. At the same time, we have continued to refine classic favorites and eclectic.renew our core product lines to meet the demands of our more established customers.

Undergear was launched in 1985 as a “handbook of men’s underwear” from around the world. It is, having celebrated its twentieth successful year, continues to be a market leader in the men’smen's underwear catalog and Internet business.business, remaining true to its origins as a "handbook of men's underwear from around the world."

CoreUndergear identifies its key customer as fit men between the ages of 25 and 54 who like to experiment with looks and set fashion trends rather than follow them. In addition to underwear and swimwear from globally renowned resources, Undergear today includes more and varied offerings such as loungewear and workout wear and apparel that cross over into the true fashion/sportswear arena of International Male, along with skincare lines that complement our commitment to a youthful look and feel. Undergear's core strengths include the production of our manynumerous exclusive styles interpreted by our merchandising team using key manufacturing sources, allowing us to control costs and ensure quality. 

Over the years, the names International Male and Undergear have become synonymous with our merchandise - from top vendors to our signature collections - as well as our world-famous catalogs, sparking the imaginations of countless readers ever since their inception.

Gump’s By Mailand Gump’s are luxury sources for discerning customers of jewelry, gifts and home furnishings, and are market leaders in offering Asian inspired products. On March 14, 2005, we sold both the Gump’s By Mail catalog and the Gump’s San Francisco retail store to an unrelated third party.

Catalog Sales. Net sales, including deliverycontinued expansion of our private label programs, recognized for their exceptional quality and service charges, through the Company’s catalogs were $252.3 million for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2004, a decrease of $24.6 million, or 8.9%, compared with the prior fiscal year. Overall circulation in fiscal year 2004 decreased by 4.2% primarily stemming from our decision to reduce circulation during the first half of the year due to liquidity issues facing the Company that constrained inventory levels and restricted catalog circulation. However, increased working capital provided by the Chelsey Facility starting in the third quarter allowed the Company to begin increasing its inventory levels and investing in catalog circulation to strengthen its customer files and grow its catalog business. These steps took hold during the second half of 2004 as catalog circulation increased by 6.0% compared with the second half of 2003, which resulted in an upward trend in revenues in the fourth quarter of 2004.

Internet Sales. The Internet continues to grow in importance as a source of new customers. Net sales, including delivery and service charges, through the Internet improved to $118.7 million for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2004, an increase of $11.6 million or 10.8%, over Internet sales in the prior fiscal year. For the year ended December 25, 2004, Internet sales had reached 32.0% of combined catalog and Internet net revenues. Customers can order catalogs and place orders for not only website merchandise but also for merchandise from any print catalog already mailed. The website for each catalog is prominently promoted within each catalog and on third-party websites.


During November 2002, Amazon.com began to offer Silhouettes, International Male andvalue. In January 2007, Undergear merchandise within Amazon.com’s Apparel & Accessories store underrelaunched its website with a multi-year strategic alliance between the Companymore stylish and Amazon.com. During 2003,edgier look. Company Kids, Domestications, The Company Store and Gump’s were also made available on Amazon.com. All orders resulting from this alliance are electronically transferred to and fulfilled by the Company. Amazon.com charges us a commission on orders placed through its website.

 

We utilize other on-line marketing opportunities by posting our catalog merchandise and accepting orders on third-party websites for which we are charged a commission. We also enter into affiliate marketing agreements with third-party website operators and pay for “click thrus” to our websites. In addition to the Amazon.com arrangements, we have entered into third party affiliate marketing agreements with ArtSelect.com, CatalogCity, Decorative Product Source, Google, MSN, NexTag, Overture, Shopping.com, Linkshare and GiftCertificates.com.


Scandia Down. Scandia Downmanufactures luxury European down comforters, pillows and featherbeds from itsour LaCrosse, Wisconsin facility and distributes these products together with proprietary branded luxury sheeting, towels and related accessories through its network of over 90150 high end retailers in North and South America. Scandia Down’s core growth strategy is focused on expanding distribution in select markets with key retailers, expanding product lines and categories, and developing sales and marketing support programs for licensed retailers.

In June 2006, we re-launched the Scandia Down website with a fresh look and e-commerce capabilities. We now accept orders over the Internet directly. The new site includes a store locator to drive traffic to our retail licensees.

Revenue Sources. We derive revenues principally from the sale of merchandise through our catalogs and websites. We also derive revenue from other goods and services we market to our customers on inbound order calls and on our websites. The following is a summary of our revenues (in millions):

 

 

December 30, 2006

 

December 31, 2005

 

December 25, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catalog Sales

 

$ 205.9

 

$ 218.9

 

$ 215.4

Internet Sales

 

167.6

 

141.3

 

114.0

Total Direct Commerce

 

$373.5

 

$ 360.2

 

$329.4

3rd Party Fulfillment

 

27.3

 

32.9

 

20.8

Memberships/Buyer’s Clubs

 

14.9

 

14.3

 

10.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Revenue

 

$ 415.7

 

$ 407.4

 

$ 360.5

Catalog Sales. Net sales, including delivery and service charges, through our catalogs decreased to $205.9 million for fiscal 2006, a decline of $13.0 million, or 5.9%, compared with the prior fiscal year. Overall circulation in fiscal year 2006 increased by 4.8% and we continued the trend started in the middle of 2004 to support our increasing order volume with deeper inventory positions that has enabled us to maintain fulfillment rates for customer orders and control our overall cancellation rate which has helped grow both catalog and Internet sales.

 

Divestitures.Internet Sales. While we believe that our catalogs are the catalysts that drive our businesses, an increasing portion of our revenues come through our websites. Net sales, including delivery and service charges, through the Internet improved to $167.6 million for fiscal 2006, an increase of $26.3 million or 18.6%, over Internet sales in the prior fiscal year. For fiscal 2006, Internet sales reached 44.9% of combined catalog and Internet net revenues compared to 39.2% for fiscal 2005. The website for each catalog is prominently promoted within each catalog and on third-party websites.

We utilize online marketing opportunities such as posting our merchandise on comparison Shopping Engines such as Shopping.com and Bizrate; as well as paying commission on orders driven by third-party affiliate websites like Amazon.com and Shop.com. For fiscal 2006, we have increased our Internet marketing spending, primarily in paid keyword search on Google, Yahoo! and MSN, which we believe has led to the increased financial performance of our websites.

Recognizing the importance to be highly visible to our consumers on the Internet, we increased our Internet marketing expenditures by $3.1 million in 2006, primarily in paid search and to a lesser extent comparison shopping engines and other related Internet marketing. We carefully monitor our spending on Internet marketing and continuously optimize all programs to maximize their return.

 

Improvements. Other Revenue Opportunities.On June 29, 2001, Currently we sold certain assetsoffer membership programs, buyer’s clubs and liabilities ofprivate label credit cards to our Improvements business to HSN, a division of USA Networks, Inc.’s Interactive Group, for approximately $33.0 million. In conjunction with the sale, we agreed to provide telemarketingcustomers on inbound order calls and fulfillment services for the Improvements business under a services agreement with a three year term that was later extended for an additional two years. To secureon our performance, $3.0 million of the purchase price was held in escrow. A portion of the escrow was released in 2002 and the balance was released in 2003. The services agreement for Improvements, which originally expired on June 27, 2006, was extended until August 31, 2007.websites.

 

Gump’s and Gump’s By Mail.Third Party Membership Programs. On March 14, 2005, we sold all of the stock of Gump’s Corp. and Gump’s By Mail, Inc. (collectively, “Gump’s”) to Gump’s Holdings, LLC, an unrelated third party (“Purchaser”) for $8.9 million, including a $0.4 million purchase price adjustment pursuant to the terms of a February 11, 2005 Stock Purchase Agreement. The Company recognized a gain of approximately $3.6 million in its quarter ended March 26, 2005. Chelsey, as the holder of all of the Series C Preferred, consented to the application of the sales proceeds to reduce the outstanding balance of the senior secured credit facility (“Wachovia Facility”) provided by Wachovia National Bank, as successor by a merger with Congress Financial Corporation (“Wachovia”), in lieu of using the available proceeds to redeem the Series C Preferred (the number of shares to be redeemed would have been based on the available sales proceeds and the then current redemption price per share of the Series C Preferred). This waiver provided us with additional credit resources under the Wachovia Facility. Chelsey expressly retained its right to require redemption of approximately $6.9 million (the Gump’s sales proceeds available for redemption) of the Series C Preferred subject to Wachovia’s approval.

After the sale, we continue as the guarantor of one of the two leases for the San Francisco building where the store is located (we were released from liability on the other lease). The Purchaser is required to use its commercially reasonable efforts to secure the Company’s release from the guarantee within a year of the closing. If the Purchaser cannot secure our release within a year of the closing, an affiliate of the Purchaser will either (i) transfer a percentage interest in its business so that we will own, indirectly, 5.0% interest of the Purchaser’s common stock, or (ii) provide us with a $2.5 million stand-by letter of credit or other form of compensation acceptable to the Company to reimburse us for any liabilities we incur under the guarantee until we are released from the guarantee or the lease is terminated.

We entered into a Direct Marketing Services Agreement with the Purchaser to provide telemarketing and fulfillment services for the Gump’s catalog and direct marketing businesses for eighteen months. We have the option to extend the term for an additional eighteen months.

Membership Services

Vertrue. In March 2001, we entered into a five-year marketing services agreement with MemberWorks,


Incorporated (now known as “Vertrue”) under which our catalogs market and offer a variety of Vertrue membership programs to our catalog customers through our call centers when they call to place an order. VertrueWe also offer membership programs on our websites. The membership programs offer members discounts on a wide variety of goods and services. Vertrue has the exclusive rights to the first up-sell position on all merchandise order calls made to our call centers, after any cross-sells that the catalogs may make for their own primary (or catalog-based) products. Initially, prospective members participate in a thirty-day trial period that, unless canceled, is automatically converted into a full membership term, which is one year in duration.membership. Memberships are automatically renewed at the end of each year unless canceled by the member. Vertrue pays

Until March 21, 2006, we marketed membership programs under an agreement with MemberWorks, Incorporated (now known as “Adaptive Marketing”). MemberWorks, Incorporated paid us commissions that varya monthly commission based on the actual number of offersmemberships sold and membership renewals and paid us additional incentive payments if we achieved certain sales made and whetherlevels. After the membership is an initial sale or a renewal. In 2004,expiration of this agreement, we began offering Vertruemembership programs onprovided by Encore Marketing International (“Encore”) under a two year agreement. Under our websites. The Vertrue programs are offered to customersagreement with Encore, we were paid a commission for each customer who places an order for a membership program and a renewal commission for each member who is still a member at the end of the member’s then current membership year. As a result of this arrangement, we recognized the commissions when a customer reaches the order confirmation page after placing an order.

The Vertruewe were paid. By mutual agreement, expiresour Encore agreement was terminated in MarchOctober 2006 and we are evaluating proposalsentered into an arrangement with United Marketing Group (“UMG”) to sell membership programs on a wholesale basis under which we pay UMG for the membership kits and a monthly fee for the membership benefits. As required by generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), we recognize revenue from these memberships after the free trial period expires on a pro-rata basis over the membership period.


Because under GAAP we cannot recognize revenue until after the free trial period and because we must amortize the annual membership fee over the life of the membership, we experienced a drop in our revenue from membership program providers to market membership programs to our customers after the Vertrue agreement expires. We expect the terms of any new membership marketing agreement to be no less favorable than those under the current agreement with Vertrue.

We also received commission revenue related to our solicitation of the Magazine Direct subscription program until the program was discontinued in May 2003. We were paid commissions based on a per-solicitation basis according to the number of solicitations made, with additional revenue recognized if the customer accepted the solicitation.2006.

 

Buyers’ Club. Customers may purchase memberships in a number of our catalogs’ Buyers’ Club programs for an annual fee. The Buyers’ Clubs offer members merchandise discounts or free delivery and service charge,charges, advance notice of sales and other benefits. We use our Buyers’ Club programs to promote catalog loyalty, repeat business and to increase sales.

 

We received combined revenues from Buyer’s Clubs and membership programs revenues of $14.9 million, or 3.6% of net revenues in fiscal 2006 as compared to $14.3 million, or 3.5% of net revenues in fiscal 2005.

Private Label Credit Cards. We entered into a seven year co-brand and private label credit card agreement with World Financial Network National Bank (“WFNNB”) on February 22, 2005 which was amended on March 30, 2005, under which WFNNB issues private label and co-brand (Visa and MasterCard) credit cards to our catalog and website customers. We began a phased roll out of our private label credit card program in April 2005 across our catalogs and websites initially offering pre-approved credit to our core customers. In general the past, certainprogram extends credit to our customers at no credit risk to the Company. WFNNB provides a marketing fund to support our promotion of the Buyers’ Club programs contained a guarantee whereby the customer would receive discounts or savings, at least equal to the cost of his or her membership or we would refund the difference with a merchandise credit at the end of the membership period. This guarantee was offered during the following periods: Silhouettes from July 1998 through March 2004; Domestications from April 2002 through March 2004; and Men’s Apparel from April 2003 through March 2004. We do not offer the guarantee currently.program.

 

Third Party Fulfillment Services. In the first quarter of 2004, former management identified a potential issue1998 we began offering product fulfillment services to other direct marketers. We later expanded our service offerings to include e-commerce solutions. Our agreement with the accounting treatment for Buyers’ Club memberships that contained a guarantee related to discount obligations. At that time, an inappropriate conclusion regarding the accounting treatment was reachedGump’s expired in October 2006; our remaining agreements expire in May 2007 and during the third quarter of 2004, the issue was re-evaluatedAugust 2007. The agreements have not been renewed and we determined that an error in the accounting treatment had occurred. The cumulative impactexpect to be out of the error for which the Company restated resulted in the overstatement of revenues and the omission of the liability related to the guarantee of these discount obligations that aggregated $2.4 million as of June 26, 2004 (the end of the second quarter of 2004). The Company has developed a plan to satisfy its obligation to those Buyers’ Club members entitled to benefits as a result of the guarantee which will be implementedthis business by the end of the firstthird fiscal quarter of 2006. As reflected in the Restatement, for memberships purchased during those periods when the Buyers’ Club memberships contained2007. Our third party fulfillment business allowed us to defray a guarantee, revenue netportion of actual cancellations is recognized on a monthly basis over the membership period, commencing after the thirty-day cancellation period, with the revenue recognized equal to the lesser of the cumulative amount determined using the straight-line method or the actual benefit received by each customer as of the end of each period. At the end of the membership period, a liability equal to the residual guarantee isour fixed expenses. Revenues recorded on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

For Buyers’ Club memberships that did not contain a guarantee, we recognize revenue net of actual cancellations on a monthly basis commencing after the thirty-day cancellation period, over the membership period using the straight-line method.

Collectively, we reported revenues from membership services of $10.3our third party fulfillment business were $27.3 million or 2.5%6.6% of net revenues, $9.3revenue in 2006 as compared with $32.9 million, or 2.2%8.1% of net revenues,revenue and $10.3$20.8 million, or 2.2%5.8% of net revenues for 2005 and 2004, respectively.

Retail Outlet Stores. We operate retail outlet stores to liquidate slow-moving and damaged merchandise. As of December 30, 2006, we operated three retail outlet stores, two in Wisconsin and one in Roanoke, Virginia. We closed an outlet store in Hanover, Pennsylvania in 2006 and closed two outlet stores located in Kenosha and Oshkosh, Wisconsin during 2005. For the fiscal years 2004, 20032006 year, the retail stores accounted for less than 1% of our revenues and 2002, respectively. are not material to our total operations.

Gump’s operated a retail store located in San Francisco, California which was included in the March 14, 2005 sale of the Gump’s stock.

Other Opportunities. We continue to considercontinually explore other opportunities to offer new and differentmarket goods and services to our customers on inbound order calls, and on our websites.websites and through direct contact via mail and email.

 

Centralized Functions


Our backend support functions are largely centralized and support all of catalogs and websites to achieve economies of scale. We support all of our catalogs and websites with centralized purchasing and inventory management functions, a common order entry system platform and provide centralized telemarketing, fulfillment, distribution and administrative functions.

 

Marketing and Database Management. We maintain a proprietary customer list currently containing approximately 5.65.5 million names of customers who have purchased from one of our catalogs or websites within the past thirty-six months (including 0.2 million names relating to Gump’s By Mail).months. Approximately 2.22.5 million of the names on the list represent customers who have made purchases from at least one of our catalogs within the last twelve months (including 0.1 million names relating to Gump’s By Mail).months. We also maintain a proprietary list of e-mail addresses totaling approximately 2.83.3 million addresses (including 0.2 million addresses relating to Gump’s By Mail).addresses. We consider our customer lists one of our most valuable assets.

 

We utilize modeling and segmentation analysis to devise catalog marketing and circulation strategies that are intended to maximize customer contribution by catalog. This analysis is the basis used by our catalogs to determine which of our catalogs will be mailed and how frequently to a particular customer, as well as the promotional incentive content of the catalog(s) that a customer receives.

 

We utilize name lists rented from other mailers and compilers as a primary source of new customers for our catalogs. Many of our catalogs participate in a consortium database of catalog buyers whereby new customers are obtained by the periodic submission of desired customer buying behavior and interests to the consortium and the subsequent rental of non-duplicative names from the consortium. Other sources of new customers include traditional print space advertisements and promotional inserts in outbound merchandise packages.

 

On the Internet, our main sources of new customers are from our catalogs, through affiliate marketing arrangements, search engines, shopping portals, key word search and a variety of contractual Internet affiliate marketing arrangements.

 

Purchasing.Purchasing- Non Merchandise. Our large sales volume permits us to achieve a variety of purchasing efficiencies, including the ability to obtain prices and terms that are more favorable than those available to smaller companies or than would be available to our individual catalogs were they to operate independently. We use major goods and services that are purchased or leased from selected suppliers by our central buying staff. These goods and services include paper, catalog printing and printing related services such as order forms and color separations, communication


systems including telephone time and switching devices, packaging materials, expedited delivery services, computers and associated network software and hardware. In 2006, we entered into a two and half year print agreement for all of our catalogs.

 

We contract for our telemarketing phone service costs (both inbound and outbound calls) under multi-year agreements. In February 2004, we entered into a twenty-six month call center service agreement with AT&T Corp. that includes a one year renewal option at our election. We are required to pay AT&T a minimum of at least $1.0 millionwas extended for each of thean additional two twelve-month periods following an initial transitional ramp-up period. To date and because of our call volume, our payments have exceeded the minimum $1.0 million threshold for the first two twelve-month periods. The commitment is subject to a reduction based on certain events including but not limited to business downturn, corporate divestiture, or significant restructuring.years in June 2006.

 

We generally enter into annual arrangements forpurchase our paper and printing services withthrough a limited number of suppliers.brokers who have agreements with the major paper mills. These arrangements permit periodic price increases or decreases based on prevailing market conditions, changes in supplier costs and continuous productivity improvements. For 2004,After rising in mid 2005, our paper costs approximated 5.0% ofhave remained relatively constant throughout 2006.

Over the Company’s net revenues. The Companypast several years, we have experienced 3.0% to 5.0% increases in paper prices during 2004 and further increases in paper prices in 2005 due to tight market conditions. The Company normally experiences increased costs of sales and operating expenses as a result of the general rate of inflation and commodity price fluctuations. OperatingIn the past, we have been able to mitigate, in part, the impact of these cost increases either by reducing other expenses or by raising our prices. In addition higher postage and shipping costs is putting pressure on maintaining operating margins. Due to the competitive environment in which our catalogs and websites operate, we may not be able to sufficiently reduce our costs or raise prices in the future and in that event, our margins will be adversely affected.

Purchasing- Merchandise. We acquire products for resale in our catalogs from numerous domestic and foreign vendors. We also manufacture comforters, pillows and other down products at our LaCrosse, Wisconsin factory. No single third party source supplied more than 10% of our products in 2006. Our vendors are generally maintained through internal cost reductionsselected based on their ability to reliably meet our production and operating efficiencies,quality requirements, as well as their financial strength and then through selective price increases where market conditions permit.willingness to meet our needs on an ongoing basis.

Over recent years, we have purchased an increasing portion of our merchandise from foreign vendors which have enabled us to reduce our merchandise purchase costs. While each of our catalogs has their own merchandising function, to further reduce our merchandise costs, we established a purchasing office in Shanghai, China to support all of our catalogs and websites. Our Shanghai office is tasked with sourcing merchandise directly from factories in Mainland China and providing assistance to our merchants and product designers. The Shanghai office will also be responsible for quality assurance and assisting in facilitating and expediting international shipments.

Because we import a large portion of our merchandise, we have, in the past, been subject to delays in merchandise availability and shipments due to customs, quotas, duties, inspections and other governmental regulation of international trade. We continue to monitor development in this area in an effort to minimize delays in international merchandise shipments that adversely impact our business.

 

Inventory Management. Our inventory management strategy is designed to maintain inventory levels that provide optimum in-stock positions while maximizing inventory turnover rates and minimizing the amount of unsold merchandise at the end of each season. We manage inventory levels by monitoring sales and fashion trends, making purchasing adjustments as necessary and by promotional sales. Additionally, we sell excess inventory through special sale catalogs, sales/liquidation postings in catalog websites, e-auctions, our outlet stores, off-price merchants and jobbers.

 


We acquire products for resale in our catalogs from numerous domestic and foreign vendors. Over recent years, the Company has trended more towards obtaining goods from foreign as opposed to domestic vendors. No single third party source supplied more than 10.0% of our products in 2004. Our vendors are selected based on their ability to reliably meet our production and quality requirements, as well as their financial strength and willingness to meet our needs on an ongoing basis.

At the end of fiscal 2004, we had received approximately $4.7 million in combined catalog and Internet orders that had not been shipped and were not included in the net revenues of the Company. This amount was a decrease of $1.0 million compared with the approximately $5.7 million of unshipped orders existing at the end of fiscal 2003. These amounts consisted mainly of backorders, orders awaiting credit card authorization, open dropship orders and orders physically in the warehouse awaiting shipment to customers. The Company fulfilled substantially all of these orders within the first ninety days of 2005.

Because we import a large portion of our merchandise, we have, in the past, been subject to delays in merchandise availability and shipments due to customs, quotas, duties, inspections and other governmental regulation of international trade. We continue to monitor development in this area in an effort to minimize delays in international merchandise shipments that adversely impact our business.

Telemarketing and Distribution.Telemarketing. We operate telemarketing facilities in Hanover, Pennsylvania, York, Pennsylvania and LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Our telemarketing facilities utilize telephone switching equipment that enables us to route calls between telemarketing centers, balancing loads and providing prompt customer service. During 2004,2006, we received approximately 58.0%50% of our orders through in-bound calls to our toll-free telephone servicenumbers (including calls we handled for our third party customers) as compared with 62.0%53% in 2003.2005. As the migration to the Internet continues, to increase, we expect the percentage of order placed by telephone as compared to seeover the trend of decreased percentages of toll-free telephone orders continue.Internet to continue to decline. Customers can access our call centers seven days per week, twenty-four hours per day. In addition, we answered more than 5.5approximately six million customer service/order calls and processed and shipped 6.2 million packages to customers during 2004 (including our third party Business-to-Business processing).

We mail our catalogs through the United States Postal Service (“USPS”) utilizing pre-sort, bulk mail and other discounts. We ship most of our packages through the USPS (93.0%). Overall, catalog mailing and package-shipping costs approximated 19.2% of our net revenues in 2004 as compared with 19.6% in 2003. There were no USPS rate increases during 2004 though one is scheduled for 2006. We also utilize United Parcel Service (1.0%) and other delivery services, including Federal Express (6.0%). In January 2004 and 2005, United Parcel Service increased its rates by 2.9% for each year. The increase did not have a material adverse effect on our 2004 results of operations and we did not experience a material adverse effect in 2005. We examine alternative shipping services with competitive rate structures from time to time.

Order Processing and Product Fulfillment

Telemarketing. The Company operates telemarketing facilities in Hanover, Pennsylvania, York, Pennsylvania and LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Our telemarketing facilities utilize state-of-the-art telephone switching equipment that enables us to route calls between telemarketing centers, balancing loads and providing prompt customer service.order/service calls.

 

We train our telemarketing service representatives to be courteous, efficient and knowledgeable about our products and those of our third party customers. Telemarketing service representatives generally receive fortyeighty hours of training in selling products, services, systems and communication skills through simulated as well as actual phone calls. A substantial portion of theour evaluation of telemarketing service representatives’ performance is based on how well the representative meetsrepresentatives meet customer service standards. While primarily trained with product knowledge to serve customers of one or more specific catalogs, telemarketing service representatives also receive cross training that enables them to take overflow calls from other catalogs. We utilize customer surveys as an important measure of customer satisfaction.

 

Catalog Distribution. We mail our catalogs through the United States Postal Service (“USPS”) utilizing pre-sort, bulk mail and other discounts. This bulk mailing is handled by the company that prints our catalogs. There was 5% USPS rate increase that took effect on January 8, 2006 which increased our catalog distribution expenses. Another postal rate increase is scheduled for May 2007.

Merchandise Distribution. We processed and shipped 7.2 million packages to our customers during 2006 (including 2.6 million packages processed for our third party fulfillment customers). We currently operate a distribution center in Roanoke, Virginia and until June 2005, operated a smaller distribution center and storage facility in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. The distribution centers handled merchandise distribution forthat services all of our catalogs and websites as well as select third party clients. OnUntil June 30, 20042005, we announced our plan to consolidate the operations of the LaCrosse, Wisconsin fulfillmentalso operated a smaller distribution center and storage facility into the Roanoke, Virginia fulfillment center by June 30, 2005.in LaCrosse, Wisconsin that handled The Company Store and Company Kids. The LaCrosse fulfillment center and the storage facility were closed in June 2005 and August 2005 upon the expirationwhen their leases expired. Because of their respective leases. These facilities were consolidated because of excess capacity constraints at our LaCrosse facility and lower shipping costs available from the Roanoke Virginia fulfillment center, spacefacility distribution was relocated to Roanoke, Virginia. However since our consolidation into the Roanoke facility, we have experienced lower than anticipated productivity due to facility capacity constraints and higher employee turnover. To reverse this trend, we installed new management at the LaCrosse facilitiesour Roanoke facility and to realizeimplemented process improvements. We also are withdrawing from the enhanced efficiencies afforded by our state-of-the-art Roanoke facility. Since

 


third party fulfillment business which will free up capacity at our Roanoke facility. We anticipate that these steps will lead to higher productivity and lower cost in the second half of fiscal 2007.

 

the consolidation of ourOur Roanoke distribution facility is a 775,000 square foot distribution center purposely built for direct fulfillment centers, our Roanoke fulfillment center has experienced lower productivity that has negatively impacted fulfillment costs and the Company’s overall performance. We took a charge of $0.7 million in 2004 because of staff reductions at the LaCrosse facility and the costs of relocating inventory to Roanoke.operations. In addition, the Company leaseswe currently lease 339,880 square feet at a 302,900 square foot warehouse and fulfillmentnearby facility located in Salem, Virginia for additional storagestorage. We have an option to extend the lease for three additional terms of six months each. See “Properties.”

Outbound Merchandise Shipping. We ship approximately 91.5% of our merchandise through the RoanokeUSPS; the balance is shipped primarily by FedEx and UPS. In general, we charge our customers a shipping and handling fee based on the dollar value of the order, with additional charges for heavy and/or bulk items and we also offer faster shipping options for an additional charge.

We use a third party freight consolidator to ship a majority of the packages shipped via USPS. The consolidator directly and through its subcontractors transports our packages from our distribution center. The lease originally commenced on March 28, 2005center to consolidation facilities located in close proximity to one of the USPS regional bulk mail facilities (“BMC”). Our packages are then resorted and was amended in June 2005 and again in September 2005 to increase the initial 91,000 square feet of leased spacemost cases, delivered directly to the current 302,900 square feet. The lease expires on September 30,local post office, bypassing the BMC, which reduces our USPS charges and our overall outbound merchandise shipping expenses. One of the consolidator’s subcontractors, APX Logistics (“APX”), declared bankruptcy in mid March 2006 except for the portion that pertainsand ceased operations. As a result, we were forced to temporarily ship our packages directly to the additional 90,900 square feet addedBMC’s at a higher costs than had been provided by APX which increased out outbound shipping costs by $3.0 million in September 20052006, with the largest portion of the increase impacting us in the second fiscal quarter. After the bankruptcy, the consolidator began re-establishing many of the shipping lanes and regional consolidation facilities and our outbound shipping costs have been trending downward since the second quarter of 2006. However, we do not expect to return to the outbound shipping costs we enjoyed prior to the APX bankruptcy.

Overall, catalog and outbound package-shipping costs approximated 22.0% of our net revenues in fiscal 2006 as compared with 21.4% in 2005. There was a 5% USPS rate increase that took effect on January 8, 2006. Another postal rate increase is scheduled for May 2007 which is on a month-to-month basis. See “Properties.”we will further increase our catalog and outbound merchandise shipment expenses in 2007. We were also negatively impacted in 2006 by fuel surcharges. We continue to examine alternative shipping services with competitive rate structures from time to time.

 

Management Information Systems. All of our catalogs and websites are part of our integrated mail order and catalog system operating on mid-range computer systems. Additionally, our fulfillment centers are part ofcenter is controlled by our warehouse management system. These systems have been designed to meet our requirements as a high volume publisher of multiple catalogs, an operator of multiple websites and provider of back-end fulfillment services. We continue to devote resources to improving our systems.systems and are currently evaluating the possibility of replacing our order entry system.

 

Our software system is an on-line, real-time system, which is used in managing all phases of our operations and includes order processing, fulfillment, inventory management, list management and reporting. The software provides us with a flexible system that offers data manipulation and in-depth reporting capabilities. The management information systems are designed to permit us to achieve efficiencies in the way our financial, merchandising, inventory, telemarketing, fulfillment and accounting functions are performed.

 

Business-to-Business Services.Backlog. In 1998At the end of fiscal 2006, we began offering producthad received approximately $4.9 million in combined catalog and Internet orders that had not been shipped and were not included in our net revenues. This amount was a decrease of $0.7 million compared with the approximately $5.6 million of unshipped orders existing at the end of fiscal 2005. These amounts consisted mainly of backorders, orders awaiting credit card authorization, open dropship orders and orders physically in the warehouse awaiting shipment to customers. We fulfilled substantially all of these orders within the first sixty days of 2007.

Divestiture - Gump’s and Gump’s By Mail.On March 14, 2005, we sold all of the stock of Gump’s to Gump’s Holdings, LLC, an unrelated third party (“Purchaser”) for $8.9 million, including a $0.4 million purchase price adjustment pursuant to the terms of a February 11, 2005 Stock Purchase Agreement. We recognized a gain of approximately $3.6 million in the third fiscal quarter of 2005. Chelsey, as the holder of all of the Series C Preferred, consented to the application of the sales proceeds to reduce the outstanding balance of the senior secured credit facility (“Wachovia Facility”) provided by Wachovia National Bank (“Wachovia”) in lieu of using the available proceeds to redeem the Series C Preferred (the number of shares to be redeemed would have been based on the available sales proceeds and the then current redemption price per share of the Series C Preferred). This waiver provided us with additional credit resources under the Wachovia Facility. Chelsey expressly retained its right to require redemption of the Series C Preferred subject to Wachovia’s approval.

After the sale, we continue as the guarantor of one of the two leases for the San Francisco building where the store is located (we were released from liability on the other lease). The Purchaser was required to use its commercially reasonable efforts to secure our release from the guarantee within a year of the closing. The Purchaser was unable to do so, and one of the principals of the Purchaser provided us with a $2.5 million note secured by a pledge of his equity interest in the Purchaser to secure the Purchaser’s obligation to indemnify us from any liability on the lease guarantee. As of February 15, 2007, we are the guarantor of $5.1 million (net of $0.4 million in expected sublease income) in lease commitments. See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

We entered into a Direct Marketing Services Agreement with the Purchaser to provide telemarketing and fulfillment services to otherfor the Gump’s catalog and direct marketers. We later expanded our service offerings to include e-commerce solutions. Currently we domarketing businesses for eighteen months which expired on October 2006. The agreement was not actively market these services, however, we do provide themrenewed.


Restatement of Prior Financial Information and Related Matters; Delisting

In response to the purchasersdiscovery during the second half of Improvements2004 of errors in our accounting treatment of certain items, we determined in the third quarter of 2004 that we needed to restate our previously filed financial statements (“Restatement”). Note 2 to the Financial Statements contains a description of the Restatement items. Shortly thereafter the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors launched an independent investigation relating to the Restatement and Gump’s By Mail as partother accounting-related matters and engaged Wilmer Hale to conduct the investigation. As a result of those purchase transactionsthe Restatement, we were unable to timely file our periodic reports with the SEC which led to the suspension of trading and to select other direct marketers, including National Geographic. Whileultimately the primary missiondelisting of our order processing and product fulfillment services is to support our catalogs, our third party services business allows us to productively leverage our expertise and utilize our excess infrastructure capacity thereby defraying a portion of our fixed expenses. Revenues recordedCommon Stock from the Company’s B-to-B services were $20.8 million, or 5.2%American Stock Exchange (“AMEX”) on February 16, 2005. In addition, the Company was notified in January 2005 by the SEC that it was conducting an informal inquiry into our financial results and financial reporting since 1998. At this point in time, the SEC informal inquiry is ongoing.

On October 20, 2005, the Audit Committee dismissed KPMG LLP (“KPMG”) as our independent auditors and thereafter engaged Goldstein Golub Kessler LLP (“GGK”). GGK completed its audit of net revenues, $20.0 million, or 4.8% of net revenues, and $20.1 million, or 4.4% of net revenues, forour 2004, 2003 and 2002 respectively.fiscal year end financial statements and its review of our quarterly financial statements for the third fiscal quarter of 2004 and the first three quarters of 2005 on February 8, 2006. On February 21, 2006, we filed our past due periodic reports with the SEC and since that time, we have been timely with our SEC reporting requirements.

 

Credit Management

On February 22, 2005, and as amended by Amendment Number One on March 30, 2005, we entered into a seven year co-brand and private label credit card agreement with World Financial Network National Bank (“WFNNB”) under which WFNNB will issue private label and co-brand (Visa and MasterCard) credit cards to our catalog customers. We began a phased roll out of our private label credit card program in April 2005 across our catalogs offering pre-approved credit to our core customers. In general the program extends credit to our customers at no credit risk to the Company. WFNNB provides a marketing fund to support our promotion of the program.

Financing

 

Our business is dependent on having adequate financial resources to fund our operations, catalog circulation and maintain appropriate inventory levels to meet customer demands. In the past, the Company has experienced periods of constrained liquidity, which has adversely affected our financial performance. Our results for the second half of 2004 were positively impacted by the increased liquidity provided by the closing on July 8, 2004 of the new $20.0 million Chelsey Facility and the concurrent amendment of the terms of the Wachovia Facility, which increased our capital availability under that facility. This increased liquidity enabled us to restore inventory to adequate levels for the second half of 2004, which resulted in substantial declines in backorder levels and higher initial customer order fill rates, reversing the trend experienced during the first six months of 2004. The improved inventory levels also increased our borrowing availability under the Wachovia Facility and alleviated constraints on vendor credit that we had previously experienced.


As described more fully in Note 7, Debt, to the consolidated financial statements, contained in Part II, we have two credit facilities: the Wachovia Facility and the $20.0 million Chelsey Facility provided by Chelsey Finance. The Wachovia Facility includes a revolving credit facility with a maximum loan amount of $34.5 million and a $5.0 million term loan. The Wachovia Facility expires on July 8, 2007 and bears interest at 0.5% over the Wachovia prime rate.rate or the Eurodollar rate plus 2%. The weighted average interest rate on the revolver was 8.01% on December 25, 2004 was 5.5%.30, 2006.

 

The Chelsey Facility is a $20.0 million junior secured credit facility and hasoriginally had a three-year term.term that expired on July 8, 2007. Pursuant to a March 6, 2007 letter agreement, the maturity date of the Chelsey Facility was extended to January 2, 2008. There were no fees paid in connection with this letter agreement. To meet our financing requirements for 2007, we will need to secure Wachovia’s consent to extend the term of their facility or find a replacement facility, among other alternatives. Management has had preliminary discussions with Wachovia and based on those discussions and in light of Chelsey’s agreement to extend the maturity date of the Chelsey Facility until January 2, 2008, management believes that Wachovia will agree to extend the maturity date of its facility or provide a new facility with a maturity date beyond the end of fiscal 2007 or the Company will be able to find replacement financing. Based on the forgoing, management believes that the Company will have sufficient liquidity and availability under its credit agreements to fund its planned operations through at least January 2, 2008. Please refer to Item 1A, Risk Factors and Management’s Discussion and Analysis – Liquidity and Capital Resources for more information concerning our financing requirements.

The Chelsey Facility bears interest at 5.0% over the Wachovia prime rate; the stated interest rate on December 30, 2006 was 13.25%. In consideration for providing the Chelsey Facility, Chelsey Finance received a closing fee of $0.2 million and a 10 year warrant valued at $12.9 million to purchase 30.0% of the fully diluted shares of our common stock (equal to 10,259,366 shares of common stock) at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. At December 25, 2004,30, 2006, the amount recorded as debt relating to the Chelsey Facility on the Consolidated Balance Sheet is $8.2$16.3 million, net of the remaining, un-accreted debt discount of $11.8$3.7 million. The Chelsey Facility bears interest at 5.0% over the Wachovia prime rate. The stated interest rate on December 25, 2004 was 10.0%. The annual effective interest rate of this debt instrument is approximately 62.7%, inclusive of the accretion of the debt discount arising from the issuance of common stock warrants to Chelsey Finance in connection with the Chelsey Facility. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for more information regarding the Chelsey Facility and the common stock warrant . We used approximately $4.9 million of the proceeds of the Chelsey Facility to retire a term loan under the Wachovia Facility that bore interest at a 13.0% rate. As a result of this prepayment and the concurrent amendment of the Wachovia Facility, Wachovia provided us with an additional $10.0 million of availability on the Wachovia Facility. There is no additional availability on the Chelsey Facility.warrant.

 

Total recorded borrowings as of December 25, 2004,30, 2006, including financing under capital lease obligations, aggregated $27.9$28.5 million of which $11.2$11.9 million is classified as longshort term, excluding the Series C Preferred of $72.7 million, as reflected on the Company’sour Consolidated Balance Sheet, and the remaining, un-accreted debt discount on the Chelsey Facility of $11.8$3.7 million. Remaining availability under the Wachovia Facility as of December 25, 200430, 2006 was $14.0$9.6 million. We believe that we have adequate capital resources to continue to operate our business for at least the next twelve months.

 

Preferred Stock

 

Chelsey holds all 564,819 outstanding shares of Series C Preferred, the only series of preferred stock currently outstanding. Chelsey acquired the Series C Preferred by first acquiring all of the Series B Participating Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred”) and Common Stock held by Richemont on May 19, 2003. PriorSee Note 8 to the Chelsey acquisition, Richemont was the Company’s second largest single stockholder. The transaction with Richemont, the recapitalization in which the Company exchanged the Series B Preferredconsolidated financial statements for the Series C Preferred and the termsa more complete description of the Series C Preferred are summarized in greater detail in Note 8, Preferred Stock to the Financial Statements contained in Part II.

Preferred. In general, the Series C Preferred holders are entitled to one hundred votes per share on any matter on which the Common Stockcommon stock votes. If the Company liquidates, dissolveswe liquidate, dissolve or isare wound up, the holders of the Series C Preferred holders are entitled to a liquidation preference of $100 per share, or an aggregate of approximately $56.5 million based on the shares of Series C Preferred currently owned by Chelsey, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends on the Series C Preferred. As described further below, commencingCommencing January 1, 2006, we began accruing dividends will be payable quarterly on the Series C Preferred at the annual rate of 6.0% per annum, but such dividends may be accrued at the Company’s option. Effective October 1, 2008 and assuming the Company has elected7.0%. Assuming we continue to accrue all dividends from Januarythrough October 1, 2006 through such date,2008, the maximum aggregate amount of the liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends on the Series C Preferred will be approximately $72.7 million.

 

Commencing January 1, 2006, dividends will be payable quarterly on the Series C Preferred at the rate of 6.0% per annum, with the preferred dividend rate increasing by 1 1/2% per annum on each anniversary of the dividend commencement date until redeemed. At the Company’s option, in lieu of paying cash dividends, the Company may accrue dividends that will compound at a rate 1.0% higher than the applicable cash dividend rate. The Series C Preferred is mandatorily redeemable on January 1, 2009. The Company isWe are also obligated to redeem the maximum number of shares of Series C Preferred as possible with the net proceeds of certain asset and equity sales not required to be used to repay the Wachovia Facility. TheSubject to Wachovia’s consent, the proceeds from the sale of Gump’s would have required redemption of some of the Series C Preferred. At the Company’s


our request, Chelsey agreed to permit the Companyus to apply the Gump’s sales proceeds to reduce the revolving credit facility under the Wachovia Facility. Chelsey expressly retained its right to require redemption in the future of approximately $6.9 million (the Gump’s sales proceeds available for redemption) of the Series C Preferred, subject to Wachovia’s approval.

 

Executive Officers

The following sets forth certain information regarding our executive officers.


 

Name

 

Age

 

Title and Other Information

Office Held

Since

Wayne P. Garten

54

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director. Mr. Garten was elected a director of the Company by Chelsey effective September 29, 2003 and appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company on May 5, 2004. Mr. Garten is a member of the Executive and Nominating Committees. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Garten served as the President of Caswell-Massey Ltd., Inc., a retailer and direct marketer of fragrance and other personal care products, from January 2004. Prior thereto, Mr. Garten was a financial consultant specializing in the direct marketing industry. He was Chief Executive Officer and President of Popular Club, Inc., a direct selling, catalog marketer of apparel and general merchandise products, from 2001 to 2003. From 1997 to 2000, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Micro Warehouse, Inc., an international catalog reseller of computer products. From 1983 to 1996, Mr. Garten held various financial positions at the Company including serving as its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 1989 to 1996. Mr. Garten is a Certified Public Accountant.

 

2004

John W. Swatek

42

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Swatek was Vice President and Controller of Linens ‘n Things, Inc., a retail chain specializing in home furnishings. Before joining Linens ‘n Things, Inc. in 2001, Mr. Swatek held various positions with Micro Warehouse, Inc., an international catalog reseller of computer products, including serving as its Senior Vice President, Finance from 2000 to 2001. Mr. Swatek is a Certified Public Accountant.

 

2005

Daniel J. Barsky

51

Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Barsky was an independent legal consultant. Mr. Barsky served as acting General Counsel to Directrix, Inc., a provider of network origination and digital video asset management and distribution services, from 2001 to 2003. From 1999 to 2001, he served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary to American Interactive Media, Inc., which developed multi media content. From 1994 to 1999, Mr. Barsky served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary to Spice Entertainment Companies, Inc., an operator of pay-per-view television networks.

 

2005

Jordan Vargas

55

Senior Vice President, Human Resources since February 2006. Prior to joining the Company, from April 1999 to February 2006, Mr. Vargas served as the Vice President Human Resources at Publisher’s Clearing House, a sweepstakes and direct marketing company. Prior thereto, Mr. Vargas served as the Human Resource Business Partner for PSE&G`s Fossil Generation Business unit from 1996 to 1999.

 

2006

Steven Lipner

58

Vice President, Taxation since October 2000. Mr. Lipner served as Director of Taxes from February 1984 to October 2000. Mr. Lipner is a Certified Public Accountant.

 

2000

 

 

Employees

 

As of December 25, 2004,30, 2006, we employed approximately 1,8001,840 full-time employees and approximately 400135 part-time employees. The number of part-time employees at December 25, 2004 reflects a temporary increase in headcount necessary to fill the increase in orders during the holiday season. Approximately 164 employees employed by oneOne of our subsidiaries has 85 employees who are represented by The Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees (UNITE!). We entered into a new union agreement in March 2003 thaton February 25, 2006 which expires on February 26, 2006. The Company and the union are currently negotiating a new agreement.  While the Company believes that a new union agreement can be reached on terms mutually acceptable to the Company and the union, there can be no assurances that such an agreement can be reached before the current agreement expires.   April 25, 2009.

 

We believe our relations with our employees are good.

 

During the fiscal year ended December 25, 2004, we eliminated a total of approximately 200 full-time equivalent positions, including approximately eight positions at or above the level of director, which included open positions that were eliminated. All separations were made in accordance with normal pay practices, excluding those individuals who were terminated under a compensation continuation agreement, which provided for payment in the form of a lump sum.

Seasonality

 


Our business is subject to moderate variations in demand. Historically, a larger portion of our revenues have been realized during the fourth quarter compared to each of the first three quarters of the year. The percentage of our annual revenues for the first, second, third and fourth quarters recognized by the Company were as follows: 2006- 24.1%, 26.2%, 22.5%, and 27.2%; 2005-22.0%, 24.6%, 23.7% and 29.7%; and 2004 — 22.4%22.6%, 24.0%24.3%, 23.4% and 30.2%; 2003 — 23.5%, 25.4%, 23.4% and 27.7%; and 2002 — 22.8%, 24.5%, 23.3%23.7% and 29.4%.

 

Competition

 

We believe that the principal bases upon which we compete in our direct commerce business are quality, value, service, proprietary product offerings, catalog design, website design, convenience, speed and efficiency. Our catalogs compete with other mail order catalogs, both specialty and general catalogs and bricks and mortar stores. Competitors in each of our catalog specialty areas of home fashions, women’s apparel, and men’s apparel include Linen Source, Pottery Barn and BrylaneHome in the home fashions, Lane Bryant, Roaman’s, Jessica London and Spiegel in the women’s apparel category and J. Crew, Blair and Bachrach, in the men’s apparel category. Our catalogs also compete with bricks and mortar department stores, specialty stores and discount stores including JC Penney, Wal-Mart, Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Bloomingdale’s and Pottery Barn. Many of our competitors have substantially greater financial, distribution and marketing resources than we do.

 

We maintain an active e-commerce enabled Internet website presence for all of our catalogs. A substantial number of each of our catalogs’ competitors maintain active e-commerce enabled Internet website presences as well. A number of these competitors have substantially greater financial, distribution and marketing resources than we do. In addition, we have entered into third party website affiliate marketing arrangements, including one with Amazon.com, as described above under “Direct Commerce — Internet Sales.” We believe the Internet and online commerce will continue to be an ever increasing portion of our business and we plan to continue to explore additional marketing opportunities in this medium.

 

Trademarks

 

Each of our catalogs has its own federally registered trademarks that are owned directly by the catalog company subsidiaries. These subsidiarieswe own. We also own numerous trademarks, copyrights and service marks on logos, products and catalog offerings. We have also protected various trademarks internationally. We believe our trademarks, copyrights, service marks and other intellectual property are valuable assets and we continue to vigorously protect these marks.

 

Government Regulation

 


The Company isWe are subject to truth-in-advertising laws, and Federal Trade Commission regulations governing its advertising and trade practices,guidelines relating to our direct marketing businesses concerning offering, selling, order taking, shipment of merchandise, and communications with our customers under the FTC’s Merchandise Mail & Telephone Order Rule. We are subject to Federal Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations and State laws governing the safety of the products it sells and other regulations relating to the sale of merchandise to its customers.we sell. We are also subject to the Department of Treasury —regulations promulgated and enforced by United States Customs regulationsand Border Protection with respect to anythe goods we directly import. While we monitor changes in these laws and believe that we are in material compliance with applicable laws, there can be no assurances that new laws or regulations will not be enacted or adopted which might adversely affect our operations.

 

TheA substantial portion of our products are manufactured outside the United States. These products are imported and are subject to U.S. customs laws, which impose tariffs as well as import quota restrictions for textiles and apparel. U.S. Customs authorities may embargo importation of goods from foreign countries if shipments exceed quota limits and business has been adversely affected by import quotas on isolated occasions. As we expand our buying operations and begin to source more merchandise overseas, our business may be adversely impacted by quotas and the imposition of acustoms duties or tariffs.

Our multi-channel business model subjects us to state and local taxes in numerous jurisdictions, including state income, franchise, and sales and use tax collection obligation on out-of-state catalog companiestax. We collect these taxes in states toany jurisdiction in which they ship products was the subject of a case decided in 1994 by the United States Supreme Court. While the Court reaffirmed an earlier decision that allowed direct marketers to make sales into states where they do notwe have a physical presence without collecting salespresence. While we believe we have paid or accrued for all taxes with respectbased on our interpretation of applicable law, tax laws are complex and interpretations differ from state to such sales, the Court further noted that Congress has the power to change this law.state. We believe that we collect sales tax in all jurisdictions where we are currently required to do so.

 

Various states have attempted to collect back sales and use taxes from direct marketers whose only contacts with the taxing state are solicitations through the mail or the Internet, and whose subsequent delivery of purchased goods is by mail or interstate common carriers. The U.S. Supreme Court has held that these states, absent congressional legislation, may not impose tax collection obligations on an out-of-state mail order or Internet company. We anticipate that any legislative changes regarding direct marketers, if adopted, would be applied only on a prospective basis.

Listing Information

 

Current trading information about the Common Stock can be obtained from the Pink Sheets (www.pinksheets.com) under the trading symbol HNVD.PK. The Common Stock washad been listed on the AMEX. Because of the Restatement, we could not file our Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 25, 2004, a condition of continued AMEX listing. Trading in our Common Stock on the AMEX was halted on November 16, 2004, formally suspended on February 2, 2005 and delisted effective February 16, 2005. Current trading information about the Common Stock can be obtained from the Pink Sheets (www.pinksheets.com) under the trading symbol HNVD.PK.

 


Website Access to Information

 

Our corporate Internet address is www.hanoverdirect.com. Our catalogs and Scandia Down operate the following websites:

 

www.thecompanystore.com

www.companykids.com

www.domestications.com

www.silhouettes.com

www.internationalmale.com

www.undergear.com

www.scandiadown.com

 

The website for Keystone Internet Services, LLC (“Keystone”) which provides business to business services is www.keystoneinternet.com and Scandia Down’s is www.scandiadown.com.

 

We make available free of charge on or through our corporate website our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports and press releases as soon as reasonably practicable after these filings are electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or in the case of press releases, released to the wire services. We will continue to provide electronic or paper copies of our filings free of charge upon request.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

Factors That May Affect Future Results.

There are many risks and uncertainties relating to our business; we have described some of the more important ones below. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently do not deem material may also become important factors that may harm our business. The success of our business could be impacted by any of these risks and uncertainties.

We have a majority shareholder who controls the Board and is also a secured lender and we have entered into a merger agreement with the majority shareholder to take the Company private.

Chelsey, together with its affiliates, owns approximately 69% of our issued and outstanding Common Stock and controls approximately 92% of the voting power (after giving effect to the exercise of all outstanding options and warrants to purchase Common Stock beneficially owned by Chelsey and the Series C Preferred voting rights). Chelsey has appointed all of our Board including our Chairman, and Chelsey Finance is our junior secured lender.

On February 23, 2006 Chelsey offered to purchase the common stock that it did not own for $1.25 per share. As a result of Chelsey’s initial proposal, the Company, Chelsey and the Board members were sued in both Delaware Chancery Court and Superior Court of New Jersey Chancery Division. The original offer was withdrawn on May 25, 2006. Our independent Directors resigned on July 18, 2006. On November 17, 2006, Chelsey made another offer to take the Company private and our Board approved the Merger Agreement under which Chelsey will purchase the remaining Common Stock that it did not already own for $0.25 per share. The $0.25 per share price represented an approximately 50% discount from the price quoted on the Pink Sheets for our common stock on the day before we announced the execution of the Merger Agreement. The plaintiffs in the Delaware Chancery court actions have filed an amended complaint and a motion for an injunction to block the merger.

We have filed a Proxy for our Annual Meeting and the first proposal to be voted on is the Merger Agreement. Because Chelsey has sufficient voting power to approve a going private transaction without the vote of our other shareholders and has indicated its intention to do so, a favorable vote on the merger is assured. Shareholders will have statutory appraisal rights under the Delaware General Corporation Law. Upon consummation of the merger, we will not be required to file periodic reports with the SEC, our common stock will no longer trade and our shareholders will no longer have the ability to participate in our future growth. Please refer to the Proxy for more information on the merger.

We have no independent directors and thus lack one of the traditional procedural safeguards for the protection of the interests of minority shareholders.

None of our directors are independent, although our directors are subject to the fiduciary duty owed by directors of a Delaware corporation to its minority stockholders. Each of our directors has conflicts of interest as a result of their relationship with Chelsey or their employment relationship with the Company. As a consequence, our shareholders do not have the protection afforded by independent directors which is one of the traditional procedural safeguards that protects the interests of minority stockholders.

If the going private transaction does not occur, shareholders will be subject to numerous operating risks of our business.

While it appears likely that the going private transaction will occur, there is the risk that it will not be consummated. One of Chelsey’s closing conditions is the resolution of the shareholder litigation and there can be no assurances that this will occur. While Chelsey may, in its discretion, waive this closing condition and take the Company private, there can be no assurances that the going private transaction will be consummated. If it does not occur, shareholders will continue as Company shareholders and be subject to the operational risks of our business,


the most significant of which are summarized below.

There is limited liquidity in our shares of Common Stock .

The AMEX halted trading in our Common Stock during the fourth quarter of 2004 and delisted it on February 16, 2005. Current trading information about our Common Stock is available on the Pink Sheets. Our common stock is highly illiquid which adversely affects its price.

We have experienced several years of operating losses.

We had a history of losses prior to the 2004 fiscal year.year and we suffered a loss of $6.2 million in fiscal 2006. As of December 25, 2004,30, 2006, our accumulated deficit was $498.6$492.9 million. We may notThere can be no assurance that we will be able to return to profitability or if we do, whether we will be able to sustain or increase profitability on an annual basis in the future. If we are unable to maintain and increase profitability our financial condition could be adversely affected.profits.

We are dependent on having sufficient financing to meet our requirements.requirements and our senior credit facility mature in July 2007.

Our business is dependent upon our access to adequate financing from our senior lender, Wachovia and our


junior lender, Chelsey Finance, so that we can support normal operations, purchase inventory, and secure letters of credit and other financial accommodations required to operate our business. Our credit facilities contain financial and other covenantsWhile Chelsey agreed to extend the maturity date of this facility until January 2, 2008, the Wachovia facility matures on July 8, 2007 and we do not have not been in compliance with these covenants at all times. Inadequate resources to pay off the past Wachoviafacility. Accordingly, we will need to secure Wachovia’s agreement to extend the term of their facility or find a replacement credit facility or pursue some other alternative and Chelsey Finance have granted us waivers and agreed to amendments to the Wachovia and Chelsey Facilities, though there can be no assurances that theywe will continue to do so. Our ability to borrow is also limited bybe successful in this regard. Even if we secure replacement financing, it may have a higher interest rate than the value of our inventoryWachovia Facility or have more onerous terms in which is reappraised from time to time. Were either Wachovia or Chelsey Finance to deny or curtail the Company’s access to capital, our business wouldevent we could be adversely affected. Both lenders have liens on our assets and were we to default, they could commence foreclosing on our assets.

