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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

 

x   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003

 

OR

 

¨   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from                      to                     

 


 

COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Oregon   0-23939   93-0498284

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification Number)

14375 NW Science Park Drive    Portland, Oregon   97229
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(503) 985-4000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

 

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock

 


 

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

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this form 10-K.    ¨

 

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

 

The aggregate market value of the voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2003, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was $769,172,987 based on the last reported sale price of the Company’s Common Stock as reported by the Nasdaq National Market System.

 

The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on February 20, 2004, was 40,316,205.

 

Part III is incorporated by reference from the registrant’s proxy statement for its 2004 annual meeting of shareholders to be filed with the Commission within 120 days of December 31, 2003.

 



Table of Contents

COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

 

DECEMBER 31, 2003

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Item


        Page

     PART I     

Item 1.

   Business    2

Item 2.

   Properties    11

Item 3.

   Legal Proceedings    11

Item 4.

   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    12

Item 4(a).

   Executive Officers and Key Employees of the Registrant    12
     PART II     

Item 5.

   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters    14

Item 6.

   Selected Financial Data    15

Item 7.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    16

Item 7(a).

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk    32

Item 8.

   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data    32

Item 9.

   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure    55

Item 9(a).

   Controls and Procedures    55
     PART III     

Item 10.

   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant    56

Item 11.

   Executive Compensation    56

Item 12.

   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters    56

Item 13.

   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions    56

Item 14.

   Principal Accounting Fees and Services    56
     PART IV     

Item 15.

   Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K    56

Signatures

   57

 


Table of Contents

PART I

 

Item 1.    BUSINESS

 

General

 

Founded in 1938 in Portland, Oregon, as a small family-owned, regional hat distributor, Columbia Sportswear Company has grown to become a global leader in design, sourcing, marketing and distribution of active outdoor apparel and footwear, with operations in North America, Europe and Asia. As one of the largest outerwear companies in the world and the leading seller of skiwear in the United States, we have developed an international reputation across an expanding product line for quality, performance, functionality and value.

 

Known for durability and dependability at a reasonable price, we leveraged Columbia’s brand awareness in the 1990s by expanding into related merchandise categories and developing our “head-to-toe” outfitting concept.

 

In September 2000, we added another internationally known brand to our business, acquiring the Sorel® trademarks and associated intellectual property which provided us an additional brand in the outdoor footwear and apparel markets.

 

In March 2003, we acquired Mountain Hardwear, Inc. (“Mountain Hardwear”) which designs, develops and markets technically advanced equipment and apparel for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals. Mountain Hardwear will continue to operate as an independent brand.

 

During 2003, we distributed our products to approximately 12,000 retailers in over 50 countries.

 

Our business is subject to many risks and uncertainties that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and stock price. For a description of some of these risks and uncertainties, we encourage you to read “Factors That May Affect Our Business and the Price of Our Common Stock” in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

Products

 

We group our merchandise into five principal categories—(1) outerwear, (2) sportswear, (3) footwear, (4) related accessories and (5) equipment. The durability, functionality and affordability of our products make them ideal for use in a wide range of outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, hunting and fishing, hiking, backpacking, mountaineering and rock climbing, as well as for casual wear. We are committed to innovative, functional product design and use durable, high quality materials and construction across all of our product lines. We believe that our broad range of competitively priced merchandise offers consumers one of the best price-value equations in the outdoor apparel and footwear industries.

 

We believe that our award-winning advertising campaign effectively positions the Columbia® brand as outdoor, active, authentic, value-oriented and distinctly American. Our products are designed to reinforce this image. In both the design and production phases, we focus our efforts on the development of popular, higher volume products at moderate price points. Our attention to technical details such as pockets that double as vents, double storm flaps over zippers and “gutters” that facilitate water run-off, as well as the use of special technical materials, contribute to the authenticity and functionality of our merchandise.

 

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The following table presents the net sales and approximate percentages of net sales attributable to each of our principal product categories for each of the last three years ended December 31 (dollars in millions):

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 
     Net Sales

   % of Sales

    Net Sales

   % of Sales

    Net Sales

   % of Sales

 

Outerwear

   $ 443.7    46.6 %   $ 422.5    51.8 %   $ 403.3    51.7 %

Sportswear

     311.3    32.7       245.2    30.0       232.9    29.9  

Footwear

     148.6    15.6       110.0    13.5       108.6    13.9  

Accessories

     43.5    4.6       38.6    4.7       34.8    4.5  

Equipment (1)

     4.7    0.5       —      —         —      —    
    

  

 

  

 

  

Total

   $ 951.8    100.0 %   $ 816.3    100.0 %   $ 779.6    100.0 %
    

  

 

  

 

  


(1)   The equipment product category was introduced with the acquisition of Mountain Hardwear and consists primarily of tents and sleeping bags.

 

Outerwear

 

Outerwear is our most established product category. Our outerwear is designed to protect the wearer from inclement weather in everyday use and in outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, hunting and fishing. Many of our jackets incorporate our popular Columbia Interchange System®, which we introduced in 1983 and features a 3- or 4-jackets-in-1 design. Jackets incorporating the Interchange System typically combine a durable, nylon outershell with a removable, zip-out liner. The outershell and the liner may be worn separately or together. This layering approach provides the wearer with a jacket for all seasons and weather conditions at a reasonable price.

 

Our line of Convert® branded snowboard apparel is another important component of the outerwear category. We were one of the first companies to identify and react to the rapid emergence of snowboarding as a popular sport and, as a result, our Convert line is now one of the top selling brands of snowboard apparel in the United States.

 

Our Mountain Hardwear® brand consists of technically advanced products that include Gore-Tex® shells, Windstopper® fleece, down parkas and technical clothing designed for specialized outdoor activities such as mountaineering, backpacking and climbing. These technically advanced products are used by some of the most elite mountaineering athletes around the globe.

 

Hunting and fishing products constitute one of our longest running product lines in the outerwear category. These merchandise offerings include apparel for the serious sportsman engaged in hunting and fishing activities. Parkas, shells, vests, liners, bib pants and rain suits incorporate a variety of specific-purpose, tailored features that enhance our reputation as a leader in this category of outerwear.

 

In 2003, our Sorel brand launched a traditional workwear apparel line designed for work and extended outdoor wear applications. The workwear collection includes a variety of outerwear styles featuring cotton-based functional jackets, three-in-one parkas and innovative nylon jackets.

 

We also produce a separate line of youth outerwear products. The market for youth outerwear is significant and we are able to use our expertise in outerwear design and sourcing to meet the needs of the youth market.

 

Sportswear

 

In 1993, we began targeting sportswear as a growth opportunity. Building on a foundation of authentic fishing and hunting shirts, we have expanded our sportswear product offering to include hiking shorts, water

 

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sport trunks, fleece and pile products, sweaters, chinos, knit shirts, woven shirts, sweats, and jeans. Our sportswear product line appeals to both the serious outdoorsman and the more casual wearer who wants to project an outdoor image.

 

For the consumer interested in trekking and adventure travel, our GRT® (Gear for Rugged Trekking and Travel) line of active outdoor performance apparel offers a line of lightweight products, many of which incorporate our Omni-Dry® system of moisture management.

 

Our PFG® (Performance Fishing Gear) line offers a variety of products, including jackets, vests, bibs, shorts, shirts, and pants with technical features such as UPF sun protection.

 

Sportswear products are designed to be sold alongside our outerwear and footwear products as part of our unified “head-to-toe” outfitting concept. Although the majority of our sportswear sales are to sporting goods and specialty outdoor stores, department stores are becoming an increasingly important part of our distribution chain.

 

In 2003, our Sorel brand launched a traditional workwear apparel line designed for work and extended outdoor wear applications. The workwear collection includes a variety of sportswear styles featuring cotton-based convertible pants, bibs and worker shorts.

 

Sportswear for the Mountain Hardwear brand is focused on styles that are designed for backpacking, rock climbing and adventure sports. This category was introduced in 1999 and many styles feature Mountain Hardwear patented “Conical Waist” which improves comfort and performance while wearing a backpack. All styles use technically advanced fabrics and the category has grown to include casual as well as performance athletic apparel used by outdoor athletes.

 

Footwear

 

We introduced our footwear products in 1993. This category consists of seasonal outdoor footwear for adults and youth in cold weather, hiking, trail, sandals, outdoor casual and rugged comfort styles. Many feature innovative technical designs that incorporate waterproof/breathable constructions, thermal insulation, advanced cushioning systems and high abrasion, slip-resistant outsoles. We believe that the market for footwear represents a substantial growth opportunity.

 

Our acquisition of the Sorel trademark rights and other related intellectual property rights in September 2000 provides additional opportunities for us in the footwear category. The Sorel brand has been known for cold weather footwear for over forty years. We began offering the classic Sorel styles in the fall of 2001 as well as a line of special make product for some larger retailers. We are continuing to focus on the expansion of the Sorel product offerings into new categories in order to leverage Sorel’s cold weather heritage and make Sorel a year round brand for outdoor oriented men, women and children.

 

Accessories

 

We also produce a line of accessories that includes hats, caps, scarves, gloves, mittens and headbands to complement our outerwear and sportswear lines.

 

Equipment

 

As a result of our acquisition of Mountain Hardwear in March 2003, our product line expanded to include technically advanced tents and sleeping systems. These products are designed for such uses as mountaineering, ultralight backpacking and camping and serve a wide variety of situations for the outdoor enthusiast and professionals. Many of these designs are patented and are considered industry standards in innovation.

 

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Licensing

 

In June 1999, we introduced a strategy to build brand awareness by licensing our trademarks across a range of categories that complement our current offerings. We have since signed thirteen licensing agreements, including North American agreements for Columbia brand casual and outdoor socks, packs and adventure travel bags, belts and personal leather goods for men, thermal tops and bottoms, watches, leather outerwear, sport cutlery and home furnishings. We also entered into two global licensing agreements for Columbia brand eyewear and shoe and apparel care. In addition, we have a European licensing agreement for socks. In connection with the Sorel acquisition, we acquired a license for shoe care products in North America.

 

Our United States sock licensee began shipping during fall 2000 in the North American market, and our European sock licensee began shipping in spring 2002. Columbia brand packs and adventure travel bags and belts and small personal leather goods for men were available beginning in spring 2001. Our watch licensee began shipping products in spring 2002. Thermal tops and bottoms, shoe care products, eyewear and leather outerwear licensees began shipping in fall 2002. Most recently our Columbia brand cutlery began shipping in spring 2003.

 

We anticipate that our new Columbia brand tent and sleeping bag licensee will begin shipping these products in spring 2004 to locations across North America. We expect the new home furnishing collection to begin shipping in the fall of 2004.

 

Advertising, Marketing, and Promotion

 

Columbia’s unique, global advertising campaign featuring our Chairman, Gertrude Boyle, in the role of cantankerous “Mother Boyle” and her son, Timothy Boyle, Columbia’s President and Chief Executive Officer, as the ultimate test subject, is an integral part of Columbia’s brand identity. Our campaign features Columbia’s wry-humored, good-natured ads in broad-based national print and broadcast media, ranging from Backpacker and People magazine to Comedy Central and ESPN. We reach customers worldwide in our efforts to drive sales of our products.

 

Sales through existing retail channels are enhanced by visual merchandising. Concept shops and focus areas are located within the stores of our customers and are dedicated exclusively to selling our merchandise on a year-round basis. These shops and focus areas promote a consistent brand image and feature the image of Gertrude Boyle throughout our customer network.

 

In addition, we engage in cooperative advertising arrangements whereby wholesale customers receive an allowance relative to the value of their purchases from us if specified qualitative advertising criteria are met and if specified amounts are spent on the advertisements.

 

Inventory Management

 

From the time of initial order through production, distribution and delivery, we manage our inventory in an effort to reduce risk. Our inventory management systems coupled with our enterprise-wide information system have enhanced our ability to manage our inventories by providing detailed inventory status from the time of initial factory order through shipment to our retail customers.

 

Additionally, through the use of incentive discounts we encourage early purchases by our customers to promote effective inventory management. We provide our customers with staggered delivery times through the spring and fall seasons. This also permits our customers and us to manage inventories effectively and thereby diminish the likelihood of closeout sales. Through our efforts to match our purchases of inventory to the receipt of customer orders, we believe that we are able to reduce the risk of overcommitting to inventory purchases. This helps us avoid significant unplanned inventory build-ups and minimizes working capital requirements. This

 

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strategy, however, does not eliminate inventory risk entirely since we build a nominal amount of speculative inventory into our business model. Moreover, customer orders are subject to cancellation prior to shipment.

 

Product Design

 

Our experienced in-house merchandising and design teams work closely with internal sales and production teams as well as with retailers, athletes and consumers to produce products that are designed primarily for functionality and durability.

 

We also engineer technical garments with special performance features. Our Titanium sub-branded outerwear offers high performance fabrics and features and our most advanced technologies. These garments are designed for extreme weather conditions and also deliver a level of style and utility that compete with high-end garments in our market. Our outerwear features include the Columbia Interchange System®, the Radial Venting System, the Radial Sleeve, Stretch Panels, the performance storm hood, and packable and reversible options. The GRT® line offers the Radial Leg Gusset, GRT Venting, the Convertible Sleeve Tab, and convertible and packable garments. Our footwear features include Quadensity® and our hunting and fishing garments include features such as the Columbia Comfort System, the PFG Venting System, and our Quarpel Thread Technology.

 

We distinguish ourselves by designing clothing that performs well in a wide range of weather conditions and for a variety of outdoor activities. To accomplish this we carefully choose the appropriate fabric or insulation for each garment. Those selected possess optimum performance characteristics such as waterproofness, breathability, weight, durability, and wicking ability. For our outerwear collections we feature our premier waterproof/breathable Omni-Tech® technology. Three different levels are offered to meet different needs of waterproofness, breathability, and protection. Our GRT line features Omni-Dry,® which is our high-performance moisture-management technology that renders superior results in a variety of conditions. Our footwear line features Omni-Grip® traction technology, which is a specially formulated sticky rubber compound that provides superior traction as well as stability on wet and dry surfaces.

 

Our 2004 brands consist of three product segments: our high-end performance Titanium products (high-end, technical, sold in specialty stores); our moderate Vertex products (lower-priced, technical, sold in sporting goods stores); and our most broadly distributed Outdoor Issue products (classic, non-technical, sold in department stores). We believe that increased differentiation allows our retailers to better target their specific customers.

 

Mountain Hardwear products focus on innovations in fabrics, designs and features that are recognized worldwide as leading technologies. The products are intended for extreme environments but also extend themselves to broader uses such as skiing and hiking. The outerwear line features such fabrics as Gore-Tex® and Windstopper® fabrics for shellwear, softshells, and technical fleece garments. Mountain Hardwear also uses proprietary technology with our Conduit® waterproof/breathable laminate in both shell and softshell garments. Unique features such as external seam taping, welded construction, Quantum® sleeping bags, and Flow-Thru® tents position Mountain Hardwear as an industry leader in innovation.

 

We believe that these technical innovations and product features provide versatility, comfort and value to our customers.

 

Sourcing and Manufacturing

 

Our apparel and footwear products are produced by independent manufacturers selected, monitored and coordinated by regional Columbia employees to ensure conformity to strict quality standards. We believe that the use of these independent manufacturers increases our production capacity and flexibility and reduces our costs.

 

Unlike many apparel companies, we use few independent agents in our sourcing activities. We maintain fifteen sourcing and quality control offices in the Far East, each staffed by Columbia employees and managed by

 

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personnel native to the region. Personnel in these offices direct sourcing activities, help to ensure quality control and assist with the monitoring and coordination of overseas shipments. Final pricing for all orders, however, is approved by personnel from our U.S. headquarters. We believe that Columbia personnel in the Far East, who are focused narrowly on our interests, are more responsive to our needs than independent agents would be and are more likely to build long-term relationships with key vendors. We believe that these relationships enhance our access to raw materials and factory capacity at more favorable prices.

 

In 2003 we sourced approximately 98% (by dollar volume) of our products outside the United States, principally in the Far East. We monitor the selection of independent factories to ensure that no single manufacturer or country is responsible for manufacturing a significantly disproportionate amount of our merchandise.

 

We believe that the use of independent manufacturers, in conjunction with the use of Columbia sourcing personnel rather than agents, increases our production flexibility and capacity and allows us to maintain control over critical aspects of the sourcing process. Our approach also enables us to substantially limit our capital expenditures and avoid costs associated with managing a large production work force. We have formal arrangements with some of our contractors or suppliers other than through purchase orders. We believe that our relationships with our contractors and suppliers are excellent and that the long-term, reliable and cooperative relationships that we have with many of our vendors provide us a competitive advantage over other apparel distributors.

 

By having Columbia employees in regions where we source our products, we enhance our ability to monitor factories to ensure their compliance with Columbia’s Standards of Manufacturing Practices. Our policies require that every factory comply with a code of conduct relating to factory working conditions and the treatment of workers involved in the production of Columbia brand products.

