United States
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
---------
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the period Ended June 30, 1996 Commission File Number 1-878
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BLAIR CORPORATION
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 25-0691670
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(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
220 HICKORY STREET, WARREN, PENNSYLVANIA 16366-0001
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(814) 723-3600
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(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Not applicable
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(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since
last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter periods that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
YES X NO
----- -----
As of August 12, 1996 the registrant had outstanding 9,354,832 shares of its
common stock without nominal or par value.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM I. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
June 30, 1996
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
June 30 December 31
1996 1995
------------ ------------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,989,128 $ 3,667,363
Customer accounts receivable, less
allowances for doubtful accounts
and returns of $54,125,004 in 1996
and $47,184,071 in 1995 203,345,604 191,399,482
Inventories - Note F
Merchandise 63,603,748 64,597,476
Advertising and shipping supplies 12,739,174 15,795,329
------------ ------------
76,342,922 80,392,805
Deferred income taxes 22,921,000 18,669,000
Prepaid state income taxes 1,430,403 1,306,403
Prepaid expenses 647,853 528,291
------------ ------------
Total current assets 309,676,910 295,963,344
Property, plant and equipment:
Land 1,130,454 1,130,454
Buildings 61,778,870 61,620,547
Equipment 35,592,493 35,406,049
------------ ------------
98,501,817 98,157,050
Less allowances for depreciation 43,963,281 41,844,738
------------ ------------
54,538,536 56,312,312
Trademarks 1,022,031 1,057,892
------------ ------------
TOTAL ASSETS $365,237,477 $353,333,548
============ ============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Notes payable $ 12,850,000 $ 4,300,000
Trade accounts payable 41,643,072 48,223,146
Advance payments from customers 1,088,632 1,155,159
Accrued expenses - Note D 10,105,272 11,396,086
Federal income taxes 4,328,142 666,142
------------ ------------
Total current liabilities 70,015,118 65,740,533
Deferred income taxes 1,988,000 2,027,000
Long-term debt 80,000,000 80,000,000
Stockholders' equity:
Common Stock without par value:
Authorized 12,000,000 shares; issued
10,075,440 shares (including shares held
in treasury) - stated value 419,810 419,810
Additional paid-in capital 12,303,101 12,372,697
Retained earnings 219,178,505 211,588,111
------------ ------------
231,901,416 224,380,618
Less 755,308 shares in 1996 and 753,308
shares in 1995 of Common Stock in
treasury - at cost 16,940,787 16,927,008
Less receivable from Employee Stock
Purchase Plan 1,726,270 1,887,595
------------ ------------
213,234,359 205,566,015
------------ ------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $365,237,477 $353,333,548
============ ============
See accompanying notes.
<TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30 June 30
1996 1995 1996 1995
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $138,930,659 $150,619,577 $279,657,687 $278,260,082
Other income - Note G 11,245,300 7,646,156 22,338,386 14,762,309
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
150,175,959 158,265,733 301,996,073 293,022,391
Costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold 67,308,676 72,496,081 137,132,372 134,600,116
Advertising 34,859,241 39,253,756 69,569,326 68,384,718
General and administrative 25,719,298 24,668,738 51,395,245 49,069,034
Provision for doubtful accounts 10,047,238 8,184,466 19,976,403 14,670,533
Interest 1,297,726 913,308 2,592,053 1,528,934
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
139,232,179 145,516,349 280,665,399 268,253,335
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 10,943,780 12,749,384 21,330,674 24,769,056
Income taxes - Note E 4,183,000 5,315,000 8,147,000 10,231,000
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
NET INCOME $ 6,760,780 $ 7,434,384 $ 13,183,674 $ 14,538,056
============ ============ ============ ============
Net income per share based on average
shares outstanding - Note C $ .72 $ .80 $1.41 $1.57
===== ===== ===== =====
<FN>
See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30 June 30
1996 1995 1996 1995
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock $ 419,810 $ 419,810 $ 419,810 $ 419,810
Additional paid-in capital:
Balance at beginning of period 12,372,697 11,017,130 12,372,697 11,017,130
Forfeiture of common stock under
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (69,596) -0- (69,596) -0-
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Balance at end of period 12,303,101 11,017,130 12,303,101 11,017,130
Retained Earnings:
Balance at beginning of period 214,748,258 203,195,171 211,588,111 207,683,352
Net income 6,760,780 7,434,384 13,183,674 14,538,056
