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EX-31.1 - CERTIFICATION OF CEO - CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS INCckp-20150628xexx311.htm
EX-31.2 - CERTIFICATION OF CFO - CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS INCckp-20150628xexx312.htm
EX-32.1 - CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 - CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS INCckp-20150628xexx321.htm



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended June 28, 2015
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 No. 1-11257

CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 
Pennsylvania
 
22-1895850
 
 
(State of Incorporation)
 
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101 Wolf Drive, PO Box 188, Thorofare, New Jersey
 
08086
 
 
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
 
856-848-1800
 
 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.05 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o
 
Accelerated filer þ
 
Non-accelerated filer o
 
Smaller reporting company o
 
(Do not check if a 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 o No þ

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

As of July 30, 2015, there were 42,161,314 shares of the Company’s Common Stock outstanding.





CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
FORM 10-Q
Table of Contents

 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of George Babich, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of James M. Lucania, Acting Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
XBRL Instance Document
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document


2




CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(amounts in thousands)
June 28,
2015

 
December 28,
2014

ASSETS
 
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
99,104

 
$
135,537

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $7,642 and $8,526
109,643

 
131,720

Inventories
92,462

 
91,860

Other current assets
24,733

 
25,928

Deferred income taxes
5,334

 
5,557

Total Current Assets
331,276

 
390,602

REVENUE EQUIPMENT ON OPERATING LEASE, net
1,060

 
1,057

PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT, net
77,336

 
76,332

GOODWILL
166,083

 
173,569

OTHER INTANGIBLES, net
58,584

 
64,940

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
22,901

 
25,284

OTHER ASSETS
5,934

 
6,882

TOTAL ASSETS
$
663,174

 
$
738,666

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt
$
186

 
$
236

Accounts payable
41,122

 
48,928

Accrued compensation and related taxes
19,245

 
27,511

Other accrued expenses
36,860

 
44,204

Income taxes

 
1,278

Unearned revenues
8,337

 
7,663

Restructuring reserve
3,089

 
6,255

Accrued pensions — current
4,104

 
4,472

Other current liabilities
16,519

 
17,504

Total Current Liabilities
129,462

 
158,051

LONG-TERM DEBT, LESS CURRENT MATURITIES
65,146

 
65,161

FINANCING LIABILITY
31,349

 
33,094

ACCRUED PENSIONS
99,306

 
108,920

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
28,682

 
30,140

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
15,163

 
15,369

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
 
 
 
Preferred stock, no par value, 500,000 shares authorized, none issued

 

Common stock, par value $.10 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 46,117,768 and 45,840,171 shares issued, 42,081,856 and 41,804,259 shares outstanding
4,612

 
4,584

Additional capital
424,067

 
441,882

Accumulated deficit
(18,483
)
 
(12,331
)
Common stock in treasury, at cost, 4,035,912 and 4,035,912 shares
(71,520
)
 
(71,520
)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
(44,610
)
 
(34,684
)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
294,066

 
327,931

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
$
663,174

 
$
738,666


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


3


CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
 
Quarter
 
Six months
 
(13 weeks) Ended
 
(26 weeks) Ended
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
June 28,
2015

 
June 29,
2014

 
June 28,
2015

 
June 29,
2014

Net revenues
$
147,550

 
$
170,925

 
$
276,092

 
$
318,331

Cost of revenues
86,053

 
98,418

 
158,058

 
183,538

Gross profit
61,497

 
72,507

 
118,034

 
134,793

Selling, general, and administrative expenses
51,891

 
55,369

 
103,197

 
109,715

Research and development
4,921

 
3,810

 
9,464

 
7,692

Restructuring expense
284

 
341

 
1,588

 
2,233

Litigation settlement
8,980

 

 
8,980

 

Acquisition costs
41

 

 
120

 

Other operating income
(132
)
 

 
(493
)
 

Operating (loss) income
(4,488
)
 
12,987

 
(4,822
)
 
15,153

Interest income
232

 
285

 
459

 
552

Interest expense
990

 
1,199

 
1,928

 
2,455

Other gain (loss), net
(859
)
 
(442
)
 
(488
)
 
(528
)
(Loss) earnings before income taxes
(6,105
)
 
11,631

 
(6,779
)
 
12,722

Income tax (benefit) expense
(698
)
 
1,777

 
(627
)
 
2,997

Net (loss) earnings
$
(5,407
)
 
$
9,854

 
$
(6,152
)
 
$
9,725

Net (loss) earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Basic (loss) earnings per share
$
(0.13
)
 
$
0.23

 
$
(0.14
)
 
$
0.23

  Diluted (loss) earnings per share
$
(0.13
)
 
$
0.23

 
$
(0.14
)
 
$
0.23

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividend declared per share
$

 
$

 
$
0.50

 
$


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.    

4


CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited)
 
Quarter
 
Six months
 
(13 weeks) Ended
 
(26 weeks) Ended
(amounts in thousands)
June 28,
2015

 
June 29,
2014

 
June 28,
2015

 
June 29,
2014

Net (loss) earnings
$
(5,407
)
 
$
9,854

 
$
(6,152
)
 
$
9,725

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension liability adjustments, net of tax benefit of $432, $112, $435 and $222, respectively
(489
)
 
277

 
3,942

 
555

Foreign currency translation adjustment
1,031

 
470

 
(13,868
)
 
875

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
$
542

 
$
747

 
$
(9,926
)
 
$
1,430

Comprehensive (loss) income
$
(4,865
)
 
$
10,601

 
$
(16,078
)
 
$
11,155


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

5


CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(Unaudited)
(amounts in thousands)
Common Stock
Additional Capital
Accumulated Deficit
Treasury Stock
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Total Equity
 
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
 
Balance, December 29, 2013
45,484

$
4,548

$
434,336

$
(23,284
)
4,036

$
(71,520
)
 
$
2,245

$
346,325

Net earnings
 
 
 
10,953

 
 
 
 
10,953

Exercise of stock-based compensation and awards released
356

36

907

 
 
 
 
 
943

Tax benefit on stock-based compensation
 
 
(14
)
 
 
 
 
 
(14
)
Stock-based compensation expense
 
 
5,781

 
 
 
 
 
5,781

Deferred compensation plan
 
 
872

 
 
 
 
 
872

Pension liability adjustments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(17,263
)
(17,263
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 
 

 

 

 

 
(19,666
)
(19,666
)
Balance, December 28, 2014
45,840

$
4,584

$
441,882

$
(12,331
)
4,036

$
(71,520
)
 
$
(34,684
)
$
327,931

Net loss
 
 
 
(6,152
)
 
 
 
 
(6,152
)
Exercise of stock-based compensation and awards released
278

28

(97
)
 
 
 
 
 
(69
)
Tax benefit on stock-based compensation
 
 
(223
)
 
 
 
 
 
(223
)
Stock-based compensation expense
 
 
2,998

 
 
 
 
 
2,998

Deferred compensation plan
 
 
891

 
 
 
 
 
891

Dividend declared ($0.50 per share)
 
 
(21,384
)
 
 
 
 
 
(21,384
)
Pension liability adjustments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3,942

3,942

Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(13,868
)
(13,868
)
Balance, June 28, 2015
46,118

$
4,612

$
424,067

$
(18,483
)
4,036

$
(71,520
)
 
$
(44,610
)
$
294,066


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

6


CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(amounts in thousands)
 
 
 
Six months (26 weeks) ended
June 28,
2015

 
June 29,
2014

Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net (loss) earnings
$
(6,152
)
 
$
9,725

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) earnings to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
13,206

 
12,490

Amortization of debt issuance costs
217

 
217

Interest on financing liability
980

 
1,127

Deferred taxes
(39
)
 
(194
)
Stock-based compensation
2,998

 
2,898

Provision for losses on accounts receivable
204

 
473

Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation
(99
)
 
(79
)
(Gain) loss on disposal of fixed assets
(195
)
 
81

Restructuring related asset impairment

 
172

Decrease (increase) in operating assets:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
16,646

 
26,398

Inventories
(4,908
)
 
(16,527
)
Other assets
534

 
3,357

(Decrease) increase in operating liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
(5,418
)
 
(7,625
)
Income taxes
(1,137
)
 
(2,341
)
Unearned revenues - current
1,133

 
985

Restructuring reserve
(2,742
)
 
(2,437
)
Other liabilities
(15,588
)
 
(7,421
)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
(360
)
 
21,299

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Acquisition of property, plant, and equipment and intangibles
(10,475
)
 
(6,774
)
Cash receipts on note receivable from sale of discontinued operations
142

 
142

Other investing activities
223

 
44

Net cash used in investing activities
(10,110
)
 
(6,588
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from stock issuances
1,100

 
951

Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation
99

 
79

Net change in factoring and bank overdrafts
(23
)
 
(107
)
Proceeds from long-term debt

 
1,043

Payment of long-term debt
(48
)
 
(7,198
)
Dividend paid
(20,980
)
 

Net cash used in financing activities
(19,852
)
 
(5,232
)
Effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents
(6,111
)
 
374

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(36,433
)
 
9,853

Cash and cash equivalents:
 
 
 

Beginning of period
135,537

 
121,573

End of period
$
99,104

 
$
131,426

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

7


CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Note 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICES

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Checkpoint Systems, Inc. and its majority-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). All inter-company transactions are eliminated in consolidation. The Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes are unaudited and do not contain all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles in annual financial statements. The Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 28, 2014 is derived from the Company's audited Consolidated Financial Statements at December 28, 2014. Refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 for the most recent disclosure of our accounting policies.

The Consolidated Financial Statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to state fairly our financial position at June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 and our results of operations for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 28, 2015 and June 29, 2014 and changes in cash flows for the twenty-six weeks ended June 28, 2015 and June 29, 2014. The results of operations for the interim period should not be considered indicative of results to be expected for the full year.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period information to conform to the current period presentation.

Customer Rebates

We record estimated reductions to revenue for customer incentive offerings, including volume-based incentives and rebates. The accrual for these incentives and rebates, which is included in the Other Accrued Expenses section of our Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $13.0 million and $12.5 million as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively. We record revenues net of an allowance for estimated return activities. Return activity was immaterial to revenue and results of operations for all periods presented.

Warranty Reserves

We provide product warranties for our various products. These warranties vary in length depending on product and geographical region. We establish our warranty reserves based on historical data of warranty transactions.

The following table sets forth the movement in the warranty reserve which is located in the Other Accrued Expenses section of our Consolidated Balance Sheets:
(amounts in thousands)
 
 
 
Six months ended
June 28,
2015

 
June 29,
2014

Balance at beginning of year
$
4,379

 
$
4,521

Accruals for warranties issued, net
1,068

 
2,232

Settlements made
(1,667
)
 
(1,874
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
(161
)
 
18

Balance at end of period
$
3,619

 
$
4,897













8


Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax, for the six months ended June 28, 2015 were as follows:
(amounts in thousands)
Pension plan

 
Foreign currency translation adjustment

 
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

Balance, December 28, 2014
$
(35,036
)
 
$
352

 
$
(34,684
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
2,881

 
(13,868
)
 
(10,987
)
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income
1,061

 

 
1,061

Net other comprehensive income (loss)
3,942

 
(13,868
)
 
(9,926
)
Balance, June 28, 2015
$
(31,094
)
 
$
(13,516
)
 
$
(44,610
)

The significant items reclassified from each component of other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended June 28, 2015 and June 29, 2014 were as follows:
(amounts in thousands)
June 28, 2015
 
June 29, 2014
Details about accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 
Affected line item in the statement where net loss is presented
 
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 
Affected line item in the statement where net loss is presented
Amortization of pension plan items
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actuarial loss (1)
$
(733
)
 
 
 
$
(386
)
 
 
Prior service cost (1)
(7
)
 
 
 
(3
)
 
 
 
(740
)
 
Total before tax
 
(389
)
 
Total before tax
 
432

 
Tax benefit
 
112

 
Tax benefit
Total reclassifications for the period
$
(308
)
 
Net of tax
 
$
(277
)
 
Net of tax

(1) 
These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension costs. Refer to Note 9 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The significant items reclassified from each component of other comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended June 28, 2015 and June 29, 2014 were as follows:
(amounts in thousands)
June 28, 2015
 
June 29, 2014
Details about accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 
Affected line item in the statement where net loss is presented
 
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 
Affected line item in the statement where net loss is presented
Amortization of pension plan items
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actuarial loss (1)
$
(1,483
)
 
 
 
$
(771
)
 
 
Prior service cost (1)
(13
)
 
 
 
(6
)
 
 
 
(1,496
)
 
Total before tax
 
(777
)
 
Total before tax
 
435

 
Tax benefit
 
222

 
Tax benefit
Total reclassifications for the period
$
(1,061
)
 
Net of tax
 
$
(555
)
 
Net of tax

(1) 
These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension costs. Refer to Note 9 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.






9


Dividend

On March 5, 2015, we declared a special dividend (the Dividend) of $0.50 per outstanding common share for all shareholders of record as of March 20, 2015. This Dividend reflects our commitment to building shareholder value through the execution of our strategic plan and a disciplined approach to capital allocation. After the Dividend, we believe we have the appropriate level of liquidity both to fund our internal initiatives and act quickly on any strategic opportunities.