 

Our quality control program is designed to ensure that our products meet the highest quality standards. Our employees monitor the quality of fabrics and other components and inspect prototypes of each product before starting production runs. In addition, our employees also perform quality control checks throughout the production process up to and including final shipment to our customers. We believe that our attention to the quality control program is an important and effective means of maintaining the quality and reputation of our products.

 

Independent manufacturers generally produce our apparel using one of two principal methods. In the first method, the manufacturer purchases the raw materials needed to produce the garment from suppliers that we have approved, at prices and on terms negotiated by either the manufacturer or us. A substantial portion of our merchandise is manufactured under this arrangement. In the second method, sometimes referred to as “cut, make, pack, and quota” and used principally for production in China, we directly purchase the raw materials from suppliers, assure that the independent manufacturers have the necessary availability of import quotas, and ship the materials in a “kit,” together with patterns, samples, and most of the other necessary items, to the independent manufacturer to produce the finished garment. Although this second arrangement advances the timing for inventory purchases and exposes us to additional risks before a garment is manufactured, we believe that it further increases our manufacturing flexibility and frequently provides us with a cost advantage over other production methods.

 

We transact business on an order-by-order basis without exclusive commitments or arrangements to purchase from any single vendor. We believe, however, that long term relationships with our vendors will help to ensure that adequate sources are available to produce a sufficient supply of goods in a timely manner and on satisfactory economic terms in the future.

 

By sourcing the bulk of our products outside the United States, we are subject to risks of doing business abroad. These risks include governmental restrictions, political or labor disturbances and foreign exchange rate

 

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fluctuations. In particular, we must continually monitor import requirements and transfer production as necessary to lessen the potential impact from increased tariffs or quota restrictions that may be periodically imposed.

 

We have from time to time experienced difficulty satisfying our raw material and finished goods requirements, and any similar future difficulties could adversely affect our business operations. Our three largest factory groups accounted for approximately 16% of our total global production for 2003. Another company produces substantially all of the zippers used in our products. In both instances, however, these companies have multiple factory locations, many of which are in different countries, which reduces the risk that unfavorable conditions at a single factory or location will have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Sales and Distribution

 

Our products are sold to approximately 12,000 specialty and department store retailers throughout the world. Our strategy for continued growth is to focus on:

 

    enhancing the productivity of existing retailers;

 

    expanding distribution in international markets;

 

    further developing the existing merchandise categories; and

 

    increasing our penetration into the department store and specialty footwear channels.

 

The following table presents the net sales to unrelated entities and approximate percentages of net sales by geographic region for each of the last three years (dollars in millions):

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 
     Net Sales

   % of Sales

    Net Sales

   % of Sales

    Net Sales

   % of Sales

 

United States

   $ 596.8    62.7 %   $ 557.5    68.3 %   $ 551.3    70.7 %

Canada

     106.7    11.2       86.7    10.6       81.3    10.4  

Europe

     135.2    14.2       95.9    11.8       82.3    10.6  

Other international (1)

     113.1    11.9       76.2    9.3       64.7    8.3  
    

  

 

  

 

  

Total

   $ 951.8    100.0 %   $ 816.3    100.0 %   $ 779.6    100.0 %
    

  

 

  

 

  


(1)   Includes direct sales in Japan, Korea and to third-party distributors in Europe and elsewhere.

 

See Note 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for net sales, income before income tax, identifiable assets, interest expense, and depreciation and amortization by geographic segment.

 

North America

 

Approximately 39.7% of the retailers that offer our products worldwide are located in the United States and Canada. The sales in these two countries amounted to 73.9% of our total revenues for 2003. We work with over 30 independent sales agencies that in turn work with retail accounts varying in size from single specialty store operations to large chains made up of many stores in several locations.

 

Mountain Hardwear products are sold through 10 independent sales agencies that work with a variety of retail accounts that are primarily focused on smaller specialty outdoor and ski shops across the United States. Mountain Hardwear products are also sold through select specialty chain stores and catalog companies that feature high end outdoor equipment and apparel. In Canada, Mountain Hardwear products are sold through an independent distributor in Canada.

 

Our flagship store in Portland, Oregon is designed to create a distinctive “Columbia” environment, reinforcing the active and outdoor image of the Columbia brand. In addition, this store provides us with the

 

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ability to test new marketing and merchandising techniques. We also operate eight outlet stores in various locations throughout North America. These outlet stores are designed to sell excess and distressed inventory without adversely affecting our retail accounts.

 

We inspect, sort, pack and ship substantially all of our products sold to United States retailers from our Rivergate Distribution Center, which consists of approximately 850,000 square feet located in Portland, Oregon. This distribution center currently serves as the U.S. distribution center for all Columbia and Sorel-branded products.

 

In 2003 we began construction of an additional distribution center in Henderson County, Kentucky, which we will own and operate. This distribution center is expected to consist of approximately 450,000 square feet and we anticipate that the new facility will be operational in 2005. Although it will be constructed with a specific focus on footwear, the facility will be designed and engineered to support other product lines as well. The facility will improve proximity to major footwear customers and, we believe, will help facilitate reorders.

 

All Mountain Hardwear products sold to United States retailers are inspected, sorted, packed and shipped from the Richmond, California Distribution Center, which consists of approximately 58,000 square feet. Raw materials for domestic production of Mountain Hardwear products are also housed in this facility.

 

We handle Canadian distribution from a leased warehouse in Strathroy, Ontario. In some instances, we arrange to have products shipped directly from our independent manufacturers to customer-designated facilities.

 

Europe

 

We have European sales offices in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, with our European headquarters office located in Zurich, Switzerland. We sell our products directly to approximately 5,200 retailers in Western European countries, including the United Kingdom, where we began direct sales in spring 2001. Our marketing and sales efforts, particularly in France, Germany, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom, resulted in net direct sales of our products in Europe of $135.2 million in 2003.

 

We distribute our apparel and footwear products in direct markets in Europe through our newly constructed distribution center in Cambrai, France, which we own and operate. The new facility in Cambrai consists of approximately 269,000 square feet and began operating in January 2003.

 

Other International

 

We have distributed our products through independent distributors in Japan since the mid-1970s. In the fall of 1998, we began distributing our products directly in Japan, predominantly through retailers. We now sell our products primarily through a combination of retailers and wholesalers. We believe that our sales approach in Japan creates an opportunity for accelerated sales growth in this region when economic conditions improve. We distribute our products in Japan from a leased warehouse in Funibashi, near Tokyo. In 1997 we began selling our products directly in South Korea, principally through retailers. Korean distribution is conducted from a leased warehouse in Seoul.

 

In several other countries throughout the world, we sell our products to independent distributors. These distributors service retail customers in locations such as Australia, New Zealand, South America, Europe, Russia and China, among others. For 2003, shipments to Russia represented the largest segment of the international distributor business.

 

Intellectual Property

 

We own many trademarks, including “Columbia®,” “Columbia Sportswear Company®,” “Convert®,” “Sorel®,” “Bugaboo®,” “Bugabootoo®,” “Omni-Tech®,” “GRT®,” “Omni-Grip®,” “Columbia Interchange

 

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System®,” “Tough Mother®,” “Mountain Hardwear®,” the Columbia diamond shaped logo, the Mountain Hardwear “nut” logo and the Sorel polar bear logo. Our trademarks, many of which are registered or subject to pending applications in the United States and other nations, are used on a variety of items of apparel, footwear, and other products. We believe that our trademarks are valuable, providing the consumer with an assurance that the product being purchased is of high quality and provides good value. We also place significant value on product designs (the overall appearance and image of our products) which, as much as trademarks, distinguish our products in the marketplace. In connection with the acquisition of the Sorel trademarks we acquired industrial designs and patents protecting some Sorel styles. With the acquisition of Mountain Hardwear, we acquired patents and other proprietary information relating to Mountain Hardwear products. We protect these proprietary rights and frequently take action to prevent counterfeit reproductions or other infringing activity. In the past we have successfully resolved conflicts over proprietary rights through legal action and negotiated settlements. As our market share expands in geographic scope and product categories, we anticipate intellectual property disputes will increase as well, making it more expensive and challenging to establish and protect our proprietary rights and to defend against claims of infringement by others.

 

Backlog

 

We typically receive the bulk of our orders for each of the fall and spring seasons at least three months prior to the date the products are shipped to customers. Generally, the orders are subject to cancellation prior to the date of shipment. At December 31, 2003, our order backlog was $400.9 million, compared to $331.5 million at December 31, 2002. For a variety of reasons, including the timing of shipments, timing of order deadlines, timing of receipt of orders, product mix of customer orders and the amount of in-season orders, backlog may not be a reliable measure of future sales for any succeeding period. For these reasons backlog figures in one year also may not be directly comparable to backlog figures in another year when measured at the same date.

 

Seasonality

 

Our business is affected by the general seasonal trends common to the outdoor apparel industry, with sales and profits being the highest in the third calendar quarter. Our products are marketed on a seasonal basis, with a product mix weighted substantially toward the fall season. The results of our operations in any period should not be considered indicative of the results to be expected for any future period. Our product sales are subject to substantial cyclical fluctuations and are affected by unseasonal weather conditions. Sales tend to decline in periods of recession or uncertainty regarding future economic prospects that affect consumer spending, particularly on discretionary items. This cyclicality and any related fluctuation in consumer demand could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.

 

Competition

 

The active outerwear, sportswear and footwear segments of the apparel industry are highly competitive and we believe that this competition will increase. In addition, our licensees operate in very competitive markets (such as those for watches, leather outerwear, adventure travel bags and socks). We encounter substantial competition in the active outerwear and sportswear business from, among others, The North Face, Inc. (VF Corporation), Marmot Mountain Ltd., Woolrich Woolen Mills, Inc., The Timberland Company (“Timberland”), Patagonia Corporation, Helly-Hansen A/S, Burton and Pacific Trail (London Fog). In addition, we compete with major sport companies, such as Nike, Inc., adidas-Salomon AG and Reebok International Ltd., and with fashion-oriented competitors, such as Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation, Nautica Enterprises, Inc. (VF Corporation) and Tommy Hilfiger Corporation. Our footwear line competes with, among others, Timberland, Nike ACG, adidas-Salomon AG, Merrill, Carhartt, Wolverine, Teva and Kamik. Many of these companies have global operations and compete with us in Europe and Asia. In Europe we also face competition from brands such as Berghaus of the United Kingdom, Jack Wolfskin of Germany, La Fuma of France, as well as many other regional brands. In Asia our competition is from brands such as Mont-Bell and Patagonia among others. In many cases, our most significant competition comes from our own retail customers that manufacture and market clothing and footwear

 

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under their own labels. Some of our competitors are substantially larger and have greater financial, distribution, marketing and other resources than we do. We believe that the primary competitive factors in the market for activewear are price, brand name, functionality, durability and style and that our product offerings are well positioned within the market.

 

Mountain Hardwear equipment (tents and sleeping bags) compete directly with such companies as The North Face, Inc., Sierra Designs, Kelty (American Recreational Products), Marmot, Arctery’x (Salomon USA) and other smaller specialized brands worldwide.

 

Credit and Collection

 

We extend credit to our customers based on an assessment of a customer’s financial condition, generally without requiring collateral. To assist in the scheduling of production and the shipping of seasonal products, we offer customers discounts for placing pre-season orders and extended payment terms for taking delivery before the peak shipping season. These extended payment terms increase our exposure to the risk of uncollectible receivables. Some of our significant customers have experienced financial difficulties in the past, and future financial difficulties of our customers could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Government Regulation

 

Many of our imports are subject to existing or potential governmental duties, tariffs or quotas that may limit the quantity of certain types of goods that may be imported into the United States and other countries. In addition, these duties often represent a material portion of the cost of the merchandise. Although we diligently monitor these trade restrictions, the United States or other countries could impose new or adjusted quotas, duties, tariffs or other restrictions, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Employees

 

At December 31, 2003 we had 2,092 full-time employees. Of these employees, 1,119 were based in the United States, 141 in Canada, 184 in Europe and 648 in Asia.

 

Available Information

 

We make available free of charge on or through our web site at www.columbia.com our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we file these materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Item 2.    PROPERTIES

 

Following is a summary of principal properties owned or leased by us.

 

Corporate Headquarters:

Portland, Oregon (1 location) – owned

 

Canadian Operation (1):

Strathroy, Ontario (1 location) – leased

 

U.S. Distribution Facility:

Portland, Oregon (1 location) – owned

 

Europe Distribution Facility:

Cambrai, France (1 location) – owned


(1)   Lease expires at the end of 2011.

 

Item 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

From time to time in our normal course of business we are a party to various legal claims, actions and complaints. Currently, we do not have any pending litigation that is material.

 

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Item 4.    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

None.

 

Item 4(a).    EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND KEY EMPLOYEES OF THE REGISTRANT

 

The following table sets forth our executive officers and certain key employees.

 

Name


   Age

    

Position


Gertrude Boyle

   79      Chairman of the Board (1)

Timothy P. Boyle

   54      President, Chief Executive Officer, Director (1)

Patrick D. Anderson

   46      Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Assistant Secretary (1)

Rick D. Carpenter

   40      Vice President of Manufacturing and Operations (1)

Carl K. Davis

   55      Vice President and General Counsel, Secretary (1)

Edward R. Howell

   55      Global President of Sorel Division (1)

Robert G. Masin

   55      Senior Vice President of Sales and Merchandising (1)

Grant D. Prentice

   49      Vice President and General Manager – Outerwear Merchandising (1)

Bryan L. Timm

   40      Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer (1)

William J. Berta

   51      General Manager – Footwear Merchandising

John B. Gilbert, Jr.

   60      President of Mountain Hardwear, Inc.

David W. Robinson

   52      General Manager – Hunting, Fishing and Accessories Merchandising

Mark J. Sandquist

   44      General Manager – Sportswear Merchandising

(1)   These individuals are considered Executive Officers of Columbia Sportswear.

 

Gertrude Boyle has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors since 1983. Columbia was founded by her parents in 1938 and managed by her husband, Neal Boyle, from 1964 until his death in 1970. Mrs. Boyle also served as our President from 1970 to 1988. Mrs. Boyle is Timothy P. Boyle’s mother.

 

Timothy P. Boyle joined Columbia in 1971 as General Manager and has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since 1988. He has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1978. Mr. Boyle is also a member of the Board of Directors of Northwest Natural Gas and Widmer Brothers Brewing Company. Mr. Boyle is Gertrude Boyle’s son.

 

Patrick D. Anderson joined Columbia in June 1992 as Manager of Financial Reporting, became Corporate Controller in August 1993 and was appointed Chief Financial Officer in December 1996. In May 2001, Mr. Anderson was appointed Vice President of Finance and Administration as well as Assistant Secretary and served in this position until July 2002 when Mr. Anderson was named Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. From 1985 to 1992, Mr. Anderson was an accountant with Deloitte & Touche LLP.

 

Rick D. Carpenter joined Columbia in October 1988 as Inventory Planner and held various management positions in planning and customer operations until May 1998 when he was promoted to Director of Operations. In May 2001, Mr. Carpenter was named Vice President of Manufacturing and Operations. Prior to joining Columbia, Mr. Carpenter held warehouse management positions for Modern Merchandising.

 

Carl K. Davis joined Columbia in October 1997 as Vice President and General Counsel. In May 2001, Mr. Davis was named Secretary. He was employed by Nike, Inc. from 1981 to October 1997 where he served in a variety of capacities, most recently as Director of International Trade.

 

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Edward R. Howell joined Columbia in August 2002 as Global President of the Company’s Sorel division. Prior to joining Columbia Sportswear, Mr. Howell was Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Mountain Sports from 1998 to 2002 and Executive Vice President from 1997 to 1998. From 1988 to 1997 Mr. Howell held various positions with L.L. Bean, most recently as General Manager of Apparel. From 1985 to 1988 Mr. Howell served in various positions with Woolrich, including National Sales Manager. Prior to 1985 he served in a variety of positions for Macy’s Department Store, including Vice President of Merchandising for Macy’s New York.

 

Robert G. Masin joined Columbia in May 1989 as National Sales Manager and became General Merchandise Manager in July 1998. In May 2001, Mr. Masin was named Senior Vice President of Sales and Merchandising. From 1976 to 1989 he worked for W.L. Gore and Associates, a polymer technology and manufacturing and service company. From 1982 to 1989 he was National Sales Manager of Gore’s Fabric Division.

 

Grant D. Prentice joined Columbia in May 1984 as General Manager – Outerwear Merchandising. In May 2001, Mr. Prentice was named Vice President and General Manager – Outerwear Merchandising. From 1977 to 1984, Mr. Prentice worked as a sales representative for Gerry Outdoor Products, a skiwear company based in Colorado.

