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EX-31.2 - CFO CERTIFICATION - MOVADO GROUP INCcfo302cert.htm
EX-23.2 - CONSENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP - MOVADO GROUP INCpwcconsent.htm
EX-31.1 - CEO CERTIFICATION - MOVADO GROUP INCceo302cert.htm
EX-32.2 - CFO CERTIFICATION - MOVADO GROUP INCcfo1350cert.htm
EX-32.1 - CEO CERTIFICATION - MOVADO GROUP INCceo1350cert.htm
EX-21.1 - SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT - MOVADO GROUP INClistofsubsidiaries.htm



                                                                        
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark one)
 
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For fiscal year ended January 31, 2010
OR
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                         to
Commission File Number 1-16497

MOVADO GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
New York
 
13-2595932
(State or Other Jurisdiction
 
(IRS Employer
of Incorporation or Organization)
 
Identification No.)
     
650 From Road, Ste. 375
Paramus, New Jersey
 
07652-3556
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)
     
Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (201) 267-8000
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
   
Name of Each Exchange
Title of Each Class
 
on which Registered
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share
 
New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes  ¨    No x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes  ¨    No x
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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes  ¨    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. x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer,'' "accelerated filer'' and "smaller reporting company'' in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ¨    Accelerated filer x    Non-accelerated filer ¨
Smaller reporting company ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  ¨     No x
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of July 31, 2009, was approximately $283,728,000 (based on the closing sale price of the registrant's Common Stock on that date as reported on the New York Stock Exchange). For purposes of this computation, each share of Class A Common Stock is assumed to have the same market value as one share of Common Stock into which it is convertible and only shares of stock held by directors and executive officers were excluded.
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's Common Stock and Class A Common Stock as of March 23, 2010, were 17,975,044 and 6,634,319, respectively.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the definitive proxy statement relating to registrant's 2010 annual meeting of shareholders (the "Proxy Statement'') are incorporated by reference in Part III hereof.
 



 
 

 

PART I
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this annual report on Form 10-K, including, without limitation, statements under Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in this report, as well as statements in future filings by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in the Company’s press releases and oral statements made by or with the approval of an authorized executive officer of the Company, which are not historical in nature, are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, “forward-looking statements” for purposes of the safe harbor provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the Company, its future performance, the industry in which the Company operates and management’s assumptions. Words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “targets”, “goals”, “projects”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “seeks”, “estimates”, “may”, “will”, “should” and variations of such words and similar expressions are also intended to identify such forward-looking statements. The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements include, without limitation, those relating to the Company’s future business prospects, projected operating or financial results, revenues, working capital, liquidity, capital needs, plans for future operations, expectations regarding capital expenditures and operating expenses, effective tax rates, margins, interest costs, and income as well as assumptions relating to the foregoing.  Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified.  Actual results and future events could differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, due to several important factors herein identified, among others, and other risks and factors identified from time to time in the Company’s reports filed with the SEC including, without limitation, the following: general economic and business conditions which may impact disposable income of consumers in the United States and the other significant markets where the Company’s products are sold, uncertainty regarding such economic and business conditions, trends in consumer debt levels and bad debt write-offs, general uncertainty related to possible terrorist attacks and the impact on consumer spending, changes in consumer preferences and popularity of particular designs, new product development and introduction, competitive products and pricing, seasonality, availability of alternative sources of supply in the case of the loss of any significant supplier, the loss of significant customers, the  Company’s dependence on key employees and officers, the ability to successfully integrate the operations of acquired businesses without disruption to other business activities, the continuation of licensing arrangements with third parties, the ability to secure and protect trademarks, patents and other intellectual property rights, the ability to lease new stores on suitable terms in desired markets and to complete construction on a timely basis, business disruptions, disease, general risks associated with doing business outside the United States including, without limitation, import duties, tariffs, quotas, political and economic stability, and success of hedging strategies with respect to currency exchange rate fluctuations.

These risks and uncertainties, along with the risk factors discussed under Item 1A “Risk Factors” in this annual report on Form 10-K, should be considered in evaluating any forward-looking statements contained in this report or incorporated by reference herein. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report or, in the case of any document incorporated by reference, the date of that document. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or any person acting on its behalf are qualified by the cautionary statements in this section. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or publicly release any revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or changes in expectations after the date of this report.

 
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Item 1.   Business

GENERAL

In this Form 10-K, all references to the “Company” or “Movado Group” include Movado Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise.

Movado Group, Inc. designs, sources, markets and distributes fine watches and jewelry.  Its portfolio of brands is comprised of Movado®, Ebel®, Concord®, ESQ®, Coach® Watches, HUGO BOSS® Watches, Juicy Couture® Watches, Tommy Hilfiger® Watches and Lacoste® Watches.  The Company is a leader in the design, development, marketing and distribution of watch brands sold in almost every major category comprising the watch industry.  The Company also designs, develops and markets proprietary Movado-branded jewelry which it retails in its luxury Movado boutiques.

The Company was incorporated in New York in 1967 under the name North American Watch Corporation, to acquire Piaget Watch Corporation and Corum Watch Corporation, which had been, respectively, the exclusive importers and distributors of Piaget and Corum watches in the United States since the 1950’s.  The Company sold its Piaget and Corum distribution businesses in 1999 and 2000, respectively, to focus on its own portfolio of brands.  Since its incorporation, the Company has developed its brand-building reputation and distinctive image across an expanding number of brands and geographic markets.  Strategic acquisitions of watch brands and their subsequent growth, along with license agreements, have played an important role in the expansion of the Company’s brand portfolio.

In 1970, the Company acquired the Concord brand and the Swiss company that had been manufacturing Concord watches since 1908.  In 1983, the Company acquired the U.S. distributor of Movado watches and substantially all of the assets related to the Movado brand from the Swiss manufacturer of Movado watches.  The Company changed its name to Movado Group, Inc. in 1996.  In March 2004, the Company completed its acquisition of Ebel, one of the world’s premier luxury watch brands that was established in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland in 1911.

The Company is very selective in its licensing strategy and chooses to enter into long-term partnerships with only powerful brands that are leaders in their respective businesses.  The following table sets forth the brands licensed by the Company and the year in which the Company launched each licensed brand for watches.  All of the Company’s license agreements are exclusive.

Brand
Licensor
Year Launched
ESQ
Hearst Communication, Inc.
1993
Coach
Coach, Inc.
1999
Tommy Hilfiger
Tommy Hilfiger Licensing, Inc.
2001
HUGO BOSS
HUGO BOSS Trade Mark Management GmbH & Co KG
2006
Juicy Couture
L.C. Licensing, Inc.
2007
Lacoste
Lacoste S.A., Sporloisirs S.A. and Lacoste Alligator S.A.
2007

On October 7, 1993, the Company completed a public offering of 2,666,667 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share. On October 21, 1997, the Company completed a secondary stock offering in

 
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which 1,500,000 shares of common stock were issued. On May 21, 2001, the Company moved from the NASDAQ National Market to the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”).  The Company’s common stock is traded on the NYSE under the trading symbol MOV.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Economic conditions around the world began to deteriorate in fiscal 2009.  While there have been recent indications that the economy may have stabilized and started to recover, future global economic conditions remain highly uncertain.  The level of consumer spending remains weak.  Additionally, the jewelry industry has experienced an unprecedented level of chain and department store operators going out of business and liquidating their inventory.  As the Company continues to manage its way through these difficult times, it is taking, and will continue to take, appropriate actions to address challenges in the marketplace and more strongly position the Company for the future, including:

·  
proactively managing sales to limit credit risk and future potential liquidations,
 
·  
continuing to control spending in accordance with the Company’s expense reduction program implemented in fiscal 2009,
 
·  
further strengthening its balance sheet and liquidity, continuing to tightly manage cash and inventory levels,
 
·  
increasing investments in the Company’s brands to elevate their connection with consumers and drive top-line growth,
 
·  
building the business for its core portfolio of brands with a renewed focus on product innovation and improved execution of product segmentation and pricing,
 
·  
maintaining the Company’s strong licensed brand business, and
 
·  
reducing the negative contribution from areas of its business that are underperforming.
 

The Company bases its estimate of deferred tax assets and liabilities on current tax laws and rates as well as expected future income.  Under U.S. GAAP, deferred tax assets are to be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of all available positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  In the third quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company determined that it was appropriate to record a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets in the U.S., primarily due to the Company’s U.S. loss position in recent years.  Under current circumstances, the likelihood of expected future income is not sufficient to overcome such negative evidence, and although the Company may ultimately utilize the underlying tax benefits within the statutory limits, in fiscal 2010, the Company recognized a non-cash deferred tax expense of $21.4 million, and has not recognized any tax benefit on the net increase in deductible temporary differences during fiscal 2010.  Management will continue to evaluate the appropriate level of allowance on all deferred tax assets, considering such factors as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, carryback and carryforward periods, and tax and business strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets.

 






 
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INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

The largest markets for watches are North America, Western Europe and Asia.  The Company divides the watch market into six principal categories as set forth in the following table.

Market Category
 
Suggested Retail Price Range
 
Primary Category of Movado Group, Inc. Brands
         
Exclusive
 
$10,000 and over
 
Concord
Luxury
 
$1,500 to $9,999
 
Ebel
Premium
 
$500 to $1,499
 
Movado
Moderate
 
$100 to $499
 
ESQ, Coach, HUGO BOSS, Juicy Couture and Lacoste
Fashion
 
$55 to $99
 
Tommy Hilfiger
Mass Market
 
Less than $55
 
-

Exclusive Watches

Exclusive watches are usually made of precious metals, including 18 karat gold or platinum, and are often set with precious gems.  These watches are primarily mechanical or quartz-analog watches. Mechanical watches keep time with intricate mechanical movements consisting of an arrangement of wheels, jewels and winding and regulating mechanisms.  Quartz-analog watches have quartz movements in which time is precisely calibrated to the regular frequency of the vibration of quartz crystal. Exclusive watches are manufactured almost entirely in Switzerland.  In addition to the Company’s Concord watches, well-known brand names of exclusive watches include Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Piaget and Vacheron Constantin.

Luxury Watches

Luxury watches are either quartz-analog watches or mechanical watches.  These watches typically are made with either 14 or 18 karat gold, stainless steel or a combination of gold and stainless steel, and are occasionally set with precious gems.  Luxury watches are primarily manufactured in Switzerland.  In addition to a majority of the Company’s Ebel watches, well-known brand names of luxury watches include Baume & Mercier, Breitling, Cartier, Omega, Rolex and TAG Heuer.

Premium Watches

The majority of premium watches are quartz-analog watches.  These watches typically are made with gold finish, stainless steel or a combination of gold finish and stainless steel.  Premium watches are manufactured primarily in Switzerland, although some are manufactured in Asia.  In addition to a majority of the Company’s Movado watches, well-known brand names of premium watches include Gucci, Rado and Raymond Weil.

Moderate Watches

Most moderate watches are quartz-analog watches.  Moderate watches are manufactured primarily in Asia and Switzerland.  These watches typically are made with gold finish, stainless steel, brass or a combination of gold finish and stainless steel.  In addition to the Company’s ESQ, Coach, HUGO

 
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BOSS, Juicy Couture and Lacoste brands, well-known brand names of watches in the moderate category include Anne Klein, Bulova, Citizen, Guess, Seiko and Wittnauer.

Fashion Watches

Watches comprising the fashion market are primarily quartz-analog watches but also include some digital watches.  Watches in the fashion category are generally made with stainless steel, gold finish, brass and/or plastic and are manufactured primarily in Asia.  Fashion watches feature designs that reflect current and emerging fashion trends.  Many are sold under licensed designer and brand names that are well-known principally in the apparel industry.  In addition to the Company’s Tommy Hilfiger brand, well-known brands of fashion watches include Anne Klein II, DKNY, Fossil, Guess, Kenneth Cole and Swatch.

Mass Market Watches

Mass market watches typically consist of digital watches and analog watches made from stainless steel, brass and/or plastic and are manufactured in Asia.  Well-known brands include Casio, Pulsar, Seiko and Timex.  The Company does not compete in the mass market watch category.

BRANDS

The Company designs, develops, sources, markets and distributes products under the following watch brands:

Movado

Founded in 1881 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, Movado is an icon of modern design.  Today the brand includes a line of watches, inspired by the simplicity of the Bauhaus movement, including the world famous Movado Museum watch and a number of other watch collections with more traditional dial designs.  The design for the Movado Museum watch was the first watch design chosen by the Museum of Modern Art for its permanent collection. It has since been honored by other museums throughout the world.  The Movado brand also includes Series 800, a sport watch collection that incorporates Movado quality and craftsmanship with the characteristics of a true sport watch.  Movado watches have Swiss movements and are made with 14 or 18 karat gold, 18 karat gold finish, stainless steel or a combination of 18 karat gold finish and stainless steel.

Ebel

The Ebel brand, one of the world’s premier luxury watch brands, was established in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland in 1911.  Since acquiring Ebel, Movado Group has returned Ebel to its roots as the “Architects of Time” through its product development, marketing initiatives and global advertising campaigns. All Ebel watches feature Swiss movements and are made with solid 18 karat gold, stainless steel or a combination of 18 karat gold and stainless steel.

Concord

Concord was founded in 1908 in Bienne, Switzerland.  Inspired by its avant garde roots, Concord is designed to be resolutely upscale with a modern, edgy point of view and has been repositioned as a niche luxury brand with exclusive distribution.  The brand’s products center on its iconic C1 collection,

 
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a breakthrough in modern design.  Concord watches have Swiss movements and are made with solid 18 karat gold, stainless steel or a combination of 18 karat gold and stainless steel.

ESQ by Movado

ESQ competes in the entry level Swiss watch category and is defined by bold sport and fashion designs.  In fiscal 2010, the Company began to market the brand as ESQ by Movado.  All ESQ watches contain Swiss movements and are made with stainless steel, gold finish or a combination of stainless steel and gold finish, with leather straps, stainless steel bracelets or gold finish bracelets.

Coach Watches

Coach Watches are an extension of the Coach leathergoods brand and reflect the Coach brand image.  A distinctive American brand, Coach delivers stylish, aspirational, well-made products that represent excellent value.  Coach watches are made with stainless steel, gold finish or a combination of stainless steel and gold finish with leather straps, stainless steel bracelets or gold finish bracelets.

Tommy Hilfiger Watches

Reflecting the fresh, fun all-American style for which Tommy Hilfiger is known, Tommy Hilfiger watches feature quartz, digital or analog-digital movements, with stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, silver-tone, two-tone or gold-tone cases and bracelets, and leather, fabric, plastic or rubber straps.  The line includes fashion and sport models.

HUGO BOSS Watches

HUGO BOSS is a global market leader in the world of fashion.  The HUGO BOSS watch collection is an extension of the parent brand and includes classy, sporty, elegant and fashion timepieces with distinctive features, giving this collection a strong and coherent identity.

Juicy Couture Timepieces

Juicy Couture is a powerhouse lifestyle brand that delivers sophisticated, yet fun fashion for women, men and children.  Juicy Couture timepieces reflect the brand’s clear vision, unique identity and leading brand position in the upscale contemporary category, encompassing both trend-right and core styling contemporary watches.

Lacoste Watches

The Lacoste watch collection embraces the Lacoste lifestyle proposition which encompasses elegance, refinement and comfort, as well as a dedication to quality and innovation.  Mirroring key attributes of the Lacoste brand, the collection features stylish timepieces with a contemporary sport elegant feel.

DESIGN AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

The Company’s offerings undergo two phases before they are produced for sale to customers: design and product development.  The design phase includes the creation of artistic and conceptual renderings while product development involves the construction of prototypes.  The Company’s ESQ and licensed brands are designed by in-house design teams in Switzerland and the United States in cooperation with

 
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outside sources, including (in the case of the licensed brands except for ESQ) licensors’ design teams.  Product development for the licensed brands takes place in the Company’s Asia operations.  For the Company’s Movado, Ebel and Concord brands, the design phase is performed by a combination of in-house and freelance designers in Europe while product development is carried out in the Company’s Swiss operations.  Senior management of the Company is actively involved in the design and product development process.

MARKETING

The Company’s marketing strategy is to communicate a consistent, brand-specific message to the consumer.  Recognizing that advertising is an integral component to the successful marketing of its product offerings, the Company devotes significant resources to advertising and, since 1972, has maintained its own in-house advertising department.  The Company’s advertising department focuses primarily on the implementation and management of global marketing and advertising strategies for each of its brands, ensuring consistency of presentation.  The Company utilizes outside agencies for the creative development of advertising campaigns which are developed individually for each of the Company’s brands and are directed primarily to the end consumer rather than to trade customers.  The Company’s advertising targets consumers with particular demographic characteristics appropriate to the image and price range of the brand.  Most Company advertising is placed predominantly in magazines and other print media but some is also created for radio and television campaigns, catalogs, outdoor and other promotional materials.  Marketing expenses totaled 14.7%, 17.4% and 15.4% of net sales in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

OPERATING SEGMENTS

The Company conducts its business primarily in two operating segments: Wholesale and Retail. For operating segment data and geographic segment data for the years ended January 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, see Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements regarding Segment Information.

The Company’s wholesale segment includes the design, development, sourcing, marketing and distribution of high quality watches, in addition to after-sales service activities and shipping. The retail segment includes the Company’s Movado boutiques and the Company’s outlet stores.

The Company divides its business into two major geographic segments:  United States operations, and International, which includes the results of all other Company operations.  The allocation of geographic revenue is based upon the location of the customer. The Company’s international operations are principally conducted in Europe, Asia, Canada, the Middle East, South America and the Caribbean.  The Company’s international assets are substantially located in Switzerland.

Wholesale

United States Wholesale

The Company sells all of its brands in the U.S. wholesale market primarily to major jewelry store chains such as Helzberg Diamonds Corp., Sterling, Inc. and Zale Corporation; department stores, such as Macy’s, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as independent jewelers.  Sales to trade customers in the United States are made directly by the Company’s U.S. sales force.  Of these employees, sales representatives are responsible for a defined geographic territory, specialize in a particular brand and sell to and service independent jewelers within their territory.  The sales force also consists of account

 
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executives and account representatives who, respectively, sell to and service chain and department store accounts.

International Wholesale

Internationally, the Company’s brands are sold in department stores such as El Cortes Ingles in Spain and Galeries Lafayette in France, jewelry chain stores such as Christ in Switzerland and Germany and independent jewelers.  The Company employs its own international sales force operating at the Company’s sales and distribution offices in Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates. In addition, the Company sells all of its brands other than ESQ through a network of independent distributors operating in numerous countries around the world.  Distribution of ESQ watches, which outside of the United States are sold only in Canada and the Caribbean, is handled by the Company’s Canadian subsidiary and Caribbean based sales team.  A majority of the Company’s arrangements with its international distributors are long-term, generally require certain minimum purchases and minimum advertising expenditures and restrict the distributor from selling competitive products.

In France and Germany, the Company’s licensed brands are marketed and distributed by subsidiaries of a joint venture company owned 51% by the Company and 49% by Financiere TWC SA ("TWC"), a French company with established distribution, marketing and sales operations in France and Germany.  The terms of the joint venture agreement include financial performance measures which, if not attained, give either party the right to terminate the agreement after the fifth and the tenth  years (January 31, 2011 and January 31, 2016); restrictions on the transfer of shares in the joint venture company; and a buy out right whereby the Company can purchase all of TWC's shares in the joint venture company as of July 1, 2016 and every fifth anniversary thereafter at a pre-determined price.

In the UK, the Company signed a joint venture agreement (the "JV Agreement") on May 11, 2007, with Swico Limited ("Swico"), an English company with established distribution, marketing and sales operations in the UK. Swico had been the Company's exclusive distributor of HUGO BOSS watches in the UK since 2005. Under the JV Agreement, the Company and Swico control 51% and 49%, respectively, of MGS Distribution Limited, an English company ("MGS") that is responsible for the marketing, distribution and sale in the UK of the Company's licensed HUGO BOSS, Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste and Juicy Couture brands, as well as future brands licensed to the Company, subject to the terms of the applicable license agreement. Swico is responsible for the day to day management of MGS, including staffing and providing logistical support, inventory management, order fulfillment, distribution and after sale services, systems and back office support.  The terms of the JV Agreement include financial performance measures which, if not attained, give either party the right to terminate the JV Agreement after the fifth and the tenth  years (January 31, 2012 and January 31, 2017); restrictions on the transfer of shares in MGS; and a buy out right whereby the Company can purchase all of Swico's shares in MGS as of July 1, 2017 and every fifth anniversary thereafter at a pre-determined price.

Retail

The Company operates in two retail markets, the luxury boutique market and the outlet market.  The Company operates 27 Movado boutiques in the United States that are located in upscale regional shopping centers and metropolitan areas.  Movado boutiques are merchandised with select models of Movado watches, as well as proprietary Movado-branded jewelry and clocks.  The modern store design

 
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creates a distinctive environment that showcases these products and provides consumers with the ability to fully experience the complete Movado design philosophy.  The Company’s 31 outlet stores are multi-branded and serve as an effective vehicle to sell discontinued models and factory seconds of all of the Company’s watches and jewelry.

SEASONALITY

The Company’s U.S. sales are traditionally greater during the Christmas and holiday season.  Consequently, the Company’s net sales historically have been higher during the second half of a fiscal year.  The amount of net sales and operating profit generated during the second half of each fiscal year depends upon the general level of retail sales during the Christmas and holiday season, as well as economic conditions and other factors beyond the Company’s control.  Major selling seasons in certain international markets center on significant local holidays that occur in late winter or early spring.  The second half of each year accounted for 58.4%, 49.9%, and 57.0% of the Company’s net sales for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.  In fiscal 2009, the Company did not experience the usual seasonality of its business due to the downturn in the global economy, which resulted in the percentage of net sales for the second half of the fiscal year not being comparable to that in previous years.

BACKLOG

At March 25, 2010, the Company had unfilled orders of $25.9 million compared to $36.0 million at March 25, 2009 and $42.4 million at March 14, 2008.  Unfilled orders include both confirmed orders and orders the Company believes will be confirmed based on the historic experience with the customers.  It is customary for many of the Company’s customers not to confirm their future orders with formal purchase orders until shortly before their desired delivery dates.

CUSTOMER SERVICE, WARRANTY AND REPAIR

The Company assists in the retail sales process of its wholesale customers by monitoring their sales and inventories by product category and style.  The Company also assists in the conception, development and implementation of customers’ marketing vehicles. The Company places considerable emphasis on cooperative advertising programs with its retail customers.  The Company’s retail sales process has resulted in close relationships with its principal customers, often allowing for influence on the mix, quantity and timing of their purchasing decisions.  The Company believes that customers’ familiarity with its sales approach has facilitated, and should continue to facilitate, the introduction of new products through its distribution network.

The Company permits the return of damaged or defective products.  In addition, although the Company has no obligation to do so, it accepts other returns from customers in certain instances.

The Company has service facilities around the world including seven Company-owned service facilities and independent service centers which are authorized to perform warranty repairs.  A list of authorized service centers can be accessed online at www.mgiservice.com.  In order to maintain consistency and quality at its service facilities and authorized independent service centers, the Company conducts training sessions for and distributes technical information and updates to repair personnel.  All watches sold by the Company come with limited warranties covering the movement against defects in material and workmanship for periods ranging from two to three years from the date of purchase, with the exception of Tommy Hilfiger watches, for which the warranty period is ten years.  In addition, the

 
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warranty period is five years for the gold plating on certain Movado watch cases and bracelets.  Products that are returned under warranty to the Company are generally serviced by the Company’s employees at its service facilities.

The Company retains adequate levels of component parts to facilitate after-sales service of its watches for an extended period of time after the discontinuance of such watches.

The Company makes available Customer Wins, a web-based system providing immediate access for the Company’s retail partners and consumers to the information they may want or need about after sales service issues.  Customer Wins allows the Company’s retailers and end consumers to track their repair status online 24 hours a day.   The system also permits customers to authorize repairs, track repair status through the entire repair life cycle, view repair information and obtain service order history.  Customer Wins can be accessed online at www.mgiservice.com.

SOURCING, PRODUCTION AND QUALITY

The Company does not own any product manufacturing facilities, with the exception of limited in-house assembly operations in Bienne, Switzerland and a small manufacturing facility for proprietary movements for its Ebel brand in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. The Company employs a flexible manufacturing model that relies primarily on independent manufacturers to meet shifts in marketplace demand and changes in consumer preferences.  All product sources must achieve and maintain the Company’s high quality standards and specifications.  With strong supply chain organizations in Switzerland, China and Hong Kong, the Company maintains control over the quality of its products, wherever they are manufactured.  Compliance is monitored with strictly implemented quality control standards, including on-site quality inspections.

A majority of the Swiss watch movements used in the manufacture of Movado, Ebel, Concord and ESQ watches are purchased from two suppliers.  Additionally, the Company manufactures some proprietary movements for its Ebel brand.  The Company obtains other watch components for all of its brands, including movements, cases, hands, dials, bracelets and straps from a number of other suppliers.  The Company does not have long-term supply contract commitments with any of its component parts suppliers.

Movado, Ebel and Concord watches are generally manufactured in Switzerland by independent third party assemblers with some in-house assembly in Bienne and La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.  Movado, Ebel and Concord watches are manufactured using Swiss movements and other components obtained from third party suppliers.  Coach, ESQ, Tommy Hilfiger, HUGO BOSS, Juicy Couture, and Lacoste watches are manufactured by independent contractors.  ESQ watches are manufactured using Swiss movements and other components purchased from third party suppliers.  Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, HUGO BOSS, Juicy Couture, and Lacoste watches are manufactured using movements and other components purchased from third party suppliers.

TRADEMARKS, PATENTS AND LICENSE AGREEMENTS

The Company owns the trademarks MOVADO®, EBEL® and CONCORD®, as well as trademarks for the Movado Museum dial design, and related trademarks for watches and jewelry in the United States and in numerous other countries.

 
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The Company licenses ESQUIRE®, ESQ® and related trademarks on an exclusive worldwide basis for use in connection with the manufacture, distribution, advertising and sale of watches pursuant to a license agreement with Hearst Magazine, a division of Hearst Communications, Inc., dated as of January 1, 1992 (as amended, the “Hearst License Agreement”).  The current term of the Hearst License Agreement expires December 31, 2012, but contains options for renewal at the Company’s discretion through December 31, 2042.

The Company licenses the trademark COACH® and related trademarks on an exclusive worldwide basis for use in connection with the manufacture, distribution, advertising and sale of watches pursuant to a license agreement with Coach, Inc., dated December 9, 1996 (as amended, the “Coach License Agreement”).  The Coach License Agreement expires on June 30, 2015.

Under a license agreement with Tommy Hilfiger Licensing, Inc., dated June 3, 1999, as amended and restated as of September 16, 2009, the Company has the exclusive license to use the trademark TOMMY HILFIGER® and related trademarks in connection with the manufacture of watches worldwide and in connection with the marketing, advertising, sale and distribution of watches at wholesale (and at retail through its outlet stores) worldwide (excluding certain accounts in Japan).  The term of the license agreement with Tommy Hilfiger Licensing, Inc. expires March 31, 2014 and may be extended by the Company for an additional five years ending on March 31, 2019, subject to the satisfaction of minimum sales requirements and approval of a new business plan.

Under its license agreement with HUGO BOSS Trade Mark Management GmbH & Co., entered into on December 15, 2004, the Company received a worldwide exclusive license to use the trademark HUGO BOSS® and any other trademarks containing the names “HUGO” or “BOSS”, in connection with the production, promotion and sale of watches.  The term of the license continues through December 31, 2013, with an optional five-year renewal period.

On November 21, 2005, the Company entered into an agreement with L.C. Licensing, Inc., for the exclusive worldwide license to use the trademarks JUICY COUTURE® and COUTURE COUTURE LOS ANGELES™, in connection with the manufacture, advertising, merchandising, promotion, sale and distribution of timepieces and components.  The term of the license is through December 31, 2011, with a four-year renewal period at the option of the Company, provided that certain sales thresholds are met.

