- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                                      Washington, D.C. 20549
                                        -------------------

                                            FORM 10-K
                                       -------------------

                     |X| ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)OF THE
                                 SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                          For the fiscal year ended December 27, 200325, 2004

                                                OR

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

                                  Commission file number 0-18914

                                            R&B, INC.
                                Incorporated pursuant to the Laws
                               of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
                                       -------------------

                           IRS - Employer Identification No. 23-2078856

               3400 East Walnut Street, Colmar, Pennsylvania 18915
                                          (215) 997-1800
                                       -------------------
                          Securities Registered pursuant to Section 12(b)
                                        of the Act: NONE
                          Securities Registered pursuant to Section 12(g)
                             of the Act: Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value
                                       -------------------

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K (ss.229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will
not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K
or any amendment to this Form 10-K. |_|

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as
defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes |_||X| No |X||_|

As of March 12, 20044, 2005 the Registrant had 8,811,1908,959,297 common shares, $.01 par value,
outstanding, and the aggregate market value of voting stock held by
non-affiliates of the Registrant was $84,061,138.$128,794,048.

                               DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

PART III - Certain information from the Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement
for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders presently scheduled to be held on May 20,
2004.19,
2005.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------











                                    R & B, INC.

                       INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
                                DECEMBER 27, 200325, 2004

                                      Part I
                                                                         Page
Item 1.  Business. . . . . . .  . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .Business......................................................... 3
               General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .General.................................................... 3
               The Automotive Aftermarket. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Aftermarket................................. 3
               Products. . . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Products................................................... 4
               Product Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Development........................................ 5
               Sales and Marketing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     6
               Manufacturing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marketing........................................ 5
               Manufacturing.............................................. 6
               Packaging, Inventory and Shipping. . . . . . . . . . . .Shipping.......................... 7
               Competition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Competition................................................ 7
               Proprietary Rights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rights......................................... 7
               Employees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     8Employees.................................................. 7
               Risk Factors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Factors............................................... 8
               Available Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Information...................................... 9

Item 2.   Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     10Properties...................................................... 9
Item 3.   Legal Proceedings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Proceedings............................................... 10
Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. . . . .Holders............. 10
Item 4.1 Certain Executive Officers of the Registrant. . . . . . . ..Registrant..................... 10

                                                Part II

Item 5.  Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
         Shareholder Matters. .. . . .. . .  . . . . . . . . . .Matters.............................................. 11
Item 6.  Selected Financial Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       12Data.......................................... 11
Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of
         Results of Operations and Financial Condition. . . . . . . . . . .       13Condition.................... 12
Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk......... 19
Item 8.  Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. ...      20Data......... 19
Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
         Accounting and Financial Disclosure.. . . . . . . . . . .     38Disclosure.............................. 35
Item 9A Controls and Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      39Procedures........................................... 35
                                               Part III

Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant. . . . . .     39Registrant.............. 37
Item 11.  Executive Compensation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     40Compensation.......................................... 37
Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    40Management...37
Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. . . . . . . .     40Transactions.................. 38
Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . .    41Services.......................... 38
                                                Part IV

Item 15.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules and
               Reports on Form 8-K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Schedules...................... 38
               Signatures................................................. 41
               Signatures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      44
               Report of Independent Public Accountants on
               Financial Statement Schedule. . . . .  . . . . . . . .    45
               Financial Statement Schedule. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    46Schedule............................... 42







                                             Page 2 of 4642





                                                PART I
Item 1. Business.

General

        R&B, Inc. was incorporated in Pennsylvania in October 1978.  As used
herein, unless the context otherwise requires, "R&B" or the "Company" refers to
R&B, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

        The Company is a leading supplier of original equipment dealer
"exclusive" automotive replacement parts, fasteners and service line products
primarily for the automotive aftermarket, a market segment which it helped to
establish. The Company designs, packages and markets over 70,000 different
automotive replacement parts, fasteners and service line products manufactured
to its specifications, with approximately 35% consisting of original equipment
dealer "exclusive" parts and fasteners. Original equipment dealer "exclusive"
parts are those which were traditionally available to consumers only from
original equipment manufacturers or salvage yards and include, among other
parts, intake manifolds, exhaust manifolds, oil cooler lines, window regulators,
radiator fan assemblies, power steering pulleys and harmonic balancers.
Fasteners include such items as oil drain plugs and wheel lug nuts.
Approximately 90% of the Company's products are sold under its brand names and
the remainder are sold for resale under customers' private labels, other brands
or in bulk. The Company's products are sold primarily in the United States
through automotive aftermarket retailers (such as AutoZone, Advance and
O'Reilly), national, regional and local warehouse distributors (such as Carquest
and NAPA) and specialty markets including parts manufacturers for resale under
their own private labels (such as Dana and Federal Mogul) and salvage yards.
Through its Scan-Tech subsidiary, the Company is increasing its international
distribution of automotive replacement parts, with sales into Europe, the Middle
East and the Far East.

The Automotive Aftermarket

        The automotive replacement parts market is made up of two components:
parts for passenger cars and light trucks, which accounted for sales of
approximately $183$190 billion in 2003,2004, and parts for heavy duty trucks, which accountedac
counted for sales of approximately $63 billion in 2003.2004. The Company currently
markets products primarily for passenger cars and light trucks.

        Two distinct groups of end-users buy replacement automotive parts: (i)
individual consumers, who purchase parts to perform "do-it-yourself" repairs on
their own vehicles; and (ii) professional installers, which include automotive
repair shops and the service departments of automobile dealers. The individual
consumer market is typically supplied through retailers and through the retail
arms of warehouse distributors. Automotive repair shops generally purchase parts
through local independent parts wholesalers and through national warehouse
distributors. Automobile dealer service departments generally obtain parts
through the distribution systems of automobile manufacturers and specialized
national and regional warehouse distributors.

        The increasing complexity of automobiles and the number of different
makes and models of automobiles have resulted in a significant increase in the
number of products required to service the domestic and foreign automotive
fleet. Accordingly, the number of parts required to be carried by retailers and
wholesale distributors has increased substantially. These pressures to include
more products in inventory and the significant consolidation among distributors
of automotive replacement parts have in turn resulted in larger distributors.

        Retailers and others who purchase aftermarket automotive repair and
replacement parts for resale are con strainedconstrained to a finite amount of space in
which to display and stock products. Thus, the reputation for quality, customer
service and line profitability which a supplier enjoys is a significant factor
in a purchaser's decision as to which product lines to carry in the limited
space available. Further, because of the efficiencies achieved through the
ability to order all or part of a complete line of products from one supplier
(with possible volume discounts), as opposed to satisfying the Page 3 of 46

same requirements
through a variety of different sources, retailers and other purchasers of
automotive parts seek to purchase products from fewer but stronger suppliers.


                                             Page 3 of 42






Products

        The Company sells over 70,000 different automotive replacement parts,
fasteners and service line products to meet a variety of needs, including
original equipment dealer "exclusive" parts sold under the Motormite(R) family
of brands such as the HELP!(R) brand name, a comprehensive array of automotive
and hardware fasteners sold under the Dorman(R) and Pik-A-Nut(R) family of brand
names, service line products sold under the Champ(R) family of brand names and
traditional automotive replacement parts sold under the Company's other brand
names as well as under customers' private label brands. Approximately 90% of the
Company's revenues are derived from products sold under its more than seventy
brand names.

Motormite(R) - brand names within the Motormite(R) master brand represent many
of the Company's original equipment dealer "exclusive" parts, including, among
others, the following:

* HELP!(R)                   - An extensive array of replacement parts,
                             including window handles, knobs and switches, door
                             handles, interior trim parts, headlamp aiming
                             screws and retainer rings, radiator parts, battery
                             hold-down bolts, valve train parts and power
                             steering filler caps

* Conduct-Tite!(R)           - Electrical connectors

* Mighty Flow!(R)            - Air intake, carburetor preheater and defroster
                             duct hoses

* Look!(R)                   - Sideview mirror glass

* Speedi-Boot!TM             - Constant velocity joint boots and clamps

Dorman(R) - brand names within the Dorman(R) master brand represent the
Company's automotive fasteners, original equipment dealer "exclusive" parts and
traditional replacement parts, including, among others, the following:


* Oil-Tite!(R)               - Oil drain plugs and gaskets

* OE Solutions TM            - Original equipment dealer
                             "exclusive" parts, such as intake manifolds,
                             exhaust manifolds, oil cooler lines, window
                             regulators, harmonic balances and radiator fan
                             assemblies

* Gear-Up!(R)                - Flywheels, ring gears and flex plates

* Quick-Disconnect TM        - Transmission, cooling system and fuel system
                             connectors

* Uni-Fit TM                 -  Constant velocity joint boots and clamps

Champ(R) - brand names within the Champ(R) master brand represent the Company's
automotive shop supplies and accessories, including, among others, the
following:

* Metal Work!TM              - A program of metal-working related
                             categories, including welding supplies and
                             accessories, cutting equipment and supplies,
                             abrasives and related tools and brushes for hand
                             and power applications

Page 4 of 46

Pik-A-Nut(R) - the Pik-A-Nut (R) brand represents the Company's fasteners for
automotive retail, specialty automotive and mass merchant markets

Platinum Parts TM - the Platinum Parts TM brand represents the Company's
automotive replacement parts and supplies for salvage yards


                                             Page 4 of 42






Brakeware(R) and Tru-Torque(R) - these brands represent the Company's hydraulic
brake parts, including wheel cylinders and related hardware

Scan-Tech TM - the Scan-Tech TM brand represents the Company's automotive
replacements parts sold internationally, and relate primarily to replacement
parts for Volvo and Saab cars and Scania trucks

        The remainder of the Company's revenues are generated by the sale of
parts packaged by the Company, or others, for sale in bulk or under the private
labels of parts manufacturers (such as Dana and Federal Mogul) and national
warehouse distributors (such as Carquest and NAPA). During the years ended
December 2004, 2003 2002 and 2001,2002, no single product or related group of products
accounted for more than 10% of gross sales.

Product Development

        Product development is central to the Company's business. The
development of a broad range of products, many of which are not conveniently or
economically available elsewhere, has in part, enabled the Company to grow to
its present size and is important to its future growth. In developing its
products, the Company's strategy has been to design and package its parts so as
to make them better and easier to install and/or use than the original parts
they replace and to sell automotive parts for the broadest possible range of
uses. Through careful evaluation, exacting design and precise tooling, the
Company is frequently able to offer products which fit a broader range of makes
and models than the original equipment parts they replace, such as an innovative
neoprene replacement oil drain plug which fits not only a variety of Chevrolet
models, but also Fords, Chryslers and a range of foreign makes. This assists
retailers and other purchasers in maximizing the productivity of the limited
space available for each class of part sold. Further, where possible, the
Company improves its parts so they are better than the parts they replace. Thus,
many of the Company's products are simpler to install or use, such as a
replacement "split boot" for a constant velocity joint that can be installed
without disassembling the joint itself and a replacement spare tire hold-down
bolt that is longer and easier to thread than the original equipment bolt it
replaced. In addition, the Company often packages different items in complete
kits to ease installation.

        Ideas for expansion of the Company's product lines arise through a
variety of sources. The Company maintains an in-house product management staff
that routinely generates ideas for new parts and expansion of existing lines.
Fur ther, the Company maintains an "800" telephone number and an Internet site
for "New Product Suggestions" and receives, either directly or through its sales
force, many ideas from the Company's customers as to which types of presently
unavailable parts the ultimate consumers are seeking.

        Each new product idea is reviewed by the Company's product management
staff, as well as by members of the production, sales, finance, marketing and
administrative staffs. In determining whether to produce an individual part or a
line of related parts, the Company considers the number of vehicles of a
particular model to which the part may be applied, the potential for
modifications which will allow the product to be used over a broad range of
makes and models, the average age of the vehicles in which the part would be
used and the failure rate of the part in question. This review process winnows
the many new product suggestions to those most likely to enhance the Company's
existing product lines or to support new product lines.


Page 5 of 46

Sales and Marketing

        The Company markets its parts to three groups of purchasers who in turn
supply individual consumers and professional installers:

               (i) Approximately 45%46% of the Company's revenues are generated
        from sales to automotive aftermarket retailers (such as AutoZone,
        Advance and O'Reilly), local independent parts wholesalers


                                             Page 5 of 42





        and national general merchandise chain retailers. The Company sells some
        of its products to virtually all major chains of automotive aftermarket
        retailers;

               (ii) Approximately 25%27% of the Company's revenues are generated
        from sales to warehouse distributors (such as Carquest and NAPA), which
        may be local, regional or national in scope, and which may also engage
        in retail sales; and

               (iii) The balance of the Company's revenues are generated from
        international sales and sales to special markets, which include, among
        others, mass merchants (such as Wal-Mart), salvage yards and the parts
        distribution systems of parts manufacturers.

        The Company utilizes a number of different methods to sell its products.
The Company's more than 25 person direct sales force solicits purchases of the
Company's products directly from customers, as well as managing the activities
of 15 independent manufacturer's representative agencies. The Company uses
independent manufacturer's representative agencies to help service existing
retail and warehouse distribution customers, providing frequent on-site contact.
The sales focus is designed to increase sales by adding new product lines and
expanding product selection within existing customers and secure new customers.
For certain of its major customers, and its private label purchasers, the
Company relies primarily upon the direct efforts of its sales force, who,
together with the marketing department and the Company's executive officers,
coordinate the more complex pricing and ordering requirements of these accounts.

        The Company's sales efforts are not directed merely at selling
individual products, but rather more broadly towards selling groups of related
products that can be displayed on attractive Company-designed display systems,
thereby maximizing each customer's ability to present the Company's product line
within the confines of the available area.

        The Company prepares a number of catalogs, application guides and
training materials designed to describe the Company's products and other
applications as well as to train the customers' salesmen in the promotion and
sale of the Company's products. Every two to three years the Company prepares a
new master catalog which lists all of its products. The catalog is updated
periodically through supplements.

        The Company currently services more than 2,500 active accounts. During
2004, 2003 and 2002, two customers (AutoZone and Advance) each accounted for
more than 10% of net sales and in the aggregate accounted for 34%, 31% and 36%
of net sales, respectively. In 2001, one customer (AutoZone) accounted for approximately 24%
of net sales.