 

Bryan L. Timm joined Columbia in June 1997 as Corporate Controller and was named Chief Financial Officer in July 2002. In 2003 Mr. Timm was named Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. From 1991 to 1997 Mr. Timm held various financial positions for Oregon Steel Mills and most recently as Divisional Controller for CF&I Steel, Oregon Steel Mills’ largest division. From 1986 to 1991, Mr. Timm was an accountant with KPMG LLP.

 

William J. Berta joined Columbia in November 1996 as Manager of U.S. Footwear Sales and in October 2000 was named General Manager of Sorel. In September 2001, Mr. Berta was named General Manager – Footwear for both Columbia and Sorel. Prior to joining Columbia, Mr. Berta served in various sales management roles for Wolverine Worldwide, Daisy Manufacturing, and Hi-Tech Sports.

 

John B. Gilbert, Jr. is the President and co-founder of Mountain Hardwear, Inc. established in 1993 and now a wholly owned subsidiary of Columbia. Prior to establishing Mountain Hardwear, Mr. Gilbert was the President of Sierra Designs from 1991 to 1993. From 1968 to 1988, Mr. Gilbert was the Vice President of Sales and Marketing and a member of the Board of Directors of The North Face, Inc.

 

David W. Robinson joined Columbia in March 1995 as Senior Merchandiser of Hunting, Fishing and Accessories within Outerwear Merchandising and in December 1999 was named General Manager – Hunting, Fishing, and Accessories Merchandising. Prior to joining Columbia, Mr. Robinson was Director of Operations for Video Lottery Technologies from 1992 to 1995, and prior to that he was a Vice President of Life Link International.

 

Mark J. Sandquist joined Columbia in March 1995 as Senior Merchandiser of Men’s and Women’s Sportswear and in August 2000 was named General Manager – Sportswear Merchandising. Prior to joining Columbia, Mr. Sandquist held various managerial positions for Union Bay from 1985 to 1995.

 

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PART II

 

Item 5.   MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

Our Common Stock is listed on the Nasdaq National Market and trades under the symbol “COLM.” At February 20, 2004, there were approximately 213 holders of record and approximately 14,000 beneficial shareholders.

 

Following are the quarterly high and low closing prices for our Common Stock for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002:

 

     HIGH

   LOW

2003

             

First Quarter

   $ 46.18    $ 32.80

Second Quarter

   $ 52.70    $ 36.00

Third Quarter

   $ 55.25    $ 46.93

Fourth Quarter

   $ 59.28    $ 51.55

2002

             

First Quarter

   $ 36.30    $ 29.90

Second Quarter

   $ 39.88    $ 32.00

Third Quarter

   $ 39.50    $ 28.79

Fourth Quarter

   $ 47.55    $ 31.21

 

Since the completion of our initial public offering in April 1998, we have not declared any dividends. We anticipate that all of our earnings in the foreseeable future will be retained for the development and expansion of our business and, therefore, we have no current plans to pay cash dividends. Future dividend policy will depend on our earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, restrictions imposed by our credit agreements, and other factors considered relevant by our Board of Directors. For various restrictions on our ability to pay dividends, see Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

The following table provides information about compensation plans (including individual compensation arrangements) under which our equity securities are authorized for issuance to employees or non-employees (such as directors and consultants), as of December 31, 2003:

 

Plan Category


  

Number of

securities to be

issued upon

exercise of

outstanding options,

warrants and rights


  

Weighted-average

exercise price of

outstanding

options, warrants

and rights


  

Number of securities

remaining available for

future issuance under

equity compensation

plans (excluding

securities reflected in

column (a))


     (a)    (b)    (c)

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders:

                

1997 Stock Incentive Plan

   2,421,742    $ 28.67    542,947

1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

   —        —      545,507

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

   —        —      —  
    
  

  

Total

   2,421,742    $ 28.67    1,088,454
    
  

  

 

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Item 6.    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

Selected Consolidated Financial Data

 

The selected consolidated financial data presented below for, and as of the end of, each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2003 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Accompanying Notes that appear elsewhere in this annual report and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations set forth in Item 7.

 

     Year ended December 31,

     2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

     (In thousands, except per share amounts)

Statement of Operations Data:

                                      

Net sales

   $ 951,786     $ 816,319     $ 779,581     $ 614,825     $ 470,503

Cost of sales

     511,101       437,782       422,430       334,689       259,609
    


 


 


 


 

Gross profit

     440,685       378,537       357,151       280,136       210,894

Selling, general and administrative

     252,307       216,085       209,503       183,755       150,829

Net licensing income

     (1,811 )     (1,223 )     (533 )     (12 )     —  
    


 


 


 


 

Income from operations

     190,189       163,675       148,181       96,393       60,065

Interest (income) expense, net

     (480 )     (354 )     2,568       4,238       4,822

Income tax expense

     70,548       61,511       56,789       33,544       22,235
    


 


 


 


 

Net income

   $ 120,121     $ 102,518     $ 88,824     $ 58,611     $ 33,008
    


 


 


 


 

Earnings per share (1):

                                      

Basic

   $ 3.01     $ 2.60     $ 2.27     $ 1.52     $ 0.87

Diluted

     2.96       2.56       2.23       1.48       0.86

Weighted average shares outstanding (1):

                                      

Basic

     39,953       39,449       39,051       38,541       37,997

Diluted

     40,591       40,063       39,840       39,608       38,412
     2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

Balance Sheet Data:

                                      

Working capital

   $ 502,001     $ 361,628     $ 270,959     $ 191,612     $ 144,105

Inventories

     126,808       94,862       114,889       105,288       86,465

Total assets

     783,766       592,817       474,967       375,086       304,990

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

     16,335       20,636       25,047       26,000       26,665

Shareholders’ equity

     640,829       472,719       353,389       248,989       184,375

(1)   Earnings per share and weighted average shares outstanding have been restated to reflect the three-for-two stock split that was effective June 4, 2001.

 

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Item 7.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion of our results of operations and liquidity and capital resources, including known trends and uncertainties identified by management, should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Accompanying Notes that appear elsewhere in this annual report.

 

All references to years relate to the calendar year ended December 31 of the particular year.

 

Overview

 

Since our initial public offering in 1998, our net sales have steadily increased from $427.3 million in 1998 to $951.8 million in 2003, which equates to a compound annual growth rate of 17.4% for this period. Although we cannot predict with certainty any results on a prospective basis, we remain optimistic that we will continue to benefit from global market opportunities for each of our key product categories. To capitalize on these opportunities, we are committed to our four-pronged growth strategy of enhancing the retail productivity of our customers, leveraging the Columbia brand in international markets, further developing our existing merchandise categories and selectively broadening our retail distribution. With our well developed sourcing and distribution infrastructure, coupled with a proven design and product development team, we believe that we are well positioned for future growth.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2003, we achieved sales growth in each of our product categories. For the first time in our history, annual sales from outerwear represented less than 50% of total sales, reflecting sales growth in our footwear and sportswear categories. Sales growth was also realized in each major geographical area in which we operate.

 

Our success during 2003 was largely the result of increased international sales, particularly in Europe and in our international distributor based markets. Our success internationally was enhanced by favorable foreign currency exchange rates in our direct markets as many foreign currencies strengthened in relation to the U.S. dollar.

 

Although changes in foreign currency exchange rates favorably affected our sales and earnings growth in 2003, we believe our intrinsic growth is the result of well developed products, exceptional sourcing capabilities and strategically focused promotional activities.

 

As part of our growth strategy to provide a head-to-toe product offering, we have expanded our product line from our traditional outerwear category to other products including sportswear and footwear. We continue to experience a shift in our sales product mix from our outerwear category to our footwear and sportswear product categories. Although sales growth has been achieved in all product categories, sales growth in the footwear and sportswear categories has outpaced outerwear sales growth. Due to the shift in our sales product mix, our gross margin has experienced some erosion because outerwear products typically sell at higher gross margins than other product offerings. During 2003, the erosion in margin due to the shift in sales product mix was offset by the favorable effect of foreign currency fluctuations. In 2004, we anticipate some margin contraction due to the continued shift in sales product mix, since we expect sales from footwear and sportswear to continue to grow faster than outerwear sales. For 2003, our footwear and sportswear product sales grew 35.1% and 27.0%, respectively, compared to 2002, which is attributable to our existing and improved product offerings and overall product acceptance by our customers both in the United States and abroad. The outerwear product category was also successful internationally, with sales growth in Europe, Canada and other international markets. In the United States, outerwear sales declined due to the relative maturity of the outerwear market domestically.

 

The challenges in the domestic outerwear market include changes in youth fashion trends. In 2005, our design emphasis will focus more intently on youth trends and the product line will have greater differentiation

 

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between boys and girls products, as well as greater clarification between products for young children and pre-teens. The updated youth outerwear line will offer new products at better value for the consumer, with input from our retailers to enhance the line.

 

We opened a European distribution center in Cambrai, France in 2003 to support our international growth. The distribution center operated effectively in each of our two major shipping seasons during its first year of operation. As a result of the growth of our footwear product category, and to reduce domestic shipping costs for our footwear products, we are constructing a new domestic distribution center in Kentucky that we expect to commence operations in 2005.

 

Results of Operations

 

Net income increased $17.6 million, or 17.2%, to $120.1 million for 2003 from $102.5 million for 2002. Fully diluted earnings per share increased $0.40 to $2.96 for 2003 from $2.56 for 2002. Net income increased $13.7 million, or 15.4%, to $102.5 million for 2002 from $88.8 million for 2001. Fully diluted earnings per share increased $0.33 to $2.56 for 2002 from $2.23 for 2001.

 

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage relationship to net sales of specified items in our consolidated statements of operations:

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Net sales

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %

Cost of sales

   53.7     53.6     54.2  
    

 

 

Gross profit

   46.3     46.4     45.8  

Selling, general and administrative

   26.5     26.5     26.9  

Net licensing income

   (0.2 )   (0.2 )   (0.1 )
    

 

 

Income from operations

   20.0     20.1     19.0  

Interest (income) expense, net

   (0.0 )   (0.0 )   0.3  
    

 

 

Income before income tax

   20.0     20.1     18.7  

Income tax expense

   7.4     7.5     7.3  
    

 

 

Net income

   12.6 %   12.6 %   11.4 %
    

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2002

 

Net Sales:    Consolidated net sales increased 16.6% to $951.8 million in 2003 from $816.3 million in 2002. Our net sales growth was predominantly driven by the expansion of our international business, particularly our European business, followed by our other international and Canadian businesses.

 

Sales growth was attributable to an increase in unit sales volume across all geographic markets and product categories. Moreover, net sales growth was achieved in each of our product categories, in both dollars and unit volumes, led by sportswear and followed by footwear, outerwear, accessories and equipment.

 

In 2003, we continued to experience a shift in our sales product mix as sales of sportswear and footwear grew faster than outerwear and accessories. In 2002, outerwear represented 51.8% of net sales compared to 46.6% during 2003 while sportswear and footwear increased from 30.0% and 13.5% of net sales during 2002 to 32.7% and 15.6% of net sales during 2003, respectively. As a percentage of net sales, net sales from accessories decreased slightly from 4.7% of net sales in 2002 to 4.6% of net sales in 2003. With our acquisition of Mountain Hardwear, we have a new product category, equipment, which represented 0.5% of our 2003 net sales.

 

Net sales from outerwear increased $21.2 million, or 5.0%, to $443.7 million in 2003 from $422.5 million in 2002. Sales of outerwear decelerated in the United States due to the relative maturity of the outerwear product

 

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category. Our outerwear business was more successful internationally where we experienced sales growth in Europe, Canada and in our other international geographic locations. Net sales from sportswear increased $66.1 million, or 27.0%, to $311.3 million in 2003 from $245.2 million in 2002. Sportswear sales growth was achieved in all global markets in 2003, led by strong gains in the United States followed by Europe and other international markets. Net sales from footwear increased $38.6 million, or 35.1%, to $148.6 million in 2003 from $110.0 million in 2002. Footwear sales growth was achieved in each of our major markets, led by the United States and followed by Europe, other international markets and Canada. Net sales from accessories increased $4.9 million, or 12.7%, to $43.5 million in 2003 from $38.6 million in 2002. All major markets experienced strong accessory shipments during 2003. Net sales from equipment, a new product category resulting from our acquisition of Mountain Hardwear, represented $4.7 million of our total net sales during 2003. The equipment product category consists primarily of tents and sleeping bags.

 

Net sales in the United States increased $39.3 million, or 7.0%, to $596.8 million in 2003 from $557.5 million in 2002. Net sales growth in the United States constituted 4.8% of the 16.6% increase in consolidated net sales. Excluding Mountain Hardwear, domestic net sales increased 1.4%. The increase in domestic net sales was the result of increased sales from sportswear and footwear partially offset by decreases in the outerwear category.

 

Europe’s net sales increased $39.3 million, or 41.0%, to $135.2 million in 2003 from $95.9 million in 2002. Excluding changes in currency exchange rates, Europe’s net sales increased 18.5%. Europe’s net sales growth constituted 4.8% of the 16.6% increase in consolidated net sales. Sales growth was achieved across all product categories in Europe during 2003. Footwear led Europe’s sales growth followed by outerwear, sportswear and accessories.

 

Canada’s net sales increased $20.0 million, or 23.1%, to $106.7 million in 2003 from $86.7 million in 2002. Excluding changes in currency exchange rates, Canada’s net sales increased 9.6%. Canada’s net sales growth constituted 2.5% of the 16.6% increase in consolidated net sales. Net sales growth was achieved across all product categories led by footwear followed by sportswear, outerwear and accessories.

 

Net sales from other international geographies including Japan, Korea and our international distributors increased $36.9 million, or 48.4%, to $113.1 million in 2003 from $76.2 million in 2002. Excluding changes in currency exchange rates, other international sales increased 43.5%. Other international net sales growth constituted 4.5% of the 16.6% increase in consolidated net sales. Net sales growth was achieved across all product categories led by outerwear followed by sportswear, footwear and accessories.

 

Gross Profit:    Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased slightly to 46.3% in 2003 from 46.4% in 2002.

 

A shift in product mix from our traditional outerwear products to sportswear and footwear had an unfavorable impact on gross margin, but was offset by the effects of foreign currency fluctuations. In general, our outerwear products carry higher gross margins followed by our accessories, sportswear and footwear products. In 2002, outerwear sales represented 51.8% of net sales compared to 46.6% of 2003 net sales. Conversely, sportswear and footwear sales represented 30.0% and 13.5% of net sales in 2002 compared to 32.7% and 15.6% of net sales in 2003, respectively. In the future, we anticipate the shift in product sales mix will continue to exert pressure on our gross margins.

 

In 2002, our improved gross margins were largely attributable to favorable sourcing costs. Although we continue to benefit from our sourcing efforts, in relative terms, sourcing costs did not materially impact our gross margins in 2003.

 

The results of recording the Mountain Hardwear inventory at fair value in purchase accounting had an unfavorable impact on our gross margins of approximately 0.1 percentage point. Most of the inventory that Mountain Hardwear had on hand as of the acquisition date, March 31, 2003, was sold during 2003. Accordingly, the remaining mark to market adjustments will not have a material impact on our consolidated gross margin in the future.

 

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Our gross margins may not be comparable to those of other entities, because some entities include all of the costs related to their distribution network in cost of sales. Some companies such as ours, however, have chosen to include these expenses as a component of selling, general and administrative expense.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expense:    Selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A”) includes all costs associated with our design, marketing, distribution and corporate functions including depreciation and amortization. Our annual report for the year ended December 31, 2002 and prior years included net licensing income as an offset to SG&A expense. For the purposes of our annual report for the year ended December 31, 2003, net licensing income is presented as a separate line item in our consolidated statement of operations for each year presented.

 

SG&A increased $36.2 million, or 16.8%, to $252.3 million in 2003 from $216.1 million in 2002. Excluding changes in currency exchange rates, SG&A increased $26.0 million, or 12.0%. The 16.8% increase in SG&A expense was primarily the result of an increase in variable selling expenses, including commissions and advertising expense, and operating expenses to support the higher level of sales.

 

The increase in advertising expense was primarily the result of our key growth initiatives to enhance channel productivity through the expansion of in-store concept shops and brand enhancement systems. During 2003, we made significant investments installing these point-of-purchase displays at many of our retailers globally.

 

The increased selling expenses is also partially attributable to a promotional agreement we entered into with Jeep for the introduction of new limited-production “Columbia Edition” Jeep vehicles, to provide broad brand exposure for Columbia in the United States and Canada. Through the program, we received national media exposure expanding Columbia brand awareness.

 

The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to increases in personnel related costs and depreciation expense. The increase in personnel costs was due to an expansion of our product offerings and to support the higher level of sales and anticipated sales growth. Depreciation and amortization totaled $23.1 million for 2003 compared to $18.7 million for 2002. The increase was primarily related to our European distribution center, which was placed in service in January 2003.

 

As a percentage of net sales, SG&A was 26.5% in each of 2003 and 2002. We expect that our initiatives to continue our global expansion and product category growth will result in 2004 SG&A expense being at a comparable level to 2003 in relative terms.

