10-Q 1 d10q.htm BRODER BROS CO--FORM 10-Q Broder Bros Co--Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 


FORM 10-Q

 


(Mark One)

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

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED September 29, 2007

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM              TO             

Commission File Number: 333-110029

 


Broder Bros., Co.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Michigan   38-1911112

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

Six Neshaminy Interplex, 6th Floor, Trevose, PA   19053
(Address of principal executive office)   (Zip code)

(215) 291-6140

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  ¨    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

As of November 6, 2007, there were 963,637 shares of Class L, Series 1 common stock outstanding; 931,635 shares of Class L, Series 2 common stock outstanding; 2,785,657 shares of Class L, Series 3 common stock outstanding; 2,693,150 shares of Class L, Series 4 common stock outstanding; 9,695,252 shares of Class A common stock outstanding; and 28,723,202 shares of Class B common stock outstanding.

 



Table of Contents

BRODER BROS., CO. AND SUBSIDIARY

Quarterly Report for the Period Ended September 29, 2007

Table of Contents

 

     PAGE

Part I. Financial Information

  
Item 1.   Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)   
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006

   3
 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006

   5
 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006

   6
 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   7
Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    16
Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    25
Item 4.   Controls and Procedures    25

Part II. Other Information

  
Item 1A.   Risk Factors    26
Item 6.   Exhibits    26
Signatures    27

Broder Bros., Co. (the “Company”) is the issuer of $225.0 million aggregate principal amount of 11 1/4% Senior Notes due October 15, 2010. In November 2003, a total of $175.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2010 (the “Initial Notes”) were sold in a private placement to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A and to persons outside of the United States under Regulation S. In November 2004, the Company sold in a private placement an additional $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2010 (the “Additional Notes” and together with the Initial Notes, the “Senior Notes”) to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A and to persons outside the United States under Regulation S. The Additional Notes are additional debt securities issued under an indenture dated September 22, 2003, under which the Company previously issued the Initial Notes.

In September 2003, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Alpha Shirt Holdings, Inc. pursuant to a stock purchase agreement entered into in July 2003. The Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of NES Clothing Company in August 2004, and in September 2006, the Company acquired virtually all the assets of Amtex Imports Inc. As used herein and except as the context otherwise may require, the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or “Broder” means, collectively, Broder Bros., Co. and its consolidated subsidiary. For periods after the acquisition of Alpha Shirt Holdings, Inc., “Alpha” refers to the former business operated by Alpha Shirt Holdings, Inc. and which is now operated as a division of Broder Bros., Co., and for periods after the acquisition of NES Clothing Company, “NES” refers to the former business operated by NES Clothing Company and which is now operated as a division of Broder Bros., Co.

 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

BRODER BROS., CO. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

    

September 29,

2007

  

December 30,

2006

     (unaudited)     
    

(dollars in thousands,

except share amounts)

ASSETS      

Current assets:

     

Cash

   $ 6,606    $ 4,270

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,867 at September 29, 2007 and $5,814 at December 30, 2006

     99,159      85,103

Finished goods inventory

     208,786      233,287

Prepaid and other current assets

     5,741      9,787

Deferred income taxes

     6,614      8,919
             

Total current assets

     326,906      341,366

Fixed assets, net

     28,687      24,220

Goodwill

     138,527      138,412

Other intangibles

     53,489      60,775

Deferred financing fees, net

     6,931      8,604

Deferred income taxes

     11,833      4,562

Other assets

     2,245      2,339
             

Total assets

   $ 568,618    $ 580,278
             
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY      

Current liabilities:

     

Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations

   $ 4,047    $ 3,008

Accounts payable

     124,078      97,275

Accrued expenses

     20,374      23,195

Accrued interest

     12,780      6,600
             

Total current liabilities

     161,279      130,078

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion

     321,285      341,289

Deferred income taxes

     31,833      33,590

Other long-term liabilities

     15,404      9,313
             

Total liabilities

     529,801      514,270

Redeemable securities

     