On March 27, 2006, the Company entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement with Lacoste S.A., Sporloisirs, S.A. and Lacoste Alligator, S.A. to design, produce, market and distribute Lacoste watches under the Lacoste® name and the distinctive “alligator” logo beginning in the first half of 2007.  The agreement continues through December 31, 2014 and renews automatically for successive five year periods unless either party notifies the other of non-renewal at least six months before the end of the initial term or any renewal period.

The Company also owns, and has pending applications for, a number of design patents in the United States and internationally for various watch designs, as well as designs of watch dials, cases, bracelets and jewelry.

The Company actively seeks to protect and enforce its intellectual property rights by working with industry associations, anti-counterfeiting organizations, private investigators and law enforcement authorities, including customs authorities in the United States and internationally, and, when necessary, suing infringers of its trademarks and patents.  Consequently, the Company is involved from time to

 
11

 

time in litigation or other proceedings to determine the enforceability, scope and validity of these rights. With respect to the trademarks MOVADO®, EBEL®, CONCORD® and certain other related trademarks, the Company has received exclusion orders that prohibit the importation of counterfeit goods or goods bearing confusingly similar trademarks into the United States and other countries.  In accordance with customs regulations, these exclusion orders, however, do not cover the importation of genuine Movado, Ebel and Concord watches because the Company is the manufacturer of such watches.  All of the Company’s exclusion orders are renewable.

COMPETITION

The markets for each of the Company’s watch brands are highly competitive.  With the exception of Swatch Group, Ltd., a large Swiss-based competitor, no single company competes with the Company across all of its brands.  Certain companies, however, compete with Movado Group, Inc. with respect to one or more of its watch brands.  Certain of these companies have, and other companies that may enter the Company’s markets in the future may have, greater financial, distribution, marketing and advertising resources than the Company.  The Company’s future success will depend, to a significant degree, upon its continued ability to compete effectively with regard to, among other things, the style, quality, price, advertising, marketing, distribution and availability of supply of the Company’s watches and other products.

EMPLOYEES

As of January 31, 2010, the Company had approximately 1,200 full-time employees in its global operations.  No employee of the Company is represented by a labor union or is subject to a collective bargaining agreement.  The Company has never experienced a work stoppage due to labor difficulties and believes that its employee relations are good.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

The Company’s annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are available free of charge on the Company’s website, located at www.movadogroup.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after the same are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The public may read any materials filed by the Company with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F. Street, N.E., Washington, D.C., 20549.  The public may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.  The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding the Company at www.sec.gov.

The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all directors, officers and employees, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and principal accounting and financial officers, which is posted on the Company’s website.  The Company will post any amendments to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and any waivers that are required to be disclosed by SEC regulations on the Company’s website. In addition, the committee charters for the audit committee, the compensation committee and the nominating/corporate governance committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and the Company’s corporate governance guidelines have been posted on the Company’s website.


 
12

 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

The following risk factors and the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K should be read carefully in connection with evaluating Movado Group, Inc.’s business.  These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those anticipated.  Additional risks which the Company does not presently consider material, or of which it is not currently aware, may also have an adverse impact on the business.  Please also see “Forward-Looking Statements” on page 1.

The deterioration of economic conditions in the U.S. and around the world, and the resulting declines in consumer confidence and spending, has had and could continue to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operating results.

The Company’s results are dependent on a number of factors impacting consumer confidence and spending, including, but not limited to, general economic and business conditions; wages and employment levels; volatility in the stock market; falling home values; inflation; consumer debt levels; availability of consumer credit; consumer confidence; economic uncertainty; rising interest costs; solvency concerns of major financial institutions; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; fuel and energy costs; energy shortages; tax issues; and general political conditions, both domestic and abroad.

The recent volatility and disruption to the capital and credit markets have significantly adversely impacted global economic conditions, resulting in declines in employment levels, disposable income and actual and/or perceived wealth and further declines in consumer confidence and economic growth.  These conditions have led and could further lead to continuing substantial declines in consumer spending over the foreseeable future.  The dramatic decline in consumer discretionary spending has disproportionately affected retailers and sellers of consumer goods, particularly those offering goods that are viewed as discretionary items, which includes the Company’s products.  Consequently, many retailers have curtailed purchasing and some have gone out of business.  The uncertain outlook in the global economy will likely continue to have an impact on the Company’s business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.  In addition, events such as war, terrorism, natural disasters or outbreaks of disease could further dampen consumer spending on discretionary items.  If any of these events should occur, the Company’s future sales could decline.

The Company faces intense competition in the worldwide watch industry.

The watch industry is highly competitive and the Company competes globally with numerous manufacturers, importers and distributors, some of which are larger and have greater financial, distribution, advertising and marketing resources.  The Company’s products compete on the basis of price, features, perceived desirability, reliability and perceived attractiveness.  The Company also faces increased competition from internet-based retailers.  The Company’s future results of operations may be adversely affected by these and other competitors.

Maintaining favorable brand recognition is essential to the success of the Company, and failure to do so could materially and adversely affect the Company’s results of operations.

Favorable brand recognition is an important factor to the future success of the Company.  The Company sells its products under a variety of owned and licensed brands.  Factors affecting brand recognition are often outside the Company’s control, and the Company’s efforts to create or enhance favorable brand

 
13

 

recognition, such as making significant investments in marketing and advertising campaigns, product design and anticipation of fashion trends, may not have their desired effects.  Additionally, the Company relies on its license partners to maintain favorable brand recognition of their respective parent brands, and the Company often has no control over the brand management efforts of its license partners.  Finally, although the Company’s independent distributors are subject to contractual requirements to protect the Company’s brands, it may be difficult to monitor or enforce such requirements, particularly in foreign jurisdictions.  Any decline in perceived favorable recognition of the Company’s owned or licensed brands could materially and adversely affect future results of operations and profitability.  If the Company is unable to respond to changes in consumer demands and fashion trends in a timely manner, sales and profitability could be adversely affected.

Fashion trends and consumer demands and tastes often shift quickly.  The Company attempts to monitor these trends in order to adapt its product offerings to suit customer demand.  There is a risk that the Company will not properly perceive changes in trends or tastes, which may result in the failure to adapt the Company’s products accordingly.  In addition, new model designs are regularly introduced into the market for all brands to keep ahead of evolving fashion trends as well as to initiate new trends of their own.  There is risk that the public may not favor these new models or that the models may not be ready for sale until after the trend has passed.  If the Company fails to respond to and keep up to date with fashion trends and consumer demands and tastes, its brand image, sales, profitability and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

If the Company misjudges the demand for its products, high inventory levels could adversely affect future operating results and profitability.

Consumer demand for the Company’s products can affect inventory levels.  If consumer demand is lower than expected, inventory levels can rise causing a strain on operating cash flow.  If the inventory cannot be sold through the Company’s wholesale or retail outlets, additional reserves or write-offs to future earnings could be necessary. Conversely, if consumer demand is higher than expected, insufficient inventory levels could result in unfulfilled customer orders, loss of revenue and an unfavorable impact on customer relationships.  Failure to properly judge consumer demand and properly manage inventory could have a material adverse effect on profitability and liquidity.

An increase in product returns could negatively impact the Company’s operating results and profitability.

The Company recognizes revenue as sales when merchandise is shipped and title transfers to the customer.  The Company permits the return of damaged or defective products and accepts limited amounts of product returns in certain instances.  Accordingly, the Company provides allowances for the estimated amounts of these returns at the time of revenue recognition based on historical experience.  While such returns have historically been within management’s expectations and the provisions established, future return rates may differ from those experienced in the past.  Any significant increase in damaged or defective products or expected returns could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operating results for the period or periods in which such returns materialize.





 
14

 

The Company’s business relies on the use of independent parties to manufacture its products.  Any loss of an independent manufacturer, or the Company’s inability to deliver quality goods in a timely manner, could have an adverse effect on customer relations, brand image, net sales and results of operations.

The Company employs a flexible manufacturing model that relies primarily on independent manufacturers to meet shifts in marketplace demand.  All such independent manufacturers must achieve and maintain the Company’s high quality standards and specifications.  The inability of a manufacturer to ship orders in a timely manner or to meet the Company’s high quality standards and specifications could cause the Company to miss committed delivery dates with customers, which could result in cancellation of the customers’ orders.  In addition, delays in delivery of satisfactory products could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s profitability, particularly if the delays cause the Company to be unable to market certain products during the seasonal periods when its sales are typically higher.  See “Risk Factors – The Company’s business is seasonal, with sales traditionally greater during certain holiday seasons, so events and circumstances that adversely affect holiday consumer spending will have a disproportionately adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.”  A majority of the Swiss watch movements used in the manufacture of Movado, Ebel, Concord and ESQ watches are purchased from two suppliers, one of which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of one of the Company’s competitors.  Additionally, the Company does not have long-term supply commitments with its manufacturers and thus competes for production facilities with other organizations, some of which are larger and have greater resources.  Any loss of an independent manufacturer, or the Company’s inability to deliver quality goods in a timely manner, could have an adverse effect on customer relations, brand image, net sales and results of operations.

If the Company loses any of its license agreements, there may be significant loss of revenues and a negative effect on business.

The Company has the right to produce, market and distribute watches under the brand names of ESQ, Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, HUGO BOSS, Juicy Couture and Lacoste pursuant to license agreements with the respective owners of those trademarks.  There are certain minimum royalty payments as well as other requirements associated with these agreements.  Failure to meet any of these requirements could result in the loss of the license.  Additionally, after the term of any license agreement has concluded, the licensor may decide not to renew with the Company.  Any loss of one or more of the Company’s licenses could result in loss of future revenues which could adversely affect its financial condition.

Changes in the sales or channel mix of the Company’s products could impact gross profit margins.
 
The individual brands that are sold by the Company are sold at a wide range of price points and yield a variety of gross profit margins.  In addition, sales of excess and/or discontinued inventory into the liquidation channel generate a lower gross profit margin than non-liquidation sales. Thus, the mix of sales by brand as well as by distribution channel can have an impact on the gross profit margins of the Company.  If the Company’s sales mix shifts unfavorably toward brands with lower gross profit margins than the Company’s historical consolidated gross profit margin or if a greater proportion of liquidation sales are made, it could have an adverse effect on the results of operations.

 
15

 

The Company’s business is seasonal, with sales traditionally greater during certain holiday seasons, so events and circumstances that adversely affect holiday consumer spending will have a disproportionately adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.

The Company’s sales are seasonal by nature.  The Company’s U.S. sales are traditionally greater during the Christmas and holiday season.  Internationally, major selling seasons center on significant local holidays that occur in late winter or early spring.  The amount of net sales and operating income generated during these seasons depends upon the general level of retail sales at such times, as well as economic conditions and other factors beyond the Company’s control.  The second half of each year accounted for 58.4%, 49.9%, and 57.0% of the Company’s net sales for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.  In fiscal 2009, the Company did not experience the usual seasonality of its business due to the downturn in the economy, which resulted in the percentage of net sales for the second half of the fiscal year not being comparable to that in previous years.  If events or circumstances were to occur that negatively impact consumer spending during such holiday seasons, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s sales, profitability and results of operations.

Sales in the Company’s retail stores are dependent upon customer foot traffic.

In the United States, we are experiencing a significant slowdown in customer traffic.  The success of the Company’s retail stores is, to a certain extent, dependent upon the amount of customer foot traffic generated by the mall or outlet center in which those stores are located.  The majority of the Company’s Movado boutiques are located in upscale regional shopping centers throughout the United States, while the Company’s outlet stores are located primarily near vacation destinations.

Factors that can affect customer foot traffic include:

·  
the location of the mall;
·  
the location of the Company’s store within the mall;
·  
the other tenants in the mall;
·  
the occupancy rate of the mall;
·  
the success of mall and tenant advertising to attract customers;
·  
increased competition in areas surrounding the mall; and
·  
increased competition from shopping over the internet and other alternatives such as mail-order.

Additionally, since a number of the Company’s outlet stores are located near vacation destinations, factors that affect travel could decrease outlet center traffic.  Such factors include the price and supply of fuel, travel concerns and restrictions, international instability, terrorism and inclement weather.

A reduction in foot traffic in relevant malls or shopping centers could have a material adverse effect on retail sales and profitability.

If the Company is unable to maintain existing space or to lease new space for its retail stores in prime mall and outlet center locations or is unable to complete construction on a timely basis, the Company’s ability to achieve favorable results in its retail business could be adversely affected.

The Company’s boutiques and outlet stores are strategically located in the United States, respectively, in top malls and in outlet centers located primarily near vacation destinations.  If the Company cannot maintain and secure locations in prime malls and outlet centers for both the Movado boutiques and

 
16

 

outlet businesses, it could jeopardize the operations of the stores and business plans for the future. Additionally, if the Company cannot complete construction in new stores within the planned timeframes, cost overruns and lost revenue could adversely affect the profitability of the retail segment.

Current or future cost reduction, streamlining, restructuring or business optimization initiatives could result in the Company incurring various one-time, non-recurring or unusual charges and other items, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s reported earnings per share and other unadjusted financial measures.

In the course of the Company’s efforts to implement its business plan to adapt to the changing economic environment, the Company may be required to take actions that could result in the incurrence of various one-time, non-recurring or unusual charges and other items.  These charges and other items may include severance and relocation expenses, write-offs or write-downs of assets, impairment charges, facilities closure costs or other business optimization costs.  In general, these costs will reduce the Company’s operating income and net income (along with the associated unadjusted per share measures).  In addition, the difficult economic conditions may cause the Company to have higher rates of product returns or engage in sales of excess discontinued product or other surplus goods, which could reduce the Company’s unadjusted gross margins.  Therefore, such charges and other items could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s reported results of operations and the market price of the Company’s securities.

If the Company is unable to successfully implement its growth strategies, its future operating results could suffer.

There are certain risks involved in the Company seeking to expand its business through acquisitions, license agreements, joint ventures and initiatives such as the Movado boutique business.  There is risk involved with each of these.  Acquisitions and new license agreements require the Company to ensure that new brands will successfully complement the other brands in its portfolio.  The Company assumes the risk that the new brand will not be viewed by the public as favorably as its other brands.  In addition, the integration of an acquired company or licensed brand into the Company’s existing business can strain the Company’s current infrastructure with the additional work required and there can be no assurance that the integration of acquisitions or licensed brands will be successful or that acquisitions or licensed brands will generate sales increases.  The Company needs to ensure it has the adequate human resources and systems in place to allow for successful assimilation of new businesses.  The risk involved in the Movado boutique business is that the Company will not be able to successfully implement its business model.  In addition, the costs associated with leasehold improvements to current boutiques and the costs associated with opening new boutiques, or a failure of the boutiques to achieve desired financial results, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.  The inability to successfully implement its growth strategies could adversely affect the Company’s future financial condition and results of operations.

The loss or infringement of the Company’s trademarks or other intellectual property rights could have an adverse effect on future results of operations.

The Company believes that its trademarks and other intellectual property rights are vital to the competitiveness and success of its business and therefore it takes all appropriate actions to register and protect them.  Such actions may not be adequate to prevent imitation of the Company’s products or infringement of its intellectual property rights, or that others will not challenge the Company’s rights, or that such rights will be successfully defended.  In addition, six of the Company’s nine brands are subject

 
17

 

to license agreements with third parties under which the Company is required to make royalty payments and perform other obligations.  Default by the Company under any of these agreements could result in the licensor terminating the agreement and the Company losing its rights under the license.  Moreover, the laws of some foreign countries, including some in which the Company sells its products, may not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States, which could make it more difficult to successfully defend such challenges to them.  The Company’s inability to obtain or maintain rights in its trademarks, including its licensed marks, could have an adverse effect on brand image and future results of operations.

Fluctuations in the pricing of commodities or the cost of labor could adversely affect the Company’s ability to produce products at favorable prices.

Some of the Company’s higher-end watch offerings are made with materials such as diamonds, precious metals and gold.  The Company’s proprietary jewelry is manufactured with silver, gold and platinum, semi-precious and precious stones, and diamonds.  The Company relies on independent contractors to manufacture and assemble the majority of its watch brands and its entire jewelry offering.

A significant change in the prices of these commodities or the cost of third-party labor could adversely affect the Company’s business by:

 
·
reducing gross profit margins;
 
·
forcing an increase in suggested retail prices; which could lead to
 
·
decreasing consumer demand; which could lead to
 
·
higher inventory levels.

Any and all of the above events could adversely affect the Company’s future cash flow and results of operations.

The Company’s business is subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk.

A significant portion of the Company’s inventory purchases are denominated in Swiss francs.  The Company reduces its exposure to the Swiss franc exchange rate risk through a hedging program.  Under the hedging program, the Company manages most of its foreign currency exposures on a consolidated basis, which allows it to net certain exposures and take advantage of natural offsets.  In the event these exposures do not offset, the Company has the ability under the hedging program to utilize forward exchange contracts and purchased foreign currency options to mitigate foreign currency risk.  If these hedge instruments are unsuccessful at minimizing the risk or are deemed ineffective, any fluctuation of the Swiss franc exchange rate could impact the future results of operations.  Changes in currency exchange rates may also affect relative prices at which the Company and its foreign competitors sell products in the same market.  Additionally, a portion of the Company’s net sales are recorded in its foreign subsidiaries in a currency other than the local currency of that subsidiary.  This predominantly occurs in the Company’s Hong Kong and Swiss subsidiaries when they sell to Euro-based customers.  This exposure is not hedged by the Company.  Any fluctuation in the Euro exchange rate in relation to the Hong Kong dollar and Swiss franc would have an effect on these sales that are recorded in Euro.  The currency effect on these Euro sales has an equal effect on their recorded gross profit since the costs of these sales are recorded in the entities’ respective local currency.  Furthermore, since the Company’s consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars, revenues, income and expenses, as well as assets and liabilities of foreign currency denominated subsidiaries must be translated into U.S. dollars

 
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at exchange rates in effect during or at the end of each reporting period.  Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could adversely affect the Company’s reported revenues, earnings, financial position and the comparability of results of operations from period to period.

The Grinberg family owns a majority of the voting power of the Company’s stock.

Each share of common stock of the Company is entitled to one vote per share while each share of Class A Common Stock of the Company is entitled to ten votes per share.  While the members of the Grinberg family do not own a majority of the Company’s outstanding common stock, by their significant holdings of Class A Common Stock they control a majority of the voting power represented by all outstanding shares of both classes of stock.  Consequently, the Grinberg family is in a position to significantly influence any matters that are brought to a vote of the shareholders including, but not limited to, the election of the Board of Directors and any action requiring the approval of shareholders, including any amendments to the Company’s certificate of incorporation, mergers or sales of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets.  This concentration of ownership also may delay, defer or even prevent a change in control of the Company and make some transactions more difficult or impossible without the support of the Grinberg family.  These transactions might include proxy contests, tender offers, mergers or other purchases of common stock that could give stockholders the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-prevailing market price for shares of the Company’s common stock.

The Company’s stock price could fluctuate and possibly decline due to changes in revenue, operating results and cash flow.

The Company’s revenue, results of operations and cash flow can be affected by several factors, some of which are not within its control.  Those factors include, but are not limited to, those described as risk factors in this Item 1A and under “Forward-Looking Statements” on page 1.

Any or all of these factors could cause a decline in revenues or increased expenses, both of which could have an adverse effect on the results of operations.  If the Company’s earnings failed to meet the expectations of the public in any given period, the Company’s stock price could fluctuate and possibly decline.

If the Company were to lose its relationship with any of its key customers or distributors or any of such customers or distributors were to experience financial difficulties or go out of business, there may be a significant loss of revenue and operating results.

The Company’s customer base covers a wide range of distribution including national jewelry store chains, department stores, independent regional jewelers, licensed partner retail stores and a network of distributors in many countries throughout the world. The Company does not have long-term purchase contracts with its customers, nor does it have a significant backlog of unfilled orders. Customer purchasing decisions could vary with each selling season. A material change in the Company’s customers’ purchasing decisions could have an adverse effect on its revenue and operating results.

The Company extends credit to its customers based on an evaluation of each customer's financial condition usually without requiring collateral. Should any of the Company’s larger customers experience financial difficulties, it could result in the Company’s curtailing doing business with them, an increased rate of product returns or an increase in its exposure related to its accounts receivable. The inability to collect on these receivables could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial results.

 
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The credit crisis which has negatively  impacted the Company’s customers, suppliers and business partners may continue for some time, which in turn could materially and adversely affect its results of operations and liquidity.

The credit crisis which has had a significant negative impact on businesses around the world has also affected the Company’s customers, suppliers and business partners.  The duration of the credit crisis and the severity of its persistent effects cannot be predicted.  The inability of the Company’s manufacturers to ship products could impair the Company’s ability to meet delivery date requirements.  A disruption in the ability of the Company’s significant customers, distributors or licensees to access liquidity could cause serious disruptions or an overall deterioration of their businesses which could lead to a significant reduction in their future orders of the Company’s products and the inability or failure on their part to meet their payment obligations to the Company, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and liquidity.

The Company’s wholesale business could be negatively affected by further changes of ownership, contraction and consolidation in the retail industry.

A large portion of the Company’s U.S. wholesale business is based on sales to major jewelry store chains and department stores.  In recent years, the retail industry has experienced changes in ownership, contraction and consolidations, with a number of jewelry chain stores and department store operators going out of business and liquidating their inventory.  Future reorganizations, changes of ownership and consolidations could further reduce the number of retail doors in which the Company’s products are sold and increase the concentration of sales among fewer national or large regional retailers, which could materially adversely affect the Company’s wholesale business.

If the Company were to lose key members of management or be unable to attract and retain the talent required for the business, operating results could suffer.

The Company’s ability to execute key operating initiatives as well as to deliver product and marketing concepts appealing to target consumers depends largely on the efforts and abilities of key executives and senior management’s competencies.  The unexpected loss of one or more of these individuals could have an adverse effect on the future business. The Company cannot guarantee that it will be able to attract and retain the talent and skills needed in the future.

Continuing turmoil in the financial markets could continue to affect credit availability and increase the Company’s cost of borrowing.  If the Company cannot secure financing and credit on favorable terms, the Company’s financial condition and results of operation may be materially adversely affected.

The Company historically was able to secure financing and credit facilities with very favorable terms due to the Company’s financial stability and good relationships with its lending partners.  In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company was not in compliance with the interest coverage ratio covenant under certain of its then current debt agreements.  As a result, during second quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company entered into an asset-based senior secured revolving credit facility for $55.0 million, as amended, and its former credit and debt agreements were paid in full and terminated.  The fees and interest rates under the new facility are unfavorable when compared to the Company’s prior debt agreements.  In addition, availability under the Company’s amended asset-based revolving loan facility is based on a borrowing base which is the sum of a percentage of eligible accounts receivable and eligible inventory of the Borrowers and is subject to various availability blocks.  See “Management’s

 
20

 

Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources.”  If the Company cannot maintain low average debt levels or secure financing with favorable credit terms, the Company’s financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

U.S. and global credit and equity markets have recently undergone significant disruption, making it difficult for many businesses to obtain financing on acceptable terms.  If these conditions continue or worsen, the Company’s cost of borrowing may increase and it may be more difficult to obtain financing for the Company’s operations or to refinance long-term obligations as they become payable.  In addition, the Company’s borrowing costs can be affected by independent rating agencies’ short and long-term debt ratings which are based largely on the Company’s performance as measured by credit metrics including interest coverage and leverage ratios.  A decrease in these ratings would likely also increase the Company’s cost of borrowing and make it more difficult for it to obtain financing.  A significant increase in the costs the Company incurs in order to finance its operations may have a material adverse impact on its business results and financial condition.

A significant portion of the Company’s business is conducted outside of the United States.  Many factors affecting business activities outside the United States could adversely impact this business.

The Company produces all of its watches and a portion of its proprietary jewelry outside the United States, primarily in Europe and Asia. The Company also generates approximately 41% of its revenue from international sources.

Factors that could affect this business activity vary by region and market and generally include without limitation:

 
·
instability or changes in social, political and/or economic conditions that could disrupt the trade activity in the countries where the Company’s manufacturers, suppliers and customers are located;
 
·
the imposition of additional duties, taxes and other charges on imports and exports;
 
·
changes in foreign laws and regulations;
 
·
the adoption or expansion of trade sanctions;
 
·
recessions in foreign economies; and
 
·
a significant change in currency valuation in specific countries or markets.

The occurrence or consequences of any of these risks could affect the Company’s ability to operate in the affected regions. This could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial results.


None.







 
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The Company leases various facilities in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia for its corporate, manufacturing, distribution and sales operations. As of January 31, 2010, the Company’s leased facilities were as follows:

 
Location
 
Function
Square
Footage
Lease
Expiration
       
Moonachie, New Jersey
Watch assembly, distribution and repair
100,000
July 2019
Paramus, New Jersey
Executive offices
90,100
June 2013
Bienne, Switzerland
Corporate functions, watch sales, distribution, assembly and repair
 
53,560
 
 January 2012
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Watch sales, distribution and repair
13,960
March 2013
Villers le Lac, France
European service and watch distribution
12,800
 January 2016
Markham, Canada
Office, distribution and repair
11,200
August 2012
New York, New York
Public relations office, licensed brand showroom
9,900
August 2016
ChangAn Dongguan, China
Quality control and engineering
7,535
March 2010
Hackensack, New Jersey
Warehouse
6,600
July 2010
Munich, Germany
Watch sales
4,290
January 2012
Shanghai, China
Watch sales and distribution
3,550
August 2011
Coral Gables, Florida
Caribbean office, watch sales
2,880
January 2012
Grenchen, Switzerland
Watch sales
2,800
February 2011
Tokyo, Japan Watch sales 2,600 March 2010
Munich, Germany
Watch repair
2,200
December 2011
Singapore
Watch sales, distribution and repair
970
June 2010
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Watch sales
730
July 2010

All of the foregoing facilities are used exclusively in connection with the wholesale segment of the Company’s business except that a portion of the Company’s executive office space in Paramus, New Jersey is used in connection with management of its retail business.

The Company owns two properties totaling approximately 33,000 square feet located in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland used for manufacturing, storage and public relations.  In addition, the Company acquired an architecturally significant building in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 2004 as part of its acquisition of Ebel.

The Company also owns approximately 2,500 square feet of office space in Hanau, Germany, which it previously used for sales, distribution and watch repair functions.

The Company also leases retail space for the operation of 27 Movado boutiques in the United States, each of which averages 2,200 square feet per store with leases expiring from January 2011 to June 2017.  In addition, the Company leases retail space averaging 1,800 square feet per store with leases expiring from March 2010 to January 2019 for the operation of the Company’s 31 outlet stores in the United States.

The Company believes that its existing facilities are suitable and adequate for its current operations.


 
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Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

The Company is involved in pending legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business.  Although the outcome of such matters cannot be determined with certainty, the Company’s general counsel and management believe that the final outcome of currently pending legal proceedings, individually or in aggregate, would not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In the case of Bertha V. Norman, et al. v. Movado Company Store, United States District Court, Central District of California, 2008-cv-6691, which the parties have agreed to settle, plaintiffs sought unspecified damages based on alleged claims against Movado Retail Group, Inc. (“MRG”) for: failure to allow meal periods and rest periods; failure to pay minimum wages and overtime wages; failure to provide itemized wage statements;  violation of the California business and professions code; and failure to pay wages due at termination sought waiting time penalties pursuant to the California labor code.  The settlement, which was preliminarily approved by the Court, provides for the Company to pay a stipulated amount representing plaintiffs’ attorney’s fees and costs and compensation for class members who timely submit claim forms. The Company has previously booked a reserve which it believes is adequate to cover the entire settlement amount.

