50th Anniversary
(Bontex symbol) BONTEX
1997 ANNUAL REPORT
(Graphic: Concentric circles with explosion from center of circles and
continents of world at top of explosion.)
<PAGE>
BONTEX Cellulose Visorboard is More Environmentally Friendly Than Plastic
By using primary and recycled cellulose fibers, Bontex (registered trademark)
is an environmentally friendly product for visors, brims and size bands in
headwear and insoles for footwear.
BONTEX (registered trademark) visorboard, brims and size band materials
absorb perspiration during wear.
BONTEX (registered trademark) will wick and absorb perspiration on an ongoing
continuous basis. Headwear produced with BONTEX (registered trademark) and
worn during active sports or work in hot weather will contribute toward
comfort and performance.
(Left Photo appears here - Golfer outline)
(Center Photo appears here - 2 Bontex hats)
(Right Photo appears here - Worker using a chainsaw)
Besides coming from a renewable resource - trees, BONTEX (registered
trademark) has many practical qualities that make it more appealing than
plastic for retailers and manufacturers.
Stitches cleanly with less needle and thread breakage
MORI-FRESH (registered trademark) treated which retards the growth of harmful
bacteria, fungi and mold. Tight, flexible and versatile meets military
specifications.
- - washable, dry cleanable and is dimensionally stable
- - pliable and retains its shape
- - available in colors, sheets or rolls and in various degrees of rigidity
- - available worldwide
One Bontex Drive, Buena Vista, VA 24416-1500
Telephone : 540-261-2181 Fax: 540-261-3784
E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.bontex.com
Manufactured: Bontex (registered trademark) Buena Vista, VA Bontex
(registered trademark) S.A. Stembert, Belgium
Dist. and Converted by: Bontex (registered trademark) Italia S.r.l.
Villafranca, Verona, Italy.
Bontex (registered trademark) de Mexico, Leon, Mexico Bontex (registered
trademark) Hong Kong
(Bontex symbol) BONTEX (registered trademark)
<PAGE>
BONTEX (registered trademark)
Consolidated 1997 Annual Report
CONTENTS
2 Mission Statement, Corporate and Product Profile
3 Message to Shareholders
5 Financial Highlights
6 Management's Discussion and Analysis
12 Financial Statements and Notes
26 Independent Auditors' Report
CORPORATE HIGHLIGHTS - 50TH ANNIVERSARY
1946 Bontex was originally established as a leather processing operation in
Newark, New Jersey.
1954 Bontex elastomeric wet web cellulose materials were first produced in
Buena Vista, Virginia.
1959 Bontex goes public with stock issuance and listing on NASDAQ stock
market.
1969 Bontex begins Bontex SA investment in Belgium, then and today, the
world's largest and most efficient factory manufacturing elastomeric
wet web fiberboard products.
1982 Bontex sales surpass $30 million, and operating profits exceed $3.2
million. Bontex begins specification marketing program to expand sales
globally.
1986 Bontex establishes a base of operations in Italy, as Bontex Italia
begins sales, marketing, and converting operations.
1990 Bontex sales exceed $40 million.
1992 Bontex enters strategic partnership to market polyurethane foams.
1995 Bontex sales exceed $50 million. Bontex establishes Bontex de Mexico
to expand export sales.
1996 The Company reorganizes and officially operates globally as Bontex,
Inc., formerly Georgia Bonded Fibers, Inc.
1997 Bontex export sales from USA exceed $10 million. Bontex establishes
Bontex Hong Kong to further expand export sales. Bontex enters into a
key strategic partnership to market nonwoven materials. Bontex becomes
the first global manufacturer in our industry to be ISO 9001 certified.
<PAGE>
MISSION STATEMENT
Our Mission is to be the global leader in the markets we serve, by
providing customers with world class quality products and service.
CORPORATE PROFILE
Bontex, Inc. was originally founded in June 1946 under the laws of the
State of New Jersey. The Company originally began as a leather processing
operation, and today, Bontex is a leading worldwide manufacturer and
distributor of uncoated and coated elastomeric wet web impregnated fiberboard
products, generally described by the trademark BONTEX (registered trademark).
BONTEX (registered trademark) is primarily used as an insole material in
footwear, as well as visorboard in headwear, dielectric sealing base in
automotive door panels, backing substrate, stiffener and laminating base in
luggage, leathergoods, and allied products. All BONTEX (registered
trademark) fiberboard products are designed to be "environmentally-friendly,"
because Bontex uses recycled and primary cellulose fibers originally derived
from trees, a renewable resource.
The Company maintains global headquarters, manufacturing and converting
facilities at Bontex USA, One Bontex Drive, Buena Vista, Virginia; European
headquarters and manufacturing at Bontex S.A., Stembert, Belgium; a
distribution and converting operation at Bontex Italia S.r.l., Villafranca,
Verona, Italy; and distribution subsidiaries at Bontex de Mexico, S.A. de
C.V., in Leon, Mexico and Bontex Hong Kong R.O.C. Bontex also maintains a
network of liaison offices and distributors globally to market Bontex
products.
PRODUCT PROFILE
Bontex manufactures uncoated and coated BONTEX (registered trademark)
fiberboard products; PVC breathable cushion foams, that are marketed under
the trademarks BON-FOAM (registered trademark), MAXXON (registered trademark)
and SURE-FOAM (registered trademark), and are sold in a variety of grades for
use as shock absorbing insole material; BON-PEL (registered trademark), a wet
web nonwoven substrate, which is exceptionally strong and flexible; BONTEX
(registered trademark) 48 MA, an uncoated visorboard for use in military
headwear, which has been approved by NATICK military laboratory. Bontex also
combines certain products, such as foams, fabrics, and vinyls, with BONTEX
(registered trademark) fiberboard. Additionally, Bontex is the exclusive
distributor globally to the footwear industry of an expanded polyurethane
material manufactured by Aearo E.A.R. Specialty Composites, trademarked
MAXXON (registered trademark) LS and CONFOR (registered trademark). Bontex
also markets to the footwear industry a range of nonwoven products under the
company's trademark BON-STITCH (registered trademark), primarily used for
various stitch construction footwear. Registered trademarks under which the
Company markets products include:
BONTEX (registered trademark)
BON-PEL (registered trademark) nonwoven
BON-FOAM (registered trademark) cushion
MAXXON (registered trademark) cushion
SUR-V-LON (registered trademark) vinyl coated Bontex
<PAGE>
SIR-PEL (registered trademark)
MORIMER (registered trademark)
SURTEX (registered trademark)
SUPERTEX (registered trademark)
MORI-FLEX (registered trademark)
BON-STITCH (registered trademark)
VINTEX (registered trademark)
BON-DOE (registered trademark)
BONTEX (registered trademark) 200 RECYCLED
BONTEX (registered trademark) 300 RECYCLED
<PAGE>
MESSAGE TO SHAREHOLDERS
(Bontex letterhead)
(Bontex symbol) BONTEX (registered trademark)
ONE BONTEX DRIVE
BUENA VISTA, VIRGINIA 24416-1500
email: [email protected]
http://www.bontex.com
Dear Fellow Shareholder:
In 1997, we built upon the positive momentum established last year, as this
year's results reflect significant improvement. We are pleased to report to
you that Bontex, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries recorded consolidated
net sales of $50.3 million and generated consolidated operating profits of
$4.0 million and consolidated net income of $1.7 million or $1.10 per share
for the year ended June 30, 1997. This represents the second highest year on
record for net sales, and the highest level of net income and operating
profits in the history of the Company. Relative to the prior fiscal year,
net consolidated sales increased $2.7 million or 5.7 percent, operating
profits increased by $4.1 million, and net income improved from a loss of
$602,000 or $0.38 per share.
This past year marked a milestone for the Company, because it was a year of
transformation as we prepared for the future. Management implemented the
Reorganization Plan (the "Plan") approved last year by our shareholders. We
not only changed our name and logo, but we also further refined our strategic
plans for future growth, and most importantly, increased profitability and
shareholders' value. Many of the Plan's key initiatives, which are
described in this letter, symbolize the dynamism of the Company. We will
capitalize on the Bontex (registered trademark) brand name, which is one of
our most valuable assets. The corporate name change not only better links
the Company with its widely respected product lines, but also recognizes the
significant contribution of international operations and export sales of the
Company. All the Company's foreign subsidiaries have been known as Bontex
for many years.
The Company's international sales continue to be the largest portion of
sales, reflecting our strategic emphasis on developing international markets
and regrettably, the contraction of the US domestic market. The Company's
international subsidiaries have accounted for approximately 60 percent of net
consolidated sales over the past several years. To further expand our
international sales, the Company established a venture in Hong Kong to
directly market our products in China, the world's largest market for Bontex
(registered trademark) products. The Company's plan to establish a
manufacturing facility in Asia still remains an important priority; although
it has been delayed so that management can focus on immediate issues in
returning the Company to profitability, as well as monitor long-term market
and industry trends.