Cash dividends declared - Note B (2,330,533) (3,245,719) (5,593,280) (14,837,572)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Balance at end of period 219,178,505 207,383,836 219,178,505 207,383,836
Treasury Stock:
Balance at beginning of period (16,927,008) (17,238,660) (16,927,008) (17,238,660)
Forfeiture of common stock under
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (13,779) -0- (13,779) -0-
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Balance at end of period (16,940,787) (17,238,660) (16,940,787) (17,238,660)
Receivable from Employee Stock Purchase Plan:
Balance at beginning of period (1,805,537) (1,593,827) (1,887,595) (1,864,952)
Payments 62,417 74,692 144,475 345,817
Forfeiture of common stock under
Employee Stock Purchase Plan 16,850 -0- 16,850 -0-
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Balance at end of period (1,726,270) (1,519,135) (1,726,270) (1,519,135)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $213,234,359 $200,062,981 $213,234,359 $200,062,981
============ ============ ============ ============
<FN>
See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
Six Months Ended
June 30
1996 1995
------------ ------------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income $ 13,183,674 $ 14,538,056
Adjustments to reconcile net income
to net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 2,685,668 2,298,038
Provision for doubtful accounts 19,976,403 14,670,533
Provision for deferred income taxes (4,291,000) (1,114,000)
Changes in operating assets and
liabilities (using) providing cash:
Customer accounts receivable (31,922,525) (39,835,485)
Inventories 4,049,883 7,476,700
Prepaid expenses (119,562) (12,336)
Trade accounts payable (6,580,074) 3,545,148
Advance payments from customers (66,527) 522,427
Accrued expenses (1,290,814) (2,626,656)
Federal and state income taxes 3,538,000 (2,206,600)
------------ ------------
NET CASH (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES (836,874) (2,744,175)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (876,031) (5,005,648)
------------ ------------
NET CASH (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES (876,031) (5,005,648)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net proceeds from lines of credit 8,550,000 22,450,000
Dividends paid (5,593,280) (14,837,572)
Forfeitures of common stock under
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (66,525) -0-
Payments on receivable from
Employee Stock Purchase Plan 144,475 345,817
------------ ------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES 3,034,670 7,958,245
------------ ------------
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 1,321,765 208,422
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 3,667,363 2,183,136
------------ ------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ 4,989,128 $ 2,391,558
============ ============
See accompanying notes.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
June 30, 1996
NOTE A - BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Blair
Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary have been prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information
and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.
Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required
by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.
In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring
accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.
Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 1996 are not necessarily
indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31,
1996. For further information refer to the financial statements and footnotes
included in the company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1995.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Blair Corporation
and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Blair Holdings Inc. All significant
intercompany accounts are eliminated upon consolidation.
NOTE B - DIVIDENDS DECLARED
2-07-95 $1.25 per share 2-07-96 $ .35 per share
4-18-95 .35 5-10-96 .25
7-19-95 .35 7-16-96 .25
10-18-95 .35
NOTE C - NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30 June 30
1996 1995 1996 1995
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net income $ 6,760,780 $ 7,434,384 $13,183,674 $14,538,056
Average shares outstanding 9,321,632 9,273,482 9,321,703 9,273,482
Net income per common share $ .72 $ .80 $1.41 $1.57
NOTE D - ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses consist of:
June 30 December 31
1996 1995
----------- -----------
Employee compensation $ 5,739,090 $ 6,162,097
Contribution to profit sharing
and retirement plan 1,413,436 2,799,706
Taxes, other than taxes on income 1,074,637 713,176
Other accrued items 1,878,109 1,721,107
----------- -----------
$10,105,272 $11,396,086
=========== ===========
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
June 30, 1996
NOTE E - INCOME TAXES
The liability method is used in accounting for income taxes. Under this
method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on
differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and
liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be
in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.
