SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (FEE REQUIRED)
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1998
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (NO FEE REQUIRED)
For the transition period from _______________ to _______________
Commission File No. 1-2782
SIGNAL APPAREL COMPANY, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Indiana 62-0641635
(State of Incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
34 Engelhard Avenue, Avenel, New Jersey 07001
(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (732) 382-2882
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Name of each exchange
Title of each class on which registered
Common Stock: Par value $.01 a share New York Stock Exchange
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
requirement for the past 90 days.
Yes _X_ No ___
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]
State the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates of
the registrant: $4,442,459 calculated by using the closing price on the New York
Stock Exchange on March 10, 1999 of the Company's Common stock, and excluding
common shares owned beneficially by directors and officers of the Company, and
by certain other entities, who may be deemed to be "affiliates", certain of whom
disclaim such status.
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
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<PAGE>
Class Outstanding as of March 10, 1999
- --------------------------------------
Common Stock, $.01 par value 32,910,310 shares
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Part of Documents from Which Portions are
Form 10-K Incorporated by Reference
- --------- -------------------------
Part III Proxy Statement 1999 for Annual Meeting of
Shareholders' SIGNAL APPAREL COMPANY, INC.
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<PAGE>
ANNUAL REPORT ON
FORM 10-K
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
INDEX
Item
PART I
1. Business 4
2. Properties 8
3. Legal Proceedings 9
4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 9
PART II
5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and
Related Stockholder Matters 10
6. Selected Financial Data 10
7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 10
8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 17
9. Disagreements on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 42
PART III
10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant 43
11. Executive Compensation 43
12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
and Management 43
13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 43
PART IV
14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and
Reports on Form 8-K 43
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<PAGE>
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
(a) Signal Apparel Company, Inc. ("Signal" or the "Company") is engaged in the
screenprinting and marketing of apparel within the following product lines:
screenprinted and embroidered knit and woven activewear for men and boys,
and screenprinted and embroidered ladies' and girl's activewear, bodywear
and swimwear.
The Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, GIDI Holdings, Inc. doing business
as Grand Illusion Sportswear, Inc. ("Grand Illusion"), is a supplier of
embellished apparel and other activewear primarily to large corporate
accounts.
The Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Big Ball Sports, Inc. ("Big Ball"),
is a supplier of branded knitwear to the mass market and to department,
sporting goods, and specialty stores in the mid-tier and upstairs retail
channels.
In November 1998, the Company acquired the license and certain assets for
the world recognized Umbro Soccer Brand in the United States for the
department, sporting goods and sports specialty store retail channels.
As of January 1, 1999, the Company sold the business and assets of its
Heritage Sportswear division which was engaged in the manufacture and
marketing of upscale knit apparel for the ladies' market.
On March 22, 1999, the Company purchased the business and assets of Tahiti
Apparel, Inc. ("Tahiti"), a leading supplier of ladies and girls
activewear, bodywear and swimwear primarily to the mass market as well as
to the mid-tier and upstairs retail channels. Tahiti's products are
marketed pursuant to various licensed properties and brands as well as
proprietary brands of Tahiti.
In connection with the Company's transition to a sales and marketing
orientation from its historical manufacturing structure, the Company closed
its Chattanooga, Tennessee printing and distribution facility in December
1998 and its Tazewell, Tennessee cut and sew facility in March 1999. The
Company also consolidated its corporate administrative functions into
similar functions at Tahiti following completion of the Tahiti acquisition
on March 22, 1999.
(b) The Company is engaged in the single line of business of apparel
manufacturing and marketing.
For financial information about the Company, see the information discussed
in Item 8 below.
(c) GENERAL
Founded in 1891 as Wayne Knitting Mills, a women's hosiery company, in Fort
Wayne, Indiana, the Company merged with the H. W. Gossard Co. of Chicago,
Illinois in 1967 and became Wayne-Gossard Corporation. The Company's name
was changed to Signal Apparel Company, Inc. in February 1987. As a result
of a merger in July 1991, The Shirt Shed, Inc. became a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company. In November 1994, the Company purchased all of
the outstanding capital stock of American Marketing Works Inc. (AMW) whose
principal business was the marketing of branded licensed apparel. The
outstanding capital stock of Grand Illusion and Big Ball was purchased in
October 1997 and November 1997, respectively. On March 22, 1999, the
Company purchased the business and assets of Tahiti.
The Company manufactures and markets activewear, bodywear and swimwear in
juvenile, youth and adult size ranges. The Company's products are sold
principally to retail accounts under the Company's proprietary brands,
licensed character brands, licensed sports brands, and other licensed
brands. The Company's principal proprietary brands include G.I.R.L.,
Bermuda Beachwear, Big Ball and Signal Sport. Licensed brands include Hanes
Sport, BUM Equipment, Jones New York and Umbro. Licensed character brands
include Mickey Unlimited, Winnie the Pooh, Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo and
Sesame Street; and licensed sports brands include the logos of Major League
Baseball, the National Basketball Association, and the National Hockey
League. Currently, a significant portion of the products manufactured by
the Company consists of products generally similar in design and
composition to
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<PAGE>
those produced by the Company's competition. The Company's business is,
therefore, highly subject to competitive pressures.
During 1998 and the first quarter of 1999, the Company has undergone a
strategic change from a manufacturing orientation to a sales and marketing
focus and presently operates under the following strategic business unit
structure:
TAHITI APPAREL BUSINESS UNIT:
Tahiti Apparel designs and sells a range of women's and girls' activewear,
bodywear and swimwear primarily to mass market retailers as well as to the
mid-tier, specialty store and department store retail channels. This unit's
products are sourced from various suppliers and embellished with
silkscreened and embroidered graphics in the Company's facilities or by
other suppliers. Finished products are marketed under licenses from Warner
Brothers, Disney Enterprises, B.U.M. International, Hanes and Jones New
York among others, as well as under the proprietary brands Tahiti Swimwear,
G.I.R.L. and Bermuda Beachwear.
LICENSED SPORTS BUSINESS UNIT:
The Licensed Sports Business Unit is engaged in selling embellished apparel
to mid-tier and mass merchants, chain stores, sporting goods and sport
specialty stores and department stores as a line of popularly priced
activewear, ranging from children's to adult sizes. This unit markets tops
and bottoms sourced from various suppliers and embellished in the Company's
facilities or by other suppliers with a variety of silkscreened and
embroidered graphics derived under license from popular cartoons, colleges
and professional sports leagues (MLB, NBA and NHL). Finished products are
generally sold under licensed brands such as Hank Aaron Originals and Magic
Johnson Originals or the Company's Signal Sport brand.
UMBRO AMERICA BUSINESS UNIT:
The Umbro America Business Unit is engaged in selling to mid-tier, sporting
goods, sport specialty and department stores within the United States a
line of athletic-oriented activewear and footwear ranging from children's
to adult sizes and soccer hardgoods. This unit's products, featuring the
world recognized Umbro Soccer Brand, are sourced from various suppliers and
embellished in the Company's facilities or by other suppliers with
screenprinted and embroidered graphics. The Company began selling Umbro
products in 1999.
LICENSED BRANDS AND CHARACTER BUSINESS UNIT:
The Licensed Brands and Character Business Unit is engaged in selling to
mid-tier and mass merchants, chain stores, and specialty and department
stores a line of popularly priced activewear ranging from children's to
adult sizes. This unit utilizes tops and bottoms sourced from various
suppliers and embellished in the Company's facilities or by other suppliers
with a variety of silkscreened and embroidered graphics derived under
license from popular cartoons, movies, and television shows, as well as
licensed brands and original concepts produced by the Company's internal
creative art staff.
BIG BALL SPORTS BUSINESS UNIT:
The Big Ball Sports Business Unit is engaged in selling to the mass market,
mid-tier stores and upstairs department, sporting goods and specialty store
accounts a line of popularly priced screenprinted and embroidered
activewear apparel ranging from children's to adult sizes. This unit
markets tops and bottoms obtained from various suppliers which are
embellished primarily in the Company's facilities with the proprietary "Is
Life" and "Big Ball Sports" trademarks and other proprietary graphic
images.
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GRAND ILLUSION SPORTSWEAR BUSINESS UNIT:
The Grand Illusion Sportswear Business Unit is engaged in selling
screenprinted and embroidered apparel to large corporate accounts and
distributors servicing those accounts in children's, youth and adult size
ranges. This unit obtains products from various suppliers and imprints the
logos and other indicia of the unit's corporate accounts.
SALES BY PRODUCT LINE
The following table reflects the percentage of net sales contributed by the
Company's product lines to net sales during 1998, 1997, and 1996:
Percentage of
Product Line Net Sales
----------------------
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
Active sportswear 2% 7% 18%
Embellished (Licensed Sports, 75% 66% 58%
Licensed Character, Big Ball Sports
& Grand Illusion)
Women's knit apparel 23% 27% 24%
(Heritage Sportswear
Division sold as of
January 1, 1999)
Sales to major customers for the years in the period ended December 31,
1998, 1997 and 1996 were as follows:
Wal-Mart - 19%, 20% and 14% of the Company's total sales, respectively.
Kmart - 10%, 10% and 12% of the Company's total sales, respectively.
The above numbers do not reflect sales by the Company's Tahiti Apparel
division acquired in March 1999.
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONS
During the course of 1998 and the first quarter of 1999, the Company
completed its transition from a manufacturer of garments to a purchaser of
blank and embellished finished garments from a variety of domestic and
international suppliers. Blank products are screenprinted in the Company's
facilities or embroidered or screenprinted by other suppliers. The supply
and price of finished products is dependent upon a variety of factors
including demands from competitive companies, worldwide crop conditions and
in the case of synthetic products, global petroleum availability. These
factors generally have had a greater impact on price than on availability.
The Company also purchases inks, hangers, cartons, bags and ticketing for
its products.
Although the Company does not have formal arrangements extending beyond one
year with its suppliers, the Company has not experienced any significant
difficulty obtaining necessary blank or finished products from its current
sources and believes that, in any event, adequate alternative sources are
available.
"Big Ball", "...Is Life" and "Signal Sport" are the principal registered
trademarks of the Company. The Company acquired the trademarks Tahiti
Swimwear, Bermuda Beachwear and BodyMax among others in connection with its
acquisition of Tahiti. The Company and its various subsidiaries are
licensed directly or through affiliates of well-known athletes to use
various trademarks of the National Basketball Association, Major League
Baseball, the National Hockey League and various colleges in connection
with collections of embellished activewear. The Company is also licensed by
Warner Brothers and other companies to print various cartoon, movie and
celebrity characters and other graphics on garments. The Company is
licensed by affiliates of well known athletes Magic
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<PAGE>
Johnson (for NBA products)and Hank Aaron (for MLB products) to produce and
sell products bearing labels with their respective names. The Company is
also licensed for the Umbro Brand by Umbro International.
The Company also acquired various licensed rights in connection with its
acquisition of Tahiti. These licenses include Mickey Unlimited, Mickey's
Stuff for Kids and Winnie the Pooh from Disney Enterprises, Looney Tunes
and Scooby-Doo from Warner Brothers, Sesame Street from the Children's
Television Workshop as well as licenses for the brands Hanes Sport, BUM
Equipment and Jones New York.
The licenses held by the Company vary significantly in their terms and
duration. The Company's licenses with the NBA, MLB and NHL, generally, are
renewed for one to two-year terms on an annual basis. Negotiations for
renewal of the Company's NBA license, presently scheduled to expire on July
31, 1999, typically commence during the second calendar quarter. An
agreement in principle has been reached to extend the Company's MLB
license, held through an affiliate of Hank Aaron, through at least December
31, 1999 with an option to extend through December 31, 2000. The Company's
license with the National Football League expired, subject to certain
sell-off rights, on March 31, 1999 and will not be renewed. During the year
ended December 31, 1998, licensed NFL product sales were approximately 15%
of consolidated revenue. The loss of this license could also affect the
Company's ability to sell other professional sports apparel to its
customers.
The Company obtained the U.S. license for Umbro, a world recognized soccer
brand and will begin selling Umbro apparel, footwear and hardgoods in 1999.
The Company's license for Umbro has a five year term (subject to certain
repurchase rights by the licensor).
The licenses acquired by the Company in connection with the acquisition of
Tahiti generally have two-year terms. A number of the Tahiti licenses are
scheduled to expire on December 31, 1999, and the Company anticipates
renewal discussions to commence during the third quarter of 1999.
The business of the Company tends to be seasonal with peak shipping months
varying from product line to product line. To meet the demands of peak
shipping months, it is necessary to build inventories of some products well
in advance of expected shipping dates. The Company believes that its credit
practices and merchandise return policy are customary in the industry.
Borrowings are used to the extent necessary to finance seasonal inventories
and receivables. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations - Financial Condition".
During 1998, the Company sold its products to over 1,600 customers,
including department stores, specialty stores, mass merchandisers and other
retailers, wholesalers, and distributors. Products are primarily shipped
directly from the Company's facilities and warehouses or from third party
screenprint or embroidery locations. The trend for the Company's sales to
be concentrated on a few large customers which possess significant
negotiating power with regard to the terms of sale and the possible return
of certain merchandise continued in 1998.
Signal's scheduled back orders at year-end, as expressed in thousands of
dollars approximated $5,000 in 1998; $5,300 in 1997 and $6,750 in 1996.
Scheduled order backlogs consist of orders received from customers and
entered into the Company's order entry system, at which point the orders
are scheduled for production. The Company expects to ship substantially all
of its December 31, 1998 backlog of unfilled orders by December 31, 1999;
however, orders are subject to cancellation by customers prior to shipment,
generally without penalty unless specially embellished to order. The
Company's backlog of orders on December 31, 1998 is not necessarily
indicative of actual shipments or sales for any future period, and
period-to-period comparisons from 1998 to 1997 may not be meaningful.
The apparel industry as a whole, including the part of the industry engaged
in by the Company, is highly competitive. The Company believes that the
principal methods of competition in the markets in which it competes are
design and styling, price and quality. The licensed and branded markets are
influenced by fashion, design, color, consistent quality and consumer
loyalty. Imports offer competition throughout the Company's product lines.
The industry is very fragmented, and the Company's relative position in the
industry is not known.
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<PAGE>
Compliance with federal, state and local provisions which have been enacted
regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise
relating to the protection of the environment, have not had, and are not
expected to have, any material effect upon the capital expenditures,
operating results, or the competitive position of the Company.
The Company had approximately 146 employees at March 1, 1999, compared to
810 employees at March 1, 1998.
(d) All of the Company's manufacturing facilities are located in the United
States. Substantially all (over 95%) of the Company's sales are domestic.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
As of December 31, 1998, the Company operated owned and leased facilities,
aggregating approximately 651,300 square feet of usable space. However, the
Company sold 249,500 square feet of manufacturing, warehousing distribution and
office space utilized by its Heritage Division effective January 1, 1999. The
following table sets forth certain information concerning each of these
facilities (excluding the Heritage Division facilities sold):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Facility Square Owned/ Products/
Location Feet Leased Operations
- -------- ---- ------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
SIGNAL:
Chattanooga, TN 92,500 Leased Warehouse,
(temporary) distribution and
offices
New Tazewell, TN 91,300 Leased Apparel - cut and
(temporary) sew, warehouse and
distribution.
(Idle except for
warehousing as of
March 8, 1999.)
New York, NY 1,400 Leased Showroom
BIG BALL SPORTS:
Houston, TX 62,700 Leased Screen printing,
warehouse,
distribution and
offices
GRAND ILLUSION SPORTSWEAR:
Schaumburg, IL 28,200 Leased Screenprinting, warehouse,
distribution and office
IDLE FACILITIES:
Marion, SC 29,200 Owned Idle (for sale)
Wabash, IN 69,000 Owned Idle (for sale)
</TABLE>
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The buildings at all operating facilities set forth in the table above and the
machinery and equipment contained therein are well maintained and are suitable
for the Company's needs (see later paragraph for a discussion of the idle
facilities). Substantially all of the buildings are protected by sprinkler
systems and automatic alarm systems, and all are insured for amounts which the
Company considers adequate.
The Company owns facilities in Marion, S.C. and Wabash, Indiana, aggregating
approximately 98,200 square feet, which were idle at December 31, 1998. At the
present time, the Company intends to sell these facilities.
As part of its strategic plan, the Company closed 250,000 square feet of
screenprinting, warehousing, distribution and office space in Chattanooga,
Tennessee and shifted these functions into other Company facilities or to
outside contractors. The Company also closed its cut and sew facility in New
Tazewell, Tennessee in March, 1999 except for a temporary warehousing function.
The Company also closed approximately 12,100 square feet of office space in
Chattanooga, Tennessee during the first quarter of 1999 and consolidated these
functions into similar functions at Tahiti. The Company's remaining Chattanooga
facilities are under month-to-month leases and are planned to be closed during
the second quarter of 1999. Except for screen-printing at facilities in Houston,
Texas and Schaumburg, Illinois, the Company uses independent contractors to
supplement the productive capabilities of its sown manufacturing facilities. The
Company believes the production of its own facilities plus the contracted
production will support the expected level of business in 1999.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is unaware of any material pending legal proceeding other than
ordinary, routine litigation incidental to its business, except as noted below.