 

We are also dependent on our vendors or suppliers providing us with trade credit. If certain trade creditors were to deny us credit or convert the Company to a cash basis or otherwise change credit terms, or require the Company to provide letters of credit or cash deposits to support its purchase of inventory, paper, printing and other items essential to its business, our costs would be increased and we might have inadequate liquidity to operate our business or operate profitably.

Our Series C Preferred Stock began to accrue dividends in 2006 and is subject to mandatory redemption in 2009.

Commencing January 1, 2006, we began accruing dividends on the Series C Preferred quarterly at the rate of 7.0% per annum. We must redeem the Series C Preferred, if not redeemed earlier, on January 1, 2009 for the liquidation preference and all accrued and unpaid dividends, which assuming we continue to accrue all dividends, will be approximately $72.7 million. If we do not have sufficient funds to redeem the Series C Preferred, we are, to the extent permitted under our then existing loan agreements, to sell sufficient assets to fund the redemption. There can be no assurances that we will have adequate sources of capital to redeem the Series C Preferred when it is mandatorily redeemable.

The Restatement, the delay in filing financial statements and the commencement of an informalongoing SEC inquiry havemay adversely affectedaffect us and may continue to do so in the future.

We have restated our financial results as a result of various errors identified in 2004. This has2004 which led to our inability to file financial information for several quarters, the commencement of an investigation by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, the delisting of our Common Stock from the AMEX, the commencement ofSEC initiating an informal SEC inquiry. We dismissedinquiry into our former independent auditors, who had identified material weaknesses in our internal controls, after they informed us that they needed to perform additional audit procedures on our prior period financial statements. We engaged new auditors which further delayed the filing of our financial statements. As a consequence of the foregoing, our business has been and will continue to be adversely affected as a result of the increased professional expenses, the diversion of senior management’s attention to resolving these matters and the damage to our Company’s reputation. There can be no assurances that the consequences of these events will not continue to adversely affect our business for the foreseeable future.

accounting practices. The SEC inquiry is ongoing and we cannot predict the outcome at this time. Were the SEC to convert the informal inquiry into a formal investigation, we would likely incur significant professional fees in addressing such investigation, and our relationships with our lenders, vendors, customers and other third parties could be adversely affected. Should the SEC find wrongdoing on our part, we may be subject to a censure or penalty that could adversely affect our results of operations, our relationships with our lenders, vendors, customers and other third parties, our reputation and our business in general.

There is limited liquidityIn light of the material weaknesses in our shares of Common Stock.

The AMEX halted trading ininternal controls identified by our Common Stock during the fourth quarter of 2004 and delisted it on February 16, 2005. Current trading information about our Common Stock is available on the Pink Sheets. There is very little liquidity in our Common Stock at this point in time which adversely affects its price. There can be no assurances that an active market in our Common Stock will develop at any time in the foreseeable future.

Thereprior auditors there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully remedyother material weaknesses will not develop or be discovered in our internal controls.the future.

In connection with its audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 25, 2004,Our former auditors, KPMG, identified material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting and other matters relating to the Company’sour internal controls were identified.during their audit of our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 25, 2004. Although our current auditors have not brought to our attention any material weaknesses, there can be no assurance that additional weaknesses will not develop or be discovered in the future.

Our success depends on our ability to publish the optimal number of catalogs to the correct target customer with merchandise that our target customers will purchase.

Historically our catalogs have been the primary drivers of our sales. We must create, design, publish and distribute catalogs that offer and display merchandise that our customers want to purchase at prices that are attractive. Our future success depends on our ability to anticipate, assess and react to the changing demands of the customer-base of our catalogs and to design and publish catalogs that appeal to our customers. If we fail to anticipate fashion trends, select the right merchandise assortment, maintain appropriate inventory levels andand/or creatively present merchandise in a way that is appealing to our customer-base on a consistent basis, our sales could


decline significantly. We must also accurately determine the optimal number of issues to publish for each catalog and the contents thereof and the optimal circulation for each of our catalogs to maximize sales at an appropriate cost level to achieve profitability while growing our customer base. Correctly determining the universe of catalog recipients also directly impacts our results. WeThere can providebe no assurance that we will be able to identify and offer merchandise that appeals to our customer-base or that the introduction of new merchandise categories will be successful or profitable or that we will mail the optimal number of catalogs to the appropriate target customer base.

Our catalogs are in highly competitive markets.


Our catalogs are in a highly competitive markets. Many of our competitors are considerably larger and have substantially greater financial, marketing and other resources, and we can provide no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully with them in the future.

We must effectively manage our inventories and control our product fulfillment costs.

We must manage our inventories to track customer preferences and demand. We order merchandise based on our best projection of consumer tastes and anticipated demand in the future, but we cannot guarantee that our projections of consumer tastes and the demand for our merchandise will be accurate. It is critical to our success that we stock our product offerings in appropriate quantities. If demand for one or more products outstrips our available supply, we may have large backorders and cancellations and lose sales. On the other hand, if one or more products do not achieve projected sales levels, we may have surplus or un-saleable inventory that would force us to take significant inventory markdowns, which could reduce our net sales and gross margins.

We must also effectively manage our product fulfillment and distribution costs. During 2005, we consolidated our La Crosse distribution facility into our Roanoke facility because of capacity constraints at our La CrosseLaCrosse facility and lower shipping costs available from the Roanoke facility. However since our consolidation into the Roanoke facility, we have experienced lower productivity and high employee turnover due,higher distribution costs that has negatively impacted our overall performance. We our exiting the third party business which will free up some capacity and have installed a new management team and implemented process improvements. We anticipate that our productivity will improve the second half of 2007 but there can assurances that this will in part, to a tight labor marketfact occur.

We have experienced rising costs in Roanoke. This droppaper, shipping and other expense items which has put pressure on our operating margins. Because of the competitive environment in productivity has increasedwhich our product fulfillment costs and adversely affected out results. Therecatalogs compete, there can be no assurances that this trendwe will not continue.be able to lower our costs or increase our prices sufficient to cover our increased costs of doing business.

We may have difficulty sourcingrely on third party suppliers for a majority of our products, especially those sourced overseas.merchandise.

Most of our products are manufactured by third-party suppliers. Some of these products are manufactured exclusively for us using our designs. If any of these manufacturers were to stop supplying us with merchandise or go out of business, it would take several weeks to secure a new manufacturer and there could be a disruption in our supply of merchandise. If we are unable to provide our customers with continued access to popular merchandise manufactured exclusively for us, our operating results could be harmed.

We also source manyBecause we import an increasing portion of our products overseas. While products sourcedmerchandise from overseas, typicallywe have lower costs,greater exposure to the risks associated with international shipments, customs, export controls, etc.

Because we source an increasing percentage of our product margins may be slightly offset by an increase inmerchandise from overseas, we will have greater inbound freight costs. As security measures around shipping ports increase, these additional costs may result in higher inbound freight costs. As we increase our overseas sourcing, we face the risk of these delays which could harm our business and results of operations. We cannot predict whether any of the countries in which our merchandise currently is manufactured or may be manufactured in the future will be subject to additional trade restrictions imposed by the U.S. and other foreign governments, including the likelihood, type or effect of any such restrictions. Trade restrictions, including increased tariffs or quotas, embargoes, and customs restrictions, against items that we offer or intend to offer to our customers, as well as U.S. or foreign labor strikes, work stoppages or boycotts, could increase the cost or reduce the supply of items available to us and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our sourcing operations also may be adversely affected by political and financial instability resulting in the disruption of trade from exporting countries, significant fluctuation in the value of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies, restrictions on the transfer of funds and/or other trade disruptions. Any disruption or delays in, or increased costs of, importing our products could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

Our success is dependent on the performance of our vendors and service providers.

Our business depends on the performance of third parties, including merchandise manufacturers and foreign buying agents, telecommunications service providers, the United States Postal Service (“USPS”),USPS, shipping companies, printers, professionals, photographers, creative designers and models, credit card processing companies and the service bureau that maintains our customer database.

Any interruptions or delays in the provision of these goods and services could materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition. Although we believe that, in general, the goods and services we obtain from third parties could be purchased from other sources, identifying and obtaining substitute goods and services could


result in delays and increased costs. If any significant merchandise vendor or buying agent were to suddenly discontinue its relationship with us, we could experience temporary delivery delays until a substitute supplier could be found.

Our business is subject to a number of external costs that we are unable to control.

Our business is subject to a number of external costs that we are unable to control, including labor costs, insurance costs, printing, paper and postage expenses, shipping charges associated with distributing merchandise to our customers and inventory acquisition costs, including product costs, quota and customs charges. In particular,We purchased approximately $24.9 million of paper in fiscal 2006 and an increase in the price of paper market is extremely tight at this time and we are experiencing increased costs forwould have an adverse affect on our paper needs for 2005.business. We also ship a majority of our merchandise by USPS and have experienced increases in postal rates in 2006.2006 with another increase scheduled for May 2007 and have also seen our costs increase as a result of fuel surcharges. In 2006, one of the subcontractors utilized by our freight consolidator declared bankruptcy which increased our outbound merchandise shipping costs in 2006 and during the first quarter of 2007. Increases in these or other external costs could adversely affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows unless we are able to pass these increased costs along to our customers.

We have a newOur management team that is critical to our success.


Our success is dependent on the ability of our senior management to successfully manage our business and the individual catalogs. As a consequence, our success depends to a significant extent upon our ability to attract and retain key personnel. Moreover, fourOur current employment agreements with our CEO and CFO expired in May 2006 and the agreements were extended on a day-by-day-basis. Other members of our senior management team are not employed pursuant to employment agreements. Moreover, because our stock is so thinly traded and because of the new CEO, the new CFO, the General Counsel and the president of one oflikelihood that our catalogs, have each been withmajority stockholder would attempt to take the Company for less than two years. Our success is dependent on the ability of ourprivate, we have been unable to issue stock, options or other equity based compensation to attract and/or retain new senior management and catalog presidents to successfully integrate into and manage our business and the individual catalogs.team members. The loss of the services of one or more of our current members of senior management, or our failure to attract talented new employees, could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We are dependent on the continued growth of Internet sales.sales and must effectively manage our Internet spending.

We derive an increasing portion of our revenue from our websites. While we continue to believe that our catalogs are the primary sales drivers of our merchandise, e-commerce is an important part of our business. Factors which could reduce the widespread use of the Internet include actual or perceived lack of privacy protection, actual or perceived lack of security of credit card information, possible disruptions or other damage to the Internet or telecommunications infrastructure, increased governmental regulation and taxation and decreased use of personal computers. Our business would be harmed by any decrease or less than anticipated growth in Internet usage.

We have a majority shareholder who controls the Board and is also a secured lender.

Chelsey and Chelsey Finance, a Chelsey affiliate, control over 90% Because of the voting power (after giving effect to the exercise of all outstanding options and warrants to purchase Common Stock beneficially owned by Chelsey) and owns approximately 69%importance of the Company’s issuedInternet to our business, we have increased on spending on Internet search. While we monitor our spending to maximize our revenues and outstanding Common Stock (includingreturns, there can be no assurances that we will spend the January 10, 2005 purchase of 3,799,735 shares). Chelsey has appointed a majority of our Board of Directors including our Chairman, and Chelsey Finance is the Company’s junior secured lender. The interests of Chelsey and Chelsey Finance as the majority owners of the Common Stock, the holders of all of the Series C Preferred and as a secured lender may be in conflict with that of our other Common Stock holders, which may adversely affect their investment in the Common Stock. In addition, Chelsey has sufficient voting power to cause an extraordinary transaction (such as a merger or other business combination, a sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or a going private transaction) to take place without the vote of any other shareholders.

Our Series C Preferred Stock begins to accrue dividends in 2006 and is subject to mandatory redemption in 2009.

Commencing January 1, 2006, dividends will be payable quarterlyoptimal amount on the Series C Preferred at the rate of 6.0% per annum, with the preferred dividend rate increasing by 1 1/2% per annum on each anniversary of the dividend commencement date until redeemed. At the Company’s option, in lieu of cash dividends, the Company may accrue dividends that will compound at a rate 1.0% higher than the applicable cash dividend rate. The Wachovia Loan Agreement currently prohibits the payment of cash dividends. The Series C Preferred, if not redeemed earlier, must be redeemed by the Company on January 1, 2009 for the liquidation preference and all accrued and unpaid dividends. Assuming the Company has elected to accrue all dividends from and after January 1, 2006, the maximum aggregate amount of the liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends on the Series C Preferred will be approximately $72.7 million.Internet search.

We have not fully assessed the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting.

We are in the process of assessingIf we remain a public company we will need to assess the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting in connection with the rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The SEC delayed implementation of Section 404 for companies with a market capitalization of less than $75.0 million such as the Company. Under the current rules and the Company’sour current market


capitalization, Section 404 would apply to our 2007 financial statements. Therestatements if we remain a public company. We have not begun the process of complying with Section 404 because of the likelihood that we will not remain a public company. If the going private transaction is not consummated, there can be no assurances that we would be able to comply with Section 404 on a timely basis; if we were not able to do so, we could be adversely affected.

Moreover, once we start the process, there can be no assurance that management will not identify significant deficiencies that would result in one or more material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting. We cannot provide any assurance that testing of our internal controls will not uncover significant deficiencies that would result in a material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting.

If we fail to comply in a timely manner with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or to remedy any material weaknesses in our internal controls that we may identify, such failure could result in material misstatements in our financial statements and cause a default under the Company’sour credit facilities, cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information and have a negative effect on the trading price of our common stock.

For those material weaknesses previously identified and those that may be identified in the future, we will adopt and implement policies and procedures to remediate such material weaknesses. Designing and implementing effective internal controls is a continuous process that requires us to anticipate and react to changes in our business and the economic environment in which we operate, and to expend significant resources to maintain a system of internal controls that is adequate to satisfy our reporting obligations as a public company. We cannot assure you that the measures we will take will remediate any material weaknesses that we may identify, or that we will implement and maintain adequate controls over our financial process and reporting in the future.

 

Any failure to complete our assessment of our internal controls over financial reporting, to remediate any material weaknesses that we may identify, or to implement new or improved controls, could harm our operating results, cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations, or result in material misstatements in our financial statements and cause a default under the Company’sour credit facilities. Any such failure also could adversely affect the results of the periodic management evaluations and, in the case of a failure to remediate any material weaknesses that we may identify, would adversely affect the annual auditor attestation reportsmanagement’s assessment regarding the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting that are required under Section 404 infor fiscal 2007 or the auditor’s attestation reports which are required for fiscal 2008. These assessments will not be required if the going private transaction is consummated prior to the end of fiscal 2007. Inferior internal controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our common stock.

We receive a material portion of our operating profits from our sale of third party membership services and we switched service providers twice during 2006.

In 2006, we received approximately $10.0 million in revenues from our sale of membership programs; this revenue carries high profit margins. We replaced MemberWorks, Incorporated, our membership program provider since 2001, with Encore under a two year agreement. Under our agreement with Encore, we were paid a commission for each customer who agreed to purchase a membership program and a renewal commission for each customer who was a customer when his or her membership came up for renewal. This agreement was terminated by the mutual agreement of the parties in October 2006 after less than seven months and we began offering membership programs supplied by UMG on a wholesale basis where we buy membership kits and monthly program benefits from UMG. Under GAAP, we cannot recognize revenue from membership programs until after the expiration of the free trial period and then must amortize the membership fee over the 11 month life of the membership. As a consequence, there was a lag in our revenue recognition after we switched from Encore to UMG. There can be no assurances that our revenues and/or profits from sales of membership programs will not decrease as a result of the change to a new membership program provider and/or the change in our economic arrangement. Were this revenue stream to diminish or were we to lose it


entirely, or were our costs associated with membership programs to increase, our operating results would be adversely affected. In addition, our membership program revenues may be adversely affected as more of our business transitions to the Internet where customer response rates are lower than the response rates for customers who place phone orders.

We derive a material portion of our revenues by providing fulfillment services to third parties.

In 2004, we received approximately $7.0 million in revenues from our sale of Vertrue membership programs, which generates a material portion of our operating profit. Our agreement with Vertrue continues through March 2006 and we are evaluating proposals from membership program providers to market membership programs to our customers after the Vertrue agreement expires. Were we to lose this revenue stream, our operating results would be adversely affected. In addition, as more of our business transitions to the Internet, where customer response rates in these programs is lower than for those customers who place orders over the phone, this could negatively impact revenues generated from these programs.

We also derive a material portion of our revenues by providing order processingthird party fulfillment services. We are withdrawing from this business. If we are not able to increase our productivity and product fulfillment services to third parties. These revenues offset some of our fixed costs associated with operatingreduce our distribution facilitycosts to offset the lost revenues and our call centers and were we to lose this revenue stream,profits from the third party fulfillment business, our results would be adversely affected unless our direct marketing operations made up for the lost revenues.affected.

 

In light of these risks and uncertainties and others not mentioned above, the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report may not occur. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which only reflect the views of the Company management as of the date of this report. The Company is not under any obligation and does not intend to publicly update or review any of these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, even if experience or future events make it clear that any expected results expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements will not be realized.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. Properties

 

The Company’sOur subsidiaries own and operate the following properties:

 

A 775,000 square foot warehouse and fulfillment facility located in Roanoke, Virginia;


A 775,000 square foot warehouse and fulfillment facility located in Roanoke, Virginia;

A 48,000 square foot administrative and telemarketing facility located in LaCrosse, Wisconsin; and

A 150,000 square foot home fashion manufacturing facility located in LaCrosse, Wisconsin used to manufacture comforters, pillows and featherbeds for sale under “The Company Store” and “Scandia Down” names.

 

Each of these properties is subject to a mortgage in favor of Wachovia and a second mortgage in favor of Chelsey Finance.

 

In addition, the Company or its subsidiaries lease the following properties:

 

An 85,000A 56,700 square foot corporate headquarters and administrative offices located in Weehawken, New Jersey. On February 12, 2005, we entered into a 10-year lease extension and modification, effective June 2005, for 50,000 square feet of the 85,000 square feet that was previously leased. All catalog operations are based in the Weehawken facility as of the end of May 2005. In addition, we leased approximately 5,000 square feet in a storage facility in Jersey City, New Jersey under a lease that expiredexpiring in May 2005. We did not renew this lease, however we did secure a new lease expiring May 31, 2010, for aJune 2015. A 6,900 square foot storage facility in Secaucus, New Jersey.Jersey under a lease expiring May 31, 2010;

A 28,700 square foot office formerly used for corporate headquarters, administration and Silhouettes operations located in Edgewater, New Jersey under a lease that expired in May 2005. The Company has vacated this facility and has consolidated these functions into the Weehawken facility.

FiveTwo properties used as outlet stores located in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin having approximately 49,20019,500 square feet of space in the aggregate, with leases running throughexpiring in December 2007 and February 2007. The Company decided to close and not renew the leases of three of these stores. Two of these closures were located in Wisconsin and were vacated by July 31, 2005. The remaining location is2010. Another outlet store located in Pennsylvania and will be vacated no later thanwas closed at the end of February 28, 2006.

A 65,100 square foot retail and office facility which includes the Gump’s retail store in San Francisco, California under two leases that expire in April 2010, of which approximately 37,800 square feet was occupied by the Company and the remaining 27,300 square feet are subleased. On March 14, 2005, the Company sold its Gump’s retail store operation. After the sale, the Company continued as the guarantor of one of the two leases. The Purchaser is required to use its commercially reasonable efforts to secure the Company’s release from the guarantee within a year of the closing.

A 151,000 square foot warehouse and fulfillment facility located in LaCrosse, Wisconsin under a lease that expired in June 2005. The Company also leased a 34,000 square foot facility, located in LaCrosse, Wisconsin that was used for storage under a lease extension that expired in August 2005. As part of the consolidation of the distribution function to the Roanoke facility, the Company vacated these facilities upon their lease expirations.2006;

A 117,900 square foot telemarketing, customer service and administrative facility located in Hanover, Pennsylvania, under a lease extension expiring on June 30, 2006.with a 12 month rolling term;

An 11,000 square foot satellite telemarketing facility in York, Pennsylvania under a lease expiring July 31, 2006.2008;

A 30,000 square foot administrative facility in San Diego, California for the men’s apparel business under a lease that expired February 28, 2005. At the end of the lease, the Company vacated this space in conjunction with the relocation of the men’s apparel business to the Weehawken facility.

A 302,900339,880 square foot warehouse and fulfillment facility located in Salem, Virginia for additional storage for the Roanoke distribution center under a lease commencing March 28, 2005. The lease was initially for 91,000 square feet and was amended in June 2005 and September 2005 to increase the leased space to the current 302,900 square feet. The leasethat expires on September 30, 2006 except for2007; and

A 5,100 square foot retail outlet store facility in Roanoke, Virginia under a portion that pertains to an additional 90,900 square feet addedlease expiring in September 2005 which is on a month-to-month basis.May 2009.


A 5,100 square foot retail outlet store facility in Roanoke, Virginia under a lease expiring in February 2009.

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

 

Rakesh K. Kaul v.Delaware Chancery Court Actions:

We received a proposal from Chelsey to acquire the shares of common stock that Chelsey does not already own for a cash purchase price of $1.25 per share in a letter dated February 23, 2006. As a result of the going private proposal, three substantially identical complaints have been filed against Hanover, Direct,Chelsey and each of Hanover’s directors: the first complaint was filed in Delaware Chancery Court by Glenn Freedman and L.I.S.T., Inc., No. 04-4410(L)-CV, 2nd Cir.S.D.N.Y., as plaintiffs on appeal from 296 F. Supp.2d (S.D. NY 2004). On June 28, 2001, Rakesh K. Kaul,March 1, 2006; the former Presidentsecond complaint was filed in Delaware Chancery Court by Howard Lasker as plaintiff on March 7, 2006; and Chief Executive Officerthe third complaint was filed in Superior Court of New Jersey Chancery Division by Feivel Gottlieb as plaintiff on March 3, 2006. In each complaint, the plaintiffs challenge Chelsey’s going private proposal and allege, among other things, that the consideration to be paid in the going private proposal is unfair and grossly inadequate, that the Special Committee cannot be expected to act independently, that Chelsey has manipulated the financial statements of the Company and its public statements in order to depress the stock price of the Company


and that the proposal would freeze out the purported class members and capture the true value of the Company for Chelsey. In each complaint, plaintiffs seek class action certification, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, rescission of the transaction if the offer is consummated and unspecified damages.

The plaintiffs in each of the cases agreed to extend the time by which the defendants were required to respond, pending the recommendation of the Special Committee regarding the fairness of the transaction from a financial perspective. On May 25, 2006, Chelsey withdrew its going private proposal.

Following the execution of the Merger Agreement and Hanover’s December 15, 2006 filing of a Preliminary Proxy Statement (“Proxy”) and Schedule 13E-3 with the SEC, two of the plaintiffs, Glenn Freedman and L.I.S.T., Inc., filed a five-countan amended complaint (“Amended Complaint”) under seal on December 22, 2006 in Delaware Chancery Court. The Amended Complaint alleges, among other things, that the consideration in the Federal District CourtProposed Transaction is grossly inadequate, that each of the Hanover directors had conflicts of interest in New York seeking relief stemming from his separationapproving the Merger Agreement, that the Merger Agreement was approved without benefit of employment froma fairness opinion, that the Companyvaluation analysis prepared by Goldsmith, Agio, Helms & Lynner and relied upon by Hanover and the Hanover directors was flawed for a number of reasons, including short-term bonusthat it did not take into account the market price of the Hanover common stock, that Chelsey opportunistically timed the Proposed Transaction to freeze out the minority shareholders for an inadequate price during what the Amended Complaint characterizes as a “temporary” decline in revenues, and severance paymentsthat the Proxy is materially false and misleading. The Amended Complaint also alleges that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties of $2,531,352, attorneys’ feesdue care and costs, and damages dueloyalty to the Company’s failure to pay himminority shareholders of Hanover which requires that the Hanover shareholders be provided with a “tandem bonus”fair price and a fair process in a going private transaction as well as Kaul’s alleged rights to benefits under a change in control plan and a long-term incentive plan. The Company filed a Motion for Summary Judgment and in July 2004, the Court entered a final judgment dismissing mosttheir fiduciary duty of Mr. Kaul’s claims with prejudice and awarded Mr. Kaul $45,946 in vacation pay and $14,910 in interest which the Company paid in July 2004. In August 2004, Kaul filed an appeal on three issues: severance and short-term bonus, tandem bonus and legal fees. On June 28, 2005 the Second Circuit Court of Appeals denied Kaul’s appeal, affirming the Summary Judgment decision in the Company’s favor. Mr. Kaul’s rights to appeal the Second Circuit’s decision expired in August 2005.

As of December 25, 2004, the Company had accrued $4.5 million related to this matter. This accrual remained on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet until the third fiscal quarter of 2005 when Kaul’s rights to pursue this claim expired.

SEC Informal Inquiry:

See Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the informal inquiry being conducted by the SEC relating to the Company’s financial results and financial reporting since 1998.

Class Action Lawsuits:full disclosure.

 

The Company was a party to fourplaintiffs seek class action/ representative lawsuits that all involved allegations that the Company’s charges for insurance were invalid, unfair, deceptive and/or fraudulent. As described in greater detail below, the Company has resolved all of these class action lawsuits.

Jacq Wilson v. Brawn of California, Inc. , Case No. CGC-02-404454 (Supp. Ct. San Francisco, CA 2002) (“Wilson Case”). On February 13, 2002, Jacq Wilson, suing on behalf of himself and other similarly situated persons, filed a representative suit in the Superior Court of the State of California, City and County of San Francisco, against the Company alleging that the Company charged an unlawful, unfair, and fraudulent insurance fee on orders, was engaged in untrue, deceptive and misleading advertising and unfair competition under the state’s Business and Professions Code. The plaintiffs sought relief including restitution and disgorgement of all monies wrongfully collected by defendants, including interest, an order enjoining defendants from imposing insurance on its order forms, and compensatory damages, attorneys’ fees, pre-judgment interest and costs of the suit. In November, 2003, the Court, after a trial the previous April, entered judgment for the plaintiffs, requiring defendants to refund insurance charges collected from consumers for the period from February 13, 1998 through January 15, 2003, with interest. In April, 2004, the Court awarded plaintiff’s counsel approximately $445,000 of attorneys’ fees.

The Company appealed the Court’s decision and the order to pay attorneys’ fees, which appeals were consolidated. Enforcement of the judgment for insurance fees and the award of attorneys’ fees was stayed pending resolution of the appeal. On September 2, 2005 the California Court of Appeals reversed both the Court’s findings on the merits and its award of attorneys’ fees and awarded the Company its cost on the appeal.

Teichman v. Hanover Direct, Inc. et. al., No. 3L641 (Supp. Ct. San Francisco, CA 2001). On August 15, 2001, Randi Teichman filed a summons and four-count complaint in the Superior Court for the City and County of San Francisco seeking damages and other relief for herself and a class of similarly situated persons arising out of the insurance fee charged by catalogs and Internet sites operated by Company subsidiaries. This case had been stayed since May 2002 pending resolution of the Wilson Case.


The plaintiffs in both Wilson and Teichman were represented by the same counsel and the plaintiffs in both cases agreed to dismiss the cases with prejudice in exchange for the Company’s agreement to not seek reimbursement of costs in the Wilson case.

John Morris, individually and on behalf of all other similarly situated person and entities similarly situated v. Hanover Direct, Inc. and Hanover Brands, Inc., No. L 8830-02 (Sup. Ct. Bergen Co. – Law Div., NJ) October 28, 2002, John Morris, individually andcertification on behalf of other similarly situated persons in New Jersey filed a class action alleging that (1)minority shareholders, an injunction against the Company improperly added a charge for “insurance” and (2) the Company’s conduct was in violationconsummation of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act as otherwise deceptive, misleadingProposed Transaction, or rescission and unconscionable. Morris sought relief includingrescissory damages equal tofrom Chelsey, if the amount of all insurance charges, interest, trebletransaction goes forward, together with costs. The plaintiffs also filed motions for an expedited proceeding and punitive damages, injunctive relief, costs, and reasonable attorneys’ fees. On February 14, 2005, the Court denied class certification which limited the damages being litigated, absent an appealfor a preliminary injunction against consummation of the denialProposed Transaction.

Hanover believes the complaint is without merit and plans a vigorous defense.

Previously, Hanover had agreed in a Stipulation and Order of class certification,Dismissal filed on November 27, 2006 in the Delaware Chancery Court, to Plaintiff’s individual injuryhold its annual meeting of shareholders on January 10, 2007 in response to an action to compel Hanover to hold an annual shareholders meeting filed by Glenn Freedman, one of the $1.48 he paid for insurance which could be trebled pursuant to the New Jersey consumer protection statute plus attorney’s fees. This case was settled effective as of August 29, 2005 and the Company paid $39,500plaintiffs in the aggregate for a nominal amountaction described above. Because the Proxy will not be approved in time to hold the annual meeting by January 10, 2007, the parties agreed in an Amended Stipulation and Order filed on December 21, 2006 to postpone the annual meeting date until the earliest practicable date following the SEC’s review of damages and legal fees.the Proxy provided that if the annual meeting has not been held by March 15, 2007, it will be scheduled to be held on April 15, 2007, subject to further extension by the parties’ agreement or Order of the Chancery Court.

 

Martin v. Hanover Direct, Inc., et. al., No. CJ-2000 (D.C. Sequoyah Co., Ok.) (“Martin Case”). On March 3, 2000, Edwin L. Martin filed a class action lawsuit against the Company claiming breach of contract, unjust enrichment, recovery of money paid absent consideration, fraud and a claim under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act. The allegations stem from “insurance charges” paid to the Company by consumers who had placed orders from catalogs published by indirect subsidiaries of the Company over a number of years. Martin sought relief including (i) a declaratory judgment as to the validity of the delivery insurance, (ii) an order directing the Company to return to the plaintiff and class members the “unlawful revenue” derived from the insurance charges, (iii) threefold damages for each class member, and (iv) attorneys’ fees and costs. In July 2001, the Court certified the class and the Company filed an appeal of the class certification. On October 25, 2005, the class certification was reversed. Martin filed an Application for Rehearing which was denied on January 3, 2006. On January 18, 2006, Martin filed a Petition for a Writ of Certiorari in the Oklahoma Supreme Court. The Company believes that it is unlikely that the Oklahoma Supreme Court will grant Martin’s petition.

The Company established a $0.5 million reserve during the third quarter of 2004 for the class action lawsuits described above for settlements and the Company’s current estimate of future legal fees to be incurred. The balance of the reserve as of December 25, 2004 remained at $0.5 million.

Claims for Post-Employment BenefitsChange-in-Control Disputes:

 

The Company is involved in fourtwo lawsuits instituted by former employees arising from the Company’sour denial of change in control (“CIC”) benefits under compensation continuation plans following the termination of employment.

 

Two of these cases arose from the circumstances surrounding the Restatement: 

Charles Blue v. Hanover Direct, Inc., William Wachtel, Stuart Feldman, Wayne Garten and Robert Masson,, (Supp. Ct. N.J., Law Div. Hudson Cty, Docket No.: L-5153-05) is an action instituted by. The Company terminated the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer who was terminated for causeemployment of Charles Blue on March 8, 2005.  The complaint seeks2005 at the direction of the Audit Committee and as a consequence of the independent investigation conducted by Wilmer Hale. On October 14, 2005, Mr. Blue commenced an action in the New Jersey State Court for Hudson County seeking compensatory and punitive damages and attorney’s fees and allegesalleging retaliation, mental anguish and reputational damage, loss of earnings and employment and racial discrimination. Counsel to Mr. Blue has commenced discovery. The Company believes that Mr. Blue was properly terminated for cause and that his claims are groundless. The Company plans to vigorously defend itself in this action.

 

Frank Lengers v. Hanover Direct, Inc., Wayne Garten, William Wachtel, A. David Brown, Stuart Feldman, Paul S. Goodman, Donald Hecht and Robert Masson,, (Supp. Ct. N.J., Law Div. Hudson Cty, Docket No.: L-5795-05) was brought as a result of theL- 5795-05 ). The Company terminatingterminated the employment of its former Vice President, Treasury Operations & Risk Management,Mr. Lengers on March 8, 2005 at the direction of the Audit Committee and as a consequence of the independent investigation conducted by Wilmer Hale. On November 17, 2005, Mr. Lengers commenced an action in New Jersey State Court for cause.  The complaint seeksHudson County seeking compensatory and punitive damages and attorney’s fees and allegesalleging improper denial of CIC benefits, age and disability discrimination, handicap discrimination, aiding and abetting and breach of contract. The Company believes that Mr. Lengers was properly terminated for cause and that his claims are groundless.

The Company believes that it properly denied CIC benefits with respectplans to each of the four former employees


and that it has meritorious defensesvigorously defend itself in all of the cases and plans a vigorous defense.this action.

 

In addition, the Company is involved in various routine lawsuits of a nature that is deemed customary and incidental to its businesses. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these actions will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’sour financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

SEC Informal Inquiry:

As described more fully in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, we restated our 2002 and 2003 financial statements and first two quarters of 2004 because of errors we discovered in the accounting treatment of certain items. As a result of the restatement, the Audit


Committee of the Board of Directors hired independent outside counsel to assist with an investigation of certain of the matters relating to the Restatement and other accounting-related matters. The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) also informed the Company that it was conducting an informal inquiry. The SEC’s inquiry is still ongoing.

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

 

None.

 


PART II

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, and Related Stockholder MattersMatter and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Current trading information about our Common Stock can be obtained from the Pink Sheets under the trading symbol “HNVD.PK.” The Common Stock was delisted from the AMEX effective February 16, 2005 as a result of the Company’s inability to timely file its periodic SEC reports and its failure to comply with the AMEX’s continued listing standards. Current trading information about our Common Stock can be obtained from the Pink Sheets under the trading symbol “HNVD.PK.”

 

The following table sets forth, for the periods shown, the high and low sale pricesclosing bid requests of our Common Stock (as adjusted for the reverse stock split).Stock. As of February 21, 2006,20, 2007, we had 22,426,296 shares of Common Stock outstanding. Of these, 15,380,41315,380,772 shares were held directly or indirectly by Chelsey and its affiliates. As a result, 7,045,8837,045,524 shares of Common Stock were held by other public shareholders. There were approximately 540550 holders of record of Common Stock as of January 24, 2006.February 20, 2007. These prices are inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commissions and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.

 

 

High

Low

Fiscal 2004

First Quarter (Dec. 28, 2003 to March 27, 2004)

$   3.00

$   2.00

Second Quarter (March 28, 2004 to June 26, 2004)

$   2.50

$   1.30

Third Quarter (June 27, 2004 to Sept. 25, 2004)

$   1.80

$   1.20

Fourth Quarter (Sept. 26, 2004 to Dec. 25, 2004)

$   1.59

$   1.26

Fiscal Year 2005:

High

Low

First Quarter (December 26, 2004 to March 26, 2005)1

$0.90

$0.51

Second Quarter (March 27, 2005 to June 25, 2005)

$0.99

$0.71

Third Quarter (June 26, 2005 to September 24, 2005)

$1.45

$0.85

Fourth Quarter (September 25, 2005 to December 31, 2005)

$1.50

$0.95

Fiscal Year 2006:

First Quarter (January 1, 2006 to April 1, 2006)2

$2.94

$1.20

Second Quarter (April 2, 2006 to July 1, 2006)3

$1.48

$1.00

Third Quarter (July 2, 2006 to September 30, 2006)

$1.50

$0.85

Fourth Quarter (October 1, 2006 to December 30, 2006)4

$1.20

$0.01

 

 

 

 

Fiscal 2003

First Quarter (Dec. 29, 2002 to March 29, 2003)

$   2.70

$   1.90

Second Quarter (March 30, 2003 to June 28, 2003)

$   2.80

$   1.80

Third Quarter (June 29, 2003 to Sept. 27, 2003)

$   2.90

$   2.20

Fourth Quarter (Sept. 28, 2003 to Dec. 27, 2003)

$   3.00

$   2.00

On November 17, 2006, the last day for which quotations were available prior to our public announcement of Chelsey’s proposal to acquire all of our outstanding shares of Hanover common stock (other than held by Chelsey and its affiliates), the high, low and closing sales prices per share of our Common Stock as reported on the Pink Sheets was $1.20, $0.85 and $1.20, respectively.

 

The Company is restricted from paying dividends on its Common Stock or from acquiring its Common Stock by certain debt covenants contained in the loan agreements for the Wachovia Facility and the Chelsey Facility. See Note 7 to the Notes to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding the certain debt covenants and loan agreements.

 

Reverse Stock Split. At our 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on August 12, 2004, our shareholders approved a one-for-ten reverse stock split of the Common Stock, which became effective at the close of business on September 22, 2004. In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding, per share amounts, stock warrants, stock option and exercise price data relating to the Company’s Common Stock, for periods prior to the reverse stock split, have been restated to reflect the effect of the reverse stock split.

_____________

1

Trading in our Common Stock on the AMEX was halted on November 16, 2004. Price quotes became available on the Pink Sheets commencing February 2, 2005.

2

Chelsey’s initial going private proposal was announced on February 27, 2006. The high and low closing bid prices from January 2, 2006 through February 26, 2006 were $2.94 and $1.44

3

The withdrawal of Chelsey’s initial going private offer was announced on May 26, 2006.

4

The Board’s approval of the merger was announced on November 22, 2006.

 

Amendments to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation. On September 22, 2004, we filed a Certificate of Amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (1) reducing the par value of the Common Stock from $0.66-2/3 to $0.01 per share and reclassifying the outstanding shares of Common Stock into such lower par value shares; (2) increasing the number of authorized shares of additional Preferred Stock from 5,000,000 shares to 15,000,000 shares and making a corresponding change to the aggregate number of authorized shares of all classes of preferred stock; and (3) after giving effect to the reverse stock split, increasing the authorized number of shares of Common Stock from 30,000,000 shares to 50,000,000 shares and making a corresponding change to the aggregate number of authorized shares of all classes of common stock.

 


Equity Compensation Plan Information Table

 

The following table provides information about the securities authorized for issuance under the Company’s equity compensation plans as of December 25, 2004:30, 2006:

 

(a)

 

(b)

 

(c)


 


 


(a)

 

(b)

 

(c)

Plan category

 

Number of

securities to be

issued upon

exercise of

outstanding options,

warrants and rights

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average

exercise price of

outstanding options,

warrants and rights

 

Number of securities

remaining available for

future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected

in column(a))

 

Number of

securities to be

issued upon

exercise of

outstanding options,

warrants and rights

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average

exercise price of

outstanding options,

warrants and rights

 

Number of securities

remaining available for

future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected

in column(a))


 


 


Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

1,048,883

 

$   6.23

 

1,871,117

519,400

 

$  4.12

 

2,940,600

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

270,000

 

2.50

 

270,000


 


 


Total

1,318,883

 

$   5.47

 

2,141,117


 


 


 

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

 

The following table presents selected financial data for each of the fiscal years indicated:

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 

As Restated

 

As Restated

 

As Restated

 

As Restated

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 


 


 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands of dollars, except per share data )

 

(In thousands of dollars, except per share data )

Income Statement Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues

 

$    403,160

 

$   414,283

 

$    456,990

 

$       533,630

 

$    606,430

 

$       415,682

 

$       407,442

 

$        360,526

 

$       370,096

 

$     407,920

Special charges

 

1,536

 

1,308

 

4,398

 

11,277

 

19,126

 

--

 

(69)

 

1,684

 

215

 

3,678

Income (loss) from operations

 

10,742

 

1,445

 

(2,211)

 

(24,926)

 

(69,686)

 

3,588

 

17,136

 

7,313

 

(143)

 

(4,866)

Gain on sale of Improvements

 

--

 

(1,911)

 

(570)

 

(23,240)

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

1,911

 

570

Gain on sale of Kindig Lane Property

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

(1,529)

 

--

Income (loss) before interest and income taxes

 

10,742

 

3,356

 

(1,641)

 

(157)

 

(69,686)

 

3,588

 

17,136

 

7,313

 

1,768

 

(4,296)

Interest expense, net

 

5,567

 

12,088

 

5,477

 

6,529

 

10,083

 

9,780

 

8,146

 

5,105

 

11,715

 

5,072

Provision for income taxes

 

174

 

11,328

 

3,791

 

120

 

165

 

17

 

29

 

174

 

11,328

 

3,791

Net income (loss)

 

5,001

 

(20,060)

 

(10,909)

 

(6,806)

 

(79,934)

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

 

(6,209)

 

8,961

 

2,034

 

(21,275)

 

(13,159)

Gain from discontinued operations of Gump’s

 

--

 

2,996

 

2,967

 

1,215

 

2,250

Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)

 

(6,209)

 

11,957

 

5,001

 

(20,060)

 

(10,909)

Preferred stock dividends and accretion

 

--

 

7,922

 

15,556

 

10,745

 

4,015

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

7,922

 

15,556

Earnings Applicable to Preferred Stock

 

--

 

294

 

124

 

--

 

--

Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders

 

$         4,877

 

$     (27,982)

 

$      (26,465)

 

$      (17,551)

 

$   (83,949)

 

$        (6,209)

 

$         11,663

 

$           4,877

 

$      (27,982)

 

$      (26,465)

 


 


 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$           0.22

 

$         (1.94)

 

$          (1.91)

 

$           (0.83)

 

$        (3.94)

 


 


 


 


 


Diluted

 

$           0.18

 

$         (1.94)

 

$          (1.91)

 

$           (0.83)

 

$        (3.94)

 


 


 


 


 


From continuing operations – basic

 

$           (0.28)

 

$             0.39

 

$              0.09

 

$          (2.02)

 

$        (2.07)

From continuing operations – diluted

 

$           (0.28)

 

$             0.27

 

$              0.07

 

$          (2.02)

 

$        (2.07)

From discontinued operations – basic

 

$              0.00

 

$             0.13

 

$              0.13

 

$             0.08

 

$           0.16

From discontinued operations – diluted

 

$              0.00

 

$             0.09

 

$              0.11

 

$             0.08

 

$           0.16

Net income (loss) – basic

 

$           (0.28)

 

$             0.52

 

$              0.22

 

$          (1.94)

 

$        (1.91)

Net income (loss) - diluted

 

$           (0.28)

 

$             0.36

 

$              0.18

 

$          (1.94)

 

$        (1.91)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Number of Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

22,220

 

14,439

 

13,828

 

21,054

 

21,325

 

22,426

 

22,426

 

22,220

 

14,439

 

13,828

 


 


 


 


 


Diluted

 

27,015

 

14,439

 

13,828

 

21,054

 

21,325

 

22,426

 

32,588

 

27,015

 

14,439

 

13,828

 


 


 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands of dollars)

Balance Sheet Data (End of Period):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working capital (deficit)

 

$         22,555

 

$         26,007

 

$         10,622

 

$      (10,399)

 

$      (6,200)

 

 


Total assets

 

120,744

 

122,177

 

130,499

 

116,547

 

145,274

Total debt, excluding Preferred Stock

 

28,525

 

22,648

 

27,886

 

22,510

 

25,129

Series B Participating Preferred Stock

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

92,379

Series C Participating Preferred Stock

 

72,689

 

72,689

 

72,689

 

72,689

 

--

Shareholders’ deficiency

 

(31,694)

 

(25,548)

 

(37,652)

 

(56,339)

 

(63,011)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book value per diluted share (a)

 

(1.41)

 

(1.14)

 

(1.69)

 

(3.90)

 

(4.56)

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

 

0.38

 

2.07

 

1.42

 

0.17

 

(0.73)

 

(a) Book value per diluted share excludes incremental weighted-average shares related to employee stock options and common stock warrants due to their anti-dilutive effect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 

 

As Restated

 

As Restated

 

As Restated

 

As Restated

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

 

(In thousands of dollars)

Balance Sheet Data (End of Period):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working capital (deficit)

 

$ 10,622

 

$ (10,399)

 

$ (6,200)

 

$ 658

 

$ (5,138)

Total assets

 

130,499

 

116,547

 

145,274

 

161,032

 

208,379

Total debt, excluding Preferred Stock

 

27,886

 

22,510

 

25,129

 

29,710

 

39,036

Series A Participating Preferred Stock

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

--

 

71,628

Series B Participating Preferred Stock

 

--

 

--

 

92,379

 

76,823

 

--

Series C Participating Preferred Stock

 

72,689

 

72,689

 

--

 

--

 

--

Shareholders’ deficiency

 

(37,652)

 

(56,339)

 

(63,011)

 

(38,119)

 

(25,882)

 

There were no cash dividends declared on the Common Stock in any of the periods presented. See Note 2 of Notes to consolidated financial statements for more information regarding the Restatement.

 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth, for the fiscal years indicated, the percentage relationship to net revenues of certain items in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss):

 

Fiscal Year

 


 

2004

 

 

2003

As Restated

 

2002

As Restated

 


 


 


Net revenues

100.0%

 

100.0%

 

100.0%

Cost of sales and operating expenses

60.3

 

63.1

 

63.5

Special charges

0.4

 

0.3

 

1.0

Selling expenses

24.9

 

24.1

 

23.1

General and administrative expenses

10.7

 

11.0

 

11.7

Depreciation and amortization

1.0

 

1.1

 

1.2

Gain on sale of Improvements

 

(0.4)

 

(0.1)

Income (loss) before interest and income taxes

2.7

 

0.8

 

(0.4)

Interest expense, net

1.4

 

2.9

 

1.2

Provision for Federal and state income taxes

0.0

 

2.7

 

0.8

Net income (loss)

1.2%

 

(4.8)%

 

(2.4)%

Restatement of Prior Year Financial Information and Related Matters

During the second quarter of 2004, the Company identified a revenue recognition cut-off issue that resulted in revenue being recorded in advance. In addition, on March 14, 2005, we sold all of the actual shipmentstock of merchandiseGump’s Corp. and Gump’s By Mail, Inc. (collectively, “Gump’s”) to Gump’s Holdings, LLC. The following reflects the customer. The practice was stopped immediately. Subsequently, the Company determined that revenue should be recognized when merchandise is received by the customer rather than when shipped because the Company routinely replaces customer merchandise damaged or lost in transitGump’s operating results and gain on sale as a customer service matter (even though risk of loss, as a legal matter, passes on shipment). As a consequence, the Company has restated all periods presented to recognize revenue when merchandise is received by the customer.

In the first quarter of 2004, former management identified a potential issue with the accounting treatment for Buyers’ Club memberships that contained a guarantee. At that time, an inappropriate conclusion regarding the accounting treatment was reached and during the third quarter of 2004, the issue was re-evaluated and we determined that an error in the accounting treatment had occurred. The impact of the error resulted in an overstatement of revenues and the omission of a liability related to the guarantee for discount obligations. The proper accounting treatment has been applied to all periods impacted including a calculation of the cumulative impact on previously reported periods.

discontinued operations.

 


 

Fiscal Year

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

Net revenues

100.0%

 

100.0%

 

100.0%

Cost of sales and operating expenses

62.8

 

62.1

 

60.2

Special charges

 

(0.0)

 

0.5

Selling expenses

27.0

 

25.0

 

25.2

General and administrative expenses

8.7

 

8.0

 

11.2

Depreciation and amortization

0.6

 

0.7

 

0.9

Income before interest and income taxes

0.9

 

4.2

 

2.0

Interest expense, net

2.4

 

2.0

 

1.4

Provision for Federal and state income taxes

0.0

 

0.0

 

0.0

Gain from discontinued operations of Gump’s

 

0.7

 

0.8

Net income (loss)

(1.5)%

 

2.9%

 

1.4%

 

Starting in fiscal 2001, the Company inappropriately reduced the liability for certain customer prepayments and credits. The impact of the inappropriate reduction of this liability resulted in the understatement of general and administrative expenses and the omission of the related liability. During the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company re-evaluated the accounting treatment for these customer prepayments and credits. As a consequence, the Company has applied the proper accounting treatment to all periods impacted including recording a liability in each respective previously reported period equivalent to the cumulative impact of the error.

The Company also corrected its accounting for an accrual related to a claim for post-employment benefits by a former CEO. See “Legal Proceedings—Rakesh Kaul v. Hanover Direct, Inc.

In addition, the Company has recorded other liabilities relating primarily to certain miscellaneous catalog costs and other miscellaneous costs that were inappropriately not accrued in the necessary periods and has made adjustments to the deferred tax asset and liabilities to reflect the effect the Restatement.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors conducted an investigation related to these issues (except for the revenue recognition issue based on receipt of merchandise by the customer which was addressed by the Company subsequent to the conclusion of the investigation) and other accounting-related matters with the assistance of independent outside counsel. The Company’s inability to timely file its financial statements as well as its non-compliance with several of the AMEX’s listing criteria resulted in the AMEX halting trading in the Company’s common stock on November 16, 2004 and later delisting the common stock as of February 16, 2005. See Item 9A. “Controls and Procedures” for management’s evaluation and conclusions relating to this investigation. In addition, the SEC is currently conducting an informal inquiry relating to the Company’s financial results and financial reporting since 1998. We intend to continue our cooperation with the SEC with its informal inquiry concerning our financial reporting.

See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding the Restatement.

Executive Summary

 

Hanover Direct is a direct marketer owning a portfolio of catalogs and associated websites. During the first six months of 2004, the Company operated in a very challenging environment due to our liquidity constraints. The inability to maintain levels of inventory adequate to service demand createdNet revenues increased backorder levels, reduced initial customer order fill rates as well as higher order cancellation rates all of which contributed to lower net revenues. On May 5, 2004, the Board of Directors appointed a new chief executive officer (“CEO”), Wayne P. Garten, who quickly obtained the Chelsey Facility, a $20.0approximately $8.3 million junior secured credit facility. The Company borrowed the entire $20.0 million and paid off the remaining outstanding balance ($4.9 million) of a term loan, which was part of the Wachovia Facility. As part of a concurrent amendment to the Wachovia Facility, the Chelsey Facility freed up $10.0 million of availability under the Wachovia Facility that had previously been blocked. The increased liquidity enabled us to increase inventory to more adequate levels(2.0%) for the second half of 2004, which resulted in substantial declines in backorder levels and higher initial customer order fill rates, reversing52-week period ended December 30, 2006 (“fiscal 2006”) to $415.7 million from $407.4 million for the trend experienced during the first six months of 2004. The improved inventory levels increased the Company’s borrowing availability under the Wachovia Facility and alleviated constraints on vendor credit previously experienced. In addition, the increased working capital allowed the Company to invest53-week period ended December 31, 2005 (“fiscal 2005”). This increase was primarily driven by an increase in catalog circulation in orderlevels, higher response rates and increased Internet marketing expenditures. In addition, net revenues grew due to strengthen the customer name file base for the future as well as producing strong fourth quarter revenues of $121.6 million,higher postage and handling rates, which werewe put into effect to partially offset an increase in the United States Postal Service (“USPS”) rates that occurred in early January 2006. These increases were partially offset by lower average order sizes and a decline in revenues related to our third party fulfillment operations as a result of $6.9 million, or 6.0%, overone customers’ paying directly their outbound shipping costs instead of reimbursing the comparable prior year period. Income from operations increased $9.3Company. We experienced higher demand in our Domestications and Silhouettes catalogs, lower demand in The Company Store catalog and relatively flat demand in our men’s division which consists of the International Male and Undergear catalogs.

During fiscal 2006, income before interest and income taxes decreased by approximately $13.5 million to $10.7$3.6 million for the year ended December 25, 2004 from $1.4$17.1 million in 2003. Although fiscal 2005. The principal factors which negatively impacted the operating results for fiscal 2006 included:

a decline in operating profit primarily driven by higher outbound merchandise shipping, fulfillment, telemarketing and overall selling expenses costs which aggregated $14.3 million;

the reversal in September 2005 of a $4.5 million accrual related to Rakesh Kaul, a former CEO who pursued claims against the Company;

$1.8 million in lower income from membership programs due to a change in vendors in October 2006 when we switched from a fixed commission basis to a wholesale basis which resulted in a delay in revenue recognition until after the free trial period and required that the membership fee be recognized ratably over the 11 month term of the membership;

a $1.7 million increase in compensation and fringe benefits within general & administrative expenses; and


a significant improvement,$1.0 million expense (primarily financial advisory and legal fees) related to two going private proposals received from Chelsey in 2006.

Partially offset by:

lower product costs due to improved sourcing of merchandise of $5.3 million;

a $2.6 million reduction in general and administrative expenses, primarily professional fees, as a result of the completion during 2005 of the independent investigation conducted by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors related to the restatement of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and other accounting-related matters; and

a $1.2 million increase in revenues due to the amortization of buyers club memberships which relieved a liability established as a result of a guarantee of savings included as part of certain buyers club memberships.

As set forth in the table below, our 2006 results from continuing operations were negatively impacted by a number of expense/income items incurred duringoutside of normal operations, including fees (primarily financial advisory and legal fees) relating to two going private proposals received from Chelsey, severance and termination costs and the favorable impact of the reduction in a Buyer’s Club Guarantee liability. In 2005, we had a number of expense/income items which improved our 2005 results by over $1.2 million. In 2004 hindered income from operations from achievingwe had a greater increase over 2003 and 2002.number of expense items that adversely affected our results in that year by approximately $5.7 million. A summary of these expense / (income) items incurred during 2004, 20032006, 2005 and 20022004 are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Severance and Termination Costs

 

$

2,607

 

$

725

 

$

356

 

$

1,090

 

$

760

 

$

2,607

Fees relating to Going Private Proposal

 

 

1,013

 

--

 

--

Buyer’s Club Guarantee

 

 

(1,242)

 

--

 

--

Special Charges

 

 

1,536

 

1,308

 

4,398

 

 

--

 

(69)

 

1,536

Legal and Audit Fees related to Restatement

 

 

--

 

2,559

 

617

Class Action Litigation Reserve

 

 

535

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

535

Facility Exit Costs

 

201

 

--

 

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

201

Rakesh Kaul Accrual

 

196

 

24

 

3,648

 

 

--

 

(4,488)

 

196

 

$

861

 

$

(1,238)

 

$

5,692

 


Compensation Continuation Agreement Costs

 

 

--

 

 

3,083

 

 

--

Change in Vacation and Sick Policy

 

 

--

 

 

(1,634)

 

 

--

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

$

5,075

 

$

3,506

 

$

8,402

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


We also began developing and implementing strategies to reduce the infrastructure of the Company. These strategies included the consolidation of the operations of the LaCrosse, Wisconsin fulfillment center and storage facility into the Roanoke, Virginia fulfillment center, which was substantially completed by the end of June 2005; the relocation of the International Male and Undergear catalog operations from San Diego, California to the corporate headquarters in Weehawken, New Jersey, which was completed February 28, 2005; and the consolidation of the Edgewater facility into the Weehawken, New Jersey premises, which was completed by May 31, 2005. Since the consolidation of our fulfillment centers, our Roanoke fulfillment center has experienced lower productivity that has negatively impacted fulfillment costs and the Company’s overall performance. The projected annual savings from the consolidation of the San Diego, California and the Edgewater, New Jersey facilities into the Weehawken, New Jersey facility is approximately $2.1 million, however with this relocation and consolidation, the transition has negatively impacted the performance of the Men’s Apparelcatalogs in 2005.


