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Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

 


 

Form 10-Q

 


 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended May 30, 2004

 

Commission File Number 1-10226

 


 

THE ROWE COMPANIES

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

NEVADA   54-0458563

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

1650 Tysons Boulevard, Suite 710, McLean, Virginia   22102
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 703-847-8670

 

N/A

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

 


 

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

 

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

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of the close of the period covered by this report.

 

Class


 

Outstanding at May 30, 2004


Common stock, par value $1.00 per share   13,189,762 shares

 



Table of Contents

THE ROWE COMPANIES

 

INDEX

 

     Page

Part I. Financial Information

    

Consolidated Balance Sheets – May 30, 2004 and November 30, 2003

   3

Consolidated Statements of Operations – Three Months and Six Months Ended May 30, 2004 and June 1, 2003

   4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Six Months Ended May 30, 2004 and June 1, 2003

   5

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   7

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

   12

Forward Looking Statements

   19

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

   22

Part II. Other Information

   23

 

2


Table of Contents

PART 1 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

THE ROWE COMPANIES AND WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

    

May 30,

2004


   

November30,

2003


 
    
     (Unaudited)     (Audited)  
     ($ in thousands)  

ASSETS

                

CURRENT ASSETS

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 4,088     $ 3,708  

Restricted cash collateralizing letters of credit

     4,214       4,034  

Accounts receivable, net

     19,978       19,529  

Notes receivable

     25       100  

Inventories (Note 4)

     34,081       32,387  

Deferred income tax asset

     653       880  

Prepaid expenses and other

     2,263       2,711  
    


 


Total current assets

     65,302       63,349  

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net

     39,889       41,624  

GOODWILL, net

     14,224       14,224  

OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS

     11,147       10,871  
    


 


     $ 130,562     $ 130,068  
    


 


LIABILITIES

                

CURRENT LIABILITIES

                

Current maturities of long-term debt

   $ 2,014     $ 3,314  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     21,297       21,683  

Income taxes payable

     927       1,061  

Customer deposits

     13,812       13,512  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     38,050       39,570  

LONG-TERM DEBT

     35,175       34,312  

DEFERRED LIABILITIES

     4,242       4,269  
    


 


Total liabilities

     77,467       78,151  
    


 


STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                

COMMON STOCK, par value $1 per share: 50,000,000 shares authorized; issued shares 16,612,656 and 16,587,407, respectively; outstanding shares 13,189,762 and 13,166,599, respectively

     16,613       16,587  

CAPITAL IN EXCESS OF PAR VALUE

     23,117       23,084  

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

     (197 )     (566 )

RETAINED EARNINGS

     35,530       34,770  

Less treasury stock, 3,422,894 shares in 2004 and 3,420,808 shares in 2003, at cost

     (21,968 )     (21,958 )
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     53,095       51,917  
    


 


     $ 130,562     $ 130,068  
    


 


 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

3


Table of Contents

THE ROWE COMPANIES AND WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED MAY 30, 2004 AND JUNE 1, 2003

UNAUDITED

 

     Three Months Ended

    Six Months Ended

 
    

May 30,

2004


   

June 1,

2003


   

May 30,

2004


   

June 1,

2003


 
        
     (in thousands - except per share amounts)  

Net shipments

   $ 75,922     $ 68,059     $ 146,668     $ 131,778  

Cost of shipments

     48,507       44,096       94,151       85,472  
    


 


 


 


Gross profit

     27,415       23,963       52,517       46,306  

Selling and administrative expenses

     25,828       24,270       50,052       46,954  

Retail restructuring and other charges (Note 5)

     —         125       —         125  
    


 


 


 


Operating income (loss)

     1,587       (432 )     2,465       (773 )

Interest expense

     (935 )     (1,036 )     (1,829 )     (2,372 )

Other income

     408       411       755       806  
    


 


 


 


Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before taxes

     1,060       (1,057 )     1,391       (2,339 )

Tax expense (benefit)

     345       (415 )     527       (885 )
    


 


 


 


Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations

     715       (642 )     864       (1,454 )

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax expense (benefit) of $0, $165, $(65) and $664, respectively

     —         269       (105 )     1,084  

Gain on sale of Mitchell Gold, net of tax benefit of $1,473 (Note 10)

     —         462       —         462  
    


 


 


 


Net earnings

   $ 715     $ 89     $ 759     $ 92  
    


 


 


 


Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share

   $ 0.05     $ (0.05 )   $ 0.07     $ (0.11 )

Net earnings per common share

   $ 0.05     $ 0.01     $ 0.06     $ 0.01  

Weighted average common shares

     13,188       13,167       13,182       13,166  

Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share assuming dilution

   $ 0.05     $ (0.05 )   $ 0.06     $ (0.11 )

Net earnings per common share assuming dilution

   $ 0.05     $ 0.01     $ 0.06     $ 0.01  

Weighted average common shares and equivalents

     13,527       13,188       13,501       13,200  

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

4


Table of Contents

THE ROWE COMPANIES AND WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE SIX MONTHS

ENDED MAY 30, 2004 AND JUNE 1, 2003

UNAUDITED

 