The cash dividend of $21.0 million was paid to common shareholders on April 10, 2015. Dividend distributions to shareholders are recognized as a liability in the period in which the dividend is formally approved by our Board of Directors and communicated to shareholders. The Dividend was recorded as a reduction of Additional Capital in Stockholders' Equity.

The Dividend does not provide any cash payment or benefit to stock options, restricted stock units, or performance shares, and instead only applies to the outstanding common stock and as outlined in the executive and director deferred compensation plans. The non-cash portion of the Dividend of $0.4 million was credited to the executive and director deferred compensation plan deferred stock accounts on April 10, 2015 in accordance with the plans.

Subsequent Events

We perform a review of subsequent events in connection with the preparation of our financial statements. The accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date, but before our financial statements are issued, are reflected where appropriate or required in our financial statements. Refer to Note 14 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08 “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity” (ASU 2014-08). Under ASU 2014-08, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued operations. Those strategic shifts should have a major effect on the organization’s operations and financial results. Additionally, ASU 2014-08 requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations, including disclosure of pretax profit or loss of an individually significant component of an entity that does not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. ASU 2014-08 was effective for fiscal and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, which for us was December 29, 2014, the first day of our 2015 fiscal year. The adoption of this standard has not had a material effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

New Accounting Pronouncements and Other Standards

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (ASU 2014-09), which creates a new Topic, Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606. The standard is principle-based and provides a five-step model to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In July 2015, the FASB approved the deferral of the effective date by one year. The accounting standard is now effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, which for us is January 1, 2018, the first day of our 2018 fiscal year. The final ASU permits organizations to adopt the new revenue standard early, but not before annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12 “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period” (ASU 2014-12). ASU 2014-12 requires that a performance target that affects vesting, and that could be achieved after the requisite service period, be treated as a performance condition. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant date fair value of the award. This update further clarifies that compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. The amendments in ASU 2014-12 are effective for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, which for us is December 28, 2015, the first day of our 2016 fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted. We have not early adopted ASU 2014-12. Entities may apply the amendments in ASU 2014-12 either: (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date; or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. We plan to apply this guidance prospectively

10


to all awards granted or modified after the effective date. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15 “Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern” (ASU 2014-15). Continuation of a reporting entity as a going concern is presumed as the basis for preparing financial statements unless and until the entity’s liquidation becomes imminent. Preparation of financial statements under this presumption is commonly referred to as the going concern basis of accounting. If and when an entity’s liquidation becomes imminent, financial statements should be prepared under the liquidation basis of accounting in accordance with Subtopic 205-30, “Presentation of Financial Statements-Liquidation Basis of Accounting.” Even when an entity’s liquidation is not imminent, there may be conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. In those situations, financial statements should continue to be prepared under the going concern basis of accounting, but the new criteria in ASU 2014-15 should be followed to determine whether to disclose information about the relevant conditions and events. ASU 2014-15 is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. We have not early adopted ASU 2014-15. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01 “Income Statement—Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20): Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items” (ASU 2015-01). The amendments in ASU 2015-01 eliminate from GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. Although the amendments will eliminate the requirements in Subtopic 225-20 for reporting entities to consider whether an underlying event or transaction is extraordinary, the presentation and disclosure guidance for items that are unusual in nature or occur infrequently will be retained and will be expanded to include items that are both unusual in nature and infrequently occurring. ASU 2015-01 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015, which for us is December 28, 2015, the first day of our 2016 fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. We have not early adopted ASU 2015-01. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02 “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis” (ASU 2015-02). ASU 2015-02 modifies existing consolidation guidance related to (i) limited partnerships and similar legal entities, (ii) the evaluation of variable interests for fees paid to decision makers or service providers, (iii) the effect of fee arrangements and related parties on the primary beneficiary determination, and (iv) certain investment funds. These changes reduce the number of consolidation models from four to two and place more emphasis on the risk of loss when determining a controlling financial interest. This guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, which for us is December 28, 2015, the first day of our 2016 fiscal year. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03 “Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” (ASU 2015-03). The amendments in ASU 2015-03 change the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements requiring an entity to present such costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. ASU 2015-03 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, which for us is December 26, 2016, the first day of our 2017 fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted. We have not early adopted ASU 2015-03. The new guidance will be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-04 “Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Practical Expedient for the Measurement Date of an Employer’s Defined Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets” (ASU 2015-04). The amendments in ASU 2015-04 provide a practical expedient for employers with fiscal year-ends that do not fall on a month-end by permitting those employers to measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of the month-end that is closest to the entity's fiscal year-end. ASU 2015-04 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015, which for us is December 28, 2015, the first day of our 2016 fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted. We have not early adopted ASU 2015-04. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05 “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement” (ASU 2015-05). The amendments in ASU 2015-05 help entities evaluate the accounting for fees paid by a customer in a cloud computing arrangement by providing guidance as to whether an arrangement includes the sale or license of software. ASU 2015-05 is effective for public business entities for fiscal

11


years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015, which for us is December 28, 2015, the first day of our 2016 fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted. We have not early adopted ASU 2015-05. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

In June 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-10 “Technical Corrections and Improvements” (ASU 2015-10). The amendments in ASU 2015-10 provide technical corrections and improvements to a wide range of Topics in the Accounting Standards Codification (the Codification). The purpose of these amendments are to correct unintended differences between original guidance and the Codification, to provide clarification through updating wording or correcting references, to streamline or simplify the Codification through minor changes, and to make other minor improvements to the guidance which are not expected to have a significant effect on current accounting practice. ASU 2015-10 is effective for fiscal and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2015, which for us is December 28, 2015, the first day of our 2016 fiscal year. We are in the process of evaluating the adoption of this ASU, and do not expect this to have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11 “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory” (ASU 2015-11). The amendments in ASU 2015-11 simplify the subsequent measurement of inventory by requiring inventory to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. ASU 2015-11 is effective for fiscal and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016, which for us is December 26, 2016, the first day of our 2017 fiscal year. Early application is permitted. We have not early adopted ASU 2015-11. The new guidance must be applied prospectively after the date of adoption. We are in the process of evaluating the adoption of this ASU, and do not expect this to have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

Note 2. INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of the following:
(amounts in thousands)
June 28,
2015

 
December 28,
2014

Raw materials
$
19,341

 
$
21,085

Work-in-process
3,181

 
3,264

Finished goods
69,940

 
67,511

Total
$
92,462

 
$
91,860


Note 3. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

We had intangible assets with a net book value of $58.6 million and $64.9 million as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively.

The following table reflects the components of intangible assets as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014:
 
 
 
June 28, 2015
 
December 28, 2014
(amounts in thousands)
Amortizable
Life
(years)
 
Gross
Amount

 
Gross
Accumulated
Amortization

 
Gross
Amount

 
Gross
Accumulated
Amortization

Finite-lived intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer lists
6 to 20
 
$
76,611

 
$
59,330

 
$
79,110

 
$
58,873

Trade name
1 to 30
 
25,170

 
17,021

 
27,172

 
18,031

Patents, license agreements
3 to 14
 
55,657

 
51,036

 
58,060

 
52,448

Internal-use software
3 to 7
 
23,805

 
15,887

 
24,034

 
14,758

Other
2 to 6
 
7,018

 
6,915

 
7,029

 
6,867

Total amortized finite-lived intangible assets
 
 
188,261

 
150,189

 
195,405

 
150,977

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade name
 
 
20,512

 

 
20,512

 

Total identifiable intangible assets
 
 
$
208,773

 
$
150,189

 
$
215,917

 
$
150,977



12


Amortization expense for the three and six months ended June 28, 2015 was $2.7 million and $5.4 million, respectively.
Amortization expense for the three and six months ended June 29, 2014 was $2.7 million and $5.6 million, respectively.

Estimated amortization expense for each of the five succeeding years is anticipated to be:
(amounts in thousands)
 
2015
(1) 
 
$
10,780

2016
 
 
$
10,390

2017
 
 
$
9,318

2018
 
 
$
3,435

2019
 
 
$
2,439


(1) 
The estimated amortization expense for the remainder of 2015 is anticipated to be $5.4 million.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:
(amounts in thousands)
Merchandise
Availability
Solutions

 
Apparel
Labeling
Solutions

 
Retail
Merchandising
Solutions

 
Total

Balance as of December 29, 2013
$
159,157

 
$
2,116

 
$
24,591

 
$
185,864

Translation adjustments
(9,511
)
 

 
(2,784
)
 
(12,295
)
Balance as of December 28, 2014
$
149,646

 
$
2,116

 
$
21,807

 
$
173,569

Translation adjustments
(5,703
)
 

 
(1,783
)
 
(7,486
)
Balance as of June 28, 2015
$
143,943

 
$
2,116

 
$
20,024

 
$
166,083


The following table reflects the components of goodwill as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014:
 
June 28, 2015
 
December 28, 2014
(amounts in thousands)
Gross
Amount

 
Accumulated
Impairment
Losses

 
Goodwill,
Net

 
Gross
Amount

 
Accumulated
Impairment
Losses

 
Goodwill,
Net

Merchandise Availability Solutions
$
178,377

 
$
34,434

 
$
143,943

 
$
192,303

 
$
42,657

 
$
149,646

Apparel Labeling Solutions
83,720

 
81,604

 
2,116

 
84,407

 
82,291

 
2,116

Retail Merchandising Solutions
114,510

 
94,486

 
20,024

 
124,127

 
102,320

 
21,807

Total goodwill
$
376,607

 
$
210,524

 
$
166,083

 
$
400,837

 
$
227,268

 
$
173,569


We perform an assessment of goodwill by comparing each individual reporting unit’s carrying amount of net assets, including goodwill, to their fair value at least annually during the October month-end close and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

The May 2011 acquisition of the Shore to Shore businesses included a purchase price payment to escrow of $17.5 million related to the 2010 performance of the acquired business. This amount is subject to adjustment pending final determination of the 2010 performance and could result in an additional purchase price payment of up to $6.3 million. We are currently involved in an arbitration process in order to require the seller to provide audited financial information related to the 2010 performance. Once the final information is received and the calculation of the final purchase price is agreed to by both parties, the final adjustment to the purchase price will be recognized through earnings. Acquisition related costs incurred in connection with the transaction, including legal and other arbitration-related costs, are recognized within Acquisition Costs in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and approximate $41 thousand and $0.1 million for the three and six months ended June 28, 2015, respectively, without a comparable expense for the three and six months ended June 29, 2014.








13


Note 4. DEBT

Debt as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 consisted of the following:
 
(amounts in thousands)
June 28, 2015

 
December 28, 2014

2013 Senior Secured Credit Facility:
 
 
 
     $200 million variable interest rate revolving credit facility maturing in 2018
$
65,000

 
$
65,000

Full-recourse factoring liabilities
46

 
83

Bank overdraft credit facility
73

 
65

Capital leases with maturities through 2020
213

 
249

Total
65,332

 
65,397

Less current portion
186

 
236

Total long-term portion
$
65,146

 
$
65,161


2013 Senior Secured Credit Facility

On December 11, 2013, we entered into a new $200.0 million five-year senior secured multi-currency revolving credit facility (2013 Senior Secured Credit Facility) agreement (2013 Credit Agreement) with a syndicate of lenders. All obligations under the 2013 Senior Secured Credit Facility are irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by certain domestic subsidiaries. Collateral under the 2013 Senior Secured Credit Facility includes a 100% stock pledge of domestic subsidiaries and a 65% stock pledge of all first-tier foreign subsidiaries, excluding our Japanese subsidiary. All domestic tangible and intangible personal property, excluding any real property with a value of less than $5 million, are also pledged as collateral.

Borrowings under the 2013 Senior Secured Credit Facility, other than swingline loans, bear interest at our option of either (i) a spread ranging from 0.25% to 1.25% over the Base Rate (as described below), or (ii) a spread ranging from 1.25% to 2.25% over the LIBOR rate, and in each case fluctuating in accordance with changes in our leverage ratio, as defined in the 2013 Credit Agreement. The "Base Rate" is the highest of (i) the Federal Funds Rate, plus 0.50%, (ii) the Administrative Agent’s prime rate, and (iii) a daily rate equal to the one-month LIBOR rate, plus 1.00%. Swingline loans bear interest of a spread ranging from 0.25% to 1.25% over the Base Rate. We pay an unused line fee ranging from 0.20% to 0.40% per annum on the unused portion of the 2013 Senior Secured Credit Facility.

Pursuant to the terms of the 2013 Senior Secured Credit Facility, we are subject to various requirements, including covenants requiring the maintenance of (i) a maximum total leverage ratio of 3.00 and (ii) a minimum interest coverage ratio of 3.00. We are in compliance with the maximum total leverage ratio and minimum interest coverage ratio as of June 28, 2015. The 2013 Senior Secured Credit Facility also contains customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, notice provisions and events of default, including change of control, cross-defaults to other debt, and judgment defaults. Upon a default under the 2013 Senior Secured Credit Facility, including the non-payment of principal or interest, our obligations under the 2013 Credit Agreement may be accelerated and the assets securing such obligations may be sold.