Results of Operations

 

20042006 Compared to 2005

Net Income (Loss). The Company reported a net loss applicable to common shareholders of $6.2 million, or $0.28 basic and diluted net loss per share, for fiscal 2006 compared with 2003net income applicable to common shareholders of $11.7 million, or $0.52 basic earnings per share and $0.36 diluted earnings per share, for fiscal 2005.

The decrease in net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders was primarily a result of the following:

a decline in operating profit primarily driven by higher outbound merchandise shipping, fulfillment, telemarketing and overall selling expenses costs which aggregated $14.3 million;

the reversal in September 2005 of a $4.5 million accrual related to Rakesh Kaul, a former CEO who pursued claims against the Company;

an unfavorable impact of $3.0 million from discontinued operations due to the sale of Gump’s in the first quarter of 2005;

an increase in debt accretion amortization of $1.4 million;

$1.8 million in lower income from membership programs due to a change in vendors in October 2006 when we switched from a fixed commission basis to a wholesale basis which resulted in a delay in revenue recognition until after the free trial period and required that the membership fee be recognized ratably over the 11 month term of the membership;

a $1.7 million increase in compensation and fringe benefits within general & administrative expenses; and

a $1.0 million expense (primarily financial advisory and legal fees) related to two going private proposals received from Chelsey in 2006.


Partially offset by:

lower product costs due to improved sourcing of merchandise of $5.3 million;

a $2.6 million reduction in general and administrative expenses, primarily professional fees, as a result of the completion during 2005 of the independent investigation conducted by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors related to the restatement of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and other accounting-related matters; and

a $1.2 million increase in revenues due to the amortization of buyers club memberships which relieved a liability established as a result of a guarantee of savings included as part of certain buyers club memberships.

Net Revenues. Net revenues increased approximately $8.3 million (2.0%) for the 52-week period ended December 30, 2006 to $415.7 million from $407.4 million for the 53-week period ended December 31, 2005. This increase was primarily driven by an increase in catalog circulation levels, higher response rates and increased Internet marketing expenditures. In addition, net revenues grew because of higher postage and handling rates, which we put into effect to offset an increase in USPS rates that occurred in early January 2006. These increases were partially offset by lower average order sizes and a decline in revenues related to our third party fulfillment operations as a result of one customers’ paying their outbound shipping costs directly instead of reimbursing the Company. We experienced higher demand in our Domestications and Silhouettes catalogs, and lower demand in The Company Store catalog and relatively flat demand in the International Male and Undergear catalogs. Internet sales increased and comprised 44.9% of combined Internet and catalog revenues for fiscal 2006 compared with 39.2% for fiscal 2005, and have increased by approximately $26.3 million, or 19.4%, to $167.6 million for the 52-week period ended December 30, 2006 from $141.3 million for fiscal 2005.

Cost of Sales and Operating Expenses. Cost of sales and operating expenses increased by $8.3 million to $261.3 million for the fiscal 2006 as compared with $253.0 million for fiscal 2005. Cost of sales and operating expenses increased to 62.8% of net revenues for the 52-week period ended December 30, 2006 as compared with 62.1% of net revenues for fiscal 2005. The $8.3 million increase was primarily due to approximately $3.3 million in higher merchandise costs related to the increase in net revenues as well as approximately $3.0 million (0.7% of net revenues) in increased outbound merchandise transportation and USPS charges and approximately $4.2 million (1.0% of net revenues) in higher product fulfillment costs, each of which is discussed below.

We ship a majority of our merchandise by USPS which increased postal rates by 5.4% in January 2006. We also experienced fuel surcharges from freight consolidators that also increased our merchandise shipping costs. In mid March 2006, a consolidator utilized by the Company that enabled the Company to bypass USPS regional bulk mail centers, thereby reducing transportation and USPS charges, filed a petition in bankruptcy and ceased operation. This caused the Company to incur increased outbound merchandise transportation and USPS charges that had their greatest impact in the second quarter at $1.3 million and which then declined over the balance of fiscal 2006 ($1.0 million in higher costs in the third quarter of 2006 and $0.7 million in the fourth quarter). We expect this bankruptcy will continue to negatively impact our merchandise shipping costs in the first quarter of 2007 compared to the first quarter of 2006, although to a lesser extent than experienced in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006. Ignoring the potential affect of a postal rate increase, our outbound merchandise transportation costs for 2007 will be lower than in 2006 but we do not anticipate that our costs will return to the levels prior to the bankruptcy.  We anticipate a USPS rate increase in May 2007 that, if it occurs, will more than offset the year over year reduction in outbound merchandise transportation costs noted above and will negatively impact our operating results in 2007.

Since the consolidation of our fulfillment centers, our Roanoke fulfillment center has experienced lower productivity as a result of high levels of employee turnover and space constraints which have resulted in higher product fulfillment costs of approximately $3.6 million for fiscal 2006. The lower productivity started in the third quarter of 2005 and has continued throughout 2006. In the spring of 2006, we installed new management in the fulfillment center to address these issues. Process improvements are being implemented with the expectation they will create increased productivity and lower costs in the back half of 2007. We ceased providing fulfillment services to one of our third party fulfillment customers at the end of the third quarter of 2006 and will stop providing these services to our two other third party customers during 2007 when their current contracts expire.

Partially offsetting these increases are approximately $5.3 million in lower merchandise costs through improved sourcing of merchandise.

Selling Expenses. Selling expenses increased by approximately $10.3 million to $112.3 million for fiscal 2006 as compared with $102.0 million for the 53- weeks ended December 31, 2005. Selling expenses increased to 27.0% of net revenues for the fiscal 2006 from 25.0% for fiscal 2005. The $10.3 million increase was primarily due to approximately $2.0 million in costs related to higher catalog circulation, approximately $3.1 million in increased Internet marketing expenditures and approximately $5.1 million in higher paper, postage and catalog preparation costs.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by $3.5 million to $36.1 million for the fiscal 2006 as compared with $32.6 million for the fiscal 2005. General and administrative expenses increased to 8.7% of net revenues for fiscal 2006 from 8.0% for fiscal 2005. The $3.5 million increase was attributable primarily to the reversal in 2005 of a $4.5 million accrual established in fiscal 2000 pertaining to Rakesh Kaul, a former CEO of the Company. The accrual was reversed due to the expiration of Mr. Kaul’s rights to pursue his claims against the Company. In addition, compensation and fringe benefits expenses increased by an aggregate of $1.7 million due to an increased number of employees and higher medical costs and $1.0 million in professional fees (primarily financial advisory and legal fees)


related to two going private proposals received from Chelsey in 2006. Partially offsetting these increases were $2.6 million in professional fees incurred in 2005 that related to the Audit Committee investigation and other accounting-related matters. In addition there is a $0.5 million reduction in general and administrative expenses related to reduced rent in 2006 as a result of the 2005 consolidation of the Company’s headquarters and $0.6 million in lower insurance costs.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased approximately $0.5 million to approximately $2.4 million for fiscal 2006, from $2.9 million for fiscal 2005. The decrease was primarily due to property and equipment that have become fully depreciated, partially offset by the depreciation of newly purchased property and equipment.

Income before interest and income taxes. The Company’s income before interest and income taxes decreased by approximately $13.5 million to $3.6 million for fiscal 2006, from $17.1 million for fiscal 2005.

Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net, increased approximately $1.7 million to $9.8 million for fiscal 2006, from $8.1 million for fiscal 2005. This increase in interest expense was primarily due to $1.4 million in higher accretion of the debt discount and $0.2 million was due to higher interest rates related to the Wachovia and Chelsey Facilities during fiscal 2006.

Income Taxes: The provision for federal and state income taxes is approximately (0.0)% of the loss before income taxes for the 52- week period ended December 30, 2006 (which represents the anticipated effective tax rate for the full year 2006).

Gain from discontinued operations of Gump’s: On March 14, 2005, the Company sold all of the stock of Gump’s to Gump’s Holdings, LLC, an unrelated third party. In the quarter ended March 26, 2005, the Company recognized a gain on the Gump’s sale of approximately $3.6 million which was offset by losses from Gump’s on-going operations through the sale date of approximately $0.6 million.

2005 Compared to 2004

 

Net Income (Loss). The Company reported net income applicable to common shareholders of $11.7 million, or $0.52 basic and $0.36 diluted income per share, for the year ended December 31, 2005 compared to $4.9 million, or $0.22 basic and $0.18 diluted income per share, in 2004. The Company reported income from continuing operations of $9.0 million, or $0.39 basic and $0.27 diluted income per share, for the year ended December 25, 200431, 2005 compared with a net loss applicable to common shareholders of $28.0$2.0 million, or a loss of $1.94$0.09 basic and $0.07 diluted income per share, in fiscal 2003.2004.

 

In addition to improved operating results, the increase in net income applicable to common shareholders was primarily the result of the following:

 

A favorable impact of $11.3Improved operating results generated from a $46.9 million due to a deferred Federal income tax provision recorded during the year ended December 27, 2003 to increase the valuation allowance and fully reserve thein net deferred tax asset;revenues;

A favorable impact of $7.9$4.5 million on preferred stock dividendsfrom the reversal of an accrual established in fiscal 2000 due to the June 2003 implementationexpiration of SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity” (“SFAS 150”). The accretion ofRakesh Kaul’s rights to pursue his claims against the Series B Participating Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred”) was recorded as dividends through the June 2003 implementation of SFAS 150, and as interest expense thereafter;Company;

A favorable impact of $6.5$1.8 million on net interestin expense as the Series C Participating Preferred Stock (“Series C Preferred”) was recorded as of its November 30, 2003 issuance date at its maximum potential cash paymentsreduction due to Special Charges incurred in accordance with SFAS No. 15, “Accounting by Debtors and Creditors for Troubled Debt Restructurings;” thus, we are currently not required2004 due to record accretion of the Series C Preferred. In 2003, the Series B Preferred dividends and accretion were recorded as interest expense after the implementation of SFAS 150;restructuring charge; and

A favorable impact of $3.1$1.5 million due to Compensation Continuation Agreement costs incurred during the year ended December 27, 2003. These costs included payments madereduction in general and administrative expenses related to various executives and non-employee directors of the Company.severance.

 

Partially offset by:

 

An unfavorable impact due to the establishment of a $0.5 million reserve for risks of litigation related to all class action lawsuits including the Company’s current estimate of future legal fees to be incurred;

An unfavorable impact of $2.1$3.0 million on net interest expense primarily due to severance, termination andinterest costs incurred under the $20.0 million junior secured credit facility exit costs associated with Chelsey Finance (“Chelsey Facility”) which the implementationCompany closed on July 8, 2004. See Note 7 of strategies to reduce the Company’s infrastructure;

An unfavorable impact of $1.9 million dueNotes to the recognition ofconsolidated financial statements for additional information regarding the deferred gain related to the 2001 sale of our Improvements business during the year ended December 27, 2003;

An unfavorable impact of $1.6 million due to a benefit recognized during 2003 from the revision of our vacation and sick policy;Chelsey Facility; and

An unfavorable impact of $0.2$1.9 million related to general and administrative expenses incurred for the investigation conducted by the Audit Committee of special charges due to facility exit costs associatedthe Board of Directors in connection with the consolidationrestatement of the LaCrosseCompany’s consolidated financial statements and Roanoke operations.other accounting-related matters.

 

Net Revenues. Net revenues decreasedincreased by approximately $11.1$46.9 million (2.7%(13.0%) for the year ended December 25, 200431, 2005 to $403.2$407.4 million from $414.3$360.5 million in 2003. The decrease2004. This increase was primarily due to a 15.6% declinedriven by an increase in Domestications revenue on a 19.2% reductioncatalog circulation levels and higher response rates supported by deeper inventory positions that enabled higher initial fulfillment rates for customer orders and lower overall cancellation rates. Higher demand was experienced in circulation. During 2004, management purposely reduced circulation in Domestications during the first six months due to liquidity restraints and during the final six months due to the newly appointed President of Domestications assembling a team to stabilize and reposition the catalog. The impact of the decline in circulation and demand from Domestications was partially offset by increases in circulation for Silhouettes and The Company Store(although on lower customer response rates), Domestications and Silhouettes catalogs, while lower demand was experienced for the International Male resultingcatalogs. Revenues recorded from the Company’s business to business services increased by approximately $12.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2005 to $32.9 million from $20.8 million in an increase in net revenues for these catalogs. Certain catalogs benefited from increased fill rates and reductions in backorders and lower order cancellations due to the additional capital secured through the Chelsey Facility and the amended Wachovia Facility.2004. In addition, revenue relating to our membership programs increased by approximately $1.0$4.0 million for the year ended December 25, 200431, 2005 to $14.3 million from $10.3 million from $9.3 million in 2003.2004. Internet sales revenue comprised 32.0%39.2% of combined Internet and catalog net revenues for the year ended


December 25, 200431, 2005 compared with 27.9%34.6% in 2003,2004, and have increased by


approximately $11.6$27.3 million, or 10.8%23.9%, to $118.7$141.3 million for the year ended December 25, 200431, 2005 from $107.1$114.0 million in 2003.2004.

 

Cost of Sales and Operating Expenses. Cost of sales and operating expenses decreasedincreased by $18.1$36.1 million to $243.2$253.0 million for the year ended December 25, 200431, 2005 as compared with $261.3$216.9 million in 2003.2004. Cost of sales and operating expenses decreasedincreased to 60.3%62.1% of net revenues for the year ended December 25, 200431, 2005 as compared with 63.1%60.2% of net revenues in 2003. As a percentagefiscal 2004. The increase of net revenues, this decrease$36.1 million was primarily due to a declineapproximately $28.6 million in merchandise costs associated with a shift from domestichigher cost of sales and operating expenses related to foreign-sourced goods (1.3%).the $46.9 million increase in revenues. The balance of the decline was attributable to a combination of factors including a decline in inventory write-downs due to reduced slowCompany more aggressively liquidated slower moving inventory in fiscal 2005 through clearance avenues within its catalogs and increased sales of clearance merchandise through the Internetwebsites, thus resulting in lower variableproduct margins of $1.0 million. In addition, since the consolidation of our fulfillment centers, our Roanoke fulfillment center has experienced high levels of employee turnover and lower productivity which has resulted in higher costs as compared with utilizing catalogs asbeing incurred in the clearance avenuefulfillment center of approximately $4.0 million. This trend of high levels of employee turnover and other cost reductions.lower productivity started in the third quarter of 2005 and continued through the end of fiscal 2005. This trend was expected to and did continue during 2006.

 

Special Charges. In December 2000, the Company began a strategic business realignment program that resulted in the recording of special charges for severance, facility exit costs and fixed asset write-offs. The actions related to this strategic business realignment program were taken in an effort to direct our resources primarily towards a loss reduction strategy and a return to profitability. On June 30, 2004, we decided to consolidate the operations of the LaCrosse, Wisconsin fulfillment center and storage facility into the Roanoke Virginia fulfillment center by June 30, 2005. The LaCrosse fulfillment center and the LaCrosse storage facility were closed in June 2005 and August 2005 upon the expiration of their leases. This plan was prompted by excess capacity at our Roanoke facility at that time and the lack of sufficient warehouse space in the leased Wisconsin facilities to support the growth of The Company Store and to reducelower shipping costs available from the overall cost structureRoanoke facility. Since the consolidation of our fulfillment centers, our Roanoke fulfillment center experienced high levels of employee turnover and lower productivity that resulted in higher costs being incurred in the Company.fulfillment center. In addition, on November 9, 2004, we decided to relocate the International Male and Undergear catalog operations to our Corporate offices in New Jersey. The relocation was effected to consolidate operations and reduce costs while leveraging our catalog expertise in New Jersey. The relocation was completed on February 28, 2005. However, since the relocation and consolidation of the Men’s apparel catalogs, the transition has negatively impacted the performance of the Men’s apparel catalogs in 2005.

 

Total specialSpecial charges increaseddecreased by approximately $0.2$1.8 million to $1.5($0.1) million for the year ended December 25, 2004fiscal 2005 as compared with $1.3to $1.7 million in 2003.fiscal 2004. During the year ended December 25, 2004, the Company recorded $0.5 million and $0.9 million in severance and related costs associated with the consolidation of the LaCrosse operations and the relocation of the International Male and Undergear catalog operations to New Jersey, respectively. In addition, we recorded an additional $0.3 million in severance and related costs during the fourth quarter of 2004 associated with the elimination of 15 full-time company-wide positions. These costs were partially offset by $0.1 million of reductions in the special charges reserve primarily due to decreases in estimated losses on the sublease arrangements for the Gump’s office facility in San Francisco, California. During the year ended December 27, 2003, we recorded $1.3 million of additional severance costs and charges incurred to revise estimated losses related to the sublease arrangements for the Gump’s office facility in San Francisco. The increase in anticipated losses on the sublease arrangements for the San Francisco office space resulted from the loss of a subtenant, coupled with declining real estate values in that area of the country.

 

Selling Expenses. Selling expenses increased by $0.5$11.1 million to $100.5$102.0 million for the year ended December 25, 200431, 2005 as compared with $100.0$90.9 million in 2003. Selling2004. The increase of $11.1 million was primarily due to an increase of approximately $5.1 million in costs related to higher catalog circulation and approximately $3.6 million in higher paper costs. As a percentage of net revenues, selling expenses increaseddecreased to 24.9%25.0% of net revenues for the year ended December 25, 200431, 2005 from 24.1%25.2% in 2003. As a percentage of net revenues, this2004. This change was primarily due primarily to an increase in Internet marketinghigher response rates that more than offset the cost of higher catalog circulation and cataloghigher paper costs, partially offset by reduced circulation during 2004.costs.

 

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses decreased approximately $2.3$7.8 million to $43.2$32.6 million for the year ended December 25, 200431, 2005 from $45.5$40.4 million in 2003.2004. As a percentage of net revenues, general and administrative expenses decreased to 10.7%8.0% of net revenues for the year ended December 25, 200431, 2005 compared with 11.0%11.2% of net revenues in 2003.2004. This decrease of $2.3$7.8 million was principally due primarily to the net

impactreversal of certain items during 2004a $4.5 million (1.1% of net revenues) reserve we had established for post employment benefits for a former CEO. In addition the Company incurred lower severance and 2003, the largest of which was the higher payments for compensation continuation agreements in 2003termination costs ($1.5 million) partially offset by items such as the establishment of a reserve of $0.5 millionhigher legal and audit fees related to class action lawsuits in 2004. See “Executive Summary.”the audit committee investigation and other accounting related matters ($1.9 million).

 

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization decreased approximately $0.7$0.4 million to $4.0$2.9 million for the year ended December 25, 200431, 2005 from $4.7$3.3 million in 2003.fiscal 2004. The decrease was primarily due to property and equipment that have becomebecame fully depreciated, partially offset by the depreciation of newly purchased property and equipment.

 


Income from Operations. The Company’s income from operations increased by $9.3approximately $9.8 million to $10.7$17.1 million for the year ended December 25, 200431, 2005 from income from operations of $1.4$7.3 million in 2003.

Gain on Sale of the Improvements Business. During the year ended December 27, 2003, the Company recognized the remaining deferred gain of $1.9 million consistent with the terms of the March 27, 2003 amendment made to the asset purchase agreement relating to the sale of the Improvements business. Effective March 28, 2003, the remaining $2.0 million escrow balance was received by the Company, thus terminating the escrow agreement. See Note 4 of Notes to the consolidated financial statements.2004.

 

Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net, decreased $6.5increased $3.0 million to $5.6$8.1 million for the year ended December 25, 200431, 2005 from $12.1$5.1 million in 2003. The decrease in interest expense, net2004. This increase was primarily due to the recording of $7.6$2.3 million of Series B Preferred dividends andin higher accretion as interest expense for the year ended December 27, 2003 based upon the treatment of the Series B Preferred as a liability as a result of the implementation of SFAS 150debt discount and lower average cumulative borrowings relating$1.3 million higher cash interest payments, both related to the Wachovia Facility. In November 2003, we exchanged the Series B Preferred for the Series C Preferred,Chelsey Facility which was accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 15, “Accounting by Debtors and Creditors for Troubled Debt Restructurings.” Accordingly, the Series C Preferred was recorded at its total maximum potential cash payments including dividends and other contingent amounts, and thus no dividends or interest expense on this stock has been recorded for the year ended December 25, 2004. In addition, the decrease was due to lower amortization of deferred costs as a result of the amendments to the Wachovia Facility, which have lengthened the life of the facility and therefore the amortization period. These decreases were partially offset by increases inlower borrowings and interest expense and amortization of deferred issuance costs relating topayments under the ChelseyWachovia Facility. See Note 7 of Notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Income Taxes. The Company’s income tax provision decreased by approximately $11.1$0.2 million to $0.2$0.0 million for the year ended December 25, 200431, 2005 as compared with $11.3$0.2 million in 2003.2004. The Company had a tax loss for 2005 for federal income tax purposes and in 2004 the Company had sufficient net operating loss carryovers (“NOLs”) and its taxable income was below its §382 limit to eliminate its entire 2004 regular Federal income tax. The 2004 Federal income tax provision of $0.1 million is comprised of the Federal alternative minimum tax


(“AMT”). The Company has AMT net operating loss carryovers for which utilization is limited to a maximum of 90% of AMT taxable income. See Note 12 of Notes to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the Company’s income taxes. In addition, during the third quarter of 2003, due to a number of factors, management lowered its projections of taxable income for 2003 and 2004, which resulted in a decision to fully reserve the remaining net deferred tax asset and accordingly increased the valuation allowance by $11.3 million.

 

Preferred Stock Dividends.Gain from discontinued operations of Gump’s. ThroughOn March 14, 2005, the endCompany sold all of the second quarterstock of 2003,Gump’s to Gump’s Holdings, LLC. The Company recognized a gain of $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2005 which represented a $3.6 million gain on the sale of Gump’s net of a $0.6 million loss from Gump’s operation’s for the period December 26, 2004 through March 14, 2005. The Company recorded preferred stock dividends relating to the Series B Preferred. Upon the implementationrecognized a gain of SFAS 150 beginning in the third quarter of 2003, we were required to begin recording the preferred stock dividends as interest expense. Additionally, the Series C Preferred was recorded at the maximum amount of the liquidation preference of $72.7$3.0 million thus no preferred stock dividends were recorded. Therefore, duringfor the year ended December 25, 2004 no preferred stock dividends were recorded. See Note 8 of Notes to the consolidated financial statements for an explanation regarding the Company’s accounting treatment of the Series C Preferred.which represented Gump’s ongoing operations.

 

2003 Compared with 2002

Net Loss. The Company reported a net loss applicable to common shareholders of $28.0 million, or $1.94 basic and diluted income per share, for the year ended December 27, 2003 compared with a net loss applicable to common shareholders of $26.5 million, or $1.91 basic and diluted income per share, for the comparable period in the 2002.


The increase in net loss applicable to common shareholders was primarily the result of the following:

An increase of $7.6 million in the deferred Federal income tax provision incurred to increase the valuation allowance and fully reserve the remaining net deferred tax asset. Due to a number of factors, including the continued softness in the demand for our products, management lowered its projections of future taxable income for fiscal years 2003 and 2004. As a result of lower projections of future taxable income, the future utilization of our net operating losses were no longer “more-likely-than-not” to be achieved;

$7.6 million of additional interest expense incurred on the Series B Preferred as a result of the implementation of SFAS 150. Effective June 29, 2003, SFAS 150 required us to reclassify our Series B Preferred as a liability and reflect the accretion of the preferred stock balance as interest expense. However, this then reduced the preferred stock dividends by $7.6 million;

A favorable impact of $3.1 million due to the reduction of special charges recorded;

An unfavorable impact of $3.1 million due to Compensation Continuation Agreement costs incurred for the year ended December 27, 2003. These costs included payments made to various executives and non-employee directors of the Company;

A favorable impact of $3.6 million due to reduced legal expenses related to the ongoing litigation with Rakesh Kaul;

A favorable impact of $1.3 million due to recognition of the deferred gain related to the 2001 sale of the Company’s Improvements business; and

A favorable impact of $1.6 million due to the implementation of the revised vacation and sick benefit policy.

The increase in net loss applicable to common shareholders was partially offset by improved operating results of the Company.

Net Revenues. Net revenues decreased $42.7 million, or 9.3% for the year ended December 27, 2003 to $414.3 million from $457.0 million in 2002. The decreases were due to a number of factors including softness in the economy and demand for our products during the first six months of the year. In addition, our strategy of reducing unprofitable circulation contributed to the decline throughout the year. Circulation decreased by 5.9% from the prior year period. Internet sales accounted for 27.9% of combined Internet and catalog revenues and have improved by $20.8 million, or 24.2%, to $107.1 million from $86.3 million in 2002. Catalog sales declined by $53.7 million, or 16.3%, for the year ended December 27, 2003 to $276.9 million from $330.6 million in 2002.

Cost of Sales and Operating Expenses. Cost of sales and operating expenses decreased to 63.1% of net revenues for the year ended December 27, 2003 as compared with 63.5% of net revenues in 2002. As a percentage of net revenues, this decrease from the prior year was caused primarily by a reduction of total merchandise cost of 0.9% due to a more cost-efficient merchandise sourcing strategy. This decline was partially offset by increased product shipping costs of 0.5% related to an increase in rates charged by third party shipping companies. Fixed distribution and telemarketing costs as a percentage of net revenues were constant during 2003 and 2002.

Special Charges. In December 2000, the Company began a strategic business realignment program that resulted in the recording of special charges for severance, facility exit costs and asset write-offs. Special charges recorded in 2003 and 2002 relating to the strategic business realignment program were $1.3 million and $4.4 million, respectively. The actions related to the strategic business realignment program were taken in an effort to direct our resources primarily towards a loss reduction strategy and a return to profitability.

In the first quarter of 2003, special charges were recorded in the amount of $0.3 million. These charges consisted primarily of additional severance costs associated with our strategic business realignment program. During the second, third and fourth quarters of 2003, we recorded special charges of $0.2 million, $0.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively. These charges were incurred primarily to revise estimated losses related to sublease arrangements for the Gump’s office facility in San Francisco, California. For 2002, $4.4 million of special charges were recorded relating to the strategic business realignment program. These costs consisted of approximately $1.8 million in severance costs and $2.6 million in facility lease and exit costs.


Selling Expenses. Selling expenses decreased $5.5 million to $100.0 million for the year ended December 27, 2003 from $105.5 million in 2002. Selling expenses increased to 24.1% of net revenues for the year ended December 27, 2003 from 23.1% for the comparable period in 2002. This increase was due primarily to a combined increase of 1.1% in postage, catalog preparation and printing costs, which was partially offset by a 0.1% decline in paper prices.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses decreased by $7.8 million to $45.5 million for the year ended December 27, 2003 from $53.3 million in 2002. This decrease was primarily due to reductions in incentive compensation programs of $3.5 million, a reduction of legal costs of $3.0 million which had been incurred in the prior year and related to litigation pertaining to the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer, benefits recognized from the implementation of our new vacation and sick policy of $0.8 million, and other payroll related cost reductions.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization decreased to 1.1% of net revenues for the year ended December 27, 2003 from 1.2% in 2002. The decrease was primarily due to capital expenditures that have become fully amortized, partially offset by the depreciation of newly purchased property and equipment.

Income from Operations. The Company’s income from operations increased $3.6 million to $1.4 million for the year ended December 27, 2003 from a loss of $2.2 million in 2002. The increase was principally due to reductions in special charges, general and administrative expenses, and depreciation and amortization, which were partially offset by increased costs in selling expenses.

Gain on Sale of the Improvements Business. During 2003, the Company recognized the remaining approximately $1.9 million of deferred gain consistent with the terms of the escrow agreement relating to the Improvements sale. Effective March 28, 2003, the remaining $2.0 million escrow balance was received by the Company, thus terminating the agreement (see Note 4 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements).

Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net increased $6.6 million to $12.1 million for the year ended December 27, 2003 from $5.5 million in 2002. The increase in interest expense was due to the recording of $7.6 million of Series B Preferred dividends and accretion as interest expense based upon the implementation of SFAS 150. Effective June 29, 2003, SFAS 150 required us to reclassify our Series B Preferred as a liability and reflect the accretion as interest expense. The increase in interest expense was partially offset by a decrease in amortization of deferred financing costs relating to our amendments to the Wachovia Facility, which lengthened the facility.

Income Taxes. The Company’s income tax provision increased by approximately $7.5 million to $11.3 million for the year ended December 27, 2003 as compared with $3.8 million in 2002. During the year ended December 27, 2003, the Company made a decision to fully reserve the remaining net deferred tax asset by increasing the valuation allowance by recording a $11.3 million deferred Federal income tax provision as compared with a $3.7 million provision incurred in 2002. During the quarter ended September 27, 2003, management lowered its projections of future taxable income for 2003 and 2004 due to a number of factors, including the continued softness in the demand for our products at that time and the impact of the May 19, 2003 change in control (see Note 12 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements). Partially offsetting this $7.6 million increase was a $0.1 million decrease in the provision for state income taxes for the year ended December 27, 2003.

Preferred Stock Dividends. Preferred stock dividends decreased by approximately $7.7 million to $7.9 million for the year ended December 27, 2003 as compared with $15.6 million in 2002. Through the end of the second quarter of 2003, the Company recorded Preferred stock dividends relating to the Series B Preferred, however, upon the implementation of SFAS 150 beginning in the third quarter of 2003, we were required to begin recording the preferred stock dividends as interest expense. Additionally, the Series C Preferred, which was exchanged on November 30, 2003 for the Series B Preferred, was recorded at the maximum amount of the liquidation preference of $72.7 million, thus no preferred stock dividends were recorded.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Overview

 

By the end of 2004, the Company’s liquidity significantly improved as compared with its position at the end of 2003. Our working capital at December 25, 2004 was $10.6 million, as compared with a working capital deficit of $10.4borrowings under our Wachovia revolving loan facility have increased from $8.1 million at December 27, 2003. As a result of securing the $20.031, 2005 to $10.9 million Chelsey Facility on July 8, 2004 and concurrently amending the terms of the Wachovia Facility, our liquidity increased by approximately $25.0 million. The additional working capital has provided us the ability to restore inventory to more adequate levels in order to more effectively fulfill demand, reduce existing backorder levels, and increase initial customer order fill rates. In addition, the funding has eliminated substantially all vendor restrictions involving our credit arrangements. With lower than expected inventory levels in the fourth quarter of 2003 and the interruptions in the flow of merchandise, which prevented inventories from reaching adequate levels in the first half of 2004, we experienced a significant negative impact on revenues and cash flow in the first half of 2004. These lower inventory levels resulted in large part from tighter vendor credit and borrowing restrictions under our Wachovia Facility. This had a compounding effect on the business as a whole; lower levels of inventory reduced the amount of the financing available under the Wachovia Facility as well as the ability to meet customer demand, which resulted in a significant increase in our backorder position and cancellation of customer orders. During the second quarter of 2004, management determined that this inventory position was not sustainable for the long term, as we were experiencing a significant negative impact on second quarter net revenues due to the decreased inventory levels. Management’s primary objective became the formulation and execution of a plan to address the liquidity issue facing the Company. After reviewing available alternatives, the Company entered into the Chelsey Facility and concurrently negotiated an amendment of the terms of the Wachovia Facility.at December 30, 2006.

 

Net cash usedprovided by operating activities. For the year ended December 25, 2004,30, 2006, net cash usedprovided by operating activities was $17.3$3.0 million. This was due primarily to increased inventory levels, payments to vendors to reduce accounts payable and increases inreceipts on accounts receivable and prepaid catalog costs. These uses of cash wereincreased accrued liabilities, partially offset by $13.0 million of operating cash provided by net income, when adjusted for depreciation, amortization, special chargesincreases in inventory positions and other non cash items.declines in customer prepayments and credits.

 

Net cash used by investing activities. For the year ended December 25, 2004,30, 2006, net cash used by investing activities was $0.8 million. This amount comprised$3.9 million for capital expenditures, consisting primarily of purchases and upgrades to various information technology hardware and software and other miscellaneous equipment throughout the Company and purchases of equipment for the Company’s Lacrosse, Wisconsin and Roanoke, Virginia locations.Company.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities. For the year ended December 25, 2004,30, 2006, net cash provided by financing activities was $16.3$0.8 million, which was primarily due to the receiptnet borrowings of $20.0 million from the Chelsey Facility and a $0.3 million refund relating to withholding taxes remitted on behalf of Richemont Finance S.A. for estimated taxes due related to the Series B Preferred. These receipts were partially offset by net payments of $2.1$0.8 million under the Wachovia Facility, debt issuance costs of $1.2 million relating to the Chelsey Facility transaction and the amendment ofFacility.

Financing Activities

We have two credit facilities: the Wachovia Facility and payments of $0.7 million for obligations under capital leases.

Financing Activities

the Chelsey Facility provided by Chelsey Finance. The Wachovia Facility. Wachovia and the Company are partiesFacility is provided pursuant to a Loan and Security Agreement dated November 14, 1995 (as amended by the First through Thirty-FourthThirty-Seventh Amendments, the “Wachovia Loan Agreement”) pursuant to which Wachovia provided the Company with the Wachovia Facility which has included, since inception, one or more term loans and a $34.5 million revolving credit facility (“Revolver”). The Wachovia Facility expires on July 8, 2007.

Prior The Chelsey Facility is a $20.0 million junior secured credit facility and originally had a three-year term that expires on July 8, 2007. Pursuant to obtaininga March 6, 2007 letter agreement, the maturity date of the Chelsey Facility therewas extended to January 2, 2008. There were two term loans outstanding,no fees paid in connection with this letter agreement. We do not have the ability to pay off the Wachovia Facility and we must either secure Wachovia’s agreement to extend the maturity date of the Wachovia Facility or find replacement financing, among other alternatives.

Currently, the Wachovia facility has a Tranche A and Tranche B, under the Wachovia Facility. The Tranche B term loan hadoutstanding which has a principal balance of approximately $4.9$1.0 million and boreas of December 30, 2006, all of which is classified as short term on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Prior to the reduction in interest at 13% whenrates provided for in the Company used a portion ofThirty-Fifth Amendment, the proceeds of the Chelsey Facility to repay this loan on July 8, 2004. The Tranche A term loan had a principal balance of approximately $5.0 million as of December 25, 2004, of which approximately $2.0 million was classified as short term and approximately $3.0 million was classified as long term on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Tranche A term loan bearsbore interest at 0.5% over the Wachovia prime rate and requiresrequired monthly principal payments of approximately $166,000. The interest rate on the Tranche A term loan, as provided for in the Thirty-Fifth Amendment, is the Wachovia prime rate or the Eurodollar rate plus 2%. As of December 30, 2006, the interest rate on the Tranche A term loan was 7.35%.


 

The Revolver has a maximum loan limit of $34.5 million, subject to inventory and accounts receivable sublimits, that limit the credit available to the Company’s subsidiaries, thatwhich are borrowers under the Revolver. The interest rate on the Revolver, as provided for in the Thirty-Fifth Amendment, is currently 0.5% over the Wachovia prime rate.rate or the Eurodollar rate plus 2%. As of December 25, 2004,30, 2006, the weighted average interest rate on the Revolver was 5.5%8.01%.

 

The Wachovia Facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and contains certain restrictive covenants, including a restriction against the incurrence of additional indebtedness and the payment of Common Stock dividends. In addition, all of the real estate owned by the Company is subject to a mortgage in favor of Wachovia and a second mortgage in favor of Chelsey Finance. The Wachovia Loan Agreement contains affirmative and negative covenants typical for loan agreements for asset-based lending of this type including financial covenants requiring the Company to maintain specified levels of Consolidated Net Worth, Consolidated Working Capital and EBITDA, as those terms are defined in the Wachovia Loan Agreement.

Due to, among other things, the restatements which resulted in the Company violating several financial covenants and the Company’s inability to timely file its periodic reports with the SEC, As of December 30, 2006, the Company was in technical default under the Wachoviarequired to maintain Consolidated Working Capital of not less than $8.0 million and Chelsey Facilities. The Company has obtained waivers from both Wachovia and Chelsey Finance for such defaults.

2004 Amendments to Wachovia Loan Agreement. On March 25, 2004, the Company and Wachovia amended the Wachovia Loan Agreement to adjust the levels of Consolidated Net Worth of not less than ($37.0 million) and Consolidated Working Capitalnot permit Cumulative Minimum EBITDA for the twelve months ended December 30, 2006 to fall below $6.0 million. The Company was in compliance with its financial covenants as definedof December 30, 2006. Were it not in compliance with one or more of these covenants, Wachovia would have the agreement, that the Company must maintain during each month commencing January 2004, and amend the EBITDA covenantright, among other remedies, to specify minimum levels of EBITDA that the Company must achieve on a quarterly basis during 2004, 2005 and 2006. In addition, the definition of “Event of Default” was amended by changing an Event of Default from the occurrence of a material adverse change in the business, assets, liabilities or conditionrequire immediate repayment of the Company and its subsidiaries to the occurrence of certain specific events such as a decrease in consolidated net revenues beyond certain specified levels or aging of inventory or accounts payable beyond certain specified levels.

Concurrent with the closing of the Chelsey Facility on July 8, 2004, the Company and Wachovia amended the Wachovia Loan Agreement in several respects including: (1) releasing certain existing availability reserves and removing the excess loan availability covenant, which increased the Company’s availability by approximately $10.0 million, (2) reducing the amount of the maximum credit, the revolving loan limit and the inventory and accounts sublimits of the borrowers, and (3) permitting Chelsey Finance to have a junior secured lien on the Company’s assets. In addition, Wachovia consented to (a) the Company’s issuance to Chelsey Finance of the Common Stock Warrant and the Common Stock as described below, (b) the proposed reverse stock split of the Common Stock and the Company making cash payments to repurchase fractional shares, (c) certain amendments to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, and (d) the issuance by the Company of Common Stock to Chelsey as payment of a waiver fee. The Company paid Wachovia a $400,000 fee in connection with this amendment. This fee was recorded as a deferred charge on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and is being amortized over the three-year term of the amended Wachovia Facility.

 

20052006 Amendments to Wachovia Loan Agreement. AgreementOn March 14, 2005, Wachovia consentedThe Thirty-Fifth Amendment to the sale of Gump’s and Gump’s By Mail. On March 11, 2005 the Wachovia Loan Agreement, was amendedwhich took effect March 28, 2006, reduced the interest rate by 0.5% on the Wachovia Facility to temporarily increase the amountWachovia prime rate plus 0% or the Eurodollar rate plus 2%, eliminated the annual Revolver fee, reduced the required minimum levels of letters of credit thatEBITDA covenant and consented to certain transactions between the Company could issue from $10.0 million to $13.0 million through June 30, 2005. The CompanyCompany’s subsidiaries. There were no fees paid Wachovia a $25,000 fee in connection with this amendment.

 

Effective July 29, 2005August 10, 2006, the Company and Wachovia amendedentered into the Thirty-Sixth Amendment to the Wachovia Loan Agreement (“Thirty-Fourth Amendment”) to providewhich reduced the terms under whichrequired minimum levels of EBITDA covenant for the third and fourth fiscal quarters of 2006. There were no fees paid in


connection with this amendment.

Effective November 8, 2006, the Company could enterand Wachovia entered into the World Financial Network National Bank (“WFNNB”) Credit CardThirty-Seventh Amendment to the Wachovia Loan Agreement which among other things, prohibitsreduced the userequired minimum levels of EBITDA covenant for the proceedsfourth fiscal quarter of 2006 and the Wachovia Facility to repurchase private labelfirst and co-brand accounts created under the WFNNB Credit Card Agreement should the Company become obligated to do so, prohibits the Company from terminating the WFNNB Credit Card Agreement without Wachovia’s consent and restricts the Company from borrowing on receivables generated under the WFNNB Credit Card Agreement. The amendment also waives enumerated defaults, resets the financial covenants, reallocates the availability that was previously allocated to Gump’s among other Company subsidiaries and, retroactive to June 30, 2005, increases the amountsecond fiscal quarters of letter of credits that the Company can issue to $15.0 million. The Company2007. There were no fees paid Wachovia a $60,000 fee in connection with this amendment.

 

On July 29, 2005March 28, 2006, and August 10, 2006 and November 8, 2006, the Company and Chelsey Finance entered into a similar amendmentamendments of the Chelsey Facility.


Facility, which reduced the required minimum levels of the EBITDA certain financial covenant targets and consented to certain transactions. There were no fees paid in connection with these amendments.

 

Based on the provisionsThere were $9.4 million in letters of EITF 95-22, “Balance Sheet Classificationcredit outstanding as of Borrowings OutstandingDecember 30, 2006 under Revolving Credit Agreements that Include Both a Subjective Acceleration Clause and a Lock-Box Arrangement,” and certain provisions in the Wachovia Loan Agreement, the Company is required to classify its Revolver as short-term debt.

Facility. Remaining availability under the Wachovia Facility was $14.0 million and the interest rate was 5.5% as of December 25, 2004.$9.6 million.

 

Chelsey Facility. On July 8, 2004, the Company closed on theThe Chelsey Facility theis a $20.0 million junior secured credit facility with Chelsey Finance that was initially recorded net of a debt discount at $7.1 million, at issuance.net of an un-accreted debt discount of $12.9 million related to the common stock warrant discussed below. The Chelsey Facility hasoriginally had a three-year term subjectthat matured on July 8, 2007, the same date as the Wachovia Facility. Pursuant to earliera March 6, 2007 letter agreement, the maturity upondate was extended until January 2, 2008. The amendment also established EBITDA covenants for the occurrencethird and fourth quarters of fiscal 2007 of $1.8 million and $4.7 million, respectively. There were no fees paid in connection with this letter agreement.

The Chelsey Facility requires interest only payments and has a change in control or sale of the Company (as defined), and carries anstated interest rate of 5.0%5% above the prime rate publicly announced by Wachovia. The financial and non-financial covenants contained in the Chelsey Facility mirror those in the Wachovia Facility except that the quantitative measures for the consolidated working capital and EBITDA covenants are 10.0% less restrictive and the consolidated net worth covenant is 5.0% less restrictive than the comparable financial covenants in the Wachovia Facility. The Chelsey Facility is secured by a second priority lien on substantially all of the assets of the Company. The Chelsey Facility contains a cross default provision under which a default under the Wachovia Facility would also be a default under the Chelsey Facility. As part of this transaction, Chelsey Finance entered into an intercreditor and subordination agreement with Wachovia.

As of December 30, 2006 and taking into account the amendments to the Chelsey Facility executed during 2006 and noted above, the Company was required to maintain Consolidated Working Capital of not less than $7.2 million and Consolidated Net Worth of not less than ($38.9 million) and not permit its Cumulative Minimum EBITDA for the twelve months ending December 30, 2006 to fall below $5.4 million under the Chelsey Facility. The Company was in compliance with its financial covenants as of December 30, 2006. Were it not in compliance with one or more of the covenants, subject to certain limitations contained in an intercreditor agreement between Wachovia and Chelsey under which Chelsey’s rights and remedies are subordinate and junior to those of Wachovia, Chelsey would have the right, among other remedies to require immediate repayment of the Chelsey Facility after the Wachovia facility was repaid in full. At December 25, 2004,30, 2006, the amount recorded as long-term debt on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet is $8.2was $16.3 million, net of the un-accreted debt discount of $11.8$3.7 million.

Under the original terms of the Chelsey Facility, the Company was obligated to make payments of principal of up to the full outstanding amount of the Chelsey Facility in each quarter, provided, among other things that: (1) the aggregate amount of availability under the Wachovia Facility is at least $7.0 million, (2) the cumulative EBITDA for the four fiscal quarters immediately preceding the quarter in which the payment is made is at least $14.0 million, and (3) the aggregate amount of principal prepayments is no more than $2.0 million in any quarter. Subsequent to the closing of the Chelsey Facility, the Company and Chelsey Finance amended the Chelsey Facility to provide that the Company was not obligated to make principal payments prior to July 8, 2007, except in the event of a change in control or sale of the Company. This resulted in the recorded amount of the Chelsey Facility plus the accreted cost of the debt discount (as described below) being classified as long term on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 25, 2004.

 

In consideration for providing the Chelsey Facility to the Company, Chelsey Finance received a closing fee of $200,000$0.2 million and a warrant (the “Common Stock Warrant”) valued at $12.9 million, exercisable immediately and for a period of ten years to purchase 30.0% of the fully diluted shares of Common Stock of the Company (equal to 10,259,366 shares of Common Stock) at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. The closing fee of $200,000 was recorded as a deferred charge within Other Assets on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and is being amortized over the three-year term of the Chelsey Facility. Because the issuance of the Common Stock Warrant was subject to shareholder approval, the Company initially issued a warrant to Chelsey Finance to purchase newly-issued Series D Participating Preferred Stock (“Series D Preferred”) that was automatically exchanged for the Common Stock Warrant on September 23, 2004 following receipt of shareholder approval. See Note 7 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for further information on the Chelsey Facility and the Common Stock Warrant.

 

As noted above, we do not have the ability to pay off the Wachovia Facility when it matures in July 2007 and consequently, we must either secure Wachovia’s agreement to extend the maturity date of the Wachovia Facility or find replacement financing. Management has had preliminary discussions with Wachovia and based on those discussions and in light of Chelsey’s agreement to extend the maturity date of the Chelsey Facility until January 2, 2008, management believes that Wachovia will agree to extend the maturity date of its facility or provide a new facility with a maturity date beyond the end of fiscal 2007 or the Company will be able to find replacement financing, among other alternatives. Based on the forgoing management believes that the Company will have sufficient liquidity and availability under its credit agreements to fund its planned operations through at least January 2, 2008. See “Risk Factors” in Item 1A above for the risks associated with the Company’s need for financing.

Other Activities  

Consolidation of New Jersey Office Facilities. The Company entered into a 10-year extension of the lease for its Weehawken, New Jersey premises and has relocated its executive offices to that facility in 2005. We consolidated all of our New Jersey operations into the Weehawken facility when the Edgewater, New Jersey facility closed upon the expiration of the lease on May 31, 2005.

Consolidation of Men’s Apparel Business. The Company decided on November 9, 2004 to relocate and consolidate all functions of International Male and Undergear from San Diego, California to Weehawken, New Jersey by February 28, 2005. The decision was prompted by the business need to consolidate operations, reduce costs and leverage its catalog expertise in New Jersey. We accrued $0.9 million in severance and related costs during the fourth quarter of 2004 associated with the elimination of 32 California-based full-time equivalent positions. The payment of these costs began in February 2005 and continued through August 2005.


Since the relocation and consolidation of the Men’s apparel catalogs, the transition has negatively impacted the performance of the Men’s apparel catalogs in 2005.

The projected annual savings from the consolidation of the San Diego, California and the Edgewater, New Jersey facilities into the Weehawken, New Jersey facility is approximately $2.1 million, however with this relocation and consolidation, the transition has negatively impacted the performance of the Men’s Apparel catalogs in 2005.

Consolidation of Fulfillment Centers. On June 30, 2004 the Company announced plans to consolidate the operations of the LaCrosse, Wisconsin fulfillment center and storage facility into the Roanoke, Virginia fulfillment center by June 30, 2005. The LaCrosse fulfillment center and the LaCrosse storage facility were closed in June 2005 and August 2005 upon the expiration of their respective leases. The plan to consolidate operations was prompted by excess capacity at the Roanoke facility and the lack of sufficient warehouse space in the leased Wisconsin facilities to support the growth of The Company Store and reduce the overall cost structure of the Company. The Company substantially completed the consolidation into the Roanoke, Virginia fulfillment center by the end of June 2005. Since the consolidation of our fulfillment centers, our Roanoke fulfillment center has experienced lower productivity that has negatively impacted fulfillment costs and the Company’s overall performance. We accrued $0.5 million in severance and related costs and incurred $0.2 million of facility exit costs during 2004 associated with the consolidation of the LaCrosse operations and the elimination of 149 full and part-time positions. The payment of these costs began in January 2005 and is expected to continue into the fourth quarter of 2005.

Pursuant to and in conjunction with the above actions to reduce overhead costs, the Company eliminated an additional 15 full-time positions Company-wide, for which we accrued $0.3 million in severance and related costs during the fourth quarter of 2004.

Sale of Improvements Business. On March 27, 2003, the Company and HSN, a division of USA Networks, Inc.’s Interactive Group and purchaser of certain assets and liabilities of the Company’s Improvements business on June 29, 2001, amended the asset purchase agreement to provide for the release of the remaining $2.0 million balance of the escrow fund and to terminate the escrow agreement. The asset purchase agreement had provided that if Keystone failed to perform its obligations during the first two years of the services contract, HSN could receive a reduction in the original purchase price of up to $2.0 million. By agreeing to the terms of the amendment, HSN forfeited its ability to receive a reduction in the original purchase price. In consideration for the release, Keystone issued a credit to HSN for $100,000, which could be applied by HSN against any invoices of Keystone to HSN. This credit was utilized by HSN in March 2003. On March 28, 2003, the remaining $2.0 million escrow balance was received by the Company, thus terminating the escrow agreement.

During 2002, the Company recognized approximately $0.6 million of the deferred gain consistent with the terms of the escrow agreement. Proceeds related to the deferred gain were received on July 2, 2002 and December 30, 2002 for $0.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively. We recognized the remaining net deferred gain of $1.9 million upon the receipt of the escrow balance on March 28, 2003. This gain was reported net of the costs incurred to provide the credit to HSN of approximately $0.1 million.

 

Delisting of Common Stock. The Common StockCompany’s common stock was delistedformally suspended from the AMEX on February 16, 2005 ultimately because of the Restatement that prevented us from filing our Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 25, 2004, a condition of continued AMEX listing. Trading in our Common Stocktrading on the AMEX was halted on November 16, 2004 and formally suspendedAmerican Stock Exchange (the “AMEX”) on February 2, 2005.

Initially2005 as a result of the Company was notified byCompany’s inability to comply with the AMEX on May 21, 2004 that the Company was not in compliance with theAMEX’s continued listing standards as set forth in Part 10 of the AMEX’s Company Guideand because of insufficient shareholders equity and a series of losses from continuing operations. The Company submitted a plan to the AMEX to regain compliance with the continued listing standards which the AMEX accepted and granted the Company an extension until November 21, 2005 to regain compliance with the continued listing standards. Because the Company coulddid not file on a timely filebasis its Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 25, 2004 a condition forwhich in turn was attributable to the Company’s continuedRestatement. The Common Stock was removed from listing and registration on the AMEX the AMEX began the delisting proceedings that culminated in theeffective February 16, 2005 delisting.

2005. Current trading information about the Company’s Common Stockcommon stock can be obtained from the Pink Sheets (www.pinksheets.com) under the trading symbol HNVD.PK.


 

General. At December 25, 2004,30, 2006, the Company had $0.5$0.1 million in cash and cash equivalents compared with $2.3$0.3 million at December 27, 2003.31, 2005. Working capital and current ratio at December 25, 200430, 2006 were $10.6$22.6 million and 1.131.36 to 1, respectively.respectively, compared with $26.0 million and 1.42 to 1, respectively at December 31, 2005. Total recorded borrowings, net of the un-accreted debt discount of $11.8$3.7 million and the Series C


Preferred, as of December 25, 2004,30, 2006, aggregated $27.9$28.5 million, $11.2$16.6 million of which is classified as long term. Remaining availability under the Revolver as of December 25, 200430, 2006 was $14.0$9.6 million.

 

At December 25, 2004,30, 2006, the aggregate annual principal payments required on debt instruments (including capital lease obligations) are as follows (in thousands): 2005 — $16,690; 2006 — $2,039; 2007 — $20,998.$11,946; 2008 — $20,067; 2009 — $65; 2010 — $65; 2011 — $47

 

Management believes that the Company has sufficient liquidity and availability under its credit agreements to fund its planned operations through at least the next twelve months. See “Risk Factors” below.

Use of Estimates and Other Critical Accounting Policies

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the period. Significant accounting policies employed by the Company, including the use of estimates, are presented in the Notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

Critical accounting policies are those that are most important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, and require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. The Company’s most critical accounting policies, discussed below, pertain to revenue recognition, inventory valuation, catalog costs, reserves related to the Company’s strategic business realignment program and other accrued liabilities reserves related to employee health, welfare and benefit plans, and the net deferred tax asset.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Direct Commerce The Company recognizes revenue for catalog and Internet sales at the time merchandise is received by the customer, net of estimated returns. Delivery and service charges billed to customers are also recognized as revenue at the time merchandise is received by the customer. The Company’s revenue recognition policy includes the use of estimates for the time period between shipment of merchandise by the Company and receipt of merchandise by the customer and the future amount of returns to be received on the current period’s sales. These estimates of future returns are determined using historical measures including the amount of time between the shipment of a product and its return, the overall rate of return, and the average product margin associated with the returned products. The Company’s total returns reserve at the end of 20042006 and 20032005 was $2.0 million. For the year ended December 25, 2004, the$3.0 million and $2.2 million, respectively. The Company’s return rate decreased 0.6% to 10.5% from 11.1% in 2003. A contributing factor to this decreaseat the end of 2006 and 2005 was the modification of our return policy in October 2003, which previously allowed unlimited returns, to limit returns to a maximum of 90 days after the sale of the merchandise.11.6% and 10.8%, respectively.

 

Membership Services— Customers may purchase memberships in a number of the Company’s Buyers’ Club programs for an annual fee. For memberships purchased during the following periods, certain of the Buyers’ Club programs contained a guarantee that the customer would receive discounts or savings, at least equal to the cost of his or her membership or the Company would refund the difference with a merchandise credit at the end of the membership period: Silhouettes from July 1998 through March 2004; Domestications from April 2002 through March 2004; and Men’s Apparel from April 2003 through March 2004. For memberships purchased during the periods in which the Buyers’ Club memberships contained a guarantee, revenue net of actual cancellations was recognized on a monthly basis over the membership period subsequent to the end of the thirty-day cancellation period, with the revenue recognized equal to the lesser of the cumulative amount determined using the straight-line method or the actual benefit received by each customer as of the end of each period. For the Buyers’ Club memberships that did not contain a guarantee, revenue net of actual cancellations was recognized on a monthly basis over the membership period subsequent to the end of the thirty-day cancellation period, using the straight-line method.

We receive commissionalso recognize revenue related to our solicitation of the Vertrue membership programs. Until March 21, 2006, we marketed membership programs under an agreement with MemberWorks, Incorporated (now known as “Adaptive Marketing”). The Company receivesreceived a monthly commission based on the number of memberships sold with additional revenue recognized if certain program performance levels are attained for each fiscal year. Through May 2003,The additional revenue was not recognized until the performance level was attained. We continue to receive renewal income from these memberships. After the expiration of the agreement with Adaptive Marketing, we receivedbegan offering membership programs provided by Encore Marketing International (“Encore”) under a two year agreement. Under our agreement with Encore, we were paid a commission for each customer who places an order for a membership program and a renewal commission for each member who is still a member at the end of the member’s then current membership year. By mutual agreement, this contract was terminated in October 2006 and the Company entered into an arrangement with United Marketing Group (“UMG”) to sell membership programs on a wholesale basis. Revenue associated with these memberships is recognized by the Company on a pro-rata basis over the membership period as the customers’ right to refund expires, in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin 104, “Revenue Recognition”. Expenses associated with these wholesale memberships are expensed as incurred with the exception of certain deferred direct responsive advertising expenses, which are amortized over the future benefit period in accordance with American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position 93-7, “Reporting on Advertising Costs”.