     2004

    2003

 
     ($ in thousands)  

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH:

                

Cash flows from operating activities:

                

Cash received from customers

   $ 146,399     $ 152,855  

Cash paid to suppliers and employees

     (141,919 )     (146,303 )

Income taxes paid, net of refunds

     (597 )     881  

Interest paid

     (1,717 )     (2,786 )

Other receipts - net

     756       806  
    


 


Net cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities

     2,922       5,453  
    


 


Cash flows from investing activities:

                

Payments received on notes receivable

     75       100  

Proceeds from sale of Mitchell Gold

     —         39,573  

Payments under earn-out and related obligations

     —         (15,759 )

Decrease (increase) in cash surrender value

     (70 )     (54 )

Capital expenditures

     (1,979 )     (632 )
    


 


Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     (1,974 )     23,228  
    


 


Cash flows from financing activities:

                

Restricted cash released (deposited) to collateral

     (180 )     (2,000 )

Draws under revolving loans

     6,310       10,086  

Repayments under revolving loans

     (4,514 )     (15,528 )

Payments to reduce long-term debt

     (2,233 )     (18,136 )

Payments to reduce loans on cash surrender value

     —         (16 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     59       3  

Purchase of treasury stock

     (10 )     (1 )
    


 


Net cash used in financing activities

     (568 )     (25,592 )
    


 


Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     380       3,089  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     3,708       274  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 4,088     $ 3,363  
    


 


 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

5


Table of Contents

THE ROWE COMPANIES AND WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE SIX MONTHS

ENDED MAY 30, 2004 AND JUNE 1, 2003

UNAUDITED

 

Reconciliation of Net Earnings to Net Cash

Provided By Operating Activities:

 

     2004

    2003

 
     ($ in thousands)  

Net earnings

   $ 759     $ 92  
    


 


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

                

Pretax loss on disposition of assets on Mitchell Gold

     —         1,011  

Depreciation and amortization

     3,804       3,363  

Provision for deferred compensation

     138       133  

Payments made for deferred compensation

     (163 )     (156 )

Provision for losses on accounts receivable

     120       166  

Change in operating assets and liabilities net of effect of disposition of business:

                

Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable

     (569 )     785  

Decrease (increase) in inventories

     (1,694 )     (257 )

Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other

     460       1,270  

Decrease (increase) in other assets

     (308 )     600  

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

     240       897  

Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses

     (30 )     (2,107 )

Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable

     (135 )     (812 )

Increase (decrease) in customer deposits

     300       468  
    


 


Total adjustments

     2,163       5,361  
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 2,922     $ 5,453  
    


 


 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

6


Table of Contents

THE ROWE COMPANIES AND WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNAUDITED

 

Note 1 - The Rowe Companies (the “Company”) operates primarily through Rowe Furniture, Inc., (“Rowe” or the “wholesale home furnishings segment”) its core upholstered furniture manufacturing subsidiary, and Storehouse, Inc., (“Storehouse” or the “retail home furnishings segment”) a 61 store retail furniture chain.

 

Note 2 - In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position as of May 30, 2004 and the results of operations and cash flows for the three and six month periods ended May 30, 2004 and June 1, 2003. Selling and administrative expenses include $2,819,000 and $2,404,000 of retail delivery expenses for the six months ended May 30, 2004 and June 1, 2003, respectively, and $1,397,000 and $1,197,000 of retail delivery expenses for the three months ended May 30, 2004 and June 1, 2003, respectively. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. The reclassifications have no effect on the results of operations previously reported.

 

Note 3 - The results of operations for the three and six months ended May 30, 2004 and June 1, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

 

Note 4 - Inventory components are as follows:

 

     May 30,
2004


   November 30,
2003


     (in thousands)

Retail merchandise

   $ 20,916    $ 19,149

Finished goods

     1,519      2,036

Work-in-process

     3,273      3,208

Raw materials

     8,373      7,994
    

  

     $ 34,081    $ 32,387
    

  

 

Note 5 - As previously reported, in 2002 the Company restructured its two retail operations into one operating under the Storehouse name. The Company recognized restructuring and related charges in 2002, and modified these charges in 2003, relating primarily to costs for closing and subleasing two store locations and one administrative office location, terminating or relocating certain employees, and writing off certain fixed assets associated with its former subsidiary, Home Elements. As of November 30, 2003, a reserve of $335,000 was included in accrued expenses for the sublease of the excess administrative office space. During the six months ended May 30, 2004, payments, net of sublease income received, totaling $44,000 were applied against the reserve, as shown below:

 

     11/30/2003
Reserve
Balance


   Revisions

   Paid
To Date


   5/30/2004
Reserve
Balance


Lease termination costs

   $ 335    $  —      $ 44    $ 291
    

  

  

  

     12/1/2002
Reserve
Balance


   Revisions

   Paid
To Date


   6/1/2003
Reserve
Balance


Lease termination costs

   $ 519    $ 125    $ 177    $ 467
    

  

  

  

 

7


Table of Contents

THE ROWE COMPANIES AND WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNAUDITED

 

