UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended November 1, 2015January 31, 2016
Commission File No. 1-12597

CULP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

NORTH CAROLINA56-1001967
(State or other jurisdiction of(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or other organization) 

1823 Eastchester Drive 
High Point, North Carolina27265-1402
(Address of principal executive offices)(zip code)

(336) 889-5161
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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 the filing requirements for at least the past 90 days.     x YES     NO o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period after the registrant was required to submit and post such files).     x YES     NO o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “accelerated filer, large accelerated filer, and smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one);

Large accelerated filer  o
Accelerated filer  x
Non-accelerated filer  o
   
 
Smaller Reporting Company  o
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     o YES     NO x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

Common shares outstanding at November 1, 2015:  12,350,265January 31, 2016:  12,250,489
Par Value: $0.05 per share
 
 
 

 
 
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
For the period ended November 1, 2015
January 31, 2016


 
 

 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET INCOME 
FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 1, 2015 AND NOVEMBER 2, 2014 
UNAUDITED 
(Amounts in Thousands, Except for Per Share Data) 
       
  THREE MONTHS ENDED
       
  November 1, November 2,
  2015 2014
       
Net sales $76,956   73,991 
Cost of sales  61,223   61,713 
Gross profit  15,733   12,278 
         
Selling, general and        
  administrative expenses  9,433   7,379 
Income from operations  6,300   4,899 
         
Interest income  (69)  (153)
Other expense  225   162 
Income before income taxes  6,144   4,890 
         
Income taxes  2,373   1,889 
Net income $3,771   3,001 
         
Net income per share, basic $0.31   0.25 
Net income per share, diluted  0.30   0.24 
Average shares outstanding, basic  12,343   12,218 
Average shares outstanding, diluted  12,484   12,401 
         
  SIX MONTHS ENDED
         
   
November 1,
  
November 2,
   2015  2014
         
Net sales $157,141   150,051 
Cost of sales  125,206   125,058 
Gross profit  31,935   24,993 
         
Selling, general and        
  administrative expenses  18,175   14,798 
Income from operations  13,760   10,195 
         
Interest expense  -   67 
Interest income  (112)  (294)
Other expense  320   73 
Income before income taxes  13,552   10,349 
         
Income taxes  5,081   4,003 
Net income $8,471   6,346 
         
Net income per share, basic $0.69   0.52 
Net income per share, diluted  0.68   0.51 
Average shares outstanding, basic  12,310   12,215 
Average shares outstanding, diluted  12,481   12,403 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
I-1

 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 1, 2015 AND NOVEMBER 2, 2014 
(UNAUDITED) 
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS) 
       
  THREE MONTHS ENDED
       
  November 1, November 2,
  2015 2014
       
Net income $3,771  $3,001 
         
Other comprehensive income (loss)        
         
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments        
         
Unrealized holding losses on investments  (29)  (18)
         
Reclassification adjustment for realized loss included in net income  56   - 
         
Total other comprehensive income (loss)  27   (18)
         
         
Comprehensive income $3,798  $2,983 
         
         
         
         
  SIX MONTHS ENDED
         
   
November 1,
  
November 2,
   2015  2014
         
Net income $8,471  $6,346 
         
Other comprehensive loss        
         
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments        
         
Unrealized holding losses on investments  (118)  (28)
         
Reclassification adjustment for realized loss included in net income  56   - 
         
Total other comprehensive loss  (62)  (28)
         
         
Comprehensive income $8,409  $6,318 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
I-2

 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
NOVEMBER 1, 2015, NOVEMBER 2, 2014, AND MAY 3, 2015 
UNAUDITED 
(Amounts in Thousands) 
          
  November 1, November 2, * May 3,
  2015 2014 2015
Current assets:         
Cash and cash equivalents $31,176   28,953   29,725 
Short-term investments  6,320   6,318   10,004 
Accounts receivable, net  23,314   25,045   28,749 
Inventories  46,479   38,228   42,484 
Deferred income taxes  7,754   6,191   4,790 
Income taxes receivable  75   -   229 
Other current assets  2,614   2,303   2,440 
Total current assets  117,732   107,038   118,421 
             
Property, plant and equipment, net  38,319   33,204   36,078 
Goodwill  11,462   11,462   11,462 
Deferred income taxes  382   508   447 
Long-term investments  3,279   1,911   2,415 
Other assets  2,494   2,539   2,545 
             
Total assets $173,668   156,662   171,368 
             
Current liabilities:            
Current maturities of long-term debt $-   2,200   2,200 
Accounts payable-trade  25,221   25,450   28,414 
Accounts payable - capital expenditures  1,269   178   990 
Accrued expenses  9,895   7,723   11,129 
Income taxes payable - current  305   268   325 
Total current liabilities  36,690   35,819   43,058 
             
Income taxes payable - long-term  3,655   3,980   3,792 
Deferred income taxes  5,927   1,395   1,050 
Deferred compensation  4,421   3,794   4,041 
             
Total liabilities  50,693   44,988   51,941 
             
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 15)            
             
Shareholders' equity            
Preferred stock, $0.05 par value, authorized            
10,000,000  -   -   - 
Common stock, $0.05 par value, authorized            
40,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding            
12,350,265 at November 1, 2015; 12,218,521            
at November 2, 2014; and 12,219,121 at            
May 3, 2015  618   611   611 
Capital contributed in excess of par value  44,708   42,658   43,159 
Accumulated earnings  77,806   68,493   75,752 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (157)  (88)  (95)
Total shareholders' equity  122,975   111,674   119,427 
             
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $173,668   156,662   171,368 
* Derived
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET INCOME
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2016 AND FEBRUARY 1, 2015
UNAUDITED
(Amounts in Thousands, Except for Per Share Data)
THREE MONTHS ENDED
January 31,February 1,
20162015
Net sales$78,46681,269
Cost of sales61,90366,867
Gross profit16,56314,402
Selling, general and
administrative expenses9,3378,375
Income from audited financial statements.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
I-3

 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 1, 2015 AND NOVEMBER 2, 2014 
UNAUDITED 
(Amounts in Thousands) 
       
  SIX MONTHS ENDED
       
  November 1, November 2,
  2015 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net income $8,471   6,346 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash        
provided by operating activities:        
Depreciation  3,184   2,812 
Amortization of other assets  86   94 
Stock-based compensation  1,339   291 
Excess tax benefit related to stock-based compensation  (838)  (108)
Deferred income taxes  2,816   2,061 
Gain on sale of equipment  (60)  (35)
Realized loss on sale of short-term investments  56   - 
Foreign currency gains  (13)  (171)
Changes in assets and liabilities:        
Accounts receivable  4,892   2,360 
Inventories  (4,135)  2,467 
Other current assets  (302)  34 
Other assets  8   (36)
Accounts payable - trade  (2,921)  (1,275)
Accrued expenses and deferred compensation  (1,547)  (324)
Income taxes  168   22 
Net cash provided by operating activities  11,204   14,538 
         
Cash flows from investing activities:        
Capital expenditures  (5,255)  (5,087)
Proceeds from the sale of equipment  225   391 
Proceeds from the sale of life insurance policies  -   320 
Proceeds from the sale of short-term investments  3,612   1,628 
Purchase of short-term investments  (46)  (1,675)
Purchase of long-term investments  (864)  (1,146)
Net cash used in investing activities  (2,328)  (5,569)
         
Cash flows from financing activities:        
Payments on line of credt  -   (538)
Payments on long-term debt  (2,200)  (2,200)
Repurchase of common stock  -   (745)
Dividends paid  (6,417)  (6,113)
Payments on debt issuance costs  (43)  - 
Proceeds from common stock issued  126   89 
Excess tax benefit related to stock-based compensation  838   108 
Net cash used in financing activities  (7,696)  (9,399)
         
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents  271   80 
         
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  1,451   (350)
         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  29,725   29,303 
         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $31,176   28,953 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
I-4

 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
UNAUDITED 
(Dollars in thousands, except share data) 
                   
        Capital    Accumulated  
        Contributed    Other Total
  Common Stock in Excess Accumulated Comprehensive Shareholders’
  Shares Amount of Par Value Earnings Loss Equity
Balance, April 27, 2014  12,250,030  $612   42,932   68,260   (60) $111,744 
Net income  -   -   -   15,071   -   15,071 
Stock-based compensation  -   -   786   -   -   786 
Unrealized loss on investments  -   -   -   -   (35)  (35)
Excess tax benefit related to stock                        
  based compensation  -   -   109   -   -   109 
Common stock repurchased  (43,014)  (2)  (743)  -   -   (745)
Fully vested common stock award  3,000   -   -   -   -   - 
Common stock issued in connection                  .     
  with exercise of stock options  10,100   1   93   -   -   94 
Common stock surrendered for                        
  withholding taxes payable  (995)  -   (18)  -   -   (18)
Dividends paid  -   -   -   (7,579)  -   (7,579)
Balance, May 3, 2015 *  12,219,121   611   43,159   75,752   (95)  119,427 
Net income  -   -   -   8,471   -   8,471 
Stock-based compensation  -   -   1,339   -   -   1,339 
Unrealized loss on investments  -   -   -   -   (62)  (62)
Excess tax benefit related to stock                        
  based compensation  -   -   838   -   -   838 
Common stock issued in connection                        
  with performance based units  115,855   6   (6)          - 
Fully vested common stock award  3,000   -   -   -   -   - 
Common stock issued in connection                        
  with exercise of stock options  38,500   2   124           126 
Common stock surrendered for                        
  withholding taxes payable  (26,211)  (1)  (746)  -   -   (747)
Dividends paid  -       -   (6,417)  -   (6,417)
Balance, November 1, 2015  12,350,265  $618   44,708   77,806   (157) $122,975 
* Derivedoperations
7,2266,027
Interest income(38)(202)
Other expense85307
Income before income taxes7,1795,922
Income taxes2,3172,110
Net income$4,8623,812
Net income per share, basic$0.390.31
Net income per share, diluted0.390.31
Average shares outstanding, basic12,33112,219
Average shares outstanding, diluted12,48612,417
NINE MONTHS ENDED
January 31,February 1,
20162015
Net sales$235,607231,320
Cost of sales187,109191,925
Gross profit48,49839,395
Selling, general and
administrative expenses27,51223,173
Income from audited financial statements.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
I-5

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1.  Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Culp, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “company”operations
20,98616,222
Interest expense-50
Interest income(150) include all adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for fair presentation of the results of operations and financial position.  All of these adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Results of operations for interim periods may not be indicative of future results.  The unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, which are included in the company’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 17, 2015 for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2015.

The company’s six months ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014, represent 26 and 27 week periods, respectively.

2.  Significant Accounting Policies

As of November 1, 2015, there were no changes in the nature of our significant accounting policies or the application of those policies from those reported in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year then ended May 3, 2015.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

None
(478)
Other expense405380
Income before income taxes20,73116,270
Income taxes7,3986,113
Net income$13,33310,157
Net income per share, basic$1.080.83
Net income per share, diluted1.070.82
Average shares outstanding, basic12,31712,216
Average shares outstanding, diluted12,48812,410
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
I-1

 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2016 AND FEBRUARY 1, 2015 
(UNAUDITED) 
(Amounts in Thousands) 
       
  THREE MONTHS ENDED 
       
  January 31,  February 1, 
  2016  2015 
       
Net income $4,862  $3,812 
         
Other comprehensive (loss) income        
         
Unrealized (losses) gains on investments        
         
Unrealized holding (losses) gains on investments  (194)  22 
         
Reclassification adjustment for realized loss included in net income  71   - 
         
Total other comprehensive (loss) income  (123)  22 
         
         
Comprehensive income
 $4,739  $3,834 
         
  NINE MONTHS ENDED 
         
  January 31,  February 1, 
  2016  2015 
         
Net income $13,333  $10,157 
         
Other comprehensive loss
        
         
Unrealized (losses) gains on investments
        
         
Unrealized holding losses on investments
  (312)  (6)
         
Reclassification adjustment for realized loss included in net income  127   - 
         
Total other comprehensive loss
  (185)  (6)
         
Comprehensive income $13,148  $10,151 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
I-2

 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
JANUARY 31, 2016, FEBRUARY 1, 2015, AND MAY 3, 2015 
UNAUDITED 
(Amounts in Thousands) 
          
  January 31,  February 1,  * May 3, 
  2016  2015  2015 
Current assets:         
Cash and cash equivalents $31,713   28,772   29,725 
Short-term investments  4,259   8,384   10,004 
Accounts receivable, net  26,784   30,774   28,749 
Inventories  48,485   38,013   42,484 
Income taxes receivable  23   104   229 
Other current assets  2,331   2,992   2,440 
Total current assets  113,595   109,039   113,631 
             
Property, plant and equipment, net  38,157   35,269   36,078 
Goodwill  11,462   11,462   11,462 
Deferred income taxes  4,312   5,020   5,169 
Long-term investments  3,590   2,063   2,415 
Other assets  2,435   2,505   2,545 
             
Total assets $173,551   165,358   171,300 
             
Current liabilities:            
Current maturities of long-term debt $-   2,200   2,200 
Accounts payable-trade  25,601   28,644   28,414 
Accounts payable - capital expenditures  380   772   990 
Accrued expenses  12,690   9,954   11,129 
Income taxes payable - current  622   325   325 
Total current liabilities  39,293   41,895   43,058 
             
Income taxes payable - long-term  3,480   3,630   3,792 
Deferred income taxes  1,209   927   982 
Deferred compensation  4,495   3,934   4,041 
             
Total liabilities  48,477   50,386   51,873 
             
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 15)            
             
Shareholders' equity            
Preferred stock, $0.05 par value, authorized            
10,000,000  -   -   - 
Common stock, $0.05 par value, authorized            
40,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding            
12,250,489 at January 31, 2016; 12,219,121            
at February 1, 2015; and 12,219,121 at            
May 3, 2015  613   611   611 
Capital contributed in excess of par value  42,937   42,856   43,159 
Accumulated earnings  81,804   71,571   75,752 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (280)  (66)  (95)
Total shareholders' equity  125,074   114,972   119,427 
             
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $173,551   165,358   171,300 
* Derived from audited financial statements.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
I-3

 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2016 AND FEBRUARY 1, 2015 
UNAUDITED 
(Amounts in Thousands) 
       
  NINE MONTHS ENDED 
       
  January 31,  February 1, 
  2016  2015 
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net income $13,333   10,157 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash        
provided by operating activities:        
Depreciation  4,888   4,244 
Amortization of other assets  123   140 
Stock-based compensation  1,964   482 
Excess tax benefit related to stock-based compensation  (822)  (110)
Deferred income taxes  1,906   3,274 
Gain on sale of equipment  (66)  (74)
Realized loss on sale of short-term investments  127   - 
Foreign currency gains  (85)  (6)
Changes in assets and liabilities:        
Accounts receivable  1,091   (3,455)
Inventories  (6,485)  2,536 
Other current assets  (108)  (739)
Other assets  48   (30)
Accounts payable - trade  (1,979)  2,267 
Accrued expenses and deferred compensation  1,406   2,121 
Income taxes  535   (108)
Net cash provided by operating activities  15,876   20,699 
         
Cash flows from investing activities:        
Capital expenditures  (7,686)  (8,185)
Proceeds from the sale of equipment  230   625 
Proceeds from the sale of life insurance policies  -   320 
Payments on life insurance policies  (18)  (18)
Proceeds from the sale of short-term investments  5,612   1,628 
Purchase of short-term investments  (86)  (3,719)
Purchase of long-term investments  (1,268)  (1,298)
Net cash used in investing activities  (3,216)  (10,647)
         
Cash flows from financing activities:        
Proceeds from line of credit  7,000   - 
Payments on line of credt  (7,000)  (538)
Payments on long-term debt  (2,200)  (2,200)
Repurchase of common stock  (2,397)  (745)
Dividends paid  (7,281)  (6,846)
Payments on debt issuance costs  (43)  - 
Proceeds from common stock issued  138   94 
Excess tax benefit related to stock-based compensation  822   110 
Net cash used in financing activities  (10,961)  (10,125)
         
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents  289   (458)
         
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  1,988   (531)
         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  29,725   29,303 
         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $31,713   28,772 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
I-4

 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
UNAUDITED 
(Dollars in thousands, except share data) 
                   
        Capital     Accumulated    
        Contributed     Other  Total 
  Common Stock  in Excess  Accumulated  Comprehensive  Shareholders’ 
  Shares  Amount  of Par Value  Earnings  Loss  Equity 
Balance,  April 27, 2014  12,250,030  $612   42,932   68,260   (60) $111,744 
Net income  -   -   -   15,071   -   15,071 
Stock-based compensation  -   -   786   -   -   786 
Unrealized loss on investments  -   -   -   -   (35)  (35)
Excess tax benefit related to stock                        
based compensation  -   -   109   -   -   109 
Common stock repurchased  (43,014)  (2)  (743)  -   -   (745)
Fully vested common stock award  3,000   -   -   -   -   - 
Common stock issued in connection                  .     
with exercise of stock options  10,100   1   93   -   -   94 
Common stock surrendered for                        
withholding taxes payable  (995)  -   (18)  -   -   (18)
Dividends paid  -   -   -   (7,579)  -   (7,579)
Balance, May 3, 2015 *  12,219,121   611   43,159   75,752   (95)  119,427 
Net income  -   -   -   13,333   -   13,333 
Stock-based compensation  -   -   1,964   -   -   1,964 
Unrealized loss on investments  -   -   -   -   (185)  (185)
Excess tax benefit related to stock                        
based compensation  -   -   822   -   -   822 
Common stock repurchased  (100,776)  (5)  (2,392)          (2,397)
Common stock issued in connection                        
with performance based units  115,855   6   (6)          - 
Fully vested common stock award  3,000   -   -   -   -   - 
Common stock issued in connection                        
with exercise of stock options  39,500   2   136           138 
Common stock surrendered for                        
withholding taxes payable  (26,211)  (1)  (746)  -   -   (747)
Dividends paid  -       -   (7,281)  -   (7,281)
Balance,  January 31, 2016  12,250,489  $613   42,937   81,804   (280) $125,074 
* Derived from audited financial statements.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
I-5

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1.  Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Culp, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “company”) include all adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for fair presentation of the results of operations and financial position.  All of these adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Results of operations for interim periods may not be indicative of future results.  The unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, which are included in the company’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 17, 2015 for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2015.

The company’s nine months ended January 31, 2016 and February 1, 2015, represent 39 and 40 week periods, respectively.