 
Item 4.  (Reserved)


 
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PART II

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

As of March 23, 2010, there were 52 holders of record of Class A Common Stock and, the Company estimates, 5,700 beneficial owners of the common stock represented by 561 holders of record.  The common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “MOV” and on March 23, 2010, the closing price of the common stock was $11.79. The quarterly high and low closing prices for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

   
Fiscal Year Ended
   
Fiscal Year Ended
 
   
January 31, 2010
   
January 31, 2009
 
Quarter Ended
 
Low
   
High
   
Low
   
High
 
                         
April 30
  $ 4.70     $ 9.22     $ 17.38     $ 26.02  
July 31
  $ 7.20     $ 14.61     $ 18.91     $ 23.09  
October 31
  $ 10.48     $ 15.02     $ 12.06     $ 25.59  
January 31
  $ 9.22     $ 11.81     $ 6.64     $ 15.09  

In connection with the October 7, 1993 public offering, each share of the then currently existing Class A Common Stock was converted into 10.46 shares of new Class A Common Stock, par value of $0.01 per share (the “Class A Common Stock”).  Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote per share and each share of Class A Common Stock is entitled to 10 votes per share on all matters submitted to a vote of the shareholders.  Each holder of Class A Common Stock is entitled to convert, at any time, any and all such shares into the same number of shares of common stock.  Each share of Class A Common Stock is converted automatically into common stock in the event that the beneficial or record ownership of such shares of Class A Common Stock is transferred to any person, except to certain family members or affiliated persons deemed “permitted transferees” pursuant to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation as amended. The Class A Common Stock is not publicly traded and consequently, there is currently no established public trading market for these shares.

On March 27, 2007, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the quarterly cash dividend rate from $0.06 to $0.08 per share.  On January 15, 2009, the Board approved a decrease in the quarterly cash dividend rate from $0.08 to $0.05 per share.  On April 9, 2009, the Company announced that the Board has decided to discontinue the quarterly cash dividend.  Cash dividends paid were $1.2 million, $5.9 million and $8.3 million in fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The $1.2 million cash dividend paid in fiscal 2010 was declared at the end of fiscal 2009.  The declaration and payment of future dividends, if any, needs to be approved by the Board and will depend upon the Company’s profitability, financial condition, capital and surplus requirements, future prospects, terms of indebtedness and other factors deemed relevant by the Board.   See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements regarding contractual restrictions on the Company’s ability to pay dividends.

On December 4, 2007, the Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to one million shares of the Company’s common stock.  Shares of common stock were repurchased from time to time as market conditions warranted through open market transactions.  The objective of the program was to reduce or eliminate earnings per share dilution caused by the shares of common stock issued upon the exercise of stock options and in connection with other equity based compensation plans.  As of April 14, 2008, the Company had completed the one million share repurchase during the fourth quarter of fiscal

 
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2008 and the first quarter of fiscal 2009, at a total cost of approximately $19.4 million, or $19.41 per share.

On April 15, 2008, the Board of Directors announced a new authorization to repurchase up to an additional one million shares of the Company’s common stock.  Under this authorization, the Company has the option to repurchase shares over time, with the amount and timing of repurchases depending on market conditions and corporate needs.  The Company entered into a Rule 10b5-1 plan to facilitate repurchases of its shares under this authorization.  A Rule 10b5-1 plan permits a company to repurchase shares at times when it might otherwise be prevented from doing so, provided the plan is adopted when the company is not aware of material non-public information.  The Company may suspend or discontinue the repurchase of stock at any time.  Under this share repurchase program, the Company had repurchased a total of 937,360 shares of common stock in the open market during the first and second quarters of fiscal 2009 at a total cost of approximately $19.5 million or $20.79 per share.  During the twelve months ended January 31, 2010, the Company did not repurchase shares of common stock under this plan.

In addition to the shares repurchased pursuant to the Company’s share repurchase programs, an aggregate of 344,614 shares have been repurchased during the twelve months ended January 31, 2010, as a result of the surrender of shares in connection with the vesting of certain stock awards and the exercise of certain stock options.  At the election of an employee, upon the vesting of a stock award or the exercise of a stock option, shares having an aggregate value on the vesting or the exercise date as the case may be, equal to the employee’s withholding tax obligation may be surrendered to the Company by netting them from the vested shares issued.  Similarly, shares having an aggregate value equal to the exercise price of an option may be tendered to the Company in payment of the option exercise price and netted from the shares issued upon the option exercise.























 
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The following table summarizes information about the Company’s purchases for the year ended January 31, 2010 of equity securities that are registered by the Company pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:

Issuer Repurchase of Equity Securities
 
Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
   
Average Price Paid Per Share
   
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
   
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
 
February 1, 2009 - February 28, 2009
    2,835     $ 7.29       -       62,640  
March 1,  2009 - March 31, 2009
    2,848     $ 8.24       -       62,640  
April 1, 2009 – April 30, 2009
    -     $ -       -       62,640  
May 1, 2009 – May 31, 2009
    -     $ -       -       62,640  
June 1, 2009 – June 30, 2009
    308     $ 9.39       -       62,640  
July 1, 2009 – July 31, 2009
    -     $ -       -       62,640  
August 1, 2009 – August 31, 2009
    -     $ -       -       62,640  
September 1, 2009 – September 30, 2009
    338,623     $ 13.74       -       62,640  
October 1, 2009 – October 31, 2009
    -     $ -       -       62,640  
November 1, 2009 – November 30, 2009
    -     $ -       -       62,640  
December 1, 2009 – December 31, 2009
    -     $ -       -       62,640  
January 1, 2010 – January 31, 2010
    -     $ -       -       62,640  
Total
    344,614     $ 13.64       -       62,640  
























 
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PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The performance graph set forth below compares the cumulative total shareholder return of the Company’s common stock for the last five fiscal years through the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010 with that of the Broad Market (NYSE Stock Market – U.S. Companies), the S&P SmallCap 600 index and the Russell 2000 index.  Each index assumes an initial investment of $100 on January 31, 2005 and the reinvestment of dividends (where applicable).
 

Graph 1-31-10

Company Name / Index
 
1/31/05
   
1/31/06
   
1/31/07
   
1/31/08
   
1/31/09
   
1/31/10
 
                                     
Movado Group, Inc.
    100.0       104.79       160.82       137.25       44.36       63.13  
S&P SmallCap 600 Index
    100.0       119.40       129.44       120.27       76.09       105.75  
NYSE (U.S. Companies)
    100.0       112.04       129.69       128.26       82.89       109.88  
Russell 2000 Index
    100.0       118.89       131.31       118.45       74.81       103.10  


 
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Item 6.  Selected Financial Data

The selected financial data presented below has been derived from the Consolidated Financial Statements.  This information should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, the Consolidated Financial Statements and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in Item 7 of this report.  Amounts are in thousands except per share amounts:

   
Fiscal Year Ended January 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Statement of income data:
                             
Net sales (1)
  $ 378,396     $ 460,857     $ 559,550     $ 532,865     $ 470,941  
Cost of sales (2)
    193,857       175,913       225,545       212,131       186,076  
Gross profit (1) (2)
    184,539       284,944       334,005       320,734       284,865  
Selling, general and administrative (3) (4) (5) (6)
    220,965       281,554       283,228       268,415       236,828  
Operating (loss) / income (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
    (36,426 )     3,390       50,777       52,319       48,037  
Other income, net  (7) (8) (9)
    -       681       -       1,347       1,008  
Interest expense
    (4,533 )     (2,915 )     (3,472 )     (3,785 )     (4,574 )
Interest income
    111       2,132       4,666       3,280       465  
(Loss) / income before taxes and noncontrolling interests
    (40,848 )     3,288       51,971       53,161       44,936  
Provision for / (benefit from) income taxes (10) (11) (12) (13) (14)
    13,553       736       (9,471 )     2,890       18,319  
Net (loss) / income
    (54,401 )     2,552       61,442       50,271       26,617  
Less: Net income attributed to noncontrolling interests
    224       237       637       133       -  
Net (loss) / income attributed to Movado Group, Inc.
  $ (54,625 )   $ 2,315     $ 60,805     $ 50,138     $ 26,617  
Net (loss) / income per share-Basic
  $ (2.23 )   $ 0.09     $ 2.33     $ 1.95     $ 1.05  
Net (loss) / income per share-Diluted
  $ (2.23 )   $ 0.09     $ 2.23     $ 1.87     $ 1.02  
Basic shares outstanding
    24,541       24,782       26,049       25,670       25,273  
Diluted shares outstanding
    24,541       25,554       27,293       26,794       26,180  
Cash dividends declared and paid per share
  $ -     $ 0.29     $ 0.32     $ 0.24     $ 0.20  
Balance sheet data (end of period):
                                       
Working capital (15)
  $ 321,928     $ 306,168     $ 419,632     $ 383,422     $ 366,530  
Total assets
  $ 469,377     $ 563,990     $ 646,216     $ 577,618     $ 549,919  
Total long-term debt (15)
  $ 10,000     $ -     $ 60,895     $ 80,196     $ 109,955  
Shareholders’ equity
  $ 369,568     $ 399,259     $ 463,053     $ 378,359     $ 321,678  

(1)   
Fiscal 2008 net sales includes a non-cash charge for estimated returns in the amount of $15.0 million and gross profit and operating income include a non-cash charge of $11.0 million, related to the closing of certain wholesale customer doors in the U.S.
(2)   
Fiscal 2010 includes a non-cash reserve of $8.8 million primarily for excess non-core component inventory.
(3)   
Fiscal 2010 includes non-cash charges totaling $7.6 million related to asset write-downs, primarily with respect to certain Movado boutiques and trade booths for the Basel fair.
(4)   
Fiscal 2009 includes a pre-tax charge of $11.1 million associated with the Company’s expense reduction initiatives and a restructuring of certain benefit arrangements.
 
(5)
Fiscal 2009 includes a non-cash impairment charge of $4.5 million related to asset write-downs.
        (6)   Fiscal 2007 includes a one-time benefit of $2.2 million for an out-of-period adjustment related to foreign currency.
 
(7)
Fiscal 2009 other income consists of a pre-tax gain of $0.7 million on the collection of life insurance proceeds from policies covering the Company’s former Chairman.

 
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(8)
Fiscal 2007 other income consists of a pre-tax gain of $0.8 million on the sale of artwork, a pre-tax gain of $0.4 million on the sale of a building and a pre-tax gain of $0.1 million on the sale of rights to a web domain name.
 
(9)
Fiscal 2006 other income consists of a pre-tax gain of $2.6 million on the sale of a building offset by a pre-tax loss of $1.6 million representing the impact of the discontinuation of foreign currency cash flow hedges because it was not probable that the forecasted transactions would occur by the end of the originally specified time period.
  (10)  
Fiscal 2010 effective tax rate of -33.18% includes a charge for the establishment of a full valuation allowance on domestic net deferred tax assets of $21.4 million, somewhat offset by a benefit of $7.9 million resulting from a U.S. tax law change, allowing for an effective 5 year carryback for tax losses originating in either fiscal 2009 or fiscal 2010.
(11)   
Fiscal 2009 effective tax rate of 22.4% includes tax accrued on the future repatriation of foreign earnings of $7.4 million somewhat offset by a release of valuation allowances on foreign tax losses of $3.0 million.
      (12)
Fiscal 2008 effective tax benefit of $9.5 million, or rate of -18.2%, reflects a result of the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits due to the settlement of the IRS audit for fiscal years 2004 through 2006 ($12.5 million) and the release of valuation allowances in whole or part on Swiss and UK tax losses ($7.6 million).
      (13)
Fiscal 2007 effective tax rate of 5.4% reflects a partial release of the valuation allowance on Swiss tax losses.
      (14)
Fiscal 2006 effective tax rate of 40.8% reflects a tax charge of $7.5 million associated with repatriated foreign earnings under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.
      (15)
The Company defines working capital as current assets less current liabilities.  In fiscal 2009 the Company reclassified $65.0 million of outstanding debt from non-current liabilities to current liabilities, due to the non-compliance with the interest coverage ratio covenant under certain of its current debt agreements.

 
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Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

GENERAL

Net sales.  The Company operates and manages its business in two principal business segments – Wholesale and Retail.  The Company also operates in two geographic segments – United States and International.  The Company divides its watch brands into three distinct categories: luxury, accessible luxury and licensed brands.  The luxury category consists of the Ebel and Concord brands.  The accessible luxury category consists of the Movado and ESQ brands.  The licensed brands category represents brands distributed under license agreements and includes Coach, HUGO BOSS, Juicy Couture, Lacoste and Tommy Hilfiger.

The primary factors that influence annual sales are general economic conditions in the Company’s U.S. and international markets, new product introductions, the level and effectiveness of advertising and marketing expenditures and product pricing decisions.  Economic conditions around the world began to deteriorate in fiscal 2009.  While there have been recent indications that the economy may have stabilized and started to recover, future global economic conditions remain highly uncertain.  The level of consumer spending remains weak.  Additionally, the jewelry industry has experienced an unprecedented level of chain and department store operators going out of business and liquidating their inventory.  As the Company continues to manage its way through these difficult times, it is taking, and will continue to take, appropriate actions to address challenges in the marketplace and more strongly position the Company for the future, however the negative impact of the economic downturn could continue to negatively impact the Company’s sales and financial results into fiscal 2011.

Approximately 41% of the Company’s total sales are from international markets and therefore reported sales made in those markets are affected by foreign exchange rates. The Company’s international sales are billed in local currencies (predominantly Euros and Swiss francs) and translated to U.S. dollars at average exchange rates for financial reporting purposes.

The Company’s business is seasonal.  There are two major selling seasons in the Company’s markets: the spring season, which includes school graduations and several holidays and, most importantly, the Christmas and holiday season. Major selling seasons in certain international markets center on significant local holidays that occur in late winter or early spring.  The Company’s net sales historically have been higher during the second half of the fiscal year.  The second half of each year accounted for 58.4%, 49.9%, and 57.0% of the Company’s net sales for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.  In fiscal 2009, the Company did not experience the usual seasonality of its business due to the downturn in the economy, which resulted in the percentage of net sales for the second half of the fiscal year not being comparable to that in previous years.

The Company’s retail operations consist of 27 Movado boutiques and 31 outlet stores located throughout the United States.  The Company does not have any retail operations outside of the United States.

The significant factors that influence annual sales volumes in the Company’s retail operations are similar to those that influence U.S. wholesale sales.  In addition, many of the Company’s outlet stores are located near vacation destinations and, therefore, the seasonality of these stores is driven by the peak tourist seasons associated with these locations.

 
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In fiscal 2008, as part of the Company’s Movado brand strategy, the Company streamlined the Movado brand wholesale distribution in the United States from 4,000 wholesale customer doors to approximately 2,600 doors, representing a 35% reduction.  A wholesale customer door could be either a single store within a department store chain or an independent jewelry store.  These least productive doors represented approximately $10.0 million of Movado brand sales during the year ended January 31, 2008, or less than 2% of the Company’s consolidated revenue.  The Company recorded a one-time accrual of $15.0 million during its 2008 fiscal year related to future sales returns associated with the reduction of these wholesale customer doors.  These sales returns were completed during fiscal 2009.

The Company for fiscal 2011 will be focused on executing the strategies that are designed to return the Company to sustainable revenue growth.  The Company will seek to build its business within its core portfolio of brands – Movado, Ebel and ESQ by Movado – through a renewed focus on product innovation, an improved execution of product segmentation and pricing, and an increased investment in marketing to strengthen its brands’ position in the marketplace.  The Company will also seek to continue to execute its growth strategies within its licensed brand portfolio.  The Company will also focus on strategies to reduce the negative contribution in the areas of its business that are underperforming.

Gross Margins.  The Company’s overall gross margins are primarily affected by four major factors: brand and product sales mix, product pricing strategy, manufacturing costs and fluctuation in currency rates, in particular the relationship between the U.S. dollar and the Swiss franc and the Euro.  Gross margins for the Company may not be comparable to those of other companies, since some companies include all the costs related to their distribution networks in cost of sales whereas the Company does not include the costs associated with its U.S. and Asia warehousing and distribution facilities nor the occupancy costs for the retail segment in the cost of sales line item.

Gross margins vary among the brands included in the Company’s portfolio and also among watch models within each brand.  Watches in the luxury category generally earn lower gross margin percentages than watches in the accessible luxury category.  Gross margins in the Company’s outlet business are lower than those of the wholesale business since the outlets primarily sell seconds and discontinued models that generally command lower selling prices.  Gross margins in the Movado boutiques are affected by the mix of product sold.  The margins from the sale of watches are greater than those from the sale of jewelry and accessories.  Gross margins from the sale of watches in the Movado boutiques also exceed those of the wholesale business since the Company earns margins from manufacture to point of sale to the consumer.

All of the Company’s brands compete with a number of other brands on the basis of not only styling but also wholesale and retail price.  The Company’s ability to improve margins through price increases is therefore, to some extent, constrained by competitors’ actions.

Costs of sales of the Company’s products consist primarily of component costs, assembly costs and unit overhead costs associated with the Company’s supply chain operations in Switzerland and Asia.  The Company’s supply chain operations consist of logistics management of assembly operations and product sourcing in Switzerland and Asia and assembly in Switzerland. Through productivity improvement efforts, the Company has controlled the level of overhead costs and maintained flexibility in its cost structure by outsourcing a significant portion of its component and assembly requirements.

 
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In fiscal 2010, the Company recorded a non-cash reserve of $8.8 million primarily for excess non-core component inventory.  This resulted from the Company’s decision that it was not economically prudent to invest additional cash and effort to convert these components into finished goods.

Since a substantial amount of the Company’s product costs are incurred in Swiss francs, fluctuations in the U.S. dollar/Swiss franc exchange rate can impact the Company’s cost of goods sold and, therefore, its gross margins.  The Company reduces its exposure to the Swiss franc exchange rate risk through a hedging program.  Under the hedging program, the Company manages most of its foreign currency exposures on a consolidated basis, which allows it to net certain exposures and take advantage of natural offsets.  In the event these exposures do not offset, the Company has the ability to hedge its Swiss franc purchases using a combination of forward contracts and purchased currency options.  The Company’s hedging program had the effect of minimizing the exchange rate impact on product costs and gross margins for fiscal years 2009 and 2008.  In fiscal 2010, the Company decided not to hedge a significant portion of the Company’s Swiss francs purchases which, as a result of the unfavorable Swiss franc foreign exchange rate, had a negative effect on the recorded gross margins.  Additionally, a portion of the Company’s net sales are recorded in its foreign subsidiaries in a currency other than the local currency of that subsidiary.  This predominantly occurs in the Company’s Hong Kong and Swiss subsidiaries when they sell to Euro-based customers.  This exposure is not hedged by the Company.  Any fluctuation in the Euro exchange rate in relation to the Hong Kong dollar and Swiss franc would have an effect on these sales that are recorded in Euro.  The currency effect on these Euro sales has an equal effect on their recorded gross profit since the costs of these sales are recorded in the entities’ respective local currency.

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses. The Company’s SG&A expenses consist primarily of marketing, selling, distribution and general and administrative expenses.  During the second half of fiscal 2009, the Company announced initiatives designed to streamline operations, reduce expenses, and improve efficiencies and effectiveness across the Company’s global organization.  In fiscal 2009, the Company recorded a total pre-tax charge of $11.1 million related to the completion of these programs and a restructuring of certain benefit arrangements.  In fiscal 2010, the Company recorded a non-cash pre-tax charge of $7.6 million related to the write-down of long-lived assets related to certain Movado boutiques and trade booths for the Basel fair.  Additionally, in fiscal 2009, the Company recorded a non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of $4.5 million, related to the write-down of long-lived assets related to certain Movado boutiques.

Annual marketing expenditures are based principally on overall strategic considerations relative to maintaining or increasing market share in markets that management considers to be crucial to the Company’s continued success as well as on general economic conditions in the various markets around the world in which the Company sells its products. Marketing expenses include various forms of media advertising, co-operative advertising with customers and distributors and other point-of-sale marketing and promotion spending.  For fiscal 2011, the Company plans to significantly increase its investment in marketing and advertisement in order to elevate its connection to consumers and better position its brands in the marketplace.

Selling expenses consist primarily of salaries, sales commissions, sales force travel and related expenses, expenses associated with Baselworld, the annual watch and jewelry trade show, and other industry trade shows and operating costs incurred in connection with the Company’s retail business. Sales commissions vary with overall sales levels. Retail selling expenses consist primarily of payroll related and store occupancy costs.

 
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Distribution expenses consist primarily of salaries of distribution staff, rental and other occupancy costs, security, depreciation and amortization of furniture and leasehold improvements and shipping supplies.

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and other employee compensation, employee benefit plan costs, office rent, management information systems costs, professional fees, bad debts, depreciation and amortization of furniture and leasehold improvements, patent and trademark expenses and various other general corporate expenses.

Interest Expense.  The Company records interest expense on its private placement notes as well as on its revolving credit facilities.  Additionally, interest expense includes the amortization of deferred financing costs associated with the Company’s credit facility.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and those significant policies are more fully described in Note 1 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.  The preparation of these financial statements and the application of certain critical accounting policies require management to make judgments based on estimates and assumptions that affect the information reported. On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to sales discounts and markdowns, product returns, bad debt, inventories, income taxes, warranty obligations, impairments and contingencies and litigation.  Management bases its estimates and judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources on historical experience, contractual commitments and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from these estimates.  Management believes the following are the critical accounting policies requiring significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

In the wholesale segment, the Company recognizes revenue upon transfer of title and risk of loss in accordance with its FOB shipping point terms of sale and after the sales price is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured.  In the retail segment, transfer of title and risk of loss occurs at the time of register receipt.  The Company records estimates for sales returns, volume-based programs and sales and cash discount allowances as a reduction of revenue in the same period that the sales are recorded.  These estimates are based upon historical analysis, customer agreements and/or currently known factors that arise in the normal course of business.  While returns have historically been within the Company’s expectations and the provisions established, future return rates may differ from those experienced in the past.  In the event that returns are authorized at a rate significantly higher than the Company’s historic rate, the resulting returns could have an adverse impact on its operating results for the period in which such results materialize.  In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company recorded a one-time charge of $15.0 million related to estimated sales returns associated with the streamlining of the Movado brand wholesale distribution in the U.S. consisting of the planned reduction of approximately 1,400 wholesale customer doors.  These sales returns were completed during fiscal 2009.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable are reduced by an allowance for amounts that may be uncollectible in the future.  Estimates are used in determining the allowance for doubtful accounts and are based on an analysis of

 
33

 

the aging of accounts receivable, assessments of collectability based on historic trends, the financial condition of the Company’s customers and an evaluation of economic conditions.  In general, while the actual bad debt losses have historically been within the Company’s expectations and the allowances established, there can be no guarantee that the Company will continue to experience the same bad debt loss rates in the future.  As of January 31, 2010, except for those accounts provided for in the reserve for doubtful accounts, the Company knew of no situations with any of the Company’s major customers which would indicate the customer’s inability to make their required payments.

Inventories

The Company values its inventory at the lower of cost or market.  The Company’s U.S. inventory is valued using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.  The cost of finished goods and component inventories, held by international subsidiaries, are determined using average cost. The Company’s management regularly reviews its sales to customers and customers’ sell-through at retail to evaluate the adequacy of inventory reserves. Inventory classified as discontinued, together with the related component parts which can be assembled into saleable finished goods, is sold primarily through the Company’s outlet stores.  When management determines that finished product is unsaleable or that it is impractical to build the remaining components into watches for sale, a reserve is established for the cost of those products and components to value the inventory at the lower of cost or market.  The Company performs an annual review of its on-hand inventory to determine amounts, if any, of inventory that is deemed discontinued, excess, or unsaleable.  During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010, the Company conducted its review and identified excess non-core components.  The Company made the decision that it was not economically prudent to invest additional cash and effort to convert these components into finished goods, and subsequently recorded a reserve of $8.8 million in cost of sales.  During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, the Company went through a process of scrapping unsaleable inventory and components which were reserved for and recorded as cost of sales in previous fiscal years.  During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2008, the Company conducted its review and identified excess discontinued components and watches.  In doing so, the Company made an economic decision to convert these excess quantities of discontinued inventory into cash using an independent third party.  In addition, where it was not deemed economically feasible to invest the time, effort and/or cost, the Company initiated efforts to cleanse the inventory and scrap the product.  The Company’s estimates, based on which it establishes its inventory reserves, could vary significantly, either favorably or unfavorably, from actual requirements depending on future economic conditions, customer inventory levels or competitive conditions.

Long-Lived Assets

The Company periodically reviews the estimated useful lives of its depreciable assets based on factors including historical experience, the expected beneficial service period of the asset, the quality and durability of the asset and the Company’s maintenance policy including periodic upgrades. Changes in useful lives are made on a prospective basis unless factors indicate the carrying amounts of the assets may not be recoverable and an impairment write-down is necessary.

The Company performs an impairment review of its long-lived assets once events or changes in circumstances indicate, in management's judgment, that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable in accordance with the accounting guidance for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets.  When such a determination has been made, management compares the carrying value of the assets with their estimated future undiscounted cash flows.  If it is determined that an impairment loss

 
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has occurred, the loss is recognized during that period. The impairment loss is calculated as the difference between asset carrying values and the fair value of the long-lived assets.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company determined that the carrying value of its long-lived assets with respect to certain Movado boutiques was not recoverable.  The review was performed because of the ongoing difficult economic conditions that had a negative effect on the Company’s fourth quarter ended January 31, 2009, the retail segment’s largest quarter of the year in terms of sales and profitability.  As a result, the Company recorded a non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of $4.5 million related to the write-down of property, plant and equipment.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company determined that the carrying value of its long-lived assets primarily with respect to certain Movado boutiques and trade booths for the Basel fair were not recoverable.  The review was performed because of the ongoing difficult economic conditions that had a negative effect on the Company’s fourth quarter ended January 31, 2010, the retail segment’s largest quarter of the year in terms of sales and profitability.  As a result, the Company recorded a non-cash pre-tax charge of $7.6 million related to write-downs of property, plant and equipment.  These charges were calculated as the difference between the assets’ carrying values and their estimated fair value.  For the purposes of these calculations, fair value was determined using a discounted cash flow calculation.  These charges are included in the selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Warranties

All watches sold by the Company come with limited warranties covering the movement against defects in material and workmanship for periods ranging from two to three years from the date of purchase, with the exception of Tommy Hilfiger watches, for which the warranty period is ten years.  In addition, the warranty period is five years for the gold plating on certain Movado watch cases and bracelets.  The Company records an estimate for future warranty costs based on historical repair costs.  Warranty costs have historically been within the Company’s expectations and the provisions established. If such costs were to substantially exceed estimates, this could have an adverse effect on the Company’s operating results.

Stock-Based Compensation

On February 1, 2006, the Company adopted the accounting guidance for share-based payment, electing to use the modified prospective application transition method, and accordingly, prior period financial statements have not been restated.  Under this method, the fair value of all stock options granted after adoption and the unvested portion of previously granted awards must be recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to calculate the fair value of each option at the grant date which requires that certain assumptions be made.  The expected life of stock option grants is determined using historical data and represents the time period which the stock option is expected to be outstanding until it is exercised.  The risk free interest rate is the yield on the grant date of U.S. Treasury constant maturities with a maturity date closest to the expected life of the stock option.  The expected stock price volatility is derived from historical volatility and calculated based on the estimated term structure of the stock option grant.  The expected dividend yield is calculated using the expected annualized dividend which remains constant during the expected term of the option.

This accounting guidance requires that compensation expense for equity instruments be accrued based on the estimated number of instruments for which the requisite service is expected to be rendered.  Additionally, for performance based awards, compensation expense should be accrued only if it is

 
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probable that the performance condition will be achieved.  The Company reviews the estimates of forfeitures and the probability of performance conditions being achieved at each reporting period.  Any changes to compensation expense as a result of a change in these estimates are reflected in the period of change.  During fiscal years 2009 and 2010, as a result of the deteriorating global economy, it became apparent that the performance goals for certain Long Term Incentive Plan grants would not be achieved.  This resulted in the reversal of previously accrued stock-based compensation expenses of approximately $3.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

Income Taxes

The Company follows accounting guidance for income taxes.  Under the asset and liability method of this guidance, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax laws and tax rates in each jurisdiction where the Company operates, and applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities due to a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  In addition, the amounts of any future tax benefits are reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent such benefits are not expected to be realized on a more-likely-than-not basis.  The Company calculates estimated income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which it operates. This process involves estimating actual current tax expense along with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for both book and tax purposes.