Note 6 - The following table shows the components of the earnings per share computations shown in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

     Three Months Ended

   Six Months Ended

     May 30,
2004


   June 1,
2003


   May 30,
2004


   June 1,
2003


     (in thousands)    (in thousands)

Net earnings available to basic and diluted shares

   $ 715    $ 89    $ 759    $ 92
    

  

  

  

Weighted average common shares outstanding (Basic)

     13,188      13,167      13,182      13,166

Effect of dilutive stock options

     339      21      319      34
    

  

  

  

Weighted average common shares and equivalents outstanding (Diluted)

     13,527      13,188      13,501      13,200
    

  

  

  

 

As of May 30, 2004 and June 1, 2003, there were 940,356 and 1,956,027 outstanding options, respectively, whose exercise price was equal to or greater than the average market price of the Company’s common stock for the three and six months ended May 30, 2004 and June 1, 2003, respectively. These options are excluded from the computation of the effect of dilutive stock options shown in the table above.

 

8


Table of Contents

THE ROWE COMPANIES AND WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNAUDITED

 

Note 7 - The Company’s operations are classified into two business segments: wholesale and retail home furnishings. The wholesale home furnishings segment manufactures upholstered furniture. Upholstered furniture includes sofas, loveseats, occasional chairs and sleep sofas, covered with fabric or leather. The retail home furnishings segment sells home furnishings and accessories to customers through Company-owned stores. These products consist of upholstered furniture (primarily obtained from Rowe Furniture), case goods and home accessories. The other category is comprised of additional subsidiaries reviewed by management including parent company expenses.

 

     Wholesale
Home
Furnishings
Segment


   Retail
Home
Furnishings
Segment


    Other

    Inter-segment
Eliminations


    Consolidated

 
     (in thousands)  
2004                              

Net shipments

   $ 88,055    $ 68,756     $ —       $ (10,143 )   $ 146,668  

Pre-tax earnings (loss) from continuing operations

     3,215      (558 )     (1,296 )     30       1,391  

Total assets

     113,995      31,945       43,589       (58,967 )     130,562  
2003                              

Net shipments

   $ 83,632    $ 57,981     $ —       $ (9,835 )   $ 131,778  

Pre-tax earnings (loss) from continuing operations

     3,590      (4,795 )     (1,221 )     87       (2,339 )

Total assets

     110,275      44,216       41,397       (68,461 )     127,427  

 

Note 8 - The components of comprehensive income (loss) for the three and six months ended May 30, 2004 and June 1, 2003, are shown below:

 

    

Three Months

Ended


   

Six Months

Ended


 
     May 30,
2004


   June 1,
2003


    May 30,
2004


    June 1,
2003


 
     (in thousands)  

Net earnings

   $ 715    $ 89     $ 759     $ 92  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

                               

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives

     128      (52 )     (68 )     (213 )

Payments transferred to expense

     224      186       437       393  
    

  


 


 


Comprehensive income

   $ 1,067    $ 223     $ 1,128     $ 272  
    

  


 


 


 

9


Table of Contents

THE ROWE COMPANIES AND WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNAUDITED

 

Note 9 - The Company uses the intrinsic value method to account for stock-based employee compensation. As the Company’s awards of stock options carry an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant, no accounting cost is reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Had the Company utilized the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation, the impact on earnings and earnings per share would have been as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended

   Six Months Ended

 
    

May 30,

2004


  

June 1,

2003


  

May 30,

2004


  

June 1,

2003


 
             
     (in thousands, except per share amounts)  

Net earnings, as reported

   $ 715    $ 89    $ 759    $ 92  

Earnings per share, basic, as reported

   $ 0.05    $ 0.01    $ 0.06    $ 0.01  

Earnings per share, diluted, as reported

   $ 0.05    $ 0.01    $ 0.06    $ 0.01  

Stock-based employee compensation cost, net of related taxes, included in net earnings as reported

     —        —        —        —    

Stock-based employee compensation cost, net of related taxes, that would have been included in net earnings if the fair value based method had been applied

   $ 13    $ 37    $ 317    $ 116  

Pro forma net earnings (loss), including the impact of applying the fair value based method

   $ 702    $ 52    $ 442    $ (24 )

Pro forma earnings (loss) per share, basic

   $ 0.05    $ 0.00    $ 0.03    $ (0.00 )

Pro forma earnings (loss) per share, diluted

   $ 0.05    $ 0.00    $ 0.03    $ (0.00 )

 

Note 10 – Effective April 2003, the Company sold its Mitchell Gold subsidiary. Included in earnings (loss) from discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 1, 2003, were the following amounts associated with Mitchell Gold:

 

    

Three Months
Ended

June 1, 2003


  

Six Months
Ended

June 1, 2003


Net shipments

   $ 5,210,000    $ 20,226,000

Earnings before taxes

   $ 434,000    $ 1,748,000

 

10


Table of Contents

THE ROWE COMPANIES AND WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNAUDITED

 

During the three months ended February 29, 2004, the Company recorded certain adjustments relating to its workers compensation insurance reserves for policy years 1999 and 2000. These adjustments included amounts associated with its discontinued Wexford and Mitchell Gold operations, in the amounts of $74,000 and $31,000, net of tax, respectively. These amounts have been included in losses from discontinued operations.