2.  Significant Accounting Policies

As of January 31, 2016, there were no changes in the nature of our significant accounting policies or the application of those policies from those reported in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year then ended May 3, 2015.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, an amendment to FASB ASC Topic 740, which simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes on an entity’s classified balance sheet. Currently, entities that are required to issue a classified balance sheet present a net current and net noncurrent deferred income tax asset or liability for each tax jurisdiction. The amendments in this ASU require entities to offset all deferred income tax assets and liabilities for each tax jurisdiction and present a net deferred income tax asset or liability as a single noncurrent amount. The recognition and measurement guidance for deferred income tax assets and liabilities are not affected by this amendment. This amended guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted and the standard may be applied either retrospectively or on a prospective basis to all deferred income tax assets and liabilities.

We early adopted this amendment during the third quarter of fiscal 2016 on a retrospective basis. Accordingly, we reclassified our current deferred income taxes to noncurrent on our February 1, 2015 Consolidated Balance Sheet, which increased noncurrent deferred income taxes $4.5 million and decreased noncurrent deferred tax liabilities $2.5 million. We reclassified our current deferred income taxes to noncurrent on our May 3, 2015 Consolidated Balance Sheet, which increased noncurrent deferred income taxes $4.7 million and decreased noncurrent deferred tax liabilities $68,000.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) amended its authoritative guidance on accounting for certain share-based payment awards. The amended guidance requires that share-based compensation awards with terms of a performance target that affects vesting, and that could be achieved after the requisite service period, be treated as a performance condition. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award and compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved. The guidance will be effective in our fiscal 2017 first quarter. The guidance will permit an entity to apply the amendments in the update either (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the consolidated financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. Currently, we do not have any share-based payment awards with terms of a performance target that affects vesting and could be achieved after the requisite service period. We are currently assessing the impact that this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, which amends ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The amendments in this ASU are intended to enhance the comparability of revenue recognition practices and will be applied to all contracts with customers. Improved disclosures related to the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized are requirements under the amended guidance. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-24, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date which proposed a deferral of the effective date by one year, and on July 7, 2015, the FASB decided to delay the effective date by one year. The deferral results in the new revenue standard being effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. We are therefore required to apply the new revenue guidance in our fiscal 2019 interim and annual financial statements. This ASU can be adopted either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. We are currently assessing the impact that this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

 
I-6

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which changed the measurement principle for inventory from the lower of cost or market to lower of cost and net realizable value. This ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. We are therefore required to apply this guidance in our fiscal 2018 interim and annual financial statements. We are currently assessing the impact that this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes on an entity’s classified balance sheet. Currently, entities that are required to issue a classified balance sheet present a net current and net noncurrent deferred tax asset or liability for each tax jurisdiction. The amendments in this ASU require entities to offset all deferred tax assets and liabilities for each tax jurisdiction and present a net deferred tax asset or liability as a single noncurrent amount. This amended guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. We are therefore required to apply this guidance in our fiscal 2018 interim and annual financial statements. Earlier application is permitted for all entities as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. We are currently assessing the impact that this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

3.  Stock-Based Compensation

Equity Incentive Plan Description

On September 16, 2015, our shareholders approved an equity incentive plan entitled the Culp, Inc. 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”). The 2015 Plan is intended to update and replace our 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”) as the vehicle for granting new equity based awards substantially similar to those authorized under the 2007 Plan. In general, the 2015 Plan authorizes the grant of stock options intended to qualify as incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units, and other equity and cash related awards as determined by our Compensation Committee. An aggregate of 1,200,000 shares of common stock were authorized for issuance under the 2015 Plan, with certain sub-limits that would apply with respect to specific types of awards that may be issued as defined in the 2015 Plan. In connection with the approval of the 2015 Plan, no further awards will be granted under the 2007 Plan, but outstanding awards under the 2007 Plan will be settled in accordance with their terms.

Incentive Stock Option Awards

We did not grant any incentive stock option awards through the second quarter of fiscal 2016.

At November 1, 2015, options to purchase 99,600 shares of common stock were outstanding and exercisable, had a weighted average exercise price of $7.78 per share, and a weighted average contractual term of 2.0 years. At November 1, 2015, the aggregate intrinsic value for options outstanding and exercisable was $2.2 million.
I-7

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
The aggregate intrinsic value for options exercised for the six months ending November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014, was $1.0 million and $80,000, respectively.
At November 1, 2015, there were no unvested incentive stock option awards. Therefore, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to incentive stock option awards at November 1, 2015.

No compensation expense was recorded on incentive stock options for the six months ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014, respectively.

Common Stock Awards
On October 1, 2015, we granted a total of 3,000 shares of common stock to our outside directors. These shares of common stock vest immediately and were measured at $31.77 per share, which represents the closing price of our common stock at the date of grant.
On October 1, 2014, we granted a total of 3,000 shares of common stock to our outside directors. These shares of common stock vest immediately and were measured at $17.95 per share, which represents the closing price of our common stock at the date of grant.
We recorded $95,000 and $54,000 of compensation expense within selling, general, and administrative expense for these common stock awards for the six months ending November 1, 2015, and November 2, 2014, respectively.
Time Vested Restricted Stock Awards

We did not grant any time vested restricted stock awards through the second quarter of fiscal 2016.
At November 1, 2015, there were no outstanding and unvested shares of time vested restricted stock. Therefore, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to time vested restricted stock awards at November 1, 2015.
No compensation expense was recorded on time vested restricted stock awards for the six months ended November 1, 2015. We recorded $4,000 within selling, general, and administrative expense for time vested restricted stock awards for the six months ended November 2, 2014.
During the six month period ending November 2, 2014, 61,667 shares of time vested restricted stock vested and had a weighted average fair value of $257,000 or $4.17 per share.
Performance Based Restricted Stock Units
Fiscal 2016 Grant

On July 15, 2015, certain key members of management were granted performance based restricted stock units which could earn up to 107,554 shares of common stock if certain performance targets are met as defined in the related restricted stock unit agreements. These awards were valued based on the fair market value on the date of grant. The fair value of these awards was $32.23 per share, which represents the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. The vesting of these awards is over the requisite service period of three years.
I-8

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
On July 15, 2015, a non-employee was granted performance based restricted stock units which could earn up to 10,364 shares of common stock if certain performance targets are met as defined in the related restricted stock unit agreement. The fair value of this award is measured at the earlier date of when the performance criteria are met or the end of the reporting period. At November 1, 2015, this grant was unvested and was measured at $30.01 per share, which represents the closing price of our common stock at the end of the reporting period. The vesting of this award is over the requisite service period of three years.
Fiscal 2015 Grant

On June 24, 2014, certain key members of management were granted performance based restricted stock units which could earn up to 102,845 shares of common stock if certain performance targets are met as defined in the related restricted stock unit agreements. These awards were valued based on the fair market value on the date of grant. The fair value of these awards was $17.70 per share, which represents the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. The vesting of these awards is over the requisite service period of three years.

On March 3, 2015, a non-employee was granted performance based restricted stock units which could earn up to 28,000 shares of common stock if certain performance targets are met as defined in the related restricted stock unit agreements. The fair value of this award is measured at the earlier date of when the performance criteria are met or the end of the reporting period. At November 1, 2015, this grant was unvested and was measured at $30.01 per share, which represents the closing price of the company’s common stock at the end of the reporting period. The vesting of these awards is over the requisite service periods of 16 months and 28 months for performance based restricted stock units which could earn up to 12,000 and 16,000 shares of common stock, respectively.
Fiscal 2014 Grant

On June 25, 2013, certain key members of management were granted performance based restricted stock units which could earn up to 72,380 shares of common stock if certain performance targets are met as defined in the related restricted stock unit agreements. These awards were valued based on the fair market value on the date of grant. The fair value of these awards was $17.12 per share, which represents the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. The vesting of these awards is over the requisite service period of three years.

Fiscal 2013 Grant

On July 11, 2012, certain key members of management were granted performance based restricted stock units which could earn up to 120,000 shares of common stock if certain performance targets are met as defined in the related restricted stock unit agreements. These awards were valued based on the fair market value on the date of grant. The fair value of these awards was $10.21 per share, which represents the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. The vesting of these awards is over the requisite service period of three years.
During the six month period ending November 1, 2015, 115,855 shares of common stock associated with our fiscal 2013 grant vested and had a weighted average fair value of $1.2 million or $10.21 per share. As of November 1, 2015, our fiscal 2013 grant was fully vested.
I-9

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Overall

We recorded compensation expense of $1.2 million and $233,000 within selling, general, and administrative expense for performance based restricted stock units for the six month periods ending November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014, respectively. Compensation cost is recorded based on an assessment each reporting period of the probability if certain performance goals will be met during the vesting period. If performance goals are not probable of occurrence, no compensation cost will be recognized and any recognized compensation cost would be reversed.

As of November 1, 2015, the remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to the performance based restricted stock units was $4.9 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average vesting period of 2.3 years.

4.  Accounts Receivable

A summary of accounts receivable follows:
          
(dollars in thousands) November 1, 2015  November 2, 2014  May 3, 2015 
Customers $25,045  $26,082  $30,338 
Allowance for doubtful accounts  (826)  (442)  (851)
Reserve for returns and allowances and discounts  (905)  (595)  (738)
  $23,314  $25,045  $28,749 

A summary of the activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts follows:
       
  Six months ended 
(dollars in thousands) November 1, 2015  November 2, 2014 
Beginning balance $(851) $(573)
Provision for bad debts  (81)  57 
Net write-offs, net of recoveries  106   74 
Ending balance $(826) $(442)

A summary of the activity in the allowance for returns and allowances and discounts accounts follows:
       
  Six months ended 
(dollars in thousands) November 1, 2015  November 2, 2014 
Beginning balance $(738) $(479)
Provision for returns, allowances        
and discounts  (1,561)  (1,334)
Credits issued  1,394   1,218 
Ending balance $(905) $(595)
I-10

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
5.  Inventories

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market.  Cost is determined using the FIFO (first-in, first-out) method.

A summary of inventories follows:
          
(dollars in thousands) November 1, 2015  November 2, 2014  May 3, 2015 
Raw materials $6,272  $5,657  $5,374 
Work-in-process  2,779   2,190   2,766 
Finished goods  37,428   30,381   34,344 
  $46,479  $38,228  $42,484 

6.  Other Assets

A summary of other assets follows:

          
(dollars in thousands) November 1, 2015  November 2, 2014  May 3, 2015 
Cash surrender value – life insurance $339  $320  $339 
Non-compete agreement, net  941   1,017   979 
Customer relationships, net  740   791   766 
Other  474   411   461 
  $2,494  $2,539  $2,545 

Non-Compete Agreement

We recorded our non-compete agreement at its fair value based on a discounted cash flow valuation model. Our non-compete agreement is amortized on a straight-line basis over the fifteen year life of the respective agreement.

The gross carrying amount of our non-compete agreement was $2.0 million at November 1, 2015, November 2, 2014 and May 3, 2015, respectively. At November 1, 2015 and May 3, 2015, accumulated amortization for our non-compete agreement was $1.1 million. At November 2, 2014 accumulated amortization for our non-compete agreement was $1.0 million.

Amortization expense for our non-compete agreement was $38,000 for the six month periods ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014. The remaining amortization expense for the next five fiscal years and thereafter follows: FY 2016 - $37,000; FY 2017 - $75,000; FY 2018- $75,000; FY 2019 - $75,000; FY 2020 - $75,000 and Thereafter - $604,000.

The weighted average amortization period for our non-compete agreement is 12.5 years as of November 1, 2015.

Customer Relationships

We recorded our customer relationships at their fair value based on a multi-period excess earnings valuation model. Our customer relationships are amortized on a straight-line basis over its seventeen year useful life.
I-11

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

The gross carrying amount of our customer relationships was $868,000 at November 1, 2015, November 2, 2014, and May 3, 2015, respectively. Accumulated amortization for our customer relationships was $128,000, $77,000, and $102,000 at November 1, 2015, November 2, 2014, and May 3, 2015, respectively.

Amortization expense for our customer relationships was $26,000 for the six months ending November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014. The remaining amortization expense for the next five fiscal years and thereafter follows: FY 2016 - $25,000; FY 2017 - $51,000; FY 2018 - $51,000; FY 2019 - $51,000; FY 2020 - $51,000; and Thereafter - $511,000.

The weighted average amortization period for our customer relationships is 14.5 years as of November 1, 2015.

Cash Surrender Value – Life Insurance

At November 1, 2015, November 2, 2014 and May 3, 2015 we had one life insurance contract with a death benefit of $1.4 million.

Our cash surrender value – life insurance balances totaling $339,000, $320,000 and $339,000 at November 1, 2015, November 2, 2014, and May 3, 2015, respectively, are collectible upon death of the respective insured.

On May 16, 2014, we entered into an agreement with a former employee and his irrevocable trust (the “Trust”) dated September 7, 1995. As a result of this agreement, a previous split dollar life insurance agreement in which we purchased a policy on the life of this former employee and his spouse, in which we retained ownership of the policy, paid premiums to support the policy, had the right to receive cash surrender value of the policy upon the second to die of the former employee and his spouse, with the Trust receiving the remainder of the policy’s death benefit ($2.5 million), was terminated. In connection with the termination of the previous split dollar life insurance agreement, we transferred the life insurance policy to the Trust and received cash proceeds in the amount of the cash surrender value policy totaling $320,000 during the second quarter of fiscal 2015.

7.  Accrued Expenses

A summary of accrued expenses follows:
          
(dollars in thousands) November 1, 2015  November 2, 2014  May 3, 2015 
Compensation, commissions and related benefits $6,657  $4,969  $9,081 
Advertising rebates  2,536   1,853   1,002 
Interest  -   38   37 
Other accrued expenses  702   863   1,009 
  $9,895  $7,723  $11,129 
I-12

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

8.  Long-Term Debt and Lines of Credit

A summary of long-term debt follows:

          
(dollars in thousands) November 1, 2015  November 2, 2014  May 3, 2015 
Unsecured senior term notes $-  $2,200  $2,200 
Current maturities of long-term debt  -   (2,200)  (2,200)
Long-term debt, less current maturities            
  of long-term debt $-  $-  $- 

Unsecured Senior Term Notes

We entered into a note agreement dated August 11, 2008 that provided for the issuance of $11.0 million of unsecured senior term notes with a fixed interest rate of 8.01% and a term of seven years. Principal payments of $2.2 million per year were due on the notes beginning August 11, 2011. Any principal pre-payments would have been assessed a penalty as defined in the agreement. The agreement contained customary financial and other covenants as defined in the agreement.

On August 11, 2015, we paid our last annual payment of $2.2 million and this agreement has been paid in full.

Revolving Credit Agreement – United States

As of May 3, 2015, we had an unsecured credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (“Wells Fargo”) that provided for an unsecured revolving loan commitment of $10.0 million to be used to finance working capital and general corporate purposes. Any borrowings that are outstanding under the credit agreement with Culp Europe noted below will decrease the $10.0 million available. Interest is charged at a rate (applicable interest rate of 1.69%, 1.76%, and 1.78% at November 1, 2015, November 2, 2014, and May 3, 2015, respectively) equal to the one-month LIBOR rate plus a spread based on our ratio of debt to EBITDA as defined in the agreement. The Credit Agreement contained customary financial and other covenants as defined in the agreement and was set to expire on August 31, 2015.

Effective July 10, 2015, we amended the Credit Agreement to extend the expiration date to August 31, 2017, and maintain an annual capital expenditure limit of $12 million.

At November 1, 2015 and May 3, 2015 there was a $250,000 outstanding letter of credit (all of which related to workers compensation). At November 2, 2014, there was a $195,000 outstanding letter of credit (all of which related to workers compensation). At November 1, 2015, November 2, 2014, and May 3, 2015, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement.

Revolving Credit Agreement – China

We have an unsecured credit agreement associated with our operations in China that provides for a line of credit of up to 40 million RMB (approximately $6.3 million USD at November 1, 2015), expiring on February 9, 2016. This agreement has an interest rate determined by the Chinese government. There were no borrowings outstanding under the agreement as of November 1, 2015, November 2, 2014, and May 3, 2015.
I-13

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Revolving Credit Agreement – Europe

In connection with the Wells Fargo credit agreement noted above, any outstanding borrowings associated with Culp Europe would decrease the $10 million available under the credit agreement and incur interest at the EURO LIBOR plus 2%.

At November 1, 2015, no borrowings were outstanding under this agreement, as the outstanding balance was paid in full during the second quarter of fiscal 2015.

Overall

Our loan agreements require, among other things, that we maintain compliance with certain financial covenants. At November 1, 2015, the company was in compliance with these financial covenants.

The fair value of the company’s long-term debt is estimated by discounting the future cash flows at rates currently offered to the company for similar debt instruments of comparable maturities. At November 2, 2014, the carrying value of the company’s long-term debt was $2.2 million and the fair value was $2.3 million. At May 3, 2015, the carrying value of the company’s long-term debt was $2.2 million and the fair value was $2.3 million.

9.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments

ASC Topic 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and the company’s assumptions (unobservable inputs). Determining where an asset or liability falls within that hierarchy depends on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole. An adjustment to the pricing method used within either level 1 or level 2 inputs could generate a fair value measurement that effectively falls in a lower level in the hierarchy. The hierarchy consists of three broad levels as follows:

Level 1 – Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2 – Inputs other than level 1 inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable, and

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs developed using the company’s estimates and assumptions, which reflect those that market participants would use.