The components of income tax expense are as follows:
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30 June 30
1996 1995 1996 1995
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Currently payable:
Federal $ 6,400,000 $ 8,222,000 $10,962,000 $10,035,000
State 903,000 1,139,000 1,476,000 1,310,000
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
7,303,000 9,361,000 12,438,000 11,345,000
Deferred (credit) (3,120,000) (4,046,000) (4,291,000) (1,114,000)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
$ 4,183,000 $ 5,315,000 $ 8,147,000 $10,231,000
=========== =========== =========== ===========
The differences between total tax expense and the amount computed by applying
the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes are
as follows:
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30 June 30
1996 1995 1996 1995
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Statutory rate applied to
pre-tax income $ 3,830,323 $ 4,462,285 $ 7,465,736 $ 8,669,170
State income taxes, net
of federal tax benefit 289,250 785,850 549,900 1,429,350
Other items 63,427 66,865 131,364 132,480
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
$ 4,183,000 $ 5,315,000 $ 8,147,000 $10,231,000
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Components of the provision for deferred income tax credit are as follows:
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30 June 30
1996 1995 1996 1995
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Provision for estimated
returns $ (95,000) $ 140,000 $ 751,000 $ 67,000
Provision for doubtful
accounts 926,000 216,000 2,813,000 618,000
Advertising costs 2,234,000 3,751,000 594,000 461,000
Other items - net 55,000 (61,000) 133,000 (32,000)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
$ 3,120,000 $ 4,046,000 $ 4,291,000 $ 1,114,000
=========== =========== =========== ===========
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
June 30, 1996
NOTE E - INCOME TAXES - Continued
Components of the deferred tax assets and liability under the liability method
as of June 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995 are as follows:
June 30 December 31
1996 1995
----------- -----------
Current net deferred tax assets:
Doubtful accounts $18,485,000 $15,672,000
Returns allowances 2,629,000 1,878,000
Inventory obsolescence 1,934,000 1,934,000
Vacation pay 1,377,000 1,456,000
Inventory costs 1,502,000 1,323,000
Advertising costs (3,444,000) (4,038,000)
Other items 438,000 444,000
----------- -----------
$22,921,000 $18,669,000
=========== ===========
Long-term deferred tax liability:
Property, plant and equipment $ 1,988,000 $ 2,027,000
=========== ===========
NOTE F - INVENTORIES
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost of merchandise
inventories is determined principally on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method.
Cost of advertising and shipping supplies is determined on the first-in, first-
out (FIFO) method. Advertising and shipping supplies include printed
advertising material and related mailing supplies for promotional mailings
which are generally scheduled to occur within two months. These costs are
expensed when mailed. If the FIFO method had been used for all inventories,
the total amount would have increased by approximately $8,812,000 at June 30,
1996 and $8,662,000 at December 31, 1995, respectively.
NOTE G - OTHER INCOME
Other income consists of:
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30 June 30
1996 1995 1996 1995
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Finance charges on time
payment accounts $10,893,156 $ 7,291,797 $21,709,943 $14,012,119
Other items 352,144 354,359 628,443 750,190
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
$11,245,300 $ 7,646,156 $22,338,386 $14,762,309
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Finance charges on time payment accounts are recognized on an accrual basis of
accounting.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
June 30, 1996
NOTE H - FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
In 1995, the company entered into a $125,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility,
which expires on November 17, 1998. The interest rate is, at the company's
option, based on a base rate option, federal funds rate option or euro-rate
option as defined in the agreement. The Revolving Credit Facility requires the
company to meet certain covenants as outlined in the agreement. These
covenants specifically relate to tangible net worth, maintaining a defined
leverage ratio and fixed charge coverage ratio and complying with certain
indebtedness restrictions. As of June 30, 1996, the company was in compliance
with all the agreement's covenants. As of June 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995,
respectively, the company had borrowed $92,850,000 and $84,300,000, under the
agreement of which $80,000,000 was classified as long-term.
Effective March 9, 1995, the company had $60,000,000 available in lines of
credit, $10,000,000 with no specified expiration date and $50,000,000 expiring
September 30, 1995. $56,750,000 was outstanding at June 30, 1995, all short-
term.
NOTE I - IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARD
The company adopted FASB Statement No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of", in the first
quarter of 1996. Currently, adoption of the statement has no effect on the
company.
NOTE J - EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
The company has an Employee Stock Purchase Plan wherein shares of treasury
stock may be issued to certain employees at a price established at the
discretion of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan Committee. The stock issued
under the Plan was 34,700 shares on July 22, 1996 and 49,150 shares on July 10,
1995.
