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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003

OR

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

For the transition period from             to            

Commission File Number 0-21496

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

DELAWARE
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

36-3498354
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

507 West Tenth Street
West Point, Georgia 31833
(Address of principal executive offices, including Zip Code)

(706) 645-4000
(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 such filing requirements for the past 90 days.


Yes     X       No            

Common shares outstanding at October 31, 2003: 49,897,409 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes     X       No            

1


INDEX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page No.

 

 

 

 

 

PART I.

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.  Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
              September 30, 2003 (Unaudited)
              and December 31, 2002

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of
             Operations (Unaudited); Three and
             Nine Months Ended September 30,
             2003 and September 30, 2002

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of
              Cash Flows (Unaudited); Nine
              Months Ended September 30,
              2003 and September 30, 2002

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of
              Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Unaudited);
              Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial
              Statements (Unaudited)

 

7 - 23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

24 - 35

 

 

 

 

 

   

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure
              About Market Risk

 

36

         

 

 

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

 

36

 

 

 

 

 

PART II.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

 

37 - 39

 

 

 

 

 

   

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

39

         

 

 

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

40

 

2


WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)

   

September 30,

 

December 31,

   

2003

 

2002

   

(Unaudited)

   

Assets

       

Current Assets

       

     Cash and cash equivalents

 

$                 - 

 

$            1,096 

     Accounts receivable

 

266,870 

 

107,751 

     Inventories

 

419,910 

 

368,743 

     Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

42,675 

 

33,111 

Total current assets

 

729,455 

 

510,701 

         

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

 

659,974 

 

711,189 

         

Other Assets

       

     Deferred financing fees

 

16,742 

 

25,883 

     Other assets

 

2,110 

 

3,134 

     Goodwill

 

 

46,298 

   

$

1,408,281 

 

$

1,297,205 

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)

       

Current Liabilities

       

     Senior Credit Facility

 

$      490,689 

 

$       447,795 

     DIP Credit Agreement

 

107,133 

 

     Long-term debt classified as current

 

16,5000 

 

1,165,000 

     Accrued interest payable

 

6,168 

 

3,949 

     Accounts payable

 

68,759 

 

57,357 

     Other accrued liabilities

 

113,670 

 

113,518 

Total current liabilities

 

951,419 

 

1,787,619 

Noncurrent Liabilities

       

     Deferred income taxes

 

111,951 

 

158,244 

     Pension and other liabilities

 

154,161 

 

156,989 

Total noncurrent liabilities

 

266,112 

 

315,233 

Liabilities Subject to Compromise

 

1,098,114 

 

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)

 

(907,364)

 

(805,647)

   

$

1,408,281 

 

$

1,297,205 

             

See accompanying notes

3


WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)

   

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

   

September 30,

 

September 30,

   

2003

 

2002

 

2003

 

2002

                 

Net sales

 

$445,160

 

$460,454

 

$1,190,118

 

$1,345,170

Cost of goods sold

 

365,565

 

374,675

 

979,427

 

1,047,818

                 
                 
 

Gross earnings

 

79,595

 

85,779

 

210,691

 

297,352

                 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

58,934

 

70,602

 

183,334

 

205,115

Restructuring and impairment charge

 

967

 

5,872

 

14,291

 

5,872

Goodwill impairment charge

 

-

 

-

 

46,298

 

-

                 
 

Operating earnings (loss)

 

19,694

 

9,305

 

(33,232)

 

86,365

                 

Interest expense (contractual interest of
   $38,869 and $108,585 for the three and
    nine months ended September 30,
    2003, respectively)

 




19,181

 




33,735

 




82,840

 




100,450

Other expense-net

 

3,796

 

1,519

 

14,225

 

5,598

Chapter 11 expenses

 

12,709

 

-

 

18,953

 

-

                   
 

Loss before income tax benefit

 

(15,992)

 

(25,949)

 

(149,250)

 

(19,683)

                 

Income tax benefit

 

(3,190)

 

(9,340)

 

(47,495)

 

(7,085)

                 
 

Net loss

 

$(12,802)

 

$(16,609)

 

$(101,755)

 

$(12,598)

                 
                 
                 

Basic net loss per common share

 

$     (.26)

 

$     (.33)

 

$     (2.04)

 

$     (.25)

                 

Diluted net loss per common share

 

$     (.26)

 

$     (.33)

 

$     (2.04)

 

$     (.25)

                 
                 

Basic average common shares outstanding

 

49,897

 

49,671

 

49,882

 

49,662

 

Dilutive effect of stock options
     and stock bonus plan

 


- -

 


- -

 


- -

 


- -

                 

Diluted average common shares outstanding

 

 49,897

 

 49,671

 

 49,882

 

 49,662

See accompanying notes

4


WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(In thousands)

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

2003

2002

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(101,755

)

 

$

(12,598

)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

53,508

 

 

 

61,510

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

(47,451

)

 

 

(842

)

Changes in working capital

 

 

39,112

 

 

 (3,113

)

 

Other-net

 

 

21,041

 

 

(3,093

)

 

Non-cash component of restructuring and
impairment charge

 

 

7,805

 

 

4,315

Goodwill impairment charge

46,298

-

 Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

18,558

 

 

 

46,179

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

(9,790

)

 

 

(32,035

)

Net proceeds from sale of assets

 

 

59

 

 

 

1,534

 

 

 

Net cash used for investing activities

 

 

(9,731

)

 

 

(30,501

)

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Credit Facility:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings

 

 

720,333

 

 

614,197

Repayments

 

 

(677,439

)

 

 

(636,803

)

DIP Credit Agreement:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings

 

 

377,481

 

 

-

Repayments

(270,348

)

-

Fees associated with DIP Agreement

 

 

(5,150

)

 

 

-

 

Trade Receivables Program

 

 

(154,800

 

 

7,400

Net cash used for financing activities

 

(9,923

)

 

(15,206

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

(1,096

)

472

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

1,096

3,170

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

-

 

 

$

3,642

 

See accompanying notes

5


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Unaudited)
(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and Capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excess of

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common

Par

Treasury Stock

Accumulated

 

Comprehensive

 

Unearned

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

Value

Shares

 

Amount

Deficit

 

Income (Loss)

 

Compensation

 

Total

                                                         

Balance, January 1, 2003

 

71,100

 

$

408,991

 

 

(21,449

)

 

$

(417,964

)

$

(693,652

)

 

$

(99,581

)

 

$

(3,441

)

 

$

(805,647

)

                                                           

 

Comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

(101,755

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(101,755

)

 

 

Foreign currency
      translation adjustment

 


- -


 


- -

 

 


- -

 

 

 


- -

 

 


- -

 

 

 


(1,763


 

 


- -

 

 

 


(1,763

 
)

 

 

Cash flow hedges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net derivative gains, net
   of tax expense of $690

 


- -

 

 


- -

 

 


- -

 

 

 


- -

 

 


- -

 

 

 


1,228

 

 

 


- -

 

 

 


1,228

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(102,290

)

 

Issuance of stock pursuant
   to Stock Bonus Plan
   including tax expense

 



- -

 

 



446

 

 



39

 

 

 



413

 

 



- -

 

 

 



- -

 

 

 



- -

 

 

 



859

 

 

Issuance of stock pursuant
   to pension plan

 


- -

 

 


(1,254


)

 


202

 

 

 


1,381

 

 


- -

 

 

 


- -

 

 

 


- -

 

 

 


127

 

 

Issuance of Restricted Stock, net

 

-

 

 

(3,784

)

 

6

 

 

 

37

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

2,185

 

 

 

(1,562

)

 

Amortization of compensation

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,255

 

 

 

1,255

 

 

Stock dividends pursuant
   to Stock Bonus Plan

 


- -

 

 


- -

 

 


- -

 

 

 


- -

 

 


(106


)

 

 


- -

 

 

 


- -

 

 

 


(106


)

                                                         

Balance, September  30, 2003

 

71,100

 

$

404,399

 

 

(21,202

)

 

$

(416,133

)

$

(795,513

)

 

$

(100,116

)

 

$

( 1

)

 

$

(907,364

)

                                                         

 

See accompanying notes

6


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

1.  Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the nine month period ended September 30, 2003, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2003. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the annual report on Form 10-K for WestPoint Stevens Inc. (the "Company") for the year ended December 31, 2002.


2.  Chapter 11 Filing


On June 1, 2003 (the "Petition Date"), the Company and several of its subsidiaries (together with the Company, the "Debtors") filed petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the "Bankruptcy Court"). Since that date, the Debtors have been operating as debtors-in-possession under Chapter 11. A brief chronology of the circumstances that led to such filing is set forth below.


Despite the restructuring initiatives which the Company undertook in 2000 and 2002, during 2003 the Company continued to experience financial difficulty related primarily to restrictive covenants under its Senior Credit Facility and its debt structure. The Company therefore entered into negotiations with its Senior Credit Facility lenders to amend the Senior Credit Facility to permit certain restructuring, impairment and other charges and to revise certain financial ratios and minimum EBITDA covenants in its Senior Credit Facility. The Company and such lenders were unable to agree to amend the Senior Credit Facility and the Company continued to experience financial difficulties which led to a default under its Senior Credit Facility and Second-Lien Facility. Effective March 31, 2003, the Senior Credit Facility lenders and Second-Lien Facility lenders agreed to refrain from exercising any rights or remedies in respect of the Company's failure to comply with financial and other covenants until June& nbsp;10, 2003. As the June 10 deadline approached, the Company's Board of Directors determined that, in order to be able to operate successfully in today's market environment and compete with increasing foreign competition, it would be necessary for the Company to reduce its debt burden and de-lever its balance sheet. Thus, on May 16, 2003, the Board of Directors approved the retention of Rothschild Inc., an independent financial advisor, to evaluate alternatives aimed at reducing the existing debt structure and strengthening the balance sheet. After negotiations with its Senior Lenders regarding various alternatives, the Company concluded it would be in the best interests of its creditors and shareholders to effect a consensual restructuring under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code and filed its Chapter 11 petition on June 1, 2003.

7


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)

2. Chapter 11 Filing--Continued

The Company initailly announced that it had reached an agreement in principle with the holders of approximately 52% of the aggregate principal amount of its Senior Notes on the terms of a financial restructuring to be implemented through the Chapter 11 process. The agreement in principle was subject to numerous conditions and further agreements, including the entry of an order confirming the plan of reorganization contemplated by the proposal as required by Chapter 11. On October 17, 2003, the Company announced that it had determined not to implement the previously announced agreement in principle with certain holders of its outstanding unsecured debt. Instead, the Company will negotiate new terms for a Chapter 11 plan of reorganization with all of its major creditor constituencies.