 


commission revenue from the Magazine Direct magazine subscription program. The commission revenue we recognized for the Magazine Direct magazine program was on a per-solicitation basis according to the number of solicitations made, with additional revenue recognized if the customer accepted the solicitation. Collectively, the amount of revenues the Company received from these sources was $10.3$14.9 million, or 2.5%3.6% of net revenues, $9.3$14.3 million, or 2.2%3.5% of net revenues, and $10.3 million, or 2.2%2.8% of net revenues forin 2006, 2005 and 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. In May 2003, we discontinued our solicitation of the Magazine Direct program.

 

Inventory Valuation — The Company’s inventory valuation policy includes the use of estimates regarding the future loss on in-transit and on-hand inventory that will be sold at a price less than the cost of the inventory (inventory write-downs), plus the amount of freight-in expense associated with the inventory on-hand (capitalized freight). These amounts are included in Inventories, as recorded on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our inventory write-downs are determined for each individual catalog using the estimated amount of overstock inventory that will need to be sold below cost and an estimate of the method of liquidating this inventory (each method generates a different


level of cost recovery). Any incremental gross margin that would result in inventory being sold at a higher amount after a write-down is recorded is not realized until that inventory is ultimately sold. The estimated amount of overstock inventory is determined using current and historical sales trends for each category of inventory as well as the content of future merchandise offers that will be produced by the Company. An estimate of the percentage of freight-in expense associated with each dollar of inventory received is used in calculating the amount of freight-in expense to include in our inventory value. Different percentage estimates are developed for each catalog and for inventory purchased from foreign and domestic sources. The estimates used to determine our inventory valuation affect the balance of Inventories on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and Cost of sales and operating expenses on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).

 

Prepaid Catalog Costs Prepaid catalog costs consist of direct response advertising costs related to catalog production and mailing. In accordance with Statement of Position 93-7, “Reporting on Advertising Costs,” catalogthese costs are deferred and amortized as selling expenses over the estimated period in which the sales related to such advertising are generated. An estimate of the future sales dollars to be generated from each individual catalog drop is used in the implementation of the Company’s catalog cost amortization policy. The estimate of future sales is calculated for each catalog drop using historical trends for similar catalog drops mailed in prior periods as well as the overall current sales trend for the catalog. On a monthly basis, this estimate is evaluated and adjusted as necessary and then is compared with the actual sales generated to-date for the catalog drop to determine the percentage of total catalog costs to be classified as prepaid catalog costs on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The costs for each catalog drop are completely amortized, regardless of actual sales generated by the catalog drop, when the catalog has been in circulation for no more than six months ormonths. Total selling expenses which includes both the amountamortization of catalog costs and other advertising expenses in the costs remaining to be amortized decreases below 3.0%Company’s Consolidated Statements of the catalog drop’s total cost. OurIncome (Loss) was $112.3 million, $102.0 million and $90.9 million for 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Prepaid catalog costs at the end of 2004, 20032006 and 20022005 were $15.6 million, $12.5$17.5 million and $14.3$17.6 million, respectively. Prepaid catalog costs on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Selling expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) are affected by these estimates.

 

Reserves related to the Company’s strategic business realignment program and other Accrued Liabilities — Generally, the Company records severance in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement No. 112, “Employers’ Accounting for Postemployment Benefits,” (“SFAS 112”) and reserves for leased properties were accounted in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force No. 94-3 (“EITF 94-3”), “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits & Other Costs to Exit an Activity (Including Certain Costs Incurred in Restructuring).” The Company has not recorded any reserves under FASB Statement No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities”. The reserves established by the Company related to its strategic business realignment program include employee severance and related costs, facility exit costs and estimates primarily associated with the potential subleasing of leased properties that have been vacated by the Company. Subsequent to December 25, 2004,On March 14, 2005, the Gump’s business was sold as described in Part I of this Form 10-K.Note 4. The overall reserves for leased properties that have been vacated by the Company are developed using estimates that include the potential ability to sublet leased but unoccupied properties, the length of time needed to obtain suitable tenants and the amount of rent to be received for the sublet. Real estate broker representations regarding current and future market conditions are sometimes used in estimating these items. Accrued liabilities and Other Non-current liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and Special charges on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) are impacted by these estimates. See Note 5 and Note 6 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

The most significant estimates involved in evaluating our accrued liabilities are used in the determination of the accrual for legal liabilities or those liabilities that will be resolved through litigation. We accrue for potential litigation losses when management determines that it is probable that an unfavorable outcome will result and the loss is reasonably estimable. Our policy is to accrue an amount equal to the estimated potential loss and associated legal


fees. For the year ended December 30, 2000, the Company used estimates to determine the liability related to Rakesh Kaul’s claims regarding benefits as a result of his resignation on December 5, 2000. As part of the Restatement, the Company corrected two accounting errors related to the Rakesh Kaul liability. The first error identified was the premature reversal of the reserve in the fourth quarter of 2003 based upon the summary judgment decision in January 2004. As noted above, this decision could be, and subsequently was, appealed. Due to this fact, management has now determined that the reversal was premature. The second error identified was the accounting for legal fees associated with litigating this claim. Due to the fact that the Kaul reserve was recorded prior to the initiation of litigation, the Company has determined that the appropriate basis of accounting for the legal fees related to the litigation would have been to treat such fees as period costs and, therefore, expensed as incurred. However, the Company had inappropriately recorded certain of these fees against the reserve as opposed to recording them as an expense in the income statement. See Note 2 of Notes to the consolidated financial statements for additional information pertaining to this restatement adjustment. In addition, the Company recorded a $0.5 million reserve during the third quarter of 2004 for estimated costs associated with the Class Action Lawsuits the Company is currently litigating. See Note 15 of Notes to the consolidated financial statements for additional information pertaining to this reserve.

Reserves related to employee health, welfare and benefit plans — The Company maintains a self-insurance program related to losses and liabilities associated with employee health and welfare claims. Stop-loss coverage is held on both an aggregate and individual claim basis thereby limiting the amount of losses we will experience. Losses are accrued based upon estimates of the aggregate liability for claims incurred using our experience patterns. General and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss) and Accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are affected by these estimates. At December 25, 2004 and December 27, 2003, the Company had an accrued liability recorded in the amount of $0.6 million.

 

Deferred Tax Asset - In determining the Company’s net deferred tax asset (gross deferred tax asset net of a valuation allowance and the deferred tax liability), projections concerning the future utilization of the Company’s net operating loss carryforwards are employed. These projections involve evaluations of our future operating plans and ability to generate taxable income, as well as future economic conditions and our future competitive environment. For the year ended December 27, 2003, the carrying value of the deferred tax asset was adjusted based on a reassessment of the Company’s ability to utilize certain net operating losses prior to their expiration and our history of losses. The deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and the Provision for deferred income taxes on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) are impacted by these projections.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

On March 31, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 03-6 (“EITF 03-6”), “Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FASB Statement No. 128.” SFAS 128 defines earnings per share (“EPS”) as “the amount of earnings attributable to each share of common stock” and indicates that the objective of EPS is to measure the performance of an entity over the reporting period. SFAS 128 addresses conditions under which a participating security requires the use of the two-class method of computing EPS. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that treats a participating security as having rights to earnings that otherwise would have been available to common shareholders, but does not require the presentation of basic and diluted EPS for securities other than common stock. The Company’s Series C Preferred is a participating security and, therefore, we calculate EPS utilizing the two-class method, however, have chosen not to present basic and diluted EPS for its preferred stock.

In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs, an Amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4” (“SFAS 151”), which clarifies the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and spoilage. We are required to adoptThe Company has adopted the provisions of SFAS 151 effective January 1, 2006; however, early2006 and such adoption is permitted. We are currently indid not have a material effect on the processCompany’s results of determiningoperations or financial position for the impact of the adoption of this Statement on our financial statements.fiscal 2006.

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R, “Share Based Payment” (“SFAS 123R”). SFAS 123R requires measurement and recording of compensation expense for all employee share-based compensation awards using a fair value method. The Company currently accounts for its stock-based compensation to employees using the


fair value-based methodology under SFAS 123. We are currently assessingThe Company has adopted the impactprovisions of SFAS 123R effective January 1, 2006 and such adoption did not have a material effect on the adoptionCompany’s results of this Statement.operations or financial position for the fiscal 2006. See Note 14 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures for SFAS 123R.

 

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Correction”Corrections” (“SFAS 154”), which changes the requirements for the accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle. We areThe Company is required to adopt the provisions of SFAS 154 effective January 1, 2006; however, early adoption is permitted.2006. The Company has adopted the provisions of SFAS 154 and such adoption did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position for the fiscal 2006.

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. We are currently assessingreviewing this new standard to determine its effects, if any, on our results of operations or financial position.

In June 2006, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issued EITF Issue 06-3, “How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (That Is, Gross versus Net Presentation)” (“EITF 06-3”). EITF 06-3 provides guidance related to the presentation in financial statements of any tax assessed by a governmental authority that is directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer, including, but not limited to, sales, use, value added, and some excise taxes. The EITF concluded that the presentation of taxes within the scope of EITF 06-3 on either a gross (included in revenues and costs) or a net (excluded from revenues) basis is an accounting policy decision that should be disclosed. The provisions of EITF 06-3 are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2006. EITF 06-3 will not impact the method for recording these taxes in the Company's consolidated financial statements as the Company has historically presented revenues excluding these taxes.

In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements (“SAB 108”), to address diversity in practice in quantifying financial statement misstatements. SAB 108 requires that we quantify misstatements based on their impact on each of our financial statements and related disclosures. SAB 108 is effective as of the end of our 2006 fiscal year, allowing a one-time transitional cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2006 for errors that were not previously deemed material, but are material under the guidance in SAB 108. The Company has adopted the provisions of SAB 108 and such adoption did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position for the fiscal 2006.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157 Fair Value Measurements, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS 157 are effective as of the beginning of our 2008 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoptionadopting SFAS 157 to determine its effects, if any, on our results of this Statement.operations or financial position.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

 

The Company has entered into no “off-balance"off-balance sheet arrangements”arrangements" within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules thereunder other than operating leases, which are in the normal course of business.business and the warrants issued in conjunction with the Chelsey debt facility. These warrants are equity linked derivatives and accordingly represent off balance sheet arrangements. The warrants meet the scope exception in paragraph 11 (a) of FAS 133 and are accordingly not accounted for as derivatives for purposes of FAS 133, but instead are accounted for as equity. See Note 7 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for more information.

 

Provided below is a tabular disclosure of contractual obligations as of December 25, 2004,30, 2006, as required by Item 303(a)(5) of SEC Regulation S-K. In addition to obligations recorded on the Company’sCompany's Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 25, 2004,30, 2006, the schedule includes purchase obligations, which are defined as legally binding and enforceable agreements to purchase goods or services that specify all significant terms (quantity, price, and timing of transaction).

 

Payment Due by Period (in thousands)

 

 

Contractual Obligations

 

Total

 

Less Than

1 Year

 

 

1-3 Years

 

 

3-5 Years

 

More Than

5 Years

 

Debt Obligations, excluding the Series C Participating Preferred Stock (a)

$    39,384

 

$  16,400

 

$ 22,984

 

$        —

 

$           —

 

Total Minimum Lease Payments Under Capital Lease Obligations (Including interest)

358

 

304

 

54

 

 

 

Operating Lease Obligations- excluding Gump’s (e)

2,164

 

1,735

 

421

 

8

 

 

Operating Lease Obligations- Gump’s (e)

8,680

 

1,659

 

3,383

 

3,360

 

278

 

Operating Lease Obligations — Restructuring/ Discontinued Operations- excluding Gump’s (e)

1,051

 

979

 

72

 

 

 

Operating Lease Obligations — Restructuring/ Discontinued Operations- Gump’s (e)

5,179

 

1,002

 

2,004

 

2,006

 

167

 

Contractual Obligations (b)

1,478

 

1,289

 

189

 

 

 

Purchase Obligations- excluding Gump’s (c) (e)

27,661

 

27,661

 

 

 

 

Purchase Obligations- Gump’s (c) (e)

1,088

 

1,088

 

 

 

 

Other Long-Term Liabilities Reflected on the Registrant’s Balance Sheet under GAAP (d)

72,689

 

 

 

72,689

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

Total

$  159,732

 

$  52,117

 

$ 29,107

 

$ 78,063

 

$         445

 


 


 


 


 


 

 

 

Less Than

 

 

 

 

 

More Than

Contractual Obligations

Total

 

1 Year

 

1-3 Years

 

3-5 Years

 

5 Years

 

Debt Obligations, excluding the Series C Participating Preferred Stock (a)

$  31,879

 

$        11,879

 

$ 20,000

 

$         —

 

$              —

 

Interest on Debt Obligations (b)

3,172

 

3,157

 

15

 

 

 

Total Minimum Lease Payments Under Capital Lease Obligations

370

 

91

 

160

 

119

 

 


 

Operating Lease Obligations

13,439

 

2,712

 

3,249

 

2,779

 

4,699

 

Operating Lease Obligations —Discontinued Operations

589

 

58

 

116

 

117

 

298

Contractual Obligations (c)

2,256

 

1,573

 

683

 

 

Purchase Obligations(d)

35,824

 

35,824

 

 

 

 

Other Long-Term Liabilities Reflected on the Registrant's Balance Sheet under GAAP (e)

72,689

 

 

72,689

 

 

 

Total

$160,218

 

$        55,294

 

$ 96,912

 

$   3,015

 

$        4,997

 

(a) Represents the Company’s debt obligations, including the $20.0 million Chelsey Facility principal amount due Chelsey Finance, recorded as $8.2$16.3 million on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. See Note 7 of Notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for additional detail regarding the Chelsey Facility.

 

(b) Interest is determined through the remaining term of July 8, 2007 for the Wachovia Facility and the remaining term of January 2, 2008 for the Chelsey Facility and is based on outstanding balances as of December 30, 2006. Actual interest payments could vary to those presented above based on potential changes in interest rates as well as fluctuations to the balances of the debt obligations.

(c) The Company’s contractual obligations consist primarily of a total commitment of $2,000,000 to purchase telecommunication services during the period from May 1, 2004 through April 30, 2006, of which


approximately $1,246,000 had been fulfilled as of December 25, 2004, and of which the remaining $754,000 has been fulfilled as of February 6, 2006; a total commitment of approximately $487,000 to purchase catalog photography services during the period from September 11, 2003 through September 10, 2005, of which approximately $265,000 had been fulfilled as of December 25, 2004, and of which an additional $161,000 had been fulfilled by September 10, 2005, and of which the remaining $61,000 was offset by an extension of the original agreement by an amendment dated January 10, 2006; a total commitment of $375,000commitments for list processing and telephone services, representing the maximum exposuresoftware licensing, commitments under three former employee termination agreements and purchases for a service contract that requires a three-month notice of termination for services costing $125,000 per month; and several commitments totaling approximately $127,000 to purchase various packaging materials from several vendors during the next 12 months, under contracts wherein the vendors warehouse varying minimum and maximum levels of materials to ensure immediate availability.materials.

 

(c)(d) The Company’s purchase obligations represent the estimated commitments at year-end to purchase inventory and raw materials in the normal course of business to meet operational requirements. The Company’s purchase orders are not unconditional commitments, but rather represent executory contracts requiring performance by vendors/suppliers. As such the Company has an absolute and unconditional right to cancel the Purchase Order if the vendor/supplier is unable to arrange for the products listed thereon to be delivered to the destination by the date shown. The purchase obligations presented above include all such open orders and agreed upon raw material commitments that are not otherwise included in the Company’s recorded liabilities.

 

(d)(e) Represents Series C Participating Preferred Stock as disclosed in Note 8 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In March 2005 at the Company’s request, Chelsey agreed to permit the Company to apply the sales proceeds from the sale of Gump’s to reduce the Wachovia Facility. Chelsey retained the right to require redemption of approximately $6.9 million (the Gump’s sales proceeds available for redemption) of the Series C Preferred subject to Wachovia’s approval. Since the redemption of approximately $6.9 million is subject to Wachovia’s approval, the payment due period is presented as January 1, 2009.

 

(e)

Operating lease and purchase obligation amounts for Gump’s are being shown separately due to the Company’s sale of Gump’s on March 14, 2005.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Interest Rates: The Company’s exposure to market risk relates to interest rate fluctuations for borrowings under the Wachovia Facility, including the term loans, which bear interest at variable rates, and the Chelsey Facility, which bears interest at 5.0% above the prime rate publicly announced by Wachovia. At December 25, 2004,30, 2006, outstanding principal balances under the Wachovia Facility and Chelsey Facility subject to variable rates of interest were approximately $19.4$11.9 million and $20.0 million, respectively. If interest rates were to increase by one percent from current levels, the resulting increase in interest expense, based upon the amount outstanding at December 25, 2004,30, 2006, would be approximately $0.4$0.3 million on an annual basis.

 

In addition, the Company’s exposure to market risk relates to customer response to the Company’s merchandise offerings and circulation changes, effects of shifting patterns of e-commerce versus catalog purchases, costs associated with printing and mailing catalogs and fulfilling orders, effects of potential slowdowns or other disruptions in postal service, dependence on customers’ seasonal buying patterns, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, and the ability of the Company to reduce unprofitable circulation and effectively manage its customer lists.

 


Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Report of the Independent Registered Accounting Firm

 

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors

Hanover Direct, Inc.

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hanover Direct, Inc. as of December 25, 200430, 2006 and December 27, 2003,31, 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income (loss), cash flows and shareholders’ deficiency for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 25, 2004.30, 2006. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated 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 Hanover Direct, Inc. as of December 25, 200430, 2006 and December 27, 200331, 2005 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 25, 200430, 2006 in conformity with accounting principlesUnited States generally accepted in the United States of America.accounting principles.

 

The information included on Schedule II is the responsibility of management, and although not considered necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations, and cash flows, it is presented for additional analysis and has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information included on Schedule II relating to each of the three years in the period ended December 25, 2004, December 27, 2003 and December 28, 200230, 2006 is fairly stated in all material respects, in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. Also, such schedule presents fairly the information set forth therein in compliance with the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

/s/ GOLDSTEIN GOLUB KESSLER LLP

 

 

New York, NYNew York

February 8, 200620, 2007, except for Note 7 as to

which the date is March 6, 2007

 


HANOVER DIRECT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As of December 25, 200430, 2006 and December 27, 200331, 2005

 

 

 

 

December 25, 2004

 

 

 

December 27,

2003

As Restated

 


 


 

(In thousands of dollars,

 

Except share amounts)

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS:

Cash and cash equivalents

$                 510

$         2,282

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,367 in 2004 and $1,105 in 2003

17,819

14,335

Inventories, principally finished goods

53,147

42,806

Prepaid catalog costs

15,644

12,485

Other current assets

4,482

4,239

Total Current Assets

91,602

76,147

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, AT COST:

Land

4,361

4,361

Buildings and building improvements

18,221

18,210

Leasehold improvements

10,156

10,108

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

53,792

53,212

 

86,530

85,891

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

(61,906)

(58,113)

Property and equipment, net

24,624

27,778

Goodwill

9,278

9,278

Deferred tax asset

2,179

1,769

Other non-current assets

2,816

1,575

Total Assets

$         130,499

$     116,547

 



LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIENCY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Short-term debt and capital lease obligations

$           16,690

$       13,468

Accounts payable

29,544

42,742

Accrued liabilities

20,535

17,088

Customer prepayments and credits

12,032

11,479

Deferred tax liability

2,179

1,769

Total Current Liabilities

80,980

86,546

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Long-term debt, including $8,159 to a related party as of December 25, 2004

(see note 7)

11,196

9,042

Series C Participating Preferred Stock, authorized, issued and outstanding 564,819 shares at December 25, 2004 and December 27, 2003; liquidation preference was $56,482 at December 25, 2004 and December 27, 2003

72,689

72,689

Other

3,286

4,609

Total Non-current Liabilities

87,171

86,340

Total Liabilities

168,151

172,886

SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIENCY:

Common Stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 50,000,000 shares at December 25, 2004 and 30,000,000 shares at December 27, 2003; 22,426,296 shares issued and outstanding at December 25, 2004; 22,229,456 shares issued and 22,017,363 shares outstanding at December 27, 2003

225

222

Capital in excess of par value

460,744

450,407

Accumulated deficit

(498,621)

(503,622)

 

(37,652)

(52,993)

Less:

Treasury stock, at cost (0 shares at December 25, 2004 and 212,093 shares at December 27, 2003)

--

(2,996)

Notes receivable from sale of Common Stock

--

(350)

Total Shareholders’ Deficiency

(37,652)

(56,339)

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Deficiency

$         130,499

$     116,547

 



 

 

 

 

 

December 30,

2006

 

 

 

December 31,

2005

 

(In thousands of dollars,

 

Except share amounts)

ASSETS

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$                   87

 

$            275

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $937 in 2006 and

$916 in 2005

             11,876

 

         16,518

Inventories

52,765

 

51,356

Prepaid catalog costs

17,456

 

17,567

Other current assets

3,449

 

2,744

Total Current Assets

85,633

 

88,460

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, AT COST:

 

Land

4,418

 

4,378

Buildings and building improvements

18,224

 

18,194

Leasehold improvements

1,433

 

1,115

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

54,607

 

51,532

Construction in progress

524

 

--

 

79,206

 

75,219

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

(57,139)

 

(55,030)

Property and equipment, net

22,067

 

20,189

Goodwill

8,649

 

8,649

Deferred tax asset

3,663

 

2,890

Other non-current assets

732

 

1,989

Total Assets

$         120,744

 

$     122,177

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIENCY

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

Short-term debt and capital lease obligations

$           11,946

 

$       10,105

Accounts payable

26,040

 

27,043

Accrued liabilities

12,860

 

12,341

Customer prepayments and credits

8,569

 

10,074

Deferred tax liability

3,663

 

2,890

Total Current Liabilities

63,078

 

62,453

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

Long-term debt (including $16,335 as of December 30, 2006 and $11,545 as of December 31, 2005 to a related party, see note 7)

16,579

 

12,543

Series C Participating Preferred Stock, authorized, issued and outstanding 564,819 shares at December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005; liquidation preference was $60,541 at December 30, 2006 and $56,482 at December 31, 2005

72,689

 

72,689

Other

92

 

40

Total Non-current Liabilities

89,360

 

85,272

Total Liabilities

152,438

 

147,725

SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIENCY:

 

Common Stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 50,000,000 shares; 22,426,296 shares issued and outstanding at December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

225

 

225

Capital in excess of par value

460,954

 

460,891

Accumulated deficit

(492,873)

 

(486,664)

Total Shareholders’ Deficiency

(31,694)

 

(25,548)

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Deficiency

$         120,744

 

$     122,177

See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 


HANOVER DIRECT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)

For the Years Ended December 25 2004,30, 2006, December 27, 200331, 2005 and December 28, 200225, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

As Restated

 

2002

As Restated

 


��


 


 

(In thousands of dollars, except

 

per share amounts)

 

NET REVENUES

$     403,160

 

$      414,283

 

$        456,990

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales and operating expenses

243,215

 

261,297

 

290,383

Special charges

1,536

 

1,308

 

4,398

Selling expenses

100,460

 

99,971

 

105,448

General and administrative expenses

43,213

 

45,543

 

53,322

Depreciation and amortization

3,994

 

4,719

 

5,650

 


 


 


 

392,418

 

412,838

 

459,201

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS

10,742

 

1,445

 

(2,211)

Gain on sale of Improvements, net

--

 

(1,911)

 

(570)

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INTEREST AND INCOME TAXES

10,742

 

3,356

 

(1,641)

Interest expense, net (including interest expense to a related party see note 7)

5,567

 

12,088

 

5,477

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

5,175

 

(8,732)

 

(7,118)

Provision for Federal income taxes

146

 

11,300

 

3,700

Provision for state income taxes

28

 

28

 

91

 


 


 


Provision for income taxes

174

 

11,328

 

3,791

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

5,001

 

(20,060)

 

(10,909)

Preferred stock dividends

--

 

7,922

 

15,556

Earnings Applicable to Preferred Stock

124

 

--

 

--

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS

$         4,877

 

$     (27,982)

 

$       (26,465)

 


 


 


 

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per common share – basic

$           0.22

 

$          (1.94)

 

$           (1.91)

Net income (loss) per common share – diluted

$           0.18

 

$          (1.94)

 

$           (1.91)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


 


Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic (thousands)

22,220

 

14,439

 

13,828

 


 


 


Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted (thousands)

27,015

 

14,439

 

13,828

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

(In thousands of dollars, except

 

per share amounts)

 

NET REVENUES

$    415,682

 

$       407,442

 

$         360,526

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales and operating expenses

261,281

 

252,991

 

216,940

Special charges

--

 

(69)

 

1,684

Selling expenses

112,338

 

101,956

 

90,903

General and administrative expenses

36,074

 

32,562

 

40,374

Depreciation and amortization

2,401

 

2,866

 

3,312

 

412,094

 

390,306

 

353,213

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME BEFORE INTEREST AND INCOME TAXES

3,588

 

17,136

 

7,313

Interest expense, net (including interest expense to a related party; see note 7)

9,780

 

8,146

 

5,105

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

(6,192)

 

8,990

 

2,208

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for Federal income taxes

6

 

21

 

146

Provision for state income taxes

11

 

8

 

28

Provision for income taxes

17

 

29

 

174

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

(6,209)

 

8,961

 

2,034

Gain from discontinued operations of Gump’s, net of $22 of income tax benefit, including a gain on disposal of $3,576 at December 31, 2005

--

 

2,996

 

2,967

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(6,209)

 

11,957

 

5,001

Earnings Applicable to Preferred Stock

--

 

294

 

124

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS

$      (6,209)

 

$         11,663

 

$             4,877

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE:

 

 

 

 

 

From continuing operations – basic

$        (0.28)

 

$              0.39

 

$               0.09

From continuing operations – diluted

$        (0.28)

 

$              0.27

 

$               0.07

From discontinued operations – basic

$                --

 

$              0.13

 

$               0.13

From discontinued operations – diluted

$                --

 

$              0.09

 

$               0.11

Net income (loss) per common share – basic

$        (0.28)

 

$              0.52

 

$               0.22

Net income (loss) per common share - diluted

$        (0.28)

 

$              0.36

 

$               0.18

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic (thousands)

22,426

 

22,426

 

22,220

Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted (thousands)

22,426

 

32,588

 

27,015

 

See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 


 

HANOVER DIRECT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Years Ended December 25, 2004,30, 2006, December 27, 200331, 2005 and December 28, 200225, 2004

 

 

 

2004

 

 

 

2003

As Restated

 

 

2002

As Restated

 


 


 


 

(In thousands of dollars)

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net income (loss)

$        5,001

$     (20,060)

$       (10,909)

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:

 

 

Depreciation and amortization, including deferred fees

4,538

5,715

7,203

Provision for doubtful accounts

609

378

304

Special charges

1,536

1,308

4,398

Provision for deferred tax

11,300

3,700

Gain on the sale of Improvements

(1,911)

(570)

Gain on the sale of property and equipment

(11)

(4)

(167)

Interest expense related to Series B Participating Preferred Stock redemption price increase

7,235

Compensation expense related to stock options

184

1,141

1,332

Accretion of debt discount

1,098

Changes in assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable

(4,093)

2,232

2,207

Inventories

(10,341)

11,700

5,997

Prepaid catalog costs

(3,159)

1,801

1,075

Accounts payable

(13,198)

(666)

(3,151)

Accrued liabilities

1,911

(11,434)

(2,345)

Customer prepayments and credits

553

1,478

433

Other, net

(1,893)

(2,140)

(4,848)

Net cash (used) provided by operating activities

(17,265)

8,073

4,659

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Acquisitions of property and equipment

(840)

(1,895)

(639)

Proceeds from sale of Improvements

2,000

570

Costs related to early release of escrow funds

(89)

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

14

78

169

Net cash (used) provided by investing activities

(826)

94

100

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Net borrowings (payments) under Wachovia revolving loan facility

5,411

179

(4,704)

Borrowings under Wachovia Tranche B term loan facility

3,500

Payments under Wachovia Tranche A term loan facility

(1,493)

(1,991)

(1,991)

Payments under Wachovia Tranche B term loan facility

(6,011)

(1,800)

(1,314)

Borrowings under the Chelsey Facility

7,061

Issuance of Common Stock Warrant to related party

12,939

Payments of capital lease obligations

(690)

(466)

(104)

Payments of Series C Participating Preferred Stock financing costs

(1,334)

Payments of debt issuance costs

(1,045)

(910)

(722)

Payment of debt issuance costs to related party

(200)

Refund (payment) of estimated Richemont tax obligation on Series B Participating Preferred Stock accretion

347

(347)

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

25

Series B Participating Preferred Stock transaction cost adjustment

215

Other, net

(1)

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

16,319

(6,670)

(5,095)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

(1,772)

1,497

(336)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

2,282

785

1,121

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

$           510

$         2,282

$              785

 




 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

(In thousands of dollars)

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

Net income (loss)

$       (6,209)

 

$    11,957

 

$        5,001

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:

 

 

Depreciation and amortization, including deferred fees

3,143

 

3,685

 

4,538

Provision for doubtful accounts

522

 

518

 

609

Special charges (income)

 

(69)

 

1,536

Gain on disposal of Gump’s

 

(3,576)

 

Gain on the sale of property and equipment

(2)

 

(97)

 

(11)

Compensation expense related to stock options

63

 

147

 

184

Accretion of debt discount

4,790

 

3,386

 

1,098

Changes in assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable

4,120

 

(1,292)

 

(4,093)

Inventories

(1,409)

 

(4,197)

 

(10,341)

Prepaid catalog costs

111

 

(2,806)

 

(3,159)

Accounts payable

(1,003)

 

(1)

 

(13,198)

Accrued liabilities

519

 

(6,832)

 

1,911

Customer prepayments and credits

(1,505)

 

(1,409)

 

553

Other, net

(138)

 

1,612

 

(1,893)

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

3,002

 

1,026

 

(17,265)

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

Acquisitions of property and equipment

(3,944)

 

(1,664)

 

(840)

Proceeds from disposal of Gump’s

 

8,921

 

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

2

 

106

 

14

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

(3,942)

 

7,363

 

(826)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

Net borrowings (payments) under Wachovia revolving loan facility

2,818

 

(6,342)

 

5,411

Payments under Wachovia Tranche A term loan facility

(1,991)

 

(1,991)

 

(1,493)

Payments under Wachovia Tranche B term loan facility

 

 

(6,011)

Borrowings under the Chelsey Facility

 

 

7,061

Issuance of Common Stock Warrant to related party

 

 

12,939

Payments of capital lease obligations

(75)

 

(291)

 

(690)

Payments of debt issuance costs

 

 

(1,045)

Payment of debt issuance costs to related party

 

 

(200)

Refund of estimated Richemont tax obligation on Series B Participating Preferred Stock accretion

 

 

347

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

752

 

(8,624)

 

16,319

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

(188)

 

(235)

 

(1,772)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

275

 

510

 

2,282

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

$              87

 

$         275

 

$           510

 


 

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information

Cash paid during the year for:

Interest

$       4,162

$        4,256

$          3,340

Income taxes

$              5

$           314

$                  9

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

Issuance of Common Stock to related party as payment of waiver fee

$            —

$             —

$             563

Tandem share expirations

$            —

$             —

$             350

Retirement of Treasury Stock

$            —

$             —

$          3,346

Acquisitions of property and equipment by capital leases and vehicle loans

$          335

$             —

$               —

 

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information

Cash paid during the year for:

Interest

$        3,340

$         3,325

$           3,405

Income taxes

$               9

$            705

$              193

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

Issuance of Common Stock to related party as payment of waiver fee

$           563

$              —

$                —

Series B Participating Preferred Stock redemption price increase

$             —

$         7,575

$         15,556

Redemption of Series B Participating Preferred Stock

$             —

$     107,536

$                —

Issuance of Series C Participating Preferred Stock

$             —

$       72,689

$                —

Issuance of Common Stock in conjunction with Recapitalization

$             —

$       19,646

$                —

Gain on issuance of Series C Participating Preferred Stock

$             —

$       13,867

$                —

Tandem share expirations

$           350

$              —

$                 54

Retirement of Treasury Stock

$        3,346

$              —

$                —

Capital lease obligations

$             —

$         1,459

$                 32

 

See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 


HANOVER DIRECT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIENCY

For the Years Ended December 25, 2004,30, 2006, December 27, 200331, 2005 and December 28, 200225, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

Notes

Receivable

from Sale

of Common

Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes

Receivable

from Sale

of Common

Stock

 

 

Capital

in Excess of

Par Value

 

 

 

 

 

Capital

in Excess of

Par Value

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

Notes

Receivable

from Sale

of Common

Stock

Common Stock

 

 

 

Notes

Receivable

from Sale

of Common

Stock

$0.01 Par Value

Accumulated

Deficit

Treasury Stock

$0.01 Par Value

Accumulated

Deficit

Treasury Stock

Shares

Amount

Shares

Amount

Shares

Amount

Shares

Amount

(In thousands of dollars and shares)

(In thousands of dollars and shares)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restated Balance at December 29, 2001

14,033

$    140

$ 444,976

$(479,888)

(210)

$ (2,942)

$      (405)

$(38,119)




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss applicable to common shareholders

(26,465)

 

 

 

(26,465)

Series B Participating Preferred stock liquidation preference accrual

(15,556)

15,556

 

 

 

Stock options expensed

1,332

 

 

 

1,332

Issuance of Common Stock for employee stock plan

10

25

 

 

 

25

Tandem share expirations

(2)

(54)

54

Series B Preferred Stock issuance cost adjustment

215

1

216




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restated Balance at December 28, 2002

14,043

$    140

$ 430,992

$(490,797)

(212)

$ (2,996)

$      (350)

$(63,011)




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss applicable to common shareholders

(27,982)

 

 

 

(27,982)

Series B Participating Preferred Stock liquidation preference accrual

(15,157)

15,157

 

 

 

Stock options expensed

1,141

 

 

 

 

1,141

Gain on Recapitalization, net of issuance costs of $1,334

13,867

 

 

 

 

13,867

Issuance of Common Stock in conjunction with Recapitalization

8,186

82

19,564

19,646




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restated Balance at December 27, 2003

22,229

$    222

$ 450,407

$(503,622)

(212)

$ (2,996)

$      (350)

$(56,339)




Balance at December 27, 2003

22,229

$    222

$ 450,407

$(503,622)

(212)

$ (2,996)

$     (350)

$(56,339)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income applicable to common shareholders

4,877

 

 

 

4,877

   4,877

 

 

 

4,877

Earnings applicable to Series C Preferred Stock

 

124

 

 

 

124

 

124

 

 

 

124

Stock options expensed

 

184

 

 

 

 

184

 

184

 

 

 

 

        184

Issuance of Common Stock for Chelsey Facility waiver fee

434

4

559

 

 

 

 

563

434

4

559

 

 

 

 

563

Issuance of Chelsey Common Stock Warrants

 

 

12,939

 

 

 

 

12,939

 

 

12,939

 

 

 

 

12,939

Tandem share expirations

(14)

 

 

 

(11)

(350)

350

(14)

 

 

 

(11)

(350)

350

Retirement of Treasury Stock

(223)

(1)

(3,345)

223

 

3,346

(223)

(1)

(3,345)

223

3,346




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 25, 2004

22,426

$    225

$460,744

$(498,621)

$(37,652)

22,426

$    225

$460,744

$(498,621)

$(37,652)




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income applicable to common shareholders

11,663

 

 

 

11,663

Earnings applicable to Series C Preferred Stock

 

294

 

 

 

294

Stock options expensed

 

147

 

 

 

 

        147

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2005

22,426

$    225

$460,891

$(486,664)

$(25,548)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss applicable to common shareholders

(6,209)

 

 

 

(6,209)

Stock options expensed

 

63

 

 

 

 

    63

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 30, 2006

22,426

$    225

$460,954

$(492,873)

$(31,694)

 

See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 


 


HANOVER DIRECT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years Ended December 25, 2004,30, 2006, December 27, 200331, 2005 and December 28, 200225, 2004

 

1. BACKGROUND OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Nature of Operations — Hanover Direct, Inc., (the “Company” or we), a Delaware corporation, is a specialty direct marketer that markets a diverse portfolio of home fashions as well as men’s and women’s apparel, and gift products, through mail-order catalogs retail stores and connected Internet websites directly to the consumer (“direct commerce”). The Company also manufactures super-premium down comforters, pillows and featherbeds under the Scandia Down brand name, which are sold principally through third party luxury retailers in North and South America. In addition, as excess capacity exists within its operating centers,the past we have provided third party, end-to-end, fulfillment, logistics, telemarketing and information technology services to businesses formerly owned by the Company providesand select third party clients with business-to-business (B-to-B) e-commerce transactioncompanies involved in the direct marketing business. We ceased providing fulfillment services including a full rangeto one of order processing, customer care, customer information,our third party fulfillment customers at the end of fiscal 2006 and shipping and distribution services. The Company utilizeswill stop providing these services provided to our two other third party clients as a mechanism to absorb certain fixed costs of the Company.customers during 2007 when their current contracts expire.

 

Basis of Presentation — The consolidated financial statements include all subsidiaries of the Company, and all intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 46(R), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46(R)”), requires that if an entity is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity, the assets, liabilities, and results of operations of the variable interest entity should be included in the consolidated financial statements of the entity. The Company has reviewed its operations and has determined there to be no significant unconsolidated variable interest entities as of December 30, 2006, December 31, 2005 and December 25, 2004. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, 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. All references in these consolidated financial statements to the number of shares outstanding, per share amounts, stock warrants, and stock option data relating to the Company’s common stock have been restated, as appropriate, to reflect the one-for-ten reverse stock split occurring at the close of business on September 22, 2004. See

On March 14, 2005, the Company sold all of the stock of Gump’s Corp. and Gump’s By Mail, Inc. (collectively, “Gump’s”) (See Note 94). The Consolidated Statements of Income reflects the Gump’s operating results and gain on sale as discontinued operations. In addition, in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for more information regarding the reverseyear ended December 31, 2005 and December 25, 2004, the change in assets and liabilities reflects Gump’s as discontinued operations.

Significant Shareholder; Going Private Proposal and Related Litigation — The Company has a significant shareholder, Chelsey Direct, LLC. Chelsey and its related affiliates (“Chelsey”) beneficially own approximately 69% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock split(“Common Stock”) and additional amendmentsapproximately 77% of the Common Stock after giving effect to the exercise of all of Chelsey’s outstanding options and warrants. In addition, Chelsey holds all 564,819 shares of the Company’s CertificateSeries C Participating Preferred Stock (“Series C Preferred”), which has 100 votes per share. Including the Series C Preferred and the outstanding options and warrants beneficially owned by Chelsey, Chelsey holds approximately 92% of Incorporation.the voting rights of the Company.

The Company received a proposal from Chelsey to acquire the shares of Common Stock that Chelsey does not already own for a cash purchase price of $1.25 per share in a letter dated February 23, 2006. Shortly after receipt of the letter, the Board of Directors met and formed a special committee (“Special Committee”) comprised of A. David Brown, Robert H. Masson and Donald Hecht, the three directors who were not Company employees or affiliated with Chelsey; Mr. Masson was appointed as the Special Committee’s Chairman. The Special Committee appointed Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP (“Wilmer Hale”) as its independent counsel and engaged Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin (“Houlihan Lokey”) as its financial advisor.

As a result of the going private proposal, three substantially identical complaints had been filed against the Company, Chelsey and each of the Company’s directors. These complaints were subsequently amended following the Company’s receipt of Chelsey’s revised proposal in November 2006 (see Note 15 below).

On May 25, 2006, the Company was advised that Chelsey had withdrawn its proposal to take the Company private at $1.25 per share due to the worsening operations of the Company.

On July 18, 2006, the directors who were members of the Special Committee resigned.

On September 19, 2006, the Board engaged Goldsmith, Agio, Helms, & Lynner (“Agio”) to prepare a valuation analysis of Hanover. Agio delivered its report and valuation analysis of Hanover (“Valuation Analysis”) to the Board on November 8, 2006. Agio concluded that Hanover’s common stock had no value insofar as the concluded enterprise value range was less than the concluded value of the Company’s outstanding debt and Preferred Stock.

On November 17, 2006, Chelsey presented a proposal to the Board to acquire all the issued and outstanding common stock of Hanover held


by stockholders other than Chelsey or its affiliates for a price of $0.25 per share of common stock, without interest pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger (“Merger Agreement”) by and among Hanover, Chelsey and Chelsey Acquisition, Inc. (“MergerCo”) (a newly formed wholly owned subsidiary of Chelsey organized to effect the merger). The Board unanimously approved the adoption of the Merger Agreement and recommended that Hanover’s stockholders adopt the Merger Agreement. The Board also set a record date and a date for the annual meeting of stockholders to consider the merger and to provide for the election of directors.

The Merger Agreement was executed by Chelsey, MergerCo and Hanover on November 27, 2006. On December 15, 2006, Hanover filed a Preliminary Proxy Statement (“Proxy”) and Schedule 13E-3 with the SEC. The Proxy will be mailed to Hanover’s stockholders on or about March 12, 2007.

Segment Reporting — We have one reportable segment, “Direct Marketing” but are presenting separate information on our “Other Activities.” The Direct Marketing segment contains the following catalog and product categories: The Company Store, Company Kids, Domestications, Silhouettes, International Male, Undergear and Scandia website as well as the operations of our retail outlets. Our “Other Activities” include third party fulfillment which provide third parties end to end, fulfillment, logistics, telemarketing and information technology services. We have included in Other Activities’ income (loss) before income taxes an allocation of certain fixed expenses for the fulfillment, logistics, telemarketing and information technology areas based on the ratio of third party fulfillment activities to those of the entire Company.

Amounts in thousands

 

For the Years Ended

 

 

December 30,

2006

 

December 31,

2005

 

December 25,

2004

Net Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct Marketing

 

$    388,337

 

$      374,565

 

$    339,692

Other Activities

 

27,345

 

32,877

 

20,834

Total Net Revenues

 

$    415,682

 

$      407,442

 

$    360,526

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct Marketing

 

$        4,323

 

$        16,849

 

$      10,299

Other Activities

 

(735)

 

287

 

(2,986)

Unallocated Interest (Expense)

 

(9,780)

 

(8,146)

 

(5,105)

Total Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

 

$     (6,192)

 

$          8,990

 

$        2,208

Amounts in thousands

 

December 30,

2006

 

December 31,

2005

Total Assets

 

 

 

 

Direct Marketing

 

$ 117,507

 

$    114,956

Other Activities

 

3,237

 

7,221

Total Assets

 

$      120,744

 

$    122,177

 

Fiscal Year — The Company operates on a 52 or 53-week fiscal year, ending on the last Saturday in December. The years ended December 30, 2006 (“fiscal 2006”) and December 25, 2004 December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002(“fiscal 2004”) were reported as 52-week years.years, while the year ending December 31, 2005 (“fiscal 2005”) was reported as a 53-week year.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash includes cash equivalents consisting of highly liquid investments with an original maturity of ninety days or less.

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts — An allowance for doubtful accounts is calculated for the Company’s accounts receivable. A combination of historical and rolling bad debt rates are applied to the various receivables maintained by the Company to determine the amount of the allowance to be recorded. The Company also records additional specific allowances deemed necessary by management, based on known circumstances related to the overall receivable portfolio.

 

Inventories — Inventories consist principally of merchandise held for resale and are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost, which is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, includes the cost of the product as well as capitalized freight-in charges. Raw materials and work in process represented approximately 7% and 5%6% of the inventory balance as of both December 25, 200430, 2006 and December 27, 2003,31, 2005, respectively. The Company considers slow moving inventory to be surplus and calculates a loss on the impairment as the difference between an individual item’s cost and the net proceeds anticipated to be received upon disposal. The Company utilizes various liquidation vehicles to dispose of aged inventory including special sale catalogs, sale sections within main catalogs, sale sections on the Company’s Internet websites, outlet stores and liquidations through off-price merchants. Such inventory is written down to its net realizable value if the expected proceeds of disposal are less than the cost of the merchandise.

 

Merchandise Rebates from Vendors — Merchandise rebates from vendors consist of a percentage-off or a specific dollar amount-off the cost of the product based on the amount of purchases made from the vendor for a given period (overall or based on specific purchase orders) or


the amount of vendor merchandise sold during a given period. These types of rebates totaled approximately $22,000, $411,000, and $761,000 in fiscal 2006, fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2004, respectively.

Agreements as to the percentage or dollar amount of the vendor rebates are made with the vendor at the beginning of each fiscal year. At the end of the period covered by the rebate, typically at year end, a final rebate accounting statement for the period is sent to the vendor. The vendor returns a signed copy of this statement, noting its agreement with the total amount of the rebate payable and its preference as to how the rebate will be paid (via check, wire transfer or a deduction from a future invoice). At that time or shortly thereafter, the rebate amount is received by the Company. Rebate receivables are recorded monthly for the amount of the rebate achieved during that month. The rebate is recognized as a reduction of cost of sales based on the sell-through percentage of the merchandise covered by the rebate at the end of each month.

The merchandise rebates from vendors are recorded on the Cost of Sales and Operating Expenses line on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).

No estimates are used to determine the amount of vendor rebates to record each reporting period since the percentages are pre-established.

Cooperative Advertising Allowances from Vendors — Cooperative advertising allowances from vendors consist of a specific dollar amount-off the cost of the product based on the amount of space the vendor’s product occupies on a catalog page and the advertising rate for the individual catalog page. In fiscal 2006, fiscal 2005, and fiscal 2004 these allowances totaled approximately $231,000, $273,000, and $178,000, respectively.

Agreements as to the dollar amount of the cooperative advertising allowances are made with the vendor during the preparation of each catalog drop. The vendor returns a signed copy of the cooperative advertising allowance form, noting their agreement with the total amount of the allowance payable and their preference as to how the allowance will be paid (via check, wire transfer or a deduction from a future invoice). At that time or shortly thereafter, the allowance amount is received by the Company. Receivables for cooperative advertising allowances are recorded monthly for the amount of the allowance earned during that month. The cooperative advertising allowance is recognized as a reduction of cost of sales based on the estimated monthly percentage of total sales achieved for the catalog drop containing the advertisement or name of the vendor.

The Company estimates the sales dollar completion percentage of each catalog drop containing cooperative advertising at the end of each month in order to determine the amount of cooperative advertising allowances to record as a reduction of cost of sales for that particular month.

Prepaid Catalog Costs — Prepaid catalog costs consist of direct response advertising costs related to catalog production and mailing. In accordance with Statement of Position 93-7, “Reporting on Advertising Costs,” these costs are deferred and amortized as selling expenses over the estimated period in which the sales related to such advertising are generated. Total selling expenses which includes both the amortization of catalog expense was $99.4 million, $99.0 millioncosts and $104.3 million for 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. These costs are included in Sellingother advertising expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). was $112.3 million, $102.0 million and $90.9 million for fiscal 2006, fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2004, respectively. Prepaid catalog costs at the end of 2006 and 2005 were $17.5 million and $17.6 million, respectively.


 

Depreciation and Amortization — Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment is computed on the straight-line method over the following lives: buildings and building improvements, 30-40 years; furniture, fixtures and equipment, 3-10 years; and leasehold improvements, over the estimated useful lives or the terms of the related leases, whichever is shorter. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.

 

Assets Held under Capital Leases — Assets held under capital leases are recorded at the lower of the net present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair value of the leased asset at the inception of the lease. Amortization expense is computed using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the period of the related lease.

 

Goodwill — The Company accounts for goodwill in accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” which requires that goodwill no longer be amortized but reviewed for impairment if impairment indicators arise and, at a minimum, annually. The Company performs its annual impairment review during its second quarter each fiscal year. The fair value is determined using a combination of market and discounted cash flow approaches.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets — In accordance with SFAS No.144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets” (“SFAS 144”), the Company reviews long-lived assets, other than goodwill, for impairment whenever events indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. The Company performs a review, at a total company-wide level since the Company is viewed as one segment, of long-lived assets using a fair-value approach utilizing appraisals to determine if impairment exists. The fair value is determined using a market approach.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets — In accordance with SFAS No.144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS 144”), the Company reviews long-lived assets, other than goodwill, for impairment whenever events indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. If impairment is determined to exist, any related impairment loss is calculated based on fair value, which is generally based on discounted future cash flows.

 

Reserves and accruals related to loss contingencies, litigation and legal expenses — The Company accrues for potential litigation losses when management determines that it is probable that an unfavorable outcome will result and the loss is reasonably estimable in accordance with SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies.” In addition, when a loss contingency is accrued pursuant to SFAS 5, the Company’s policy


is to accrue for all of the related legal fees as contemplated in EITF D-77, “Accounting for Legal Costs Expected to Be Incurred in Connection with a Loss Contingency.” For the year ended December 30, 2000, the Company used estimates to determine the liability related to Rakesh Kaul’s claims regarding benefits to which he was entitled as a result of his resignation as CEO on December 5, 2000, which resulted in an accrual of $5.0 million. As part of the restatement as discussed in Note 2, the Company corrected two accounting errors related to the Rakesh Kaul liability.

 

Reserves related to the Company’s strategic business realignment program — The reserves established by the Company related to its strategic business realignment program include employee severance and related costs, facility exit costs and estimates primarily associated with the potential subleasing of leased properties which have been vacated by the Company. The overall reserves for leased properties that have been vacated by the Company are developed using estimates that include the potential ability to sublet leased but unoccupied properties, the length of time needed to obtain suitable tenants and the amount of rent to be received for the sublet. Real estate broker representations regarding current and future market conditions are sometimes used in estimating these items. See Note 5 for additional information regarding the reserves.

 

Reserves related to employee health and welfare claims — The Company maintains a self-insurance program related to losses and liabilities associated with employee health and welfare claims. Stop-loss coverage is held on both an aggregate and individual claim basis; thereby, limiting the amount of losses the Company will experience. Losses are accrued based upon estimates of the aggregate liability for claims incurred using the Company’s experience patterns. At December 25, 2004 and December 27, 2003, the Company had an accrued liability recorded in the amount of $0.6 million.

Employee Benefits — Vacation and Sick CompensationDuring June 2003, the Company established and issued a new Company-wide vacation and sick policy to better administer vacation and sick benefits. For purposes of the policy, employees were converted to a fiscal year for earning vacation and sick benefits. Under the newCompany’s vacation policy, vacation and sick benefits are deemed earned and thus accrued ratably throughout the fiscal year and employees must utilize all vacation and sick earned by the end of the same year. Generally, any unused vacation and sick benefits not utilized by the end of a fiscal year will be forfeited. Before the establishment of this new policy, employees earned vacation and sick in the twelve months prior to the year that it would be utilized. The policy has


been modified in certain locations to comply with state and local laws or written agreements. As a result of the transition to this new policy, the Company recognized a benefit of approximately $1.6 million in 2003. Approximately $0.8 million of both general and administrative expenses and operating expenses was reduced as a result of the recognition of this benefit for the year ended December 27, 2003.

 

Cost of Sales and operating expenses — Cost of sales and operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) include the cost of merchandise sold and merchandise delivery expenses in addition to fulfillment, telemarketing and information technology expenses. Merchandise delivery expenses consist of the cost to ship packages to the customer utilizing a variety of shipping services, as well as the cost of packaging the merchandise for shipment. Total merchandise postage expense for fiscal 2006, fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2004 2003 and 2002 was $36.5$47.2 million, $39.9$45.4 million and $41.6$34.8 million, respectively. These costs are recognized upon receipt of delivery by the customer and are included in Cost of sales and operating expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). The total costscost of merchandise sold and merchandise postage expense deferred for shipments in transit for 20042006 and 20032005 were $1.8$1.5 million and $1.3$1.6 million, respectively.

 

General and administrative expenses General and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) reflect payroll and benefit expenses for the catalog and corporate management personnel, costs associated with the New Jersey facilities as well as professional fees and other corporate expenses.

 

Stock-Based Compensation — The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation to employees using the fair value-based methodology under SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.123R, “Share Based Payment.

 

Income Taxes — The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” SFAS No. 109 requires an asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting of income taxes. The provision for income taxes is based on income after adjustment for those temporary and permanent items that are not considered in the determination of taxable income. The gross deferred tax asset is the total tax benefit available from net operating loss carryovers and temporary differences. A valuation allowance is calculated, based on the Company’s projections of its future taxable income, to establish the amount of deferred tax asset that the Company is expected to utilize on a “more-likely-than-not” basis. A deferred tax liability represents future taxes that may be due arising from the reversal of temporary differences. In 2003, due to a number of factors, including the annual limitation on utilization of net operating losses caused by the Chelsey Direct, LLC (“Chelsey”) purchase of Richemont Finance, S.A.’s (“Richemont”) stockholdings in the Company during the year (see Note 8), and lower projections of taxable income for future years, the Company made a decision to fully reserve the remaining net deferred tax asset (the gross deferred tax asset net of the then existing valuation allowance and deferred tax liability) by increasing the valuation allowance and recorded an $11.3 million deferred income tax provision. At December 25, 2004,30, 2006, the Company’s net deferred tax asset remains fully reserved with no additional deferred income tax provision required.

 

Net Income (Loss) Per Share — Net income (loss) per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 128, “Earnings Per Share.” Basic net income (loss) per common share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders, reduced for participatory interests, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per common share is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding adjusted to include the potentially dilutive effect of stock options and stock warrants. The computations of basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share are as follows (in thousands except per share amounts):

 


 

 

 

December 30, 2006

 

 

December 31, 2005

 

 

December 25, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$         (6,209)

 

$      ��   11,957

 

$             5,001

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock dividends

 

--

 

--

 

--

Earnings applicable to preferred stock

 

--

 

294

 

124

Net income (loss) applicable to common

Shareholders

 

 

$         (6,209)

 

 

$          11,663

 

 

$             4,877

Basic net income (loss) per common share

 

$            (0.28)

 

$              0.52

 

$               0.22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average common shares

Outstanding

 

 

22,426

 

 

22,426

 

 

22,220

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

December 25, 2004

 

December 27, 2003

As Restated

 

December 28, 2002

As Restated

 

 


 




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$              5,001

 

$    (20,060)

 

$       (10,909)

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock dividends

 

--

 

7,922

 

15,556

Earnings applicable to preferred stock

 

124

 

--

 

--

 

 


 


 


Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders

 

$              4,877

 

$    (27,982)

 

$       (26,465)

 

 


 


 


Basic net income (loss) per common share

 

$                0.22

 

$        (1.94)

 

$           (1.91)

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

 

22,220

 

14,439

 

13,828

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net income (loss)

 

$              4,877

 

$    (27,982)

 

$       (26,465)

 

 


 


 


Diluted net income (loss) per common share

 

$                0.18

 

$        (1.94)

 

$           (1.91)

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

 

22,220

 

14,439

 

13,828

Effect of Dilution:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options

 

9

 

--

 

--

Stock warrants

 

4,786

 

--

 

--

 

 


 


 


Weighted-average common shares outstanding assuming dilution

 

 

27,015

 

 

14,439

 

 

13,828

 

 


 


 


Diluted net income (loss)

 

$         (6,209)

 

$           11,663

 

$             4,877

Diluted net income (loss) per common

share

 

 

$            (0.28)

 

 

$               0.36

 

 

$               0.18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average common shares

outstanding

 

 

22,426

 

 

22,426

 

 

22,220

Effect of Dilution:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options

 

--

 

2

 

9

Stock warrants

 

--

 

10,160

 

4,786

Weighted-average common shares

outstanding assuming dilution

 

 

22,426

 

 

32,588

 

 

27,015

 

Diluted net loss per common share excluded incremental weighted-average shares 20,979 and 93,318of 10,199,236 for the yearsyear ended December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002, respectively.30, 2006. These incremental weighted-average shares were related to employee stock options and common stock warrants and were excluded due to their anti-dilutive effect. Options for which the exercise price was greater than the average market price of common shares as of the fiscal years ended 2006, 2005 and 2004 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as the effect would be antidilutive. These consisted of options totaling 419,400 shares, 1,069,600 shares and 1,270,883 shares, respectively.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Direct Commerce: The Company recognizes revenue for catalog and Internet sales at the time merchandise is received by the customer, net of estimated returns in accordance with the provisions of Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 101, “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements,” as amended by SAB No. 104, “Revenue Recognition.” Delivery and service charges billed to customers are also recognized as revenue at the time merchandise is received by the customer. The Company’s revenue recognition policy includes the use of estimates for the time period between shipment of merchandise by the Company and receipt of merchandise by the customer and the future amount of returns to be received on the current period’s sales. The Company accrues for expected future returns that relate to sales prior to the balance sheet date utilizing a combination of historical and current trends. During October 2003, the Company modified its returns policy, which previously allowed unlimited returns, by adopting a policy that limits returns to a maximum of ninety days after the sale of the merchandise.