 

In June 2004, the Company’s Board of Directors approved management’s plan to sell certain investment real estate, and the Company subsequently executed a contract to dispose of the property. The contract provides the buyer a 30 day review period and certain other withdrawal options. Investment property totaling $810,000, net of accumulated depreciation (and included in other noncurrent assets), and mortgage debt totaling $3.2 million, are expected to be disposed of as part of the transaction.

 

Note 11 - The Company has been named as a defendant in various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. It is not possible at the present time to estimate the ultimate outcome of these actions; however, management believes that the resulting liability, if any, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

 

11


Table of Contents

THE ROWE COMPANIES AND WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

UNAUDITED

 

Results of Operations:

 

Overview

 

The Rowe Companies operates through two subsidiaries in the home furnishings industry. Rowe manufactures quality, upholstered furniture serving the middle and upper middle market primarily throughout the United States. Storehouse is a multi-channel lifestyle home furnishings retailer with 61 stores from Texas through the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic markets.

 

During the second quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company continued the trend of improved retail operations that was evident in the second half of 2003, resulting in improved operating results.

 

The retail segment contributed significant sales growth and margin improvement, resulting in strong gross profit growth, offset by higher expenses associated with increased shipments (primarily commissions and sales bonuses, delivery costs and credit card fees), resulting in positive earnings from operations in the retail segment, a substantial improvement from the prior year’s second quarter.

 

Adding to the retail segment’s positive developments was improved operating earnings in the manufacturing segment. Gross profit was up somewhat, on growth in shipments over last year offset by a modest decline in gross margin. Two items contributed to the decline in gross margin. First was price increases on various raw materials; second was a decline in manufacturing productivity compared to last year, causing higher than expected labor costs.

 

12


Table of Contents

THE ROWE COMPANIES AND WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

UNAUDITED

 

The following table recaps operating earnings by segment for the second quarter and first half:

 

     Three Months Ended

    Six Months Ended

 
     May 30,
2004


    June 1,
2003


    May 30,
2004


    June 1,
2003


 
     (in thousands )     (in thousands)  

Net Shipments:

                                

Manufacturing, total

   $ 46,268     $ 42,160     $ 88,055     $ 83,632  

Sales to retail segment

     (5,080 )     (4,621 )     (10,143 )     (9,835 )
    


 


 


 


Manufacturing, net of eliminations

     41,188       37,539       77,912       73,797  

Retail

     34,734       30,520       68,756       57,981  
    


 


 


 


Total

   $ 75,922     $ 68,059     $ 146,668     $ 131,778  
    


 


 


 


Gross Profit:

                                

Manufacturing

   $ 9,560     $ 9,182     $ 17,820     $ 18,518  

Retail

     17,855       14,781       34,697       27,788  
    


 


 


 


Total

   $ 27,415     $ 23,963     $ 52,517     $ 46,306  
    


 


 


 


Selling and Administrative Expenses:

                                

Manufacturing

   $ 6,465     $ 6,462     $ 12,122     $ 12,239  

Retail

     17,696       16,127       34,425       31,443  

Other

     1,667       1,806       3,505       3,397  
    


 


 


 


Total

   $ 25,828     $ 24,395     $ 50,052     $ 47,079  
    


 


 


 


Earnings from operations:

                                

Manufacturing

   $ 3,095     $ 2,720     $ 5,698     $ 6,279  

Retail

     159       (1,346 )     272       (3,655 )

Other

     (1,667 )     (1,806 )     (3,505 )     (3,397 )
    


 


 


 


Total

   $ 1,587     $ (432 )   $ 2,465     $ (773 )
    


 


 


 


 

Six Months Ended May 30, 2004 Versus Six Months Ended June 1, 2003

 

Net shipments increased $14,890,000, or 11.3%, to $146,668,000 in 2004 from $131,778,000 in 2003. The increase primarily resulted from increased shipments in our retail segment, with a smaller increase in manufacturing segment shipments.

 

Retail segment net shipments increased $10.8 million, or 18.6%, from $58.0 million in 2003 to $68.8 million in 2004. While every product category showed growth over 2003, particularly strong increases were in the categories of accessories (up 39% over last year), office and library walls (19%), and upholstery (10%). In addition, textiles (primarily comprised of window treatments) is a new category in 2004. Accessories are benefiting from revisions in the manner in which they are purchased and inventoried, allowing for an improved flow of product into the customer’s hands, as well as from the expanded catalogue and call center operation. Overall, same store sales increased 13.1% over the first six months of 2003.

 

13


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THE ROWE COMPANIES AND WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

UNAUDITED

 

Manufacturing segment net shipments increased $4.1 million, or 5.6%, from $73.8 million in 2003 to $77.9 million in 2004. The manufacturing segment also shipped $10.1 million to the retail segment, 3.1% more than the amount shipped in 2003. These shipments have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Gross profit increased $6,211,000, or 13.4%, from $46,306,000 in 2003 to $52,517,000 in 2004. Gross margin, or gross profit as a percent of net shipments, improved from 35.1% in 2003 to 35.8% in 2004. These increases were due to increased retail margins and an increase in retail shipments as a percent of total shipments.