NOTE K - RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain amounts previously reported in the 1995 financial statements have been
reclassified to conform with current year classifications.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
June 30, 1996
Results of Operations
- ---------------------
Comparison of Second Quarter 1996 and Second Quarter 1995
Net income for the second quarter of 1996 decreased 9.1% from the second
quarter of 1995. Lower net sales and an increased provision for doubtful
accounts were primarily responsible for the reduction in earnings in the second
quarter 1996.
Second quarter 1996 net sales fell 7.8% from the second quarter 1995 level.
Sales fell due to an 11.2% decrease in advertising spending. The stoppage of
pre-approved credit offers to prospects, the elimination of non-performing
customers from our mailing lists and continuing catalog testing caused the
reduction in advertising. Second quarter 1996 response rates compared as
follows - up 14.9% for customer multi-product mailings, up 34.3% for prospect
multi-product mailings, up 12.2% for co-op and media, up .3% for customer
catalogs and up 45.8% for prospect catalogs. Gross sales revenue generated per
advertising dollar increased 5.8% due to the improved response. In the second
quarter of 1996, the total number of orders shipped decreased 8.4% and the
average order size increased 2.7% as compared to the second quarter of 1995.
Returns as a percentage of adjusted gross sales increased to 16.2% in the 1996
quarter from 15.0% in the 1995 quarter. A higher rate of return is experienced
on Blair credit (Easy Payment Plan) and charge card sales and these sales
(combined) grew to 65.8% of gross mail order sales in the second quarter of
1996 from 54.0% in the second quarter of 1995.
Other income increased 47.1% in the second quarter of 1996 as compared to the
second quarter of 1995. The increase was due to finance charges assessed on
increased Easy Payment Plan accounts receivable. By comparison, finance
charges increased 49.4% and average Easy Payment Plan accounts receivable
increased 38.7% (approximately $70,000,000).
Cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales increased to 48.4% in the
second quarter of 1996 from 48.1% in the second quarter of 1995. Increased
returns were primarily responsible for the higher cost of goods.
Advertising expense in the second quarter of 1996 decreased 11.2% from the
second quarter of 1995. Reductions in circular mailings and co-op and media
advertising caused the reduction in advertising costs. Paper prices were
comparable in the second quarters.
The total number of circular mailings released in the second quarter of 1996
was 27.0% less than in the second quarter of 1995 (43.4 million in 1996, 59.5
million in 1995). A 25.8% decrease in multi-product customer mailings (33.9
million in 1996, 45.7 million in 1995), a 35.4% decrease in multi-product
prospect mailings (7.4 million in 1996, 11.5 million in 1995) and an 8.3%
decrease in single-product mailings (2.1 million in 1996, 2.3 million in 1995)
resulted in a circular mailings cost decrease of approximately $6,427,000 from
the second quarter of 1995.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
June 30, 1996
Results of Operations - Continued
- ---------------------
Comparison of Second Quarter 1996 and Second Quarter 1995 - Continued
Total volume of the co-op and media advertising programs decreased 21.0% in the
1996 second quarter as compared to the 1995 second quarter (379.6 million in
1996, 480.7 million in 1995). A 36.4% decrease in co-op advertising and a
15.9% decrease in media advertising resulted in a co-op and media cost decrease
of $786,000 from the second quarter of 1995.
The total number of catalog mailings released in the second quarter of 1996 was
6.6% more than in the second quarter of 1995 (15.1 million in 1996, 14.1
million in 1995). The catalog is the primary advertising format for home
products and is currently being tested for men's (started July 1995) and
women's (started January 1996) apparel. A 28.0% increase in customer catalogs
(7.5 million in 1996, 5.8 million in 1995) and an 8.4% decrease in prospect
catalogs (7.6 million in 1996, 8.3 million in 1995) resulted in a net catalog
mailings cost increase of approximately $2,782,000. In 1996, 10.7 million home
products, 2.0 million men's and 2.4 million women's catalogs were mailed. In
1995, only home products catalogs were mailed. In the third quarter of 1996,
men's catalogs will move beyond the testing stage and will be mailed to the
full men's customer file and a larger number of prospect names. Women's
catalogs will be further tested in the second half of 1996. Catalog mailing
frequency, density and size will be continually tested in all three product
lines.