I-14

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Recurring Basis

The following table presents information about assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

  Fair value measurements at November 1, 2015 using: 
    
  
Quoted prices in
 active markets
 for identical
 assets
  
Significant other
 observable inputs
  
Significant
 unobservable
 inputs
    
             
(amounts in thousands)  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
             
Assets:            
Premier Money Market Fund $2,703   N/A   N/A  $2,703 
Intermediate Term Bond Fund  2,144   N/A   N/A   2,144 
Low Duration Bond Fund  2,098   N/A   N/A   2,098 
Limited Term Bond Fund  1,094   N/A   N/A   1,094 
Strategic Income Fund  984   N/A   N/A   984 
Large Blend Fund  279   N/A   N/A   279 
Growth Allocation Fund  125   N/A   N/A   125 
Mid Cap Value Fund  94   N/A   N/A   94 
Other  78   N/A   N/A   78 
  Fair value measurements at November 2, 2014 using: 
    
  
Quoted prices in
 active markets
 for identical
 assets
  
Significant other
 observable inputs
  
Significant
 unobservable
 inputs
    
             
(amounts in thousands)  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
             
Assets:            
Limited Term Bond Fund $2,576   N/A   N/A  $2,576 
Low Duration Bond Fund  2,081   N/A   N/A   2,081 
Premier Money Market Fund  1,818   N/A   N/A   1,818 
Intermediate Term Bond Fund  1,661   N/A   N/A   1,661 
Other  93   N/A   N/A   93 
  Fair value measurements at May 3, 2015 using: 
    
  
Quoted prices in
 active markets
 for identical
 assets
  
Significant other
 observable inputs
  
Significant
 unobservable
 inputs
    
             
(amounts in thousands)  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
             
Assets:            
Limited Term Bond Fund $3,107   N/A   N/A  $3,107 
Premier Money Market Fund  2,285   N/A   N/A   2,285 
Intermediate Term Bond Fund  2,181   N/A   N/A   2,181 
Low Duration Bond Fund  2,096   N/A   N/A   2,096 
Strategic Income Fund  1,008   N/A   N/A   1,008 
Growth Allocation Fund  85   N/A   N/A   85 
Other  45   N/A   N/A   45 

I-15

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
The determination of where an asset or liability falls in the hierarchy requires significant judgment. We evaluate our hierarchy disclosures each quarter based on various factors and it is possible that an asset or liability may be classified differently from quarter to quarter. However, we expect that changes in classifications between different levels will be rare.

Our short-term investments include short-term bond funds and deposit accounts that have a maturity of more than three months, are classified as available-for-sale, and their unrealized gains or losses are included in other comprehensive income (loss). Our short-term bond funds were recorded at their fair value of $6.3 million, $6.3 million and $10.0 million at November 1, 2015, November 2, 2014, and May 3, 2015, respectively. Our short-term bond funds had an accumulated unrealized loss totaling $171,000, $88,000, and $95,000 at November 1, 2015, November 2, 2014, and May 3, 2015, respectively. At November 1, 2015, November 2, 2014, and May 3, 2015, the fair value of our short-term bond funds approximated its cost basis.

Effective, January 1, 2014, we established a Rabbi Trust to set aside funds for participants of our deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) and enable the participants to credit their contributions to various investment options of the Plan. The investments associated with the Rabbi Trust consist of a money market fund and various mutual funds that are classified as available for sale. Our long-term investments are recorded at its fair value of $3.3 million, $1.9 million, and $2.4 million at November 1, 2015, November 2, 2014, and May 3, 2015, respectively. Our long-term investments had an accumulated unrealized gain of $14,000 at November 1, 2015. At November 2, 2014 and May 3, 2015, our accumulated gains or losses regarding our long-term investments were immaterial. The fair value of our long-term investments approximates its cost basis.
The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other current assets, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these financial instruments.

10.  Cash Flow Information

Interest and income taxes paid are as follows:

       
  Six months ended 
(dollars in thousands) November 1, 2015  November 2, 2014 
Interest $86  $180 
Net income tax payments, net  2,088   1,943 

Interest costs charged to operations and incurred on our long-term debt and lines of credit were $49,000 and $148,000 for the six months ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014, respectively.

Interest costs of $49,000 and $81,000 for the construction of qualifying fixed assets were capitalized and will be amortized over the related assets’ useful lives for the six months ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014, respectively.

I-16

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
11.  Net Income Per Share

Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted net income per share uses the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period plus the dilutive effect of stock-based compensation calculated using the treasury stock method.  Weighted average shares used in the computation of basic and diluted net income per share follows:

       
  Three months ended 
(amounts in thousands) November 1, 2015  November 2, 2014 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic  12,343   12,218 
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation  141   183 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted  12,484   12,401 

All options to purchase shares of common stock were included in the computation of diluted net income for the three months ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014, as the exercise price of the options was less than the average market price of the common shares.

       
  Six months ended 
(amounts in thousands) November 1, 2015  November 2, 2014 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic  12,310   12,215 
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation  171   188 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted  12,481   12,403 
All options to purchase shares of common stock were included in the computation of diluted net income for the six months ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014, as the exercise price of the options was less than the average market price of the common shares.

12.  Segment Information

Our operations are classified into two business segments: mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics.  The mattress fabrics segment manufactures, sources, and sells fabrics and mattress covers to bedding manufacturers.  The upholstery fabrics segment sources, manufactures, and sells fabrics primarily to residential furniture manufacturers.

We evaluate the operating performance of our segments based upon income from operations before certain unallocated corporate expenses and other non-recurring items. Cost of sales in both segments include costs to manufacture or source our products, including costs such as raw material and finished goods purchases, direct and indirect labor, overhead and incoming freight charges.  Unallocated corporate expenses primarily represent compensation and benefits for certain executive officers, all costs related to being a public company, and other miscellaneous expenses.  Segment assets include assets used in the operations of each segment and primarily consist of accounts receivable, inventories, and property, plant and equipment.  The mattress fabrics segment also includes in segment assets, goodwill, a non-compete agreement, and customer relationships associated with an acquisition.

I-17

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Financial information for the company’s operating segments follows:

       
  Three months ended 
(dollars in thousands) November 1, 2015  November 2, 2014 
Net sales:      
Mattress Fabrics $45,436  $43,038 
Upholstery Fabrics  31,520   30,953 
  $76,956  $73,991 
         
Gross profit:        
Mattress Fabrics $9,456  $7,324 
Upholstery Fabrics  6,277   4,954 
         
  $15,733  $12,278 
         
         
Selling, general, and administrative expenses:        
Mattress Fabrics $2,989  $2,592 
Upholstery Fabrics  3,813   3,285 
Total segment selling, general, and        
  administrative expenses  6,802   5,877 
Unallocated corporate expenses  2,631   1,502 
  $9,433  $7,379 
         
         
Income from operations:        
Mattress Fabrics $6,467  $4,733 
Upholstery Fabrics  2,464   1,668 
Total segment income from operations  8,931   6,401 
Unallocated corporate expenses  (2,631)  (1,502)
Total income from operations  6,300   4,899 
Interest income  69   153 
Other expense  (225)  (162)
Income before income taxes $6,144  $4,890 
I-18

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Financial information for the company’s operating segments follows:

       
  Six months ended 
(dollars in thousands) November 1, 2015  November 2, 2014 
Net sales:      
Mattress Fabrics $93,245  $85,860 
Upholstery Fabrics  63,896   64,191 
  $157,141  $150,051 
         
Gross profit:        
Mattress Fabrics $19,381  $14,527 
Upholstery Fabrics  12,554   10,466 
         
  $31,935  $24,993 
         
Selling, general, and administrative expenses:        
Mattress Fabrics $5,912  $5,166 
Upholstery Fabrics  7,409   6,737 
Total segment selling, general, and        
  administrative expenses  13,321   11,903 
Unallocated corporate expenses  4,854   2,895 
  $18,175  $14,798 
         
Income from operations:        
Mattress Fabrics $13,468  $9,361 
Upholstery Fabrics  5,146   3,729 
Total segment income from operations  18,614   13,090 
Unallocated corporate expenses  (4,854)  (2,895)
Total income from operations  13,760   10,195 
Interest expense  -   (67)
Interest income  112   294 
Other expense  (320)  (73)
Income before income taxes $13,552  $10,349 
I-19

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Balance sheet information for the company’s operating segments follow:
          
(dollars in thousands) November 1, 2015  November 2, 2014  May 3, 2015 
Segment assets:         
Mattress Fabrics         
Current assets (1) $40,937  $35,406  $41,328 
Non-compete agreement  941   1,017   979 
Customer relationships  740   791   766 
Goodwill  11,462   11,462   11,462 
Property, plant and equipment (2)  36,050   30,938   33,773 
Total mattress fabrics assets  90,130   79,614   88,308 
Upholstery Fabrics            
Current assets (1)  28,856   27,867   29,905 
Property, plant and equipment (3)  1,474   1,578   1,467 
Total upholstery fabrics assets  30,330   29,445   31,372 
Total segment assets  120,460   109,059   119,680 
Non-segment assets:            
Cash and cash equivalents  31,176   28,953   29,725 
Short-term investments  6,320   6,318   10,004 
Deferred income taxes  8,136   6,699   5,237 
Income taxes receivable  75   -   229 
Other current assets  2,614   2,303   2,440 
Property, plant and equipment (4)  795   688   838 
Long-term investments  3,279   1,911   2,415 
Other assets  813   731   800 
Total assets $173,668  $156,662  $171,368 

       
  Six months ended 
(dollars in thousands) November 1, 2015  November 2, 2014 
Capital expenditures (5):      
Mattress Fabrics $5,138  $4,692 
Upholstery Fabrics  254   258 
Unallocated Corporate  143   38 
Total capital expenditures $5,535  $4,988 
Depreciation expense:        
Mattress Fabrics $2,783  $2,448 
Upholstery Fabrics  401   364 
Total depreciation expense $3,184  $2,812 
I-20

 
 
Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
The guidance will be effective in our fiscal 2017 first quarter. The guidance will permit an entity to apply the amendments in the update either (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the consolidated financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. Currently, we do not have any share-based payment awards with terms of a performance target that affects vesting and could be achieved after the requisite service period. We are currently assessing the impact that this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, which amends ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The amendments in this ASU are intended to enhance the comparability of revenue recognition practices and will be applied to all contracts with customers. Improved disclosures related to the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized are requirements under the amended guidance. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-24, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date which proposed a deferral of the effective date by one year, and on July 7, 2015, the FASB decided to delay the effective date by one year. The deferral results in the new revenue standard being effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. We are therefore required to apply the new revenue guidance in our fiscal 2019 interim and annual financial statements. This ASU can be adopted either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. We are currently assessing the impact that this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which changed the measurement principle for inventory from the lower of cost or market to lower of cost and net realizable value. This ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. We are therefore required to apply this guidance in our fiscal 2018 interim and annual financial statements. We are currently assessing the impact that this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which increases transparency and comparability among companies accounting for lease transactions. The most significant change of this update will require the recognition of lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for operating lease arrangements with lease terms greater than twelve months for lessees. This update will require a modified retrospective application which includes a number of optional practical expedients related to the identification and classification of leases commenced before the effective date. This ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 18, 2018. We are therefore required to apply this guidance in our fiscal 2020 interim and annual financial statements. We are currently assessing the impact that this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

3.  Stock-Based Compensation

Equity Incentive Plan Description

On September 16, 2015, our shareholders approved an equity incentive plan entitled the Culp, Inc. 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”). The 2015 Plan is intended to update and replace our 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”) as the vehicle for granting new equity based awards substantially similar to those authorized under the 2007 Plan. In general, the 2015 Plan authorizes the grant of stock options intended to qualify as incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units, and other equity and cash related awards as determined by our Compensation Committee. An aggregate of 1,200,000 shares of common stock were authorized for issuance under the 2015 Plan, with certain sub-limits that would apply with respect to specific types of awards that may be issued as defined in the 2015 Plan. In connection with the approval of the 2015 Plan, no further awards will be granted under the 2007 Plan, but outstanding awards under the 2007 Plan will be settled in accordance with their terms.

I-7

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Incentive Stock Option Awards

We did not grant any incentive stock option awards through the third quarter of fiscal 2016.

At January 31, 2016, options to purchase 98,600 shares of common stock were outstanding and exercisable, had a weighted average exercise price of $7.73 per share, and a weighted average contractual term of 1.7 years. At January 31, 2016, the aggregate intrinsic value for options outstanding and exercisable was $1.7 million.

The aggregate intrinsic value for options exercised for the nine months ending January 31, 2016 and February 1, 2015, was $1.0 million and $87,000, respectively.

At January 31, 2016, there were no unvested incentive stock option awards. Therefore, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to incentive stock option awards at January 31, 2016.

No compensation expense was recorded on incentive stock options for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and February 1, 2015, respectively.

Common Stock Awards
On October 1, 2015, we granted a total of 3,000 shares of common stock to our outside directors. These shares of common stock vest immediately and were measured at $31.77 per share, which represents the closing price of our common stock at the date of grant.
On October 1, 2014, we granted a total of 3,000 shares of common stock to our outside directors. These shares of common stock vest immediately and were measured at $17.95 per share, which represents the closing price of our common stock at the date of grant.
We recorded $95,000 and $54,000 of compensation expense within selling, general, and administrative expense for these common stock awards for the nine months ending January 31, 2016, and February 1, 2015, respectively.
Time Vested Restricted Stock Awards

We did not grant any time vested restricted stock awards through the third quarter of fiscal 2016.
At January 31, 2016, there were no outstanding and unvested shares of time vested restricted stock. Therefore, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to time vested restricted stock awards at January 31, 2016.
I-8

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
No compensation expense was recorded on time vested restricted stock awards for the nine months ended January 31, 2016. We recorded $4,000 within selling, general, and administrative expense for time vested restricted stock awards for the nine months ended February 1, 2015.
During the nine month period ending February 1, 2015, 61,667 shares of time vested restricted stock vested and had a weighted average fair value of $257,000 or $4.17 per share.
Performance Based Restricted Stock Units
Fiscal 2016 Grant

On July 15, 2015, certain key members of management were granted performance based restricted stock units which could earn up to 107,554 shares of common stock if certain performance targets are met as defined in the related restricted stock unit agreements. These awards were valued based on the fair market value on the date of grant. The fair value of these awards was $32.23 per share, which represents the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. The vesting of these awards is over the requisite service period of three years.

On July 15, 2015, a non-employee was granted performance based restricted stock units which could earn up to 10,364 shares of common stock if certain performance targets are met as defined in the related restricted stock unit agreement. The fair value of this award is measured at the earlier date of when the performance criteria are met or the end of the reporting period. At January 31, 2016, this grant was unvested and was measured at $25.32 per share, which represents the closing price of our common stock at the end of the reporting period. The vesting of this award is over the requisite service period of three years.
Fiscal 2015 Grant

On June 24, 2014, certain key members of management were granted performance based restricted stock units which could earn up to 102,845 shares of common stock if certain performance targets are met as defined in the related restricted stock unit agreements. These awards were valued based on the fair market value on the date of grant. The fair value of these awards was $17.70 per share, which represents the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. The vesting of these awards is over the requisite service period of three years.

On March 3, 2015, a non-employee was granted performance based restricted stock units which could earn up to 28,000 shares of common stock if certain performance targets are met as defined in the related restricted stock unit agreements. The fair value of this award is measured at the earlier date of when the performance criteria are met or the end of the reporting period. At January 31, 2016, this grant was unvested and was measured at $25.32 per share, which represents the closing price of the company’s common stock at the end of the reporting period. The vesting of these awards is over the requisite service periods of 16 months and 28 months for performance based restricted stock units which could earn up to 12,000 and 16,000 shares of common stock, respectively.
I-9

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Fiscal 2014 Grant

On June 25, 2013, certain key members of management were granted performance based restricted stock units which could earn up to 72,380 shares of common stock if certain performance targets are met as defined in the related restricted stock unit agreements. These awards were valued based on the fair market value on the date of grant. The fair value of these awards was $17.12 per share, which represents the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. The vesting of these awards is over the requisite service period of three years.

Fiscal 2013 Grant

On July 11, 2012, certain key members of management were granted performance based restricted stock units which could earn up to 120,000 shares of common stock if certain performance targets are met as defined in the related restricted stock unit agreements. These awards were valued based on the fair market value on the date of grant. The fair value of these awards was $10.21 per share, which represents the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. The vesting of these awards is over the requisite service period of three years.
During the nine month period ending January 31, 2016, 115,855 shares of common stock associated with our fiscal 2013 grant vested and had a weighted average fair value of $1.2 million or $10.21 per share. As of January 31, 2016, our fiscal 2013 grant was fully vested.
Overall

We recorded compensation expense of $1.9 million and $424,000 within selling, general, and administrative expense for performance based restricted stock units for the nine month periods ending January 31, 2016 and February 1, 2015, respectively. Compensation cost is recorded based on an assessment each reporting period of the probability if certain performance goals will be met during the vesting period. If performance goals are not probable of occurrence, no compensation cost will be recognized and any recognized compensation cost would be reversed.

As of January 31, 2016, the remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to the performance based restricted stock units was $4.2 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average vesting period of 2.1 years.

4.  Accounts Receivable

A summary of accounts receivable follows:
          
(dollars in thousands) January 31, 2016  February 1, 2015  May 3, 2015 
Customers $28,684  $31,952  $30,338 
Allowance for doubtful accounts  (814)  (449)  (851)
Reserve for returns and allowances and discounts  (1,086)  (729)  (738)
  $26,784  $30,774  $28,749 

I-10

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

A summary of the activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts follows:

       
  Nine months ended 
(dollars in thousands) January 31, 2016  February 1, 2015 
Beginning balance $(851) $(573)
Provision for bad debts  (93)  (20)
Net write-offs, net of recoveries  130   144 
Ending balance $(814) $(449)

A summary of the activity in the allowance for returns and allowances and discounts accounts follows:

    
  Nine months ended 
(dollars in thousands) January 31, 2016  February 1, 2015 
Beginning balance $(738) $(479)
Provision for returns, allowances        
and discounts  (2,389)  (2,065)
Credits issued  2,041   1,815 
Ending balance $(1,086) $(729)

5.  Inventories

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market.  Cost is determined using the FIFO (first-in, first-out) method.

A summary of inventories follows:
          
(dollars in thousands) January 31, 2016  February 1, 2015  May 3, 2015 
Raw materials $6,831  $5,787  $5,374 
Work-in-process  3,365   2,227   2,766 
Finished goods  38,289   29,999   34,344 
  $48,485  $38,013  $42,484 

6.  Other Assets

A summary of other assets follows:

          
(dollars in thousands) January 31, 2016  February 1, 2015  May 3, 2015 
Cash surrender value – life insurance $357  $338  $339 
Non-compete agreement, net  922   998   979 
Customer relationships, net  728   779   766 
Other  428   390   461 
  $2,435  $2,505  $2,545 

Non-Compete Agreement

We recorded our non-compete agreement at its fair value based on a discounted cash flow valuation model. Our non-compete agreement is amortized on a straight-line basis over the fifteen year life of the respective agreement.

I-11

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
The gross carrying amount of our non-compete agreement was $2.0 million at January 31, 2016, February 1, 2015 and May 3, 2015, respectively. At January 31, 2016 and May 3, 2015, accumulated amortization for our non-compete agreement was $1.1 million. At February 1, 2015 accumulated amortization for our non-compete agreement was $1.0 million.

Amortization expense for our non-compete agreement was $56,000 for the nine month periods ended January 31, 2016 and February 1, 2015. The remaining amortization expense for the next five fiscal years and thereafter follows: FY 2016 - $18,000; FY 2017 - $75,000; FY 2018- $75,000; FY 2019 - $75,000; FY 2020 - $75,000 and Thereafter - $604,000.

