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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 COMMISSION FILE NO. 1-9502
STAGE II APPAREL CORP.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
NEW YORK1 3-3016967
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NO.)
350 FIFTH AVENUE
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10118
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (212) 564-5865
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:
TITLE OF EACH CLASS NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE ON WHICH REGISTERED
Common Stock, $.01 par value American Stock Exchange
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:
None
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes / X / No / /
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is not contained
herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant's knowledge, in
definitive proxy or information statements incorporated in Part III of this Form
10-K or any amendments to this Form 10-K. / X /
As of March 31, 1997, 4,196,462 shares of Common Stock were outstanding, and the
aggregate market value of shares held by unaffiliated shareholders was
approximately $2,007,000.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain portions of the Proxy Statement for the 1997 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
INTRODUCTION
GENERAL. Stage II Apparel Corp. (the "Company" or "Stage II") designs and
distributes an extensive range of men's and boy's casual apparel and activewear.
The Company markets its apparel to mass merchandisers under nationally
recognized brand names as well as proprietary and private labels. During 1996,
the Company streamlined its operations to focus on its most popular labels and
entered into manufacturing arrangements with Unique Sports Generation ("Unique
Sports") for NBA brand apparel, with the addition of NFL brand sportswear
planned for 1997. The Company's products are produced to its specifications by
various independent manufacturers in the Far East, United States, Africa and
Europe. Stage II also acts as purchasing agent for various major retailing
customers.
MARKET POSITION. Management of the Company has been engaged in importing
and marketing apparel for over 40 years and believes that Stage II is a leading
supplier of men's and boy's casual apparel and activewear. This assessment is
based on factors including merchandiser recognition of the Company's licensed
brand names as reflected in independent studies, its apparel sales penetration
in major chain stores and the fragmented nature of this segment of the apparel
industry. Stage II sells its products primarily to sporting goods and specialty
stores, mass merchandisers and various wholesale membership clubs. During 1996,
the Company had over 500 customers.
MARKET SECTOR. Stage II has specialized in casual apparel and activewear
primarily for men and boys since its inception in 1980. The Company's products
offer customers a wide selection of apparel styles, fabrics and colors for
leisure and sports activities and are sold at "popular" and "moderate to better"
prices.
PRODUCTS
GENERAL. The Company's product mix was historically based on the
perception that retail customers generally preferred quality brand name apparel
over comparable proprietary or private label products. Stage II initiated a
program in 1982 to acquire U.S. license rights to nationally recognized brand
names and expanded its product lines to accommodate as many as sixteen brand
name licenses by 1993. Over the past few years, in response to increased demand
for more moderately priced casual apparel and activewear for men and boys, the
Company has consolidated its branded apparel lines to concentrate on its three
most popular licenses. Stage II has also placed greater emphasis on its own
proprietary labels, including MAIN EVENT, RANCHO SANTA FE, TOP SEED, METRO
CLOTHING COMPANY, PRO TOUR and TIMBER RUN.
BRAND NAME LICENSES. During the course of its license acquisition program,
the Company has added and thereafter discontinued various brand name licenses in
favor of more advantageous arrangements for its current brand name lines.
During 1996, Stage II relinquished license rights for its MCGREGOR, WALT DISNEY,
TAZ/MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL and COLEMAN lines, added an exclusive license with
DUNLOP for men's activewear and retained its licenses for the SPALDING brand.
In addition to its exclusive licenses, Stage II has acquired various
non-exclusive licenses and manufacturing rights. In 1993, through the
acquisition of a controlling interest in Woody Sports Apparel, Inc. ("Woody
Sports"), the Company added Canadian activewear licenses from the NATIONAL
HOCKEY LEAGUE, MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL, the NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC
ASSOCIATION AND the CANADIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE. During 1996, the Company
expanded this program domestically through manufacturing arrangements with
Unique Sports, which holds non-exclusive licenses for various categories of
men's and boy's activewear from the NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION and,
commencing in April 1997, the NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE. The Company has
elected to dispose of its interest in Woody Sports, which is expected to
be liquidated by the end of June 1997. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations."
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LICENSED BRAND NAME APPAREL SALES. The Company's licensed brand name
apparel generally sells at a higher price and with greater gross profit margins
than its comparable private and proprietary label apparel. During 1996, 1995
and 1994, sales of brand name apparel accounted for approximately 71%, 78% and
94%, respectively, of the Company's net sales. The gradual reduction in brand
name apparel as a percentage of the Company's overall product mix reflects its
strategy for increasing reliance on its own proprietary labels and its
customers' private labels in response to greater demand for more moderately
priced men's and boy's activewear.
LICENSE AGREEMENTS. The Company's license agreements generally require it
to make minimum annual royalty payments and advertising expenditures and provide
for maintenance of quality control. The license agreements also provide the
licensor with a right of termination if the Company defaults on these
obligations and, in certain cases, if specified minimum levels of annual net
sales for licensed products are not met. These thresholds generally increase
for each successive license year. Stage II is in compliance with the terms of
each of its license agreements. The agreements run for various periods and are
generally renewable. Prior to expiration of a profitable license, Stage II is
usually able to obtain renewals or replacements on comparable terms.
License agreements for the Company's SPALDING and COLEMAN lines each
accounted for over 10% of its net sales in 1996 and 1995. These agreements
provide for minimum annual royalty payments ranging from approximately
$175,000 to $650,000. Stage II's net sales under these two license
agreements during 1996 and 1995 aggregated approximately $19 million and $27
million, respectively. The license agreement with COLEMAN was terminated by
mutual consent in May 1996 and replaced with a new DUNLOP license. The
Company also increased emphasis on its own TIMBER RUN label.
MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION
MARKETING STRATEGY. The Company's marketing strategy focuses on multiple
product lines of quality casual apparel and activewear distinguished by design,
label and price. This permits Stage II to sell products to both discount and
full price operating divisions of major retailers. The Company's broad range of
brand name and proprietary label apparel also enables it to deliver similar
apparel items under different labels to competing merchandising customers.
MARKETING VEHICLES. Stage II sells its products through a sales force
consisting of seven sales employees and nine sales agents located in New York
City and other domestic locations. The Company advertises its brand name
products through its catalogs distributed each season and magazines including
DISCOUNT STORES NEWS, a trade periodical, and the DAILY NEWS RECORD. The
Company also displays its merchandise in showrooms at its New York City
headquarters. In addition, Stage II exhibits its apparel at the semi-annual
trade shows produced by the Men's Apparel Guild in Las Vegas (MAGIC), a major
men's and boy's apparel show, and other trade shows, including the Atlanta Super
Show and the BATMAN's show for big and tall men's apparel.
CUSTOMERS. In 1996, the Company's products were sold to over 500 customers
operating national and regional chains of sporting goods, specialty and mass
merchandising stores throughout the United States and Canada. Some of the
Company's largest customers during 1996 (measured by sales) included Ames
Department Stores, Inc., Army-Airforce Exchange Service, Hills Dept. Stores,
K-Mart Stores, Inc., Henry Modell & Co., Value City, Venture Stores, Inc. and
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Approximately 68% of the Company's 1996 net sales were
made to its ten largest customers, of which Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Ames
Department Stores, Inc. were the only customers accounting for more than 10% of
net sales.
DISTRIBUTION. The Company's brand name and proprietary label products are
generally prepacked at the manufacturing site into cartons, shipped to an East
Coast warehouse and then shipped directly to the customer without repacking.
Products sold under retailers' own private labels are shipped directly to the
retailer.
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SALES AGENCY OPERATIONS
Stage II Apparel Corp. of Hong Kong, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary
("Stage II HK"), provides sales agency services to Stage II and acts as
purchasing agent to certain major retailing customers of the Company. Stage II
HK's management has substantial experience in arranging for apparel
manufacturing and export to the United States. Stage II HK monitors the
production and quality control of garments manufactured for the Company in
various foreign locations, inspects production facilities and evaluates
potential future suppliers. Stage II HK also assists the Company's
manufacturers in locating and purchasing manufacturing machinery and raw
materials from time to time and when necessary to ensure timely delivery of
finished products to meet the Company's manufacturing orders.
During 1996, Stage II and Stage II HK also acted as purchasing agent for
$14 million (net sales equivalent) of apparel for other apparel companies and
retailers. These amounts are not included as net sales of the Company.
Instead, the fees for these services are reflected as commission income.
Information on the amounts of net sales and commission income, operating profit
and identifiable assets attributable to the Company's operations in the United
States, Canada and in the Far East is set forth in Note 2 of the Notes to the
Company's Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Report.
MANUFACTURING
GENERAL. Stage II does not currently own or operate any manufacturing
facilities. Although the Company previously operated a domestic screen printing
facility, those operations were discontinued in 1993.
MANUFACTURING SOURCES. The Company's products are manufactured in
accordance with its designs, specifications and production schedules by
approximately 70 independent foreign and domestic manufacturers located in over
15 countries. Stage II determines its manufacturing requirements based on
customer orders placed or indicated approximately six months prior to shipment.
Manufacturing is then arranged on an order-by-order basis.
While there are no long term contractual commitments between Stage II and
its manufacturers, management believes the Company can continue to meet its
manufacturing requirements from its current manufacturers and, if necessary,
from other foreign and domestic sources. The Company's management has extensive
experience in the apparel industry and has established long term relationships
with independent manufacturers over the years. Management believes that these
relationships facilitate its sourcing of manufacturing requirements. The
Company also believes that the number and geographical diversity of its
manufacturing sources minimize the potential risks of quota limitations on
imports from certain foreign countries and adverse consequences that would
result from termination of its relationship with any of its manufacturers. See
"Imports and Import Restrictions" below.
PRODUCTION ALLOCATIONS. Stage II allocates production among its suppliers
based on a number of criteria, including quota considerations for foreign
suppliers, availability of production capability, quality, pricing and
flexibility in meeting changing production requirements on relatively short
notice. During 1996, approximately 9% of the Company's products were
manufactured in the United States, with the balance of its products manufactured
in over 14 countries in the Far East, Africa and Europe.
QUALITY CONTROL. All finished products manufactured for the Company are
inspected by employees or agents of the Company or Stage II HK prior to
acceptance and payment to ensure that they meet the Company's design, quality
and other production specifications. Employees or agents of the Company or
Stage II HK inspect initial product samples provided by manufacturers for
compliance with production specifications, and production runs are not
authorized until conforming samples have been approved. Payment for each
foreign manufacturing order is generally backed by an irrevocable international
letter of credit issued under the Company's credit agreement approximately two
to six months prior to shipment of the products. The letters of credit may not
be drawn until an authorized employee or agent of Stage II issues an inspection
certificate certifying that the products are in compliance with the
manufacturing order.