On June 2, 2003, the Bankruptcy Court approved a series of the Company's "first day" motions that will enable the Company to continue regular operations throughout the reorganization proceeding. These motions authorized, among other things, normal payment of employee salaries, wages and benefits; continued participation in workers' compensation insurance programs; payment to vendors for post-petition delivery of goods and services; payment of certain pre-petition obligations to customers; and continued payment of utilities. The Bankruptcy Court also approved, under interim order, access to $175 million in debtor-in-possession financing and subsequently approved, under final order, access to $300 million of debtor-in-possession financing for use by the Company, pursuant to a Post-Petition Credit Agreement, dated as of June 2, 2003, among WestPoint Stevens Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, the financial institutions named therein and Bank of America, N.A. and Wachovia Bank, National Ass ociation (the "DIP Credit Agreement").


The Company is a party to the DIP Credit Agreement that provides a facility consisting of revolving credit loans of up to $300 million (with a sublimit of $75 million for letters of credit) with a term of one year. At its option, the Company may extend the term for up to two successive periods of six months each.


Initial advances under the DIP Credit Agreement bear interest at a fluctuating rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 2.75% or, at the Company's option, prime plus a margin of 0.75%. Each margin is subject to quarterly adjustments, commencing November 1, 2003, pursuant to a pricing matrix, based on average availability, having a range of 2.25% to 3.00% for LIBOR based loans and 0.25% to 1.00% for prime-based loans. The DIP Credit Agreement also has an unused line fee of 0.625% per annum, subject to quarterly adjustments as above having a range of 0.375% to 0.75%. Effective November 1, 2003, as a result of average availability, interest rates under the DIP Credit Agreement decreased to LIBOR plus 2.50% or, at the Company's option, prime plus 0.50%, and the unused line fee decreased to 0.50%.


The DIP Credit Agreement contains a number of covenants, including among others, affirmative and negative covenants with respect to certain financial tests and other indebtedness, as well as restrictions against the declaration or payment of dividends, the making of certain intercompany advances and the disposition of assets without consent. The DIP Credit Agreement also contains Events of Default (as defined in the DIP Credit Agreement) including among others, a failure to pay the principal and interest of the obligations when due, default with respect to any Debt (as defined in the DIP Credit Agreement)

8


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)

2.  Chapter 11 Filing--Continued

and a failure by the Company to comply with any provisions of the Financing Orders (as defined in the DIP Credit Agreement).


During the third quarter of 2003, the Company's DIP Credit Agreement was amended primarily to modify the minimum EBITDA covenant, add a minimum availability covenant, permit certain restructuring, impairment and other charges and modify other miscellaneous provisions.


There can be no assurance, however, that the Company will be able to comply with the debt covenants or that, if it fails to do so, it will be able to obtain amendments to or waivers of such covenants. Failure of the Company to comply with covenants contained in its DIP Credit Agreement, if not waived, or to adequately service debt obligations, could result in a default under the DIP Credit Agreement. Any default under the Company's DIP Credit Agreement, particularly any default that results in acceleration of indebtedness or foreclosure on collateral, could have a material adverse effect on the Company.


The Debtors are currently operating their businesses as debtors-in-possession pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code. Pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code, prepetition obligations of the Debtors, including obligations under debt instruments, generally may not be enforced against the Debtors, and any actions to collect prepetition indebtedness are automatically stayed, unless the stay is lifted by the Bankruptcy Court. The rights of and ultimate payments by the Company under prepetition obligations may be substantially altered. This could result in claims being liquidated in the Chapter 11 proceedings at less (and possibly substantially less) than 100% of their face value. The Debtors cannot presently determine or reasonably estimate the ultimate liability that may result from rejecting contracts or leases or from the filing of claims for any rejected contracts or leases, and no provisions have yet been made for these items. The amount of the claims to be filed by the creditors could be significantly different than the amount of the liabilities recorded by the Company.


Since the Petition Date, the Debtors have conducted business in the ordinary course. Management is in the process of stabilizing the business of the Debtors and evaluating their operations as part of the development of a plan of reorganization. The Debtors may seek the requisite acceptance of the plan of reorganization by security holders and confirmation of the plan by the Bankruptcy Court, all in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code. During the pendency of the Chapter 11 proceedings, the Debtors may, with Bankruptcy Court approval, sell assets and settle liabilities, including for amounts other than those reflected in the financial statements. The administrative and reorganization expenses resulting from the Chapter 11 proceedings will unfavorably affect the Debtors' results of operations. Future results of operations may also be adversely affected by other factors related to the Chapter 11 proceedings.


On August 28, 2003, one of the Company's foreign subsidiaries, WestPoint Stevens (Europe) Ltd., filed for bankruptcy in the United Kingdom and will subsequently be closed and liquidated subject to the bankruptcy laws of the United Kingdom. The losses associated with the closure of the foreign subsidiary are estimated to total approximately $7.2 million consisting of inventory writedowns of $4.7 million, accounts receivable writedowns for claims of $1.7 million and impairment of fixed assets of $0.8 million. These charges are reflected in restructuring, impairment and other charges as discussed in Note 5.

9


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)

2. Chapter 11 Filing--Continued

Basis of Presentation


The Company's consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States applicable to a going concern. Except as otherwise disclosed, these principles assume that assets will be realized and liabilities will be discharged in the ordinary course of business. The Company is currently operating as a debtor-in-possession under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, and its continuation as a going concern is contingent upon, among other things, its ability to gain approval of the plan of reorganization by the requisite parties under the Bankruptcy Code and be confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court, comply with the DIP Credit Agreement, return to profitability, generate sufficient cash flows from operations and obtain financing sources to meet future obligations. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to achieve any of these results. The Company's consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the rec overability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.


The Company's consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report are presented in accordance with AICPA Statement of Position 90-7 ("Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization Under the Bankruptcy Code") ("SOP 90-7"). In the Chapter 11 proceedings, substantially all unsecured liabilities as of the Petition Date are subject to compromise or other treatment under a plan of reorganization which must be confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court after submission to any required vote by affected parties. For financial reporting purposes, the categories of liabilities and obligations whose treatment and satisfaction are dependent on the outcome of the Chapter 11 proceedings and classified as Liabilities Subject to Compromise in the consolidated balance sheet under SOP 90-7 are identified below (in thousands):

 

September 30, 2003

Senior Notes due 2005 and 2008
     plus related accrued interest net
     of related deferred financing fees

 



$1,028,337

Accounts payable

 

39,971

Accrued liabilities

 

     29,806

Total

 

$1,098,114

     

10


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)

2. Chapter 11 Filing--Continued

Basis of Presentation---Continued

The ultimate amount of and settlement terms for the Company's pre-bankruptcy liabilities are subject to the ultimate outcome of its Chapter 11 proceedings and, accordingly, are not presently determinable. Pursuant to SOP 90-7, professional fees associated with the Chapter 11 proceedings are expensed as incurred and reported as reorganization costs (Chapter 11 expenses). Also, interest expense will be reported only to the extent that it will be paid during the pendency of the Chapter 11 proceedings or that it is probable that it will be an allowed claim. During the second and third quarters of 2003, the Company recognized charges of $6.3 million and $12.7 million, respectively, totaling $19.0 million for Chapter 11 expenses. The total charge consisted of $5.0 million related to the early termination of the Company's Trade Receivables Program, $1.1 million in severance associated with the resignation of the Company's former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, $3.9 million for performan ce bonuses under a court approved Key Employee Retention Plan, $1.7 million related to the amortization of fees associated with the DIP Credit Agreement and $7.3 million related to fees payable to professionals retained to assist with the Chapter 11 proceedings.

Assets of the Company's subsidiaries currently excluded from the bankruptcy proceedings total $10.4 million as of September 30, 2003, or 0.7% of the Company's consolidated assets. Revenues of the subsidiaries totaled $9.6 million and $24.9 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2003, or 2.2% and 2.1%, respectively of the Company's consolidated revenues.

3.  Inventories

The Company uses the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method of accounting for substantially all inventories for financial reporting purposes. Interim determinations of LIFO inventories are necessarily based on management's estimates of year-end inventory levels and costs. Subsequent changes in these estimates, including the final year-end LIFO determination, and the effect of such changes on earnings are recorded in the interim periods in which they occur.


Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands of dollars):

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

2003

 

2002

Finished goods

 

$

170,725

 

 

$

142,484

 

Work in process

 

 

195,976

 

 

 

174,460

 

Raw materials and supplies

 

 

53,209

 

 

 

51,799

 

LIFO reserve

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

$

419,910

 

 

$

368,743

 

                 

 

11


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)

4.  Indebtedness and Financial Arrangements

Indebtedness is as follows (in thousands of dollars):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

2003

 

2002

Short-term indebtedness

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Credit Facility

$

490,689

 

 

$

447,795

 

 

DIP Credit Agreement

 

107,133

     

-

 

 

Second-Lien Facility

 

165,000

 

 

 

165,000

 

 

7-7/8% Senior Notes due 2005

 

-

 

 

 

525,000

 

 

7-7/8% Senior Notes due 2008

 

-

 

 

 

475,000

 

 

$

762,822

 

 

$

   1,612,795

 

               
               
 

September 30,

       
 

2003

       

               

Short-term indebtedness classified as liabilities
        subject to compromise

             
 

7-7/8% Senior Notes due 2005

$

525,000

         
 

7-7/8% Senior Notes due 2008

 

475,000

         

   

$

1,000,000

         

                 

 

The Company is a party to the DIP Credit Agreement dated June 2, 2003, as subsequently amended, among the Debtors, the financial institutions from time to time parties thereto as Lenders, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent for the Lenders and Wachovia Bank, National Association as Syndication Agent for the Lenders. The facility consists of revolving credit loans of up to $300 million (with a sublimit of $75 million for letters of credit) with a term of one year. (See Note 2 where the DIP Credit Agreement is discussed further.)


At September 30, 2003, the Company's Senior Credit Facility with certain lenders (collectively, the "Banks") consists of a $642.1 million revolving credit facility ("Revolver"), subject to future scheduled commitment reductions and interim facility limitations, with a Revolver expiration date of November 30, 2004. Effective with the Chapter 11 filing, additional borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility are no longer available to the Company. During 2003 the Revolver commitment decreased $50.0 million as a result of scheduled commitment reductions. The Senior Credit Facility provides for a $25.0 million future reduction in the revolver commitment on November 1, 2003 and further provides for a $17.5 million reduction in the revolver commitment on February 1, 2004, at which time the revolver commitment will be $599.6 million, subject to adjustments related to the Trade Receivables Program and asset dispositions.

12


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)

4.  Indebtedness and Financial Arrangements--Continued

Effective March 31, 2003, the Senior Credit Facility was amended primarily to provide for an interim facility limitation and to add an unused commitment fee. Under the interim facility limitation, the Company's outstanding borrowings and letters of credit under the Senior Credit Facility were limited to the following amounts for the periods indicated: $546.0 million for the period April 1, 2003 through April 26, 2003; $530.0 million for the period April 27, 2003 through May 17, 2003; and $525.0 million for the period May 18, 2003 through June 10, 2003.