Class B and L, Series 3 and 4 common stock

     265      365

Commitments and contingencies

     

Shareholders’ equity:

     

Class L, Series 1 common stock; par value $0.01 per share; 2,000,000 shares authorized; 963,637 shares issued and outstanding (aggregate liquidation preference of $37,775 and $34,440 as of September 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively)

     10      10

Class L, Series 2 common stock; par value $0.01 per share; 2,000,000 shares authorized; 931,635 shares issued and outstanding (aggregate liquidation preference of $27,474 and $24,651 as of September 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively)

     10      10

Class L, Series 3 common stock; par value $0.01 per share; 4,000,000 shares authorized; 2,778,057 shares issued and outstanding (aggregate liquidation preference of $108,900 and $99,288 as of September 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively)

     28      28

Class L, Series 4 common stock; par value $0.01 per share; 4,000,000 shares authorized; 2,685,802 shares issued and outstanding (aggregate liquidation preference of $79,204 and $71,066 as of September 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively)

     27      27

Class A common stock; par value $0.01 per share; 15,000,000 shares authorized; 9,695,252 shares issued and outstanding

     102      102

 

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September 29,

2007

   

December 30,

2006

 
     (unaudited)        
    

(dollars in thousands,

except share amounts)

 

Class B common stock; par value $0.01 per share; 35,000,000 shares authorized; 28,644,854 shares issued and outstanding

     287       287  

Warrants—Class L, Series 3

     1,477       1,477  

Additional paid-in capital

     123,332       122,880  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (8 )     (15 )

Accumulated deficit

     (83,590 )     (56,154 )

Treasury stock; 615,859 and 615,859 shares of Class A common stock; 302,485 and 274,249 shares of Class B common stock; 36,363 and 36,363 shares of Class L, Series 1 common stock; 35,156 and 35,156 shares of Class L, Series 2 common stock; 29,337 and 26,599 shares of Class L, Series 3 common stock; 28,360 and 25,713 shares of Class L, Series 4 common stock; 5,930 and 5,930 Class L, Series 1 warrants; and 1,369 and 1,065 Class L, Series 3 warrants, at cost, in each case, at September 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively

     (3,123 )     (3,009 )
                

Total shareholders’ equity

     38,552       65,643  
                

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 568,618     $ 580,278  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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BRODER BROS., CO. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    

September 29,

2007

   

September 30,

2006

   

September 29,

2007

   

September 30,

2006

 
    

(unaudited)

(dollars to thousands)

 

Net sales

   $ 246,417     $ 249,193     $ 696,394     $ 718,352  

Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization included in warehousing, selling and administrative below)

     206,323       203,000       576,569       587,138  
                                

Gross profit

     40,094       46,193       119,825       131,214  

Warehousing, selling and administrative

     38,641       37,815       114,697       112,199  

Restructuring and asset impairment charges, net

     4,514       (55 )     10,747       1,716  
                                

Total operating expenses

     43,155       37,760       125,444       113,915  
                                

Income (loss) from operations

     (3,061 )     8,433       (5,619 )     17,299  

Other (income) expense

        

Interest

     9,203       12,492       28,754       31,183  

Change in fair value of interest rate swaps

     22       65       (90 )     (205 )
                                

Total other expense

     9,225       12,557       28,664       30,978  
                                

Loss before income taxes

     (12,286 )     (4,124 )     (34,283 )     (13,679 )

Income tax provision (benefit)

     (716 )     (1,650 )     (7,221 )     (5,679 )
                                

Net loss

   $ (11,570 )   $ (2,474 )   $ (27,062 )   $ (8,000 )
                                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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BRODER BROS., CO. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Nine Months Ended September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006

 

     Nine Months Ended  
    

September 29,

2007

   

September 30,

2006

 
    

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

 

Cash flows from operating activities

    

Net loss

   $ (27,062 )   $ (8,000 )

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities

    