The weighted average amortization period for our non-compete agreement is 12.3 years as of January 31, 2016.

Customer Relationships

We recorded our customer relationships at their fair value based on a multi-period excess earnings valuation model. Our customer relationships are amortized on a straight-line basis over its seventeen year useful life.

The gross carrying amount of our customer relationships was $868,000 at January 31, 2016, February 1, 2015, and May 3, 2015, respectively. Accumulated amortization for our customer relationships was $140,000, $89,000, and $102,000 at January 31, 2016, February 1, 2015, and May 3, 2015, respectively.

Amortization expense for our customer relationships was $38,000 for the nine months ending January 31, 2016 and February 1, 2015. The remaining amortization expense for the next five fiscal years and thereafter follows: FY 2016 - $13,000; FY 2017 - $51,000; FY 2018 - $51,000; FY 2019 - $51,000; FY 2020 - $51,000; and Thereafter - $511,000.

The weighted average amortization period for our customer relationships is 14.3 years as of January 31, 2016.

Cash Surrender Value – Life Insurance

At January 31, 2016, February 1, 2015, and May 3, 2015 we had one life insurance contract with a death benefit of $1.4 million.

Our cash surrender value – life insurance balances totaling $357,000, $338,000 and $339,000 at January 31, 2016, February 1, 2015, and May 3, 2015, respectively, are collectible upon death of the respective insured.

On May 16, 2014, we entered into an agreement with a former employee and his irrevocable trust (the “Trust”) dated September 7, 1995. As a result of this agreement, a previous split dollar life insurance agreement in which we purchased a policy on the life of this former employee and his spouse, in which we retained ownership of the policy, paid premiums to support the policy, had the right to receive cash surrender value of the policy upon the second to die of the former employee and his spouse, with the Trust receiving the remainder of the policy’s death benefit ($2.5 million), was terminated. In connection with the termination of the previous split dollar life insurance agreement, we transferred the life insurance policy to the Trust and received cash proceeds in the amount of the cash surrender value policy totaling $320,000 during the second quarter of fiscal 2015.

I-12

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
7.  Accrued Expenses

A summary of accrued expenses follows:
          
(dollars in thousands) January 31, 2016  February 1, 2015  May 3, 2015 
Compensation, commissions and related benefits $8,678  $6,399  $9,081 
Advertising rebates  2,876   2,522   1,002 
Interest  -   81    37 
Other accrued expenses  1,136   952   1,009 
  $12,690  $9,954  $11,129 

8.  Long-Term Debt and Lines of Credit

A summary of long-term debt follows:

          
(dollars in thousands) January 31, 2016  February 1, 2015  May 3, 2015 
Unsecured senior term notes $-  $2,200  $2,200 
Current maturities of long-term debt  -   (2,200)  (2,200)
Long-term debt, less current maturities            
of long-term debt
 $-  $-  $- 

Unsecured Senior Term Notes

We entered into a note agreement dated August 11, 2008 that provided for the issuance of $11.0 million of unsecured senior term notes with a fixed interest rate of 8.01% and a term of seven years. Principal payments of $2.2 million per year were due on the notes beginning August 11, 2011. Any principal pre-payments would have been assessed a penalty as defined in the agreement. The agreement contained customary financial and other covenants as defined in the agreement.

On August 11, 2015, we paid our last annual payment of $2.2 million and this agreement has been paid in full.

Revolving Credit Agreement – United States

As of May 3, 2015, we had an unsecured credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (“Wells Fargo”) that provided for an unsecured revolving loan commitment of $10 million to be used to finance working capital and general corporate purposes. Interest is charged at a rate (applicable interest rate of 1.93%, 1.77%, and 1.78% at January 31, 2016, February 1, 2015, and May 3, 2015, respectively) equal to the one-month LIBOR rate plus a spread based on our ratio of debt to EBITDA as defined in the agreement. The Credit Agreement contained customary financial and other covenants as defined in the agreement and was set to expire on August 31, 2015.

Effective July 10, 2015, we amended our Credit Agreement to extend the expiration date to August 31, 2017, and maintain an annual capital expenditure limit of $12 million.

I-13

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
We entered into a Second Amendment to our Credit Agreement dated March 10, 2016, which amends our Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.  The terms of the Second Amendment include, among other things, provisions that (i) increase our line of credit under the Credit Agreement to $30 million, (ii) increase the annual limit on capital expenditures by the company to $15 million, (iii) add a new financial covenant to establish a minimum level of unencumbered liquid assets, (iv) eliminate certain financial covenants, (v) amend the pricing matrix that provides for interest payable on obligations under the agreement as a variable spread over LIBOR, based upon the company's ratio of debt to EBITDA, and (vi) provide that the obligations under the Credit Agreement are to be secured by a pledge of 65% of the common stock of Culp International Holdings Ltd, our Cayman subsidiary.
The purpose of the increase in our revolving credit line with Wells Fargo is to support potential short term cash needs in different jurisdictions within our global operations, mitigate our risk associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, and repatriate earnings and profits from our foreign subsidiaries to the U.S. for various strategic purposes.
At January 31, 2016, February 1, 2015 and May 3, 2015 there was a $250,000 outstanding letter of credit (all of which related to workers compensation). At January 31, 2016, February 1, 2015, and May 3, 2015, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement.

Revolving Credit Agreement – China

We had an unsecured credit agreement associated with our operations in China that provided for a line of credit of up to 40 million RMB (approximately $6.1 million USD at January 31, 2016), that was set to expire on February 9, 2016. This agreement had an interest rate determined by the Chinese government. There were no borrowings outstanding under the agreement as of January 31, 2016, February 1, 2015, and May 3, 2015.
On March 8, 2016, we renewed our unsecured credit agreement associated with our operations located in China. The renewal extended the agreement to March 8, 2017 and maintained the line of credit up to 40 million RMB (approximately $6.1 million USD).
Overall

Our loan agreements require, among other things, that we maintain compliance with certain financial covenants. At January 31, 2016, the company was in compliance with these financial covenants.

The fair value of the company’s long-term debt is estimated by discounting the future cash flows at rates currently offered to the company for similar debt instruments of comparable maturities. At February 1, 2015, the carrying value of the company’s long-term debt was $2.2 million and the fair value was $2.3 million. At May 3, 2015, the carrying value of the company’s long-term debt was $2.2 million and the fair value was $2.3 million.

9.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments

ASC Topic 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and the company’s assumptions (unobservable inputs). Determining where an asset or liability falls within that hierarchy depends on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole. An adjustment to the pricing method used within either level 1 or level 2 inputs could generate a fair value measurement that effectively falls in a lower level in the hierarchy. The hierarchy consists of three broad levels as follows:

I-14

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Level 1 – Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2 – Inputs other than level 1 inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable, and

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs developed using the company’s estimates and assumptions, which reflect those that market participants would use.

Recurring Basis

The following table presents information about assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

  Fair value measurements at January 31, 2016 using: 
    
  
Quoted prices in
 active markets
 for identical
 assets
  
Significant other
 observable inputs
  
Significant
 unobservable
 inputs
    
(amounts in thousands)  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
             
Assets:            
Premier Money Market Fund $3,071   N/A   N/A  $3,071 
Low Duration Bond Fund  1,592   N/A   N/A   1,592 
Intermediate Term Bond Fund  1,116   N/A   N/A   1,116 
Strategic Income Fund  957   N/A   N/A   957 
Limited Term Bond Fund  594   N/A   N/A   594 
Large Blend Fund  254   N/A   N/A   254 
Growth Allocation Fund  128   N/A   N/A   128 
Mid Cap Value Fund  90   N/A   N/A   90 
Other  47   N/A   N/A   47 


  Fair value measurements at February 1, 2015 using: 
    
  
Quoted prices in
 active markets
 for identical
 assets
  
Significant other
 observable inputs
  
Significant
 unobservable
 inputs
    
             
(amounts in thousands)  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
             
Assets:            
Limited Term Bond Fund $3,112   N/A   N/A  $3,112 
Intermediate Term Bond Fund  2,188   N/A   N/A   2,188 
Low Duration Bond Fund  2,084   N/A   N/A   2,084 
Premier Money Market Fund  1,951   N/A   N/A   1,951 
Strategic Income Fund  1,000   N/A   N/A   1,000 
Growth Allocation Fund  63   N/A   N/A   63 
Other  49   N/A   N/A   49 
I-15

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

  Fair value measurements at May 3, 2015 using: 
    
  
Quoted prices in
 active markets
 for identical
 assets
  
Significant other
 observable inputs
  
Significant
 unobservable
 inputs
    
             
(amounts in thousands)  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
             
Assets:            
Limited Term Bond Fund $3,107   N/A   N/A  $3,107 
Premier Money Market Fund  2,285   N/A   N/A   2,285 
Intermediate Term Bond Fund  2,181   N/A   N/A   2,181 
Low Duration Bond Fund  2,096   N/A   N/A   2,096 
Strategic Income Fund  1,008   N/A   N/A   1,008 
Growth Allocation Fund  85   N/A   N/A   85 
Other  45   N/A   N/A   45 

The determination of where an asset or liability falls in the hierarchy requires significant judgment. We evaluate our hierarchy disclosures each quarter based on various factors and it is possible that an asset or liability may be classified differently from quarter to quarter. However, we expect that changes in classifications between different levels will be rare.

Short-Term Investments

At January 31, 2016 and February 1, 2015, our short-term investments totaled $4.3 million and $8.4 million, respectively, and consisted of short-term bond funds. At May 3, 2015, our short-term investments totaled $10.0 million and consisted of short-term bonds of $8.4 million and a deposit account that had a maturity of more than three months of $1.6 million.

Our short-term bond funds are recorded at their fair value, are classified as available-for-sale, and their unrealized gains or losses are included in other comprehensive income (loss). Our short-term bond investments had an accumulated unrealized loss totaling $181,000, $66,000, and $95,000 at January 31, 2016, February 1, 2015, and May 3, 2015, respectively. At January 31, 2016, February 1, 2015, and May 3, 2015, the fair value of our short-term bond funds approximated its cost basis.

Long-Term Investments

Effective January 1, 2014, we established a Rabbi Trust to set aside funds for participants of our deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) and enable the participants to credit their contributions to various investment options of the Plan. The investments associated with the Rabbi Trust consist of a money market fund and various mutual funds that are classified as available for sale.

Our long-term investments are recorded at their fair value of $3.6 million, $2.1 million, and $2.4 million at January 31, 2016, February 1, 2015, and May 3, 2015, respectively. Our long-term investments had an accumulated unrealized loss of $99,000 at January 31, 2016. At February 1, 2015 and May 3, 2015, our accumulated gains or losses regarding our long-term investments were immaterial. The fair value of our long-term investments approximates its cost basis.

I-16

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Other
The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other current assets, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these financial instruments.

10.  Cash Flow Information

Interest and income taxes paid are as follows:
    
  Nine months ended 
(dollars in thousands) January 31, 2016  February 1, 2015 
Interest $95  $180 
Income Taxes  4,921   3,005 
Interest costs charged to operations and incurred on our long-term debt and lines of credit were $58,000 and $191,000 for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and February 1, 2015, respectively.

Interest costs of $58,000 and $141,000 for the construction of qualifying fixed assets were capitalized and will be amortized over the related assets’ useful lives for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and February 1, 2015, respectively.

11.  Net Income Per Share

Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted net income per share uses the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period plus the dilutive effect of stock-based compensation calculated using the treasury stock method.  Weighted average shares used in the computation of basic and diluted net income per share follows:

    
  Three months ended 
(amounts in thousands) January 31, 2016  February 1, 2015 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic  12,331   12,219 
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation  155   198 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted  12,486   12,417 
All options to purchase shares of common stock were included in the computation of diluted net income for the three months ended January 31, 2016 and February 1, 2015, as the exercise price of the options was less than the average market price of the common shares.
    
  Nine months ended 
(amounts in thousands) January 31, 2016  February 1, 2015 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic  12,317   12,216 
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation  171   194 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted  12,488   12,410 
I-17

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
All options to purchase shares of common stock were included in the computation of diluted net income for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and February 1, 2015, as the exercise price of the options was less than the average market price of the common shares.

12.  Segment Information

Our operations are classified into two business segments: mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics.  The mattress fabrics segment manufactures, sources, and sells fabrics and mattress covers to bedding manufacturers.  The upholstery fabrics segment sources, manufactures, and sells fabrics primarily to residential furniture manufacturers.

We evaluate the operating performance of our segments based upon income from operations before certain unallocated corporate expenses and other non-recurring items. Cost of sales in both segments include costs to manufacture or source our products, including costs such as raw material and finished goods purchases, direct and indirect labor, overhead and incoming freight charges.  Unallocated corporate expenses primarily represent compensation and benefits for certain executive officers, all costs related to being a public company, and other miscellaneous expenses.  Segment assets include assets used in the operations of each segment and primarily consist of accounts receivable, inventories, and property, plant and equipment.  The mattress fabrics segment also includes in segment assets, goodwill, a non-compete agreement, and customer relationships associated with an acquisition.

Financial information for the company’s operating segments follows:

    
  Three months ended 
(dollars in thousands) January 31, 2016  February 1, 2015 
Net sales:      
Mattress Fabrics $44,277  $45,683 
Upholstery Fabrics  34,189   35,586 
  $78,466  $81,269 
Gross profit:        
Mattress Fabrics $8,751  $8,076 
Upholstery Fabrics  7,812   6,326 
  $16,563  $14,402 
Selling, general, and administrative expenses:        
Mattress Fabrics $2,953  $2,853 
Upholstery Fabrics  3,963   3,781 
Total segment selling, general, and        
administrative expenses  6,916   6,634 
Unallocated corporate expenses  2,421   1,741 
  $9,337  $8,375 
Income from operations:        
Mattress Fabrics $5,798  $5,223 
Upholstery Fabrics  3,849   2,545 
Total segment income from operations  9,647   7,768 
Unallocated corporate expenses  (2,421)  (1,741)
Total income from operations  7,226   6,027 
Interest income  38   202 
Other expense  (85)  (307)
Income before income taxes $7,179  $5,922 
I-18

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Financial information for the company’s operating segments follows:
    
  Nine months ended 
(dollars in thousands) January 31, 2016  February 1, 2015 
Net sales:      
Mattress Fabrics $137,522  $131,543 
Upholstery Fabrics  98,085   99,777 
  $235,607  $231,320 
         
Gross profit:        
Mattress Fabrics $28,133  $22,603 
Upholstery Fabrics  20,365   16,792 
         
  $48,498  $39,395 
         
Selling, general, and administrative expenses:        
Mattress Fabrics $8,865  $8,019 
Upholstery Fabrics  11,372   10,518 
Total segment selling, general, and        
administrative expenses  20,237   18,537 
Unallocated corporate expenses  7,275   4,636 
  $27,512  $23,173 
         
Income from operations:        
Mattress Fabrics $19,267  $14,584 
Upholstery Fabrics  8,994   6,274 
Total segment income from operations  28,261   20,858 
Unallocated corporate expenses  (7,275)  (4,636)
Total income from operations  20,986   16,222 
Interest expense  -   (50)
Interest income  150   478 
Other expense  (405)  (380)
Income before income taxes $20,731  $16,270 
I-19

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Balance sheet information for the company’s operating segments follow:
          
(dollars in thousands) January 31, 2016  February 1, 2015  May 3, 2015 
Segment assets:         
Mattress Fabrics         
Current assets (1) $44,309  $36,658  $41,328 
Non-compete agreement  922   998   979 
Customer relationships  728   779   766 
Goodwill  11,462   11,462   11,462 
Property, plant and equipment (2)  35,637   33,046   33,773 
Total mattress fabrics assets  93,058   82,943   88,308 
Upholstery Fabrics            
Current assets (1)  30,960   32,129   29,905 
Property, plant and equipment (3)  1,590   1,522   1,467 
Total upholstery fabrics assets  32,550   33,651   31,372 
Total segment assets  125,608   116,594   119,680 
Non-segment assets:            
Cash and cash equivalents  31,713   28,772   29,725 
Short-term investments  4,259   8,384   10,004 
Deferred income taxes  4,312   5,020   5,169 
Income taxes receivable  23   104   229 
Other current assets  2,331   2,992   2,440 
Property, plant and equipment (4)  930   701   838 
Long-term investments  3,590   2,063   2,415 
Other assets  785   728   800 
Total assets $173,551  $165,358  $171,300 
    
  Nine months ended 
(dollars in thousands) January 31, 2016  February 1, 2015 
Capital expenditures (5):      
Mattress Fabrics $6,215  $8,232 
Upholstery Fabrics  481   390 
Unallocated Corporate  381   62 
Total capital expenditures $7,077  $8,684 
Depreciation expense:        
Mattress Fabrics $4,273  $3,692 
Upholstery Fabrics  615   552 
Total depreciation expense $4,888  $4,244 
I-20

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(1)Current assets represent accounts receivable and inventory for the respective segment.

(2)The $36.1 million at November 1, 2015, represents property, plant, and equipment of $23.3 million and $12.8 million located in the U.S. and Canada, respectively. The $30.9 million at November 2, 2014, represents property, plant, and equipment of $22.2 million and $8.7 million located in the U.S. and Canada, respectively. The $33.8 million at May 3, 2015, represents property, plant, and equipment of $23.8 million and $10.0 million located in the U.S. and Canada, respectively.

(3)The $1.5 million at November 1, 2015, represents property, plant, and equipment of $785 and $689 located in the U.S. and China, respectively. The $1.6 million at November 2, 2014, represents property, plant, and equipment of $977 and $601 located in the U.S. and China, respectively. The $1.5 million at May 3, 2015, represents property, plant, and equipment of $848 and $619 located in the U.S. and China, respectively.

(4)The $795, $688, and $838 at November 1, 2015, November 2, 2014 and May 3, 2015, respectively, represent property, plant, and equipment associated with unallocated corporate departments and corporate departments shared by both the mattress and upholstery fabric segments. Property, plant, and equipment associated with corporate are located in the U.S.

(5)Capital expenditure amounts are stated on the accrual basis. See Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for capital expenditure amounts on a cash basis.