 

Net Licensing Income:    As our licensees have gained momentum in the market place with the sale of our branded products, our licensing arrangements have produced highly profitable income for the company. Although net licensing income is not a significant income driver as mentioned above, beginning in 2003 net licensing income was presented as a separate line item in our consolidated statement of operations for all years presented, whereas it historically had been presented as an offset to SG&A expense.

 

Net licensing income is derived from income that we earn through licensing our trademark across a range of categories that complement our current product offerings. At December 31, 2003, we had signed thirteen licensing agreements for products that include socks, bags, packs, leather outerwear, eyewear, watches and other accessories.

 

Net licensing income increased $0.6 million, or 50.0%, to $1.8 million in 2003 from $1.2 million in 2002.

 

Interest (Income) Expense, Net:    Interest income was $2.1 million in 2003 compared to $2.8 million for the comparable period in 2002. The decrease in interest income was due to the lower interest rate environment and the relative mix of taxable and tax-exempt investment securities compared to the same period in 2002.

 

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Interest expense was $1.6 million in 2003 compared to $2.4 million for the comparable period in 2002. The decrease in interest expense was attributable to the repayment of short-term notes payable and long-term debt.

 

Income Tax Expense:    The provision for income taxes increased to $70.5 million in 2003 from $61.5 million in 2002. The reduction in the effective tax rate from 37.5% to 37.0% is primarily due to a reduction in accrued income taxes related to favorable outcomes of various federal, state and international income tax audits during the year.

 

In 2004, we anticipate further reductions in our effective tax rate due to several factors, including an increase in the relative mix of international and consolidated profitability, as our growth rates internationally exceed our domestic growth rates and reductions in our overall state income tax expense.

 

Year Ended December 31, 2002 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2001

 

Net Sales:     Consolidated net sales increased 4.7% to $816.3 million in 2002 from $779.6 million for 2001. Our net sales growth was predominantly driven by the expansion of our international business, particularly in Europe, followed by our international distributor and Canadian businesses. The growth of our business in the United States has been slower than our international growth primarily due to the relative maturity of our outerwear product category and economic conditions in the United States coupled with the warm climate experienced in the United States during 2002. Increased unit sales volume was the primary reason for the increase in net sales across all geographic markets.

 

In particular, the increase in net sales in 2002 was primarily attributable to increased unit shipments of sportswear and outerwear and to a lesser degree increased unit shipments of footwear and accessories. Outerwear net sales increased 4.8% to $422.5 million in 2002 from $403.3 million for 2001. One of the key drivers for the increased net sales of outerwear was the expansion of our business and the acceptance of our products in international markets. To a lesser degree, the introduction of new product styles also contributed to increased sales of outerwear units. Sportswear net sales increased 5.3% to $245.2 million in 2002 from $232.9 million for 2001. Similar to our outerwear net sales growth, the increase in net sales of sportswear was largely attributable to an increase in unit shipments from the expansion of our business internationally. Footwear net sales increased 1.3% to $110.0 million in 2002 from $108.6 million for 2001. Although the shipment of footwear units increased in Europe and other international markets, the shipment of U.S. footwear units were off in 2002 due to a highly competitive retail market and difficult economic conditions in the U.S. as well as a transitional 2002 footwear product offering. Net sales of accessories increased 10.9% to $38.6 million in 2002 from $34.8 million in 2001 primarily as a result of increased unit shipments of hats and gloves.

 

Net sales in the United States increased 1.1% to $557.5 million in 2002 from $551.3 million for 2001. The $6.3 million increase in net sales was attributable to increased unit shipments of outerwear, sportswear and accessories partially offset by a decrease in footwear unit shipments.

 

European direct sales increased 16.5% to $95.9 million in 2002 from $82.3 million for 2001. The $13.6 million increase in net sales was attributable to increased unit shipments in all product categories. Outerwear led the increase in net sales growth followed by sportswear, footwear and accessories. The increase in European direct sales was primarily attributable to higher sales with existing customers coupled with an increase in the number of retailers we sell to in Europe.

 

Canadian sales increased 6.6% to $86.7 million in 2002 from $81.3 million for 2001. The $5.4 million increase in net sales was attributable to increased unit shipments in all product categories. Outerwear led the increase in net sales growth followed by footwear and accessories partially offset by a decrease in sportswear net sales.

 

Net other international sales, excluding Canadian and European direct sales, increased 17.8% to $76.2 million in 2002 from $64.7 million for 2001. The $11.5 million increase in net sales was attributable to increased unit shipments in all product categories, led by outerwear and followed by sportswear, footwear and accessories.

 

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Excluding the effects of exchange rates, Canadian sales increased 8.1%, European direct sales increased 12.4% and net other international sales, excluding Canadian sales and European direct sales, increased 18.9% in 2002 compared to 2001.

 

Gross Profit:    Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 46.4% in 2002 compared to 45.8% for 2001, an improvement of 0.6 percentage points. After adjusting our gross margin for the effects of the weaker Euro/U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar/U.S. dollar currency hedge rates in 2002 compared to 2001, our gross margin improvement for 2002 was approximately 1.1 percentage points. Foreign currency hedge rates had an unfavorable effect on our gross margins of approximately 0.5 percentage points. This decrease was more than offset by favorable sourcing costs, which was the primary factor driving the improved gross margin for 2002. To a lesser degree, effective inventory management and favorable weather conditions in the northeastern U.S. allowed for the timely shipping of full-priced fall products and improved margins on off-price selling activities.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expense:    SG&A expense increased to $216.1 million in 2002 from $209.5 million for 2001. The 3.2% increase in SG&A expense was primarily the result of an increase in variable selling and operating expenses to support the higher level of sales. More specifically, variable selling expenses, including commissions and advertising expense, increased due to the increase in net sales in 2002. The increase in these variable selling expenses was more than offset by reductions in discretionary marketing programs, resulting in a decrease in total selling expenses for 2002. An increase in general and administrative expenses more than offset the decrease in total selling expenses due to increased personnel and depreciation expense. The increase in personnel expenses was due to an expansion of the Company’s product offerings and to support the higher level of sales. The increase in depreciation expense was attributable to expanding the capacity of our U.S. distribution center and moving our corporate headquarters to a larger facility capable of handling our growth.

 

As a percentage of sales, SG&A expense decreased to 26.5% in 2002 from 26.9% for 2001. The decrease as a percentage of sales was primarily the result of continued operating efficiencies from global infrastructure investments and effective cost control measures, which enabled us to leverage several SG&A expenses including commissions, discretionary marketing programs, and personnel related costs.

 

Net Licensing Income:    Net licensing income increased $0.7 million, or 140.0%, to $1.2 million in 2002 from $0.5 million in 2001. The increase in net licensing income was due to an increase in the sale of packs, belts and personal leather goods and other newly added licensed products, including watches and leather outerwear.

 

Interest (Income) Expense, Net:    Interest income was $2.8 million in 2002 compared to $1.7 million for 2001 and interest expense was $2.4 million in 2002 compared to $4.3 million for 2001. These changes for 2002 were attributable to an increase in cash compared to 2001 and repayments of short-term notes payable.

 

Income Tax Expense:    The provision for income taxes increased to $61.5 million in 2002 from $56.8 million in 2001. The effective tax rate was 37.5% for 2002 and 39.0% for 2001. The reduction in the 2002 effective tax rate was due to several factors, including the relative mix of international and domestic profitability and, to a lesser degree, the utilization of foreign tax credits.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our primary ongoing funding requirements are to finance working capital and the continued growth of the business. We financed our operations for the year ended December 31, 2003 primarily through cash provided by operating activities. At December 31, 2003, we had total cash and cash equivalents of $264.6 million compared to $194.7 million at December 31, 2002. Cash provided by operating activities was $121.1 million for 2003 compared to $168.6 million in 2002. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities was largely due to an increase in inventories to support higher sales levels for spring 2004, and an increase in accounts receivable due to increased sales in the latter part of 2003 and appreciation in foreign currency exchange rates of the Euro and Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar. The increase in net income partially offset the increases in inventory and accounts receivable.

 

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Our primary capital requirements are for working capital, investing activities associated with the expansion of our global operations and general corporate needs. Net cash used in investing activities was $46.9 million in 2003 and $38.0 million for the comparable period in 2002. In 2003, our investing activities included $29.9 million for the acquisition of Mountain Hardwear, net of cash acquired, and $17.1 million for capital expenditures including approximately $10.4 million related to the initial phase of construction of a distribution center in Henderson County, Kentucky.

 

Cash used in financing activities was $5.3 million in 2003 and $15.1 million for the comparable period in 2002. In 2003, net cash used in financing activities was primarily for the net repayment of notes payable of $9.9 million, the repayment of Mountain Hardwear’s debt of $6.4 million, and the repayment of the Company’s long-term debt of $4.5 million, partially offset by proceeds from the sale of stock under employee stock plans of $16.1 million. In 2002, net cash used in financing activities was primarily due to net repayment of borrowings on short-term notes payable of $16.9 million and net repayment of $5.1 million on long-term debt, offset by proceeds from the sale of stock under employee stock plans of $6.9 million.

 

To fund our domestic working capital requirements, we have available unsecured revolving lines of credit with aggregate seasonal limits ranging from $30 million to $75 million, of which $5 million to $50 million is committed. As of December 31, 2003, no domestic balance was outstanding under these lines of credit. Internationally, our subsidiaries have local currency operating lines in place guaranteed by us with a combined limit of approximately $88.8 million at December 31, 2003. There were no balances outstanding under these lines of credit at December 31, 2003.

 

Additionally, we maintain unsecured and uncommitted lines of credit with a combined limit of $250 million at December 31, 2003, available for issuing letters of credit. At December 31, 2003, the balance outstanding under these letters of credit was $110.1 million.

 

As we continue our investment in global infrastructure to support our growth, we anticipate that capital expenditures for 2004 will total approximately $45 million, consisting of maintenance capital requirements and information technology and distribution projects. In 2003, we broke ground on the construction of a distribution center in Henderson County, Kentucky primarily for the purpose of distributing footwear products. This distribution center is expected to consist of approximately 450,000 square feet, cost an estimated $40 million to construct, and begin shipping products in 2005. As of December 31, 2003, capital expenditures for the Kentucky distribution center totaled approximately $10.4 million.

 

Although the Kentucky distribution center will be constructed primarily to support our footwear products, it will be designed and engineered to support other product lines as well. The facility will improve our proximity to major footwear customers and, we believe, will facilitate reorders. We expect to fund these capital expenditures with existing cash and cash provided by operations. If the need arises for additional expenditures, we may need to seek additional funding. Our ability to obtain additional credit facilities will depend on many factors, including prevailing market conditions, our financial condition, and our ability to negotiate favorable terms and conditions. We do not assure you that financing will be available on terms that are acceptable or favorable to us, if at all.

 

Our operations are affected by seasonal trends typical in the outdoor apparel industry, and have historically resulted in higher sales and profits in the third calendar quarter. This pattern has resulted primarily from the timing of shipments to wholesale customers for the fall outerwear season. We believe that our liquidity requirements for at least the next 12 months will be adequately covered by existing cash, cash provided by operations and existing short-term borrowing arrangements.

 

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The following table presents our estimated contractual commitments (in thousands):

 

     Year ending December 31,

     2004

   2005

   2006

   2007

   2008

   Thereafter

   Total

Debt repayments

   $ 4,596    $ 4,596    $ 4,596    $ 3,572    $ 3,571    $ —      $ 20,931

Operating leases (1):

                                                

Non-related parties

     3,036      1,927      1,487      1,101      687      429      8,667

Related parties

     449      449      449      449      449      1,347      3,592

(1)   These operating lease commitments are not reflected on the consolidated balance sheet under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

We are exposed to market risks from fluctuations of foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates as a result of our international sales, production and funding requirements. Our policy is to use financial instruments to reduce market risk where internal netting and other strategies cannot be effectively employed. Foreign currency and interest rate transactions are used only to the extent considered necessary to meet our objectives. We do not enter into foreign currency or interest rate transactions for speculative purposes.

 

Our foreign currency risk management objective is to protect cash flows resulting from production purchases, intercompany transactions and other costs from exchange rate movements. We manage this risk by using forward exchange contracts and purchased options to hedge various firm as well as anticipated commitments and the related receivables and payables, including third party or intercompany transactions. Anticipated, but not yet firmly committed, transactions that we hedge carry a high level of certainty and are expected to be recognized within one year. We use cross-currency swaps to hedge foreign currency denominated payments related to intercompany loan agreements. Hedged transactions are denominated primarily in the Euro, Japanese yen and Canadian dollars.

 

The fair value of our hedging contracts was unfavorable by $2.8 million at December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002. A 10% change in the Euro, Japanese yen and Canadian dollar exchange rates would have resulted in the fair value fluctuating approximately $7.0 million at December 31, 2003 and $8.1 million at December 31, 2002. Changes in fair value, resulting from foreign exchange rate fluctuations, would be substantially offset by the change in value of the underlying hedged transactions.

 

Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our debt obligations. We have no exposure due to interest rate changes on our $16.3 million and $20.6 million of long-term debt as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. We do, however, have cash flow exposure on our committed and uncommitted bank lines of credit because interest on those lines floats and is based on LIBOR and other interest rate indices.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make various estimates and judgments that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, sales, cost of sales and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We believe that the estimates, assumptions and judgments involved in the accounting policies described below have the greatest potential impact on our financial statements, so we consider these to be our critical accounting policies and estimates. Because of the uncertainty inherent in these matters, actual results could differ from the estimates we use in applying the critical accounting policies. We base our ongoing estimates on historical experience and other various assumptions that we believe to be reasonable

 

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under the circumstances. Some of these critical accounting policies affect working capital account balances, including the policy for revenue recognition, the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, and inventory obsolescence.

 

Management and our independent auditors regularly discuss with our audit committee each of our critical accounting estimates and the development and selection of these accounting estimates and the disclosure about each estimate in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. These discussions typically occur at our quarterly audit committee meetings and include the basis and methodology used in developing and selecting these estimates; the trends in and amounts of these estimates; specific matters affecting the amount of and changes in these estimates, and any other relevant matters related to these estimates, including significant issues concerning accounting principles and financial statement presentation.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

We record wholesale and licensed product revenues when title passes and the risks and rewards of ownership have passed to the customer, based on the terms of sale. Title generally passes upon shipment or upon receipt by the customer depending on the country of the sale and the agreement with the customer. Retail store revenues are recorded at the time of sale.

 

In some countries outside of the U.S., predominantly where we sell directly in Western Europe, precise information regarding the date of receipt by the customer is not readily available. In these cases, we estimate the date of receipt by the customer based on historical and expected delivery times by geographic location. We periodically test the accuracy of these estimates based on actual transactions. Delivery times vary by geographic location, generally from one to four days. To date, we have found these estimates to be materially accurate.

 

Upon shipment, we also provide for estimated sales returns and miscellaneous claims from customers as reductions to revenues. The estimates are based on historical rates of product returns and claims that have ranged from approximately one to two percent of sales. However, actual returns and claims in any future period are inherently uncertain and thus may differ from the estimates. If actual or expected future returns and claims were significantly greater or lower than the reserves that had been established, we would record a reduction or increase to net revenues in the period in which we made such a determination.

 

Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Receivable

 

We make ongoing estimates for the uncollectibility of our accounts receivable and maintain an allowance for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. In determining the amount of the allowance, we consider our historical level of credit losses and we make judgments about the credit worthiness of customers based on ongoing credit evaluations. We analyze specific customer accounts, customer concentrations, current economic trends, and changes in customer payment terms. Because we cannot predict future changes in the financial stability of our customers, actual future losses from uncollectible accounts may differ from our estimates. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in their inability to make payments, a larger allowance could be required. If we determine a smaller or larger allowance is appropriate, we would record a credit or a charge to SG&A expense in the period in which we made the determination.

 

Inventory Obsolescence and Product Warranty

 

We make ongoing estimates of potential future excess, close-out or slow moving inventory and product warranty costs. We identify our excess inventory, a component of which is planned, and evaluate our purchase commitments, sales forecasts, and historical experience and make provisions as necessary to properly reflect inventory value. When evaluating our reserve for warranty costs, we consider our historical returns rates by season, product mix, current economic trends, and the historical cost to repair, replace, or refund the original

 

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sale. If we determine smaller or larger reserves were appropriate, we would record a credit or a charge to cost of sales in the period we made the determination.

 

Income Taxes

 

We record valuation allowances against our deferred tax assets, when necessary, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” We make ongoing estimates in determining the valuation allowance for the net deferred tax asset in order to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Although we consider future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance, if we have different judgments or use different estimates in the future, these differences may affect the valuation allowance and, accordingly, income in the period we made the determination.