On April 5, 1999, litigation was commenced against the Company by former
employees of the Company's LaGrange, Georgia facility which the Company closed
in December 1996. The litigation complaint alleges that the Company violated the
provisions of the WARN Act in connection with the closing of the LaGrange
facility. The Company intends to defend its position.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders in the fourth quarter of
1998.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDENDS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Quarter Ended
March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
1998 1997 1998 1997 1998 1997 1998 1997
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock:
High $1.94 $3.00 $3.25 $1.75 $3.13 $1.88 $2.25 $4.38
Low 1.00 1.75 .75 1.00 1.63 .88 1.13 1.13
Cash dividends 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
</TABLE>
The Company's loan agreements contain provisions which currently restrict the
Company's ability to pay dividends (see Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements). No Common Stock dividends were declared during the
five-year period ended December 31, 1998, (See Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Notes 5 and 13 of
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
Shareholders of record as of March 23, 1999: Common 990
The Company's Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. (Symbol
"SIA")
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Dollars in Thousands (Except Per Share Data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997(b) 1996 1995 1994(a)
--------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $ 50,076 $ 44,616 $ 58,808 $ 89,883 $ 95,818
Net loss (35,607) (30,345) (33,696) (39,959) (53,304)
Basic/diluted net loss
per common share (1.22) (2.39) (2.91) (3.80) (6.88)
Total assets 18,464 26,722 26,167 43,229 69,448
Long-term obligations 70,728 60,147 66,423 57,243 49,258
</TABLE>
(a) The data includes amounts applicable to American Marketing Works from date
of acquisition, November 22, 1994.
(b) The data includes amounts applicable to Grand Illusion and Big Ball Sports
from the dates of acquisition, October 1, 1997 and November 5, 1997,
respectively.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
1998 COMPARED WITH 1997
Net sales of $50.1 million for 1998 represent an increase of 12% or $5.5 million
when compared to the $44.6 million in net sales for 1997. This increase is
comprised of an $8.0 million increase for screenprinted and embellished products
offset by decreases of $2.2 million in undecorated activewear and a $0.3 million
decrease for women's fashion knitwear.
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Gross profit was $7.1 million (14% of sales) in 1998 compared to $5.3 million
(12% of sales) in 1997. The $1.8 million increase in gross profit in 1998 was
the result of increased first quality sales and other efficiencies as well as
improved margins on first quality sales due to sales mix and decreased closeout
sales.
Royalty expense related to licensed product sales was 8% and 12% of total sales
for 1998 and 1997, respectively. The decrease in royalty expense percentage from
1997 is the result of increased sales of licensed products relative to total
sales. The additional licensed sales achieved more revenues, thereby covering
the minimum royalty obligations and resulting in a lower percentage of cost of
sales.
Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses were 46% and 31% of sales
for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Actual SG&A
expense increased $8.9 million to $22.8 million principally due to additional
costs associated with Big Ball and Grand Illusion.
The primary element making up the 1998 other income (expense) amount of $1.3
million is a gain on the disposal of certain fixed assets.
The nonrecurring charge of $3.8 million in 1998 was the result of the Company
reevaluating its business strategy. The reevaluation resulted in a change from
the Company being primarily a manufacturer of products to primarily a sales,
marketing, merchandising and distribution company for activewear and other
clothing. As a result, the Company has reviewed the carrying value of all
abandoned facilities and the related equipment and wrote said assets down by
$1.4 million to the estimated net realizable value based on current conditions.
In addition, the Company has accrued $1.4 million for costs associated with
plant closings and the reorganization of administrative functions. Also included
in the nonrecurring charge is a dispute regarding raw material purchases from a
third party vendor. The Company anticipates incurring existing costs associated
with this third party vendor of approximately $1,000,000.
As a result of the restructuring and change in business strategy, the Company
wrote off the goodwill associated with the acquisition of Big Ball and Grand
Illusion.
1997 COMPARED WITH 1996
Net sales of $44.6 million for 1997 represent a decrease of $14.2 million or
24.1% from the $58.8 million in net sales for 1996. This decrease is comprised
of a $6.6 million reduction in decorated products, and a $7.4 million reduction
in undecorated activewear, and a $1.9 million reduction in women's fashion
knitwear, partially offset by screenprinted sales of $1.7 million for the newly
acquired Big Ball Sports and Grand Illusion business units.
Sales of decorated products were $27.8 million for 1997 versus $34.4 million for
1996. Reduced unit volume accounted for a $5.0 million decrease in sales while a
decrease in average selling price accounted for a $1.6 million sales reduction.
The decrease in average selling price was due to a combination of product mix
and unit selling price changes. The Company is focusing its efforts on the
recovery of lost volume in this core area of the business.
Sales of undecorated activewear products were $3.1 million for 1997 versus $10.5
million for 1996. The Company is concentrating its marketing efforts on
decorated products in an effort to produce higher margin sales than can be
achieved with sales of undecorated activewear. As a result of this decision, the
Company's sales of undecorated activewear have continued to decline during 1997
and no longer represent a significant portion of the Company's total sales.
Sales of women's fashion knitwear were $12.0 million for 1997 as compared to
$13.9 million for 1996. Average selling price per unit decreased 59% but was
offset by a 213% increase in unit volume. The reduction in average selling price
was due to a combination of product mix and unit selling price changes. The
reduced average selling price was the prime reason for the increased unit sales
volume.
Gross profit was $5.3 million (11.9% of sales) for 1997 compared to $3.8 million
(6.5% of sales) for 1996. The primary components of the $1.5 million improvement
in margin are lower manufacturing costs ($6.2 million) offset by lower sales
($3.2 million) and a lower standard margin ($1.5 million). Manufacturing costs
were improved as a result of the closing of the LaGrange, Georgia knitting &
dying plant, and reduced overhead costs.
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Royalty expense related to licensed product sales was 12.3% of sales for 1997
and 8.2% for 1996. This increase was caused by an increase in the percentage of
licensed versus non-licensed product sales and by additional expenses to cover
guarantees where sales levels are not expected to cover minimum royalty
requirements. Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were 31% and
30% of sales for 1997 and 1996, respectively. Actual SG&A expense decreased $3.8
million due to the Company's aggressive cost reduction efforts.
The primary elements making up the 1997 other expense amount of $1.6 million are
a $0.8 million write down of property, plant and equipment, a $0.3 million bank
charge for failing to reach the minimum sales requirements under its factoring
agreement, a $0.1 million in additional amortization of goodwill and $0.1
million in factor charges for customer late payments.
The primary elements making up the 1996 other expense amount of $4.1 million are
a $3.1 million write-down of property, plant and equipment which have been idled
and/or held for resale, $0.2 million in factor charges for customer late
payments and $0.2 million accrued severance.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Additional working capital was required in 1998 to fund the continued losses
incurred by the Company. Such working capital was provided through several
transactions with the Company's principal shareholders and its senior lender. In
1998, the Company received $8.25 million from WGI, LLC, and certain of its
affiliates (collectively "WGI"), a principal shareholder, bringing the Company's
total subordinated indebtedness to WGI to $19.46 million as of December 31,
1998. During 1998, the terms of this indebtedness were redocumented in the form
of a new Credit Agreement effective May 8, 1998. See Note 5. At December 31,
1998, the Company had borrowings in excess of its borrowing base of
approximately $8.2 million with its senior lender compared to $21.0 million at
December 31, 1997. (See Notes 5 and 13 to the accompanying Consolidated
Financial Statements of the Company for a more detailed discussion of the
discretionary over-advance facilities with the Company's senior lender).
The working capital deficit at December 31, 1998 increased $14.0 million from
the prior year. The increase in the working capital deficit was primarily due to
a decrease in receivables ($2.6 million), a decrease in the note receivable
($0.2 million), an increase in the revolving advance account ($3.6 million) and
an increase in accounts payable, accrued liabilities and accrued interest
(aggregating $10.1 million). These were offset by an increase in inventories
($2.3 million), and a decrease in the current maturities of long term debt ($0.7
million).
Accounts receivable decreased $2.6 million or 64% compared to the prior year.
The decrease was partially due to management aggressively pursuing collection of
outstanding accounts as well as an extensive review of charge backs and other
pending credits and evaluating the collectivity thereof.
Inventories increased by $2.3 million or 22% compared to last year. Inventories
increased as a result of the Company's sourcing of more products from overseas,
thus requiring additional inventory levels in order to meet safety stock
requirements. Days sales in inventory increased from 84 days in 1997 to 90 days
of sales in 1998. In addition, in anticipation of the closing of the Tazewell
cut-and-sew facility in 1999, management pursued an aggressive conversion of all
raw material on hand into finished blank garments during the last quarter of
1998.
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and accrued interest increased $10.1
million or 87% over prior year-end. This was a result of the Company's cash and
borrowing position deteriorating due to losses incurred in fiscal 1998, thereby
slowing payments to all vendors.
Cash used in operations was $16.2 million in 1998, compared to $20.8 million
used in operating activities in 1997. The net loss of $35.6 million and an
increase in inventories ($2.3 million) were the primary uses of funds in 1998.
These items were partially offset by depreciation and amortization ($3.9
million), write-downs and restructuring costs ($3.8 million), significantly
lower receivable levels ($2.6 million), and an increase in accounts payable,
accrued liabilities and accrued interest ($8.1 million).
Page 12 of 49
<PAGE>
Cash provided by investing activities of $1.6 million resulted primarily from
sales of property and equipment. There were no outstanding commitments to
purchase equipment at December 31, 1998. During 1999, the Company does not
anticipate any significant capital expenditures.
Cash provided by financing activities was $14.7 million in 1998 The Company
received proceeds of $4.6 million from the sale of its Series G1 Preferred
Stock. In addition it borrowed an additional $8.2 million from WGI as well as
$3.6 million under its revolving advance account. This was partially offset by
principal payments on borrowings of $3.3 million.
The revolving advance account increased $3.6 million from $40.5 million at
year-end 1997 to $44.0 million at December 31, 1998. Under the amended and
restated factoring agreement, the Company's total outstanding obligations to the
Senior lender cannot exceed the lower of $55 million or the borrowing base as
defined. At year-end, the borrowing base was $9.2 million. Therefore,
approximately $34.8 million was over advanced under the revolving advance
account. The over-advance is secured by treasury bills pledged by a principal
shareholder, and in part, by the guarantee of two principal shareholders.
Effective March 22, 1999, pursuant to a Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security
Agreement dated March 12, 1999 ( the "Credit Agreement") the Company completed a
new financing arrangement with its senior lender, BNY Financial Corporation (in
its own behalf and as agent for other participating lenders). This arrangement
provides the Company with funding of up to $98,000,000 (the "Maximum Facility
Amount") under a combined facility that includes a $50,000,000 Term Loan
(supported in part by $25,500,000 of collateral pledged by an affiliate of WGI,
LLC, the Company's principal shareholder) and a Revolving Credit Line of up to
$48,000,000 (the "Maximum Revolving Advance Amount"). Subject to the lenders'
approval and to continued compliance with the terms of the original facility,
the Company may elect to increase the Maximum Revolving Advance Amount from
$48,000,000 up to $65,000,000, in increments of not less than $5,000,000. In no
event, however, can the Maximum Facility Amount (after taking such increase into
account) exceed $115,000,000.
The Term Loan portion of the new facility is divided into two segments with
differing payment schedules: (i) $27,500,000 ("Term Loan A") payable, with
respect to principal, in a single installment on March 12, 2004 and (ii)
$22,500,000 ("Term Loan B") payable, with respect to principal, in 47
consecutive monthly installments on the first business day of each month
commencing April 1, 2000, with the first 46 installments to equal $267,857.14
and the final installment to equal the remaining unpaid balance of Term Loan B.
The Credit Agreement allows the Company to prepay either term loan, in whole or
in part, without premium or penalty.
In connection with the Revolving Credit Line, the Credit Agreement also provides
(subject to certain conditions) that the senior lender will issue Letters of
Credit on behalf of the Company, subject to a maximum L/C amount of $40,000,000
and further subject to the requirement that the sum of all advances under the
revolving credit line (including any outstanding L/Cs) may not exceed the lesser
of the Maximum Revolving Advance Amount or an amount (the "Formula Amount")
equal to the sum of:
(1) up to 85% of Eligible Receivables, as defined, plus
(2) up to 50% of the value of Eligible Inventory, as defined (excluding
L/C inventory and subject to a cap of $30,000,000 availability), plus
(3) up to 60% of the first cost of Eligible L/C Inventory, as defined,
plus
(4) 100% of the value of collateral and letters of credit posted by the
Company's principal shareholders, minus
(5) the aggregate undrawn amount of outstanding Letters of Credit, minus
(6) Reserves (as defined).
In addition to the secured revolving advances represented by the Formula Amount,
and subject to the overall limitation of
Page 13 of 49
<PAGE>
the Maximum Revolving Advance Amount, the agreement provides the Company with an
additional, unsecured Overformula Facility of $17,000,000 (the outstanding
balance of which must be reduced to not more than $10,000,000 for at least one
business day during a five business day cleanup period each month) through
December 31, 2000. Between December 31, 2000 and June 1, 2001, both the maximum
overall balance and the maximum "cleanup period" balance under this Overformula
Facility are gradually reduced to zero in six equal monthly increments. Subject
to the limitations of the Maximum Revolving Advance Amount and the Formula
Amount, as well as the Maximum Facility Amount, the agreement also provides that
the senior lender (in its individual capacity) may make Swingline Loans of up to
$5,000,000 to the Company for periods not to exceed seven (7) days for any one
such loan.
Interest on all amounts advanced under the facility (pursuant to the either Term
Loan or Revolving Advances (including any outstanding Letters of Credit)) is
payable in arrears on the last day of each month. The facility allows the
Company to select (separately) interest rates for both the Term Loan and
Revolving Advances based on either a Domestic Rate or a Eurodollar Rate.
Interest on Domestic Rate Loans is payable at a fluctuating Alternate Base Rate
equal to the higher of the prime rate (as defined) or the federal funds rate
plus 0.5%, plus the Applicable Margin (as defined). Interest on Eurodollar Rate
Loans is payable at a fluctuating Eurodollar Rate equal to the daily average of
the 30-day London Interbank Offered Rate as published in The Wall Street Journal
(calculated as prescribed in the agreement), plus the Applicable Margin (as
defined). The Applicable Margin for both Domestic Rate Loans and Eurodollar Rate
Loans is tied to the Company's ratio of Funded Debt to Free Cash Flow (each as
defined in the agreement), and ranges (A) in the case of Domestic Rate Loans,
from zero for a ratio less than or equal to 1.0:1 to 1.25% for a ratio greater
than 5.0:1 and (B) in the case of Domestic Rate Loans, from 1.5% for a ratio
less than or equal to 1.0:1 to 3.5% for a ratio greater than 5.0:1.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Credit Agreement provides that (x) from and
after the Closing Date through and including the earlier of (i) the first
anniversary of the Closing Date and (ii) the date on which the senior lender
receives the Company's 1999 annual audited financial statements as required, the
Applicable Margin shall be 1.25% for Domestic Rate Loans and 3.5% for Eurodollar
Rate Loans, and (y) from and after the date that the Company repays in full Term
Loan B and (ii) the date at which advances are no longer permitted under the
Overformula Facility, the Applicable Margin in effect from time to time for both
Domestic Rate Loans and Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be increased by .50%.
In addition to the amounts due for interest, the Company is obligated to pay:
(i) a monthly unused facility fee, computed at the rate of 0.25% per annum, on
the difference between the Maximum Revolving Advance Amount and the average
daily balance of outstanding Revolving Advances (plus the aggregate undrawn
amount of outstanding Letters of Credit) during that month; (ii) a monthly fee
computed at the rate of 0.25% per annum on the outstanding face amount of any
Letters of Credit (plus certain customary fees charged by The Bank of New York
in connection with issuing letters of credit); and (iii) certain administrative
fees payable to the senior lender under a fee letter executed in connection with
the agreement.
The Credit Agreement requires, among other things, maintenance by the Company of
prescribed minimum amounts of tangible net worth, ratios of current assets to
current liabilities, working capital and net operating results (excluding
extraordinary items). The Credit Agreement also limits the Company's ability to
pay dividends, the Company's future capital expenditures and the amount of
indebtedness the Company may incur, and effectively prohibits future acquisition
or business combination transactions by the Company without the lenders'
consent. As the Company has not yet closed its books on the first quarter of
Fiscal 1999, the Company at present is not able to determine whether it was in
compliance with all of the applicable covenants under the Credit Agreement as of
the end of such quarter.