Manufacturing

        Substantially all of the products sold by the Company are manufactured
to its specifications by third parties. Because numerous contract manufacturers
are available to manufacture its products, the Company is not dependent upon the
services of any one contract manufacturer or any small group of them. No one
vendor supplies 10% or more of the Company's products. In 2003,2004, as a percentage
of the total dollar volume of purchases made by the Company, approximately 40%
of the Company's products were purchased from various suppliers throughout the
United States and the balance of the Company's products were purchased directly
from a variety of foreign countries.



                                             Page 6 of 46



        Once a new product has been developed, the Company's engineering
department produces detailed engineering drawings and prototypes which are used
to solicit bids for manufacture from a variety of vendors in the United States
and abroad. After a vendor is selected, tooling for a production run is produced
by the vendor at the Company's expense. A pilot run of the product is produced
and subjected to rigorous testing by the Company's engineering department and,
on occasion, by outside testing laboratories and facilities in order to evaluate
the precision of manufacture and the resiliency and structural integrity of the
materials used. If acceptable, the product then moves into full production.





                                             Page 6 of 42





Packaging, Inventory and Shipping

        Finished products are received at one or more of the Company's
facilities, depending on the type of part. Samples of each shipment are tested
upon receipt. If cleared, these shipments of finished parts are logged into the
Company's computerized production tracking systems and staged for packaging.

        The Company employs a variety of custom-designed packaging machines for
"blister packaging," in which individual parts are dropped into plastic
"blister" cups to which a preprinted card backing with appropriate graphics is
sealed, and for "skinning," in which parts are pre-positioned on a printed card
backing, over which a malleable plastic "skin" is laid and fixed by vacuum- and
heat-treatment processes. In either event, the printed card contains the
Company's label (or a private label), a part number, a universal packaging bar
code suitable for electronic scanning, a description of the part and appropriate
installation instructions. Products are also sold in bulk to automotive parts
manufacturers and packagers. Computerized tracking systems, mechanical counting
devices and experienced workers combine to assure that the proper variety and
number of parts meet the correct packaging and backing materials at the
appropriate places and times to produce the required quantities of finished
products.

        Completed inventory is stocked in the warehouse portions of the
Company's facilities and is organized according to historical popularity in
order to aid in retrieval for shipping. The Company strives to maintain a level
of inventory to adequately meet current customer order demand with additional
inventory to satisfy new customer orders and special programs. In the aggregate,
this has resulted in approximately a one month supply of its products, packaged
and readily available for shipment, and a two month supply of product in
finished bulk form ready for packaging.

        The Company ships its products from all of its locations, either by
contract carrier, common carrier or parcel service. Products are generally
shipped to the customer's central warehouse for redistribution within their
network. In certain circumstances, at the request of the customer, the Company
ships directly to the customer's stores.

Competition

        The replacement automotive parts industry is highly competitive. Various
competitive factors affecting the automotive aftermarket are price, product
quality, breadth of product line, range of applications and customer service.
Substantially all of the Company's products are subject to competition with
similar products manufactured by other manufacturers of aftermarket automotive
repair and replacement parts. Some of these competitors are divisions and
subsidiaries of companies much larger than the Company, and possess a longer
history of operations and greater financial and other resources than the
Company. Further, some of the Company's private label customers also compete
with the Company.

Proprietary Rights

        While the Company takes steps to register its trademarks when possible,
it does not believe that trademark registration is generally important to its
business. Similarly, while the Company actively seeks patent protection for the
products and improvements which it develops, it does not believe that patent
protection is generally important to its business.

Page 7 of 46

Employees

        At December 27, 2003,25, 2004, the Company had 883880 employees, of whom 853849 were
employed full-time and 3031 were employed part-time. Of these employees, 589584 were
engaged in production, inventory, or quality control, 6062 were involvedin volved in
product development and brand management, 71 were employed in sales and order
entry, and the remaining 163, including the Company's 7 executive officers, were
devoted to administration, finance and strategic planning.



                                             Page 7 of 42





        No domestic employees are covered by any collective bargaining
agreement. Approximately 30 employees at the Company's Swedish subsidiary are
governed by a national union. The Company considers its relations with its
employees to be generally good.

Risk Factors

        Increasing Service Life. Advancing technology and competitive pressures
have compelled original equipment automobile and parts manufacturers to use
parts with longer service lives, which are covered by longer and more
comprehensive warranties. This may have the effect of reducing demand for the
Company's products by delaying the onset of repair conditions requiring their
use.

        Competition for Shelf Space. Since the amount of space available to a
retailer and other purchasers of the Company's products is limited, the
Company's products compete with other automotive aftermarket products, some of
which are entirely dissimilar and otherwise non-competitive (such as car waxes
and engine oil), for shelf and floor space. No assurance can be given that
additional space will be available in a customers' stores to support expansion
of the number of products offered by the Company.

        Concentration of Sales to Certain Customers. A significant percentage of
the Company's sales have been, and will continue to be, concentrated among a
relatively small number of customers. During 2004, 2003 and 2002, two customers
(AutoZone and Advance) each accounted for more than 10% of net sales and in the
aggregate accounted for 34%, 31% and 36% of net sales, respectively. In 2001, one
customer (AutoZone) accounted for approximately 24% of net sales. The Company
anticipates that this concentration of sales among customers will continue in
the future. The loss of a significant customer or a substantial decrease in
sales to such a customer could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
sales and operating results. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Results of Operations and Financial Condition" and "Business-Sales and
Marketing."

        Concentrations of Credit Risk. Financial instruments that potentially
subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consistsconsist primarily of cash
and cash equivalents short-term investments, and accounts receivable. All cash equivalents and
short-term investments are managed within established guidelines which limit the
amount which may be invested with one issuer. A significant percentage of the
Company's accounts receivable have been, and will continue to be concentrated
among a relatively small number of automotive retailers and warehouse
distributors in the United States. The Company's five largest customers
accounted for 70%77% and 73%70% of total accounts receivable as of December 27, 200325, 2004
and December 28, 2002,27, 2003, respectively. Management continually monitors the credit
terms and credit limits to these and other customers.

        Customer Terms. The automotive aftermarket has been consolidating over
the past several years. As a result, many of the Company's customers have grown
larger and therefore have more leverage in negotiations with the Company.
Recently, customers have pressed for extended payment terms and returns of slow
moving product when negotiating with the Company. While the Company does its
best to avoid such concessions, in some cases payment terms to customers have
been extended and returns of product have exceeded historical levels. The
product returns primarily affect the Company's profit levels while terms
extensions generally reduce operating cash flow and require additional capital
to finance the business. Management expects both of these trends to continue for
the foreseeable future.

        Page 8 of 46

Foreign Currency Fluctuations. In 2003,2004, approximately 60% of the
Company's products were purchased from a variety of foreign countries. The
products generally are purchased through purchase orders with the purchase price
specified in U.S. dollars. Accordingly, the Company does not have exposure to
fluctuations in the relationship between the dollar and various foreign
currencies between the time of execution of the purchase order and payment for
the product. However, the recent weakness in the dollar has resulted in pressure
from several foreign suppliers to increase prices. To the extent that the dollar
decreases in value to foreign currencies in the future or the present weakness
in the dollar continues for a sustained period of time, the price of the product
in dollars for new purchase orders may increase.

        The Company makes significant purchases of product from Chinese vendors.
The Chinese Yuan exchange rate has been fixed against the U.S. Dollar since
1998. Recently, the Chinese government has been under increasing pressure


                                             Page 8 of 42





to revalue its currency, or to make its exchange rate more flexible. Most
experts believe that the value of the Yuan would increase relative to the U.S.
Dollar if it was revalued or allowed to float. Such a move would most likely
result in an increase in the cost of products that are purchased from China.

        Dependence on Senior Management. The success of the Company's business
will continue to be dependent upon Richard N. Berman, Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive Officer and Steven L. Berman, Executive Vice
President, Secretary-Treasurer and Director. The loss of the services of one or
both of these individuals could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business.

        Dividend Policy.  The Company does not intend to pay cash dividends for
the foreseeable future. Rather, the Company intends to retain its earnings, if
any, for the operation and expansion of the Company's business.

        Control by Officers, Directors and Family Members. Richard N. Berman and
Steven L. Berman, who are officers and directors of the Company, their father,
Jordan S. Berman, and their brothers, Marc H. Berman and Fred B. Berman,
beneficially own approximately 51%42% of the outstanding Common Stock and are able
to elect the Board of Directors, determine the outcome of most corporate actions
requiring shareholder approval (including certain fundamental transactions) and
control the policies of the Company.

 Available Information

        Our internet address is www.rbinc.com. We make available free of charge
on our web site our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q
and current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or
furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon as
reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or
furnish it to, the SEC. In addition, we will provide, at no cost, paper or
electronic copies of our reports and other filings made with the SEC. Requests
should be directed to: R&B, Inc. - Office of General Counsel, 3400 East Walnut
Street, Colmar, Pennsylvania 18915.

        The information on the website listed above, is not and should not be
considered part of this annual report on Form 10-K and is not incorporated by
reference in this document. This website is, and is only intended to be, an
inactive textual reference.
Page 9 of 46

Item 2.  Properties.

Facilities

The Company currently has 10 warehouse and office facilities located throughout
the United States, Sweden, China and Korea. Three of these facilities are owned
and the remainder are leased. The Company's headquarters and principal warehouse
facilities are as follows:

        Location             Description
        -------------------  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Colmar, PA           Warehouse and office - 334,000 sq. ft. (leased) (1)
        Warsaw, KY           Warehouse and office - 326,000362,000 sq. ft. (owned)
        Louisiana, MO        Warehouse and office - 90,000 sq. ft. (owned)
        Baltimore, MD        Warehouse and office - 83,000 sq. ft. (leased)

In the opinion of management, the Company's existing facilities are in good
condition.
- -----------------
(1) Leased by the Company from a partnership of which Richard N. Berman,
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Steven L. Berman,
Executive Vice President of the Company, their father, Jordan S. Berman, and
their brothers, Marc H. Berman and Fred B. Berman, are partners. Under the lease
the Company paid rent of $3.56$3.63 per square foot ($1.2 million per year) in 2003.2004.
The rents payable will be adjusted on January 1 of each year to reflect annual
changes in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers - U.S. City Average,
All Items. In 2002,


                                             Page 9 of 42





the lease term was extended and will expire on December 31, 2007. In the opinion
of management, the terms of this lease are no less favorable than those which
could have been obtained from an unaffiliated party.


Item 3.  Legal Proceedings.

        In addition to commitments and obligations which arise in the ordinary
course of business, the Company is subject to various claims and legal actions
from time to time involving contracts, competitive practices, trademark rights,
product liability claims and other matters arising out of the conduct of the
Company's business. In the opinion of management, none of the actions,
individually or in the aggregate, would likely have a material financial impact
on the Company.

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

        There were no matters submitted to a vote of the security holders of the
Company during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2003.2004.

Item 4.1  Certain Executive Officers of the Registrant.

        The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
executive officers of the Company:

Name                   Age     Position with the Company
- -----------------       ----   ----------------------------------------------------------------    -----    ---------------------------------------------
Mathias J. Barton      4445      Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

Joseph M. Beretta      50      Senior Vice President, Product

Richard N. Berman      4748      President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of
                               the Board of Directors, and Director

Steven L. Berman       4445      Executive Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer,
                               and Director

Edward L. Dean           47    Senior Vice President, Marketing


                                             Page 10 of 46

Fred V. Frigo          4748      Senior Vice President, Operations

Steven A. Kirchner       46    Senior Vice President, Sales

Barry D. Myers         4445      Senior Vice President, General Counsel and
                               Assistant Secretary


        Mathias J. Barton joined the Company in November 1999 as Senior Vice
President, Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Barton was
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Central Sprinkler
Corporation, a manufacturer and distributor of automatic fire sprinklers, valves
and component parts. From May 1989 to September 1998, Mr. Barton was employed by
Rapidforms, Inc., most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer. He is a graduate of Temple University.

        Joseph M. Beretta joined the Company in January 2004 as Senior Vice
President, Product.  Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Beretta was employed by
Cardone Industries, Inc., most recently as its Chief Operating Officer.  Cardone
is a remanufacturer and supplier of automotive replacement parts.  He is a
graduate of Oral Roberts University.

        Richard N. Berman has been President, Chief Executive Officer and a
Director of the Company since its incep tion in October 1978. He is a graduate
of the University of Pennsylvania.



                                             Page 10 of 42

Steven L. Berman has been Executive Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer
and a Director of the Company since its inception.  He attended Temple
University.

        Edward L. Dean joined the Company in November 1997 as Vice President,
Marketing and was named Senior Vice President, Marketing in December 1999. Prior
to joining the Company Mr. Dean was the Vice President of Sales with Angelo
Brothers Company from May of 1989 to November of 1997. Angelo is a leading
supplier of light bulbs and lighting products to the electrical distributor and
home center markets. He is a graduate of Cincinnati Technical College.

        Fred V. Frigo joined the Company in March 1997 as Director, Operations
and was named Senior Vice President, Operations in September 2003. Prior to
joining the Company, Mr. Frigo was the Plant Manager for Cooper Industries
(Federal Mogul), where he was responsible for their Wagner Brake Plant in Boston
and following that the Wagner Lighting Operations in Boyertown Pennsylvania. He
is a graduate of Elmhurst College.


        Steven A. Kirchner joined the Company in June 2003 as Vice President,
Sales and was named Senior Vice President, Sales and Trade Marketing in December
2003. Prior to joining the Company Mr. Kirchner spent over twenty years with The
Valvoline Company in various management positions, including Senior Vice
President Worldwide Marketing.

        Barry D. Myers has been an employee of the Company since March 1988, and
was Vice President, General Counsel and Assistant Secretary for more than five
years. In December 1999, Mr. Myers was named Senior Vice President, General
Counsel and Assistant Secretary. He is a graduate of Moravian College and
Syracuse University College of Law, and is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar.



                                        PART II

Item 5.  Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Shareholder Matters.