Since the founding of our Company fifty years ago, Bontex has developed into
the primary global manufacturer and distributor of high quality elastomeric
wet web fiber board products. Our mission is to be the global leader in our
industry, by providing customers with high quality Bontex (registered
trademark) products and services. To that end, we continue to develop new
products, improve existing products and innovate new applications. In 1997,
our R&D efforts resulted in the introduction of a number of new products,
including several new composite packages for, among other things, comfort,
cleated footwear and snowboarding. These measures, coupled with present and
future initiatives, should contribute to our Company's future growth and
profitability. <PAGE>
Quality has always been a cornerstone of the Company's identity, and further
demonstrating our quality leadership, during 1997 Bontex became the first
manufacturer in our industry to have ISO 9001 certified quality assurance
systems at all manufacturing facilities. Management regards ISO 9001 as
being crucial in maintaining a competitive advantage in quality globally;
however, ISO 9001 is only one part of our quality program; and it alone does
not guarantee our leadership. The best measure of quality is our ability to
deliver customer satisfaction. Bontex leads our industry in several
important areas and market segments, and we continue to expand our role as a
global market leader. Bontex remains focused on all our key strategic
objectives.
Another important development during 1997 was our strategic alliance with a
well known Italian manufacturer of quality nonwoven materials. Bontex will
market and distribute nonwoven products manufactured to Bontex specifications
under the Bontex (registered trademark) trademark BON-STITCH (registered
trademark). Over the past few years, an increasing portion of footwear,
especially athletic footwear, is strobel stitch constructed using nonwoven
insole materials. This additional product further enhances our market
position to effectively service the entire spectrum of footwear, provides an
added degree of product diversification and ultimately should lead to sales
growth.
As we stated in last year's annual report, the Company was well positioned as
we entered fiscal 1997, because of the positive impact of a number of key
measures previously implemented by management to increase sales and control
costs, as well as the favorable effect of moderated raw material costs. The
Company has generated profits consecutively over the previous six quarters.
We remain optimistic about fiscal 1998; however, the prices of pulp and other
raw materials have risen over the past several months and may continue to
rise. Management has implemented various measures in an attempt to manage
the situation, including purchasing forward, capital enhancements to improve
production efficiencies, and other cost control measures. Further to this,
management is exploring various alternatives that may enable the Company to
achieve more stability in profits and better management of cash flows, as
part of our Risk Management Program and financial plan.
The financial plan implemented last year to improve the Company's financial
position and enhance shareholders' value remains a crucial priority. This
plan includes a number of important measures to increase working capital,
reduce debt, invest judiciously in essential capital projects and reinvest
earnings. Much progress was made as these budgetary and financial controls
have contributed positively to enhancing shareholder value and improving the
Company's financial position. The Company's capital structure (total assets
less current liabilities) continues to finance short and long range business
objectives, and at June 30, 1997, capital structure totaled $14.6 million, an
increase of $1.8 million or 14.1 percent. An important measure of our
progress is reflected in the Company's share price and market capitalization.
As of June 30, 1997, the price of the Company's stock increased 34.4 percent,
representing an increase in market capitalization of $2.0 million.
<PAGE>
We continue to uphold high environmental standards. Protecting the
environment in which we all work and live is an important responsibility to
which the Company has dedicated significant resources over the years. The
Company has recycled for many years and continues to develop environmentally-
friendly products. Bontex (registered trademark) products are made from
recycled and primary cellulose fibers originally derived from trees, a
renewable resource. Bontex has invested several millions of dollars over the
past years to have one of the most environmentally-friendly manufacturing
facilities in our industry: We have converted our boilers from coal to
cleaner burning and more efficient natural gas; we have restored land
previously used for waste disposal and storage; and we have reduced the
amount of process water consumed. Over the past few years, Bontex has
invested over $4 million in waste water treatment plants utilizing state of
the art, cost effective and innovative technologies. Bontex is committed to
conducting business in a fashion that is not only good for business, but also
in a manner that will respect and preserve our environment.
We are proud of all our employees, representatives and distributors globally
for their outstanding teamwork. We are particularly grateful to all of our
customers for their trust placed in Bontex, and we greatly appreciate all of
our shareholders, for your continued support of the Company and its
management.
James C. Kostelni
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
Bontex, Inc., One Bontex Drive, Buena Vista, VA 24416-1500
Telephone: (540) 261-2181 Fax: (540) 261-3784 Email: [email protected]
http://www.bontex.com
Bontex SA (Belgium), Bontex S.r.l. (Italy), Bontex Hong Kong, Bontex de Mexico
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BONTEX, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Summary of Selected Ten Year Data
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data and Ratios)
Years ended June 30,
--------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $50,333 $47,618 $50,998 $47,729 $46,710 $46,534 $44,734 $41,223 $39,676 $33,376
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item and
cumulative effect of
change in accounting
principles 1,733 (602) (1,458) 935 193 942 212 167 143 313
Extraordinary item - - - - - - - - 212 -
Cumulative effect of
change in accounting
principles - - - 400 - - 99 - - -
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net income (loss) $ 1,733 $ (602) $(1,458) $ 1,335 $ 193 $ 942 $ 311 $ 167 $ 355 $ 313
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Income (loss) per share:
Before extraordinary item
and cumulative effect of
change in accounting
principles $ 1.10 $ (.38) $ (.93) $ .60 $ .12 $ .60 $ .14 $ .11 $ .09 $ .20
Extraordinary item - - - - - - - - .14 -
Cumulative effect of change
in accounting principles - - - .25 - - .06 - - -
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net income (loss) $ 1.10 $ (.38) $ (.93) $ .85 $ .12 $ .60 $ .20 $ .11 $ .23 $ .20
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Total assets $32,906 $33,181 $39,527 $31,032 $28,840 $28,669 $22,753 $21,547 $20,598 $18,746
Total stockholders' equity $11,515 $10,308 $11,186 $12,080 $10,521 $10,825 $ 9,313 $ 9,254 $ 8,758 $ 8,574
Capital expenditures $ 2,389 $ 2,157 $ 1,704 $ 1,868 $ 1,226 $ 1,787 $ 1,591 $ 1,047 $ 642 $ 465
Cash flows provided by
(used in) operating
activities $ 3,037 $ 1,180 $(2,073) $ 1,078 $ (122) $ 215 $ 2,024 $ 30 $ 792 $ 55
Long-term debt $ 2,761 $ 2,330 $ 1,364 $ 1,511 $ 1,056 $ 1,493 $ 964 $ 193 $ 361 $ 524
Book value per share $ 7.32 $ 6.55 $ 7.11 $ 7.68 $ 6.69$ 6.88 $ 5.92 $ 5.88 $ 5.57 $ 5.45
Cash dividends declared per
common share* $ - $ - $ - $ - $ .05 $ - $ - $ .10 $ - $ .09
Current ratio 1.16 1.06 1.07 1.30 1.26 1.34 1.43 1.46 1.53 1.63
Total debt to equity ratio 1.86 2.22 2.53 1.57 1.74 1.65 1.44 1.33 1.35 1.19
Capital structure $14,570 $12,819 $12,703 $14,162 $12,224 $12,991 $10,950 $10,146 $ 9,750 $ 9,740
</TABLE>
*A cash dividend of $.05,$.10, and $.09 was paid during the second quarter of
1993, 1990, and 1988, respectively.
<PAGE>
Common Stock and Dividend Data
The stock of Bontex, Inc. is traded over the counter on the NASDAQ
National Market under the symbol BOTX. At September 8, 1997 there were
approximately 692 shareholders of record. A cash dividend was paid during
fiscal year 1993. No cash dividends were declared or paid during fiscal
years 1994 through 1997. The table below sets forth the range of bid prices
for a share of Bontex common stock:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low
---- --- ---- --- ---- --- ---- --- ---- ---
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
First Quarter $4.00 $3.13 $4.25 $2.75 $6.00 $5.00 $4.75 $3.75 $7.75 $5.50
Second Quarter 5.13 3.50 3.88 2.38 6.50 5.50 5.25 4.50 6.63 4.25
Third Quarter 5.38 4.50 3.25 2.38 5.50 3.50 5.25 4.25 5.50 4.25
Fourth Quarter 5.00 4.25 4.38 2.88 4.13 2.98 5.50 4.50 5.50 4.00
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
BONTEX, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Formerly Georgia Bonded Fibers, Inc.)
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
General
Overall business conditions during 1997 were favorable for the Company. The
global economy, particularly concerning sales of footwear products at the
retail level, grew at a moderate rate, with interest rates and inflation at
comparatively low levels. As stated in last year's annual review, the
Company's operating conditions during fiscal year 1997 were expected to
improve as compared to 1996, mainly reflecting lower raw material costs.
However, the Company's operating margins remain under constant pressure from,
among other things, increasing environmental related costs, competitive
pressures and higher prices for raw materials.
The Company's financial statements and notes to the financial statements
should be read as an integral part of this review. Except for the historical
data set forth herein, the following discussion contains certain forward-
looking information. The Company's actual results may differ materially from
these projected results because of inherent limitations with such model
characteristics and assumptions. Factors that could cause or contribute to
such differences include, but are not limited to, level of sales to key
customers, actions of competitors, fluctuations in the prices of primary raw
materials and foreign currency exchange rates.
Results of Operations
Consolidated net sales for 1997 totaled $50.3 million, an increase of $2.7
million or 5.7 percent as compared to the prior year's level of $47.6
million. The increase in 1997 sales is primarily due to higher average
selling prices and added sales volumes, demonstrating the positive impact of
the Company's marketing program and favorable economic conditions.
During fiscal 1996, the Company recorded consolidated net sales of $47.6
million, a decline of $3.4 million, as compared to the $51.0 million in 1995.
The decline in sales from 1995 to 1996 reflected a general global slowdown in
retail sales to the various industries the Company serves.