In consideration of the provision of the additional, unsecured Overadvance
Facility prescribed in the agreement, the Company permitted the senior lender to
purchase a total of 1,791,667 shares of the Company's Common Stock at the par
value of $.01 per share (the "Issued Shares") under the terms of a separate
Subscription and Stock Purchase Agreement executed in conjunction with the
Credit Agreement. The Company also issued to the senior lender a Warrant to
purchase up to 375,000 additional shares of its Common Stock (the "Warrant
Shares") at an exercise price of $1.50 per share. Subject to certain
requirements for advance notice to the Company by the holder regarding the
number of Warrant Shares which the holder intends to purchase, the Warrant
becomes exercisable over a three-year period beginning December 31, 1999 with
respect to a maximum of 125,000 shares per year. The agreement also gives the
senior lender the right to have both the Issued Shares and the Warrant Shares
registered for resale under the Securities Act of 1933 in prescribed
installments over a staggered period of time, and provides certain customary
antidilution protections with respect to the Warrant Shares and the 625,000
Issued Shares for which resale registration is delayed.
Page 14 of 49
<PAGE>
The Subscription and Stock Purchase Agreement also provides for certain put and
call options with respect to the Issued Shares. Under the put option, the senior
lender will have the right (upon specified advance written notice) once each
calendar year for three years, beginning December 31, 1999, to require the
Company to purchase up to 388,889 of the Issued Shares at a price of $1.50 per
share. This right will only be exercisable, however, if the average closing bid
price of the Company's Common Stock for the five trading days prior to the date
of the exercise of the put option is less than $1.50. Under the call option, the
Company has the right (but not the obligation), exercisable at any time while
the senior lender holds the 1,166,667 issued shares for which registration is
not delayed under the agreement, to purchase all or any of the portion of such
shares at $3.00 per share.
Interest expense was $8.6 million in 1998 compared to $14.7 million in 1997.
Total outstanding debt averaged $65.437 million and $63.285 million for 1998 and
1997, respectively, with average interest rates of 10.0% and 20.3%. Average
outstanding debt increased as a result of continuing losses. The decrease in the
average interest rate was attributable to interest rates for debt with WGI, LLC
being reduced from 25% to 10%. Included in interest expense is $1,672,000 of
amortization of debt issuance costs which increased the effective interest rate
of the Company from 10% to 14% per annum. The Company has been unable to fund
its cash needs from operating activities. The Company's liquidity shortfalls
were primarily funded through the additional advances from its primary lending
sources and the sale of certain convertible preferred securities.
The Company also uses letters of credit to support some domestic sourcing of
inventory and certain other obligations. Outstanding letters of credit were $2.0
million at December 31, 1998 (excluding collateral of $2.0 million pledged to
the senior lender in the form of a standby letter of credit).
Total shareholders' deficit increased by $39.7 million compared to year-end
1997, primarily as a result of losses of $35.6 million during the year.
YEAR 2000
The Company recognizes the need to ensure its operations will not be adversely
impacted by year 2000 software failures. Software failures due to processing
errors potentially arising from calculations using the year 2000 date are a
known risk. The Company is in the process of developing a plan to ensure its
systems are compliant with the requirements to process transactions in the year
2000. The following is a status report of the Company's efforts to date for
fulfilling those compliance requirements:
The Company is in the process of updating its current software, developed for
the apparel industry, which will make the information technology ("IT") systems
year 2000 compliant. This software modification, purchased from a third party
vendor, is expected to be installed, tested and completed on or before September
30, 1999, giving the Company additional time to test the integrity of the
system.
Although the Company believes that the modification to the software which runs
its core operations is year 2000 compliant, the Company does utilize other third
party equipment and software that may not be year 2000 compliant. If any of this
software or equipment does not operate properly in the year 2000 and thereafter,
the Company could be forced to make unanticipated expenditures to cure these
problems, which could adversely affect the Company's business.
The total cost of the new software and implementation necessary to upgrade the
Company's current IT system plus address the year 2000 issues is estimated to be
approximately $100,000. Planned costs have been budgeted in the Company's
operating budget. The projected costs are based on management's best estimates
and actual results could differ as the new system is implemented. Approximately
$20,000 has been expended as of December 31, 1998.
While the Company was aware of and was in the process of addressing all known
and anticipated year 2000 issues, no formal plan had been adopted. Accordingly,
the Company is in the process of, and has adopted, a formal year 2000 compliance
plan and expects to achieve implementation on or before September 30, 1999. This
effort will be headed by a new MIS manager and include members of various
operational and functional units of the Company.
The Company is cognizant of the risk associated with the year 2000 and has begun
a series of activities to reduce the inherent risk associated with
non-compliance.
Page 15 of 49
<PAGE>
The Company has planned to hire a new MIS manager whose primary responsibility
will be to insure that all Company systems are Year 2000 compliant. Among the
activities which the Company has not performed to date include: software
(operating systems, business application systems and EDI system) must be
upgraded and tested (although these systems are integrated and are included in
the Company's core accounting system); PC's must be assessed and upgraded for
compliance, letters/inquiries have not been sent to suppliers, vendors, and
others to determine their compliance status (although the Company's principal
customers, Wal-Mart, Target and K-Mart, have indicated that they are Year 2000
compliant).
In the event that the Company or any of its significant customers or suppliers
does not successfully and timely achieve year 2000 compliance, the Company's
business or operations could be adversely affected. Thus, the Company is in the
process of adopting a contingency plan.
The Company is currently developing a "Worst Case Contingency Plan" which will
include generally an environment of utilizing spreadsheets and other "work
around" programming and procedures. This contingency system will be activated if
the current plans are not successfully implemented and tested by October
31,1999. The cost of these alternative measures are estimated to be less than
$25,000.
The Company believes that its current operating systems are fully capable
(except for year 2000 data handling) of processing all present and future
transactions of the business. Accordingly, no major efforts have been delayed or
avoided which affect normal business operations as a result of the incomplete
implementation of the year 2000 IT systems. These current systems will become
the foundation of the Company's contingency system.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company executed a new Revolving Credit Agreement and Term Loan on March 22,
1999 with its senior lender, BNY Financial Corporation (a subsidiary of the Bank
of New York). The term of the agreement extends through April 2004. (See
Financial Condition and Note 13 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements.)
The new Revolving Credit Agreement and Term Loan provides the Company with up to
a maximum of $98.0 million aggregate credit availability, based on the Company's
inventory, receivables, fixed assets, collateral pledged and guarantees by
principal shareholders of the Company. Financial covenants under the agreement
have been modified in accordance with management's current business plan for the
Company. In connection with the agreement, the Company has issued to the Senior
Lender 1,791,667 shares of restricted common stock and exercisable warrants to
purchase up to 375,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock at $1.50 per share.
As a result of continuing losses, the Company has been unable to fund its cash
needs through cash generated by operations. The Company's liquidity shortfalls
from operations during these periods have been funded through several
transactions with its principal shareholders and with the Company's senior
lender. These transactions are detailed above in the Financial Condition
section.
Throughout 1998 and during the first quarter of 1999, the Company experienced
liquidity shortfalls from operations that were resolved through additional
advances against the Company's available borrowing capacity. These shortfalls
bring into question whether the Company will be in compliance with the financial
covenants of its new Revolving Credit Agreement and Term Loan at the end of the
first quarter for fiscal 1999 or have sufficient capacity under its available
borrowings to fund its operating needs. Accordingly, all debt due the senior
lender has been classified as a current liability in the consolidated balance
sheets. If the senior lender were to accelerate the maturity of such debt, the
Company would not have funds available to repay the debt.
If the debt due the senior lender does become subject to accelerated maturity,
there can be no assurances the Company would be able to find other financing
sources to continue operations or repay the senior lender.
The Company's continued existence is dependent upon its ability to raise
additional debt or equity financing and to substantially improve its operating
results during 1999. Plans to improve operations include: (i) reducing general
and administrative costs, (ii) focusing the Company's efforts on the embellished
activewear business, including licensed
Page 16 of 49
<PAGE>
products and various cartoon characters, (iii) reducing costs of sales through
outsourcing and other measures, (iv) seeking appropriate additional acquisitions
to enhance the Company's sales and profitability, (v) the sale of idle
facilities, and (vi) integration of the acquisition of Tahiti Apparel, Inc. to
increase sales and gross margins.
In order for the Company to have sufficient liquidity for it to continue as a
going concern in its present form, the Company will need to raise additional
funds and execute planned improvements. The Company has no assurances it will be
able to raise additional funds. The consolidated financial statements do not
include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of
recorded asset amounts or the amount and classification of liabilities or any
other adjustments that might become necessary should the Company be unable to
continue as a going concern in its present form. There can be no assurances that
the Company's operations can be returned to profitability.
If the Company's sales and profit margins do not substantially improve in the
near term, the Company may be required to seek additional capital in order to
continue its operations and to move forward with the Company's turnaround plans,
which include seeking appropriate additional acquisitions (subject to approval
of any such acquisitions by the Company's senior lender). To obtain such
additional capital and such financing, the Company may be required to issue
additional securities that may dilute the interests of its stockholders.
Although management believes that the new Revolving Credit Agreement and Term
Loan will provide the Company with adequate financial resources in Fiscal 1999,
no assurance can be given that such financing will be adequate or, if required,
additional financing will be available to the Company on commercially reasonable
terms or otherwise. If the Company's sales and profit margins do not
significantly improve and additional funds cannot be raised as needed, the
Company will not be able to continue as a going concern.
INFLATION AND CHANGING PRICES
Inflation and changing prices have not had a material effect on the Company's
results of operations or financial condition during the past three years.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES
Report of Independent Public Accountants
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 1998,
1997 and 1996
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Deficit for the Years Ended December
31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1998,
1997 and 1996
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Financial Statement Schedules:
See Part IV, Item 14 (a) 2
Page 17 of 49
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To Signal Apparel Company, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SIGNAL APPAREL
COMPANY, INC. (an Indiana corporation) AND SUBSIDIARIES as of December 31, 1998
and 1997, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders'
deficit and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1998. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Signal Apparel Company, Inc.
and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1998 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming
that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the
consolidated financial statements, the Company has as of December 31, 1998 a
working capital deficit of $56.9 million, an accumulated deficit of $284.9
million, and the liquidity of the Company has been adversely affected by
recurring losses from operations. These matters raise substantial doubt about
the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in
regard to these matters are also described in Note 1. The financial statements
do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification
of asset carrying amounts or the amount and classification of liabilities that
might result should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
/s/Arthur Andersen LLP
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Chattanooga, Tennessee
March 26, 1999
(Except for the matter
discussed in the
last paragraph of Note 11
as to which the date
is April 12, 1999)
Page 18 of 49
<PAGE>
Signal Apparel Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 1998 and 1997
(in thousands of dollars, except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Assets:
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 403 $ 384
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful
accounts of $2,443 and $1,887, respectively 1,415 3,981
Note receivable 283 500
Inventories 12,641 10,390
Prepaid expenses and other 539 531
--------- ---------
Total current assets 15,281 15,786
--------- ---------
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
Land 390 433
Buildings and improvements 4,918 7,957
Machinery and equipment 20,023 21,020
--------- ---------
Total property, plant and equipment 25,331 29,410
Less: accumulated depreciation 22,330 23,365
--------- ---------
Net, property, plant and equipment 3,001 6,045
--------- ---------
Goodwill, less accumulated amortization of $56 in 1997 0 4,832
--------- ---------
Other assets 182 59
--------- ---------
Total assets $ 18,464 $ 26,722
--------- ---------
Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit:
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 8,133 $ 2,577
Accrued liabilities 9,760 7,395
Accrued interest 3,810 1,603
Current portion of long-term debt 6,435 7,110
Revolving advance account, net of
unamortized 44,049 40,035
--------- ---------
Discount of $0 and $422, respectively
Total current liabilities 72,187 58,720
--------- ---------
Long-term debt, principally to related parties, less
Current portion, net of unamortized discount of
$6,276 and $3,294, respectively 13,968 9,286
--------- ---------
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 1, 5, 6, 11
And 13)
Redeemable Series D Preferred Stock, $100,000
Stated value per share, 100 shares authorized, none 0 0
Outstanding in 1998 and 1997
Shareholders' deficit:
Preferred Stock:
Series F, $100,000 stated value per share, 1,000
Shares authorized, none outstanding in 1998, 0 44,316
443.16 shares issued and outstanding in 1997
Series G1, $1,000 stated value per share 5,000
shares authorized, issued and outstanding in
1998, (cumulative unpaid dividends of $73 in 1998) 4,484 0
</TABLE>
Page 19 of 49
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Series H, $100,000 stated value per share, 1,000
Shares authorized 443.16 issued and outstanding
In 1998, including cumulative unpaid dividends of $3,989 48,305 0
Common stock, 80,000,000 shares authorized, $.01
Par value per share, 32,661,955 and 32,536,460
Shares issued and outstanding in 1998 and 1997 326 325
Additional paid-in capital 165,242 160,399
Accumulated deficit (284,931) (245,207)
--------- ---------
Subtotal (66,574) (40,167)
Less: Cost of treasury shares (140,220 shares) (1,117) (1,117)
--------- ---------
Total shareholders' deficit (67,691) (41,284)
--------- ---------
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit $ 18,464 $ 26,722
--------- ---------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements are an
integral part of these consolidated balance sheets.
Page 20 of 49
<PAGE>
Signal Apparel Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
(in thousands of dollars, except per share data)
1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- --------
Net sales $ 50,076 $ 44,616 $ 58,808
Cost of sales 42,999 39,287 54,974
-------- -------- --------
Gross profit 7,077 5,329 3,834
Royalty expense 4,211 5,467 4,822
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 22,843 13,916 17,742
Interest expense 8,645 14,726 10,833
Other (income) expense, net (1,315) 1,565 4,133
Write-off of goodwill 4,542 0 0
Nonrecurring charges 3,758 0 0
-------- -------- --------
Loss before income taxes (35,607) (30,345) (33,696)
Income taxes 0 0 0
-------- -------- --------
Net loss $(35,607) $(30,345) $(33,696)
Less: preferred stock dividends (4,062) 0 0
-------- -------- --------
Net loss applicable to common stock $(39,669) $(30,345) $(33,696)
======== ======== ========
Weighted average shares outstanding, 32,644 12,693 11,566
======== ======== ========
Basic and diluted
Basic/diluted net loss per share $ (1.22) $ (2.39) $ (2.91)
======== ======== ========
The accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements are an
integral part of these statements.
Page 21 of 49
<PAGE>
Signal Apparel Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Deficit
For the Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
(in thousands of dollars except share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Preferred Stock Series
Additional
Common Paid-In- Accumulated Treasury
A C F G1 H Stock Capital Deficit Stock Total
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, December 31, 1995 $39,584 $36,618 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $115 $73,012 $(181,166) $(1,117) $(32,954)
------- ------- ------- ----- ------ ---- -------- --------- ------- --------
Net loss 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (33,696) 0 (33,696)
Exercise of employee
stock options 0 0 0 0 0 0 200 0 0 200
Compensation expense
related to stock options
granted below market
value 0 0 0 0 0 0 295 0 0 295
------- ------- ------- ----- ------ ---- -------- --------- ------- --------
Balance, December 31, 1996 $39,584 $36,618 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $115 $73,507 $(214,862) $(1,117) $(66,155)
------- ------- ------- ----- ------ ---- -------- --------- ------- --------
Net loss 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (30,345) 0 (30,345)
Exercise of warrants to
acquire 4,630,000
shares of Common
Stock through
conversion of $10,582
in debt and Series C
Preferred Stock 0 (3,375) 0 0 0 46 13,911 0 0 10,582
Conversion of $23,802 in
debt and Series C
Preferred Stock into
Series F Preferred Stock 0 (20,514) 44,316 0 0 0 0 0 0 23,802
Conversion of $15,833 in
debt and Series A and C
Preferred Stock into
15,473,220 shares of
Common Stock (39,584) (12,729) 0 0 0 155 67,991 0 0 15,833
Issuance of 855,194
Shares of Common Stock
for Big Ball acquisition 0 0 0 0 0 9 1,274 0 0 1,283
Issuance of 4,750,000
warrants in connection
with extension of debt 0 0 0 0 0 0 3,716 0 0 3,716
------- ------- ------- ----- ------ ---- -------- --------- ------- --------
Balance, December 31, 1997 $ 0 $ 0 $44,316 $ 0 $ 0 $325 $160,399 $(245,207) $(1,117) $(41,284)
------- ------- ------- ----- ------ ---- -------- --------- ------- --------
Net loss 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (35,607) 0 (35,607)
Issuance of 125,000
shares of Common Stock 0 0 0 0 0 1 180 0 0 181
Conversion of Series F
Preferred Stock into
Series H Preferred Stock 0 0 (44,316) 0 44,316 0 0 0 0 0
Issuance of 5,000 shares
of Series G1 Preferred
Stock and 162,500
warrants to purchase
common stock 0 0 0 4,429 0 0 196 0 0 4,625
Issuance of 3,997,000
warrants to purchase
common stock to a lender 0 0 0 0 0 0 4,467 0 0 4,467
</TABLE>
Page 22 of 49
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Preferred Stock Series
Additional
Common Paid-In- Accumulated Treasury
A C F G1 H Stock Capital Deficit Stock Total
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Accretion of Series G1
Preferred Stock 0 0 0 55 0 0 0 (55) 0 0
Cumulative accrued
dividends on Series G1
Preferred Stock 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (73) 0 (73)
Cumulative accrued
dividends on Series H
Preferred Stock 0 0 0 0 3,989 0 0 (3,989) 0 0
------- ------- ------- ------ ------- ---- -------- --------- ------- --------
Balance, December 31, 1998 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $4,484 $48,305 $326 $165,242 $(284,931) $(1,117) $(67,691)
======= ======= ======= ====== ======= ==== ======== ========= ======= ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements are an
integral part of these statements.