As of June 28, 2015, there were $1.4 million in issued letters of credit outstanding under the 2013 Senior Secured Credit Facility.

Financing Liability

In June 2011, we sold, to a financial institution in Spain, rights to future customer receivables resulting from the negotiated extension of previously executed sales-type lease arrangements, whose receivables were previously sold. The 2011 transaction qualified as a legal sale without recourse. However, until the receivables are recognized, the proceeds from the fiscal 2011 legal sale are accounted for as a financing arrangement and reflected as Financing Liability in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The balance of the financing liability is $31.3 million and $33.1 million as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively. We impute a non-cash interest charge on the financing liability using a rate of 6.365%, which we recognize as interest expense, until our right to recognize the legal sales permits us to de-recognize the liability and record operating income on the sale. We recognized interest expense related to the financing liability for the three and six months ended June 28, 2015 of $0.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively. The recognized interest expense related to the financing liability for the three and six months ended June 29, 2014 was $0.6 million and $1.1 million, respectively.
 

14


During fiscal 2016 through 2018, when we are permitted to recognize the lease receivables upon the commencement of the lease extensions, we expect to de-recognize both the associated receivables and the related financing liability and record other operating income on the sale. At this point, our obligation under the financing liability will have been extinguished.

In March 2015, we again sold rights to future customer receivables to a financial institution in Spain resulting from the negotiated extension of previously executed sales-type lease arrangements. The 2015 transaction qualified as a legal sale without recourse. For the three and six months ended June 28, 2015, we recognized $0.1 million and $0.5 million of income, respectively, on the sale in Other Operating Income on our Consolidated Statement of Operations. A portion of the receivables were previously sold to another financial institution and we did not complete the reacquisition of these receivables until after the end of the first quarter of 2015. Therefore, a portion of the proceeds from the fiscal 2015 legal sale were accounted for as a financing arrangement and reflected as Financing Liability in our Consolidated Balance Sheets until the reacquisition of the receivables was completed in the second quarter of 2015.

Note 5. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Stock-based compensation cost recognized in operating results (included in selling, general, and administrative expenses) for the three and six months ended June 28, 2015 was $1.5 million and $3.0 million ($1.5 million and $2.9 million, net of tax), respectively. For the three and six months ended June 29, 2014, the total compensation expense was $1.4 million and $2.9 million ($1.4 million and $2.8 million, net of tax), respectively. The associated actual tax benefit realized for the tax deduction from option exercises of share-based payment units and awards released equaled $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the six months ended June 28, 2015 and June 29, 2014, respectively.

Stock Options

Option activity under the principal option plans as of June 28, 2015 and changes during the six months ended June 28, 2015 were as follows:
 
Number of
Shares

 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price

 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(in years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in thousands)

Outstanding at December 28, 2014
2,349,447

 
$
17.77

 
3.98
 
$
2,716

Granted
266,080

 
13.40

 
 
 
 

Exercised
(11,377
)
 
9.42

 
 
 
 

Forfeited or expired
(381,538
)
 
18.89

 
 
 
 

Outstanding at June 28, 2015
2,222,612

 
$
17.10

 
4.70
 
$
758

Vested and expected to vest at June 28, 2015
2,120,446

 
$
17.26

 
4.47
 
$
755

Exercisable at June 28, 2015
1,717,387

 
$
18.37

 
3.47
 
$
554


The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between our closing stock price on the last trading day of the second quarter of fiscal 2015 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on June 28, 2015. This amount changes based on the fair market value of our stock. The total intrinsic value of options exercised for the six months ended June 28, 2015 and June 29, 2014 was $40 thousand and $0.1 million, respectively.

As of June 28, 2015, $1.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years.

The fair value of share-based payment units was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The table below presents the weighted-average expected life in years. The expected life computation is based on historical exercise patterns and post-vesting termination behavior. The expected dividend yield is based on the estimate of annual dividends expected to be paid at the time of the grant. Volatility is determined using changes in historical stock prices. The interest rate for periods within the expected life of the award is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.





15


The weighted-average fair values and assumptions were as follows:
Six months ended
June 28,
2015

 
June 29,
2014

Weighted-average fair value of grants
$
5.48

 
$
6.42

Valuation assumptions:
 

 
 

  Expected life (in years)
5.51

 
5.12

  Expected dividend yield
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
  Expected volatility
45.95
%
 
48.12
%
  Risk-free interest rate
1.541
%
 
1.464
%

Restricted Stock Units

Nonvested restricted stock units as of June 28, 2015 and changes during the six months ended June 28, 2015 were as follows:
 
Number of
Shares

 
Weighted-
Average
Vest Date
(in years)

 
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

Nonvested at December 28, 2014
940,857

 
0.56

 
$
17.11

Granted
331,000

 
 

 
$
12.61

Vested
(290,938
)
 
 

 
$
12.93

Forfeited
(33,644
)
 
 

 
$
14.73

Nonvested at June 28, 2015
947,275

 
1.23

 
$
16.91

Vested and expected to vest at June 28, 2015
850,831

 
1.15

 
 

Vested and deferred at June 28, 2015
424,375

 

 
 


The total fair value of restricted stock awards vested during the first six months of 2015 was $3.8 million as compared to $2.9 million in the first six months of 2014. As of June 28, 2015, there was $4.7 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested restricted stock units (RSUs), including amounts related to performance-based RSUs detailed below. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.

The following performance-based awards of restricted stock units (RSUs) are included in the balance of nonvested RSUs at June 28, 2015 in the table above. There were no new awards of performance-based RSUs in the first six months of 2015.

On February 27, 2014, RSUs were awarded to certain key employees as part of the LTIP 2014 plan. The number of shares for these units varies based on the growth of our earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) during the January 2014 to December 2016 performance period. The final value of these units will be determined by the number of shares earned. The value of these units is charged to compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period with periodic adjustments to account for changes in anticipated award amounts and estimated forfeitures rates. The weighted average price for these RSUs was $14.90 per share. Compensation expense of $0.1 million and $0.1 million was recognized in connection with these RSUs for the six months ended June 28, 2015 and June 29, 2014, respectively. As of June 28, 2015, total unamortized compensation expense for this grant was $0.5 million. As of June 28, 2015, the maximum achievable RSUs outstanding under this plan are 137,820 units. These RSUs reduce the shares available to grant under the Checkpoint Systems, Inc. Amended and Restated 2004 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (the 2004 Plan).

On February 27, 2013, RSUs were awarded to certain key employees as part of the LTIP 2013 plan. These awards have a market condition. The number of shares for these units varies based on the relative ranking of our total shareholder return (TSR) against the TSRs of the constituents of the Russell 2000 Index during the January 2013 to December 2015 performance period. The final value of these units will be determined by the number of shares earned. The value of these units is charged to compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period with periodic adjustments to account for changes in anticipated award amounts and estimated forfeitures rates. The grant date fair value for these RSUs was $11.91 per share. Additional RSUs related to the LTIP 2013 plan were awarded on May 28, 2013, with a grant date fair value of $11.56 per share. Compensation expense of $8 thousand and $47 thousand was recognized in connection with these RSUs for the six months ended June 28, 2015 and June 29, 2014, respectively. As of June 28, 2015, total unamortized compensation expense for these grants was $31 thousand. As of June 28, 2015, the maximum achievable RSUs outstanding under this plan are 22,500 units. These RSUs reduce the shares available to grant under the 2004 Plan.

16


2015 Incentive Award Plan

In April 2015, the Board of Directors adopted the Checkpoint Systems, Inc. 2015 Incentive Award Plan (the 2015 Plan), with shareholder approval obtained at the annual meeting of shareholders held on June 3, 2015. Upon approval of the 2015 Plan, no additional awards are to be made under the Checkpoint Systems, Inc. Amended and Restated 2004 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (the 2004 Plan). All awards previously granted under the 2004 Plan will remain subject to the terms of the 2004 Plan. The 2015 Plan authorizes the issuance of a total of 3,877,777 shares of common stock, which will be reduced by any shares issued pursuant to awards granted under the 2004 Plan after December 28, 2014. This represents an increase of 1,252,766 shares over the current reserve in the 2004 Plan. In addition, subject to certain limitations, shares covered by an award granted under the 2015 Plan or shares covered by an award previously granted under the 2004 Plan which expire or are canceled without having been exercised in full or that are forfeited or repurchased shall be added to the shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance under the 2015 Plan.

2015 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

In April 2015, the Board of Directors adopted the 2015 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the 2015 ESPP), with shareholder approval obtained at the annual meeting of shareholders held on June 3, 2015. The 2015 ESPP is designed to replace the Checkpoint Systems, Inc. 423 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the Prior ESPP). We exhausted the number of shares available for issuance under the Prior ESPP at the end of March 2015. In connection with the adoption of the 2015 ESPP, we registered an additional 600,000 shares of common stock in a Registration Statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on March 31, 2015.

Other Compensation Arrangements

On March 15, 2010, we initiated a plan in which time-vested cash unit awards were granted to eligible employees. The time-vested cash unit awards under this plan vest evenly over two or three years from the date of grant. The total amount accrued related to the plan equaled $0.4 million as of June 28, 2015, of which $0.3 million and $0.5 million was expensed for the three and six months ended June 28, 2015. The total amount accrued related to the plan equaled $0.4 million as of June 29, 2014, of which $0.3 million and $0.6 million was expensed for the three and six months ended June 29, 2014. The associated liability is included in Accrued Compensation and Related Taxes in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

On May 2, 2013 a cash-based performance award was awarded to our CEO under the terms of our LTIP 2013 plan. Our relative TSR performance determines the payout as a percentage of an established target cash amount of $0.4 million. Because the final payout of the award is made in cash, the award is classified as a liability and the fair value is marked-to-market each reporting period. As of June 28, 2015, the fair value of the award is $0.05 per dollar of the target cash amount awarded. The value of this award is charged to compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Compensation expense of $103 thousand was reversed in the first six months of 2015. For the first six months of 2014, $29 thousand was charged to compensation expense. The associated liability is included in Accrued Compensation and Related Taxes in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

To determine the fair value of the cash-based performance award as of June 28, 2015, we used a Monte Carlo simulation using the following assumptions: (i) expected volatility of 32.82%, (ii) risk-free rate of 0.08%, and (iii) an expected dividend yield of zero.

Note 6. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Cash payments for interest and income taxes for the six months ended June 28, 2015 and June 29, 2014 were as follows:
(amounts in thousands)
 
 
 
Six months ended
June 28,
2015

 
June 29,
2014

Interest
$
724

 
$
1,026

Income tax payments
$
3,575

 
$
4,014


As of June 28, 2015 and June 29, 2014, we accrued $0.9 million and $0.6 million of capital expenditures, respectively. These amounts were excluded from the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows at June 28, 2015 and June 29, 2014 since they represent non-cash investing activities. Accrued capital expenditures at June 28, 2015 and June 29, 2014 are included in Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. A special dividend was declared on March

17


5, 2015. The cash portion of the Dividend of $21.0 million was paid to common shareholders on April 10, 2015. The non-cash portion of the Dividend of $0.4 million was also credited to the executive and director deferred compensation plan deferred stock accounts on April 10, 2015 in accordance with the plans.

Note 7. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following data shows the amounts used in computing earnings per share and the effect on net earnings and the weighted-average number of shares of dilutive potential common stock:
 
Quarter
 
Six months
 
(13 weeks) Ended
 
(26 weeks) Ended
(amounts in thousands, except per share data)
June 28,
2015

 
June 29,
2014

 
June 28,
2015

 
June 29,
2014

Net (loss) earnings available to common stockholders
$
(5,407
)
 
$
9,854

 
$
(6,152
)
 
$
9,725

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
42,071

 
41,678

 
41,961

 
41,609

Shares issuable under deferred compensation agreements
885

 
360

 
845

 
353

Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
42,956

 
42,038

 
42,806

 
41,962

Common shares assumed upon exercise of stock options and awards

 
273

 

 
308

Unvested shares issuable under deferred compensation arrangements

 
13

 

 
17

Dilutive weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
42,956

 
42,324

 
42,806

 
42,287

  Basic (loss) earnings per share
$
(0.13
)
 
$
0.23

 
$
(0.14
)
 
$
0.23

  Diluted (loss) earnings per share
$
(0.13
)
 
$
0.23

 
$
(0.14
)
 
$
0.23


Anti-dilutive potential common shares are not included in our earnings per share calculation. The Long-term Incentive Plan restricted stock units were excluded from our calculation due to performance vesting criteria not being met.

The number of anti-dilutive common share equivalents for the three and six months ended June 28, 2015 and June 29, 2014 were as follows:
 
Quarter
 
Six months
 
(13 weeks) Ended
 
(26 weeks) Ended
(amounts in thousands)
June 28,
2015

 
June 29,
2014

 
June 28,
2015

 
June 29,
2014

Weighted-average common share equivalents associated with anti-dilutive stock options and restricted stock units excluded from the computation of diluted EPS(1)
2,424

 
2,315

 
2,317

 
2,107


(1) 
Stock options and awards of 146 thousand and 219 thousand shares and deferred compensation arrangements of 21 thousand and 29 thousand shares were anti-dilutive in the first three and six months of 2015 and were therefore excluded from the earnings per share calculation due to our net loss for the period.