(Bar Graph Appears Here)
<TABLE>
Net Sales
(Millions of Dollars)
<S> <C>
1997 $ 50.3
1996 $ 47.6
1995 $ 51.0
1994 $ 47.7
1993 $ 46.7
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
The Company generated consolidated net income of $1.7 million or $1.10 per
share in 1997, as compared to the net losses of $602,000 or $.38 per share
and $1,458,000 or $.93 per share for 1996 and 1995, respectively. These
positive operating results reflect the continued impact of various measures
implemented by management to increase sales and improve profitability, as
well as the effect of lower pulp prices. The prior year operating losses
were primarily due to higher raw material costs. Cost of sales as a percent
of net sales was 68 percent in 1997; 77.1 percent in 1996; and 77.3 percent
in 1995.
The Company's goal is to mitigate the effects of cyclical changes in costs
through purchase contracts, forward purchasing, and application of
technologies to improve process efficiencies. Further to this, management is
exploring various alternatives that may enable the Company to create more
stability with pulp purchases as part of our Risk Management Program, in
addition to manufacturing and marketing products less sensitive to pulp
costs. Cost trends leading up to December 31, 1995 indicated increased
inflationary pressures.
(Bar Graph Appears Here)
<TABLE>
Gross Profit
(Millions of Dollars)
<S> <C>
1997 $ 16.1
1996 $ 10.9
1995 $ 11.6
1994 $ 12.8
1993 $ 11.5
</TABLE>
The cost of pulp and latex, two primary raw materials for the Company's
products, increased by more than 100 percent and 56 percent, respectively,
during the eighteen months leading up to December 31, 1995. In January 1996,
pulp prices declined considerably, from a high of $1,000 per ton to $500 per
ton. Since then, pulp prices have recovered and recent trends for higher
pulp prices are expected to continue in 1998. Furthermore, costs relating to
environmental controls continue to increase, resulting in continued pressure
on the Company's operating margins. Management has implemented various
measures in an attempt to manage the situation, including raising selling
prices, capital enhancements to improve production efficiencies, a revised
Risk Management Program and various cost control measures. The impact of the
preceding measures contributed to the Company's operating profits in 1997.
Management currently believes that the Company is well positioned as it
enters the next fiscal year; however, operating margins are expected to be
adversely impacted by increased costs. Management intends to continue to
prudently apply technology to manufacture high quality products while working
to reduce costs in all areas of operations in an effort to maintain
competitive selling prices. There can be no assurance, however, that
increased raw material prices will not have an adverse effect on the
Company's operations or competitive position in the future. It is difficult
to predict future raw material costs, as well as to implement timely selling
price increases for the Company's finished goods due to the globally
competitive environment in which the Company operates.
<PAGE>
The Company's United States operations use the last-in, first-out (LIFO)
method of inventory accounting; however, for comparison purposes with other
companies, if the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method of accounting had been
used, reported gross profit would have been lower by $285,000 in 1997, lower
by $147,000 in 1996, and higher by $342,000 in 1995. Net income would have
been lower by $181,000 or $.12 per share in 1997, lower by $95,000 or $.06
per share in 1996 and higher by $212,000 or $.13 per share in 1995.
As a percent of net sales, selling, general and administrative (SG&A)
expenses over the previous three years were relatively stable at 24 percent
in 1997; 23.1 percent in 1996; and 23.4 percent in 1995. The $1.1 million
increase in SG&A from 1996 to 1997 can be attributed to higher sales,
marketing, freight, advertising and compensation related costs.
Additionally, SG&A costs for 1996 were lower than normal because of the
reversal of a deferred compensation accrual of $159,000, as described in Note
6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The decrease in
SG&A costs from 1995 to 1996 was due largely to various cost control measures
and the decline in sales.
The decrease in interest expense over the past year was primarily due to the
reduction of debt. The weighted-average interest rate on short-term
borrowings during 1997 and 1996 was 7.9 and 8.0 percent, respectively. The
higher interest expense during 1996 is mainly due to higher interest rates
and increased borrowings. Proceeds from credit facilities were utilized for
planned capital additions, such as mandated environmental projects, as well
as funding of operations. A large portion of the Company's debt consists of
short-term credit facilities with variable interest rates. To protect the
Company's financial position from future interest rate increases, the Company
entered into a number of interest rate swap agreements, to provide for fixed
interest payments and stable cash outflows. However, a portion of the
variable rate debt is not covered by interest rate swaps, and as such, is
subject to market risk of rate changes. Financial instruments, by their
nature, are exposed to such market risk, which is the risk of loss arising
from adverse changes in market rates and prices. Interest rate swap
agreements and market risks of financial instruments are described in Note 7
of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The consolidated effective income tax rate for the Company was 39.1 percent
in 1997; 23 percent in 1996; and 37.9 percent in 1995. The higher effective
tax rate in 1997 was principally due to higher taxable income, particularly
at the Company's European subsidiaries where income tax rates are higher.
The income tax benefit in 1996 and 1995 was attributed to the operating
losses, reflecting $317,000 and $781,000, respectively, in net operating loss
carryforwards. Refer to Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements for further details regarding income taxes.
International Sales & Operations
The Company's international sales continue to be the largest portion of
sales, reflecting management's strategic emphasis on developing international
markets and the contraction of the US market for Bontex (registered
trademark) products. Asian countries continue to be the largest sales market
for Bontex, as over 67 percent of the world's footwear are produced in the
Far East, per the 1997 SATRA World Report. The Company's international
subsidiaries represented approximately 60 percent of consolidated net sales
over the past three years. Export sales from the US in 1997, 1996 and 1995
were $13.8 million, $9.8 million and $9.2 million, respectively. US export
sales are generally denominated in US dollars.
<PAGE>
Foreign currency exchange rates have different effects from year to year on
the translation of the income statement and balance sheet. The impact of the
rate increase from 1996 to 1997 resulted in net sales being lower by
approximately $2 million, and the exchange rate decreases from 1995 to 1996
and 1994 to 1995 resulted in net sales being higher by approximately $600,000
and $3.2 million, respectively. On the balance sheet, foreign currency
exchange rates at June 30, 1997 were higher than the currency exchange rates
at June 30, 1996, which resulted in a translation decrease of approximately
$2.7 million in total assets, as compared to the translation decrease of
approximately $1.5 million last year.
International operations are subject to certain inherent risks, including
currency fluctuations, export duties, restrictions on transfer of funds and
political instability. Management continually monitors and assesses these
inherent risks, and evaluates various alternatives to manage exposure to such
risks. The exposure to foreign currency exchange losses represents the risk
that eventual net cash flows resulting from a sale or purchase will be
adversely affected by changes in exchange rates. During 1995, the Company
experienced extreme volatility in the foreign exchange markets. This unusual
volatility resulted in larger than normal currency exchange losses, and
accordingly, management revised its Risk Management Program (RMP). The
revised RMP is a coordinated approach in the management of foreign currency
risks: The overall policy of the RMP is to match currency denominations of
the Company's assets with those of its liabilities, in a manner intended to
reduce the Company's foreign currency exposure.
The revised RMP appears to be effectively managing the Company's exposure to
foreign currencies, as supported by the significant reduction of foreign
exchange gains and losses in 1997, and accordingly, such exchange gains and
losses in the future are not expected to be material. However, prior to
implementation of our revised RMP, total foreign currency exchange gains and
losses were a gain of $496,000 in 1996 and a loss in 1995 of $1.5 million.
The exchange gain in 1996 represents a recovery of a portion of the exchange
losses accrued during the prior year. The higher than normal exchange losses
in 1995 are mainly the result of the decrease in value of the US dollar,
Italian lire and Mexican peso. Management cannot assure that such exchange
losses will not occur again in the future. All transactions denominated in
foreign currencies are not hedged (i.e., Mexican peso, Canadian dollar, etc.)
since the volume of such transactions is limited and therefore the cost to
hedge is considered prohibitive. The Company regards these international
markets as excellent opportunities for future growth in revenues and profits,
and will continue to attempt to manage these risks in the most cost-effective
manner. Refer to Notes 1 and 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements for further details regarding currencies, market risks and
financial instruments.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company's capital structure (total assets less current liabilities)
continues to finance short- and long-range business objectives, and at June
30, 1997 and 1996 totaled $14.6 million and $12.8 million, respectively. The
increase in capital structure is primarily due to the reduction of short-term
borrowings. The Company's capital structure primarily consists of
stockholders' equity, and over the past two years, long-term debt represented
approximately 19 percent of capital structure. The Company's requirements
for capital during the previous two fiscal years have principally been for
capital related expenditures and funding operations.
<PAGE>
The Company's Cash Conversion Efficiency (cash flows from operations/net
sales) improved considerably from 2.48% the prior year to 6.03% this year,
reflecting higher cash flows from operations resulting from, among other
things, improved profit margins. Cash flows from operations totaled $3.0
million and $1.2 million in 1997 and 1996, respectively. Cash flows used in
operations in 1995 totaled $2.1 million. Cash flows used in investing
activities mainly represent acquisition of property, plant and equipment.
These capital investments totaled $2.4 million, $2.2 million and $1.7 million
in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Net cash flows from financing
activities totaled $249,000 in 1997, net cash flows used in financing
activities totaled $2.3 million in 1996, and net cash flows from financing
activities were $5.7 million in 1995.
Cash and cash equivalents increased by $658,000 to $1.4 million, and largely
represent financing and hedging positions with respect to the Company's
European operations.