General and administrative expense increased 4.3% in the second quarter of 1996
as compared to the second quarter of 1995. The increased expense was primarily
the result of the company improving and expanding its 800 - number capabilities
for both order taking and customer service. As of September 1, 1995, all
catalog mailings have been offering a toll-free 800 ordering number. The
company opened a second call center, located in Erie, Pennsylvania, in August
1995. Due to the increasing telephone order volume being driven by the
expanding catalog mailing programs, the company will be adding 75% more
capacity to the Erie Call Center by September 1996 and will be opening a third
call center in Franklin, Pennsylvania by January 1997.
The provision for doubtful accounts as a percentage of credit sales increased
30.3% in the second quarter comparison. Total credit sales decreased 5.8% and
total finance charges increased 49.4%. Prospect credit sales decreased 22.4%
and prospect finance charges increased 139.3%. Prospect (first-time buyer)
credit sales and finance charges carry a higher credit risk. The estimated bad
debt rate used in providing for doubtful accounts is based on current
expectations, sales mix (prospect vs. customer) and prior years' experience.
The rate used in providing for bad debts in the second quarter of 1996 was
increased due to a rising delinquency rate. Also due to the rising delinquency
rate, the second quarter of 1996 provision for doubtful accounts includes an
additional provision of $1,000,000. Recoveries of bad debts previously charged
off have been credited back against the allowance for doubtful accounts. The
company recently completed a study of its credit policies and as a result is
currently implementing improved policies. The revised credit granting and
collection policies will not be fully effective until late 1996.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
June 30, 1996
Results of Operations - Continued
- ---------------------
Comparison of Second Quarter 1996 and Second Quarter 1995 - Continued
Interest expense increased 42.1% in the second quarter of 1996 as compared to
the second quarter of 1995. Interest expense has resulted primarily from the
company's borrowings necessary to finance customer accounts receivable.
Borrowings outstanding averaged approximately $90,000,000 in the second quarter
of 1996 as compared to $55,000,000 in the second quarter of 1995.
Income taxes as a percentage of income before income taxes were 38.2% in the
second quarter of 1996 and 41.7% in the second quarter 1995. The federal income
tax rate was 35% in both years. The change in the total income tax rate was
caused by a reduction in the company's effective state income tax rate.
Comparison of Six Month Periods Ended June 30, 1996 and June 30, 1995
Net income for the six months of 1996 decreased 9.3% as compared to the first
six months of 1995. Record first six months revenue (net sales and finance
charges) was more than offset by increased costs and expenses:
cost of goods sold - incentive pricing and higher returns
advertising - increased use of catalogs and higher paper costs
general and administrative - expansion of toll-free 800 number order
taking and customer service
provision for doubtful accounts - increased prospect sales and finance
charges and a rising delinquency rate
interest - higher level of borrowing to finance customer accounts
receivable.
The record first six months net sales of 1996 were only .5% above the previous
record first six months of 1995. Increased response rates to a changing mix of
advertising were primarily responsible for the slightly improved sales.
Response rates for the six months of 1996 compared as follows - up 2.1% for
customer multi-product mailings, up 92.7% for prospect multi-product mailings,
down 5.4% for co-op and media and up 22.0% for catalogs. Gross sales revenue
generated per advertising dollar was approximately the same in both six month
periods, increased response rates offsetting higher advertising costs (paper and
catalogs). In the first half of 1996, the total number of orders shipped
decreased 3.1% and the average order size increased 5.4% as compared to the
first half of 1995. Returns as a percentage of adjusted gross sales increased
to 15.9% from 15.0%. Changes in sales mix (more prospects) and sales type (more
credit and charge card) in 1996 contributed to the slippage in returns.
Other income increased 51.3% in the six months of 1996 as compared to the first
six months of 1995. The increase was due to finance charges assessed on
increased Easy Payment Plan accounts receivable. By comparison, finance charges
increased 54.9% and average Easy Payment Plan accounts receivable increased
41.7% (approximately $72,000,000).
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
June 30, 1996
Results of Operations - Continued
- ---------------------
Comparison of Six Month Periods Ended June 30, 1996
and June 30, 1995 - Continued
Cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales increased to 49.0% in the first
half of 1996 from 48.4% in the first half of 1995. Incentive pricing (reduced
price offers on excess inventory and promotional offers of free shipping and
handling) and increased returns were primarily responsible for the higher cost
of goods.