Note 8. INCOME TAXES

The effective tax rate for the six months ended June 28, 2015 was 9.2% as compared to 23.6% for the six months ended June 29, 2014. The change in the effective tax rate for the six months ended June 28, 2015 was due to the mix of income between subsidiaries and increased losses for entities with valuation allowances for which no tax benefit is received.

We evaluate our deferred income taxes quarterly to determine if valuation allowances are required or should be adjusted. We are required to assess whether valuation allowances should be established against their deferred tax assets based on all available evidence, both positive and negative, using a “more likely than not” standard. In the assessment for a valuation allowance, appropriate consideration is given to all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the deferred tax assets. This assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, our experience with loss carryforwards not expiring, and tax

18


planning alternatives. We operate and derive income across multiple jurisdictions. As each of the respective lines of business experiences changes in operating results across their geographic footprint, we may encounter losses in jurisdictions that have been historically profitable, and as a result might require additional valuation allowances to be recorded against certain deferred tax asset balances. As of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014, we had net deferred tax assets of $10.4 million and $12.8 million, respectively.

At December 28, 2014, the U.S. had a valuation allowance of $108.3 million recorded against its net deferred tax assets of $96.1 million. The amount of valuation allowance recorded was greater than the net domestic deferred tax asset after consideration of deferred tax liabilities associated with non amortizable assets such as goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles. The valuation allowance is reviewed quarterly and will be maintained until there is sufficient positive evidence to support a release. At each reporting date, we consider new evidence, both positive and negative, that could impact the future realization of deferred tax assets. We will consider a release of the valuation allowance once there is sufficient positive evidence that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. Any release of the valuation allowance will be recorded as a tax benefit increasing net income.

Included in Other Current Assets as of June 28, 2015, is a current income tax receivable of $6.9 million. This amount represents a net receivable of $2.4 million as of December 28, 2014, year to date estimated tax payments made in excess of refunds received in the amount of $3.9 million, and current tax benefit recorded on our year to date pretax income of $0.6 million. Included in Other Current Liabilities is our current deferred tax liability of $2.7 million.

The total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $8.9 million and $16.4 million at June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively. Penalties and tax-related interest expense are reported as a component of Income Tax Expense on our Consolidated Statement of Operations. During the six months ended June 28, 2015 we recognized no interest and penalties expense compared to an interest and penalties benefit of $0.1 million during the six months ended June 29, 2014. As of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014, we had accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits of $2.8 million and $4.3 million, respectively.

As of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014, $16.1 million and $16.1 million, respectively, of our unrecognized tax benefits, penalties, and interest were recorded as a component of Other Long-Term Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
We file income tax returns in the U.S. and in various states, local and foreign jurisdictions. We are routinely examined by tax authorities in these jurisdictions. It is possible that these examinations may be resolved within twelve months. Due to the expiration of various statutes of limitation and the potential resolution of federal, state, and foreign examinations, it is reasonably possible that the gross unrecognized tax benefits balance may decrease within the next twelve months by $4.6 million.

We are currently under audit in the following major jurisdictions: India - 2012 to 2013, France - 2012 to 2013, and Canada - 2011 to 2014. During the current quarter we resolved an audit with the German tax authorities for tax years 2006 to 2009 with no impact to income tax expense. The following major jurisdictions have tax years that remain subject to examination: Germany - 2010 to 2014, United States - 2011 to 2014, China - 2012 to 2014 and Hong Kong - 2008 to 2014. Our tax returns for open years in all jurisdictions are subject to changes upon examination.

We operate under tax holidays in certain countries, which are effective through dates ranging from 2015 to 2017, and may be extended if certain additional requirements are satisfied. The tax holidays are conditional upon our meeting certain employment and investment thresholds.
















19


Note 9. PENSION BENEFITS

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the three and six months ended June 28, 2015 and June 29, 2014 were as follows:
 
Quarter
 
Six months
 
(13 weeks) Ended
 
(26 weeks) Ended
(amounts in thousands)
June 28,
2015

 
June 29,
2014

 
June 28,
2015

 
June 29,
2014

Service cost
$
297

 
$
283

 
$
601

 
$
565

Interest cost
525

 
917

 
1,060

 
1,833

Expected return on plan assets
(33
)
 
(1
)
 
(67
)
 
(1
)
Amortization of actuarial loss
733

 
386

 
1,483

 
771

Amortization of prior service costs
7

 
3

 
13

 
6

Net periodic pension cost
$
1,529

 
$
1,588

 
$
3,090

 
$
3,174


We expect the cash requirements for funding the pension benefits to be approximately $4.3 million during fiscal 2015, including $2.2 million which was funded during the six months ended June 28, 2015.

Note 10. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT, FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT

Fair Value Measurement

We utilize the market approach to measure fair value for our financial assets and liabilities. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.

The fair value hierarchy is intended to increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements and related disclosures. The fair value hierarchy is based on inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity’s pricing based upon their own market assumptions.

The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:
Level 1
Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2
Inputs are quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable and market-corroborated inputs which are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3
Inputs are derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or value drivers are unobservable.

Because our derivatives are not listed on an exchange, we value these instruments using a valuation model with pricing inputs that are observable in the market or that can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. Our methodology also incorporates the impact of both ours and the counterparty’s credit standing.


20


The following tables represent our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 and the basis for that measurement:
 
June 28, 2015
(amounts in thousands)
Total Fair Value Measurement June 28, 2015

 
Quoted Prices
In Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
$
19

 
$

 
$
19

 
$

Total assets
$
19

 
$

 
$
19

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
$
37

 
$

 
$
37

 
$

Total liabilities
$
37

 
$

 
$
37

 
$


 
December 28, 2014
(amounts in thousands)
Total Fair Value Measurement December 28, 2014

 
Quoted Prices
In Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
$
55

 
$

 
$
55

 
$

Total assets
$
55

 
$

 
$
55

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
$
23

 
$

 
$
23

 
$

Total liabilities
$
23

 
$

 
$
23

 
$


We believe that the fair values of our current assets and current liabilities (cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and other current liabilities) approximate their reported carrying amounts. The carrying values and the estimated fair values of non-current financial assets and liabilities that qualify as financial instruments and are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis at June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014 are summarized in the following table:
 
June 28, 2015
 
December 28, 2014
(amounts in thousands)
Carrying
Amount

 
Estimated
Fair Value

 
Carrying
Amount

 
Estimated
Fair Value

Long-term debt (including current maturities and excluding capital leases and factoring)(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2013 Senior secured credit facility
$
65,000

 
$
65,000

 
$
65,000

 
$
65,000


(1) 
The carrying amounts are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets under the indicated captions.

Long-term debt is carried at the original offering price, less any payments of principal. The carrying amount of the Senior Secured Credit Facility approximates fair value due to the variable rate nature of its interest at current market rates. The related fair value measurement has generally been classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements

In connection with our restructuring plans, we recorded impairment losses in restructuring expense during the six months ended June 29, 2014 of $0.2 million due to the impairment of certain long-lived assets for which the carrying value of those assets may not be recoverable based upon our estimated cash flows. Assets with carrying amounts of $0.2 million were written down to their fair values of $21 thousand. Given that the impairment losses were determined using internal estimates of future cash flows or upon non-identical assets using significant unobservable inputs, we have classified the remaining fair value of long-lived assets as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Refer to Note 11 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.





21


Financial Instruments and Risk Management

We manufacture products in the U.S., Europe, and the Asia Pacific region for both the local marketplace and for export to our foreign subsidiaries. The foreign subsidiaries, in turn, sell these products to customers in their respective geographic areas of operation, generally in local currencies. This method of sale and resale gives rise to the risk of gains or losses as a result of currency exchange rate fluctuations on inter-company receivables and payables. Additionally, the sourcing of product in one currency and the sales of product in a different currency can cause gross margin fluctuations due to changes in currency exchange rates.

Our major market risk exposures are movements in foreign currency and interest rates. We have historically not used financial instruments to minimize our exposure to currency fluctuations on our net investments in and cash flows derived from our foreign subsidiaries. We have used third-party borrowings in foreign currencies to hedge a portion of our net investments in and cash flows derived from our foreign subsidiaries. A reduction in our third-party foreign currency borrowings will result in an increase of foreign currency fluctuations on our net investments in and cash flows derived from our foreign subsidiaries.

We enter into forward exchange contracts to reduce the risks of currency fluctuations on short-term inter-company receivables and payables. These contracts are entered into with major financial institutions, thereby minimizing the risk of credit loss. We will consider using interest rate derivatives to manage interest rate risks when there is a disproportionate ratio of floating and fixed-rate debt. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes. We are subject to other foreign exchange market risk exposure resulting from anticipated non-financial instrument foreign currency cash flows which are difficult to reasonably predict, and have therefore not been included in the table of fair values. All listed items described are non-trading.

The following table presents the fair values of derivative instruments included within the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 28, 2015 and December 28, 2014:
 
June 28, 2015
 
December 28, 2014
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
(amounts in thousands)
Balance
Sheet
Location
 
Fair
Value

 
Balance
Sheet
Location
 
Fair
Value

 
Balance
Sheet
Location
 
Fair
Value

 
Balance
Sheet
Location
 
Fair
Value

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
Other current
assets
 
$
19

 
Other current
liabilities
 
$
37

 
Other current
assets
 
$
55

 
Other current
liabilities
 
$
23

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
19

 
 
 
37

 
 
 
55

 
 
 
23

Total derivatives
 
 
$
19

 
 
 
$
37

 
 
 
$
55

 
 
 
$
23


The following table represents the amounts affecting the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 28, 2015 and June 29, 2014:
 
Quarter
 
Six months
 
(13 weeks) Ended
 
(26 weeks) Ended
 
June 28, 2015
June 29, 2014
 
June 28, 2015
June 29, 2014
(amounts in thousands)
Amount of
Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivatives

Location of
Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivatives
Amount of
Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivatives

Location of
Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivatives
 
Amount of
Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivatives

Location of
Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivatives
Amount of
Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivatives

Location of
Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivatives
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forwards and options
$
564

Other gain
(loss), net
$
(36
)
Other gain
(loss), net
 
$
275

Other gain
(loss), net
$
(66
)
Other gain
(loss), net

We selectively purchase currency forward exchange contracts to reduce the risks of currency fluctuations on short-term inter-company receivables and payables. These contracts guarantee a predetermined exchange rate at the time the contract is purchased. This allows us to shift the effect of positive or negative currency fluctuations to a third-party. Transaction gains or

22


losses resulting from these contracts are recognized at the end of each reporting period. We use the fair value method of accounting, recording realized and unrealized gains and losses on these contracts. These gains and losses are included in Other Gain (Loss), net on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of June 28, 2015, we had currency forward exchange contracts with notional amounts totaling approximately $5.4 million. The fair values of the forward exchange contracts were reflected as a $19 thousand asset and a $37 thousand liability included in Other Current Assets and Other Current Liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The contracts are in the various local currencies covering primarily our operations in the U.S. and Western Europe. Historically, we have not purchased currency forward exchange contracts where it is not economically efficient, specifically for our operations in South America and Asia, with the exception of Japan.

Note 11. PROVISION FOR RESTRUCTURING

Profit Enhancement Plan

During September 2014, we initiated the Profit Enhancement Plan focused on increasing profitability through strategic headcount reductions and the streamlining of manufacturing processes. The projects included in this plan are currently underway, with final headcount reductions expected to be recognized by the fourth quarter of 2015. For the six months ended June 28, 2015, the net charge to earnings of $1.7 million represents the current year activity related to the Profit Enhancement Plan. Total costs of the plan are $7.0 million through the end of the second quarter of 2015. Termination benefits are planned to be paid 1 month to 24 months after termination.

Global Restructuring Plan (including LEAN)

During September 2011, we initiated the Global Restructuring Plan focused on further reducing our overall operating expenses by including manufacturing and other cost reduction initiatives, such as consolidating certain manufacturing facilities and administrative functions to improve efficiencies. This plan was further expanded in the first quarter of 2012 and again during the second quarter of 2012 to include Project LEAN. All projects in our Global Restructuring Plan including Project LEAN have been substantially completed.

For the six months ended June 28, 2015, the net release to earnings of $0.1 million represents the current year activity related to the Global Restructuring Plan including Project LEAN. Total costs related to the plan of $60 million have been incurred through June 28, 2015. All terminations for the plan were substantially completed during the fourth quarter of 2014. Termination benefits are planned to be paid 1 month to 24 months after termination.