Trade accounts receivable decreased approximately $456,000 to $13.6 million
at June 30, 1997, as compared to last year, primarily because of improved
collections and currency translation adjustments. Inventory balances at June
30, 1997 were $5.3 million, down from $5.5 million the prior year. The
decrease in inventory is mainly because of the consumption of higher priced
inventories. Management continues to implement controls over finished goods
and raw material inventories to control costs through the reduction of stock,
seconds, and scrap.
The decrease in deferred income tax assets primarily reflects the utilization
of approximately $2.3 million or 75 percent of the net operating loss
carryforwards. At June 30, 1997, the Company had approximately $747,000 in
net operating loss carryforwards to offset future taxable income, of which
approximately $250,000 and $361,000 expire in 2010 and 2011, respectively.
Approximately $136,000 of the net operating loss carryforwards do not expire.
The ultimate realization of the alternative minimum tax credit and net
operating loss carryforwards is dependent upon the Company generating
approximately $1.0 million in future taxable income during the tax
carryforward period. Certain factors beyond management's control can affect
future levels of taxable income, including prices for primary raw materials
and foreign currency exchange rates. Management believes that it is more
likely than not that the Company will realize its deferred tax assets, as a
result of, among other things, the Company's tax planning strategies,
positive operating conditions and cost control measures implemented by
management, and based on the level of anticipated future taxable income.
Additionally, management currently believes that the existing net deductible
temporary differences will reverse during the periods in which the Company
generates net taxable income. Accordingly, no allowances are provided for
deferred tax assets.
The plant and equipment additions mainly represent capital expenditures for
mandated environmental controls, and various capital improvements to enhance
the productivity of manufacturing and converting facilities in the United
States, Belgium, and Italy. Capital expenditures for 1998 are projected not
to exceed $700,000.
Accounts payable decreased $526,000 to $7.5 million at June 30, 1997, as
compared to the prior year. The payable balances last year were higher than
normal mainly because of accruals relating to capital additions and higher
raw material inventory balances. Short-term borrowings decreased $1.4
million to $8 million at June 30, 1997 and primarily correspond to the
decrease in accounts receivable and inventories.
<PAGE>
The $431,000 increase in long-term debt was primarily due to the funding of
capital expenditures, partially offset by long-term debt principal payments.
These secured credit facilities contain various loan covenants, including the
maintenance of certain minimum financial ratios and borrowing base
requirements. The Company was in compliance with the applicable debt
covenants at June 30, 1997. Refer to Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements for further details regarding Long-term Debt and
Financing Agreements. The Company believes current credit facilities
combined with cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet future
operating and capital requirements for the foreseeable future.
The Company's ratio of current assets to current liabilities improved from
1.06 at June 30, 1996 to 1.16 at June 30, 1997, and the Days of Working
Capital ratio (DWC) (working capital/(net sales/365 days)) more than doubled
from 9.65 last year to 21.86, primarily reflecting the $1.8 million increase
in working capital. The ratio of total liabilities to equity improved at
fiscal year end to 1.86 from 2.22 the prior year. These changes are
primarily attributed to positive operating results. Management has
implemented a financial plan to help continue to improve the Company's
financial condition. This financial plan includes measures to increase
working capital, reduce debt, invest in essential capital projects and retain
earnings for future expansion and operations.
Restructuring
In June 1997, the Company's Board of Directors, in response to decreasing
demand in the domestic markets, approved a plan to restructure the Company's
U.S. operations in the Northeast. The restructuring plan focuses on the
Company's Newark, New Jersey operation and will involve closing the Company's
current Newark warehouse facility. The Company expects the restructuring to
generate significant operating efficiency improvements which should
contribute to the long-term profitability of the Company. Net pretax savings
are projected to be significant, and principally consist of reduced salaries,
operating and overhead costs for the Newark facility. The Company plans to
dispose of the warehouse facility within the next year. The related
restructuring charges at June 30, 1997 are immaterial to the financial
statements, because the net realizable value of the Newark warehouse facility
exceeds the net carrying amount. Future cash outlays and expenditures for
the restructuring are not expected to be material.
Environment
As with all related manufacturers, the Company is subject to regulation by
various federal, state, foreign and local agencies concerning compliance with
environmental control statutes. These regulations impose limitations on the
discharge of effluent and emissions into the environment, and establish
standards for treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous wastes, as well as
require the Company to obtain and operate in compliance with the conditions
of permits and other governmental authorizations.
During fiscal 1997, the Company completed the construction of the waste water
treatment plant in Belgium at an aggregate cost over the past three years of
approximately $2 million. The Company in the USA is developing and
implementing certain air emission controls. The cost of the air control
technologies based on current information is projected to be approximately
$250,000. The Company believes that it is in substantial compliance with
applicable environmental laws and regulations.
<PAGE>
The Company has made and intends to continue to make substantial capital
investments and operating expenditures, as well as production adjustments, in
connection with compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
Estimates of future costs for environmental compliance may differ from final
costs due to, among other things, continued emergence of new environmental
laws and regulations, as well as technological developments. Refer to Note 8
of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details
regarding environmental matters.
Accounting Changes
In connection with the granting of stock options in 1997, the Company adopted
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-
Based Compensation," which permits entities to recognize as expense over the
vesting period the fair value of all stock-based awards on the date of grant.
Alternatively, SFAS No. 123 also allows entities to apply the provisions of
Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees," and related interpretations, and provide pro forma net
income and pro forma earnings per share disclosures for employee stock option
grants as if the fair-value-based method defined in SFAS No. 123 had been
applied. The Company has elected to apply the provisions of APB Opinion No.
25 and provide the pro forma disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123. As such,
compensation expense is recorded on the date of grant only if the current
market price of the underlying stock exceeded the exercise price.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for
the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of" in March 1995 and SFAS
No. 125, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and
Extinguishment of Liabilities" in June 1996, of which neither had a material
impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of
operations or liquidity. Refer to Note 1 of Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements for further details regarding SFAS No. 121 and 125.
Recently, the Financing Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 128,
"Earnings Per Share," SFAS No. 129, "Disclosure of Information about Capital
Disclosure," SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," and SFAS No.
131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information."
These statements are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15,
1997. The Company does not anticipate the adoption of these statements to
have a material effect on its consolidated financial positions, results of
operations or liquidity.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BONTEX, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Formerly Georgia Bonded Fibers, Inc.)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS) and
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Years Ended June 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss):
1997 1996 1995
NET SALES $ 50,333 $ 47,618 $ 50,998
COST OF SALES 34,241 36,736 39,398
------- ------- -------
Gross profit 16,092 10,882 11,600
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 12,083 10,979 11,913
------- ------- -------
Operating income (loss) 4,009 (97) (313)
------- ------- -------
OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSES:
Interest expense 1,247 1,288 984
Interest income (45) (93) (219)
Foreign currency exchange (gain) loss (26) (496) 1,477
Other - net (13) (14) (209)
------- ------- -------
1,163 685 2,033
------- ------- -------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES 2,846 (782) (2,346)
INCOME TAXES 1,113 (180) (888)
------- ------- -------
NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 1,733 $ (602) $ (1,458)
======= ======= =======
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE $ 1.10 $ (.38) $ (.93)
======= ======= =======
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity:
1997 1996 1995
Stockholders' Equity, beginning balance $ 10,308 $ 11,186 $ 12,080
Net income (loss) 1,733 (602) (1,458)
Foreign currency translation adjustment (526) (276) 564
------- ------- -------
Stockholders' Equity, ending balance $ 11,515 $ 10,308 $ 11,186
======= ======= =======
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE><CAPTION>
BONTEX, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Formerly Georgia Bonded Fibers, Inc.)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
June 30, 1997 and 1996
(In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS 1997 1996
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash $ 1,373 $ 715
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance
for doubtful accounts of $119 ($134 at 1996) 13,622 14,078
Other receivables 551 527
Inventories 5,276 5,495
Deferred income taxes 321 676
Income taxes refundable 76 14
Other current assets 131 116
------- -------
Total current assets 21,350 21,621
------- -------
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
Land and land improvements 347 298
Building and building improvements 5,332 4,785
Machinery, furniture and equipment 16,176 15,755
Construction in progress 808 782
------- -------
22,663 21,620
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 11,631 11,165
------- -------
Net property, plant and equipment 11,032 10,455
Deferred income taxes - 442
Other assets 524 663
------- -------
Total assets $ 32,906 $ 33,181
======= =======
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Short-term borrowings $ 8,019 $ 9,416
Accounts payable 7,521 8,047
Accrued expenses 2,079 2,164
Income taxes payable 139 169
Long-term debt due currently 578 566
------- -------
Total current liabilities 18,336 20,362
Long-term debt 2,761 2,330
Deferred income taxes 108 -
Other long-term liabilities 186 181
------- -------
Total liabilities 21,391 22,873
------- -------
<PAGE>
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock of no par value. Authorized
10,000,000 shares; none issued - -
Common stock of $.10 par value. Authorized
10,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding
1,572,824 shares 157 157
Additional capital 1,551 1,551
Retained earnings 9,344 7,611
Foreign currency translation adjustment 463 989
------- -------
Total stockholders' equity 11,515 10,308
------- -------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 32,906 $ 33,181
======= =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BONTEX, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Formerly Georgia Bonded Fibers, Inc.)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended June 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995
(In Thousands)
1997 1996 1995
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Cash received from customers $ 48,846 $ 50,552 $ 50,133
Cash paid to suppliers and employees (44,283) (48,226) (51,227)
Interest received 45 98 212
Interest paid, net of amount capitalized (1,220) (1,330) (986)
Income taxes paid, net of refunds (351) 86 (205)
------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 3,037 1,180 (2,073)
------- ------- -------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments - - 123
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment - 75 39
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment (2,389) (2,157) (1,704)
------- ------- -------
Net cash used in investing activities (2,389) (2,082) (1,542)
------- ------- -------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings, net (403) (1,740) 4,288
Long-term debt incurred 2,675 115 2,000
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations (2,023) (694) (569)
------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 249 (2,319) 5,719
------- ------- -------
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH (239) (443) 913
------- ------- -------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 658 (3,664) 3,017
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 715 4,379 1,362
------- ------- -------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR $ 1,373 $ 715 $ 4,379
======= ======= =======
<PAGE>
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS) TO NET CASH PROVIDED BY
(USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss) $ 1,733 $ (602) $ (1,458)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided
by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 1,189 1,100 1,072
(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 1 13 (15)
Provision for bad debts 75 66 42
Deferred income taxes 844 (387) (885)
Donated property - - (82)
Change in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in trade accounts and other receivables (807) 660 471
(Increase) decrease in inventories (261) 2,123 (2,360)
Decrease in other assets 16 22 70
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses 320 (2,121) 1,493
Increase (decrease) in income taxes (78) 273 (159)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities 5 33 (262)
------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 3,037 $ 1,180 $ (2,073)
======= ======= =======
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Donated property $ - $ - $ 82
======= ======= =======
Construction in progress accrued in payables $ 49 $ 76 $ 178
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>
BONTEX, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Formerly Georgia Bonded Fibers, Inc.)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995
(All amounts in thousands except share data)
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Consolidation - The accounts of Bontex, Inc. (formerly Georgia Bonded Fibers,
Inc.) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Bontex S.A., Belgium, Bontex Italia,
S.r.l., Italy and Bontex de Mexico C.V., Mexico, and its majority-owned
subsidiary, Bontex Hong Kong Limited, (the Company) are included in the
consolidated financial statements after elimination of significant
intercompany accounts and transactions.