The Company adopted guidance for accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, on February 1, 2007.  This guidance clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement standard for the financial statement recognition and measurement of an income tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  This guidance also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosures and transitions.  The Company previously recognized income tax positions based on management’s estimate of whether it was reasonably possible that a liability had been incurred for unrecognized tax benefits by applying the guidance for accounting for contingencies.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following is a discussion of the results of operations for fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 along with a discussion of the changes in financial condition during fiscal 2010.

The following are net sales by business segment (in thousands):

   
Fiscal Year Ended January 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
Wholesale:
                 
United States
  $ 139,485     $ 165,829     $ 235,093  
International
    155,455       205,520       231,338  
Retail
    83,456       89,508       93,119  
Net sales
  $ 378,396     $ 460,857     $ 559,550  


 
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The following table presents the Company’s results of operations expressed as a percentage of net sales for the fiscal years indicated:

   
Fiscal Year Ended January 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
% of net sales
   
% of net sales
   
% of net sales
 
                   
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Gross margin
    48.8 %     61.8 %     59.7 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    58.4 %     61.1 %     50.6 %
Operating (loss) / income
    (9.6 )%     0.7 %     9.1 %
Other income
    0.0 %     0.2 %     0.0 %
Interest expense
    1.2 %     0.6 %     0.6 %
Interest income
    0.1 %     0.5 %     0.8 %
Provision / (benefit) for income taxes
    3.6 %     0.2 %     (1.7 )%
Noncontrolling interests
    0.1 %     0.1 %     0.1 %
Net (loss) / income attributed to Movado Group, Inc.
    (14.4 )%     0.5 %     10.9 %

Fiscal 2010 Compared to Fiscal 2009

Net Sales

Net sales in fiscal 2010 were $378.4 million, below prior year by $82.5 million or 17.9%.  Excluding $14.6 million of liquidation of excess discontinued inventory in the current period, fiscal 2010 net sales were below prior year by $97.1 million, or 21.1%.  The Company is presenting net sales excluding sales of excess discontinued inventory because the Company believes that it is useful to eliminate the effect of this item in order to improve the comparability of the Company’s results for the periods presented.  As a result of the stronger average U.S. dollar during fiscal 2010 when compared to the prior year, and the resulting translation of the international subsidiaries’ financial results, the effect of foreign currency fluctuations decreased fiscal 2010 net sales by $2.2 million when compared to the prior year.

United States Wholesale Net Sales

Net sales in fiscal 2010 in the U.S. wholesale segment were $139.5 million, representing a 15.9% decrease from prior year sales of $165.8 million.  Excluding $14.6 million of liquidation of excess discontinued inventory in the current year period, fiscal 2010 net sales were below prior year by $40.9 million, or 24.7%.  (The remaining discussion in this paragraph excludes the impact of the liquidation sales of excess discontinued inventory.)  The decrease in U.S. wholesale net sales of $40.9 million was primarily due to lower sales in the accessible luxury category of $35.6 million, or 33.4% below the prior year.  Additionally, lower sales of $6.0 million were recorded in the luxury category.  The decrease in U.S. wholesale net sales recorded in both the luxury and accessible luxury categories was primarily attributable to the unfavorable impact of the ongoing difficult U.S. economic environment.  During fiscal 2010, the Company experienced an unprecedented level of U.S. jewelry retailers closing their operations and liquidating their inventories.  As a result, the Company took actions to more closely manage its business in this environment and limit credit risks.  Additionally, during fiscal 2010 the U.S. wholesale segment experienced significant destocking by jewelry retailers as they slowed their replenishment and reduced open-to-buy levels.  Net sales in the licensed brand category were above

 
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prior year by $1.7 million.  The increase in licensed brand sales was primarily driven by the slight recovery over the prior year’s sales that were negatively affected by the downturn in the U.S. economy.  The licensed brand category has favorable pricing when compared to the luxury and the accessible luxury categories, making the licensed brand category watches more attractive to consumers who are tightly managing their spending.

International Wholesale Net Sales

Net sales in fiscal 2010 in the international wholesale segment were $155.5 million, representing a 24.4% decrease from prior year sales of $205.5 million.  The decrease in international wholesale net sales of $50.0 million was primarily due to lower sales recorded in the luxury and licensed brand categories.  Net sales in the luxury category were below prior year by $25.6 million or 47.0%.  Net sales in the licensed brand category were below prior year by $18.8 million or 17.8%.  Additionally, lower sales were also recorded in the accessible luxury category of $5.9 million, or 16.2% below the prior year.  The decrease in international wholesale net sales recorded in all watch categories was primarily attributable to the unfavorable impact of the ongoing difficult global economic environment.  In fiscal 2010, the international segment was negatively affected more so than the U.S. segment as the downturn in the global economic environment affected the Company’s sales in the U.S. in fiscal 2009 and did not have a major effect on other markets such as Europe and the Middle East until fiscal 2010.  As a result of the stronger average U.S. dollar during fiscal 2010 when compared to the prior year, and the resulting translation of the international subsidiaries’ financial results, the effect of foreign currency fluctuations decreased net sales for fiscal 2010 by $2.2 million when compared to the prior year.

Retail Net Sales

Net sales in fiscal 2010 in the retail segment were $83.5 million, representing a 6.8% decrease from prior year sales of $89.5 million.  The decrease in retail net sales was the result of lower sales in the Movado boutiques.  Net sales in the Movado boutiques were below prior year by 17.9%.  The decrease in sales was driven by a decline in comparable store sales of 15.0%, primarily attributable to the unfavorable impact of the ongoing difficult U.S. economic environment.  Net sales in the outlet stores were relatively flat year-over-year.  The Company operated 31 outlet stores and 27 Movado boutiques as of January 31, 2010, compared to 32 outlet stores and 29 Movado boutiques as of January 31, 2009. 

The Company considers comparable store sales to be sales of stores that were open as of February 1st of the last fiscal year through January 31st of the current fiscal year.  The Company had 27 comparable Movado boutiques and 30 comparable outlet stores for the year ended January 31, 2010.  The sales from stores that have been relocated, renovated or refurbished are included in the calculation of comparable store sales.  The method of calculating comparable store sales varies across the retail industry.  As a result, the calculation of comparable store sales may not be the same as measures reported by other companies.

Gross Profit

Gross profit for fiscal 2010 was $184.5 million or 48.8% of net sales as compared to $284.9 million or 61.8% of net sales in the prior year.  The decrease in gross profit of $100.4 million was primarily attributable to the lower sales volume as well as an overall decrease in the brand and business gross margin percentage.  The gross margin percentage was unfavorably impacted by approximately 285 basis points resulting from a shift in channel and product mix as a result of the global economic recession.  The gross margin percentage in fiscal 2010 was also unfavorably impacted by 260 basis points resulting

 
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from the $14.6 million of sales of excess discontinued inventory.  In addition, both the gross profit as well as the gross margin percentage were unfavorably impacted by currency effects and overhead absorption.  As a result of the weaker U.S. dollar compared to the prior year period, fewer net favorable currency benefits were recorded year-over-year related to the Company’s natural hedge.  This change was primarily attributable to reductions of inventory purchases in Switzerland and resulted in a 210 basis point decline in gross margin percentage.  The unfavorable overhead absorption is primarily attributed to abnormally low production levels associated with the decline in sales volume without a corresponding decrease in overhead expenses, which unfavorably impacted the gross margin percentage by approximately 180 basis points.  In addition, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company conducted its annual review of inventory and identified excess non-core components and made the decision that it was not economically prudent to invest additional cash and effort to convert these components into finished goods.  As a result, the Company recorded a non-cash inventory reserve that negatively affected gross margin by 240 basis points.

Selling, General and Administrative

SG&A expenses for fiscal 2010 were $221.0 million as compared to $281.6 million in the prior year, representing a decrease of $60.6 million or 21.5%.  The decrease in SG&A expenses was primarily the result of the Company’s initiatives to streamline operations and reduce expenses, which included lower marketing expenses for fiscal 2010 of $24.7 million, lower payroll and related expenses of $12.9 million which were primarily the result of headcount reductions, lower expenses in the retail segment of $6.9 million due in part to the closing of three stores and lower travel and related expenses of $2.8 million.  SG&A expenses in the prior year period included $11.1 million of severance related costs associated with the implementation of the Company’s initiatives to streamline operations and reduce expenses.  The expense savings were partially offset by an increase in asset write-downs of $3.1 million when compared to the prior year period.  In fiscal 2010, the Company recorded a non-cash charge of $7.6 million associated with the write-down of long-lived assets primarily related to certain Movado boutique locations and trade booths for the Basel Fair.  This compared to a non-cash charge of $4.5 million recorded in fiscal 2009 for the write-down of long-lived assets associated with certain Movado boutique locations.  Additionally, as a result of the stronger average U.S. dollar during fiscal 2010 compared to the prior year, and the resulting translation of the international subsidiaries’ financial results, the effect of foreign currency fluctuations favorably impacted SG&A expenses for fiscal 2010 by $1.2 million when compared to the prior year.

Wholesale Operating (Loss) / Income

Operating loss of $32.8 million was recorded in the wholesale segment in fiscal 2010, compared to an operating income of $8.7 million recorded in fiscal 2009.  The decrease in profit was the net result of a reduction in gross profit of $94.9 million, partially offset by the decrease in SG&A expenses of $53.4 million.  The reduction in gross profit of $94.9 million was primarily the result of the decrease in sales volume year-over-year, as well as the negative effects of channel and product mix, foreign currency, overhead absorption and inventory reserves.  The decrease in SG&A expenses of $53.4 million was driven by lower marketing expenses for fiscal 2010 of $23.8 million, lower payroll and related expenses of $12.9 million and lower travel and related expenses of $2.8 million.  SG&A expenses in the prior year period included $11.1 million of severance related costs associated with the implementation of the Company’s initiatives to streamline operations and reduce expenses.  The expense savings were partially offset by asset write-downs of $2.5 million that were recorded in the current year period.  Additionally, as a result of the stronger average U.S. dollar during fiscal 2010 compared to the prior year, and the resulting translation of the international

 
39

 

subsidiaries’ financial results, the effect of foreign currency fluctuations favorably impacted SG&A expenses for fiscal 2010 by $1.2 million when compared to the prior year.

Retail Operating (Loss) / Income

Operating loss of $3.6 million was recorded in the retail segment in fiscal 2010 compared to an operating loss of $5.3 million recorded for fiscal 2009.  The $1.7 million decrease in loss was the result of a reduction in SG&A expenses of $7.2 million, partially offset by a reduction in gross profit of $5.5 million.  The decrease in SG&A expenses was primarily the result of the Company’s initiatives to streamline operations and reduce expenses and the closing of three stores that were open during the prior year period.  Included in SG&A expenses are non-cash charges of $5.1 million and $4.5 million for the impairment of assets associated with certain Movado boutique locations for fiscal years 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The decrease in gross profit was primarily attributable to lower gross margin percentage achieved, as well as lower sales volume, year-over-year.  The lower gross profit percentage was primarily the result of in-store promotions in effect during fiscal 2010.  The lower sales volume was primarily the result of the ongoing difficult U.S. economic environment.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for fiscal 2010 was $4.5 million as compared to $2.9 million in the prior year period.  The increase in interest expense was primarily the result of expenses and fees associated with the refinancing and repayment of the Company’s former credit and note agreements recorded in fiscal 2010, which included a non-cash pre-tax charge of $0.2 million related to the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs and a pre-tax charge of $1.1 million for fees due to the former lenders.  Also contributing to the increase in interest expense was an increase in recognized deferred financing costs associated with the Company’s new line of credit, partially offset by reduced interest recorded pursuant to the Company’s borrowing facilities, primarily due to lower average borrowings outstanding year-over-year.

For borrowings data for the years ended January 31, 2010 and 2009, see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Interest Income

Interest income was $0.1 million for fiscal 2010 as compared to $2.1 million for the prior year.  The lower interest income primarily resulted from less average cash invested year-over-year.

Other Income

The Company recorded other income for fiscal 2009 of $0.7 million resulting from a pre-tax gain on the collection of life insurance proceeds from policies covering the Company’s former Chairman.  The Company did not record other income in fiscal 2010.

Income Taxes

Income taxes recorded for the twelve months ended January 31, 2010 was an expense of $13.5 million, compared to an expense of $0.7 million recorded for the twelve months ended January 31, 2009.  The tax recorded for fiscal 2010 resulted in a -33.2% effective tax rate.

 
40

 

The Company bases its estimate of deferred tax assets and liabilities on current tax laws and rates as well as expected future income.  The realization of deferred tax assets depends on the Company’s ability to generate future income.  Under U.S. GAAP, deferred tax assets are to be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available positive and negative evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that all or some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  In the third quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company determined that it was appropriate to record a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets in the U.S., primarily due to the Company’s U.S. loss position in recent years.  Under current circumstances, expected future income is not sufficient to overcome such negative evidence, and although the Company may ultimately utilize the underlying tax benefits within the statutory limits, in fiscal 2010, the Company recognized a non-cash deferred tax expense of $21.4 million, and has not recognized any tax benefit on the net increase in deductible temporary differences during fiscal 2010.  Management will continue to evaluate the appropriate level of allowance on all deferred tax assets, considering such factors as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, carryback and carryforward periods, and tax and business strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets.  In addition, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $8.0 million in fiscal 2010 as a result of a change in tax laws which increased the net operating loss carryback period to five years.

The tax expense recorded for fiscal 2009 resulted in a 22.4% effective tax rate which included tax accrued on the future repatriation of foreign earnings of $7.4 million somewhat offset by a release of valuation allowances on foreign tax losses of $3.0 million.

Net (Loss) / Income

For fiscal 2010, the Company recorded a net loss of $54.6 million compared to net income of $2.3 million for the prior year.

Fiscal 2009 Compared to Fiscal 2008

Net Sales

Net sales in fiscal 2009 were $460.9 million, below prior year by $98.7 million or 17.6%.  For fiscal 2008, liquidation sales of excess discontinued inventory were $31.1 million.  In addition, net sales in fiscal 2008 included a one-time charge of $15.0 million related to estimated future sales returns associated with the streamlining of the Movado brand wholesale distribution in the U.S. which consisted of the reduction of approximately 1,400 wholesale customer doors.  Excluding the liquidation of excess discontinued inventory and the charge for the reduction of wholesale customer doors in fiscal 2008, fiscal 2009 net sales were below prior year by $82.6 million, or 15.2%.  The Company is presenting net sales excluding sales of excess discontinued inventory and the charge for the reduction of wholesale customer doors because the Company believes that it is useful to eliminate the effect of these items in order to improve the comparability of the Company’s results for the periods presented.  As a result of the weaker average U.S. dollar during fiscal 2009 when compared to the prior year, and the resulting translation of the international subsidiaries’ financial results, the effect of foreign currency translation increased fiscal 2009 net sales by $7.6 million when compared to the prior year.

United States Wholesale Net Sales

Net sales in fiscal 2009 in the U.S. wholesale segment were $165.8 million, representing a 29.5% decrease from prior year sales of $235.1 million.  For fiscal 2008, liquidation sales of excess discontinued inventory in the U.S. wholesale segment were $14.2 million.  In addition, net sales in fiscal

 
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2008 included a one-time charge of $15.0 million related to estimated future sales returns associated with the streamlining of the Movado brand wholesale distribution in the U.S. which consisted of the reduction of wholesale customer doors.  Excluding the liquidation of excess discontinued inventory and the charge for the reduction of the wholesale customer doors in fiscal 2008, fiscal 2009 net sales were below prior year by $70.1 million, or 29.7%.  (The remaining discussion in this paragraph excludes the impact of the liquidation sales of excess discontinued inventory and the charge for the reduction of wholesale customer doors in fiscal 2008.)  The decrease in U.S. wholesale net sales of $70.1 million was primarily due to lower sales in the accessible luxury category of $62.7 million, or 37.0% below the prior year.  Additionally, lower sales were recorded in the luxury category of $7.1 million.  The lower sales recorded in both the luxury and accessible luxury categories are primarily attributable to the unfavorable impact of the deteriorating global economy.  Sales in the licensed brand category were above prior year by $1.6 million.  The increase in licensed brand sales was primarily driven by market expansion and growth in the newer licensed brands.

International Wholesale Net Sales

Net sales in fiscal 2009 in the international wholesale segment were $205.5 million, representing an 11.2% decrease from prior year sales of $231.3 million.  For fiscal 2008, liquidation sales of excess discontinued inventory in the international wholesale segment were $16.9 million.  Excluding the liquidation of excess discontinued inventory in fiscal 2008, fiscal 2009 net sales were below prior year by $8.9 million, or 4.1%.  (The remaining discussion in this paragraph excludes the impact of the liquidation sales of excess discontinued inventory in fiscal 2008.)  The decrease in international net sales of $8.9 million was primarily due to lower sales in the luxury category of $9.6 million or 15.0% below the prior year.  Lower sales were also recorded in the accessible luxury category of $8.9 million or 19.6%.  The lower sales recorded in both the luxury and accessible luxury categories are primarily attributable to the unfavorable impact of the deteriorating global economy.  Net sales in the licensed brand category were above prior year by $9.3 million or 9.6%.  This increase was primarily the result of international market expansion as well as growth in the newer licensed brands.  As a result of the weaker average U.S. dollar during fiscal 2009 when compared to the prior year, and the resulting translation of the international subsidiaries’ financial results, the effect of foreign currency translation increased net sales for fiscal 2009 by $7.6 million when compared to the prior year.

Retail Net Sales

Net sales in fiscal 2009 in the retail segment were $89.5 million, representing a 3.9% decrease from prior year sales of $93.1 million.  The decrease in sales was the net result of lower sales in the Movado boutiques, partially offset by higher sales in the outlet stores.  Sales in the Movado boutiques were below prior year by 16.4%.  The decrease in sales was driven by a decline in comparable store sales of 17.3%, primarily attributable to the unfavorable impact of the deteriorating U.S. economy.  Sales in the outlet stores increased by 6.3%, driven by an increase in comparable store sales of 6.9%.  The Company operated 32 outlet stores and 29 Movado boutiques as of January 31, 2009, compared to 32 outlet stores and 30 Movado boutiques as of January 31, 2008. 

Gross Profit

Gross profit for fiscal 2009 was $284.9 million or 61.8% of net sales as compared to $334.0 million or 59.7% of net sales in the prior year.  The decrease in gross profit of $49.1 million was primarily the result of the decrease in sales volume.  The gross margin percentage was negatively impacted in fiscal 2008 by the liquidation sales of excess discontinued inventory, which resulted in an approximate

 
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350 basis point decline in gross margin percentage.  When compared to fiscal 2008, the fiscal 2009 gross margin percentage was unfavorably impacted by the mix of sales by business as the high margin accessible luxury category represented a lower percentage of total sales year-over-year, as well as lower margins in the Movado boutiques resulting from in-store promotions in effect during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.

Selling, General and Administrative

SG&A expenses for fiscal 2009 were $281.6 million as compared to $283.2 million in the prior year. The decrease of $1.6 million or 0.6% was driven by lower performance-based compensation expense of $11.7 million which was the result of paying no bonuses for fiscal 2009 as well as the reversal of previously accrued performance-based grants.  Expense reductions were also recorded as a result of the Company’s initiatives to streamline operations and reduce expenses.  These included lower marketing expenses in fiscal 2009 of $7.8 million, a reduction of discretionary spending on consulting and other outside services of $2.5 million, lower payroll and related expenses of $2.3 million, primarily the result of headcount reductions, and lower travel and related expenses of $1.1 million.  These expense savings in fiscal 2009 were offset by $11.1 million of severance related costs associated with the Company’s expense reduction initiatives and a restructuring of certain benefit arrangements, the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange from translating the European subsidiaries’ financial results of $5.0 million, increased expenses of $2.1 million in the Company’s growing joint venture operations in Europe and higher provisions for bad debt of $0.9 million.  In addition, the Company recorded a non-cash charge of $4.5 million in fiscal 2009 for the impairment of long-lived assets associated with five Movado boutique locations.

Wholesale Operating Income

Operating income in the wholesale segment decreased by $41.5 million in fiscal 2009 to $8.7 million.  The decrease was the net result of a reduction in gross profit of $45.5 million, partially offset by the decrease in SG&A expenses of $4.0 million.  The reduction in gross profit of $45.5 million was primarily the result of the decrease in sales volume year-over-year.  The decrease in SG&A expenses of $4.0 million related principally to a reduction in performance based compensation expense of $11.7 million and expense reductions associated with the Company’s initiatives to streamline operations.  These included a reduction in marketing expenses of $6.2 million, a reduction of discretionary spending on consulting and other outside services of $2.5 million, a reduction in payroll and related expenses of $2.3 million and a reduction in travel and related expenses of $1.1 million.  These expense savings were offset by $11.1 million of additional severance related costs in fiscal 2009 associated with the Company’s expense reduction initiatives and a restructuring of certain benefit arrangements, the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange from translating the European subsidiaries’ financial results of $5.0 million, increased expenses of $2.1 million in the Company’s growing joint ventures and higher provisions for bad debt of $0.9 million.

Retail Operating Income (Loss)

Operating loss of $5.3 million was recorded in the retail segment in fiscal 2009 compared to an operating income of $0.6 million recorded for fiscal 2008.  The $5.9 million decrease in profit was the result of a reduction in gross profit of $3.6 million and an increase in SG&A expenses of $2.3 million.  The decrease in gross profit was attributable to lower sales volume, as well as the lower gross profit percentage achieved, year-over-year.  The lower sales volume was primarily the result of the deteriorating U.S. economy.  The lower gross profit percentage was primarily the result of lower

 
43

 

margins in the Movado boutiques resulting from in-store promotions in effect during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.  The increase in SG&A expenses was primarily the result of a non-cash charge of $4.5 million in fiscal 2009 for the impairment of long-lived assets associated with five Movado boutique locations, partially offset by reductions in marketing and payroll and related expenses as a result of the Company’s cost savings initiatives.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for fiscal 2009 was $2.9 million as compared to $3.5 million in the prior year period.  Interest expense declined due to lower borrowings somewhat offset by a higher average borrowing rate.  Average borrowings were $59.9 million for fiscal 2009 compared to average borrowings of $70.9 million for fiscal 2008.

Interest Income

Interest income was $2.1 million for fiscal 2009 as compared to $4.7 million for the prior year.  The lower interest income resulted from a decrease in cash balances invested and a lower average interest rate earned.

Other Income

The Company recorded other income for fiscal 2009 of $0.7 million resulting from a pre-tax gain on the collection of life insurance proceeds from policies covering the Company’s former Chairman.

Income Taxes

Income taxes recorded for the twelve months ended January 31, 2009 was an expense of $0.7 million, compared to a benefit of $9.5 million recorded for the twelve months ended January 31, 2008.  The tax recorded for fiscal 2009 resulted in a 22.4% effective tax rate which included tax accrued on the future repatriation of foreign earnings of $7.4 million somewhat offset by a release of valuation allowances on foreign tax losses of $3.0 million.  The tax on income for fiscal 2008 was the net result of an effective tax rate on base business operations of 20.6%, which was more than offset by the recognition of a $12.5 million previously unrecognized tax benefit as a result of the effective settlement of the IRS audit (see Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The tax on income was also favorably impacted by the Company’s expected utilization of a greater portion of its net operating loss carryforwards.

Net Income

For fiscal 2009, the Company recorded net income of $2.3 million as compared to $60.8 million for the prior year.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

At January 31, 2010, the Company had $71.0 million of cash and cash equivalents as compared to $86.6 million at the end of the prior year.

Cash generated by operating activities was $34.7 million for fiscal 2010, compared to cash used by operating activities of $20.9 million in fiscal 2009.  The cash generated by operating activities for fiscal 2010 was primarily the result of decreases in inventory, reflecting the Company’s initiatives to reduce

 
44

 

inventory, and accounts receivable due to lower sales volume year-over-year.  The cash used by operating activities for fiscal 2009 was primarily due to increases in inventory, partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable.  Cash generated by operating activities in fiscal 2008 was $83.6 million which was driven by net income of $61.4 million.  Historically, cash generated by operating activities has been the Company’s primary source of cash to fund its growth initiatives, pay down debt and to pay dividends, and the Company expects to rely on cash generated by operating activities, together with borrowings under the Amended Loan Agreement, to fund such activities during fiscal 2011.

Accounts receivable at January 31, 2010 were $67.2 million as compared to $76.7 million in the comparable prior year period.   Foreign currency translation had the effect of increasing the accounts receivable at January 31, 2010 by $3.2 million.  The decrease in receivables is attributed to the effect of a lower sales volume due to the ongoing difficult global economic environment.  The accounts receivable days outstanding were 63 days and 71 days for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  This change was the result of the Company’s efforts to focus on cash flow and tightly manage customers with credit risk.

Inventories at January 31, 2010 were $204.1 million as compared to $228.9 million in the comparable prior year period.  Foreign currency translation had the effect of increasing the value of the inventory at January 31, 2010 by $12.2 million.  As a result of the deteriorating economic conditions over the past eighteen months, the Company has taken actions to curtail inventory purchases and reduce inventory levels, including the liquidation of excess non-core inventory.  Additionally, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company conducted its annual review of inventory and identified excess non-core components and made the decision that it was not economically prudent to invest additional cash and effort to convert these components into finished goods.  As a result, the Company recorded a non-cash inventory reserve of $8.8 million.

Cash used in investing activities amounted to $5.5 million, $22.5 million and $28.0 million in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Cash used in investing activities for each of these three years was primarily related to the acquisition of computer hardware and software, renovations and expansions of the Company’s retail stores and other fixed asset additions for facility related automation and improvements.  During fiscal years 2009 and 2008, the acquisition of computer hardware and software included $9.2 million and $7.6 million, respectively, related to the development and implementation of the new enterprise resource planning system from SAP.  In fiscal 2010, the Company reduced its capital spending due to the completion of the SAP implementation and initiatives the Company put in place to respond to the economic environment.  In fiscal 2009, the use of cash was partially offset by the collection of life insurance proceeds from policies covering the Company’s former Chairman.

Cash used in financing activities for the years ended January 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 amounted to $52.3 million, $39.9 million and $29.6 million, respectively.  For fiscal 2010, the cash used was primarily to pay down debt.  For fiscal 2009, the cash used was primarily to repurchase stock and pay dividends.  For fiscal 2008, the cash used was primarily to pay down long-term debt and to pay dividends.

On June 5, 2009, the Company, together with Movado Group Delaware Holdings Corporation, Movado Retail Group, Inc. and Movado LLC (together with the Company, the “Borrowers”), each a wholly-owned domestic subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Original Loan Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A. as agent and lender thereunder.  The Original Loan

 
45

 

Agreement provided for a $50.0 million asset based senior secured revolving credit facility, including a $15.0 million letter of credit subfacility, that matures on June 5, 2012.

On July 17, 2009, the Borrowers entered into an Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the “Amended Loan Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A. and Bank Leumi USA, as lenders, and Bank of America, N.A., as agent (in such capacity, the “Agent”), which amended and restated the Original Loan Agreement.  The Amended Loan Agreement added Bank Leumi USA as a lender thereunder and, to accommodate Bank Leumi USA holding up to $15.0 million of the Borrowers’ obligations thereunder, increased the size of the Borrowers’ asset based senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) from $50.0 million to $55.0 million, including a $15.0 million letter of credit subfacility.  The maturity date of the Facility is June 5, 2012.