Page 23 of 49
<PAGE>
Signal Apparel Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Years Ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
(in thousands of dollars, except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Operating activities:
Net loss $(35,607) $(30,345) $(33,696)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating
activities:
Nonrecurring charges 3,758 0 0
Depreciation and amortization 3,933 1,467 2,924
(Gain) loss on disposal and write-down of property, plant
and equipment (1,199) 977 2,340
Write-off of goodwill 4,542 -- --
Compensation expense related to stock options granted below
market value -- -- 295
Changes in operating assets and liabilities,
net of effects of businesses acquired:
Receivables 2,566 (2,147) 3,603
Inventories (2,251) 5,146 7,435
Prepaid expenses and other (131) 349 775
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 8,142 3,709 4,958
-------- -------- --------
Net cash used in operating activities (16,247) (20,844) (11,366)
-------- -------- --------
Investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (215) (233) (285)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment 1,575 2,295 488
Acquisitions of businesses, less cash acquired -- (200) --
Proceeds from note receivable 217 -- --
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by investing activities 1,577 1,862 203
-------- -------- --------
Financing activities:
Net increase (decrease) in revolving advance account 3,592 (26) 724
Proceeds from borrowings 9,754 22,472 12,533
Principal payments on borrowings (2,970) (3,998) (1,830)
Principal payments on multi-employer withdrawal liability (312) (795) (246)
Proceeds from issuance of Series G1 Preferred Stock 4,625 -- --
Proceeds from exercise of stock options -- -- 200
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by financing activities 14,689 17,653 11,381
-------- -------- --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $ 19 $ (1,329) $ 218
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 384 1,713 1,495
-------- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 403 $ 384 $ 1,713
-------- -------- --------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part
of these consolidated statements of cash flows.
Page 24 of 49
<PAGE>
SIGNAL APPAREL COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements of Signal Apparel Company, Inc. (the
"Company") have been presented on a going concern basis which contemplates the
realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course
of business. The Company reported a net loss applicable to Common Stock of
$39,669,000 for the year ended December 31, 1998 and cumulative losses
applicable to common stock for the past three years of $103,710,000. As a result
of these continuing losses, the Company's accumulated deficit now totals
$284,931,000 at December 31, 1998.
As of December 31, 1998, the Company was not in compliance with certain
financial covenants of its amended and restated factoring agreement with its
senior lender. As described in Note 13, the Company completed a refinancing of
its senior debt on March 22, 1999. Accordingly, the factoring agreement in
effect as of December 31, 1998 was replaced with a new Revolving Credit
Agreement and Term Loan and amounts previously due the senior lender were repaid
with the new proceeds.
Throughout 1998 and during the first quarter of 1999, the Company experienced
liquidity shortfalls from operations that were resolved through additional
advances against the Company's available borrowing capacity. These shortfalls
bring into question whether the Company will be in compliance with the financial
covenants of its new Revolving Credit Agreement and Term Loan at the end of the
first quarter of fiscal 1999 or have sufficient capacity under its available
borrowings to fund its operating needs. Accordingly, all debt due the senior
lender has been classified as a current liability in the consolidated balance
sheets. The Company's working capital deficit as of December 31, 1998 totals
$56,906,000.
If the debt due the senior lender does become subject to accelerated maturity,
there can be no assurances the Company would be able to find other financing
sources to continue operations or repay the senior lender.
The Company's continued existence is dependent upon its ability to raise
additional debt or equity financing and to substantially improve its operating
results during 1999. Plans to improve operations include: (i) reducing general
and administrative costs, (ii) focusing the Company's efforts on the embellished
activewear business, including licensed products and various cartoon characters,
(iii) reducing costs of sales through outsourcing and other measures, (iv)
seeking appropriate additional acquisitions to enhance the Company's sales and
profitability, (v) the sale of idle facilities, and (vi) integration of the
acquisition of Tahiti Apparel, Inc. to increase sales and gross margins.
In order for the Company to have sufficient liquidity for it to continue as a
going concern in its present form, the Company will need to raise additional
funds and execute planned improvements. The Company has no assurances it will be
able to raise additional funds. The consolidated financial statements do not
include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of
recorded asset amounts or the amount and classification of liabilities or any
other adjustments that might become necessary should the Company be unable to
continue as a going concern in its present form. There can be no assurances that
the Company's operations can be returned to profitability.
Nature of Operations
The Company is engaged in the manufacture and marketing of apparel within the
following product lines: screenprinted and embroidered knit and woven activewear
for men and boys, and screenprinted and embroidered ladies and girl's
activewear, bodywear and swimwear.
Page 25 of 49
<PAGE>
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Signal Apparel
Company, Inc. ("Signal") and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the
"Company"). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been
eliminated.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized when the Company's products are shipped to its customers.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include all cash and investments with original
maturities of three months or less.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of first-in, first-out ("FIFO") cost or
market for all inventories. For discontinued and closeout inventories, the
Company evaluates the need for write-downs on an item by item basis. Market
value for finished goods and blank (unprinted) goods is estimated net realizable
value.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is provided over the estimated
useful lives of the assets principally using accelerated methods. Assets under
capital leases are included in property, plant and equipment, and amortization
of such assets is included with depreciation expense. The estimated useful lives
of the assets range from 4 to 32 years for buildings and improvements and from 3
to 10 years for machinery and equipment. Expenditures for maintenance and
repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation and amortization of
property, plant and equipment amounted to $1,736,000 in 1998, $1,411,000 in
1997, and $2,924,000 in 1996.
The Company has idle facilities in Marion, South Carolina and Wabash, Indiana.
At December 31, 1998, the Company had idle property, plant and equipment held
for sale with a net book value of approximately $184,000. The Company has
written the property, plant and equipment down to its estimated fair value less
estimated costs to sell.
Net Loss per Share
As the Company is in a loss position for all periods presented, the Company's
common stock equivalents would have an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per
share ("EPS") and are excluded from the diluted EPS calculation for all periods
presented.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation plan under Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees"
("APB No. 25"). Effective in 1996, the Company adopted the disclosure option of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. ("SFAS") 123, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation." SFAS No. 123 requires companies that do not choose to
account for stock-based compensation as prescribed by the statement to disclose
the pro forma effects on net income and earnings per share as if SFAS No. 123
had been adopted. Additionally, certain other disclosures are required with
respect to stock-based compensation and the assumptions used to determine the
pro forma effects of SFAS No. 123.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent
Page 26 of 49
<PAGE>
assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported
amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results
could differ from those estimates.
Credit and Market Risk
The Company sells products to a wide variety of customers servicing the ultimate
consumer. Pursuant to the terms of a factoring agreement with its senior lender,
the Company sells substantially all accounts receivable, except cash-in-advance
or cash-on-delivery sales, to the senior lender on a pre-approved basis. The
Company pays a factoring commission as consideration for the credit risk and
other services provided by the senior lender.
With regard to credit-approved sales, the senior lender accepts the credit risk
for nonpayment due to financial inability to pay. With regard to noncredit
approved sales, the Company accepts all credit risk of nonpayment for any
reason. At December 31, 1998 the senior lender had outstanding receivables from
the Company's customers totaling $5.1 million, of which $0.4 million was not
credit-approved by the senior lender. The Company performs ongoing credit
evaluations of those customers carried at its own risk and generally does not
require collateral for such receivables. The Company maintains an allowance for
doubtful accounts at a level which management believes is sufficient to cover
potential credit losses.
Net sales to customers whose sales have been 10% or greater of total sales in
fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996 are as follows:
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
Walmart 19% 20% 14%
K-Mart 10% 10% 12%
When the Company's current NFL license expires on March 31, 1999, the Company
will no longer have the right to manufacture NFL licensed products. During the
year ended December 31, 1998, licensed NFL product sales were approximately 15%
of consolidated revenue. The loss of this license could also affect the
Company's ability to sell other professional sports apparel to its customers.
Goodwill
On October 17, 1997, the Company acquired GIDI Holdings, Inc., doing business as
Grand Illusion Sportswear. On November 5, 1997, the Company completed the
related acquisitions of Big Ball Sports, Inc. and Print The Planet, Inc.
(collectively "Big Ball"). These acquisitions resulted in goodwill of $751,000
and $4,137,000, respectively. As a result of the Company changing its business
strategy and outsourcing more of its manufacturing process in 1998, the Company
wrote off the remaining goodwill for both Grand Illusion and Big Ball. See Note
9 for nonrecurring charges. Amortization and write off of goodwill associated
with the aforementioned acquisitions aggregated $4,832,000 in 1998. Amortization
expense for 1997 was $56,000.
Segment Information
Effective in 1998, the Company adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments
of an Enterprise and Related Information". SFAS No. 131 supersedes SFAS No. 14,
"Financial Reporting for Segments of a Business Enterprise", replacing the
"industry segment" approach with the "management" approach. The management
approach designates the internal organization that is used by management for
making operating decisions and assessing performance as the source of the
Company`s reportable segments. SFAS No. 131 also requires disclosures about
products and services, geographic areas, and major customers. The adoption of
SFAS No. 131 did not affect the results of operations, financial position or
segment related disclosure information. Management has determined that the
Company is a single reportable segment.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made in the fiscal 1997 financial statements
to conform with the 1998 presentation.
Page 27 of 49
<PAGE>
2. Acquisitions
Pursuant to the terms of a stock purchase agreement dated as of October 1, 1997
the Company purchased all of the issued and outstanding common stock of GIDI
Holdings, Inc., d/b/a Grand Illusion Sportswear, an Illinois Corporation, for
$200,000. Grand Illusion assets acquired and liabilities assumed were $1,040,000
and $1,483,000, respectively. The acquisition has been accounted for under the
purchase method of accounting. The excess of the purchase price over the fair
value of the net identifiable assets acquired was previously being amortized on
a straight-line basis over fifteen years. In 1998, the goodwill associated with
this acquisition was deemed permanently impaired. Included in nonrecurring
charges in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations is $700,000
representing the write-off of the remaining goodwill.
Pursuant to stock purchase agreements dated October 31, 1997, the Company
acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Big Ball Sports, Inc., a Texas
Corporation and Print the Planet, Inc., a Texas Corporation. Pursuant to the
terms of the purchase agreements, the Company (i) entered into employment
agreements with two of the former owners; (ii) paid $250,000 in cash and issued
a promissory note in the amount of $250,000 (payable in 12 monthly installments
of interest only, followed by 36 monthly installments of principal and interest
beginning November 5, 1998) (in each case with interest on the unpaid balance at
prime); and (iii) issued a total of 855,194 shares of Common Stock in settlement
of various outstanding claims to creditors of Big Ball.
All of the shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to the purchase agreements are
unregistered, restricted shares of Common Stock pursuant to the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company entered into
Registration Rights Agreements with each recipient of unregistered shares which
give each holder certain "piggy back" registration rights for a period of two
years.
Big Ball Sports and Print the Planet, Inc. assets acquired and liabilities
assumed were $3,335,000 and $5,846,000, respectively. The acquisition has been
accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. The excess of the
purchase price over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired was
previously being amortized on a straight-line basis over fifteen years. In 1998,
the goodwill associated with this acquisition was deemed permanently impaired.
Included in nonrecurring charges in the accompanying consolidated statements of
operations is $3,842,000 representing the write-off of the remaining goodwill.
3. Note Receivable
On December 2, 1997, a third party entered into a $500,000 promissory note with
the Company as part of the sale of the Company's LaGrange plant. The note bears
interest at 10% and is payable in 24 equal monthly installments of interest and
principal beginning January 1, 1998.
4. Inventories
Inventories consisted of the following at December 31:
(in thousands) 1998 1997
------- -------
Raw materials $ 788 $ 731
Work-in-process 1,377 1,032
Finished goods 10,262 8,120
Supplies 214 507
------- -------
Total inventories $12,641 $10,390
======= =======
Page 28 of 49
<PAGE>
5. Debt
Debt consisted of the following at December 31:
1998 1997
------- -------
(thousands of dollars)
Senior Obligations:
Revolving advance account under senior
credit facility - interest payable monthly
at the alternate base rate (as defined)
plus 1.25%
(9% at December 31, 1998); guaranteed by
principal shareholder (a)(b) (net of
unamortized debt discount of $0 and $422,
respectively) $44,049 $40,035
Senior term note - repaid in 1998
-- 823
Senior secured subordinated
promissory note to related party -
interest at 25% through August 22,
1997; thereafter at 10% (payable
quarterly); secured by a
second lien on accounts receivable,
inventory, machinery and
equipment, and
certain real estate (net of
unamortized debt discount of $6,276
and $3,294, respectively) 13,184 7,916
Notes payable to related parties --
interest accrued monthly at 5.5% per annum
based on the average outstanding debt 1,981 1,981
Subordinated debt to related party 3,000 3,000
Obligations under capital leases (a) 1,029 1,205
Other 1,209 1,471
------- -------
Total 64,452 56,431
Less: Current portion of long-term 6,435 7,110
Debt
Revolving advance account 44,049 40,035
------- -------
Long-term debt excluding current
portion and $13,968 $ 9,286
------- -------
Revolving advance account
(a) Substantially all of the assets of the Company are secured under the terms
of the aforementioned debt and capital lease agreements.
(b) On March 22, 1999 the Revolving Advance Account and Senior Credit Facility
was replaced with a new revolving credit agreement and term loan. See Note
13 for the description and terms of the agreement.
During 1997, as part of the Restructuring Plan (see Note 6), $20,000,000 of the
outstanding debt owed to WGI, was repaid with proceeds from the senior lender
under the terms of the revolving advance account. In addition, notes payable to
a
Page 29 of 49
<PAGE>
related party were converted to equity as part of the Restructuring Plan. Also,
during 1997, the Company entered into a Reimbursement Agreement of a Promissory
Note with FS Signal, a related party, whereby the Company agreed to repay
amounts that FS Signal pays in support of letters of credit. At December 31,
1998 and 1997 the Company had a debt of $1,981,000 relating to this agreement.
Accrued interest relating to this debt at December 31, 1998 and 1997 was
approximately $207,000 and $89,000, respectively.
During 1998, the Company received $8,250,000 in additional net advances from
WGI, LLC. In connection with the implementation of the 1997 Restructuring Plan,
the Company also agreed with WGI, LLC, that all funds advanced to the Company by
WGI, LLC after August 21, 1997 (which indebtedness was not part of the
Restructuring Plan) would be documented in the form of a new Credit Agreement
with interest payable quarterly at a rate of 10% per annum and with other terms
to be agreed upon between the Company and WGI. On August 10, 1998, the Company's
Board of Directors approved a new Credit Agreement between the Company and WGI,
LLC, to be effective as of May 8, 1998 (the "WGI Credit Agreement"), pursuant to
which WGI will lend the Company up to $25,000,000 on a revolving basis for a
three-year term ending May 8, 2001. Additional material terms of the WGI Credit
Agreement are as follows: (i) maximum funding of $25,000,000, available in
increments of $100,000 in excess of the minimum funding of $100,000; (ii)
interest on outstanding balances payable quarterly at a rate of 10% per annum;
(iii) secured by a security interest in all of the Company's assets (except for
the assets of its Heritage division and certain former plant locations held for
sale), subordinate to the security interests of the Company's senior lender;
(iv) funds borrowed may be used for any purpose approved by the Company's
directors and executive officers, including repayment of any other existing
indebtedness of the Company; (v) WGI, LLC is entitled to have two designees
nominated for election to the Company's Board of Directors during the term of
the agreement and (vi) WGI, LLC will receive (subject to shareholder approval,
which was obtained at the Company's 1998 Annual Meeting) warrants to purchase up
to 5,000,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock at $1.75 per share.
The warrants issuable in connection with the WGI Credit Agreement will vest at
the rate of 200,000 warrants for each $1,000,000 increase in the largest balance
owed at any one time over the life of the credit agreement (as of December 31,
1998, the largest outstanding balance to date has been $19,985,000, which means
that warrants to acquire 3,997,000 shares of Common Stock would have been vested
as of such date). The warrants have registration rights no more favorable than
the equivalent provisions in the currently outstanding warrants issued to
principal shareholders of the Company, except that such rights include three
demand registrations. The warrants also contain antidilution provisions which
require that the number of shares subject to such warrants shall be adjusted in
connection with any future issuance of the Company's Common Stock (or of other
securities exercisable for or convertible into Common Stock) such that the
aggregate number of shares issued or issuable subject to these warrants
(assuming eventual vesting as to the full 5,000,000 shares) will always
represent ten percent (10%) of the total number of shares of the Company's
Common Stock on a fully diluted basis. The fair market value using the
Black-Scholes option pricing model (see Note 6 for assumptions) of the warrants
was $4,467,000 and has been shown as a debt discount in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheets. These warrants expire August 17, 2003. These
additional advances accrued interest at a rate of 10% through December 31, 1998.