Foreign Currency Translation - The financial statements of the Company's
subsidiaries outside the United States are measured using the local currency
as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these foreign
subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange as of
the balance sheet date. The resulting translation adjustments are included
as a separate component of stockholders' equity. Translation gains or losses
for Bontex de Mexico C.V., a wholly-owned subsidiary located in a highly
inflationary country, are not material, and as such, are included as a
separate component of stockholders' equity. Income and expense items are
translated at weighted average monthly exchange rates in effect during the
year. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in
net income (loss).
Cash Equivalents - For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company
considers all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of
three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Inventories - Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost of
inventories maintained in North America is determined on the last-in,
first-out (LIFO) and in Europe on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) and weighted
average bases.
Property, Plant and Equipment - Property, plant and equipment are stated at
cost. Machinery and equipment held under capital leases are stated at the
present value of minimum lease payments at the inception of the lease. The
Company capitalizes interest cost as a component of the cost of major
construction in progress. Capitalized interest during the years ended June
30, 1997, 1996 and 1995 totaled zero, $142 and $8, respectively.
Depreciation and Amortization - Depreciation is provided by the straight-line
method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets.Estimated useful
lives are 10 to 40 years for buildings and building improvements, and 3 to 25
years for machinery, furniture and equipment.Machinery and equipment held
under capital leases are amortized by the straight-line method over the
shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset.
Amortization of assets held under capital leases is included in depreciation
and amortization of property, plant and equipment.
Other Assets - Other assets consist principally of deferred loan costs,
trademarks and various deposits. The deferred loan costs are amortized over
the life of the loans. Trademark costs are amortized on a straight-line
basis over five years.
<PAGE>
Financial Instruments - The Company enters into interest rate swap
transactions to manage its interest rate exposure. Income or expense arising
from these transactions is accounted for as an adjustment to interest expense
over the life of the agreements. The Company has also entered into forward
foreign currency exchange contracts to manage the exposure of sales by Bontex
S.A. which are denominated in U.S. dollars to changes in foreign currency
exchange rates. The contracts mature at various dates, are valued at fair
value and the resulting gain or loss included in net income (loss).
Revenue Recognition - Sales and cost of sales are recognized at the time of
product shipment or delivery to the customer, based on shipping terms.
Use of Estimates and Forward-Looking Data - 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 the disclosure of contingent
assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from these estimates. Except for the historical
data set forth herein, certain forward-looking information is contained in
these disclosures. Actual amounts may differ from these projections.
Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include inherent
limitations of model characteristics and assumptions.
Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of
Liabilities - Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 125 "Accounting
for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of
Liabilities," was issued in June 1996, and is effective for transfers and
servicing of financial assets and extinguishment of liabilities after
December 31, 1996. Adoption of this statement did not have a material impact
on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or
liquidity.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets and Long-lived Assets to Be Disposed Of - The
Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the
Impairment of Long-lived Assets and for Long-lived Assets to Be Disposed Of,"
on July 1, 1996. This Statement requires that long-lived assets and certain
identifiable intangibles be reviewed for impairment whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may
not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured
by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows
expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be
impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which
the carrying amount of the assets exceed the fair value of the assets.
Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or
fair value less costs to sell. Adoption of this Statement did not have a
material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of
operations, or liquidity.
Income Per Share - Income per share has been computed on the basis of the
number of shares outstanding during each year (1,572,824 shares). The
calculation of weighted average shares outstanding does not include the
effect of common stock options since their impact on the weighted average
shares outstanding is less than three percent.
<PAGE>
Stock Options - In connection with the granting of stock options in 1997, the
Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," which permits entities to
recognize as expense over the vesting period the fair value of all stock-
based awards on the date of grant. Alternatively, SFAS No. 123 also allows
entities to apply the provisions of Accounting Principles Board ("APB")
Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related
interpretations, and provide pro forma net income and pro forma earnings per
share disclosures for employee stock option grants as if the fair-value-based
method defined in SFAS No. 123 had been applied. The Company has elected to
apply the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25 and provide the pro forma
disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123. As such, compensation expense is
recorded on the date of grant only if the current market price of the
underlying stock exceeded the exercise price.
Reclassification - Certain reclassifications have been made to the 1996
consolidated financial statements to conform with the 1997 presentation.
2. INVENTORIES
Cost of inventories of approximately $2,517 in 1997 and $1,716 in 1996, is
determined by the last-in, first-out method (LIFO). Replacement costs for
LIFO inventories approximated $2,862 in 1997 and $2,346 in 1996. Inventories
of approximately $2,759 in 1997 and $3,779 in 1996, are determined by the
first-in, first-out (FIFO) and weighted average bases.
<TABLE>
Inventories are summarized as follows:
1997 1996
<S> <C> <C>
Finished goods $ 2,908 $ 3,731
Raw materials 2,067 1,791
Supplies 646 603
------ ------
Inventories at FIFO and
weighted average cost 5,621 6,125
LIFO reserves 345 630
------ ------
$ 5,276 $ 5,495
====== ======
</TABLE>
During 1997, 1996 and 1995, LIFO layers were reduced resulting in charging
lower inventory costs to cost of sales of $37, $91 and $173, respectively.
3. BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION AND INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS
On January 2, 1997, Bontex, Inc. completed a reorganization plan which
changed, among other things, its name from Georgia Bonded Fibers, Inc. and
the state of incorporation to Virginia from New Jersey. The reorganization
did not result in any change in business, management, net worth, assets or
liabilities of the Company.
<PAGE>
Bontex, Inc. and all majority-owned subsidiaries are predominantly engaged in
the manufacturing and distribution of uncoated and coated BONTEX (registered
trademark) elastomeric fiberboard products. The Company operates
manufacturing facilities at Bontex USA in North America and Bontex S.A. in
Belgium. BONTEX (registered trademark) products are primarily used as an
insole material in footwear, as well as visorboard in headwear, stiffener and
laminating base for luggage, leathergoods and allied industries globally.
Export sales from Bontex USA totaled $13,776, $9,761 and $9,161 in 1997, 1996
and 1995, respectively. Sales to Asian countries represent approximately 48,
44 and 47 percent of total export sales for the Company in 1997, 1996 and
1995, respectively.
For the past three years, sales to one customer ranged from approximately 6
percent to 9 percent of consolidated net sales.