Availability under the Facility is determined by reference to a borrowing base which is based on the sum of a percentage of eligible accounts receivable and eligible inventory of the Borrowers.  $10.0 million in availability is blocked until the date (the “Block Release Date”) on which the Borrowers have achieved for a four fiscal quarter period a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.25 to 1.0 and have domestic EBITDA greater than $10.0 million.  The availability block must remain in place for at least one year. The amount of the availability block will be reduced by the amount by which the borrowing base exceeds $55.0 million, up to a maximum reduction of $5.0 million.  Availability under the Facility may be further reduced by certain reserves established by the Agent in its good faith credit judgment.

The initial applicable margin for LIBOR rate loans is 4.25% and for base rate loans is 3.25%. After July 17, 2010, the applicable margins decrease or increase by 0.25% per annum from the initial applicable margins depending on whether average availability for the most recently completed fiscal quarter is either greater than $12.5 million, or is $5.0 million or less, respectively.  The Company has also agreed to pay certain fees and expenses and provide certain indemnities, all of which are customary for such financings.

Prior to the Block Release Date, if borrowing availability is less than $10.0 million (which threshold may be reduced to the extent the borrowing base exceeds $55.0 million, up to a maximum $5.0 million reduction), Borrowers will be subject to a minimum EBITDA covenant.  After the Block Release Date, Borrowers will be subject to a minimum EBITDA covenant if borrowing availability is less than $15.0 million.  As of January 31, 2010, the Borrowers were not subject to the minimum EBITDA covenant.
 
In addition, after the Block Release Date, if borrowing availability is less than $15.0 million, Borrowers will be subject to a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio.

Finally, the Borrowers’ deposit accounts will be subject to cash dominion prior to the Block Release Date if borrowing availability is less than $7.5 million, but such threshold may be reduced to the extent the borrowing base exceeds $55.0 million, up to a maximum $5.0 million reduction.  After the Block Release Date, cash dominion will be imposed if borrowing availability is less than $15.0 million.  As of January 31, 2010, the Borrowers were not subject to cash dominion nor do the Borrowers expect to be subject to such a requirement in the foreseeable future.

The Amended Loan Agreement contains affirmative and negative covenants binding on the Borrowers and their subsidiaries that are customary for asset based facilities, including restrictions and limitations on the incurrence of debt for borrowed money and liens, dispositions of assets of the Borrowers, capital expenditures, dividends and other payments in respect of equity interests, the making of loans and equity

 
46

 

investments, prepayments of subordinated and certain other debt, mergers, consolidations, liquidations and dissolutions, and transactions with affiliates.

The Amended Loan Agreement contains events of default that are customary for facilities of this type, including, but not limited to, nonpayment of principal, interest, fees and other amounts when due, failure of any representation or warranty to be true in any material respect when made or deemed made, violation of covenants, cross default, material judgments, material ERISA liability, bankruptcy events, material loss of collateral in excess of insured amounts, asserted or actual revocation or invalidity of the loan documents, change of control and events or circumstances having a material adverse effect.

The borrowings under the Facility are joint and several obligations of the Borrowers and also cross-guaranteed by each Borrower.  In addition, the Borrowers’ obligations under the Facility are secured by first priority liens, subject to permitted liens, on substantially all of the Borrowers’ U.S. assets other than certain excluded assets.

On June 5, 2009, $40.0 million in loans were drawn under the Facility, which were used, in part, to repay amounts outstanding under the Company’s former U.S. credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPM Chase”) (the “Former US Facility”), which was terminated.  In addition, approximately $1.5 million in letters of credit were issued, which were used to backstop letters of credit and other obligations outstanding in connection with the Former US Facility.  As of January 31, 2010, total availability under the Facility, giving effect to the availability block, the $10.0 million outstanding under the Facility and the letters of credit, was $30.5 million.

A Swiss subsidiary of the Company maintains unsecured lines of credit with an unspecified length of time with a Swiss bank. As of January 31, 2010 and 2009, these lines of credit totaled 10.0 million Swiss francs and 8.0 million Swiss francs, respectively, with dollar equivalents of $9.5 million and $6.9 million, respectively.  As of January 31, 2010 and 2009, there were no borrowings against these lines.  As of January 31, 2010, two European banks have guaranteed obligations to third parties on behalf of two of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries in the amount of $1.6 million in various foreign currencies.  
 
On April 9, 2009, the Company announced that its Board of Directors decided to discontinue the quarterly cash dividend.  This decision was based on the Company’s desire to retain capital during the current challenging economic environment.  Under the Amended Loan Agreement, dividends are prohibited until certain financial performance measures are achieved.  In that event, the Board of Directors will evaluate the reinstitution of a quarterly dividend assuming the Company has returned to an appropriate level of profitability.  The Company paid a cash dividend of $0.05 per share, or approximately $1.2 million, for the year ended January 31, 2010 (which was declared in the prior year); $0.24 per share, or approximately $5.9 million, for the year ended January 31, 2009 and $0.32 per share, or approximately $8.3 million, for the year ended January 31, 2008.

On December 4, 2007, the Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to one million shares of the Company’s common stock.  Shares of common stock were repurchased from time to time as market conditions warranted either through open market transactions, block purchases, private transactions or other means.  The objective of the program was to reduce or eliminate earnings per share dilution caused by the shares of common stock issued upon the exercise of stock options and in connection with other equity based compensation plans.  As of April 14, 2008, the Company had completed the one million share repurchase during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 and the first quarter of fiscal 2009, at a total cost of approximately $19.4 million, or $19.41 per share.

 
47

 


On April 15, 2008, the Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to one million shares of the Company’s common stock.  Under this authorization, the Company has the option to repurchase shares over time, with the amount and timing of repurchases depending on market conditions and corporate needs.  The Company entered into a Rule 10b5-1 plan to facilitate repurchases of its shares under this authorization.  A Rule 10b5-1 plan permits a company to repurchase shares at times when it might otherwise be prevented from doing so, provided the plan is adopted when the company is not aware of material non-public information.  The Company may suspend or discontinue the repurchase of stock at any time.  Under this share repurchase program, as of January 31, 2009, the Company had repurchased a total of 937,360 shares of common stock in the open market during the first and second quarters of fiscal 2009 at a total cost of approximately $19.5 million or $20.79 per share.  During the twelve months ended January 31, 2010, the Company did not repurchase shares of common stock under this plan.

At January 31, 2010, the Company had working capital of $321.9 million as compared to $306.2 million in the prior year.  The Company defines working capital as the difference between current assets and current liabilities.  The increase in working capital was primarily attributed to a decrease in the current portion of long-term debt as the Company paid down its former debt upon entering the Original Loan Agreement.  This was partially offset by decreases in cash, accounts receivable and inventory.

The Company expects that annual capital expenditures in fiscal 2011 will be approximately $10.0 million as compared to $4.9 million in fiscal 2010.  The Company plans to spend approximately $2.0 million in fiscal 2011 for the completion of the SAP implementation in connection with its after sales service activities.  The remainder of the capital spending will primarily be for projects in the ordinary course of business including facilities’ improvements, other computer hardware and software upgrades and tooling costs.  The Company has the ability to manage a portion of its capital expenditures on discretionary projects.  Management believes that the cash on hand in addition to the expected cash flow from operations and the Company’s short-term borrowing capacity will be sufficient to meet its working capital needs for at least the next twelve months.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

Payments due by period (in thousands):

   
Total
   
Less than 1 year
   
2-3
years
   
4-5
years
   
More than 5 years
 
Contractual Obligations:
                             
Debt Obligations (1)
  $ 10,000     $ -     $ 10,000     $ -     $ -  
Operating Lease Obligations (2)
    71,547       14,893       25,652       15,625       15,377  
Purchase Obligations (3)
    20,043       20,043       -       -       -  
Other Long-Term Obligations (4)
    87,669       18,667       37,527       29,195       2,280  
Total Contractual Obligations
  $ 189,259     $ 53,603     $ 73,179     $ 44,820     $ 17,657  

(1) The Company has debt obligations (excluding interest payments that are variable in nature) further discussed in “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
(2) Includes store operating leases, which generally provide for payment of direct operating costs in addition to rent.  These obligation amounts include future minimum lease payments and exclude direct operating costs.
(3) The Company had outstanding purchase obligations with suppliers at the end of fiscal 2010 for raw materials, finished watches, jewelry and packaging in the normal course of business.   These purchase obligation amounts do not represent total anticipated purchases but represent only amounts to be paid for items required to be purchased under agreements that are enforceable, legally binding and specify minimum quantity, price and term.

 
48

 

 (4) Other long-term obligations primarily consist of two items: minimum commitments related to the Company’s license agreements and endorsement agreements with brand ambassadors.  The Company sources, distributes, advertises and sells watches pursuant to its exclusive license agreements with unaffiliated licensors.  Royalty amounts are generally based on a stipulated percentage of revenues, although most of these agreements contain provisions for the payment of minimum annual royalty amounts.  The license agreements have various terms and some have additional renewal options, provided that minimum sales levels are achieved.  Additionally, the license agreements require the Company to pay minimum annual advertising amounts.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company does not have off-balance sheet financing or unconsolidated special-purpose entities.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
In February 2010, new accounting guidance was issued related to subsequent events.  This guidance amended guidance previously issued in May 2009 regarding subsequent events and states that an entity that is a SEC filer is no longer required to disclose the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
In January 2010, new accounting guidance was issued related to improving disclosures about fair value measurements.  This guidance states that a separate disclosure is required for significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and for purchases, sales, issuances and settlements for Level 3 fair value measurements.  This guidance is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2009.  The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In January 2010, new accounting guidance was issued related to accounting and reporting guidance for noncontrolling interests and changes in ownership interests of a subsidiary.  An entity is required to deconsolidate a subsidiary when the entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest in the subsidiary.  Upon deconsolidation of a subsidiary, an entity recognizes a gain or loss on the transaction and measures any retained investment in the subsidiary at fair value.  The gain or loss includes any gain or loss associated with the difference between the fair value of the retained investment in the subsidiary and its carrying amount at the date the subsidiary is deconsolidated.  This guidance is effective for periods ending after December 15, 2009.  The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company as its ownership interest in its subsidiaries have not changed.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

The Company’s primary market risk exposure relates to foreign currency exchange risk (see Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).  A significant portion of the Company’s purchases are denominated in Swiss francs.  The Company reduces its exposure to the Swiss franc exchange rate risk through a hedging program.  Under the hedging program, the Company manages most of its foreign currency exposures on a consolidated basis, which allows it to net certain exposures and take advantage of natural offsets.  In the event these exposures do not offset, the Company uses various derivative financial instruments to further reduce the net exposures to currency fluctuations, predominately forward and option contracts.  When entered into, the Company designates and documents these derivative

 
49

 

instruments as a cash flow hedge of a specific underlying exposure, as well as the risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transactions.  Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated and documented as a cash flow hedge and is highly effective, are recorded in other comprehensive income until the underlying transaction affects earnings, and then are later reclassified into earnings in the same account as the hedged transaction.  The earnings impact is partially offset by the effects of currency movements on the underlying hedged transactions.  If the Company does not engage in a hedging program, any change in the Swiss franc to local currency would have an equal effect on the Company’s cost of sales.

The Company uses forward exchange contracts to offset its exposure to certain foreign currency liabilities. These forward contracts are not qualified hedges and, therefore, changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recognized into earnings, thereby offsetting the current earnings effect of the related foreign currency liabilities.

As of January 31, 2010, the Company’s entire net forward contracts hedging portfolio consisted of 54.0 million Swiss francs equivalent for various expiry dates ranging through July 20, 2010 compared to a portfolio of 54.0 million Swiss francs equivalent for various expiry dates ranging through July 17, 2009 as of January 31, 2009.  If the Company were to settle its Swiss franc forward contracts at January 31, 2010, the net result would be a loss of $1.3 million, net of tax benefit of $0.8 million.  The Company had no Swiss franc option contracts related to cash flow hedges as of January 31, 2010 and January 31, 2009, respectively.

The Company’s Board of Directors authorized the hedging of the Company’s Swiss franc denominated investment in its wholly-owned Swiss subsidiaries using purchase options under certain limitations. These hedges are treated as net investment hedges under the relevant accounting guidance regarding derivative instruments.  As of January 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company did not hold a purchased option hedge portfolio related to net investment hedging.

Commodity Risk

The Company considers its exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices, primarily related to gold used in the manufacturing of the Company’s watches.  Under a hedging program, the Company can purchase various commodity derivative instruments, primarily future contracts.  These derivatives are documented as qualified cash flow hedges, and gains and losses on these derivative instruments are first reflected in other comprehensive income, and later reclassified into earnings, partially offset by the effects of gold market price changes on the underlying actual gold purchases.  The Company did not hold any futures contracts in its gold hedge portfolio related to cash flow hedges as of January 31, 2010 and 2009, thus any changes in the gold price will have an equal effect on the Company’s cost of sales.

Debt and Interest Rate Risk

In addition, the Company has certain debt obligations with variable interest rates, which are based on LIBOR plus a fixed additional interest rate.  The Company does not hedge these interest rate risks.  The Company believes that a 1% change in interest rates would affect the Company’s net income by approximately $0.1 million.  For additional information concerning potential changes to future interest obligations, see "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources."

 
50

 

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
Schedule
Number
Page
Number
 
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
64
     
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
65
     
Consolidated Statements of Income for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
 
67
     
Consolidated Balance Sheets at January 31, 2010 and 2009
 
68
     
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
 
69
     
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
 
70 to 71
     
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
72 to 102
     
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
II
S-1


 
51

 

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, as such terms are defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).  Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective at a reasonable assurance level as of the end of the period covered by this report.

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have furnished the Sections 302 and 906 certifications required by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in this annual report on Form 10-K.  In addition, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer certified to the NYSE in June 2009 that he was not aware of any violation by the Company of the NYSE’s corporate governance listing standards.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company implemented an ERP system in all of its wholesale businesses to support the Company’s business plan.  Implementing an ERP system on a global basis involves significant changes in business processes and extensive personnel training.  The Company believes it has taken the necessary steps to monitor and maintain its internal control baseline upon go-live, deploying qualified resources to mitigate internal control risks and performing pre-implementation testing and verification to ensure data integrity.

Moreover, the Company believes its process owners understand the controls they are expected to perform as part of the utilization of the new system.

The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives, and the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures are effective at that reasonable assurance level. However, it should be noted that a control system, no matter how well conceived or operated, can only provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance that its objectives will be met and may not prevent all errors or instances of fraud.

See Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

Item 9B. Other Information

None.


 
52

 

PART III

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

The information required by this item is included in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2010 annual meeting of shareholders under the captions “Election of Directors” and “Management” and is incorporated herein by reference.

Information on the beneficial ownership reporting for the Company’s directors and executive officers is contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2010 annual meeting of shareholders under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and is incorporated herein by reference.

Information on the Company’s Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert is contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2010 annual meeting of shareholders under the caption “Information Regarding the Board of Directors and Its Committees” and is incorporated herein by reference.

The Company has adopted and posted on its website at www.movadogroup.com a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all directors, officers and employees, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and principal financial and accounting officers. The Company will post any amendments to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and any waivers that are required to be disclosed by SEC regulations, on the Company’s website.

Item 11.  Executive Compensation

The information required by this item is included in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2010 annual meeting of shareholders under the captions “Executive Compensation” and “Compensation of Directors” and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The information required by this item is included in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2010 annual meeting of shareholders under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence

The information required by this item is included in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2010 annual meeting of shareholders under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The information required by this item is included in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2010 annual meeting of shareholders under the caption “Fees Paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP” and is incorporated herein by reference.

 
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PART IV

Item 15.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)         Documents filed as part of this report

1.      Financial Statements:

See Financial Statements Index on page 51 included in Item 8 of Part II of this annual report.

2.      Financial Statement Schedule:

Schedule II                                                   Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves

 
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, or not required, or because the required information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto.

3.      Exhibits:

 
Incorporated herein by reference is a list of the Exhibits contained in the Exhibit Index on pages 57 through 63 of this annual report.

 
54

 

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.

   
    MOVADO GROUP, INC.
       (Registrant)
Dated: April 1, 2010
By:
/s/ Efraim Grinberg
   
Efraim Grinberg
   
Chairman of the Board of Directors
   
and Chief Executive Officer

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

     
Dated: April 1, 2010
 
/s/ Efraim Grinberg
   
Efraim Grinberg
   
Chairman of the Board of Directors
   
and Chief Executive Officer
     
Dated: April 1, 2010
 
/s/ Richard J. Coté
   
Richard J. Coté
   
President and
   
Chief Operating Officer
     
Dated: April 1, 2010
 
/s/ Sallie A. DeMarsilis
   
Sallie A. DeMarsilis
   
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
   
and Principal Accounting Officer
     
Dated: April 1, 2010
 
/s/ Margaret Hayes Adame
   
Margaret Hayes Adame
   
Director
     
Dated: April 1, 2010
 
/s/ Alan H. Howard
   
Alan H. Howard
   
Director
     
Dated: April 1, 2010
 
/s/ Richard D. Isserman
   
Richard D. Isserman
   
Director
     


 
55

 


Dated: April 1, 2010
 
/s/ Nathan Leventhal
   
Nathan Leventhal
   
Director
     
Dated: April 1, 2010
 
/s/ Donald Oresman
   
Donald Oresman
   
Director
     
Dated: April 1, 2010
 
/s/ Leonard L. Silverstein
   
Leonard L. Silverstein
   
Director

 
56

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
   
Number
Description
 
     
3.1
Restated By-Laws of the Registrant.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 8, 2008.
 
     
3.2
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant as amended. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1999.
 
     
4.1
Specimen Common Stock Certificate.  Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1998.
 
     
10.1
Amendment Number 1 to License Agreement dated December 9, 1996 between the Registrant as Licensee and Coach, a division of Sara Lee Corporation as Licensor, dated as of February 1, 1998.  Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 1998.
 
     
10.2
License agreement dated January 1, 1992, between The Hearst Corporation and the Registrant, as amended on January 17, 1992. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-666000).
 
     
10.3
Letter Agreement between the Registrant and The Hearst Corporation dated October 24, 1994 executed October 25, 1995 amending License Agreement dated as of January 1, 1992, as amended.  Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 1995.
 
     
10.4
Registrant's 1996 Stock Incentive Plan amending and restating the 1993 Employee Stock Option Plan. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 1996. *
 


 
57

 


Exhibit
   
Number
Description
 
     
10.5
Lease dated August 10, 1994 between Rockefeller Center Properties, as landlord and SwissAm, Inc., as tenant for space at 630 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1994.
 
     
10.6
License Agreement dated December 9, 1996 between the Registrant and Coach, a division of Sara Lee Corporation.  Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1997.
 
     
10.7
First Amendment to Lease dated April 8, 1998 between RCPI Trust, successor in interest to Rockefeller Center Properties (“Landlord”) and Movado Retail Group, Inc., successor in interest to SwissAm, Inc. (“Tenant”) amending lease dated August 10, 1994 between Landlord and Tenant for space at 630 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York.  Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1998.
 
     
10.8
Amendment Number 2 dated as of September 1, 1999 to the December 9, 1996 License Agreement between Coach, a division of Sara Lee Corporation, and the Registrant.  Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 1999.
 
     
10.9
Severance Agreement dated December 15, 1999, and entered into December 16, 1999 between the Registrant and Richard J. Coté. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2000. *
 
     
10.10
Lease made December 21, 2000 between the Registrant and Mack-Cali Realty, L.P. for premises in Paramus, New Jersey together with First Amendment thereto made December 21, 2000.  Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2000.
 
     
10.11
Lease Agreement dated May 22, 2000 between Forsgate Industrial Complex and the Registrant for premises located at 105 State Street, Moonachie, New Jersey.  Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2000.
 

 
58

 


Exhibit
   
Number
Description
 
     
10.12
Second Amendment of Lease dated July 26, 2001 between Mack-Cali Realty, L.P., as landlord, and Movado Group, Inc., as tenant, further amending lease dated as of December 21, 2000. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed for the quarter ended October 31, 2001.
 
     
10.13
Third Amendment of Lease dated November 6, 2001 between Mack-Cali Realty, L.P., as lessor, and Movado Group, Inc., as lessee, for additional space at Mack-Cali II, One Mack Drive, Paramus, New Jersey. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed for the quarter ended October 31, 2001.
 
     
10.14
Amendment Number 2 to Registrant’s 1996 Stock Incentive Plan dated March 16, 2001. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2002.*
 
     
10.15
Amendment Number 3 to Registrant’s 1996 Stock Incentive Plan approved June 19, 2001. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2002.*
 
     
10.16
Amendment Number 3 to License Agreement dated December 9, 1996, as previously amended, between the Registrant, Movado Watch Company S.A. and Coach, Inc., dated as of January 30, 2002. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2002.
 
     
10.17
Endorsement Agreement dated as of April 4, 2003 between the Registrant and The Grinberg Family Trust. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2003.
 

 
59

 


Exhibit
   
Number
Description
 
     
10.18
Employment Agreement dated August 27, 2004 between the Registrant and Mr. Eugene J. Karpovich. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2004. *
 
     
10.19
Employment Agreement dated August 27, 2004 between the Registrant and Mr. Timothy F. Michno. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2004. *
 
     
10.20
Master Credit Agreement dated August 17, 2004 and August 20, 2004 between MGI Luxury Group S.A. and UBS AG. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2004.
 
     
10.21
Fifth Amendment of Lease dated October 20, 2003 between Mack-Cali Realty, L.P. as landlord, and the Registrant as tenant further amending the lease dated as of December 21, 2000. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2004.
 
     
10.22
Registrant’s 1996 Stock Incentive Plan, amended and restated as of April 8, 2004.  Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2005.*
 
     
10.23
License Agreement entered into December 15, 2004 between MGI Luxury Group S.A. and HUGO BOSS Trade Mark Management GmbH & Co.  Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2005.
 
     
10.24
License Agreement entered into November 21, 2005 by and between the Registrant, Swissam Products Limited and L.C. Licensing, Inc.  Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2006.
 
     


 
60

 


Exhibit
   
Number
Description
 
     
10.25
License Agreement effective March 27, 2006 between MGI Luxury Group S.A. and Lacoste S.A., Sporloisirs S.A. and Lacoste Alligator S.A.  Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2006.
 
     
10.26
Third Amendment to License Agreement dated as of January 1, 1992 between the Registrant and Hearst Magazines, a Division of Hearst Communications, Inc., effective February 15, 2007. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2007.
 
     
10.27
Amendment Number 5 to License Agreement dated December 9, 1996 between the Registrant and Coach, Inc., effective March 9, 2007. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2007.
 
     
10.28
First Amendment dated as of February 27, 2009 to Lease dated May 22, 2000 between Forsgate Industrial Complex as Landlord and Movado Group, Inc. as Tenant for the premises known as 105 State Street, Moonachie, New Jersey.
 
     
10.29
Amendment Number 1 to the April 8, 2004 Amendment and Restatement of the Movado Group, Inc. 1996 Stock Incentive Plan. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2008. *
 
     
10.30
Movado Group, Inc. Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan for Executives, effective January 1, 2008. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2008. *
 
     
10.31
Transition and Retirement Agreement dated as of December 19, 2008 by and between the Registrant and Gedalio Grinberg. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 23, 2008. *
 


 
61

 


Exhibit
   
Number
Description
 
     
10.32
Joint Venture Agreement dated May 11, 2007 by and between Swico Limited, Movado Group, Inc. and MGS Distribution Limited. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.47 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2009.
 
     
10.33
Pledge Agreement, dated as of June 5, 2009, by Movado Group, Inc. and Movado Group Delaware Holdings Corporation in favor of Bank of America, N.A., as agent. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 9, 2009.
 
     
10.34
Patent and Trademark Security Agreement dated as of June 5, 2009, by Movado Group, Inc. and Movado LLC in favor of Bank of America, N.A., as agent. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 9, 2009.
 
     
10.35
Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of July 17, 2009, by and among Movado Group, Inc., Movado Group Delaware Holdings Corporation, Movado Retail Group, Inc. and Movado LLC, as Borrowers, Bank of America, N.A. and Bank Leumi USA, as lenders, and Bank of America, N.A., as agent. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 23, 2009.
 
     
10.36
Movado Group, Inc. Executive Performance Share Program. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2009. *
 
     
10.37
Movado Group, Inc. Executive Performance Share Program Form of Award Agreement. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2009. *
 


 
62

 


Exhibit
   
Number
Description
 
     
10.38
Amendment Number 2 to Movado Group, Inc. 1996 Stock Incentive Plan as Amended and Restated as of April 8, 2004. Incorporated herein by reference to Annex A to the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on May 8, 2009.*
 
     
10.39
Amendment Number 6 to License Agreement dated December 9, 1996 between the Registrant and Coach, Inc. effective June 4, 2009. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2009.
 
     
10.40
Amendment Number 7 to License Agreement dated December 9, 1996 between the Registrant and Coach, Inc. effective June 4, 2009. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2009.
 
     
10.41
Amended and Restated License Agreement among Tommy Hilfiger Licensing LLC, Movado Group, Inc. and Swissam Products Limited, dated as of September 16, 2009. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2009.
 
     
21.1
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.**
 
 
 
 
23.2
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.**
 
 
 
 
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer.**
 
 
 
 
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer.**
 
 
 
 
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**
 
 
 
 
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**
 

* Constitutes a compensatory plan or arrangement.

** Filed herewith.




 
63

 

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act, for the Company. With the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, the Company’s management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of January 31, 2010.

Our internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2010 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.

 
64

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Movado Group, Inc.:

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Movado Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries at January 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2010 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.  Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in "Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting" appearing in the accompanying index.  Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits.  We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries in 2010 and uncertain income tax positions in 2008.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 
65

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.