At the option of the Company and effective with the last amendment to the Senior Credit Facility, interest under the Senior Credit Facility was payable monthly, either at the prime rate plus 5.25% or LIBOR plus 7.00%, compared to the prime rate plus 2.75% or LIBOR plus 4.50% in effect at December 31, 2002. Effective with the Chapter 11 filing, the Senior Credit Facility LIBOR loans converted to prime rate loans upon maturity and LIBOR loans are no longer available to the Company. Prior to the Chapter 11 filing, the Company was obligated to pay a facility fee in an amount equal to 0.50% of each Bank's commitment under the Revolver, and an unused commitment fee in an amount equal to 1.00% of the difference between the revolver commitment and the daily outstanding loans and letters of credit. Effective with the Chapter 11 filing, the Company is no longer obligated to pay a facility fee or an unused commitment fee for the Senior Credit Facility. The loans under the Senior Credit Facility are secured by the pledge of all the stock of the Company's material subsidiaries and a first priority lien on substantially all of the assets of the Company, other than the Company's accounts receivables in the Trade Receivables Program.


The Company's credit agreements contain a number of customary covenants including, among others, restrictions on the incurrence of indebtedness, transactions with affiliates, and certain asset dispositions as well as limitations on restricted debt and equity payments and capital expenditures. Certain provisions require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios, a minimum interest coverage ratio, a minimum debt to EBITDA ratio, a minimum EBITDA and a minimum consolidated net worth (as defined). At September 30, 2003, the Company could not make restricted debt and equity payments.


At March 31, 2003 and prior to the petition date, the Company was not in compliance with certain of its covenants under the Senior Credit Facility and Second-Lien Facility during which time the Company engaged in active discussions with its senior lenders to obtain an amendment or waiver of such non-compliance (See Note 2 where the chronology of the circumstances causing the Company to file voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code is discussed). At September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, the Company classified all of its outstanding debt under all of its various credit agreements as current as a result of the Company's inability to obtain temporary waivers discussed above through the end of 2003 and the potential for the acceleration of the loans outstanding under all of its various credit agreements.


The Company, through a wholly-owned "bankruptcy remote" receivables subsidiary, had a Trade Receivables Program that provided for the sale of accounts receivable on a revolving basis. The receivables subsidiary, WPS Receivables Corporation ("WPSRC") (which is not a Debtor in the Company's current Chapter 11 proceeding), is a qualified special purpose entity and meets the requirements of SFAS 140. In January 2002, the Company amended and extended the maturity date

13


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)

4.  Indebtedness and Financial Arrangements--Continued

of its existing Trade Receivables Program with an independent issuer of receivables backed commercial paper until January 2003. The independent issuer of receivables backed commercial paper under the Company's Trade Receivables Program at December 31, 2002 indicated that it would not extend the maturity date of its current agreement for another year but indicated a willingness to work with the Company to effect an orderly transition to another securitization provider. On January 15, and February 10, 2003, the company announced amendments to the maturity dates of its Trade Receivables Program, extending it to February 17 and March 31, 2003, respectively. On March 28, 2003, WPSRC and the Company entered into a loan and security agreement (the "Receivables Loan Agreement") with Congress Financial Corporation (Southern), as Agent ("Congress"), pursuant to which the lenders thereunder agreed to provide receivables backed loans as part of the Company's Trade Receivables Program. Under the te rms of the Trade Receivables Program, the Company agreed to sell on an ongoing basis, and without recourse for credit loss on the receivables, its accounts receivable portfolio to WPSRC, and WPSRC used the receivables as collateral for loans pursuant to the Receivables Loan Agreement. Proceeds from the loans and collections on receivables were used by WPSRC to purchase receivables from the Company. The Company maintained the balance in the designated pool of accounts receivable sold by selling its new receivables on a revolving basis as they are created. The Receivables Loan Agreement permitted outstanding loans of up to $160.0 million against the accounts receivable portfolio. The interest payable by WPSRC on the loans under the Receivables Loan Agreement was a 2-month LIBOR rate plus 2.50%. The cost of the Trade Receivables Program was charged to selling expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. At December 31, 2002, $154.8 million of accounts receivable had been sold pursuan t to the Trade Receivables Program and the sale was reflected as a reduction of accounts receivable in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. On June 4, 2003, Congress notified WPSRC that, as a result of the Company's Chapter 11 filing, Congress was terminating the Receivables Loan Agreement and that no further loans would be made thereunder. Congress continued to apply proceeds of receivables pledged to it to reduce the obligations of WPSRC to Congress under the Receivables Loan Agreement. As of July 8, 2003, all outstanding loans under the Receivables Loan Agreement were repaid in full from such proceeds. The Company is currently financing its accounts receivable through borrowings under the DIP Credit Agreement and expects to continue to do so during the pendency of its Chapter 11 proceedings.

5.  Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges


In 2000, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved the new Eight-Point Plan, which was created to be the guiding discipline for the Company in a global economy. The Board also approved a $222.0 million pretax charge for restructuring, impairment and other charges to cover the cost of implementing the Eight-Point Plan that is designed to streamline operations and improve profitability. The Eight-Point Plan addresses the following points: 1) expand brands; 2) explore new licensing opportunities; 3) rationalize manufacturing; 4) reduce overhead; 5) increase global sourcing; 6) improve inventory utilization; 7) enhance supply chain and logistics; and 8) improve capital structure.

14


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)

5. Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges--Continued

During 2000, the Company conducted an intense evaluation of its manufacturing process flow and capacity and how they relate to market demand. The Company adopted a plan to close certain manufacturing plants and consolidate manufacturing operations in an arrangement that will reduce costs and enable more efficient production. The Company also evaluated its internal support and administrative functions and adopted a plan to consolidate as well as outsource certain internal support and administrative functions.


As a result of the manufacturing rationalization, the Company announced the closure of its Rosemary (NC) terry greige facility, its Union (SC) pillow and mattress pad facility, its Seneca (SC) sheeting facility and its Whitmire (SC) yarn facility. The manufacturing rationalization also included capacity reductions at its Rosemary (NC) terry finishing and fabrication facilities and the conversion of its Carter (AL) sheeting facility to a terry facility. These plant closings enabled the Company to consolidate its manufacturing in locations that allow the most efficient work flow.


The cost of the manufacturing rationalization and certain overhead reduction costs were reflected in a restructuring and impairment charge of $109.2 million, before taxes, in 2000 and a restructuring and impairment charge of $5.0 million, before taxes, in 2001. The components of the restructuring and impairment charge in 2000 included $66.8 million for the impairment of fixed assets, $23.7 million for the impairment of goodwill and other assets and $18.7 million in reserves to cover cash expenses related to severance benefits of $14.7 million and other exit costs, including lease terminations, of $4.0 million. The components of the restructuring and impairment charge in 2001 included $7.0 million in reserves to cover cash expenses related to severance benefits and a reduction in reserves for other exit costs of $2.0 million.


The recorded charge of $66.8 million for the impairment of fixed assets and $23.7 million for the impairment of goodwill and other assets discussed in the preceding paragraph are associated with the Company's closure and capacity reduction of certain facilities as discussed in the second preceding paragraph. None of the impairment charges related to enterprise goodwill. The Company did not record any impairment charges related to assets transferred to other facilities. The Company decided to abandon all remaining assets. Accordingly, an indication of impairment exists, as these assets will not generate future cash flow. Furthermore, the Company believes that there is no acceptable market for these assets as it is unwilling to sell the assets to a competitor. Accordingly, the fair value of these assets was determined by the Company to be minimal.


For the period since the adoption of the Eight-Point Plan through the fourt quarter of 2001, the Company terminated and agreed to pay severance (including continuing termination benefits) to approximately 1,700 employees. The restructuring charge approved in 2000 was completed in the fourth quarter of 2001.

15


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)

5. Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges--Continued

The following is a summary of the restructuring and impairment activity in the related reserves (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 Employee

 

Other

 

  

 

 

 

Writedown

 

Termination

 

Exit

 

Total

 

 

Assets

 

Benefits

 

Costs

 

Charge

2000 Restructuring and Impairment Charge: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Second Quarter

$

87.9

 

 

$

4.6

 

 

$

3.4

 

 

$

95.9

 

 

Third Quarter

 

-

 

 

 

5.8

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

6.1

 

 

Fourth Quarter

 

2.6

 

 

 

4.3

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

7.2

 

Total 2000 Charge

 

90.5

 

 

 

14.7

 

 

 

4.0

 

 

 

109.2

 

 

2001 Restructuring and Impairment Charge: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

-

 

 

 

5.0

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

5.0

 

 

Fourth Quarter

 

-

 

 

 

2.0

 

 

 

(2.0

)

 

 

-

 

Total 2001 Charge

 

-

 

 

 

7.0

 

 

 

(2.0

)

 

 

5.0

 

 

Writedown Assets to Net Recoverable Value

(90.5

)

   

-

     

-

 

   

(90.5

)

2000 Cash Payments

 

-

     

(4.7

)

   

(0.3

)

   

(5.0

)

2001 Cash Payments

 

-

     

(15.0

)

   

(0.1

)

   

(15.1

)

2002 Cash Payments

 

-

     

(1.7

)

   

-

     

(1.7

)

2003 Cash Payments

 

-

     

-

     

(0.1

)

   

(0.1

)

Balance at September 30, 2003

$

-

   

$

0.3

   

$

1.5

   

$

1.8

 

                               

During 2000, other costs of the Eight-Point Plan and other charges of $94.0 million, before taxes, were recognized including inventory writedowns of $74.2 million; claims of $5.0 million; other expenses of $6.1 million, consisting primarily of $2.2 million for the relocation of machinery, $2.4 million of related unabsorbed overhead and other expenses of $1.5 million, all reflected in cost of goods sold; and other costs of $8.7 million consisting primarily of $5.7 million of unusual contractual severance and other expenses of $3.0 million reflected in Other expense-net. During 2001, other costs of the Eight-Point Plan of $13.7 million, before taxes, were recognized consisting primarily of $10.0 million for the relocation of machinery, $3.0 million of related unabsorbed overhead and other expenses of $0.7 million, all reflected in cost of goods sold.

 

On September 20, 2002, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved additional restructuring initiatives to increase asset utilization, lower manufacturing costs and increase cash flow and profitability through reallocation of production assets from bath products to basic bedding products and through rationalization of its retail stores division. The Company expects the restructuring initiatives to result in a $36.5 million pretax charge for restructuring, impairment and other charges. Approximately $20 million of the pretax charge is expected to be non-cash items. All charges have been recorded in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. The charges for the restructuring initiatives began in the third quarter of 2002 and will continue throughout 2003.


16


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)

5.  Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges--Continued

As a result of the restructuring initiatives begun in 2002, the Company announced the closure of its Rosemary (NC) towel finishing facility, the conversion of its Rosemary (NC) towel fabrication and distribution facilities to basic bedding facilities and the closure of its Dalton (GA) basic bedding facility. The Company announced on April 25, 2003 that the Rosemary (NC) towel fabrication and distribution facilities that were previously disclosed as being converted to basic bedding facilities will now be closed. The Company also announced the closure of twenty-two retail stores and the closure of its WestPoint Stevens (Europe) Ltd. foreign subsidiary.