        The Company's shares of common stock are traded publicly in the
over-the-counter market under the NASDAQ system. At March 12, 20044, 2005 there were 140151
holders of record of common stock, representing more than 1,500 beneficial
owners. The last price for the Company's common stock on March 12, 2004,4, 2005, as
reported by NASDAQ, was $18.799$26.98 per share. Since the Company's initial public
offering, it has paid no cash dividends. The Company does not presently


                                             Page 11 of 46


contemplate paying any such dividends in the foreseeable future. The range of
high and low sales prices for the Company's common stock for each quarterly
period of 20032004 and 20022003 are as follows:


                            2004                     2003                     2002
                   -----------------------  -----------------------
                      High        Low          High        Low
- ------------------ ---------- ------------  ---------- ------------
First Quarter      $18.90       $14.73        $10.42       $8.84
$8.90        $6.65
Second Quarter      19.99        18.00         11.24        9.65
10.36         6.50
Third Quarter       20.64        19.00         14.00       10.55
10.00         8.10
Fourth Quarter      27.50        20.55         15.09       12.55          10.10         8.15


Item 6.  Selected Financial Data.
Selected Consolidated Financial Data

Year Ended December -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- (in thousands, except per share data2003data 2004 2003 2002(a) 2001 2000 (b) 1999(c) - ----------------------------- ------------- -------------- ---------------------------- -------------- --------------- ----------------------------- Statement of Operations Data: Net sales $249,526 $222,083 $215,524 $201,668 $201,390 $236,689 Income from operations (d)(c) 29,638 24,052 23,133 12,266 12,308 1,633 Net income (loss) (d)(c) 17,081 13,304 12,357 5,229 4,095 (3,602) Earnings (loss) per share (d):(c) Basic $1.93 $1.54 1.461.4 0.61 0.49 (0.43) Diluted $1.86 $1.47 1.381.3 0.60 0.48 (0.43)Page 11 of 42 Balance Sheet Data: Total assets 195,404 176,606 170,128 163,163 159,879 188,004 Working capital 101,585 98,452 91,340 81,068 83,262 96,612 Long-term debt 25,714 35,213 44,218 53,511 65,066 85,283 Shareholders' equity 125,227 105,985 89,572 75,162 72,384 68,234
(a) Results for 2002 include a gain on sale of specialty fastener business of $2,143 ($1,329 after tax or $0.15 per share). (b) Results for 2000 include non-recurring revenues and gain on sale of product line of $5,500 and $1,600 ($1,100 after tax or $0.13 per share), respectively. (c) Results for 1999 include a restructuring charge of $11,400 ($7,500 after tax or $0.90 per share). (d) The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," at the beginning of fiscal 2002. With the adoption of SFAS No. 142, goodwill is no longer subject to amortization. The following table presents certain financial data for fiscal 2002 and all periods prior to fiscal 2002 adjusted to exclude amortization of goodwill and the related tax effects:
Year Ended December -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 Income from operations $29,638 $ 24,052 $ 23,133 $ 13,891 $ 13,970 $ 3,320 Net income (loss)$17,081 $ 13,304 $ 12,357 $ 6,293 $ 5,185 $(2,487) Diluted earnings per share $ 1.86 $ 1.47 $ 1.38 $ 0.73 $ 0.61 $ (0.30) share0.613
Page 12 of 46 Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition. Executive Summary The Company is a leading supplier of original equipment dealer "Exclusive" automotive replacement parts, fasteners and service line products to the automotive aftermarket and household hardware to the general merchandise markets. The Company's products are marketed under more than seventy proprietary brand names, through its Motormite, Dorman, Allparts, Scan-Tech, MPI and Pik-A-Nut businesses. For the year ended December 27, 2003,25, 2004, net sales increased 3%12% to $222.1$249.5 million from $215.5$222.1 million in the same period last year. The sales growth was driven primarily by new product development, which is a key to the Company's growth strategy. Gross margin improved slightly toremained essentially unchanged at 37.1% in 2004 from 37.0% in 2003 from 36.7% in 2002.2003. Operating expenses remained flat, butincreased at a slower rate than sales growth and therefore declined as a percentage of net sales to 26.2%25.2%. The improvements in gross margin andMany of the Company's operating expenses as a percentage ofare fixed in nature and therefore did not increase in proportion to net sales were driven primarily by cost saving initiatives.growth. As a result, net income increased 28% to $13.3$17.1 million in 2003.2004. New product development is a critical success factor for the Company. The Company has invested heavily in resources necessary for it to increase its new product development efforts and to strengthen its relationships with its customers. These investments are primarily in the form of increased product development and awareness programs, customer service improvements and increased customer credits and allowances. This has enabled the Company to provide an expanding array of new product offerings and grow its revenues. The automotive aftermarket has been consolidating over the past several years. As a result, many of the Company's customers have grown larger and therefore have more leverage in negotiations with the Company. Recently, customers have pressed for extended payment terms and returns of slow moving product when negotiating with the Company. While the Company does its best to avoid such concessions, in some cases payment terms to customers have been extended and returns of product have exceeded historical levels. The product returns primarily affect the Company's profit levels while terms extensions generally reduce operating cash flow and require additional capital to finance the business. Management expects both of these trends to continue for the foreseeable future. Page 12 of 42 The Company may experience significant fluctuations from quarter to quarter in its results of operations due to the timing of orders placed by the Company's customers. Generally, the second and third quarters have the highest level of customer orders, but the introduction of new products and product lines to customers may cause significant fluctuations from quarter to quarter. The Company operates on a fifty-two, fifty-three week period ending on the last Saturday of the calendar year. The fiscal years ended December 25, 2004, December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002 and December 29, 2001 were each fifty- two week periods. Critical Accounting Policies The Company's discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon the consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principlesU.S. generally accepted in the United States.accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. The Company regularly evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition, bad debts, customer credits, inventories, goodwill and goodwill.income taxes. Estimates and judgments are based upon historical experience and on various other assumptions believed to be accurate and reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The Company believes the following critical accounting Page 13 of 46 policies affect its more significant estimates and judgments used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements: Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. The preparation of the Company's financial statements requires management to make estimates of the collectability of its accounts receivable. Management specifically analyzes accounts receivable and historical bad debts, customer creditworthiness, current economic trends and changes in customer payment patterns when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. A significant percentage of the Company's accounts receivable have been, and will continue to be, concentrated among a relatively small number of automotive retailers and warehouse distributors in the United States. The Company's five largest customers accounted for 77% and 70% and 73% of totalnet accounts receivable as of December 27, 200325, 2004 and December 28, 2002,27, 2003, respectively. A bankruptcy or financial loss associated with a major customer could have a material adverse effect on the Company's sales and operating results. The Company's allowance for doubtful accounts amounted to $1.2$1.1 million and $1.3$1.2 million as of December 27, 200325, 2004 and December 28, 2002,27, 2003, respectively. Revenue Recognition and Allowance for Customer Credits. The Company recognizes revenue forRevenue is recognized from product sales when goods are shipped, title and risk of loss have been transferred to its customers at the time of shipment from the Company's warehouses.customer and collection is reasonably assured. Net sales are calculated by subtracting allowances for customer credits from gross revenues. Allowances for customer credits include costs for product returns, discounts and promotional rebates given to customers who purchase new products for inclusion in their stores, and the cost of competitors' products that are purchased from the customer in order to induce a customer to purchase new product lines from the Company. The Company provides for customer credits and potential returns at the time of sale. Management must make estimates of the ultimate value of customer credits that will be issued for future product returns and sales allowances granted to induce customers to purchase products from the Company. Management analyzes historical returns, current economic conditions and changes in demand and acceptance of the Company's products when evaluating the adequacy of its reserves for customer credits. Management judgements and estimates must be made and used in connection with establishing reserves for customer credits in any accounting period. Material differences in the amount and timing of customer credits for any period may result if management made different judgments or utilized different estimates for the reserves. Reserves for customer credits were $19.5 million and $16.5 million as of bothDecember 25, 2004 and December 27, 2003, and December 28, 2002.respectively. Excess and Obsolete Inventory Reserves. Management must make estimates of potential future excess and obsolete inventory costs. The Company provides reserves for discontinued and excess inventory based upon historical demand, forecasted usage, estimated customer requirements and product line updates. The Company Page 13 of 42 maintains contact with its customer base in order to understand buying patters,patterns, customer preferences and the life cycle of its products. Changes in customer requirements are factored into the reserve needs as needed. During 2001, the Company revised its estimates which resulted in an increased provision for excess and obsolete inventory of $3.6 million. Reserves for excess and obsolete inventory were $8.5$8.2 million and $9.2$8.5 million as of December 25, 2004 and December 27, 2003, and December 28, 2002, respectively. Goodwill. Effective December 30, 2001,The Company has adopted the Company adopted Statementprovisions of Financial Accounting StandardsSFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets". SFAS No. 142 requiresspecifies that goodwill and certain intangible assets resulting from business combinations entered into prior to June 30, 2001is no longer be amortized but instead be reviewed for recoverability, and that annual tests foris subject to periodic impairment of goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives be performed. SFAS No. 142 also requires interim tests when an event has occurred that more likely than not has reducedtesting. As a result, the fair value of such assets. The Company assesses on an annual basis during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year the fair values of the reporting unit housing theno longer amortizes goodwill. These assessments are based upon management estimates and assumptions about future operating results, including revenues and earnings. Any write-offs would result in a charge to earnings and a reduction in equity in the period taken. The Company has completed the annual impairment review,tests required by SFAS No. 142, which did not result in an impairment charge. Goodwill was $29.1$29.4 million and $28.6$29.1 million at December 25, 2004 and December 27, 2003, respectively. Income Taxes. The Company follows the liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes. Under this method, income tax expense is recognized for the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and December 28, 2002, respectively. Page 14for deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of 46 Gain on Saleevents that have been recognized in an entity's financial statements or tax returns. The Company must make assumptions, judgments and estimates to determine its current provision for income taxes and also its deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance to be recorded against a deferred tax asset. Management's judgments, assumptions and estimates relative to the current provision for income tax take into account current tax laws, its interpretation of Specialty Fastener Businesscurrent tax laws and Litigation Settlement On May 1, 2002,possible outcomes of current and future audits conducted by tax authorities. Changes in tax laws or management's interpretation of tax laws and the Company enteredresolution of current and future tax audits could significantly impact the amounts provided for income taxes in the Company's consolidated financial statements. Management's assumptions, judgments and estimates relative to the value of a deferred tax asset take into agreements to sell its specialty fastener business and to settle litigation initiated by the Company in 1996 related to its purchaseaccount predictions of the Dorman business. Total proceeds fromamount and category of future taxable income. Actual operating results and the saleunderlying amount and settlement,category of income in future years could render management's current assumptions, judgments and estimates of recoverable net of transaction costs and purchase price adjustments were approximately $7.4 million. The transactions resulted in an after-tax gain on the saledeferred taxes inaccurate. Any of the fastener business of $1.3 million,assumptions, judgments and a reduction in goodwill totaling $2.2 million.estimates mentioned above could cause the Company's actual income tax obligations to differ from its estimates. Results of Operations The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage of net sales represented by cer tain items in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Percentage of Net Sales -------------------------------------------------------- Year Ended -------------------------------------------------------- December 25, December 27, December 28, December 29,2004 2003 2002 2001 - ----------------------------- ------------------ ---------------- ------------------- Net sales 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Cost of goods sold 62.9 63.0 63.3 65.6 - ----------------------------- ------------------ ---------------- ------------------- Gross profit 37.1 37.0 36.7 34.4 Selling, general and administrative expenses 25.2 26.2 27.0 28.3 Gain on sale of specialty fastener business - - (1.0) - - ----------------------------- ------------------ ---------------- ------------------- Income from operations 11.9 10.8 10.7 6.1 Interest expense, net 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.1 - ----------------------------- ------------------ ---------------- ------------------- Income before taxes 10.7 9.3 8.9 4.0 Provision for taxes 3.9 3.3 3.2 1.4 - ----------------------------- ------------------ ---------------- ------------------- Net income 6.8% 6.0% 5.7% 2.6% ============================= ================== ================ ===================
Page 14 of 42 2004 Compared to 2003 Net sales increased 12% to $249.5 million in 2004 from $222.1 million in 2003. This sales increase is primarily the result of 2004 new product introductions and year over year volume growth from products introduced in the prior year. The favorable effects of foreign currency exchange resulted in a 1% year over year increase in sales. Cost of goods sold, as a percentage of net sales, remained essentially flat at 62.9% in 2004 compared to 63.0% in 2003. The favorable effect of a change in sales mix was offset by approximately $1.3 million in incremental expediting costs incurred to maintain satisfactory customer fill rates in the second half of 2004 as a result of material shortages for certain items and higher than planned demand. Overall material costs were down slightly in 2004, although the Company experienced price increases in several product lines in the second half of the year as a result of raw materials price increases. Selling, general and administrative expenses in 2004 increased 8% to $62.9 million from $58.2 million. The expense increase was at a slower rate than sales as many of the Company's operating expenses are fixed in nature and therefore did not increase in proportion to sales growth. The increase in expenses was the result of inflationary cost increases, an increase in variable operating expenses due to the sales volume growth and further investments by the Company in its new product development capabilities. Interest expense, net decreased to $2.9 million in 2004 from $3.4 million in 2003 due to lower borrowing levels in 2004. The primary reason for the lower borrowing levels in 2004 was a reduction in the outstanding principal of the Company's 6.81% Senior Notes. In August 2004, the Company made the third of seven annual installment payments of $8.6 million due under the terms of its Senior Note Agreements. This installment payment was funded with cash on hand rather than new debt. The Company's effective tax rate increased to 36.2% in 2004 from 35.7% in 2003 as a result of higher incremental tax rates on 2004's higher earnings level. 