 

On a quarterly basis, we estimate what our effective tax rate will be for the full fiscal year and record a quarterly income tax provision in accordance with the anticipated effective rate. As the calendar year progresses, we periodically refine our estimate based on actual events and earnings by jurisdiction during the year. This ongoing estimation process can result in changes to our expected effective tax rate for the full calendar year. When this occurs, we adjust the income tax provision during the quarter in which the change in estimate occurs so that the year-to-date provision equals the expected annual effective tax rate.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In November 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others” (“FIN 45”). This interpretation elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under specified guarantees that it has issued. It also clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. The disclosure requirements in this interpretation are effective for financial statements of interim or annual periods ending after December 15, 2002. Additionally, the recognition of a guarantor’s obligation should be applied on a prospective basis to guarantees issued after December 31, 2002. The adoption of this statement did not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46”). This interpretation explains how to identify variable interest entities and how an enterprise assesses its interest in a variable interest entity to decide whether to consolidate that entity. This interpretation requires existing unconsolidated variable interest entities to be consolidated by their primary beneficiaries if the entities do not effectively disperse risks among parties involved. Variable interest entities that effectively disperse risks will not be consolidated unless a single party holds an interest or combination of interest that effectively recombines risks that were previously dispersed. This interpretation applies immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003, and to variable interest entities in which an enterprise obtains an interest after that date. It applies in the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after December 15, 2003, to variable interest entities in which an enterprise holds a variable interest that it acquired before February 1, 2003. The adoption of this statement did not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, “Amendments of Statement No. 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” which amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” SFAS No. 149 is effective for contracts and hedging transactions executed or modified after June 30, 2003. The adoption of this statement has not had a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity,” which establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). Many of those instruments were previously classified as equity. This statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003, except for mandatorily redeemable financial instruments of nonpublic entities. The adoption of this statement has not had a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

This Annual Report, including Item 1 of Part I and Items 7 and 7(a) of Part II, contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include any statements related to our expectations regarding future performance or conditions, including any statements regarding:

 

    potential sales growth in domestic and international markets;

 

    sales growth in merchandise categories;

 

    increased sales to department stores and footwear specialty shops;

 

    implementation and performance of new management information systems and distribution facilities;

 

    access to raw materials and factory capacity; and

 

    financing and working capital requirements and resources.

 

These forward-looking statements, and others we make from time to time, are subject to many risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements, including the risks described below under the heading “Factors That May Affect Our Business and the Price of Our Common Stock.” Risk factors that may affect our business and liquidity, future financing and working capital requirements and availability include:

 

    international risks, including trade disruptions, political instability in foreign markets, exchange rate fluctuations, and changes in quotas and tariffs or other duties;

 

    unfavorable economic conditions generally and weakness in consumer confidence;

 

    the financial health of our customers;

 

    our ability to fully and cost-effectively integrate Mountain Hardwear into our existing operations;

 

    our ability to effectively deliver products to customers in a timely manner despite potential service interruptions;

 

    effects of unseasonable weather (including, for example, warm weather in the winter and cold weather in the spring, each of which affects demand for our products);

 

    our reliance on product acceptance by consumers;

 

    our dependence on independent manufacturers and suppliers;

 

    the effectiveness of our sales and marketing efforts;

 

    intense competition in the industry (which we expect to increase);

 

    our ability to achieve and manage growth effectively;

 

    business disruptions and costs arising from disease outbreak, acts of terrorism, or military activities around the globe;

 

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    our ability to effectively implement and expand our distribution facilities;

 

    the availability of labor, raw materials and other resources on favorable terms; and

 

    our ability to establish and protect our intellectual property.

 

We do not undertake any duty to update forward-looking statements after the date they are made or to conform them to actual results or to changes in circumstances or expectations.

 

Factors That May Affect Our Business and the Price of Our Common Stock

 

Our Business is Affected by Weather Conditions

 

Our business is adversely affected by unseasonal weather conditions. Sales of our outerwear and cold weather footwear are dependent in part on the weather and may decline in years in which weather conditions do not favor the use of such products. For example, in prior years we believe unseasonably warm weather in the United States caused customers to delay, and in some cases reduce or cancel, orders for our outerwear, which had an adverse effect on our net sales and profitability. Periods of unseasonably warm weather in the fall or winter or unseasonably cold or wet weather in the spring could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our Sales and Earnings May be Adversely Affected by an Economic Downturn or Economic Uncertainty

 

Sales of our products are subject to substantial cyclical fluctuation. Consumer demand for our apparel and footwear, or our licensed products, may not reach our growth targets, or may decline, when there is an economic downturn or economic uncertainty in our key markets, particularly markets in North America and Europe. Continuing weakness in the Japanese economy, for example, has limited growth opportunities in recent years, and a slower economy in the United States in 2002 and 2003 has created additional uncertainties for our customers and our business. In addition, continued volatility in the global oil markets has resulted in rising fuel prices, which many shipping companies are passing on to their customers. Our shipping costs have continued to increase over the past several years, and we expect these increases to continue. Because we price our products to our customers in advance, we may not be able to pass these increased costs on to our customers. Our sensitivity to economic cyclicality and any related fluctuation in consumer demand and rising shipping costs could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our International Operations Involve Many Risks

 

We are subject to many risks generally associated with doing business abroad, including foreign governmental regulations, foreign consumer preferences, political unrest, disruptions or delays in shipments and changes in economic conditions in countries in which we manufacture or sell products. In addition, disease outbreaks, terrorist acts and U.S. military operations abroad have increased the risks of doing business abroad. These factors, among others, could affect our ability to sell products in international markets, our ability to manufacture products or procure materials, and our cost of doing business. If any of these or other factors make the conduct of business in a particular country undesirable or impractical, our business could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, many of our imported products are subject to duties, tariffs or quotas that affect the cost and quantity of various types of goods imported into the United States or into our other sales markets. The countries in which our products are produced or sold may adjust or impose new quotas, duties, tariffs or other restrictions, any of which could have a material adverse effect on us. We produce a significant portion of our products in China and Vietnam, and therefore adverse conditions in either country or adverse changes in that country’s trading status with the United States or with other sales markets could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

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We Are Affected by the Financial Health of Retailers

 

We extend credit to our customers based on an assessment of a customer’s financial circumstances, generally without requiring collateral. To assist in the scheduling of production and the shipping of seasonal products, we offer customers discounts for placing pre-season orders and extended payment terms for taking delivery before the peak shipping season. These extended payment terms increase our exposure to the risk of uncollectible receivables. In addition, we face increased risk of order reduction or cancellation when dealing with financially ailing retailers or retailers struggling with economic uncertainty. Some of our significant customers have experienced financial difficulties in the past, which in turn have had an adverse effect on our business, and we believe that retailers are being more cautious than usual with orders as a result of weakness in the retail economy. A slowing economy in our key markets could have an adverse effect on the financial health of our customers, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

We Operate in Very Competitive Markets

 

The markets for outerwear, sportswear, rugged footwear, tents and sleeping bags are highly competitive, as are the markets for our licensed products. In each of our geographic markets, we face significant competition from global and regional branded apparel and footwear companies. In many instances, retailers who are our customers pose our most significant competitive threat by marketing apparel, footwear and equipment under their own labels. We also compete with other companies for the production capacity of independent manufacturers that produce our products and for import quota capacity. Many of our competitors are significantly larger and have substantially greater financial, distribution, marketing and other resources and have achieved greater recognition for their products than we have. Increased competition could result in reductions in display areas in retail locations, reductions in sales or reductions in prices of our products, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

We Face Risks Associated with Consumer Preferences and Fashion Trends

 

Changes in consumer preferences or consumer interest in outdoor activities could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, although we believe that our products have not been significantly affected by past fashion trends, changes in fashion trends could have a greater impact as we expand our offerings to include more product categories in more geographic areas. Also, we face risks because our business requires us to anticipate consumer preferences. Our decisions about product designs often are made far in advance of consumer acceptance. Although we try to manage our inventory risk through early order commitments by retailers, we must generally place production orders with manufacturers before we have received all of a season’s orders. If we fail to anticipate accurately and respond to consumer preferences, we could experience lower sales, excess inventories and lower profit margins, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our Success Depends on Our Use of Proprietary Rights

 

Our registered and common law trademarks have significant value and are important to our ability to create and sustain demand for our products. We also place significant value on our trade dress, the overall appearance and image of our products. From time to time, we discover products that are counterfeit reproductions of our products or design “knock offs.” If we are unsuccessful in challenging a party’s products on the basis of trademark or design infringement, continued sales of these products could adversely affect our sales and our brand and result in the shift of consumer preference away from our products. The actions we take to establish and protect trademarks and other proprietary rights may not be adequate to prevent imitation of our products by others or to prevent others from seeking to block sales of our products as violations of proprietary rights. Additionally, in markets outside of the United States, it may be more difficult for us to establish our proprietary rights and to challenge successfully use of those rights by other parties. Although we have not been materially inhibited from selling products in connection with trademark and trade dress disputes, as we extend our brand into new product categories and new product lines and expand the geographic scope of our marketing, we could

 

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become subject to litigation based on allegations of the infringement of intellectual property rights of third parties. Future litigation also may be necessary to defend us against such claims or to enforce and protect our intellectual property rights. Any intellectual property litigation could be costly and could cause diversion of management’s attention from the operation of our business. Adverse determinations in any litigation could result in the loss of our proprietary rights, subject us to significant liabilities or require us to seek licenses from third parties, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. Any intellectual property litigation could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our Success Depends on Our Distribution Facilities and Systems

 

Our ability to meet customer expectations, manage inventory, complete sales and achieve objectives for operating efficiencies depends on the proper operation of our existing distribution facilities, the development or expansion of additional distribution capabilities and the timely performance of services by third parties (including those involved in shipping product to and from our distribution facilities). In the United States, we rely primarily on our distribution center in Portland, Oregon; in Canada, we rely primarily on our distribution center in Strathoy, Ontario; and in Europe we distribute our products through our distribution center in Cambrai, France. The implementation and performance of any new distribution facility is subject to many risks generally associated with transition and startup activities, including the risk that the new distribution facility may not successfully handle distribution activities. Our distribution facilities in the United States and France are highly automated, which means their operations are complicated and may be subject to a number of risks related to computer viruses, the proper operation of software and hardware, electronic or power interruptions, or other system failures. Our operations could also be interrupted by disasters, such as earthquakes (which are known to occur in the Northwestern United States) or fires. We maintain business interruption insurance, but it may not adequately protect us from the adverse effect that could be caused by significant disruptions in our distribution facilities.

 

We have begun construction of a new distribution center in Henderson County, Kentucky, which we will own and operate. We anticipate that the new facility will be operational in 2005. Our ability to complete a new facility is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including our ability to construct and integrate a new facility with existing operations in a timely manner, the availability of labor, raw materials and other inputs on anticipated terms and our ability to obtain any necessary governmental approvals.

 

We May Not Be Able to Implement Our Growth Strategy or Manage Growth Successfully

 

We face many challenges in implementing our growth strategies. For example, our expansion into international markets involves countries where we have little sales or distribution experience and where our brand is not yet widely known. Expanding our product categories involves, among other things, gaining experience with new products, gaining consumer acceptance, and establishing and protecting intellectual property rights. Increasing sales to department stores, and improving the sales productivity of our customers, will each depend on various factors, including strength of our brand name, competitive conditions, our ability to manage increased sales and future expansion, the availability of desirable locations and the negotiation of terms with retailers. Future terms with customers may be less favorable to us than those under which we now operate. Large retailers in particular increasingly seek to transfer various costs of business to their vendors, such as the cost of lost profits from product price markdowns. To implement our business strategy, we need to manage growth effectively. We need to continue to change various aspects of our business, to maintain and enhance our information systems and operations to respond to increased demand and to attract, retain and manage qualified personnel. Growth could place an increasing strain on management, financial, product design, marketing, distribution and other resources, and we could experience operating difficulties. For example, in recent years, we have undertaken a number of new initiatives that require significant management attention and corporate resources, including the development or expansion of distribution facilities on two continents, the acquisition, rejuvenation and extension of the Sorel brand, and the acquisition and integration of Mountain Hardwear, Inc. This growth involves many risks and uncertainties and, if we are unable to manage them effectively, we may not achieve our objectives, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Currency Exchange Rate Fluctuations May Affect our Business

 

We generally purchase products in U.S. dollars. However, the cost of these products sourced overseas may be affected by changes in the value of the relevant currencies. Price increases caused by currency exchange rate fluctuations could make our products less competitive or have an adverse effect on our margins. Our international revenues and expenses generally are derived from sales and operations in foreign currencies, and these revenues and expenses could be materially affected by currency fluctuations, including amounts recorded in foreign currencies and translated into U.S. dollars for consolidated financial reporting. Currency exchange rate fluctuations could also disrupt the business of the independent manufacturers that produce our products by making their purchases of raw materials more expensive and more difficult to finance. Foreign currency fluctuations could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Labor Disruptions at Ports May Adversely Affect Our Business

 

Our business depends on our ability to source and distribute products in a timely manner. As a result, we rely on the free flow of goods through open and operational ports worldwide, particularly in the western United States. Labor disputes at various ports, such as those experienced at western U.S. ports in 2002, create significant risks for our business, particularly if these disputes result in work slowdowns, lockouts, strikes, or other disruptions during our peak importing seasons, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, potentially resulting in cancelled orders by customers, unanticipated inventory accumulation, and reduced revenues and earnings.

 

We Depend on Independent Manufacturers to Make Our Products and Meet Customer Expectations

 

Our products are produced by independent manufacturers worldwide. We do not operate or own any production facilities. Although we enter into a number of purchase order commitments each season, we do not have long-term contracts with some manufacturers. We therefore face risks that manufacturing operations will fail to perform as expected or that our competitors will gain production or quota capacities that we need for our business. If a manufacturer fails to ship orders in a timely manner or to meet our standards, we could miss delivery requirements, which could result in cancellation of orders, refusal to accept deliveries or a reduction in purchase prices, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business. In an effort to ensure that our independent manufacturers operate with safe, ethical and humane working conditions, we regularly monitor factories and we enforce our requirements that each manufacturer agree to comply with our Standards of Manufacturing Practices and applicable laws and regulations, but we do not control these vendors or their labor practices. If a manufacturer violates labor or other laws, or engages in practices that are not generally accepted as ethical in our key markets, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

We Depend on Key Suppliers for Some Specialty Fabrics

 

Some of the materials that we use may be available, in the short-term, from only one source or a very limited number of sources. For example, some specialty fabrics are manufactured to our specification by one source or a few sources. From time to time, we have experienced difficulty satisfying our raw material and finished goods requirements. Although we believe that we could identify and qualify additional factories to produce these materials, the unavailability of some existing manufacturers for supply of these materials could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our Advance Purchases of Products May Result in Excess Inventories

 

To minimize our purchasing costs, the time necessary to fill customer orders and the risk of non-delivery, we place orders for our products with manufacturers prior to receiving all of our customers’ orders and maintain an inventory of various products that we anticipate will be in greater demand. We may not be able to sell the

 

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products we have ordered from manufacturers or that we have in our inventory. Customers are allowed to cancel an order prior to shipment with sufficient advance notice. Inventory levels in excess of customer demand may result in inventory write-downs and the sale of excess inventory at discounted prices, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

We Depend on Key Personnel

 

Our future success will depend in part on the continued service of key personnel, particularly Timothy Boyle, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Gertrude Boyle, our Chairman and widely recognized advertising spokesperson. Our future success will also depend on our ability to attract and retain key managers, designers, sales people and others. We face intense competition for such individuals worldwide, and there is a significant concentration of well-funded apparel and footwear competitors in and around Portland, Oregon (including Nike and adidas-Salomon). We may not be able to attract or retain these employees, and our failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our Business Is Affected by Seasonality and Fluctuations in Operating Results

 

Our results of operations have fluctuated and are likely to fluctuate significantly from period to period. Our products are marketed on a seasonal basis, with a product mix now weighted substantially toward the fall season. Our results of operations for the quarter ended September 30 in the past have been much stronger than the results for the other quarters. This seasonality, along with other factors that are beyond our control, including general economic conditions, changes in consumer behavior, weather conditions, availability of import quotas and currency exchange rate fluctuations, could adversely affect our business and cause our results of operations to fluctuate. Results of operations in any period should not be considered indicative of the results to be expected for any future period.

 

We Face Risks of Product Liability and Warranty Claims

 

Our products are used in outdoor activities, sometimes in severe conditions. Although we have not experienced any significant expense as the result of product recalls or product liability claims, recalls or these types of claims could occur in the future and have a material adverse effect on our business. Some of our outerwear and Sorel products carry limited warranties for defects in quality and workmanship. We maintain a warranty reserve for future warranty claims, but the actual costs of servicing future warranty claims could exceed the reserve and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our Common Stock Price May Be Volatile

 

The price of our common stock has fluctuated substantially since our initial public offering. Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market, which has experienced and is likely to experience significant price and volume fluctuations that could adversely affect the market price of our common stock without regard to our operating performance. We also believe factors such as fluctuations in financial results, variances from financial market expectations, changes in earnings estimates by analysts, or announcements by us or competitors may cause the market price of the common stock to fluctuate, perhaps substantially.