The cost of the manufacturing and retail store rationalization and certain overhead reduction costs were reflected in a restructuring and impairment charge of $6.6 million, before taxes, in 2002 and a restructuring and impairment charge of $14.3 million, before taxes, in the first nine months of 2003 (of which $1.0 million were recognized in the third quarter). The components of the restructuring and impairment charge in 2002 included $4.4 million for the impairment of fixed assets and $2.2 million in reserves to cover cash expenses related primarily to severance benefits. The components of the restructuring and impairment charge in the first nine months of 2003 included $7.8 million for the impairment of fixed assets and $6.5 million in reserves to cover cash expenses related to severance benefits of $5.3 million and other exit costs.


During 2002 and 2003 as a result of restructuring initiatives, the Company has terminated and agreed to pay severance (including continuing termination benefits) to approximately 500 employees.


The following is a summary of the restructuring and impairment activity in the related reserves (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 Employee

 

Other

 

  

 

 

 

 

Writedown

 

Termination

 

Exit

 

Total

 

 

 

Assets

 

Benefits

 

Costs

 

Charge

2002 Restructuring and Impairment Charge: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

 $

4.3

 

 

 $

1.6

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

5.9

 

 

Fourth Quarter

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

0.7

 

Total 2002 Charge

 

 

4.4

 

 

 

2.1

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

6.6

 

 

2003 Restructuring and Impairment Charge: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

1.4

 

 

Second Quarter

 

 

6.8

 

 

 

4.3

 

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

11.9

 

 

Third Quarter

   

0.8

     

0.2

     

-

     

1.0

 

Total 2003 Charge

 

 

7.8

 

 

 

5.3

 

 

 

1.2

 

 

 

14.3

 

 

Writedown Assets to Net Recoverable Value

(12.2

)

   

-

     

-

 

   

(12.2

)

2002 Cash Payments

   

-

     

(1.5

)

   

-

     

(1.5

)

2003 Cash Payments

   

-

     

(2.7

)

   

(0.4

)

   

(3.1

)

Balance at September 30, 2003

 

$

-

   

$

3.2

   

$

0.9

   

$

4.1

 

                                 

 

17


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)

5.  Restructuring, Impairment and Other Charges--Continued


During 2002, other costs of the restructuring initiatives of $11.6 million, before taxes, were recognized consisting of inventory writedowns of $10.5 million primarily related to the rationalization of its retail store division and other expenses of $1.1 million, consisting primarily of related unabsorbed overhead, all reflected in cost of goods sold. During the first nine months of 2003, other costs of the restructuring initiatives of $15.3 million, before taxes, were recognized (of which $7.7 million were recognized in the third quarter) consisting of inventory writedowns of $8.4 million primarily related to the closure of its foreign subsidiary and the rationalization of its retail store division, accounts receivable writedowns for claims of $1.7 million related to the closure of its foreign subsidiary and other expenses of $5.2 million, consisting primarily of related unabsorbed overhead, all reflected in cost of goods sold.

 

During the third quarter of 2003, the Company's Board of Directors approved additional restructuring initiatives to increase asset utilization, lower manufacturing costs and increase cash flow and profitability. The Company expects the restructuring initiatives to result in an $84.3 million pretax charge for restructuring, impairment and other charges. Approximately $55.6 million of the pretax charge is expected to be non-cash items. At September 30, 2003, none of the additional restructuring initiatives approved by the Board of Directors in the third quarter of 2003 had been implemented.



6.  Comprehensive Income (Loss)


Comprehensive income (loss) is as follows (in thousands):

   

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

   

September 30,

 

September 30

   

2003

 

2002

 

2003

 

2002

                 

Net loss

 

$(12,802)

 

$(16,609)

 

$(101,755)

 

$(12,598)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

(845)

 

(478)

 

(1,763)

 

(1,543)

Gain (loss) on derivative instruments,
   net of tax:

               

     Net changes in fair value of derivatives

 

3,680

 

(1,757)

 

3,832

 

(29)

     Net (gains) losses reclassified from other
        comprehensive income into earnings

 


98

 


210

 


(2,604)

 


509

                 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

$(  9,869)

 

$(18,634)

 

$(102,290)

 

$(13,661)

                 

18


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)

7.  Deferred Financing Fees


Included in "Other expense-net" in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 is the amortization of deferred financing fees of $3.3 million and $9.1 million, respectively, compared with $2.3 million and $6.9 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002.



8.  Litigation and Contingent Liabilities


On June 1, 2003, WestPoint Stevens Inc. and certain subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11, title 11 of the United States Bankruptcy code. On August 28, 2003, one of the Company's foreign subsidiaries, WestPoint Stevens (Europe) Ltd., filed for bankruptcy in the United Kingdom and will subsequently be closed and liquidated subject to the bankruptcy laws of the United Kingdom. See further discussion in Note 2.


On October 5, 2001, a purported stockholder class action suit, entitled Norman Geller v. WestPoint Stevens Inc., et al (the "Geller action"), was filed against the Company and certain of its current and former officers and directors (the "Defendants") in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. (A subsequent and functionally identical complaint was also filed.) The actions were consolidated by Order dated January 25, 2002. Plaintiffs served a Consolidated Amended Complaint (the "Amended Complaint") on March 29, 2002. The Amended Complaint asserts claims against all Defendants under section 10(b) of the Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder and against the Company and defendant Holcombe T. Green, Jr. as "controlling persons" under section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. The Amended Complaint alleges that, during the putative class period (i.e., February 10, 1999 to October 10, 2000), WestPoint Stevens and certain of its officers and directors caused false and misleading statements to be issued regarding, inter alia, alleged overcapacity and excessive inventories of the Company's towel-related products and customer demand for such products and that certain Individual Defendants wrongfully sold or pledged Company stock at inflated prices for their benefit. The Amended Complaint refers to WestPoint Stevens' press releases and quarterly and annual reports on Securities Exchange Commission Forms 10-Q and 10-K, which discuss the Company's results and forecasts for the fiscal years 1999 and 2000. Plaintiffs allege that these press releases and public filings were false and misleading because they failed to disclose that the Company allegedly "knew sales would be adversely affected in future quarters and years." Plaintiffs also allege in general terms that the Company materially overstated revenues by making premature shipments of products.


On June 6, 2002, Defendants filed Motions to Dismiss Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint. On February 3, 2003, the Court denied Defendants' Motions to Dismiss. Proceedings against the Company are stayed due to the recent bankruptcy filing. However the action is proceeding to class certification and discovery against the individual named defendants.


On March 11, 2002, a shareholder derivative action, entitled Gordon Clark v. Holcombe T. Green, Jr., et al. (the"Clark action"), was filed against certain of the Company's directors and officers in the

19


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)

8.  Litigation and Contingent Liabilities--Continued


Superior Court of Fulton County, Georgia. The Complaint alleges that the named individuals breached their fiduciary duties by acting in bad faith and wasting corporate assets. The Complaint also asserts claims under Georgia Code Ann. sections14-2-740 to 14-2-747, and 14-2-831. The claims are based on the same or similar facts as are alleged in the Geller action.


On July 1, 2002, a shareholder derivative action, entitled John Hemmer v. Holcombe T. Green, Jr., et al. (the "Hemmer action"), was filed against Mr. Green and certain of the Company's other directors including Messrs. Hugh M. Chapman, John F. Sorte and Ms. M. Katherine Dwyer in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware in and for New Castle County. The complaint alleges that the named individuals breached their fiduciary duties and knowingly or recklessly failed to exercise oversight responsibilities to ensure the integrity of the Company's financial reporting. The complaint also asserts that certain of the named individuals used proprietary Company information in selling or pledging Company stock at inflated prices for their benefit. The claims are based on the same or similar facts as are alleged in the Geller action.


By agreements between the parties, the Clark and Hemmer actions were both stayed pending entry of final judgment by the Court in the Geller action. As with the Geller action, the Clark and Hemmer actions were also stayed due to the Company's bankruptcy filing.


The Company believes that the allegations in all of the actions are without merit and intends to contest the actions vigorously on behalf of its officers and directors.


On March 21, 2002, an adversary complaint of Debtors and Debtors in Possession Against WestPoint Stevens Inc. was filed by Pillowtex, Inc., a Delaware corporation, et al., and Pillowtex Corporation, et al., against the Company in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. Pillowtex Corporation and its related and affiliated companies ("Pillowtex") as Debtors and Debtors in Possession allege breach of a postpetition contract (the "Sale Agreement") dated January 31, 2001, among Pillowtex, Ralph Lauren Home Collection, Inc. ("RLH") and Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation ("PRLC") collectively referred to as "Ralph Lauren" and the Company. Pillowtex alleges that the Company refused to perform its purchase obligation under the Sales Agreement and is liable to it for $4,800,000 plus potentially significant other consequential damages. The Company believes that the complaint is without merit and intends to contest the action vigorously. The case is currently stayed due to the Compa ny's bankruptcy filing.


The Company has been named as a defendant in three separate purported class action suits seeking reparation for the historic enslavement of African Americans in the United States. Eddlee Bankhead v. Lloyd's of London, et al. (the "Bankhead action") was filed on September 3, 2002, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Timothy Hurdle and Chester Hurdle v. FleetBoston Financial Corporation, et al. was initially filed in the California Superior Court for San Francisco County on September 10, 2002, but has since been removed to the United States District Court California Northern District (San Francisco). Julie Mae Wyatt-Kerwin v. J.P. Morgan Chase was filed January 21, 2003, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. All

20


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)

8.  Litigation and Contingent Liabilities--Continued


three cases have been consolidated with related cases in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The factual basis for all three suits is the claim that the defendants profited from the slave labor of the plaintiff classes' ancestors prior to 1865 and, specifically, that Pepperell Manufacturing, predecessor to WestPoint Stevens Inc., utilized cotton from southern planters who in turn purchased finished product to clothe their slaves. The California suit alleges that such practices amount to an "unfair business practice" in violation of the California Business and Professional Code.


The purported class includes all descendants of African American slaves. The relief sought includes an accounting, the appointment of an independent historical commission, imposition of a constructive trust, restitution of the value of slave labor and defendants' unjust enrichment, disgorgement of illicit profits and compensatory and punitive damages.


The consolidated cases are currently stayed due to the Company's bankruptcy filing.


The Company is subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations governing, among other things, the discharge, storage, handling and disposal of a variety of hazardous and nonhazardous substances and wastes used in or resulting from its operations and potential remediation obligations thereunder. Certain of the Company's facilities (including certain facilities no longer owned or utilized by the Company) have been cited or are being investigated with respect to alleged violations of such laws and regulations. The Company is cooperating fully with relevant parties and authorities in all such matters. The Company believes that it has adequately provided in its financial statements for any expenses and liabilities that may result from such matters. The Company also is insured with respect to certain of such matters. The Company's operations are governed by laws and regulations relating to employee safety and health which, among other things, establish exposure limitations for c otton dust, formaldehyde, asbestos and noise, and regulate chemical and ergonomic hazards in the workplace.