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IMPORTS AND IMPORT RESTRICTIONS
CURRENT IMPORT CONSIDERATIONS. The Company imports approximately 91% of
its products from various foreign countries located in the Far East, Africa and
Europe. Since 1963, imports of apparel products from these countries have been
subject to constraints imposed by multilateral textile agreements with the
United States applicable to specific product categories. As products in a
certain product category are imported from a country into the United States,
that country's quota for the product category is utilized. When an annual quota
limit is reached, no more products in the category may enter into the United
States during the year from that country. Stage II monitors the amount of
unutilized quota available for import of the Company's products on a weekly
basis and arranges its production schedules accordingly. The Company further
minimizes its potential exposure to quota risks through, among other things,
geographical diversification of its manufacturing sources and shifts of
production among countries and manufacturers. Stage II bases its choice of
manufacturer, in part, on quota considerations.
POTENTIAL FUTURE RESTRICTIONS. The Company's ability to obtain necessary
product requirements may be affected by additional bilateral agreements,
unilateral trade restrictions, substantial decreases in textile import quotas, a
significant drop in the value of the dollar against foreign currency, political
instability resulting in the disruption of trade from exporting countries or the
imposition of additional duties, taxes or other charges on imports. From time
to time, legislation has been introduced in both houses of Congress seeking to
limit the import of foreign goods, including cloth, clothes and shoes, to the
United States. The Company's management has substantial experience in
developing and maintaining sources of supply, foreign and domestic, and
therefore believes that Stage II will be able to adjust to any future import
restrictions by obtaining required quota rights or, when necessary, moving
production to countries in which applicable quotas remain unfilled or to
countries in which no quotas are imposed.
BACKLOG
The Company's backlog of orders for garments at March 14, 1997 totaled
approximately $14 million, including 1997 sales through that date, representing
a decrease of $14 million from the comparable backlog of approximately $28
million at March 16, 1996, including sales through that date. Substantially all
of the orders at March 14, 1997 are scheduled for delivery by the end of the
year. Backlog represents orders placed by customers that are not yet due for
shipment. The amount of unfilled orders at a particular time is affected by a
number of factors including the scheduling of the manufacture and shipment of
the product, which in some instances is dependent on the desires of the
customer. Cancellations, rejections and returns could reduce the amount of net
sales resulting from the backlog of orders at March 14, 1997. Accordingly, a
comparison of unfilled orders from period to period is not necessarily
meaningful or indicative of subsequent actual shipments.
COMPETITION
The apparel business is highly competitive and consists of many importers,
distributors and manufacturers, none of which accounts for a significant
percentage of total industry sales, but some of which are larger and have
substantially greater resources than the Company. Stage II competes with
distributors that import apparel from abroad, with domestic retailers having
established foreign manufacturing relationships and with companies that produce
apparel domestically. The Company's sector of the apparel industry is highly
fragmented, and management believes that Stage II is a leading supplier of
casual apparel and activewear marketed to mass merchandisers under a number of
nationally recognized brand names and proprietary labels.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 1996, the Company had 51 full-time employees, of whom 33
worked in executive, administrative, sales, clerical or warehouse capacities in
New York City and other domestic locations, four worked in purchasing,
production, administrative and clerical capacities in Hong Kong and 14 worked in
executive, administrative, sales, clerical or warehouse capacities with Woody
Sports, the Company's discontinued Canadian
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subsidiary. None of the Company's employees are represented by a union. Stage
II considers its working relationships with employees to be good and has never
experienced an interruption of its operations due to any kind of labor dispute.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
NEW YORK OFFICE HEADQUARTERS
The Company's New York sales and administrative offices are located in the
Empire State Building at 350 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10118 and consist
of approximately 10,800 square feet. The offices are occupied under a lease
running through 2006 and providing for an average annual base rent of
approximately $343,000. The Company also is obligated to pay for electricity,
certain taxes and expense escalations. In 1996, the Company made additional
payments for these items aggregating approximately $96,000.
DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES
During 1996, the Company distributed substantially all of its finished
garments in the United States from a public distribution facility located in the
New York metropolitan area, leased on a month-to-month basis. In 1996 and 1995,
the aggregate storage costs incurred at all distribution facilities were
approximately $188,000 and $289,000, respectively.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In April 1996, the Company and Stage II HK commenced a lawsuit in the
Supreme Court of the State of New York against Stuart Goldman, Townsley, Ltd.
("Townsley") and related parties to recoup damages incurred in connection with
their October 1994 acquisition of substantially all the assets and related
liabilities of Townsley, the purchase of all the capital stock of Townsley's
Hong Kong subsidiary and the related employment and subsequent termination of
Mr. Goldman as President of Stage II and Stage II HK. The lawsuit also seeks
rescission of the Company's six-year employment agreement entered with Mr.
Goldman in connection with the Townsley acquisition and a seven-year employment
agreement between Stage II HK and Mr. Goldman. The lawsuit is based on alleged
misrepresentations in connection with the Townsley acquisition and breach of Mr.
Goldman's fiduciary duties and contractual obligations under his employment
agreements.
In June 1996, Mr. Goldman and his co-defendants filed an answer denying
Stage II's claims in the lawsuit and asserting various counterclaims. These
include (i) $2 million in compensation for the unexpired terms of Mr. Goldman's
employment agreements, (ii) $.5 million in payment of the deferred purchase
price for Townsley assets and (iii) a total of $2.4 million in compensatory
damages plus punitive damages for alleged misrepresentations in connection with
the Company's issuance of 292,135 shares (the "Goldman Shares") of its common
stock ("Common Stock") as part of the purchase price for Townsley assets.
During the fourth quarter of 1996, the parties to this lawsuit agreed to
submit their claims to nonbinding mediation, which led to an agreement in
principle for a settlement of the lawsuit. The proposed settlement contemplates
a payment from Stage II of approximately $1.2 million, partially offset by the
relinquishment of the Goldman Shares. The Company expects to implement the
proposed settlement in the near future.
The Company is a party to several other legal proceedings incidental to its
business, none of which is considered to be material to its financial position,
results of operations or liquidity.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not Applicable.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE COMPANY'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
TRADING MARKET
The Company's Common Stock is listed for trading on the American Stock
Exchange (the "AMEX") under the symbol SA. Trading commenced upon completion of
the Company's initial public offering of its Common Stock in October 1987. The
following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales
prices for the Common Stock as reported on the AMEX.
MARKET PRICES
-------------
1995: HIGH LOW
----- ------- -------
First quarter $ 4 5/8 $ 3 5/8
Second quarter 4 2 7/8
Third quarter 3 1/2 2 1/2
Fourth quarter 3 1/16 2 1/2
1996:
-----
First quarter $ 4 1/8 $ 2 13/16
Second quarter 3 7/8 2 3/4
Third quarter 3 1/8 2 3/4
Fourth quarter 3 1 7/8
1997:
----
First quarter $ 2 1/8 $ 1 7/16
SECURITY HOLDERS
As of March 31, 1997, there were 127 holders of record of the Company's
Common Stock. Stage II estimates that there are at least 900 beneficial owners
of its Common Stock.
DIVIDENDS
Stage II paid four quarterly dividends of $.03 per share in 1994. The
Company did not pay any dividends during 1996 or 1995 and does not expect to
consider reinstituting dividend payments in the foreseeable future.
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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table presents selected financial data of Stage II at and for
the year ended December 31 in each of the five years through 1996. The selected
financial data presented below has been derived from the Company's audited
consolidated financial statements, which have been restated for each of the
three years ended December 31, 1995 to account for the operations of Woody
Sports as discontinued operations in view of the Company's decision to dispose
of its interest in the subsidiary. For each of the three years through December
31, 1996, the following financial information should be read in conjunction with
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations as well as the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and
related Notes included elsewhere in this Report.
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
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1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Net sales $ 33,428 $ 60,177 $ 59,560 $ 59,574 $ 75,524
Cost of goods sold 28,016 48,357 46,778 46,270 56,893
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Gross profit 5,412 11,820 12,782 13,304 18,631
Commission and other income. 678 1,599 853 1,180 1,255
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
6,090 13,419 13,635 14,484 19,886
Selling, general and administrative expenses 9,195 13,341 13,059 12,201 15,046
Impairment of prepaid salary and non-compete 512 --- --- --- ---
Provision (benefit) for litigation costs (13) 577 --- --- ---
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Operating profit (loss) (3,604) (499) 576 2,283 4,840
Interest, net 1,588 2,421 1,818 829 1,292
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) from continuing operations
before income taxes (5,192) (2,920) (1,242) 1,454 3,548
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (33) (342) (438) 629 1,331
Income (loss) from continuing operations before
cumulative effect of accounting change. (5,159) (2,578) (804) 825 2,217
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (324) (684) (61) 8 ---
Estimated loss on disposal of discontinued
operations (1,479) --- --- --- ---
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(1,803) (684) (61) 8 ---
Cumulative effect of accounting change --- --- --- 401 ---
Net income (loss). $ (6,962) $ (3,262) $ (865) $ 1,234 $ 2,217
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income (loss) per common share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations $ (1.23) $ (.60) $ (.19) $ .20 $ .55
Loss from discontinued operations (.43) (.18) (.02) --- ---
Cumulative effect of accounting change. --- --- --- .10 ---
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
$ (1.66) $ (.78) $ (.21) $ .30 $ .55
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Dividends paid per common share $ --- $ --- $ .12 $ .12 $ .03
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Weighted average common shares outstanding. 4,196 4,195 4,161 4,155 4,064
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
SUMMARY BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total assets $ 25,809 $ 39,536 $ 41,126 $ 32,747 $ 33,742
Due to factor. 7,174 11,658 9,630 2,149 2,443
Long term debt, excluding current portion 699 1,295 1,465 --- 233
Shareholders' equity 14,390 21,678 24,414 26,409 25,318
</TABLE>
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
GENERAL
The Company has historically developed its product lines primarily through
the acquisition of exclusive and non-exclusive license rights to nationally
recognized brand names for sales of its apparel in the United States. In 1996,
the Company streamlined its operations to focus on its most popular labels,
relinquishing its license rights for its MCGREGOR, WALT DISNEY, TAZ/MAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALL and COLEMAN lines, renewing its exclusive SPALDING license and adding a
new exclusive license for the DUNLOP brand. Stage II also increased its
emphasis on proprietary and private label sales in 1996, including its own
TIMBER RUN label, and entered into manufacturing arrangements with Unique Sports
for NBA brand apparel, with the addition of the NFL brand planned for April
1997. Sales of the Company's new product lines are not expected to add
significant revenues until the second half of 1997.