13.  Income Taxes

Effective Income Tax Rate

We recorded income tax expense
(2)  The $35.6 million at January 31, 2016, represents property, plant, and equipment of $5.1$23.0 million or 37.5% of income before income tax expense, forand $12.6 million located in the six month period ended NovemberU.S. and Canada, respectively. The $33.0 million at February 1, 2015, compared to income tax expenserepresents property, plant, and equipment of $4.0$23.5 million or 38.7% of income before income tax expense, for the six month period ended November 2, 2014. Our effective income tax rates for the six month periods ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014, were based upon the estimated effective income tax rate applicable for the full year after giving effect to any significant items related specifically to interim periods. The effective income tax rate can be affected over the fiscal year by the mix and timing of actual earnings from our U.S. operations and foreign sources versus annual projections and changes$9.5 million located in foreign currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar.
and Canada, respectively. The following schedule summarizes the principal differences between income tax expense at the federal income tax rate and the effective income tax rate reflected in the consolidated financial statements:
  2016 2015
federal income tax rate  34.0%  34.0%
foreign tax rate differential  (4.9)  (5.6)
undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries  4.5   3.7 
increase in liability for uncertain tax positions  3.1   4.1 
other  0.8   2.5 
   37.5%  38.7%
I-21

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Deferred Income Taxes

Valuation Allowance
In accordance with ASC Topic 740, we evaluate our deferred income taxes to determine if a valuation allowance is required. ASC Topic 740 requires that companies assess whether a valuation allowance should be established based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard, with significant weight being given to evidence that can be objectively verified. Since the company operates in multiple jurisdictions, we assess the need for a valuation allowance on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis, taking into account the effects of local tax law. Based on our assessment at November 1, 2015, we recorded a partial valuation allowance of $938,000, of which $561,000 pertained to certain U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards and credits and $377,000 pertained to loss carryfowards associated with our Culp Europe operation located in Poland.  Based on our assessment at November 2, 2014, we recorded a partial valuation allowance of $1.1$33.8 million of which $666,000 pertained to certain U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards and credits and $456,000 pertained to loss carryfowards associated with our Culp Europe operation located in Poland.  Based on our assessment at May 3, 2015, we recorded a partial valuation allowancerepresents property, plant, and equipment of $922,000, of which $561,000 pertained to certain U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards$23.8 million and credits and $361,000 pertained to loss carryfowards associated with our Culp Europe operation$10.0 million located in Poland.
No valuation allowance was recorded against our net deferred tax assets associated with our operations located in Chinathe U.S. and Canada, at November 1, 2015, November 2, 2014, and May 3, 2015, respectively.

(3)  The recorded valuation allowance of $938,000 at November 1, 2015, has no effect on our operations, loan covenant compliance, or the possible realization of certain U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards and credits and our loss carryforwards associated with our Culp Europe operation located in Poland. If it is determined that it is more-likely-than-not that we will realize any of these deferred tax assets, an income tax benefit will be recognized at that time.
Undistributed Earnings
In accordance with ASC Topic 740, we assess whether the undistributed earnings from our foreign subsidiaries will be reinvested indefinitely or eventually distributed to our U.S. parent company. ASC Topic 740 requires that a deferred tax liability should be recorded for undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries that will not be reinvested indefinitely. Based on our assessment as of November 1, 2015, it is our intention not to permanently invest our undistributed earnings from our foreign subsidiaries. Also, we assess the recognition of U.S. foreign income tax credits associated with foreign withholding and income tax payments and whether it is more-likely-than-not that our foreign income tax credits will not be realized. If it is determined that any foreign income tax credits need to be recognized or it is more-likely-than-not our foreign income tax credits will not be realized, an adjustment to our provision for income taxes will be recognized at that time.
At November 1, 2015, the net deferred tax liability associated with our undistributed earnings from our foreign subsidiaries totaled $2.4 million, which included U.S. income and foreign withholding taxes totaling $35.7 million, offset by U.S. foreign income tax credits of $33.3 million. At November 2, 2014, the net deferred tax liability associated with our undistributed earnings from our foreign subsidiaries totaled $2.2 million, which included U.S. income and foreign withholding taxes totaling $30.6 million, offset by U.S. foreign income tax credits of $28.4 million. At May 3, 2015, the net deferred tax liability associated with our undistributed earnings from our foreign subsidiaries totaled $1.7 million, which included U.S. income and foreign withholding taxes totaling $32.4 million, offset by U.S. foreign income tax credits of $30.7 million.
I-22

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
We had accumulated earnings from our foreign subsidiaries totaling $93.2 million, $78.9 million, and $85.2$1.6 million at November 1, 2015, November 2, 2014,January 31, 2016, represents property, plant, and May 3, 2015, respectively.
Overall
At November 1, 2015, the current deferred tax assetequipment of $7.7 million represents $7.2 million$860 and $516,000 from our operations$730 located in the U.S. and China, respectively. At NovemberThe $1.5 million at February 1, 2015, the non-current deferred tax assetrepresents property, plant, and equipment of $382,000 pertains to our operations located in China. At November 1, 2015, the non-current deferred tax liability of $5.9 million represents $4.7 million$877 and $1.2 million from our operations located in the U.S. and Canada, respectively.
At November 2, 2014, the current deferred tax asset of $6.2 million represents $5.8 million and $428,000 from our operations$645 located in the U.S. and China, respectively. At November 2, 2014, the non-current deferred tax asset of $508,000 pertained to our operations located in China. At November 2, 2014, the non-current deferred tax liability of $1.4The $1.5 million represented $886,000 and $509,000 from our operations located in Canada and the U.S., respectively.
Atat May 3, 2015, the current deferred tax assetrepresents property, plant, and equipment of $4.8 million represents $4.4 million$848 and $421,000 from our operations$619 located in the U.S. and China, respectively. At May 3, 2015, the non-current deferred tax asset of $447,000 pertained to our operations located in China. At May 3, 2015, the non-current deferred tax liability of $1.1 million represents $896,000 and $154,000 from our operations located in Canada and the U.S., respectively.

Uncertainty In Income Taxes

At November
(4)  The $930, $701, and $838 at January 31, 2016, February 1, 2015 we had a $14.2 million total gross unrecognized tax benefit, of which $3.7 million represents the amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect the income tax rate in future periods. At November 2, 2014, we had a $14.1 million total gross unrecognized tax benefit, of which $4.0 million represents the amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect the income tax rate in future periods. At May 3, 2015, we had a $14.1 million total gross unrecognized tax benefit, of which $3.8 million represents the amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect the income tax rate in future periods.

At November 1, 2015, we had a $14.2 million total gross unrecognized tax benefit, of which $10.5 million and $3.7 million were classified as net non-current deferred income taxes and income taxes payable – long-term, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. At November 2, 2014, we had a $14.1 million total gross unrecognized tax benefit, of which $10.1 million and $4.0 million were classified as net non-current deferred income taxes and income taxes payable – long-term, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. At May 3, 2015, we had $14.1 million of total gross unrecognized tax benefit, of which $10.3 million and $3.8 million were classified as net non-current deferred income taxes and income taxes payable – long-term, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

I-23

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
We estimate that the amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits will increase by approximately $846,000 for fiscal 2016. This increase primarily relates to double taxation under applicable tax treaties with foreign tax jurisdictions.

14.  Statutory Reserves
Our subsidiaries located in China are required to transfer 10% of their net income, as determined in accordance with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) accounting rules and regulations, to a statutory surplus reserve fund until such reserve balance reaches 50% of the company’s registered capital.
The transfer to this reserve must be made before distributions of any dividend to shareholders. As of November 1, 2015, the company’s statutory surplus reserve was $5.0 million, representing 10% of accumulated earnings and profits determined in accordance with PRC accounting rules and regulations. The surplus reserve fund is non-distributable other than during liquidation and can be used to fund previous years’ losses, if any, and may be utilized for business expansion or converted into share capital by issuing new shares to existing shareholders in proportion to their shareholding or by increasing the par value of the shares currently held by them provided that the remaining reserve balance after such issue is not less than 25% of the registered capital.
Our subsidiaries located in China can transfer funds to the parent company with the exception of the statutory surplus reserve of $5.0 million to assist with debt repayment, capital expenditures, and other expenses of the company’s business.
15.  Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation

The company is involved in legal proceedings and claims which have arisen in the ordinary course of business. Management has determined that it is not reasonably possible that these actions, when ultimately concluded and settled, will have a material adverse effect upon the financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of the company.
Purchase Commitments
At November 1, 2015, November 2, 2014, and May 3, 2015, we had open purchase commitments to acquirerespectively, represent property, plant, and equipment for ourassociated with unallocated corporate departments and corporate departments shared by both the mattress fabrics segment totaling $1.9 million, $3.0 million, and $2.3 million, respectively.upholstery fabric segments. Property, plant, and equipment associated with corporate are located in the U.S.

16.  Common Stock Repurchase Program
On February 25, 2014, we announced that our board
(5)  Capital expenditure amounts are stated on the accrual basis. See Consolidated Statements of directors approved an authorizationCash Flows for us to acquire up to $5.0 million of our common stock. Under the common stock repurchase program, shares may be purchased from time to time in open market transactions, block trades, through plans established under the Securities Exchange Act Rule 10b5-1, or otherwise. The amount of shares purchased and the timing of such purchases will be basedcapital expenditure amounts on working capital requirements, market and general business conditions, and other factors including alternative investment opportunities.a cash basis.

13.  Income Taxes

Effective Income Tax Rate

We recorded income tax expense of $7.4 million, or 35.7% of income before income tax expense, for the nine month period ended January 31, 2016, compared to income tax expense of $6.1 million or 37.6% of income before income tax expense, for the nine month period ended February 1, 2015. Our effective income tax rates for the nine month periods ended January 31, 2016 and February 1, 2015, were based upon the estimated effective income tax rate applicable for the full year after giving effect to any significant items related specifically to interim periods. The effective income tax rate can be affected over the fiscal year by the mix and timing of actual earnings from our U.S. operations and foreign sources versus annual projections and changes in foreign currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar.
The following schedule summarizes the factors that are attributable to the difference between income tax expense at the federal income tax rate and the effective income tax rate reflected in the consolidated financial statements:
 
 20162015
federal income tax rate34.0%34.0%
foreign tax rate differential(6.6)(6.0)
undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries1.44.1
increase in liability for uncertain tax positions2.93.5
tax effects of Chinese foreign exchange gains3.50.2
other0.51.8
 35.7%37.6%
I-21

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Deferred Income Taxes

Valuation Allowance
In accordance with ASC Topic 740, we evaluate our deferred income taxes to determine if a valuation allowance is required. ASC Topic 740 requires that companies assess whether a valuation allowance should be established based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more-likely-than-not” standard, with significant weight being given to evidence that can be objectively verified. Since the company operates in multiple jurisdictions, we assess the need for a valuation allowance on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis, taking into account the effects of local tax law. Based on our assessment at January 31, 2016, we recorded a partial valuation allowance of $874,000, of which $498,000 pertained to certain U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards and credits and $376,000 pertained to loss carryfowards associated with our Culp Europe operation located in Poland.  Based on our assessment at February 1, 2015, we recorded a partial valuation allowance of $1.0 million, of which $596,000 pertained to certain U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards and credits and $400,000 pertained to loss carryfowards associated with our Culp Europe operation located in Poland.  Based on our assessment at May 3, 2015, we recorded a partial valuation allowance of $922,000, of which $561,000 pertained to certain U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards and credits and $361,000 pertained to loss carryfowards associated with our Culp Europe operation located in Poland.
No valuation allowance was recorded against our net deferred tax assets associated with our operations located in China and Canada at January 31, 2016, February 1, 2015, and May 3, 2015, respectively.
The recorded valuation allowance of $874,000 at January 31, 2016, has no effect on our operations, loan covenant compliance, or the possible realization of certain U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards and credits and our loss carryforwards associated with our Culp Europe operation located in Poland. If it is determined that it is more-likely-than-not that we will realize any of these deferred tax assets, an income tax benefit will be recognized at that time.
Undistributed Earnings
In accordance with ASC Topic 740, we assess whether the undistributed earnings from our foreign subsidiaries will be reinvested indefinitely or eventually distributed to our U.S. parent company. ASC Topic 740 requires that a deferred tax liability should be recorded for undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries that will not be reinvested indefinitely. Based on our assessment as of January 31, 2016, it is our intention not to permanently invest our undistributed earnings from our foreign subsidiaries. Also, we assess the recognition of U.S. foreign income tax credits associated with foreign withholding and income tax payments and whether it is more-likely-than-not that our foreign income tax credits will not be realized. If it is determined that any foreign income tax credits need to be recognized or it is more-likely-than-not our foreign income tax credits will not be realized, an adjustment to our provision for income taxes will be recognized at that time.
At January 31, 2016, the net deferred tax liability associated with our undistributed earnings from our foreign subsidiaries totaled $3.3 million, which included U.S. income and foreign withholding taxes totaling $37.3 million, offset by U.S. foreign income tax credits of $34.0 million. At February 1, 2015, the net deferred tax liability associated with our undistributed earnings from our foreign subsidiaries totaled $2.4 million, which included U.S. income and foreign withholding taxes totaling $32.1 million, offset by U.S. foreign income tax credits of $29.7 million. At May 3, 2015, the net deferred tax liability associated with our undistributed earnings from our foreign subsidiaries totaled $1.7 million, which included U.S. income and foreign withholding taxes totaling $32.4 million, offset by U.S. foreign income tax credits of $30.7 million.
I-22

Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
We had accumulated earnings from our foreign subsidiaries totaling $100.9 million, $82.4 million, and $85.2 million at January 31, 2016, February 1, 2015, and May 3, 2015, respectively.
Overall
At January 31, 2016, our non-current deferred tax asset of $4.3 million represents $3.5 million and $773,000 from our operations located in the U.S. and China, respectively. At February 1, 2015, our non-current deferred tax asset of $5.0 million represents $4.2 million and $776,000 from our operations located in the U.S. and China, respectively. At May 3, 2015, our non-current deferred tax asset of $5.2 million represents $4.3 million and $868,000 from our operations located in the U.S. and China, respectively.
Our non-current deferred tax liability balances of $1.2 million, $927,000, and $982,000 at January 31, 2016, February 1, 2015, and May 3, 2015, respectively, pertain to our operations located in Canada.

Uncertainty In Income Taxes

At January 31, 2016, we had a $13.2 million total gross unrecognized tax benefit, of which $3.5 million represents the amount of gross unrecognized tax benefit that, if recognized, would favorably affect the income tax rate in future periods. At February 1, 2015, we had a $13.9 million total gross unrecognized tax benefit, of which $3.6 million represents the amount of gross unrecognized tax benefit that, if recognized, would favorably affect the income tax rate in future periods. At May 3, 2015, we had a $14.1 million total gross unrecognized tax benefit, of which $3.8 million represents the amount of gross unrecognized tax benefit that, if recognized, would favorably affect the income tax rate in future periods.

At January 31, 2016, we had a $13.2 million total gross unrecognized tax benefit, of which $9.7 million and $3.5 million were classified as non-current deferred income taxes and income taxes payable – long-term, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. At February 1, 2015, we had a $13.9 million total gross unrecognized tax benefit, of which $10.3 million and $3.6 million were classified as non-current deferred income taxes and income taxes payable – long-term, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. At May 3, 2015, we had $14.1 million of total gross unrecognized tax benefit, of which $10.3 million and $3.8 million were classified as non-current deferred income taxes and income taxes payable – long-term, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

We estimate that the amount of gross unrecognized tax benefit will decrease by approximately $120,000 for fiscal 2016. This decrease primarily relates to double taxation under applicable tax treaties with foreign tax jurisdictions.

14.  Statutory Reserves
Our subsidiaries located in China are required to transfer 10% of their net income, as determined in accordance with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) accounting rules and regulations, to a statutory surplus reserve fund until such reserve balance reaches 50% of the company’s registered capital.
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Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
The transfer to this reserve must be made before distributions of any dividend to shareholders. As of January 31, 2016, the company’s statutory surplus reserve was $4.7 million, representing 10% of accumulated earnings and profits determined in accordance with PRC accounting rules and regulations. The surplus reserve fund is non-distributable other than during liquidation and can be used to fund previous years’ losses, if any, and may be utilized for business expansion or converted into share capital by issuing new shares to existing shareholders in proportion to their shareholding or by increasing the par value of the shares currently held by them provided that the remaining reserve balance after such issue is not less than 25% of the registered capital.
Our subsidiaries located in China can transfer funds to the parent company with the exception of the statutory surplus reserve of $4.7 million to assist with debt repayment, capital expenditures, and other expenses of the company’s business.
15.  Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation

The company is involved in legal proceedings and claims which have arisen in the ordinary course of business. Management has determined that it is not reasonably possible that these actions, when ultimately concluded and settled, will have a material adverse effect upon the financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of the company.
Purchase Commitments
At January 31, 2016, February 1, 2015, and May 3, 2015, we had open purchase commitments to acquire equipment for our mattress fabrics segment totaling $977,000, $3.8 million, and $2.3 million, respectively.

16.  Common Stock Repurchase Program
On February 25, 2014, we announced that our board of directors approved an authorization for us to acquire up to $5.0 million of our common stock. Under the common stock repurchase program, shares may be purchased from time to time in open market transactions, block trades, through plans established under the Securities Exchange Act Rule 10b5-1, or otherwise. The amount of shares purchased and the timing of such purchases will be based on working capital requirements, market and general business conditions, and other factors including alternative investment opportunities.
During the nine months ended January 31, 2016, we purchased 100,776 shares of our common stock at a cost of $2.4 million, all of which was purchased during the third quarter. During fiscal 2015, we purchased 43,014 shares of our common stock at a cost of $745,000, all of which were purchased in the first and second quarters.
At January 31, 2016, we had $1.9 million available for additional repurchases of our common stock.

17.  Dividend Program

On March 1, 2016, we announced that our board of directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per share. This payment will be made on or about April 15, 2016, to shareholders of record as of April 1, 2016.

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Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
During the nine months ended January 31, 2016, dividend payments totaled $7.3 million, of which $5.0 million represented a special cash dividend payment in the first quarter of $0.40 per share, and $2.3 million represented our regular quarterly cash dividend payments ranging from $0.06 to $0.07 per share.

During the nine months ended February 1, 2015, dividend payments totaled $6.8 million, of which $4.9 million represented a special cash dividend payment in the first quarter of $0.40 per share, and $1.9 million represented our regular quarterly cash dividend payments ranging from $0.05 to $0.06 per share.

Future dividend payments are subject to board approval and may be adjusted at the board’s discretion as business needs or market conditions change.
 
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Culp, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
During fiscal 2015, we purchased 43,014 shares of our common stock at a cost of $745,000, all of which were purchased in the first and second quarters. During the six months ended November 1, 2015, we did not purchase any shares of our common stock.
At November 1, 2015, we had $4.3 million available for additional repurchases of our common stock.