Depreciation

     6,999       5,820  

Amortization

     8,771       13,076  

Provision for losses on accounts receivable

     1,519       737  

Deferred income taxes

     (6,620 )     (5,600 )

Stock-based compensation

     352       150  

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

     122       130  

Change in fair value of interest rate swaps

     (90 )     (205 )

Asset impairment charges

     —         107  

Changes in operating accounts

    

Accounts receivable

     (15,575 )     (17,955 )

Finished goods inventory

     24,501       (21,342 )

Prepaid and other current assets

     4,919       2,254  

Accounts payable

     28,171       31,050  

Accrued liabilities and other

     8,176       10,537  
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     34,183       10,759  
                

Cash flows from investing activities

    

Acquisition of fixed assets

     (6,390 )     (5,198 )

Acquisition of Amtex Imports Inc. (Note 3)

     —         (6,511 )
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (6,390 )     (11,709 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities

    

Borrowings on revolving credit agreement

     329,900       338,700  

Repayments on revolving credit agreement

     (351,300 )     (346,400 )

Payment for treasury stock purchase

     (114 )     (2,037 )

Proceeds from payment of employee note receivable

     —         463  

Payments of principal on capital lease obligations

     (2,575 )     (925 )

Change in book overdraft

     (1,368 )     12,980  
                

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (25,457 )     2,781  
                

Net increase in cash

     2,336       1,831  

Cash at beginning of period

     4,270       3,305  
                

Cash at end of period

   $ 6,606     $ 5,136  
                

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information

    

Assets acquired as a result of capital lease obligations

   $ 5,198     $ 1,531  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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BRODER BROS., CO. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of the Company

Broder Bros., Co. and its consolidated subsidiary (the “Company”) is a national wholesale distributor of imprintable sportswear and related products which include undecorated or “blank” T-shirts, sweatshirts, polo shirts, caps, bags and other imprintable accessories that are decorated primarily for advertising and promotional purposes. Products are sold to screen printers, embroiderers and advertising specialty companies through distribution centers strategically located throughout the United States. These customers decorate the Company’s products with corporate logos, brands and other images and then sell the imprinted sportswear and accessories to a highly diversified range of end-customers, including Fortune 1000 companies, sporting venues, concert promoters, athletic leagues, educational institutions and travel resorts.

In September 2003, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Alpha Shirt Holdings, Inc. (“Alpha”). In August 2004, the Company acquired all of the shares of beneficial interest of NES, a leading distributor of imprintable sportswear in New England. Immediately after consummation of those acquisitions, Alpha and its subsidiaries and NES and its subsidiary were merged with and into Broder Bros., Co., except for ASHI, Inc., which became a direct, wholly owned non-operating subsidiary of the Company until it also was subsequently merged with and into Broder Bros., Co. in fiscal year 2005. In addition, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Amtex Imports Inc. in September 2006. See Note 3 for more information.

The Company operates on a 52/53-week year basis with the year ending on the last Saturday of December. The three and nine months ended September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006 each consisted of thirteen and thirty-nine weeks, respectively. Fiscal periods are identified according to the calendar period that they most accurately represent. For example, the quarterly period ended September 29, 2007 is referred to herein as “the three months ended September 30, 2007” and the balance sheet date of September 29, 2007 is referred to herein as “September 30, 2007.”

Basis of Presentation of Unaudited Interim Financial Information

The unaudited consolidated financial information herein has been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and is in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regulations for interim financial reporting. In the opinion of management, the financial statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, that are considered necessary for a fair statement of the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the entire year. This financial information should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2006 of the Company, which are included in the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 2, 2007.

Accounting Changes

On December 31, 2006, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). Among other things, FIN 48 requires application of a “more likely than not” threshold to the recognition and de-recognition of tax positions. It further requires that a change in judgment related to prior years’ tax positions be recognized in the quarter of such change. The December 31, 2006 transition reduced the Company’s retained earnings by $0.4 million, which included an adjustment to the liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $1.8 million that was reported in “other long-term liabilities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. As of September 30, 2007, the adjustment to the liability for unrecognized tax benefits was $1.5 million. See Note 7 for additional information.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. These assumptions also affect the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.