Restructuring expense for the three and six months ended June 28, 2015 and June 29, 2014 was as follows:
 
Quarter
 
Six months
 
(13 weeks) Ended
 
(26 weeks) Ended
(amounts in thousands)
June 28,
2015

 
June 29,
2014

 
June 28,
2015

 
June 29,
2014

Profit Enhancement Plan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Severance and other employee-related charges
$
170

 
$

 
$
1,516

 
$

Other exit costs
116

 

 
163

 

Global Restructuring Plan (including LEAN)
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Severance and other employee-related charges
(13
)
 
272

 
(102
)
 
1,844

Asset impairments

 

 

 
172

Other exit costs
11

 
99

 
11

 
242

SG&A Restructuring Plan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Severance and other employee-related charges

 
(30
)
 

 
(25
)
Total
$
284


$
341


$
1,588


$
2,233









23


Restructuring accrual activity for the six months ended June 28, 2015 was as follows:
(amounts in thousands)
Accrual at
Beginning of
Year

 
Charged to
Earnings

 
Charge
Reversed to
Earnings

 
Cash
Payments

 
Exchange
Rate Changes

 
Accrual at June 28, 2015

Profit Enhancement Plan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Severance and other employee-related charges
$
4,082

 
$
2,206

 
$
(690
)
 
$
(2,878
)
 
$
(264
)
 
$
2,456

Other exit costs(1)

 
163

 

 
(163
)
 

 

Global Restructuring Plan (including LEAN)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Severance and other employee-related charges
2,050

 
61

 
(163
)
 
(1,232
)
 
(153
)
 
563

Other exit costs (2)
15

 
11

 

 
(11
)
 

 
15

SG&A Restructuring Plan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Severance and other employee-related charges
108

 

 

 
(45
)
 
(8
)
 
55

Total
$
6,255

 
$
2,441


$
(853
)

$
(4,329
)

$
(425
)

$
3,089


(1) 
During the first six months of 2015, there was a net charge to earnings of $0.2 million primarily due to restructuring agent costs and legal costs in connection with the restructuring plan.
(2) 
During the first six months of 2015, there was a net charge to earnings of $11 thousand primarily due to lease costs in connection with the restructuring plan.

Note 12. CONTINGENCIES

We are involved in certain legal and regulatory actions, all of which have arisen in the ordinary course of business, except for the matters described in the following paragraphs.

Additionally, management believes that the ultimate resolution of such matters is unlikely to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations and/or financial condition, except as described below.

Matters related to All-Tag Security S.A. and All-Tag Security Americas, Inc.

We originally filed suit on May 1, 2001, alleging that the disposable, deactivatable radio frequency security tag manufactured by All-Tag Security S.A. and All-Tag Security Americas, Inc.'s (jointly All-Tag) and sold by Sensormatic Electronics Corporation (Sensormatic) infringed on a U.S. Patent No. 4,876,555 (the 555 Patent) owned by us. On April 22, 2004, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (the Pennsylvania Court) granted summary judgment to defendants All-Tag and Sensormatic on the ground that the 555 Patent was invalid for incorrect inventorship. We appealed this decision. On June 20, 2005, we won an appeal when the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (the Appellate Court) reversed the grant of summary judgment and remanded the case to the Pennsylvania Court for further proceedings. On January 29, 2007 the case went to trial, and on February 13, 2007, a jury found in favor of the defendants on infringement, the validity of the 555 Patent and the enforceability of the 555 Patent. On June 20, 2008, the Pennsylvania Court entered judgment in favor of defendants based on the jury's infringement and enforceability findings. On February 10, 2009, the Pennsylvania Court granted defendants' motions for attorneys' fees designating the case as an exceptional case and awarding an unspecified portion of defendants' attorneys' fees under 35 U.S.C. § 285. Defendants sought approximately $5.7 million plus interest. We recognized this amount during the fourth fiscal quarter ended December 28, 2008 in litigation settlements on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. On March 6, 2009, we filed objections to the defendants' bill of attorneys' fees. On November 2, 2011, the Pennsylvania Court finalized the decision to order us to pay the attorneys' fees and costs of the defendants in the amount of $6.6 million. The additional amount of $0.9 million was recorded in the fourth quarter ended December 25, 2011 in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. On November 15, 2011, we filed objections to and appealed the Pennsylvania Court's award of attorneys' fees to the defendants. Following the filing of briefs and the completion of oral arguments, the Appellate Court reversed the decision of the Pennsylvania Court on March 25, 2013. As a result of the final decision, we reversed the All-Tag reserve of $6.6 million in the first quarter ended March 31, 2013. The Appellate Court decision was appealed by All-Tag and Sensormatic to the U.S. Supreme Court.

While the appeal was still pending, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear two cases (Octane Fitness, LLC v. ICON Health & Fitness, Inc. and Highmark, Inc. v. Allcare Health Management Systems) arguing that the governing standard for finding a case exceptional under 35 U.S.C. § 285 was too rigid. On December 30, 2013, based on the Supreme Court’s willingness to re-evaluate the exceptional case standard, defendants requested that the Supreme Court also hear our case. On April 29, 2014, the Supreme Court issued its rulings in Octane Fitness and Highmark and relaxed the standard for determining when a case is exceptional. As a result, on May 5, 2014, the Supreme Court vacated the judgment of the Appellate Court in our case

24


(reinstating the Pennsylvania Court’s exceptional case finding) and sent the case back to the Appellate Court for further consideration in light of the new standards set forth in Octane Fitness and Highmark. On June 10, 2014, defendants filed a motion in the Appellate Court asking that the Appellate Court either affirm the Pennsylvania Court’s exceptional case finding outright or send the case back to the Pennsylvania Court so that it could consider the case again under the new exceptional case standard. On June 23, 2014, we filed our opposition to the motion to remand and moved the Appellate Court to once again reverse the Pennsylvania Court’s exceptional case finding. On October 14, 2014, the Appellate Court remanded the case to the Pennsylvania Court for further proceedings. We do not believe it is probable that the case will ultimately be decided against us and therefore there is no amount reserved for this matter as of June 28, 2015.

Matter related to Universal Surveillance Corporation EAS RF Anti-trust Litigation

Universal Surveillance Corporation (USS) filed a complaint against us in the United States Federal District Court of the Northern District of Ohio (the Ohio Court) on August 19, 2011. USS claims that, in connection with our competition in the electronic article surveillance market, we violated the federal antitrust laws (Sherman Act and Clayton Act) and state antitrust laws (Ohio Valentine Act). USS also claims that we violated the federal Lanham Act, the Ohio Deceptive Trade Practices Act, and the Ohio Trade Secrets Act, and engaged in conduct that allegedly disparaged USS and tortiously interfered with USS's business relationships and contracts. USS is seeking injunctive relief as well as approximately $65 million in claimed damages for alleged lost profits, plus treble damages and attorney's fees under the Sherman Act. We have neither recorded a reserve for this matter nor do we believe that there is a reasonable possibility that a loss has been incurred.

Our legal fees related to the USS matter were being paid pursuant to our coverage under insurance policies with American Home Assurance Company and National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa. (AIG). On July 9, 2014, AIG filed a complaint against us in the Superior Court of New Jersey (the New Jersey Court) claiming that AIG has no duty to defend or indemnify us under the insurance policies as they relate to the USS matter. AIG also claims reimbursement of legal fees, costs, and expenses previously paid by AIG on our behalf that are not covered by insurance as well as our reimbursement of AIG’s legal costs related to this matter. AIG continued to pay on our behalf most of our legal fees, costs, and expenses related to this matter. In May 2015, we engaged in formal discussions with AIG regarding the possibility of reaching a settlement of this matter in advance of the scheduled hearing in July 2015. In early June, we discussed the possibility of settling this matter with our Board of Directors and, on June 3, 2015, we obtained their approval to make a settlement offer. On June 26, 2015, we entered into a settlement with AIG. Pursuant to the settlement, we paid approximately $9.0 million to AIG in exchange for full and final resolution of this matter between the parties. Further pursuant to this settlement, each party will be responsible for a portion of the legal fees, costs, and expenses at issue in the litigation, and AIG is released from any further obligation with respect to future defense costs and indemnity in connection with the USS litigation.

Matter related to Zucker Derivative Suit

On June 24, 2014, a complaint was filed by Lawrence Zucker in a shareholder derivative suit on behalf of himself, others who are similarly situated and derivatively on behalf of us, of which we are also a nominal defendant, against our Board of Directors (the Board of Directors) in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, under the caption Zucker v. Checkpoint Systems, Inc., et al., No. GD-14-11035. The plaintiff generally asserts claims for breach of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets, and unjust enrichment against our Board of Directors for allegedly exceeding its authority under our Amended and Restated 2004 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (the Plan).

The plaintiff seeks, in addition to other relief, (i) a declaration that certain of the awards granted under the Plan in 2013 were ultra vires; (ii) rescission of awards allegedly granted in violation of the Plan; (iii) monetary damages; (iv) equitable or injunctive relief; (v) direction by the court that we reform our corporate governance and internal procedures and (vi) an award of attorneys’ fees and other fees and costs. The outcome of this matter cannot be predicted with any certainty. We intend to defend vigorously our interests in this matter.

Note 13. BUSINESS SEGMENTS

We report our financial results in three segments: Merchandise Availability Solutions (MAS), Apparel Labeling Solutions (ALS), and Retail Merchandising Solutions (RMS).







25


Our MAS segment, which is focused on loss prevention and Merchandise Visibility™ (RFID), includes EAS systems, EAS consumables, Alpha® high-theft solutions, RFID systems and software and non-U.S. and Canada-based CheckView®. ALS includes the results of our radio frequency identification (RFID) labels business, coupled with our data management platform and network of service bureaus that manage the printing of variable information on apparel labels and tags. Our RMS segment includes hand-held labeling applicators and tags, promotional displays, and customer queuing systems.
 
Quarter
 
Six months
 
 
(13 weeks) Ended
 
(26 weeks) Ended
 
(amounts in thousands)
June 28,
2015

 
June 29,
2014

 
June 28,
2015

 
June 29,
2014

 
Business segment net revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Merchandise Availability Solutions
$
91,327

(1) 
$
111,478

(2) 
$
172,853

(3) 
$
204,942

(4) 
Apparel Labeling Solutions
46,942

 
47,659

 
84,127

 
89,740

 
Retail Merchandising Solutions
9,281

 
11,788

 
19,112

 
23,649

 
Total revenues
$
147,550

 
$
170,925

 
$
276,092

 
$
318,331

 
Business segment gross profit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Merchandise Availability Solutions
$
43,122

 
$
51,262

 
$
84,407

 
$
95,204

 
Apparel Labeling Solutions
14,843

 
17,251

 
26,391

 
31,336

 
Retail Merchandising Solutions
3,532

 
3,994

 
7,236

 
8,253

 
Total gross profit
61,497

 
72,507

 
118,034

 
134,793

 
Operating expenses
65,985

(5) 
59,520

(6) 
122,856

(7) 
119,640

(8) 
Interest expense, net
(758
)
 
(914
)
 
(1,469
)
 
(1,903
)
 
Other gain (loss), net
(859
)
 
(442
)
 
(488
)
 
(528
)
 
(Loss) earnings before income taxes
$
(6,105
)
 
$
11,631

 
$
(6,779
)
 
$
12,722

 

(1) 
Includes net revenue from EAS systems, Alpha® and EAS consumables of $33.9 million, $26.1 million, and $24.3 million, respectively, representing more than 10% of total revenue.
(2) 
Includes net revenue from EAS systems, Alpha® and EAS consumables of $46.4 million, $30.7 million, and $28.3 million, respectively, representing more than 10% of total revenue.
(3) 
Includes net revenue from EAS systems, Alpha® and EAS consumables of $65.2 million, $47.2 million, and $46.4 million, respectively, representing more than 10% of total revenue.
(4) 
Includes net revenue from EAS systems, Alpha® and EAS consumables of $86.5 million, $55.5 million and $52.7 million, respectively, representing more than 10% of total revenue.
(5) 
Includes a $0.3 million restructuring charge, a $9.0 million litigation settlement, and a $41 thousand acquisition charge.
(6) 
Includes a $0.3 million restructuring charge.
(7) 
Includes a $1.6 million restructuring charge, a $9.0 million litigation settlement, a $0.8 million management transition charge, and a $0.1 million acquisition charge.
(8) 
Includes a $2.2 million restructuring charge.

Note 14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Share Repurchase Program

In July 2015, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program that authorized the repurchase of up to $30 million of our common stock. The repurchase program will be funded using our available cash and is expected to be executed over the next two years. We are authorized to repurchase from time to time shares of our outstanding common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of stock repurchases, and the prices at which such purchases may be made, will depend on a variety of factors, including the market conditions as well as corporate and regulatory considerations. The share repurchase program may be suspended, modified or discontinued at any time and we have no obligation to repurchase any amount of our common stock under the program.

26


Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Information Relating to Forward-Looking Statements

This report includes information that constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements often address our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” or “will.” By their nature, forward-looking statements address matters that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Any such forward-looking statements may involve risk and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results encompassed within the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include: the impact upon operations of accounting policies review and improvement; the impact upon operations of legal and compliance matters or internal controls review, improvement and remediation, including the detection of wrongdoing, improper activities, or circumvention of internal controls; our ability to successfully implement our strategic plan; our ability to manage growth effectively including our ability to integrate acquisitions and to achieve our financial and operational goals for our acquisitions; changes in economic or international business conditions; foreign currency exchange rate and interest rate fluctuations; lower than anticipated demand by retailers and other customers for our products; slower commitments of retail customers to chain-wide installations and/or source tagging adoption or expansion; possible increases in per unit product manufacturing costs due to less than full utilization of manufacturing capacity as a result of slowing economic conditions or other factors; our ability to provide and market innovative and cost-effective products; the development of new competitive technologies; our ability to maintain our intellectual property; competitive pricing pressures causing profit erosion; the availability and pricing of component parts and raw materials; possible increases in the payment time for receivables as a result of economic conditions or other market factors; our ability to comply with covenants and other requirements of our debt agreements; changes in regulations or standards applicable to our products; our ability to successfully implement global cost reductions in operating expenses including, field service, sales, and general and administrative expense, and our manufacturing and supply chain operations without significantly impacting revenue and profits; our ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting; risks generally associated with information systems upgrades and our company-wide implementation of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and additional matters disclosed in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

For a more detailed discussion of these and other factors, see “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition” in our 2014 Form 10-K, filed on March 5, 2015 with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made only as of the date of this document, and we undertake no obligation to update these statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, other than as may be required by law.