In general, the Company's established brand name apparel sells at a higher
price and with greater gross profit margins than its comparable non-branded
apparel. These advantages are partially offset by royalty and advertising
expenses incurred in accordance with the Company's license agreements for its
brand name apparel. These expenses are included in selling, general and
administrative ("SG&A") expenses. Difficulties in reducing fixed SG&A costs and
maintaining strong profit margins in the face of intensified competition,
consolidation and overall weakness in the retail apparel market have contributed
significantly to the Company's net losses in the last three years. As part of
its strategy for returning to profitability, in addition to consolidating its
licensing arrangements in 1996, the Company has systematically reduced the scope
of its operations to concentrate on its most successful products, eliminated
highly promotional merchandise, trimmed SG&A expenses, added new commission
sales personnel and realigned management to focus on its core product lines.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS. In May 1996, the Company decided to explore
alternatives for disposing of its interest in Woody Sports, a Canadian
distributor of activewear in which Stage II acquired 80% of the common stock and
all the preferred stock in 1993 for approximately $1.6 million. In July 1996,
the Company finalized its plan to liquidate the operations of Woody Sports and
has provided for a loss on disposal of $1.5 million, comprised of a provision of
$326,000 for operating losses during the phase-out period and a noncash
impairment charge of $1.2 million against goodwill of the subsidiary. The
Company's consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December
1995 and 1994 have been restated to account for the operations of Woody Sports
as discontinued operations in view of the Company's decision to dispose of its
interest in the subsidiary. The liquidation of Woody Sports is expected to be
completed by the end of June 1997.
ASSET IMPAIRMENT UNDER FAS 121. On January 1, 1996, the Company adopted
the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Statement No. 121, ACCOUNTING FOR THE
IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS AND LONG-LIVED ASSETS TO BE DISPOSED OF ("FAS
121"). FAS 121 requires long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles
to be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Recoverability of
assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of
the asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If
the asset is considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is
measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the
fair value of the asset. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of
the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Stage II recognized two
separate noncash impairment charges during 1996 as a result of a management
realignment and related lawsuit involving the termination of the Company's
former president. See "Legal Proceedings." The first charge aggregating
$175,000 was recognized in the second quarter of 1996 against the carrying value
of prepaid salary advanced to the former president, and the second charge
totaling $337,000 was recognized in the fourth quarter of 1996 against the
carrying value of the Company's non-compete covenant from the former president.
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EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTIONS. In October 1995, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123,
ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION ("FAS 123"), which established financial
accounting and reporting standards for stock-based employee compensation plans
and for transactions in which an entity issues its equity instruments to acquire
goods and services from nonemployees. FAS 123 requires, among other things,
that compensation costs be calculated for fixed stock options at the grant date
by determining fair value using an option pricing model. The Company has the
option of recognizing the compensation cost over the vesting period as an
expense in the consolidated statement of operations or making pro forma
disclosures in the notes to financial statements reflecting the effects on net
earnings as if the compensations cost had been recognized in the consolidated
statements of operations. The Company adopted FAS 123 in 1996.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
SEASONALITY. Stage II experiences some seasonal business fluctuations due
primarily to seasonal buying patterns for its product mix of casual apparel and
activewear. While sales of the Company's products are made throughout the year,
the largest sales volume in each of the last three years occurred in the third
quarter. The following table reflects these quarterly fluctuations, which have
been restated to account for the operations of Woody Sports as discontinued
operations and should not be construed as indicative of future net sales.
QUARTERLY NET SALES
(IN THOUSANDS)
FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH
QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER TOTAL
-------- -------- -------- ------- ---------
1996 $ 8,437 $ 5,693 $10,397 $ 8,901 $33,428
1995 14,015 12,233 20,387 13,542 60,177
1994 13,150 10,040 20,124 16,246 59,560
The following tables present the Company's gross profit from continuing
operations, income (loss) from continuing operations and income (loss) per
share from continuing operations on a quarterly basis during the last three
years.
QUARTERLY GROSS PROFIT FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS)
FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH
QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER TOTAL
-------- -------- -------- ------- ---------
1996 $ 1,647 $ 811 $ 2,126 $ 828 $ 5,412
1995 3,126 2,271 4,393 2,030 11,820
1994 3,134 2,230 4,612 2,806 12,782
QUARTERLY INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS)
FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH
QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER TOTAL
-------- -------- -------- ------- ---------
1996 $(1,377) $(2,489) $ 12 $(1,305) $(5,159)
1995 (453) (769) 464 (1,820) (2,578)
1994 (55) (507) 304 (546) (804)
9
<PAGE>
QUARTERLY INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH
QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER TOTAL
-------- -------- -------- ------- ---------
1996 $ (.33) $ (.59) $ .00 $ (.31) $ (1.23)
1995 (.10) (.18) .11 (.43) (.60)
1994 (.02) (.11) .07 (.13) (.19)
1996 COMPARED TO 1995. Net sales from continuing operations of $33.4
million for 1996 decreased by 44.5% from $60.2 million in 1995. The decrease
reflects intensified competition, consolidation and overall weakness in the
retail apparel trade, the termination of certain brand name apparel licenses and
a planned reduction in the scope of the Company's operations. Approximately
$10.2 million or 38.1% of the sales decline was attributable to the
relinquishment of four brand name apparel licenses in 1996. Sales of
replacement brand name and proprietary lines are not expected to add significant
revenues until the second half of 1997.
Cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales increased to 83.8% in 1996
compared to 80.4% in 1995. The increase reflects lower gross profit margins
primarily resulting from higher levels of promotional sales in response to the
continuing weak retail trade and the sell off of discontinued lines.
Commission and other income decreased by approximately $.9 million during
1996 compared to the prior year, reflecting a decline in the Company's sales
agency business.
SG&A expenses for 1996 decreased by 31.1% to $9.2 million compared to $13.3
million for 1995, primarily from a reduction in variable costs associated with
lower sales volumes and a cost reduction plan adopted in the second quarter of
the year as part of the Company's redirection of its business. SG&A expenses as
a percentage of sales increased to 27.5% for 1996 compared to 22.2% in the prior
year, reflecting a faster decline in sales than the Company's ability to reduce
fixed SG&A expenses.
During 1996, the Company recognized noncash impairment charges aggregating
$512,000 for writeoffs of a former officer's prepaid salary and non-compete
covenant. See "Recent Developments--Asset Impairment under FAS 121" above. In
addition, during 1995, Stage II recognized a provision of $577,000 for
litigation costs relating primarily to performance adjustments for an
acquisition completed by the Company in 1987.
Interest and factoring expenses, net of interest income, aggregated $1.6
million or 4.8% of sales in 1996 compared to $2.4 million or 4.0% of sales in
1995, representing a decrease of $.8 million or 34.4%. The decrease reflects
lower interest rates, reduced levels of borrowing and slightly higher levels
of interest income.
The Company recognized losses from continuing operations before income tax
benefits in 1996 and 1995 aggregating $5.2 million and $2.9 million,
respectively, reflecting the foregoing trends and, for 1996, noncash impairment
charges aggregating $512,000 for writeoffs of a former officer's prepaid salary
and a non-compete covenant. See "Recent Developments--Asset Impairment under
FAS 121" above. After accounting for losses of $324,000 and $765,000 from
discontinued operations of Woody Sports in 1996 and 1995, respectively, and a
charge of $1.5 million in 1996 for an estimated loss on disposal of the
discontinued operations, the Company's net loss was $7.0 million or $1.66 per
share in 1996 based on 4,196,000 average common shares outstanding compared to a
net loss of $3.3 million or $.78 per share for 1995 based on 4,195,000 average
common shares outstanding. See "Recent Developments--Discontinued Operations"
above.
1995 COMPARED TO 1994. The Company's net sales from continuing operations
of $60.2 million in 1995 increased by 1.0% compared to $59.6 million in the
prior year. Net sales in both years was affected by the general
10
<PAGE>
downturn in the retail trade, the termination of certain licenses and the timing
of product shipments.
Cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales increased to 80.4% during
1995 compared to 78.5% during 1994. The increase reflects lower gross profit
margins primarily resulting from higher levels of promotional sales in 1995 in
response to the weak retail climate.
Commission and other income increased by approximately $.7 million during
1995 compared to the prior year, primarily reflecting increased volume of the
Company's sales agency business.
SG&A expenses of $13.3 million in 1995 increased by 2.2% from $13.1 million
in the prior year. The relatively constant level of SG&A expenses reflects
ongoing efforts to cut costs partially offset by costs associated with
terminating several licenses in 1995.
Interest and factoring expenses, net of interest income, aggregated $2.4
million in 1995, representing an increase of 33.2% compared to net interest
and factoring expenses of $1.8 million in 1994. The increase was due to
higher interest rates, increased levels of borrowing and lower levels of
interest income.
In 1995, Stage II incurred nonrecurring litigation costs aggregating
$577,000. The costs relate primarily to performance adjustments for an
acquisition completed by the Company in 1987.
Stage II recognized losses from continuing operations before income tax
benefits in 1995 and 1994 aggregating $2.8 million and $1.2 million,
respectively, reflecting decreased sales and profit margins, increased borrowing
costs and nonrecurring litigation costs. After accounting for losses of
$765,000 and $83,000 from discontinued operations of Woody Sports in 1995 and
1994, respectively, the Company's net loss was $3.3 million or $.78 per share
for 1995 based on 4,195,000 average common shares outstanding compared to a net
loss of $.9 million or $.21 per share for 1994 based on 4,161,000 average
common shares outstanding.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
LIQUIDITY. Net cash provided by Stage II's operating activities during
1996 aggregated $3.4 million. The Company's cash position during the year was
further increased by the sale of marketable securities held by Stage II HK
netting $2.1 million. During 1996, $4.5 million was repaid to the Company's
factor, $577,000 was repaid on bank borrowings by Woody Sports and $171,000 was
paid to note holders. As a result of these activities, the Company's cash
position increased from $151,000 at December 31, 1995 to $429,000 at December
31, 1996.
CAPITAL RESOURCES. The Company had retained earnings of $9.3 million at
December 31, 1996, including unremitted earnings of Stage II HK in the amount of
$11.7 million, of which $8.6 million was invested in marketable fixed-income
securities. Stage II HK has paid only local (i.e., foreign) taxes associated
with its unremitted earnings, which would be subject to the current U.S. tax
rate on those funds (less the amount previously paid in local taxes) if they
were to be repatriated and made available for domestic use. There are no
restrictions on the repatriation of these unremitted earnings, other than their
being subject to domestic taxation upon repatriation. During 1996, the Company
repatriated $3.4 million of Stage II HK's retained earnings and applied the
funds primarily to reduce short term debt to its factor. The repatriation did
not trigger domestic taxes due to the availability of net operating losses to
offset the taxable income.
In 1997, the Company decided to repatriate an additional $6.3 million of
Stage II HK's retained earnings to substantially reduce short term debt.
The repatriation is not expected to trigger domestic taxes due to the
availability of net operating losses to offset any taxable income created.