 

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Inventory

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out method. Inventory consists of finished goods held for sale and an accrual for inventory in-transit shipped Free On Board (“FOB”), when title transfers from the manufacturer to the Company. The Company’s reported inventory cost consists of the cost of product, net of vendor incentives related to unsold inventory, and certain costs incurred to bring inventory to its existing condition or location, including freight-in, purchasing, receiving, inspection and other material handling costs. Amounts due to the Company related to vendor incentives are recorded as reductions to vendor payables.

The Company maintains an allowance for potential losses on the disposal of its discontinued and slow-moving inventory. The allowance for excess and discontinued inventory balance was $8.6 million at both September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS No. 109”). SFAS No. 109 requires an asset and liability approach which requires the recognition of deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the temporary differences are expected 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.

A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. No valuation allowance was recorded as of December 31, 2006 since the Company had sufficient deferred tax liabilities to shield its deferred tax assets and was not relying on projected, future taxable income to be able to realize its deferred tax assets. Due to the Company’s continued net operating losses and its net deferred tax asset position excluding naked credits, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $1.0 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007. As of September 30, 2007, the valuation allowance was increased to $7.0 million due to the pretax loss for the quarter ended September 30, 2007. See Note 7 for more information.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, “Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments – An Amendment of SFAS Nos. 133 and 140” (“SFAS No. 155”). SFAS No. 155 is effective for all financial instruments acquired or issued after the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. One of the primary objectives of SFAS No. 155 is to simplify the accounting for certain hybrid financial instruments by permitting fair value accounting for any hybrid financial instrument that contains an embedded derivative that otherwise would require bifurcation. The Company’s adoption of SFAS No. 155 did not have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 clarifies that the term fair value is intended to mean a market-based measure, not an entity-specific measure and gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets in determining fair value. SFAS No. 157 requires disclosures about (1) the extent to which companies measure assets and liabilities at fair value, (2) the methods and assumptions used to measure fair value and (3) the effect of fair value measures on earnings. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 157 on its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 permits entities to measure at fair value, at specified election dates, many financial instruments and certain other assets and liabilities that are not otherwise required to be measured at fair value. Subsequent changes in fair value will be required to be reported in earnings each reporting period. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 159 on its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts reported in the prior year financial statements have been reclassified to conform with 2007 classifications.

 

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2. Comprehensive Loss

 

    

Three Months Ended

September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
     2007     2006     2007     2006  
     (dollars in thousands)  

Net loss

   $ (11,570 )   $ (2,474 )   $ (27,062 )   $ (8,000 )

Amortization of SFAS 133 transition adjustment, net of taxes (a)

     3       4       7       13  
                                

Comprehensive loss

   $ (11,567 )   $ (2,470 )   $ (27,055 )   $ (7,987 )
                                

(a) Net of taxes of $2 and $3, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 and net of taxes of $4 and $7, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

3. Acquisition

In September 2006, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Amtex Imports Inc. (“Amtex”), a regional imprintable activewear distributor with a single location in Northlake, IL. The Amtex acquisition facilitated the Company’s entry into the Chicago market. Total consideration paid was approximately $7.1 million, consisting of $6.5 million in cash, the issuance of a $0.3 million promissory note payable to the former owner of Amtex and approximately $0.3 million in transaction costs. Pursuant to the terms of the asset purchase agreement, the parties are working to determine the Adjusted Cash Consideration (as defined in the asset purchase agreement). The determination of Adjusted Cash Consideration is expected during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007. In accordance with SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations,” the purchase price paid in the Amtex acquisition has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. In accordance with the terms of the asset purchase agreement, the purchase price allocation is expected to be finalized during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 following resolution of the claim and counterclaims referenced above.