Although the Company does not expect that compliance with any of such laws and regulations will adversely affect the Company's operations, there can be no assurance such regulatory requirements will not become more stringent in the future or that the Company will not incur significant costs in the future to comply with such requirements.


The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various other legal proceedings, both as plaintiff and as defendant, which are normal to its business. It is the opinion of management that the aforementioned actions and claims, if determined adversely to the Company, will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or operations of the Company taken as a whole.


9.  New Accounting Pronouncements


In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation -- Transition and Disclosure. SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to provide alternative methods of transition to SFAS No. 123's fair value method of

21


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)

9.  New Accounting Pronouncements--Continued


accounting for stock-based employee compensation. SFAS No. 148 also amends the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123 and Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting, to require disclosure of the effects of an entity's accounting policy with respect to stock-based employee compensation, regardless of whether they account for that compensation using the fair value method of SFAS No. 123 or the intrinsic value method of APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. SFAS No. 148's amendments of the transition and annual disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. The Company has adopted SFAS No. 148 through continued application of the intrinsic value method prescribed in APB No. 25, and related interpretations, and enhanced financial statement disclosures of the effect on net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share if fair value provisions of SFAS No. 148 had been applied.


At September 30, 2003, the Company had several stock-based compensation plans, which are described in Note 7 --  Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2002. As discussed above, the Company applies APB No. 25, and related interpretations in accounting for its plans. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for its stock incentive plan. Had compensation cost for the Company's stock-based compensation plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates for awards under those plans consistent with the method established in SFAS No. 123 as amended by SFAS No. 148, the Company's net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per common share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below (in thousands, except per share date):

 

   

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

   

September 30,

 

September 30,

   

2003

 

2002

 

2003

 

2002

                 

Net loss as reported

 

$(12,802)

 

$(16,609)

 

$(101,755)

 

$(12,598)

Deduct:

               
 

Total stock-based compensation
      expenses determined under
      fair-value based method for
      all awards, net of tax

 




403 

 




1,166 

 




1,847 

 




3,737 

                 

Pro forma net loss

 

$(13,205)

 

$(17,775)

 

$(103,602)

 

$(16,335)

                 
                 

Loss per common share:

 

           

           
 

Basic:

               
 

As reported

 

$    (0.26)

 

$    (0.33)

 

$    (2.04)

 

$    (0.25)

 

Pro forma

 

$    (0.26)

 

$    (0.35)

 

$    (2.08)

 

$    (0.33)

 

Diluted:

               
 

As reported

 

$    (0.26)

 

$    (0.33)

 

$    (2.04)

 

$    (0.25)

 

Pro forma

 

$    (0.26)

 

$    (0.35)

 

$    (2.08)

 

$    (0.33)

22


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(Unaudited)

9.  New Accounting Pronouncements--Continued


The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because the Company's employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management's opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.


On January 1, 2003, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 45, Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others ("FIN 45"). FIN 45 requires that upon the issuance of a guarantee, the guarantor must recognize a liability for the fair value of the obligation it assumes under the guarantee. FIN 45's provisions for initial recognition and measurement should be applied on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002, irrespective of the guarantor's fiscal year-end. On January 1, 2003, the Company adopted FIN 45 and there was no significant impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations as a result of this adoption.


In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities ("FIN 46"). FIN 46 clarifies that companies may need to consolidate certain entities in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. FIN 46 applies immediately to variable interest entities created or in which an enterprise obtains an interest after January 31, 2003. FIN 46 does not apply to qualifying special purpose entities subject to the reporting requirements of SFAS 140. For variable interest entities created before February 1, 2003, FIN 46 is applicable in the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after December 15, 2003. The Company is reviewing the implications of FIN 46.


10.  Goodwill

As a result of certain triggering events that occurred during the second quarter of 2003, including the Company filing a petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (see Note 2 where the chronology of the circumstances that led to such filing is discussed), the Company performed an interim test of the carrying amount of its goodwill in accordance with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Based on a preliminary estimate of expected present value of related future cash flows, the Company's goodwill was deemed to be impaired and was subsequently written off. The unamortized balance of the goodwill that was written off during the quarter ended June 30, 2003, amounted to $46.3 million and is classified separately in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

23


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

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


Chapter 11 Filing


As discussed in Note 2, the Company and several of its subsidiaries filed a petition under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code on June 1, 2003. By reason thereof, the Company's creditors were automatically stayed from taking certain "enforcement" actions under their respective agreements with the Company unless the stay is lifted by the Bankruptcy Court. In addition, the Company has entered into the DIP Credit Agreement, which is more fully described below. On August 28, 2003, one of the Company's foreign subsidiaries, WestPoint Stevens (Europe) Ltd., filed for bankruptcy in the United Kingdom and will subsequently be closed and liquidated subject to the bankruptcy laws of the United Kingdom.


The Company's consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States applicable to a going concern. Except as otherwise disclosed, these principles assume that assets will be realized and liabilities will be discharged in the ordinary course of business. The Company is currently operating as a debtor-in-possession under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, and its continuation as a going concern is contingent upon, among other things, its ability to gain approval of the plan of reorganization by the requisite parties under the Bankruptcy Code and be confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court, comply with the DIP Credit Agreement, return to profitability, generate sufficient cash flows from operations and obtain financing sources to meet future obligations. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to achieve any of these results. The Company's consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the reco verability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.


Whether as a result of its proceeding under Chapter 11 or otherwise, the Company may sell or otherwise dispose of assets, and liquidate or settle liabilities, for amounts other than those reflected in the financial statements. Additionally, the amounts reported on the consolidated balance sheet could materially change because of changes in business strategies and the effects of any proposed plan or reorganization.


Basis of Presentation


The Company's consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with AICPA Statement of Position 90-7 ("Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization Under the Bankruptcy Code") ("SOP 90-7"). In the Chapter 11 proceedings, substantially all unsecured liabilities as of the Petition Date are subject to compromise or other treatment under a plan of reorganization which must be confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court after submission to any required vote by affected parties. For financial reporting purposes, the categories of liabilities and obligations whose treatment and satisfaction are dependent on the outcome of the Chapter 11 proceedings have been classified as Liabilities Subject to Compromise in the consolidated balance sheet. The ultimate amount of and settlement terms for the Company's pre-bankruptcy liabilities are subject to the ultimate outcome of its Chapter 11 proceedings and, accordingly, are not presently determinable. Pursuant to SOP 90-7, professional fees associated with the Cha pter 11 proceedings are expensed as incurred and reported as reorganization costs (Chapter 11 expenses). Also, interest expense will be reported only to the extent that it will be paid during the pendency of the Chapter 11 proceedings or that it is probable that it will be an allowed claim.

24


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (Continued)

Senior Credit Facility and Second-Lien Facility Amendments

Effective March 31, 2003, the Company's Senior Credit Facility was amended primarily to provide for an interim facility limitation and to add an unused commitment fee. Under the interim facility limitation, the Company's outstanding borrowings and letters of credit under the Senior Credit Facility were limited to the following amounts for the periods indicated: $546.0 million for the period April 1, 2003 through April 26, 2003; $530.0 million for the period April 27, 2003 through May 17, 2003; $525.0 million for the period May 18, 2003 through June 10, 2003.


At the option of the Company and effective with the last amendment to the Senior Credit Facility, interest under the Senior Credit Facility was payable monthly, either at the prime rate plus 5.25% or at LIBOR plus 7.00%, compared to the prime rate plus 2.75% or LIBOR plus 4.50% in effect at December 31, 2002. Effective with the Chapter 11 filing, the Senior Credit Facility LIBOR loans converted to prime rate loans upon maturity and LIBOR loans are no longer available to the Company. Prior to the Chapter 11 filing, the Company was also obligated to pay a facility fee in an amount equal to 0.50% of each Bank's commitment under the Revolver, and an unused commitment fee in an amount equal to 1.00% of the difference between the revolver commitment and the daily outstanding loans and letters of credit. Effective with the Chapter 11 filing, the Company is no longer obligated to pay a facility fee or an unused commitment fee for the Senior Credit Facility.


At March 31, 2003, the Company was not in compliance with certain of its covenants under the Senior Credit Facility and Second-Lien Facility. Effective March 31, 2003, the Company's lenders under the Senior Credit Facility and Second-Lien Facility temporarily waived the defaults for the period March 31, 2003 through and including June 10, 2003. At June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, the Company classified all of its outstanding debt under all of its various credit agreements as current as a result of the Company's inability to obtain temporary waivers discussed above through the end of 2003 and the potential for the acceleration of the loans outstanding under all of its various credit agreements.


DIP Credit Agreement

The Company is a party to the DIP Credit Agreement which provides a facility consisting of revolving credit loans of up to $300 million (with a sublimit of $75 million for letters of credit) with a term of one year. At its option, the Company may extend the term for up to two successive periods of six months each.


Initial advances under the DIP Credit Agreement bear interest at a fluctuating rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 2.75% or, at the Company's option, prime plus a margin of 0.75%. Each margin is subject to quarterly adjustments, commencing November 1, 2003, pursuant to a pricing matrix, based on average availability, having a range of 2.25% to 3.00% for LIBOR based loans and 0.25% to 1.00% for prime based loans. The DIP Credit Agreement also has an unused line fee of 0.625% per annum, subject to quarterly adjustments as above having a range of 0.375% to 0.75%. Effective November 1, 2003, as a result of average availability, interest rates under the DIP Credit Agreement decreased to LIBOR plus 2.50% or, at the Company's option, prime plus 0.50% and the unused line fee decreased to 0.50%.

25


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (Continued)

DIP Credit Agreement--Continued

The DIP Credit Agreement contains a number of covenants, including among others, affirmative and negative covenants with respect to certain financial tests and other indebtedness, as well as restrictions against the declaration or payment of dividends, the making of certain intercompany advances and the disposition of assets without consent. The DIP Credit Agreement also contains Events of Default (as defined in the DIP Credit Agreement) including among others, a failure to pay the principal and interest of the obligations when due, default with respect to any Debt (as defined in the DIP Credit Agreement) and a failure by the Company to comply with any provisions of the Financing Orders (as defined in the DIP Credit Agreement).


During the third quarter of 2003, the Company's DIP Credit Agreement was amended primarily to modify the minimum EBITDA covenant, add a minimum availability covenant, permit certain restructuring, impairment and other charges and modify other miscellaneous provisions.


There can be no assurance, however, that the Company will be able to comply with the debt covenants or that, if it fails to do so, it will be able to obtain amendments to or waivers of such covenants. Failure of the Company to comply with covenants contained in its DIP Credit Agreement, if not waived, or to adequately service debt obligations, could result in a default under the DIP Credit Agreement. Any default under the Company's DIP Credit Agreement, particularly any default that results in acceleration of indebtedness or foreclosure on collateral, could have a material adverse effect on the Company.