Effective January 1, 1999, no interest will be payable under this note, but the
Company shall issue preferred stock to WGI, LLC in amounts to be determined.
In the latter part of 1997, the Company issued 250,000 warrants to its senior
lender at an exercise price of $2.50 per share in connection with the extension
of the revolving advance account. In addition, the Company issued 4,500,000
warrants with an exercise price of $1.75 per share to WGI, LLC in connection
with advances made by WGI, LLC. The fair market value of these warrants using
the Black-Scholes option pricing model was $3,716,000. The fair market value of
the aforementioned warrants have been reflected as a debt discount in the
accompanying balance sheets. These costs are being discounted over the remaining
terms of the debt with the senior lender and of the WGI, LLC advances.
Amortization of debt discount was approximately $1,672,000 and $0 for the years
ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, and has been included in
interest expense in the consolidated statement of operations.
The Company financed certain capital expenditures relating to machinery and
equipment totaling $205,000 and $842,000 by entering into capital leases during
the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Effective March 31, 1994, the Company signed a promissory note for $3,000,000
with a related party, FS Signal Associates I. The promissory note was due on
April 30, 1997, subject to the terms of the subordination agreement with the
Company's senior lender. Interest was payable at maturity at the prime rate, as
defined, plus 3%. In connection with
Page 30 of 49
<PAGE>
this promissory note, accrued interest payable to FS Signal Associates I was
approximately $1,670,000 and $1,322,000 as of December 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.
Interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations includes interest
to related parties of $2,211,000, $11,081,000 and $7,119,000 during 1998, 1997
and 1996, respectively.
The Company made cash payments for interest of $4,366,000, $2,349,000 and
$2,649,000 during 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The aggregate future
scheduled maturities of debt for the five years subsequent to December 31, 1998,
are as follows: 1999 - $50,484,000; 2000 - $468,000; 2001 - $13,360; 2002 -
$110,000, and 2003 - $30,000. As a result of the Company entering into a new
Revolving Credit Agreement and Term Loan subsequent to year-end, the maturities
of debt for each of the five subsequent years has changed significantly.
6. Capital Stock
On December 30, 1997, the shareholders approved an amendment to the Company's
1985 Stock Option Plan to increase the number of shares of Common Stock
available for grant from 1,910,000 to 4,000,000 shares. The options have terms
ranging from 3 to 10 years and vest over periods from one to four years from
date of grant.
The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation under APB No. 25, under
which no compensation expense has been recognized for stock options granted with
exercise prices equal to or greater than the fair value of the Company's Common
Stock on the date of grant. The Company adopted SFAS No. 123 for disclosure
purposes only in 1996. For SFAS No. 123 purposes, the fair value of each option
and warrant grant has been estimated as of the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average
assumptions for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively: risk-free interest rate of
5.63%, 6.11% and 6.52%, expected life of 7.0, 3.0 and 5.0 years, expected
dividend yield of 0% and expected volatility of 71% for 1998 and 1997 and 46%
for 1996. Using these assumptions, the fair value of the employee stock options
and warrants (excluding warrants issued to lenders) granted in 1998, 1997 and
1996 is $7,537,000, $2,743,000 and $913,000, respectively, which would be
amortized as compensation expense over the vesting period of the options.
Compensation expense recognized under APB No. 25 in 1998, 1997 and 1996 was $0,
$0 and $295,000 respectively. Had compensation cost for the plan been determined
in accordance with SFAS No. 123, utilizing the assumptions detailed above, the
Company's pro forma net loss would have been $43,303,000, $31,049,000 and
$34,314,000 for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Pro forma net loss per share would have been $1.33, $2.45 and $2.97 for the
years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
The pro forma effect on net loss in this disclosure may not be representative of
the pro forma effect on net loss in future years because it does not take into
consideration expense related to grants made prior to 1995.
A summary of the Company's stock option activity for 1998, 1997 and 1996 is as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
Weighted Weighted Weighted
Average Average Average
Shares Exercise Price Shares Exercise Price Shares Exercise Price
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Outstanding, beginning of year 2,648,350 $2.69 493,600 $5.29 760,236 $5.47
Granted, at market price 430,000 $1.76 1,700,000 $2.12 18,000 $6.19
Granted, at below market price 0 $0.00 65,000 $2.38 52,500 $4.48
Granted, at above market price 350,000 $1.75 682,000 $2.38 0 $0.00
Exercised 0 $0.00 0 $0.00 (50,000) $4.00
Canceled or expired (1,023,500) $2.82 (292,250) $3.38 (287,136) $5.90
Outstanding, end of year 2,404,850 $2.33 2,648,350 $2.69 493,600 $5.29
Exercisable, at end of year 623,684 $3.17 380,600 $5.38 433,825 $5.31
Weighted average fair value of
options granted:
At market price $0.96 $1.31 $3.27
At below market price N/A $1.26 $3.30
At above market price $1.05 $ .46 N/A
</TABLE>
There are 2,404,850 options outstanding at December 31, 1998, including
2,164,250 having exercise prices between $1.23 and $2.94 with a weighted average
exercise price of $2.03 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 3.6
years.
Page 31 of 49
<PAGE>
Of these options, 383,084 were exercisable at year end with a weighted average
exercise price of $2.00. There are also 127,500 options with exercise prices
between $3.00 and $4.00, with a weighted average exercise price of $3.84 and a
weighted average remaining contractual life of 6.5 years. All of these options
were exercisable at year end. The remaining 113,100 options have exercise prices
between $5.00 and $7.06, with a weighted average exercise price of $6.38 and a
weighted average remaining contractual life of 5.8 years. All of these options
were exercisable at year end.
On December 30, 1997, the Company's shareholders approved the issuance of an
additional 15,473,220 shares of the Company's Common Stock in connection with a
plan approved by the Board of Directors to restructure the Company's outstanding
subordinated debt and preferred stock (the "Restructuring Plan").
In anticipation of the adoption of the Restructuring Plan, WGI, LLC, a principal
shareholder of the Company, acquired an additional 4,630,000 shares of Common
Stock through the exercise of warrants on November 7, 1997 (the "Restructuring
Acquisition"). After this exercise of warrants, WGI owned 50.44% of the Common
Stock of the Company (not including remaining exercisable warrants).
Pursuant to an agreement between the Company and WGI concerning the
Restructuring Plan, the Company applied $20,000,000 of the increased funding
available under an amended and restated factoring agreement with the Company's
senior lender to reduce the Company's outstanding indebtedness under the credit
agreement between it and WGI. The reduction of outstanding indebtedness under
the credit agreement with WGI also reduced the Company's effective annual
interest rate on this portion of its debt from over 20% per annum to a rate of
prime plus 1-1/4% (9.75% at December 31, 1998). The Restructuring Plan reduced
the Company's annual interest expense by eliminating approximately $50,200,000
of indebtedness from the Company's balance sheet, leaving approximately
$41,282,000 owed to the Senior Lender and approximately $17,800,000 owed to WGI
and FS Signal (including approximately $11,397,000 owed to WGI). The
Restructuring Plan also eliminated a liability of $11,725,000 for accrued but
unpaid dividends on preferred stock and reduced the Company's shareholders'
deficit from approximately $89.3 million to approximately $41.3 million.
The Restructuring Plan also included: (i) amendment of all remaining outstanding
warrants held by WGI as of December 31, 1997 (covering a total of 345,000 shares
with an exercise price of $7.06 per share), reducing the exercise price of such
warrants to $1.75 per share (approximately equal to the market price on the date
of the Restructuring Plan); (ii) issuance to WGI of 8,000,000 shares of Common
Stock valued at approximately $1.98 per share (a premium of approximately 13%
over the market price on the date of the 1997 Annual Meeting) in payment for
$15,831,950 of the remaining subordinated debt owed by the Company to WGI
(representing a discount on the debt repayment of $1,831,950, which equals the
net economic benefit of repricing the WGI warrants); and (iii) conversion of
both the remaining outstanding balance of such debt of $23,802,000 (including
accrued interest through the date of the 1997 Annual Meeting) and approximately
$20,514,000 in stated value (plus accumulated dividends) of Series C Preferred
Stock held by WGI into a total of approximately 443.16 shares of a new Series F
Preferred Stock, stated value $100,000 per share.
The new Series F Preferred Stock accrued cumulative undeclared dividends at the
rate of 9% per annum. These dividends were payable in cash when declared. The
Series F Preferred Stock was not convertible into Common Stock or into any other
security issued by the Company, and did not have any mandatory redemption or
call features. However, in connection with the 1998 issuance of the Series G1
Convertible Preferred Stock, the Series F Preferred Stock was exchanged in full
for the Series H Preferred Stock. This new Series H Preferred Stock is identical
to the Series F Preferred Stock in every respect except that the Series H
Preferred Stock will be junior in priority to the Company's 5% Series G1. During
1998, WGI elected to have both accrued and future dividends distributed 3,989 as
additional shares of Series H Preferred Stock.
Effective September 17, 1998, the Company reached an agreement with four
investors regarding the private placement of up to $10 million in 5% senior
convertible preferred stock. Under this agreement, the Company has placed an
initial installment of $5 million of 5% Convertible Preferred Stock, Series G1
(5,000 shares with a stated value of $1,000 per share). Since the Company's
agreement with these institutional investors required that the Series G1
Convertible Preferred Stock be senior to all classes of the Company's equity
securities in priority as to dividends and distributions, WGI, LLC, in order to
facilitate the completion of this private placement by the Company, exchanged
all of the shares of Series F Preferred Stock for a like number of Series H
Preferred Stock.
Page 32 of 49
<PAGE>
In connection with the issuance of the 5% Series G1, the Company issued 62,500
warrants to the placement agent and another 100,000 warrants to the purchasers
of the Series G1 Preferred Stock. These warrants, using the Black-Scholes Option
Pricing Model, were valued at approximately $196,000. The statement of
shareholders' deficit reflects the face amount of the 5% Series G1, less the
value the warrants issued and other costs of issuance. Accretion and accrued
dividends for 1998 were $55,000 and $73,000, respectively.
In addition to the transactions described above between the Company and WGI, in
1997 the Company exercised its rights under an agreement dated March 31, 1995
between the Company and the holders of all outstanding shares of its Series A
Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stock Agreement")
to redeem all of the remaining outstanding shares (including accumulated
dividends) of the Company's Series A Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred
Stock with shares of Common Stock valued for such purpose at $7 per share.
Following the completion of the restructuring transactions described above
involving WGI, FS Signal was the only remaining holder of shares of the
Company's Series A Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock. The redemption
of all of such stock held by FS Signal ($39,583,700 in stated value plus accrued
dividends in Series A Preferred Stock and $12,728,841 in stated value plus
accrued dividends in Series C Preferred Stock) resulted in the issuance of an
additional 7,473,220 shares of the Company's Common Stock to FS Signal.
The issuance of Common Stock as described above in connection with the
Restructuring Plan and related transactions resulted in WGI having a greater
percentage of voting power. Prior to the implementation of the Restructuring
Plan and the aforementioned related transactions, WGI owned 34.35% of the issued
and outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock (not including exercisable
warrants). At December 31, 1998 WGI owned 50.09% of the issued and outstanding
shares of Common Stock (not including exercisable warrants). FS Signal's
percentage of voting power has remained the same, approximately 35.64% of the
issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock (not including exercisable
warrants). Implementation of the Restructuring Plan and related transactions
described above has resulted in ownership of shareholders other than WGI and FS
Signal being reduced from approximately 30% to approximately 14.27% of the
issued and outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock (not including
exercisable warrants). Although WGI at December 31, 1998 owned over 50% of the
voting securities (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of Regulation S-K) of the Company,
the Company does not deem the implementation of the Restructuring Plan and
related transactions to have effected a change in control of the Company as WGI
already, through its ownership of other securities of the Company convertible
into Common Stock and its relationship with the Company and management,
possessed the power to direct the management and policies of the Company.
Under its Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended, the Company has the
authority to issue 1,600,000 shares of preferred stock having no par value,
issuable in series, with the designation, powers, preferences, rights,
qualifications and restrictions to be established by the board of directors. At
December 31, 1998, the Company had authorized 400 shares of Series A Preferred
Stock, 250 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, and 1,000 shares of Series C
Preferred Stock, 100 shares of Series D Preferred Stock and 20,000 shares of
Series E Preferred Stock, and 1,000 shares of Series F Preferred Stock. See Note
7 for discussion of the Series D Redeemable Preferred Stock.
At December 31, 1998 and 1997, there were no shares of the Series A, B, C, D or
E Preferred Stock outstanding.
From June 1996 through December 1997, the Company incurred additional
indebtedness to WGI for funds advanced in an aggregate amount of $33,044,000,
bringing the Company's total indebtedness to WGI in December 1997 (prior to
implementation of the Restructuring Plan), including accrued interest thereon,
to approximately $50,214,000. These funds were advanced to the Company on an "as
needed" basis with the understanding that the additional indebtedness would be
documented on the same terms as the existing WGI Credit Agreement. Additionally,
as of December 31, 1996, the Company had not made all interest payments required
by the WGI Credit Agreement and had breached the financial covenants specified
by the agreement. In March 1997, Walsh Greenwood agreed to waive those
conditions. Finally, in connection with the Company's amendment and restatement
of the factoring agreement with its senior lender in 1997, the senior lender
required WGI to (i) deposit $15,000,000 of collateral as security in support of
a portion of the Company's borrowing base under this amended and restated
factoring agreement and (ii) to continue in place a guaranty of a portion of the
Company's obligations in the amount of $9,000,000 which was originally entered
into February 27, 1996 by another affiliate of WGI As discussed above, the
Company issued 443.16 shares of Series F Preferred Stock effective December 31,
1997 in connection with the implementation of the Restructuring Plan. As
discussed above, the Series F Preferred Stock was exchanged in its entirety for
443.16 shares of the Series H Preferred Stock. The Company entered into a
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<PAGE>
Reimbursement Agreement and related Promissory Note with WGI dated October 31,
1997 (subordinate to the Company's obligations to its senior lender and parri
passu with its obligations to FS Signal), pursuant to which the Company agreed
to repay any amounts that WGI may be required to pay to the senior lender by
virtue of these arrangements. As an inducement to WGI to provide such additional
funding to the Company, and in connection with such waiver and the collateral
and guaranty arrangements with the senior lender, the Company agreed (subject to
shareholder approval) to issue warrants to WGI to purchase up to 4,500,000
additional shares of the Company's Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.75
per share (approximately the then-current market price). The Company agreed to
issue these warrants with antidilution provisions and registration rights no
more favorable than the equivalent provisions in other outstanding warrants
issued to principal shareholders of the Company, except that the registration
rights would include three demand registrations. Using a formula vesting such
warrants at the rate of 100,000 shares for each $1,000,000 of additional funding
(as under the WGI Credit Agreement), these warrants were vested as to all
4,500,000 shares when their issuance was approved by the Company's shareholders
on December 30, 1997. The warrants were issued effective as of such date.
A summary of the Company's warrant activity for 1998, 1997 and 1996 is as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
Weighted Weighted Weighted
Average Average Average
Shares Exercise Price Shares Exercise Price Shares Exercise Price
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Outstanding, at beginning of year 10,889,560 $4.21 9,754,560 $5.22 9,754,560 $5.22
Issued, at market price 8,816,546 $1.75 250,000 $2.38 0 $0.00
Issued, at above market price 162,500 $3.05 5,710,000 $1.86 0 $0.00
Issued, at below market price 0 $0.00 250,000 $2.50 0 $0.00
Exercised 0 $0.00 (4,630,000) $3.01 0 $0.00
Canceled or expired (5,297,500) $6.02 (445,000) $7.06 0 $0.00
Outstanding, at end of year 14,571,106 $2.05 10,889,560 $4.21 9,754,560 $5.22
Exercisable, at end of year 11,138,075 $2.13 9,824,560 $4.40 9,254,560 $5.12
Weighted average fair value of
options granted:
At market price $1.27 $1.22 N/A
At below market price N/A $1.69 N/A
At above market price $1.21 $0.46 N/A
</TABLE>
Of the 14,571,106 warrants outstanding at December 31, 1998, 14,039,046 have
exercise prices between $1.75 and $3.125, with a weighted average exercise price
of $1.79 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 5.5 years. Of
these warrants, 10,606,015 are exercisable with a weighted average exercise
price of $1.79. The remaining 532,060 warrants have exercise prices between
$7.06 and $11.61, with a weighted average exercise price of $8.82 and a weighted
average remaining contractual life of 1.5 years. All of these warrants are
exercisable.