 

Insiders Control a Majority of Our Common Stock and Could Sell Shares

 

Timothy Boyle, Gertrude Boyle and Sarah Bany (Gertrude Boyle’s daughter and a member of our Board of Directors), beneficially own a majority of our common stock. As a result, if acting together, they are able to effectively control matters requiring shareholder approval without the cooperation of other shareholders. Shares held by these three insiders are available for resale, subject to the requirements of, and the rules under the Securities Act of 1933. The sale or prospect of the sale of a substantial number of these shares could have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.

 

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Item 7(a).    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

The information required by this item is included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and is incorporated herein by this reference.

 

Item 8.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

Our management is responsible for the information and representations contained in this report. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which we consider appropriate in the circumstances and include some amounts based on our best estimates and judgments. Other financial information in this report is consistent with these financial statements.

 

Our accounting systems include controls designed to reasonably assure that assets are safeguarded from unauthorized use or disposition and which provide for the preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These systems are supplemented by the selection and training of qualified financial personnel and an organizational structure providing for appropriate segregation of duties.

 

The Audit Committee is responsible for recommending to the Board of Directors the appointment of the independent accountants and reviews with the independent accountants and management the scope and the results of the annual examination, the effectiveness of the accounting control system and other matters relating to our financial affairs as they deem appropriate.

 

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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Columbia Sportswear Company:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Columbia Sportswear Company and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents, fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

 

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Portland, Oregon

March 3, 2004

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

 

     December 31,

 
     2003

   2002

 

ASSETS

               

Current Assets:

               

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 264,585    $ 194,670  

Accounts receivable, net (Note 2)

     206,024      154,099  

Inventories, net (Note 4)

     126,808      94,862  

Deferred tax asset (Note 10)

     17,442      10,840  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     6,028      6,006  
    

  


Total current assets

     620,887      460,477  

Property, plant, and equipment, net (Note 5)

     126,247      124,515  

Intangibles and other assets (Note 2)

     24,475      7,825  

Goodwill (Note 2)

     12,157      —    
    

  


Total assets

   $ 783,766    $ 592,817  
    

  


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

               

Current Liabilities:

               

Notes payable (Note 6)

   $ —      $ 9,835  

Accounts payable

     62,432      49,370  

Accrued liabilities (Note 7)

     43,789      35,146  

Income taxes payable

     8,069      —    

Current portion of long-term debt (Note 8)

     4,596      4,498  
    

  


Total current liabilities

     118,886      98,849  

Long-term debt (Note 8)

     16,335      20,636  

Deferred tax liability (Note 10)

     7,716      613  
    

  


Total liabilities

     142,937      120,098  

Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)

               

Shareholders’ Equity:

               

Preferred stock; 10,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding

     —        —    

Common stock; 125,000 shares authorized; 40,253 and 39,737 issued and outstanding (Note 9)

     182,188      159,996  

Retained earnings

     435,364      315,243  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 15)

     23,277      (1,156 )

Unearned portion of restricted stock issued for future services (Note 14)

     —        (1,364 )
    

  


Total shareholders’ equity

     640,829      472,719  
    

  


Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 783,766    $ 592,817  
    

  


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Year Ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Net sales

   $ 951,786     $ 816,319     $ 779,581  

Cost of sales

     511,101       437,782       422,430  
    


 


 


Gross profit

     440,685       378,537       357,151  

Selling, general, and administrative

     252,307       216,085       209,503  

Net licensing income

     (1,811 )     (1,223 )     (533 )
    


 


 


Income from operations

     190,189       163,675       148,181  

Interest income

     (2,107 )     (2,790 )     (1,712 )

Interest expense

     1,627       2,436       4,280  
    


 


 


Income before income tax

     190,669       164,029       145,613  

Income tax expense (Note 10)

     70,548       61,511       56,789  
    


 


 


Net income

   $ 120,121     $ 102,518     $ 88,824  
    


 


 


Earnings per share:

                        

Basic

   $ 3.01     $ 2.60     $ 2.27  

Diluted

     2.96       2.56       2.23  

Weighted average shares outstanding (Note 14):

                        

Basic

     39,953       39,449       39,051  

Diluted

     40,591       40,063       39,840  

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

     Year Ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

                        

Net income

   $ 120,121     $ 102,518     $ 88,824  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

                        

Depreciation and amortization

     23,065       18,685       16,741  

Amortization of unearned compensation

     —         682       682  

Loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment

     268       165       140  

Deferred income tax provision

     (4,002 )     2,895       (2,075 )

Tax benefit from employee stock plans

     7,455       2,749       7,514  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                        

Accounts receivable

     (30,825 )     6,517       (29,379 )

Inventories

     (16,635 )     23,001       (11,738 )

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     439       (2,075 )     1,718  

Intangibles and other assets

     (279 )     (184 )     127  

Accounts payable

     7,726       11,919       (9,754 )

Accrued liabilities

     13,766       1,679       5,476  
    


 


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     121,099       168,551       68,276  
    


 


 


Cash provided by (used in) investing activities:

                        

Mountain Hardwear net assets acquired, net of cash

     (29,865 )     —         —    

Capital expenditures

     (17,118 )     (38,023 )     (39,727 )

Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment

     103       52       64  
    


 


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (46,880 )     (37,971 )     (39,663 )
    


 


 


Cash provided by (used in) financing activities:

                        

Proceeds from notes payable

     7,858       5,125       158,442  

Repayments on notes payable

     (17,804 )     (22,017 )     (155,069 )

Repayment of Mountain Hardwear debt

     (6,413 )     —         —    

Issuance of long-term debt

     —         —         4,511  

Repayment on long-term debt

     (4,504 )     (5,088 )     (663 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     16,072       6,924       8,223  

Repurchase of unvested common stock

     (498 )     —         —    
    


 


 


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (5,289 )     (15,056 )     15,444  
    


 


 


Net effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     985       64       (439 )
    


 


 


Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     69,915       115,588       43,618  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     194,670       79,082       35,464  
    


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $ 264,585     $ 194,670     $ 79,082  
    


 


 


Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

                        

Cash paid during the year for interest, net of capitalized interest

   $ 1,658     $ 2,407     $ 3,503  

Cash paid during the year for income taxes

     57,284       56,569       49,300  

Supplemental disclosures of non-cash financing activities:

                        

Assumption of Mountain Hardwear debt

   $ 6,413     $ —       $ —    

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands)

 

    Common Stock

    Retained
Earnings


 

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Income (Loss)


   

Unearned
Portion of

Restricted

Stock Issued

For Future

Services


    Comprehensive
Income


    Total

 
   

Shares

Outstanding


    Amount

           

BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 2001

  38,564     $ 133,736     $ 123,901   $ (5,920 )   $ (2,728 )           $ 248,989  

Components of comprehensive income:

                                                   

Net income

                  88,824                   $ 88,824       88,824  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

                        (1,646 )             (1,646 )     (1,646 )

Unrealized holding gain on derivative transactions, net

                        803               803       803  
                                       


       

Comprehensive income

                                      $ 87,981          
                                       


       

Exercise of employee stock options

  670       7,193                                     7,193  

Tax benefit from stock plans

          7,514                                     7,514  

Employee stock purchase program

  49       1,030                                     1,030  

Amortization of unearned compensation

                                682               682  
   

 


 

 


 


         


BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2001

  39,283       149,473       212,725     (6,763 )     (2,046 )             353,389  

Components of comprehensive income:

                                                   

Net income

                  102,518                   $ 102,518       102,518  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

                        7,822               7,822       7,822  

Unrealized holding loss on derivative transactions, net

                        (2,215 )             (2,215 )     (2,215 )
                                       


       

Comprehensive income

                                      $ 108,125          
                                       


       

Exercise of employee stock options

  411       5,695                                     5,695  

Tax benefit from stock plans

          2,749                                     2,749  

Employee stock purchase program

  43       1,229                                     1,229  

Tax benefit from underwriting costs

          850                                     850  

Amortization of unearned compensation

                                682               682  
   

 


 

 


 


         


BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2002

  39,737       159,996       315,243     (1,156 )     (1,364 )             472,719  

Components of comprehensive income:

                                                   

Net income

                  120,121                   $ 120,121       120,121  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

                        24,535               24,535       24,535  

Unrealized holding loss on derivative transactions, net

                        (102 )             (102 )     (102 )
                                       


       

Comprehensive income

                                      $ 144,554          
                                       


       

Exercise of employee stock options

  711       14,595                                     14,595  

Tax benefit from stock plans

          7,455                                     7,455  

Employee stock purchase program

  40       1,477                                     1,477  

Repurchase of unvested shares

  (235 )     (1,335 )                   1,364               29  
   

 


 

 


 


         


BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2003

  40,253     $ 182,188     $ 435,364   $ 23,277     $ —               $ 640,829  
   

 


 

 


 


         


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 1—BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ORGANIZATION

 

Nature of the business:

 

Columbia Sportswear Company is a global leader in the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of active outdoor apparel, including outerwear, sportswear, footwear, and related accessories.

 

Basis of presentation:

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Columbia Sportswear Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Company”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions.

 

Certain reclassifications of amounts reported in the prior period financial statements have been made to conform to classifications used in the current period financial statements.

 

Beginning this year, net licensing income was presented as a separate line item in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for all years presented. Net licensing income has historically been presented as an offset to selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A”).

 

Dependence on key suppliers:

 

The Company’s products are produced by independent manufacturers worldwide. For 2003 the Company sourced approximately 98% (by dollar volume) of its products outside the United States, principally in the Far East. The Company’s three largest factory groups accounted for approximately 16% of the Company’s total global production for 2003 and another company produced substantially all of the zippers used in the Company’s products. From time to time, the Company has experienced difficulty satisfying its raw material and finished goods requirements. Although the Company believes that it could identify and qualify additional factories to produce these materials, the unavailability of some existing manufacturers for supply of these materials could have a material adverse affect on the Company.

 

NOTE 2—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Cash and cash equivalents:

 

Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost and include investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, cash and cash equivalents included $264,585,000 and $194,670,000 of investments, respectively, primarily comprised of investment grade asset-backed debt obligations, municipal tax-exempt securities, preferred auction rate securities and money market funds.

 

Accounts receivable:

 

Accounts receivable have been reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts, which was $8,852,000 and $9,341,000 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The provision for bad debt expense was $2,325,000, $3,704,000 and $3,531,000 in 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively. The charges to the reserve were $2,814,000, $2,379,000 and $1,341,000 in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Inventories:

 

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. The Company periodically reviews its inventories for excess, close-out or slow moving items and makes provisions as necessary to properly reflect inventory value.

 

Property, plant, and equipment:

 

Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of buildings, machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures and amortization of leasehold improvements is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The principal estimated useful lives are: buildings, 30 years; machinery and equipment, 3-10 years; and furniture and fixtures, 5-15 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the improvement or the remaining term of the underlying lease.

 

The interest-carrying costs of capital assets under construction are capitalized based on the Company’s weighted average borrowing rates. Capitalized interest was $226,000, $1,000,000 and $792,000 in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

Intangible assets:

 

The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” effective January 1, 2002. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, certain intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are no longer being amortized and are periodically evaluated for impairment. Certain intangible assets that are determined to have finite lives continue to be amortized over their useful lives.

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s identifiable intangible assets balance (in thousands):

 

     December 31, 2003

    December 31, 2002

    

Carrying

Amount


  

Accumulated

Amortization


   

Carrying

Amount


  

Accumulated

Amortization


Intangible assets subject to amortization:

                            

Patents

   $ 1,200    $ (63 )   $ —      $ —  
    

  


 

  

Intangible assets not subject to amortization:

                            

Trademarks and trade names

   $ 21,971            $ 6,971       

Goodwill

     12,157              —         
    

          

      
     $ 34,128            $ 6,971       
    

          

      

 

The increase in intangible assets from December 31, 2002 to December 31, 2003 is solely due to the Mountain Hardwear acquisition (Note 3). Amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization is estimated to be $84,000 in each of 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

 

Impairment of long-lived and intangible assets:

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 142, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are no longer amortized but instead are measured for impairment at least annually or when events indicate that an impairment exists. The Company reviews and tests its goodwill and intangible assets for impairment in the fourth quarter of each year and when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may be impaired. Determination of fair value is based on estimated discounted future cash flows resulting from the use

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

of the asset. The Company compares the estimated fair value of goodwill and intangible assets to the carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the estimate of fair value, the Company calculates impairment as the excess of the carrying value over the estimated fair value. The estimates of fair value in goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset tests are based on a number of factors, including assumptions and estimates for projected sales, income, cash flows, and other operating performance measures. These assumptions and estimates may change in the future due to changes in economic conditions, in the Company’s ability to meet sales and profitability objectives, or changes in the Company’s business operations or strategic direction.

 

Long lived and intangible assets that are determined to have finite lives will continue to be amortized over their useful lives and are measured for impairment only when events or circumstances indicate the carrying value may be impaired. In these cases, the Company estimates the future undiscounted cash flows to be derived from the asset to determine whether a potential impairment exists. If the carrying value exceeds the estimate of future undiscounted cash flows, the Company then calculates the impairment as the excess of the carrying value of the asset over the estimate of its fair value. Any impairment charge would be classified as a component of selling, general, and administrative expense.

 

The Company has determined that its long-lived assets as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 are not impaired.

 

Deferred income taxes:

 

United States income taxes are provided currently on financial statement earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries expected to be repatriated. The Company determines annually the amount of undistributed non-U.S. earnings to invest indefinitely in its non-U.S. operations. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the amount of assets and liabilities for financial and tax reporting purposes. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is estimated to be more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

 

Revenue Recognition:

 

The Company records wholesale and licensed product revenues when title passes and the risks and rewards of ownership have passed to the customer, based on the terms of sale. Title generally passes upon shipment or upon receipt by the customer depending on the country of the sale and the agreement with the customer. Retail store revenues are recorded at the time of sale.

 

In certain countries outside of the U.S., precise information regarding the date of receipt by the customer is not readily available. In these cases, the Company estimates the date of receipt by the customer based on historical and expected delivery times by geographic location.

 

Upon shipment, the Company also provides for estimated sales returns and miscellaneous claims from customers as reductions to revenues. The estimates are based on historical rates of product returns and claims. However, actual returns and claims in any future period are inherently uncertain and thus may differ from the estimates. If actual or expected future returns and claim were significantly greater or lower than the reserves that had been established, the Company would record a reduction or increase to net revenues in the period in which it made such determination.

 

Cost of sales:

 

The expenses that are included in cost of sales include all direct product and conversion-related costs, and costs related to shipping, duties and importation. Product warranty costs and specific provisions for excess, close-out or slow moving inventory are also included in cost of sales.

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Selling, general and administrative expense:

 

Selling, general and administrative expense consists of commissions, advertising, other selling costs, personnel related costs, planning, receiving finished goods, warehousing, depreciation and other general operating expenses.

 

Shipping and handling costs:

 

Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are recorded as revenue. The direct costs associated with shipping goods to customers are recorded as cost of sales. Inventory planning, receiving and handling costs are recorded as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses. Handling costs were $22,461,000, $16,798,000 and $16,341,000 for the years ended 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Inventory planning and receiving costs were $11,073,000, $9,979,000 and $8,781,000 for the years ended 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

Foreign currency translation:

 

The assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries have been translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates in effect at period end, and the net sales and expenses have been translated into U.S. dollars using average exchange rates in effect during the period. The foreign currency translation adjustments are included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity and are not currently adjusted for income taxes as they relate to indefinite net investments in non-U.S. operations.

 

Fair value of financial instruments:

 

Based on borrowing rates currently available to the Company for bank loans with similar terms and maturities, the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt approximates the carrying value. Furthermore, the carrying value of all other financial instruments potentially subject to valuation risk (principally consisting of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable) also approximate fair value because of their short-term maturities.

 

Derivatives:

 

The Company accounts for derivatives in accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended by SFAS No. 137, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – Deferral of the Effective Date of SFAS No. 133” and SFAS No. 138, “Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities – an Amendment of SFAS No. 133.”

 

Substantially all foreign currency derivatives entered into by the Company qualify for and are designated as foreign-currency cash flow hedges, including those hedging foreign currency denominated firm commitments.

 

Changes in fair values of outstanding cash flow hedge derivatives that are highly effective are recorded in other comprehensive income, until earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows of the hedged transaction. In most cases amounts recorded in other comprehensive income will be released to earnings some time after maturity of the related derivative. The consolidated statement of operations classification of effective hedge results is the same as that of the underlying exposure. Results of hedges of product costs are recorded in cost of sales when the underlying hedged transaction affects earnings. Unrealized derivative gains and losses recorded in current and non-current assets and liabilities and amounts recorded in other comprehensive income are non-cash items and therefore are taken into account in the preparation of the consolidated statement of cash flows based on their respective balance sheet classifications.