Advertising expense in the six months of 1996 increased 1.7% from the first six
months of 1995. Increased catalog mailings and paper cost were the prime
contributors to the higher advertising costs. Paper prices in 1996 were higher
in the first quarter, were approximately the same in the second quarter and
will be lower in the third quarter as compared to the 1995 periods.
The total number of circular mailings released in the six months of 1996 was
11.1% less than in the first six months of 1995 (91.8 million in 1996, 103.2
million in 1995). A 5.4% increase in multi-product customer mailings (72.7
million in 1996, 76.9 million in 1995), a 32.7% decrease in multi-product
prospect mailings (14.9 million in 1996, 22.2 million in 1995), a .6% decrease
in single-product mailings (4.1 million in 1996, 4.2 million in 1995) and
increased paper cost resulted in a net circular mailings cost decrease of
approximately $3,956,000 from the first six months of 1995.
Total volume of the co-op and media advertising programs decreased 7.9% in the
six months of 1996 as compared to the first six months of 1995 (1.0 billion in
1996, 1.1 billion in 1995). A 26.1% decrease in co-op advertising (media was
the same in both six month periods) resulted in a net co-op and media cost
decrease of approximately $1,239,000 from the first six months of 1995.
The total number of catalog mailings released in the first half of 1996 was
26.3% more than in the first half of 1995 (24.3 million in 1996, 19.2 million
in 1995). A 32.4% increase in customer catalogs (13.2 million in 1996, 9.9
million in 1995), a 19.7 % increase in prospect catalogs (11.1 million in 1996,
9.3 million in 1995) and increased paper cost resulted in a catalog mailings
cost increase of approximately $6,247,000 over the first half of 1995. In
1996, 17.2 million home products, 3.3 million men's and 3.8 million women's
catalogs were mailed. In 1995, only home products catalogs were mailed.
General and administrative expense increased 4.7% in the six months of 1996 as
compared to the first six months of 1995. The higher general and
administrative expense was centered primarily in wages and benefits (up 2.8%)
and telephone expense (up 111.3%). The company's expansion of its 800-number
capabilities was primarily responsible for the increased general and
administrative expense.
The provision for doubtful accounts as a percentage of credit sales increased
32.2% in the six months comparison. Total credit sales increased 3.0% and
total finance charges increased 54.9%. Prospect credit sales increased 30.5%
and prospect finance charges increased 112.4%. The rate used in providing for
bad debts in 1996 was increased due to a rising delinquency rate and increased
prospect activity. Also due to the rising delinquency rate, the 1996 provision
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
June 30, 1996
Results of Operations - Continued
- ---------------------
Comparison of Six Month Periods Ended June 30, 1996
and June 30, 1995 - Continued
for doubtful accounts includes an additional provision of $1,000,000.
Recoveries of bad debts previously charged off have been credited back against
the allowance for doubtful accounts.
Interest expense increased 69.5% in the first half of 1996 as compared to the
first half of 1995. Interest expense has resulted primarily from the company's
borrowings necessary to finance customer accounts receivable. Borrowings
outstanding averaged approximately $88,000,000 in the six months of 1996 as
compared to $47,000,000 in the first six months of 1995.
Income taxes as a percentage of income before income taxes were 38.2% in the
first half of 1996 and 41.3% in the first half of 1995. The change in the
total income tax rate was caused by a reduction in the company's effective
state income tax rate.
Liquidity and Sources of Capital
- --------------------------------
All working capital and cash requirements were met. In November 1995, the
company entered into a $125,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility which expires on
November 17, 1998. The unsecured Revolving Credit Facility requires the
company to meet certain covenants and as of June 30, 1996 the company was in
compliance with all the covenants. Borrowings outstanding at June 30, 1996
were $92,850,000 of which $80,000,000 was classified as long-term. As of June
30, 1995, the company had $60,000,000 available in lines of credit, $10,000,000
with no specified expiration date and $50,000,000 expiring September 30, 1995.
Short-term borrowings outstanding at June 30, 1995 were $56,750,000.
The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 4.42 at June 30, 1996,
4.50 at December 31, 1995 and 2.35 at June 30, 1995. Working capital increased
$9,438,981 in the first six months of 1996. The increase was primarily
reflected in increased customer accounts receivable and deferred income taxes
and decreased trade accounts payable more than offsetting increased notes
payable and federal income taxes. Primarily, the increase in working capital
was attributable to reductions in dividends paid and in purchases of property,
plant and equipment in the six months of 1996.