Stage II does not expect to repatriate additional retained earnings without
available net operating losses to offset the taxable income. To the extent
it decides to sell these securities or to make current use of the funds, the
Company will recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between their
market value and its investment in the securities at the time of the decision
to liquidate.
11
<PAGE>
Stage II maintains a factoring agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with
Republic Factors Corp. (the "Factor"). The Credit Agreement provides a
revolving credit facility for short term borrowings by Stage II at a floating
interest rate equal to 1/2% above the prime rate of Republic National Bank.
Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are payable upon demand and secured by the
Company's inventory, accounts receivable, cash surrender value of officers' life
insurance and the marketable securities of Stage II HK. The Factor purchases
the Company's accounts receivable that it has preapproved, without recourse
except in cases where there are merchandise returns or billing or merchandise
disputes in the normal course of business. In addition, the Factor is
responsible for the accounting and collection of all accounts receivable sold to
it by the Company. The Factor receives a commission under the Credit Agreement
in an amount less than 1% of net receivables purchased by the Factor.
The Credit Agreement also provides for the issuance of letters of credit by
a banking affiliate of the Factor to fund the Company's foreign manufacturing
orders. The aggregate amount of borrowings and letters of credit available
under the Credit Agreement are determined from time to time based upon the
requirements of the Company, with a borrowing and letter of credit limit up to
approximately $13 million. The Credit Agreement is scheduled to expire on
December 31, 1997, subject to automatic one-year renewal terms unless terminated
at the option of either party.
During 1996, the Company repaid $4.5 million of its Credit Agreement
borrowings primarily with repatriated earnings of Stage II HK. At December
31, 1996, the Company's net direct borrowings under the Credit Agreement
aggregated $7.2 million. Stage II currently intends to repay most of its
borrowings under the Credit Agreement during the second quarter of 1997 with
additional repatriated earnings of Stage II HK and refinance the balance of
these borrowings under a new credit agreement expected to be entered with
Milberg Factors, Inc. ("Milberg"). The Company has received a term
commitment from Milberg for the new arrangement on terms similar to the
Credit Agreement.
Woody Sports has established a line of credit secured by an assignment of
its accounts receivable and inventories, a general security agreement and an
assignment and postponement of inter-company notes and receivables. The credit
facility provides for borrowings at a floating interest rate equal to 1/2% above
the lender's prime. At December 31, 1996, the subsidiary's net direct
borrowings under its line of credit aggregated $434,000. As of that date, the
subsidiary had no material commitments for capital expenditures. In March 1997,
Woody Sports repaid all outstanding obligations under its credit facility and
elected to terminate the facility in connection with its planned liquidation.
The Company believes that its internally generated funds and borrowings
available under its credit arrangements will be sufficient to meet its
foreseeable working capital requirements. Stage II may reborrow amounts repaid
under its Credit Agreement or seek other external means to finance its
operations in the future, including its planned new credit agreement with
Milberg.
INFLATION. The general level of inflation in domestic and foreign
economies has not had a material effect on the Company's operating results
during the last three years.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT. In June 1996, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board issued Statement No. 125, ACCOUNTING FOR TRANSFERS AND SERVICING
OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND EXTINGUISHMENT OF LIABILITIES ("FAS 125").
FAS 125 is effective for covered transactions occurring after December 31, 1996
and is to be applied prospectively. FAS 125 provides accounting and reporting
standards for transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishment of
liabilities based on consistent application of a financial components approach
that focuses on control. It distinguishes transfers of financial assets that
amount to sales from transfers to collateralize secured borrowings. The Company
does not expect the adoption of FAS 125 to have a material effect on its
financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
12
<PAGE>
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
-----------------------------
PAGE
- ----
STAGE II APPAREL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES:
Independent Auditors' Report ...................................... F-1
Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 1996 and 1995........... F-2
Consolidated Statements of Operations - For the years
ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994........................... F-3
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - For the years
ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994........................... F-4
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - For
the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994................. F-5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements......................... F-6
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS IN ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
13
<PAGE>
PART III
ITEM 10. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
The executive officers of the Company are as follows:
OFFICER OF
STAGE II
NAME AGE POSITION SINCE
- ---- --- -------------------- -----
Jack Clark 69 Chairman of the Board 1982
Steven R. Clark 40 President 1980
Anthony M. Pisano 56 Executive Vice President 1996
and Chief Financial Officer
Ronald Cohen 55 Executive Vice President - 1996
Operations
Carl Jenkins 54 Executive Vice President - 1996
Production and Foreign
Operations
A summary of the business experience and background of the Company's
officers is set forth below.
JACK CLARK has served as the Chairman of the Board and a director of the
Company since 1982. From 1982 through January 1987, he served as a consultant
to the Company and other apparel companies in his capacity as president of
J.C.C. Consulting Corp., with his services since that date provided directly and
exclusively to the Company. Mr. Clark is primarily responsible for the
Company's strategic planning, including product designs and development,
manufacturing and acquisitions. Mr. Clark has been engaged in the apparel
business for over 40 years.
STEVEN R. CLARK has been a member of the Company's sales force and served
as a director of the Company since its formation in 1980, and has served as
its President since 1996 and Executive Vice President - Big and Tall Apparel
since 1992, prior to which he was Division Head - Big and Tall Apparel. He
is the son of Jack Clark, Chairman of the Board of the Company, and has been
engaged in the apparel business for over 15 years.
ANTHONY M. PISANO joined Stage II in 1996 as Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining the Company, he served as President
of AMP Consulting Corp., which he founded in 1995. Mr. Pisano was the Chief
Financial Officer of Gloria Vanderbilt Corporation from 1994 through 1995 and
the Chief Financial Officer of Bernard Chaus, Inc. from 1987 through 1994. He
was a partner in the Consulting Service Division of Ernst & Young LLP from 1982
through 1987.
RONALD COHEN joined Stage II in 1988 as Director of Operations and was
appointed as Executive Vice President - Operations and a director of Stage II in
1996. He is principally responsible for the Company's computer operations,
import arrangements and sales monitoring. Prior to joining Stage II, Mr. Cohen
served for four years as President of Scottodd, Inc., a consulting company.
CARL JENKINS joined the Company in 1994 as Director of Production and
Foreign Operations and was appointed as Executive Vice President - Production
and Foreign Operations in 1996. Prior to joining Stage II, he served in a
similar position with Townsley for more than five years.
The balance of Part III to this Report is incorporated by reference to the
Company's definitive Proxy Statement for its 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or before April 30,
1997.
14
<PAGE>
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(A) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES:
(1) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: The financial statements listed in the
Index under Item 8 are included at the end of this Report.
(2) SCHEDULES: All schedules for which provision is made in
applicable accounting regulations of the SEC have been omitted as
the schedules are either not required under the related
instructions, are not applicable or the information required
thereby is set forth in the Company's Consolidated Financial
Statements or the Notes thereto.
(3) EXHIBITS:
EXHIBIT
NUMBER: EXHIBIT
2.1* Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
Company.
3.2* By-Laws of the Company.
4.1* Form of Stock Certificate.
10.1* 1987 Incentive Stock Option Plan.
10.2 License Agreement dated as of January 1, 1988 between the
Company and Spalding Sports Worldwide, a division of
Spalding & Evenflo Companies Inc. (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
IO-Q (File No.1-9502) for the quarter ended February 29,
1988).
10.3 Combined License Agreement dated November 30, 1989 between
McGregor Corporation and the Company (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K (File No. 1-9502) for the year ended December 31,
1989).
10.4 License Agreement dated January 1, 1990 between McGregor
Corporation and the Company (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.39 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
(File No. 1-9502) for the year ended December 31, 1989).
10.5 License agreement dated March 14, 1996 between Dunlop
Slazenger Corporation and the Company (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K (File No. 1-9502) for the year ended December 31,
1995).
10.6 Buy-Sell Agreement dated as of January 31, 1992 among the
Company, Jack Clark and Robert Plotkin (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K (File No. 1-9502) for the year ended December 31,
1994).
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Company (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 21.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
(File No. 1-9502) for the year ended December 31, 1994).
24.1 Power of Attorney of Jack Clark, Steven R. Clark, Ron Cohen,
Stephen Jelin, Eugene Myers and Robert Plotkin.
- ----------------------
* Incorporated by reference to the corresponding Exhibit filed with the
Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (Reg. No.
33-12959).
(B) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K:
No reports on Form 8-K were filed by the Company during the fourth quarter
of 1996.
15
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, this 15th day of
April, 1997.
STAGE II APPAREL CORP.
By: /s/ JACK CLARK By: /s/ ANTHONY M. PISANO
----------------------------- --------------------------------
Jack Clark, Anthony M. Pisano
Chairman of the Board Executive Vice President
(Principal Executive Officer) and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed by the following persons in the capacity and on the date
indicated.
TITLE DATE
----- ----
Jack Clark, Steven R. Clark,* Directors
Ron Cohen,* Stephen Jelin,*
Eugene Myers* and Robert Plotkin*
By: /s/ JACK CLARK April 15, 1997
-------------------
*Jack Clark as attorney-in-fact
16
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Stage II Apparel Corp.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Stage II Apparel
Corp. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for
each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1996. 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 consolidated 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 Stage II Apparel
Corp. and subsidiaries at December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
As discussed in notes 1 and 8 to the consolidated financial statements, the
Company changed its method of accounting for marketable securities in 1994 to
adopt the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in
Debt and Equity Securities."
KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
New York, New York
March 31, 1997
F-1
<PAGE>
STAGE II APPAREL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------
1996 1995
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS:
Cash....................................................................... $ 429 $ 151
Accounts receivable (notes 3 and 5)........................................ 1,334 2,063
Finished goods inventory (notes 3 and 6) .................................. 5,130 12,507
Prepaid expenses........................................................... 374 928
Prepaid income taxes and refunds receivable................................ 130 743
--------- ---------
Total current assets.................................................. 7,397 16,392
Property and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation (note 7).... 585 772
Marketable securities (notes 3 and 8)...................................... 8,655 11,124
Goodwill, less accumulated amortization of $2,056 and $1,562 at
December 31, 1996, and 1995, respectively............................. 7,558 9,230
Covenant not to compete, less accumulated amortization of $213
and $118 at December 31, 1996, and 1995, respectively................. 300 731
Other assets.............................................................. 1,314 1,287
--------- ---------
TOTAL ASSETS.......................................................... $ 25,809 $ 39,536
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
LIABILITIES:
Due to factor (note 3)..................................................... $ 7,174 $ 11,658
Due to bank (note 4)....................................................... 434 1,011
Accounts payable........................................................... 1,838 2,645
Notes payable - current (note 9)........................................... 185 170
Notes payable to shareholder - current (note 10)........................... 411 ---
Income taxes payable....................................................... 8 51
Accrued royalties.......................................................... 182 648
Other current liabilities.................................................. 488 380
--------- ---------
Total current liabilities............................................. 10,720 16,563
Notes payable - long term (note 9)......................................... 199 384
Notes payable to shareholder - long term (note 10)......................... 500 911
--------- ---------
TOTAL LIABILITIES..................................................... 11,419 17,858
--------- ---------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (notes 16 and 17):
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 1,000 shares authorized;
none issued and outstanding........................................... --- ---
Common stock, $.01 par value, 9,000 shares authorized;
4,983 shares issued and 4,196 shares outstanding at
December 31, 1996 and 1995............................................ 50 50
Additional paid-in capital................................................. 7,502 7,502
Retained earnings.......................................................... 9,346 16,308
--------- ---------
16,898 23,860
Less treasury stock, at cost; 797 shares at December 31, 1996 and 1995..... (2,092) (2,092)
Allowance for decline in market value of securities available for sale
(note 8).............................................................. (329) ---
Cumulative translation adjustment.......................................... (87) (90)
--------- ---------
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY............................................ 14,390 21,678
--------- ---------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY................................. $ 25,809 $ 39,536
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
F-2
<PAGE>
STAGE II APPAREL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales.............................................................. $ 33,428 $ 60,177 $ 59,560
Cost of goods sold (note 6)............................................ 28,016 48,357 46,778
----------- ----------- -----------
Gross profit........................................................... 5,412 11,820 12,782
Commission and other income............................................ 678 1,599 853
----------- ----------- -----------
6,090 13,419 13,635
Selling, general and administrative expenses (notes 12, 15 & 18)....... 9,195 13,341 13,059
Impairment of prepaid salary and non-compete covenant.................. 512 --- ---
Provision (benefit) for litigation costs............................... (13) 577 ---
----------- ----------- -----------
Operating profit (loss)................................................ (3,604) (499) 576
Other income (expenses):
Interest income.................................................... 748 734 832
Interest and factoring expenses.................................... (2,336) (3,155) (2,266)
Interest on income tax settlement.................................. --- --- (384)
----------- ----------- -----------
Loss from continuing operations before income tax benefit.............. (5,192) (2,920) (1,242)
Benefit for income taxes (note 14)..................................... (33) (342) (438)
----------- ----------- -----------
Loss from continuing operations........................................ (5,159) (2,578) (804)
Discontinued operations:
Loss from discontinued operations.................................. (324) (684) (61)
Estimated loss on disposal of discontinued operations.............. (1,479) --- ---
----------- ----------- -----------
(1,803) (684) (61)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net loss............................................................... $ (6,962) $ (3,262) $ (865)
----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- -----------
Net loss per common share:
Loss from continuing operations.................................... $ (1.23) $ (.62) $ (.19)
Loss from discontinued operations.................................. (.43) (.16) (.02)
----------- ----------- -----------
$ (1.66) $ (.78) $ (.21)
----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- -----------
Dividends paid per common share....................................... $ --- $ --- $ .12
----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- -----------
Weighted average common shares outstanding............................ 4,196 4,195 4,161
----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- -----------
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
F-3
<PAGE>
STAGE II APPAREL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
----------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss............................................................ $ (6,962) $ (3,262) $ (865)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities:
Provision for discontinued operations............................... 1,187 --- ---
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment............. 171 202 303
Amortization and impairment of goodwill and non-compete covenant.... 1,032 666 328
Loss (gain) on sale or abandonment of property and equipment........ 26 --- (12)
Minority interest in loss of subsidiary............................. --- (81) (22)
Deferred tax expense (benefit)...................................... --- 417 (107)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisition:
Decrease in accounts receivable, net........................... 670 97 890
Decrease in finished goods inventory........................... 7,354 311 4,762
Decrease in prepaid expenses................................... 554 272 214
Decrease (increase) in prepaid income taxes and refunds
receivable................................................ 613 (187) (556)
Decrease (increase) in other assets............................ (27) 268 (444)
Decrease in accounts payable................................... (807) (327) (1,447)
Decrease in income taxes payable............................... (42) (109) (6)
Increase (decrease) in accrued royalties....................... (466) (203) 209
Increase (decrease) in other current liabilities............... 75 (606) 671
----------- ----------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities................. 3,378 (2,542) 3,918
----------- ----------- ---------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase and sale of property and equipment, net.................... (9) (124) (239)
Sale or redemption of available for sale marketable securities 2,139 412 1,695
Purchase of available for sale marketable securities................ --- (198) ---
Investment in Woody Sports Apparel Inc.............................. --- (226) ---
Investment in Stage II Licensed Products, Inc....................... --- --- (85)
Purchase of Townsley Ltd. assets and liabilities, net of
cash acquired.................................................. --- --- (2,006)
----------- ----------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities................. 2,130 (136) (635)
----------- ----------- ---------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payments of notes payable.......................................... (171) (158) (106)
Borrowings from factor............................................. 29,847 63,277 66,328
Repayments to factor............................................... (34,332) (61,248) (68,236)
Borrowings from bank............................................... 2,862 6,133 5,609
Repayments to bank................................................. (3,439) (5,531) (5,200)
Treasury stock transactions, net................................... --- 23 (1,171)
Cash dividends..................................................... --- --- (493)
----------- ----------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities................. (5,233) 2,496 (3,269)
----------- ----------- ---------
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash............................ 3 (32) (3)
----------- ----------- ---------
Net increase (decrease) in cash..................................... 278 (214) 11
Cash at beginning of year........................................... 151 365 354
----------- ----------- ---------
Cash at end of year................................................. $ 429 $ 151 $ 365
----------- ----------- ---------
----------- ----------- ---------
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION:
Cash paid for income taxes.......................................... $ 16 $ 164 $ 327
----------- ----------- ---------
----------- ----------- ---------
Cash paid for interest, excluding factoring fees.................... $ 1,680 $ 3,121 $ 1,681
----------- ----------- ---------
----------- ----------- ---------
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of Townsley Ltd. assets and liabilities financed by:
Increase in treasury stock..................................... $ --- $ --- $ 1,300
----------- ----------- ---------
----------- ----------- ---------
Increase in notes payable...................................... $ --- $ --- $ 911
----------- ----------- ---------
----------- ----------- ---------
Increase in allowance for decline in market value of available
for sale securities............................................ $ 329 $ --- $ ---
----------- ----------- ---------
----------- ----------- ---------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
STAGE II APPAREL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In thousands, except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ALLOWANCE FOR
DECLINE IN
COMMON MARKET VALUE TOTAL
STOCK ADDITIONAL TREASURY CUMULATIVE OF SECURITIES SHARE-
PAR PAID IN RETAINED STOCK TRANSLATION AVAILABLE HOLDERS'
VALUE CAPITAL EARNINGS COST ADJUSTMENT FOR SALE EQUITY
----- ------- -------- ---- ---------- -------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at December 31, 1993 $ 50 $ 7,183 $ 20,928 $ (1,697) $ (55) $ --- $ 26,409
Purchase of treasury stock (note 16) --- --- --- (1,171) --- --- (1,171)
Treasury stock issued in acquisition (note 16) --- 538 --- 762 --- --- 1,300
Cash dividend - $.12 per share --- --- (493) --- --- --- (493)
Translation adjustment --- --- --- --- (3) --- (3)
Decline in market value of securities --- --- --- --- --- (762) (762)
Net loss (865) (865)
----- -------- -------- ---------- -------- -------- ---------
Balance at December 31, 1994 50 7,721 19,570 (2,106) (58) (762) 24,415
Issuance of treasury stock in
settlement (note 16) --- 8 --- 14 --- --- 22
Payment on contractual value of
stock (note 16). --- (227) --- --- --- --- (227)
Translation adjustment --- --- --- --- (32) --- (32)
Decline in market value of securities --- --- --- --- --- 762 762
Net loss --- --- (3,262) --- --- --- (3,262)
----- -------- -------- ---------- -------- -------- ---------
Balance at December 31, 1995 50 7,502 16,308 (2,092) (90) --- 21,678
Translation adjustment --- --- --- --- 3 --- 3
Decline in market value of securities --- --- --- --- --- (329) (329)
Net loss --- --- (6,962) --- --- --- (6,962)
----- -------- -------- ---------- -------- -------- ---------
Balance at December 31, 1996 $ 50 $ 7,502 $ 9,346 $ (2,092) $ (87) $ (329) $ 14,390
----- -------- -------- ---------- -------- -------- ---------
----- -------- -------- ---------- -------- -------- ---------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
<PAGE>
STAGE II APPAREL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION. The consolidated financial statements include
the accounts of Stage II Apparel Corp. and its subsidiaries (the "Company" or
"Stage II"). Each subsidiary is wholly owned other than a majority owned
Canadian subsidiary. All significant intercompany balances and transactions
have been eliminated in consolidation.
BUSINESS ACTIVITY. The Company designs, arranges for the manufacture and
markets an extensive range of sports and casual apparel. Products are marketed
under exclusive and non-exclusive brand name licenses as well as proprietary and
private labels. None of the Company's license agreements requires more than
$10,000 in up-front payments. See Note 15--Commitments and Contingencies.
Stage II also acts through a wholly owned subsidiary as purchasing agent for
various major retailing customers.
REVENUE RECOGNITION. Stage II recognizes revenue from all categories of
apparel sales at the time merchandise is shipped. Commissions from sales agency
operations of the Company's Hong Kong subsidiary ("Stage II HK") are recognized
when invoiced to customers.
GOODWILL. The Company's goodwill, representing the excess of purchase
price over fair value of net assets acquired, is amortized on a straight-line
basis over 15 and 25 years, the expected periods to be benefitted. Stage II
assesses the recoverability of goodwill by determining whether the amortization
of the goodwill balance over its remaining life can be recovered through
undiscounted future operating cash flows of the acquired products, customers and
operations. The amount of goodwill impairment, if any, is measured based upon
projected discounted future operating cash flows using a discount rate
reflecting the average market rate of return on long term fixed-income
securities. The assessment of the recoverability of goodwill will be impacted
if estimated future operating cash flows are not achieved. See "Asset
Impairment under FAS 121" below.
RESTATEMENT FOR DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS. The consolidated statements of
operations for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994 have been restated to
account for the operations of Woody Sports, the Company's 80% owned Canadian
subsidiary, as discontinued operations in view of the Company's decision to
dispose of its interest in Woody Sports. See Note 4--Discontinued Operations.
ASSET IMPAIRMENT UNDER FAS 121. On January 1, 1996, the Company adopted
the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Statement No. 121, ACCOUNTING FOR THE
IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS AND LONG-LIVED ASSETS TO BE DISPOSED OF ("FAS
121"). FAS 121 requires long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles
to be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Recoverability of
assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of
the asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If
the asset is considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is
measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the
fair value of the asset. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of
the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Adoption of FAS 121 did
not have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of
operations or liquidity.