7. Redeemable Preferred Stock
The Series D Preferred Stock is junior to the Series A, B and C Preferred Stock
of the Company (see Note 6); bears a cumulative dividend at an annual rate equal
to ten percent (10%) of the stated value of such stock, compounded quarterly;
and is required to be redeemed by the Company on November 22, 1999 at a
redemption price equal to the stated value per share for such stock plus accrued
and unpaid dividends, subject to the rights of the holders of the Company's
other outstanding series of Preferred Stock which are senior to the Series D
Preferred Stock. The Series D Redeemable Preferred Stock has a stated value of
$100,000 per share and a liquidation preference of $100,000 per share, plus
cumulative unpaid dividends. As of December 31, 1998 and 1997 none had been
issued.
8. Income Taxes
The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected
future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial
statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax assets and
liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial
reporting and income tax bases using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in
which the differences are expected to reverse.
There was no income tax provision or benefit recorded during the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996, due to the losses sustained by the Company.
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<PAGE>
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities for 1998 and 1997 reflect the impact
of temporary differences between the amount of assets and liabilities for
financial reporting and income tax reporting purposes. The Company has
established a valuation allowance for the entire amount of the net deferred tax
asset due to the uncertainty regarding the realizability of these assets.
Temporary differences and carryforwards which give rise to deferred tax assets
at December 31, 1998 and 1997 are as follows (in thousands):
1998 1997
Deferred tax asssets:
Tax loss carryforwards $ 95,425 $ 86,778
Inventory reserves 1,135 1,741
Accounts receivable reserves 1,748 983
Nonrecurring charges 1,229 0
Other 1,719 2,158
--------- ---------
Total deferred tax asset 101,256 91,660
Valuation allowance (101,017) (91,183)
Deferred tax liabilities:
LIFO to FIFO change (239) (477)
--------- ---------
Net deferred tax asset $ 0 $ 0
========= =========
The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return.
At December 31, 1998, the Company had tax loss carryforwards of approximately
$251,000,000 which expire in years 1999 through 2014 if not utilized earlier. At
the time Shirt Shed, American Marketing Works and Big Ball were acquired, they
had tax loss carryforwards of $17,400,000, $11,800,000 and $3,021,000,
respectively, which are included above. These tax loss carryforwards are subject
to annual limitations imposed for the change in ownership (as defined in Section
382 of the Internal Revenue Code) and application of the consolidated income tax
return rules.
The Company did not pay any income taxes in 1998, 1997 and 1996.
9. Nonrecurring Charges
In the fourth quarter of 1998, the Company reevaluated its business strategy.
The reevaluation resulted in the shift from being a capital intensive
manufacturing company to a sales and marketing company with low fixed costs. In
connection with the reevaluation of the Company's business strategy, the Company
analyzed the performance of its operations and divisions. This analysis
indicated that significant strategic and operational changes would be necessary,
including the closure of certain plants and the sale of certain operations.
These factors also caused management to assess the realizability of the goodwill
recorded for certain acquisitions and the fair value of certain assets. As a
result of this assessment, the Company made the determination that it would seek
a new financing agreement with its senior lender, close or sell certain
operations, and write down the value of certain long-term assets, including
goodwill.
The determination of goodwill impairment was based on the Company's plans to
sell certain divisions, continuing operating losses and the uncertainty about
the Company's ability to return the divisions to profitability. In addition, the
Company has written down to fair value certain long-term assets and accrued for
costs associated with plant closings. The Company is also in a dispute regarding
raw material purchases from a third party vendor. The Company anticipates
incurring exiting costs associated with this third party vender of approximately
$1,000,000.
In 1998 the Company recorded a $3,758,000 charge for certain nonrecurring items
and $4,542,000 charge for the write-off of goodwill. On March 22, 1999, the
Company completed a new financing agreement with its senior lender. On January
20, 1999, the Company completed the sale of its Heritage division (see Note 13).
Page 35 of 49
<PAGE>
The major components of the nonrecurring charges are as follows:
Charge to
Initial Related Remaining
Charge Assets Balance
------ ------ -------
(thousands of dollars)
Writedown of property, plant and equipment $1,352 $1,352 $ 0
Severance costs of terminated employees 276 0 276
Lease buyouts 370 0 370
Costs of exiting purchase contract 1,000 0 1,000
Other 760 0 760
------ ------ ------
$3,758 $1,352 $2,406
------ ------ ------
Write off of goodwill $4,542 $4,542 0
------ ------ ------
10. Pension and Retirement Plans
The Company sponsors a defined contribution plan for employees. The Company
makes contributions to the plan equal to a percentage of the participants'
contributions within certain limitations. The Company recognized expense related
to this plan of $120,000 in 1998, $121,000 in 1997 and $124,000 in 1996. The
Company's policy is to fund amounts accrued annually.
Certain former employees of Signal participate in a defined benefit pension plan
negotiated with a union (multi-employer plan) that no longer represents any
employee of the Company. The total multi-employer withdrawal liability was
approximately $69,000 and $350,000 at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
11. Commitments and Contingencies
Operating Leases
The Company occupies certain manufacturing facilities, sales and administrative
offices and uses certain equipment under operating lease arrangements. Rent
expense aggregated approximately $1,377,000 in 1998, $1,229,000 in 1997 and
$1,263,000 in 1996. Approximate future minimum rental commitments for all
noncancellable operating leases as of December 31, 1998 are as follows: 1999 -
$606,000; 2000 - $274,000, 2001 - $55,000. Real estate taxes, insurance, and
maintenance expense are generally obligations of the Company.
Letters of Credit Supported by Related Parties
The Company uses letters of credit (which are supported by commitments from
entities controlled by FS Signal) to assist the Company in purchasing inventory,
maintaining licenses and other matters. During 1997, the Company entered into a
Reimbursement Agreement and a Promissory Note with FS Signal whereby the Company
agreed to repay amounts that FS Signal pays in support of these letters of
credit. At December 31, 1998, the Company had $1,981,000 in current portion of
long-term debt due to FS Signal for creditor drawdowns on these letters of
credit which were repaid by FS Signal in 1997 and 1996.
Royalty and Other Commitments
Pursuant to the terms of various license agreements, the Company is obligated to
pay future minimum royalties of approximately $1,481,000 due in 1999. The
Company has estimated that certain guaranteed royalties will not be met through
the normal course of business and has accrued approximately $290,000 at December
31, 1998 to cover such guarantees.
Financial Advisor Agreement
Effective May 9, 1997 the Company entered into an agreement with Weatherly
Financial ("Weatherly") pursuant to which Weatherly was engaged to act as
financial advisor to the Company on an exclusive basis with respect to
evaluating, pricing, negotiating and closing mergers and acquisitions and other
investments and arranging financing on the
Page 36 of 49
<PAGE>
Company's behalf ( the "Weatherly Agreement"). The Weatherly Agreement had a
term of two years, subject to the Company's right to terminate the agreement
upon ninety days' prior written notice after May 8, 1998. Weatherly was to be
compensated for these services through: (a) a $5,000 base monthly fee and (b)
prescribed additional success fees for completed financing or acquisition
transactions arranged through Weatherly's assistance. In addition, Weatherly was
granted warrants, effective May 9, 1997, to purchase 805,000 shares of the
Company's Common Stock at $2.50 per share in connection with such services.
These warrants vest upon achievement of certain business objectives with respect
to the Company's business performance which were part of an overall arrangement
that also included additional warrant opportunities. Subject to its fiduciary
duties, the Company also agreed to use its efforts to cause two persons selected
by Weatherly to be nominated for election to the Company's Board of Directors at
each annual meeting through the term of the Agreement.
When the Weatherly Agreement was executed, all of the parties thereto
anticipated that Thomas A. McFall and John W. Prutch, in their capacities as
associates of Weatherly, would play a significant role in performing the
services to be provided to the Company by Weatherly, and, in such capacity,
would receive a significant portion of the compensation payable under the
Weatherly Agreement. In connection with the Company's subsequent employment of
Mr. McFall as CEO of the Company, and Mr. Prutch as President of the Company,
the Company has renegotiated the Weatherly agreement, replacing it with an
agreement, approved by the Board of Directors on August 10, 1998 to be effective
as of May 8, 1998, directly with Messrs. McFall and Prutch.
Under the terms of the new agreement, the Warrants previously issued to
Weatherly have been assigned 50% to Mr. McFall and 50% to Mr. Prutch, and have
been repriced to $1.75 per share. Each of Messrs. McFall and Prutch also have
been issued warrants, with a term of ten years, for the purchase of up to
1,902,273 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.75 per share (giving
each of them warrants to purchase approximately 5%, as defined, of the Company's
outstanding shares of Common Stock on a fully-diluted basis). All of these
warrants are now subject to a new vesting schedule which provides that 33.4% of
the warrants (777,309 shares for each of Messrs. McFall and Prutch) are
immediately exercisable.
Each of the three remaining incremental installments of 22.2% of the total
warrants (approximately 516,655 shares for each of Messrs. McFall and Prutch)
will vest on the basis of the achievement of goals concerning prescribed
increases in the Company's annual pre-tax earnings and/or the average public
trading price of its Common Stock over any period of 120 consecutive calendar
days. The warrants also will contain customary anti-dilution provisions and
piggyback registration rights, and Messrs. McFall and Prutch will be restricted
in their ability to dispose of the Common Stock issuable under the Warrants
without the prior consent of WGI, LLC.
The new agreement also provides that Messrs. McFall and Prutch, collectively,
will receive a success fee equal to three percent of the proceeds of any
financing transactions which they participate in developing, negotiating and
closing with third parties for the benefit of the Company, a portion of which
may be paid in additional equity under certain circumstances. They also
(collectively) will receive a success fee in connection with identifying,
negotiating and closing any Acquisition Transactions (as defined in the
agreement) equal to three percent of the Aggregate Consideration paid by the
Company (as defined in the Agreement). All cash payments to Messrs. McFall and
Prutch will be subject to reduction by the amount of any compensation which they
receive in their capacities as officers of the Company.
For the year ended December 31, 1998, such fees totaled $855,000, of which
$350,000 has been paid for professional fees in connection with these
transactions, with the remaining balance being accrued as of December 31, 1998.
For the period subsequent to December 31, 1998, these individuals have earned an
additional $692,000 as success fees for the acquisition of Tahiti Apparel Co. ,
Inc. and for the sale of the Heritage sportswear unit of the Company.
Umbro Licensing Agreement
On November 23, 1998, the Company acquired the U.S. license for Umbro, a world
recognized soccer brand and will begin selling Umbro soccer apparel and other
products in 1999. The initial contract period expires on December 31, 2002,
subject to certain renewal rights by the Company and certain repurchase rights
by the licensor. In connection with this license, the Company entered into a
expense sharing agreement with Riddell Sport, who has a similar licensing
agreement for Umbro products in a different channel of distribution, whereby
Riddell and Signal Apparel will split certain
Page 37 of 49
<PAGE>
budgeted expenses relating to the selling and marketing of Umbro products, with
Signal generally paying 60% of these expenses.
Legal Proceedings
The Company is a party to various legal proceedings incidental to its business.
The ultimate disposition of these matters is not presently determinable but will
not, in the opinion of management, have a material adverse effect on the
Company's financial condition or results of operations.
On April 5, 1999, litigation was filed against the Company by former employees
of the Company's LaGrange, Georgia facility which the Company closed in December
1996. The litigation complaint alleges that the Company violated the provisions
of the WARN Act in connection with the closing of the LaGrange facility. The
Company intends to defend its position and has accrued $500,000 for legal fees
and other potential costs of the litigation.
12. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amount of cash, receivables and short-term payables approximates
fair value because of the short maturity of these financial instruments. Due to
the current financial condition (Note 1) and the ongoing attempts to raise
additional funds, it is not practical to estimate the fair value of the
Company's debt.
13. Subsequent Events
New Revolving Credit Agreement and Term Loan with Senior Lender
Effective March 22, 1999, pursuant to a Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security
Agreement dated March 12, 1999 ( the "Credit Agreement") the Company completed a
new financing arrangement with its senior lender, (in its own behalf and as
agent for other participating lenders). This arrangement provides the Company
with funding of up to $98,000,000 (the "Maximum Facility Amount") under a
combined facility that includes a $50,000,000 Term Loan (supported in part by
$25,500,000 of collateral pledged by an affiliate of WGI, LLC, the Company's
principal shareholder) and a Revolving Credit Line of up to $48,000,000 (the
"Maximum Revolving Advance Amount"). Subject to the lenders' approval and to
continued compliance with the terms of the original facility, the Company may
elect to increase the Maximum Revolving Advance Amount from $48,000,000 up to
$65,000,000, in increments of not less than $5,000,000.
The Term Loan portion of the new facility is divided into two segments with
differing payment schedules: (i) $27,500,000 ("Term Loan A") payable, with
respect to principal, in a single installment on March 12, 2004 and (ii)
$22,500,000 ("Term Loan B") payable, with respect to principal, in 47
consecutive monthly installments on the first business day of each month
commencing April 1, 2000, with the first 46 installments to equal $267,857.14
and the final installment to equal the remaining unpaid balance of Term Loan B.
The Credit Agreement allows the Company to prepay either term loan, in whole or
in part, without premium or penalty.
In connection with the Revolving Credit Line, the Credit Agreement also provides
(subject to certain conditions) that the senior lender will issue Letters of
Credit on behalf of the Company, subject to a maximum amount of $40,000,000 and
further subject to the requirement that the sum of all advances under the
revolving credit line (including any outstanding L/Cs) may not exceed the lesser
of the Maximum Revolving Advance Amount or an amount (the "Formula Amount")
equal to the sum of:
(1) up to 85% of Eligible Receivables, as defined, plus
(2) up to 50% of the value of Eligible Inventory, as defined (excluding
L/C inventory and subject to a cap of $30,000,000 availability), plus
(3) up to 60% of the first cost of Eligible L/C Inventory, as defined,
plus
(4) 100% of the value of collateral and letters of credit posted by the
Company's principal shareholders, minus
Page 38 of 49
<PAGE>
(5) the aggregate undrawn amount of outstanding Letters of Credit, minus
(6) Reserves (as defined).
In addition to the secured revolving advances represented by the Formula Amount,
and subject to the overall limitation of the Maximum Revolving Advance Amount,
the agreement provides the Company with an additional, unsecured Overformula
Facility of $17,000,000 (the outstanding balance of which must be reduced to not
more than $10,000,000 for at least one business day during a five business day
cleanup period each month) through December 31, 2000. Between December 31, 2000
and June 1, 2001, both the maximum overall balance and the maximum cleanup
period balance under this Overformula Facility are gradually reduced to zero in
six equal monthly increments. Subject to the limitations of the Maximum
Revolving Advance Amount and the Formula Amount, as well as the Maximum Facility
Amount, the agreement also provides that the senior lender (in its individual
capacity) may make Swingline Loans of up to $5,000,000 to the Company for
periods not to exceed seven (7) days for any one such loan.
Interest on all amounts advanced under the Credit Agreement (pursuant to the
either Term Loan or Revolving Advances (including any outstanding Letters of
Credit) is payable in arrears on the last day of each month. The facility allows
the Company to select (separately) interest rates for both the Term Loan and
Revolving Advances based on either a Domestic Rate or a Eurodollar Rate.
Interest on Domestic Rate Loans is payable at a fluctuating Alternate Base Rate
equal to the higher of the prime rate (as defined) or the federal funds rate
plus 0.5%, plus the Applicable Margin (as defined). Interest on Eurodollar Rate
Loans is payable at a fluctuating Eurodollar Rate equal to the daily average of
the 30-day London Interbank Offered Rate as published in The Wall Street Journal
(calculated as prescribed in the agreement), plus the Applicable Margin (as
defined). The Applicable Margin for both Domestic Rate Loans and Eurodollar Rate
Loans is tied to the Company's ratio of Funded Debt to Free Cash Flow (each as
defined in the agreement), and ranges (A) in the case of Domestic Rate Loans,
from zero for a ratio less than or equal to 1.0:1 to 1.25% for a ratio greater
than 5.0:1 and (B) in the case of Eurodollar Rate Loans, from 1.5% for a ratio
less than or equal to 1.0:1 to 3.5% for a ratio greater than 5.0:1.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Credit Agreement provides that (x) from and
after the Closing Date through and including the earlier of (i) the first
anniversary of the Closing Date and (ii) the date on which the senior lender
receives the Company's 1999 annual audited financial statements as required, the
Applicable Margin shall be 1.25% for Domestic Rate Loans and 3.5% for Eurodollar
Rate Loans, and (y) from and after the date that the Company repays in full Term
Loan B and (ii) the date at which advances are no longer permitted under the
Overformula Facility, the Applicable Margin in effect from time to time for both
Domestic Rate Loans and Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be increased by .50%.
In addition to the amounts due for interest, the Company is obligated to pay:
(i) a monthly unused facility fee, computed at the rate of 0.25% per annum, on
the difference between the Maximum Revolving Advance Amount and the average
daily balance of outstanding Revolving Advances (plus the aggregate undrawn
amount of outstanding Letters of Credit) during that month, (ii) a monthly fee
computed at the rate of 0.25% per annum on the outstanding face amount of any
Letters of Credit (plus certain customary fees charged by the senior lender in
connection with issuing letters of credit), and (iii) certain administrative
fees payable to the senior lender under a fee letter executed in connection with
the agreement.