Merchandise inventory turnover was 3.2 at June 30, 1996, 3.0 at December 31,
1995 and 3.0 at June 30, 1995. Merchandise inventory as of June 30, 1996
decreased 1.5% from December 31, 1995 and 2.8% from June 30, 1995. Over the
last few years, inventory levels have been impacted by the continuing effort to
increase order fulfillment rates, lower than anticipated response in the fourth
quarter of 1994 and the expansion of product lines due to the catalogs.
Currently, better inventory management techniques are being investigated and
implemented. Home products net sales as a percentage of total net sales
increased to 17.3% ($48.4 million) in 1996 as compared to 15.3% ($42.6 million)
in the first half of 1995. Men's net sales increased to 24.8% ($69.4 million)
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
June 30, 1996
Liquidity and Sources of Capital - Continued
- --------------------------------
from 22.8% ($63.3 million). Women's net sales decreased to 57.9% ($161.8
million) from 61.9% ($172.3 million). Home products inventory totaled $16.8
million at June 30, 1996 as compared to $10.0 million at December 31, 1995 and
$11.7 million at June 30, 1995. Men's inventory was $16.6 million at June 30,
1996, $18.4 million at December 31, 1995 and $17.8 million at June 30, 1995.
Women's inventory was $30.2 million at June 30, 1996, $36.2 million at December
31, 1995 and $35.9 million at June 30, 1995.
The company has added new facilities, modernized its existing facilities and
acquired new cost saving equipment during the last several years. Capital
expenditures for property, plant and equipment totaled $876,031 during the
first half of 1996 and $5,005,648 during the first half of 1995.
In 1995, the company completed the total renovation of its headquarters facility
in Warren, Pennsylvania. Total cost of the renovation, expended over more than
3 years, was $13.6 million.
In August 1995, the company's second telephone call center was opened in Erie,
Pennsylvania. Company plans are for a 75% expansion of the Erie Call Center by
September 1996 and for the addition of a third call center in Franklin,
Pennsylvania by January 1997. The Erie and Franklin facilities are leased.
See Future Considerations.
In September 1995, the company completed a 64,475 square-foot warehouse addition
to its distribution center at a cost of $6.9 million. The continuing study of
the distribution center, focused on operational and customer service
improvements, includes examining the merits of a variety of service-enhancing
options, including a possible second distribution center located outside of the
Warren, Pennsylvania area.
Future cash needs for expansion of the business and capital expenditures will be
financed by cash flow from operations, the current borrowing arrangement and, if
needed, other financing arrangements available to the company.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
June 30, 1996
Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices
- ---------------------------------------
Although inflation has moderated in our economy, the company is continually
seeking ways to cope with its impact. To the extent permitted by competition,
increased costs are passed on to customers by selectively increasing selling
prices over a period of time. During the past several years, selling prices
have been raised sufficiently to offset increased merchandise costs, thereby
realizing profit margins that continue to build fiscal strength. Profit
margins were reduced by postal rate and paper cost increases in 1995 and are
continuing to be pressured in 1996. Postal rates have been further impacted by
the USPS Classification Reform which took effect July 1, 1996. At this time,
it appears that postage costs will increase slightly due to the Reform but
problems with sorting software are preventing the company from making an
accurate estimate of the impact. Paper prices have retreated from their high
point at 1995 year-end. Paper prices were still well above first quarter 1995
levels during the first quarter of 1996, were approximately the same as second
quarter 1995 during the second quarter of 1996 and will fall below third quarter
1995 levels during the third quarter of 1996.
The company principally uses the LIFO method of accounting for its merchandise
inventories. Under this method, the cost of products sold reported in the
financial statements approximates current costs and thus reduces distortion in
reported income due to increasing costs. The charges to operations for
depreciation represent the allocation of historical costs incurred over past
years and are significantly less than if they were based on the current cost of
productive capacity being used.
Property, plant and equipment are continuously being expanded and updated.
Recent major projects are discussed under Liquidity and Sources of Capital.
Assets acquired in prior years will, of course, be replaced at higher costs but
this will take place over many years. New assets, when acquired, will result
in higher depreciation charges, but in many cases, due to technological
improvements, savings in operating costs should result. The company considers
these matters in setting pricing policies.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Continued
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
June 30, 1996
Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standard
- ---------------------------------------------
In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standard Board issued Statement No.