17.  Dividend Program

On December 1, 2015, we announced that our board of directors approved a 17% increase in our quarterly cash dividend from $0.06 to $0.07 per share. This payment will be made on January 18, 2016 to shareholders of record as of January 4, 2016.

During the first half of fiscal 2016, dividend payments totaled $6.4 million, of which $5.0 million represented a special cash dividend of $0.40 per share, and $1.4 million represented first and second quarter dividend payments of $0.06 per share.

During the first half of fiscal 2015, dividend payments totaled $6.1 million, of which $4.9 million represented a special cash dividend payment in the first quarter of $0.40 per share, and $1.2 million represented first and second quarter dividend payments of $0.05 per share.

Future dividend payments are subject to board approval and may be adjusted at the board’s discretion as business needs or market conditions change.
 
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This report and the exhibits attached hereto contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934).  Such statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties.  Further, forward looking statements are intended to speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we disclaim any duty to update such statements.  Forward-looking statements are statements that include projections, expectations or beliefs about future events or results or otherwise are not statements of historical fact.  Such statements are often but not always characterized by qualifying words such as “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “plan” and “project” and their derivatives, and include but are not limited to statements about expectations for our future operations, production levels, sales, profit margins, profitability, operating income, capital expenditures, income taxes, SG&A or other expenses, pre-tax income, earnings, cash flow, and other performance or liquidity measures, as well as any statements regarding future economic or industry trends or future developments. Factors that could influence the matters discussed in such statements include the level of housing starts and sales of existing homes, consumer confidence, trends in disposable income, and general economic conditions.  Decreases in these economic indicators could have a negative effect on our business and prospects.  Likewise, increases in interest rates, particularly home mortgage rates, and increases in consumer debt or the general rate of inflation, could affect us adversely. Changes in consumer tastes or preferences toward products not produced by us could erode demand for our products. Changes in the value of the U.S. dollar versus other currencies can affect our financial results because a significant portion of our operations are located outside the United States. Strengthening of the U.S. dollar against other currencies could make our products less competitive on the basis of price in markets outside the United States, and strengthening of currencies in Canada and China can have a negative impact on our sales of products produced in those places. Also, economic and political instability in international areas could affect our operations or sources of goods in those areas, as well as demand for our products in international markets. Further information about these factors, as well as other factors that could affect our future operations or financial results and the matters discussed in forward-looking statements, is included in Item 1A “Risk Factors” section in our Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 17, 2015, for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2015.
 
 
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The following analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and Notes and other exhibits included elsewhere in this report.

General

Our fiscal year is the 52 or 53 week period ending on the Sunday closest to April 30. The sixnine months ended NovemberJanuary 31, 2016, and February 1, 2015, represent 39 and November 2, 2014, represent 26 and 2740 week periods, respectively. Our operations are classified into two business segments: mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics. The mattress fabrics segment manufactures, sources and sells fabrics and mattress covers to bedding manufacturers. The upholstery fabrics segment sources, manufactures, and sells fabrics primarily to residential furniture manufacturers.

We evaluate the operating performance of our segments based upon income from operations before certain unallocated corporate expenses and other non-recurring items. Cost of sales in both segments include costs to manufacture or source our products, including raw material and finished goods purchases, direct and indirect labor, overhead and incoming freight charges. Unallocated corporate expenses represent primarily compensation and benefits for certain executive officers, all costs related to being a public company, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Executive Summary

Results of Operations

 Three Months Ended    Three Months Ended    
(dollars in thousands) November 1, 2015 November 2, 2014 % Change January 31, 2016  February 1, 2015  % Change
Net sales $76,956  $73,991   4.0% $78,466  $81,269  (3.4)%
Gross profit  15,733   12,278   28.1%  16,563   14,402  15.0%
Gross profit margin  20.4%  16.6%  22.9%  21.1%  17.7% 340bp
SG&A expenses  9,433   7,379   27.8%  9,337   8,375  11.5%
Income from operations  6,300   4,899   28.6%  7,226   6,027  19.9%
Operating margin  8.2%  6.6%  24.2%  9.2%  7.4% 180bp
Income before income taxes  6,144   4,890   25.6%  7,179   5,922  21.2%
Income taxes  2,373   1,889   25.6%  2,317   2,110  9.8%
Net income  3,771   3,001   25.7%  4,862   3,812  27.5%
 
 
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 Six Months Ended    Nine Months Ended    
(dollars in thousands) November 1, 2015 November 2, 2014 % Change January 31, 2016  February 1, 2015  % Change
Net sales $157,141  $150,051   4.7% $235,607  $231,320  1.9%
Gross profit  31,935   24,993   27.8%  48,498   39,395  23.1%
Gross profit margin  20.3%  16.7%  21.6%  20.6%  17.0% 360bp
SG&A expenses  18,175   14,798   22.8%  27,512   23,173  18.7%
Income from operations  13,760   10,195   35.0%  20,986   16,222  29.4%
Operating margin  8.8%  6.8%  29.4%  8.9%  7.0% 190bp
Income before income taxes  13,552   10,349   30.9%  20,731   16,270  27.4%
Income taxes  5,081   4,003   26.9%  7,398   6,113  21.0%
Net income  8,471   6,346   33.5%  13,333   10,157  31.3%

Net Sales

Net Sales

Overall, our total net sales increasedwere slightly higher for the second quarter and first halfnine month year-to-date period of fiscal 2016 as compared with the same periodsperiod a year ago. However, we experienced a slight decrease in our net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared with the prior year third quarter, which was an exceptionally strong sales performance for both our business segments. We have continued to experience a favorable customer response toremained focused on our designs and diverse product offering, as we have continued to focus on creativity,top strategic priorities of product innovation and customer service. This strategic focus has drivencreativity in order to provide a product mix that meets the demands of our sales performance in both our business segments, and we intend to follow this same strategy for the remainder of fiscal 2016. Importantly, ourcustomers. Our scalable and flexible manufacturing platform supports this strategy and we have made significant capital investments to improve our ability to compete in a fashion-driven business that is always changing.operating efficiencies and overall capacity.

Income Before Income Taxes
 
The increase in income before income taxes primarily reflects the increases in net sales noted above and the significant improvement in our operating results for both business segments. We realizedcontinued to realize the benefits of our recent capital investments in our mattress fabrics business, with increased capacity via newer and more efficient equipment, enhanced finishing capabilities and better overall throughput. We also incurred lower raw material costs and operating expenses (primarily more favorable currency exchange rates) in both our business segments during fiscal 2016 compared with fiscal 2015. Partially offsetting the improvement in income before income taxes was the increase in SG&A expenses due primarily to higher incentive compensation expense reflecting stronger financial results in relation to pre-established performance targets and higher expenses related to the increase in net sales.targets.
 
See the Segment Analysis section located in the Results of Operations for further details.

 
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Liquidity

At November 1, 2015,January 31, 2016, our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $37.5$36.0 million compared with $39.7 million at May 3, 2015. This decrease was primarily due to dividend payments of $6.4 million, capital expenditures primarilymostly associated with our mattress fabric segment of $5.3$7.7 million, dividend payments of $7.3 million, repurchases of our common stock of $2.4 million, a long-term debt payment of $2.2 million, on payments of long-term debt, and $864,000 in long-term investment purchases of $1.3 million associated with our Rabbi Trust that is partially funding our deferred compensation plan.Trust. This spending was partially offset by net cash provided by operating activities of $11.2$15.9 million.

Our netNet cash provided by operating activities was $11.2$15.9 million throughfor the first two quarters of fiscalnine months ending January 31, 2016, a decrease of $3.3$4.8 million compared with $14.5$20.7 million throughfor the second quarter of fiscalnine months ending February 1, 2015. This decrease reflects an increase in inventory purchases, as well as higher annual bonus payments made in fiscal 2016 compared with those made in fiscal 2015. This spending was partially offset by cash flow from earnings and improved cash collections from customers through the second quarter ofin fiscal 2016 compared with the second quarter of fiscal 2015.

On August 11, 2015, we paid our last annual payment of $2.2 million on our unsecured senior term notes, and we currently do not have any long-term debt or balances due on our revolving credit lines.
 
On March 10, 2016, we amended our Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo to increase our borrowing capacity from $10 million to $30 million. The purpose of the increase in our revolving credit line with Wells Fargo is to support potential short term cash needs in different jurisdictions within our global operations, mitigate our risk associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, and repatriate earnings and profits from our foreign subsidiaries to the U.S. for various strategic purposes.

Dividend Program

On DecemberMarch 1, 2015,2016, we announced that our board of directors approved a 17% increase in our quarterly cash dividend from $0.06 toof $0.07 per share. This payment will be made on January 18,or about April 15, 2016, to shareholders of record as of January 4,April 1, 2016.

During the first half of fiscalnine months ended January 31, 2016, dividend payments totaled $6.4$7.3 million, of which $5.0 million represented a special cash dividend payment in the first quarter of $0.40 per share, and $1.4$2.3 million represented first and second quarterour regular quarterly cash dividend payments ofranging from $0.06 to $0.07 per share.

During the first half of fiscalnine months ended February 1, 2015, dividend payments totaled $6.1$6.8 million, of which $4.9 million represented a special cash dividend payment in the first quarter of $0.40 per share, and $1.2$1.9 million represented first and second quarterour regular quarterly cash dividend payments ofranging from $0.05 to $0.06 per share.

Future dividend payments are subject to board approval and may be adjusted at the board’s discretion as business needs or market conditions change.
 
Common Stock Repurchase Program

On February 25, 2014, we announced that our board of directors approved an authorization for us to acquire up to $5.0 million of our common stock. Under the common stock repurchase program, shares may be purchased from time to time in open market transactions, block trades, through plans established under the Securities Exchange Act Rule 10b5-1, or otherwise. The amount of shares purchased and the timing of such purchases will be based on working capital requirements, market and general business conditions, and other factors including alternative investment opportunities.
 
 
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During the nine months ended January 31, 2016, we purchased 100,776 shares of our common stock at a cost of $2.4 million, all of which were purchased during the third quarter. During fiscal 2015, we purchased 43,014 shares of our common stock at a cost of $745,000, all of which were purchased in the first and second quarters. During the six months ended November 1, 2015, we did not purchase any shares of our common stock.
 
At November 1, 2015,January 31, 2016, we had $4.3$1.9 million available for additional repurchases of our common stock.

Segment Analysis

Mattress Fabrics Segment

 Three Months Ended    Three Months Ended    
(dollars in thousands) November 1, 2015 November 2, 2014 % Change January 31, 2016  February 1, 2015  % Change
                  
Net sales $45,436  $43,038   5.6% $44,277  $45,683  (3.1)%
Gross profit  9,456   7,324   29.1%  8,751   8,076  8.4%
Gross profit margin  20.8%  17.0%  22.4%  19.8%  17.7% 210bp
SG&A expenses  2,989   2,592   15.3%  2,953   2,853  3.5%
Income from operations  6,467   4,733   36.6%  5,798   5,223  11.0%
Operating margin  14.2%  11.0%  29.1%  13.1%  11.4% 170bp


 Six Months Ended    Nine Months Ended    
(dollars in thousands) November 1, 2015 November 2, 2014 % Change January 31, 2016  February 1, 2015  % Change
                  
Net sales $93,245  $85,860   8.6% $137,522  $131,543  4.5%
Gross profit  19,381   14,527   33.4%  28,133   22,603  24.5%
Gross profit margin  20.8%  16.9%  23.1%  20.5%  17.2% 330bp
SG&A expenses  5,912   5,166   14.4%  8,865   8,019  10.5%
Income from operations  13,468   9,361   43.9%  19,267   14,584  32.1%
Operating margin  14.4%  10.9%  32.1%  14.0%  11.1% 290bp

Net Sales
Our net sales for mattress fabrics were slightly higher for the nine month year-to-date period of fiscal 2016 compared with the same period a year ago. However, we experienced a slight decrease in our net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared with the prior year third quarter. Our net sales for the third quarter were affected by several factors, including a significant weather event at the end of the quarter, which affected our production and shipment schedules. In addition, we experienced a timing difference related to customer roll-outs of new product lines that typically occur in our third quarter as they did the previous year. We expect to recognize this business in our fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 following the Presidents Day holiday mattress promotional events.
 
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Net Sales
Our mattress fabric net sales forDesign and innovation remain our top strategic priorities to meet customer style preferences and demand trends. As such, we are in the second quarterprocess of enhancing our design services and the first half of fiscal 2016 increased compared with the same periods a year ago. Notably, during the second quarter we were able to increasefacilities. In addition, our sales in what is typically a seasonal slowdown after the Labor Day holiday mattress promotional events. These results reflect our ability to execute our strategy with consistent results. Our strategic focus on design creativity has allowed us to offer an innovative and diverse product offering, including mattress fabrics and covers, across all price points. Our mirrored manufacturing platform, technical expertise, and expanded reactive capacity support our ability to deliver a diverse product mix in line with consumer demand.strategic priorities that focus on customer demand trends and style preferences.
 
Our mattress fabric net sales also were affected by increased customer pricing pressures and the fact that the first halfnine month year-to-date period of fiscal 2016 contained one less week compared with the same period a year ago.

Gross Profit and Operating Income
 
Our mattress fabric gross profit and operating income increased in the secondthird quarter and first halfthe nine month year-to-date period of fiscal 2016 compared with the same periods a year ago. These results reflect the increase in net sales noted above and the benefits of our recent capital investments, includingwhich include increased production capacity via newer and more efficient equipment, enhanced finishing capabilities, and improved overall efficiency and throughput. We also experienced lower raw material costs in the first half of fiscal 2016 compared with the same periods a year ago.
We have almostAs planned, we completed the installationinitial phase of new equipment and other technological improvementsour expansion project at our facility located in Canada.Canada during the third quarter, and we plan to install additional new equipment and make other technological improvements to our manufacturing platform during the fourth quarter. This will increaseproject is expected to improve our production capacity and operating efficiency at this location. We also experienced lower raw material costs and operating expenses due to more favorable exchange rates in Canada for fiscal 2016 compared with fiscal 2015.
 
Partially offsetting the improvement in operating income was an increase in SG&A expenses, due primarily to higher incentive compensation expense reflecting stronger financial results in relation to pre-established performance targets and higher expenses related to the increase in net sales.increased customer pricing pressures as noted above.

Segment assets

Segment assets consist of accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, goodwill, a non-compete agreement and customer relationships associated with an acquisition.

(dollars in thousands) November 1, 2015 November 2, 2014 May 3, 2015 January 31, 2016  February 1, 2015  May 3, 2015 
Accounts receivable and inventory $40,937  $35,406  $41,328  $44,309  $36,658  $41,328 
Property, plant & equipment  36,050   30,938   33,773   35,637   33,046   33,773 
Goodwill  11,462   11,462   11,462   11,462   11,462   11,462 
Non-compete agreement  941   1,017   979   922   998   979 
Customer Relationships  740   791   766   728   779   766 

 
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Accounts Receivable & Inventory

As of November 1, 2015,January 31, 2016, accounts receivable and inventory increased $5.5$7.7 million or 16%21%, compared with November 2, 2014, and related to the increase in inventory.February 1, 2015. This increase is primarily due to higheran increase in net sales,inventory of $9.8 million, as a result of customers requiring us to hold higher inventory levels of key products, and higher inventory purchases with certain vendors to take advantage of purchase discounts.

As of November 1, 2015, accounts receivable and inventory were comparable to May 3, 2015. However, inventory increased $3.1 million as described above. Theproducts. This increase in inventory was partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable of $3.5$2.1 million, due to lower net sales and improved cash collections in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2015.

As of January 31, 2016, accounts receivable and inventory increased $3.0 million or 7%, compared with May 3, 2015. This increase is due to an increase in inventory of $4.4 million, as a result of customers requiring us to hold higher inventory levels of key products. This was partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable of $1.4 million due to improved cash collections in the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2016 compared towith the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.

Property, Plant & Equipment
 
The $36.1$35.6 million at November 1, 2015,January 31, 2016, represents property, plant and equipment of $23.3$23.0 million and $12.8$12.6 million located in the U.S. and Canada, respectively. The $30.9$33.0 million at November 2, 2014,February 1, 2015, represents property, plant, and equipment of $22.2$23.5 million and $8.7$9.5 million located in the U.S. and Canada, respectively. The $33.8 million at May 3, 2015, represents property, plant, and equipment of $23.8 million and $10.0 million located in the U.S. and Canada, respectively.

As of November 1, 2015,January 31, 2016, property, plant, and equipment increased $5.1$2.6 million, or 17%8% compared with November 2, 2014.February 1, 2015. This increase is primarily due to the capital investments noted above, partially offset by depreciation expense.

As of November 1, 2015,January 31, 2016, property, plant, and equipment increased $2.3$1.9 million, or 7%6%, compared with May 3, 2015. This increase is due to capital expenditures of $5.1$6.2 million that primarily relate to the purchases and installation of machinery and equipment associated with our operation located in Canada, partially offset by depreciation expense of $2.8$4.3 million infor the first halfnine month year-to-date period of fiscal 2016.

Upholstery Fabrics Segment

Net Sales

 Three Months Ended     Three Months Ended 
(dollars in thousands) 
November 1,
 2015
    
November 2,
 2014
    % Change 
January 31,
 2016
     
February 1,
 2015
     
 
% Change
                              
Non U.S. Produced $28,568   91% $28,563   92%  0.0% $31,515  92% $32,584  92% (3.3)%
U.S. Produced  2,952   9%  2,390   8%  23.5%  2,674  8%  3,002  8% (10.9)%
Total $31,520   100% $30,953   100%  1.8% $34,189  100% $35,586  100% (3.9)%

 
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 Six Months Ended                        Nine Months Ended 
(dollars in thousands) 
November 1,
 2015
    
November 2,
 2014
    % Change 
January 31,
 2016
    
February 1,
 2015
    
 
% Change
                              
Non U.S. Produced $58,522   92% $59,019   92%  (0.8)% $90,037  92% $91,603  92% (1.7)%
U.S. Produced  5,374   8%  5,172   8%  3.9%  8,048  8%  8,174  8% (1.5)%
Total $63,896   100% $64,191   100%  (0.5)% $98,085  100% $99,777  100% (1.7)%

Our net sales reflectfor upholstery fabrics were lower for the continued executionthird quarter and nearly flat for the nine month year-to-date period of fiscal 2016 compared with the same periods a year ago. The third quarter of fiscal 2015 was an exceptionally strong quarterly performance for upholstery fabric sales.
Our upholstery fabric net sales also were affected by the fact that the nine month year-to-date period of fiscal 2016 contained one less week compared with the same period a year ago, the closure of our product-driven strategy that focuses on designfinished goods warehouse and distribution facility located in Poznan, Poland, in the third quarter of fiscal 2015, and some pricing pressures from key customers.