Restructuring, Impairment, and Other Charges


As a result of a strategic review of the Company's businesses, manufacturing and other facilities, and products in the second quarter of 2000, the Company's Board of Directors approved a $222.0 million pretax charge to cover the cost of implementing an Eight-Point Plan that is designed to streamline operations and improve profitability. The Eight-Point Plan addresses the following points: 1) expansion of brands; 2) exploration of new licensing opportunities; 3) rationalization of manufacturing operations; 4) reduction in overhead expense; 5) increase in global sourcing; 6) improvement of inventory utilization; 7) enhancement of supply chain and logistics functions; and 8) improvement in capital structure.


During 2000, the Company conducted an intense evaluation of its manufacturing process flow and capacity and how they relate to market demand. The Company adopted a plan to close certain manufacturing plants and consolidate manufacturing operations in an arrangement that will reduce costs and enable more efficient production. The Company also evaluated its internal support and administrative functions and adopted a plan to consolidate as well as outsource certain internal support and administrative functions.


Four plant closings have been announced under the Eight-Point Plan. On October 2, 2000, the Rosemary greige plant, a towel plant located in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, and the Liebhardt basic bedding plant in Union, South Carolina, were scheduled for closing. On January 29, 2001, the Seneca plant, a sheeting plant in Seneca, South Carolina, was scheduled for closing. On March 1,

26


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (Continued)

Restructuring, Impairment, and Other Charges--Continued

2001, the Whitmire yarn plant in Whitmire, South Carolina, was scheduled for closing. In addition to these closings, a reduction in the workforce of the remaining finishing and fabricating facilities at the Rosemary complex was announced on February 5, 2001. These plant closings enabled the Company to consolidate its manufacturing in locations that allow the most efficient work flow.


The cost of the manufacturing rationalization and certain overhead reduction costs were reflected in a restructuring and impairment charge of $109.2 million, before taxes, in 2000 and a restructuring and impairment charge of $5.0 million, before taxes, in 2001. The components of the restructuring and impairment charge in 2000 included $66.8 million for the impairment of fixed assets, $23.7 million for the impairment of goodwill and other assets and $18.7 million in reserves to cover cash expenses related to severance benefits of $14.7 million and other exit costs, including lease terminations, of $4.0 million. The components of the restructuring and impairment charge in 2001 included $7.0 million in reserves to cover cash expenses related to severance benefits and a reduction in reserves for other exit costs of $2.0 million.


For the period since the adoption of the Eight-Point Plan through the fourth quarter of 2001, the Company has terminated and agreed to pay severance (including continuing termination benefits) to approximately 1,700 employees. The restructuring charge approved in 2000 was completed in the fourth quarter of 2001. Given the disruptive nature of the restructuring activity that included significant machinery relocation and realignment in 2000 and 2001, the Company did not see any significant benefit from the restructuring plan until 2002. During 2002 the Company experienced lower cost of sales in part due to increased manufacturing efficiencies as a result of the restructuring plan.


The following is a summary of the restructuring and impairment activity in the related reserves (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 Employee

 

Other

 

  

 

 

 

Writedown

 

Termination

 

Exit

 

Total

 

 

Assets

 

Benefits

 

Costs

 

Charge

2000 Restructuring and Impairment Charge: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Second Quarter

$

87.9

 

 

$

4.6

 

 

$

3.4

 

 

$

95.9

 

 

Third Quarter

 

-

 

 

 

5.8

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

6.1

 

 

Fourth Quarter

 

2.6

 

 

 

4.3

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

7.2

 

Total 2000 Charge

 

90.5

 

 

 

14.7

 

 

 

4.0

 

 

 

109.2

 

 

2001 Restructuring and Impairment Charge: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

-

 

 

 

5.0

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

5.0

 

 

Fourth Quarter

 

-

 

 

 

2.0

 

 

 

(2.0

)

 

 

-

 

Total 2001 Charge

 

-

 

 

 

7.0

 

 

 

(2.0

)

 

 

5.0

 

 

Writedown Assets to Net Recoverable Value

(90.5

)

   

-

     

-

 

   

(90.5

)

2000 Cash Payments

 

-

     

(4.7

)

   

(0.3

)

   

(5.0

)

2001 Cash Payments

 

-

     

(15.0

)

   

(0.1

)

   

(15.1

)

2002 Cash Payments

 

-

     

(1.7

)

   

-

     

(1.7

)

2003 Cash Payments

 

-

     

-

     

(0.1

)

   

(0.1

)

Balance at September 30, 2003

$

-

   

$

0.3

   

$

1.5

   

$

1.8

 

                               

 

27


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (Continued)

Restructuring, Impairment, and Other Charges--Continued

During 2000, other costs of the Eight-Point Plan and other charges of $94.0 million, before taxes, were recognized including inventory writedowns of $74.2 million; claims of $5.0 million; other expenses of $6.1 million consisting primarily of $2.2 million for the relocation of machinery, $2.4 million of related unabsorbed overhead and other expenses of $1.5 million, all reflected in cost of goods sold; and other costs of $8.7 million consisting primarily of $5.7 million of unusual contractual severance and other expenses of $3.0 million reflected in Other expense-net. During 2001, other costs of the Eight-Point Plan of $13.7 million, before taxes, were recognized consisting primarily of $10.0 million for the relocation of machinery, $3.0 million of related unabsorbed overhead and other expenses of $0.7 million all reflected in cost of goods sold.

 

On September 20, 2002, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved additional restructuring initiatives to increase asset utilization, lower manufacturing costs and increase cash flow and profitability through reallocation of production assets from bath products to basic bedding products and through rationalization of its retail stores division. The Company expects the restructuring initiatives to result in a $36.5 million pretax charge for restructuring, impairment and other charges. Approximately $20 million of the pretax charge is expected to be non-cash items with annual pretax savings estimated at $10 million once the restructuring initiatives are fully implemented. All charges have been recorded in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. The charges for the restructuring initiatives began in the third quarter of 2002 and will continue throug hout 2003.


As a result of the restructuring initiatives begun in 2002, the Company announced the closure of its Rosemary (NC) towel finishing facility, the conversion of its Rosemary (NC) towel fabrication and distribution facilities to basic bedding facilities and the closure of its Dalton (GA) basic bedding facility. The Company announced on April 25, 2003 that the Rosemary (NC) towel fabrication and distribution facilities that were previously disclosed as being converted to basic bedding facilities will now be closed. The Company also announced the closure of twenty-two retail stores and the closure of its WestPoint Stevens (Europe) Ltd. foreign subsidiary.


The cost of the manufacturing and retail store rationalization and certain overhead reduction costs were reflected in a restructuring and impairment charge of $6.6 million, before taxes, in 2002 and a restructuring and impairment charge of $14.3 million, before taxes, in the first nine months of 2003 (of which $1.0 million was recognized in the third quarter). The components of the restructuring and impairment charge in 2002 included $4.4 million for the impairment of fixed assets and $2.2 million in reserves to cover cash expenses related primarily to severance benefits. The components of the restructuring and impairment charge in the first nine months of 2003 included $7.8 million for the impairment of fixed assets and $6.5 million in reserves to cover cash expenses related to severance benefits of $5.3 million and other exit costs.


During 2002 and 2003 as a result of restructuring initiatives, the Company has terminated and agreed to pay severance (including continuing termination benefits) to approximately 500 employees.

28


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (Continued)

Restructuring, Impairment, and Other Charges--Continued

The following is a summary of the restructuring and impairment activity in the related reserves (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 Employee

 

Other

 

  

 

 

 

 

Writedown

 

Termination

 

Exit

 

Total

 

 

 

Assets

 

Benefits

 

Costs

 

Charge

2002 Restructuring and Impairment Charge: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

 $

4.3

 

 

 $

1.6

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

5.9

 

 

Fourth Quarter

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

0.7

 

Total 2002 Charge

 

 

4.4

 

 

 

2.1

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

6.6

 

 

2003 Restructuring and Impairment Charge:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

 

1.4

 

 

Second Quarter

 

 

6.8

 

 

 

4.3

 

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

11.9

 

 

Third Quarter

   

0.8

     

0.2

     

-

     

1.0

 

Total 2003 Charge

 

 

7.8

 

 

 

5.3

 

 

 

1.2

 

 

 

14.3

 

 

Writedown Assets to Net Recoverable Value

 

(12.2

)

   

-

     

-

 

   

(12.2

)

2002 Cash Payments

   

-

     

(1.5

)

   

-

     

(1.5

)

2003 Cash Payments

   

-

     

(2.7

)

   

(0.4

)

   

(3.1

)

Balance at September 30, 2003

 

$

-

   

$

3.2

   

$

0.9

   

$

4.1

 

                                 

During 2002, other costs of the restructuring initiatives of $11.6 million, before taxes, were recognized consisting of inventory writedowns of $10.5 million primarily related to the rationalization of its retail store division and other expenses of $1.1 million, consisting primarily of related unabsorbed overhead, all reflected in cost of goods sold. During the first nine months of 2003, other costs of the restructuring initiatives of $15.3 million, before taxes, were recognized (of which $7.7 million were recognized in the third quarter) consisting of inventory writedowns of $8.4 million primarily related to the closure of its foreign subsidiary and the rationalization of its retail store division, accounts receivable writedowns for claims of $1.7 million related to the closure of its foreign subsidiary and other expenses of $5.2 million, consisting primarily of related unabsorbed overhead, all reflected in cost of goods sold.

 

During the third quarter of 2003, the Company's Board of Directors approved additional restructuring initiatives to increase asset utilization, lower manufacturing costs and increase cash flow and profitability. The Company expects the restructuring initiatives to result in an $84.3 million pretax charge for restructuring, impairment and other charges. Approximately $55.6 million of the pretax charge is expected to be non-cash items. At September 30, 2003, none of the additional restructuring initiatives approved by the Board of Directors in the third quarter of 2003 had been implemented.

29


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (Continued)

Results of Operations


The table below is a summary of the Company's operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002 (in millions of dollars).

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

2003

`

2002

2003

2002

Net sales

$445.2 

$460.5 

$1,190.1 

$1,345.2 

Gross earnings

$79.6 

$85.8 

$210.7 

$297.4 

Restructuring and impairment charge

$1.0 

$5.9 

$14.3 

$5.9 

Goodwill impairment charge

$46.3 

Operating earnings (loss)

$19.7 

$9.3 

$(33.2)

$86.4 

Interest expense

$19.2 

$33.7 

$82.8 

$100.5 

Other expense-net

$3.8 

$1.5 

$14.2 

$5.6 

Chapter 11 expenses

$12.7 

-

$19.0 

Loss before taxes

$(16.0)

$(25.9)

$(149.3)

$(19.7) 

Net loss

$(12.8)

$(16.6)

$(101.8)

$(12.6) 

Gross margin

17.9%

18.6%

17.7%

22.1%

Operating margin

4.4%

2.0%

(2.8)%

6.4%

30


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (Continued)

 

 

 

Results of Operations:

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2003 Compared to

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2002

Net Sales. Net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2003 decreased $15.3 million, or 3.3% to $445.2 million compared with net sales of $460.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002. The most significant cause of the sales decline was a reduction in the Company's retail store sales as a result of restructuring initiatives that have reduced the total number of retail stores to 38 from 59 in the year ago period. To a lesser extent the Company also experienced a slight decline in its bedding related products due to ongoing competitive pricing pressure.