The following table sets forth the allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the amortizable lives for each of the intangible assets:

 

    

(Dollars in

thousands)

 

Accounts receivable

   $ 3,348  

Inventory

     7,992  

Other assets

     13  

Fixed assets

     88  

Customer relationships (3 years)

     800  

Trademarks/tradename (1 year)

     200  

Non-compete agreement (4 years)

     210  

Goodwill

     1,432  

Accounts payable and other liabilities

     (7,029 )
        

Purchase price

   $ 7,054  
        

Amtex’s results of operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition.

4. Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations consisted of the following at the dates indicated below:

 

    

September 30,

2007

  

December 31,

2006

     (dollars in thousands)

Revolving credit facility

   $ 89,000    $ 110,400

Senior notes

     225,000      225,000

Promissory note payable (to former owner of Amtex)

     300      300

Unamortized debt premium

     781      969

Capital lease obligations

     10,251      7,628
             
     325,332      344,297

Less: current portion

     4,047      3,008

Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations, excluding current portion

   $ 321,285    $ 341,289
             

 

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Principal payments on the revolving credit facility, senior notes and capital lease obligations for the next five years ending September 30 are as follows:

 

    

(dollars in

thousands)

2008

   $ 4,043

2009

     3,324

2010

     3,004

2011

     314,176

2012

     4

Thereafter

     —  

Revolving Credit Facility

In August 2006, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“Credit Agreement”), and amended and restated the Company’s revolving credit agreement, dated as of September 22, 2003, by and among the Company, the lenders thereto and the agents named therein (the “Revolver Agreement”). Certain of the lenders under the Credit Agreement were also lenders under the Revolver Agreement. Subject to compliance with the terms of the Indenture governing the Senior Notes and the Credit Agreement, the Company may borrow up to $225 million under the Credit Agreement for working capital, capital expenditures, permitted acquisitions and other corporate purposes. The Credit Agreement matures on August 31, 2011.

The Credit Agreement provides for a committed $225.0 million senior secured revolver facility (the “Revolver Facility”), which includes a $20.0 million seasonal stretch tranche (the “Seasonal Stretch”). The Credit Agreement provides for interest based upon a fixed spread over the lenders’ LIBOR lending rate and represents a more favorable rate than that of the Revolver Agreement. In addition, the Credit Agreement is secured by a first priority interest in substantially all of the assets of the Company. An unused line fee of 0.25% is charged on the Revolver Facility and 0.5% is charged on the Seasonal Stretch.

The Credit Agreement contains both affirmative and negative covenants which, among other things, may require the Company to meet a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, and places limits upon disposals of assets, mergers and acquisitions, further indebtedness, transactions with affiliates and other customary restrictions. The occurrence of certain of these events may accelerate the timing of required repayments.

Total unused credit line fees under the Credit Agreement were approximately $0.1 million and $0.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively. The effective interest rate at September 30, 2007 was 6.8% and the weighted average interest rate on borrowings under the Credit Agreement for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was 6.7%. As of September 30, 2007, outstanding borrowings on the Credit Agreement were $89.0 million, which left $85.7 million of available borrowing capacity as determined by borrowing base availability. The effective interest rate at December 31, 2006 was 6.8%. As of December 31, 2006, outstanding borrowings on the revolving credit facility were $110.4 million, which left $68.3 million of available borrowing capacity as determined by borrowing base availability.

The Company incurred $0.8 million in debt issuance costs in connection with the Credit Agreement. These costs are being amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis over the life of the Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement also contains a provision for up to $25.0 million of letters of credit, subject to borrowing base availability and total amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement of $225.0 million. As of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, the Company had approximately $9.9 million and $12.5 million, respectively, of outstanding letters of credit primarily related to commitments for the purchase of inventory.

On April 2, 2007, the Company provided notice to the administrative agent for the credit facility of the occurrence and cure of a default under Article VIII(g)(ii) of the Credit Agreement. A default existed under the indenture governing the Senior Notes and the Credit Agreement as a result of the failure by the Company to file its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2006 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) within the time period specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations as required by Section 4.03 of the indenture, which was March 30, 2007. The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2006 was filed with the SEC on April 2, 2007. As of September 30, 2007, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement.