 

Retail segment gross profit improved by $6.9 million, from $27.8 million in 2003 to $34.7 million in 2004, primarily as a result of increased shipments. Retail gross margin also improved, from 47.9% to 50.5%; due to a combination of higher margin categories accounting for a larger percentage of total volume (accessories and textiles in particular); a price increase, averaging 2-3%, taken during the latter half of 2003; and slower growth (13.9% clearance growth versus 18.6% total growth) in shipments through clearance stores, and a decline in the level of discounts recognized on those shipments in 2004 as compared to 2003.

 

Manufacturing segment gross profit declined $0.7 million, or 3.8%, from $18.5 million in 2003 to $17.8 million in 2004. Gross margin declined from 25.1% in 2003 to 22.9% in 2004. Approximately $990,000 of the decline in gross profit (or 1.3 percentage points of gross margin) resulted from accelerated depreciation of certain legacy information technology systems being replaced later this year. Other factors in the decline in gross profit (as well as gross margin) included a decline in manufacturing productivity as production and operational management personnel were involved in the Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) implementation effort and the lean manufacturing implementation; and shortages of certain fabrics during the later months of the first half, resulting in disruptions in the orderly scheduling of production and shipments.

 

Selling and administrative expenses increased by $2,973,000, or 6.3%, from $47,079,000 in 2003 to $50,052,000 in 2004. Selling and administrative expenses improved from 35.7% of net shipments in 2003 to 34.1% in 2004. Increases in retail segment expenses and other administrative costs were partially offset by decreases in manufacturing segment expenses.

 

Retail segment selling and administrative expenses increased $3.0 million, or 9.5%, from $31.4 million in 2003 to $34.4 million in 2004. These increases were primarily a result of costs that vary closely with changes in shipments, including commissions, delivery costs, credit card and related fees, and other variable costs. In addition, while the overall store count has not increased from last year, two stores did open late in 2003 and another late in the 2004 period, adding incremental costs to the 2004 expenses. One store closed during the second quarter of 2004. Costs of the accessories warehouse (to support catalogue and recently started internet sales efforts) and catalogue call center, along with rent and other costs for relocating from the old to the new Atlanta distribution center, also contributed to the increase as compared to 2003.

 

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THE ROWE COMPANIES AND WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

UNAUDITED

 

Manufacturing segment selling and administrative expenses decreased $117,000, or 1.0%, from $12.2 million in 2003 to $12.1 million in 2004. This decrease was largely attributable to reductions in international expenses resulting from the closing of our European showroom late in 2003.

 

Other administrative costs increased $108,000, from $3.4 million in 2003 to $3.5 million in 2004. The increase resulted primarily from higher insurance costs, in particular $182,000 for changes in reserves for workers compensation claims relating to policy years prior to 2004.

 

Operating earnings were $2,465,000 in 2004, compared to a loss of $(773,000) in 2003, as a result of increased retail shipments and gross profit, offset by lower manufacturing segment gross profit and increased retail and other selling and administrative expenses, as discussed above.

 

Interest expense decreased from $2,372,000 in 2003 to $1,829,000 in 2004, as proceeds from the Mitchell Gold sale were applied to reduce outstanding debt. Declining short-term interest rates and slightly reduced margins over base rates on certain components of our outstanding debt (based upon improved financial condition and operating ratios), also contributed to the decline in interest expense.

 

Other income, net, decreased $51,000, from $806,000 in 2003 to $755,000 in 2004, due to reduced net rental income associated with an investment property, offset by additional rental income through normal rent increases and additional new tenants at other investment properties.

 

Earnings from continuing operations before taxes improved to earnings of $1,391,000 in 2004 from a loss of $(2,339,000) in 2003, reflecting the factors discussed above.

 

Three Months Ended May 30, 2004 Versus Three Months Ended June 1, 2003

 

Net shipments increased $7,863,000, or 11.6%, to $75,922,000 in 2004 from $68,059,000 in 2003. The increase resulted from increased shipments in both our retail and manufacturing segments.

 

Retail segment net shipments increased $4.2 million, or 13.8%, from $30.5 million in 2003 to $34.7 million in 2004. While virtually every product category showed growth over 2003, particularly strong increases were in the categories of accessories (up 28.5% over last year), office and library walls (21.3%), and upholstery (13.8%). Textiles is a new category in 2004. Accessories are benefiting from revisions in the manner in which they are purchased and inventoried, allowing for an improved flow of product into the customers hands, as well as from the expanded catalogue and call center operation. Overall, same store sales increased 8.0% over the comparable three months of 2003.

 

Manufacturing segment net shipments increased $3.6 million, or 9.7%, from $37.5 million in 2003 to $41.2 million in 2004. The manufacturing segment also shipped $5.1 million to the retail segment, 9.9% more than the amount shipped in 2003. These shipments have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Gross profit increased $3,452,000, or 14.4%, from $23,963,000 in 2003 to $27,415,000 in 2004. Gross margin improved from 35.2% in 2003 to 36.1% in 2004. These increases were due to increased retail margins and an increase in retail shipments as a percent of total shipments.