/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Florham Park, New Jersey
April 1, 2010






































 
66

 

MOVADO GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

   
Fiscal Year Ended January 31,
 
                   
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
                   
Net sales
  $ 378,396     $ 460,857     $ 559,550  
Cost of sales
    193,857       175,913       225,545  
                         
Gross profit
    184,539       284,944       334,005  
Selling, general and administrative
    220,965       281,554       283,228  
                         
Operating (loss) / income
    (36,426 )     3,390       50,777  
Other income, net (Note 17)
    -       681       -  
Interest expense
    (4,533 )     (2,915 )     (3,472 )
Interest income
    111       2,132       4,666  
                         
(Loss) / income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests
    (40,848 )     3,288       51,971  
Provision for / (benefit from)  income taxes (Note 7)
    13,553       736       (9,471 )
Net (loss) / income
    (54,401 )     2,552       61,442  
    Less: Net income attributed to noncontrolling interests
    224       237       637  
Net  (loss) / income attributed to Movado Group, Inc.
  $ (54,625 )   $ 2,315     $ 60,805  
                         
Basic  (loss) /  income per share:
                       
Net (loss) / income per share
  $ (2.23 )   $ 0.09     $ 2.33  
Weighted basic average shares outstanding
    24,541       24,782       26,049  
                         
Diluted (loss) / income per share:
                       
Net (loss) / income per share
  $ (2.23 )   $ 0.09     $ 2.23  
Weighted diluted average shares outstanding
    24,541       25,554       27,293  
                         
Dividends declared per share
  $ -     $ 0.29     $ 0.32  










See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 
67

 

MOVADO GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

   
January 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 70,975     $ 86,621  
Trade receivables, net
    67,206       76,710  
Inventories, net
    204,096       228,884  
Other current assets
    38,014       47,863  
Total current assets
    380,291       440,078  
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net
    47,394       66,749  
Other non-current assets
    41,692       57,163  
                 
Total assets
  $ 469,377     $ 563,990  
                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Loans payable to banks
  $ -     $ 40,000  
Current portion of long-term debt
    -       25,000  
Accounts payable
    22,661       20,794  
Accrued liabilities
    31,321       42,754  
Accrued payroll and benefits
    3,840       4,932  
Deferred and current income taxes payable
    541       430  
Total current liabilities
    58,363       133,910  
                 
Long-term debt
    10,000       -  
Deferred and non-current income taxes payable
    7,874       6,856  
Other non-current liabilities
    21,688       22,459  
Total liabilities
    97,925       163,225  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 9 and 10)
               
                 
Equity:
               
Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued
    -       -  
Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 25,134,084 and 24,592,682 shares issued, respectively
    251       246  
Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized; 6,634,319 and 6,634,319 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
    66       66  
Capital in excess of par value
    138,076       131,796  
Retained earnings
    265,856       320,481  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    67,390       44,041  
Treasury Stock, 7,171,348  and 6,826,734 shares at cost, respectively
    (102,071 )     (97,371 )
Total Movado Group, Inc. shareholders’ equity
    369,568       399,259  
Noncontrolling interests
    1,884       1,506  
Total equity
    371,452       400,765  
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 469,377     $ 563,990  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 
68

 

MOVADO GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
 
   
Fiscal Year Ended January 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                 
Net (loss) / income
  $ (54,401 )   $ 2,552     $ 61,442  
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) / income to net cash (used) / provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    18,698       18,457       16,684  
Deferred income taxes
    18,618       327       (8,717 )
Provision for losses on accounts receivable
    2,270       3,210       2,302  
Provision for losses on inventory
    10,710       2,282       2,809  
Gain on proceeds from insurance
    -       (681 )     -  
Stock-based compensation
    929       226       4,911  
Impairment of long-lived assets
    7,574       4,525       -  
Excess tax / (benefit) from stock-based compensation
    502       151       (1,883 )
Loss on disposition of property, plant and equipment
    -       164       1,208  
                         
Changes in assets and liabilities:
                       
Trade receivables
    10,446       10,549       18,976  
Inventories
    26,283       (36,068 )     666  
Other current assets
    5,840       (13,073 )     (1,470 )
Accounts payable
    1,104       (16,922 )     3,495  
Accrued liabilities
    (11,960 )     12,546       (1,914 )
Accrued payroll and benefits
    (1,092 )     (8,247 )     (1,572 )
Income taxes payable
    (409 )     (2,925 )     (12,006 )
Other non-current assets
    383       3,800       (2,408 )
Other non-current liabilities
    (775 )     (1,740 )     1,111  
Net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities
    34,720       (20,867 )     83,634  
                         
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Capital expenditures
    (4,901 )     (22,681 )     (27,392 )
Trademarks
    (579 )     (851 )     (641 )
Proceeds from insurance
    -       1,006       -  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (5,480 )     (22,526 )     (28,033 )
                         
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Proceeds of bank borrowings
    55,908       40,000       -  
Repayments of bank borrowings
    (79,838 )     (26,175 )     (18,618 )
Repayment of Senior Notes
         (25,000 )     (10,000 )     (5,000 )
Financing fee
    (2,772 )     -       -  
Repurchase of treasury stock
    -       (37,871 )     (1,030 )
Stock options exercised and other changes
    1,160       522       666  
Investment from JV interest
    -       -       787  
Excess (tax) / benefit from stock-based compensation
    (502 )     (151 )     1,883  
Distribution of minority interest earnings
    -       (297 )     -  
Dividends paid
    (1,220 )     (5,909 )     (8,327 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (52,264 )     (39,881 )     (29,639 )
                         
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    7,378       344       10,578  
                         
Net (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (15,646 )     (82,930 )     36,540  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    86,621       169,551       133,011  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 70,975     $ 86,621     $ 169,551  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 
69

 

MOVADO GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
   
Movado Group, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity
             
   
Preferred Stock
   
Common Stock
   
Class A Common Stock
   
Capital in Excess of Par Value
   
Retained Earnings
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
   
Treasury Stock
   
Noncontrolling Interests
   
Total
 
                                                       
Balance, January 31, 2007
  $ -     $ 239     $ 66     $ 117,811     $ 280,495     $ 32,285     $ (52,537 )   $ 463     $ 378,822  
Net income
                                    60,805                       637       61,442  
Dividends ($0.32 per share)
                                    (8,327 )                             (8,327 )
FIN 48 transition adjustment
                                    (7,677 )                             (7,677 )
Stock repurchase
                                                    (1,030 )             (1,030 )
Stock options exercised, net of tax of $2,343
            4               6,051                       (3,635 )             2,420  
Supplemental executive retirement plan
                            129                                       129  
Stock-based compensation expense
                            4,911                                       4,911  
Net unrealized loss on investments, net of  tax benefit of $72
                                            (176 )                     (176 )
Net change in effective portion of hedging contracts, net of tax of $2,574
                                            3,942                       3,942  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                                            29,697               120       29,817  
Investment from noncontrolling interests
                                                            787       787  
Balance, January 31, 2008
    -       243       66       128,902       325,296       65,748       (57,202 )     2,007       465,060  
Net income
                                    2,315                       237       2,552  
Dividends ($0.29 per share)
                                    (7,130 )                             (7,130 )
Stock repurchase
                                                    (37,871 )             (37,871 )
Stock options exercised, net of tax benefit of $234
            3               2,524                       (2,298 )             229  
Supplemental executive retirement plan
                            144                                       144  
Stock-based compensation expense
                            226                                       226  
Net unrealized loss on investments, net of  tax benefit of $128
                                            (190 )                     (190 )
Net change in effective portion of hedging
contracts, net of tax benefit of $1,511
                                            (2,266 )                     (2,266 )
    Foreign currency translation adjustment
                                            (19,251 )             (441 )     (19,692 )
    Distribution of noncontrolling interests earnings
                                                            (297 )     (297 )
Balance, January 31, 2009
    -       246       66       131,796       320,481       44,041       (97,371 )     1,506       400,765  
Net income
                                    (54,625 )                     224       (54,401 )
Stock options exercised, net of tax of  $835
            5               5,549                       (4,700 )             854  
Supplemental executive retirement plan
                            (198 )                                     (198 )
Stock-based compensation expense
                            929                                       929  
Net unrealized gain on investments
                                            52                       52  
Net change in effective portion of hedging
contracts
                                            (1,696 )                     (1,696 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                                            24,993               154       25,147  
Balance, January 31, 2010
  $ -     $ 251     $ 66     $ 138,076     $ 265,856     $ 67,390     $ (102,071 )   $ 1,884     $ 371,452  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 
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(Shares information in thousands)
 
Common Stock
   
Class A Common Stock
   
Treasury Stock
 
Balance, January 31, 2007
    23,872       6,642       (4,678 )
Stock issued to employees exercising stock options
    274       -       (71 )
Conversion of Class A Common Stock
    8       (8 )     -  
Stock repurchase
    -       -       (44 )
Restricted stock and other stock plans, less cancellations
    113       -       (38 )
Balance, January 31, 2008
    24,267       6,634       (4,831 )
Stock issued to employees exercising stock options
    229       -       (79 )
Stock repurchase
    -       -       (1,893 )
Restricted stock and other stock plans, less cancellations
    97       -       (24 )
Balance, January 31, 2009
    24,593       6,634       (6,827 )
Stock issued to employees exercising stock options
    465       -       (306 )
Restricted stock and other stock plans, less cancellations
    76       -       (38 )
Balance, January 31, 2010
    25,134       6,634       (7,171 )





























See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 
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NOTES TO MOVADO GROUP, INC.’S CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Organization and Business

Movado Group, Inc. (the "Company") designs, sources, markets and distributes quality watches with prominent brands in almost every price category comprising the watch industry. In fiscal 2010, the Company marketed nine distinctive brands of watches: Movado, Ebel, Concord, ESQ, Coach, HUGO BOSS, Juicy Couture, Tommy Hilfiger and Lacoste, which compete in most segments of the watch market.

Movado, Ebel and Concord watches are generally manufactured in Switzerland by independent third party assemblers with some in-house assembly in Bienne and La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.  Movado, Ebel and Concord watches are manufactured using Swiss movements and other components obtained from third party suppliers.  Coach, ESQ, Tommy Hilfiger, Juicy Couture, HUGO BOSS and Lacoste watches are manufactured by independent contractors.  ESQ watches are manufactured using Swiss movements and other components purchased from third party suppliers. Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, Juicy Couture, HUGO BOSS and Lacoste watches are manufactured using movements and other components purchased from third party suppliers.

In addition to its sales to trade customers and independent distributors, through a wholly-owned domestic subsidiary, the Company sells select models of Movado watches, as well as proprietary Movado-branded jewelry and clocks directly to consumers in its Movado boutiques and operates outlet stores throughout the United States, through which it sells discontinued models and factory seconds.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries.  Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

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 those estimates.  The Company uses estimates when accounting for sales discounts, rebates, allowances and incentives, warranties, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, contingencies, impairments and asset and liability valuations.

Reclassification

Certain reclassifications were made to prior year’s financial statement amounts and related note disclosures to conform to the fiscal 2010 presentation as a result of the adoption of new accounting guidance related to noncontrolling interests in the consolidated financial statements.  Additionally, certain expenses associated with the Company’s watch repair activities were reclassified from selling, general and administrative expenses to cost of sales on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.

 
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During the first and second quarters of fiscal 2010, the Company had accounted for certain items within inventory and cost of sales which resulted in an overstatement of gross margin by $1.3 million and $1.0 million for the three months ended April 30, 2009 and July 31, 2009, respectively.  Such amounts were not material to the previously issued financial statements for the first and second quarter of fiscal 2010.  The Company has reflected this revision in its financial statements for the nine months ended October 31, 2009 and, as a result, the adjustment recorded had no impact on the results for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  Furthermore, the Company will make the corresponding adjustments to the April 30, 2009 and July 31, 2009 financial statements, as appropriate, the next time those financial statements are filed.  Accordingly, the quarterly financial data contained in Note 15 has been adjusted to reflect these revisions.

Translation of Foreign Currency Financial Statements and Foreign Currency Transactions

The financial statements of the Company's international subsidiaries have been translated into United States dollars by translating balance sheet accounts at year-end exchange rates and statement of operations accounts at average exchange rates for the year. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are charged or credited to earnings as incurred.  Foreign currency translation gains and losses are reflected in the equity section of the Company's consolidated balance sheet in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.  The balance of the foreign currency translation adjustment, included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, was $67.6 million and $42.6 million as of January 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents are considered all highly liquid investments with original maturities at date of purchase of three months or less.

Trade Receivables

Trade receivables as shown on the consolidated balance sheet are net of allowances.  The allowance for doubtful accounts is determined through an analysis of the aging of accounts receivable, assessments of collectability based on historic trends, the financial condition of the Company’s customers and an evaluation of economic conditions.  The Company writes off uncollectible trade receivables once collection efforts have been exhausted and third parties confirm the balance is not recoverable.

The Company's trade customers include department stores, jewelry store chains and independent jewelers.  All of the Company’s watch brands, except ESQ, are also marketed outside the U.S. through a network of independent distributors. Accounts receivable are stated net of doubtful accounts, returns and allowances of $20.2 million, $19.6 million and $36.3 million at January 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company recorded a one-time charge of $15.0 million related to estimated sales returns associated with the closing of certain wholesale doors in the U.S.

The Company's concentrations of credit risk arise primarily from accounts receivable related to trade customers during the peak selling seasons. The Company has significant accounts receivable balances due from major national chain and department stores. The Company's results of operations could be materially adversely affected in the event any of these customers or a group of these customers defaulted on all or a significant portion of their obligations to the Company as a result of financial difficulties. As

 
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of January 31, 2010, except for those accounts provided for in the reserve for doubtful accounts, the Company knew of no situations with any of the Company’s major customers which would indicate any such customer’s inability to make its required payments.

Inventories

The Company values its inventory at the lower of cost or market.  The Company’s U.S. inventory is valued using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.  The cost of finished goods and component inventories, held by international subsidiaries, are determined using average cost. The Company’s management regularly reviews its sales to customers and customers’ sell through at retail to determine excess or obsolete inventory.  Inventory classified as discontinued and, together with the related component parts which can be assembled into saleable finished goods, is sold primarily through the Company’s outlet stores. When management determines that finished product is unsaleable or that it is impractical to build the remaining components into watches for sale, a reserve is established for the cost of those products and components to value the inventory at the lower of cost or market.  The Company performs an annual review of its on-hand inventory to determine amounts, if any, of inventory that is deemed discontinued, excess, or unsaleable.  During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010, the Company conducted its review and identified excess non-core components.  The Company made the decision that it was not economically prudent to invest additional cash and effort to convert these components into finished goods, and subsequently recorded a reserve of $8.8 million in cost of sales.  During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, the Company went through a process of scrapping unsaleable inventory and components which were reserved for and recorded as cost of sales in previous fiscal years.  During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2008, the Company conducted its review and identified excess discontinued components and watches.  In doing so, the Company made an economic decision to convert these excess quantities of discontinued inventory into cash using an independent third party.  In addition, where it was not deemed economically feasible to invest the time, effort and/or cost, the Company initiated efforts to cleanse the inventory and scrap the product.  The Company’s estimates, based on which it establishes its inventory reserves, could vary significantly, either favorably or unfavorably, from actual requirements depending on future economic conditions, customer inventory levels or competitive conditions.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.  Depreciation of buildings is amortized using the straight-line method based on the useful life of 40 years.  Depreciation of furniture and equipment is provided using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of assets, which range from four to ten years. Computer software is amortized using the straight-line method over the useful life of five to ten years.  Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of the term of the lease or the estimated useful life of the leasehold improvement.  Design fees and tooling costs are amortized using the straight-line method based on the useful life of three years.  Upon the disposition of property, plant and equipment, the accumulated depreciation is deducted from the original cost and any gain or loss is reflected in current earnings.

Long-Lived Assets

The Company periodically reviews the estimated useful lives of its depreciable assets based on factors including historical experience, the expected beneficial service period of the asset, the quality and durability of the asset and the Company’s maintenance policy including periodic upgrades. Changes in

 
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useful lives are made on a prospective basis unless factors indicate the carrying amounts of the assets may not be recoverable and an impairment write-down is necessary.

The Company performs an impairment review of its long-lived assets once events or changes in circumstances indicate, in management's judgment, that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. When such a determination has been made, management compares the carrying value of the assets with their estimated future undiscounted cash flows. If it is determined that an impairment loss has occurred, the loss is recognized during that period. The impairment loss is calculated as the difference between asset carrying values and the fair value of the long-lived assets.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company determined that the carrying value of its long-lived assets with respect to certain Movado boutiques was not recoverable. The review was performed because of the ongoing difficult economic conditions that had a negative effect on the Company’s fourth quarter ended January 31, 2009, the retail segment’s largest quarter of the year in terms of sales and profitability.  As a result, the Company recorded a non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of $4.5 million related to the write-down of property, plant and equipment. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company determined that the carrying value of its long-lived assets primarily with respect to certain Movado boutiques and trade booths for the Basel fair were not recoverable.  The review was performed because of the ongoing difficult economic conditions that had a negative effect on the Company’s fourth quarter ended January 31, 2010, the retail segment’s largest quarter of the year in terms of sales and profitability.  As a result, the Company recorded a non-cash pre-tax charge of $7.6 million related to the write-downs of property, plant and equipment.  These charges were calculated as the difference between the assets’ carrying values and their estimated fair value.  For the purposes of these calculations, fair value was determined using a discounted cash flow calculation.  These charges are included in the selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Deferred Rent Obligations and Contributions from Landlords

The Company accounts for rent expense under non-cancelable operating leases with scheduled rent increases on a straight-line basis over the lease term.  The excess of straight-line rent expense over scheduled payments is recorded as a deferred liability.  In addition, the Company receives build out contributions from landlords primarily as an incentive for the Company to lease retail store space from the landlords.  This is also recorded as a deferred liability.  Such amounts are amortized as a reduction of rent expense over the life of the related lease.

Capitalized Software Costs

The Company capitalizes certain computer software costs after technological feasibility has been established. The costs are amortized utilizing the straight-line method over the economic lives of the related products ranging from five to seven years.  Additionally, effective February 1, 2009, the Company implemented SAP, a business enterprise solution as its core enterprise system.  As of January 31, 2009 and January 31, 2008, $19.7 million and $10.5 million of costs related to SAP have been capitalized, respectively.  The SAP system is being amortized over a period of ten years, utilizing the straight-line method.

Intangibles

Intangible assets consist primarily of trademarks and are recorded at cost.  Trademarks are amortized over ten years. The Company periodically reviews intangible assets to evaluate whether events or

 
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changes have occurred that would suggest an impairment of carrying value.  An impairment would be recognized when expected undiscounted future operating cash flows are lower than the carrying value.  At January 31, 2010 and 2009, intangible assets at cost were $11.0 million and $10.3 million, respectively, and related accumulated amortization of intangibles was $7.1 million and $6.3 million, respectively. Amortization expense for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $0.8 million, $1.0 million and $0.8 million, respectively.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company accounts for its derivative financial instruments in accordance with guidance which requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial condition and measure those instruments at fair value.  A significant portion of the Company’s purchases are denominated in Swiss francs.  The Company reduces its exposure to the Swiss franc exchange rate risk through a hedging program.  Under the hedging program, the Company manages most of its foreign currency exposures on a consolidated basis, which allows it to net certain exposures and take advantage of natural offsets.  In the event these exposures do not offset, the Company uses various derivative financial instruments to further reduce the net exposures to currency fluctuations, predominately forward and option contracts.  When entered into, the Company designates and documents these derivative instruments as a cash flow hedge of a specific underlying exposure, as well as the risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transactions.  Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated and documented as a cash flow hedge and is highly effective, are recorded in other comprehensive income until the underlying transaction affects earnings, and then are later reclassified into earnings in the same account as the hedged transaction.  The Company formally assesses, both at the inception and at each financial quarter thereafter, the effectiveness of the derivative instrument hedging the underlying forecasted cash flow transaction.  Any ineffectiveness related to the derivative financial instruments’ change in fair value will be recognized in the period in which the ineffectiveness was calculated.

The Company uses forward exchange contracts to offset its exposure to certain foreign currency liabilities. These forward contracts are not qualified hedges and, therefore, changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recognized into earnings, thereby offsetting the current earnings effect of the related foreign currency liabilities.

The Company’s risk management policy includes net investment hedging of the Company’s Swiss franc-denominated investment in its wholly-owned subsidiaries located in Switzerland using purchased foreign currency options under certain limitations. When entered into for this purpose, the Company designates and documents the derivative instrument as a net investment hedge of a specific underlying exposure, as well as the risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transactions. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated and documented as a net investment hedge are recorded in other comprehensive income in the same manner as the cumulative translation adjustment of the Company’s Swiss franc-denominated investment. The Company formally assesses, both at the inception and at each financial quarter thereafter, the effectiveness of the derivative instrument hedging the net investment.

All of the Company’s derivative instruments have liquid markets to assess fair value.  The Company does not enter into any derivative instruments for trading purposes.



 
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Revenue Recognition

In the wholesale segment, the Company recognizes its revenues upon transfer of title and risk of loss in accordance with its FOB shipping point terms of sale and after the sales price is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured.  In the retail segment, transfer of title and risk of loss occurs at the time of register receipt.  The Company records estimates for sales returns, volume-based programs and sales and cash discount allowances as a reduction of revenue in the same period that the sales are recorded.  These estimates are based upon historical analysis, customer agreements and/or currently known factors that arise in the normal course of business.  In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company recorded a one-time accrual of $15.0 million related to estimated future sales returns associated with the streamlining of the Movado brand wholesale distribution in the U.S. for the planned reduction of approximately 1,400 wholesale customer doors.  These sales returns were completed during fiscal 2009.

Cost of Sales

Costs of sales of the Company’s products consist primarily of component costs, assembly costs and unit overhead costs associated with the Company’s supply chain operations in Switzerland and Asia.  The Company’s supply chain operations consist of logistics management of assembly operations and product sourcing in Switzerland and Asia and minor assembly in Switzerland. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company conducted its annual review of inventory and identified excess non-core components and made the decision that it was not economically prudent to invest additional cash and effort to convert these components into finished goods.  As a result, the Company recorded a non-cash inventory reserve of $8.8 million.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

The Company’s SG&A expenses consist primarily of marketing, selling, distribution and general and administrative expenses.  During the second half of fiscal 2009, the Company announced initiatives designed to streamline operations, reduce expenses, and improve efficiencies and effectiveness across the Company’s global organization.  In fiscal 2009, the Company recorded a total pre-tax charge of $11.1 million related to the completion of these programs and a restructuring of certain benefit arrangements.  Additionally, the Company recorded a non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of $4.5 million related to asset write-down of property, plant and equipment, related to certain Movado boutiques. In fiscal 2010, the Company recorded a non-cash pre-tax charge of $7.6 million related to asset write-downs of property, plant and equipment, related primarily to certain Movado boutiques and, to a lesser extent, trade booths for the Basel fair.

Annual marketing expenditures are based principally on overall strategic considerations relative to maintaining or increasing market share in markets that management considers to be crucial to the Company’s continued success as well as on general economic conditions in the various markets around the world in which the Company sells its products.

Selling expenses consist primarily of salaries, sales commissions, sales force travel and related expenses, expenses associated with Baselworld, the annual watch and jewelry trade show and other industry trade shows and operating costs incurred in connection with the Company’s retail business. Sales commissions vary with overall sales levels. Retail selling expenses consist primarily of payroll related and store occupancy costs.

 
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Distribution expenses consist primarily of salaries of distribution staff, rental and other occupancy costs, security, depreciation and amortization of furniture and leasehold improvements and shipping supplies.

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and other employee compensation, employee benefit plan costs, office rent, management information systems costs, professional fees, bad debts, depreciation and amortization of furniture and leasehold improvements, patent and trademark expenses and various other general corporate expenses.

Warranty Costs

All watches sold by the Company come with limited warranties covering the movement against defects in material and workmanship for periods ranging from two to three years from the date of purchase, with the exception of Tommy Hilfiger watches, for which the warranty period is ten years.  In addition, the warranty period is five years for the gold plating for Movado watch cases and bracelets.  When changes in warranty costs are experienced, the Company will adjust the warranty accrual as required.

Warranty liability for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 was as follows (in thousands):

   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
                   
Balance, beginning of year
  $ 1,864     $ 2,193     $ 1,954  
Provision charged to operations
    1,911       1,864       2,193  
Settlements made
    (1,864 )     (2,193 )     (1,954 )
                         
Balance, end of year
  $ 1,911     $ 1,864     $ 2,193  

Pre-opening Costs

Costs associated with the opening of new boutique and outlet stores, including pre-opening rent, are expensed in the period incurred.

Marketing

The Company expenses the production costs of an advertising campaign at the commencement date of the advertising campaign.  Included in marketing expenses are costs associated with co-operative advertising, media advertising, production costs and costs of point-of-sale materials and displays.  These costs are recorded as SG&A expenses.  The Company participates in co-operative advertising programs on a voluntary basis and receives a “separately identifiable benefit in exchange for the consideration.”  Since the amount of consideration paid to the retailer does not exceed the fair value of the benefit received by the Company, these costs are recorded as SG&A expenses as opposed to being recorded as a reduction of revenue.  Marketing expense for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 amounted to $55.6 million, $80.3 million and $86.2 million, respectively.

Included in the other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets as of January 31, 2010 and 2009 are prepaid advertising costs of $1.1 million and $2.0 million, respectively.  These prepaid costs represent advertising costs paid to licensors in advance, pursuant to the Company’s licensing agreements and sponsorships.


 
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Shipping and Handling Costs

Amounts charged to customers and costs incurred by the Company related to shipping and handling are included in net sales and cost of goods sold, respectively.  The amounts recorded for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 were insignificant.

Income Taxes

The Company follows accounting guidance for accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method of this guidance, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax laws and tax rates, in each jurisdiction the Company operates, and applies to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities due to a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  In addition, the amounts of any future tax benefits are reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent such benefits are not expected to be realized on a more-likely-than-not basis.  The Company calculates estimated income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which it operates. This process involves estimating actual current tax expense along with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for both book and tax purposes.

The Company adopted guidance for accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, on February 1, 2007.  This guidance clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement standard for the financial statement recognition and measurement of an income tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  This guidance also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosures and transitions.  The Company previously recognized income tax positions based on management’s estimate of whether it was reasonably possible that a liability had been incurred for unrecognized tax benefits by applying the guidance for accounting for contingencies.

Earnings Per Share

The Company presents net income per share on a basic and diluted basis.  Basic earnings per share is computed using weighted-average shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares outstanding adjusted for dilutive common stock equivalents.

The weighted-average number of shares outstanding for basic earnings per share were 24,541,000, 24,782,000 and 26,049,000 for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  For the twelve months ended January 31, 2010, the number of shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share was the same as the basic earnings per share because the Company generated a net loss. For the twelve months ended January 31, 2009 and January 31, 2008, the number of shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share were increased by 772,000 and 1,244,000, respectively, due to potentially dilutive common stock equivalents issuable under the Company’s stock compensation plans.

For the years ended January 31, 2010 and January 31, 2009, approximately 1,101,000 and 75,000, respectively, of potentially dilutive common stock equivalents were excluded from the computation of dilutive earnings per share because their effect would have been antidilutive. 

 
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Stock-Based Compensation

On February 1, 2006, the Company adopted the accounting guidance for share-based payment, electing to use the modified prospective application transition method, and accordingly, prior period financial statements have not been restated.  Under this method, the fair value of all stock options granted after adoption and the unvested portion of previously granted awards must be recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to calculate the fair value of each option at the grant date which requires that certain assumptions be made.  The expected life of stock option grants is determined using historical data and represents the time period which the stock option is expected to be outstanding until it is exercised.  The risk free interest rate is the yield on the grant date of U.S. Treasury constant maturities with a maturity date closest to the expected life of the stock option.  The expected stock price volatility is derived from historical volatility and calculated based on the estimated term structure of the stock option grant.  The expected dividend yield is calculated using the expected annualized dividend which remains constant during the expected term of the option.

This accounting guidance requires that compensation expense for equity instruments be accrued based on the estimated number of instruments for which the requisite service is expected to be rendered.  Additionally, for performance based awards, compensation expense should be accrued only if it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved.  The Company reviews the estimates of forfeitures and the probability of performance conditions being achieved at each reporting period.  Any changes to compensation expense as a result of a change in these estimates are reflected in the period of change.  During fiscal years 2009 and 2010, as a result of the deteriorating global economy, it became apparent that the performance goals for certain Long Term Incentive Plan grants would not be achieved.  This resulted in the reversal of previously accrued stock-based compensation expenses of approximately $3.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

See Note 11 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding stock-based compensation.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards
 
In February 2010, new accounting guidance was issued related to subsequent events.  This guidance amended guidance previously issued in May 2009 regarding subsequent events and states that an entity that is a SEC filer is no longer required to disclose the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
In January 2010, new accounting guidance was issued related to improving disclosures about fair value measurements.  This guidance states that a separate disclosure is required for significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and for purchases, sales, issuances and settlements for Level 3 fair value measurements.  This guidance is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2009.  The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In January 2010, new accounting guidance was issued related to accounting and reporting guidance for noncontrolling interests and changes in ownership interests of a subsidiary.  An entity is required to deconsolidate a subsidiary when the entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest in the subsidiary.  Upon deconsolidation of a subsidiary, an entity recognizes a gain or loss on the transaction

 
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and measures any retained investment in the subsidiary at fair value.  The gain or loss includes any gain or loss associated with the difference between the fair value of the retained investment in the subsidiary and its carrying amount at the date the subsidiary is deconsolidated.  This guidance is effective for periods ending after December 15, 2009.  The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company as its ownership interest in its subsidiaries have not changed.