 

Membership Services: Customers may purchase memberships in a number of the Company’s Buyers’ Club programs for an annual fee. For memberships purchased during the following periods, certain of the Buyers’ Club programs contained a guarantee that the customer would receive discounts or savings, at least equal to the cost of his or her membership or we would refund the difference with a merchandise credit at the end of the membership periodperiod: Silhouettes from July 1998 through March 2004; Domestications from April 2002 through March 2004; and Men’s Apparel from April 2003 through March 2004. In the first quarter of 2004, we identified a potential issue with the accounting treatment for Buyers’ Club memberships that contained a guarantee. At that time, an inappropriate conclusion was reached and during the third quarter of 2004, the issue was re-evaluated and we determined an error in the accounting treatment had occurred. The Company identified guarantee obligations to members of certain of the Company’s Buyers’ Club programs for its catalogs. The impact of the error resulted in the overstatement of revenues and the omission of the related liability for guarantee obligations. The proper accounting treatment was applied to all periods impacted including a calculation of the cumulative impact of the error on previously reported periods. See Note 2 for further explanation and amounts. Currently, and as reflected by the restatement of the


Company’s consolidated financial statements, forFor memberships purchased during the periods in which the Buyers’ Club memberships contained a guarantee, revenue net of actual cancellations was recognized on a monthly basis over the membership period subsequent to the end of the thirty-day cancellation period, with the revenue recognized equal to the lesser of the cumulative amount determined using the straight-line method or the actual benefit received by each customer as of the end of each period. The customers who purchased Buyers’ Club memberships who were due amounts from the guarantee were offered the option to receive either a merchandise credit or an additional year of Buyers’ Club privileges. The Company recognized $1.2 million of revenue in fiscal 2006 based on the amortization of the additional year of buyers’ club privileges for these customers. For the Buyers’ Club memberships that did not contain a guarantee, revenue, net of actual cancellations, was recognized on a monthly basis over the membership period subsequent to the end of the thirty-day cancellation period, using the straight-line method.

We also receive commissionrecognize revenue related to our solicitation of the Vertrue membership programs. Until March 21, 2006, we marketed membership programs under an agreement with MemberWorks, Incorporated (now known as “Adaptive Marketing”). The Company receivesreceived a monthly commission based on the number of memberships sold with additional revenue recognized if certain program performance levels are attained for each fiscal year. The additional revenue iswas not recognized until the performance level iswas attained. We receivedcontinue to receive renewal income from these memberships.

After the expiration of the agreement with Adaptive Marketing, on March 22, 2006, we began offering membership programs provided by Encore Marketing International (“Encore”) under a two year agreement where we marketed membership programs on a retail basis. By mutual agreement, this contract was terminated in October 2006 and the Company entered into an arrangement with United Marketing Group (“UMG”) to sell membership programs on a wholesale basis. Under our agreement with Encore, we were paid a commission revenue from the Magazine Direct magazine subscriptionfor customers who initially agreed to purchase a membership program through May 2003and a commission if a purchaser was still an active member when the customer’s membership was up for renewal at the end of a membership year. Under the UMG agreement, we purchase membership kits and program was discontinued. The commission revenuebenefits from UMG and then resell them to our customers. Revenue associated with these memberships is recognized by the Company for the Magazine Direct magazine program was on a per-solicitationpro-rata basis accordingover the membership period as the customers’ right to refund expires, in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin 104, “Revenue Recognition”. Expenses associated with these wholesale memberships are expensed as incurred with the numberexception of solicitations made,certain deferred direct responsive advertising expenses, which are amortized over the future benefit period in accordance with additionalAmerican Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position 93-7, “Reporting on Advertising Costs”. As a result of switching from selling memberships on a retail basis to a wholesale basis and the different economic arrangements under the two agreements, there is a lag in revenue recognition


from membership programs sold and the revenue from membership sales is amortized over the life of the memberships. By way of contrast, under our agreement with Encore, we recognized if the customer accepted the solicitation. commissions when customers agreed to purchase a membership program.

Collectively, the amount of revenues the Company received from these sources was $10.3$14.9 million, or 2.5%3.6% of net revenues, $9.3$14.3 million, or 2.2%3.5% of net revenues, and $10.3 million, or 2.2%2.8% of net revenues in 2004, 2003fiscal 2006, fiscal 2005 and 2002,fiscal 2004, respectively.

 

B-to-B Services:Third Party Fulfillment: Revenues from the Company’s e-commerce transactionthird party fulfillment services are recognized as the related services are provided. Customers are charged on an activity unit basis, which applies a contractually specified rate according to the type of transaction service performed.performed; customers also are charged monthly on a fixed basis. Revenues recorded from the Company’s B-to-Bthird party fulfillment services were $20.8$27.3 million, or 5.2%6.6% of net revenues, $20.0$32.9 million, or 4.8%8.1% of net revenues, and $20.1$20.8 million, or 4.4%5.8% of net revenues, for 2004, 2003fiscal 2006, fiscal 2005 and 2002,fiscal 2004, respectively.

 

Financial Instruments:Private Label and Co-Brand Credit Card Agreement: On February 22, 2005, the Company entered into a seven year co-brand and private label credit card agreement (as amended by Amendment Number One on March 30, 2005, the “Credit Card Agreement”) with World Financial Network National Bank (“WFNNB”) under which WFNNB will provide private label (branded) and co-brand credit cards to the Company’s customers. The Company began offering the private label credit card to its customers in April 2005. The program extends credit to our customers at no credit risk to the Company and is expected to lead to increased sales and lower expenses. In general, WFNNB will pay the Company proceeds from sales of Company merchandise using the cards issued under the program with no discount. WFNNB has also agreed to reimburse the Company for marketing and promotional expenses incurred by the Company promoting the private label card up to certain annual maximum amounts. The Company accounts for the marketing funds based on EITF Issue No. 02-16, “Accounting by a Customer (Including a Reseller) for Certain Consideration Received from a Vendor,” (“EITF 02-16”). EITF 02-16 states when cash consideration is received for reimbursement of costs incurred by a customer to sell a vendor’s products, the cash consideration should be characterized as a reduction of that cost when recognized in the customer’s income statement as long as it represents a reimbursement of a specific, incremental, identifiable cost incurred. In addition, WFNNB paid the Company an upfront fee. Based on EITF 02-16, the cash consideration received represented a payment for assets or services delivered and should be characterized as revenue (or other income, as appropriate), when recognized in the customer’s income statement if the vendor receives, or will receive, an identifiable benefit (goods or services) in exchange for the consideration. In addition, in order to adhere to the matching principle and be in accordance with SEC staff views (for example, SEC Staff View on SAB 104), although the Company received the non-refundable fee immediately, the Company believes that the substance of the transaction indicates the fee was paid for a service to be delivered over time. Consequently, the Company amortized and recognized the fee income over the term of the contract (7 years from March 2005 to February 2012).

If the Credit Card Agreement is terminated or expires other than as a result of a default by WFNNB, the Company will be obligated to purchase any outstanding private label accounts at their fair market value. The Company will have the option of purchasing any outstanding co-brand accounts at their fair market value when the Credit Card Agreement terminates unless the termination is attributable to the Company’s default. Under the 34th Amendment to the Loan & Security Agreement executed by the Company and Wachovia on July 29, 2005, the Company is prohibited from using the Wachovia Facility to fund the purchase of the private label and co-brand accounts. As a consequence, should the Company become obligated to purchase the accounts and should it not have secured a replacement credit card program with a new credit card issuer, the Company will be forced to seek financing from a different source which financing will be subject to Wachovia’s and Chelsey’s approval.

— Financial Instruments: The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, short- and long-term debt (including the Wachovia Facility and excluding the Chelsey Facility) and capital lease obligations approximate fair value due to the short maturities of these instruments. The carrying amounts for long-term debt related to the Chelsey Facility are net of the remaining un-accreted debt discount of $11.8$3.7 million. The fair value of the long-term debt related to the Chelsey Facility is approximately equal to the gross amount outstanding under the facility of $20.0 million since the interest rate on this loan is a floating rate of 5.0% above the prime rate publicly announced by Wachovia.

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity” (“SFAS 150”). SFAS 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability, many of which had been previously classified as equity or between the liabilities and equity sections of the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The provisions of SFAS 150 were effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise were effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS 150, which resulted in the reclassification of its Series B Participating Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred”) to a liability rather than between the liabilities and equity sections of the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Based upon the requirements set forth by SFAS 150, this reclassification was subject to implementation beginning on June 29, 2003. Upon implementation of SFAS 150, the Company reflected subsequent increases in liquidation preference of the Series B Preferred as an increase in Total Liabilities with a corresponding reduction in capital in excess of par value, because the Company has an accumulated deficit. Accretion was recorded as interest expense. Net Income (Loss) Applicable to Common Shareholders and Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share remains unchanged in comparison with the Company’s classification of the instrument prior to June 29, 2003. On November 30, 2003, the Company and Chelsey consummated the transactions contemplated by a Recapitalization Agreement, dated as of November 18, 2003 under which the Company recapitalized, completed the reconstitution of its Board of Directors and outstanding litigation between the Company and Chelsey was settled (the “Recapitalization”). As part of the Recapitalization, the Company exchanged the Series B Preferred for Series C Preferred Stock, which was recorded at its maximum amount of the liquidation preference. Therefore, there have been no preferred stock dividends recorded since November 30, 2003. See Note 8 for additional information regarding the Recapitalization.

New Accounting Pronouncements

On March 31, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 03-6 (“EITF 03-6”), “Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FASB Statement No.


128.” SFAS 128 defines earnings per share (“EPS”) as “the amount of earnings attributable to each share of common stock” and indicates that the objective of EPS is to measure the performance of an entity over the reporting period. SFAS 128 addresses conditions under which a participating security requires the use of the two-class method of computing EPS. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that treats a participating security as having rights to earnings that otherwise would have been available to common shareholders, but does not require the presentation of basic and diluted EPS for securities other than common stock. The Company’s Series C Preferred is a participating security and, therefore, we calculate EPS utilizing the two-class method, however, have chosen not to present basic and diluted EPS for its preferred stock.

 

In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs, an Amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4” (“SFAS 151”), which clarifies the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and spoilage. We are required to adoptThe Company has adopted the provisions of SFAS 151 effective January 1, 2006; however, early2006 and such adoption is permitted. We are currently indid not have a material effect on the processCompany’s results of determiningoperations or financial position for the impact of the adoption of this Statement on our financial statements.52- weeks ended December 30, 2006.

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R, “Share Based Payment” (“SFAS 123R”). SFAS 123R requires measurement and recording of compensation expense for all employee share-based compensation awards using a fair value method. The Company currently accounts for its stock-based compensation to employees using the fair value-based methodology under SFAS 123. We are currently assessingThe Company has adopted the impactprovisions of SFAS 123R effective January 1, 2006 and such adoption did not have a material effect on the adoptionCompany’s results of this Statement.operations or financial position for the 52- weeks ended December 30, 2006. See Note 14 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures for SFAS 123R.

 

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections” (“SFAS 154”), which changes the requirements for the accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle. We areThe Company is required to adopt the provisions of


SFAS 154 effective January 1, 2006; however, early adoption is permitted.2006. The Company has adopted the provisions of SFAS 154 and such adoption did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position for the 52- weeks ended December 30, 2006.

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. We are currently assessingreviewing this new standard to determine its effects, if any, on our results of operations or financial position.

In June 2006, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issued EITF Issue 06-3, “How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (That Is, Gross versus Net Presentation)” (“EITF 06-3”). EITF 06-3 provides guidance related to the presentation in financial statements of any tax assessed by a governmental authority that is directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer, including, but not limited to, sales, use, value added, and some excise taxes. The EITF concluded that the presentation of taxes within the scope of EITF 06-3 on either a gross (included in revenues and costs) or a net (excluded from revenues) basis is an accounting policy decision that should be disclosed. The provisions of EITF 06-3 are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2006. EITF 06-3 will not impact the method for recording these taxes in the Company's consolidated financial statements as the Company has historically presented revenues excluding these taxes.

In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements (“SAB 108”), to address diversity in practice in quantifying financial statement misstatements. SAB 108 requires that we quantify misstatements based on their impact on each of our financial statements and related disclosures. SAB 108 is effective as of the end of our 2006 fiscal year, allowing a one-time transitional cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2006 for errors that were not previously deemed material, but are material under the guidance in SAB 108. The Company has adopted the provisions of SAB 108 and such adoption did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position for the 52- weeks ended December 30, 2006.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157 Fair Value Measurements, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS 157 are effective as of the beginning of our 2008 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoptionadopting SFAS 157 to determine its effects, if any, on our results of this Statement.operations or financial position.

 

2. PRIOR RESTATEMENT OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS

 

We have restated the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002 which were included in thisthe Annual Report on Form 10-K.10-K filed for fiscal 2004 filed on February 21, 2006. We have also restated the quarterly financial information for fiscal 2003 and the first two quarters of fiscal 2004 (collectively, the “Restatement”).

Buyers’ Club Program. In The Restatement corrected errors in the first quarter of 2004, former management identified a potential issue with the accountingaccount treatment of discount obligations due(i) a guarantee related to members of certain of the Company’s buyers’ clubour Buyer’s Club programs, and at that time, an inappropriate conclusion regarding the accounting treatment was reached. During the third quarter of 2004, the issue was re-evaluated and we determined that an error in the accounting treatment had occurred. The impact of the error resulted in the overstatement of revenues and the omission of a liability related to the guarantee for discount obligations. The proper accounting treatment has been applied to all periods impacted including a calculation of the cumulative impact of the error on previously reported periods.

Revenue Recognition Issues. During the second quarter of 2004, the Company identified a(ii) our revenue recognition cut-off issue that resulted in revenue being recorded in advance of the actual shipment ofpolicies on shipped merchandise, (iii) a reserve relating to the customer.claims for post employment benefits, (iv) customer prepayments and credits, and (v) certain other accruals. The practice was stopped immediately. Subsequently, the Company determined that revenue should be recognized when merchandise is received by the customer rather than when shipped because the Company routinely replaces customer merchandise damaged or lost in transit as a customer service matter (even though risk of loss, as a legal matter, passes on shipment). As a consequence, the Company has restated all periods presented to recognize revenue when merchandise is received by the customer.

Kaul Accrual. During the year ended December 30, 2000, the Company estimated its liability related to Rakesh Kaul’s claims regarding benefits to which he was entitled as a result of his resignation as CEO on December 5, 2000. The accompanying consolidated financial statements contain a restatement related to the Kaul reserve that corrects two errors in the accounting treatment of the reserve. The first error identified was the premature reversal of the reserve in the fourth quarter of 2003 based upon the summary judgment decision in January 2004. As noted above, because this decision could be, and subsequently was, appealed, management has determined that the reversal was premature. The second error identified was the accounting for legal fees associated with litigating this claim. Due to the fact that the Kaul reserve was recorded prior to the initiation of litigation, the Company has determined that the appropriate basis of accounting for the legal fees related to the litigation would have been to


treat such fees as period costs and, therefore, expensed as incurred. However, the Company had inappropriately recorded certain of these fees against the reserve as opposed to recording them as an expense in the income statement. As of December 25, 2004, the Company had accrued $4.5 million related to this matter. This accrual remained on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet until the third quarter of 2005 when Kaul’s rights to pursue this claim expired.

Customer Prepayments and Credits. Starting in fiscal 2001, the Company inappropriately reduced the liability for certain customer prepayments and credits. The impact of the inappropriate reduction of this liability resulted in the understatement of general and administrative expenses and the omission of the related liability. During the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company re-evaluated the accounting treatment for these customer prepayments and credits. As a consequence, the Company has applied the proper accounting treatment to all periods impacted including recording a liability in each respective previously reported period equivalent to the cumulative impact of the error.

Other Accruals. The Company has recorded other liabilities relating primarily to certain miscellaneous catalog costs and other miscellaneous costs that were inappropriately not accrued in the appropriate periods.

The summary ofreflect the effects of the Restatement, inclusive of any tax implications, on the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements is as follows:

 

 

Year ended December 27, 2003

 

 

 

As

Previously Reported

 

Buyers’ Club Adjustment

 

Revenue Recognition Adjustments

 

Kaul

Accrual

Adjustment

Customer Prepayments and Credit Adjustments

 

Other

Accrual

Adjustments

 

 

 

As Restated

 

 








 

 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Inventories

 

$      41,576

--

1,230

--

--

--

$        42,806

Prepaid catalog costs

 

$      11,808

--

677

--

--

--

$        12,485

Other current assets

 

$        3,951

--

288

--

--

--

$          4,239

Total current assets

 

$      73,952

--

2,195

--

--

--

$        76,147

Deferred tax asset

 

$        1,453

--

316

--

--

--

$          1,769

Accounts payable

 

$      41,880

--

--

--

--

862

$        42,742

Accrued liabilities

 

$      12,918

--

(184)

4,354

--

--

$        17,088

Customer prepayments and credits

 

$        5,485

1,897

3,230

--

867

--

$        11,479

Deferred tax liability

 

$        1,453

--

316

--

--

--

$          1,769

Total current liabilities

 

$      75,204

1,897

3,362

4,354

867

862

$        86,546

Accumulated deficit

 

$ ( 494,791)

(1,897)

(851)

(4,354)

(867)

(862)

$    (503,622)

Total shareholders’ deficiency

 

$    (47,508)

(1,897)

(851)

(4,354)

(867)

(862)

$      (56,339)

Net revenues

 

$    414,874

(899)

308

--

--

--

$      414,283

Cost of sales and operating expenses

 

$    261,118

--

179

--

--

--

$      261,297

Selling expenses

 

$      99,543

--

150

--

--

278

$        99,971

General and administrative expenses

 

$      42,080

--

4

3,297

114

48

$        45,543

Income before interest and income taxes

 

$        8,017

(899)

(25)

(3,297)

(114)

(326)

$          3,356

Net loss and comprehensive loss

 

$    (15,399)

(899)

(25)

(3,297)

(114)

(326)

$      (20,060)

Net loss applicable to common shareholders

 

$    (23,321)

(899)

(25)

(3,297)

(114)

(326)

$      (27,982)

Net loss per share-basic and diluted

 

$       (1.62)

(0.06)

(0.00)

(0.23)

(0.01)

(0.02)

$         (1.94)


 

 

Year ended December 28, 2002

 

 

 

As

Previously Reported

 

Buyers’ Club Adjustment

 

Revenue Recognition Adjustments

 

Kaul

Accrual

Adjustment

Customer Prepayments and Credit Adjustments

 

Other

Accrual

Adjustments

 

 

 

As Restated

 

 








 

 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Accumulated deficit

 

$   (486,627)

(998)

(826)

(1,057)

(753)

(536)

$      (490,797)

Total shareholders’ deficiency

 

$     (58,841)

(998)

(826)

(1,057)

(753)

(536)

$        (63,011)

Net revenues

 

$      457,644

(306)

(348)

--

--

--

$        456,990

Cost of sales and operating expenses

 

$      290,531

--

(148)

--

--

--

$        290,383

Selling expenses

 

$      105,239

--

(86)

--

--

295

$        105,448

General and administrative expenses

 

$       52,258

--

(4)

777

261

30

$          53,322

Income (loss) before interest and income taxes

 

$           138

(306)

(110)

(777)

(261)

(325)

$         (1,641)

Net loss and comprehensive loss

 

$       (9,130)

(306)

(110)

(777)

(261)

(325)

$        (10,909)

Net loss applicable to common shareholders

 

$     (24,686)

(306)

(110)

(777)

(261)

(325)

$        (26,465)

Net loss per share-basic and diluted

 

$        (1.79)

(0.02)

(0.01)

(0.05)

(0.02)

(0.02)

$           (1.91)

 

 

Year ended December 29, 2001

 

 

 

As

Previously Reported

 

Buyers’ Club Adjustment

 

Revenue Recognition Adjustments

 

Kaul

Accrual

Adjustment

Customer Prepayments and Credit Adjustments

 

Other

Accrual

Adjustments

 

 

 

As Restated

 

 








 

 

(In thousands)

Accumulated deficit

 

$    (477,497)

(692)

(716)

(280)

(492)

(211)

$    (479,888)

Total shareholders’ deficiency

 

$      (35,728)

(692)

(716)

(280)

(492)

(211)

$      (38,119)

The Restatement did not result in a change to the Company’s cash flows during the restated periods.Restatement.

 

As further discussed below in Note 18, as a result of the Restatement, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors hired independent outside counsel to assist with an investigation of certain of the matters relating to the restatements of the Company’s consolidated financial statementsRestatement and other accounting-related matters. The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) also informed the Company that it was conducting an informal inquiry.inquiry which is ongoing.

The Company’s common stock was formally suspended from trading on the American Stock Exchange (the “AMEX”) on February 2, 2005 as a result of the Company’s inability to comply with the AMEX’s continued listing standards and because the Company did not file on a timely basis its Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 25, 2004 which in turn was attributable to the Restatement. The Common Stock was removed from listing and registration on the AMEX effective February 16, 2005. Current trading information about the Company’s common stock can be obtained from the Pink Sheets (www.pinksheets.com) under the trading symbol HNVD.PK.

 

3. DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS

 

The Company is restricted from paying dividends on its Common Stock or from acquiring its Common Stock by covenants contained in loan agreements to which the Company is a party.

 

4. DIVESTITURES

 

Sale of Gump’s

On March 27, 2003,14, 2005, the Company and HSN, a division of USA Networks, Inc.’s Interactive Group and purchaser of certain assets and liabilitiessold all of the Company’s Improvements business on June 29, 2001, amended the asset purchase agreementstock of Gump’s to provideGump’s Holdings, LLC (“Purchaser”) for the release of the remaining $2.0$8.9 million, balance of the escrow fund and to terminate the escrow agreement. The asset purchase agreement had provided that if the Company’s subsidiary, Keystone Internet Services LLC (“Keystone”) failed to perform its obligations during the first two years of the services contract, HSN could receiveincluding a reduction in the original purchase price adjustment of up to $2.0 million. By agreeing$0.4 million, pursuant to the terms of the amendment, HSN forfeited its ability to receive a reductionFebruary 11, 2005 Stock Purchase Agreement. The Company recognized a gain of approximately $3.6 million in the original purchase price. In considerationquarter ended March 26, 2005. Chelsey Direct, LLC (“Chelsey”), as the holder of all of the Series C


Participating Preferred Stock (“Series C Preferred”), consented to the application of the sales proceeds to reduce the outstanding balance of the credit facility provided by Wachovia National Bank (“Wachovia”) in lieu of the current redemption of a portion of the Series C Preferred. Chelsey expressly retained its right to require redemption of approximately $6.9 million of the Series C Preferred subject to Wachovia’s approval.

After the sale, the Company continued as the guarantor of one of the two leases for the San Francisco building where the store is located (the Company was released from liability on the other lease). The Purchaser was required to use its commercially reasonable efforts to secure the Company’s release Keystone issuedfrom the guarantee within a year of the closing. If the Purchaser could not secure the Company’s release within a year of the closing, an affiliate of the Purchaser was required to either (i) transfer a percentage interest in its business so that the Company will own, indirectly, 5% interest of the Purchaser’s common stock, or (ii) provide the Company with a $2.5 million stand-by letter of credit or other form of compensation acceptable to HSNthe Company to reimburse the Company for $100,000,any liabilities the Company may incur under the guarantee until the Company is released from the guarantee or the lease is terminated. The Purchaser did not secure the Company’s release of the guarantee. The Company agreed to accept a secured $2.5 million promissory note from one of the principal investors in the Purchaser. The note is secured by a pledge of equity which couldindirectly represents 5% of the Purchaser’s common stock. The Company may draw on the note if the Company incurs any liability to the landlord under the lease guarantee or as a result of a default on the other lease. As of February 15, 2007, there are $5.1 million (net of $0.4 million in expected sublease income) in lease commitments for which the Company is the guarantor. Based on its evaluation, the Company has concluded it is unlikely any payments will be applied by HSN against any invoicesrequired under the guarantee and thus has not established a guarantee liability as of Keystonethe March 14, 2005 sale date or as of December 30, 2006.

The Company entered into a Direct Marketing Services Agreement with the Purchaser to HSN.provide telemarketing and fulfillment services for the Gump’s catalog and direct marketing businesses for 18 months. This creditagreement expired in October 2006 and was utilized by HSN during March 2003. On March 28, 2003,not renewed.

Listed below are the remaining $2.0 million escrow balance was receivedrevenues and income before income taxes included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) (these results exclude certain corporate overhead charges allocated to Gump’s for services provided by the Company thus terminatingto run the escrow agreement.

business) for the 53- weeks ended December 31, 2005:

 


 

 

In thousands (000’s)

For the Year Ended

December 31,

2005

For the Year Ended

December 25,

2004

Net revenues

$             7,241

$          42,634

Income before income taxes

$            2,974a

$             2,967

 

During 2002, the Company recognized approximately $0.6 milliona) Includes a gain on disposal of the deferred gain consistent with the terms of the escrow agreement. Proceeds related to the deferred gain were received on July 2, 2002 and$3,576 at December 30, 2002 for $0.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The Company recognized the remaining net deferred gain of $1.9 million upon the receipt of the escrow balance on March 28, 2003. This gain was reported net of the costs incurred to provide the credit to HSN of approximately $0.1 million.31, 2005

 

5. SPECIAL CHARGES

 

2004 Plan 

 

On June 30, 2004, the Company announced its plan to consolidate the operations of the LaCrosse, Wisconsin fulfillment center and storage facility into the Roanoke, Virginia fulfillment center by June 30, 2005. The LaCrosse fulfillment center and the storage facility were closed in June 2005 and August 2005, upon the expiration of their respective leases. The plan to consolidate operations was prompted by excess capacity at the Roanoke facility and the lack of sufficient warehouse space in the leased Wisconsin facilities to support the growth of The Company Store and reduce the overall cost structure of the Company. The Company substantially completed the consolidation ofinto the Roanoke, Virginia fulfillment center by the end of June 2005. The Company has incurred approximately $0.6$0.8 million in facility exit costs from the date of the announcement through June 25, 2005.December 30, 2006. The Company accrued $0.5 million in severance and related costs during 2004 associated with the LaCrosse operations and the elimination of 149 full and part-time positions, of which 96 employees will behave been or are being provided severance benefits by the Company. Since the consolidation of ourthe fulfillment centers, ourthe Company’s Roanoke fulfillment center has experienced high levels of employee turnover and lower productivity that has negatively impacted fulfillment costs and the Company’s overall performance. This trend of lower productivity had continued through fiscal 2006. In the spring of 2006, we installed new management in the fulfillment center to address these issues. Process improvements are being implemented with the expectation they will create increased productivity and lower costs in the back half of fiscal 2007.

 

On November 9, 2004, the Company decided to relocate its International Male and Undergear catalog operations to its offices in New Jersey. The Company completed the relocation on February 28, 2005. The relocation was done primarily to consolidate operations, reduce costs, and leverage its catalog expertise in New Jersey. The Company accrued a total of $0.9 million in severance and related costs during the fourth quarter 2004 associated with the elimination of 32 California-basedCalifornia based full-time equivalent positions. Since the relocation and consolidation of the Men’s apparel catalogs, the transition has negatively impacted the performance of the Men’s apparel catalogs in 2005.

Pursuant to and in conjunction with the above actions to reduce overhead costs, the Company eliminated an additional 15 full-time positions Company-wide, for which the Company accrued $0.3 million in severance and related costs during the fourth quarter of 2004.

 

2000 Plan

 

In December 2000, the Company began a strategic business realignment program that resulted in the recording of special charges for severance, facility exit costs and fixed asset write-offs. The actions related to the strategic business realignment program were taken in an effort to direct the Company’s resources primarily towards a loss reduction strategy and return to profitability.

 

In May 2002, the Company entered into an agreement with the landlord and the sublandlord to terminate its sublease of the Company’s closed 746,000 square foot warehouse and telemarketing facility located in Maumelle, Arkansas. The agreement provided for the payment by the Company to the sublandlord of $1.8 million. The Company’s previously established reserves for Maumelle, Arkansas were adequate based upon the terms of the final settlement agreement.

In 2002, special charges relating to the strategic business realignment program were recorded in the amount of $4.4 million. These charges consisted of $1.8 million of severance costs related to the Company’s strategic business realignment program, and $1.3 million of additional facility exit costs resulting from the integration of The Company Store and Domestications divisions. The remaining $1.3 million consisted primarily of a $0.4 million credit reflecting the reduction of the deferred rental liabilities applicable to the portions of the facilities previously included in the Company’s strategic business realignment program, and a $1.7 million charge in order to properly reflect the current marketability of such facilities in the rental markets.

In 2003, special charges were recorded in the amount of $1.3 million primarily for additional severance costs


associated with the Company’s strategic business realignment program and to revise estimated losses related to sublease arrangements for Gump’s office facility in San Francisco, California, as a result of the loss of a subtenant, coupled with declining market values in that area of the country.


During 2004, special charge credits were recorded in the amount of $0.1 million. These credits consisted principally of reductions of estimated losses on the sublease arrangements for the office facility in San Francisco due to the acquisition of additional subtenants for the vacant space.

Plan Summary

 

AtAs of December 25, 2004,30, 2006, a current liability of approximately $2.5less than $0.1 million was included within Accrued Liabilities and a long-term liability of approximately $2.4 million was included within Other Non-Current Liabilities relating to future payments of severance and personnel costs in connection with the Company’s 2000 and 2004 plans. They are expected toplan. This amount will be satisfied no later than February 2010 and consistsettled in the first half of the following (in thousands):

 

 

Severance &

Personnel

Costs

 

Real Estate

Lease &

Exit Costs

 

Information Technology Leases

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2004 Plan

2000 Plan

 

2000 Plan

 

2000 Plan

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 29, 2001

 

$              --

$       2,546

 

$          8,137

 

$             373

 

$        11,056

2002 expenses

 

--

1,817

 

2,952

 

--

 

4,769

Paid in 2002

 

--

(2,911)

 

(4,672)

 

(210)

 

(7,793)

 

 



 


 


 


Balance at December 28, 2002

 

$              --

$       1,452

 

$          6,417

 

$             163

 

$          8,032

2003 expenses

 

--

291

 

1,013

 

--

 

1,304

Paid in 2003

 

--

(1,538)

 

(1,841)

 

(163)

 

(3,542)

 

 



 


 


 


Balance at December 27, 2003

 

$              --

$          205

 

$          5,589

 

$                --

 

$          5,794

2004 expenses

 

1,664

--

 

--

 

--

 

1,664

2004 revisions of previous estimate

 

--

(31)

 

(97)

 

--

 

(128)

Paid in 2004

 

(146)

(174)

 

(2,132)

 

--

 

(2,452)

 

 



 


 


 


Balance at December 25, 2004

 

$       1,518

$              --

 

$          3,360

 

$                --

 

$          4,878

 

 



 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following is a summary of the liability related to real estate lease and exit costs, by location, as of December 25, 2004 and December 27, 2003 and includes lease and exit costs related to the Gump’s operations that were sold on March 14, 2005 (in thousands):

 

 

 

December 25,

2004

 

 

December 27,

2003

 

 


 


 

 

 

 

 

Gump’s facility, San Francisco, CA

 

$              2,885

 

$            3,788

Corporate facility, Weehawken, NJ

 

386

 

1,447

Corporate facility, Edgewater, NJ

 

68

 

261

Administrative and telemarketing facility, San Diego, CA

 

21

 

93

 

 


 


Total Real Estate Lease and Exit Costs

 

$             3,360

 

$             5,589

 

 


 


2007.

 


 

 

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

Severance &

Personnel

Costs

 

Real Estate

Lease &

Exit Costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2004 Plan

2000 Plan

 

2000 Plan

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 27, 2003

 

$              --

$         205

 

$       5,589

 

$         5,794

2004 expenses (reductions)

Gump’s 2004 (reductions)

Gump’s Paid in 2004

 

1,664

--

--

--

(31)

--

 

20

(117)

(786)

 

1,684

(148)

(786)

Paid in 2004

 

(146)

( 174)

 

(1,346)

 

(1,666)

Balance at December 25, 2004

 

$      1,518

$             --

 

$       3,360

 

$         4,878

2005 expenses (reductions)

Gump’s Paid in 2005

 

(69)

--

--

--

 

--

(63)

 

(69)

(63)

Paid in 2005

 

(1,428)

--

 

(475)

 

(1,903)

Reductions due to sale of

Gump’s

 

 

--

 

--

 

 

(2,822)

 

 

(2,822)

Balance at December 31, 2005

 

$           21

$             --

 

$                --

 

$             21

Paid in 2006

 

(4)

--

 

--

 

(4)

Balance at December 30, 2006

 

$           17

$             --

 

$               --

 

$             17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. ACCRUED LIABILITIES

 

Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

December 25,

2004

 

 

December 27,

2003

As Restated

 


 


Special charges

$        2,460

 

$         2,362

Reserve for future sales returns

1,985

 

1,981

Compensation and benefits

5,670

 

4,341

Income and other taxes

470

 

258

Litigation and other related accruals

5,023

 

4,554

Other

4,927

 

3,592

 


 


Total

$      20,535

 

$       17,088

 


 


 

 

 

December 30,

2006

 

 

December 31,

2005

Reserve for future sales returns

$ 2,962

 

$ 2,240

Compensation and benefits

3,102

 

4,836

Other (1)

           6,796

 

           5,265

Total

$      12,860

 

$       12,341

(1) Other consists of items that are individually less than 5% of current liabilities.

 

7. DEBT

 

The Company has two credit facilities: a senior secured credit facility (the “Wachovia Facility”) provided by Wachovia National Bank, as successor by merger to Congress Financial Corporation (“Wachovia”) and a $20.0 million junior secured facility (the “Chelsey Facility”), provided by Chelsey Finance, LLC (“Chelsey Finance”), of which the entire $20.0 million was borrowed by the Company. Chelsey Finance is an affiliate of Chelsey, the Company’s principal shareholder.

 

Debt consistsAs of December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, debt consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

December 25,

 

December 27,

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 


 


Wachovia facility:

 

 

 

 

Tranche A term loans – Current portion, interest rate of 5.5% in 2004 and 4.75% in 2003

 

$       1,992

 

$         1,992

Tranche B term loan – Current portion, interest rate of 13.0% in 2003

 

--

 

1,800

Revolver, interest rate of 5.5% in 2004 and 4.5% in 2003

 

14,408

 

8,997

Capital lease obligations – Current portion

 

290

 

679

 

 


 


Short-term debt

 

$     16,690

 

$       13,468

 

 

 

 

 

Wachovia facility:

 

 

 

 

Tranche A term loans – interest rate of 5.5% in 2004 and 4.75% in 2003

 

$       2,985

 

$         4,478

Tranche B term loan – interest rate of 13.0% in 2003

 

--

 

4,211

Chelsey facility – stated interest rate of 10.0% (5.0% above prime rate) in 2004

 

8,159

 

--

Capital lease obligations

 

52

 

353

 

 


 


Long-term debt

 

$     11,196

 

$         9,042

 

 


 


Total debt

 

$     27,886

 

$       22,510

 

 


 


 

 

December 30,

2006

 

December 31,

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wachovia Facility:

 

 

 

 

 

Tranche A term loans – Current portion, interest rate of 7.35% at December 30, 2006 and 7.5% at December 31, 2005

 

 

 

$             995

 

 

 

$             1,992

 

Revolver, weighted average interest rate of 8.01% at December 30, 2006 and 7.5% at December 31, 2005

 

 

10,884

 

 

8,066

 

Capital lease obligations and other debt – Current portion

 

67

 

47

 

Short-term debt

 

11,946

 

10,105

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Wachovia Facility:

 

 

 

 

 

Tranche A term loans, interest rate of 7.5% at December 31, 2005

 

 

--

 

 

994

 

Chelsey Facility – stated interest rate of 13.25% at December 30, 2006 and 12.0% at December 31, 2005 (5.0% above prime rate)

 

 

 

16,335

 

 

 

11,545

 

Capital lease obligations and other debt

 

244

 

4

 

Long-term debt

 

16,579

 

12,543

 

Total debt

 

$28,525

 

$22,648

 

 

Wachovia Facility

 

Wachovia and the Company are parties to a Loan and Security Agreement dated November 14, 1995 (as amended by the First through Thirty-FourthThirty-Seventh Amendments, the “Wachovia Loan Agreement”) pursuant to which Wachovia provided the Company with the Wachovia Facility which has included, since inception, one or more term loans and a revolving credit facility (“Revolver”). The Wachovia Facility expires on July 8, 2007.

 

Prior toCurrently, the Chelsey Facility, there were two term loans outstanding,Wachovia facility has a Tranche A and Tranche B, under the Wachovia Facility. The Tranche B term loan hadoutstanding which has a principal balance of approximately $4.9 million and bore interest at 13.0% when the Company used a portion of the proceeds of the Chelsey Facility to repay this loan on July 8, 2004. The Tranche A term loan had a principal balance of approximately $5.0$1.0 million as of December 25, 2004,30, 2006, all of which approximately $2.0 million is classified as short term and approximately $3.0 million is classified as long term on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. ThePrior to the reduction in interest rates provided for in the Thirty-Fifth Amendment, the Tranche A term loan bearsbore interest at 0.5% over the Wachovia prime


rate and requiresrequired monthly principal payments of approximately $166,000. The interest rate on the Tranche A term loan, as provided for in the Thirty-Fifth Amendment, is the Wachovia prime rate or the Eurodollar rate plus 2%. As of December 30, 2006, the interest rate on the Tranche A term loan was 7.35%.

 

The Revolver has a maximum loan limit of $34.5 million, subject to inventory and accounts receivable sublimits, that limit the credit available to the Company’s subsidiaries, which are borrowers under the Revolver. The interest rate on the Revolver, as provided for in the Thirty-Fifth Amendment, is currently 0.5% over the Wachovia prime rate.rate or the Eurodollar rate plus 2%. As of December 25, 2004,30, 2006, the weighted average interest rate on the Revolver was 5.5%8.01%.

 

The Wachovia Facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and contains certain restrictive covenants, including a restriction against the incurrence of additional indebtedness and the payment of Common Stock dividends. In addition, all of the real estate owned by the Company is subject to a mortgage in favor of Wachovia and a second mortgage in favor of Chelsey Finance. The Wachovia Loan Agreement contains affirmative and negative covenants typical for loan agreements for asset-based lending of this type including financial covenants requiring the Company to maintain specified levels of Consolidated Net Worth, Consolidated Working Capital and EBITDA, as those terms are defined in the Wachovia Loan Agreement.

Due to, among other things, the Restatement which resulted in the Company violating several financial covenants and the Company’s inability to timely file its periodic reports with the SEC, As of December 30, 2006, the Company was in technical default under the Wachoviarequired to maintain Consolidated Working Capital of not less than $8.0 million and Chelsey Facilities. The Company has obtained waivers from both Wachovia and Chelsey Finance for such defaults.

2004 Amendments to Wachovia Loan Agreement

On March 25, 2004, the Company and Wachovia amended the Wachovia Loan Agreement, which adjusted the levels of Consolidated Net Worth of not less than ($37.0 million) and Consolidated Working Capital thatnot permit Cumulative Minimum EBITDA for the Company hadtwelve months ended December 30, 2006 to maintain during each month commencing January 2004, and amended the EBITDA covenant to specify minimum levels of EBITDA that the Company had to achieve on a quarterly basis during 2004, 2005 and 2006. In addition, the definition of “Event of Default” was amended by changing an Event of Default from the occurrence of a material adverse change in the business, assets, liabilities or condition of the Company and its subsidiaries to the occurrence of certain specific events such as a decrease in consolidated net revenues beyond certain specified levels or aging of inventory or accounts payable beyond certain specified levels.

Concurrent with the closing of the Chelsey Facility on July 8, 2004, the Company and Wachovia amended the Wachovia Loan Agreement in several respects including: (1) releasing certain existing availability reserves and removing the excess loan availability covenant that increased the Company’s availability by approximately $10.0 million, (2) reducing the amount of the maximum credit, the revolving loan limit and the inventory and accounts sublimits of the borrowers, and (3) permitting Chelsey Finance to have a junior secured lien on the Company’s assets. In addition, Wachovia consented to (a) the Company’s issuance to Chelsey Finance of the Common Stock Warrant and the Common Stock as describedfall below (b) the proposed reverse stock split of the Common Stock and the Company making cash payments to repurchase fractional shares, (c) certain amendments to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, and (d) the issuance by the Company of Common Stock to Chelsey as payment of a waiver fee.$6.0 million. The Company paidwas in compliance with its financial covenants as of December 30, 2006. Were it not in compliance with one or more of these covenants, Wachovia a $400,000 fee in connection with this amendment. This fee was recorded as a deferred charge onwould have the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and is being amortized over the three-year term of the amended Wachovia Facility.

2005 Amendments to Wachovia Loan Agreement

On March 11, 2005, Wachovia consented to the sale of Gump’s and Gump’s By Mail (collectively “Gump’s”). On March 11, 2005 the Wachovia Loan Agreement was amended to temporarily increase the amount of letters of credits that the Company could issue from $10.0 million to $13.0 million through June 30, 2005. The Company paid Wachovia a $25,000 fee in connection with this amendment.

On July 29, 2005 the Company and Wachovia amended the Wachovia Loan Agreement to provide the terms under which the Company could enter into the World Financial Network National Bank (“WFNNB”) Credit Card Agreement which,right, among other things, prohibits the use of the proceedsremedies, to require immediate repayment of the Wachovia Facility to repurchase private label and co-brand accounts created under the WFNNB Credit Card Agreement should the Company become obligated to do so, prohibits the Company from terminating the WFNNB Credit Card Agreement without Wachovia’s consent and restricts the Company from borrowing on receivables generated under the WFNNB Credit


Card Agreement. The amendment also waives enumerated defaults, resets the financial covenants, reallocates the availability that was previously allocated to Gump’s among other Company subsidiaries and, retroactive to June 30, 2005, increases the amount of letter of credits that the Company can issue to $15.0 million. The Company paid Wachovia a $60,000 fee in connection with this amendment.

On July 29, 2005 the Company and Chelsey Finance entered into a similar amendment of the Chelsey Facility.

Based on the provisions of EITF 95-22, “Balance Sheet Classification of Borrowings Outstanding under Revolving Credit Agreements that Include Both a Subjective Acceleration Clause and a Lock-Box Arrangement,” and certain provisions in the Wachovia Loan Agreement, the Company is required to classify the Revolver as short-term debt.

 

Remaining availability under the Wachovia Facility as of December 25, 200430, 2006 was $14.0$9.6 million.

 

2006 Amendments to Wachovia Loan Agreement

The Thirty Fifth Amendment to the Wachovia Loan Agreement, which took effect March 28, 2006, reduced the interest rate by 0.5% on the Wachovia Facility to the Wachovia prime rate plus 0% or the Eurodollar rate plus 2%, eliminated the annual Revolver fee, reduced the required minimum levels of EBITDA covenant and consented to certain transactions between the Company’s subsidiaries. There were no fees paid in connection with this amendment.

Effective August 10, 2006, the Company and Wachovia entered into the Thirty-Sixth Amendment to the Wachovia Loan Agreement which reduced the required minimum levels of EBITDA covenant for the third and fourth fiscal quarters of 2006. There were no fees paid in connection with this amendment.

Effective November 8, 2006, the Company and Wachovia entered into the Thirty-Seventh Amendment to the Wachovia Loan Agreement which reduced the required minimum levels of EBITDA covenant for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2006 and the first and second fiscal quarters of 2007. There were no fees paid in connection with this amendment.

On March 28, 2006, August 10, 2006 and November 8, 2006, the Company and Chelsey Finance entered into similar amendments of the Chelsey Facility, which reduced the required minimum levels of the EBITDA covenant and consented to certain transactions. There were no fees paid in connection with these amendments.

Chelsey Facility

 


On July 8, 2004, the Company closed on theThe Chelsey Facility is a $20.0 million junior secured credit facility with Chelsey Finance that was initially recorded net of a debt discount, at $7.1 million, at issuance.net of an un-accreted debt discount of $12.9 million. The Chelsey Facility hasoriginally had a three-year term subjectthat matured on July 8, 2007. Pursuant to earliera March 6, 2007 letter agreement, the maturity upon the occurrence of a change in control or saledate of the Company (as defined),Chelsey Facility was extended to January 2, 2008. There were no fees paid in connection with this letter agreement. The Chelsey Facility requires interest only payments and carrieshas a stated interest rate of 5.0%5% above the prime rate publicly announced by Wachovia. The financial and non-financial covenants contained in the Chelsey Facility mirror those in the Wachovia Facility except that the quantitative measures for the consolidated working capital and EBITDA covenants are 10.0% less restrictive and the consolidated net worth covenant is 5.0% less restrictive than the comparable financial covenants in the Wachovia Facility. The March 6, 2007 letter agreement also established EBITDA covenants for the third and fourth quarters of 2007 of $1.8 million and $4.7 million, respectively. The Chelsey Facility is secured by a second priority lien on substantially all of the assets of the Company. The Chelsey Facility contains a cross default provision under which a default under the Wachovia Facility would also be a default under the Chelsey Facility. As part of this transaction, Chelsey Finance entered into an intercreditor and subordination agreement with Wachovia. As of December 30, 2006, the Company was required to maintain Consolidated Working Capital of not less than $7.2 million and Consolidated Net Worth of not less than ($38.9 million) and not permit its Cumulative Minimum EBITDA for the twelve months ending December 30, 2006 to fall below $5.4 million under the Chelsey Facility. The Company was in compliance with its financial covenants as of December 30, 2006. Were it not in compliance with one or more of the covenants, subject to certain limitations contained in an intercreditor agreement between Wachovia and Chelsey under which Chelsey’s rights and remedies are subordinate and junior to those of Wachovia, Chelsey would have the right, among other remedies to require immediate repayment of the Chelsey Facility after the Wachovia facility was repaid in full.

At December 25, 2004,30, 2006, the amount recorded as debt on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet is $8.2was $16.3 million, net of the un-accreted debt discount of $11.8 million.

Under the original terms of the Chelsey Facility, the Company was obligated to make payments of principal of up to the full outstanding amount of the Chelsey Facility in each quarter, provided, among other things: (1) the aggregate amount of availability under the Wachovia Facility is at least $7.0 million, (2) the cumulative EBITDA for the four fiscal quarters immediately preceding the quarter in which the payment is made is at least $14.0 million, and (3) the aggregate amount of principal prepayments is no more than $2.0 million in any quarter. Subsequent to the closing of the Chelsey Facility, the Company and Chelsey Finance amended the Chelsey Facility to provide that the Company was not obligated to make principal payments prior to the July 8, 2007, except in the event of a change in control or sale of the Company. This resulted in the recorded amount of the Chelsey Facility plus the accreted cost of the debt discount (as described below) being classified as long term on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 25, 2004.

In consideration for providing the Chelsey Facility to the Company, Chelsey Finance received a closing fee of $200,000 and a warrant (the “Common Stock Warrant”) with a fair value of $12.9 million, exercisable immediately and for a period of ten years to purchase 30.0% of the fully diluted shares of Common Stock of the Company (equal to 10,259,366 shares of Common Stock) at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. The closing fee of $200,000 was recorded as a deferred charge in other assets on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and is being amortized over the three-year term of the Chelsey Facility utilizing the interest-method. Because the issuance of the Common Stock Warrant was subject to shareholder approval, the Company initially issued a warrant to Chelsey Finance to purchase newly-issued Series D Participating Preferred Stock (“Series D Preferred”) that was automatically exchanged for the Common Stock Warrant on September 23, 2004 following receipt of shareholder approval.

In connection with the closing of the Chelsey Facility, Chelsey waived its blockage rights over the issuance of senior securities and received in consideration a waiver fee equal to 1.0% of the liquidation preference of the Series C Preferred, payable in 434,476 shares of Common Stock (calculated based upon the fair market value thereof two business days prior to the closing date). The $0.6 million waiver fee was recorded as a deferred charge within other assets on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and is being amortized over the remaining redemption period of the Series C Preferred utilizing the interest-method. After consideration of the waiver fee paid in Common Stock and the change in the par value of Common Stock (see Note 9), the Company’s Common Stock increased by less


than $0.1 million and Capital in excess of par value increased by $0.6 million. Both the shares underlying the Common Stock Warrant and the shares issued in payment of the waiver fee are subject to an existing Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and Chelsey.

As part of the Chelsey Facility, the Company and its subsidiaries agreed to indemnify Chelsey Finance and its affiliates, which includes Chelsey, from any losses suffered arising out of the Chelsey Facility other than liabilities resulting from Chelsey Finance and its affiliates’ gross negligence or willful misconduct. The indemnification agreement is not limited as to term and does not include any limitations on maximum future payments thereunder.

The terms of the Chelsey Facility were approved by the Company’s Audit Committee, all of whose members are independent, and the Company’s Board of Directors.

On July 8, 2004, approximately $4.9 million of the proceeds from the Chelsey Facility were used to repay the Tranche B Term Loan with the balance used to provide ongoing working capital for the Company, which has been used to reduce outstanding payables and increase inventory. The Chelsey Facility, together with the concurrent amendment of the Wachovia Facility, increased the Company’s liquidity by approximately $25.0$3.7 million.

 

In accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 14, “Accounting for Convertible Debt and Debt Issued with Stock Purchase Warrants” (“APB 14”), proceeds received from the sale of debt with detachable stock purchase warrants should be allocated to both the debt and warrants, with the portion allocable to the warrants to be accounted for as Capital in excess of par value of $7.1 million with the remaining portion, or $7.1 million, classified as debt. The fair value of the Common Stock Warrant of $12.9 million was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and is being treated as debt discount, which will be accreted as interest expense utilizing the interest method over the 36-month term of the Chelsey Facility. The assumptions used for the Black-Scholes option pricing model were as follows: risk-free interest rate of 4.5%, expected volatility of 80.59%, an expected life of ten years and no expected dividends. A summary of the debt relating to the Chelsey Facility is as follows (in thousands):

 

Amount Borrowed Under the Chelsey Facility

$    20,000

Fair Value of Common Stock Warrant (Recorded as Capital in excess of par value)

(12,939)

Accretion of Debt Discount (Recorded as Interest Expense)

1,098


Balance at December 25, 2004

$      8,159


 

 

December 30,

2006

 

December 31,

2005

 

 

 

 

 

Amount Borrowed Under the Chelsey Facility

 

$             20,000

 

$             20,000

Fair Value of Common Stock Warrant (Recorded as Capital in excess of par value)

 

 

(12,939)

 

 

(12,939)

Accretion of Debt Discount (Recorded as Interest Expense)

 

 

9,274

 

 

4,484

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$             16,335

 

$             11,545

 

The annual effective interest rate of the Chelsey Facility is approximately 62.7%. For the 52- weeks ended December 25, 2004,fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005, the Company has incurred approximately $0.9$7.8 million and $5.9 million of interest expense (including the accretion of debt discount and haveamortization of debts costs), respectively, and has made interest payments of approximately $0.8$2.6 million and $2.2 million, respectively, related to the Chelsey Facility.

 

General

 

At December 25, 2004,30, 2006, the aggregate future annual principal payments required on debt instruments (including capital lease obligations) are as follows (in thousands): 2005 — $16,690; 2006 — $2,039; 2007 — $20,998.$11,946; 2008 — $20,067; 2009 — $65; 2010 — $65; 2011 — $47.

 

8. PREFERRED STOCK

 

Currently, the Company has one series of preferred stock outstanding, Series C Preferred. Chelsey holds all 564,819 outstanding shares of Series C Preferred which it acquired after a series of transactions that began with its May 19, 2003 acquisition of all of the Series B Participating Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred”) from Richemont. The transactions leading upRichemont Finance S.A. (“Richemont”).

Prior to Chelsey’s acquisition, of the Series C Preferred and the terms of the Series C Preferred are summarized below.


Series A Cumulative Participating Preferred Stock and Series B Participating Preferred Stock

On August 24, 2000, the Company issued 1.4 million shares of newly created Series A Cumulative Participating Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred”) to Richemont the then holder of approximately 47.9% of the Company’s Common Stock, for $70.0 million. On December 19, 2001, the Company and Richemont agreed to exchangeheld all of the outstanding shares of the Series A Preferred and 7,409,876 shares of the Common Stock held by Richemont for 1,622,111 shares of newly-created Series B Preferred. The effect of the exchange was to reflect the elimination of the Series A Preferred for the then $82.4 million carrying amount and the issuance of Series B Preferred, in the amount of $76.8 million, which was equal to the aggregate liquidation preference of the Series B Preferred on December 19, 2001. In addition, the Common Stock’s $0.7 million par value repurchased by the Company and subsequently retired was reflected as a reduction of Common Stock, with an offsetting increase to capital in excess of par value. The Company recorded a net decrease in shareholders’ deficiency of $5.6 million as a result of the Richemont transaction. The shares of the Series A Preferred repurchased from Richemont represented all of the outstanding Series A Preferred. The Company filed a certificate in Delaware eliminating the Series A Preferred.

only preferred stock then outstanding. The Series B Preferred had a par value of $0.01 per share and a liquidation preference initially of $47.36 per share, increasing thereafter to a maximum of $86.85 per share in 2005.