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Stock-based compensation:

 

The Company has elected to follow the accounting provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (“APB 25”), “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, for stock-based compensation and to furnish the pro forma disclosures required under SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure.” No stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net income because all options granted under those plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of the grant.

 

The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 to stock-based compensation (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

     2003

   2002

   2001

Net income, as reported

   $ 120,121    $ 102,518    $ 88,824

Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of tax

     —        —        —  

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of tax

     8,585      6,611      3,852
    

  

  

Pro forma net income

   $ 111,536    $ 95,907    $ 84,972
    

  

  

Earnings per share—basic

                    

As reported

   $ 3.01    $ 2.60    $ 2.27

Pro forma

     2.79      2.43      2.18

Earnings per share—diluted

                    

As reported

   $ 2.96    $ 2.56    $ 2.23

Pro forma

     2.75      2.39      2.13

 

The effects of applying SFAS No. 123 in this pro forma disclosure are not necessarily indicative of future amounts.

 

Advertising costs:

 

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Total advertising expense, including cooperative advertising costs, was $43,221,000, $36,273,000 and $35,011,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

Through cooperative advertising programs, the Company reimburses its wholesale customers for some of their costs of advertising the Company’s products based on various criteria, including the value of purchases from the Company and various advertising specifications. Cooperative advertising costs were $9,328,000, $7,866,000 and $8,870,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

Product warranty:

 

Some of our products carry limited warranty provisions for defects in quality and workmanship. A reserve is established at the time of sale to cover estimated warranty costs based on the Company’s history of warranty repairs and replacements and is recorded in cost of sales. A summary of accrued warranties for the years ended December 31 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 7,800     $ 7,475     $ 5,780  

Charged to costs and expenses

     3,834       2,783       4,094  

Claims settled

     (2,992 )     (2,458 )     (2,399 )
    


 


 


Balance at end of period

   $ 8,642     $ 7,800     $ 7,475  
    


 


 


 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

 

In November 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others” (“FIN 45”). This interpretation elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under specified guarantees that it has issued. It also clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. The disclosure requirements in this interpretation are effective for financial statements of interim or annual periods ending after December 15, 2002. Additionally, the recognition of a guarantor’s obligation should be applied on a prospective basis to guarantees issued after December 31, 2002. The adoption of this statement did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46”). This interpretation explains how to identify variable interest entities and how an enterprise assesses its interest in a variable interest entity to decide whether to consolidate that entity. This interpretation requires existing unconsolidated variable interest entities to be consolidated by their primary beneficiaries if the entities do not effectively disperse risks among parties involved. Variable interest entities that effectively disperse risks will not be consolidated unless a single party holds an interest or combination of interest that effectively recombines risks that were previously dispersed. This interpretation applies immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003, and to variable interest entities in which an enterprise obtains an interest after that date. It applies in the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after December 15, 2003, to variable interest entities in which an enterprise holds a variable interest that it acquired before February 1, 2003. The adoption of this statement did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, “Amendments of Statement No. 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” which amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” SFAS No. 149 is effective for contracts and hedging transactions executed or modified after June 30, 2003. The adoption of this statement has not had a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity,” which establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). Many of those instruments were previously classified as equity. This statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003, except for mandatorily redeemable financial instruments of nonpublic entities. The adoption of this statement has not had a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

NOTE 3—ACQUISITION

 

On March 31, 2003, the Company acquired Mountain Hardwear, Inc. (“Mountain Hardwear”) for aggregate consideration of approximately $36 million, including approximately $30 million in cash and $6 million of debt assumption. Mountain Hardwear, which is based in Richmond, California, designs, develops and markets

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

technically advanced equipment and apparel for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and the results of operations of Mountain Hardwear have been recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements beginning on April 1, 2003. The cost of the acquisition was allocated on the basis of the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. The fair values of assets and liabilities acquired are presented below (in thousands):

 

Cash

   $ 370

Accounts receivable

     6,236

Inventory

     8,600

Prepaids and other assets

     19

Property, plant and equipment

     440

Intangible assets

     28,357
    

Total assets acquired

     44,022
    

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     1,181

Deferred tax liabilities

     6,193

Debt

     6,413
    

Total liabilities assumed

     13,787
    

Net assets acquired

   $ 30,235
    

 

Intangible assets acquired consist of $15.0 million for the trademark and trade names of Mountain Hardwear, $12.2 million for goodwill and $1.2 million related to patents. The $16.2 million of purchase price allocated to the trademark and trade names and patents was determined by management, and in part, by a third party appraiser through established valuation techniques. The trademark and trade names and goodwill are not subject to amortization as these assets are deemed to have indefinite useful lives. Patents are subject to amortization over 17 years from the date filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. At the time of the acquisition, the remaining useful lives of these patents ranged from 13 to 15 years and the weighted average useful life is 14.3 years. These intangible assets will be reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”

 

NOTE 4—INVENTORIES, NET

 

Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     December 31,

     2003

   2002

Raw materials

   $ 3,386    $ 1,540

Work in process

     3,692      2,714

Finished goods

     119,730      90,608
    

  

     $ 126,808    $ 94,862
    

  

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 5—PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT, NET

 

Property, plant, and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     December 31,

     2003

   2002

Land

   $ 7,312    $ 6,100

Buildings

     73,332      51,795

Machinery and equipment

     105,666      79,129

Furniture and fixtures

     9,460      8,050

Leasehold improvements

     9,889      10,002

Construction in progress

     12,147      39,919
    

  

       217,806      194,995

Less accumulated depreciation

     91,559      70,480
    

  

     $ 126,247    $ 124,515
    

  

 

NOTE 6—SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS AND CREDIT LINES

 

The Company has available an unsecured and committed operating line of credit providing for borrowings in an aggregate amount not to exceed, at any time, (1) $50,000,000 during the period of July 15 through December 15 of the calendar year and (2) $5,000,000 at all other times. The maturity date of this agreement is July 1, 2005. Interest, payable monthly, is computed at the bank’s prime rate minus up to 2.05% per annum. The agreement also includes a fixed rate option based on the LIBOR rate plus up to 65 basis points. There was no balance outstanding on this line as of December 31, 2003 and 2002. The unsecured operating line of credit requires the Company to comply with certain covenants including a Capital Ratio, which limits indebtedness to tangible net worth. As of December 31, 2003, the Company was in compliance with all of these covenants. If the Company defaults on its payments, it is prohibited, subject to certain exceptions, from making dividend payments or other distributions.

 

The Company has arrangements in place to facilitate the import and purchase of inventory through the issuance of sight letters of credit. The arrangements consist of an unsecured and uncommitted revolving line of credit of $25,000,000 and a $125,000,000 import line of credit at December 31, 2003, to issue documentary letters of credit on a sight basis and are renewed on an annual basis. The combined limit under this agreement was $150,000,000 at December 31, 2003. The revolving line accrues interest at the bank’s prime rate minus 2% per annum. The revolving line also has a fixed rate option based on the bank’s cost of funds plus 55 basis points. There was no balance outstanding on this line as of December 31, 2003 and 2002. At December 31, 2003, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of $83,005,000 for firm purchase orders placed under the import line of credit facility.

 

The Company also has available an unsecured and uncommitted $125,000,000 import letter of credit line subject to annual renewal. At December 31, 2003, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of $27,089,000 for firm purchase orders placed under this facility.

 

The Company’s Canadian subsidiary has available an unsecured and uncommitted line of credit providing for borrowing to a maximum of C$30,000,000 (US$23,143,000 at December 31, 2003). There was no balance outstanding on this line as of December 31, 2003 and 2002.

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The Company’s European subsidiary has two separate unsecured and uncommitted lines of credit providing for borrowing to a maximum of 20,000,000 EURO per credit line (combined US$50,314,000 at December 31, 2003). There was no balance outstanding at December 31, 2003 and 2002. These lines accrue interest based on Euribor plus 0.5% and Eonia plus 0.55% respectively.

 

The Company’s Japanese subsidiary also has an unsecured and uncommitted line of credit providing for borrowing to a maximum of 1,650,000,000 JPY (US$15,367,000 at December 31, 2003). The balance outstanding was US$0 and US$9,835,000, at an interest rate of 1.9%, at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

NOTE 7—ACCRUED LIABILITIES

 

Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     December 31,

     2003

   2002

Accrued salaries, bonus, vacation and other benefits

   $ 21,591    $ 16,161

Accrued product warranty

     8,642      7,800

Accrued cooperative advertising reserve

     4,198      5,530

Other

     9,358      5,655
    

  

     $ 43,789    $ 35,146
    

  

 

NOTE 8—LONG-TERM DEBT

 

Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):

 

     December 31,

     2003

   2002

Senior promissory notes payable

   $ 17,858    $ 21,429

Term loan

     3,073      3,705
    

  

       20,931      25,134

Less current portion

     4,596      4,498
    

  

     $ 16,335    $ 20,636
    

  

 

In connection with a distribution center expansion project, the Company entered into a note purchase agreement. Pursuant to the note purchase agreement, the Company issued senior promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $25 million, bearing an interest rate of 6.68% and maturing August 11, 2008. Proceeds from the notes were used to finance the expansion of the Company’s distribution center in Portland, Oregon. The Senior Promissory Notes require the Company to comply with certain ratios related to indebtedness to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) and tangible net worth. As of December 31, 2003, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

 

In June 2001, the Company’s Japanese subsidiary borrowed 550,000,000 Japanese yen (for which US$3,073,000 was outstanding at December 31, 2003) for general working capital requirements, bearing an interest rate of 1.72% and 1.73% at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Principal and interest are paid semi-annually from July 2001 through June 2006.

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Principal payments due on these notes as of December 31, 2003 were as follows (in thousands):

 

    

Year ended

December 31,


2004

   $ 4,596

2005

     4,596

2006

     4,596

2007

     3,572

2008

     3,571

Thereafter

     —  
    

     $ 20,931
    

 

NOTE 9—SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

On May 16, 2002, the Company’s shareholders approved an increase in the number of authorized shares of common stock from 50,000,000 shares to 125,000,000 shares. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, 40,253,235 and 39,737,065 shares of common stock were issued and outstanding, respectively.

 

On June 9, 1999, the Company’s shareholders approved the 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). There are 750,000 shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the ESPP, which allows qualified employees of the Company to purchase shares on a quarterly basis up to fifteen percent of their respective compensation. The purchase price of the shares is equal to eighty five percent of the lesser of the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the first or last trading day of the respective quarter. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, 204,493 and 164,164 shares of common stock, respectively, had been issued under the ESPP.

 

NOTE 10—INCOME TAXES

 

The Company applies an asset and liability method for income taxes that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements or tax returns. In estimating future tax consequences, the Company generally considers all expected future events other than enactment of changes in the tax laws or rates. Deferred taxes are provided for temporary differences between assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and for income tax purposes. Valuation allowances are recorded against net deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized.

 

The Company has undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries of approximately $49,000,000 at December 31, 2003, for which deferred taxes have not been provided. Such earnings are considered indefinitely invested outside of the United States. If these earnings were repatriated to the United States, the earnings would be subject to U.S. taxation. The amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability associated with the undistributed earnings was approximately $1,000,000 at December 31, 2003. The unrecognized deferred tax liability is the approximate excess of the United States tax liability over the creditable foreign taxes paid that would result from a full remittance of undistributed earnings.

 

In October 2003, the Internal Revenue Service commenced an examination of the Company’s 2001 U.S. federal income tax return.

 

The Company receives a U.S. income tax benefit upon the exercise of the majority of its employee stock options. The benefit is equal to the difference between the fair market value of the stock at the time of exercise and the option price, times the appropriate tax rate. The Company has recorded the benefit associated with the exercise of employee stock options directly to shareholders’ equity.

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

In 2003, the Company reduced accrued income taxes by approximately $2,000,000 due to a reduction in accrued income taxes related to favorable outcomes of various federal, state and international income tax audits during the year.

 

Consolidated income from continuing operations before income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):

 

     Year ended December 31

     2003

   2002

   2001

U.S. operations

   $ 147,738    $ 136,186    $ 126,593

Foreign operations

     42,931      27,843      19,020
    

  

  

Income before income tax

   $ 190,669    $ 164,029    $ 145,613
    

  

  

 

The components of the provision for income taxes consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     Year ended December 31

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Current:

                        

Federal

   $ 51,521     $ 41,583     $ 43,384  

State and local

     9,277       6,147       7,109  

Non-U.S.

     13,752       10,886       8,371  
    


 


 


       74,550       58,616       58,864  

Deferred:

                        

Federal

     (4,340 )     2,910       (1,769 )

State and local

     (885 )     575       (350 )

Non-U.S.

     1,223       (590 )     44  
    


 


 


       (4,002 )     2,895       (2,075 )
    


 


 


Income tax expense

   $ 70,548     $ 61,511     $ 56,789  
    


 


 


 

The following is a reconciliation of the normal expected statutory federal income tax rate to the effective rate reported in the financial statements:

 

     Year ended December 31

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 
     (percent of income)  

Provision for federal income taxes at the statutory rate

   35.0 %   35.0 %   35.0 %

State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit

   3.4     2.7     3.1  

Non-U.S. income taxed at different rates

   0.8     1.0     1.3  

Foreign tax credits

   (1.0 )   (0.8 )   —    

Reduction of accrued income taxes

   (1.1 )   —       —    

Other

   (0.1 )   (0.4 )   (0.4 )
    

 

 

Actual provision for income taxes

   37.0 %   37.5 %   39.0 %
    

 

 

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Significant components of the Company’s deferred taxes are as follows (in thousands):

 

     As of December 31

 
     2003

    2002

 

Deferred tax assets:

                

Non-deductible accruals and allowances

   $ 15,774     $ 9,047  

Capitalized inventory costs

     2,463       1,793  
    


 


       18,237       10,840  

Deferred tax liabilities:

                

Depreciation and amortization

     (8,870 )     (91 )

Deferred compensation

     —         (522 )

Deductible accruals and allowance

     (1,127 )     —    
    


 


       (9,997 )     (613 )
    


 


Total

   $ 8,240     $ 10,227  
    


 


 

Non-current deferred tax assets of $795,000 are netted with the non-current deferred tax liabilities line item on the consolidated balance sheet and $1,486,000 of current deferred tax liabilities are included as a component of accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2003.

 

NOTE 11—PROFIT SHARING PLAN

 

The Company has a 401(k) profit-sharing plan, which covers substantially all employees with more than ninety days of service. The Company may elect to make discretionary matching and/or non-matching contributions. All contributions to the plan are determined by the Board of Directors and totaled $3,291,000, $2,930,000 and $2,582,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively.

 

NOTE 12—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Company leases certain operating facilities from related parties of the Company. Total rent expense, including month-to-month rentals, for these leases amounted to $449,000, $370,000 and $381,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

Rent expense was $3,401,000, $2,587,000 and $2,568,000 for non-related party leases during the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

The approximate future minimum payments on all lease obligations at December 31, 2003 are as follows (amounts in thousands):

 

    

Non-related

Parties


  

Related

Parties


   Total

2004

   $ 3,036    $ 449    $ 3,485

2005

     1,927      449      2,376

2006

     1,487      449      1,936

2007

     1,101      449      1,550

2008

     687      449      1,136

Thereafter

     429      1,347      1,776
    

  

  

     $ 8,667    $ 3,592    $ 12,259
    

  

  

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Rent escalation clauses, leasehold improvement funding, and other lease concessions present in the Company’s leases are included in the computation of the minimum lease payments above and the minimum lease payments are recognized on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease term.

 

The Company is a party to various legal claims, actions and complaints. Although the ultimate resolution of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

NOTE 13—STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

The Company’s 1997 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) provides for issuance of up to 5,400,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock of which 542,947 shares were available for future stock option grants under the Plan at December 31, 2003. Options granted prior to 2001 generally become exercisable ratably over a five-year period beginning from the date of grant and expire ten years from the date of grant. Options granted after 2000 generally become exercisable over a period of four years beginning one year after the date of grant and expire ten years from the date of the grant.

 

The following table summarizes the stock option activity under the Company’s option plan:

 

     Outstanding

   Exercisable

    

Number of

Shares


   

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price


  

Number of

Shares


  

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price


Options outstanding at January 1, 2001

   2,374,923     $ 11.89    712,139    $ 10.37

Granted

   732,617       31.96            

Cancelled

   (178,146 )     16.76            

Exercised

   (670,191 )     10.73            
    

                 

Options outstanding at December 31, 2001

   2,259,203       18.37    618,855    $ 11.07

Granted

   823,780       38.27            

Cancelled

   (21,110 )     27.98            

Exercised

   (410,665 )     13.87            
    

                 

Options outstanding at December 31, 2002

   2,651,208       25.17    906,787    $ 17.14

Granted

   544,005       35.04            

Cancelled

   (62,799 )     28.30            

Exercised

   (710,672 )     20.42            
    

                 

Options outstanding at December 31, 2003

   2,421,742     $ 28.67    963,994    $ 23.01
    

                 

 

The Company continues to measure compensation cost for the Plan using the method of accounting prescribed by APB 25. In electing to continue to follow APB 25 for expense recognition purposes, the Company is required to provide the expanded disclosures required under SFAS No. 148 for stock-based compensation granted, including disclosure of pro forma net income and earnings per share, as if the fair value based method of accounting defined in the SFAS No. 123 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, had been adopted.