Information related to the North American and European operations follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
North American European
Operations Operations Eliminations Consolidated
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1997:
Total assets $ 15,551 $ 19,801 $ (2,446) $ 32,906
Total liabilities 6,320 15,656 (585) 21,391
Net sales 21,141 29,709 (517) 50,333
Income before income taxes 1,105 1,741 - 2,846
Net income 784 949 - 1,733
1996:
Total assets $ 15,110 $ 20,412 $ (2,341) $ 33,181
Total liabilities 6,540 17,090 (757) 22,873
Net sales 18,486 29,507 (375) 47,618
Loss before income taxes (188) (585) (9) (782)
Net loss (60) (531) (11) (602)
1995:
Total assets $ 14,311 $ 27,426 $ (2,210) $ 39,527
Total liabilities 5,785 23,310 (754) 28,341
Net sales 19,735 31,541 (278) 50,998
Loss before income taxes (933) (1,424) 11 (2,346)
Net loss (615) (854) 11 (1,458)
</TABLE>
Retained earnings of foreign operations not available for distribution
amounted to approximately $846 and $579 at June 30, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
<PAGE>
4. LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING AGREEMENTS
The following long-term debt was outstanding as of June 30, 1997 and 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
<S> <C> <C>
8.50% loan payable to a bank in the
United States in quarterly installments
of $80 through July 2001; collateralized
by accounts receivable, inventory and
other noncurrent assets in the U.S. and
subject to various loan covenants $ 1,360 $ -
10.50% loan payable to a bank in the United
States in quarterly installments of $77
through June 2001; collateralized by accounts
receivable and inventory and other noncurrent
assets in the U.S. and subject to various loan
covenants. Refinanced August 1996 - 1,538
7.72% loan payable to an agency of the Belgian
government in ten annual installments beginning
May 15, 1992. Four annual installments of $78
are outstanding at June 30, 1997 311 447
7.72% loan payable to an agency of the Belgian
government in ten annual installments beginning
September 1995 to 2004. Eight annual installments
of $69 are outstanding at June 30, 1997 556 718
6.15% loan payable to an agency of the Belgian
government in ten annual installments of $111
beginning September 1997 to 2006 1,112 104
12.25% loan payable to a bank in Italy in monthly
installments of $10 through March 1997; collateralized
by plant and equipment in Italy - 89
------ ------
3,339 2,896
Less long-term debt due currently 578 566
------ ------
Long-term debt $ 2,761 $ 2,330
====== ======
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
The principal payments of long-term debt are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
1998 $ 578
1999 578
2000 578
2001 578
2002 262
Thereafter 765
------
Total $ 3,339
======
</TABLE>
The loans payable to an agency of the Belgian government have a mortgage on
Bontex S.A.'s buildings and the right to request a second mortgage on the
buildings.
European operations have short-term credit facilities totaling approximately
$7,976 and $8,429 at June 30, 1997 and 1996 respectively. As of June 30,
borrowings under these facilities were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
<S> <C> <C>
Short-term bank loans with various interest
rates between 3.85% and 9.99% $ 6,588 $ 8,187
Overdrafts 233 242
------ ------
$ 6,821 $ 8,429
====== ======
</TABLE>
Five banks in Belgium share a security interest in most of the assets of
Bontex S.A. for half the amount of the credit facilities granted, and the
right to request a security interest in the amount of the other half of the
credit facilities granted. As of June 30, 1997 and 1996, one of the bankers
under these facilities had the right to request a security interest.
Bontex USA has secured lines of credit arrangements with a bank whereby
Bontex USA may borrow up to $1,750 at the one month London Inter Bank Offered
Rate (LIBOR) plus 2.50 percent (8.19 percent at June 30, 1997). At June 30,
1997 and 1996, Bontex USA had borrowings of $1,198 and $987, respectively,
outstanding under lines of credit. The secured lines of credit are
collaterized by the same security as the refinanced long-term debt discussed
below.
Consolidated weighted average interest rates on short-term borrowings at June
30, 1997 and 1996 are 7.9 and 8.0 percent, respectively.
<PAGE>
During 1997 and 1996, Bontex USA was subject to various loan covenants under
its secured debt agreements and has pledged certain current and noncurrent
assets as security. Bontex USA was in compliance with the applicable
covenants at June 30, 1997 and 1996, including the maintenance of certain
minimum financial ratios and borrowing base requirements. In August 1996,
Bontex USA refinanced its previous long-term debt with a new secured debt
agreement resulting in a $38 write-off of deferred financing costs related to
the early extinguishment of debt which was recognized during fiscal 1997.
5. INCOME TAXES
The U.S. and foreign components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes
are presented as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Current Deferred Total
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1997:
Federal $ 41 $ 246 $ 287
State (1) 29 28
Foreign 229 569 798
----- ------ -------
$ 269 $ 844 $ 1,113
===== ====== =======
1996:
Federal $ (91) $ (49) $ (140)
State - (5) (5)
Foreign 298 (333) (35)
----- ------ ------
$ 207 $ (387) $ (180)
===== ====== =======
1995:
Federal $(136) $ (174) $ (310)
State (1) (7) (8)
Foreign 134 (704) (570)
----- ------ ------
$ (3) $ (885) $ (888)
===== ====== =======
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
The provision (benefit) for income taxes differs from the expected tax
expense (benefit), computed by applying the U.S. Federal corporate rate to
income or loss before income taxes as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Federal income tax at statutory rate $ 968 $ (265) $ (798)
Increase (reduction) in income taxes
resulting from:
Foreign Sales Corporation (96) - (23)
Foreign income(loss) at other than
U.S. rates 116 64 (115)
State and local taxes, net of federal
income tax benefit 18 (3) (5)
Other differences, net 107 24 53
------ ------ ------
Provision for income taxes $ 1,113 $ (180) $ (888)
====== ====== ======
Effective income tax rate 39% 23% 38%
U.S. Federal statutory income tax rate 34% 34% 34%
</TABLE>
The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at June 30, 1997 and
1996 are presented below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Accounts receivable, principally due to allowance
for doubtful accounts $ 22 $ 25
Inventories, principally due to additional costs
capitalized for tax purposes 101 97
Other assets, due to difference in amortization of
trademarks 136 118
Accrued pension and retirement benefits 144 144
Net operating loss carryforwards 277 1,130
Alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards 88 90
Other 159 90
------ ------
Total gross deferred tax assets 927 1,694
------ ------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Plant and equipment, principally due to differences
in depreciation and capital gain recognition (690) (554)
Other (24) (22)
------ ------
Total gross deferred tax liabilities (714) (576)
------ ------
Net deferred tax asset $ 213 $ 1,118
====== ======
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
The U.S. and foreign components of the net deferred tax asset at June 30,
1997 and 1996 are presented below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Current Noncurrent Total
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1997:
U.S. Operations $ 136 $ (54) $ 82
European Operations 185 (54) 131
---- ----- ------
$ 321 $ (108) $ 213
==== ===== ======
1996:
U.S. Operations $ 91 $ 266 $ 357
European Operations 585 176 761
---- ----- ------
$ 676 $ 442 $ 1,118
==== ===== ======
</TABLE>
At June 30, 1997, in addition to the alternative minimum tax credit
carryforward of $88 at Bontex USA, the Company had approximately $747 ($611
at Bontex USA and $136 at Bontex S. A.) in net operating loss carryforwards
to offset future taxable income, of which $250 and $361 at Bontex USA expire
in 2010 and 2011, respectively. The net operating loss carryforwards at
Bontex S.A. have no expiration date.
Deferred tax assets at June 30, 1997 include $311 related to the alternative
minimum tax credit and net operating loss carryforwards at Bontex USA, and
$54 related to net operating loss carryforwards at Bontex S.A. For 1996 and
1995 the Company experienced losses before income taxes of approximately $782
and $2,346, respectively. The Company realized $853 of the deferred tax
assets during 1997 as a result of generating taxable income. The Company
will need to generate future taxable income of $870 at Bontex USA and $136 at
Bontex S.A. during the tax carryforward periods to realize the alternative
minimum tax credit and net operating loss carryforwards.
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers
whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred
tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax
assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the
periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Based upon
the level of historical taxable income, anticipation of future taxable income
over the periods which the deferred tax assets are deductible, reversal of
the temporary differences and available tax planning strategies, management
believes it is more likely than not the Company will realize these deferred
tax assets.
At June 30, 1997, the Company has not recognized a deferred tax liability of
$90 for the cumulative amount of undistributed income of its foreign
subsidiaries, because there are no plans to pay dividends in the foreseeable
future. As of June 30, 1997, undistributed income of the foreign
subsidiaries was approximately $1,799, of which approximately $846 is not
available for distribution.
<PAGE>
6. RETIREMENT AND COMPENSATION PLANS
The Company has pension plans covering substantially all full-time domestic
employees and certain foreign employees. The benefits from the Company's
domestic defined benefit plan are based upon years of service and the
employee's average earnings for the five highest consecutive years of
compensation during the ten years immediately preceding retirement. The
Company's funding policy is to contribute amounts to the plan sufficient to
meet the minimum funding requirements set forth in the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, and any such additional amounts as the Company
may determine to be appropriate from time to time. Annual provisions for
accrued pension costs are based on independent actuarial valuations.
The Plan's funded status and amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated
financial statements at June 30 for its United States pension plan are as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
<S> <C> <C>
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
Accumulated benefit obligation, including
vested benefits (1997, $4,225 and 1996,
$4,021) $ (4,235) $ (4,044)
====== ======
Projected benefit obligation for service
rendered to date $ (5,242) $ (5,217)
Plan assets 4,868 4,346
------ ------
Plan assets less than projected benefit
obligation (374) (871)
Unrecognized prior service cost 162 177
Unrecognized net loss from past experience
different from that assumed (68) 429
Unrecognized net asset at July 1, 1996, net
of amortization (115) (131)
------ ------
Accrued pension cost $ (395) $ (396)
====== ======
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
The Company's net periodic pension expense for the years ended June 30, 1997,
1996 and 1995 include the following components:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Service cost-benefits earned during
the period $ 175 $ 200 $ 243
Interest cost on projected benefit
obligation 370 366 344
Net amortization and deferral 190 2 180
---- ---- ----
735 568 767
Less actual return on assets and
employee contributions 620 407 530
---- ---- ----
Net pension cost $ 115 $ 161 $ 237
==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
The weighted average discount rate used in determining the actuarial present
value of the projected benefit obligations was 7.75 percent for 1997, 1996
and 1995. The rate of increase for future compensation levels used in
determining the obligation was 5.0 percent for 1997, 4.5 percent for 1996 and
5.5 for 1995. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets in 1997,
1996 and 1995 was 9.0 percent.