 

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THE ROWE COMPANIES AND WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

UNAUDITED

 

Retail segment gross profit improved by $3.1 million, from $14.8 million in 2003 to $17.9 million in 2004, primarily as a result of increased shipments. Retail gross margin also improved, from 48.4% to 51.4%, due to a combination of higher margin categories accounting for a larger percentage of total volume (accessories and textiles in particular) and a price increase, averaging 2-3%, taken during the latter half of 2003.

 

Manufacturing segment gross profit increased $0.4 million, or 4.1%, from $9.2 million in 2003 to $9.6 million in 2004. Gross margin declined from 24.5% in 2003 to 23.2% in 2004. While gross profit increased due to the increase in shipments, the decline in gross margin resulted from a decline in manufacturing productivity as production and operational management personnel were involved in the ERP implementation effort and the implementation of lean manufacturing processes. Fabric shortages during the quarter also impacted production efficiencies.

 

Selling and administrative expenses increased by $1,433,000, or 5.9%, from $24,395,000 in 2003 to $25,828,000 in 2004. Selling and administrative expenses improved from 35.8% of net shipments in 2003 to 34.0% in 2004. Increases in retail segment expenses were partially offset by decreases in other administrative expenses.

 

Retail segment selling and administrative expenses increased $1.6 million, or 9.7%, from $16.1 million in 2003 to $17.7 million in 2004. These increases were primarily a result of costs that vary closely with changes in shipments, including commissions, delivery costs, credit card and related fees, and other variable costs. In addition, while the overall store count has not increased from last year, two stores did open late in 2003 and another late in the second quarter of 2004, adding incremental costs to the 2004 expenses. Costs of the accessories warehouse (to support catalogue and recently started internet sales efforts) and catalogue call center, along with costs for relocating from the old to the new Atlanta distribution center, also contributed to the increase from 2003’s second quarter.

 

Manufacturing segment selling and administrative expenses were essentially unchanged for the quarter. Higher commissions on higher shipments were offset by reduced computer related costs.

 

Other administrative costs decreased $139,000, from $1,806,000 in 2003 to $1,667,000 in 2004. The decrease resulted primarily from lower insurance costs, down $104,000, in 2004 from 2003, for changes in reserves for workers compensation claims.

 

Operating earnings were $1,587,000 in 2004, compared to a loss of $(432,000) in 2003, as a result of increased shipments and gross profit, offset by increased retail segment selling and administrative expenses, as discussed above.

 

Interest expense decreased from $1,036,000 in 2003 to $935,000 in 2004, primarily due to reductions in outstanding loan balances. Declining short-term interest rates and slightly reduced margins over base rates on certain components of our outstanding debt (based upon improved financial condition and operating ratios), also contributed to the decline in interest expense.

 

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THE ROWE COMPANIES AND WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

UNAUDITED

 

Other income, net, decreased $3,000, from $411,000 in 2003 to $408,000 in 2004, due to reduced net rental income associated with an investment property, offset by additional rental income through normal rent increases and additional new tenants at other investment properties.

 

Earnings from continuing operations before taxes improved to earnings of $1,060,000 in 2004 from a loss of $(1,057,000) in 2003, reflecting the factors discussed above.

 

Critical Accounting Policies:

 

The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Certain estimates and assumptions have been made that affect the amounts and disclosures reported in the consolidated financial statements and the related accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions. Management uses its best judgment in valuing these estimates and may solicit external advice. Estimates are based on current facts and circumstances, prior experience and other assumptions believed to be reasonable. Critical accounting policies that may affect the consolidated financial statements include self-insurance, long-lived asset valuations and impairments, inventory reserves and goodwill.

 

Self-Insurance Reserves

 

The Company is self-insured for substantial portions of its health care and workers compensation insurance programs. Reserves are established for such costs based on, among other factors, reported claims to date, prior history, and actuarial projections of claims incurred but not reported and future medical cost increases likely to affect the total cost to settle claims. If actual results in any of these areas change from prior periods, adjustments to recorded reserves may be required.

 

Long-lived Asset Valuations and Impairments

 

The Company monitors the economic health of its facilities and operations and makes determinations, using cash flow analyses, of the fair value of its assets, both tangible and intangible. When cash flow analysis indicates that the fair value of an asset is less than its book value, and such shortfall is not believed to be temporary in nature, then an adjustment to reduce the asset to its fair value is made. As conditions change, additional adjustments of fair value may be required.

 

Inventory Reserves

 

The Company maintains its inventories at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is determined on a last-in, first-out (LIFO) basis for inventory held at retail facilities, and on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis for inventory held at its manufacturing facilities. When conditions warrant, reserves are established to reduce the value of inventory to net realizable values. As conditions warrant, additional adjustments may be required.