CASH EQUIVALENTS. The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments
with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At
December 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company had no cash equivalents.
MARKETABLE SECURITIES. Marketable securities at December 31, 1996 and 1995
consist of U.S. Treasury Notes, Government National Mortgage Association
("GNMA") bonds and corporate equity securities. The Company
F-6
<PAGE>
classifies its debt and equity securities as available-for-sale and records the
securities at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the
related tax effect, on available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings
and are reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity until realized.
Realized gains and losses from the sale of available-for-sale securities are
determined on a specific identification basis. A decline in the market value of
any available-for-sale security below cost that is deemed other than temporary
results in a reduction in carrying amount to fair value. The impairment is
charged to earnings, and a new cost basis for the security is established.
Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned.
FINISHED GOODS INVENTORY. Finished goods inventory is stated at the lower
of cost (first-in, first-out) or market.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT. Property and equipment are recorded at cost.
Depreciation and amortization are computed on both the straight-line and
accelerated methods, at rates based upon estimated useful lives of 3 to 5 years
for automobiles, 5 to 7 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment and the
shorter of lease term or life of the leasehold improvements. When assets are
retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation
are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in
operations. The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to income as
incurred, and significant renewals and betterments are capitalized.
INCOME TAXES. Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability
method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax
consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax
bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable
income in the years in which those temporary differences are projected to be
recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a
change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the
enactment date.
NET LOSS PER SHARE. Net loss per share of common stock is computed based
on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each
period. The Company's outstanding stock options are anti-dilutive and therefore
have not been considered in the computation of net loss per share.
STOCK BASED COMPENSATION. The Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 123, ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION ("FAS
123"), in 1996. Under the provisions of FAS 123, companies can elect to account
for stock based compensation plans using a fair value based method or continue
measuring compensation expense for those plans using the intrinsic value method
prescribed in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK
ISSUED TO EMPLOYEES, and related interpretations. The Company has elected to
continue using the intrinsic value method to account for its stock based
compensation plans. See Note 17--Stock Option Plans.
USE OF ESTIMATES. Management of the Company has made a number of estimates
and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these financial
statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION. The assets and liabilities of Woody Sports
are translated at prevailing year-end rates of exchange, and its income and
expense accounts are translated at the weighted average rates for each period
presented. Until liquidation of Woody Sports is completed, foreign exchange
translation gains or losses are recorded in the equity section of the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Upon liquidation of Woody Sports,
translation gains or losses will be included in the determination of income or
loss.
RECLASSIFICATIONS. Certain 1995 and 1994 items have been reclassified to
conform to the 1996 consolidated financial statement presentation.
F-7
<PAGE>
NOTE 2. MAJOR CUSTOMERS AND GEOGRAPHIC AREA DATA
Stage II operates in one industry segment. The Company's apparel sales
are made primarily in the United States. Its customers are generally
comprised of national and regional chains of sporting goods and specialty
stores, mass merchandisers and various wholesale membership clubs. During
1996, 1995 and 1994, approximately 68%, 60% and 53%, respectively, of net
sales were made to the Company's ten largest customers, none of which
accounted for 10% or more of net sales except Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. in all
three of those years and Ames Department Stores, Inc. in 1996.
Information regarding the Company's geographic operations, including
corporate assets consisting primarily of cash and marketable securities, is
set forth below. Intercompany sales between the Company and Stage II HK are
recorded on a cash plus 8% mark-up basis. Identifiable assets of the
Company's discontinued Canadian subsidiary aggregating $769,000, $2.3 million
and $1.6 million at December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, are
included in identifiable assets in the United States.
(IN THOUSANDS)
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1996
-------------------------------------
UNITED
CORPORATE ASSETS: STATES FAR EAST CONSOLIDATED
------ -------- ------------
U.S. Treasury notes............. $ --- $ 2,237 $ 2,237
Discount on notes............... --- (6) (6)
GNMAs........................... --- 6,413 6,413
Equity securities............... 11 --- 11
Goodwill........................ 6,283 1,275 7,558
Non-compete covenant 100 200 300
-------- --------- ---------
$ 6,394 $ 10,119 $ 16,513
-------- --------- ---------
-------- --------- ---------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNITED
CORPORATE OPERATIONS: STATES FAR EAST CORPORATE ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
- --------------------- ------ -------- --------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year ended December 31, 1996
Net sales....................... $ 33,428 $ 15,004 $ --- $ (15,004) $ 33,428
Commissions and other income.... 2 676 --- --- 678
Operating profit (loss)......... (4,798) 1,080 --- 114 (3,604)
Interest income................. --- --- --- --- 748
Interest and factoring expenses. --- --- --- --- (2,336)
Loss from continuing operations
before income tax benefit..... --- --- --- --- (5,192)
Identifiable assets............. 6,207 9,748 16,513 (6,659) 25,809
Year ended December 31, 1995
Net sales....................... 60,177 20,230 --- (20,230) 60,177
Commissions and other income.... 169 1,430 --- --- 1,599
Provision for litigation costs.. --- --- --- --- 577
Operating profit (loss)......... (2,705) 2,321 --- (115) (499)
Interest income................. --- --- --- --- 734
Interest and factoring expenses. --- --- --- --- (3,155)
Loss from continuing operations
before income tax benefit..... --- --- --- --- (2,920)
Identifiable assets............. 18,869 5,241 21,050 (5,624) 39,536
</TABLE>
F-8
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNITED
CORPORATE OPERATIONS: STATES FAR EAST CORPORATE ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
- --------------------- ------ -------- --------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year ended December 31, 1994
Net sales $ 59,560 $ 678 $ --- $ (678) $ 59,560
Commissions and other income 332 521 --- --- 853
Operating profit 311 265 --- --- 576
Interest income --- --- --- --- 832
Interest and factoring expenses --- --- --- --- (2,266)
Interest on income tax settlement --- --- --- --- (384)
Loss from continuing operations
before income tax benefit --- --- --- --- (1,242)
Identifiable assets 24,107 2,878 $ 20,748 (6,554) 41,179
</TABLE>
NOTE 3. DUE TO FACTOR
Stage II maintains a factoring agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with a
financial institution (the "Factor") providing a revolving credit facility for
short-term borrowings by the Company at a floating interest rate equal to 1/2%
above prime prior to June 30, 1995, 11/4% above prime for the quarter ended
September 30, 1995, 1% above prime for the quarter ended December 31, 1995 and
1/2% above prime thereafter. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are
payable upon demand and secured by the Company's inventory, accounts receivable,
marketable securities and collateral provided by the two principal shareholders
of the Company. The Factor purchases the Company's accounts receivable that it
has preapproved, without recourse, except in cases of merchandise returns or
billing or merchandise disputes in the normal course of business. The Factor is
responsible for the accounting for and collection of all accounts receivable
sold to it by Stage II. The Credit Agreement also provides for the issuance of
letters of credit to fund the Company's foreign manufacturing orders.
The aggregate amount of borrowings and letters of credit available under
the Credit Agreement are determined from time to time based upon the
requirements of the Company, with a borrowing and letter of credit limit up to
approximately $13 million. The Company may terminate the Credit Agreement for
any reason at the renewal date, without penalty, upon 30 days' prior written
notice, while the Factor has the right of termination upon 30 days' prior
written notice at any time. The Credit Agreement expires on December 31, 1997,
subject to automatic one-year renewal terms unless terminated at the option of
either party. Stage II was indebted to the Factor under the Credit Agreement at
December 31, 1996 and 1995 as follows:
(IN THOUSANDS)
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------
1996 1995
---- ----
Factor advances...................... $ 11,500 $ 18,324
Accounts receivable.................. (4,326) (6,666)
-------- --------
Net due to factor.................... $ 7,174 $ 11,658
-------- --------
-------- --------
Stage II intends to repay most of its borrowings under the Credit
Agreement during the second quarter of 1997 with repatriated earnings of
Stage II HK and refinance the balance of these borrowings under a new credit
agreement expected to be entered with a different financial institution that
has provided a firm commitment for the new arrangement on terms similar to
the Credit Agreement.
F-9
<PAGE>
NOTE 4. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
In July 1996, the Company finalized its plan to liquidate the operations
of Woody Sports, its 80% owned Canadian subsidiary. The operations of Woody
Sports have been accounted for as discontinued operations because the
subsidiary's operations dealt with a separate and distinct class of customers
from those of the Company's continuing operations. As of a result, Stage II
has provided for an estimated loss on disposal of $1.5 million, consisting of
a provision of $326,000 for operating losses during the phase-out period and
a noncash impairment charge of $1.2 million against goodwill of the
subsidiary. The Company's consolidated statements of operations for the
years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994 have been restated to account for the
operations of the discontinued subsidiary separately from continuing
operations. The Company's consolidated balance sheets have not been
reclassified. Assets and liabilities of Woody Sports included in the
consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 1996 and 1995 were as follows:
(In thousands)
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------
1996 1995
---- ----
Current assets........................... $ 769 $ 1,950
Current liabilities...................... (996) (1,549)
Noncurrent assets........................ -- (353)
Noncurrent liabilities................... -- --
During 1996 and 1995, Woody Sports maintained a line of credit secured by
an assignment of its accounts receivable and inventories, a general security
agreement and an assignment and postponement of intercompany notes and
receivables. The credit facility provided for borrowings at a floating interest
rate equal to 1/2% above the lender's prime rate. At December 31, 1995, Woody
Sports was in default on two financial covenants under the agreement covering
the credit facility requiring the subsidiary to maintain a working capital ratio
of 1.2 to 1 and a debt to tangible net worth ratio of not less than 2.0 to 1.
The subsidiary obtained a waiver for the default of these covenants from the
bank and was in compliance at December 31, 1996 with its credit facility
covenants. On March 31, 1997, all of the subsidiary's obligations under the
facility were repaid, and the facility was terminated in connection with the
liquidation of Woody Sports.
NOTE 5. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Accounts receivable, less allowances for returns, discounts and bad debts
aggregating $486,000 and $408,000 at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively,
consist primarily of non-factored receivables and other amounts due from
customers for domestic shipments and overseas commissions. Substantially all of
the Company's receivables have been pledged in accordance with the terms of its
Credit Agreement and the agreement covering the credit facility of its Canadian
subsidiary. See Note 3--Due to Factor.
F-10
<PAGE>
NOTE 6. FINISHED GOODS INVENTORY
Inventory, consisting primarily of finished goods, is classified as
follows:
(In thousands)
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------
1996 1995
---------- ----------
Landed........................................ $ 3,274 $ 7,267
In transit.................................... 1,856 5,240
---------- ----------
Total......................................... $ 5,130 $ 12,507
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
The finished goods inventory has been pledged in accordance with the terms
of the Company's Credit Agreement. See Note 3--Due to Factor. For the years
ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, general and administrative costs charged
to cost of goods sold amounted to $711,000, $870,000 and $721,000, respectively.