Pension assets are held under a group annuity contract with an insurance
company. Certain amounts are commingled with the general assets of the
insurance company and the remainder is invested in separate accounts, which
include domestic equity, domestic government, corporate and private placement
bonds and domestic real estate equity, of the insurance company, at fair
value.
The pension expense relating to the foreign subsidiary's insured pension and
disability plan amounted to $69, $86, and $76 in 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. Benefits are based on years of service and the average of the
last five years annual earnings.
The Company adopted a tax deferred compensation benefit plan for certain
executives during fiscal year 1997. The plan allows the employee to defer up
to four percent of his compensation with a Company match of up to one percent
of compensation. The Company's contribution funds life insurance policies on
each executive, with the Company as owner and beneficiary. The Company's
expense for the plan in 1997 totaled $3.
The Company provides certain supplemental executive compensation to the
President. Expenses related to these benefits were approximately $146 in
1997, $143 in 1996 and $132 in 1995. The agreement contains a change in
control provision that would accelerate the payment of these benefits. The
maximum liability under this agreement, in such event, would be approximately
$700.
<PAGE>
On October 3, 1994, the Board of Directors adopted a deferred compensation
agreement, with Hugo N. Surmonte, Chairman of the Board of Directors. The
deferred compensation agreement required the Company pay Mr. Surmonte $150
per year, after his retirement from the Company and during his lifetime, and
if Mr. Surmonte's death preceded his spouse's death, that such amounts shall
be paid to his spouse for the remainder of her life. On October 5, 1994, Mr.
Surmonte retired from the Company. On October 10, 1994, Mr. Surmonte died
and per the agreement his widow, Marie G. Surmonte,received the benefit until
her death on June 2, 1996. During fiscal year 1996, the Company paid $138 to
Mrs. Surmonte, and reversed the remaining balance of $159 for this accrued
liability.
During fiscal year 1997, the Company has granted stock options to a key
executive to purchase 80,000 shares of the Company's common stock. The
option price of $4.50 per share on all outstanding options is equal to the
fair market value of the stock at the date of grant. Options are exercisable
from the date of grant and have a term of 10 years.
The Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 in accounting for its stock-based
compensation and, accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for
its stock options in the financial statements. The per shares weighted-
average fair value of stock options granted during 1997 was $2.77 on the date
of grant using the Black Scholes option-pricing model with the following
weighted-average assumptions: no expected dividend yield, risk-free interest
rate of 6.6 percent expected volatility of 36.7 percent, and an expected life
of ten years. Had compensation cost for the granted options been determined
consistent with SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income and net income per
share for 1997 would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated
below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Net income:
As reported $ 1,733
=======
Pro forma $ 1,592
=======
Net income per share:
As reported $ 1.10
=======
Pro forma $ 1.01
=======
</TABLE>
7. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company uses various financial instruments in the normal course of
business. By their nature, all such instruments involve risk, and the
Company's maximum potential loss may exceed amounts recorded in the balance
sheet. As is customary for these types of instruments, the Company does not
require collateral or other security from other parties to these instruments.
However, because the Company manages exposure to credit risk through credit
approvals, credit limits and monitoring procedures, the Company believes that
reserves for losses are adequate.
<PAGE>
The Company uses derivative financial instruments for the purpose of hedging
currency and interest rate exposures. As a policy, the Company does not
engage in speculative or leveraged transactions, nor does the Company hold or
issue financial instruments for trading purposes.
Foreign Exchange Contracts - Bontex S.A. entered into a $5,000 option
contract during 1995, to manage the exposure of sales denominated in U.S.
dollars to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The contract matured
in 1996. The Company entered into no new foreign exchange contracts during
1997 and 1996.
Interest Rate Swaps - The Company has two outstanding interest rate swap
agreements with banks having an aggregate notional amount of $1,889, of which
$500 and $1,389 will terminate on January 20, 1998 and June 15, 1999,
respectively. These swap agreements provide for the payment of interest
based on fixed rates ranging from 5.80 percent to 6.55 percent, and remain
unchanged over the term of the agreements. The floating rates of the debt
agreements are based on the Brussels Inter Bank Offering Rate (BIBOR) or the
London Inter Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and are reset every 90 days based on
market conditions. The nature of the swap agreements changes certain
variable rate debt to fixed rate debt. Interest rate differentials paid or
received under these swaps are recognized over the life of the contracts as
adjustments are made to the effective yield of the underlying debt. An
interest premium of $67, $34 and $20 was paid during 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. The Company may be exposed to credit loss in the event of
nonperformance by the other party to the interest rate swap agreement.
However, the Company does not anticipate such nonperformance.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments - The following assumptions were used by
the Company to estimate the fair value of its financial instruments: The
carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash, cash equivalents,
trade accounts receivable, other receivables, short-term borrowings, accounts
payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value because of the short
maturity of these instruments. The fair value of long-term debt is estimated
using discounted cash flows based on the Company's incremental borrowing
rates, and approximate the carrying amount in the balance sheets. Unrealized
gains or losses on the fair value of foreign exchange contracts and interest
rate swap agreements are estimated based on current interest and foreign
exchange rates.
The contract or notional amounts and estimated fair value of the Company's
material off balance sheet financial instruments at June 30, 1997 and 1996
are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
Contract or notional Fair Value Contract or notional Fair Value
Amount Amount
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Interest rate swaps $1,889 $ (76) $2,892 $ (108)
</TABLE>
The Company entered into an interest rate swap for $1 million subsequent to
June 30, 1997 which is not reflected in the above table, but included in the
following Market Risk of Financial Instruments disclosure. This interest
rate swap replaces the $500 agreement currently outstanding and will
terminate on January 20, 2000.
<PAGE>
Market Risk of Financial Instruments - Market risk is the risk of loss
arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices. The following
disclosures provide certain forward-looking data concerning potential
exposures to market risk. By its nature, such forward-looking information is
an estimate of what could occur in the future and is dependent on model
characteristics and assumptions. As a result, actual future gains and losses
will differ from those reported. These disclosures are not precise
indicators of expected future losses, but rather are indicators of remote or
reasonably possible losses.
The following table provides certain financial information concerning the
Company's derivative financial instruments and other financial instruments
that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. For interest rate swaps,
the table presents expected notional amounts and weighted average interest
rates by expected (contractual) maturity dates. For debt obligations, the
table presents expected principal balances and related weighted average
interest rates by expected maturity dates.
Derivative financial instruments (held for other than trading purposes):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Expected Balances and Rates (Unaudited)
Fair ---------------------------------------
As of June 30, Value 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Interest Rate Swaps
Variable to fixed $ (76) $ 1,889 $ 2,389 $ 2,389 - - -
Average pay rate 6.38% 6.45% 6.52% - - -
Other financial instruments:
Expected Balances and Rates (Unaudited)
Fair ---------------------------------------
As of June 30, Value 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Lines of Credit, net of
Interest Rate Swaps
Variable rate debt $ 6,130 $ 6,130 $ 5,630 $ 5,630 $ 8,019 $ 8,019 $ 8,019
Average variable interest rate 7.90% 7.90% 7.90% 7.90% 7.90% 7.90%
Long-term Debt
Fixed rate debt $ 3,339 $ 3,339 $ 2,761 $ 2,183 $ 1,606 $ 1,028 $ 768
Average fixed interest 7.51% 7.44% 7.34% 7.15% 6.76% 6.58%
</TABLE>
The Company's interest rate swaps fix the rate of interest for $1.9 million
of $8 million total variable rate debt. In the event of lowering BIBOR or
LIBOR rates, the Company is exposed to higher fixed rates. The $6.1 million
variable rate debt not covered by the interest rate swaps is subject to
market risk of rate changes. In the above analysis, current rates are those
rates paid by the Company during the previous twelve months, and it assumes
that future interest rates will remain constant during the next four years.
Future variable interest rates are estimates of the Company's future cost of
capital, and are based on the Company's previous 3 years of interest rates.
The level of financing for the lines of credit are assumed to be the same for
all periods. The above market risk sensitive analysis does not fully reflect
the potential net market risk exposure, because other market risk exposures
may exist in other transactions, including commodity positions and other
financial instruments.
<PAGE>
8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Regulatory and Environmental Matters - As with all related manufacturers, the
Company is subject to regulations by various federal, state, foreign and
local agencies concerning compliance with environmental control statutes.
These regulations impose limitations on the discharge of effluent and
emissions into the environment, and establish standards for solid and
hazardous waste disposal, treatment, and storage, as well as require the
Company to obtain and operate in compliance with the conditions of
environmental permit. The Company believes that it is in substantial
compliance with such existing domestic and foreign environmental statues and
regulations. Failure to comply with applicable environmental control
standards could result in interruption of operations or could require
additional expenditures at these facilities.
The Company has made and intends to continue to make capital investments,
operating expenditures, and production adjustments in connection with
compliance to environmental laws and regulations. Since the Company is
essentially comprised of two fiberboard plants, water quality discharge
remains the primary environmental concern. Construction of waste water
treatment facilities has been completed at both plants.
On July 22, 1994, the Company entered into a Special Consent Order with the
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) committing the Company to
construct a waste water treatment facility to address certain effluent
limitations in its Virginia Pollution Discharge Elimination Permit.