 

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THE ROWE COMPANIES AND WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

UNAUDITED

 

Goodwill

 

In accordance with SFAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” which was adopted by the Company in 2003, goodwill and other intangible assets are to be evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis and between annual tests whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a reporting unit may exceed its fair value. The Company conducts its required annual impairment test during the second quarter of each fiscal year. The impairment test uses a discounted cash flow and projected profitability model to estimate the fair value of the reporting unit. This model requires the use of long-term planning forecasts and assumptions regarding specific economic conditions that are outside the control of the Company.

 

Liquidity and Source of Capital:

 

Cash from Operations

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities was $2,922,000 and $5,453,000 in 2004 and 2003, respectively. Fluctuations in net cash provided by (used in) operating activities are primarily the result of changes in operating income and changes in working capital accounts. Substantial changes from 2003 to 2004 included an increase in receivables in 2004 (largely due to a delay in receipt of lease funding relating to the ERP implementation) from a decrease in 2003 due to weak shipments at Rowe; a larger increase in inventories in 2004 versus 2003, due to increases in retail inventories to support higher volumes of shipments, and a larger decrease in accrued expenses during 2003.

 

Cash from Investing Activities

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities was $(1,974,000) and $23,228,000 in 2004 and 2003, respectively, primarily reflecting proceeds from the sale of, and payments for obligations related to, the sale of Mitchell Gold in 2003. Capital expenditures increased in 2004 relating to expenditures at Rowe for the implementation of lean manufacturing in process and at Storehouse, costs for leasehold improvements at a new distribution center in Atlanta, GA, to replace the existing distribution center, completed during the second quarter of 2004.

 

Cash from Financing Activities

 

Net cash used in financing activities was $(568,000) and $(25,592,000) for 2004 and 2003, respectively. In 2003, the Company paid down significant portions of its outstanding debt largely from proceeds from the sale of Mitchell Gold, in addition to required principal payments under its debt agreements. In 2004, the Company reduced the outstanding balance of the capital lease for its Elliston facility in conjunction with a modification and extension of its terms, in addition to other required principal payments on its existing debt.

 

As of May 30, 2004, the Company had $10.1 million available under its revolving bank loan. The Company believes it has the financial resources (including available cash, expected cash flow from operations, and bank loans) needed to meet business requirements for the foreseeable future including capital expenditures and working capital. Cash flow from operations is highly dependent on customer order rates and the Company’s operating performance.

 

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THE ROWE COMPANIES AND WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

UNAUDITED

 

Forward-Looking Statements:

 

When used in this Quarterly Report on form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in press releases or other public shareholder communications, or in oral statements made with the approval of an authorized executive officer, the words or phrases “believe,” “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “project,” “plans,” or similar expressions, as well as the use of future dates, are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. These statements may relate to our future financial performance, strategic plans or objectives, revenues or earnings projections, or other financial items. By their nature, these statements are subject to numerous uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated or projected include, but are not limited to, the following: changes from anticipated levels of sales, whether due to future national or regional economic and competitive conditions, customer acceptance of existing and new products, or otherwise; pending or future litigation; pricing pressures due to excess capacity; raw material cost increases; transportation cost increases; the inability of a major customer to meet its obligations; loss of significant customers in connection with a merger, acquisition, redisposition, bankruptcy or otherwise; actions of current or new competitors; increased advertising costs associated with promotional efforts; change of tax rates; change of interest rates; future business decisions and other uncertainties, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of the Company.

 

Additional risks include:

 

The furniture industry is highly competitive at both the manufacturing and the retail levels; loss of market share could adversely impact sales, earnings and cash flow.

 

Our manufacturing and our retailing subsidiaries face significant competition from numerous competitors, many of which are larger and better capitalized. Our subsidiaries may be at a competitive disadvantage as a result. If our subsidiaries lose market share to competitors, our financial performance could be adversely affected.

 

Our retail operations may not become profitable.

 

Our retail operations are currently unprofitable, and there can be no assurance that profitability will be achieved.

 

The Company imports a substantial portion of its retail inventory, and some of its raw materials, from foreign sources. Changes in exchange rates could impact the price the Company pays for these goods, resulting in potentially higher retail prices and/or lower gross profit on these goods.

 

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THE ROWE COMPANIES AND WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

UNAUDITED

 

During fiscal 2003, approximately 32% of the Company’s purchases of retail inventory originated overseas, and the Company also purchased some raw materials, particularly wood components, fabric, and leather chairs for re-sale, from overseas sources. Most of these purchases were denominated in US dollars. As exchange rates with certain currencies have become unfavorable, the likelihood of price increases from our foreign vendors has increased. Such price increases, if they occur, could have one or more of the following effects:

 

  We could be forced to raise retail prices so high that we are unable to sell the products at current unit volumes;

 

  If we are unable to raise retail prices commensurately with the cost increases, gross profit could be negatively impacted; or

 

  We may be forced to find alternative sources of comparable product, which may be more expensive than the current product, of lower quality, or the vendor may be unable to meet our requirements for quantities, delivery schedules or other key terms.

 

Similar impacts could be experienced in our manufacturing segment.

 

We may not be able to pay-off or refinance the debt obligations that mature in fiscal 2007 and 2008.