Overview

We are a leading global manufacturer and provider of technology-driven, loss prevention, inventory management and labeling solutions to the retail and apparel industry. We provide integrated inventory management solutions to brand, track, and secure goods for retailers and consumer product manufacturers worldwide. We are a leading provider of, and earn revenues primarily from the sale of Merchandise Availability Solutions, Apparel Labeling Solutions, and Retail Merchandising Solutions. Merchandise Availability Solutions consists of electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems, EAS consumables, Alpha® solutions, and radio frequency identification (RFID) systems, software and services. Apparel Labeling Solutions includes our web-based data management service and network of service bureaus to manage the printing of variable information on price and promotional tickets, graphic tags and labels, adhesive labels, fabric and woven tags and labels, apparel branding tags, fully integrated tags and labels and RFID tags and labels. Retail Merchandising Solutions consists of hand-held labeling systems (HLS) and retail display systems (RDS). Applications of these products include primarily retail security, asset and merchandise visibility, automatic identification, and pricing and promotional labels and signage. Operating directly in 27 countries, we have a global network of subsidiaries and distributors, and provide customer service and technical support around the world.

Our results are heavily dependent upon sales to the retail market. Our customers are dependent upon retail sales, which are susceptible to economic cycles and seasonal fluctuations. Furthermore, as approximately two-thirds of our revenues and operations are located outside the U.S., fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates have a significant impact on reported results.

We report our financial results in three segments: Merchandise Availability Solutions (MAS), Apparel Labeling Solutions (ALS), and Retail Merchandising Solutions (RMS).


27


Our MAS segment, which is focused on loss prevention and Merchandise Visibility (RFID), includes EAS systems, EAS consumables, Alpha® high-theft solutions, RFID systems and software and non-U.S. and Canada-based CheckView®. ALS includes our RFID labels business, coupled with our data management platform and network of service bureaus that manage the printing of variable information on apparel labels and tags. Our RMS segment includes hand-held labeling applicators and tags, promotional displays, and customer queuing systems. The revenues and gross profit for each of the segments are included in Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Our business strategy is to be a provider of inventory management solutions that give retailers ready insight into the on-shelf availability of merchandise in their stores. Additionally, our business strategy is focusing on improving revenues and profitability, reducing costs, and improving working capital management. In support of this strategy, we provide to retailers, manufacturers and distributors our EAS systems and consumables, Alpha® high-theft solutions, Merchandise Visibility (RFID) products and services, and METO® hand-held labeling products. In Apparel Labeling, we are focusing on those products that support our strategy and leveraging our competitive advantage in the transfer and printing of variable data onto apparel labels. We will also consider acquisitions that are aligned with our strategic plan.

Our solutions help customers identify, track, and protect their assets. We believe that innovative new products and expanded product offerings will provide opportunities to enhance the value of legacy products while expanding the product base in existing customer accounts. We intend to maintain our leadership position in key hard goods markets (supermarkets, drug stores, mass merchandisers, and music and electronics retailers), expand our market share in soft goods markets (specifically apparel), and maximize our position in under-penetrated markets. We also intend to continue to capitalize on our installed base with large global retailers to promote source tagging. Furthermore, we plan to leverage our knowledge of radio-frequency (RF) and identification technologies to assist retailers and manufacturers in realizing the benefits of RFID.

To achieve these objectives, we expect to continuously enhance and expand our technologies and products, and provide superior service to our customers. We intend to offer customers a wide variety of integrated shrink management solutions, apparel labeling, and retail merchandising solutions characterized by superior quality, ease-of-use, and good value, with enhanced merchandising opportunities. In 2014, we reiterated our commitment to this strategy and our focus on innovation and internally-developed technologies with the appointment of a Senior Vice President of Innovation. We are building a corporate development and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) team to complement our internally-developed innovation with targeted strategic acquisitions.

Our Apparel Labeling business was assembled over the past few years through numerous acquisitions to support our penetration into the apparel industry and to support the growth of our RFID strategy. We have made changes to right-size the Apparel Labeling footprint in order to profitably provide on-time, high quality products to our apparel customers so that retailers can effectively merchandise their products. Simultaneously, we reduced our Apparel Labeling product offerings to only those that are also necessary to support our RFID strategy.

During September 2014, we initiated the Profit Enhancement Plan focused on increasing profitability through strategic headcount reductions and the streamlining of manufacturing processes. Total costs of the plan through June 28, 2015 are $7 million. Total annual savings of the Profit Enhancement Plan are expected to approximate $8 million, with an expected $6 million in savings to be realized in 2015.

Future financial results will be dependent upon our ability to successfully implement our strategic focus, expand the functionality of our existing product lines, develop or acquire new products for sale through our global distribution channels, convert new large chain retailers to our solutions for shrink management, merchandise visibility and apparel labeling, and reduce the cost of our products and infrastructure to respond to competitive pricing pressures.

We believe that our base of recurring revenue (revenues from the sale of consumables into the installed base of security systems, apparel tags and labels, hand-held labeling tools and services from maintenance), repeat customer business, the anticipated effect of our restructuring activities, our existing cash balances, and our borrowing capacity should provide us with adequate cash flow and liquidity to execute our strategic plan.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

We have presented our Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates in Part II - Item 7 - “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 (the "2014 Annual Report"). There have been no material changes to our Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates set forth in our 2014 Annual Report.


28


Results of Operations

All comparisons are with the prior year period, unless otherwise stated.

Net Revenues

Our unit volume is driven by product offerings, number of direct sales personnel, recurring sales and, to some extent, pricing. Our base of installed systems provides a source of recurring revenues from the sale of disposable tags, labels, and service revenues.

Our customers are substantially dependent on retail sales, which are seasonal, subject to significant fluctuations, and difficult to predict. In addition, current economic trends have particularly affected our customers, and consequently our net revenues have been, and may continue to be impacted in the future. Historically, we have experienced lower sales in the first half of each year.

Analysis of Statement of Operations

Thirteen Weeks Ended June 28, 2015 Compared to Thirteen Weeks Ended June 29, 2014

The following table presents for the periods indicated certain items in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as a percentage of total revenues and the percentage change in dollar amounts of such items compared to the indicated prior period:
 
Percentage of Total Revenue
 
Percentage
Change In
Dollar
Amount

Quarter (13 weeks) ended
June 28,
2015
(Fiscal 2015)

 
June 29,
2014
(Fiscal 2014)

 
Fiscal 2015
vs.
Fiscal 2014

Net revenues
 
 
 
 
 
Merchandise Availability Solutions
61.9
 %
 
65.2
 %
 
(18.1
)%
Apparel Labeling Solutions
31.8

 
27.9

 
(1.5
)
Retail Merchandising Solutions
6.3

 
6.9

 
(21.3
)
Net revenues
100.0

 
100.0

 
(13.7
)
Cost of revenues
58.3

 
57.6

 
(12.6
)
Gross profit
41.7

 
42.4

 
(15.2
)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
35.2

 
32.4

 
(6.3
)
Research and development
3.3

 
2.2

 
29.2

Restructuring expenses
0.2

 
0.2

 
(16.7
)
Litigation settlement
6.1

 

 
N/A

Acquisition costs

 

 
N/A

Other operating income
(0.1
)
 

 
N/A

Operating (loss) income
(3.0
)
 
7.6

 
(134.6
)
Interest income
0.2

 
0.2

 
(18.6
)
Interest expense
0.7

 
0.7

 
(17.4
)
Other gain (loss), net
(0.6
)
 
(0.3
)
 
(94.3
)
(Loss) earnings before income taxes
(4.1
)
 
6.8

 
(152.5
)
Income tax (benefit) expense
(0.4
)
 
1.0

 
(139.3
)
Net (loss) earnings
(3.7
)%
 
5.8
 %
 
(154.9
)%







29


Net Revenues

Revenues for the second quarter of 2015 compared to the second quarter of 2014 decreased $23.3 million, or 13.7%, to $147.6 million from $170.9 million. Foreign currency translation had a negative impact on revenues of approximately $14.6 million, or 8.5%, in the second quarter of 2015 as compared to the second quarter of 2014.
(amounts in millions)
 
 
 
 
Dollar
Amount
Change

 
Percentage
Change

Quarter (13 weeks) ended
June 28,
2015
(Fiscal 2015)

 
June 29,
2014
(Fiscal 2014)

 
Fiscal 2015
vs.
Fiscal 2014

 
Fiscal 2015
vs.
Fiscal 2014

Net revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Merchandise Availability Solutions
$
91.3

 
$
111.5

 
$
(20.2
)
 
(18.1
)%
Apparel Labeling Solutions
47.0

 
47.6

 
(0.6
)
 
(1.5
)
Retail Merchandising Solutions
9.3

 
11.8

 
(2.5
)
 
(21.3
)
Net revenues
$
147.6

 
$
170.9

 
$
(23.3
)
 
(13.7
)%

Merchandise Availability Solutions

Merchandise Availability Solutions (MAS) revenues decreased $20.2 million, or 18.1%, during the second quarter of 2015 compared to the second quarter of 2014. After considering the foreign currency translation negative impact of $10.0 million, or 9.0%, revenues decreased $10.2 million primarily due to decreases in EAS Systems, Alpha®, and EAS Consumables, partially offset by increases in Merchandise Visibility™ (RFID).

EAS Systems revenues decreased in the second quarter of 2015 as compared to the second quarter of 2014, primarily due to the sunset of some chain-wide projects in North America, Europe, and Asia. In July 2015, we began a new EAS hardware roll-out with a major Asian retailer. We expect 2015 roll-outs to improve our year-over-year comparison in the second half of 2015.

Alpha® revenues decreased in the second quarter of 2015 as compared to the second quarter of 2014, primarily due to weaker sales in the U.S. and to a lesser extent decreases in sales in Europe, Asia Pacific, and International Americas. This is due to strong sales in 2014 without comparable levels of demand in 2015. We expect our global Alpha® revenues in 2015 to remain constant despite significant competition entering the market. Growth is expected to be hindered due to lack of new customer build-ups which occurred in previous years and increased competitive pressure.

EAS Consumables revenues decreased in the second quarter of 2015 as compared to the second quarter of 2014, primarily due to weaker EAS labels sales in the U.S. and to a lesser extent decreases in sales in Europe and Asia Pacific, offset by increases in Hard Tag @ Source revenues in the U.S. We continue to pursue selective growth opportunities by working with customers, vendors, and expanding to new categories.

Merchandise Visibility™ (RFID) revenues increased in the second quarter of 2015 as compared to the second quarter of 2014 primarily due to a substantial roll-out with RFID enabled technology in Europe in the second quarter of 2015, with less significant roll-outs in the second quarter of 2014. We continue to expand the number of retailers piloting with RFID-based inventory management solutions. We remain confident in our ability to grow this business as our solutions continue to deliver strong return on investment results to our customers. The rate of adoption remains under pressure due to financial challenges at key retail customers.

Apparel Labeling Solutions

Apparel Labeling Solutions (ALS) revenues decreased $0.6 million, or 1.5%, in the second quarter of 2015 as compared to the second quarter of 2014. After considering the foreign currency translation negative impact of $2.5 million, the increase of $1.9 million in ALS revenues was primarily due to increases in Europe resulting from higher demand for RFID labels. RFID labels grew more than 20% year-over-year due to new customer roll-outs with RFID enabled technology, while our legacy ticket and tag business was effectively flat despite significant competitive pricing pressures in certain geographies. We expect to see some modest growth during the remainder of 2015 in our Apparel Labeling Solutions business as we continue to build on new business developments in both our core and RFID labels businesses.




30


Retail Merchandising Solutions

Retail Merchandising Solutions (RMS) revenues decreased $2.5 million, or 21.3%, in the second quarter of 2015 as compared to the second quarter of 2014. After considering the foreign currency translation negative impact of $2.1 million, the decrease of $0.4 million in RMS reflects the sunset of a major project in North America and softer retail display sales in Asia. We anticipate Hand-held Labeling Solutions (HLS) will face difficult revenue trends due to the continued shifts in market demand for HLS products.

Gross Profit

During the second quarter of 2015, gross profit decreased $11.0 million, or 15.2%, to $61.5 million from $72.5 million in the second quarter of 2014. The negative impact of foreign currency translation on gross profit was approximately $3.8 million, or 5.2%, in the second quarter of 2015 as compared to the second quarter of 2014. Gross profit, as a percentage of net revenues, decreased to 41.7% in the second quarter of 2015 from 42.4% in the second quarter of 2014.