Design and product innovation.innovation remain our top strategic priorities. This strategy has allowed us to offer a diverse range of products that meet changing market trends and style preferences. As a result, we have extended our market reach to a more diverse customer base, enhanced our product mix with favorableprofitable results, and increased our net sales with the hospitality and lifestyle retail markets.

Our 100% owned China platform supports our marketing efforts with the manufacturing flexibility to adapt to changing furniture market trends and consumer style preferences. This platform has allowed us to more effectively reach new customers, with the ability to offer a diverse product mix of fabric styles and price points.

Our upholstery fabric net sales were affected by the fact that the first half of fiscal 2016 contained one less week compared with the same period a year ago, and the closure of our finished goods warehouse and distribution facility located in Poznan, Poland, in the third quarter of fiscal 2015.

Gross Profit, Selling, General & Administrative Expenses, and Operating Income

  Three Months Ended   
(dollars in thousands) November 1, 2015 November 2, 2014 % Change
          
Gross profit $6,277  $4,954   26.7%
Gross profit margin  19.9%  16.0%  24.4%
SG&A expenses  3,813   3,285   16.1%
Income from operations  2,464   1,668   47.7%
Operating margin  7.8%  5.4%  44.4%


 Six Months Ended    Three Months Ended    
(dollars in thousands) November 1, 2015 November 2, 2014 % Change January 31, 2016  February 1, 2015  % Change
                  
Gross profit $12,554  $10,466   20.0% $7,812  $6,326  23.5%
Gross profit margin  19.6%  16.3%  20.2%  22.8%  17.8% 500bp
SG&A expenses  7.409   6,737   10.0%  3,963   3,781  4.8%
Income from operations  5,146   3,729   38.0%  3,849   2,545  51.2%
Operating margin  8.1%  5.8%  39.7%  11.3%  7.2% 410bp
 
The increase in
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  Nine Months Ended    
(dollars in thousands) January 31, 2016  February 1, 2015  % Change
          
Gross profit $20,365  $16,792  21.3%
Gross profit margin  20.8%  16.8% 400bp
SG&A expenses  11,372   10,518  8.1%
Income from operations  8,994   6,274  43.4%
Operating margin  9.2%  6.3% 290bp
Our upholstery fabric gross profit and operating income increased in the third quarter and the nine month year-to-date period of fiscal 2016 compared with the same periods a year ago. These results reflect the benefits from operations reflected our strategic focus on product innovation and sales diversification. The benefits include an enhanced product mix noted abovethat has resulted in greater operating efficiency and a more stable cost environmentcapacity utilization in our cut and sew operation located in China. Also, we incurred non-recurring charges approximating $200,000 during the second quarter ofWe also experienced lower raw material costs and operating expenses due to more favorable exchange rates in China for fiscal 2015 that related to the closure of our Culp Europe operation, and no corresponding charge was recorded during2016 compared with fiscal 2016.2015. Partially offsetting the improvement in income from operations was an increase in SG&A expenses due primarily to higher incentive compensation expense reflecting stronger financial results in relation to pre-established performance targets.targets, and some pricing pressures from key customers as noted above.
 
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Also, our profitability for the nine month year-to-date period of fiscal 2015 was affected by non-recurring charges of approximately $200,000 during the second quarter that related to the closure of our Culp Europe operation. No corresponding charge was recorded during the nine month year-to-date period of fiscal 2016.
 
Culp Europe
 
As previously announced at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2015, we closed our finished goods warehouse and distribution facility located in Poznan, Poland, primarily as a result of ongoing economic weakness in Europe. We remain very interested in developing business in Europe, and we are assessing the best strategy for selling upholstery fabric into this market as business conditions improve.

Segment Assets
 
Segment assets consist of accounts receivable, inventory, and property, plant, and equipment.
            
(dollars in thousands) November 1, 2015 November 2, 2014 May 3, 2015 January 31, 2016  February 1, 2015  May 3, 2015 
Accounts receivable and inventory $28,856  $27,867  $29,905  $30,960  $32,129  $29,905 
Property, plant & equipment  1,474   1,578   1,467   1,590   1,522   1,467 

Accounts Receivable & Inventory

As of November 1, 2015,January 31, 2016, accounts receivable and inventory for this segment increased $1.0decreased $1.2 million or 4% compared with November 2, 2014. InventoryFebruary 1, 2015. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in accounts receivable as a result of lower net sales and improved cash collections in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared with the third quarter of fiscal 2015.

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As of January 31, 2016, accounts receivable and inventory increased $2.8$1.0 million, or 4%, compared with May 3, 2015. This increase was primarily due to an increase in inventory as a result of holding higher inventory levels due in part to better service our customers. The increase in this segment’s inventory was partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable of $1.8 million primarily due to improved cash collections in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 compared with the second quarter of fiscal 2015.

As of November 1, 2015, accounts receivable and inventory decreased $1.0 million or 4% compared with May 3, 2015. This decrease can be attributed to a decrease of $2.0 million in accounts receivable resulting from improved cash collections in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 compared with the second quarter of fiscal 2015. The decrease in accounts receivable was partially offset by an increase in inventory of $1.0 million as a result of holding higher inventory levels due in part to better service our customers.

Property, Plant & Equipment

The $1.6 million at January 31, 2016, represents property, plant, and equipment of $860,000 and $730,000 located in the U.S. and China, respectively. The $1.5 million at NovemberFebruary 1, 2015, represents property, plant, and equipment of $785,000$877,000 and $689,000 located in the U.S. and China, respectively. The $1.6 million at November 2, 2014, represents property, plant, and equipment of $977,000 and $601,000$645,000 located in the U.S. and China, respectively. The $1.5 million at May 3, 2015, represents property, plant, and equipment of $848,000 and $619,000 located in the U.S. and China, respectively.

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Other Income Statement Categories


  Three Months Ended    
(dollars in thousands) January 31, 2016  February 1, 2015  % Change
          
SG&A expenses $9,337  $8,375  11.5%
Interest income  38   202  (81.2)%
Other expense  85   307  (72.3)%


  Nine Months Ended    
(dollars in thousands) January 31, 2016  February 1, 2015  % Change
          
SG&A expenses $27,512  $23,173  18.7%
Interest expense  -   50  (100.0)%
Interest income  150   478  (68.6)%
Other expense  405   380  6.6%

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
SG&A expenses for the company as a whole were $9.4 millionhave increased in the secondthird quarter and the nine month year-to-date period of fiscal 2016 compared with $7.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. Assame periods a percent of net sales, SG&A expenses were 12.3% in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 compared with 10.0% in the second quarter of fiscal 2015.
SG&A expenses for the company as a whole were $18.2 million for the first six months of fiscal 2016 compared with $14.8 million for the first six months of fiscal 2015. As a percent of net sales, SG&A expenses were 11.6% for the first six months of fiscal 2016 compared with 9.9% for the first six months of fiscal 2015.
year ago. This trend is primarily due to higher incentive compensation expense reflecting stronger financial results in relation to pre-established performance targets and higher expenses related to the increase in net sales.targets.

Interest Expense

No interestInterest expense was recordeddecreased for the first six monthsnine month year-to-date period of fiscal 2016 and $67,000 was recorded forcompared with the first six months of fiscal 2015.

same period a year ago. This trend primarily reflects lower outstanding balances of long-term debt, and interest costs that were capitalized in connection with our capital investments associated with our mattress fabrics segment. Interest costs charged to operations and incurred on our long-term debt and lines of credit were $49,000$58,000 and $148,000$191,000 for the first six monthsnine month year-to-date periods of fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. Interest costs charged to operations were reduced by $49,000of $58,000 and $81,000$141,000 for capitalized interest costs for the first halfnine month year-to-date periods of fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. These capitalized interest costs will be amortized over the related assets’ useful lives.

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Interest Income

Interest income was $69,000 fordecreased in the secondthird quarter and the nine month year-to-date period of fiscal 2016 compared with $153,000 for the second quarter of fiscal 2015. Interest income was $112,000 for the first half of fiscal 2016 compared with $294,000 for the first half of fiscal 2015.

These decreases reflectsame periods a year ago. This trend reflects higher cash and cash equivalent and short-term investment balances held in U.S. dollar denominated account balances during fiscal 2016 compared with fiscal 2015. Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investment balances held in U.S. dollar denominated account balances earn lower interest rates as compared to our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investment balances denominated in the local currency of our foreign subsidiaries. During fiscal 2015,2016, we implemented a strategy of substantially reducing the amount of cash we hold in Chinese Yuan Renminbi. Although this action has resulted in lower interest income as compared to last year, the strategy has mitigated our foreign currency exchange rate exposure in China. See discussion in “Other Expense” below.

Other Expense

OtherThe decrease in other expense was $225,000 for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2016 compared with $162,000 during the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2015. The increase in other expense was primarily due2015 resulted from our ability to a realized lossbetter mitigate the effects of $56,000 associated with a sale of short-term investments in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. No corresponding charge was recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2015.

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Other expense was $320,000 for the first half of fiscal 2016 compared with $73,000 for the first half of fiscal 2015.

The above year-to-date trend is primarily due to less favorable foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations in relation to the U.S. dollar regardingassociated with our operations located in China in fiscal 2016 compared with fiscal 2015 and our strategy ofChina. This was achieved by transferring the amount of cash held in Chinese Yuan Renminbi to U.S. dollars as noted above. As a result, we were able to mitigate the effects of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations associated with our China operations by acheiving a balance of assets and liabilities denominated in Chinese Yuan Renminbi. Our operations located in China reported a foreign exchange lossgain of $5,000$48,000 for the first six monthsthird quarter of fiscal 2016 compared with a foreign exchange gainloss of $205,000$136,000 for the same period a year ago.

WeOther expenses remained flat for the nine month year-to-date period of fiscal 2016 compared with the same period a year ago. This result reflects our ability to mitigate the effects of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations associated with our subsidiaries domiciled in Canada and China through maintenance of a natural hedge by keeping a balance of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Although we will continue to try and maintain this natural hedge, there is no assurance that we will be able to continue to do so in future reporting periods.

Income Taxes

Effective Income Tax Rate

We recorded income tax expense of $5.1$7.4 million, or 37.5%35.7% of income before income tax expense, for the sixnine month period ended November 1, 2015,January 31, 2016, compared to income tax expense of $4.0$6.1 million or 38.7%37.6% of income before income tax expense, for the sixnine month period ended November 2, 2014.February 1, 2015. Our effective income tax rates for the sixnine month periods ended NovemberJanuary 31, 2016 and February 1, 2015, and November 2, 2014 were based upon the estimated effective income tax rate applicable for the full year after giving effect to any significant items related specifically to interim periods. The effective income tax rate can be affected over the fiscal year by the mix and timing of actual earnings from our U.S. operations and foreign sources versus annual projections and changes in foreign currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar.

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The following schedule summarizes the principal differencesfactors that are attributable to the difference between income tax expense at the federal income tax rate and the effective income tax rate reflected in the consolidated financial statements:

  2016 2015
federal income tax rate  34.0%  34.0%
foreign tax rate differential  (4.9)  (5.6)
undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries  4.5   3.7 
increase in liability for uncertain tax positions  3.1   4.1 
other  0.8   2.5 
   37.5%  38.7%
 20162015
federal income tax rate34.0%34.0%
foreign tax rate differential(6.6)(6.0)
undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries1.44.1
increase in liability for uncertain tax positions2.93.5
tax effects of Chinese foreign exchange gains3.50.2
other0.51.8
 35.7%37.6%
 
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Deferred Income Taxes

Valuation Allowance
 
In accordance with ASC Topic 740, we evaluate our deferred income taxes to determine if a valuation allowance is required. ASC Topic 740 requires that companies assess whether a valuation allowance should be established based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not”“more-likely-than-not” standard, with significant weight being given to evidence that can be objectively verified. Since the company operates in multiple jurisdictions, we assess the need for a valuation allowance on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis, taking into account the effects of local tax law. Based on our assessment at November 1, 2015,January 31, 2016, we recorded a partial valuation allowance of $938,000,$874,000, of which $561,000$498,000 pertained to certain U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards and credits and $377,000$376,000 pertained to loss carryfowards associated with our Culp Europe operation located in Poland.  Based on our assessment at November 2, 2014,February 1, 2015, we recorded a partial valuation allowance of $1.1$1.0 million, of which $666,000$596,000 pertained to certain U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards and credits and $456,000$400,000 pertained to loss carryfowards associated with our Culp Europe operation located in Poland.  Based on our assessment at May 3, 2015, we recorded a partial valuation allowance of $922,000, of which $561,000 pertained to certain U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards and credits and $361,000 pertained to loss carryfowards associated with our Culp Europe operation located in Poland.
 
No valuation allowance was recorded against our net deferred tax assets associated with our operations located in China and Canada at NovemberJanuary 31, 2016, February 1, 2015, November 2, 2014, and May 3, 2015, respectively.
 
The recorded valuation allowance of $938,000$874,000 at November 1, 2015,January 31, 2016, has no effect on our operations, loan covenant compliance, or the possible realization of certain U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards and credits and our loss carryforwards associated with our Culp Europe operation located in Poland. If it is determined that it is more-likely-than-not that we will realize any of these deferred tax assets, an income tax benefit will be recognized at that time.
 
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Undistributed Earnings
 
In accordance with ASC Topic 740, we assess whether the undistributed earnings from our foreign subsidiaries will be reinvested indefinitely or eventually distributed to our U.S. parent company. ASC Topic 740 requires that a deferred tax liability should be recorded for undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries that will not be reinvested indefinitely. Based on our assessment as of November 1, 2015,January 31, 2016, it is our intention not to permanently invest our undistributed earnings from our foreign subsidiaries. Also, we assess the recognition of U.S. foreign income tax credits associated with foreign withholding and income tax payments and whether it is more-likely-than-not that our foreign income tax credits will not be realized. If it is determined that any foreign income tax credits need to be recognized or it is more-likely-than-not our foreign income tax credits will not be realized, an adjustment to our provision for income taxes will be recognized at that time.
 
At NovemberJanuary 31, 2016, the net deferred tax liability associated with our undistributed earnings from our foreign subsidiaries totaled $3.3 million, which included U.S. income and foreign withholding taxes totaling $37.3 million, offset by U.S. foreign income tax credits of $34.0 million. At February 1, 2015, the net deferred tax liability associated with our undistributed earnings from our foreign subsidiaries totaled $2.4 million, which included U.S. income and foreign withholding taxes totaling $35.7$32.1 million, offset by U.S. foreign income tax credits of $33.3 million. At November 2, 2014, the net deferred tax liability associated with our undistributed earnings from our foreign subsidiaries totaled $2.2 million, which included U.S. income and foreign withholding taxes totaling $30.6 million, offset by U.S. foreign income tax credits of $28.4$29.7 million. At May 3, 2015, the net deferred tax liability associated with our undistributed earnings from our foreign subsidiaries totaled $1.7 million, which included U.S. income and foreign withholding taxes totaling $32.4 million, offset by U.S. foreign income tax credits of $30.7 million.
 
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We had accumulated earnings from our foreign subsidiaries totaling $93.2$100.9 million, $78.9$82.4 million, and $85.2 million at NovemberJanuary 31, 2016, February 1, 2015, November 2, 2014, and May 3, 2015, respectively.
Overall
At January 31, 2016, our non-current deferred tax asset of $4.3 million represents $3.5 million and $773,000 from our operations located in the U.S. and China, respectively. At February 1, 2015, our non-current deferred tax asset of $5.0 million represents $4.2 million and $776,000 from our operations located in the U.S. and China, respectively. At May 3, 2015, our non-current deferred tax asset of $5.2 million represents $4.3 million and $868,000 from our operations located in the U.S. and China, respectively.
Our non-current deferred tax liability balances of $1.2 million, $927,000, and $982,000 at January 31, 2016, February 1, 2015, and May 3, 2015, respectively, pertain to our operations located in Canada.

Uncertainty In Income Taxes

At November 1, 2015,January 31, 2016, we had a $14.2$13.2 million total gross unrecognized tax benefit, of which $3.7$3.5 million represents the amount of gross unrecognized tax benefitsbenefit that, if recognized, would favorably affect the income tax rate in future periods. At November 2, 2014,February 1, 2015, we had a $14.1$13.9 million total gross unrecognized tax benefit, of which $4.0$3.6 million represents the amount of gross unrecognized tax benefitsbenefit that, if recognized, would favorably affect the income tax rate in future periods. At May 3, 2015, we had a $14.1 million total gross unrecognized tax benefit, of which $3.8 million represents the amount of gross unrecognized tax benefitsbenefit that, if recognized, would favorably affect the income tax rate in future periods.period.

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At November 1, 2015,January 31, 2016, we had a $14.2$13.2 million total gross unrecognized tax benefit, of which $10.5$9.7 million and $3.7$3.5 million were classified as net non-current deferred income taxes and income taxes payable – long-term, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. At November 2, 2014,February 1, 2015, we had a $14.1$13.9 million total gross unrecognized tax benefit, of which $10.1$10.3 million and $4.0$3.6 million were classified as net non-current deferred income taxes and income taxes payable – long-term, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. At May 3, 2015, we had $14.1 million of total gross unrecognized tax benefit, of which $10.3 million and $3.8 million were classified as net non-current deferred income taxes and income taxes payable – long-term, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

We estimate that the amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits will increasedecrease by approximately $846,000$120,000 for fiscal 2016. This increasedecrease primarily relates to double taxation under applicable tax treaties with foreign tax jurisdictions.

Income Taxes Paid

We reported income tax expense of $5.1$7.4 million and $4.0$6.1 million infor the first half of fiscalnine month periods ending January 31, 2016, and fiscalFebruary 1, 2015, respectively. Currently, we are not paying income taxes in the United States, nor do we expect to for a few more years, due to our loss carryforwards that totaled $32.2$33.3 million as of May 3, 2015. As a result, we had income tax payments of $2.1$4.9 million and $2.0$3.0 million infor the first half ofnine month periods ending January 31, 2016 and fiscalFebruary 1, 2015, respectively. Our income tax payments are associated with our subsidiaries located in China and Canada.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

Currently, our sources of liquidity include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, cash flow from operations, and amounts available under our unsecured revolving credit lines. These sources have been adequate for day-to-day operations, capital expenditures, debt payments, common stock repurchases, and dividend payments. We believe our present cash and cash equivalents and short-term investment balance of $37.5$36.0 million at November 1, 2015,January 31, 2016, cash flow from operations, and the current availability under our unsecured revolving credit lines will be sufficient to fund our foreseeable business needs and contractual obligations.