121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived
Assets to Be Disposed Of". The Statement requires impairment losses to be
recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment
are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those
assets are less than the assets' carrying value. The company adopted Statement
No. 121 in the first quarter of 1996. Currently, adoption of the Statement has
no effect on the company.
Future Considerations
- ---------------------
The company is faced with the ever-present challenge of keeping the customer
file alive and growing. This involves the acquisition of new customers
(prospects), the conversion of new customers to established customers (active
repeat buyers) and the retention of established customers. These steps are
vital in growing the business but are being impacted by the decline in consumer
retail spending, increased operating costs and increased competition in the
retail sector.
The company has been undergoing a strategic planning study (since early 1995)
in which our current marketing programs, operating systems and competitive
position have been assessed and looked at with future application and
effectiveness in mind. The continuing study has resulted in a new marketing
strategy whose development will require utilizing our existing strengths,
changing business processes and organizational structure and improving
information systems.
A prime aspect of the new marketing strategy involves targeting customers in
the "over 50", low-to-moderate income market. This market, though younger in
age than our existing customer file, is the fastest growing segment of the
population. Success of the new marketing strategy will require investment in
database management, operating systems, prospecting programs, catalog
marketing, telephone call centers and, possibly, a second distribution center.
Management believes that these investments should improve Blair Corporation's
position in new and existing markets and provide opportunities for future
earnings growth.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
BLAIR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
June 30, 1996
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
---------------------------------------------------
(a) The company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held April 16, 1996.
(b) At the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, all of the company's directors
were elected at said meeting, as follows:
David A. Blair Gerald A. Huber Kent R. Sivillo
Robert W. Blair Murray K. McComas Blair T. Smoulder
Steven M. Blair Thomas P. McKeever John E. Zawacki
Robert D. Crowley Michael J. Samargya
John O. Hanna Giles W. Schutte
Since all of the directors of the company were elected at the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders, there are no directors whose term of
office as a director continued after the meeting.
(c) The following other matter was voted upon at the meeting, and the
following number of affirmative votes and negative votes were
cast with respect to such matter:
The reappointment by the company's Board of Directors of
the firm of Ernst & Young L.L.P. as independent certified public
accountants to examine the financial statements and perform
the annual audit of the company for the year ending December 31,
1996 was ratified. This ratification received 7,790,142 affirmative
votes and 3,497 negative votes.
Item 5. Other Information
-----------------
The company filed a Registration Statement on Form S-8 on July 17, 1996
registering 34,700 shares of the company's Common Stock which was offered
for purchase on July 22, 1996 to selected employees of the company under
and in accordance with the company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
--------------------------------
(a) Exhibits
---------
None
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
-------------------
No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended
June 30, 1996.
SIGNATURE
---------
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant had duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
BLAIR CORPORATION
-----------------------------------
(Registrant)
Date August 12, 1996 By Giles W. Schutte
----------------------- -----------------------------------
Giles W. Schutte
Executive Vice President and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM BLAIR
CORPORATIONS' 6/30/96 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH SECOND QUARTER, 1996 10-Q FILING FOR BLAIR CORPORATION.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000071525
<NAME> BLAIR CORPORATION
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1996
<CASH> 4,989,128
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 203,345,604<F1>
<ALLOWANCES> 54,125,004
<INVENTORY> 76,342,922
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 309,676,910
<PP&E> 98,501,817
<DEPRECIATION> 43,963,281
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 365,237,477
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 70,015,118
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 419,810
<OTHER-SE> 212,814,549<F2>
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 365,237,477
<SALES> 279,657,687
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 301,996,073
<CGS> 137,132,372
<TOTAL-COSTS> 280,665,399
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 19,976,403
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 2,592,053
<INCOME-PRETAX> 21,330,674
<INCOME-TAX> 8,147,000
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 13,183,674
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 13,183,674
<EPS-PRIMARY> 1.41
<EPS-DILUTED> 1.41
<FN>
<F1>AMOUNT REPRESENTS NET RECEIVABLES.
<F2>AMOUNT INCLUDES ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL, RETAINED EARNINGS, TREASURY
STOCK AND THE EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN RECEIVABLE.
</FN>
</TABLE>