 

The Company learned from filings made with the SEC that on May 19, 2003 Richemont sold to Chelsey all of its securities in the Company consisting of 2,944,688 shares of Common Stock and 1,622,111 shares of Series B Preferred for $40.0 million. The Company was not a party to the transaction and did not provide Chelsey with any material non-public information nor did the Company’s Board of Directors endorse the transaction. As a result of the transaction, Chelsey succeeded to Richemont’s rights in the Common Stock and the Series B Preferred, including the rights of the Series B Preferred holder to a liquidation preference that was equal to approximately $98.2 million on May 19, 2003, the date of the sale by Richemont, and that could have increased to a maximum of approximately $146.2 million on August 23, 2005, the final Series B Preferred redemption date.

Recapitalization Agreement

On November 30, 2003, the Company and Chelsey consummated the transactions contemplated by a Recapitalization Agreement, dated as of November 18, 2003 under which the Company recapitalized, the Company completed the reconstitution of its Board of Directors and outstanding litigation between the Company and Chelsey was settled. As part of the Recapitalization, the Company exchanged all of Chelsey’s Series B Preferred for 564,819 shares of newly created $0.01 par value Series C Preferred and 8,185,783 shares of Common Stock. The Company filed a certificate in Delaware eliminating the Series B Preferred.

Effective upon the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Recapitalization Agreement, the size of the Board of Directors was increased to nine members. For a period of two years from the closing of the Recapitalization, five of the nine directors of the Company were to be designated by Chelsey and one was to be designated by Regan Partners, L.P. Effective July 30, 2004, Basil Regan, the general partner of Regan Partners, L.P. and its designee to the Board of Directors, resigned from the Board of Directors. Regan Partners, L.P. held the right to appoint a designee to the Company’s Board of Directors until the January 10, 2005 sale of Common Stock held by Regan Partners, L.P., Regan International Fund Limited and Basil Regan to Chelsey.


Because the Series B Preferred was mandatorily redeemable and thus accounted for as a liability pursuant to SFAS 150, the Company accounted for the exchange of the 1,622,111 shares of Series B Preferred for the 564,819 shares of Series C Preferred and the 8,185,783 shares of Common Stock in accordance with SFAS No. 15, “Accounting by Debtors and Creditors for Troubled Debt Restructurings.” As such, the $107.5 million carrying value of the Series B Preferred as of the consummation date of the exchange was compared with the fair value of the Common Stock of approximately $19.6 million issued to Chelsey as of the consummation date and the total maximum potential cash payments of approximately $72.7 million that could be made pursuant to the terms of the Series C Preferred. Since the carrying value, net of issuance costs of approximately $1.3 million, exceeded these amounts by approximately $13.9 million, pursuant to SFAS No. 15, such excess was determined to be a “gain” and the Series C Preferred was recorded at the amount of total potential cash payments (including dividends and other contingent amounts) that could be required pursuant to its terms. Because Chelsey was a significant stockholder at the time of the exchange and, as a result, a related party, the “gain” was recorded to “Capital in Excess of Par Value” within “Shareholders’ Deficiency” on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Series C Preferred

 


The Series C Preferred holders are entitled to one hundred votes per share on any matter on which the Common Stock votes and are entitled to one hundred votes per share plus that number of votes equal to the dollar value of any accrued, unpaid and compounded dividends with respect to such share. The holders of the Series C Preferred holders are also entitled to vote as a class on any matter that would adversely affect such Series C Preferred. In addition, if the Company defaults on its obligations under the Certificate of Designations, the Recapitalization Agreement or the Wachovia Facility, then the holders of the Series C Preferred, voting as a class, shall be entitled to elect twice the number of directors as comprised the Board of Directors on the default date, and such additional directors shall be elected by the holders of record of Series C Preferred as set forth in the Certificate of Designations.

 

If the Company liquidates, dissolves or is wound up, the holders of the Series C Preferred holders are entitled to a liquidation preference of $100 per share, or an aggregate of approximately $56.5 million based on the shares of Series C Preferred currently owned by Chelsey, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends on the Series C Preferred. As described further below, commencing January 1, 2006, dividends will beare payable quarterly on the Series C Preferred at the rate of 6% per annum, but such dividends may be accrued at the Company’s option. Effective October 1, 2008 and assuming the Company has electedCompany’s election to accrue all dividends from January 1, 2006 through such date, the maximum aggregate amount of the liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends on the Series C Preferred will be approximately $72.7 million.

 

Commencing January 1, 2006, dividends will beare payable quarterly on the Series C Preferred at the rate of 6.0% per annum, with the preferred dividend rate increasing by 1 1/2% per annum on each anniversary of the dividend commencement date until redeemed. At the Company’s option, in lieu of cash dividends, the Company may accrue dividends that will compound at a rate 1.0% higher than the applicable cash dividend rate. The Series C Preferred is entitled to participate ratably with the Common Stock on a share for share basis in any dividends or distributions on the Common Stock. The right to participate has anti-dilution protection. The Wachovia Loan Agreement currently prohibits the payment of dividends.

 

The Series C Preferred may be redeemed in whole and not in part, except as set forth below, at the option of the Company at any time for the liquidation preference and any accrued and unpaid dividends (the “Redemption Price”). The Series C Preferred, if not redeemed earlier, must be redeemed by the Company on January 1, 2009 (the “Mandatory Redemption Date”) for the Redemption Price. If the Series C Preferred is not redeemed on or before the Mandatory Redemption Date, or if other mandatory redemptions are not made, the Series C Preferred will be entitled to elect one-half of the Company’s Board of Directors. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company will redeem the maximum number of shares of Series C Preferred as possible with the net proceeds of certain asset and equity sales not required to be used to repay Wachovia pursuant to the terms of the Wachovia Loan Agreement, and Chelsey will be required to accept such redemptions. At the Company’s request, Chelsey agreed to permit the Company to apply the sales proceeds from the sale of Gump’s to reduce the Wachovia Facility. Chelsey retained the right to require redemption of approximately $6.9 million (the Gump’s sales proceeds available for redemption) of the Series C Preferred subject to Wachovia’s approval.

 


9. CAPITAL STOCK

 

General — At December 25, 200430, 2006 there were 22,426,296 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding. Additionally, an aggregate of 1,318,883519,400 and 10,259,366 shares of Common Stock were reserved for issuance pursuant to the exercise of outstanding options and common stock warrants, respectively, at December 25, 2004.30, 2006. After its January 10, 2005 purchase of an aggregate of 3,799,735 shares of Common Stock formerly held by Regan Partners, L.P., Regan International Fund Limited and Basil Regan, which was reported in an SEC filing, Chelsey and related affiliates beneficially owned approximately 69% of the issued and outstanding Common Stock and approximately 75%77% of the Common Stock after giving effect to the exercise of all outstanding options and warrants to purchase Common Stock beneficially owned by Chelsey. In addition, Chelsey is holder of all of the Company’s Series C Preferred. Including the Series C Preferred and outstanding options and warrants (after giving effect to the exercise of all outstanding options and warrants) beneficially owned by Chelsey, Chelsey maintains approximately 91%92% of the voting rights of the Company. Effective July 30, 2004, Basil Regan resigned from the Board of Directors and continued to hold the right to appoint a designee to the Company’s Board of Directors until the January 10, 2005 sale of Common Stock held by Regan Partners, L.P., Regan International Fund Limited and Basil Regan to Chelsey.

 

Recapitalization — On November 30, 2003 as part of the Recapitalization, the Company issued 8,185,783 shares of Common Stock to Chelsey.

 

Reverse Stock Split — At the 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company held on August 12, 2004, the Company’s shareholders approved a one-for-ten reverse stock split of the Common Stock that became effective at the close of business on September 22, 2004. The number of shares of Common Stock in these consolidated financial statements and footnotes have been adjusted to take into account the effect of the reverse stock split.

 

Amendment to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation — On September 22, 2004, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (1) reducing the par value of the Common Stock from $0.66-2/3 to $0.01 per share and reclassifying the outstanding shares of Common Stock into such lower par value shares; (2) increasing the number of authorized shares of additional Preferred Stock from 5,000,000 shares to 15,000,000 shares and making a corresponding change to the aggregate number of authorized shares of all classes of preferred stock; and (3) after giving effect to the reverse split, increasing the authorized number of shares of Common Stock from 30,000,000 shares to 50,000,000 shares and making a corresponding change to the aggregate number of authorized shares of all classes of common stock.

 


Retirement of Treasury Stock — The Company approved the retirement of the Company’s 212,093 treasury shares on November 16, 2004. Pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law, such shares will assume the status of authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock of the Company.

 

Dividend Restrictions — The Company is restricted from paying dividends on its Common Stock or from acquiring its Common Stock under the Wachovia and Chelsey Facilities.

 

10. MANAGEMENT AND COMPENSATION

 

Chief Executive Officer

Garten Employment Agreement. On May 6, 2004, Wayne P. Garten became the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President. Mr. Garten is employed pursuant to the terms of a May 6, 2004 Employment Agreement. Under Mr. Garten’s Employment Agreement he will be paid an annual salary of $600,000 over a term expiring on May 6, 2006. The Company also granted Mr. Garten options to acquire 200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, half pursuant to its 2000 Management Stock Option Plan and half outside the plan. All of the options have an exercise price of $1.95 per share, the Common Stock’s average closing price for the ten trading days preceding the grant date and the ten trading days after the grant date. One third of each of the options vested upon execution of the Employment Agreement and the balance will vest in two equal installments over a two-year period, vesting on the anniversary of the original grant date, subject to earlier vesting in the event of a change in control of the Company (as that term is defined in the Employment Agreement). Mr. Garten is entitled to participate in the Company’s bonus plan for executives, as established by the Board of Directors.


The Employment Agreement provides for a lump sum change in control payment equal to 200% of Mr. Garten’s annual salary if a change in control occurs during the term. The Employment Agreement also provides for eighteen months of severance payments if Mr. Garten is not otherwise entitled to change in control benefits and (i) is terminated without cause or terminates his employment for good reason (as both terms are defined in the Employment Agreement) during the term or (ii) his Employment Agreement is not renewed.

Shull Employment and Severance Agreement. Thomas Shull, the Company’s prior Chief Executive Officer, resigned from the Company on May 5, 2004. Mr. Shull and the Company executed a General Release and Separation Agreement dated effective as of May 5, 2004 which provided for the Company to pay Mr. Shull $900,000 of severance in lieu of any other benefits provided for in the Employment Agreement dated September 1, 2002, as amended (the “Shull Employment Agreement”). The severance was paid with a $300,000 lump sum on execution and the balance in biweekly installments that were completed in 2004. The Company also agreed to pay for eighteen months of COBRA coverage for Mr. Shull.

Prior to his resignation, Mr. Shull was employed pursuant to the Shull Employment Agreement which provided for an $855,000 base salary and had term expiring on March 31, 2006. Mr. Shull was a participant in the Company’s Key Executive Eighteen Month Compensation Continuation Plan (the “Change of Control Plan”) and its transaction bonus program. The Recapitalization was a change in control under the Change in Control Plan and therefore the Company paid Mr. Shull $1,350,000 in 2003. The Company also paid Mr. Shull $450,000 under the transaction bonus program in 2003. Mr. Shull received $450,000 in 2002 related to the terms of his agreement.

Chief Operating Officer

Michael Contino, the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, is employed pursuant to a October 29, 2002 letter agreement. Under the letter agreement, Mr. Contino is to receive an annual salary of $387,000 and is entitled to participate in the Company’s bonus plan for executives, as established by the Board of Directors. Mr. Contino was awarded options to purchase 100,000 shares under the 2000 Management Stock Option Plan. Under the agreement, if Mr. Contino is terminated other than “for cause” or terminates his employment for “good reason” (as those terms are defined in the agreement), he is entitled to eighteen months of severance pay and health benefits. Mr. Contino was a participant in the Company’s 18 month change in control plan and was entitled to a Transaction Bonus equal to half of his base salary on a change in control. Mr. Contino was paid the Transaction Bonus following the Recapitalization in 2003. In addition, in January 1998, the Company made a $75,000 non interest-bearing loan to Mr. Contino for the purchase by Mr. Contino of a new principal residence. The terms of the loan agreement, as amended, included a provision for the Company to forgive the original amount of the loan on the fifth anniversary of the loan. The Company forgave the loan in accordance with its terms in January 2003 and paid the applicable withholding taxes of $64,063.

Chief Financial Officer

On April 4, 2005 John W. Swatek joined the Company as its Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Mr. Swatek will report directly to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. Under the March 15, 2005 Employment Agreement between the Company and Mr. Swatek, Mr. Swatek will be paid an annual salary of $270,000 and has been granted options to acquire 50,000 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to its 2000 Management Stock Option Plan. All of the options have an exercise price of $0.81 per share, the Common Stock’s average closing price for the ten trading days preceding the grant date and the ten trading days after the grant date. One third of the options vested upon execution of the Employment Agreement and the balance will vest in two equal annual installments over the next two years on the anniversary of the original grant date, subject to earlier vesting in the event of a change in control of the Company (as that term is defined in the Employment Agreement). Mr. Swatek will be entitled to participate in the Company’s bonus plan for executives. The Employment Agreement expires on May 6, 2006 and provides for a sign-on bonus of up to $25,000 to the extent his bonus from his prior employer was reduced as a result of his decision to join the Company. The Company paid Mr. Swatek $17,208 under this provision.

The Employment Agreement provides for a lump sum change in control payment equal to Mr. Swatek’s annual salary if his employment is terminated due to a change in control during the term of the agreement. The Employment Agreement also provides for one year of severance payments if Mr. Swatek is not otherwise entitled to


change in control benefits and (i) is terminated without cause or terminates his employment for good reason (as both terms are defined in the Employment Agreement) or (ii) if his agreement is not renewed at the end of the term.

Charles E. Blue had been appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Company effective November 11, 2003, replacing Edward M. Lambert. Mr. Blue joined the Company in 1999 and prior to his appointment had most recently served as Senior Vice President, Finance. Mr. Lambert continued to serve as Executive Vice President of the Company until his January 2, 2004 resignation. Mr. Lambert and the Company entered into a severance agreement dated November 4, 2003 providing for payments of $640,000, as well as other benefits that were accrued and paid in the fourth quarter of 2003. Mr. Lambert received a payment of $72,512 under the Company’s 2003 Management Incentive Plan.

Mr. Blue’s employment with the Company was terminated effective March 8, 2005 and the Company reported in a Current Report on Form 8-K that he had resigned voluntarily. The Company and Mr. Blue were unable to agree on the terms of his voluntary resignation and the Company notified Mr. Blue that his employment had been terminated for cause.

General Counsel

On January 31, 2005, the Company appointed Daniel J. Barsky as its Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Under a letter agreement with the Company, Mr. Barsky will be paid an annual salary of $265,000 and was granted options to purchase 50,000 shares of Common Stock. One third of the options vested on February 17, 2005 and the balance will vest in two equal annual installments over the next two years on the anniversary of the original grant date, subject to earlier vesting in the event of a change in control of the Company. All of the options have an exercise price of $1.03 per share, the Common Stock’s average closing price for the ten trading days preceding the grant date and the ten trading days after the grant date. Mr. Barsky will be entitled to participate in the Company’s bonus plan for executives. The agreement also provides for six months of severance payments if Mr. Barsky is terminated without cause or terminates his employment for good reason. Mr. Barsky was appointed as the Company’s Secretary on March 7, 2005.

Other Severance and Compensation Related Agreements

Charles F. Messina. During September 2002, Charles F. Messina resigned as Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Secretary of the Company. In connection with his resignation, the Company and Mr. Messina entered into a September 30, 2002 severance agreement providing for payments of $884,500 and other benefits which were accrued in the fourth quarter of 2002.

Brian C. Harriss. Effective February 15, 2004, the Company eliminated Mr. Harriss’ position as Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration, as part of its ongoing strategic business realignment program. Mr. Harriss and the Company entered into a severance agreement providing for payments of $545,000, as well as other benefits that were accrued and paid in the first quarter of 2004. Mr. Harriss also received a payment of $61,091 under the Company’s 2003 Management Incentive Plan.

William C. Kingsford. William C. Kingsford, the Company’s Senior Vice President Treasury and Control (Corporate Controller) resigned from the Company effective September 22, 2004. In connection with his resignation, the Company and Mr. Kingsford entered into a Separation Agreement and General Release under which the Company agreed to pay him severance at his then current salary of $200,000, payable over the shorter of one year following resignation or the date Mr. Kingsford secured a new job. The Company paid Mr. Kingsford one year of severance payments.

Compensation Continuation Agreements. The Company has entered into severance and established a number of compensation continuation agreements and programs (some of which were included in employment agreements and transaction bonus letters) for its executives and its non-employee directors. In general, the plans provided that a plan participant whose employment is terminated other than for cause or for a resignation without good reason within two years of a change in control is entitled toagreements with various officers and other senior employees over the years.  In fiscal 2006, the Company incurred an aggregate of $1.0 million in costs for severance; in fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2004 the Company incurred an aggregate of $0.6 million and $2.6 million, respectively in costs for severance and change in control benefits. These benefits for the plans applicable to employees included payments equal to eighteen months, twelve months or six months (depending on the level of the plan participant) of salary and COBRA benefits and outplacement services.payments.


 

The Board of Directors determined that the November 30, 2003 recapitalization was a change in control for purposesemployment agreements of the plansChief Executive Officer and that the plans would be maintained solely for persons who were plan participantsChief Financial Officer both expired on that dateMay 5, 2006 and who became eligible for plan benefits within two years thereafter. As of December 25, 2004, the potential maximum salary payout was $6.5 million.

During 2005 and before the November 30, 2005 termination of the plans,have been extended on a day-to-day basis.  While both continue to provide employment services to the Company, terminated the employment of three plan participants but denied them benefits because the terminations had been “for cause.” A fourth plan participant resigned and sought plan benefits on the groundsthere can be no assurance that she had resigned for good reason. The Company denied her benefits as well. Each of the former employees has commenced an action against the Company seeking post employment benefits and/or compensatory and punitive damages and legal fees. As of December 1, 2005, the plans were terminated and no further benefits were available.

In December 2003, Messrs. Shull, Harriss and Contino received payments of $450,000, $168,500 and $193,500, respectively, under their “single trigger” change in control plans. On December 18, 2003, each of the eight non-employee directors (Messrs. Brown, James, Krushel, Sonnenfeld, Masson, Regan, Garten and Edelman) received an $87,000 payment under the terms of the Directors Change of Control Plan. No other plan participants received change in control payments in 2003 and five triggered change in control benefits in 2004 totaling $1,194,257 (excluding the Shull Severance Agreement). Of these five, three received payments in 2004 totaling $772,257 and two in 2005 totaling $422,000.

Salary Reduction. The Company effected salary reductions of 5.0% of base pay for participants in its 2003 Management Incentive Plan, including Executive Officers, effective with the pay period starting August 3, 2003. These salary reductions were restored at or below the Vice-President levels on March 28, 2004 and levels above Vice-President on August 1, 2004.

Summary of Severance Costs. For the year ended December 25, 2004, the Company agreedthey will continue to pay termination benefits to eight director level and above positions (including the Shull Severance Agreement and five change in control benefits, excluding positions eliminated due to the International Male and Undergear relocation). These costs totaled $2.6 million, of which $0.8 million was recorded during the 1st quarter of 2004, $0.9 million recorded during the 2nd quarter of 2004, $0.3 million during the third quarter of 2004 and $0.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2004. The Company recorded costs relating to termination benefits for director level and above positions of $1.5 million and $1.6 million for the years ended December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002, respectively.do so.

 

11. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

 

The Company maintains two defined contribution 401(k) plans that are available to all employees of the Company. The Company matches a percentage of employee contributions to the plans up to $13,000. Matching contributions for both plans was $0.4 million for both fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005 and $0.5 million for each of the fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002.2004.

 

12. INCOME TAXES

 

On May 19, 2003 the Company had a change in control, as defined by Internal Revenue Code Section 382, which places an annual limit of $3.0 million on the utilization of the Company’s Federal income tax net operating loss (“NOLs”NOL”) carryovers and alternative minimum tax net operating loss (“AMT NOLs”NOL”) carryovers that existed prior to the change in control date. The unused portion of the $3.0 million annual limitation for any year may be carried forward to succeeding years to increase the annual limitation for those succeeding years. In addition to the Section 382 annual limit, the utilization of AMT NOLs in any year is further limited to 90% of that year’s Federal alternative minimum taxable income. The annual Section 382 limit, discussed above, may be increased, under certain circumstances, up to the amount of net unrealized built-in gains that existed on the change in control date, which are recognized within five years of that date. The Company does not have any transactions, in the foreseeable future, that would enable it to realize any net built-in gains within the requisite period.

 

At December 25, 2004,30, 2006, the Company’s NOLs and AMT NOLs significantly exceeded the maximum utilizable pursuant to the above limits. The Company estimates that maximum utilizable carryforwards consist of $54.3$55.3 million of NOLs and AMT NOLs, expiring between 20192020 and 2023, subject to a $3.0 million annual limitation under Section 382 and $1.1$12.1 million of NOLs and $1.2$12.5 million of AMT NOLs, both expiring inbetween 2023 and 2026, not subject to such limitation.

 


As a result of differences between financial and tax accounting rules, the Company recognized a long-term capital loss carryover (“LTCL”) of $28.7 million from the disposal of Gump’s (see Note 4) that expires in 2010. The Company may be unable to utilize its LTCL before it expires without the sale of core assets. No such transactions are currently contemplated.

The Company has charitable contribution carryovers totaling $0.6 million; $0.4 million, expiring between 2007 and 2008, is subject to the same $3.0 million annual Section 382 limit discussed above and $0.2 million, expiring between 2008 and 2011, is not subject to such limit. The deduction for charitable contribution carryovers in any future year within the carryover period is limited, however, to the excess of 10% of taxable income, computed without the deduction for contributions, over the amount contributed in that year.

 

SFAS 109 requires management to assess the realizability of the Company’s deferred tax assets. Realization of the future tax benefits is dependent, in part, on the Company’s ability to generate taxable income within the carry forward period and the periods in which net temporary differences reverse. Future levels of operating income and taxable income are dependent upon general economic conditions, competitive pressures on sales and margins, postal and other delivery rates, and other factors beyond the Company’s control. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that sufficient taxable income will be generated for utilization of NOLsthe carryovers described above and reversals of temporary differences. Management believes that the $5.5$4.6 million deferred tax asset (excluding the $5.5$4.6 million deferred tax liability), as of December 25, 2004,30, 2006, represents a “more-likely-than-not” estimate of the future utilization of the NOLsabove-mentioned carryovers and the reversal of temporary differences. The valuation allowance decreasedincreased by $1.3$3.8 million in 2004fiscal 2006 and increased by $108.6$5.7 million in 2003.fiscal 2005. Management will continue to routinely evaluate the likelihood of future profits and the necessity of future adjustments to the valuation allowance.

 

The Company’s Federal income tax provision consists of $0.1 millioncurrent income taxes of $6,000 in fiscal 2006, $21,000 in fiscal 2005 and $146,000 in fiscal 2004. The Company’s state income tax provision consists of current income taxes for 2004, $11.3 million of deferred income tax for 2003$11,000 in fiscal 2006, $8,000 in fiscal 2005 and $3.7 million of deferred income tax for 2002. The Company’s current state income tax provision was $28,000 in 2004, $28,000 in 2003 and $91,000 in 2002.fiscal 2004.

The Company has adjusted the calculation of its deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 27, 2003 to also consider the effect of deferred state income taxes as of that date, in addition to calculating deferred taxes on only those NOL carryforwards that may be utilizable in the future. These adjustments resulted in a decrease of the deferred tax assets and liabilities by $0.8 million and $0.8 million, respectively, as of December 27, 2003. As the Company’s net deferred tax asset had a full valuation allowance at that date, there was no impact on the Company’s financial position, cash flows or operating results for this change.


The components of the net deferred tax asset at December 25, 200430, 2006 and December 27, 200331, 2005 are as follows (in millions):

 

 

2004

 

2003

As Restated

 

 

 

Current

Non-

Current

 

Total

 

Current

Non-

Current

 

Total

Deferred Tax Assets

Federal and state tax NOL, alternative minimum tax and business tax credit carry forwards

$    1.4

$    20.1

$    21.5

$    2.4

$    21.0

$    23.4

Allowance for doubtful accounts

0.5

0.5

0.4

0.4

Property and equipment

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

Mailing lists and trademarks

0.3

0.3

0.4

0.4

Accrued liabilities

4.7

4.7

3.2

3.2

Customer prepayments and credits

4.6

4.6

3.8

3.8

Deferred rent credits

0.7

1.3

2.0

1.0

1.8

2.8

 







Total

11.9

25.7

37.6

10.8

27.2

38.0

Valuation allowance

10.2

21.9

32.1

9.5

23.9

33.4

 







Deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance

1.7

3.8

5.5

1.3

3.3

4.6

 







Deferred Tax Liabilities

Inventories

(0.3)

(0.3)

(0.2)

(0.2)

Prepaid catalog costs

(3.5)

(3.5)

(2.7)

(2.7)

Other current assets

(0.1)

(0.1)

(0.1)

(0.1)

Excess of net assets of acquired business

(1.5)

(1.5)

(1.5)

(1.5)

Other

(0.1)

(0.1)

(0.1)

(0.1)

 







Deferred tax liability

(3.9)

(1.6)

(5.5)

(3.1)

(1.5)

(4.6)

 







Net deferred tax (liability) asset

$  (2.2)

$      2.2

$      0.0

$  (1.8)

$      1.8

$      0.0

 








 

2006

 

2005

 

Current

 

Non

Current

 

Total

 

Current

 

Non

Current

 

Total

Deferred Tax Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal and state tax NOL, capital loss, alternative minimum tax and business tax credit carry forwards

$       —

 

$    36.8

 

$  36.8

 

$      0.9

 

$    31.6

 

$    32.5

Allowance for doubtful accounts

0.3

 

 

0.3

 

0.3

 

 

0.3

Inventories

1.2

 

 

1.2

 

 

 

Property and equipment

 

1.7

 

1.7

 

 

2.0

 

2.0

Mailing lists and trademarks

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

 

0.2

 

0.2

Accrued liabilities

3.2

 

 

3.2

 

2.4

 

 

2.4

Current portion of long-term debt

0.4

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

Customer prepayments and credits

2.4

 

 

2.4

 

4.3

 

 

4.3

Accounts payable

0.3

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

Stock option compensation

 

1.1

 

1.1

 

 

1.0

 

1.0

Total

7.8

 

39.7

 

47.5

 

7.9

 

34.8

 

42.7

Valuation allowance

7.1

 

35.8

 

42.9

 

7.3

 

31.8

 

39.1

Deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance

0.7

 

3.9

 

4.6

 

0.6

 

3.0

 

3.6

Deferred Tax Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories

 

 

 

(0.2)

 

 

(0.2)

Prepaid catalog costs

(4.2)

 

 

(4.2)

 

(3.2)

 

 

(3.2)

Other current assets

(0.2)

 

 

(0.2)

 

(0.1)

 

 

(0.1)

Other assets

 

(0.2)

 

(0.2)

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

 

 

 

(0.1)

 

(0.1)

Deferred tax liability

(4.4)

 

(0.2)

 

(4.6)

 

(3.5)

 

(0.1)

 

(3.6)

Net deferred tax (liability) asset

$    (3.7)

 

$      3.7

 

$    0.0

 

$   (2.9)

 

$      2.9

 

$     0.0

 

The Company’s effective tax rate for the three fiscal years presented differs from the Federal statutory income tax rate due to the following:

 

2004

Percent

of

Pre-tax

Income

2003

Percent of

Pre-tax

Loss

As Restated

2002

Percent of

Pre-tax

Loss

As Restated

 

2006
Percent
of
Pre-tax
Loss

 

2005
Percent
of
Pre-tax
Income

 

2004
Percent
of
Pre-tax
Income

 

Tax expense (benefit) at Federal statutory rate

35.0%

(35.0)%

(35.0)%

 

(35.0

)%

35.0

%

35.0

%

State and local taxes, net of Federal benefit

0.3

0.2

0.8

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

0.8

 

Permanent differences:

$1 million salary limit and stock option compensation

1.2

16.0

15.0

Non-deductible interest expense on Series B Preferred Stock

29.0

Other permanent differences

0.8

(1.0)

2.0

Permanent differences

 

0.7

 

(0.6

)

1.7

 

Change in valuation allowance

(33.9)

120.5

70.5

 

34.5

 

(34.2

)

(29.6

)


Tax expense at effective tax rate

3.4 %

129.7%

53.3%

 

0.3

%

0.3

%

7.9

%


 

13. LEASES

 

The Company is the lessee under certain leases that require it to pay real estate taxes and common area maintenance by the Company. Most leases are accounted for as operating leases and include various renewal options with specified minimum rentals. Rental expense for operating leases net of sublease income, was as follows (in thousands):

 

Year Ended

 

2004

2003

2002

Rent expense by lease type:

Land and building

$   4,626

$   4,798

$   4,682

Computer equipment

362

1,359

3,516

Plant, office and other

336

548

446

 




Rent expense

$   5,324

$   6,705

$   8,644

Sublease income

(53)

 




Net rent expense

$   5,324

$   6,705

$   8,591

 




 

Year Ended

 

2006

2005

2004

Rent expense by lease type:

Land and building

$  2,674

$   2,842

$   3,207

Computer equipment

87

142

362

Plant, office and other

275

286

327

Rent expense

$  3,036

$   3,270

$   3,896

 

The amounts above includeexclude the net minimum rentals for the Gump’s operations of (in thousands) $1,428, $1,526$0.2 million and $1,567$1.4 million for 2004, 20032005 and 2002,2004, respectively.

 


Future minimum lease payments as of December 25, 200430, 2006 under non-cancelable operating leases, by lease type are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Year Ending

Land

and

Buildings

 

Computer

Equipment

 

Plant, Office

and Other

 

 

Total

2005

$     3,056

$   130

$   208

$     3,394

2006

1,963

9

74

2,046

2007

1,720

38

1,758

2008

1,676

24

1,700

2009

1,668

1,668

Thereafter (extending to 2015)

278

278

Total future minimum lease payments

$   10,361

$   139

$   344

$   10,844

 





The amounts above include the future commitments of non-cancelable operating leases for the Gump’s operations of (in thousands) $8,585 for Land and Buildings and $95 for Plant, Office and Other.

On February 12, 2005, the Company entered into a ten-year lease extension and modification for 50,000 square feet of the 85,000 square feet previously leased for our corporate headquarters and administrative offices located in Weehawken, New Jersey. Effective June 2005, the annual rent is approximately $1,075,000 for the first five years of the extension, and increases to an annual rent of approximately $1,175,000 during the final five years. These amounts are not reflected in the table above.

Effective October 1, 2005, the Company entered into a one-year lease for auxiliary warehouse storage space in Salem, Virginia. The lease provides for an annual rental of $477,000 for 212,000 square feet of space. An


 

 

Year Ending

 

Land and

Buildings

 

Computer

Equipment

Plant, Office

and Other

 

 

Total

2007

$     2,421

$          91

$          201

$    2,713

2008

1,538

75

104

1,717

2009

1,489

29

13

1,531

2010

1,375

29

1,404

2011

1,375

1,375

Thereafter (extending to 2015)

4,699

       —

       —

4,699

Total future minimum lease payments

$   12,897

$        224

$          318

$  13,439

additional 90,880 square feet of space in the same facility is being leased on a month-to-month basis at a monthly rental of $15,147. These amounts are not reflected in the table above.

 

The Company leases certain machinery and equipment under agreements that are classified as capital leases. The cost of equipment under capital leases is included in the Balance Sheet in Furniture, fixtures and equipment and was $1,506,512$1.8 million at both December 25, 200430, 2006 and $1.5 million at December 27, 2003.31 2005. Accumulated amortization of the leased equipment at December 25, 200430, 2006 and December 27, 200331, 2005 was $1,139,155$1.5 million and $434,509,$1.4 million, respectively. The future minimum lease payments as of December 25, 200430, 2006 are as follows (in thousands):

 

Year Ending

Total

2005

$      305

2006

49

2007

4

 


Total minimum lease payments

$      358

Less:

Amount representing interest computed at annual

 

rates ranging from 7.5% to 9.0%

(16)

 


Present value of net minimum lease payments

342

Less:

Current maturities of capital lease obligations

(290)

 


Long-term capital lease obligations

$        52

 


The Company has established reserves for certain future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases due to the restructuring of business operations which previously utilized such leased space. The future commitments under such leases, net of related sublease income under noncancelable subleases, as of December 25, 2004 are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Year Ending

Minimum

Lease

Commitments

 

Sublease

Income

 

Net Lease

Commitments

2005

$   1,624

$      (785)

$      839

2006

1,002

(581)

421

2007

1,002

(469)

533

2008

1,003

(292)

711

2009

1,003

(296)

707

Thereafter (extending to 2010)

167

(49)

118

 




Total minimum lease payments

$   5,801

$   (2,472)

$   3,329

 




The amounts above include the future commitments under noncancelable operating leases, net of related sublease income under noncancelable subleases, for the Gump’s operations of (in thousands) $5,179 of minimum lease commitments less $2,275 of sublease income for a net lease commitment of $2,904.

Year Ending

Total

2007

$        90

2008 and beyond

280

 

 

Total minimum lease payments

$      370

Less:

Amount representing interest computed at annual

 

rates ranging from 7.5% to 8.5%

(59)

Present value of net minimum lease payments

311

Less:

Current maturities of capital lease obligations

(67)

Long-term capital lease obligations

$      244

 

The future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable leases that remain from the Company’s discontinued restaurant operations as of December 25, 200430, 2006 are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Year Ending

Minimum

Lease

Payments

 

Sublease

Income

2005

357

(329)

2006

72

(100)

 



Total minimum lease payments

$   429

$   (429)

 




 

 

Year Ending

Minimum

Lease

Payments

 

Sublease

Income

 

 

 

2007

$     58

$     (70)

2008

58

(70)

2009

58

(70)

2010

58

(70)

2011

59

(71)

Thereafter (extending to 2016)

298

(355)

Total minimum lease payments

$   589

$   (706)

 

14. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

 

TheOn January 1, 2006, the Company has established severaladopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 123R, “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123R”), under the modified prospective method. Since the Company had previously accounted for stock-based compensation plans forunder the benefit of its officers and employees. As discussed in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, the Company applies the fair-value-based methodologyfair value provisions of SFAS No. 123 and, accordingly, has recorded stock compensation expense of $0.2 million, $1.1 million and $1.3 million“Accounting for 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The information below details each ofStock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS 123”), adoption did not significantly impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations. Under SFAS 123R, actual tax benefits recognized in excess of tax benefits previously established upon grant are reported as a financing cash inflow. Prior to adoption, such excess tax benefits were reported as an increase to operating cash flows. As of December 30, 2006, there were no tax benefits recognized in excess of tax benefits previously established upon grant.

The Company accounts for its stock options issued under its stock compensation plans including any changes duringunder the years presented.

1999 Stock Option Plan for Directors — In August 1999, the Boardfair value method of Directors adopted the 1999 Stock Option Plan for Directors providing optionsaccounting using a Black-Scholes valuation model to purchase shares of Common Stock to certain non-employee directors (the “Directors’ Option Plan”). The Company’s shareholders ratified the Directors’ Option Planmeasure stock option expense at the 2000 Annual Meetingdate of Shareholders. Under the Directors’ Option Plan, the Company may grantgrant. All stock options to purchase up to 70,000 shares of Common Stock to eligible directors atoption grants have an exercise price equal to the fair market value as of the grant date. An eligible director received an initialCompany’s common stock option grant to purchase 5,000 shares of Common Stock as ofon the effective date of his/her initial appointment or election to the Board of Directors. Furthermore, on each Award Date, defined as August 4, 2000 or August 3, 2001, eligible directors were granted options to purchase an additional 1,000 shares of Common Stock. Stock options grantedgrant and generally have terms not to exceed ten years and shall be exercisable in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in each option agreement. In addition, options became exercisable over three years from the grant date. Option holders may pay for shares purchased on exercise in cash or Common Stock.

The following table summarizes information concerning the options outstanding, granted and the weighted average exercise prices of options granted under the Directors’ Option Plan:

1999 Stock Option Plan for Directors

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

 


 


 




 


 


Options outstanding, beginning of period

42,000

 

$     16.15

 

42,000

 

$     16.15

 

37,000

 

$    17.82

Granted

 

 

 

 

5,000

 

3.80

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

(35,000)

 

$     15.68

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

Options outstanding, end of period

7,000

 

$     18.50

 

42,000

 

$     16.15

 

42,000

 

$    16.15

 


 


 


 


 


 


Options exercisable, end of period

7,000

 

$     18.50

 

36,667

 

$     17.98

 

31,667

 

$    20.15

 


 


 


 


 


 


Weighted average fair value of options granted

$            —

 

 

$        —

 

 

$       2.90

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

a 10-year term. The fair value of eachstock option grantedgrants is estimatedamortized to expense over the vesting period, generally 24 to 48 months. As of December 30, 2006, 2.9 million shares were available for future stock-based compensation grants. The Company issues new shares on the grant date usingopen market upon the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.exercise of stock options. The weighted average assumptions


Company has recognized stock-based compensation expense of $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.2 million for grants in 2002 under the Directors’ Option Plan were as follows: risk-free interest rate of 4.70%, expected volatility of 89.28%, expected life of six years,fiscal 2006, fiscal 2005 and no expected dividends.fiscal 2004, respectively.

 

The following table summarizes information aboutweighted average Black-Scholes fair value assumptions for stock options outstanding at December 25,issued during fiscal 2006, fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2004 under the 1999 Stock Option Plan for Directors:are as follows (no stock options were granted during fiscal 2006):

 


 

 

December 30,

2006

 

December 31,

2005

 

December 25,

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expected term (in years)

 

 

4

 

4

Risk free interest rate

 

 

3.96%

 

3.43%

Expected volatility

 

 

87.55%

 

103.33%

Expected dividend yield

 

 

0%

 

0%

 

1999 Stock Option Plan for Directors

 

 

Options Outstanding

 

Options Exercisable

 

 


 


Exercise Prices

 

Number

Outstanding

Weighted

Average

Remaining

Contractual

Life

 

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

 

Number

Exercisable

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price


 




 



$         2.00

 

1,000

0.25

$   2.00

 

1,000

$     2.00

$       10.00

 

1,000

0.25

$ 10.00

 

1,000

$   10.00

$       23.50

 

5,000

0.25

$ 23.50

 

5,000

$   23.50

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 

7,000

0.25

$ 18.50

 

7,000

$   18.50

 

 




 



2002 Stock Option Plan for Directors — In 2002, the BoardA summary of Directors adopted the 2002 Stock Option Plan for Directors providing options to purchase shares of Common Stock of the Company to certain non-employee directors (the “2002 Directors’ Option Plan”). Under the 2002 Directors’ Option Plan, the Company may issue options to eligible directors to purchase up to 90,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price equal to the fair market valueoption activity as of December 30, 2006, and changes during the grant date. An eligible director received an initial option grant to purchase 5,000 shares of Common Stock as of the effective date of his/her initial appointment or election to the Board of Directors. On each Award Date, defined as August 2, 2002, August 1, 2003, or August 3, 2004, eligible directors were granted options to purchase additional shares of Common Stock. On August 2, 2002, each eligible director was granted options to purchase an additional 2,500 shares of Common Stock. For the August 1, 2003 and August 3, 2004 Award Dates, each eligible director was granted options to purchase an additional 3,500 shares of Common Stock. Stock options granted have terms of ten years and shall vest and become exercisable over three years from the grant date; however, due to the Recapitalization on November 30, 2003, certain options vested and became exercisable immediately. Option holders may pay for shares purchased on exercise in cash or Common Stock.

The following table summarizes information concerning the options outstanding, granted, forfeited and the weighted average exercise prices of options granted under the 2002 Directors’ Option Plan:

2002 Stock Option Plan for Directors

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

 

 

 

 

Shares

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

 

 

 

 

Shares

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

 



 



 



Options outstanding, beginning of period

71,000

$2.40

 

10,000

$       2.30

 

$        —

Granted

26,000

1.60

 

61,000

2.41

 

10,000

2.30

Exercised

 

 

Forfeited

(31,500)

2.49

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Options outstanding, end of period

65,500

$2.04

 

71,000

$       2.40

 

10,000

$     2.30

 



 



 



Options exercisable, end of period

36,167

$2.35

 

47,167

$       2.39

 

$        —

 



 



 



Weighted average fair value of options

granted

 

$      1.11

 

 

$   1.83

 

 

$     1.56

 


 

 


 

 


 

The fair value of each option grantedyear then ended is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The weighted average assumptions for grants in 2004, 2003 and 2002 under the 2002 Directors’ Option Plan were as follows: risk-free interest rate of 3.30%, 3.64% and 3.76%, respectively, expected volatility of 99.68%, 90.74% and 89.36%, respectively, expected life of four, six, and six years, respectively, and no expected dividends.presented below:

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

Weighted

Average

Remaining Contractual Life

 

 

Aggregate

Intrinsic

Value

Options outstanding, beginning of period

1,169,600

$ 4.65

4.9

$ 61,070

Granted

 

 

Exercised

 

 

Forfeited

(650,200)

5.08

 

 

Options outstanding, end of period

519,400

$ 4.12

6.8

$ —

Options exercisable, end of period

464,700

$ 4.47

6.6

$ —

Weighted average fair value of options granted

$        —

 

 

 

 

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding atA summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested shares as of December 25, 2004 under30, 2006, and changes during the 2002 Directors’ Option Plan:

2002 Stock Option Plan for Directorsyear then ended is:

 

 

Options Outstanding

Options Exercisable

 

 

 

 

Exercise Price

 

 

 

Number

Outstanding

Weighted

Average

Remaining

Contractual

Life

 

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

 

 

 

Number

Exercisable

 

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

$1.43

21,000

9.6

$1.43

--

$1.43

$1.95

5,000

8.0

$1.95

5,000

$1.95

$2.20

15,000

8.9

$2.20

11,667

$2.20

$2.30

7,500

6.3

$2.30

2,500

$2.30

$2.51

7,000

8.6

$2.51

7,000

$2.51

$2.54

5,000

8.6

$2.54

5,000

$2.54

$2.69

5,000

8.8

$2.69

5,000

$2.69

 


 

 


 

 

65,500

8.7

$2.04

36,167

$2.35

 






 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Weighted

Average

Grant-Date

Fair Value

Nonvested options outstanding, beginning of period

175,507

$1.00

Granted

Vested

(112,142)

1.15

Forfeited

(8,665)

1.16

Nonvested options outstanding, end of period

54,700

$0.70

 

2004 Stock Option Plan for Directors – During 2004, the Board of Directors adopted the 2004 Stock Option Plan for Directors providing stock options to purchase shares of Common Stock of the Company to certain non-employee directors (the “2004 Directors’ Option Plan”). The Company’s shareholders ratified the 2004 Directors’ Option Plan at the 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Company may grant options to purchase up to 100,000 shares of Common Stock to eligible directors at an exercise price equal to the fair market value as of the grant date. An eligible director will receive an initial option grant to purchase 5,000 shares of Common Stock as of the effective date of his/her appointment or election to the Board of Directors. On each Award Date, defined as August 3, 2004, August 3, 2005 and August 3, 2006, eligible directors are to be granted options to purchase additional shares of Common Stock (to the extent the 2002 Stock Option Plan for Directors did not have enough remaining shares). Stock options granted have terms of 10 years and vest over three years from the grant date; however, if there is a Change in Control (as defined in the Hanover Direct, Inc. Directors Change of Control Plan), the participant has the cumulative right to purchase up to 100% of the option shares. Option holders may pay for shares purchased on exercise in cash or Common Stock. As of December 25, 2004 no options have been granted under30, 2006, there was less than $0.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation stock option plans of the 2004 Directors’ Option Plan. In addition, options that wereCompany. That cost is expected to be granted on the August 3, 2005 Award Date have been deferred until the Company issues its December 25, 2004 audited financial statements.

1993 Executive Equity Incentive Plan — In December 1992, the Board of Directors adopted the 1993 Executive Equity Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”) under which executives were given options to purchase shares of Common Stock with up to 80% of the purchase price financed with a six-year full recourse loan from the Company. As of December 25, 2004 and December 27, 2003, no stock options remained outstanding or exercisable related to the Incentive Plan.

Changes to the notes receivable balances related to the Incentive Plan are as follows:

1993 Executive Equity Incentive Plan

 

2004

2003

2002

Notes Receivable, beginning of period

$   269,400

$   269,400

$   313,400

Payments

Forfeitures

(269,400)

(44,000)

 




Notes Receivable, end of period

$              --

$   269,400

$   269,400

 




The Common Stock issued under the Incentive Plan was held in escrow as collateral security for the loans extended to each remaining plan participant. During 2004, the Company transferred and retired the Common Stock held in escrow to satisfy the outstanding notes receivable and the participants forfeited their initial 20% cash down payment.

Management Stock Option Plans — The Company approved for issuance to employees 2,000,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock pursuant to the Company’s 2000 Management Stock Option Plan and 700,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock pursuant the Company’s 1996 Stock Option Plan. Under both plans, the option


exercise price is equal to the fair market value as of the grant date. However, for stock options granted to an employee owning more than 10.0% of the total combined voting power of all classes of Company stock, the exercise price is equal to 110.0% of the fair market value of the Company’s Common Stock as of the grant date. Stock options granted to an individual employee under the 2000 Management Stock Option Plan may not exceed 100,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock. Stock options granted to an individual employee under the 1996 Stock Option Plan may not exceed 50,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock and may be performance-based. All options granted must be specifically identified as incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code. Furthermore, the aggregate fair market value of Common Stock for which an employee is granted incentive stock options that first became exercisable during any given calendar year shall be limited to $100,000. To the extent this limitation is exceeded, the option shall be treated as a non-qualified stock option. Stock options may be granted for terms not to exceed ten years and shall be exercisable in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in each option agreement. In the case of an employee who owns common stock possessing more than 10.0% of the total combined voting power of all classes of common stock, the options must become exercisable within five years. Due to the change in control that occurred on November 30, 2003, certain options became fully vested. Option holders may pay for shares purchased on exercise in cash or Common Stock.

The following table summarizes information concerning the options outstanding, granted and the weighted average exercise prices of options granted under the 1996 and 2000 Management Stock Option Plans:

1996 and 2000 Management Stock Option Plans

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

Shares

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

 

 

 

 

Shares

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

 

 

 

 

Shares

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

 



 



 



Options outstanding, beginning of period

822,145

$     8.08

 

923,027

$     8.13

 

396,278

$   24.59

Granted

127,000

1.84

 

6,500

2.32

 

676,100

2.43

Exercised

 

 

Forfeited

(172,762)

6.39

 

(107,382)

8.13

 

(149,351)

25.98

 


 

 


 

 


 

Options outstanding, end of period

776,383

$     7.44

 

822,145

$     8.08

 

923,027

$     8.13

 



 



 



Options exercisable, end of period

671,216

$     8.32

 

802,920

$     8.21

 

191,327

$   21.81

 



 



 



Weighted average fair value of options granted

$      1.34

 

$     1.62

 

$       1.84

 


 

 


 

 


 

The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The weighted average assumptions for grants in 2004, 2003 and 2002 are as follows: risk-free interest rate of 3.44%, 3.58% and 3.81%, respectively, expected volatility of 103.78%, 90.96% and 89.58%, respectively, expected lives of four, six and six years, respectively, for 2004, 2003 and 2002, and no expected dividends.

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 25, 2004 under both the 1996 and 2000 Management Stock Option Plans:

1996 and 2000 Management Stock Option Plans

 

Options Outstanding

 

Options Exercisable

 


 


 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

Weighted

 

Weighted

 

 

Remaining

Average

 

Average

 

Number

Contractual

Exercise

Number

Exercise

Range of Exercise Prices

Outstanding

Life

Price

Exercisable

Price

 




 



$ 1.44 to $2.10

127,000

9.4

$       1.84

 

33,333

$       1.95

$ 2.40 to $2.70

500,000

7.6

$       2.44

 

488,500

$       2.44

$ 10.10 to $14.38

12,000

2.5

$     13.67

 

12,000

$     13.67

$ 17.30 to $23.80

17,500

2.1

$     22.87

 

17,500

$     22.87

$ 26.61 to $31.88

119,883

3.9

$     31.38

 

119,883

$     31.38

 


 

 

 


 

 

776,383

7.1

$       7.44

 

671,216

$       8.32

 




 




Wayne P. Garten Stock Option Agreement – During 2004, the Company granted Mr. Garten an option (the “Garten Option”) to purchase up to 100,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock for an exercise price of $1.95 per share. The Garten Option was not issued pursuant to any of the Company’s plans and Mr. Garten has registration rights for these options. The options vestrecognized over a two year period: one-third upon executionweighted-average period of the Garten Employment Agreement, one-third on May 5, 2005 and the final one-third on May 5, 2006; provided that all of the options vest and become fully exercisable upon the earliest to occur of (i) Mr. Garten’s resignation “For Good Reason” (ii) a “Change of Control” or (iii) the Company’s termination of Mr. Garten’s employment other than “For Cause” (as defined in the Garten Employment Agreement). The options expire on May 4, 2014.0.6 years.

The fair value of the options was estimated to be $1.45 per share at the grant date based on the following assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 3.45%, expected life of four years, expected volatility of 103.71%, and no expected dividends.

Meridian Options — In December 2000, the Company granted options (the “2000 Meridian Options”) for the purchase of an aggregate of 400,000 shares of Common Stock with an exercise price of $2.50 per share to Meridian, an affiliate of Mr. Shull. These options were allocated as follows: Thomas C. Shull, 270,000 shares; Paul Jen, 50,000 shares; John F. Shull, 50,000 shares; Evan M. Dudik, 20,000 shares; and Peter Schweinfurth, 10,000 shares. All of the remaining 2000 Meridian Options are vested and are due to expire on March 31, 2006.

The fair value of the 2000 Meridian Options was estimated to be $0.70 per share at the grant date based on the following assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 6.0%, expected life of 1.5 years, expected volatility of 54.0%, and no expected dividends.

During December 2001, the Company granted to Meridian, and the Company’s Board of Directors approved, options to Meridian (the “2001 Meridian Options”) for the purchase of an additional 100,000 shares of Common Stock with an exercise price of $3.00. These options were allocated as follows: Thomas C. Shull, 50,000 shares; Edward M. Lambert, 30,000 shares; Paul Jen, 10,000 shares; and John F. Shull, 10,000 shares. The 2001 Meridian Options vested and became exercisable on March 31, 2003, and are due to expire on March 31, 2006.

The fair value of the 2001 Meridian Options was estimated to be $1.60 per share at the grant date based on the following assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 2.82%, expected life of 1.25 years, expected volatility of 129.73%, and no expected dividends.

The following table summarizes information concerning the options outstanding, granted and the weighted average exercise prices of options granted for the 2000 Meridian Options and the 2001 Meridian Options:

Meridian Option Plans

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 


 


 


 

 

Weighted

 

 

Weighted

 

 

Weighted

 

 

Average

 

 

Average

 

 

Average

 

 

Exercise

 

 

Exercise

 

 

Exercise

 

Shares

Price

 

Shares

Price

 

Shares

Price

 



 



 



Options outstanding, beginning of period

490,000

$2.60

 

490,000

$2.60

 

500,000

$2.60

Granted

 

 

Exercised

 

 

(10,000)

2.50

Forfeited

(120,000)

2.50

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Options outstanding, end of period

370,000

$2.64

 

490,000

$2.60

 

490,000

$2.60

 



 



 



Options exercisable, end of period

370,000

$2.64

 

490,000

$2.60

 

390,000

$2.50

 



 



 



The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 25, 2004 for the 2000 Meridian Options and the 2001 Meridian Options:


Meridian Option Plans

 

Options Outstanding

 

Options Exercisable

 

 

 

 

Exercise Prices

 

 

 

Number

Outstanding

Weighted

Average

Remaining

Contractual

Life

 

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

 

 

 

 

Number

Exercisable

 

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

 




 



$ 2.50

270,000

2.3

$ 2.50

 

270,000

$    2.50

$ 3.00

100,000

2.3

$ 3.00

 

100,000

$    3.00

 


 

 

 


 

 

370,000

2.3

$ 2.64

 

370,000

$    2.64

 




 



 

15. CONTINGENICES

 

Rakesh K. Kaul v.Delaware Chancery Court Actions:

As described in Note 1 above, Hanover Direct,received a proposal from Chelsey to acquire the shares of common stock that Chelsey does not already own for a cash purchase price of $1.25 per share in a letter dated February 23, 2006. As a result of the going private proposal, three substantially identical complaints have been filed against Hanover, Chelsey and each of Hanover’s directors: the first complaint was filed in Delaware Chancery Court by Glenn Freedman and L.I.S.T., Inc., No. 04-4410(L)-CV, 2nd Cir.S.D.N.Y., as plaintiffs on appeal from 296 F. Supp.2d (S.D. NY 2004). On June 28, 2001, Rakesh K. Kaul,March 1, 2006; the former Presidentsecond complaint was filed in Delaware Chancery Court by Howard Lasker as plaintiff on March 7, 2006; and Chief Executive Officerthe third complaint was filed in Superior Court of New Jersey Chancery Division by Feivel Gottlieb as plaintiff on March 3, 2006. In each complaint, the plaintiffs challenge Chelsey’s going private proposal and allege, among other things, that the consideration to be paid in the going private proposal is unfair and grossly inadequate, that the Special Committee cannot be expected to act independently, that Chelsey has manipulated the financial statements of the Company and its public statements in order to depress the stock price of the Company and that the proposal would freeze out the purported class members and capture the true value of the Company for Chelsey. In each complaint, plaintiffs seek class action certification, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, rescission of the transaction if the offer is consummated and unspecified damages.

The plaintiffs in each of the cases agreed to extend the time by which the defendants were required to respond, pending the recommendation of the Special Committee regarding the fairness of the transaction from a financial perspective. On May 25, 2006, Chelsey


withdrew its going private proposal.

Following the execution of the Merger Agreement and Hanover’s December 15, 2006 filing of a Preliminary Proxy Statement (“Proxy”) and Schedule 13E-3 with the SEC, two of the plaintiffs, Glenn Freedman and L.I.S.T., Inc., filed a five-countan amended complaint (“Amended Complaint”) under seal on December 22, 2006 in Delaware Chancery Court. The Amended Complaint alleges, among other things, that the consideration in the Federal District CourtProposed Transaction is grossly inadequate, that each of the Hanover directors had conflicts of interest in New York seeking relief stemming from his separationapproving the Merger Agreement, that the Merger Agreement was approved without benefit of employment froma fairness opinion, that the Companyvaluation analysis prepared by Goldsmith, Agio, Helms & Lynner and relied upon by Hanover and the Hanover directors was flawed for a number of reasons, including short-term bonusthat it did not take into account the market price of the Hanover common stock, that Chelsey opportunistically timed the Proposed Transaction to freeze out the minority shareholders for an inadequate price during what the Amended Complaint characterizes as a “temporary” decline in revenues, and severance paymentsthat the Proxy is materially false and misleading. The Amended Complaint also alleges that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties of $2,531,352, attorneys’ feesdue care and costs, and damages dueloyalty to the Company’s failure to pay himminority shareholders of Hanover which requires that the Hanover shareholders be provided with a “tandem bonus”fair price and a fair process in a going private transaction as well as Kaul’s alleged rights to benefits under a change in control plan and a long-term incentive plan. The Company filed a Motion for Summary Judgment and in July 2004, the Court entered a final judgment dismissing mosttheir fiduciary duty of Mr. Kaul’s claims with prejudice and awarded Mr. Kaul $45,946 in vacation pay and $14,910 in interest which the Company paid in July 2004. In August 2004, Kaul filed an appeal on three issues: severance and short-term bonus, tandem bonus and legal fees. On June 28, 2005 the Second Circuit Court of Appeals denied Kaul’s appeal, affirming the Summary Judgment decision in the Company’s favor. Mr. Kaul’s rights to appeal the Second Circuit’s decision expired in August 2005.