The Credit Agreement requires, among other things, maintenance by the Company of
prescribed minimum amounts of tangible net worth, ratios of current assets to
current liabilities, working capital and net operating results (excluding
extraordinary items). The Credit Agreement also limits the Company's ability to
pay dividends, the Company's future capital expenditures and the amount of
indebtedness the Company may incur, and effectively prohibits future acquisition
or business combination transactions by the Company without the lenders'
consent. The Company has not yet closed its books on the first quarter of Fiscal
1999, however, due to continuing liquidity shortfalls during the first quarter,
substantial doubt exists regarding the Company's ability to maintain compliance
with its financial covenants under the new Credit Agreement.
In consideration of the provision of the additional, unsecured Overadvance
Facility prescribed in the agreement, the Company permitted the senior lender to
purchase a total of 1,791,667 shares of the Company's Common Stock at the par
value of $.01 per share (the "Issued Shares") under the terms of a separate
Subscription and Stock Purchase Agreement executed in conjunction with the
Credit Agreement. The fair market value of these shares less the purchase price
was $2,110,000. The Company also issued to the senior lender a warrant to
purchase up to 375,000 additional shares of its
Page 39 of 49
<PAGE>
Common Stock (the "Warrant Shares") at an exercise price of $1.50 per share. The
fair market value of these warrants using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model
was $204,000 and will be treated as a debt discount and amortized over the term
of the agreement. Subject to certain requirements for advance notice to the
Company by the holder regarding the number of Warrant Shares which the holder
intends to purchase, the warrant becomes exercisable over a three-year period
beginning December 31, 1999 with respect to a maximum of 125,000 shares per
year. The agreement also gives the senior lender the right to have both the
Issued Shares and the Warrant Shares registered for resale under the Securities
Act of 1933 in prescribed installments over a staggered period of time, and
provides certain customary antidilution protections with respect to the Warrant
Shares and the 625,000 Issued Shares for which resale registration is delayed.
The Subscription and Stock Purchase Agreement also provides for certain put and
call options with respect to the Issued Shares. Under the put option, the senior
lender will have the right (upon specified advance written notice) once each
calendar year for three years, beginning December 31, 1999, to require the
Company to purchase up to 388,889 of the Issued Shares at a price of $1.50 per
share. This right will only be exercisable, however, if the average closing bid
price of the Company's Common Stock for the five trading days prior to the date
of the exercise of the put option is less than $1.50. Under the call option, the
Company has the right (but not the obligation), exercisable at any time while
the senior lender holds the 1,166,667 issued shares for which registration is
not delayed under the agreement, to purchase all or any of the portion of such
shares at $3.00 per share.
Furthermore, in connection with WGI, LLC's guaranteeing of certain overadvances,
the Company is expected to grant WGI, LLC up to 10,000,000 warrants with an
exercise price of $1.00 per share. Using the Black-Sholes Option Pricing Model
the fair market value of these warrants would be estimated to be $8,400,000. The
warrants would be capitalized as debt issuance costs and amortized over the term
of the credit agreement.
Acquisition of Tahiti Apparel Co., Inc.
On March 22, 1999, the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of
the assets of Tahiti Apparel Co., Inc. ("Tahiti"), a New Jersey corporation
engaged in the marketing of swimwear, bodywear and activewear for ladies and
girls. The purchase price for the assets and business of Tahiti is $15,872,500,
payable in shares of the Company's common stock having an agreed value (for
purposes of such payment only) of $1.1875 per share. Additionally, the Company
assumed, generally, the liabilities of Tahiti set forth on Tahiti's audited
balance sheet as of June 30,1998 and all liabilities incurred in the ordinary
course of business during the period commencing July 1, 1998 and ending on the
Closing Date (including Tahiti's liabilities under a separate agreement (as
described below) between Tahiti and Ming-Yiu Chan, Tahiti's minority
shareholder).
The acquisition resulted in the issuance of 13,366,316 shares of the Company's
Common Stock to Tahiti in payment of the purchase price under the Acquisition
Agreement. One million of such shares have been placed in escrow for
approximately two years following the closing date to satisfy the obligations of
Tahiti and its majority stockholders and to indemnify the Company against
certain potential claims as specified in the Acquisition Agreement. During the
course of negotiations leading to the execution of the Acquisition Agreement,
and in order to enable Tahiti to obtain working capital financing needed to
support its on-going operations, the Company guaranteed repayment by Tahiti of
certain amounts owed by Tahiti under one of its loans from its senior lender.
At a meeting held January 29, 1999, the Company's shareholders approved the
issuance of up to 10,070,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock in connection
with the Acquisition Agreement and the Chan Agreement discussed below, which
shares were issued in connection with the closing. Under the rules of the New
York Stock Exchange, on which the Company's Common Stock is traded, issuance of
the additional 4,296,316 shares of Common Stock called for by the amendment to
the Acquisition Agreement will be subject to approval by the Company's
shareholders at the Company's annual meeting, which the Company expects to hold
not later than June 15,1999.
All of the shares of Common Stock issued or to be issued pursuant to the
Acquisition Agreement are unregistered, restricted shares pursuant to the rules
of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Under the terms of a separate
Registration Rights Agreement executed in connection with the Acquisition
Agreement, Tahiti and/or its stockholders (and certain permitted assignees) have
the right for a period of ten years following the Closing Date, under certain
circumstances, to have the Company register the shares of Common Stock issued to
them pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement for resale. Tahiti stockholders have
also agreed with the Company (subject to certain limited exceptions) to
Page 40 of 49
<PAGE>
limit their transfers of Company Common Stock during each of the first five
years following the closing date (two years in the case of the shares issued
under the Chan Agreement) to no more than five percent of the number of shares
held by each of them during each such year.
Pursuant to the terms of the Acquisition Agreement, the Company also entered
into employment agreements with Tahiti's two former majority stockholders. These
agreements call for minimum annual salaries of $500,000 each for five years.
Each of them must be appointed to the Company's Executive Management Committee
and one must be appointed as a director of the Company. The employment
agreements also provide for the issuance in the aggregate of up to 4,000,000
warrants to purchase the Company's Common Stock with an average exercise price
of $1.75 per share. One million of such warrants vested upon the signing of the
Agreement and the remaining three million warrants are subject to certain
vesting restrictions.
In connection with the acquisition, Tahiti and Tahiti's former majority
stockholders reached an agreement with Tahiti's former minority stockholder,
Ming-Yiu Chan (" the Chan Agreement"), pursuant to which Tahiti executed a
promissory note to Chan in the principal amount of $6,770,000 (the "Chan Note"),
bearing interest at the rate of 8% per annum, and payable as follows:
(a) $3,500,000 payable in cash (with accrued interest thereon) in the
following installments:
$1,000,000 payable in equal installments of $250,000 (90 days, 180
days, 270 days and 360 days following the closing)
$2,500,000 payable in equal quarterly installments of $312,500
commencing June 1, 2000 with a final payment due on March 1, 2002.
(b) The balance of $3,270,000 plus accrued interest payable, at the option
of Tahiti, through either: the delivery of 1,000,000 shares of Common
Stock of the Company within five business days of the closing or
payment of such amount in cash in eight quarterly installments,
beginning on the first anniversary of the closing under the Asset
Purchase Agreement.
Under the terms of the Acquisition Agreement, the Company assumed the Chan note
following closing and effective March 22, 1999 repaid $3,270,000 of the Chan
note through the issuance of 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock.
The Acquisition Agreement gives Tahiti's former majority stockholders the right
(jointly) to repurchase Tahiti's assets from the Company, if at any time prior
to the fifth anniversary of the Closing, the Company is unable to provide
sufficient financing to its subsidiary or division operating the business
purchased from Tahiti to support a level of sales at least equal to the sales of
such business for the preceding season plus a reasonable rate of growth (a
"Financing Default"). If the rights were exercised, the repurchase price would
consist of repayment to the Company of the original $15,872,500 purchase price
(payable in shares of Common Stock which would be valued at $1.1875 per share,
plus the assumption of liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business.
Issuance of 5% Convertible Debentures
Effective March 3, 1999 (the "Closing Date"), the Company reached an agreement
("the Purchase Agreement") with two institutional investors concerning the
private placement of five million dollars of 5% Convertible Debentures due March
3, 2002 (the "Debentures"). In connection with the private placement, the
Company paid $50,000 of the purchasers expenses. The Company also issued
warrants to the institutional purchasers for the purchase of up to 2,500,000
shares of the Company's Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.00 per share,
with a term of five years. Proceeds from issuance of the Debentures were used to
redeem all of the remaining outstanding shares of the Company's 5% Series G1
Convertible Preferred Stock (following the conversion of $260,772.92 of stated
value and accrued dividends of such stock into 248,355 shares of the Company's
Common Stock effective February 26, 1999, by two other institutional investors).
The Debentures are junior in priority of payment to all of the Company's other
outstanding indebtedness, and will be pari-passu with any future series of
convertible debentures. The Debentures will bear interest at the rate of 5% per
year, payable quarterly in arrears, commencing July 1, 1999. Interest on any
amounts in default will accrue at the rate of 20%
Page 41 of 49
<PAGE>
per annum. Interest on the debentures is payable at the option of the Company,
either in cash or in shares of the Company's Common Stock (valued for such
purposes at the average of the closing bid prices for the Common Stock on the
New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") over the ten trading days prior to the
applicable interest payment date, disregarding the highest and lowest of such
prices.
The Debentures, including any accrued and unpaid interest thereon, are
convertible at the option of the purchasers (subject to certain limitations)
into shares of the Common Stock at a fixed conversion price of $2.00 per share
of Common Stock. The conversion price is subject to adjustment in the event of
certain stock dividends, stock splits, reverse stock splits, or other
transactions affecting the Company's outstanding Common Stock; provided,
however, that no adjustment shall be made to the conversion price for any
reverse stock split occurring prior to December 31, 1999.
After March 3, 2000, the Company will have the right to force the conversion of
the outstanding Debentures into Common Stock, in whole or in part, upon 30 days
written notice, provided that: (a) the closing bid price for the Company's
Common Stock on the NYSE is $4.00 or more for at least 20 out of 30 trading days
prior to the date of the Company's notice of its exercise of such right and (b)
the Company issues to the Debenture holders additional warrants to acquire a
number of shares of Common Stock equal to the amount of remaining interest that
would have been paid to such holders had the Debentures remained outstanding for
their full term divided by the average of the closing bid prices for the Common
Stock on the NYSE over the ten (10) trading days prior to the date of the
redemption notice (disregarding the highest and lowest such prices). Such
warrants would have an exercise price equal to 120% of such average price over
the applicable ten day period and additional terms equivalent to the warrants
issued in connection with the Purchase Agreement.
The Purchase Agreement and an accompanying Registration Rights Agreement
require the Company to register the shares of Common Stock into which the
Debentures are convertible, plus any shares of Common Stock which may be issued
in payment of interest on the Debentures and the shares of Common Stock issuable
upon the exercise of the purchaser's warrants, for resale by the institutional
purchasers under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. In order to satisfy
these requirements, the Company is required to register for resale a number of
shares equal to at least the sum of 120% of the number of shares of Common Stock
issuable upon the conversion of the Debentures plus the 2,500,000 shares of
Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the purchaser's warrants.
Sale of the Heritage Division
In January 1999, the Company completed the sale of its Heritage division to
Heritage Sportswear, LLC, a new company formed by certain former members of
management of the Heritage division. Under the terms of the sale dated January
20, 1999, the Company retained accounts receivable and accounts payable of
approximately $0.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively and received cash
consideration of $2.1 million and a note receivable of $0.4 million, subject to
post closing adjustments. The note receivable bears interest at 10% with accrued
interest payable with each principle payment. Aggregate annual principal
payments are due as follows:
1999 $100,000
2000 91,666
2001 83,332
2002 83,332
2003 41,670
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not Applicable
Page 42 of 49
<PAGE>
PART III
Those portions of the Company's Proxy Statement for its 1999 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders described below are incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Election of Directors and Executive Officers
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Executive Compensation Information and Employment Agreements
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation and Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K
(a)1.Financial Statements and Schedules
The financial statements are incorporated by reference under Part II, Item
8 and are set forth in the Index to Financial Statements and Schedules
found in Part II, Item 8.
(a)2. Financial Statement Schedules:
Report of Independent Public Accountants
Schedule II -- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
All other schedules are omitted as the required information is inapplicable
or the information is presented in the consolidated financial statements or
related notes.
(a)3. Exhibits
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit Incorporation by Reference (to SEC
Number Description of Exhibit File No. 1-2782) or Filed Herewith
------ ---------------------- ----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
2.1 Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of Exhibit 10.1 to current report on
December 17, 1998, by and among the Form 8-K dated March 22, 1999.
Company, Tahiti Apparel, Inc. and the
stockholders of Tahiti Apparel, Inc.
2.2 Amendment, dated March 16, 1999, to Exhibit 10.2 to current report on
Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of Form 8-K dated March 22, 1999.
December 17, 1998, by and among the
Company, Tahiti Apparel, Inc. and the
stockholders of Tahiti Apparel, Inc.
3.1 Restated Articles of Incorporation of Exhibit 3.1 to current report on
Signal Apparel Company, Inc., as amended Form 8-K dated September 17, 1998.
through September 17, 1998.
</TABLE>
Page 43 of 49
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit Incorporation by Reference (to SEC
Number Description of Exhibit File No. 1-2782) or Filed Herewith
------ ---------------------- ----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
3.2 Copy of Bylaws as amended March 23, 1992. Exhibit 3-2 to Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1991.
4.1 Form of 5% Convertible Debentures, due Exhibit 4.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K
March 3, 2003, of Signal Apparel dated March 3, 1999.
Company, Inc.
10.1 Warrant Purchase Agreement, dated as of Exhibit 10.25 to Form 10-K for the year
March 1, 1991, between the Company, The ended December 31, 1991.
Shirt Shed, Inc. and Licensing
Corporation of America.
10.2 Warrant No. 002 issued to Licensing Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q for the
Corporation of America, covering 193,386 quarter ended September 30, 1994.
shares of the Company's Common Stock,
dated as of July 27, 1991 and expiring
July 22, 2001.
10.3 Warrant No. 003 issued to Licensing Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q for the
Corporation of America, covering 38,674 quarter ended September 30, 1994.
shares of the Company's Common Stock,
dated as of April 30, 1993 and expiring
April 30, 2003.
10.4 Promissory Note dated March 31, 1994 Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q for the quarter
between the Company and FS Signal ended March 31, 1994.
Associates I.
10.5 Subordination Agreement, dated March 30, Exhibit 10.47 to Form 10-K for the year
1994, between the Company, FS Signal ended December 31, 1993.
Associates and BNY Financial
Corporation.
10.6 Warrant Certificate dated April 1, 1994 Exhibit 10.4 to Form 10-Q for the quarter
to purchase 300,000 shares of Common ended March 31, 1994.
Stock of the Company, issued to FS
Signal Associates I in connection with
the promissory note dated March 31,
1994.
10.7 Agreement dated May 10, 1995 by and Exhibit 10.4 to Form 10-Q for the quarter
between the Company and Sherri Winkler ended March 31, 1995.
and MW Holdings, Inc.
10.8 Real Estate Mortgage, Security Exhibit 10.4 to current report on Form 8-K
Agreement, Assignment of Lease and Rents filed on May 10, 1995.
and Fixture filing dated March 31, 1995
between The Shirt Shed and Walsh
Greenwood.
10.9 First Amendment dated August 10, 1995, Exhibit 10.102 to Form 10-K for the year
to Real Estate Mortgage, Security ended December 31, 1995.
Agreement, Assignment of Lease and Rents
and Fixture Filing dated March 31, 1995,
between The Shirt Shed and Walsh
Greenwood.
10.10 Reimbursement Agreement and related Exhibit 10.108 to Form 10-K for the year
Promissory Note dated January 30, 1997, ended December 31, 1996.
among the Company, FS Signal Associates
Limited Partnership and FS Signal
Associates II Limited Partnership,
concerning renewal and guaranty
arrangements with respect to certain
letters of credit.
10.11 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated October Exhibit 2-1 to Current Report on Form 8-K
31, 1997, by and among the Company, Lee dated November 5, 1997.
Ellis and Jimmy Metyko.
</TABLE>
Page 44 of 49
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit Incorporation by Reference (to SEC
Number Description of Exhibit File No. 1-2782) or Filed Herewith
------ ---------------------- ----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
10.12 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated October Exhibit 2-2 to Current Report on Form 8-K
31, 1997, by and among the Company and dated November 5, 1997.
Elizabeth Miller.
10.13 Convertible Preferred Stock Purchase Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K
Agreement dated September 17, 1998, dated September 17, 1998.
among the Company and four institutional
purchasers of the Company's 5%
Convertible Preferred Stock, Series G1.
10.14 Registration Rights Agreement dated Exhibit 10.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K
September 17, 1998, among the Company dated September 17, 1998.
and four institutional purchasers of the
Company's 5% Convertible Preferred
Stock, Series G1.