For the three months ended September 30, 2003, bed products sales were $259.7 million compared with $266.5 million for the same period in 2002; bath products sales were $141.9 million compared with $137.7 million for the same period in 2002; and other sales (consisting primarily of sales from the Company's retail stores and foreign operations) were $43.5 million compared with $56.3 million for the same period in 2002.


Gross Earnings/Margins. Gross earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2003 decreased $6.2 million, or 7.2%, to $79.6 million compared with $85.8 million for the same period of 2002, and reflect gross margins of 17.9% in 2003 versus 18.6% in 2002. Gross earnings and margins decreased primarily as a result of higher raw material costs, lower sales, and a less profitable mix of revenues compared with the year ago period that more than offset improved capacity utilization in the third quarter of 2003 versus the same period in 2002. Included in the cost of goods sold in the third quarter of 2003 are charges associated with restructuring initiatives of $7.7 million, the majority of which reflects inventory write-offs and accounts receivable write-offs for claims primarily related to the closure of the Company's European operations. For the third quarter of 2002 these charges totaled $10.2 million and consisted primarily of inventory adjustments for planned retail store closings.


Operating Earnings/Margins. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $11.7 million, or 16.5%, in the third quarter of 2003 compared with the same period of last year, and as a percentage of net sales represent 13.2% in the 2003 period and 15.3% in the 2002 period. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses in the third quarter of 2003 was due to lower bad debt and advertising expense, lower selling expense as a result of lower sales and lower selling expense for the Company's retail stores due to fewer stores, and reduced expenses associated with the Trade Receivables Program which was terminated early in the third quarter of 2003.


Operating earnings for the third quarter of 2003 increased 111.6% to $19.7 million, or 4.4% of sales, compared with operating earnings of $9.3 million, or 2.0% of sales, for the same period in 2002. Operating earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2003, and September 30, 2002, respectively, included a separate line item for restructuring and impairment charges primarily to reflect $0.1 million and $1.5 million in severance benefits and $0.9 million and $4.3 million of fixed assets write-offs, in addition to charges associated with recent restructuring initiatives previously discussed of $7.7 million and $10.2 million, the majority of which reflects costs for unabsorbed overhead and inventory write-offs.

31


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (Continued)

 

 

 

Results of Operations:

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2003 Compared to
Three Months Ended September 30, 2002--Continued

Interest Expense. Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2003 of $19.2 million decreased $14.6 million compared with interest expense of $33.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002. Effective with the Company's Chapter 11 filing, interest is no longer accrued on the Senior Notes due 2005 and 2008, the impact of which was $19.7 million in the third quarter of 2003. The decrease in interest expense was offset by higher interest rates on the Company's variable rate bank debt for 2003 compared with corresponding 2002 average interest rates despite lower debt levels compared with corresponding 2002 outstanding debt.


Other Expense-Net. Other expense-net in the third quarter of 2003 consisted primarily of the amortization of deferred financing fees of $3.3 million, plus certain miscellaneous expense items compared with other expense-net in the third quarter of 2002 of $1.5 million.


Chapter 11 Expenses. The Company recognized $12.7 million in bankruptcy reorganization related expenses in the third quarter of 2003 consisting primarily of $1.3 million related to amortization of fees associated with the DIP Credit Agreement, $1.1 million in severance associated with the resignation of the Company's former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, $3.9 million for performance bonuses under a court approved Key Employee Retention Plan and $6.4 million related to fees payable to professionals retained to assist with the Chapter 11 proceedings.


Income Tax Expense. The Company's effective tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate primarily due to state income taxes and nondeductible items.


Net Loss. Net loss for the third quarter of 2003 was $12.8 million or a loss of $0.26 per share diluted, compared with a net loss of $16.6 million or $0.33 per share diluted, for the same period in 2002. Included in net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2003 were costs related to restructuring initiatives, net of taxes, of $5.6 million, or $0.11 loss per diluted share, as previously discussed compared with the year ago period of $10.3 million, or $0.20 loss per diluted share.


Diluted per share amounts are based on 49.9 million and 49.7 million average shares outstanding for 2003 and 2002, respectively.


 

 

 

Results of Operations:

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 Compared to
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002

Net Sales. Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 decreased $155.1 million, or 11.5 % to $1,190.1 million compared with net sales of $1,345.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. The decline in sales reflected the combined effects of retailers efforts to reduce inventories and weak retail demand in the first half of 2003 across all product categories compared with 2002 in addition to the Company's restructuring initiatives for the retail stores division which resulted in a reduction of retail stores from 59 in 2002 to 38 in 2003.


32


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (Continued)

 

 

 

Results of Operations:

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 Compared to
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002--Continued

For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, bed products sales were $685.5 million compared with $783.8 million for the same period in 2002; bath products sales were $386.5 million compared with $409.2 million for the same period in 2002; and other sales (consisting primarily of sales from the Company's retail stores and foreign operations) were $118.2 million compared with $152.2 million for the same period in 2002.


Gross Earnings/Margins.
Gross earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 decreased $86.7 million, or 29.1%, to $210.7 million compared with $297.4 million for the same period of 2002, and reflect gross margins of 17.7% in 2003 versus 22.1% in 2002. Gross earnings and margins decreased primarily as a result of lower sales, a less profitable mix of revenues, reduced production rates, higher raw material costs and increased royalties. Included in the cost of goods sold for the first nine months of 2003 are charges associated with restructuring initiatives of $15.3 million, the majority of which reflects costs for unabsorbed overhead at affected facilities and inventory write-offs primarily related to the closure of the Company's European operations and rationalization of the retail stores division. For the first nine months of 2002 these charges totaled $10.2 million and consisted primarily of inventory adjustments for planned retail store closings.


Operating Earnings/Margins. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $21.8 million, or 10.6%, in the first nine months of 2003 compared with the same period of last year, and as a percentage of net sales represent 15.4% in the 2003 period and 15.2% in the 2002 period. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses in the first nine months of 2003 was due to lower bad debt and advertising expense, lower selling expense including lower expense for the Company's retail stores due to fewer stores, and reduced expenses associated with the Trade Receivables Program which was terminated early in the third quarter of 2003. However, as a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased in the 2003 period compared with the same period in 2002 due to increased warehousing and shipping expenses relative to sales.


Operating earnings for the first nine months of 2003 decreased $119.6 million to a loss of $33.2 million, compared with operating earnings of $86.4 million for the same period in 2002. Operating earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, and September 30, 2002, respectively, included a separate line item for restructuring and impairment charges primarily to reflect $5.3 million and $1.5 million in severance benefits and $7.8 million and $4.3 million of fixed assets write-offs, in addition to charges associated with recent restructuring initiatives previously discussed of $15.3 million and $10.2 million, the majority of which reflects costs for unabsorbed overhead and inventory write-offs. Operating earnings in 2003 also reflect a $46.3 million goodwill impairment charge that resulted from certain triggering events that occurred during the period including the Company's Chapter 11 filing.


Interest Expense. Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 of $82.8 million decreased $17.6 million compared with interest expense of $100.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. Effective with the Company's Chapter 11 filing, interest is no longer accrued on the Senior Notes due 2005 and 2008, the impact of which was $25.7 million for the first nine months

33


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (Continued)

 

 

 

Results of Operations:

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 Compared to
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002--Continued

of 2003. The decrease in interest expense was offset by higher interest rates on the Company's variable rate bank debt for 2003 compared with corresponding 2002 average interest rates despite lower debt levels compared with corresponding 2002 outstanding debt.


Other Expense-Net. Other expense-net for the first nine months of 2003 consisted primarily of $4.9 million in transaction costs associated with an unsuccessful acquisition effort and the amortization of deferred financing fees of $9.1 million, plus certain miscellaneous expense items compared with other expense-net in the first nine months of 2002 of $5.6 million.


Chapter 11 Expenses. The Company recognized $19.0 million in bankruptcy reorganization related expenses for the first nine months of 2003 consisting primarily of $5.0 million related to the early termination of the Company's Trade Receivables Program, $1.7 million related to amortization of fees associated with the DIP Credit Agreement, $1.1 million in severance associated with the resignation of the Company's former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, $3.9 million for performance bonuses under a court approved Key Employee Retention Plan and $7.3 million related to fees payable to professionals retained to assist with the Chapter 11 proceedings.


Income Tax Expense. The Company's effective tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate primarily due to state income taxes and nondeductible items.


Net Loss. Net loss for the first nine months of 2003 was $101.8 million or a loss of $2.04 per share diluted, compared with a net loss of $12.6 million or $0.25 per share diluted, for the same period in 2002. Included in net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 were costs related to restructuring initiatives, net of taxes, of $18.9 million, or $0.38 loss per diluted share, as previously discussed compared with the year ago period of $10.3 million, or $0.20 loss per diluted share.


Diluted per share amounts are based on 49.9 million and 49.7 million average shares outstanding for 2003 and 2002, respectively.



Effects of Inflation


The Company believes that the relatively moderate rate of inflation over the past few years has not had a significant impact on its sales or profitability.



Liquidity and Capital Resources


So long as the Company remains under the protection of Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, its principal sources of liquidity are expected to be cash from its operations and funds available under the DIP Credit Agreement. The maximum commitment under the DIP Credit Agreement is $300 million, of which as of June 18, 2003, the Company has access to $300 million under final order of the Bankruptcy

34


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (Continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources--Continued


Court. At October 31, 2003, the Company had unused borrowing availability under the DIP Credit Agreement totaling $150.3 million, reflecting outstanding loans of $112.1 million and outstanding letters of credit of $37.6 million. For additional information about the DIP Credit Agreement, see "DIP Credit Agreement" above.


During the pendency of its Chapter 11 proceedings, the Company's principal uses of cash will be administrative expenses of the proceedings, operating expenses and debt service (including both interest payments under the DIP Credit Agreement and whatever payments are to be made in respect of pre-petition debt).


There can be no assurance, however, that the Company will be able to comply with the debt covenants or that, if it fails to do so, it will be able to obtain amendments to or waivers of such covenants. Failure of the Company to comply with covenants contained in its DIP Credit Agreement, if not waived, or to adequately service debt obligations, could result in a default under the DIP Credit Agreement. Any default under the Company's DIP Credit Agreement, particularly any default that results in acceleration of indebtedness or foreclosure on collateral, could have a material adverse effect on the Company.



Adequacy of Capital Resources


As a result of the uncertainty surrounding the Company's current circumstances, it is difficult to predict the Company's actual liquidity needs and sources at this time. However, based on current and anticipated levels of operations, and efforts to effectively manage working capital, the Company anticipates that its cash flows from operations, cash generated from asset sales, and amounts available under the DIP Credit Agreement, will be adequate to meet its anticipated cash requirements during the pendency of the Chapter 11 proceedings.