 

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Senior Notes

In September 2003, the Company completed a private offering of $175.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 11 1/4% senior notes due 2010. The proceeds of the private offering were used to finance the Alpha acquisition, repay existing indebtedness and to pay related fees and expenses. In November 2004, the Company completed a private offering of an additional $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of 11 1/4% senior notes due 2010. The proceeds of that private placement were used to repay borrowings under the Revolver Agreement. All senior notes were issued under the same indenture. The senior notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by all existing and future material domestic subsidiaries, and pay interest semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year.

The indenture governing the senior notes and the Credit Agreement, among other things, (i) restrict the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries, including the guarantor of the senior notes, to incur additional indebtedness, issue shares of preferred stock, incur liens, pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments and enter into certain transactions with affiliates, (ii) prohibit certain restrictions on the ability of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries, including the guarantor of the senior notes, to pay dividends or make certain payments to the Company and (iii) place restrictions on the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries, including the guarantor of the senior notes, to merge or consolidate with any other person or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets. The indenture related to the senior notes and the Credit Agreement also contain various covenants which limit the Company’s discretion in the operation of its businesses. On April 2, 2007, the Company provided notice to the trustee for the indenture of the occurrence and cure of a default under Section 4.03 of the indenture. A default existed under the indenture governing the senior notes and the Credit Agreement as a result of the failure by the Company to file its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2006 with the SEC within the time period specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations as required by Section 4.03 of the indenture, which was March 30, 2007. The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2006 was filed with the SEC on April 2, 2007. As of September 29, 2007, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the indenture.

ASHI, Inc. was acquired in connection with the September 2003 acquisition of Alpha Shirt Holdings, Inc. On March 28, 2005, ASHI, Inc. was merged with and into Broder Bros., Co. and ceased to be a guarantor of any of the Company’s debt.

Interest Rate Swaps

As a condition of its revolving credit facility that was retired in September 2003, the Company was required to enter into interest rate protection agreements (“swaps”). The Company does not use derivatives for speculative purposes. The Company had an outstanding interest rate swap agreement with a commercial bank that had a notional amount of $10.0 million at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006. The interest rate swap agreement matures in October 2008.

The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty. The Company does not anticipate nonperformance to be likely. The Company has elected to not apply hedge accounting for this swap agreement. The fair value of this interest rate swap approximated $(0.3) million and $(0.3) million at each of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. The swaps are classified on the consolidated balance sheets based on the expected timing of the cash flows related to the swaps. Approximately $0.3 million was classified as other long-term liabilities at both September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006.

Redeemable Securities

During 2004, Bain Capital sold shares of its common stock of the Company to certain executives at their fair market value. These shares may be put to the Company at their fair market value if the executive is terminated for any reason other than for cause, or if the executive resigns with good reason as defined in the applicable employment agreement. The Company repurchased shares during fiscal years 2005, 2006 and 2007 that were owned by former executives who left the Company voluntarily. These shares are recorded below liabilities and outside of permanent equity on the consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 in accordance with EITF Topic No. 98-D, “Classification and Measurement of Redeemable Securities.” An executive who held Company shares left the Company during 2007 and the Company purchased such executive’s shares, which resulted in increases to additional paid-in capital and treasury stock during fiscal 2007. See Note 5 for more information.