10.15 Warrants to purchase Common Stock, Exhibit 10.3 to Current Report on Form 8-K
issued to purchasers of Series G1 dated September 17, 1998.
Preferred Stock, dated September 17,
1998.
10.16 Warrants to purchase Common Stock, Exhibit 10.4 to Current Report on Form 8-K
issued to placement agent for Series G1 dated September 17, 1998.
Preferred Stock, dated September 17,
1998.
10.17 Securities Purchase Agreement dated Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K
March 3, 1999, among the Company and two dated March 3, 1999.
institutional purchasers of the
Company's 5% Convertible Debentures due
March 3, 2003.
10.18 Registration Rights Agreement dated Exhibit 10.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K
March 3, 1999, among the Company and two dated March 3, 1999.
institutional purchasers of the
Company's 5% Convertible Debentures due
March 3, 2003.
10.19 Form of Warrants to purchase Common Exhibit 10.3 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated
Stock issued to purchasers of 5% March 3, 1999.
Convertible Debentures, dated March 3,
1999.
10.20 Escrow Agreement, dated March 16, 1999, Exhibit 10.3 to Current Report on Form 8-K
by and among the Company, Tahiti dated March 22, 1999.
Apparel, Inc. and Wachtel & Masyr, LLP.
10.21 Agreement, dated March 16, 1999, between Exhibit 10.4 to Current Report on Form 8-K
Tahiti Apparel, Inc. and Ming Yiu Chan, dated March 22, 1999.
together with related Form of Promissory
Note (assumed by the Company at
closing).
10.22 Stock Resale Agreement, dated March 16, Exhibit 10.5 to Current Report on Form 8-K
1999, between the Company, Tahiti dated March 22, 1999.
Apparel, Inc., Zvi Ben-Haim, Michael
Harary and Ming Yiu Chan.
10.23 Registration Rights Agreement, dated Exhibit 10.6 to Current Report on Form 8-K
March 16, 1999, between the Company, dated March 22, 1999.
Tahiti Apparel, Inc., Zvi Ben-Haim,
Michael Harary and Ming Yiu Chan.
10.24 Securities Transfer Agreement, dated Exhibit 10.9 to Current Report on Form 8-K
March 16, 1999, between the Company and dated March 22, 1999.
Zvi Ben-Haim.
10.25 Securities Transfer Agreement, dated Exhibit 10.10 to Current Report on Form 8-K
March 16, 1999, between the Company and dated March 22, 1999.
Michael Harary.
</TABLE>
Page 45 of 49
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit Incorporation by Reference (to SEC
Number Description of Exhibit File No. 1-2782) or Filed Herewith
------ ---------------------- ----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
10.26 Form of Warrants to be issued to each of Exhibit 10.11 to Current Report on Form 8-K
Zvi Ben-Haim and Michael Harary under dated March 22, 1999.
Securities Transfer Agreements dated
March 16, 1999.
10.27 Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Exhibit 10.12 to Current Report on Form 8-K
Agreement, dated March 12, 1999, between dated March 22, 1999.
the Company and BNY Financial
Corporation (individually and as Agent).
10.28 Second Amended and Restated Factoring Exhibit 10.13 to Current Report on Form 8-K
Agreement, dated March 12, 1999, between dated March 22, 1999.
the Company and BNY Financial
Corporation.
10.29 Subscription and Stock Purchase Exhibit 10.14 to Current Report on Form 8-K
Agreement, dated March 12, 1999, between dated March 22, 1999.
the Company and BNY Financial
Corporation.
10.30 Form of Warrants to purchase the Exhibit 10.15 to Current Report on Form 8-K
Company's Common Stock issued to BNY dated March 22, 1999.
Financial Corporation, dated March 12,
1999.
10.31 Employment Agreement with Leon Ruchlamer Exhibit 10.5 to Form 10-Q for the quarter
dated as of March 27, 1995. ended March 31, 1995.
10.32 Severance Agreement dated November 5, Exhibit 10.93 to Form 10-K for the year
1995 with Marvin Winkler. ended December 31, 1995.
10.33 Employment Agreement with Barton Bresky, Exhibit 10.109 to Form 10-K for the year
dated January 7, 1997. ended December 31, 1996.
10.34 Employment Agreement with David E. Employment Agreement with David E. Houseman,
Houseman, dated October 1, 1997. dated October 1, 1997.
10.35 Separation Agreement with David E. Filed Herewith.
Houseman, dated as of October 1, 1998.
10.36 Employment with John Prutch, dated Exhibit 10.93 to Form 10-K for the year
October 2, 1997. ended December 31, 1997.
10.37 Employment Agreement, dated March 16, Exhibit 10.7 to Current Report on Form 8-K
1999, between the Company and Zvi dated March 22, 1999.
Ben-Haim.
10.38 Employment Agreement, dated March 16, Exhibit 10.8 to Current Report on Form 8-K
1999, between the Company and Michael dated March 22, 1999.
Harary.
21 List of Subsidiaries Filed Herewith.
23 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, Filed Herewith.
Independent Public Accountants
27 Financial Data Schedule Filed Herewith (EDGAR version only).
</TABLE>
Page 46 of 49
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To: Signal Apparel Company, Inc.:
We have audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the
consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K
and have issued our report thereon dated March 26, 1999 (except for the matter
discussed in the last paragraph of Note 11, as to which the date is April 12,
1999). Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on those
statements taken as a whole. Our report on the consolidated financial statements
includes an explanatory paragraph with respect to the Company's ability to
continue as a going concern as described in Note 1 to the financial statements.
Schedule II is the responsibility of the Company's management and is presented
for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules
and is not part of the basic financial statements. This schedule has been
subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audits of the basic
financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly states in all material respects
the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic
financial statements taken as a whole.
/s/Arthur Andersen LLP
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Chattanooga, Tennessee
March 26, 1999
Page 47 of 49
<PAGE>
SIGNAL APPAREL COMPANY, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(Dollars in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Additions
---------
Balance at Charged to Balance
Beginning Costs and at End
of Period Expense Other Deductions of Period
--------- ------- ----- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year ended December 31, 1998
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance to reduce inventories
to net realizable value $4,561 $1,194 $ 0 $2,732 $3,023
Allowance for doubtful accounts 1,887 601 0 45(1) $2,443
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
$6,448 $1,795 $ 0 $2,777 $5,466
Year ended December 31, 1997
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance to reduce inventories
to net realizable value $3,544 $4,202 $ 0 $3,185 $4,561
Allowance for doubtful accounts 1,573 107 391(2) 184(1) 1,887
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
$5,117 $4,309 $ 391 $3,369 $6,448
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Year ended December 31, 1996
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance to reduce inventories
to net realizable value $3,179 $2,355 $ 0 $1,990 $3,544
Allowance for doubtful accounts 1,703 55 $ 0 185(1) 1,573
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
$4,882 $2,410 $ 0 $2,175 $5,117
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
</TABLE>
(1) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries. (2) Represents
allowance for doubtful accounts acquired in acquisition.
Page 48 of 49
<PAGE>
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 there unto duly authorized.
SIGNAL APPAREL COMPANY, INC.
(Registrant)
Date: /s/Thomas McFall
----------------------------------
Thomas McFall
Chief Executive Officer,
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below or on counterparts thereof by the following person on
behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Name Capacity Date
- ---- -------- ----
/s/ Henry L. Aaron Director April 14, 1999
- -------------------------
Henry L. Aaron
Director
- -------------------------
Zvi Ben-Haim
Director
- -------------------------
Barry F. Cohen
/s/ Jacob I. Feigenbaum Director April 14, 1999
- -------------------------
Jacob I. Feigenbaum
/s/ Paul R. Greenwood Director April 14, 1999
- -------------------------
Paul R. Greenwood
/s/ Thomas A. McFall Director April 14, 1999
- -------------------------
Thomas A. McFall
/s/ John W. Prutch Director April 14, 1999
- -------------------------
John W. Prutch
/s/ Stephen Walsh Director, Chairman of the Board April 14, 1999
- -------------------------
Stephen Walsh
/s/ Howard N. Weinberg Director, Chief Financial Officer, March 18, 1999
- ------------------------- Chief Accounting Officer
Howard N. Weinberg
Page 49 of 49
EXHIBIT 10.35
<PAGE>
SEPARATION AGREEMENT
In consideration for the agreement by Signal Apparel Company, Inc. ("the
Company") to provide David E. Houseman ("Employee") with the severance package
and benefits outlined below, the sufficiency of which the Employee acknowledges,
Employee, on behalf of Employee, Employee's heirs, Employee's successors and
assigns, releases and forever discharges the Company and its officers,
directors, employees, shareholders (specifically including, but not limited to
WG Trading Company Limited Partnership, including its respective "Guaranty"
dated May 9, 1997, and WGI LLC and all individual and other affiliates of the
foregoing, all hereinafter referred to as "WG"), representatives, subsidiaries,
parent and affiliated companies and their respective assigns from any and all
claims, damages, liabilities and causes of action, whether known or unknown
which the Employee may presently have or claim to have relating to or arising
out of Employee's employment by the company or the termination of that
employment including, but not limited to, claims under federal, state, or local
constitutions, statutes, regulations, ordinances or common law, including, but
not limited to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, and the Civil Rights
Act, as amended and specifically including, but not limited to the agreement
between the Company and Employee dated October 1, 1997 (the "Employment
Agreement") including any written or oral amendments thereto as well as any
other oral or written agreements between the Company and Employee. The foregoing
release shall specifically exclude claims for indemnification by Employee
pursuant to Article Eighth of the Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation,
as amended or claims against Employee covered by the Company's officers' and
directors' liability insurance, in each case resulting from claims by third
parties arising from Employee's actions as an employee, officer and/or director
of the Company.
The Company and Employee agree that:
1. Employee's employment with the Company ceased as of September 18,
1998, and Employee has resigned as an employee, officer and director
of the Company and all affiliated companies as of that date.
2. The Company shall pay Employee the sum of $100,000, less required
withholdings in accordance with the following schedule:
(a) $60,000 on the eighth day following execution of this Agreement
(subject to the terms of Section I); and
(b) Four monthly payments of $10,000 each payable on or before
November 2, 1998, December 1, 1998, January 4, 1999 and February
1, 1999, respectively.
1
<PAGE>
3. The Company shall permit Employee to maintain Employee's existing
health and dental insurance benefits through September 30, 1999
provided Employee continues the payment of Employee's portion of the
premiums with respect to such insurance.
4. The Company shall extend all medical and dental benefits after
September 30, 1999 for the period of eighteen months at the option of
the Employee in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget
Reconciliation Act (COBRA) of 1986.
5. The Company shall compensate Employee at Employee's existing rate of
pay for ten unused days of accrued vacation in the amount of
$5,769.24, less required withholdings.
6. Upon submission of documentation acceptable to the Company, Employee
will be reimbursed for Employee's legal expenses in connection with
the finalization of this Agreement up to the sum of $2,500.
7. The Company hereby confirms its grant to Employee dated May 8, 1998 of
options to purchase 275,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock in
accordance with the Company's 1985 Stock Option Plan. The Options will
be subject to the following terms:
(a) The exercise price will be $1.75 per share;
(b) The options will expire on September 17, 2001 and will be
classified as non-incentive options;
(c) The options will be fully vested and eligible for exercise one
year from the date of grant; and
(d) Within 10 days of the date hereof, the Company agrees to execute
a stock option agreement with Employee containing the above terms
and the other relevant provisions of the Company's stock option
plan.
(e) The Company confirms that its 1985 Stock Option Plan is in
accordance with Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934.
8. Within 10 days of the date hereof, the Company agrees to reimburse
Employee the sum of $18,831 as a school tuition allowance.
2
<PAGE>
9. The Company and WG hereby release Employee from any and all claims,
damages, liabilities and causes of action, whether known or unknown
which the Company or WG may have relating to or arising out of
Employee's employment by the Company or relationship with WG.
10. The Company agrees to use reasonable efforts to cause its employees to
avoid making disparaging comments concerning Employee. The Company
agrees to provide neutral references concerning Employee in the event
of inquiries from potential employers.
11. The Company shall not be obligated to provide any other benefits other
than those discussed in this Agreement and no benefits will be
provided until the Company receives a signed copy of this Agreement.
THE EMPLOYEE AGREES THAT:
(a) The severance benefits to be paid by the Company under this Agreement
and Release are intended to resolve any potential claim by the
Employee concerning Employee's employment by the Company and his
termination from the employment relationship. The parties acknowledge
that this is a compromise settlement of disputed matters. These
severance benefits may exceed the benefits Employee would have
received had Employee not executed this Agreement.
(b) The Employee has been advised to discuss this Agreement and Release
with an attorney of Employee's choice before signing it, and is freely
and voluntarily signing this document in exchange for the promises and
consideration provided by the Company under this Agreement.
(c) This Agreement and Release constitute the entire agreement between the
Employee and the Company concerning the Employee's employment by the
Company and Employee's separation therefrom. This Agreement and
Release will supersede all prior written or oral agreements or
understandings between the Company and the Employee relating to his
employment by the Company and his separation therefrom, specifically
including but not limited to the Employment Agreement. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, Employee hereby reconfirms Employee's obligation to
comply with Sections 4, 8 and 9 of the Employment Agreement.
(d) Any material violation or material breach of the terms of this
Agreement during the period during which the above outlined benefits
are to be paid will render
3
<PAGE>
the obligation of the Company a nullity and extinguish its obligation
to continue performance under the terms contained therein. If the
Company believes Employee has violated or breached this Agreement, it
will send written notice thereof to Employee, and provided such
violation or breach is curable, allow Employee 10 days to cure such
violation or breach and upon such cure, the Agreement shall remain in
effect.
(e) Employee will immediately return to the Company all documents, files
(including copies thereof) and other Company property.
(f) Employee agrees to cooperate fully with the Company in connection with
the transition of Employee's responsibilities from Employee and to
refrain from making disparaging comments concerning the Company to any
account or any other third party.
(g) Employee agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary
information concerning the Company, as well as the terms of this
Agreement, and will not disclose the terms of this Agreement to any
person other than members of Employee's immediate family and
Employee's legal and financial advisors.
(h) Employee further acknowledges that he has been given at least
Twenty-Five (25) days to review and consider this Agreement. This
offer will expire at the close of business on the 25th day following
its presentment to Employee unless a signed copy of this Agreement has
been returned to the Company by that date.
(i) In further consideration for the Agreement by the Company to provide
Employee with the severance package and benefits outlined above, the
sufficiency of which the Employee acknowledges, Employee, on behalf of
himself, Employee's successors, and assigns, releases and forever
discharges the Company and its subsidiaries, parent and affiliated
companies and their respective assigns from any and all claims or
causes of action relating to or arising out of Employee's employment
by the Company or the termination of that employment which arises
under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended. The
Employee further acknowledges that he may revoke acceptance to the
waiver of claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, by
notifying the Company of such revocation within seven (7) days of the
execution of this Agreement. The Company will not provide severance
payments until the expiration of this seven day period.
This Agreement will be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of
Tennessee.
4
<PAGE>
The foregoing is agreed to between Employee and the Company as of the last date
set forth below.
/s/ DAVID E. HOUSEMAN 9/30/98
- ------------------------------------- --------------
DAVID E. HOUSEMAN DATE
/s/ ROBERT J. POWELL, VP 9/30/98
- ------------------------------------- --------------
COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE DATE
WG Trading Company Limited Partnership and WGI LLC each agree to the release of
claims by it herein.
WG TRADING COMPANY
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP WGI LLC
BY: /s/ PAUL R. GREENWOOD BY: /s/ PAUL R. GREENWOOD
--------------------------------- ---------------------------------
TITLE: Managing Partner TITLE: Manager
------------------------------ ------------------------------
DATE: 10/1/98 DATE: 10/1/98
------------------------------- -------------------------------
5
EXHIBIT 21
LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES
Name Jurisdiction
- ---- ------------
The Shirt Shed, Inc. Delaware
American Marketing Works, Inc. Delaware
GIDI Holdings, Inc. Illinois
Big Ball Sports, Inc. Texas
Print the Planet, Inc. Texas
Exhibit 23
Consent of Independent Public Accountants
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our
reports included in this Form 10-K, into Signal Apparel Company, Inc.'s
previously filed Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-65851).
/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Chattanooga, Tennessee
April 12, 1999
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF SIGNAL APPAREL COMPANY, INC. FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
31, 1998 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<CASH> 403
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 1,698
<ALLOWANCES> 2,443
<INVENTORY> 12,641
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 15,281
<PP&E> 25,331
<DEPRECIATION> 22,330
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 18,464
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 72,187
<BONDS> 13,968
0
52,789
<COMMON> 326
<OTHER-SE> (119,689)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 18,464
<SALES> 50,076
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 50,076
<CGS> 42,999
<TOTAL-COSTS> 42,999
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 2,896
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 8,645
<INCOME-PRETAX> (35,607)
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (35,607)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (35,607)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (1.22)
<EPS-DILUTED> (1.22)
</TABLE>