As of December 25, 2004, the Company had accrued $4.5 million related to this matter. This accrual remained on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet until the third fiscal quarter of 2005 when Kaul’s rights to pursue this claim expired.

SEC Informal Inquiry:

See Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the informal inquiry being conducted by the SEC relating to the Company’s financial results and financial reporting since 1998.

Class Action Lawsuits:full disclosure.

 

The Company was a party to fourplaintiffs seek class action/ representative lawsuits that all involved allegations that the Company’s charges for insurance were invalid, unfair, deceptive and/or fraudulent. As described in greater detail below, the Company has resolved all of these class action lawsuits.

Jacq Wilson v. Brawn of California, Inc. , Case No. CGC-02-404454 (Supp. Ct. San Francisco, CA 2002) (“Wilson Case”). On February 13, 2002, Jacq Wilson, suing on behalf of himself and other similarly situated persons, filed a representative suit in the Superior Court of the State of California, City and County of San Francisco, against the Company alleging that the Company charged an unlawful, unfair, and fraudulent insurance fee on orders, was engaged in untrue, deceptive and misleading advertising and unfair competition under the state’s Business and Professions Code. The plaintiffs sought relief including restitution and disgorgement of all monies wrongfully collected by defendants, including interest, an order enjoining defendants from imposing insurance on its order forms, and compensatory damages, attorneys’ fees, pre-judgment interest and costs of the suit. In November, 2003, the Court, after a trial the previous April, entered judgment for the plaintiffs, requiring defendants to refund insurance charges collected from consumers for the period from February 13, 1998 through January 15, 2003, with interest. In April, 2004, the Court awarded plaintiff’s counsel approximately $445,000 of attorneys’ fees.

The Company appealed the Court’s decision and the order to pay attorneys’ fees, which appeals were consolidated. Enforcement of the judgment for insurance fees and the award of attorneys’ fees was stayed pending resolution of the appeal. On September 2, 2005 the California Court of Appeals reversed both the Court’s findings on the merits and its award of attorneys’ fees and awarded the Company its cost on the appeal.


Teichman v. Hanover Direct, Inc. et. al., No. 3L641 (Supp. Ct. San Francisco, CA 2001). On August 15, 2001, Randi Teichman filed a summons and four-count complaint in the Superior Court for the City and County of San Francisco seeking damages and other relief for herself and a class of similarly situated persons arising out of the insurance fee charged by catalogs and Internet sites operated by Company subsidiaries. This case had been stayed since May 2002 pending resolution of the Wilson Case.

The plaintiffs in both Wilson and Teichman were represented by the same counsel and the plaintiffs in both cases agreed to dismiss the cases with prejudice in exchange for the Company’s agreement to not seek reimbursement of costs in the Wilson case.

John Morris, individually and on behalf of all other similarly situated person and entities similarly situated v. Hanover Direct, Inc. and Hanover Brands, Inc., No. L 8830-02 (Sup. Ct. Bergen Co. – Law Div., NJ) October 28, 2002, John Morris, individually andcertification on behalf of other similarly situated persons in New Jersey filed a class action alleging that (1)minority shareholders, an injunction against the Company improperly added a charge for “insurance” and (2) the Company’s conduct was in violationconsummation of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act as otherwise deceptive, misleadingProposed Transaction, or rescission and unconscionable. Morris sought relief includingrescissory damages equal tofrom Chelsey, if the amount of all insurance charges, interest, trebletransaction goes forward, together with costs. The plaintiffs also filed motions for an expedited proceeding and punitive damages, injunctive relief, costs, and reasonable attorneys’ fees. On February 14, 2005, the Court denied class certification which limited the damages being litigated, absent an appealfor a preliminary injunction against consummation of the denialProposed Transaction.

Hanover believes the complaint is without merit and plans a vigorous defense.

Previously, Hanover had agreed in a Stipulation and Order of class certification,Dismissal filed on November 27, 2006 in the Delaware Chancery Court, to Plaintiff’s individual injuryhold its annual meeting of shareholders on January 10, 2007 in response to an action to compel Hanover to hold an annual shareholders meeting filed by Glenn Freedman, one of the $1.48 he paid for insurance which could be trebled pursuant to the New Jersey consumer protection statute plus attorney’s fees. This case was settled effective as of August 29, 2005 and the Company paid $39,500plaintiffs in the aggregate for a nominal amount of damagesaction described above. Because the Proxy was not expected to be approved in time to hold the annual meeting by January 10, 2007, the parties agreed in an Amended Stipulation and legal fees.

Martin v. Hanover Direct, Inc., et. al., No. CJ-2000 (D.C. Sequoyah Co., Ok.) (“Martin Case”). On March 3, 2000, Edwin L. MartinOrder filed a class action lawsuit againston December 21, 2006 to postpone the Company claiming breach of contract, unjust enrichment, recovery of money paid absent consideration, fraud and a claim underannual meeting date until the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act. The allegations stem from “insurance charges” paid toearliest practicable date following the Company by consumers who had placed orders from catalogs published by indirect subsidiariesSEC’s review of the Company over a number of years. Martin sought relief including (i) a declaratory judgment asProxy provided that if the annual meeting has not been held by March 15, 2007, it will be scheduled to be held by April 15, 2007, subject to further extension by the validityparties’ agreement or Order of the delivery insurance, (ii) an order directing the Company to return to the plaintiff and class members the “unlawful revenue” derived from the insurance charges, (iii) threefold damages for each class member, and (iv) attorneys’ fees and costs. In July 2001, the Court certified the class and the Company filed an appeal of the class certification. On October 25, 2005, the class certification was reversed. Martin filed an Application for Rehearing which was denied on January 3, 2006. On January 18, 2006, Martin filed a Petition for a Writ of Certiorari in the Oklahoma SupremeChancery Court. The Company believes that it is unlikely that the Oklahoma Supreme Court will grant Martin’s petition.

The Company established a $0.5 million reserve during the third quarter of 2004 for the class action lawsuits described above for settlements and the Company’s current estimate of future legal fees to be incurred. The balance of the reserve as of December 25, 2004 remained at $0.5 million.

 

Claims for Post-Employment BenefitsChange-in-Control Disputes:

The Company is involved in fourtwo lawsuits instituted by former employees arising from the Company’s denial of change in control (“CIC”) benefits under compensation continuation plans following the termination of employment.

Two of these cases arose from the circumstances surrounding the Restatement: 

Charles Blue v. Hanover Direct, Inc., William Wachtel, Stuart Feldman, Wayne Garten and Robert Masson,, (Supp.(Supp. Ct. N.J., Law Div. Hudson Cty, Docket No.: L-5153-05) is an action instituted by. The Company terminated the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer who was terminated for causeemployment of Charles Blue on March 8, 2005.  The complaint seeks2005 at the direction of the Audit Committee and as consequence of the independent investigation conducted by Wilmer Hale. On October 14, 2005, Mr. Blue commenced an action in the New Jersey State Court for Hudson County seeking compensatory and punitive damages and attorney’s fees and allegesalleging retaliation, mental anguish and reputational damage, loss of earnings and employment and racial discrimination. Discovery has commenced in the case. The Company believes that Mr. Blue was properly terminated for cause and that his claims are groundless. The Company plans to vigorously defend itself in this action.

Frank Lengers v. Hanover Direct, Inc., Wayne Garten, William Wachtel, A. David Brown, Stuart Feldman, Paul S. Goodman, Donald Hecht and Robert Masson,, (Supp.(Supp. Ct. N.J., Law Div. Hudson Cty, Docket No.: L-5795-05) was brought as a result of theL- 5795-05 ). The Company terminatingterminated the employment of its former Vice President, Treasury


Operations & Risk Management,Frank Lengers on March 8, 2005 at the direction of the Audit Committee and as consequence of the independent investigation conducted by Wilmer Hale. On November 17, 2005, Mr. Lengers commenced an action in New Jersey State Court for cause.  The complaint seeksHudson County seeking compensatory and punitive damages and attorney’s fees and allegesalleging improper denial of CIC benefits, age and disability discrimination, handicap discrimination, aiding and abetting and breach of contract. The Company believes that Mr. Lengers was properly terminated for cause and that his claims are groundless.

The Company believes that it properly denied CIC benefits with respectplans to each of the four former employees and that it has meritorious defensesvigorously defend itself in all of the cases and plans a vigorous defense.

this action.

In addition, the Company is involved in various routine lawsuits of a nature that is deemed customary and incidental to its businesses. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these actions will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 


16. DELISTING OF COMMON STOCK

The Company’s Common Stock was delisted from the American Stock Exchange (the “AMEX”) on February 16, 2005 as a result of the Company’s inability to comply with the AMEX’s continued listing standards and because the Company did not file on a timely basis its Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 25, 2004 as a result of the Restatement.

Initially the Company received a May 21, 2004 letter from the AMEX advising that a review of the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended December 27, 2003 indicated that the Company did not meet the following continued listing standards as set forth in Part 10 of the AMEX’s Company Guide: (i) Section 1003(a)(i) with shareholders’ equity of less than $2.0 million and losses from continuing operations and/or net losses in two out of its three most recent fiscal years; and (ii) Section 1003(a)(ii) with shareholders’ equity of less than $4 million and losses from continuing operations and/or net losses in three out of its four most recent fiscal years; and (iii) Section 1003(a)(iii) with shareholders’ equity of less than $6.0 million and losses from continuing operations and/or net losses in its five most recent fiscal years. To maintain its AMEX listing, the Company was required to submit a plan to the AMEX by June 22, 2004, advising the AMEX of action that would bring it into compliance with the continued listing standards of the AMEX by November 21, 2005 (18 months of receipt of the original letter from the AMEX). The Company submitted a plan to the AMEX on June 22, 2004 and on August 3, 2004 the AMEX notified the Company that it accepted the Company’s plan and granted the Company an extension until November 21, 2005 to regain compliance with the continued listing standards.

The Company received a December 9, 2004 letter from the AMEX notifying the Company that it had failed to satisfy an additional continued listing standard because the Company had yet to file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 25, 2004, a condition for the Company’s continued listing on the AMEX under Sections 234 and 1101 of the Company Guide. The AMEX advised that if the Company did not file the Form 10-Q by December 31, 2004, the AMEX staff would initiate delisting proceedings as appropriate.

The Company received a January 24, 2005 letter from the AMEX notifying it that the AMEX had determined to proceed with the filing of an application with the SEC to strike the Common Stock of the Company from listing and registration on the AMEX based on the Company’s failure to regain compliance with the AMEX’s filing requirements as set forth in Section 134 and 1101 of the Company Guide by December 31, 2004 and the fact that the Company was not in compliance with Sections 1003(a)(i), 1003(a)(ii) and 1003(a)(iii) of the Company Guide. The Company had a limited right to appeal the AMEX’s determination which it did not because, in addition to its continued inability to file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 25, 2004 and its inability to satisfy the requirements for minimum stockholders’ equity, the Company did not meet the alternative financial standards set forth in Section 1003 of the Company Guide.

The Company’s common stock was formally suspended from trading on the AMEX on February 2, 2005 and removed from listing and registration effective February 16, 2005. Current trading information about the Company’s common stock can be obtained from the Pink Sheets (www.pinksheets.com) under the trading symbol HNVD.PK.


17. SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

 

First Quarter

 

Second Quarter

 

Third Quarter

 

Fourth Quarter

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues

 

$           100,283

 

$               108,739

 

$               93,737

 

$               112,923

Income before interest and income taxes

 

443

 

2,475

 

391

 

279

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

(1,795)

 

144

 

(2,211)

 

(2,347)

Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)

 

(1,795)

 

144

 

(2,211)

 

(2,347)

Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders

 

$               (1,795)

 

$               144

 

$               (2,211)

 

$               (2,347)

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) – basic

 

$               (0.08)

 

$               0.01

 

$               (0.10)

 

$               (0.10)

Net income (loss) – diluted

 

$               (0.08)

 

$               0.00

 

$               (0.10)

 

$               (0.10)

First

Quarter

 

Second

Quarter

 

Third

Quarter

 

Fourth

Quarter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Reported

As Restated

 

As Reported

As Restated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


 



 


 

 

First Quarter

 

Second Quarter

 

Third Quarter

 

Fourth Quarter

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues

$       95,312

$     90,184

 

$      96,545

$ 96,886

 

$     94,443

 

$  121,647

 

 

$                    89,682

 

$                 100,231

 

$                    96,839

 

$                 120,690

Income before interest and income taxes

1,445

10

 

1,276

933

 

2,476

 

7,323

 

 

2,072

 

3,411

 

8,994

 

2,659

Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)

418

(796)

 

586

33

 

711

 

5,053

 

Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders

$            417

$       (796)

 

$           585

$ 33

 

$         711

 

$       4,929

 

Net income (loss) per share – basic

$           0.02

$      (0.04)

 

$          0.03

$ 0.00

 

$        0.03

 

$        0.22

 


 


 


 


 

Net income (loss) per share – diluted

$           0.02

$      (0.04)

 

$          0.03

$ 0.00

 

$        0.02

 

$        0.15

 

Income from continuing operations

 

239

 

1,444

 

6,796

 

482

Net income and comprehensive income

 

3,227

 

1,452

 

6,796

 

482

Net income applicable to common shareholders

 

$                      3,148

 

$                      1,416

 

$                      6,629

 

$                       470

Net Income Per Common Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From continuing operations – basic

 

$                      0.01

 

$                      0.06

 

$                      0.30

 

$                      0.02

From continuing operations – diluted

 

$                      0.01

 

$                      0.04

 

$                      0.20

 

$                      0.01

From discontinued operations – basic

 

$                      0.13

 

$                      0.00

 

$                      0.00

 

$                      0.00

From discontinued operations – diluted

 

$                      0.09

 

$                      0.00

 

$                      0.00

 

$                      0.00

Net income – basic

 

$                      0.14

 

$                      0.06

 

$                      0.30

 

$                      0.02

Net income – diluted

 

$                      0.10

 

$                      0.04

 

$                      0.20

 

$                      0.01


 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First

Quarter

 

Second

Quarter

 

Third

Quarter

 

Fourth

Quarter

 

As Reported

As Restated

 

As Reported

As Restated

 

As Reported

As Restated

 

As Reported

As Restated


 


 


 



(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues

$     102,474

$     97,311

 

$   105,765

$   105,317

 

$     96,633

$     96,925

 

$    110,002

$  114,730

 

Income (loss) before interest and income taxes

1,655

245

 

1,805

1,235

 

(64)

(219)

 

4,621

2,095

 

Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)

192

(1,209)

 

690

115

 

(16,645)

(16,810)

 

364

(2,156)

 

Preferred stock dividends and accretion

3,632

3,632

 

4,290

4,290

 

--

--

 

--

--

 

Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders

$      (3,440)

$    (4,841)

 

$    (3,600)

$     (4,175)

 

$   (16,645)

$   (16,810)

 

$          364

$   (2,156)

 

Net income (loss) per share – basic and diluted

$        (0.25)

$      (0.35)

 

$      (0.26)

$      (0.30)

 

$      (1.20)

$      (1.22)

 

$         0.00

$     (0.13)

 


 


 



 


 

 

The quarterly amounts above include the impact of the Restatement identified in Note 2.

18. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Gump’s Business

On March 14, 2005, the Company sold all of the stock of Gump’s to Gump’s Holdings, LLC, an unrelated third party (“Purchaser”) for $8.9 million, including a purchase price adjustment of $0.4 million, pursuant to the terms of a February 11, 2005 Stock Purchase Agreement. The Company will recognize a gain on the sale of approximately $3.6 million in the quarter ended March 26, 2005. Chelsey, as the holder of all of the Series C Preferred, consented to the application of the sales proceeds to reduce the outstanding balance of the Wachovia Facility in lieu of the current redemption of a portion of the Series C Preferred. Chelsey expressly retained its right to require redemption of approximately $6.9 million (the Gump’s sales proceeds available for redemption) of the Series C Preferred subject to Wachovia’s approval.

After the sale, the Company continues as the guarantor of one of the two leases for the San Francisco building where the store is located (the Company was released from liability on the other lease). The Purchaser is required to use its commercially reasonable efforts to secure the Company’s release from the guarantee within a year of the closing. If the Purchaser cannot secure the Company’s release within a year of the closing, an affiliate of the Purchaser will either (i) transfer a percentage interest in its business so that the Company will own, indirectly, 5% interest of the Purchaser’s common stock, or (ii) provide the Company with a $2.5 million stand-by letter of credit or other form of compensation acceptable to the Company to reimburse the Company for any liabilities the Company may incur under the guarantee until the Company is released from the guarantee or the lease is terminated. As of February 6, 2006 there are $7.1 million (net of $0.5 million of expected sublease income) in lease commitments for which the Company is the guarantor. Based on its evaluation, the Company has concluded it is unlikely any payments will be required under the guarantee.


The Company entered into a Direct Marketing Services Agreement with the Purchaser to provide telemarketing and fulfillment services for the Gump’s catalog and direct marketing businesses for eighteen months. We have the option to extend the term for an additional eighteen months.

Listed below are the carrying values of the major classes of assets and liabilities of Gump’s included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:

In thousands (000’s)

December 25, 2004

 

December 27, 2003

 


 


 

Total current assets

 

$       10,842

 

 

$       10,995

Total non-current assets

$         3,221

 

$         3,801

Total assets

$       14,063

 

$       14,796

Total current liabilities

$         6,727

 

$         7,980

Total non-current liabilities

$         3,283

 

$         3,995

Total liabilities

$       10,010

 

$       11,975

Listed below are the revenues and income before income taxes included in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) (these results exclude certain corporate overhead charges allocated to Gump’s for services provided by the Company to run the business):

In thousands (000’s)

For the Year

Ended

December 25,

2004

 

For the Year

Ended

December 27,

2003

 


 


 

Net revenues

 

$          42,634

 

 

$                     44,188

Income before income taxes

$            2,967

 

$                       1,215

Private Label and Co-Brand Credit Card Agreement

On February 22, 2005, the Company entered into a seven year co-brand and private label credit card agreement (as amended by Amendment Number One on March 30, 2005, the “Credit Card Agreement”) with WFNNB under which WFNNB will provide private label (branded) and co-brand credit cards to the Company’s customers. The Company began offering the private label credit card to its customers in April 2005. The program extends credit to our customers at no credit risk to the Company and is expected to lead to increased sales and lower expenses. WFNNB will provide a fixed dollar amount as marketing funds in the first year of which 25% of any unused amount can be utilized in the first six months of the second year and a percentage of the lesser of private label net sales or average accounts receivable balance in later years to support the Company’s promotion of the program. In general, WFNNB will pay the Company proceeds from sales of Company merchandise using the cards issued under the program with no discount. In addition, WFNNB paid the Company an up-front fee when the private label plan commenced and will pay a per card fee for each card issued under the co-brand program and a percentage of the net finance charges on co-brand accounts.

If the Credit Card Agreement is terminated or expires other than as a result of a default by WFNNB, the Company will be obligated to purchase any outstanding private label accounts at their fair market value. The Company will have the option of purchasing any outstanding co-brand accounts at their fair market value when the Credit Card Agreement terminates unless the termination is attributable to the Company’s default. Under the 34th Amendment to the Loan & Security Agreement executed by the Company and Wachovia on July 29, 2005, the Company is prohibited from using the Wachovia Facility to fund the purchase of the private label and co-brand accounts. As a consequence, should the Company become obligated to purchase the accounts and should it not have secured a replacement credit card program with a new credit card issuer, the Company will be forced to seek financing from a different source which financing will be subject to Wachovia’s and Chelsey’s approval.

Audit Committee Investigation; SEC Inquiry


The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors began an investigation of matters relating to restatements of the Company’s financial statements and other accounting-related matters with the assistance of independent outside counsel Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP (“Wilmer Cutler”).

The Audit Committee concluded its investigation and, with the assistance of Wilmer Cutler, reported its findings to the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee, again with the assistance of Wilmer Cutler, formulated a series of recommendations to the Company and the Board of Directors concerning potential improvements in the Company’s internal controls and procedures for financial reporting. The Board of Directors and management have begun implementing these recommendations.

The Company was notified by the SEC that it was conducting an informal inquiry relating to the Company’s financial results and financial reporting since 1998. The SEC indicated in its letter to the Company that the inquiry should not be construed as an indication by the SEC that there has been any violation of the federal securities laws. The Company is cooperating fully with the SEC in connection with the inquiry and Wilmer Cutler has briefed the SEC and the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Goldstein Golub Kessler LLP (“GGK”) on the results of its investigation. The Company intends to continue to cooperate with the SEC in connection with its informal inquiry concerning the Company’s financial reporting.

 

 


SCHEDULE II

 

HANOVER DIRECT, INC.

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Years Ended December 25, 2004,30, 2006, December 27, 200331, 2005

and December 28, 200225, 2004

(In thousands of dollars)

 

Column A

Column B

Column C

Column D

Column E

Column B

Column C

Column D

Column E

 

Additions

 

 

 

Additions

 

 

Description

 

 

Restated

Balance at

Beginning

of Period

 

 

 

Charged to

Costs and

Expenses

 

 

Charged to

Other Accounts

(Describe)

 

 

 

 

Deductions

(Describe)

 

 

 

Balance at

End of

Period

 

Restated

Balance at

Beginning

of Period

 

 

Charged to

Costs and

Expenses

 

Charged to

Other Accounts

(Describe)

 

 

 

Deductions

(Describe)

 

 

Balance at

End of

Period

2006:

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable

$              916

$             522

-

$ 501(4)

$        937

Reserve for Closed Restaurant Operations

10

-

-

10(5)

--

Special Charges Reserve

21

-

-

4(5)

17

Reserves for Sales Returns

2,240

24,245

-

23,523(6)

2,962

Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance

39,070

-

4,291(1)

527(7)

42,834

2005:

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable

$          1,367

$ 518

-

$ 969(4)

$        916

Reserve for Closed Restaurant Operations

21

30

-

41(5)

10

Special Charges Reserve

4,878

-

-

4,857(5)

21

Reserves for Sales Returns

1,985

20,971

-

20,716(6)

2,240

Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance

33,349

-

15,333(2)

9,612(8)

39,070

2004:

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable

$     1,105

$    609

-

$ 347(4)

$     1,367

1,105

609

-

347(4)

1,367

Reserve for Closed Restaurant Operations

69

42

-

90(5)

21

69

42

-

90(5)

21

Special Charges Reserve

5,794

1,536

-

2,452(5)

4,878

5,794

1,536

-

2,452(5)

4,878

Reserves for Sales Returns

1,981

3,549

-

3,545(6)

1,985

1,981

20,000

-

19,996(6)

1,985

Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance

33,414

-

618(1)

1,921(7)

32,111

33,414

-

1,858(3)

1,923(9)

33,349

2003 (As Restated):

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable

1,560

378

-

833(4)

1,105

Reserve for Closed Restaurant Operations

322

40

-

293(5)

69

Special Charges Reserve

8,032

1,304

-

3,542(6)

5,794

Reserves for Sales Returns

1,710

2,551

-

2,280(6)

1,981

Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance

142,054

-

11,300(2)

119,940(8)

33,414

2002 (As Restated):

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable

2,117

304

-

861(4)

1,560

Reserve for Closed Restaurant Operations

737

40

-

455(5)

322

Special Charges Reserve

11,056

4,769

-

7,793(6)

8,032

Reserves for Sales Returns

2,547

345

-

1,182(6)

1,710

Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance

137,252

-

4,802(3)

-

142,054

 

(1)

$6183,740 is attributable to an increase in estimated utilizable NOLs and $551 is attributable to a true-up of the long-term capital loss carryover and other items.

(2)

$10,460 is attributable to the long-term capital loss carryover and $4,873 is attributable to an increase in estimated utilizable NOLs.

(3)

$1,858 represents the increase in the valuation allowance used to offset net increases in temporary differences.

(2)

$11,300 increase in the valuation allowance charged to deferred income tax provision.

(3)

$3,700 charged to deferred income tax provision, $1,102 increase in the valuation allowance used to offset net increase in temporary differences.

(4)

Written-off.

(5)

Utilization and reversal of reserves.

(6)

Utilization of reserves.

(7)

$517 is attributable to the net reversal of temporary differences and $10 represents the expiration of charitable contribution carryovers.

(8)

$5,455 represents the decrease in the allowance attributable to loss carryovers and the reversal of temporary differences caused by the sale of Gump’s and $4,157 represents the reversal of temporary differences in continuing operations.

(9)

Represents the utilization and expiration of NOLs.

(8)

$117,671 represents the expiration of NOL and tax credit carryovers and $2,269 is attributable to the net reversal of temporary differences.

 

53


Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

There were no disagreements with accountants on accounting and financial disclosure.

 


Item 9A. Controls and ProceduresProcedures.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has completedconcluded, based on an evaluation performed as of December 30, 2006, that the effectiveness of the design and operation of ourCompany’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-1513a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)(Exchange Act)) pursuant to Item 307 of Regulation S-K for the fiscal quarter covered by this quarterly report. This evaluation has allowed management to make conclusions, as set forth below, regarding the state of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedureswere effective as of December 25, 2004. While management has made significant improvements in its disclosure controls and procedures and has completed various action plans30, 2006 to remedy identified weaknesses in these controls (as more fully discussed below), based on management’s evaluation, management has concludedensure that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective in alerting management on a timely basis to material information relating to the Company required to be includeddisclosed by the Company in the Company’s periodic filingsreports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act. In coming to this conclusion, management considered, among other things,Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the control deficiency related to periodic review of the application of generally accepted accounting principles, which resultedtime periods specified in the Restatement as disclosed in Note 2Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K.

As background, the following occurred during 2004Company’s management, including our Chief Executive Officer and 2005:

During the second quarter of 2004, the Company identified a revenue recognition cut-off issue that resulted in revenue being recorded in advance of the actual shipment of merchandise to the customer. The practice was stopped immediately. Subsequently, the Company determined that revenue should be recognized when merchandise is received by the customer rather than when shipped because the Company routinely replaces customer merchandise damaged or lost in transit as a customer service matter (even though risk of loss, as a legal matter, passes on shipment). As a consequence, the Company has restated all affected periods presented to recognize revenue when merchandise is received by the customer.

In the first quarter of 2004, former management identified a potential issue with the accounting treatment of discount obligations due to members of certain of the Company’s buyers’ club programs, and at that time, an inappropriate conclusion regarding the accounting treatment was reached. During the third quarter of 2004, the issue was re-evaluated and it was determined that an error in the accounting treatment had occurred. The cumulative impact of the error for which the Company restated resulted in the overstatement of revenues and the omission of the related liability to the guarantee of these discount obligations that aggregated $2.4 million as of June 26, 2004 (the end of the second quarter of 2004). The Company immediately implemented accounting policies to appropriately account for all obligations due to members of the buyers’ club programs.

On November 9, 2004, the Company’s Audit Committee discussed the two matters noted above with the Company’s former independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP (“KPMG”) and then on November 17, 2004, the Audit Committee launched an investigation relating to the restatement of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and other accounting-related matters and engaged Wilmer Cutler as its independent outside counsel to assist with the investigation.

The Company was notified on January 11, 2005 by the SEC that the SEC was conducting an informal inquiry relating to the Company’s financial results and financial statements since 1998. The Audit Committee, the Board of Directors and the Company’s management have been cooperating fully with the SEC in connection with the inquiry.

On February 3, 2005, the Company reported that its Common Stock was being delisted by the AMEX as a consequence, among other reasons, of the Company’s inability to meet the AMEX’s continued listing requirements and its inability to timely file its Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 25, 2004.

On March 14, 2005, the Audit Committee reported that it had concluded its investigation and, with the assistance of Wilmer Cutler, reported its findings to the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee, with Wilmer Cutler’s assistance, formulated recommendations to the Company and the Board of Directors concerning ways of improving the Company’s internal controls and procedures for financial reporting which the Board of Directors and the Company began to implement.

Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 


The Audit Committee subsequently instructed Wilmer Cutler to cooperate fully with the SECChanges in connection with its inquiry and share the results of its investigation with the SEC, KPMG and Goldstein Golub Kessler LLP (“GGK”), whom had been engaged by the Audit Committee on November 2, 2005 as the Company’s new auditors after the dismissal of KPMG on October 20, 2005. Wilmer Cutler has presented the results of its investigation to the SEC, KPMG and GGK.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the course of preparing its 2004 consolidated financial statements, the Company evaluated a previously reversed litigation reserve relating to post employment benefits allegedly owed to its former CEO. In the course of evaluating the accounting treatment of the restoration of the reserve, the Company identified that the original reserve had been improperly established as a litigation reserve rather than an accrual for post employment benefits and that legal expenses had been improperly charged against the reserve rather than treated as period expenses. Management corrected these errors and restated all affected periods presented in accordance with the corrected treatment of the reserve.

During the course of preparing its 2004 consolidated financial statements, the Company determined that an accrual related to certain customer prepayments and credits had been inappropriately released and that other liabilities relating primarily to certain miscellaneous catalog costs and other miscellaneous costs had not been appropriately accrued in the appropriate periods. The Company re-established the improperly released accrual and accrued certain miscellaneous catalog costs in the appropriate periods and restated all affected periods presented in accordance with the corrected treatment of these items.

Internal Control Over Financing Reporting

KPMG, the Company’s former auditors, identified material weaknessesThere has been no change in internal control over financial reporting based upon its auditthat occurred during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year ended December 30, 2006, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the 2004 consolidated financial statements which it did not complete. After their engagement, we informed GGK of the identified material weaknesses inCompany’s internal control over financial reporting and other matters relating to the Company’s internal controls based upon KPMG’s incomplete audit of the 2004 consolidated financial statements. Upon completion of their audit of fiscal 2004, GGK has not brought to our attention any material weaknesses. Our management considered the material weaknesses identified by KPMG in evaluating the adequacy of the Company’s internal controls.reporting.

A control deficiency exists when the design or operation of a control does not allow management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to detect or prevent misstatements on a timely basis. A deficiency in design exists when (a) a control necessary to meet the control objective is missing, or (b) an existing control is not properly designed so that even if the control operates as designed, the control objective is not always met. A deficiency in operation exists when a properly designed control does not operate as designed, or when the person performing the control does not posses the necessary authority or qualification to perform the control effectively. A material weakness is a significant deficiency, or combination of significant deficiencies, that result in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected. The following material weaknesses had been identified:

The Company lacks a sufficient number of financial and tax personnel with the appropriate level of expertise to independently monitor, interpret and implement the application of financial accounting standards in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,

The environment of the Company was such that members of management were not encouraged to discuss transactions and events that could impact the appropriate financial reporting of the Company, and

The Company does not have adequate policies and procedures relating to the origination and maintenance of contemporaneous documentation to support key accounting judgments or to effectively document the terms of all significant contracts and agreements and the related accounting treatment for these contracts and agreements.


The Company has strengthened and replaced its senior management commencing with the May 5, 2004 appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer. Under new management, the Company is committed to meeting and enhancing its internal control obligations as part of the Company’s overall commitment to establishing a new corporate culture that focuses on ethics, unfettered communication within the organization and compliance, and sets a new standard for corporate behavior within the Company. Toward this end during 2004, the Company has:

Appointed a new Chief Executive Officer;

Replaced its Corporate Controller and Director of Internal Audit; 

Instituted a policy of open channels of communication including regularly scheduled meetings of and with senior management;

Instituted weekly meetings between the CEO and Director of Internal Audit to review the status of internal audits and assess internal controls; and

Instituted periodic trips by senior management to the Company’s remote facilities to foster communication and ensure compliance with the Company’s reporting, internal control and ethics policies.

The Company continued to implement changes to its internal controls during 2005 and has:

Replaced its Chief Financial Officer, and filled other open finance positions which resulted from earlier terminations and other departures; 

Hired a General Counsel and replaced its outside counsel;  

Instituted weekly reviews of financial results with the Chief Financial Officer and senior management to enhance transparency and accountability;

Instituted a policy that requires review and approval of all material agreements and marketing plans by the legal and financial departments;

Instituted a policy that requires all systems changes that could impact financial reporting be subject to approval by the financial department;

Revised the Company’s reporting structure to have the catalog finance directors report to the CFO;

Documented the Company’s significant accounting policies and implemented a procedure to periodically review and update these policies; and

Implemented a policy that requires the preparation of contemporaneous memoranda and related documentation to support key accounting judgments and to maintain and document the significant terms of material contracts and the accounting treatment thereof.

As a result of the restatement of our prior period financial statements and the delay in the completion of the audits and reviews of those statements and the change in our auditors, the burden on our accounting and financial staff has been greatly increased and has thus far caused us to be unable to file our periodic SEC reports on a timely basis. While management believes that current practices and procedures are sufficient to bring to its attention items required to be disclosed in our periodic SEC filings, after an evaluation of those practices, we have determined to institute procedures to enhance the effectiveness of our disclosure controls. Subject to the foregoing, management believes that our disclosure controls are effective for purposes of Item 307 of Regulation S-K.


 

Item 9B. Other Information.

 

None.

 


PART III

 

Item 10. Directors, and Executive Officers of the Registrantand Corporate Governance:

(a)

Identification of Directors

As provided in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, Directors hold office until the next annual meeting or until their successors have been elected or until their earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal.

 

Pursuant toWe incorporate by reference in this section the Corporateinformation under the captions "Proposal 2- Election of Directors" “Corporate Governance Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2003, by and among the Company, Chelsey, Stuart FeldmanBoard Committees,” “Executive Officers” and the Regan Entities, for two years from the closing“Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” of the Recapitalization, fiveProxy Statement. Also refer to Item 1 of this Form 10-K under the nine directors of the Company were to have been designated by Chelsey and one by the Regan Entities. The Corporate Governance Agreement was terminated when Basil Regan resigned from the Board of Directorscaption "Executive Officers” on July 31, 2004.

The following sets forth certainpage 10 for additional information regarding the current directors of the Company as of the date hereof:

 

Name

Age

 

Title and Other Information

Director

Since

Robert H. Masson

70

Robert H. Masson served as Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration and Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Parsons & Whittemore, Inc., a global pulp and paper manufacturer, from May 1990 until his retirement June 30, 2002. Prior thereto, Mr. Masson held various executive, financial and treasury roles with The Ford Motor Company, Knutson Construction Company, Ellerbe, PepsiCo, Inc. and Combustion Engineering (now part of the ABB Group). Mr. Masson currently serves as a Trustee and as the Chairman of the Finance Committee of The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, Inc. in Pensacola, Florida. Mr. Masson was elected a director of the Company effective January 1, 2003. Mr. Masson is the Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committees.

2003

A. David Brown

63

Mr. Brown is the co-founder of Bridge Partners LLC, a consumer financial services and diversity headhunting firm. Prior to co-founding Bridge Partners, Mr. Brown served as a Managing Director of Whitehead Mann after having served as Vice President of the Worldwide Retail/Fashion Specialty Practice at Korn/Ferry International. Previously, Mr. Brown served for 12 years as Senior Vice President for Human Resources at R.H. Macy & Co. He was responsible for human resources and labor relations for 50,000 employees in five U.S. divisions and 17 foreign buying offices around the world. He serves on the Boards of Zale Corporation and Selective Insurance Group, Inc. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of Morristown Memorial Hospital, Drew University and the Jackie Robinson Foundation. Mr. Brown was elected a director of the Company effective July 29, 2003 and is the Chairman of the Corporate Governance and Transaction Committees and a member of the Audit Committee.

2003


Wayne P. Garten

53

Mr. Garten was elected a director of the Company by Chelsey effective September 29, 2003 and appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company on May 5, 2004. Mr. Garten is a member of the Executive and Nominating Committees. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Garten served as the President of Caswell-Massey Ltd., Inc., a retailer and direct marketer of fragrance and other personal care products, from January 2004. Prior thereto, Mr. Garten was a financial consultant specializing in the direct marketing industry. He was Chief Executive Officer and President of Popular Club, Inc., a direct selling, catalog marketer of apparel and general merchandise products, from 2001 to 2003. From 1997 to 2000, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Micro Warehouse, Inc., an international catalog reseller of computer products. From 1983 to 1996, Mr. Garten held various financial positions at Hanover Direct and its predecessor, The Horn & Hardart Company, including Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 1989 to 1996. Mr. Garten is a Certified Public Accountant.

2003

William B. Wachtel

51

Mr. Wachtel has been a managing partner of Wachtel & Masyr, LLP, or its predecessor law firm (Gold & Wachtel, LLP), since its founding in August 1984. He is the co-founder of the Drum Major Institute, a not-for-profit organization carrying forth the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mr. Wachtel is the Manager of Chelsey. Mr. Wachtel was elected a director of the Company effective November 18, 2003, the date of the Recapitalization Agreement. Mr. Wachtel was appointed the Chairman of the Board of Directors on May 5, 2004 and is Chairman of the Nominating Committee and is a member of the Executive and Corporate Governance Committees. Mr. Wachtel is the Manager of Chelsey and Chelsey Finance and the trustee of Chelsey Capital Profit Sharing Plan which is the sole member of Chelsey and Chelsey Finance.

2003

Stuart Feldman

46

Mr. Feldman has been a principal of Chelsey Capital, LLC, a private hedge fund, for more than the past five years. Mr. Feldman is the principal beneficiary of Chelsey Capital Profit Sharing Plan, which is the sole member of Chelsey. Mr. Feldman was elected a director of the Company effective November 18, 2003, the date of the Recapitalization Agreement and is Chairman of the Executive Committee and a member of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Feldman is the principal beneficiary of the Chelsey Capital Profit Sharing Plan, which is the sole member of Chelsey and Chelsey Finance and the sole officer and director of DSJ International Resources Ltd., the sole sponsor of the Chelsey Capital Profit Sharing Plan. Mr. Feldman was elected a director of the Company effective November 18, 2003, the date of the Recapitalization and is Chairman of the Executive Committee and a member of the Compensation Committee.

2003

Donald Hecht

72

Mr. Hecht has, since 1966, together with his brother Michael Hecht, managed Hecht & Company, an accounting firm. Mr. Hecht was elected a director of the Company effective November 18, 2003, the date of the closing of the Recapitalization and is a member of the Audit and Compensation Committees.

2003

Paul S. Goodman

51

Mr. Goodman is the Chief Executive Officer of Billybey Ferry Company, LLC, a ferry company that provides commuter ferry service between Manhattan and New Jersey and also provides ferry cruise services. Since 2003, Mr. Goodman has been CEO of Chelsey Broadcasting Company, LLC, which owns middle market network-affiliated television stations. Until October 2002, Mr. Goodman had served as a director of Benedek Broadcasting Corporation from November 1994 and as a director of Benedek Communications Corporation from its inception. From 1983 until October 2002, Mr. Goodman was also corporate counsel to Benedek Broadcasting and Benedek Communications since its formation in 1996 until October 2002. From April 1993 to December 2002, Mr. Goodman was a member of the law firm of Shack Siegel Katz Flaherty & Goodman, P.C. From January 1990 to April 1993, Mr. Goodman was a member of the law firm of Whitman & Ransom. Mr. Goodman became a director of the Company effective April 12, 2004. Mr. Goodman is a member of the Corporate Governance Committee.

2004

(b)

Identification of Executive Officers

Pursuant to the Company’s Bylaws, the Company’s officers are chosen annually by the Board of Directors and hold office until their respective successors are chosen and qualified.

On May 5, 2004, Thomas C. Shull was replaced as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer by Wayne P. Garten. On November 3, 2003, Charles E. Blue was appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Company effective November 11, 2003, replacing Edward M. Lambert. Mr. Blue resigned as Chief Financial Officer and Secretary on March 8, 2005 and John W. Swatek was appointed as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer effective on April 4, 2005. During the interim period, Mr. Garten served as the Chief Financial Officer. Daniel J. Barsky was appointed as


Senior Vice President and General Counsel on January 31, 2005 and Secretary on March 8, 2005.


Set forth below is certain information regarding the currentour executive officers of the Company

 

Name

 

Age

 

Title and Other Information

Office Held

Since

Wayne P. Garten

53

Chief Executive Officer, President and Director. Information concerning Mr. Garten appears above under Directors.

 

2004

Michael D. Contino

44

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since April 25, 2001. Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer from December 1996 to April 25, 2001 and President of Keystone since November 2000. Mr. Contino joined the Company in 1995 as Director of Computer Operations and Telecommunications. Prior to 1995, Mr. Contino was the Senior Manager of IS Operations at New Hampton, Inc., a subsidiary of Spiegel, Inc.

 

2001

John W. Swatek

41

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Prior to joining the Company Mr. Swatek was Vice President and Controller of Linens ‘n Things, Inc. Before joining Linens ‘n Things, Inc. in 2001, Mr. Swatek held various positions with Micro Warehouse, Inc. including serving as its Senior Vice President, Finance from 2000 to 2001.

 

2005

Daniel J. Barsky

50

Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Barsky was an independent legal consultant. Mr. Barsky served as acting General Counsel to Directrix, Inc. from 2001 to 2003, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary to American Interactive Media, Inc. from 1999 to 2001 and Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary to Spice Entertainment Companies, Inc. from 1994 to 1999.

 

2005

Steven Lipner

57

Vice President, Taxation since October 2000. Mr. Lipner served as Director of Taxes from February 1984 to October 2000. Prior thereto, he served as Director of Taxes at Avnet, Inc. and held various positions in public accounting. He holds a license as a Certified Public Accountant in New York.

 

2000

(c)

Audit Committee Financial Expert

The Company’s Board of Directors has determined that the Company has at least one “audit committee financial expert” serving on the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors who is “independent” of management within the definition of such term under Rule Section 121A of the AMEX listing standards. Robert H. Masson, a member of the Board of Directors and the Chairman of its Audit Committee, is the “audit committee financial expert” serving on the Company’s Audit Committee. Mr. Masson meets the AMEX requirements that at least one member of the Audit Committee be an “audit committee financial expert.”

The current Audit Committee members are Messrs. Masson (Chairman), Brown and Hecht. Mr. Garten was an Audit Committee member until he became CEO and resigned from the Audit Committee.


(d)

Code of Ethics

The Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer and other persons performing similar functions. A copy of the code of ethics has been filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company has also adopted a code of conduct that applies to the Company’s directors, officers and employees. A copy of the code of conduct was filed as an Exhibit to the 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(e)

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires officers, directors and beneficial owners of more than 10% of the Company’s shares to file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the American Stock Exchange. Based solely on a review of the reports and representations furnished to the Company during the last fiscal year by such persons, the Company believes that each of these persons is in compliance with all applicable filing requirements.officers.

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The following table shows salaries, bonuses, and long-term compensation paid during the last three years for the Chief Executive Officer (including Mr. Shull who resigned during 2004) and the Company’s four next most highly compensated executive officers who were serving as executive officers at the end of the Company’s 2004 fiscal year.

 

 

 

Long Term Compensation

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

Awards

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Securities

 

 

 

 

 

Underlying

 

Name and

 

Annual Compensation

Other Annual

Options/

All Other

Principal Position

Year

Salary

Bonus

Compensation

SARs

Compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wayne P. Garten(1)

2004

$    380,769 (2)

$  300,000 (6)

$ 14,500 (11)

200,000 (16)

$ 4,846 (18)

President and Chief

2003

$ 101,500 (11)

5,000 (16)

Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael D. Contino(1)

2004

$          375,837

$ 13,083 (19)

Executive Vice President

2003

$          393,698

$  263,656 (7)

$ 151,282 (20)

And Chief Operating Officer

2002

$          382,270

$  565,988 (7)

$ 4,000 (12)

100,000 (17)

$  9,873 (21)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John DiFrancesco(1)

2004

$          309,300

$  253,500 (8)

$ 11,442 (22)

President, The Company

2003

$          317,400

$   55,180 (8)

$ 10,531 (23)

Store Group, LLC

2002

$          307,846

$  412,000 (8)

$ 4,000 (13)

40,000 (17)

$ 8,237 (24)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steven Lipner(1)

2004

$          175,520

$   10,000 (9)

$ 3,927 (25)

Vice President

2003

$          172,924

$   7,768 (9)

$ 4,220 (26)

Taxation

2002

$          163,900

$   78,877 (9)

5,000 (17)

$ 3,849 (27)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas C. Shull(1)

2004

$    295,962 (3)

$ 906,776 (28)

Former President and Chief

2003

$    915,588 (4)

$2,250,000 (4)

 

$ 12,369 (29)

Executive Officer

2002

$    905,923 (5)

$1,327,500 (5)

$ 165,000 (14)

$ 2,116 (30)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charles E. Blue(1)

2004

$          271,029

$ 13,608 (31)

Former Senior Vice

2003

$          231,096

$  47,133 (10)

 

$ 12,218 (32)

President and Chief

2002

$          197,000

$  206,938 (10)

$ 4,000 (15)

25,000 (17)

$ 10,212 (33)

Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

__________


(1)

Thomas C. Shull was named President and Chief Executive Officer and was elected to the Company’s Board of Directors on December 5, 2000. He resigned on May 5, 2004. Wayne P. Garten was appointed to the Board of Directors on September 30, 2003 and was named President and Chief Executive Officer on May 5, 2004. Charles E. Blue was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on November 11, 2003. Mr. Blue’s employment was terminated on March 7, 2005. Mr. Garten served as interim Chief Financial Officer until April 4, 2005 when Mr. Swatek became Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Contino was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer on April 25, 2001. Mr. DiFrancesco was appointed as President of The Company Store Group in September 2001 and resigned on December 8, 2005. Mr. Lipner was appointed Vice President of Taxation in 2000.

(2)

$380,769 of salary under the May 5, 2004 Employment Agreement between Mr. Garten and the Company (“Garten Employment Agreement”).

(3)

Salary until resignation on May 5, 2004.

(4)

$915,588 of salary, a $450,000 stay bonus and a $1,350,000 change of control payment was paid to Mr. Shull under an Employment Agreement between Mr. Shull and the Company, dated as of September 1, 2002 (as amended, the “Shull Employment Agreement”). An additional $450,000 transaction bonus was paid to Mr. Shull under the Shull Transaction Bonus Letter (as defined below).

(5)

$276,923 of salary and a $450,000 stay bonus was paid to Mr. Shull under the Shull Employment Agreement. Includes an $877,500 performance bonus for 2002 paid in 2003 under the Shull Employment Agreement. The remaining $629,000 of salary and bonus was paid to Meridian Ventures, LLC, a limited liability company controlled by Mr. Shull (“Meridian”) pursuant to an agreement (“Meridian Services Agreement”) that predated the Shull Employment Agreement. See “Employment Contracts, Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements.”

(6)

Includes for 2004, a $300,000 2004 performance bonus scheduled to be paid during 2005.

(7)

Includes the following payments made to Mr. Contino: for 2003 a $193,500 transaction bonus and a $70,156 2003 performance bonus paid in 2004; for 2002, a $565,988 2002 performance bonus paid in 2003.

(8)

Includes the following payments made to Mr. DiFrancesco: for 2004 a $253,500 2004 performance bonus scheduled to be paid during 2005; for 2003 a $55,180 2003 performance bonus paid in 2004; for 2002, a $412,000 2002 performance bonus paid in 2003.

(9)

Includes the following payments made to Mr. Lipner: for 2004 a $10,000 performance bonus scheduled to be paid during 2005; for 2003 a $7,768 performance bonus paid in 2004; for 2002, a $78,877 2002 paid in 2003.

(10)

Includes the following payments made by the Company to Mr. Blue: for 2003, a $47,133 performance bonus for 2003 paid in 2004; for 2002, a $206,938 performance bonus for 2002 paid in 2003.

(11)

Mr. Garten received the following payments as a member of the Board of Directors: for 2004 $14,500 prior to his employment as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company; for 2003 $101,500. He was granted options to purchase 5,000 shares of Common Stock in 2003.

(12)

Includes the following payments made by the Company on behalf of Mr. Contino: $4,000 in car allowance and related benefits in 2002.

(13)

Includes the following payments made by the Company on behalf of Mr. DiFrancesco: $4,000 in car allowance and related benefits in 2002.

(14)

Paid to Meridian pursuant to the Meridian Services Agreements for Meridian’s over-head (including legal and accounting), health care costs, payroll costs, and other expenses relating to Mr. Shull. See “Employment Contracts, Termination of Employment and Change in Control Arrangements.”

(15)

Includes the following payments made by the Company on behalf of Mr. Blue: $4,000 in car allowance and related benefits in 2002.

(16)

200,000 options granted per the Garten Employment Agreement, half under the 2000 Management Stock Option Plan and half outside the 2000 Management Stock Option Plan. 5,000 options granted under the 2002 Stock Option Plan for directors.

(17)

Granted by the Company pursuant to the Company’s 2000 Management Stock Option Plan. See “Report of the Stock Option and Executive Compensation Committee on Executive Compensation—2000 Management Stock Option Plan.”


(18)

Includes the following payments made by the Company on behalf of Mr. Garten in 2004: $170 in group term life insurance premiums; $24 in accidental death and disability insurance premiums; $119 in core life insurance premiums; $103 in dental insurance premiums; $85 in long-term disability premiums; $4,345 in health care insurance premiums.

(19)

Includes payments made by the Company on behalf of Mr. Contino in 2004: $120 in group term life insurance premiums; $40 in accidental death and disability insurance premiums; $182 in core life insurance premiums; $219 in dental insurance premiums; $146 in long-term disability premiums; $8,959 in health care insurance premiums; and $3,417 in matching contributions under the Company’s 401(k) Savings Plan.

(20)

Includes payments made on behalf of Mr. Contino in 2003; $125 in group term life insurance premiums; $40 in accidental death and disability insurance premiums; $162 in core life insurance premiums; $205 in dental insurance premiums; $159 in long-term disability premiums; $8,195 in health care insurance premiums; $3,333 in matching contributions under the Company’s 401 (k) Savings Plan. Also includes forgiveness of a $75,000 non-interest-bearing loan made by the Company to Mr. Contino in January 1998. The loan was forgiven in full in accordance with its terms during January 2003. In addition to the loan forgiveness, the Company paid all applicable withholding taxes totaling $64,063.

(21)

Includes payments made on behalf of Mr. Contino in 2002; $120 in group term life insurance premiums; $40 in accidental death and disability insurance premiums; $162 in core life insurance premiums; $143 in dental insurance premiums; $484 in long-term disability premiums; $5,589 in health care insurance premiums; $2 in vision assistance; $3,333 in matching contributions under the Company’s 401(k) Savings Plan.

(22)

Includes the following payments made by the Company on behalf of Mr. DiFrancesco in 2004: $516 in group term life insurance premiums; $40 in accidental death and disability insurance premiums; $182 in core life insurance premiums; $170 in dental insurance premiums; $146 in long-term disability premiums; $6,990 in health care insurance premiums; and $3,398 in matching contributions under the Company’s 401(k) Savings Plan.

(23)

Includes the following payments made by the Company on behalf of Mr. DiFrancesco in 2003: $287 in group term life insurance premiums; $40 in accidental death and disability insurance premiums; $162 in core life insurance premiums; $160 in dental insurance premiums; $158 in long-term disability premiums; $6,391 in health care insurance premiums; and $3,333 in matching contributions under the Company’s 401(k) Savings Plan.

(24)

Includes the following payments made by the Company on behalf of Mr. DiFrancesco in 2002: $276 in group term life insurance premiums; $40 in accidental death and disability insurance premiums; $162 in core life insurance premiums; $116 in dental insurance premiums; $407 in long-term disability premiums; $4,601 in health care insurance premiums; $2 in vision assistance, $2,633 in matching contributions under the Company’s 401(k) Savings Plan.

(25)

Includes the following payments made by the Company on behalf of Mr. Lipner in 2004: $516 in group term life insurance premiums; $40 in accidental death and disability insurance premiums; $182 in core life insurance premiums; $146 in long-term disability premiums; and $3,043 in matching contributions under the Company’s 401(k) Savings Plan.

(26)

Includes the following payments made by the Company on behalf of Mr. Lipner in 2003: $527 in group term life insurance premiums; $40 in accidental death and disability insurance premiums; $162 in core life insurance premiums; $158 in long-term disability premiums; and $3,333 in matching contributions under the Company’s 401(k) Savings Plan.

(27)

Includes the following payments made by the Company on behalf of Mr. Lipner in 2002: $276 in group term life insurance premiums; $40 in accidental death and disability insurance premiums; $162 in core life insurance premiums; $38 in dental insurance premiums; $260 in long-term disability premiums; and $3,073 in matching contributions under the Company’s 401(k) Savings Plan.

(28)

Includes the following payments made by the Company on behalf of Mr. Shull in 2004: $900,000 in severance payments; $96 in group term life insurance premiums; $14 in accidental death and disability insurance premiums; $56 in core life insurance premiums; $78 in dental insurance premiums; $55 in long-term disability premiums; $3,060 in health care insurance premiums; $3,417 in matching contributions under the Company’s 401(k) Savings Plan;


(29)

Includes the following payments made by the Company on behalf of Mr. Shull in 2003: $276 in group term life insurance premiums; $40 in accidental death and disability insurance premiums; $162 in core life insurance premiums; $205 in dental insurance premiums; $158 in long-term disability premiums; $8,195 in health care insurance premiums; and $3,333 in matching contributions under the Company’s 401(k) Savings Plan.

(30)

Includes the following payments made by the Company on behalf of Mr. Shull in 2002: $85 in group term life insurance premiums; $12 in accidental death and disability insurance premiums; $50 in core life insurance premiums; $44 in dental insurance premiums; $49 in long-term disability premiums; $1,876 in health care insurance premiums.

(31)

Includes the following payments made by the Company on behalf of Mr. Blue in 2004: $120 in group term life insurance premiums; $40 in accidental death and disability insurance premiums; $182 in core life insurance premiums; $219 in dental insurance premiums; $146 in long-term disability premiums; $8,959 in health care insurance premiums; and $3,402 in matching contributions under the Company’s 401(k) Savings Plan.

(32)

Includes the following payments made by the Company on behalf of Mr. Blue in 2003: $125 in group term life insurance premiums; $40 in accidental death and disability insurance premiums; $162 in core life insurance premiums; $205 in dental insurance premiums; $158 in long-term disability premiums; $8,195 in health care insurance premiums; and $3,333 in matching contributions under the Company’s 401(k) Savings Plan.

(33)

Includes the following payments made by the Company on behalf of Mr. Blue in 2002: $120 in group term life insurance premiums; $40 in accidental death and disability insurance premiums; $162 in core life insurance premiums; $143 in dental insurance premiums; $285 in long-term disability premiums; $6,195 in health care insurance premiums; and $3,265 in matching contributions under the Company’s 401(k) Savings Plan; and $2 in vision plan premiums.