 

The Company has substantial debt obligations that mature in 2007 and 2008 in particular. At those times, the Company would be required to pay off or refinance these obligations. If economic conditions, as well as the Company’s own operating results, do not improve in the intervening years, then the Company would be more likely to need to refinance, rather than pay off, such obligations. There can be no assurance that the Company would be successful in obtaining this financing, or that, if obtained, the financing would be on favorable terms and conditions.

 

Our bad debts experience may differ materially from our estimates.

 

Substantially all of the Company’s trade accounts receivable are from retail furniture businesses. Management monitors payment status and periodically performs credit evaluations of these customers. However, changes in creditworthiness can occur rapidly and unanticipated losses from trade accounts receivable could occur in excess of the outstanding allowance for losses. Therefore, there can be no assurance that total losses from uncollectible accounts will not exceed the allowance.

 

We are implementing new Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) software that may not work as planned.

 

Our manufacturing operations are implementing a new ERP system that includes accounting, order processing, materials purchasing and inventory management, human resources and payroll management and certain other functions. This is a complex, multi-step implementation. Various

 

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THE ROWE COMPANIES AND WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

UNAUDITED

 

parts of the system may not perform as planned, which could create problems in entering or processing customer orders, processing payroll, procuring and managing inventory or record keeping. We could also experience costs to implement in excess of our budgeted amount.

 

Our revenue could be adversely affected by low-cost imported merchandise.

 

In certain merchandise categories, there has been a rapid penetration of lower priced imported home furnishings, resulting in lower retail selling prices. This trend could reach the upholstery segment of the home furnishings market, resulting in our manufacturing operations facing low-cost foreign competition. This in turn could require us to reduce our selling prices or could diminish demand for our products.

 

Our revenue could be adversely impacted by a disruption in our supply chain.

 

We are an importer of finished goods for our retail operations and components for our manufacturing operations. Disruptions to our supply chain could result in late arrival or unavailability of components or finished goods for resale, causing manufacturing delays or negatively affecting retail sales due to increased out-of-stock merchandise.

 

We do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date on which the forward-looking statement is made.

 

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THE ROWE COMPANIES AND WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

UNAUDITED

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Interest Rate Risk and Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

 

Because the Company’s obligations under its term loan, revolving loan and capital lease obligation bear interest at variable rates, the Company is sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates. A 10% fluctuation in market interest rates would not result in a material change in interest expense during the 2004 fiscal year. The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in the value of foreign currencies because it imports a substantial portion of its retail inventory and some of its raw materials, from foreign sources. See “Forward-Looking Statements” above.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

An evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(a)) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Act”)) was carried out as of May 30, 2004 under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and several other members of our senior management. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of May 30, 2004, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that the information we are required to disclose in the reports we file or submit under the Act is (i) accumulated and communicated to our management (including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) in a timely manner, and (ii) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

 

During the quarter ended May 30, 2004, no change occurred in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

 

None

 

Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

 

e. Purchases of Equity Securities:

 

Period


   (a) Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased


   (b) Average
Price Paid
Per Share


   (c) Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs


   (d) Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar Value)
of Shares That May Yet Be
Purchased Under the Plans
or Programs


3/1/04 thru 3/28/04

   531    $ 4.56    —      —  

3/29/04 thru 4/25/04

   498      5.45    —      —  

4/26/04 thru 5/30/04

   —        —      —      —  
    
  

  
  

Total

   1,029    $ 4.99    —      —  
    
  

  
  

 

The shares shown above have been purchased by the Company in accordance with the terms of the Company’s ESOP/PAYSOP, which grants participants the right to sell their shares back to the company under certain conditions. Except for such purchases of its shares, the Company is prohibited by the terms of its bank lending agreements from purchasing its shares. As of May 30, 2004, there were 145,956 shares in the Company’s ESOP/PAYSOP.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

None

 

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

 

The annual meeting of shareholders for The Rowe Companies was held on April 13, 2004, in McLean, Virginia. The shareholders approved the re-election of three individuals to the Board of Directors; Birnbach, Rowe and Cheney. Voting results are shown below:

 

     For

   Withheld

Election of directors:

         

Gerald M. Birnbach

   12,107,767.9726    419,646.3415

Keith J. Rowe

   12,076,805.9726    450,608.3415

Richard E. Cheney

   12,412,015.9726    115,398.3415

 

Item 5. Other Information.

 

None

 

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Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

 

a. The following exhibits are furnished as part of this report.

 

Exhibit

  

Description


31.1    Certification of CEO under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2    Certification of CFO under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1    Certification of CEO under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2    Certification of CFO under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

b. Reports on Form 8-K:

 

On March 22, 2004, a Form 8-K was furnished under Item 12 containing the Company’s press release announcing the first quarter results.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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

 

   

THE ROWE COMPANIES

   

Registrant

 

Date: July 9, 2004

 

/s/ Gene S. Morphis


   

Gene S. Morphis

   

Chief Financial Officer

     

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description


31.1    Certification of the CEO under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2    Certification of the CFO under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1    Certification of the CEO under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2    Certification of the CFO under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

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