On August 11, 2015, we paid our last annual payment of $2.2 million on our unsecured senior term notes, and we currently do not have any long-term debt or balances due on our revolving credit lines.

On March 10, 2016, we amended our Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo to increase our borrowing capacity from $10 million to $30 million. The purpose of the increase in our revolving credit line with Wells Fargo is to support potential short term cash needs in different jurisdictions within our global operations, mitigate our risk associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, and repatriate earnings and profits from our foreign subsidiaries to the U.S. for various strategic purposes.
We currently hold cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments in foreign jurisdictions to support the operational requirements of our foreign operations located in Canada and China and for U.S. and foreign income tax planning purposes.

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A summary of our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments by geographic area follows:
 
  January 31,  May 3, 
(dollars in thousands) 2016  2015 
Cayman Islands $20,077  $8,591 
Canada  6,570   12,511 
China  6,479   14,630 
United States  2,846   3,977 
Poland  -   20 
  $35,972  $39,729 
  November 1,  May 3, 
(dollars in thousands) 2015  2015 
China $18,690   14,630 
Canada  8,856   12,511 
Cayman Islands  8,591   8,591 
United States  1,359   3,977 
Poland  -   20 
  $37,496   39,729 

As of the end of the second quarter of fiscalAt January 31, 2016, our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments decreased fromtotaled $36.0 million compared with $39.7 million at May 3, 2015. This decrease was primarily due to dividend payments of $6.4 million, capital expenditures primarilymostly associated with our mattress fabric segment of $5.3$7.7 million, dividend payments of $7.3 million, repurchases of our common stock of $2.4 million, a long-term debt payment of $2.2 million, on payments of long-term debt, and $864,000 in long-term investment purchases of $1.3 million  associated with our Rabbi Trust that is partially funding our deferred compensation plan.Trust. This spending was partially offset by net cash provided by operating activities of $11.2$15.9 million.

Our net cash provided by operating activities was $11.2$15.9 million throughfor the first two quarters of fiscalnine months ending January 31, 2016, a decrease of $3.3$4.8 million compared with $14.5$20.7 million throughfor the first two quarters of fiscalnine months ending February 1, 2015. This decrease reflects an increase in inventory purchases, as well as higher annual bonus payments made in fiscal 2016 compared with those made in fiscal 2015. This spending was partially offset by cash flow from earnings and improved cash collections from customers in fiscal 2016 compared with fiscal 2015.

We have had a significant shift in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments held in China and the Cayman Islands. During the third quarter of fiscal 2016, we distributed earnings and profits totaling $13.6 million from our subsidiaries located in China to our international holding company located in the Cayman Islands. This shift is primarily due to our strategy of ultimately repatriating earnings and profits from our subsidiaries located in China to the U.S. and mitigating our risk to foreign exchange rate fluctuations for assets and liabilities denominated in Chinese Yuan Renminbi. By reducing the amount of cash and cash equivalents held in Chinese Yuan Renminbi, we are able to obtain a better balance of assets and liabilities denominated in Chinese Yuan Renminbi, and therefore mitigate the risk against foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations in China. In addition, by transferring earnings and profits from China to the Cayman Islands, it provides increased flexibility to repatriate these earnings and profits to the U.S. for various strategic purposes.
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Our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investment balance may be adversely affected by factors beyond our control, such as lower net sales due to weakening industry demand and delays in receipt of payment on accounts receivable.

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Dividend Program

On DecemberMarch 1, 2015,2016, we announced that our board of directors approved a 17% increase in our quarterly cash dividend from $0.06 toof $0.07 per share. This payment will be made on January 18,or about April 15, 2016, to shareholders of record as of January 4,April 1, 2016.

During the first half of fiscalnine months ended January 31, 2016, dividend payments totaled $6.4$7.3 million, of which $5.0 million represented a special cash dividend payment in the first quarter of $0.40 per share, and $1.4$2.3 million represented first and second quarterour regular quarterly cash dividend payments ofranging from $0.06 to $0.07 per share.

During the first half of fiscalnine months ended February 1, 2015, dividend payments totaled $6.1$6.8 million, of which $4.9 million represented a special cash dividend payment in the first quarter of $0.40 per share, and $1.2$1.9 million represented first and second quarterour regular quarterly cash dividend payments ofranging from $0.05 to $0.06 per share.

Future dividend payments are subject to board approval and may be adjusted at the board’s discretion as business needs or market conditions change.
 
Common Stock Repurchase Program

On February 25, 2014, we announced that our board of directors approved an authorization for us to acquire up to $5.0 million of our common stock. Under the common stock repurchase program, shares may be purchased from time to time in open market transactions, block trades, through plans established under the Securities Exchange Act Rule 10b5-1, or otherwise. The amount of shares purchased and the timing of such purchases will be based on working capital requirements, market and general business conditions, and other factors including alternative investment opportunities.
 
During the nine months ended January 31, 2016, we purchased 100,776 shares of our common stock at a cost of $2.4 million, all of which were purchased during the third quarter. During fiscal 2015, we purchased 43,014 shares of our common stock at a cost of $745,000, all of which were purchased in the first and second quarters. During the six months ended November 1, 2015, we did not purchase any shares of our common stock.
 
At November 1, 2015,January 31, 2016, we had $4.3$1.9 million available for additional repurchases of our common stock.

Working Capital

Accounts receivable at November 1, 2015,January 31, 2016, were $23.3$26.8 million, a decrease of $1.7$4.0 million, or 7%13%, compared with $25.0$30.8 million at November 2, 2014.February 1, 2015. This decrease is primarily due to lower net sales and improved cash collections with customers associated with both our business segments.segments in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Days’ sales outstanding were 2831 days for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2016 compared with 3134 days for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2015.

Inventories as of January 31, 2016, were $48.5 million, an increase of $10.5 million, or 28%, compared with $38.0 million at February 1, 2015. This increase is primarily due to customers requiring us to hold higher inventory levels of key products. Inventory turns were 5.1 for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared with 7.0 for the third quarter of fiscal 2015.

 
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Inventories as of November 1, 2015 were $46.5 million, an increase of $8.3 million, or 22%, compared with $38.2 million at November 2, 2014. This increase represents the increase in net sales, customers requiring us to hold higher inventory levels of key products, and higher inventory purchases with certain vendors to take advantage of purchase discounts. Inventory turns were 5.3 for the second quarter of fiscal 2016 compared with 6.4 for the second quarter of fiscal 2015.

Accounts payable-trade as of November 1, 2015January 31, 2016, were $25.2$25.6 million, a decrease of $3.0 million, or 11%, compared with $25.5$28.6 million at November 2, 2014.  Our accounts payable –trade has remained flat despite the significant inventory purchases noted above as we have taken more advantage of purchase discounts during the second quarter of fiscal 2016 comparedFebruary 1, 2015.  This decrease is primarily due to the second quartertiming of fiscal 2015.payments to suppliers associated with operations located in China as a result of the Chinese New Year holiday.

Operating working capital (accounts receivable and inventories, less accounts payable-trade and accounts payable-capital expenditures) was $43.3$49.3 million at November 1, 2015,January 31, 2016, compared with $37.6$39.4 million at November 2, 2014.February 1, 2015. Operating working capital turnover was 7.77.2 during the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2016, compared with 7.27.5 during the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2015.

Financing Arrangements

Unsecured Senior Term Notes

We entered into a note agreement dated August 11, 2008 that provided for the issuance of $11.0 million of unsecured senior term notes with a fixed interest rate of 8.01% and a term of seven years. Principal payments of $2.2 million per year were due on the notes beginning August 11, 2011. Any principal pre-payments would have been assessed a penalty as defined in the agreement. The agreement contained customary financial and other covenants as defined in the agreement.

On August 11, 2015, we paid our last annual payment of $2.2 million and this agreement has been paid in full.

Revolving Credit Agreement – United States

As of May 3, 2015, we had an unsecured credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (“Wells Fargo”) that provided for an unsecured revolving loan commitment of $10.0$10 million to be used to finance working capital and general corporate purposes. Any borrowings that are outstanding under the credit agreement with Culp Europe noted below will decrease the $10.0 million available. Interest is charged at a rate (applicable interest rate of 1.69%1.93%, 1.76%1.77%, and 1.78% at NovemberJanuary 31, 2016, February 1, 2015, November 2, 2014, and May 3, 2015, respectively) equal to the one-month LIBOR rate plus a spread based on our ratio of debt to EBITDA as defined in the agreement. The Credit Agreement contained customary financial and other covenants as defined in the agreement and was set to expire on August 31, 2015.

Effective July 10, 2015, we amended theour Credit Agreement to extend the expiration date to August 31, 2017, and maintain an annual capital expenditure limit of $12 million.

We entered into a Second Amendment to our Credit Agreement dated March 10, 2016, which amends our Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.  The terms of the Second Amendment include, among other things, provisions that (i) increase our line of credit under the Credit Agreement to $30 million, (ii) increase the annual limit on capital expenditures by the company to $15 million, (iii) add a new financial covenant to establish a minimum level of unencumbered liquid assets, (iv) eliminate certain financial covenants, (v) amend the pricing matrix that provides for interest payable on obligations under the agreement as a variable spread over LIBOR, based upon the company's ratio of debt to EBITDA, and (vi) provide that the obligations under the Credit Agreement are to be secured by a pledge of 65% of the common stock of Culp International Holdings Ltd, our Cayman subsidiary.
The purpose of the increase in our revolving credit line with Wells Fargo is to support potential short term cash needs in different jurisdictions within our global operations, mitigate our risk associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, and repatriate earnings and profits from our foreign subsidiaries to the U.S. for various strategic purposes.

 
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At NovemberJanuary 31, 2016, February 1, 2015 and May 3, 2015 there was a $250,000 outstanding letter of credit (all of which related to workers compensation). At November 2, 2014, there was a $195,000 outstanding letter of credit (all of which related to workers compensation). At NovemberJanuary 31, 2016, February 1, 2015, November 2, 2014, and May 3, 2015, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement.

Revolving Credit Agreement – China

We havehad an unsecured credit agreement associated with our operations in China that providesprovided for a line of credit of up to 40 million RMB (approximately $6.3$6.1 million USD at November 1, 2015)January 31, 2016), expiringthat was set to expire on February 9, 2016. This agreement hashad an interest rate determined by the Chinese government. There were no borrowings outstanding under the agreement as of NovemberJanuary 31, 2016, February 1, 2015, November 2, 2014, and May 3, 2015.

Revolving Credit Agreement – Europe

In connection with the Wells FargoOn March 8, 2016, we renewed our unsecured credit agreement noted above, any outstanding borrowings associated with Culp Europe would decreaseour operations located in China. The renewal extended the $10agreement to March 8, 2017 and maintained the line of credit up to 40 million available under the credit agreement and incur interest at the EURO LIBOR plus 2%RMB (approximately $6.1 million USD).

At November 1, 2015, no borrowings were outstanding under this agreement, as the outstanding balance was paid in full during the second quarter of fiscal 2015.

Overall

Our loan agreements require, among other things, that we maintain compliance with certain financial covenants. At November 1, 2015,January 31, 2016, the company was in compliance with these financial covenantscovenants.

Capital Expenditures and Depreciation

Capital expenditures on a cash basis were $5.3$7.7 million for the first half ofnine month year-to-date period for fiscal 2016 compared with $5.1$8.2 million for the same period a year ago. Capital expenditures for the first halfnine month year-to-date periods of fiscal 2016 and 2015 were primarily related to our mattress fabrics segment.

Depreciation expense was $3.2$4.9 million for the first halfnine month year-to-date period of fiscal 2016 compared with $2.8$4.2 million for the same period a year ago. Depreciation expense for the first halfnine month year-to-date periods of fiscal 2016 and 2015 primarily related to the mattress fabrics segment.

For fiscal 2016, we are projecting capital expenditures for the company as a whole to be approximately $10.0 million to $11.0$12.0 million. Depreciation expense for the company as a whole is projected to be approximately $7.0 million in fiscal 2016. The estimated capital expenditures and depreciation expense primarily relate to the mattress fabrics segment. For fiscal 2017, our preliminary estimate for capital expenditures is in the range of $11 million to $12 million, as we continue to invest in our mattress fabrics business. These are management’s current expectations only, and changes in our business needs could cause changes in plans for capital expenditures and expectations for related depreciation expense.

 
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Critical Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Developments

At November 1, 2015,January 31, 2016, there were no changes in the nature of our significant accounting policies or the application of those policies from those reported in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 3, 2015.

Refer to Note 2 located in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for recently adopted and issued accounting pronouncements since the filing of our Form 10-K for the year ended May 3, 2015.

Contractual Obligations
 
As of November 1, 2015,January 31, 2016, there were no significant or new contractual obligations from those reported in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 3, 2015.

Inflation

Any significant increase in our raw material costs, utility/energy costs and general economic inflation could have a material adverse impact on the company, because competitive conditions have limited our ability to pass significant operating increases on to customers.

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ITEM 3.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on our revolving credit lines.

At November 1, 2015,January 31, 2016, our U.S. revolving credit agreement had an interest rate equal to the one-month LIBOR rate plus a spread based on our ratio of debt to EBITDA as defined in the agreement. Our revolving credit line associated with our China subsidiaries bears interest at a rate determined by the Chinese government. Our revolving credit line associated with our operation located in Poland bears interest at the EURO LIBOR plus 2%. At November 1, 2015,January 31, 2016, there were no borrowings outstanding under any of our revolving credit lines.
 
We are exposed to market risk from changes in the value of foreign currencies for our subsidiaries domiciled in Canada and China. We try to maintain a natural hedge by keeping a balance of our assets and liabilities denominated in the local currency of our subsidiaries domiciled in Canada and China, although there is no assurance that we will be able to continually maintain this natural hedge. Our foreign subsidiaries use the United States dollar as their functional currency. A substantial portion of the company’s imports purchased outside the United States are denominated in U.S. dollars. A 10% change in the above exchange rates at November 1, 2015,January 31, 2016, would not have had a significant impact on our results of operations or financial position.

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ITEM 4.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of November 1, 2015,January 31, 2016, the end of the period covered by this report. This evaluation was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based upon that evaluation, we have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed by us and submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported as and when required. Further, we concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed by us under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, in a manner to allow timely decisions regarding the required disclosures.

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended November 1, 2015,January 31, 2016, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
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Part II – Other Information

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

There have not been any material changes to our legal proceedings during the sixnine months ended November 1, 2015.January 31, 2016. Our legal proceedings are disclosed in the company’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 17, 2015 for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2015.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

There have not been any material changes to our risk factors during the sixnine months ended November 1, 2015.January 31, 2016. Our risk factors are disclosed in the company’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 17, 2015 for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2015.

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

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Period
(a)
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
(b)
Average
Price Paid
per Share
(c)
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
(d)
Approximate
Dollar Value of
Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs (1)
August 3, 2015 to
September 6, 2015
---$ 4,256,235
September 7, 2015 to
October 4, 2015
---$ 4,256,235
October 5, 2015 to
November 1, 2015
---$ 4,256,235
Total---$ 4,256,235
Period 
(a)
 
 
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
  
(b)
 
 
 
Average
Price Paid
per Share
  
(c)
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
  
(d)
Approximate
Dollar Value of
Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs (1)
 
November 2, 2015 to December 6, 2015  -   -   -  $4,256,235 
December 7, 2015 to January 3, 2016  -   -   -  $4,256,235 
January 4, 2016 to January 31, 2016  100,776  $23.79    100,776  $1,859,274 
Total  100,776  $23.79    100,776  $1,859,274 

(1)On February 25, 2014, we announced that our board of directors approved an authorization for us to acquire up to $5.0 million of our common stock.
 
 
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Item 5.  Other Information

We entered into a Second Amendment to our Credit Agreement dated March 10, 2016, which amends our Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.  The terms of the Second Amendment include, among other things, provisions that (i) increase our line of credit under the Credit Agreement to $30 million, (ii) increase the annual limit on capital expenditures by the company to $15 million, (iii) add a new financial covenant to establish a minimum level of unencumbered liquid assets, (iv) eliminate certain financial covenants, (v) amend the pricing matrix that provides for interest payable on obligations under the agreement as a variable spread over LIBOR, based upon the company's ratio of debt to EBITDA, and (vi) provide that the obligations under the Credit Agreement are to be secured by a pledge of 65% of the common stock of Culp International Holdings Ltd, our Cayman subsidiary. This description of the Second Amendment is qualified in its entirety by reference to the terms of the Second Amendment, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto.

II-2

 

Item 6.  Exhibits
 
 The following exhibits are submitted as part of this report.
   
 3(i)
Articles of Incorporation of the company, as amended, were filed as Exhibit 3(i) to the company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 28, 2002, filed September 11, 2002 (Commission File No. 001-12597), and incorporated herein by reference.
 3 (ii)
Restated and Amended Bylaws of the company, as amended November 12, 2007, were filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the company’s Form 8-K dated November 12, 2007 (Commission File No. 001-12597), and incorporated herein by reference.
 10.1Form of restricted stock unit agreement for restricted stock units granted pursuant
Second Amendment to the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan was filedCredit Agreement dated as Exhibit 10.3 to company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 2, 2015, filed September 11, 2015,of March 10, 2016, by and incorporated herein by reference. (*)
10.22015 Equity Incentive Plan, filed as Annex A to the company’s 2015 Proxy Statement, filed on August 12, 2015 (Commission File No. 001-12597),between Culp, Inc and incorporated herein by reference.(*)
Wells Fargo. N.A.
 31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
 101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


  CULP, INC.
  (Registrant)
   
   
Date: DecemberMarch 11, 20152016By:/s/ Kenneth R. Bowling
  Kenneth R. Bowling
  Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  (Authorized to sign on behalf of the registrant
  and also signing as principal financial officer)
   
   
 By:
/s/ Thomas B. Gallagher, Jr.
  Thomas B. Gallagher, Jr.
  Corporate Controller
  (Authorized to sign on behalf of the registrant
  and also signing as principal accounting officer)
 
 
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EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit Number
Exhibit
  
10.1Second Amendment to the Credit Agreement dated as of March 10, 2016, by and between Culp, Inc. and Wells Fargo, N.A.
  
31.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  
31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  
32.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  
32.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  
101.INSXBRL Instance Document
  
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
  
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
  
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
  
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
  
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document