Construction of the USA waste treatment facility was completed during fiscal
1996 at an aggregate cost of almost $2.0 million. The waste water treatment
plant appears to be operating within compliance of applicable environmental
requirements.
The Belgium government has imposed new regulations requiring a formal water
treatment plant to be installed at Bontex S.A. The waste water treatment
plant at Bontex S.A. has been completed during fiscal 1997 and appears to be
operating within compliance of applicable environmental requirements.
The facility in the USA is also impacted by regulations concerning air
emissions relating to the operation of certain coating and converting
equipment. The Company has entered into a Consent Order with DEQ to which
the Company has committed to take appropriate corrective action with respect
to air quality emissions and to achieve compliance by December 31, 1997. An
air quality consultant has completed an extensive analysis to characterize
and verify mill air emissions. The Company has purchased and is installing
certain air emission controls. The cost of the air control technologies
based on current information is expected to be approximately $250.
Estimates of the costs of future environmental compliance are unaudited and
may differ from projected costs due to, among other things, continued
emergence of newer environmental laws and regulations and improving
efficiencies in environmental control or process technology developments. At
the present time, based on preliminary estimates, the Company anticipates
that consolidated capital expenditures for environmental compliance in fiscal
1998 will aggregate approximately $400; however, this estimate could change
due to ultimate circumstances.
<PAGE>
Litigation - In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to
proceedings, lawsuits and other claims. Such matters are subject to many
uncertainties, and outcomes are not predictable with assurance. There are no
legal proceedings, lawsuits or other claims pending against or involving the
Company which, in the opinion of management, will have a material adverse
impact upon the consolidated results of operations or financial condition of
the Company.
Purchase Commitments - In connection with purchasing certain commodities
(pulps and latex) for future manufacturing requirements, the Company enters
into a number of purchase commitments, as deemed appropriate, to manage the
effects of market price fluctuations and to secure adequate raw material
supplies. These purchase commitments have limited terms and the Company
expects future sales will be sufficient to meet these requirements.
Leases - Rental expenses for all operating leases amounted to $113, $131 and
$112 in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The Company anticipates future
rental expense for operating leases to approximate $110 each year for the
next five years.
<PAGE>
Independent Auditors' Report
KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
10 S. Jefferson Street, Suite 1710
Roanoke, VA 24011-1331
Independent Auditors' Report
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
of Bontex, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Bontex, Inc.
(formerly Georgia Bonded Fibers, Inc.) and subsidiaries as of June 30, 1997
and 1996, and the related consolidated statements of income (loss), changes
in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-
year period ended June 30, 1997. These consolidated financial statements are
the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Bontex,
Inc. and subsidiaries as of June 30, 1997 and 1996, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended June 30, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
August 13, 1997
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVES & OFFICERS
- --------------------------------
James C. Kostelni # Chairman of the Board, President, Chief
Executive Officer, Director
William J. Binnie #* Director
Michael J. Breton Corporate Director of International
Operations, Director
William B. D'Surney Director
David A. Dugan Controller and Corporate Secretary
Charles W. J. Kostelni Corporate Controller
Jeffrey C. Kostelni Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer,
Director
Frank B. Mayorshi #* Director
Larry E. Morris Technical and Sales Director, Director
Dr. Joseph F. Raffetto Director
Patricia S. Tischio Assistant Corporate Secretary, Director
Robert J. Weeks #* Director
# Member of Executive Committee
* Member of Audit Committee
- -------
COUNSEL
- -------
Woods, Rogers & Hazlegrove, P.L.C.Roanoke, Virginia
Attorneys at Law
- --------------------
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
- --------------------
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP Roanoke, Virginia
Certified Public Accountants
- --------------
TRANSFER AGENT
- --------------
Registrar & Transfer Company Cranford, New Jersey
<PAGE>
LOCATIONS North American Warehouse
- ------------------------------------------- Facilities
Newark, New Jersey
Global Headquarters and U. S. Manufacturing Franklin, Tennessee
Bontex, Inc. St. Louis, Missouri
One Bontex Drive Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Buena Vista, Virginia 24416-1500 Montreal, Quebec, Canada
800-733-4234 Village Huron, Quebec, Canada
E-mail: bontex @ bontex.com
http://www.bontex.com SHAREHOLDERS'
INFORMATION
European Headquarters and Manufacturing ----------------------------
Bontex S. A.
Rue Slar Annual Meeting
4801 Stembert, Belgium 10:30 a.m. October 14, 1997
E-mail: bontexsa @ mail.att.net Best Western Inn at Hunt Ridge
Willow Springs Drive
Sales and Distribution Centers Lexington, Virginia 24450
Bontex Italia S.r.l.
Via Francia N. 1 Independent Auditors
37069 Villafranca KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Verona, Italy 10 S. Jefferson Street
E-mail: bontexit @ ats.it Suite 1710
Roanoke, Virginia 24011-1331
Bontex de Mexico, S. A. de C. V.
Boulevard Mariano Escobedo #801 Registrar and Transfer Agent
Colonia Andrade, C. P. 37370 Registrar and Transfer Company
Leon, Guanajuato 10 Commerce Drive
Mexico Post Office Box 1010
Cranford, New Jersey 07106
Bontex Hong Kong Limited
2108 Mega Trade Centre
1-6 Mei Wan Street Form 10-K
Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong A copy of the Company's 10-K
filed with the Securities and
International Liaison Offices Exchange Commission is
Bontex Australia available without charge to
20 Munro Street any shareholder.
Macleod 3085
Victoria, Australia Requests should be sent to the
attention of:
Bontex Korea
Rm. 601, Songnam Bldg. Corporate Controller
76-1, 4GA, Chungang-Dong Bontex, Inc.
Chung-Gu, Busan, Korea One Bontex Drive
Buena Vista, Virginia 24416-1500
Bontex Taiwan
8F1, No. 52, Sec. 2
Chung Shan N. Rd. --------------------------------
Taipei, 10419, Taiwan Bontex (registered trademark)
The Bontex (registered
trademark) is a registered
trademark of Bontex, Inc.
Bontex, Inc, is an equal
opportunity employer
--------------------------------
(Recycled paper symbol)
Recycled Paper
<PAGE>
(Bontex symbol) BONTEX/BONFOAM
Cushion Insole Products
BONFOAM (registered trademark)/CONTOUR (registered trademark)/MAXXON
(registered trademark) dual density cushion insoles from BONTEX (registered
trademark) meet the challenge of providing comfort and protecting feet from
harsh environmental discomforts. Whether the footwear you manufacture is
bound for hard ground, wet and cold conditions, high impact and abrasive
conditions, or just leisure wear, BONFOAM (registered trademark)/CONTOUR
(registered trademark)/MAXXON (registered trademark) Dual or Tri-Density
cushion insoles combined with BONTEX (registered trademark) reduces internal
shoe discomforts.
BONFOAM (registered trademark)/CONTOUR (registered trademark)/MAXXON
(registered trademark) products can be combined with any BONTEX (registered
trademark) product to enable the shoe bottom to conform with the shape of the
foot and distribute pressure during any activity. The dynamic interaction
between the foot and weight transfer is accommodated and high pressure points
are minimized. Customers will see and feel the comfort the very first time
they try on your footwear.
MORI-FRESH (registered trademark) treated which retards the growth of harmful
bacteria fungi and mold.
(Photo appears here - Cowboy on horse)
(Bontex symbol) BONTEX (registered trademark)
One Bontex Drive, Buena Vista, VA 24416-1500
Telephone : 540-261-2181 Fax: 540-261-3784
E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.bontex.com
Manufactured: Bontex (registered trademark) Buena Vista, VA Bontex
(registered trademark) S.A. Stembert, Belgium
Dist. and Converted by: Bontex (registered trademark) Italia S.r.l.
Villafranca, Verona, Italy.
Bontex (registered trademark) de Mexico, Leon, Mexico Bontex (registered
trademark) Hong Kong
<PAGE>
(Bontex symbol) BONTEX
Research and Development
BONTEX (registered trademark) has a SATRA certified laboratory.
BONTEX (registered trademark) is committed to total quality management as
demonstrated by certification ISO 9001 for the design, development and
manufacture of elastomeric saturated cellulose fiberboard products for
footwear, luggage, headwear, automotive and allied industries.
BONTEX (registered trademark) products receive the American Podiatrist
Medical Association (APMA) seal of acceptance after undergoing stringent
clinical and laboratory tests. The APMA seal of acceptance means BONTEX
(registered trademark) products conform to APMA guidelines and were found to
assist in foot health and comfort.
BONTEX (registered trademark) has a research and development interface
program available on a partnership basis with our customers. BONTEX
(registered trademark) welcomes the opportunity to explore new applications
and new formulations of elastomeric impregnated fiberboard products.
BONTEX (registered trademark) products are MORI-FRESH (registered trademark)
treated which retards the growth of harmful bacteria, fungi and mold.
(Photo appears here - Pyrex lab decanters)
(Bontex symbol) BONTEX (registered trademark)
One Bontex Drive, Buena Vista, VA 24416-1500
Telephone : 540-261-2181 Fax: 540-261-3784
E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.bontex.com
Manufactured: Bontex (registered trademark) Buena Vista, VA Bontex
(registered trademark) S.A. Stembert, Belgium
Dist. and Converted by: Bontex (registered trademark) Italia S.r.l.
Villafranca, Verona, Italy.
Bontex (registered trademark) de Mexico, Leon, Mexico Bontex (registered
trademark) Hong Kong
<PAGE>