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The Company has computed, for pro forma disclosure purposes, the value of all stock options granted during 2003, 2002 and 2001 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model as prescribed by SFAS No. 123 using the following weighted average assumptions:

 

     2003

   2002

   2001

Risk-free interest rate

   1.99 – 4.32%    2.33 – 5.33%    3.24 – 5.38%

Expected dividend yield

   0%    0%    0%

Expected lives

   4 to 8 years    4 to 8 years    4 to 8 years

Expected volatility

   58.99%    62.68%    67.45%

 

Using the Black-Scholes methodology, the total value of stock options granted during 2003, 2002 and 2001 was $11,193,000, $19,251,000 and $14,994,000, respectively, which would be amortized on a pro forma basis over the vesting period of the options. The weighted average fair value of options granted during 2003, 2002 and 2001 was $20.57, $23.37 and $20.46 per share, respectively.

 

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2003:

 

Options Outstanding

  Options Exercisable

Range of Exercise

Prices


  Number of Shares

 

Weighted Average

Remaining

Contractual Life

(yrs)


 

Weighted Average

Exercise Price


  Number of Shares

 

Weighted Average

Exercise Price


$   6.45 -   9.67   198,098   4.22   $ 7.42   181,767   $ 7.35
$ 10.13 - 13.08   284,384   5.41     12.52   194,034     12.68
$ 15.71 - 18.13   252,758   6.41     17.64   129,203     17.66
$ 22.71 - 51.00   1,686,502   8.32     35.54   458,990     35.08
   
 
 

 
 

    2,421,742   6.36   $ 28.67   963,994   $ 23.01
   
 
 

 
 

 

NOTE 14—EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

SFAS No. 128, “Earnings per Share” requires dual presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”). Basic EPS is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.

 

There were no adjustments to net income in computing diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001. A reconciliation of the common shares used in the denominator for computing basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

     Year Ended December 31,

     2003

   2002

   2001

Weighted average common shares outstanding, used in computing basic earnings per share

     39,953      39,449      39,051

Effect of dilutive stock options

     638      614      789
    

  

  

Weighted-average common shares outstanding, used in computing diluted earnings per share

     40,591      40,063      39,840
    

  

  

Earnings per share of common stock:

                    

Basic

   $ 3.01    $ 2.60    $ 2.27

Diluted

     2.96      2.56      2.23

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Earnings per share and weighted average shares outstanding above have been restated to reflect the three-for-two stock split that was distributed on June 4, 2001, to all shareholders of record at the close of business on May 17, 2001.

 

Options to purchase an additional 8,000, 839,000 and 34,000 shares of common stock were outstanding at December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive.

 

In June 2003, the Company repurchased 234,831 unvested shares of its common stock awarded to a former key employee under a Deferred Compensation Conversion Agreement (the “Agreement”). The repurchase cost was approximately $498,000 and was accounted for as a reduction to shareholders’ equity. As provided in the Agreement and because the executive’s employment terminated January 3, 2003, the unvested shares would vest automatically unless the executive was compensated by the Company within 180 days from termination date.

 

NOTE 15—COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets consists of foreign currency translation adjustments and the unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable taxes, on derivative transactions. Comprehensive income, net of related tax effects, for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Net income

   $ 120,121     $ 102,518     $ 88,824  

Unrealized derivative holding losses arising during period (net of tax (benefit)/expense of ($584), ($288) and $41 in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively)

     (2,464 )     (2,362 )     (147 )

Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income (net of tax (benefit)/expense of ($288), $41 and ($592) in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively)

     2,362       147       950  
    


 


 


Net unrealized gains (losses) on derivative transactions

     (102 )     (2,215 )     803  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     24,535       7,822       (1,646 )
    


 


 


Total comprehensive income

   $ 144,554     $ 108,125     $ 87,981  
    


 


 


 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 16—SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

The Company operates predominantly in one industry segment: the design, production, marketing and selling of active outdoor apparel, including outerwear, sportswear, footwear, related accessories and equipment.

 

The geographic distribution of the Company’s net sales, income before income tax, identifiable assets, interest (income) expense, and depreciation and amortization expense are summarized in the following table (in thousands) for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001. Inter-geographic net sales, which are recorded at a negotiated mark-up and eliminated in consolidation, are not material.

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Net sales to unrelated entities:

                        

United States

   $ 596,807     $ 557,519     $ 551,260  

Canada

     106,708       86,661       81,263  

Europe

     135,225       95,933       82,313  

Other International

     113,046       76,206       64,745  
    


 


 


     $ 951,786     $ 816,319     $ 779,581  
    


 


 


Income before income tax:

                        

United States

   $ 142,196     $ 151,147     $ 124,944  

Canada

     20,480       15,360       15,906  

Europe

     3,892       2,512       773  

Other International

     20,198       11,653       9,629  

Less interest and other income (expense) and eliminations

     3,903       (16,643 )     (5,639 )
    


 


 


     $ 190,669     $ 164,029     $ 145,613  
    


 


 


Assets:

                        

United States

   $ 729,533     $ 563,447     $ 434,130  

Canada

     69,184       55,046       44,272  

Europe

     163,514       120,722       49,756  

Other international

     46,985       35,830       30,853  
    


 


 


Total identifiable assets

     1,009,216       775,045       559,011  

Eliminations and reclassifications

     (225,450 )     (182,228 )     (84,044 )
    


 


 


Total assets

   $ 783,766     $ 592,817     $ 474,967  
    


 


 


Interest (income) expense, net:

                        

United States

   $ (1,543 )   $ (1,362 )   $ 783  

Canada

     112       996       1,065  

Europe

     862       (84 )     610  

Other International

     89       96       110  
    


 


 


     $ (480 )   $ (354 )   $ 2,568  
    


 


 


Depreciation and amortization expense:

                        

United States

   $ 16,248     $ 16,247     $ 15,083  

Canada

     428       307       242  

Europe

     5,795       1,778       1,027  

Other International

     594       353       389  
    


 


 


     $ 23,065     $ 18,685     $ 16,741  
    


 


 


Net sales to unrelated entities:

                        

Outerwear

   $ 443,669     $ 422,503     $ 403,252  

Sportswear

     311,301       245,164       232,871  

Footwear

     148,614       110,038       108,653  

Accessories

     43,477       38,614       34,805  

Equipment (1)

     4,725       —         —    
    


 


 


     $ 951,786     $ 816,319     $ 779,581  
    


 


 



(1)   The equipment product category was introduced with the acquisition of Mountain Hardwear and consists primarily of tents and sleeping bags.

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

NOTE 17—FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT AND DERIVATIVES

 

The Company’s foreign currency risk management objective is to protect cash flows resulting from production purchases, intercompany transactions and other costs from the impact of exchange rate movements. The Company manages a portion of these exposures with short-term strategies after giving consideration to market conditions, contractual agreements, anticipated sale and purchase transactions, and other factors. Firmly committed and anticipated transactions and the related receivables and payables may be hedged with forward exchange contracts or purchased options. Premiums paid on purchased options are included in prepaid expenses and are recognized in earnings ratably over the life of the option. Gains and losses arising from foreign currency forward and purchased option contracts, and cross-currency swap transactions are recognized in cost of goods sold or selling, general and administrative expenses as offsets of gains and losses resulting from the underlying hedged transactions. Hedge effectiveness is determined by evaluating whether gains and losses on hedges will offset gains and losses on the underlying exposures. This evaluation is performed at inception of the hedge and periodically over the life of the hedge.

 

At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company had approximately $70,971,000 and $71,978,000, respectively, (notional) in forward exchange contracts. The net unrealized derivative loss included in the Company’s liabilities and deferred in other comprehensive income was $2,831,000 and $2,823,000 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

The counterparties to derivative transactions are major financial institutions with investment grade credit ratings. However, this does not eliminate the Company’s exposure to credit risk with these institutions. This credit risk is generally limited to the unrealized gains in such contracts should any of these counterparties fail to perform as contracted and is immaterial to any one institution at December 31, 2003 and 2002. To manage this risk, the Company has established strict counterparty credit guidelines, which are continually monitored and reported to Senior Management according to prescribed guidelines. As a result, the Company considers the risk of counterparty default to be minimal.

 

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Table of Contents

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION—QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s quarterly financial data for the past two years ended December 31, 2003 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

2003


   First
Quarter


   Second
Quarter


   Third
Quarter


   Fourth
Quarter


Net sales

   $ 168,871    $ 152,077    $ 373,409    $ 257,429

Gross profit

     76,744      64,719      178,817      120,405

Net income

     14,919      9,443      63,572      32,187

Earnings per share

                           

Basic

   $ 0.38    $ 0.24    $ 1.59    $ 0.80

Diluted

     0.37      0.23      1.56      0.79

2002


   First
Quarter


   Second
Quarter


   Third
Quarter


   Fourth
Quarter


Net sales

   $ 143,299    $ 124,195    $ 331,504    $ 217,321

Gross profit

     61,151      54,094      160,787      102,505

Net income

     8,963      7,536      56,882      29,137

Earnings per share

                           

Basic

   $ 0.23    $ 0.19    $ 1.44    $ 0.74

Diluted

     0.22      0.19      1.42      0.72

 

Item 9.   CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

None.

 

Item 9(a).    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Our management has evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2003 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Table of Contents

PART III

 

Item 10.    DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

 

Information with respect to our directors is incorporated herein by reference to the section entitled “Election of Directors” in our proxy statement for our 2004 annual meeting of shareholders (the “2004 Proxy Statement”) to be filed with the Securities and Exchange no later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. See Item 4(a) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding our executive officers.

 

Item 11.    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The section of our 2004 Proxy Statement entitled “Executive Compensation” is incorporated herein by reference. See Item 5 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information concerning our equity compensation plans.

 

Item 12.   SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

The section of our 2004 Proxy Statement entitled “Voting Securities and Principal Shareholders” is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 13.    CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

The section of our 2004 Proxy Statement entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 14.    PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

 

The section of our 2004 Proxy Statement entitled “Principal Accounting Fees and Services” is incorporated herein by reference.

 

PART IV

 

Item 15.    EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

(a)(1) and (a)(2) Financial Statements. The Financial Statements of the Company filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are on pages 34 to 54 of this Annual Report.

 

(a)(3) Exhibits.

 

(a) See Exhibit Index beginning on page 59 for a description of the documents that are filed as Exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K or incorporated herein by reference.

 

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

 

A Form 8-K was filed on October 23, 2003, reporting the Company’s financial and operating results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2003.

 

A Form 8-K was filed on October 30, 2003, furnishing a transcript of the Company’s conference call on October 23, 2003 to elaborate on third quarter 2003 results.

 

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Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, as of March 3, 2004.

 

COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

By:

 

/s/    BRYAN L. TIMM        


    Bryan L. Timm
    Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated as of March 3, 2004.

 

Signatures


  

Title


/s/                       *TIMOTHY P. BOYLE


Timothy P. Boyle

  

President and Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)

/s/                          *BRYAN L. TIMM


Bryan L. Timm

  

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

/s/                          GERTRUDE BOYLE


Gertrude Boyle

  

Chairman of the Board of Directors

/s/                          *SARAH A. BANY


Sarah A. Bany

  

Director

/s/                       *EDWARD S. GEORGE


Edward S. George

  

Director

/s/                       *MURREY R. ALBERS


Murrey R. Albers

  

Director

/s/                        *JOHN W. STANTON


John W. Stanton

  

Director

/S/                        *WALTER T. KLENZ


Walter T. Klenz

  

Director

/s/                       *STEPHEN E. BABSON


Stephen E. Babson

  

Director

 

*By:

 

/s/    GERTRUDE BOYLE        


    Gertrude Boyle
    as Attorney-in-Fact

 

57


Table of Contents

Schedule II

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

(in thousands)

 

Description


   Balance at
Beginning
of Period


   Charged to
Costs and
Expenses


   Charged
to Other
Accounts


   Deductions
(a)


    Balance at
End of
Period


Year Ended December 31, 2003:

                                   

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ 9,341    $ 2,325    $ —      $ (2,814 )   $ 8,852

Product warranty

     7,800      3,834      —        (2,992 )     8,642

Year Ended December 31, 2002:

                                   

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ 8,016    $ 3,704    $ —      $ (2,379 )   $ 9,341

Product warranty

     7,475      2,783      —        (2,458 )     7,800

Year Ended December 31, 2001:

                                   

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ 5,826    $ 3,531    $ —      $ (1,341 )   $ 8,016

Product warranty

     5,780      4,094      —        (2,399 )     7,475

(a)   Charges to the accounts included in this column are for the purposes for which the reserves were created.

 

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Table of Contents

Exhibit Index


   
      3.1       Third Restated Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2000)
      3.2       2000 Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2000)
      4.1       See Article II of Exhibit 3.1 and Article I of Exhibit 3.2
  +10.1       1997 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001)
+*10.2       Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement
+*10.3       Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement
  +10.3(a)   Form of Executive Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.3 (a) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000)
    *10.4       Credit Agreement between the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited and the Company dated September 17, 1991, as amended
    *10.5       Buying Agency Agreement between Nissho Iwai American Corporation and the Company dated January 1, 1992, as amended
    *10.5(a)   Amendment No. 2 to the Buying Agency Agreement Between Nissho Iwai American Corporation and the Company dated February 19, 1998
      10.5(b)   Buying Agency Agreement between the Company and Nissho Iwai American Corporation dated October 1, 1998 (incorporated by reference in exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1998)
    *10.6       Credit Agreement between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. dated July 31, 1997
    *10.6(a)   Form of First Amendment to Credit Agreement between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. dated March 23, 1998
      10.6(b)   Credit Agreement Extension between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank National Association dated June 30, 1998 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1998)
      10.6(c)   Second Amendment to Credit Agreement between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank National Association dated July 31, 1998 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1998)
      10.6(d)   Third Amendment to Credit Agreement between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank National Association dated June 30, 1999 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1999)
      10.6(e)   Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated July 31, 2000 between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2000)
      10.6(f)   Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association dated November 30, 2001
      10.6(g)   Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association dated June 30, 2002
      10.6(h)   Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank National Association dated June 30, 2003
      10.6(i)   Eight Amendment to Credit Agreement between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank National Association dated January 29, 2004

 

59


Table of Contents

Exhibit Index


    
    *10.7           Assumption Agreement by and between the Company, Timothy P. Boyle and Don Santorufo and First Interstate Bank of Oregon, N.A., dated March 8, 1996; and form of First Amendment thereto dated March 23, 1998
    *10.10         Form of Lease Agreement between Gertrude Boyle and the Company, undated
      10.10(a)     Amendment to Lease Agreement between Gertrude Boyle and the Company, dated January 23, 2002 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.10 (a) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002)
    *10.11         Lease between BB&S Development Company and the Company, dated February 12, 1996
    *10.12         Lease between B.A.R.K. Holdings, Inc. and Columbia Sportswear Canada Limited, dated January 3, 1994
      10.12(a)     Lease Amending Agreement between B.A.R.K. Holdings, Inc. and Columbia Sportswear Canada Limited, dated January 1, 2002 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.12 (a) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001)
      10.12(b)     Indemnity Agreement between Columbia Sportswear Company and B.A.R.K. Holdings, Inc., dated January 1, 2002 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.12 (b) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001)
+*10.13        Deferred Compensation Conversion Agreement between the Company and Don Santorufo, dated December 31, 1996
  *10.14        Form of Tax Indemnification Agreement for existing shareholders
+*10.15        Employment Agreement between Carl K. Davis and the Company dated as of September 5, 1997
  *10.16        Form of Indemnity Agreement for Directors
  *10.17        Form of Agreement Regarding Plan of Recapitalization Among the Company and Shareholders
+*10.18        Amendment and Waiver, Deferred Compensation Conversion Agreement, between the Company and Don Santorufo
    10.20        Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement between the Company and The Prudential Insurance Company of America and Pruco Life Insurance Company dated August 11, 1998 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1998)
  +10.21        1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.21 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001)
  +10.22        Executive Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2000)
21.1      Subsidiaries of the Company
23.1      Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
24.1      Powers of Attorney
31.1     

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Timothy P. Boyle, President and Chief Executive Officer

31.2     

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Bryan L. Timm, Chief Financial Officer

32.1     

Section 1350 Certification of Timothy P. Boyle, President and Chief Executive Officer

32.2     

Section 1350 Certification of Bryan L. Timm, Chief Financial Officer


+   Management Contract or Compensatory Plan
*   Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Reg. No. 333-43199).

 

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