General and administrative overhead costs capitalized in inventory at December
31, 1996 and 1995 were $148,000 and $186,000, respectively.
NOTE 7. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
The major classes of property and equipment are as follows:
(In thousands)
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------
1996 1995
---------- ----------
Automobiles .................................. $ 66 $ 68
Furniture, fixtures and equipment............. 548 854
Leasehold improvements........................ 796 825
-------- -------
1,410 1,747
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 825 975
-------- -------
Total......................................... $ 585 $ 772
-------- -------
-------- -------
NOTE 8. MARKETABLE SECURITIES
The following table sets forth the amortized cost, gross unrealized holding
gains, gross unrealized holding losses and fair value for available-for-sale
securities by major security type at December 31, 1996 and 1995. During 1996,
the Company sold marketable securities held by Stage II HK netting $2.1 million.
Substantially all of the balance of these securities have been pledged in
accordance with the terms of the Company's Credit Agreement. See Note 3--Due to
Factor. Maturities of the debt securities range from August 2003 through March
2023.
F-11
<PAGE>
(In thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GROSS GROSS
UNREALIZED UNREALIZED
AMORTIZED HOLDING HOLDING FAIR
COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE
---- ----- ------ -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year ended December 31, 1996:
U.S. Treasury securities........ $ 2,294 $ --- $ 63 $ 2,231
GNMAs........................... 6,658 --- 245 6,413
Equity securities............... 32 --- 21 11
-------- -------- ------- --------
Total............................... $ 8,984 $ --- $ 329 $ 8,655
-------- -------- ------- --------
-------- -------- ------- --------
Year ended December 31, 1995:
U.S. Treasury securities........ 3,688 --- --- 3,688
GNMAs........................... 7,401 --- --- 7,401
Equity securities............... 35 --- --- 35
-------- -------- ------- --------
Total............................... $ 11,124 --- --- $ 11,124
-------- -------- ------- --------
-------- -------- ------- --------
</TABLE>
NOTE 9. NOTES PAYABLE
Notes payable at December 31, 1996 and 1995 consist of the following:
(In thousands)
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------
1996 1995
---------- ----------
Unsecured notes assumed in 1994 acquisition,
discounted to reflect an 8% interest rate,
payable semiannually, maturing
November 30, 1998................................ $ 384 $ 554
Less current maturities............................ 185 170
-------- --------
Long term notes payable............................ $ 199 $ 384
-------- --------
-------- --------
NOTE 10. NOTES PAYABLE TO SHAREHOLDER
Notes payable to shareholder at December 31, 1996 and 1995 were issued in
connection with a 1994 acquisition and consist of the following:
(In thousands)
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------
1996 1995
---------- ----------
Unsecured note issued for deferred compensation
to former officer, bearing interest at prime,
maturing September 30, 2000, subordinated
to Factor (see note 15)........................ $ 500 $ 500
Unsecured note issued to former officer, bearing
interest at prime, payable annually, maturing
September 30, 1996, subordinated to
Factor (see note 15)........................... 411 411
-------- --------
Notes payable...................................... $ 911 $ 911
-------- --------
-------- --------
F-12
<PAGE>
At December 31, 1996, all notes payable were scheduled to be paid,
according to their terms, as follows:
(In thousands)
YEAR ENDING
DECEMBER 31,
-------------
1997................................................. $ 596
1998................................................. 199
1999................................................. ---
2000................................................. 500
--------
Total................................................ $ 1,295
--------
--------
NOTE 11. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying amounts of financial instruments approximate their fair values
as of December 31, 1996 and 1995. The methods and assumptions used to estimate
the fair values of the financial instruments vary among the types of
instruments. For cash, accounts receivable, due to factor, due to bank,
accounts payable, accrued royalties and other current liabilities, the short
maturity of the instruments and obligations supports their fair values at their
respective carrying amounts. For marketable securities, fair values are based
on quoted market prices at the reporting date for these or similar investments.
For long-term debt, the fair value is estimated by discounting the future cash
flows of each instrument at rates currently offered to the Company for similar
debt instruments of comparable maturities.
NOTE 12. LEASES
The Company leases showroom, office and warehouse space, including a
foreign office, under operating leases expiring at various times through 2006.
Certain leases include escalation clauses based upon the cost of living, as
defined. For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, rent expense
charged to operations, including variable storage charges at a public warehouse
utilized on a month-to-month basis, aggregated approximately $874,000,
$1,028,000 and $1,082,000, respectively. At December 31, 1996, future minimum
annual rentals under noncancellable operating leases (excluding variable storage
charges at a public warehouse that may be utilized on a month-to-month basis)
are as follows:
(In thousands)
YEAR ENDING
DECEMBER 31,
-------------
1997................................................. $ 343
1998................................................. 343
1999................................................. 343
2000................................................. 343
2001................................................. 343
Thereafter........................................... 1,715
--------
Total................................................ $ 3,430
--------
--------
F-13
<PAGE>
NOTE 13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT. In January 1992, Stage II entered into an
agreement with two principal stockholders, directors and executive officers of
the Company, providing for the Company's repurchase of the shares of its Common
Stock held by the estate of the first of these principals to die. The purchase
price for any shares repurchased under the agreement will be the average of the
closing prices of the Common Stock on its principal trading market during the
five trading days preceding the date of an individual's death or the book value
per share of the Common Stock as reflected in the Company's most recent periodic
report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission prior to the date of
death, whichever is greater.
Stage II initially purchased insurance policies on the lives of these
individuals covering $6 million of its total repurchase commitment under the
agreement at premiums aggregating approximately $2.5 million over a period of
seven years, with corresponding cash surrender values estimated to reach
approximately $2.1 million by the end of that period. Upon the retirement of one
of the executive officers in December 1994, the agreement was modified to cover
only the remaining officer, and the insurance benefit was reduced to $5.4
million, resulting in reductions of approximately $228,000 and $137,000 in
the premium obligations and cash surrender value, respectively. To the extent
not covered by these policies, the Company will have the option to fund the
balance of any repurchase commitment with a promissory note payable over three
years with interest at market rate. The remaining officer will have the option,
upon the sale of his entire interest in Stage II, to purchase the Company's
insurance policy on his life at its prevailing cash surrender value.
CONSULTING AGREEMENT. On March 5, 1996, the Company entered into an
agreement (the "Consulting Agreement") with AMP Consulting Services, Inc.
("AMP"), Fector Detwiler & Co., Inc. ("FDC") and Fortuna Capital Management
Company ("FCM"), providing for various consulting and financial advisory
services and the issuance of performance-based options (the "Options"). FCM is
a significant shareholder of the Company, and Anthony M. Pisano, the principal
shareholder of AMP, was hired as Chief Financial Officer of the Company in
December 1996.
The advisory services provided under the Consulting Agreement included (i)
a review of the Company's operations to consider ways of increasing the
efficiency and financial performance of the Company's existing apparel business,
(ii) the evaluation of strategic opportunities to either expand or divest the
current business and acquire new businesses within or outside the apparel
industry and to develop profitable strategies for the resulting enterprise and
(iii) the identification of potential transactions to implement the recommended
strategic plan. The Consulting Agreement had a term ending September 1, 1996,
subject to earlier termination or extension by the Company.
In connection with the Consulting Agreement, the Company granted Options
to AMP, FDC and FCM to purchase 200,000 shares, 100,000 shares and 200,000
shares, respectively, of its Common Stock at $3 1/8 per share, exercisable
only if specified performance goals were met (a "Qualifying Event"). In
addition, Jack Clark, the Company's Chairman of the Board, issued Options to
FDC and FCM to purchase 434,000 shares and 866,000 shares, respectively, of
Common Stock owned by him upon the occurrence of a Qualifying Event at an
exercise price of $4 3/4 per share. No charge was recognized upon issuance
of the Options. Since there was no assurance that a Qualifying Event would
occur. The FDC and FCM Options expired unexercise on March 1, 1997, and the
AMP Options are scheduled to expire on May 1, 1997.
TOWNSLEY TRANSACTION. In 1994, Stage II obtained two covenants not to
compete with a former director and executive officer hired in connection with
the acquisition of substantially all the assets, subject to related liabilities,
of Townsley, for which the former officer was paid $850,000. In addition, the
former officer was advanced $400,000 against his first four years remuneration
for overseeing the Company's Hong Kong office and foreign operations. See Note
15--Commitments and Contingencies.
F-14
<PAGE>
NOTE 14. INCOME TAXES
The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following:
(In thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes,
including discontinued operations:
Domestic.......................................................... $ (6,995) $ (2,920) $ (1,425)
Foreign........................................................... --- (684) 89
----------- ----------- -----------
(6,995) (3,604) (1,336)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes:
Domestic:
Current:
Federal................................................. (36) (740) (335)
State................................................... 3 14 76
----------- ----------- -----------
(33) (726) (259)
Deferred:
Federal................................................. --- 379 (101)
State................................................... --- --- (78)
----------- ----------- -----------
--- 379 (179)
----------- ----------- -----------
Foreign........................................................... --- 5 ---
----------- ----------- -----------
$ (33) $ (342) $ (438)
----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- -----------
</TABLE>
The total provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 1996,
1995 and 1994 varied from the United States federal amounts computed by applying
the US statutory rate of 34% to pre-tax income (loss) as a result of the
following:
(In thousands, except percentages)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------
1996 RATE 1995 RATE 1994 RATE
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Computed expected tax expense (benefit)........... $ (2,378) 34.0% $ (1,226) 34.0% $ (454) 34.0%
Foreign income (loss) taxed at rates higher
(lower) than U.S. statutory rates............. --- N/A --- N/A (63) 4.8
Foreign income not subject to tax benefit......... --- N/A 233 (6.5) --- N/A
State and local income taxes, net of federal
income tax benefit............................ 2 --- 9 (.2) (2) .2
Change in valuation allowance..................... 2,220 (31.8) 286 (7.9) --- N/A
Alternative minimum tax........................... --- N/A 97 (2.7) --- N/A
Amortization of nondeductible goodwill............ 37 (.5) 37 (1.0) --- N/A
Nondeductible expenses for income tax purposes.... 57 (.8) 118 (3.3) --- N/A
Other............................................. 29 (.4) 104 (2.9) 70 (5.4)
---------- ----- ---------- ----- --------- -----
$ (33) .5% $ (342) 9.5% $ (438) 33.6%
---------- ----- ---------- ----- --------- -----
---------- ----- ---------- ----- --------- -----
</TABLE>
The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to a significant
portion of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 1996 and 1995
are as follows:
F-15
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)
DECEMBER 31,
----------------
1996 1995
------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Current deferred tax assets:
Inventory tax basis greater than financial statement basis......... $ 135 $ 254
Allowance for decline in market value of securities................ 132 ---
Salary financial statement basis greater than tax basis............ 70 ---
Non-compete covenant financial statement basis greater
than tax basis........................................... 135 ---
Book loss in excess of tax loss on dissolution of subsidiary....... 200 ---
------- -------
Total gross current deferred tax assets....................... 672 254
Less valuation allowance........................................... (672) (254)
------- -------
Net current deferred tax assets............................... $ --- $ ---
------- -------
------- -------
Long term deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforward.................................... $ 1,764 $ ---
Cumulative foreign currency adjustment............................. 35 36
Amortization of covenant not to compete............................ 47 8
------- -------
Total long term deferred tax assets........................... 1,846 44
Less valuation allowance.......................................... (1,835) (33)
------- -------
Net long term deferred tax assets............................. 11 11
------- -------
Long term deferred tax liability:
Property and equipment depreciation................................ 11 11
------- -------
Total gross long term deferred tax liability.................. 11 11
------- -------
Net long term deferred assets.......................................... $ --- $ ---
------- -------
------- -------
</TABLE>
For the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company recorded net
increases in the total valuation allowance of $2.2 million and $287,000,
respectively, with no net change in 1994. 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. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax
liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in
making this assessment. As of December 31, 1996, the Company had net operating
loss carryforwards for income tax purposes of approximately $4.4 million
expiring in 2011.