NOTE 2 – INVENTORIES, NET

Inventories, net at January 31, consisted of the following (in thousands):

   
Fiscal Year Ended January 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Finished goods
  $ 128,334     $ 156,280  
Component parts
    55,077       55,455  
Work-in-process
    20,685       17,149  
    $ 204,096     $ 228,884  

NOTE 3 – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment at January 31, at cost, consisted of the following (in thousands):

   
Fiscal Year Ended January 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Land and buildings
  $ 4,385     $ 3,995  
Furniture and equipment
    57,994       60,592  
Computer software
    38,867       37,953  
Leasehold improvements
    39,399       40,660  
Design fees and tooling costs
    11,513       10,010  
      152,158       153,210  
Less: accumulated depreciation
    104,764       86,461  
    $ 47,394     $ 66,749  

Depreciation and amortization expense related to property, plant and equipment for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $17.1 million, $17.2 million and $15.8 million, respectively, which includes computer software amortization expense for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 of $2.9 million, $1.0 million and $2.0 million, respectively.  Additionally, in fiscal 2010, the Company recorded a non-cash pre-tax charge of $7.6 million, related to the write-down of long-lived assets primarily related to certain Movado boutiques and, to a lesser extent, trade booths for the Basel fair.  In fiscal 2009, the Company recorded a non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of $4.5 million related to the write-down of long-lived assets related to certain Movado boutiques.

NOTE 4 – DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT

On June 5, 2009, the Company, together with Movado Group Delaware Holdings Corporation, Movado Retail Group, Inc. and Movado LLC (together with the Company, the “Borrowers”), each a wholly

 
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owned domestic subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Original Loan Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A. as agent and lender thereunder.  The Original Loan Agreement provided for a $50.0 million asset based senior secured revolving credit facility, including a $15.0 million letter of credit subfacility, that matures on June 5, 2012.

On July 17, 2009, the Borrowers entered into an Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the “Amended Loan Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A. and Bank Leumi USA, as lenders, and Bank of America, N.A., as agent (in such capacity, the “Agent”), which amended and restated the Original Loan Agreement.  The Amended Loan Agreement added Bank Leumi USA as a lender thereunder and, to accommodate Bank Leumi USA holding up to $15.0 million of the Borrowers’ obligations thereunder, increased the size of the Borrowers’ asset based senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) from $50.0 million to $55.0 million, including a $15.0 million letter of credit subfacility.  The maturity date of the Facility is June 5, 2012.

Availability under the Facility is determined by reference to a borrowing base which is based on the sum of a percentage of eligible accounts receivable and eligible inventory of the Borrowers.  $10.0 million in availability is blocked until the date (the “Block Release Date”) on which the Borrowers have achieved for a four fiscal quarter period a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.25 to 1.0 and have domestic EBITDA greater than $10.0 million.  The availability block must remain in place for at least one year. The amount of the availability block will be reduced by the amount by which the borrowing base exceeds $55.0 million, up to a maximum reduction of $5.0 million.  Availability under the Facility may be further reduced by certain reserves established by the Agent in its good faith credit judgment.

The initial applicable margin for LIBOR rate loans is 4.25% and for base rate loans is 3.25%. After July 17, 2010, the applicable margins decrease or increase by 0.25% per annum from the initial applicable margins depending on whether average availability for the most recently completed fiscal quarter is either greater than $12.5 million, or is $5.0 million or less, respectively.  The Company has also agreed to pay certain fees and expenses and provide certain indemnities, all of which are customary for such financings.

Prior to the Block Release Date, if borrowing availability is less than $10.0 million (which threshold may be reduced to the extent the borrowing base exceeds $55.0 million, up to a maximum $5.0 million reduction), Borrowers will be subject to a minimum EBITDA covenant.  After the Block Release Date, Borrowers will be subject to a minimum EBITDA covenant if borrowing availability is less than $15.0 million.  As of January 31, 2010, the Borrowers were not subject to the minimum EBITDA covenant.
 
In addition, after the Block Release Date, if borrowing availability is less than $15.0 million, Borrowers will be subject to a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio.

Finally, the Borrowers’ deposit accounts will be subject to cash dominion prior to the Block Release Date if borrowing availability is less than $7.5 million, but such threshold may be reduced to the extent the borrowing base exceeds $55.0 million, up to a maximum $5.0 million reduction.  After the Block Release Date, cash dominion will be imposed if borrowing availability is less than $15.0 million.  As of January 31, 2010, the Borrowers were not subject to cash dominion nor do the Borrowers expect to be subject to such a requirement in the foreseeable future.

The Amended Loan Agreement contains affirmative and negative covenants binding on the Borrowers and their subsidiaries that are customary for asset based facilities, including restrictions and limitations on the incurrence of debt for borrowed money and liens, dispositions of assets of the Borrowers, capital

 
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expenditures, dividends and other payments in respect of equity interests, the making of loans and equity investments, prepayments of subordinated and certain other debt, mergers, consolidations, liquidations and dissolutions, and transactions with affiliates.

The Amended Loan Agreement contains events of default that are customary for facilities of this type, including, but not limited to, nonpayment of principal, interest, fees and other amounts when due, failure of any representation or warranty to be true in any material respect when made or deemed made, violation of covenants, cross default, material judgments, material ERISA liability, bankruptcy events, material loss of collateral in excess of insured amounts, asserted or actual revocation or invalidity of the loan documents, change of control and events or circumstances having a material adverse effect.

The borrowings under the Facility are joint and several obligations of the Borrowers and also cross-guaranteed by each Borrower.  In addition, the Borrowers’ obligations under the Facility are secured by first priority liens, subject to permitted liens, on substantially all of the Borrowers’ U.S. assets other than certain excluded assets.

On June 5, 2009, $40.0 million in loans were drawn under the Facility, which were used, in part, to repay amounts outstanding under the Company’s former U.S. credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPM Chase”) (the “Former US Facility”), which was terminated.  In addition, approximately $1.5 million in letters of credit were issued, which were used to backstop letters of credit and other obligations outstanding in connection with the Former US Facility.  As of January 31, 2010, total availability under the Facility, giving effect to the availability block, the $10.0 million outstanding under the Facility and the letters of credit, was $30.5 million.

During fiscal 1999, the Company issued $25.0 million of Series A Senior Notes (“Series A Senior Notes”) under a Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement, dated November 30, 1998 and amended on June 5, 2008 (as amended, the “First Amended 1998 Note Purchase Agreement”), between the Company and The Prudential Insurance Company of America (“Prudential”).  These notes bore interest of 6.90% per annum, were to mature on October 30, 2010 and were subject to annual repayments of $5.0 million commencing October 31, 2006.  These notes contained various financial covenants including an interest coverage ratio and maintenance of consolidated net worth and certain non-financial covenants that restricted the Company’s activities regarding investments and acquisitions, mergers, certain transactions with affiliates, creation of liens, asset transfers, payment of dividends and limitation of the amount of debt outstanding.  Upon entering into the Original Loan Agreement on June 5, 2009, all outstanding amounts and related fees due under the Series A Senior Notes were paid in full, and the First Amended 1998 Note Purchase Agreement was terminated.

As of March 21, 2004, the Company amended its Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement, originally dated March 21, 2001 (as amended, the “First Amended 2001 Note Purchase Agreement”), among the Company, Prudential and certain affiliates of Prudential (together, the “Purchasers”).  This agreement allowed for the issuance of senior promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of up to $40.0 million with maturities up to 12 years from their original date of issuance.  On October 8, 2004, the Company issued, pursuant to the First Amended 2001 Note Purchase Agreement, 4.79% Senior Series A-2004 Notes due 2011 (the "Senior Series A-2004 Notes") in an aggregate principal amount of $20.0 million, which were to mature on October 8, 2011 and were subject to annual repayments of $5.0 million commencing on October 8, 2008.  Proceeds of the Senior Series A-2004 Notes have been used by the Company for capital expenditures, repayment of certain of its debt obligations and general corporate purposes.  These notes contained certain financial covenants, including an interest coverage ratio and maintenance of consolidated net worth and certain non-financial covenants that restricted the

 
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Company’s activities regarding investments and acquisitions, mergers, certain transactions with affiliates, creation of liens, asset transfers, payment of dividends and limitation of the amount of debt outstanding.  On June 5, 2008, the Company amended the First Amended 2001 Note Purchase Agreement (as amended, the “Second Amended 2001 Note Purchase Agreement”), with Prudential and the Purchasers.  Upon entering into the Original Loan Agreement on June 5, 2009, all outstanding amounts and related fees due under the Senior Series A-2004 Notes were paid in full, and the Second Amended 2001 Note Purchase Agreement was terminated.

The credit agreement dated as of December 15, 2005, as amended, by and between the Company as parent guarantor, its Swiss subsidiaries, MGI Luxury Group S.A., Movado Watch Company SA, Concord Watch Company S.A. and Ebel Watches S.A. as borrowers, and  JPM Chase, JPMorgan Securities, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., PNC Bank and Citibank, N.A. (as amended, the "Swiss Credit Agreement"), provided for a revolving credit facility of 33.0 million Swiss francs and was to mature on December 15, 2010.  The obligations of the Company’s Swiss subsidiaries under this credit agreement were guaranteed by the Company under a Parent Guarantee, dated as of December 15, 2005, in favor of the lenders.  The Swiss Credit Agreement contained financial covenants, including an interest coverage ratio, average debt coverage ratio and limitations on capital expenditures and certain non-financial covenants that restricted the Company’s activities regarding investments and acquisitions, mergers, certain transactions with affiliates, creation of liens, asset transfers, payment of dividends and limitation of the amount of debt outstanding. Borrowings under the Swiss Credit Agreement bore interest at a rate equal to LIBOR (as defined in the Swiss Credit Agreement) plus a margin ranging from .50% per annum to .875% per annum (depending upon a leverage ratio).  Upon entering into the Original Loan Agreement on June 5, 2009, the Swiss Credit Agreement was terminated.

The credit agreement dated as of December 15, 2005, as amended, by and between the Company, MGI Luxury Group S.A. and Movado Watch Company SA, as borrowers, and JPM Chase, JPMorgan Securities, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., PNC Bank, Bank Leumi USA and Citibank, N.A. (as amended, the "Former US Credit Agreement"), provided for a revolving credit facility of $90.0 million (including a sublimit for borrowings in Swiss francs of up to an equivalent of $25.0 million) with a provision to allow for a further increase of up to an additional $10.0 million, subject to certain terms and conditions. The Former US Credit Agreement was to mature on December 15, 2010.  The obligations of MGI Luxury Group S.A. and Movado Watch Company SA were guaranteed by the Company under a Parent Guarantee, dated as of December 15, 2005, in favor of the lenders. The obligations of the Company were guaranteed by certain domestic subsidiaries of the Company under subsidiary guarantees, in favor of the lenders.  The Former US Credit Agreement contained financial covenants, including an interest coverage ratio, average debt coverage ratio and limitations on capital expenditures and certain non-financial covenants that restricted the Company’s activities regarding investments and acquisitions, mergers, certain transactions with affiliates, creation of liens, asset transfers, payment of dividends and limitation of the amount of debt outstanding.  Borrowings under the Former US Credit Agreement bore interest, at the Company’s option, at a rate equal to the adjusted LIBOR (as defined in the Former US Credit Agreement) plus a margin ranging from .50% per annum to .875% per annum (depending upon a leverage ratio), or the Alternate Base Rate (as defined in the Former US Credit Agreement).  Upon entering into the Original Loan Agreement on June 5, 2009, all outstanding amounts and related fees due under this revolving credit facility were paid in full, and the Former US Credit Agreement was terminated.

On June 16, 2008, the Company renewed a line of credit letter agreement with Bank of America, N.A. and an amended and restated promissory note in the principal amount of up to $20.0 million payable to Bank of America, N.A., originally dated December 12, 2005.  The Company's obligations under the

 
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agreement were guaranteed by its subsidiaries, Movado Retail Group, Inc. and Movado LLC.  The maturity date was to be June 16, 2009.  The amended and restated promissory note contained various representations and warranties and events of default that are customary for instruments of that type.  Upon entering into the Original Loan Agreement on June 5, 2009, this uncommitted line of credit agreement was terminated.

On July 31, 2008, the Company renewed a promissory note, originally dated December 13, 2005, in the principal amount of up to $37.0 million, at a revised amount of up to $7.0 million, payable to JPM Chase.  Pursuant to the promissory note, the Company promised to pay JPM Chase $7.0 million, or such lesser amount as may then be the unpaid balance of each loan made or letter of credit issued by JPM Chase to the Company thereunder, upon the maturity date of July 31, 2009. The promissory note bore interest at an annual rate equal to (i) a floating rate equal to the prime rate, (ii) a fixed rate equal to an adjusted LIBOR plus 0.625% or (iii) a fixed rate equal to a rate of interest offered by JPM Chase from time to time on any single commercial borrowing. The promissory note contained various events of default that are customary for instruments of that type. In addition, it was an event of default for any security interest or other encumbrance to be created or imposed on the Company's property, other than as permitted in the lien covenant of the Former US Credit Agreement.  Upon entering into the Original Loan Agreement on June 5, 2009, this uncommitted line of credit agreement was terminated.

A Swiss subsidiary of the Company maintains unsecured lines of credit with an unspecified length of time with a Swiss bank. As of January 31, 2010 and 2009, these lines of credit totaled 10.0 million Swiss francs and 8.0 million Swiss francs, respectively, with dollar equivalents of $9.5 million and $6.9 million, respectively.  As of January 31, 2010 and 2009, there were no borrowings against these lines.  As of January 31, 2010, two European banks have guaranteed obligations to third parties on behalf of two of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries in the amount of $1.6 million in various foreign currencies.  
 
NOTE 5 – DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company accounts for its derivative financial instruments in accordance with guidance which requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial condition and measure those instruments at fair value.  A significant portion of the Company’s purchases are denominated in Swiss francs.  The Company reduces its exposure to the Swiss franc exchange rate risk through a hedging program.  Under the hedging program, the Company manages most of its foreign currency exposures on a consolidated basis, which allows it to net certain exposures and take advantage of natural offsets.  In the event these exposures do not offset, the Company uses various derivative financial instruments to further reduce the net exposures to currency fluctuations, predominately forward and option contracts.  When entered into, the Company designates and documents these derivative instruments as a cash flow hedge of a specific underlying exposure, as well as the risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transactions.  Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated and documented as a cash flow hedge and is highly effective, are recorded in other comprehensive income until the underlying transaction affects earnings, and then are later reclassified into earnings in the same account as the hedged transaction.  The Company formally assesses, both at the inception and at each financial quarter thereafter, the effectiveness of the derivative instrument hedging the underlying forecasted cash flow transaction.  Any ineffectiveness related to the derivative financial instruments’ change in fair value will be recognized in the period in which the ineffectiveness was calculated.

 
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The Company uses forward exchange contracts to offset its exposure to certain foreign currency liabilities. These forward contracts are not designated as qualified hedges and, therefore, changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recognized into earnings, thereby offsetting the current earnings effect of the related foreign currency liabilities.

All of the Company’s derivative instruments have liquid markets to assess fair value.  The Company does not enter into any derivative instruments for trading purposes.

As of January 31, 2010, the Company’s entire net forward contracts hedging portfolio consisted of 54.0 million Swiss francs equivalent for various expiry dates ranging through July 20, 2010.

The following table summarizes the fair value and presentation in the consolidated balance sheets for derivatives designated as hedging instruments under the relevant accounting guidance and derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under the relevant guidance as of January 31, (in thousands):

 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
 
Balance
 
2010
   
2009
 
Balance
 
2010
   
2009
 
 
Sheet
 
Fair
   
Fair
 
Sheet
 
Fair
   
Fair
 
 
Location
 
Value
   
Value
 
Location
 
Value
   
Value
 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
                           
Foreign Exchange Contracts
Other Current Assets
  $ -     $ -  
Accrued Liabilities
  $ -     $ 83  
                                     
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
                                   
Foreign Exchange Contracts
Other Current Assets
  $ -     $ -  
Accrued Liabilities
  $ 2,109     $ 1,037  
                                     
Total Derivative Instruments
    $ -     $ -       $ 2,109     $ 1,120  

As of January 31, 2010, the balance of deferred net losses on derivative financial instruments documented as cash flow hedges included in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) was $0.2 million in net losses, net of tax of $1.0 million, compared to $1.5 million in net gains at January 31, 2009, net of tax of $1.0 million and $3.8 million in net gains at January 31, 2008, net of tax of $2.5 million. The Company estimates that a substantial portion of the deferred net gains at January 31, 2010 will be realized into earnings over the next 12 to 24 months as a result of transactions that are expected to occur over that period. The primary underlying transaction which will cause the amount in AOCI to affect cost of goods sold consists of the Company’s sell through of inventory purchased in Swiss francs. The maximum length of time the Company hedges its exposure to the fluctuation in future cash flows for forecasted transactions is 24 months.  For years ended January 31, 2010, 2009, 2008, the Company reclassified from AOCI to earnings $1.5 million in net gains, net of tax of $0.9 million, $2.4 million in net gains, net of tax of $1.6 million, and $0.6 million in net gains, net of tax of $0.4 million, respectively.

During fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company recorded no charge related to its assessment of the effectiveness of its derivative hedge portfolio because of the high degree of effectiveness between the hedging instrument and the underlying exposure being hedged.  Changes in the contracts’ fair value due to spot-forward differences are excluded from the designated hedge relationship.  The Company records these transactions in the cost of sales of the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 
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The balance of the net loss included in the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments associated with derivatives documented as net investment hedges was $1.5 million, net of a tax benefit of $0.9 million as of January 31, 2010, 2009, 2008. Under the accounting guidance related to accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities, changes in fair value of these instruments are recognized in currency translation adjustment, a component of AOCI, to offset the change in the value of the net investment being hedged.

NOTE 6 - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
As of February 1, 2008, the Company adopted accounting guidance related to fair value measurements for financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on February 1, 2009, the Company adopted fair value measurements for non-recurring financial assets and liabilities. The adoption did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The guidance defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  The guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value into three broad levels as follows:
 
·      Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
 
·
Level 2 - Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly.
 
·
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs based on the Company’s assumptions.
 
 
The guidance requires the use of observable market data if such data is available without undue cost and effort.  The Company’s adoption of the guidance did not result in any changes to the accounting for its financial assets and liabilities.  Therefore, the primary impact to the Company upon its adoption of this guidance was to expand its fair value measurement disclosures. 

The following table presents the fair value hierarchy for those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of January 31, 2010 (in thousands):

   
Fair Value at January 31, 2010
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Assets:
                       
Available-for-sale securities
  $ 187     $ -     $ -     $ 187  
SERP assets - employer
    457       -       -       457  
SERP assets - employee
    12,927       -       -       12,927  
Total
  $ 13,571     $ -     $ -     $ 13,571  
                                 
Liabilities:
                               
Hedge derivatives
  $ -     $ 2,109     $ -     $ 2,109  
SERP liabilities - employee
    12,927       -       -       12,927  
Total
  $ 12,927     $ 2,109     $ -     $ 15,036  
 
The fair values of the Company’s available-for-sale securities are based on quoted prices.  The hedge derivatives are entered into by the Company principally to reduce its exposure to the Swiss franc exchange rate risk.  Fair values of the Company’s hedge derivatives are calculated based on quoted

 
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foreign exchange rates, quoted interest rates and market volatility factors.  The assets related to the Company’s defined contribution supplemental executive retirement plan (“SERP”) consist of both employer (employee unvested) and employee assets which are invested in investment funds with fair values calculated based on quoted market prices.  The SERP liability represents the Company’s liability to the employees in the plan for their vested balances.

NOTE 7 - INCOME TAXES

The provision / (benefit) for income taxes for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 consists of the following components (in thousands):

   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
Current:
                 
U.S. Federal
  $ (7,941 )   $ (7,891 )   $ 3,414  
U.S. State and Local
    59       249       1,681  
Non-U.S.
    2,412       4,001       5,672  
      (5,470 )     (3,641 )     10,767  
Noncurrent:
                       
U.S. Federal
    369       450       (10,635 )
Non-U.S.
    (326 )     -       (963 )
      43       450       (11,598 )
Deferred:
                       
U.S. Federal
    19,012       4,386       (5,214 )
U.S. State and Local
    2,374       294       (1,307 )
Non-U.S.
    (2,406 )     (753 )     (2,119 )
      18,980       3,927       (8,640 )
Provision / (benefit)  for income taxes
  $ 13,553     $ 736     $ (9,471 )

Loss before taxes for U.S. operations was ($38.9 million), ($29.0 million), and ($4.3 million) for periods ended January 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  (Loss) / income before taxes for non-U.S. operations was ($2.0 million), $32.3 million, and $56.2 million for periods ended January 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.















 
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Significant components of the Company's deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010 and 2009 are as follows (in thousands):


   
2010 Deferred Taxes
   
2009 Deferred Taxes
 
   
Assets
   
Liabilities
   
Assets
   
Liabilities
 
Net operating loss carryforwards
  $ 15,782     $ -     $ 15,948     $ -  
Inventory
    5,194       -       4,829       -  
Unprocessed returns
    1,006       -       1,366       -  
Receivables allowance
    1,714       554       2,188       493  
Deferred compensation
    10,415       -       12,853       -  
Foreign tax credits
    5,336       -       177       -  
Unrepatriated earnings
    -       2,076       -       7,135  
Hedge derivatives
    -       260       -       958  
Depreciation/amortization
    9,858       2,942       8,264       3,122  
Other
    1,810       -       2,330       30  
      51,115       5,832       47,955       11,738  
Valuation allowance
    (34,448 )     -       (7,641 )     -  
Total deferred tax assets and liabilities
  $ 16,667     $ 5,832     $ 40,314     $ 11,738  

As of January 31, 2010, the Company had foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $50.6 million, which are available to offset taxable income in future years.  Carryforward tax losses of $30.2 million were incurred in Switzerland. The Company has established a partial valuation allowance of $1.0 million on the related deferred tax assets based on expectations of the utilization of such tax benefits within thier expiration period, expiring 2017.

The remaining foreign tax losses of $20.4 million are primarily related to the Company’s operations in Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom. A full valuation allowance has been established on the deferred tax assets resulting from the losses attributable to Japan due to the Company’s assessment that it is more-likely-than-not the deferred tax assets will not be utilized within the 7 year expiry period.  The Company has three subsidiaries in Germany. Two subsidiaries are inactive and the third subsidiary is currently not profitable; as a result the Company has determined that a full valuation allowance is appropriate for the losses of these three subsidiaries, even though there is no time limitation for utilization of the losses. The Company’s United Kingdom operation remains in a cumulative loss position and the Company continues to maintain a full valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets despite no time limitation for utilization of the losses.

As of January 31, 2010, the Company had U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $1.4 million, of which $1.2 million relates to excess tax deductions associated with stock option plans which have yet to reduce income taxes payable.  Upon the utilization of these carryforwards, the associated tax benefits of approximately $0.5 million will be recorded to Additional Paid-in Capital.  Due to a change in tax law allowing an elective 5 year carryback period, the entire federal net operating loss from fiscal 2009 and approximately $5.3 million of the fiscal 2010 loss will be carried back for a cash refund of approximately $8.8 million.  $0.9 million tax benefits relating to fiscal 2009 excess tax deductions associated with stock option plans were recorded to Additional Paid-in Capital as a result of the full utilization of the related losses.

 
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At January 31, 2010, the Company’s net U.S. deferred tax assets amounted to $26.4 million.  The Company bases its estimate of deferred tax assets and liabilities on current tax laws and rates as well as expected future income.  The realization of deferred tax assets, depends on the Company’s ability to generate future income.  Under U.S. GAAP deferred tax assets are to be reduced by a valuation allowance if based on the weight of available positive and negative evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that all or some portion of all the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  In the third quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company determined that it was appropriate to record a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets in the United States, primarily due to the Company’s domestic loss position in recent years.  Under current circumstances, expected future income is not sufficient to overcome such negative evidence, and although the Company may ultimately utilize the underlying tax benefits within the statutory limits, in fiscal 2010, the Company recognized a non-cash deferred tax expense of $21.4 million, and has not recognized any tax benefit on the net increase in deductible temporary differences during fiscal 2010.

Management will continue to evaluate the appropriate level of allowance on all deferred tax assets considering such factors as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, carryback and carryforward periods, and tax and business strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets.

The provision / (benefit) for income taxes differs from the amount determined by applying the U.S. federal statutory rate as follows (in thousands):

   
Fiscal Year Ended January 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
                   
Provision for income taxes at the U.S. statutory rate
  $ (14,297 )   $ 1,151     $ 18,188  
Lower effective foreign income tax rate
    (2,175 )     (5,458 )     (9,303 )
Change in valuation allowance
    35,913       (2,611 )     (7,292 )
Tax provided on unrepatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries
    2,127       7,388       -  
Change in unrecognized tax benefits, net
    369       450       (11,598 )
State and local taxes, net of federal benefit
    (836 )     456       (214 )
Change in U.S. tax law for tax loss carryback
    (7,956 )     -       -  
Change in investment
    -       (785 )     -  
Other, net
    408       145       748  
Total provision / (benefit) for income taxes
  $ 13,553     $ 736     $ (9,471 )

A provision of approximately $2.1 million has been made for federal income tax, net of foreign tax credits, on the future remittance of approximately $9.4 million current year net earnings of the Company’s Hong Kong subsidiary.  No provision has been made for federal income or withholding taxes which may be payable on the remittance of the remaining undistributed retained earnings of foreign subsidiaries approximating $181.3 million at January 31, 2010, as those earnings are considered permanently reinvested.  It is not practical to estimate the amount of tax, if any, that may be payable on the eventual distribution of these earnings.

The effective tax rate for fiscal 2010 was -33.18%, primarily as a result of the increase in valuation allowances, most notably the establishment of a full valuation allowance against net domestic deferred tax assets, partially offset by the recording of a tax benefit resulting from a U.S. tax law change allowing for an elective 5 year carryback for tax losses originating in either fiscal 2009 or fiscal 2010.  The

 
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effective tax rate for fiscal 2009 was 22.38%, primarily as a result of the tax accrued on the future repatriation of foreign earnings, and a smaller net benefit compared to prior years on the release of valuation allowances on foreign tax losses.  The effective tax rate for fiscal 2008 was -18.23%, primarily as a result of the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits due to the settlement of the IRS audit for fiscal years 2004 through 2006, and the release of valuation allowances in whole or in part on Swiss, German and UK tax losses.

The Company adopted guidance for accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, on February 1, 2007.  This guidance clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement standard for the financial statement recognition and measurement of an income tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  This guidance also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosures and transitions.  The Company previously recognized income tax positions based on management’s estimate of whether it was reasonably possible that a liability had been incurred for unrecognized tax benefits by applying the guidance for accounting for contingencies.

The IRS commenced examination in October 2009 of the Company’s consolidated U.S. federal income tax return for fiscal 2009, as  required by the Joint Committee on Taxation as a result of the Company filing a tax loss carryback claim exceeding $2.0 million in May 2009.  The IRS has not yet completed its examination; no issues have been raised.

The IRS completed examination of the Company’s consolidated U.S. federal income tax returns for fiscal years 2004 through 2006 in January 2008, when the Company and the IRS came to a final agreement that resulted in the effective settlement of all three years. Pursuant to the settlement, the Company agreed to a total tax assessment for the three years of $3.3 million ($4.8 million gross less $1.5 million foreign tax credits).  During the first quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company settled the liability with a cash payment.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits (exclusive of interest) for January 31, 2010 and 2009 are as follows (in thousands):
   
2010
   
2009
 
Beginning balance
  $ 5,419     $ 10,089  
Additions for tax positions of prior years
    143       184  
Lapse of statute of limitations
    (326 )     (6 )
Decreases for tax positions of prior years
    (672 )     (65 )
Cash settlements
    -       (4,761 )
F/X fluctuations
    19       (22 )
Ending balance
  $ 4,583     $ 5,419  

Included in the balance at January 31, 2010 is $2.7 million of unrecognized tax benefits which would impact the Company’s effective tax rate, if recognized. Interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits are recorded in income tax expense.  As of January 31, 2010 and January 31, 2009, the Company had $1.1 million and $1.0 million of accrued interest (net of tax benefit) related to unrecognized tax benefits. During fiscal years 2010 and 2009, the Company accrued $0.1 million and $0.3 million of interest (net of tax benefit).