Merchandise Availability Solutions

Merchandise Availability Solutions gross profit as a percentage of Merchandise Availability Solutions revenues increased to 47.2% in the second quarter of 2015 from 46.0% in the second quarter of 2014. The increase in the gross profit percentage of Merchandise Availability Solutions was due primarily to higher margins in EAS Systems, Alpha®, and Merchandise Visibility (RFID) due primarily to our operational initiatives in field service, professional services, pricing and supply chain optimization. The margin improvement was partially offset by the stronger U.S. Dollar eroding overall supply chain margins, as well as unfavorable manufacturing variances in our EAS Consumables factories from lower production volumes and higher input costs.

Apparel Labeling Solutions

Apparel Labeling Solutions gross profit as a percentage of Apparel Labeling Solutions revenues decreased to 31.6% in the second quarter of 2015 from 36.2% in the second quarter of 2014. The decrease in the gross profit percentage of Apparel Labeling Solutions is mainly due to the weaker Euro, accelerated depreciation on machinery in Asia that has been removed from production, under-absorption due to lower production volumes and competitive pricing pressures in certain geographies due to market overcapacity.

Retail Merchandising Solutions

The Retail Merchandising Solutions gross profit as a percentage of Retail Merchandising Solutions revenues increased to 38.1% in the second quarter of 2015 from 33.9% in the second quarter of 2014. The increase in Retail Merchandising Solutions gross profit percentage was primarily due to our margin improvement initiatives.

Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses decreased $3.5 million, or 6.3%, during the second quarter of 2015 compared to the second quarter of 2014. Foreign currency had a favorable impact on the 2015 expense of $4.8 million. After considering the foreign currency translation impact, SG&A expenses increased $1.3 million. The benefits of our cost reduction initiatives were more than offset by incremental spending increases related to our strategic initiatives.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development (R&D) expenses were $4.9 million, or 3.3% of revenues, in the second quarter of 2015 compared to the $3.8 million, or 2.2% of revenues in the second quarter of 2014, as we have increased our investment in the development of new products and solutions.

Restructuring Expenses

Restructuring expenses were $0.3 million, or 0.2% of revenues in the second quarter of 2015 compared to $0.3 million or 0.2% of revenues in the second quarter of 2014. The decrease is due to the wind-down of the Global Restructuring Plan, including Project LEAN partially offset by additional expense incurred related to the initiation of our Profit Enhancement Plan in September 2014.



31


Litigation Settlement

During the second quarter of 2015, we incurred a litigation settlement expense of $9.0 million relating to a litigation settlement entered into by us on June 26, 2015 with AIG related to its claims for reimbursement of legal fees, costs, and expenses previously paid by AIG on our behalf for the defense of the USS matter as described in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Other Operating Income

Other operating income for the second quarter of 2015 increased $0.1 million from the comparable quarter in 2014. The increase is due to the sale of customer-related receivables associated with the renewal and extension of sales-type lease arrangements which occurred in March 2015. A portion of the proceeds from the legal sale, as described in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, was accounted for as a financing arrangement as of the end of the first quarter of 2015 until the reacquisition of the receivables was completed in the second quarter of 2015. There were no sales of customer-related receivables in the second quarter of 2014.

Interest Income and Interest Expense

Interest income for the second quarter of 2015 was $0.2 million which is comparable to the $0.3 million recognized in the second quarter of 2014.

Interest expense for the second quarter of 2015 decreased $0.2 million from the comparable quarter in 2014. The decrease in interest expense was primarily due to significant reductions in the outstanding balance on our Senior Secured Credit Facility as well as a reduction in non-cash imputed interest expense on our Financing Liability resulting from the weakening of the Euro against the US Dollar.

Other Gain (Loss), net

Other gain (loss), net was a net loss of $0.9 million in the second quarter of 2015 compared to a net loss of $0.4 million in the second quarter of 2014. The change was primarily due to a $0.9 million foreign exchange loss during the second quarter of 2015 compared to a $0.3 million foreign exchange loss in the second quarter of 2014. The increased foreign exchange loss is primarily attributed to U.S. Dollar and Euro fluctuations versus currencies in emerging markets where hedging is either impossible or impractical.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2015 was 11.4% as compared to 15.3% for the second quarter of 2014. The change in the effective tax rate was due to the mix of income between subsidiaries and increased losses in entities with valuation allowances for which no tax benefit is received.

Net (Loss) Earnings

Net loss was $5.4 million, or $(0.13) per diluted share, during the second quarter of 2015 compared to net earnings of $9.9 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, during the second quarter of 2014. The weighted-average number of shares used in the diluted earnings per share computation was 43.0 million and 42.3 million for the second quarters of 2015 and 2014, respectively.














32


Twenty-six Weeks Ended June 28, 2015 Compared to Twenty-six Weeks Ended June 29, 2014

The following table presents for the periods indicated certain items in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as a percentage of total revenues and the percentage change in dollar amounts of such items compared to the indicated prior period:
 
Percentage of Net Revenues
 
Percentage
Change In
Dollar
Amount

Six months (26 weeks) ended
June 28,
2015
(Fiscal 2015)


June 29,
2014
(Fiscal 2014)

 
Fiscal 2015 vs.
Fiscal 2014

Net revenues
 
 
 
 
 
Merchandise Availability Solutions
62.6
 %
 
64.4
 %
 
(15.7
)%
Apparel Labeling Solutions
30.5

 
28.2

 
(6.3
)
Retail Merchandising Solutions
6.9

 
7.4

 
(19.2
)
Net revenues
100.0

 
100.0

 
(13.3
)
Cost of revenues
57.2

 
57.7

 
(13.9
)
Gross profit
42.8

 
42.3

 
(12.4
)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
37.4

 
34.4

 
(5.9
)
Research and development
3.4

 
2.4

 
23.0

Restructuring expenses
0.6

 
0.7

 
(28.9
)
Litigation settlement
3.3

 

 
N/A

Acquisition costs

 

 
N/A

Other operating income
(0.2
)
 

 
N/A

Operating (loss) income
(1.7
)
 
4.8

 
(131.8
)
Interest income
0.2

 
0.2

 
(16.8
)
Interest expense
0.7

 
0.8

 
(21.5
)
Other gain (loss), net
(0.3
)
 
(0.2
)
 
7.6

(Loss) earnings before income taxes
(2.5
)
 
4.0

 
(153.3
)
Income tax (benefit) expense
(0.3
)
 
0.9

 
(120.9
)
Net (loss) earnings
(2.2
)%
 
3.1
 %
 
(163.3
)%

Net Revenues

Revenues for the first six months of 2015 compared to the first six months of 2014 decreased $42.2 million, or 13.3%, to $276.1 million from $318.3 million. Foreign currency translation had a negative impact on revenues of approximately $26.1 million, or 8.2%, in the first six months of 2015 as compared to the first six months of 2014.
(amounts in millions)
 
 
 
 
Dollar
Amount
Change

 
Percentage
Change

Six months (26 weeks) ended
June 28,
2015
(Fiscal 2015)

 
June 29,
2014
(Fiscal 2014)

 
Fiscal 2015
vs.
Fiscal 2014

 
Fiscal 2015
vs.
Fiscal 2014

Net revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Merchandise Availability Solutions
$
172.9

 
$
205.0

 
$
(32.1
)
 
(15.7
)%
Apparel Labeling Solutions
84.1

 
89.7

 
(5.6
)
 
(6.3
)
Retail Merchandising Solutions
19.1

 
23.6

 
(4.5
)
 
(19.2
)
Net revenues
$
276.1

 
$
318.3

 
$
(42.2
)
 
(13.3
)%






33


Merchandise Availability Solutions

Merchandise Availability Solutions (MAS) revenues decreased $32.1 million, or 15.7%, during the first six months of 2015 compared to the first six months of 2014. After considering the foreign currency translation negative impact of $18.0 million, revenues decreased $14.1 million, or 6.9%, primarily due to decreases in EAS systems and Alpha®. There were also less significant decreases in EAS consumables and CheckView®. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in Merchandise Visibility (RFID).

EAS systems revenues decreased in the first six months of 2015 as compared to the first six months of 2014, primarily due to large roll-outs in the U.S., Europe, and Asia that were ongoing in the first six months of 2014 without comparable projects for 2015. In July 2015, we began a new EAS hardware roll-out with a major Asian retailer. We expect 2015 roll-outs to improve our year-over-year comparison in the second half of 2015.

Merchandise Visibility (RFID) revenues increased in the first six months of 2015 as compared to the first six months of 2014 as the business continues to gain traction with installations at several major retailers in the Europe. We continue to expand the number of retailers piloting with RFID-based inventory management solutions. We remain confident in our ability to grow this business as our solutions continue to deliver strong return on investment results to our customers. The rate of adoption remains under pressure due to financial challenges at key retail customers.

Alpha® revenues decreased in the first six months of 2015 as compared to the first six months of 2014, primarily due to strong sales in the U.S. and Asia with key customers in 2014 without comparable levels of demand in 2015. The decrease was partially offset by increases in Europe and International Americas primarily due to larger orders completed in the first six months of 2015 without comparable orders in 2014. We expect growth to be hindered due to lack of new customer build-ups which occurred in previous years and increased competitive pressure.

EAS consumables revenues decreased in the first six months of 2015 as compared to the first six months of 2014, primarily due to decreased EAS label revenues in the U.S. and Europe. This decrease was partially offset by increases in Hard Tag @ Source revenues in the U.S. We continue to pursue selective growth opportunities by working with customers, vendors, and expanding to new categories.

We now only provide CheckView® CCTV services in Asia in connection with EAS systems when our customers require combined security solutions. Due to our decreased focus on this business, our CheckView® Asia revenues decreased in the first six months of 2015 as compared to the first six months of 2014. This decline was mostly attributable to decreases in revenue in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the first quarter of 2014.

Apparel Labeling Solutions

Apparel Labeling Solutions (ALS) revenues decreased $5.6 million, or 6.3%, in the first six months of 2015 as compared to the first six months of 2014. After considering the foreign currency translation negative impact of $4.0 million, the revenues decreased $1.6 million, or 1.8%, driven by declines in sales volumes in Europe due to the impact of some market share loss and lower volumes with some key retailers. We expect to see some modest growth during the remainder of 2015 in our Apparel Labeling Solutions business as we continue to build on new business developments in both our core and RFID labels businesses.

Retail Merchandising Solutions

Retail Merchandising Solutions (RMS) revenues decreased $4.5 million, or 19.2%, in the first six months of 2015 as compared to the first six months of 2014. After considering the foreign currency translation negative impact of $4.0 million, the revenues decreased $0.5 million, or 2.2%, due to decreases in Hand-held Labeling Solutions (HLS) revenues reflecting the sunset of a major project in the U.S. partially offset by increases in Retail Display Solutions revenues. We anticipate HLS will continue to face difficult revenue trends due to the on-going shifts in market demand for HLS products.

Gross Profit

During the first six months of 2015, gross profit decreased $16.8 million, or 12.4%, to $118.0 million from $134.8 million in the first six months of 2014. Foreign currency translation had a negative impact on gross profit of approximately $7.0 million, or 5.2%, in the first six months of 2015 as compared to the first six months of 2014. Gross profit, as a percentage of net revenues, increased to 42.8% in the first six months of 2015 from 42.3% in the first six months of 2014.


34


Merchandise Availability Solutions

Merchandise Availability Solutions gross profit as a percentage of Merchandise Availability Solutions revenues increased to 48.8% in the first six months of 2015 from 46.5% in the first six months of 2014. The increase in the gross profit percentage of Merchandise Availability Solutions was due primarily to higher margins in EAS Systems, Alpha®, and Merchandise Visibility (RFID) due primarily to our operational initiatives in field service, professional services, pricing and supply chain optimization. Alpha® margins increased due to manufacturing cost savings, margin enhancement initiatives and favorable mix of sales towards higher margin products. Merchandise Visibility margins also increased as revenue growth drove strong utilization of our professional services team. The margin improvement was partially offset by the stronger U.S. Dollar eroding overall supply chain margins, as well as unfavorable manufacturing variances in our EAS Consumables factories from lower production volumes and higher input costs.

Apparel Labeling Solutions

Apparel Labeling Solutions gross profit as a percentage of Apparel Labeling Solutions revenues decreased to 31.4% in the first six months of 2015, from 34.9% in the first six months of 2014. The decrease in the gross profit percentage of Apparel Labeling Solutions is mainly due to the weaker Euro, accelerated depreciation on machinery in Asia that has been removed from production, overhead under-absorption due to lower production volumes and competitive pricing pressures in certain geographies due to market overcapacity.

Retail Merchandising Solutions

Retail Merchandising Solutions gross profit as a percentage of Retail Merchandising Solutions revenues increased to 37.9% in the first six months of 2015 from 34.9% in the first six months of 2014. The increase in Retail Merchandising Solutions gross profit percentage was primarily due to improvements in manufacturing efficiencies in the first six months of 2015 and an unfavorable inventory reserve adjustment recorded in the first six months of 2014 without a comparable adjustment in the first six months of 2015.

Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses decreased $6.5 million, or 5.9%, during the first six months of 2015 compared to the first six months of 2014. Foreign currency had a favorable impact on the 2015 expense of $8.7 million. After considering the foreign currency translation impact, SG&A expenses increased $2.2 million primarily due to management transition costs of $0.8 million incurred in the first quarter of 2015 without comparable expense in 2014. The benefits of our cost reduction initiatives were offset by incremental spending increases related to our strategic initiatives.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development (R&D) expenses were $9.5 million, or 3.4% of revenues, in the first six months of 2015 and $7.7 million, or 2.4% of revenues, in the first six months of 2014, as we have increased our investment in the development of new products and solutions.

Restructuring Expenses

Restructuring expenses were $1.6 million, or 0.6% of revenues, in the first six months of 2015 compared to $2.2 million, or 0.7% of revenues, in the first six months of 2014. The decrease is a result of the completion of Project LEAN partially offset by additional expense incurred related to the continued execution of our Profit Enhancement Plan.

Litigation Settlement

During the second quarter of 2015, we incurred a litigation settlement expense of $9.0 million relating to a litigation settlement entered into by us on June 26, 2015 with AIG related to its claims for reimbursement of legal fees, costs, and expenses previously paid by AIG on our behalf for the defense of the USS matter as described in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Acquisition Costs

Acquisition costs were $0.1 million for the first six months of 2015 without a comparable expense in 2014. The increase is due to additional legal and arbitration-related costs incurred for the May 2011 acquisition of the Shore to Shore businesses.

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Other Operating Income

Other operating income for the first six months of 2015 increased $0.5 million from the comparable first six months of 2014. The increase is due to the sale of customer-related receivables associated with the renewal and extension of sales-type lease arrangements in the first six months of 2015. There were no sales of customer-related receivables in the first six months of 2014.

Interest Income and Interest Expense

Interest income was $0.5 million in the first six months of 2015 compared to $0.6 million in the first six months of 2014. The decrease in interest income was primarily due to decreased interest income recognized for sales-type leases.

Interest expense for the first six months of 2015 decreased $0.5 million from the first six months of 2014. The decrease in interest expense was primarily due to significant reductions in the outstanding balance on our Senior Secured Credit Facility as well as a reduction in non-cash imputed interest expense on our Financing Liability resulting from the weakening of the Euro against the US Dollar.

Other Gain (Loss), net

Other gain (loss), net was a net loss of $0.5 million in the first six months of 2015 compared to a net loss of $0.5 million in the first six months of 2014. The balances were primarily due to foreign exchange losses during the first six months of 2015 and 2014, respectively. The foreign exchange losses are primarily attributed to the U.S. Dollar and Euro fluctuations versus currencies in emerging markets where hedging is either impossible or impractical.

Income Taxes

The year to date effective tax rate for the first six months of 2015 was 9.2% as compared to the year to date effective rate for the first six months of 2014 of 23.6%. The change in the effective tax rate was due to the mix of income between subsidiaries and increased losses in entities with valuation allowances for which no tax benefit is received.

Net (Loss) Earnings

Net loss was $6.2 million, or $(0.14) per diluted share, during the first six months of 2015 compared to net earnings of $9.7 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, during the first six months of 2014. The weighted-average number of shares used in the diluted earnings per share computation was 42.8 million and 42.3 million for the first six months of 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We continue to execute our strategic plan in a volatile global economic environment. Our liquidity needs have been, and are expected to continue to be driven by acquisitions, capital investments, product development costs, potential future restructuring related to the rationalization of the business, and working capital requirements. We have met our liquidity needs primarily through cash generated from operations. Based on an analysis of liquidity utilizing conservative assumptions for the next twelve months, we believe that cash on hand from operating activities and funding available under our credit agreement should be adequate to service debt and working capital needs, meet our capital investment requirements, potential repurchases under our share repurchase program, other potential restructuring requirements, product development requirements, internally developed innovation and targeted strategic acquisitions requirements.

We believe that our base of recurring revenue (revenues from the sale of consumables into the installed base of security systems, apparel tags and labels, hand-held labeling tools and services from maintenance), repeat customer business, the anticipated effect of our restructuring activities, and our cash position and borrowing capacity should continue to provide us with adequate cash flow and liquidity to continue with the successful execution of our strategic plan. We have worked to reduce our liquidity risk by implementing working capital improvements while reducing expenses in areas that will not adversely impact the future potential of our business. We evaluate the risk and creditworthiness of all existing and potential counterparties for all debt, investment, and derivative transactions and instruments. Our policy allows us to enter into transactions with nationally recognized financial institutions with a credit rating of “A” or higher as reported by one of the credit rating agencies that is a nationally recognized statistical rating organization by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The maximum exposure permitted to any single counterparty is $50.0 million. Counterparty credit ratings and credit exposure are monitored monthly and reviewed quarterly by our Treasury Risk Committee.

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As of June 28, 2015, our cash and cash equivalents were $99.1 million compared to $135.5 million as of December 28, 2014. A significant portion of this cash is held overseas and can be repatriated. We do not expect to incur material costs associated with repatriation. Cash and cash equivalents changed in 2015 primarily due to $19.9 million of cash used in financing activities, $10.1 million of cash used in investing activities, an unfavorable $6.1 million effect of foreign currency, and $0.4 million of cash used in operating activities.

Cash used in operating activities was $21.7 million higher during the first six months of 2015 compared to the first six months of 2014. Our cash from operating activities was negatively impacted by a decrease in operating income, an increase in accounts receivable and other assets, and a decrease in other current liabilities, which was offset by decreased inventory investments and increased income taxes and accounts payable balances.
 
Cash used in investing activities was $3.5 million higher during the first six months of 2015 compared to the first six months of 2014. This was primarily due to an increase in the acquisition of property, plant, and equipment during the first six months of 2015 compared to the first six months of 2014.

Cash used in financing activities was $14.6 million higher during the first six months of 2015 compared to the first six months of 2014. This was due primarily to the payout of our dividend, which was partially offset by a reduction of debt levels in the first six months of 2014 compared to the first six months of 2015.

Our percentage of total debt to total equity as of June 28, 2015, was 22.2% compared to 19.9% as of December 28, 2014. As of June 28, 2015, our working capital was $201.8 million compared to $232.6 million as of December 28, 2014.

We continue to reinvest in the Company through our investment in technology and process improvement. Our investment in R&D amounted to $9.5 million and $7.7 million during the first six months of 2015 and 2014, respectively. These amounts are reflected in cash used in operations, as we expense our R&D as it is incurred. We anticipate additional spending to be in the range of $8.5 million to $10.5 million on R&D to support achievement of our strategic plan during the remainder of 2015.

We have various unfunded pension plans outside the U.S. These plans have significant pension costs and liabilities that are developed from actuarial valuations. For the first six months of 2015, our contribution to these plans was $2.2 million. Our total funding expectation for 2015 is $4.3 million. We believe our current cash position and cash generated from operations will be adequate to fund these requirements.

Acquisition of property, plant, and equipment during the first six months of 2015 totaled $10.5 million compared to $6.8 million during the same period in 2014. We anticipate our capital expenditures, used primarily to upgrade information technology, improve our production capabilities, and upgrade facilities, to be in the range of $9.5 million to $14.5 million for the remainder of 2015.

Senior Secured Credit Facility

On December 11, 2013, we entered into a new $200.0 million five-year senior secured multi-currency revolving credit facility (2013 Senior Secured Credit Facility) agreement (2013 Credit Agreement) with a syndicate of lenders. As of June 28, 2015, we were in compliance with all of our covenants, and although we cannot provide full assurance, we expect to be in compliance for the next twelve months.

Dividend

Historically, we have never paid a cash dividend (except for a nominal cash distribution in April 1997 to redeem the rights outstanding under our 1988 Shareholders’ Rights Plan). On March 5, 2015, we declared a special dividend (the Dividend) of $0.50 per outstanding common share for all shareholders of record as of March 20, 2015. This Dividend reflects our commitment to building shareholder value through the execution of our strategic plan and a disciplined approach to capital allocation. After the Dividend, we believe we have the appropriate level of liquidity both to fund our internal initiatives and act quickly on any strategic opportunities.






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The cash portion of the Dividend of $21.0 million was paid to common shareholders on April 10, 2015. Dividend distributions to shareholders are recognized as a liability in the period in which a dividend is formally approved by our Board of Directors and communicated to shareholders. The dividend was recorded as a reduction of Additional Capital in Stockholders' Equity.
The Dividend does not provide any cash payment or benefit to stock options, restricted stock units, or performance shares, and instead only applies to the outstanding common stock and as outlined in the executive and director deferred compensation plans. The non-cash portion of the Dividend of $0.4 million was credited to the executive and director deferred compensation plan deferred stock accounts on April 10, 2015 in accordance with the plans.

Provisions for Restructuring

During September 2014, we initiated the Profit Enhancement Plan focused on increasing profitability through strategic headcount reductions and the streamlining of manufacturing processes. Total costs of the plan through June 28, 2015 are $7 million. Total annual savings of the Profit Enhancement Plan are expected to approximate $8 million, with an expected $6 million in savings to be realized in 2015.

As of December 2014, our expanded Global Restructuring Plan including Project LEAN has been substantially completed with total costs incurred to date of $60 million. With initiatives to stabilize sales, actively manage margins, reduce operating expense and effectively manage working capital, the plan has effectively lowered costs and we expect to maintain these savings in future periods.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not utilize material off-balance sheet arrangements apart from operating leases that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenue or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources. We use operating leases as an alternative to purchasing certain property, plant, and equipment. There have been no material changes to the discussion of these rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases presented in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2014 except as discussed in the Contractual Obligations section.

Contractual Obligations

There have been no material changes to the table entitled “Contractual Obligations” presented in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2014. The table of contractual obligations excludes our gross liability for uncertain tax positions, including accrued interest and penalties, which totaled $28.0 million as of June 28, 2015, and $31.3 million as of December 28, 2014, because we cannot predict with reasonable reliability the timing of cash settlements to the respective taxing authorities.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to recently adopted accounting standards.

New Accounting Pronouncements and Other Standards

See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to new accounting pronouncements and other standards.


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Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Except as noted below, there have been no significant changes to the market risks as disclosed in Part II - Item 7A. - “Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2014.

Exposure to Foreign Currency

We manufacture products in the U.S., Europe, and the Asia Pacific region for both the local marketplace and for export to our foreign subsidiaries. The foreign subsidiaries, in turn, sell these products to customers in their respective geographic areas of operation, generally in local currencies. This method of sale and resale gives rise to the risk of gains or losses as a result of currency exchange rate fluctuations on inter-company receivables and payables. Additionally, the sourcing of product in one currency and the sales of product in a different currency can cause gross margin fluctuations due to changes in currency exchange rates.

We selectively purchase currency forward exchange contracts to reduce the risks of currency fluctuations on short-term inter-company receivables and payables. These contracts guarantee a predetermined exchange rate at the time the contract is purchased. This allows us to shift the effect of positive or negative currency fluctuations to a third-party. Transaction gains or losses resulting from these contracts are recognized at the end of each reporting period. We use the fair value method of accounting, recording realized and unrealized gains and losses on these contracts. These gains and losses are included in Other Gain (Loss), net on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of June 28, 2015, we had currency forward exchange contracts with notional amounts totaling approximately $5.4 million. The fair values of the forward exchange contracts were reflected as a $19 thousand asset and a $37 thousand liability included in Other Current Assets and Other Current Liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The contracts are in the various local currencies covering primarily our operations in the U.S. and Western Europe. Historically, we have not purchased currency forward exchange contracts where it is not economically efficient, specifically for our operations in South America and Asia, with the exception of Japan.


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Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Acting Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation (as required by Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Acting Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our second fiscal quarter of 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.








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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the discussion of legal proceedings under Contingencies, which is incorporated herein by reference.

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Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes from December 28, 2014 to the significant risk factors and uncertainties known to us that, if they were to occur, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and/or cash flow. For a discussion of our risk factors, refer to Part I - Item 1A - “Risk Factors”, contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2014.

Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable.

Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.


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Item 6. EXHIBITS

Exhibit 3.1
Articles of Incorporation, as amended, are hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) of the Registrant's 1990 Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 14, 1991.
 
 
Exhibit 3.2
By-Laws, as Amended and Restated, are hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 4, 2010.
 
 
Exhibit 3.3
Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation are hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 28, 2007.
 
 
Exhibit 10.1
2015 Employee Stock Purchase Plan is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2015.
 
 
Exhibit 31.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act, as enacted by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
Exhibit 31.2
Certification of the Acting Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act, as enacted by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
Exhibit 32.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and the Acting Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 United States Code Section 1350, as enacted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.



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SIGNATURES

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

 
CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
 
 
August 3, 2015
/s/ James M. Lucania
 
James M. Lucania
 
Acting Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit 3.1
Articles of Incorporation, as amended, are hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) of the Registrant's 1990 Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 14, 1991.
 
 
Exhibit 3.2
By-Laws, as Amended and Restated, are hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 4, 2010.
 
 
Exhibit 3.3
Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation are hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 28, 2007.
 
 
Exhibit 10.1
2015 Employee Stock Purchase Plan is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2015.
 
 
Exhibit 31.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act, as enacted by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
Exhibit 31.2
Certification of the Acting Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act, as enacted by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
Exhibit 32.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and the Acting Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 United States Code Section 1350, as enacted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.



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