During 1996, the Internal Revenue Service reviewed the Company's tax
returns for the tax years ended December 31, 1991 and 1992. The results of the
examination did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial
statements.
United States income taxes have not been provided on the unremitted
earnings of foreign subsidiaries, since the undistributed earnings are expected
to be indefinitely reinvested or sheltered by available net operating loss
carryforwards. The undistributed foreign earnings totaled approximately $11.7
million at December 31, 1996.
NOTE 15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
OUTSTANDING LETTERS OF CREDIT. At December 31, 1996, the Company was
contingently liable on outstanding letters of credit issued under its Credit
Agreement in the aggregate amount of $3.1 million. See Note 3---Due to Factor.
As of that date, the Company's Canadian subsidiary had no outstanding letters of
credit. See Note 4--Due to Bank.
F-16
<PAGE>
LICENSE AGREEMENTS. The Company's license agreements generally require
minimum royalty payments and advertising expenditures, as well as providing for
maintenance of quality control. The license agreements expire at various dates
(including renewal at the Company's option) through 1998. Under certain
circumstances, the licensor has the right to terminate the license agreement.
Royalty expense for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 aggregated
approximately $1.8 million, $3.6 million and $4.2 million, respectively.
During 1996, net sales under the Company's license agreements for the
Spalding and Coleman brands each accounted for more than 10% of the
consolidated net sales or approximately $11.5 million and $7.5 million,
respectively. The agreements for the Spalding and Coleman licenses provide
for minimum annual royalty payments of $650,000 and $175,000, respectively.
The agreement for the Coleman license was terminated by mutual consent during
1996.
TOWNSLEY LITIGATION. In April 1996, the Company and Stage II HK commenced
a lawsuit in the Supreme Court of the State of New York against Stuart Goldman,
Townsley and related parties to recoup damages incurred in connection with their
October 1994 acquisition of substantially all the assets and related liabilities
of Townsley, the purchase of all the capital stock of Townsley's Hong Kong
subsidiary and the related employment and subsequent termination of Mr. Goldman
as President of Stage II and Stage II HK. The Company is also seeking to
rescind its six-year employment agreement entered with Mr. Goldman in connection
with the Townsley acquisition and the related seven-year employment agreement
between Stage II HK and Mr. Goldman. The lawsuit is based on alleged
misrepresentations in connection with the Townsley acquisition and breach of Mr.
Goldman's fiduciary duties and contractual obligations under his employment
agreements.
In June 1996, Mr. Goldman and his co-defendants filed an answer denying
Stage II's claims in the lawsuit and asserting various counterclaims. These
include (i) $2 million in compensation for the unexpired terms of Mr. Goldman's
employment agreements, (ii) $.5 million in payment of the deferred purchase
price for Townsley assets and (iii) a total of $2.4 million in compensatory
damages plus punitive damages for alleged misrepresentations in connection with
the Company's issuance of 292,135 shares of its Common Stock (the "Goldman
Shares") as part of the purchase price for Townsley assets.
During the fourth quarter of 1996, the parties to this lawsuit agreed to
submit their claims to nonbinding mediation, which led to an agreement in
principle for a settlement of the lawsuit. The proposed settlement contemplates
a payment from Stage II of approximately $1.2 million, partially offset by the
relinquishment of the Goldman Shares.
SPORTSOTRON SETTLEMENT. In June 1995, a jury verdict was rendered against
the Company in a lawsuit brought by Coral Diving Products, Inc. to collect a
performance bonus payment in connection with Stage II's acquisition of the
apparel business of Sportsotron, Inc. in 1987. In consideration for withdrawing
its appeal and post-trial motions to vacate the verdict, the Company settled the
matter for $400,000 plus interest from July 1, 1995.
MISCELLANEOUS CLAIMS. Various miscellaneous claims and suits arising in
the ordinary course of business have been filed against the Company. In the
opinion of management, none of these matters will have a material adverse effect
on the results of operations or the financial position of the Company.
NOTE 16. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
During 1994, Stage II repurchased 264,022 shares of its Common Stock for
$1.2 million.
In 1994, the Company issued 292,135 treasury shares of Common Stock as part
of the purchase price for the acquired assets, subject to related liabilities,
of Townsley. The issued shares had a fair value of approximately $1.3 million
and a cost basis of $762,000 at the time of issuance.
F-17
<PAGE>
In 1995, Stage II was required to make a payment in the amount of $227,000
to support the contractual value of 63,845 treasury shares of Common Stock
issued in 1993 to the seller as part of the purchase price for the Company's 80%
interest in Woody Sports. The shares had a market value of $405,000 and a cost
basis of $127,000 at the time of issuance.
In 1995, the Company issued 5,500 treasury shares of Common Stock as part
of a negotiated settlement on future commissions to be paid. The shares had a
cost of $14,000 and a contractual value of $23,000 at the time of issuance.
NOTE 17. STOCK OPTION PLANS
The Company maintains Incentive Stock Option Plans (the "Plans") adopted in
1987 and 1994 providing for the grant of options to purchase up to 200,000
shares and 300,000 shares, respectively, of Common Stock to key employees of
Stage II. The purchase price per share of Common Stock issuable upon the
exercise of options granted under the Plans is fixed by a Compensation Committee
of the Board of Directors in an amount equal to at least 100% of the market
price of the Common Stock on the date of the grant or 110% of the market price
for optionees who directly or indirectly possess more than 10% of the total
combined voting power of all classes of the stock of the Company or any parent
or subsidiary thereof. Each option granted under the Plans is exercisable for
periods of up to ten years from the date of grant.
Stock option activity under the Plans for each of the three years ended
December 31, 1996 is summarized below:
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WEIGHTED AVERAGE
SHARES SUBJECT EXERCISE PRICE EXERCISE PRICE
TO OPTIONS PER SHARE PER SHARE
---------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at December 31, 1993....... 30,000 $ 5 1/2 $ 4 7/8 - 6 5/8
Options granted.................... 143,000 4 1/8 3 5/8 - 6 5/8
Options exercised.................. --- --- ---
Options canceled................... --- --- ---
-------- --------- ----------------
Balance at December 31, 1994....... 173,000 4 3/8 3 5/8 - 6 5/8
Options granted.................... --- --- ---
Options exercised.................. --- --- ---
Options canceled................... 25,000 4 7/8 4 1/2 - 5
-------- --------- ----------------
Balance at December 31, 1995....... 148,000 4 1/4 3 5/8 - 6 5/8
Options granted.................... 60,000 2 7/8 2 7/8 - 3
Options exercised.................. --- --- ---
Options canceled................... 68,000 4 3/8 3 5/8 - 4 3/4
-------- --------- ----------------
Balance at December 31, 1996....... 140,000 $3 5/8 $ 2 7/8 - 6 5/8
-------- --------- ----------------
-------- --------- ----------------
Exercisable at December 31,
1994............................... 173,000 $ 3 5/8 - 6 5/8
1995............................... 148,000 3 5/8 - 6 5/8
1996............................... 140,000 2 7/8 - 6 5/8
Available for grant at December 31
1994............................... 327,000
1995............................... 352,000
1996............................... 360,000
</TABLE>
Of the 140,000 options outstanding at December 31, 1996, options to
purchase 10,000 shares were exercisable at $6-5/8, 25,000 shares at an exercise
price of $4-1/2 and 105,000 shares at exercise prices ranging from $2-7/8 to
$3-5/8.
F-18
<PAGE>
The Company adopted the disclosure-only option under FAS 123 as of January
1, 1996. See Note 1--Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. If the
accounting provisions of FAS 123 had been adopted as of the beginning of 1995,
the pro forma effect on the Company's net loss for the years ended December 31,
1996 and 1995 after accounting for the options issued in 1996 at their fair
value at the date of grant would have been immaterial.
NOTE 18. EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP AND SALARY DEFERRAL PLAN
In 1994, Stage II converted its Profit Sharing Plan into an Employee Stock
Ownership and Salary Deferral Plan (the "Savings Plan"). Under the Savings
Plan, for each dollar contributed by electing employees to a retirement savings
account up to 12% of their annual compensation, the Company may contribute up to
$.40, subject to certain limitations under Section 401(k) of the Internal
Revenue Code (the "Code"). The Company's expense for these contributions in
1996, 1995 and 1994 aggregated $38,000, $69,000 and $55,000, respectively.
The Saving Plan also enables the Company to make discretionary
contributions for open market purchases of its Common Stock to be allocated to
the accounts of all employees generally in proportion to their annual
compensation. This feature was added in 1994 and is intended to qualify for
treatment under Section 401(a) of the Code. The Company did not make any
discretionary contributions to the Savings Plan for this purpose in 1996, 1995
or 1994.
F-19
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 24.1
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOWN ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that each individual whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Jack Clark and Robert Plotkin, and each
of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with full power of
substitution, for him and in his name, place and stead in any and all
capacities, to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Stage II Apparel Corp. for
the year ended December 31, 1996 (the "Report") and any amendments thereto, and
to file same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, pursuant to the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done to
comply with the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and all
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their
or his substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
/s/ JACK CLARK
----------------------
Jack Clark
/s/ STEVEN R. CLARK
----------------------
Steven R. Clark
/s/ RONALD COHEN
----------------------
Ronald Cohen
/s/ STEPHEN JELIN
-----------------------
Stephen Jelin
/s/ EUGENE MYERS
-----------------------
Eugene Myers
/s/ ROBERT PLOTKIN
-----------------------
Robert Plotkin