2003 Compared to 2002 Net sales increased 3% to $222.1 million in 2003 from $215.5 million in 2002. This sales increase is all volume related as the Company had no net selling price increases in 2003. Sales volume in 2003 increased as a result of several successful new product introductions and shipments to new customers for the Company's Allparts brake and Pik-A-Nut home hardware businesses. The favorable effects of foreign currency exchange resulted in a 2% year over year increase in sales. These sales increases were partially offset by a decline in sales volume in the Company's Swedish subsidiary due to the weak U.S. dollar. In addition, fourth quarter 2002 sales benefitted from over $4 million in one-time sales related to customer inventory builds and 2002 sales included $2.1 million in revenues from the specialty fastener business prior to its sale in May 2002. Sales growth for fiscal 2003 after adjusting for foreign exchange, the specialty fastener sale and the one-time sales described above was 4%. Cost of goods sold, as a percentage of net sales, declined to 63.0% in 2003 from 63.3% in 2002. The overall decline in cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales was the net result of three primary factors. First, production and materials cost reduction initiatives resulted in cost savings that lowered cost of sales. This benefit Page 15 of 46 was offset by provisions for customer credits that increased as a percentage of sales in 2003 as a result of higher customer return levels in 2003 and a sales mix shift towards more lower-gross margin product sales. Selling, general and administrative expenses in 2003 were held to $58.2 million, which is the same level of spending as in 2002 despite additional investments in product development resources, inflationary cost increases and 3% sales volume growth in 2003. This was achieved through the implementation of a number of cost saving measures which reduced overhead spending. Costs in 2002 also included $0.7 million in non- recurring net costs associated with the closure of one of the Company's smaller distribution facilities. Page 15 of 42 Interest expense, net decreased to $3.4 million in 2003 from $3.9 million in 2002 due to lower borrowing levels in 2002. The primary reason for the lower borrowing levels in 2003 was a reduction in the outstanding principal of the Company's 6.81% Senior Notes. In August 2003, the Company made the second of seven annual installment payments of $8.6 million due under the terms of its Senior Note Agreements. This installment payment was funded with cash on hand rather than new debt. The Company's effective tax rate increased slightly to 35.7% in 2003 from 35.6% in 2002. 2002 Compared to 2001 Net sales increased to $215.5 million in 2002 from $201.7 million in 2001. Revenues from the specialty fastener business sold in May 2002 were $2.1 million and $5.4 million in 2002 and 2001, respectively. Net sales in 2002 increased $17.1 million, or 8.7%, after adjusting for the specialty fastener business sale. One-time sales related to customer inventory builds accounted for approximately 25% of the sales growth in 2002. The remainder of the sales increase was the result of higher levels of product line updates to existing customers, the introduction of new product lines and continued strong reorder patterns on recently introduced new products. Cost of goods sold, as a percentage of sales, declined to 63.3% in 2002 from 65.6% in 2001. The primary reason for this decline was an additional provision for discontinued and excess inventories of $3.6 million in 2001, which increased cost of goods sold by 1.8% of sales. The remaining decline in cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales in 2002 is the result of lower materials and operating costs achieved through several cost reduction initiatives. Selling, general and administrative expenses in 2002 increased to $58.2 million from $57.0 million in 2001, an increase of $1.2 million, or 2.1%. The increase in selling, general and administrative costs was primarily the result of higher sales volumes and $0.7 million in net costs associated with the closure of one of the Company's smaller distribution facilities. Interest expense, net decreased to $3.9 million in 2002 from $4.3 million in 2001 due to lower borrowing levels in 2002. In August 2002, the Company made the first of seven annual installment payments of $8.6 million due under the terms of its Senior Note Agreements. The Company's effective tax rate increased to 35.6% in 2003 from 34.4% as the gain on the sale of the specialty fastener business is subject to a higher overall effective tax rate than the Company's operating profits. Liquidity and Capital Resources Historically, the Company has financed its growth through a combination of cash flow from operations and through the issuance of senior indebtedness through its bank credit facility and senior note agreements. At December 27, 2003,25, 2004, working capital was $98.5$101.6 million, total long-term debt (including the current portion) was $43.8$34.8 million and shareholders' equity was $106.0$125.2 million. Cash and short-term investments as of December 27, 200325, 2004 totaled $25.1$7.2 million. Page 16 of 46 Over the past twothree years the Company has extended payment terms to certain customers as a result of customer requests and market demands. These extended terms have resulted in increased accounts receivable levels and significant uses of cash flow. The Company participates in an accounts receivable factoring programprograms with one customerseveral customers which allowsallow it to sell its accounts receivable on a non-recourse basis to a financial institutioninstitutions to offset the negative cash flow impact of thethese payment terms extensions it has made to date. During 2003,extensions. As of December 25, 2004 the Company had sold $2.0$18.0 million in accounts receivable pursuant to this plan.under these programs and had removed them from its balance sheet. The Company expects continued pressure to extend its payment terms for the foreseeable future. Further extensions of customer payment terms will result in additional uses of cash flow or increased interest costs. In December 2003,costs associated with the sale of accounts receivable. During 2004, the Company announced its intentiondecision to add 77,200 square feet in warehouse spaceinvest approximately $5.5 million to automate its recently-expanded central distribution centerfacility in Warsaw, Kentucky by July,Kentucky. Most of this spending was incurred in 2004. The total estimated cost of the addition and fit out of the warehouse spaceThis initiative is expected to be approximately $2.8 million.completed in the second quarter of 2005. Once completed, this project is expected to generate significant efficiency improvements and improved customer service capabilities for the Company's Dorman business. Total capital spending in 2004 was $12.8 million as a result of the automation of the Warsaw facility, a 77,200 square foot expansion of the Warsaw facility early in the year, increased tooling costs for new products and other capital projects. Capital spending in 2005 is expected to be between $8.0 and $10.0 million, which is down from 2004's level, but up over historic levels due primarily to increased spending on tooling for new products, which have become more complex over the past few years. Long-term debt consists primarily of $42.9$34.3 million in Senior Notes that were originally issued in August 1998, in a private placement on an unsecured basis ("Notes"). The Notes bear a 6.81% fixed interest rate, payable quarterly. Annual principal payments of $8.6 million are due each August through 2008. The Notes require, among other things, that the Company maintain certain financial covenants relating to debt to capital ratios and minimum net worth. In March 2004, theThe Company amended itsmaintains a $10.0 million Revolving Credit Facility. The amended facilityFacility which expires in June 2005. The March 2004 amendment reduced the total credit facility from $10.0 million to $5.0 million. The size of the facility was reduced to decrease overall borrowing costs. Borrowings under the amended facility are on an unsecured basis with interest at LIBOR plus 150 basis points. The loan agreement also contains covenants, the most restrictive of which pertain to net worth and the ratio of debt to EBITDA. The average amount outstanding under the facility in 2004 was $0.4 million. The maximum amount outstanding in 2004 was $7.0 million. In addition, the Company's Swedish subsidiary maintains a short-term $1.8$0.7 million credit facility. As of December 27, 2003, $1.8 million in standby letters of credit were outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. There were no borrowings outstanding under either facilitythese facilities as of December 27, 2003. The25, 2004. In November 2001, the Company amended certain agreements related to its 1998 acquisition of Scan-Tech USA/Sweden A.B. and related entities ("Scan-Tech") during 2001. As a result of this transaction, the Company purchased and canceled 250,000 shares of its common stock issued in connection with the acquisition and canceled the earn out provisions of the acquisition agreement in exchange for consideration of approximately $3.2 million to be paid by the Company in installments through December 31, 2005. The aggregateCompany paid $0.5 million of this amount outstanding under this obligation was $0.9in both 2004 and 2003. The remaining amount payable of $0.5 million at December 27, 2003.is due to an entity controlled by Page 16 of 42 the President of Scan-Tech. The Company's business activities do not include the use of unconsolidated special purpose entities, and there are no significant business transactions that have not been reflected in the accompanying financial statements. The Company has future obligations for debt repayments, future minimum rental and similar commitments under noncancellable operating leases as well as contingent obligations related to outstanding letterletters of credit. These obligations as of December 27, 200325, 2004 are summarized in the tables below:
Payments Due by Period ------------------------------------------------------ Less than Contractual Obligations Total 1 year 1-3 years 4-5 years After 5 years - ---------------------------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------------- Long-term borrowings $ 43,78434,759 $ 8,5719,045 $ 26,64225,714 $ 8,571- $ - Operating leases 8,896 2,430 5,286 1,047 133 Purchase obligations (1) 600 600 - - -7,643 2,267 4,707 532 137 ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------------- $ 53,28042,402 $11,312 $ 11,60130,421 $ 31,928532 $ 9,618 $ 133137 ============= =========== =========== =========== ================
Page 17 of 46
Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period ------------------------------------------------------ Total Amount Amounts Less than Other Commercial Commitments Committed 1 year 1-3 years 4-5 years Over 5 years - ---------------------------------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ --------------- Letters of credit $ 1,8001,767 $ 1,8001,767 $ - $ - $ - ------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ --------------- $ 1,8001,767 $ 1,8001,767 $ - $ - $ - ============= =========== =========== ============ ===============
(1) Represents capital commitments in connection with the Warsaw, Kentucky facility expansion. OperatingThe Company reported a net source of cash flow amounted to $20.7from its operating activities of $3.9 million in fiscal 2003, approximately $15.72004. The primary uses of cash flow were accounts receivable and inventory, which increased $16.4 million and $9.7 million, respectively. Accounts receivable grew as a result of higher thansales and the $5.1impact of the continuing trend towards longer payment terms to certain customers. Inventory increased as a result of the sales increase in 2004, and as a result of management's decision to increase levels of inventory safety stock in the third quarter of 2004. Net income, depreciation and a $5.4 million increase in accounts payable were the primary sources of operating cash flow in 2002.fiscal 2004. The primary reason forpayables increase was primarily the increase in cash flow in 2003 was accounts receivable, which generated $4.8 million in cash in 2003, but used $13.3 million in cash in 2002. As noted above, the Company has extended payment terms to certain customers over the past two years. Mostresult of the negative cash flow impacthigher levels of these terms changes took place in 2002. This, together with a 7% sales increase in 2002 is the primary reason that accounts receivable required $13.3 million in cash in 2002. Accounts receivable generated $4.8 million in cash in 2003 as the impact of further payment terms extensions during the year were offset by a change in sales mixinventory purchases and the receipt of $2.0 million in proceeds from the accounts receivable factoring program discussed above.capital spending. Investing activities used $1.5$2.9 million of cash in 2003.fiscal 2004. Additions to property, plant and equipment required $12.8 million of cash as a result of the Company's automation and expansion of its central distribution center in Warsaw, Kentucky, tooling costs associated with new products, upgrades to information systems, purchases of equipment designed to improve operational efficiencies and scheduled equipment replacements. The Company purchasespreviously purchased highly liquid corporate and government bonds with maturities from threenine months to one year to take advantage of higher earnings rates on these investments. These investments havehad been classified as short-term investments as required by generally accepted accounting principles. As a result of this decision, theThe Company reported a net source of cash of $4.1$9.9 million during the period. Additionsyear related to property, plant and equipmentthe net proceeds from investments. Financing activities required $5.6$9.0 million ofin cash in 2003 compared to $3.5 million in 2002. The increase in capital additions in 2003 isfiscal 2004. These uses were primarily the result of a 30,000 square foot addition to the Company's Allparts brake facility. Other capital expenditures in 2003 included upgrades to information systems, purchases of equipment designed to improve operational efficiencies and scheduled equipment replacements. Financing activities required $9.2 million in cash in 2003. These uses were primary related to scheduled repayments under capital lease and other debt obligations, including the second scheduled repayment of $8.6 million on the Company's Senior Notes made in August 2003.2004. The Company believes that cash and short-term investments on hand and cash generated from operations together with its available sources of capital are sufficient to meet its ongoing cash needs for the foreseeable future. Outlook The Company's strategic plan provides for a continued intense focus on new product development and further expansionPage 17 of its existing core businesses. Management anticipates that these efforts will result in compounded annual sales growth of between 3% and 8% over the next two year period. The Company may experience significant fluctuations in its results of operations from quarter to quarter due to the timing of new product introductions and orders placed by its customers.42 Foreign Currency Fluctuations In 2003,2004, approximately 60% of the Company's products were purchased from a variety of foreign countries. The products generally are purchased through purchase orders with the purchase price specified in U.S. dollars. Accordingly, the Company does not have exposure to fluctuations in the relationship between the Page 18 of 46 dollar and various foreign currencies between the time of execution of the purchase order and payment for the product. However, the recent weakness in the dollar has resulted in some materials price increase and pressure from several foreign suppliers to increase prices.prices further. To the extent that the dollar decreases in value to foreign currencies in the future or the present weakness in the dollar continues for a sustained period of time, the price of the product in dollars for new purchase orders may increase.increase further. The Company makes significant purchases of product from Chinese vendors. The Chinese Yuan exchange rate has been fixed against the U.S. Dollar since 1998. Recently, the Chinese government has been under increasing pressure to revalue its currency, or to make its exchange rate more flexible. Most experts believe that the value of the Yuan would increase relative to the U.S. Dollar if it was revalued or allowed to float. Such a move would most likely result in an increase in the cost of products that are purchased from China. Impact of Inflation The Company has not generally been adversely affected by inflation, although recentlythe Company did experience some material cost increases as a result of raw materials pricing pressuresshortages. These increases did not have become more evident.a material impact on the Company. The Company believes that materialfurther cost increases could potentially be mitigated by passing along price increases to customers or through the use of alternative suppliers or resourcing purchases to other countries.countries, however there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in such efforts. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123R, "Share-Based Payment" (SFAS No. 123R). This Statement is a revision of SFAS No. 123 and supersedes Accounting Principles Board (APB) 25 and its related implementation guidance. SFAS No. 123R requires a company to measure the grant-date fair value of equity awards given to employees in exchange for services and recognize that cost over the period that such services are performed. SFAS No. 123R is effective for the first interim or annual reporting period that begins after June 2002,15, 2005, the Company's third fiscal quarter. The Company is currently evaluating the two methods of adoption allowed by SFAS No. 123R: the modified-prospective transition method and the modified-retrospective transition method. While the Company has not yet determined the precise impact that this statement will have on its financial condition and results of operations for fiscal 2005, assuming future annual stock option awards are comparable to prior years annual awards and the Black-Scholes method is used to compute the value of the awards, the annualized impact on diluted earnings per share is expected to be consistent with our pro forma SFAS No. 123 disclosures. In December 2004, the FASB issued two FASB Staff Positions (FSP) regarding the accounting implications of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. The Company is assessing the impact, if any, that FAS No. 109-1, "Application of FASB Statement No. 109 'Accounting for Income Taxes' to the Tax Deduction on Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004" and FSP No. 109-2 "Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004" will have on the Company's effective tax rate in 2005. In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, "Accounting151 "Inventory Costs, an Amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4". SFAS No. 151 clarifies the accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposalabnormal amounts of Activities."idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material and requires that these items be recognized as current period charges. SFAS No. 151 applies only to inventory costs incurred during periods beginning after the effective date and also requires that the allocation of fixed production overhead to conversion costs be based on the normal capacity Page 18 of 42 of the production facilities. SFAS No. 151 is effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2006. The statement has been applied prospectively to exit or disposal activities initiated after December 28, 2002. The initialCompany is currently assessing the impact, if any, of the adoption of this pronouncement did not have a material effect on the consolidated statementprovisions of operations for the year ended December 27, 2003.SFAS No. 151. In December 2002,2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure - an amendment153 "Exchanges of SFAS 123." This statement amends SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," to provide alternative methodsNon-monetary Assets, An Amendment of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, this statement amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. The Company has chosen to continue to account for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed in APB Opinion No. 2529". SFAS No. 153 eliminates the exception for exchange of similar productive assets and related interpretations. Accordingly, compensation expensereplaces it with a general exception for stock optionsexchanges of non-monetary assets that do not have commercial substance. SFAS No. 153 is measured as the excess, if any, of the estimate of the market value ofeffective for non-monetary assets and exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005, the Company's stock atthird fiscal quarter. As the dateCompany does not engage in exchanges of non-monetary assets, the grant over the amountCompany does not anticipate that implementation of this statement will have an employee must pay to acquire the stock. The Company has adopted the annual disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 148 inimpact on its financial reports.condition or results of operations. In December 2003, the FASB issued Revised Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities - an interpretation of Account Research Bulletin No. 51." FIN No. 4646R addresses the consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities, as defined in the Interpretation. FIN No. 4646R expands existing accounting guidance regarding when a company should include in its financial statements the assets, liabilities and activities of another entity. Since the Company does not have any variable interests in variable interest entities, the adoption of FIN No. 4646R did not have any effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements Certain statements periodically made by or on behalf of the Company and certain statements contained herein including statements in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation; certain statements contained in Business, such as statements regarding litigation; and certain other statements contained herein regarding matters that are not historical fact are forward looking statements (as such term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933), and because such statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual Page 19 of 46 results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Factors that cause actual results to differ materially include but are not limited to those factors discussed in "Business - Investment Considerations.Risk Factors." Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk The Company's market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in interest rates. With the exception of the Company's revolving credit facility, long-term debt obligations are at fixed interest rates and denominated in U.S. dollars. The Company manages its interest rate risk by monitoring trends in interest rates as a basis for determining whether to enter into fixed rate or variable rate agreements. Under the terms of the Company's revolving credit facility and customer-sponsored programs to sell accounts receivable, a change in either the lender's base rate or LIBOR would affect the rate at which the Company could borrow funds thereunder. The Company believes that the effect of any such change would be minimal. Short-term fixed income investments are subject to interest rate and credit risk. The Company believes that the negative effect of interest rate risk would be minimal as all investments have maturities of one year or less. The Company's investment portfolio consists solely of investment grade corporate and government securities to minimize credit risk. The Company may occasionally use derivative financial instruments, consisting of foreign currency forward purchase and sales contracts with terms of less than one year, to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange. Its primary exposure to changes in foreign currency rates results from changes in exchange rates on certain third-party trade receivables and payables of the Company's Swedish subsidiary. There were no forward purchase or sales contracts outstanding as of December 27, 2003. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. The financial statement schedules of the Company that are filed with this Report on Form 10-K are listed in Item 15(a)(2), Part IV, of this Report. Page 2019 of 4642 Report of Independent Auditors' ReportRegistered Public Accounting Firm The Board of Directors R&B, Inc.: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of R&B, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 27, 200325, 2004 and December 28, 200227, 2003 and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the fiscal years then ended.in the three-year period ended December 25, 2004. In connection with our audits of the fiscal 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the fiscal 2003 and 2002 financial statement schedule. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. The fiscal 2001consolidated financial statements of R&B, Inc. were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations. Those auditors expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements in their report dated February 13, 2002. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditingthe standards generally accepted inof the United States of America.Public Accounting Oversight Board (United States) . Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the fiscal 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of R&B, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 27, 200325, 2004 and December 28, 2002,27, 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the fiscal years thenin the three-year period ended December 25, 2004, in conformity with accounting principlesU.S. generally accepted in the United States of America.accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related fiscal 2003 and 2002 financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. As discussed above,We also have audited, in accordance with the fiscal 2001 consolidated financial statementsstandards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of R&B, Inc. and subsidiaries were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations. As described in Note 3, these consolidatedsubsidiaries' internal control over financial statements have been revised to include the transitional disclosures required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, which was adopted by the Companyreporting as of December 30, 2001. In25, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 7, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on management's assessment of, and the disclosures for fiscal 2001 are appropriate. However, we were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the fiscal 2001 consolidatedeffective operation of, internal control over financial statements of R&B, Inc. and subsidiaries other than with respect to such disclosures, and accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on the fiscal 2001 consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.reporting. KPMG LLP Philadelphia, Pennsylvania February 11, 2004March 7, 2005 Page 2120 of 46 Report of Independent Public Accountants To R&B, Inc.: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of R&B, Inc. (a Pennsylvania corporation) and subsidiaries as of December 29, 2001 and December 30, 2000, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 29, 2001. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of R&B, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 29, 2001 and December 30, 2000 and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 29, 2001, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP Philadelphia, Pennsylvania February 13, 2002 Note: The report above is a copy of a previously issued report and it has not been reissued by Arthur Andersen LLP (Andersen). Page 22 of 4642 R&B, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Year Ended ---------------------------------------------------- December 25, December 27, December 28, December 29, (in thousands, except per share data) 2004 2003 2002 2001 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Sales $249,526 $222,083 $215,524 $201,668 Cost of goods sold 157,004 139,875 136,321 132,353 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross profit 92,522 82,208 79,203 69,315 Selling, general and administrative expenses 62,884 58,156 58,213 57,049 Gain on sale of specialty fastener business - - (2,143) - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income from operations 29,638 24,052 23,133 12,266 Interest expense, net of interest income of $103, $198, $411,and $439$411 2,853 3,376 3,931 4,289 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income before income taxes 26,785 20,676 19,202 7,977 Income taxes 9,704 7,372 6,845 2,748 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Income $ 17,081 $ 13,304 $ 12,357 $ 5,229 ============================================================================================================================================================================================================================ Earnings Per Share: Basic $ 1.93 $ 1.54 $ 1.46 Diluted $ 0.61 Diluted1.86 $ 1.47 $ 1.38 $ 0.60=============================================================================================================== Weighted Average Shares Outstanding: Basic 8,845 8,647 8,487 8,529 Diluted 9,184 9,050 8,948 8,647 ============================================================================================================================================================================================================================
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. Page 2321 of 4642 R&B, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 27,25, December 28,27, (in thousands, except share data) 2004 2003 2002 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------- --------------- Assets Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 15,1777,152 $ 5,16915,177 Short-term investments - 9,905 14,002 Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts and customer credits of $20,575 and $17,721 and $17,85460,962 44,127 48,769 Inventories 61,436 51,170 47,217 Deferred income taxes 8,417 7,493 7,621 Prepaids and other current assets 1,609 1,356 1,425 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------- --------------- Total current assets 139,576 129,228 124,203 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------- --------------- Property, Plant and Equipment, net 25,698 17,590 16,591 Goodwill 29,410 29,125 28,607 Other Assets 720 663 727 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------- --------------- Total $ 176,606195,404 $ 170,128176,606 ======================================================================== =============== =============== Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Current Liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt $ 8,5719,045 $ 9,2918,571 Accounts payable 15,599 10,029 11,813 Accrued compensation 8,028 7,379 7,304 Other accrued liabilities 5,319 4,797 4,455 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------- --------------- Total current liabilities 37,991 30,776 32,863- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------- --------------- Long-Term Debt 25,714 35,213 44,218 Deferred Income Taxes 6,472 4,632 3,475 Commitments and Contingencies (Note 13)10) Shareholders' Equity: Common stock, par value $.01; authorized 25,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 8,935,964 and 8,762,994 and 8,501,070 shares 89 88 85 Additional paid-in capital 34,749 33,950 32,937 Cumulative translation adjustments 3,509 2,148 55 Retained earnings 86,880 69,799 56,495- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- Total shareholders' equity 125,227 105,985 89,572 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------- --------------- Total $ 176,606195,404 $ 170,128176,606 ======================================================================== =============== ===============
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. Page 2422 of 4642 R&B, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common Stock ------------------------------------------- Additional Cumulative Shares Par Paid-In Translation Retained (in thousands, except share data) Issued Value Capital Adjustments Earnings Total - ------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ------------ ------------- ---------- ---------- Balance at December 30, 2000 8,481,517 $85 $34,229 $ (839) $38,909 $72,384 Common stock issued to Employee Stock Purchase Plan 4,106 - 11 - - 11 Common stock issued to 401(k) Retirement Plan 230,859 3 380 - - 383 Compensation expense on stock option issuance - - 297 - - 297 Purchase and cancellation of common stock (3) (2,416) - - (2,419) (Note 8) (250,000) Comprehensive Income: Net income - - - - 5,229 5,229 Currency translation adjustments - - - (723) - (723) ---------- Total comprehensive income 4,506 - ------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ---------- ---------- Balance at December 29, 2001 8,466,482 $ 85 $ 32,501 $ (1,562) 44,138$44,138 $ 75,162 Common stock issued to Employee Stock Purchase Plan 1,652 - 12 - - 12 Compensation expense on stock option issuance - - 363 - - 363 Shares issued under Incentive Stock Plan 32,936 - 61 - - 61 Comprehensive Income: Net income - - - - 12,357 12,357 Currency translation adjustments - - - 1,617 - 1,617 ---------- Total comprehensive income 13,974 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- --------------------- ------------ ------------- ---------- ---------- Balance at December 28, 2002 8,501,070 85 32,937 55 56,495 89,572 Common stock issued to Employee Stock Purchase Plan 568 - 5 - - 5 Compensation expense on stock option issuance - - 21 - - 21 Shares issued under Incentive Stock Plan 261,356 3 483 - - 486 Tax benefit of stock option exercises - - 504 - - 504 Comprehensive Income: Net income - - - - 13,304 13,304 Currency translation adjustments - - - 2,093 - 2,093 ---------- Total comprehensive income 15,397 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- --------------------- ------------ ------------- --------------------- ---------- Balance at December 27, 2003 8,762,994 $88 $33,950 $2,148 $69,799 $105,985 ===========================================88 33,950 2,148 69,799 105,985 Common stock issued to Employee Stock Purchase Plan 554 - 10 - - 10 Appreciation on shares redistributed to 401(k) plan - - 96 - - 96 Shares issued under Incentive Stock Plan 172,416 1 65 - - 66 Tax benefit of stock option exercises - - 628 - - 628 Comprehensive Income: Net income - - - - 17,081 17,081 Currency translation adjustments - - - 1,361 - 1,361 ---------- Total comprehensive income 18,442 - ------------------------------------------------ ----------- ---------- ------------ ------------- --------- ----------- Balance at December 25, 2004 8,935,964 $89 $34,749 $3,509 $86,880 $125,227 ================================================ =========== =========== ===================== ============ ============= ========== =================== =========== See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Page 2523 of 4642
R&B, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the Year Ended For the Year Ended For the Year Ended ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ December 25, December 27, December 28, December 29, (in thousands) 2004 2003 2002 2001 - --------------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net income $ 17,081 $ 13,304 $ 12,357 $ 5,229 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activites:activities: Depreciation and amortization 4,545 4,640 5,560 8,105 Provision for doubtful accounts 110 504 737 1,118 Provision (benefit) for deferred income tax 916 1,285 11 (2,751) Provision for non-cash stock compensation - 21 363 297 Gain on sale of specialty fastener business - - (1,329) - Changes in assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (16,391) 4,806 (13,339) (1,676) Inventories (9,669) (2,766) (2,351) 5,220 Prepaids and other current assets (148) 173 28 1,279 Other assets 66 (119) 516 1,231 Accounts payable 5,380 (1,862) 3,101 2762762,1012 Accrued compensation and other liabilities 1,976 757 (593) 3,221 - --------------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ Cash provided by operating activities 3,866 20,743 5,061 21,549 - --------------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Property, plant and equipment additions (12,801) (5,598) (3,543) (1,924) Purchase of short-term investments (4,821) (11,492) (22,795) - Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments 14,726 15,589 8,793 - Proceeds from litigation settlement and sale of specialty fastener business, net - - 7,374 - - --------------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ Cash used in investing activities (2,896) (1,501) (10,171) (1,924) - --------------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Repayment of long-term debt obligations (9,071) (9,725) (11,483) (5,883) Proceeds from common stock issuances 76 491 73 394 - --------------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ Cash used in financing activities (8,995) (9,234) (11,410) (5,489)( 11,410) - --------------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ Net (Decrease)Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents (8,025) 10,008 (16,520) 14,136 Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year 15,177 5,169 21,689 7,553 - --------------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year $ 7,152 $ 15,177 $ 5,169 $ 21,689 =================================================== ================== =================== ================== Supplemental Cash Flow Information Cash paid for interest expense $ 2,994 $ 3,638 $ 4,356 $ 4,788 Cash paid for income taxes $ 8,418 $ 5,572 $ 7,218 $ 4,206 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Page 2624 of 4642 R&B, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements December 27, 200325, 2004 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies R&B, Inc. (the "Company") is a leading supplier of OE Dealer "Exclusive" automotive replacement parts, automotive hardware and brake products to the automotive aftermarket and household hardware products to the general merchandise markets. R&B's products are marketed under more than seventy proprietary brand names, through its Motormite, Dorman, Allparts, Scan-Tech, MPI and Pik-A-Nut businesses. The Company operates on a fifty-two, fifty-three week period ending on the last Saturday of the calendar year. The fiscal years ended December 25, 2004, December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002 and December 29, 2001 are each fifty-two week periods. Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Short-term Investments. Short-term investments consist primarily of corporate and government bonds with maturities of three months to one year from the date of purchase. Short-term investments are classified as held-to-maturity and are recorded at amortized cost. As of December 27, 2003,25, 2004, the market value of theseCompany did not hold any short-term investments approximated the amortized cost.investments. Sales of Accounts Receivable. During 2003, theThe Company has entered into a factoring agreement with anseveral customer sponsored programs administered by unrelated financial institutioninstitutions that permitspermit the Company to sell, without recourse, certain accounts receivable at discounted rates to the financial institution.institutions. The Company does not retain any servicing requirements for these accounts receivable. Transactions under this factoring agreement are accounted for as sales of accounts receivable following the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 140, "Account"Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities - a Replacement of FASB Statement 125." At December 25, 2004 and December 27, 2003, $18.0 million and $2.0 million of accounts receivable were sold and removed from the consolidated balance sheet. The loss on the sale of receivables was $36,000.sheets, respectively. Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or market. The Company provides reserves for discontinued and excess inventory based upon historical demand, forecasted usage, estimated customer requirements and product line updates. During 2001, the Company revised its estimates which resulted in an increased provision of $3.6 million. Property and Depreciation. Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated over their estimated useful lives, which range from three to thirty-nine years, using the straight-line method for financial statement reporting purposes and accelerated methods for income tax purposes. Properties under capitalized leases were amortized over the related lease terms (3-15 years). The costs of maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Renewals and betterments are capitalized. Gains and losses on disposals are included in operating results. Page 2725 of 4642 Goodwill. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." SFAS No. 142 specifies that goodwill is no longer be amortized but instead is subject to periodic impairment testing. As a result, the Company no longer amortizes goodwill. The Company has completed the impairment tests required by SFAS No. 142, which did not result in an impairment charge. Changes to goodwill in 2004 and 2003 are due to currency translation. Other Assets. Other assets consist of deposits; costs incurred for the preparation and printing of product catalogs, which are capitalized and amortized upon distribution; and deferred financing costs, which are capitalized and amortized over the term of the related financing agreement. Foreign Currency Translation. Assets and liabilities of a foreign subsidiary are translated into U.S. dollars at the rate of exchange prevailing at the end of the year. Income statement accounts are translated at the average exchange rate prevailing during the year. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are recorded directly in shareholders' equity. Foreign Currency Contracts. In order to minimize exposure to foreign currency fluctuations with respect to foreign currency exposures, the Company may enter into forward exchange rate contracts for the amount of the exposure. Gains and losses arising from foreign currency forward contracts are recognized in income or expense as offsets of gains and losses resulting from the underlying hedged transactions. As of December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002, no open forward exchange contracts were outstanding. Concentrations of Credit Risk. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents, short-term investments, and accounts receivable. All cash equivalents and short-term investments are managed within established guidelines which limit the amount which may be invested with one issuer. A significant percentage of the Company's accounts receivable have been, and will continue to be, concentrated among a relatively small number of automotive retailers and warehouse distributors in the United States. The Company's five largest customers accounted for 77 % and 70% and 73% of totalnet accounts receivable as of December 27, 200325, 2004 and December 28, 2002,27, 2003, respectively. Management continually monitors the credit terms and credit limits to these and other customers. Fair Value Disclosures. The carrying value of financial instruments such as cash, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and other current assets and liabilities approximate their fair value based on the short-term nature of these instruments. Based on borrowing rates currently available to the Company for loans with similar terms and average maturities, the fair value of total long-term debt was $47.6$36.9 million and $58.7$47.6 million at December 27, 200325, 2004 and December 28, 2002,27, 2003, respectively. Income Taxes. The Company follows the liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets or liabilities at the end of each period are determined using the tax rate expected to be in effect when taxes are actually paid or recovered. Revenue Recognition. The Company recordsRevenue is recognized from product sales when its productsgoods are shipped.shipped, title and risk of loss have been transferred to the customer and collection is reasonably assured. The Company calculates its net sales by subtracting allowances for customer credits from gross sales. Allowances for customer credits include costs for product returns, discounts and promotional rebates given to customers who purchase new products for inclusion in their stores, and the cost of competitors' products that are purchased from the customer in order to induce a customer to purchase new product lines from the Company. These allowances for customer credits are shown as a reduction of accounts receivable. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are included in net sales. Costs associated with shipping and handling are included in cost of goods sold. Page 28 of 46 Earnings Per Share. The following table sets forth the computation of basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share for the three years ended December 27, 2003:25, 2004: Page 26 of 42
2004 2003 2002 2001 ---------- ---- ----------- ----- ----------- Numerator: (in thousands, except per share data) Numberator: Net income ............................................................ $17,081 $13,304 $12,357 $5,229 Denominator: Weighted average shares outstanding used in basic earnings per share calculation 8,845 8,647 8,487 8,529 Effect of dilutive stock options... ......options........ 339 403 461 118 ---------- ---- ----------- ----- ----------- Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding diluted earnings per share..........share......... 9,184 9,050 8,948 8,647 ========== ==== =========== ===== =========== Basic earnings per share...................... $1.54$1.93 $ 1.461.54 $ 0.611.46 ========== ==== =========== ===== =========== Diluted earnings per share.................... $1.86 $1.47 $1.38 $ 0.601.38 ========== ==== =========== ===== ===========
Options to purchase 50,750 5,000 and 5,000 shares were outstanding at December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002, and December 29, 2001, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share, as their effect would have been antidilutive. No outstanding options at December 25, 2004 were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share. Stock-Based Compensation. At December 27, 2003,25, 2004, the Company has one stock-based employee compensation plan, which is described more fully in Note 14.11. The Company accounts for this plan under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (APB No. 25), "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees", and related interpretations. Under APB No. 25, compensation expense is based on the difference, if any, on the date of the grant between the fair value of our stock and the exercise price of the option. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of FASB StatementSFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", to stock-based employee compensation.
Year Ended December - ------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------- (in thousands, except per share data) 2004 2003 2002 2001 - ------------------------------------------------------ ---------------- -------------- ------------- Net income: Net income, as reported $ 17,081 $ 13,304 $ 12,357 $ 5,229 Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense net of related tax effects, included in the determination of net income, as reported - 13 97 195 Less: Stock-based employee compensation expense, net of related tax effects, determined under fair value based method for all awards (81)(148) ( 81) (629) (594) - ------------------------------------------------------ ---------------- -------------- ------------- Net income, pro forma $ 16,933 $ 13,236 $ 11,825 $ 4,830 - ------------------------------------------------------ ---------------- -------------- ------------- Earnings per share: Basic - as reported $ 1.541.93 $ 1.46$ 0.611.54$ 1.46 Basic - pro forma $ 1.531.91 $ 1.39$ 0.571.53$ 1.39 Diluted - as reported $ 1.471.86 $ 1.38$ 0.601.47$ 1.38 Diluted - pro forma $ 1.461.84 $ 1.32$ 0.561.46$ 1.32
Page 29 of 46 The weighted average fair value of options granted in 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $9.33, $6.56 and 2001 was $6.56,Page 27 of 42 $4.64, and $1.75, respectively. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black- Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: 2004 2003 2002 2001 ---- ---- ---- Expected dividend yield 0% 0% 0% Expected stock price volatility 51% 52% 53% 46% Risk-free interest rate 3.6% 3.3% 3.3% 5.3% Expected life of option 7.5 years 7.5 years 7.5 years 2. Gain on Sale of Specialty Fastener Business and Litigation Settlement On May 1, 2002, the Company entered into agreements to sell the Company's specialty fastener business and to settle litigation initiated by the Company in 1996 related to its purchase of its Dorman business. Total proceeds from the sale and settlement, net of transaction costs and purchase price adjustments were approximately $7.4 million. The transactions resulted in an after-tax gain on the sale of the fastener business of $1.3 million, and a reduction in goodwill totaling $2.2 million. 3. Goodwill Effective December 30, 2001, the Company adopted SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." SFAS No. 142 specifies that goodwill will no longer be amortized but instead will be subject to periodic impairment testing. As a result, effective December 30, 2001, the Company no longer amortizes goodwill. The Company has completed the impairment tests required by SFAS No. 142, which did not result in an impairment charge. The elimination of goodwill amortization would have increased net income by $1.1 million for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2001, or $0.13 per diluted share.
Year Ended December -------------------------------------------------- (in thousands, except per share data) 2003 2002 2001 - --------------------------------------- ----------------- --------------- --------------- Net income: As reported $ 13,304 $ 12,357 $ 5,229 Amortization expense - goodwill - - 1,064 ----------------- --------------- --------------- Adjusted net income $ 13,304 $ 12,357 $ 6,293 ----------------- --------------- --------------- Basic earnings per share: As reported $ 1.54 $ 1.46 $ 0.61 Amortization exense - goodwill - - 0.13 ----------------- --------------- --------------- Adjusted earnings per share - basic $ 1.54 $ 1.46 $ 0.74 ----------------- --------------- --------------- Diluted earnings per share: As reported $ 1.47 $ 1.38 $ 0.60 Amortization expense - goodwill - - 0.13 ----------------- --------------- --------------- Adjusted earnings per share -diluted$ 1.47 $ 1.38 $ 0.73 ----------------- --------------- ---------------
Page 30 of 46 4. Restructuring Charges In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $11.4 million ($7.5 million after tax or $0.90 per share) to reflect costs primarily related to inventory write downs associated with the elimination of a significant number of underperforming products, as well as the closing of a warehouse and production facility in Carrollton, Georgia, and a workforce reduction of 158 people. In fiscal 2001, the Company determined that it had $0.2 million in excess facility shutdown reserves which were credited to selling, general and administrative expenses. 5. Inventories Inventories include the cost of material, freight, direct labor and overhead utilized in the processing of the Company's products. Inventories were as follows: December 27,25, December 28,27, (in thousands) 2004 2003 2002 - ---------------------- ------------------ -------------------- Bulk product $26,407 $22,365 $19,923 Finished product 32,029 25,906 24,462 Packaging materials 3,000 2,899 2,832 - ---------------------- ------------------ -------------------- Total $61,436 $51,170 $47,217 ====================== ================== ==================== 6.4. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment consists of the following: December 27,25, December 28,27, (in thousands) 2004 2003 2002 - ------------------------------------ -------------------------------------- -------------------- Property under capitalized leases $ 2,452 $ 2,452 Buildings 10,447 8,419 7,452 Machinery, equipment and tooling 24,693 20,296 17,987 Furniture, fixtures and leasehold improvements 3,633 3,677 3,512 Computer and other equipment 25,168 20,468 18,265 - ------------------------------------ -------------------------------------- -------------------- Total 66,393 55,312 49,668 Less-accumulated depreciation (40,695) (37,722) (33,077) - ------------------------------------ -------------------------------------- -------------------- Property, plant and equipment, net $25,698 $17,590 $16,591 ==================================== ====================================== ==================== Page 3128 of 4642 7.5. Long-Term Debt Long-term debt consists of the following: December 27,25, December 28,27, (in thousands) 2004 2003 2002 - --------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- Senior notes $34,285 $42,857 $51,428 Capitalized lease obligations - 720 Obligation for stock repurchase and other (Note 8)7) 474 927 1,361 - --------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- Total 34,759 43,784 53,509 Less: Current portion ( 8,571) (9,291)9,045) (8,571) - --------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- Total long-term debt $25,714 $35,213 $44,218 ================================= =================== =================== Senior Notes. The Senior Notes bear a 6.81% fixed interest rate, payable quarterly. Annual principal repayments at the rate of $8.6 million are due each August through 2008. Terms of the Note Purchase Agreement require, among other things, that the Company maintain certain financial covenants relating to debt to capital ratios and minimum net worth. Bank Credit Facility. The Company has a Revolving Credit Facility which provides for a $10 million facility for a three-year term that expires in March 2004.June 2005. Borrowings under the facility are on an unsecured basis with interest at rates ranging from LIBOR plus 150 to LIBOR plus 275 basis points. The loan agreement also contains covenants, the most restrictive of which pertain to net worth and the ratio of debt to EBITDA. The average amount outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility was $422,000 during 2004. The maximum amount outstanding in 2004 was $7.0 million. There were no borrowings outstanding as of December 25, 2004. There were no borrowings under the credit facility in 2003 or 2002. In March 2004, the Company amended its Revolving Credit Facility. The amended facility expiresFacility in June 2005. The March 2004 amendment reduced the total credit facility from $10 million to $5 million. Borrowings under the amended facility are on an unsecured basis with interest at LIBOR plus 150 basis points. All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.2003. The Company's Swedish subsidiary maintains a $1.8 million$750,000 credit facility. As of December 27, 2003,25, 2004, no amounts were outstanding under this facility, which is provided on an unsecured, short-term basis. The Company is in compliance with all financial covenants contained in the Senior Notes and Revolving Credit Facility. Capitalized Lease Obligations. The Company's capitalized lease obligation for its primary operating facility was with a partnership related to the Company by common ownership (see Note10) and was payable monthly in installments of $47,500 including interest imputed at 13.96% through December 2002. In 2002, the lease was extended through December 2007 and is now accounted for as an operating lease. The net book value of the asset under this capitalized lease was $0 at December 28, 2002. The Company entered into three sale/leaseback transactions with an equipment lease company to finance computer equipment. Two leases expired in 2002 and the third lease expired in 2003. Page 32 of 46 Aggregate annual principal payments applicable to long-term debt obligations as of December 27, 200325, 2004 are as follows: (in thousands) 20042005 $ 8,571 2005 9,5009,045 2006 8,571 2007 8,571 2008 8,5718,572 Thereafter - - ------------------------------------------ Total $43,784$34,759 - ------------------------------------------ 8. Equity Transactions In November 2001, the Company amended certain agreements related to its 1998 acquisition of Scan- Tech USA/Sweden A.B. and related entities ("Scan-Tech"). As a result of this transaction, the Company purchased and canceled 250,000 shares of its common stock issued in connection with the acquisition and canceled the earn out provisions of the acquisition agreement in exchange for consideration of approximately $3.2 million to be paid in installments through December 31, 2005. The Company paid $0.5 million and $1.25 million of this amount under the amended agreements in 2003 and 2002, respectively. The obligation includes interest imputed at a 5.0% rate. The remaining amount is payable to an entity controlled by the President of Scan-Tech. The transaction resulted in additional goodwill of $0.8 million during 2001. 