The Company conducts business globally and, as a result, files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states, local and foreign jurisdictions.  In the normal course of business, the

 
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Company is subject to examination by taxing authorities in many countries, including such major jurisdictions as Switzerland, Hong Kong, Canada and the United States.  The Company, with few exceptions, is no longer subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities in state, local and foreign taxing jurisdictions for years before the fiscal year ended January 31, 2006. In the United States, the Company’s income tax returns for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2004 through January 31, 2006 will remain open until the fiscal 2009 income tax return is no longer subject to examination, or October 2012, as a result of the loss carryback to those years.  However, since fiscal years January 31, 2004 through January 31, 2006 have already been examined and effectively closed by the IRS, the Company has no expectation of further adjustments for those years.

NOTE 8 - OTHER ASSETS

In fiscal 1996, the Company entered into an agreement with a trust which owned an insurance policy issued on the lives of the Company's former Chairman, Mr. Gedalio Grinberg (“Mr. G. Grinberg”), and his spouse. Under this agreement, the trust assigned the insurance policy to the Company as collateral to secure repayment by the trust of interest-free loans made by the Company to the trust in amounts equal to the premiums on said insurance policy (approximately $0.7 million per annum). The agreement required the trust to repay the loans from the proceeds of the policy. At January 31, 2003, the Company had outstanding loans from the trust of $5.2 million. On April 4, 2003, the agreement was amended and restated to transfer the policy from the trust to the Company in partial repayment of the loan balance. The Company is the beneficiary of the policy insofar as upon the death of Mr. G. Grinberg and his spouse, the proceeds of the policy would first be distributed to the Company to repay the premiums paid by the Company with the remaining proceeds distributed to the trust.  On January 5, 2009, the Company announced the passing of Mr. G. Grinberg.  During fiscal 2010, the Company borrowed approximately $11.0 million against the cash surrender value of this insurance policy.  The loan bears interest at 6.44% per annum.  As of January 31, 2010, the Company recorded a balance of $5.0 million in Other Non-Current Assets, consisting of $11.1 million premiums paid net of the outstanding loan balance of $6.1 million.  As of January 31, 2010, the net cash surrender value was $6.6 million.

NOTE 9 – LEASES

The Company leases office, distribution, retail and manufacturing facilities, and office equipment under operating leases, which expire at various dates through July 2019.  Certain leases include renewal options and the payment of real estate taxes and other occupancy costs.  Some leases also contain rent escalation clauses (step rents) that require additional rent amounts in the later years of the term.  Rent expense for leases with step rents is recognized on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease term.  Likewise, capital funding and other lease concessions that are occasionally provided to the Company, are recorded as deferred rent and amortized on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease term as adjustments to rent expense.  Rent expense for equipment and distribution, factory and office facilities under operating leases was approximately $17.6 million, $17.4 million and $16.8 million in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.







 
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Minimum annual rentals under noncancelable operating leases as of January 31, 2010, which do not include real estate taxes and operating costs, are as follows (in thousands):


       Fiscal Year Ended January 31,
 
       
2011
  $ 14,893  
2012
    14,060  
2013
    11,592  
2014
    8,759  
2015
    6,866  
Thereafter
    15,377  
    $ 71,547  

NOTE 10 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

At January 31, 2010, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $0.9 million with expiration dates through June 30, 2010 compared to $1.2 million with expiration dates through March 18, 2010 as of January 31, 2009.  One bank in the domestic bank group has issued irrevocable standby letters of credit for retail and operating facility leases to various landlords, for the administration of the Movado boutique private-label credit card and for Canadian payroll to the Royal Bank of Canada.

As of January 31, 2010, two European banks have guaranteed obligations to third parties on behalf of two of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries in the amount of $1.6 million in various foreign currencies compared to $1.3 million as of January 31, 2009.

Pursuant to the Company’s agreements with its licensors, the Company is required to pay minimum royalties and advertising.  As of January 31, 2010, the Company’s minimum commitments related to its license agreements was $81.8 million.

The Company had outstanding purchase obligations of $20.0 million with suppliers at the end of fiscal 2010 for raw materials, finished watches and packaging in the normal course of business.  These purchase obligation amounts do not represent total anticipated purchases but represent only amounts to be paid for items required to be purchased under agreements that are enforceable, legally binding and specify minimum quantity, price and term.

The Company is involved from time to time in legal claims involving trademarks and intellectual property, licensing, employee relations and other matters incidental to the Company’s business.  Although the outcome of such items cannot be determined with certainty, the Company’s general counsel and management believe that the final outcome would not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

NOTE 11 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Effective concurrently with the consummation of the Company's public offering in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1994, the Board of Directors and the shareholders of the Company approved the adoption of the Movado Group, Inc. 1993 Employee Stock Option Plan (the "Employee Stock Option Plan") for the benefit of certain officers, directors and key employees of the Company. The Employee Stock Option

 
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Plan was amended in fiscal 1997 and restated as the Movado Group, Inc. 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). Under the Plan, as amended and restated as of April 8, 2004, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, which consists of four of the Company's outside directors, has the authority to grant incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options to purchase, as well as stock appreciation rights and stock awards, up to 11,000,000 shares of common stock. Options granted to participants under the Plan generally become exercisable in equal installments over three or five years and remain exercisable until the tenth anniversary of the date of grant. The option price may not be less than the fair market value of the stock at the time the options are granted.

On February 1, 2006, the Company adopted guidance related to share based payments, electing to use the modified prospective application transition method, and accordingly, prior period financial statements have not been restated.  Under this method, the fair value of all stock options granted after adoption and the unvested portion of previously granted awards must be recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to calculate the fair value of each option at the grant date which requires certain assumptions be made.  The expected life of stock option grants is determined using historical data and represents the time period which the stock option is expected to be outstanding until it is exercised.  The risk free interest rate is the yield on the grant date of U.S. Treasury constant maturities with a maturity date closest to the expected life of the stock option.  The expected stock price volatility is derived from historical volatility and calculated based on the estimated term structure of the stock option grant.  The expected dividend yield is calculated using the expected annualized dividend which remains constant during the expected term of the option.

The weighted-average assumptions used with the Black-Scholes option-pricing model for the calculation of the fair value of stock option grants during fiscal 2009 were: expected term of 6.9 years; risk-free interest rate of 3.41%; expected volatility of 37.83% and dividend yield of 1.45%.  The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009 was $8.45.  There were no stock option grants during fiscal 2010.

Total compensation expense for unvested stock option grants recognized during the fiscal years ended January 31, 2010 and 2009 was approximately $0.5 million, net of a tax benefit of $0.3 million and $0.5 million, net of a tax benefit of $0.3 million, respectively.  Expense related to stock option compensation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting term.  As of January 31, 2010, there was approximately $0.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options.  These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.1 years.  Total cash received for stock option exercises during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010 amounted to approximately $0.5 million. Windfall tax realized on these exercises were approximately $0.3 million.












 
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Transactions for stock options under the Plan since fiscal 2007 are summarized as follows:

   
Outstanding
   
Weighted-Average
 
   
Options
   
Exercise Price
 
January 31, 2007
    2,853,940     $ 13.91  
Options granted
    89,500     $ 31.57  
Options exercised
    (269,319 )   $ 12.64  
Options cancelled
    (20,666 )   $ 14.18  
January 31, 2008
    2,653,455     $ 14.63  
Options granted
    109,250     $ 21.78  
Options exercised
    (229,307 )   $ 11.97  
Options cancelled
    (85,832 )   $ 12.45  
January 31, 2009
    2,447,566     $ 15.27  
Options exercised
    (465,434 )   $ 10.07  
Options cancelled
    (67,917 )   $ 15.34  
January 31, 2010
    1,914,215     $ 16.48  


The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2010 and 2009 was approximately $1.7 million and $2.4 million, respectively.  The total fair value of the stock options vested for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2010 and 2009 was approximately $2.2 million and $5.2 million, respectively.

The following table summarizes outstanding and exercisable stock options as of January 31, 2010:

Range of Exercise Prices
   
Number Outstanding
   
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)
   
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
   
Number Exercisable
   
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
 
                                             
$ 3.02       -     $ 6.01       64,040       0.3     $ 4.25       64,040     $ 4.25  
$ 6.02       -     $ 9.01       66,566       1.2     $ 7.26       66,566     $ 7.26  
$ 9.02       -     $ 12.01       66,355       2.2     $ 9.90       66,355     $ 9.90  
$ 12.02       -     $ 15.01       275,160       3.7     $ 13.79       275,160     $ 13.79  
$ 15.02       -     $ 18.01       670,917       1.6     $ 15.54       670,917     $ 15.54  
$ 18.02       -     $ 21.01       563,427       3.3     $ 18.47       561,426     $ 18.46  
$ 21.02       -     $ 24.01       108,750       8.2     $ 22.27       39,832     $ 22.39  
$ 24.02       -     $ 27.01       25,000       6.7     $ 25.85       25,000     $ 25.85  
$ 27.02       -       +       74,000       7.3     $ 32.92       52,333     $ 32.92  
                          1,914,215       3.0     $ 16.48       1,821,629     $ 16.06  

The total intrinsic value of outstanding stock options for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2010 and 2009 was approximately $0.7 million and $0.4 million, respectively.  The total intrinsic value of exercisable stock options for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2010 and 2009 was approximately $0.7 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

 
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Under the Plan, the Company has the ability to grant restricted stock to certain employees.  Restricted stock grants generally vest three to five years from the date of grant.  Expense for these grants is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.  The fair value of restricted stock grants is equal to the closing price of the Company’s publicly-traded common stock on the grant date.

On May 31, 2006, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors adopted the Executive Long Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”) authorized by section 9 of the Plan.  The LTIP provides for the award of “Performance Share Units” that are equivalent, one for one, to shares of the Company’s common stock and that vest based on the Company’s achievement of its operating margin goal for a target fiscal year.  The number of actual shares earned by a participant is based on the Company’s actual performance at the end of the award period and can range from 0% to 150% of the participant’s target award.  Total target awards of 119,375, 176,200, and 229,950 Performance Share Units were granted by the Compensation Committee on April 30, 2007, April 30, 2008 and June 18, 2009, respectively, that vest over three and five year periods.

During fiscal 2009 and 2010, as a result of the Company’s performance, it became apparent that the performance goals for certain LTIP grants would not be achieved.  This resulted in the reversal of previously accrued stock-based compensation expenses of approximately $3.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively.  Total compensation expense for restricted stock grants and for grants of Performance Share Units under the LTIP (together “restricted stock”) recognized during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010, including the reversal of the aforementioned LTIP grants, was a benefit of approximately $0.01 million.  For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, compensation expense for restricted stock was a benefit of approximately $0.4 million, net of tax of $0.2 million.  Prior to February 1, 2006, compensation expense for restricted stock grants was reduced as actual forfeitures of the awards occurred.  Current accounting guidance requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant in order to estimate the amount of share-based awards that will ultimately vest and thus, current period compensation expense has been adjusted for estimated forfeitures based on historical data.  As of January 31, 2010, there was approximately $0.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock.  These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.9 years. 



















 
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Transactions for restricted stock under the Plan since fiscal 2007 are summarized as follows:

   
Number of Restricted Stock Units
   
Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
 
January 31, 2007
    463,345     $ 17.87  
Units granted
    164,185     $ 32.06  
Units vested
    (113,410 )   $ 15.28  
Units forfeited
    (17,390 )   $ 18.84  
January 31, 2008
    496,730     $ 23.12  
Units granted
    220,521     $ 21.69  
Units vested
    (95,226 )   $ 18.74  
Units forfeited
    (55,571 )   $ 25.20  
January 31, 2009
    566,454     $ 23.09  
Units granted
    254,550     $ 11.03  
Units vested
    (51,101 )   $ 22.51  
Units forfeited
    (210,309 )   $ 20.08  
January 31, 2010
    559,594     $ 18.79  

Restricted stock units are exercised simultaneously when they vest and are issued from the pool of authorized shares. The total intrinsic value of restricted stock units that vested during the fiscal years ended January 31, 2010 and 2009 was approximately $0.5 million and $1.7 million, respectively. The windfall tax realized on the vested restricted stock grants for fiscal year ended January 31, 2010 was $0.2 million. The weighted-average grant date fair values for restricted stock grants for the years ended January 31, 2010 and 2009 were $11.03 and $21.69, respectively.  Outstanding restricted stock units had a total intrinsic value of approximately $6.1 million and $4.4 million for fiscal years ended January 31, 2010 and 2009.

NOTE 12 – OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PLANS

The Company maintains an Employee Savings Plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.  In addition, the Company maintains defined contribution employee benefit plans for its employees located in Switzerland.  Company contributions and expenses of administering the plans amounted to $3.1 million, $2.8 million and $2.5 million in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Effective June 1, 1995, the Company adopted a defined contribution SERP. The SERP provides eligible executives with supplemental pension benefits in addition to amounts received under the Company's other retirement plan. The Company makes a matching contribution which vests equally over five years.
 
During fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company recorded an expense related to the SERP of $0.3 million, $0.8 million and $0.8 million, respectively.

During fiscal 1999, the Company adopted a Stock Bonus Plan for all employees not in the SERP.  Under the terms of this Stock Bonus Plan, the Company contributes a discretionary amount to the trust established under the plan.  Each plan participant vests after five years in 100% of their respective prorata portion of such contribution.  Effective for fiscal 2006, in lieu of making any further contributions to the Stock Bonus Plan, the Company increased the maximum amount of its 401(k) match.

 
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On December 19, 2008, the Company entered into a Transition and Retirement Agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Company’s former Chairman, Mr. Gedalio Grinberg.  The Agreement stipulates that upon his retirement on January 31, 2009, Mr. G. Grinberg, or his spouse if he predeceases her, would receive a payment of $0.6 million for the year ended January 31, 2010, and annual payments of $0.5 million for each year thereafter through the life of Mr. G. Grinberg and, if he predeceases his spouse, through the life of his spouse.  On January 5, 2009, the Company announced the passing of Mr. G. Grinberg.  For the years ended January 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company recorded an actuarially determined charge related to the Agreement of $0.7 million and $2.4 million, respectively.  In fiscal 2009, this charge was included as part of the $11.1 million severance related charge associated with the Company’s streamlining initiatives.  As of January 31, 2010, a $4.6 million liability was recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets related to the Agreement, of which $0.5 million was recorded in Accrued Liabilities, and $4.1 million was recorded in Other Non-Current Liabilities.  As of January 31, 2009, a $4.5 million liability was recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets related to the Agreement, of which $0.6 million was recorded in Accrued Liabilities, and $3.9 million was recorded in Other Non-Current Liabilities.

NOTE 13 – COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) / INCOME

The components of comprehensive (loss) / income for the twelve months ended January 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 are as follows (in thousands):

   
Fiscal Year Ended January 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
Net (loss) / income
  $ (54,401 )   $ 2,552     $ 61,442  
Net unrealized  gain / (loss) on investments, net of tax
    52       (190 )     (176 )
Net change in effective portion of  hedging contracts, net of tax
    (1,696 )     (2,266 )     3,942  
Foreign currency translation adjustment (1)
    25,147       (19,692 )     29,817  
Comprehensive  (loss) / income
    (30,898 )     (19,596 )     95,025  
Less: Comprehensive income / (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
    378       (204 )     757  
Total comprehensive (loss) / income
     attributable to Movado Group, Inc.
  $ (31,276 )   $ (19,392 )   $ 94,268  
(1) The currency translation adjustment is not adjusted for income taxes as they relate to permanent investments in international subsidiaries.

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income at January 31, consisted of the following (in thousands):
   
Fiscal Year Ended
 
   
January 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Net unrealized gain / (loss) on investments, net of tax
  $ 18     $ (34 )
Net unrealized (loss) / gain on hedging contracts, net of tax
    (211 )     1,485  
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment
    67,583       42,590  
Accumulated other comprehensive income attributed to Movado Group, Inc.
  $ 67,390     $ 44,041  


 
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NOTE 14 – SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company follows accounting guidance related to disclosures about segments of an enterprise and related information.  This guidance requires disclosure of segment data based on how management makes decisions about allocating resources to segments and measuring their performance.

The Company conducts its business primarily in two operating segments: Wholesale and Retail.  The Company’s Wholesale segment includes the designing, manufacturing and distribution of quality watches, in addition to revenue generated from after sales service activities and shipping. The Retail segment includes the Movado boutiques and outlet stores.

The Company divides its business into two major geographic segments: United States operations, and International, which includes the results of all other Company operations.  The allocation of geographic revenue is based upon the location of the customer. The Company’s international operations are principally conducted in Europe, Asia, Canada, the Middle East, South America and the Caribbean.  The Company’s international assets are substantially located in Switzerland.

Operating Segment Data as of and for the Fiscal Year Ended January 31, (in thousands):

   
Net Sales
   
Operating (Loss) / Income (1) (2) (3) (4)
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
Wholesale
  $ 294,940     $ 371,349     $ 466,431     $ (32,830 )   $ 8,702     $ 50,210  
Retail
    83,456       89,508       93,119       (3,596 )     (5,312 )     567  
Consolidated total
  $ 378,396     $ 460,857     $ 559,550     $ (36,426 )   $ 3,390     $ 50,777  

   
Total Assets
   
Capital Expenditures
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
Wholesale
  $ 435,432     $ 515,517     $ 4,867     $ 20,051     $ 19,684  
Retail
    33,945       48,473       34       2,630       7,708  
Consolidated total
  $ 469,377     $ 563,990     $ 4,901     $ 22,681     $ 27,392  

   
Depreciation and Amortization
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
Wholesale
  $ 14,017     $ 12,047     $ 11,466  
Retail
    4,681       6,410       5,218  
Consolidated total
  $ 18,698     $ 18,457     $ 16,684  

Geographic Segment Data as of and for the Fiscal Year Ended January 31, (in thousands):

   
Net Sales (3)
   
Operating (Loss) Income (1) (2) (3) (4)
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
United States
  $ 222,941     $ 255,337     $ 328,212     $ (38,257 )   $ (31,264 )   $ (18,066 )
International
    155,455       205,520       231,338       1,831       34,654       68,843  
Consolidated total
  $ 378,396     $ 460,857     $ 559,550     $ (36,426 )   $ 3,390     $ 50,777  

   
Total Assets
   
Long-Lived Assets
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
United States
  $ 204,836     $ 289,567     $ 36,000     $ 50,369  
International
    264,541       274,423       11,394       16,380  
Consolidated total
  $ 469,377     $ 563,990     $ 47,394     $ 66,749  

(1)  
Fiscal 2010 Wholesale and International Operating (Loss) Income includes a non-cash reserve of $8.8 million primarily for excess non-core component inventory.

 
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(2)  
Fiscal 2010 Operating (loss) income includes non-cash charges totaling $7.6 million related to asset write-downs of which $5.1 million was recorded in the Retail / United States segments and $2.5 million was recorded in the Wholesale / International segments.
(3)  
Fiscal 2009 Wholesale Operating Income included an $11.1 million charge related to the Company’s cost savings initiatives and a restructuring of certain benefit arrangements, of which $7.4 million was recorded in the United States and $3.7 million was recorded in the International segment.
(4)  
Fiscal 2009 United States and Retail Operating Loss includes a non-cash impairment charge of $4.5 million.
(5)  
The United States and international net sales are net of intercompany sales of $196.9 million, $253.3 million and $275.2 million for the twelve months ended January 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

NOTE 15 - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

The following table presents unaudited selected interim operating results of the Company for fiscal 2010 and 2009 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

   
Quarter
 
   
1st
   
2nd
   
3rd
   
4th
 
Fiscal 2010
                       
Net sales
  $ 67,575     $ 89,701     $ 128,966     $ 92,154  
Gross profit
  $ 35,694     $ 51,656     $ 60,348     $ 36,841  
Net loss attributed to Movado Group, Inc.
  $ (9,963 )   $ (233 )   $ (20,870 )   $ (23,559 )
                                 
                                 
Net loss per share:
                               
Basic
  $ (0.41 )   $ (0.01 )   $ (0.85 )   $ (0.96 )
Diluted
  $ (0.41 )   $ (0.01 )   $ (0.85 )   $ (0.96 )
                                 
Fiscal 2009
                               
Net sales
  $ 101,353     $ 129,689     $ 135,846     $ 93,969  
Gross profit
  $ 64,342     $ 83,162     $ 85,441     $ 51,999  
Net income / (loss) attributed to Movado Group, Inc.
  $ 1,249     $ 8,136     $ 15,729     $ (22,799 )
                                 
                                 
Net income / (loss) per share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.05     $ 0.33     $ 0.64     $ (0.93 )
Diluted
  $ 0.05     $ 0.32     $ 0.62     $ (0.93 )
                                 
 
 
As each quarter is calculated as a discrete period, the sum of the four quarters may not equal the calculated full year amount.  This is in accordance with prescribed reporting requirements.

During the first and second quarters of fiscal 2010, the Company had accounted for certain items within inventory and cost of sales which resulted in an overstatement of gross margin by $1.3 million and $1.0 million for the three months ended April 30, 2009 and July 31, 2009, respectively.  Accordingly, the quarterly financial data contained above has been adjusted to reflect these revisions.








 
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NOTE 16 - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

The following is provided as supplemental information to the consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):

   
Fiscal Year Ended January 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
Cash (received) / paid during the year for:
                 
Interest (1)
  $ 3,981     $ 2,434     $ 3,407  
Income taxes (received) / paid (2)
  $ (4,473 )   $ 13,042     $ 11,542  

(1) Fiscal 2010 interest, includes expenses and fees associated with the refinancing and repayment of the Company's former credit and note agreements which included a pre-tax charge of $1.1 million.
(2) Fiscal 2010 income taxes (received) / paid, includes a payment of $3.1 million of taxes paid.

NOTE 17 – OTHER INCOME, NET

The components of other income, net for fiscal 2009 are as follows (in thousands):

   
Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2009
 
       
Gain on proceeds from insurance premiums (a)
  $ 681  
Other income, net
  $ 681  

(a) The Company recorded a pre-tax gain for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009 of $0.7 million on the collection of life insurance proceeds from policies covering the Company’s former Chairman.

NOTE 18 – TREASURY STOCK

On December 4, 2007, the Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to one million shares of the Company’s common stock.  Shares of common stock were repurchased from time to time as market conditions warranted either through open market transactions, block purchases, private transactions or other means.  The objective of the program was to reduce or eliminate earnings per share dilution caused by the shares of common stock issued upon the exercise of stock options and in connection with other equity based compensation plans.  As of April 14, 2008, the Company had completed the one million share repurchase during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 and the first quarter of fiscal 2009, at a total cost of approximately $19.4 million, or $19.41 per share.

On April 15, 2008, the Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to one million shares of the Company’s common stock.  Under this authorization, the Company has the option to repurchase shares over time, with the amount and timing of repurchases depending on market conditions and corporate needs.  The Company entered into a Rule 10b5-1 plan to facilitate repurchases of its shares under this authorization.  A Rule 10b5-1 plan permits a company to repurchase shares at times when it might otherwise be prevented from doing so, provided the plan is adopted when the company is not aware of material non-public information.  The Company may suspend or discontinue the repurchase of stock at any time.  Under this share repurchase program, as of January 31, 2009, the Company had repurchased a total of 937,360 shares of common stock in the open market during the first and second

 
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quarters of fiscal 2009 at a total cost of approximately $19.5 million or $20.79 per share.  During the 12 months ended January 31, 2010, the Company did not repurchase shares of common stock under this plan.

An aggregate of 344,614 shares have been repurchased during the twelve months ended January 31, 2010 as a result of the surrender of shares in connection with the vesting of certain stock awards and the exercise of certain stock options.  At the election of an employee, upon the vesting of a stock award or the exercise of a stock option, shares having an aggregate value on the vesting or exercise date, as the case may be, equal to the employee’s withholding tax obligation may be surrendered to the Company by netting them from the vested shares issued.  Similarly, shares having an aggregate value equal to the exercise price of an option may be tendered to the Company in payment of the option exercise price and netted from the shares issued upon the option exercise.

NOTE 19 – STREAMLINING INITIATIVES

During the second half of fiscal 2009, the Company announced initiatives designed to streamline operations, reduce expenses, and improve efficiencies and effectiveness across the Company’s global organization.  During fiscal 2009, the Company recorded $8.7 million of severance related accruals.  Any costs incurred pursuant to these initiatives were recorded in SG&A expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

A summary rollforward of severance related accruals is as follows (in thousands):

   
Severance related
 
Balance at January 31, 2009
  $ 4,409  
Provision charged
    -  
Severance paid
    (4,409 )
Balance at January 31, 2010
  $ -  

 

 
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Schedule II

MOVADO GROUP, INC.
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
(in thousands)

Description
 
Balance at beginning of year
   
Net provision charged to operations
   
Currency revaluation
   
Net write-offs
   
Balance at end of year
 
                               
Year ended January 31, 2010:
                             
Doubtful accounts, returns and allowances
  $ 19,598     $ 27,980     $ 436     $ (27,774 )   $ 20,240  
                                         
Year ended January 31, 2009:
                                       
Doubtful accounts, returns and allowances (1)
  $ 36,348     $ 35,628     $ (456 )   $ (51,922 )   $ 19,598  
                                         
Year ended January 31, 2008:
                                       
Doubtful accounts, returns and allowances (1)
  $ 26,079     $ 49,091     $ 657     $ (39,479 )   $ 36,348  
   
(1) The net write-offs in fiscal 2009 and net provision charged to operations in fiscal 2008 include a non-cash charge of $11.0 million, related to the closing of
 
certain wholesale customer doors in the U.S.
 

Description
 
Balance at beginning of year
   
Net provision charged to operations
   
Currency revaluation
   
Net write-offs
   
Balance at end of year
 
                               
Year ended January 31, 2010:
                             
Inventory reserve (2)
  $ 15,964     $ 10,710     $ 1,138     $ (2,025 )   $ 25,787  
                                         
Year ended January 31, 2009:
                                       
Inventory reserve
  $ 21,170     $ 2,282     $ (737 )   $ (6,751 )   $ 15,964  
                                         
Year ended January 31, 2008:
                                       
Inventory reserve (3)
  $ 48,575     $ 2,809     $ 3,754     $ (33,968 )   $ 21,170  

(2) In fiscal 2010, the Company recorded a non-cash inventory reserve of $8.8 million primarily for excess non-core components.
(3) The inventory reserve net write-offs in fiscal 2008 were the result of efforts to cleanse discontinued component and watch inventory by scrapping the product, resulting in a reduction to existing reserves with no impact to the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Description
 
Balance at beginning of year
   
Net provision / (benefit) to operations
   
Currency revaluation
   
Adjustment
   
Balance at end of year
 
                               
Year ended January 31, 2010:
                             
Deferred tax asset valuation (4)
  $ 7,641     $ 28,529     $ 544     $ (2,266 )   $ 34,448  
                                         
Year ended January 31, 2009:
                                       
Deferred tax asset valuation (5)
  $ 10,689     $ (2,625 )   $ (588 )   $ 165     $ 7,641  
                                         
Year ended January 31, 2008:
                                       
Deferred tax asset valuation (6)
  $ 16,741     $ (7,407 )   $ 2,391     $ (1,036 )   $ 10,689  


(4) The detail of adjustments is as follows:
     
(5) The detail of adjustments is as follows:
     
Ebel NOL’s expired
  $ (2,639 )
Prior year adjustments
  $ 164  
Prior year adjustments and tax rate changes
    (78 )
Statutory tax rate changes
    1  
OCI Adjustments
    451       $ 165  
    $ (2,266 )          

(6) The detail of adjustments is as follows:
     
Statutory tax rate changes
  $ (731 )
Ebel NOL’s expired
    (609 )
Prior year adjustments
    304  
    $ (1,036 )



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