In the event that cash flows and available borrowings under the DIP Credit Agreement are not sufficient to meet future cash requirements, the Company may be required to reduce planned capital expenditures, sell assets or seek additional financing. The Company can provide no assurances that reductions in planned capital expenditures or proceeds from asset sales would be sufficient to cover shortfalls in available cash or that additional financing would be available or, if available, offered on acceptable terms.


As a result of the Chapter 11 proceedings, the Company's access to additional financing is, and for the foreseeable future will likely continue to be, very limited. The Company's long-term liquidity requirements and the adequacy of the Company's capital resources are difficult to predict at this time, and ultimately cannot be determined until a plan of reorganization has been developed and confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court in connection with the Chapter 11 proceedings.

35


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

The Company's exposure to market risk has not materially changed from what was reported on the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.


Item 4.  Controls and Procedures


Company management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15e as of September 30, 2003. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of September 30, 2003, the disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that all material information required to be filed in this quarterly report has been made known to them in a timely fashion. There have been no significant changes in internal controls, or in factors that could significantly affect internal controls during the period covered by this report.

36


 

 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

On June 1, 2003, WestPoint Stevens Inc and certain subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11, title 11 of the United States Bankruptcy code. On August 28, 2003, one of the Company's foreign subsidiaries, WestPoint Stevens (Europe) Ltd., filed for bankruptcy in the United Kingdom and will subsequently be closed and liquidated subject to the bankruptcy laws of the United Kingdom. See further discussion in Note 2.


On October 5, 2001, a purported stockholder class action suit, entitled Norman Geller v. WestPoint Stevens Inc., et al. (the "Geller action"), was filed against the Company and certain of its current and former officers and directors (the "Defendants") in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. (A subsequent and functionally identical complaint was also filed.) The actions were consolidated by Order dated January 25, 2002. Plaintiffs served a Consolidated Amended Complaint (the "Amended Complaint") on March 29, 2002. The Amended Complaint asserts claims against all Defendants under section 10(b) of the Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder and against the Company and defendant Holcombe T. Green, Jr. as "controlling persons" under section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. The Amended Complaint alleges that, during the putative class period (i.e., February 10, 1999 to October 10, 2000), WestPoint Stevens and certain of its officers and directors caused false and misleading statements to be issued regarding, inter alia, alleged overcapacity and excessive inventories of the Company's towel-related products and customer demand for such products and that certain Individual Defendants wrongfully sold or pledged Company stock at inflated prices for their benefit. The Amended Complaint refers to WestPoint Stevens' press releases and quarterly and annual reports on Securities Exchange Commission Forms 10-Q and 10-K, which discuss the Company's results and forecasts for the fiscal years 1999 and 2000. Plaintiffs allege that these press releases and public filings were false and misleading because they failed to disclose that the Company allegedly "knew sales would be adversely affected in future quarters and years." Plaintiffs also allege in general terms that the Company materially overstated revenues by making premature shipments of products.


On June 6, 2002, Defendants filed Motions to Dismiss Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint. On February 3, 2003, the Court denied Defendants' Motions to Dismiss. Proceedings against the Company are stayed due to the recent bankruptcy filing. However, the action is proceeding to class certification and discovery against the individual named defendants.


On March 11, 2002, a shareholder derivative action, entitled Gordon Clark v. Holcombe T. Green, Jr., et al. (the"Clark action"), was filed against certain of the Company's directors and officers in the Superior Court of Fulton County, Georgia. The Complaint alleges that the named individuals breached their fiduciary duties by acting in bad faith and wasting corporate assets. The Complaint also asserts claims under Georgia Code Ann. sections 14-2-740 to 14-2-747, and 14-2-831. The claims are based on the same or similar facts as are alleged in the Geller action.

37


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION (Continued)

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings--Continued

On July 1, 2002, a shareholder derivative action, entitled John Hemmer v. Holcombe T. Green, Jr., et al. (the "Hemmer action"), was filed against Mr. Green and certain of the Company's other directors including Messrs. Hugh M. Chapman, John F. Sorte and Ms. M. Katherine Dwyer in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware in and for New Castle County. The complaint alleges that the named individuals breached their fiduciary duties and knowingly or recklessly failed to exercise oversight responsibilities to ensure the integrity of the Company's financial reporting. The complaint also asserts that certain of the named individuals used proprietary Company information in selling or pledging Company stock at inflated prices for their benefit. The claims are based on the same or similar facts as are alleged in the Geller action.


By agreements between the parties, the Clark and Hemmer actions were both stayed pending entry of final judgment by the Court in the Geller action. As with the Geller action, the Clark and Hemmer actions were also stayed due to the Company's bankruptcy filing.


The Company believes that the allegations in all of the actions are without merit and intends to contest the actions vigorously on behalf of its officers and directors.


On March 21, 2002, an adversary complaint of Debtors and Debtors in Possession Against WestPoint Stevens Inc. was filed by Pillowtex, Inc., a Delaware corporation, et al., and Pillowtex Corporation, et al., against the Company in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. Pillowtex Corporation and its related and affiliated companies ("Pillowtex") as Debtors and Debtors in Possession allege breach of a postpetition contract (the "Sale Agreement") dated January 31, 2001, among Pillowtex, Ralph Lauren Home Collection, Inc. ("RLH") and Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation ("PRLC") collectively referred to as "Ralph Lauren" and the Company. Pillowtex alleges that the Company refused to perform its purchase obligation under the Sales Agreement and is liable to it for $4,800,000 plus potentially significant other consequential damages. The Company believes that the complaint is without merit and intends to contest the action vigorously. The case is currently stayed due to the Compa ny's bankruptcy filing.


The Company has been named as a defendant in three separate purported class action suits seeking reparation for the historic enslavement of African Americans in the United States. Eddlee Bankhead v. Lloyd's of London, et al. (the "Bankhead action") was filed on September 3, 2002, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Timothy Hurdle and Chester Hurdle v. FleetBoston Financial Corporation, et al. was initially filed in the California Superior Court for San Francisco County on September 10, 2002, but has since been removed to the United States District Court California Northern District (San Francisco). Julie Mae Wyatt-Kerwin v. J.P. Morgan Chase was filed January 21, 2003, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. All three cases have been consolidated with related cases in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The factual basis for all three suits is the claim that the defendants profit ed from the slave labor of the plaintiff classes' ancestors prior to 1865 and, specifically, that Pepperell Manufacturing, predecessor to WestPoint Stevens Inc., utilized cotton from southern planters who in turn purchased finished product to clothe their slaves. The California suit alleges that such practices amount to an "unfair business practice" in violation of the California Business and Professional Code.

38


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION (Continued)

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings--Continued

The purported class includes all descendants of African American slaves. The relief sought includes an accounting, the appointment of an independent historical commission, imposition of a constructive trust, restitution of the value of slave labor and defendants' unjust enrichment, disgorgement of illicit profits and compensatory and punitive damages.


The consolidated cases are currently stayed due to the Company's bankruptcy filing.


The Company is subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations governing, among other things, the discharge, storage, handling and disposal of a variety of hazardous and nonhazardous substances and wastes used in or resulting from its operations and potential remediation obligations thereunder. Certain of the Company's facilities (including certain facilities no longer owned or utilized by the Company) have been cited or are being investigated with respect to alleged violations of such laws and regulations. The Company is cooperating fully with relevant parties and authorities in all such matters. The Company believes that it has adequately provided in its financial statements for any expenses and liabilities that may result from such matters. The Company also is insured with respect to certain of such matters. The Company's operations are governed by laws and regulations relating to employee safety and health which, among other things, establish exposure limitations for c otton dust, formaldehyde, asbestos and noise, and regulate chemical and ergonomic hazards in the workplace.


Although the Company does not expect that compliance with any of such laws and regulations will adversely affect the Company's operations, there can be no assurance such regulatory requirements will not become more stringent in the future or that the Company will not incur significant costs in the future to comply with such requirements.


The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various other legal proceedings, both as plaintiff and as defendant, which are normal to its business. It is the opinion of management that the aforementioned actions and claims, if determined adversely to the Company, will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or operations of the Company taken as a whole.


Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities


The commencement of the Chapter 11 proceedings constitutes an event of default under the Company's Senior Credit Facility, Second-Lien Facility and indentures governing the Company's senior unsecured notes. On September 30, 2003, the principal amount of indebtedness in default is approximately $1,655.7 million and the amount of accrued interest in default on the senior unsecured notes is approximately $36.1 million. Approximately $25.7 million of interest has not been accrued on the senior unsecured notes as a result of the Chapter 11 filing.

39


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION (Continued)

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

a.)

 

 

 

 

Exhibit

 

 

 

Number

 

 

Description of Exhibit

       

10.1

 

 

Separation and Settlement Agreement, effective August 14, 2003, between the Company and Holcombe T. Green, Jr., incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K (Commission File No. 0-21496) filed by the Company with the Commission on August 18, 2003.

 

 

 

 

10.2

 

 

Termination Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2003, by and among WPS Receivables Corporation, WestPoint Stevens Inc., the lenders party to the Loan and Security Agreement, dated March 28, 2003 and Congress Financial Corporation (Southern) as Agent for the Lenders.

 

 

 

 

31.1

 

 

Chief Executive Officer's Section 302 Certification.

 

 

 

 

31.2

 

 

Chief Financial Officer's Section 302 Certification.

 

 

 

 

32.1

 

 

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as signed by the Chief Executive Officer.

 

 

 

 

32.2

 

 

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as signed by the Chief Financial Officer.

b.)

 

b.1.)

 

The Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K on August 18, 2003. The items reported were "Item 5. Other Events and Regulation FD Disclosure."

 

 

 

 
 

b.2.)

 

The Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K on September 11, 2003. The items reported were "Item 5. Other Events and Regulation FD Disclosure."

 

 

 

 
 

b.3.)

 

The Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K on September 30, 2003. The items reported were "Item 5. Other Events and Regulation FD Disclosure."

 

40


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

SIGNATURE

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


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

 

Registrant

   
   
   
 

/s/L. Dupuy Sears

 

L. Dupuy Sears

 

Senior Vice President-Finance

 

And Chief Financial Officer

   

Date:  November 14, 2003

41


 

WESTPOINT STEVENS INC.

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT

 

 

PAGE

NUMBER

 

 

 NUMBER 

10.1

 

Separation and Settlement Agreement, effective August 14, 2003, between the Company and Holcombe T. Green, Jr., incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K ( Commission File No. 0-21496) filed by the Company with the Commission on August 18, 2003.

 

 

 

 

 

10.2

 

Termination Amendment, dated as of August 31, 2003, by and among WPS Receivables Corporation, WestPoint Stevens Inc, the lenders party to the Loan and Security Agreement, dated March 28, 2003 and Congress Financial Corporation (Southern) as Agent for the Lenders.

 

 

 

 

 

31.1

 

Chief Executive Officer's Section 302 Certification.

 

 

 

 

 

31.2

 

Chief Financial Officer's Section 302 Certification.

 

 

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as signed by the Chief Executive Officer.

 
       

32.2

 

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as signed by the Chief Financial Officer.

 

 

42