9.6. Operating Lease Commitments and Rent Expense The Company leases certain equipment, automobiles and operating facilities, including the Company's primary operating facility which is leased from a partnership related to the Company by common ownership, under noncancelable operating leases. Approximate future minimum rental payments under these leases are summarized as follows: Page 29 of 42 (in thousands) 20042005 $ 2,430 2005 1,8712,267 2006 1,7192,125 2007 1,6962,060 2008 517522 2009 532 Thereafter 663137 - -------------- ------------------ Total $ 8,8967,643 ============== ================== Rent expense was $2.9 million in 2004, $2.8 million in 2003 and $2.9 million in 2002 and $2.7 million in 2001. 10.2002. 7. Related Party Transactions The Company has entered into a noncancelable operating lease for its primary operating facility from a partnership in which the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President are partners. Total rental payments each year to the partnership under the lease arrangement were $1.2 million in 2004, 2003 2002 and 2001.2002. Prior to April 2003, the Company had leased its Carrollton, Georgia facility from another partnership in which the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President are partners. During 2003, the Company entered into an agreement to terminate the lease for this facility. In connection with this agreement, the Company paid $200,000, which was accrued in 2002, to terminate this lease subject to the closing of the sale of the building by the partnership to an unrelated entity. Total payments to the partnership under the lease arrangements, including the lease termination payment, were $269,000 $272,000 and $269,000$272,000 in 2003 and 2002, respectively. In November 2001, the Company amended certain agreements related to its 1998 acquisition of Scan- Tech USA/Sweden A.B. and 2001, respectively. Page 33related entities ("ScanTech") in exchange for consideration of 46 11.approximately $3.2 million to be paid in installments through December 31, 2005. The Company paid $0.5 million of this amount both in 2004 and 2003. The obligation includes interest imputed at a 5.0% rate. The remaining amount payable of $0.5 million is due to an entity controlled by the President of Scan-Tech. 8. Income Taxes The components of the income tax provision (benefit) are as follows: (in thousands) 2004 2003 2002 2001 - ------------------------ ------------------ ----------------- ---------------- Current: Federal $7,621 $5,371 $ 6,048 $ 4,765 State 517 292 365 329 Foreign 650 424 394 405 - ------------------------ ------------------ ----------------- ---------------- 8,788 6,087 6,807 5,499 - ------------------------ ------------------ ----------------- ---------------- Deferred: Federal 857 1,224 36 (2,487) State 59 61 2 (264) Foreign - - - - ------------------------ ------------------ ----------------- ---------------- 916 1,285 38 (2,751) - ------------------------ ------------------ ----------------- ---------------- Total $9,704 $7,372 $6,845 $2,748 ======================== ================== ================= ================ Page 30 of 42 The following is a reconciliation of income taxes at the statutory tax rate to the Company's effective tax rate: 2004 2003 2002 2001 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Federal taxes at statutory rate 34.0%35.0% 34.0% 34.0% State taxes, net of Federal tax benefit 1.4% 1.1% 1.2% 0.5% Contributed property and otherOther (0.2%) 0.6% 0.4% (0.1%) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Effective tax rate 36.2% 35.7% 35.6% 34 4% =============================================================================== Deferred income taxes result from timing differences in the recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes. The sources of temporary differences are as follows: December 27,25, December 28,27, (in thousands) 2004 2003 2002 - --------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------- ---------------------- Assets: Inventories $3,251$3,195 $ 3,5573,251 Accounts receivable 3,449 2,833 2,523 Accrued expenses 1,765 1,547 1,780 - --------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------------------- Gross deferred tax assets 8,409 7,631 7,860 - --------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------- ---------------------- Liabilities: Depreciation 1,284 106 274 Goodwill 5,180 4,664 3,440 - --------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------- ---------------------- Gross deferred tax liabilities 6,464 4,770 3,714 - --------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------- ---------------------- Net deferred tax assets $1,945 $2,861 $4,146 ======================================================================= ================= ====================== ====================== Page 34Based on the Company's history of 46 12.taxable income and its projection of future earnings, the Company believes that it is more likely than not that sufficient taxable income will be generated in the foreseeable future to realize the net deferred tax assets. As of December 25, 2004, the Company has not provided taxes on unremitted foreign earnings from its foreign affiliate of approximately $8.7 million that are intended to be indefinitely reinvested in operations and expansion outside the United States. The Company is exploring a one time repatriation of earnings from certain foreign affiliates as a result of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, but has not made a decision regarding such repatriation. The deduction is subject to a number of limitations and uncertainty remains as to how to interpret numerous provisions in the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. As such, the Company is not yet in a position to decide on whether, and to what extent, it might repatriate foreign earnings. 9. Business Segments In accordance with SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information," the Company has determined that its business comprises a single reportable operationoperating segment, namely, the sale of replacement parts for the automotive aftermarket. During 2004, 2003 and 2002, two customers each accounted for more than 10% of net sales and in the aggregate accounted for 34%, 31% and 36% of net sales, respectively. During 2001, one customer accounted for approximately 24% of net sales. Net sales to countries outside the US, primarily to Western Europe and Canada in 2004, 2003 and 2002 and 2001 were $23.1 million, $20.7 million and $22.9 million, and $19.9 million, respectively. 13.10. Commitments and Contingencies Shareholder Agreement. A shareholder agreement was entered into in September 1990 and subsequentlyPage 31 of 42 amended in December 1992 and September 1993.restated on August 1, 2004. Under the agreement, each of Richard Berman, Steven Berman, Jordan Berman, Marc Berman and Fred Berman has granted the others of them rights of first refusal, exercisable on a pro rata basis or in such other proportions as the exercising shareholders may agree, to purchase shares of the common stock of the Company which any of them, or upon their deaths their respective estates, proposes to sell to third parties. The Company has agreed with these shareholders that, upon their deaths, to the extent that any of their shares are not purchased by any of these surviving shareholders and may not be sold without registration under the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), the Company will use its best efforts to cause those shares to be registered under the 1933 Act. The expenses of any such registration will be borne by the estate of the deceased shareholder. Legal Proceedings. The Company is party to certain legal proceedings and claims arising in the normal course of business. Management believes that the disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations. Facility Expansion Costs. In December 2003, the Company announced its intention to add 77,200 square feet to its central distribution center in Warsaw, Kentucky by July 2004. The total estimated cost of the addition and enhancements to the warehouse space is expected to be approximately $2.8 million. The Company has commitments totaling $600,000 under contracts for a portion of the construction costs as of December 27, 2003 that are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements. 14.11. Capital Stock Undesignated Stock. The Company has 75,000,000 shares authorized of undesignated capital stock for future issuance. The designation, rights and preferences of such shares will be determined by the Board of Directors. Incentive Stock Option Plan. Effective May 18, 2000 the Company amended and restated its Incentive Stock Option Plan (the "Plan"). Under the terms of the Plan, the Board of Directors of the Company may grant incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options or combinations thereof to purchase up to 1,172,500 shares of common stock to officers, directors and employees. Grants under the Plan must be made within 10 years of the plan amendment date and are exercisable at the discretion of the Board of Directors but in no event more than 10 years from the date of grant. At December 27, 2003,25, 2004, options to acquire 208,081218,041 shares were available for grant under the Plan. Transactions under the Plan for the three years ended December 27, 200325, 2004 were as follows: Page 35 of 46
Option Price Weighted Shares per Share Average Price - --------------------------------------- ---------------- ------------------- ------------------- Balance at December 30, 2000 849,854 $ 1.00 - $ 12.63 $ 6.17 Granted 611,000 1.875 - 5.70 3.00 Exercised - - - Canceled (656,425) 1.00 - 12.63 7.61 - --------------------------------------- ---------------- ------------------- ------------------- Balance at December 29, 2001 804,429 1.00$1.00 - 9.625 2.59$2.59 Granted 45,000 8.00 8.00 Exercised (51,750) 1.00 - 3.00 2.71 Canceled (7,500) 3.00 3.00 - --------------------------------------- ---------------- ------------------- ------------------- Balance at December 28, 2002 790,179 1.00 - 9.625 2.89 Granted 148,250 10.15 - 14.28 11.51 Exercised (284,033) 1.00 - 9.625 2.62 Canceled ( 5,750) 3.00 - 8.00 6.07 - --------------------------------------- ---------------- ------------------- ------------------- Balance at December 27, 2003 648,646 $ 1.00 - 14.28 $ 4.96 Granted 60,000 16.01 - 19.45 16.46 Exercised (193,346) 1.00 - 10.15 2.77 Canceled ( 54,000) 10.15 - 10.16 10.16 - --------------------------------------- ---------------- ------------------- ------------------- Balance at December 25, 2004 461,300 $1.00 - 19.45 $6.77 - --------------------------------------- ---------------- ------------------- ------------------- Options exercisable at December 27, 2003 457,196 $ 1.0025, 2004 295,367 $1.00 - $8.00 $ 2.6414.28 $3.36 - --------------------------------------- ---------------- ------------------- -------------------
Page 32 of 42 The following table summarizes information concerning currently outstanding and exercisable options at December 27, 2003:25, 2004:
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable ----------------------------------------------- --------------------------------- Weighted- Average Weighted- Weighted- Remaining Average AverageWeighted- Range of Numbers Contractual Exercise Number ExerciseAverage Exercise Price Outstanding Life (years) Price Exercisable Exercise Price - ------------------ ---------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------------- --------------- $1.00 - $3.00 452,896 7.2 $2.52 447,596267,550 6.1 $2.50 264,017 $ 2.532.51 $5.70 - $8.00 47,500 8.4 $7.75 9,60040,500 7.4 $7.82 12,700 $ 7.527.73 $10.15 - $14.28 148,250 9.6 $11.5193,250 8.7 $12.32 18,650 $12.32 $16.01 - $19.45 60,000 9.2 $16.46 - -
Employee Stock Purchase Plan. In March 1992, the Board of Directors adopted the Employee Stock Purchase Plan which was subsequently approved by the shareholders. The Plan permits the granting of options to purchase up to 300,000 shares of common stock by the employees of the Company. In any given year, employees may purchase up to 4% of their annual compensation, with the option price set at 85% of the fair market value of the stock on the date of exercise. All options granted during any year expire on the last day of the fiscal year. During 2003,2004, optionees had exercised rights to purchase 568554 shares at prices from $7.64$14.03 to $11.64$22.47 per share for total net proceeds of $5,000.$10,000. 401(k) Retirement Plan. The Company maintains a defined contribution profit sharing and 401(k) plan covering substantially all of its employees as of December 27, 2003.25, 2004. Annual contributions under the plan are determined by the Board of Directors of the Company. Consolidated expense related to the plan was $865,000, $1,121,000, $856,000, and $957,000$856,000 in fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002, and 2001, respectively. Page 36 of 46 15.12. Accounting Pronouncements In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 123R, "Share-Based Payment". This Statement is a revision of SFAS No. 123 and supersedes APB No. 25 and its related implementation guidance. SFAS No. 123R requires a company to measure the grant-date fair value of equity awards given to employees in exchange for services and recognize that cost over the period that such services are performed. SFAS No. 123R is effective for the first interim or annual reporting period that begins after June 2002,15, 2005, the Company's third fiscal quarter. The Company is currently evaluating the two methods of adoption allowed by SFAS No. 123R: the modified-prospective transition method and the modified- retrospective transition method. While the Company has not yet determined the precise impact that this statement will have on its financial condition and results of operations for fiscal 2005, assuming future annual stock option awards are comparable to prior years annual awards and the Black-Scholes method is used to compute the value of the awards, the annualized impact on diluted earnings per share is expected to be consistent with our pro forma SFAS No. 123 disclosures. In December 2004, the FASB issued two FASB Staff Positions (FSP) regarding the accounting implications of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. The Company is assessing the impact, if any, that FAS No. 109-1, "Application of FASB Statement No. 109 'Accounting for Income Taxes' to the Tax Deduction on Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004" and FSP No. 109-2 "Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004" will have on the Company's effective tax rate in 2005. In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, "Accounting151 "Inventory Costs, an Amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4". SFAS No. 151 clarifies the accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposalabnormal amounts of Activities."idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material and requires that these items be recognized as current period charges. SFAS Page 33 of 42 No. 151 applies only to inventory costs incurred during periods beginning after the effective date and also requires that the allocation of fixed production overhead to conversion costs be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. SFAS No. 151 is effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2006. The statement has been applied prospectively to exit or disposal activities initiated after December 28, 2002. The initialCompany is currently assessing the impact, if any, of the adoption of this pronouncement did not have a material effect on the consolidated statementprovisions of operations for the year ended December 27, 2003.SFAS No. 151. In December 2002,2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure - an amendment153 "Exchanges of SFAS 123." This statement amends SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," to provide alternative methodsNon-monetary Assets, An Amendment of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, this statement amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. The Company has chosen to continue to account for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed in APB Opinion No. 2529". SFAS No. 153 eliminates the exception for exchange of similar productive assets and related interpretations. Accordingly, compensation expensereplaces it with a general exception for stock optionsexchanges of non-monetary assets that do not have commercial substance. SFAS No. 153 is measured as the excess, if any, of the estimate of the market value ofeffective for non-monetary assets and exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005, the Company's stock atthird fiscal quarter. As the dateCompany does not engage in exchanges of non-monetary assets, the grant over the amountCompany does not anticipate that implementation of this statement will have an employee must pay to acquire the stock. The Company has adopted the annual disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 148 inimpact on its financial reports.condition or results of operations. In December 2003, the FASB issued Revised Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities - an interpretation of Account Research Bulletin No. 51." FIN No. 4646R addresses the consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities, as defined in the Interpretation. FIN No. 4646R expands existing accounting guidance regarding when a company should include in its financial statements the assets, liabilities and activities of another entity. Since the Company does not have any variable interests in variable interest entities, the adoption of FIN No. 4646R did not have any effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations. 13. Subsequent Event On February 24, 2005, the Company's Board of Directors approved a two-for-one split of the Company's common stock, payable in the form of a stock dividend of one share for each share held. The Board of Directors set March 15, 2005 as the record date for the determination of the shareholders entitled to receive the additional shares. The Company expects the shares to be distributed on March 28, 2005. Page 3734 of 4642 Supplementary Financial Information Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited): The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations for the fiscal years ended December 27, 200325, 2004 and December 28, 2002:27, 2003:
(in thousands, except per First Second Third Fourth share amounts) Quarter Quarter (a) Quarter Quarter - ----------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- --- --------------- ----------------- 20032004 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net sales $50,272 $58,068 $58,183 $55,560$56,005 $64,277 $64,135 $65,109 Income from operations 4,338 6,372 6,610 6,7325,957 9,114 7,624 6,943 Net income 2,225 3,525 3,717 3,8373,318 5,317 4,402 4,044 Diluted earnings per share 0.25 0.39 0.41 0.42 20020.36 0.58 0.48 0.44 2003 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net sales $51,080 $55,455 $53,889 $55,100$50,272 $58,068 $58,183 $55,560 Income from operations 4,321 7,543 4,962 6,3074,338 6,372 6,610 6,732 Net income 2,147 4,115 2,608 3,4872,225 3,525 3,717 3,837 Diluted earnings per share 0.24 0.46 0.290.25 0.39 0.41 0.42