Stock Options and Stock Appreciation RightsCompensation:

 

The following table containsWe incorporate by reference in this section the information concerning options granted tounder the Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s four next most highly compensated executive officers who were serving as executive officers at the endcaption "Executive Compensation” of the Company’s 2004 fiscal year. There were no stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) granted during fiscal 2004.

Option/SAR Grants in Fiscal 2004

 

Individual Grants

 

 

Number of

 

 

 

 

 

Securities

Percentage of

 

 

 

 

 

Underlying

Total Options/

 

 

 

 

 

Options/

SARs Granted

Exercise

Market Price

 

 

SARs

to Employees in

or Base

on Date of

 

Grant Date

Name

Granted

Fiscal Year 2004

Price

Grant

Expiration Date

Value($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wayne P. Garten

200,000

88.1%

$1.95

$2.00

5/5/2014

289,600

The following table contains information concerning the fiscal 2004 year-end values of all options and SARs granted to the Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s four (4) next most highly compensated executive officers who were serving as executive officers at the end of the Company’s 2004 fiscal year.

Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises in 2004 Fiscal Year

and December 25, 2004 Option/SAR Values

Number of Securities

Underlying Unexercised

Options/SARs at

December 25, 2004

Value of Unexercised

In-the-Money

Options/SARs at

December 25, 2004

Name

Shares Acquired

on Exercise(#)

Value

Realized($)

Exercisable/

Unexercisable

Exercisable/

Unexercisable

Wayne P. Garten

--

--

71,666 exercisable

$0/$0

133,334 unexercisable


Director Compensation

Standard Arrangements. The Company pays its non-employee directors a $58,000 annual fee; no supplemental fees are paid for serving as Chairman of a Board committee or for attending Board meetings. Non-employee directors also participated in the 1999 Stock Option Plan for Directors (“1999 Directors’ Plan”) and the 2002 Stock Option Plan for Directors (“2002 Directors’ Plan”) and may in the future participate in the 2004 Stock Option Plan for Directors (the “2004 Directors’ Option Plan”). See “Employment Contracts, Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements.” The Company does not compensate its employees, or employees of its subsidiaries, who serve as directors. During fiscal 2004, the Company also provided $50,000 of term life insurance for each director.

Effective January 1, 2003, the 2002 Directors’ Plan was amended to increase the annual award for non-employee directors from options to purchase 2,500 shares to 3,500 shares of Common Stock. In November 2003, the 2002 Directors’ Plan was amended to increase the pool of options to purchase shares of Common Stock from 50,000 to 90,000 shares of Common Stock.

During 2004, options to purchase 5,000 shares of Common Stock were granted to a new non-employee director under the 2002 Directors’ Plan and options to purchase 21,000 shares of Common Stock were granted to the six non-employee directors under the automatic annual grant on August 3, 2004 under the 2002 Directors’ Plan. No options were exercised by Directors during 2004. As of December 25, 2004, 7,000 options to purchase Common Stock under the 1999 Directors’ Plan were outstanding and exercisable. As of December 25, 2004, 65,500 options to purchase Common Stock under the 2002 Stock Option Plan for Directors were outstanding, 36,167 of which were exercisable.

2004 Stock Option Plan for Directors – During 2004, the Board of Directors adopted the 2004 Directors’ Option Plan, pursuant to which stock options to purchase shares of Common Stock may be granted to certain non-employee directors. The Company’s shareholders ratified the 2004 Directors’ Option Plan at the 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Company may grant options to purchase up to 100,000 shares of Common Stock to eligible directors at an exercise price equal to the fair market value as of the grant date. An eligible director will receive an initial option grant to purchase 5,000 shares of Common Stock as of the effective date of his/her appointment or election to the Board of Directors. On each Award Date, defined as August 3, 2004, August 3, 2005 and August 3, 2006, eligible directors are to be granted options to purchase additional shares of Common Stock (to the extent the 2002 Stock Option Plan for Directors did not have enough remaining shares). Stock options granted have terms of ten years and vest over three years from the grant date; however, if there is a Change in Control (as defined in the Hanover Direct, Inc. Directors Change of Control Plan), the participant has the cumulative right to purchase up to 100% of the option shares. Option holders may pay for shares purchased on exercise in cash or Common Stock. As of December 25, 2004 no options have been granted under the 2004 Directors’ Option Plan.

The non-employee directors waived their right to the automatic grant of options to be granted on August 3, 2005.

Director Compensation Continuation Agreement. Effective May 3, 2001, the Company’s Board of Directors established the Hanover Direct, Inc. Directors Change of Control Plan (the “Director Compensation Continuation Agreement”) for all non-employee Directors of the Company.

A participant in the Director Compensation Continuation Agreements is entitled to receive a Change of Control Payment if a Change of Control occurs while a director on the effective date of the Change of Control. The Change of Control Payment under the Director Compensation Continuation Agreement is the greater of (i) $40,000 or (ii) 150% of the sum of the annual retainer fee, meeting fees and per diem fees paid to a Director for his/her service on the Board of Directors of the Company during the twelve month period immediately preceding the Change of Control. The Recapitalization was a “Change of Control” for purposes of the Director Compensation Continuation Agreement and on December 18, 2003, each of the then eight non-employee directors (Messrs. Brown, James, Krushel, Sonnenfeld, Masson, Regan, Garten and Edelman) received an $87,000 payment.


Employment Contracts, Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements

Garten Employment Agreement. On May 6, 2004, Wayne P. Garten became the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President. Mr. Garten is employed pursuant to the terms of a May 6, 2004 Employment Agreement. Under Mr. Garten’s Employment Agreement he will be paid an annual salary of $600,000 over a term expiring on May 6, 2006. The Company also granted Mr. Garten options to acquire 200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, half pursuant to its 2000 Management Stock Option Plan (“2000 Management Option Plan”) and half outside the plan. All of the options have an exercise price of $1.95 per share, the Common Stock’s average closing price for the ten trading days preceding the grant date and the ten trading days after the grant date. One third of each of the options vested upon execution of the Employment Agreement and the balance will vest in two equal annual installments on the anniversary of the original grant date, subject to earlier vesting in the event of a change in control of the Company (as that term is defined in the Employment Agreement). Mr. Garten is entitled to participate in the Company’s bonus plan for executives, as established by the Board of Directors.

The Employment Agreement provides for a lump sum change in control payment equal to 200% of Mr. Garten’s annual salary if a change in control occurs during the term. The Employment Agreement also provides for eighteen months of severance payments if Mr. Garten is not otherwise entitled to change in control benefits and (i) is terminated without cause or terminates his employment for good reason (as both terms are defined in the Employment Agreement) during the term or (ii) his Employment Agreement is not renewed at the end of the term.

Contino Letter Agreement. Michael Contino, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, is employed pursuant to a October 29, 2002 letter agreement. Under the letter agreement, Mr. Contino was to receive an annual salary of $387,000 and is entitled to participate in the Company’s bonus plan for executives, as established by the Board of Directors. Mr. Contino was awarded options to purchase 100,000 shares under the 2000 Management Stock Option Plan. Under the agreement, if Mr. Contino is terminated other than “for cause” or terminates his employment for “good reason” (as those terms are defined in the agreement), he is entitled to eighteen months of severance pay and health benefits. Mr. Contino was a participant in the Company’s eighteen month change in control plan and was entitled to a Transaction Bonus equal to half of his base salary on a change in control. Mr. Contino was paid the Transaction Bonus following the Recapitalization in 2003.

Shull Employment and Severance Agreement. Thomas Shull, the Company’s prior Chief Executive Officer resigned from the Company on May 5, 2004. Mr. Shull and the Company executed a General Release and Separation Agreement dated effective as of May 5, 2004 which provided for the Company to pay Mr. Shull $900,000 of severance in lieu of any other benefits provided for in the Employment Agreement dated September 1, 2002, as amended (the “Shull Employment Agreement”). The severance was paid with a $300,000 lump sum on execution and the balance in biweekly installments that were completed in 2004. The Company also agreed to pay for eighteen months of COBRA coverage for Mr. Shull.

Prior to his resignation, Mr. Shull was employed pursuant to the Shull Employment Agreement which provided for an $855,000 base salary and had a term expiring on March 31, 2006. Mr. Shull was a participant in the Company’s Key Executive Eighteen Month Compensation Continuation Plan (the “Change of Control Plan”) and its transaction bonus program. The Recapitalization was a change in control under the Change in Control Plan and the Company paid Mr. Shull $1,350,000 in 2003. The Company also paid Mr. Shull $450,000 under the transaction bonus program in 2003.

Charles E. Blue had been appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Company effective November 11, 2003, replacing Edward M. Lambert. Mr. Blue joined the Company in 1999 and prior to his appointment had most recently served as Senior Vice President, Finance. Mr. Lambert continued to serve as Executive Vice President of the Company until his January 2, 2004 resignation. Mr. Lambert and the Company entered into a severance agreement dated November 4, 2003 providing for $640,000 of cash payments, as well as other benefits that were accrued and paid in the fourth quarter of 2003.

Mr. Blue’s employment with the Company was terminated effective March 8, 2005 and the Company reported in a Current Report on Form 8-K that he had resigned voluntarily. The Company and Mr. Blue were unable to agree on the terms of his voluntary resignation and the Company notified Mr. Blue that his employment had been terminated for cause.


Mr. DiFrancesco resigned on December 8, 2005. The Company agreed to pay Mr. DiFrancesco $312,000 in severance benefits payable in installments over a 12 month period and an additional $156,000 payable in installments over a 6 month period if Mr. DiFrancesco was employed by a competitor of The Company Store business at the end of the initial 12 month severance period. The Company also agreed to pay his COBRA health care continuation premiums during the same period over which he receives severance payments.

Barsky Letter Agreement. On January 31, 2005, the Company appointed Daniel J. Barsky as its Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Under a letter agreement with the Company, Mr. Barsky will be paid an annual salary of $265,000 and was granted options to purchase 50,000 shares of Common Stock. One third of the options vested on February 17, 2005 and the balance will vest in two equal annual installments over the next two years on the anniversary of the original grant date, subject to earlier vesting in the event of a change in control of the Company. All of the options have an exercise price of $1.03 per share, the Common Stock’s average closing price for the ten trading days preceding the grant date and the ten trading days after the grant date. Mr. Barsky will be entitled to participate in the Company’s bonus plan for executives. The agreement also provides for six months of severance payments if Mr. Barsky is terminated without cause or terminates his employment for good reason. Mr. Barsky was appointed as the Company’s Secretary on March 7, 2005.

Swatek Employment Agreement. On April 4, 2005, John W. Swatek became Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company under a March 15, 2005 Employment Agreement. Under the agreement, Mr. Swatek will be paid an annual salary of $270,000 and was granted options to acquire 50,000 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to its 2000 Management Stock Option Plan. The options have an exercise price of $0.81 per share, the Common Stock’s average closing price for the ten trading days preceding the grant date and the ten trading days after the grant date. One third of the options vested on execution of the agreement and the balance will vest in two equal annual installments over the next two years on the anniversary of the original grant date, subject to earlier vesting in the event of a change in control of the Company (as that term is defined in the Employment Agreement). The Employment Agreement has a term expiring on May 6, 2006 and provides for a sign-on bonus of up to $25,000 to the extent his bonus from his prior employer was reduced as a result of his agreeing to join the Company. The Company paid Mr. Swatek $17,208 under this provision.

The Employment Agreement provides for a lump sum change in control payment equal to Mr. Swatek’s annual compensation if his employment is terminated during the term and a change in control occurs during that time. The Employment Agreement also provides for one year’s severance if Mr. Swatek is terminated without cause or terminates his employment for good reason (as both terms are defined in the Employment Agreement) during the term and he is not otherwise entitled to change in control benefits. Mr. Swatek will also be entitled to one year of severance payments equal to his annual base salary if his agreement is not renewed at the end of the term.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

Mr. Garten, the current CEO, was a member of the Compensation Committee until his April 29, 2004 resignation before becoming CEO. Stuart Feldman, a Compensation Committee member during 2004, is a principal of Chelsey and Chelsey Finance.

Report of the Compensation Committee

The report of the Stock Option and Executive Compensation Committee (the “Compensation Committee”) for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2004, is as follows:

The Compensation Committee, whose members are A. David Brown (Chairman), Donald B. Hecht and Stuart Feldman as of the date of this report and for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2004, has the responsibility, under delegated authority from the Company’s Board of Directors, for developing, administering and monitoring the executive compensation policies of the Company and making recommendations to the Company’s Board of Directors with respect to these policies. The Board of Directors has accepted the Compensation Committee’s recommendations for 2004 compensation.

Executive Compensation Philosophy

The Compensation Committee’s executive compensation philosophy supports the Company’s overall business


strategy and has at its core a strong link between pay, performance and retention. The philosophy emphasizes recognition of achievement at both the Company and individual level. A significant portion of compensation delivered to executives to reflect such achievement is intended to be in the form of annual bonuses tied to Company performance. In addition, executives are encouraged to hold an ownership stake in the Company so that their interests are closely aligned with those of the stockholders in terms of both risk and reward.

The specific executive compensation plans are designed to support the executive compensation philosophy. Compensation of the Company’s executives consists of three components, which are discussed below: salary, annual incentive awards and to a limited extent, equity compensation. Base salary levels have been established in order to attract and retain key executives, commensurate with their level of responsibility within the organization. Annual incentives closely link executive pay with performance in areas that are critical to the Company’s short-term operating success. Long-term incentives in the form of equity compensation are intended to motivate executives to make decisions that are in the best interests of the Company’s owners and reward them for the creation of stockholder value. It is the intent of both the Company and the Compensation Committee that the components of the executive compensation program will support the Company’s compensation philosophy, reinforce the Company’s overall business strategy, and ultimately drive stockholder value creation.

Base Salaries

Individual salaries for executives of the Company are generally influenced by several equally weighted factors: the qualifications and experience of the executive, the executive’s level of responsibility within the organization, pay levels at firms that compete with the Company for executive talent, individual performance, and performance-related factors used by the Company to determine annual incentive awards. The base salaries of the Company’s executives are subject to periodic review and adjustment. Annual salary adjustments are made based on the factors described above.

Mr. Garten, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, is employed pursuant to the terms of a May 6, 2004 Employment Agreement. Under Mr. Garten’s Employment Agreement he is paid an annual salary of $600,000 over a term expiring on May 6, 2006. Mr. Garten’s salary was based in part on a review of the compensation of similarly situated executives in the direct marketing industry and in public companies of similar size, compensation trends in the direct marketing industry, his experience both as an executive officer and as chief executive officer of other companies and the Company’s financial position.

Annual Incentive Awards

In addition to base salaries, each of the Company’s executives and selected key managers participate in the Company’s Management Incentive Plan. Approximately 160 executives and key managers received bonuses under the annual 2004 Management Incentive Plan. Under this plan, a portion of the excess, if any, of the Company’s Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) over the Company’s budgeted level of EBITDA was made available for discretionary bonuses. An individual’s entitlement to a bonus was based on the person’s responsibility level in the organization.

Payouts of awards have been determined based on the Company’s performance during fiscal 2004. Mr. Garten’s bonus was set at $300,000 by the Compensation Committee. Mr. Lipner was awarded a $10,000 bonus and Mr. DiFrancesco was awarded a $253,500 bonus for 2004.

Long-Term Incentive Awards

2000 Management Stock Option Plan

Because of issues concerning the continued listing of the Common Stock, the Compensation Committee granted options to only select new hires during 2004.

During 2004, Mr. Garten was granted options to purchase 100,000 shares of Common Stock under the 2000 Management Option Plan and options to purchase 100,000 shares outside of the Company’s option plans. The new President of Domestications was granted 25,000 options and one other mid level management hire was granted options during 2004. During the first fiscal quarter of 2005, Messrs. Barsky and Swatek were each granted options


to purchase 50,000 shares of Common Stock. All of these options had an exercise price equal to the average closing price of the Common Stock on the ten trading days before and after the grant date, were exercisable for ten years and were one third vested on the grant date with the balance vesting in two equal annual installments on the anniversaries of the grant date.

2002 Stock Option Plan for Directors

The purpose of the 2002 Directors’ Plan for Directors is to advance the interests of the Company by providing non-employee directors of the Company, through the grant of options to purchase shares of Common Stock, with a larger personal and financial interest in the success of the Company. Under the terms of the plan, non-employee directors are granted an option to purchase 5,000 shares of Common Stock as of the effective date of his or her initial appointment or election to the Board of Directors and automatic annual grants of options to purchase 3,500 shares of Common Stock in August of each year during which the non-employee Director served. The exercise price of the options is equal to the fair market value of the grant date. The options have terms of ten years and vest one-third on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date. In addition, options may not be exercised more than three months after a participant ceases to be a Company director, except in the case of death or disability, in which cases options may be exercised within twelve months after the date of such death or disability.

During 2004, a total of 26,000 options to purchase shares of Common Stock were granted to eligible directors under the 2002 Directors’ Plan. During 2004, no options to purchase shares of Common Stock under the 2002 Directors’ Plan were exercised. As of December 25, 2004, 65,500 options to purchase Common Stock under the 2002 Directors’ Plan were outstanding, 36,167 of which were exercisable.

2004 Stock Option Plan for Directors

During 2004, the Board of Directors adopted the 2004 Directors’ Option Plan, pursuant to which stock options to purchase shares of Common Stock may be granted to certain non-employee directors. The Company’s shareholders ratified the 2004 Directors’ Option Plan at the 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Company may grant options to purchase up to 100,000 shares of Common Stock to eligible directors at an exercise price equal to the fair market value as of the grant date. An eligible director will receive an initial option grant to purchase 5,000 shares of Common Stock as of the effective date of his/her appointment or election to the Board of Directors. On each Award Date, defined as August 3, 2004, August 3, 2005 and August 3, 2006, eligible directors are to be granted options to purchase additional shares of Common Stock (to the extent the 2002 Stock Option Plan for Directors did not have enough remaining shares). Stock options granted have terms of ten years and vest over three years from the grant date; however, if there is a Change in Control (as defined in the Hanover Direct, Inc. Directors Change of Control Plan), the participant has the cumulative right to purchase up to 100.0% of the option shares. Option holders may pay for shares purchased on exercise in cash or Common Stock. As of December 25, 2004 no options have been granted under the 2004 Directors’ Option Plan. In addition, options that were to be granted on the August 3, 2005 Award Date have been deferred until the Company issues its December 25, 2004 audited financial statements.

Compensation Continuation Agreement Payments

The Board of Directors determined that the November 30, 2003 recapitalization was a change in control for purposes of the Company’s Compensation Continuation Plans and that the plans would be maintained solely for persons who were plan participants on that date and who became eligible for benefits within two years thereafter. During 2004, the Company paid a total amount of $772,257 to three individuals who were plan participants. Two additional individuals triggered plan benefits during 2004 and the Company paid a total of $442,000 in 2005. Neither of these individuals were named executive officers.

During 2005 and before the November 30, 2005 termination of the agreements, the Company terminated the employment of three plan participants, one of whom was a named executive officer, but denied them benefits because the terminations had been “for cause.” A fourth plan participant resigned and sought plan benefits on the grounds that she had resigned for good reason. The Company denied her benefits as well. Each of the former employees has commenced an action against the Company seeking post employment benefits and/or compensatory and punitive damages and legal fees. As of December 1, 2005, the plans were terminated and no further benefits were available.


Nondeductible Compensation

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended (the “Code”), generally disallows a tax deduction to public companies for compensation over $1,000,000 (the “$1 Million Limit”) paid to a company’s chief executive officer and four (4) other most highly compensated executive officers, as reported in its proxy statement. Qualifying performance-based compensation is not subject to the deduction limit, if certain requirements are met. The Company has not structured certain aspects of the performance-based portion of the compensation for its executive officers (which currently includes awards under performance based annual management incentive plans) in a manner that complies with the statute. There was no compensation paid in 2004 over the $1 Million Limit.

Respectfully Submitted,

The Stock Option and Executive Compensation

Committee (February 2006)

A. David Brown (Chairman)

Stuart Feldman

Donald Hecht


Proxy Statement.

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Certain Beneficial OwnersMatters:

 

The following table listsWe incorporate by reference in this section the beneficial owners known by managementinformation under the caption "Security Ownership of at least 5.0%Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” of the Company’s Common Stock or 5.0% of the Company’s Series C Preferred as of June 25, 2005. The information is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), based upon information furnished by the persons listed or contained in filings made by them with the Commission. Except as noted below, to the Company’s knowledge, each person named in the table will have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Common Stock and Series C Preferred shown as beneficially owned by them.

Title of Class

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner

Amount and Nature of

Beneficial Ownership(1)

Percentage

of Class(1)





Series C

Chelsey Direct, LLC,

564,819 (1)

100.0%

Participating

William B. Wachtel and

Preferred Stock

Stuart Feldman

c/o Wachtel & Masyr, LLP

152 West 57th Street

New York, New York 10019

Common Stock

Chelsey Direct, LLC,

25,652,113 (2)

76.0%

William B. Wachtel and

Stuart Feldman

c/o Wachtel & Masyr, LLP

152 West 57th Street

New York, New York 10019

__________

(1)

In the case of Common Stock, includes shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise of options or warrants exercisable within 60 days for the subject individual only. Percentages of Common Stock are computed on the basis of 22,426,296 shares of outstanding Common Stock, 10,259,366 exercisable warrants and 1,051,751 exercisable options as of June 25, 2005. Percentages of the Series C Preferred are computed on the basis of 564,819 shares of Series C Preferred outstanding as of June 25, 2005.

(2)

Information concerning the number of shares beneficially owned has been taken from Amendment No. 12 to the Statement on Schedule 13D filed by Chelsey on January 10, 2005 with the SEC. Chelsey is the record holder of shares of Common Stock and 564,819 shares of Series C Preferred. Chelsey Capital Profit Sharing Plan (the “Chelsey Plan”) is the sole member of Chelsey and Mr. Wachtel is the Manager of Chelsey. The sponsor of the Chelsey Plan is DSJ International Resources Ltd. (“DSJI”). Mr. Feldman is the sole officer and director of DSJI and a principal beneficiary of the Chelsey Plan. Mr. Feldman is also the owner of 16,090 shares of Common Stock. Mr. Wachtel, in his capacity as the Manager of Chelsey and Chelsey Finance, will have sole voting and dispositive power with respect to 25,629,856 shares of Common Stock, options and warrants and 564,819 shares of Series C Preferred owned by Chelsey. Each of Messrs. Wachtel and Feldman have vested options to purchase 6,167 shares of Common Stock exercisable within 60 days. The shares of Common Stock and Series C Preferred which are owned by Chelsey and Messrs. Wachtel and Feldman collectively represent approximately 91.0% of the combined voting power of the Company’s securities (after giving effect to the exercise of all outstanding options and warrants to purchase Common Stock beneficially owned by Chelsey).


Management Ownership

The following table lists share ownership of the Company’s Common Stock and Series C Preferred as of June 25, 2005. The information includes beneficial ownership by (i) each of the Company’s directors and executive officers and (ii) all directors and executive officers as a group. The information is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act based upon information furnished by the persons listed or contained in filings made by them with the Commission. Except as noted below, to the Company’s knowledge, each person named in the table will have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Common Stock and Series C Preferred shown as beneficially owned by them.

Name of Beneficial Owner

Amount and Nature of

Beneficial Ownership(1)

Percentage of

Class(1)

William B. Wachtel

25,629,856 (2)

76.0%

564,819 (2)

100.0%

A. David Brown

9,667 (1)

*

Stuart Feldman

25,645,946 (2)

76.0%

564,819 (2)

100.0%

Paul S. Goodman

2,833 (1)

*

Donald Hecht

2,833 (1)

*

Robert H. Masson

9,667 (1)

*

Wayne P. Garten

138,334 (1)

*

Michael D. Contino

125,240 (1)(5)

*

John W. Swatek

16,667 (1)

*

Daniel J. Barsky

16,667 (1)

*

Steven Lipner

7,000 (1)

*

John DiFrancesco

55,000 (1)

*

Thomas C. Shull

320,000 (1)

*

Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (13 persons)

26,356,021 (3)

78.1%

564,819 (4)

100.0%

* Less than one percent

(1)

Represents options to purchase shares of Common Stock exercisable within 60 days.

(2)

Chelsey and its related affiliate, Chelsey Finance, is the record holder of 15,364,323 shares of Common Stock, 10,259,366 outstanding Common Stock warrants and 564,819 shares of Series C Preferred. Chelsey Capital Profit Sharing Plan (the “Chelsey Plan”) is the sole member of Chelsey and Mr. Wachtel is the Manager of Chelsey. The sponsor of the Chelsey Plan is DSJ International Resources Ltd. (“DSJI”). Mr. Feldman is the sole officer and director of DSJI and a principal beneficiary of the Chelsey Plan. Mr. Feldman is also the owner of 16,090 shares of Common Stock. Mr. Wachtel, in his capacity as the Manager of Chelsey, has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to 15,364,323 shares of Common Stock and 564,819 shares of Series C Preferred owned by Chelsey, and Mr. Feldman has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to 16,090 shares of Common Stock owned by him. Each of Messrs. Wachtel and Feldman have vested options to purchase 6,167 shares of Common Stock exercisable within 60 days. The shares of Common Stock and Series C Preferred Stock owned by Chelsey and Messrs. Wachtel and Feldman collectively represent approximately 91% of the combined voting power of the Company’s securities (after giving effect to the exercise of all outstanding options and warrants to purchase Common Stock beneficially owned by Chelsey).

(3)

Shares of Common Stock; includes options to purchase 716,002 shares exercisable within 60 days and 10,259,366 warrants.

(4)

Shares of Series C Preferred Stock.

(5)

Includes 240 shares owned by Mr. Contino.


Proxy Statement.

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence.

 

On July 8, 2004,We incorporate by reference in this section the Company closed oninformation under the Chelsey Facility, a $20.0 million junior secured credit facility with Chelsey Finance. The Chelsey Facility has a three-year term, subject to earlier maturity upon the occurrence of a change in control or salecaption "Related Party Transactions” and “Corporate Governance” of the Company (as defined), and carries a stated interest rate of 5.0% above the prime rate publicly announced by Wachovia. In consideration for providing the Chelsey Facility to the Company, Chelsey Finance received a closing fee of $200,000 and a warrant exercisable immediately and for a period of ten years to purchase 30.0% of the then fully diluted shares of Common Stock of the Company (equal to 10,259,366 shares of Common Stock) at an exercise price of $0.01 per share.

As part of the Chelsey Facility, the Company and its subsidiaries agreed to indemnify Chelsey Finance from any losses suffered arising out of the Chelsey Facility other than liabilities resulting from such parties’ gross negligence or willful misconduct. The indemnification agreement is not limited as to term and does not include any limitations on maximum future payments thereunder.

In connection with the closing of the Chelsey Facility, Chelsey waived its blockage rights over the issuance of senior securities and received in consideration a waiver fee equal to 1.0% of the liquidation preference of the Company’s outstanding Series C Preferred payable in 434,476 shares of Common Stock (calculated based upon the fair market value thereof two business days prior to the closing date).

The Company retained the law firm of Wachtel & Masyr LLP to handle the appeal of the Kaul litigation. Mr. Wachtel, the Company’s Chairman and the Manager of Chelsey, is a partner in Wachtel & Masyr. Wachtel & Masyr agreed to handle the appeal for a $150,000 fixed fee, of which half was incurred and paid in 2004 and the balance was paid and incurred in 2005.

The Company completed the reverse stock split effective on September 22, 2004. The voting rights of the Series C Preferred were not adjusted as a result of the reverse stock split and consequently, Chelsey’s voting control was increased vis-à-vis the other Common Stock holders.

Either the majority of the independent directors of the Company’s Board of Directors, a committee of the Company’s Board of Directors consisting of independent directors, or, in certain cases, the stockholders have approved these relationships and transactions and, to the extent that such arrangements are available from nonaffiliated parties, all relationships and transactions are on terms no less favorable to the Company than those available from nonaffiliated parties.Proxy Statement.

 

Item 14. Principal Accountants Fees and Services

Fees and Independence -Services.

 

Prior to their dismissal on October 20, 2005, KPMG provided audit services to the Company consisting of the annual audit of the Company’s 2003 consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 2003 fiscal year and reviews of the financial statements contained in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the first and second fiscal quarters of 2004 and the three fiscal quarters of 2003. KPMG started but did not complete audit of the 2004 fiscal year. The following table shows the fees that were billed to the Company by KPMG and subsequently paid by the Company for professional services rendered with respect to the fiscal years ended December 25, 2004 and December 27, 2003.

 

Fee Category

Fiscal Year 2004

% of Total

Fiscal Year 2003

% of Total

Audit Fees(1)(2)

$1,448,000

97.4%

$   814,500

84.6%

Audit-Related Fees(3)

38,000

2.6%

133,500

13.9%

Tax Fees(4)

-0-

0%

14,500

1.5%

Total Fees

$1,486,000

100.0%

$   962,500

100.0%

The Audit Committee appointed GGK on November 2, 2005 as the Company’s principal independent auditors. (KPMG withdrew their opinions for 2002 and 2003 fiscal year end audits as a result of the Restatement.) GGK provided audit services to the Company consisting of the annual audit of the Company’s 2004, 2003 and 2002

We incorporate by reference in this section the information under the caption "Independent Accountants” of the Proxy Statement.

 


consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2004 and a review of the financial statements contained in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the third fiscal quarter of 2004. The following table shows the fees that were billed to the Company by GGK for professional services rendered with respect to the fiscal years ended December 25, 2004, December 27, 2003 (as restated) and December 28, 2002 (as restated). Due to the restated fiscal years, amounts billed by GGK have been allocated over each of the three years.

 

Fee Category

Fiscal Year

2004

 

% of Total

Fiscal Year

2003

 

% of Total

Fiscal Year

2002

 

% of Total

Audit Fees(2)

$275,000

100.0%

$250,000

100.0%

$250,000

100.0%

Audit-Related Fees(3)

-0-

0%

-0-

0%

-0-

0%

Tax Fees(4)

-0-

0%

-0-

0%

-0-

0%

Total Fees

$275,000

100.0%

$250,000

100.0%

$250,000

100.0%

_________

Through September 30, 2005, GGK (the “Firm”) had a continuing relationship with American Express Tax and Business Services Inc. (“TBS”) from which it leased auditing staff who were full time, permanent employees of TBS and through which its partners provided non-audit services. Subsequent to September 30, 2005 this relationship ceased and the Firm established a similar relationship with RSM McGladrey, Inc. (“RSM”). The Firm has no full time employees, and, therefore, none of the audit services performed were provided by permanent, full-time employees of the Firm. The Firm manages and supervises the audit and audit staff and is exclusively responsible for the opinion rendered in connection with its examination.

(1)

Does not include approximately $516,000 of fees billed by KPMG after their dismissal (approximately $415,000 relates to the 2004 audit and the remainder relates to quarterly reviews in 2005), a portion of which is in excess of the audit fees previously approved by the Audit Committee. The Company disputes owing KPMG any of the audit fees billed after their dismissal.

(2)

Audit Fees are fees for professional services performed for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in the Company’s 10-Q filings, and services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

(3)

Audit-Related Fees are fees for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s financial statements. This includes: employee benefit and compensation plan audits; due diligence related to mergers and acquisitions; auditor attestations that are not required by statute or regulation; and professional services related to the application of financial accounting / reporting standards. 100% and 100% of these fees for fiscal years 2004 and 2003, respectively, were approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to Paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

(4)

Tax Fees are fees for professional services performed with respect to tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. 100% and 100% of these fees for fiscal years 2004 and 2003, respectively, were approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to Paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

Pre-Approval Policy

The Audit Committee has adopted an audit and non-audit services pre-approval policy, whereby it may pre-approve the provision of services to us by the independent auditors. The policy of the Audit Committee is to pre-approve the audit, audit-related, tax and non-audit services to be performed during the year on an annual basis, in accordance with a schedule of such services approved by the Audit Committee. The annual audit services engagement terms and fees will be subject to the specific pre-approval of the Audit Committee. Audit-related services and tax services to be provided by the auditors will be subject to general pre-approval by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee may grant specific case-by-case approval for permissible non-audit services. The Audit Committee will establish pre-approval fee levels or budgeted amounts for all services to be provided on an annual basis. Any proposed services exceeding those levels or amounts will require specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee has delegated pre-approval authority to the Chairman of the Audit Committee, who will report any such pre-approval decisions to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.


PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

(a)

The following documents are filed as part of this report:

 

 

 

 

 

Page

No.

1.

Index to Financial Statements

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm — Hanover Direct, Inc. and Subsidiaries Financial Statements

4231

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 25, 200430, 2006 and December 27, 2003 (as restated)31, 2005

4332

 

Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) for the years ended December 25, 2004,30, 2006, December 27, 2003 (as restated)31, 2005 and December 28, 2002 (as restated)25, 2004

4433

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 25, 2004,30, 2006, December 27, 2003 (as restated)31, 2005 and December 28, 2002 (as restated)25, 2004

4534

 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Deficiency for the years ended December 25, 2004,30, 2006, December 27, 2003 (as restated)31, 2005 and December 28, 2002 (as restated)25, 2004

4735

 

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) for the 13- week fiscal periods ended April 1, 2006, July 1, 2006, September 30, 2006, December 30, 2006, March 27, 2004 (as restated),26, 2005, June 26, 2004 (as restated),25, 2005, September 25, 2004,24, 2005 and for the 14- week fiscal period ended December 25, 2004, March 29, 2003 (as restated), June 28, 2003 (as restated), September 27, 2003 (as restated) and December 27, 2003 (as restated).31, 2005.

8052

2.

Index to Financial Statement Schedule

 

 

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended December 25, 2004,30, 2006, December 27, 2003 (as restated)31, 2005 and December 28, 2002 (as restated)25, 2004

8353

 

Schedules other than that listed above are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown

in the financial statements or notes thereto.

 

3.

Exhibits

 

 

The exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K filed as part of, or incorporated by reference in, this report are listed in the accompanying Exhibit Index found after the Signature Page.

106

 

 


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.

 

Date: February 21, 2006March 7, 2007

 

 

HANOVER DIRECT, INC.

 

(Registrant)

 

 

By: /s/ Wayne P. Garten


 

Wayne. P. Garten,

 

President

 

and Chief Executive Officer

 

(On behalf of the registrant

and as principal executive officer)

 

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated and on the date indicated below.

 

Principal Officers:

 

By: /s/ John W. Swatek

 

By: /s/ Hallie Sturgill



John W. Swatek,

 

Hallie Sturgill

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

and Treasurer

 

Vice President and Corporate Controller

(principal financial officer)

 

(principal accounting officer)

 

 

 

 

 

Board of Directors:

/s/ William Wachtel

 

/s/ Donald HechtWayne P. Garten



William Wachtel, Chairman of the Board of Directors

 

Donald Hecht, Director

Wayne P. Garten

 

 

 

/s/ Robert H. Masson

/s/ Stuart Feldman


 


Robert H. Masson, Director

Stuart Feldman, Director

/s/ A. David Brown

/s/ Wayne P. Garten



A. David Brown, Director

Wayne P. Garten

/s/ Paul S. Goodman


Paul S. Goodman,Stuart Feldman, Director

 

Paul S. Goodman, Director

 

 

 

 

 

Date: February 21, 2006March 7, 2007

 


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit Number

Item 601 of

Regulation S-K

 

 

Description of Document and Incorporation by Reference Where Applicable

2.1

Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of February 11, 2005 by and among Hanover Direct, Inc., The Company Store Group, LLC and Gump’s Holdings, LLC Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed February 17, 2005.

 

 

3.1

Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 1996.

 

 

3.2

Certificate of Correction filed to correct a certain error in the Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 1998.

 

 

3.3

Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation dated May 28, 1999. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 1999.

 

 

3.4

Certificate of Correction Filed to Correct a Certain Error in the Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated August 26, 1999. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 1999.

 

 

3.5

Certificate of Designations, Powers, Preferences and Rights of Series A Cumulative Participating Preferred Stock. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed August 30, 2000.

 

 

3.6

Certificate of the Designations, Powers, Preferences and Rights of Series B Participating Preferred Stock. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed December 20, 2001.

 

 

3.7

Certificate of Elimination of the Series A Cumulative Participating Preferred Stock. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed December 20, 2001.

 

 

3.8

Certificate of the Designations, Powers, Preferences and Rights of Series C Participating Preferred Stock. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed November 30, 2003.

 

 

3.9

Certificate of Elimination of the Series B Participating Preferred Stock. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed November 30, 2003.

 

 

3.10

Certificate of Correction filed on November 26, 2003 with the Delaware Secretary of State to Correct a Certain Error in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Hanover Direct, Inc. filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on October 31, 1996. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed November 30, 2003.

 

 

3.11

By-laws. Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 27, 1997.

 

 

3.12

Amendment to By-laws. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed November 30, 2003.

 

 

3.13

Amendment to By-laws. Incorporated by reference to the Form10-Q filed August 10, 2004.

 

 

3.14

Certificate of the Designations, Powers, Preferences and Rights of Series D Participating Preferred Stock of Hanover Direct, Inc., dated July 8, 2004. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed July 12, 2004.

 

 

3.15

Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated September 22, 2004.

 

 

3.16

Certificate of Elimination of the Series D Participating Preferred Stock dated September 30, 2004. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-Q filed July 12, 2005.

 

 


10.12

Hanover Direct, Inc. Key Executive Eighteen Month Compensation Continuation Plan. Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2001.

 

 

10.13

Amendment No. 1 to the Hanover Direct, Inc. Key Executive Eighteen Month Compensation Continuation Plan, dated as of June 1, 2001. Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2001.

 

 

10.14

Amendment No. 2 to the Hanover Direct, Inc. Key Executive Eighteen Month Compensation Continuation Plan, effective as of August 1, 2001. Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 30, 2002.

 

 

10.15

Amendment No. 3 to Hanover Direct, Inc. Key Executive Eighteen Month Compensation Continuation Plan, effective October 29, 2003. Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 27, 2003.


 

 

10.16

Hanover Direct, Inc. Key Executive Twelve Month Compensation Continuation Plan. Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2001.

 

 

10.17

Amendment No. 1 to the Hanover Direct, Inc. Key Executive Twelve Month Compensation Continuation Plan, effective as of August 1, 2001. Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 30, 2002.

 

 

10.18

Amendment No. 2 to the Hanover Direct, Inc. Key Executive Twelve Month Compensation Continuation Plan, effective as of December 28, 2002. Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 27, 2003.

 

 

10.19

Hanover Direct, Inc. Key Executive Six Month Compensation Continuation Plan. Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2001.

 

 

10.20

Amendment No. 1 to the Hanover Direct, Inc. Key Executive Six Month Compensation Continuation Plan, effective as of August 1, 2001. Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 30, 2002.

 

 

10.21

Amendment No. 2 to the Hanover Direct, Inc. Key Executive Six Month Compensation Continuation Plan, effective as of December 28, 2002. Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 27, 2003.

 

 

10.22

Loan and Security Agreement dated as of November 14, 1995 by and among Congress Financial Corporation (“Congress”), HDPA, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, The Company Store, Inc. (“The Company Store”), Tweeds, Inc. (“Tweeds”), LWI Holdings, Inc. (“LWI”), Aegis Catalog Corporation (“Aegis”), Hanover Direct Virginia, Inc. (“HDVA”) and Hanover Realty Inc. (“Hanover Realty”). Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 1995.

 

 

10.23

First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of February 22,1996 by and among Congress, HDPA, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, The Company Store, Tweeds, LWI, Aegis, HDVA, Hanover Realty and TAC. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 1996.

 

 

10.24

Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of April 16, 1996 by and among Congress, HDPA, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, The Company Store, Tweeds, LWI, Aegis, HDVA, Hanover Realty and TAC. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 1996.

 

 

10.25

Third Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of May 24, 1996 by and among Congress, HDPA, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, The Company Store, Tweeds, LWI, Aegis, HDVA, Hanover Realty and TAC. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 1996.

 

 


10.26

Fourth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of May 31, 1996 by and among Congress, HDPA, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, The Company Store, Tweeds, LWI, Aegis, HDVA, Hanover Realty and TAC. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 1996.

 

 

10.27

Fifth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of September 11, 1996 by and among Congress, HDPA, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, The Company Store, Tweeds, LWI, Aegis, HDVA, Hanover Realty and TAC. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 1996.

 

 

10.28

Sixth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of December 5, 1996 by and among Congress, HDPA, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s,Gump���s, The Company Store, Tweeds, LWI, Aegis, HDVA, Hanover Realty and TAC. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 1996.

 

 

10.29

Seventh Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of December 18, 1996 by and among Congress, HDPA, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, The Company Store, Tweeds, LWI, Aegis, HDVA, Hanover Realty and TAC. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 1996.

 

 

10.30

Eighth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of March 26, 1997 by and among Congress, HDPA, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, The Company Store, Tweeds, LWI, Aegis, HDVA, Hanover Realty and TAC. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 1998.

 

 

10.31

Ninth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of April 18, 1997 by and among Congress, HDPA, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, The Company Store, Tweeds, LWI, Aegis, HDVA, Hanover Realty and TAC. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 1998.

 

 


10.32

Tenth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of October 31, 1997 by and among Congress, HDPA, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, The Company Store, Tweeds, LWI, Aegis, HDVA, Hanover Realty and TAC. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 1998.

 

 

10.33

Eleventh Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of March 25,1998 by and among Congress, HDPA, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, The Company Store, Tweeds, LWI, Aegis, HDVA, Hanover Realty and TAC. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 1998.

 

 

10.34

Twelfth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of September 30, 1998 by and among Congress, HDPA, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, The Company Store, Tweeds, LWI, Aegis, HDVA, Hanover Realty and TAC. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 1999.

 

 

10.35

Thirteenth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of September 30, 1998 by and among Congress, HDPA, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, The Company Store, Tweeds, LWI, Aegis, HDVA, Hanover Realty and TAC. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 1999.

 

 

10.36

Fourteenth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of February 28, 2000 by and among Congress, HDPA, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, The Company Store, Tweeds, LWI, Aegis, HDVA, Hanover Realty and TAC. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 1999.

 

 


10.37

Fifteenth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of March 24, 2000 by and among Congress, HDPA, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, LWI, HDVA, Hanover Realty, The Company Store Factory, Inc., The Company Office, Inc., Keystone Internet Services, Inc., Tweeds, LLC, Silhouettes, LLC, Hanover Company Store, LLC and Domestications, LLC. Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 25, 2000.

 

 

10.38

Sixteenth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of August 8, 2000 by and among Congress, HDPA, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, LWI, HDVA, Hanover Realty, The Company Store Factory, Inc., The Company Office, Inc., Keystone Internet Services, Inc., Tweeds, LLC, Silhouettes, LLC, Hanover Company Store, LLC and Domestications, LLC. Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 24, 2000.

 

 

10.39

Seventeenth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of January 5, 2001 by and among Congress, HDPA, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, LWI, HDVA, Hanover Realty, The Company Store Factory, Inc., The Company Office, Inc., Keystone Internet Services, Inc., Tweeds, LLC, Silhouettes, LLC, Hanover Company Store, LLC and Domestications, LLC. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2000.

 

 

10.40

Eighteenth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of November 12, 2001, among Congress, HDPA, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, LWI, HDVA, Hanover Realty, The Company Store Factory, Inc., The Company Office, Inc., Keystone Internet Services, Inc., Tweeds, LLC, Silhouettes, LLC, Hanover Company Store, LLC and Domestications, LLC. Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 29, 2001.

 

 

10.41

Nineteenth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of December 18, 2001, by and among Congress, HDPA, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, LWI, HDVA, Hanover Realty, The Company Store Factory, Inc., The Company Office, Inc., Keystone Internet Services, Inc., Tweeds, LLC, Silhouettes, LLC, Hanover Company Store, LLC and Domestications, LLC. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed December 20, 2001.

 

 

10.42

Twentieth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of March 5, 2002, by and among Congress, HDPA, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, HDVA, Hanover Realty, The Company Store Factory, Inc., The Company Office, Inc., Keystone Internet Services, Inc., Silhouettes, LLC, Hanover Company Store, LLC and Domestications, LLC. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2001.

 

 

10.43

Twenty-first Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of March 21, 2002, among Congress, HDPA, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, HDVA, Hanover Realty, The Company Store Factory, Inc., The Company Office, Inc., Keystone Internet Services, Inc., Silhouettes, LLC, Hanover Company Store, LLC and Domestications, LLC. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2001.

 

 

10.44

Twenty-second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of August 16, 2002, among Congress, HDPA, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, HDVA, Hanover Realty, The Company Store Factory, Inc., The Company Office, Inc., Silhouettes, LLC, Hanover Company Store, LLC, Domestications, LLC and Keystone Internet Services, Inc. Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 29, 2002.

 

 


10.45

Twenty-third Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2002, among Congress, HDPA, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, HDVA, Hanover Realty, The Company Store Factory, Inc., The Company Office, Inc., Silhouettes, LLC, Hanover Company Store, LLC, Domestications, LLC, Keystone Internet Services, Inc., Keystone Internet Services, LLC and The Company Store Group, LLC. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2002.

 

 

10.46

Twenty-fourth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2003, among Congress, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, Hanover Realty, The Company Store Factory, Inc., The Company Office, Inc., Silhouettes, LLC, Hanover Company Store, LLC, Domestications, LLC, Keystone internetInternet Services, LLC and The Company Store Group, LLC. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2002.

 

 


10.47

Twenty-fifth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of April 21, 2003, among Congress, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, Hanover Realty, The Company Store Factory, Inc., The Company Office, Inc., Silhouettes, LLC, Hanover Company Store, LLC, Domestications, LLC, Keystone internetInternet Services, LLC and The Company Store Group, LLC. Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 29, 2003.

 

 

10.48

Twenty-sixth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of August 29, 2003, among Congress, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, Hanover Realty, The Company Store Factory, Inc., The Company Office, Inc., Silhouettes, LLC, Hanover Company Store, LLC, Domestications, LLC, Keystone internetInternet Services, LLC and The Company Store Group, LLC. Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 27, 2003.

 

 

10.49

Twenty-seventh Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2003, among Congress, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, Hanover Realty, The Company Store Factory, Inc., The Company Office, Inc., Silhouettes, LLC, Hanover Company Store, LLC, Domestications, LLC, Keystone internetInternet Services, LLC and The Company Store Group, LLC. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed October 31, 2003.

 

 

10.50

Twenty-eighth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of November 4, 2003, among Congress, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, Hanover Realty, The Company Store Factory, Inc., The Company Office, Inc., Silhouettes, LLC, Hanover Company Store, LLC, Domestications, LLC, Keystone internetInternet Services, LLC and The Company Store Group, LLC. Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 27, 2003.

 

 

10.51

Twenty-ninth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of November 25, 2003, among Congress, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, Hanover Realty, The Company Store Factory, Inc., The Company Office, Inc., Silhouettes, LLC, Hanover Company Store, LLC, Domestications, LLC, Keystone internetInternet Services, LLC and The Company Store Group, LLC. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed November 30, 2003.

 

 

10.52

Employment Agreement dated as of September 1, 2002 between Thomas C. Shull and the Company. Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 29, 2002.

 

 

10.53

Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement dated as of September 1, 2002 between Thomas C. Shull and the Company. Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 28, 2002.

 

 

10.54

Amendment No. 2 to Employment Agreement dated as of June 23, 2003 between Thomas C. Shull and the Company. Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 28, 2003.

 

 

10.55

Amendment No. 3 to Employment Agreement effective as of August 3, 2003 between Thomas C. Shull and the Company. Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 28, 2003.

 

 

10.56

Final form of letter agreement between the Company and certain Level 8 executive officers. Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 28, 2002.

 

 

10.57

Form of Transaction Bonus Letter. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2002.

 

 

10.58

Hanover Direct, Inc. Savings and Retirement Plan, as amended and restated as of July 1, 1999. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2001.

 

 

10.59

First Amendment to the Hanover Direct, Inc. Savings and Retirement Plan, effective March 1, 2002. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2001.

 

 


10.60

Memorandum of Understanding dated November 10, 2003 by and among Hanover Direct, Inc., Chelsey Direct, LLC and Regan Partners, L.P. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed November 10, 2003.


 

 

10.61

Recapitalization Agreement dated as of November 18, 2003 by and between Hanover Direct, Inc. and Chelsey Direct, LLC. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed November 18, 2003.

 

 

10.62

Registration Rights Agreement dated as of November 30, 2003 by and among Hanover Direct, Inc., Chelsey Direct, LLC and Stuart Feldman. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed November 30, 2003.

 

 

10.63

Corporate Governance Agreement dated as of November 30, 2003 by and among Hanover Direct, Inc. Chelsey Direct, LLC, Stuart Feldman, Regan Partners, L.P., Regan International Fund Limited and Basil P. Regan. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed November 30, 2003.

 

 

10.64

Voting Agreement dated as of November 30, 2003 by and among Chelsey Direct, LLC, Stuart Feldman, Regan Partners, L.P., Regan International Fund Limited and Basil P. Regan. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed November 30, 2003.

 

 

10.65

General Release dated November 30, 2003 given by Hanover Direct, Inc. and its parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, predecessor firms, shareholders, officers, directors, members, managers, employees, agents and others to Chelsey Direct, LLC and its parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, predecessor firms, shareholders, officers, directors, members, managers, employees, attorneys, agents and others. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed November 30, 2003.

 

 

10.66

General Release dated November 30, 2003 given by Chelsey Direct, LLC and its parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, predecessor firms, shareholders, officers, directors, members, managers, employees, agents and others to Hanover Direct, Inc. and its parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, predecessor firms, shareholders, officers, directors, members, managers, employees, attorneys, agents and others. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed November 30, 2003.

 

 

10.67

Stipulation of Discontinuance of the action entitled Hanover Direct, Inc. v. Richemont Finance S.A. and Chelsey Direct, LLC in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York (Index No. 03/602269) dated November 30, 2003. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed November 30, 2003.

 

 

10.68

Code of Conduct of the Registrant. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K filed April 9, 2004.

 

 

10.69

Thirtieth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of March 25, 2004, among Congress, Brawn, Gump’s by Mail, Gump’s, Hanover Realty, The Company Store Factory, Inc., The Company Office, Inc., Silhouettes, LLC, Hanover Company Store, LLC, Domestications, LLC, Keystone internetInternet Services, LLC and The Company Store Group, LLC. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K filed April 9, 2004.

 

 

10.70

Employment Agreement dated as of May 5, 2004 between Wayne P. Garten and the Company. Incorporated by reference to the Form10-Q filed August 10, 2004.

 

 

10.71

General Release and Covenant Not to Sue, dated as of May 5, 2004, between Thomas C. Shull and the Company. Incorporated by reference to the Form10-Q filed August 10, 2004.

 

 

10.72

Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of July 8, 2004, among Chelsey Finance, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and the Borrowers named therein. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed July 12, 2004.

 

 

10.73

Intercreditor and Subordination Agreement, dated as of July 8,2004,8, 2004, between Lender and Congress Financial Corporation, as acknowledged by Borrowers and Guarantors. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed July 12, 2004.

 

 

10.74

Thirty-first Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of July 8, 2004, among Congress Financial Corporation and the Borrowers and Guarantors named therein. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed July 12, 2004.


 

 

10.75

Series D Preferred Stock Purchase Warrant dated July 8, 2004 issued by Hanover Direct, Inc. to Chelsey Finance, LLC. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed July 12, 2004.

 

 

10.76

Thirty-Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of December 30, 2004, among Congress Financial Corporation and the Borrowers and Guarantors named therein. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed October 27, 2005.

 

 

10.77

Common Stock Purchase Warrant dated September 23, 2004 issued by Hanover Direct, Inc. to Chelsey Finance, LLC.Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed October 27, 2005.

 

 

10.78

Thirty-Third Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2005, among Congress Financial Corporation and the Borrowers and Guarantors named therein. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed October 27, 2005.

 

 


10.79

Employment Agreement dated as of March 15, 2005 between John Swatek and the Company. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed March 18, 2005.

 

 

10.80

Thirty-Fourth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of July 29, 2005, by and among Wachovia Bank, National Association and the Borrowers and Guarantors named therein. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed October 27, 2005.

 

 

10.81

First Amendment to Loan And Security Agreement dated as of November 30, 2004, by and among Chelsey Finance, LLC and the Borrowers and Guarantors named therein. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed October 27, 2005.

 

 

10.82

Second Amendment to Loan And Security Agreement dated as of December 30, 2004, by and among Chelsey Finance, LLC and the Borrowers and Guarantors named therein. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed October 27, 2005.

 

 

10.83

Third Amendment to Loan And Security Agreement dated as of July 29, 2005, by and among Chelsey Finance, LLC and the Borrowers and Guarantors named therein. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed October 27, 2005.

 

 

10.84

Credit Card Program Agreement between Hanover Direct, Inc. and World Financial Network National Bank dated as February 22, 2005. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed October 27, 2005.

 

 

10.85

Amendment Number One to Credit Card Program Agreement between Hanover Direct, Inc. and World Financial Network National Bank dated as March 30, 2005. Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed October 27, 2005.

10.86

Agreement between Hanover Direct, Inc. and Encore Marketing International dated March 15, 2006. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

10.87

Thirty-Fifth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of March 28, 2006, by and among Wachovia Bank, National Association and the Borrowers and Guarantors named therein. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

10.88

Fourth Amendment to Loan And Security Agreement dated as of March 28, 2006, by and among Chelsey Finance, LLC and the Borrowers and Guarantors named therein. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

10.89

Thirty-Sixth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of August 10, 2006, by and among Wachovia Bank, National Association and the Borrowers and Guarantors named therein. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-Q filed August 14, 2006

10.90

Fifth Amendment to Loan And Security Agreement dated as of August 10, 2006, by and among Chelsey Finance, LLC and the Borrowers and Guarantors named therein. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-Q filed August 14, 2006

10.91

Thirty-Seventh Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of November 8, 2006, by and among Wachovia Bank, National Association and the Borrowers and Guarantors named therein. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-Q filed November13, 2006

10.92

Sixth Amendment to Loan And Security Agreement dated as of November 8, 2006, by and among Chelsey Finance, LLC and the Borrowers and Guarantors named therein. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-Q filed November13, 2006

10.93

Agreement between Hanover Direct, Inc. and United Marketing Group, LLC dated September 26, 2006. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-Q filed November13, 2006

10.94

Letter agreement between Chelsey Finance, LLC and Hanover Direct, Inc. dated March 6, 2007. Filed with this Form 10-K.

 

 

14.1

Hanover Direct, Inc. and Subsidiaries Code of Ethics. Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2002.

 

 

21.1

Subsidiaries of the Registrant.Filed with this Form 10-K.

 

 

31.1

Certification required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) signed by Wayne P. Garten.Filed with this Form 10-K.

 

 

31.2

Certification required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) signed by John W. Swatek.Filed with this Form 10-K.

 

 

32.1

Certification required by Rule 13a-14(b) or 15d-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. 1350) signed by Wayne P. Garten.

32.2

Certification required by Rule 13a-14(b) or 15d-14(b)Garten and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. 1350) signed by John W. Swatek.Filed with this Form 10-K.

 

*Hanover Direct, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is the successor by merger to The Horn & Hardart Company and The Hanover Companies.

 


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