(a) Results for the second quarter of 2002 include gain on sale of specialty fastener business of $2,143 ($1,329 after tax or $0.15 per share). Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company annually considers and recommends to the Board the selection of R&B's independent public accountants. As recommended by the Company's Audit Committee, the Board of Directors on June 19, 2002 decided to no longer engage Arthur Andersen LLP ("Andersen") as the Company's independent public accountants and engaged KPMG LLP to serve as the Company's independent public accountants for the fiscal year ending December 28, 2002. Andersen's report on the company's audited financial statements for the year ended December 29, 2001 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles. During the year ended December 29, 2001, and the interim period between December 29, 2001 and June 19, 2002, there were no disagreements between the Company and Andersen on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure which, if not resolved to Andersen's satisfaction, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter in connection with its report on the Company's financial statements for those years. Also, during those two years and interim period, there were no reportable events as listed in Item 304(a) (1) (v) of Regulation S-K. The Company provided Andersen with a copy of the foregoing disclosure. Andersen's letter dated June 20, 2002, stating its agreement with such statements, was filed as Exhibit 16 to the Company's Form 8-K filed June 20, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference. During the year ended December 29, 2001, and the interim period between December 29, 2001 and Page 38 of 46 June 19, 2002, the Company did not consult with KPMG regarding application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company's consolidated financial statements, or any other matter or reportable event listed in Items 304 (a) (2) (i) and (ii) of Regulation S-K.None Item 9A. Controls and Procedures. Quarterly evaluationConclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of the Company's Disclosure Controls and Internal Controls. WithinProcedures Our Management, with the 90 days priorparticipation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, conducted an evaluation, as of December 25, 2004, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e). Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this annual report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in reaching a reasonable level of assurance that management is timely alerted to material information related to us during the date of this Annualperiod when our periodic reports are being prepared. Management's Report on Form 10-K,Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Our management, with the Company evaluatedparticipation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, conducted an evaluation, as of December 25, 2004, of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation under the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, our management concluded that, as of December 25, 2004, our internal control over financial reporting was effective to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Page 35 of 42 Our management's assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 25, 2004 has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein. Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, also conducted an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting, to determine whether any changes occurred during the quarter ended December 25, 2004 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, there was no such change during the quarter ended December 25, 2004. Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm The Board of Directors R&B, Inc.: We have audited management's assessment, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting that R&B, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 25, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). R&B, Inc.'s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management's assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit 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 effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management's assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operationoperating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention of timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its "disclosure controls and procedures" ("Disclosure Controls"). This evaluation ("Controls Evaluation") was done under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"). Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls. The Company's management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that its Disclosure Controls or its "internal controls and procedures for financial reporting" ("Internal Controls" ) will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations, in allinternal control systems, noover financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of controls can provide absolute assuranceeffectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. BecauseIn our opinion, management's assessment that R&B, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 25, 2004, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on Page 36 of 42 criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the inherent limitationsTreadway Commission (COSO). Also, in a cost-effectiveour opinion, R&B, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. Conclusions. Based uponover financial reporting as of December 25, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Controls Evaluation,Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the CEO and CFOTreadway Commission (COSO). We also have concluded that, subject to the limitations noted above, the Disclosure Controls are effective to timely alert management to material information relating to the Company during the period when its periodic reports are being prepared. Inaudited, in accordance with SEC requirements, the CEO and CFO note that, since the datestandards of the Controls Evaluation toPublic Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the dateconsolidated balance sheets of this Annual Report, there have been no significant changesR&B, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 25, 2004 and December 27, 2003, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in Internal Controls or in other factors that could significantly affect Internal Controls, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficienciesthe three-year period ended December 25, 2004, and material weaknesses.the related financial statement schedule, and our report dated March 7, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements and the related financial statement schedule. KPMG LLP Philadelphia, PA March 7, 2005 PART III Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant. Information concerning the directors of the Company is incorporated by reference to the section entitled "Election of Directors" in the Company's Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 20, 2004.19, 2005. Information concerning executive officers of the Company who are not also directors is presented in Item 4.1, Part I of this Report on Form 10-K. The information required by Item 10 regarding audit committee financial expert disclosure is incorporated by reference from the information under the caption "Committees of the Board of Directors - Audit Committee" in the Company's Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 20, 2004. Page 39 of 46 19, 2005. The Company has adopted a written code of ethics, "Our Values and Standards of Business Conduct," which is applicable to all Company directors, officers and employees, including the Company"sCompany's chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and principal accounting officer and controller and other executive officers identified pursuant to this Item 10 (collectively, the "Selected Officers"). In accordance with the Commission's rules and regulations a copy of the code is being filed as an exhibit to the this Form 10-K and is posted on our website. The Company intends to disclose any changes in or waivers from its code of ethics applicable to any Selected Officer or director on its website at www.rbinc.com. Item 11. Executive Compensation. Incorporated by reference to the section entitled "Executive Compensation and Transactions" in the Company's Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 20, 2004.19, 2005. Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management. Incorporated by reference to the section entitled "Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock" in the Company's Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 20, 2004.19, 2005. Page 37 of 42 Equity Compensation Plan Information The following table details information regarding the Company's existing equity compensation plans as of December 27, 2003:25, 2004:
(c) Number of securities (a) remaining available for Number of securities (b) future issuance under to be issued upon Weighted-average equity compensation exercise of outstanding exercise price of plans (excluding Plan Category outstanding options, warrants and outstanding options, securities reflected in warrants and rights warrants and rights column (a)) - ------------------------------ ---------------------- --------------------- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- Equity compensation plans approved by security holders 648,646 $4.96 208,081461,300 $6.77 218,041 Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders - - - ----------------------- -------------------- ------------------------ Total 648,646 $4.96 208,081461,300 $6.77 218,041 ======================= ==================== ========================
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. Incorporated by reference to the section entitled "Executive Compensation and Transactions" in the Company's Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 20, 2004. Page 40 of 46 19, 2005. Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services. Incorporated by reference to the section entitled "Independent Auditors Fees" in the Company's Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 20, 2004.19, 2005. PART IV Item 15. Exhibits and Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K.Schedules. (a)(1) Consolidated Financial Statements. The consolidated financial statements of the Company and related documents are listed in Item 8, Part II, of this Report on Form 10-K. Independent Auditors' Report Report of Independent Registered Public AccountantsAccounting Firm Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 25, 2004, December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002 and December 29, 2001.2002. Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 27, 200325, 2004 and December 28, 2002.27, 2003. Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 25, 2004, December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002 and December 29, 2001.2002. Page 38 of 42 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 25, 2004, December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002 and December 29, 2001.2002. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (a)(2) Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules. The following consolidated financial statement schedule of the Company and related documents are filed with this Report on Form 10-K: Page Report of Independent Public Accountants on Financial Statement Schedule............................................45 Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts...............46Accounts..................42 (a)(3) Exhibits.Exhibits that are filed as a part of this Form 10-K and required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K and Item 15(c) of this Form 10-K are listed below: Item 601 Exhibit Number Title 3.1 (1) Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company. 3.2 (1) Bylaws of the Company. 4.1 (1) Specimen Common Stock Certificate of the Company. 4.2(1)4.2 Amended and Restated Shareholders' Agreement dated September 17, 1990. 4.2.1 (2) Amendment to Shareholders' Agreement, dated December 29, 1992, amending 4.2. 4.2.2 (3) Amendment to Shareholders' Agreement, dated September 14, 1993, amending 4.2. Page 41 of 46 4.2.3 (4) Amendment to Shareholders' Agreement, dated March 14, 1994, amending 4.2.August 1, 2004 (filed with this report). 10.1 (1) Lease, dated December 1, 1990, between the Company and the Berman Real Estate Partnership, for premises located at 3400 East Walnut Street, Colmar, Pennsylvania. 10.1.1(3)10.1.1 (3) Amendment to Lease, dated September 10, 1993, between the Company and the Berman Real Estate Partnership, for premises located at 3400 East Walnut Street, Colmar, Pennsylvania, amending 10.1. 10.1.2(5)10.1.2 (5) Assignment of Lease, dated February 24, 1997, between the Company, the Berman Real Estate Partnership and BREP 1, for the premises located at 3400 East Walnut Street, Colmar, Pennsylvania, assigning 10.1. 10.1.3(8)10.1.3 (8) Amendment to Lease, dated April 1, 2002, between the Company and the BREP I, for premises located at 3400 East Walnut Street, Colmar, Pennsylvania, amending 10.1. 10.3 (6)+ R&B, Inc. Amended and Restated Incentive Stock Plan. 10.4 (2)+ R&B, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Plan and Trust. 10.4.1 (7)+ Amendment No. 1 to the R&B, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Plan and Trust. 10.5 (2)+ R&B, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan. 21 Subsidiaries of the Company (filed with this report) 23 Consent of KPMG LLPIndependent Registered Public Accounting Firm (filed with this report) Page 39 of 42 31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer as required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed with this report). 31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer as required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed with this report). 32 Certification of Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed with this report). -------------------------- ------------------------ + Management Contracts and Compensatory Plans, Contracts or Arrangements. (1) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 and Amendments No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 thereto (Registration No. 33-37264). (2) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits files with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 1992. (3) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 and Amendment No. 1 thereto (Registration No. 33-68740). (4) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 1993. (5) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 1996. (6)Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with the Company's Proxy Statement for the fiscal year ended December 27, 1997. Page 42 of 46 (7) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 25, 1994. (8) Incorporate by reference to the Exhibits filed with the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 29, 2002. (b) Reports on Form 8-K. The Company furnished a report on Form 8-K on February 19, 2004 that included the Company's press release dated February 13, 2004 reporting fourth quarter and full year resultsPage 40 of fiscal year 2003. Page 43 of 4642 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. R&B, Inc. Date: March 16, 20048, 2005 By: \s\ Richard N. Berman ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Richard N. Berman, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Signature Capacity Date ---------- ------------------------- ---------- \s\ Richard N. Berman President, Chief Executive March 16, 20048, 2005 - ---------------------- Richard N. Berman Officer, and Chairman of the Richard N. Berman Board of Directors (principal executive officer) \s\ Mathias J. Barton Chief Financial Officer March 16, 20048, 2005 - ---------------------- Mathias J. Barton (principal financial and accounting officer) \s\ Steven L. Berman Executive Vice President, March 16, 20048, 2005 -------------------- Secretary-Treasurer, and Steven L. Berman Secretary-Treasurer, and Director \s\ George L. Bernstein Director March 16, 20048, 2005 - ------------------------ George L. Bernstein \s\ John F. Creamer, Jr. Director March 16, 20048, 2005 - ------------------------- John F. Creamer, Jr. \s\ Paul R. Lederer Director March 16, 20048, 2005 ------------------- Paul R. Lederer \s\ Edgar W. Levin Director March 16, 20048, 2005 - -------------------- Edgar W. Levin Page 4441 of 4642 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE To R&B, Inc.: We have audited in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, the consolidated financial statements of R&B, Inc. and subsidiaries included in this Form 10-K and have issued our report thereon dated February 13, 2002. Our audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the consolidated statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed in Item 14(a)(2) is the responsibility of the Company's management and is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not part of the basic consolidated financial statements. This schedule has been subjected to the audit procedures applied in the audits of the basic consolidated financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly states in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. /s/Arthur Andersen LLP Philadelphia, Pennsylvania February 13, 2002 Note: The report above is a copy of a previously issued report and it has not been reissued by Arthur Andersen LLP (Andersen). Page 45 of 46
SCHEDULE II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (in thousands) For the Year Ended - -------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------- December 25, December 27, December 28, December 29,2004 2003 2002 2001 ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- Allowance for doubtful accounts: Balance, beginning of period $ 1,191 $ 1,337 $ 901 $836 Provision 110 504 737 1,118 Charge-offs (650)(195) ( 301) (1,053)650) (301) - -------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- Balance, end of period $ 1,106 $ 1,191 $ 1,337 $ 901 ====================================== ================= ================= ================ Allowance for customer credits: Balance, beginning of period $ 16,530 $ 16,517 $ 14,209 $ 9,498 Provision 40,375 37,136 35,769 29,742 Charge-offs (37,436) (37,123) (33,461) (25,031) - -------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- Balance, end of period $ 16,530 $16,51719,469 $16,530 $ 14,209 ====================================== ================= ================= ================ Restructuring reserves: Balance, beginning of period $ - $ - $ 3,380 Provision - - - Charge-offs - - (3,155) Reversal of excess charge - - (225) - -------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- Balance, end of period $ - $ - $ -16,517 ====================================== ================= ================= ================
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