These shares have been recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at each of the following dates:

 

    

Number

of Shares

  

Common

Stock at

Par Value

  

Additional

Paid-in

Capital

  

Liquidation

Preference

     (dollars in thousands)

September 30, 2007

           

Class B

   78,348    $ 0.8    $ 16    $ —  

Class L, Series 3

   7,600      0.1      135      297.9

Class L, Series 4

   7,345      0.1      113      216.6

December 31, 2006

           

Class B

   106,584    $ 1.1    $ 23    $ —  

Class L, Series 3

   10,338      0.1      185      369.5

Class L, Series 4

   9,992      0.1      156      264.1

 

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5. Related Party Transactions

In connection with the Alpha acquisition, the Company amended and restated its existing advisory services agreement with Bain Capital (the “Advisory Services Agreement”). The Advisory Services Agreement is a discretionary, contingency-based agreement, subject to certain conditions and limitations set forth therein. Before any such management fees may be paid, EBITDA, as defined in the amended and restated Advisory Services Agreement, after giving effect to payment of the management fee, must be greater than $52.0 million in order for Bain Capital to earn a fee. The Company believes that the terms of such Advisory Services Agreement with Bain Capital are no less favorable than those that could have been obtained pursuant to a similar agreement with an unrelated third party.

Under the Advisory Services Agreement, for the first two full fiscal years following the Alpha acquisition and related equity investment by Bain Capital, Bain Capital could be paid a management fee for strategic, financial and other advisory services up to an annual maximum of $1.5 million at the discretion of the Company’s board of directors. The Advisory Services Agreement states that for each full fiscal year beginning in fiscal 2006, Bain Capital may be paid a fee up to an annual maximum of $3.0 million at the discretion of the Company’s board of directors. The Company paid Bain Capital a fee of $3.0 million for fiscal 2006. During the three months ended September 30, 2007, the Company reversed management fee expense of $0.9 million representing the management fee expense recorded in the first six months of fiscal 2007 because management does not expect the Company to earn $52.0 million in EBITDA, as defined in the amended and restated Advisory Services Agreement, during fiscal 2007. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, the Company recorded management fee expense of $1.3 million and $2.6 million, respectively. The management fee expense accrual is included in accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheet.

The Advisory Services Agreement also requires the Company to pay investment banking fees in the amount of one percent of certain prescribed transactions. Bain Capital was paid fees of approximately $0.4 million upon the completion of the NES acquisition in August 2004, $0.5 million upon completion of the private placement of $50.0 million of senior notes in November 2004, and approximately $0.1 million upon the completion of the Amtex acquisition in September 2006.

In March 2007, the Company entered into a separation agreement with its former chief financial officer. The agreement provided for, among other items, payments to the former executive in an aggregate amount of approximately $0.5 million, payable in a single lump sum, and the purchase by the Company of equity securities owned by the former executive for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $0.1 million. The payment to the former executive was made in consideration for a twenty-four month extension of a non-compete period, which resulted in a thirty-six month non-compete period, as well as a transition bonus payment for services rendered in connection with the former executive’s separation from the Company. The non-compete agreement is being amortized during the period beginning March 2007 and ending in February 2010 and is included in depreciation and amortization within “warehousing, selling and administrative” in the consolidated statement of operations data.

6. Commitments and Contingencies

Self-Insured Health Plan

The Company maintains a self-insured health plan for some of its employees. The Company has purchased stop loss insurance to supplement the health plan, which will reimburse the Company for individual claims in excess of $0.1 million annually or aggregate claims exceeding approximately $5.4 million. At September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, approximately $0.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively, was included in accrued liabilities for self-insured health plan costs.

Litigation

The Company is a party to various lawsuits arising out of the normal conduct of its business, none of which, individually or in the aggregate, are expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

Employment Agreements

The Company has entered into employment agreements with certain employees, which provide that the employee will not compete in the wholesale distribution of imprintable sportswear and accessories business for a specified period after their respective termination dates. The employment agreements also define employment terms including salary, bonus and benefits to be provided to the respective employees.

 

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Advisory Agreement

In connection with the acquisition of Alpha, the Company entered into a new Advisory Services Agreement with Bain Capital in September 2003. See Note 5 for more information.

7. Income Taxes

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in various state and local jurisdictions. In general, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2002.

As disclosed in Note 1, the Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the provision of SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS No. 109”). In accordance with SFAS No. 109, a valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. No valuation allowance was recorded as of December 31, 2006 since the Company had sufficient deferred tax liabilities to shield its deferred tax assets and was not relying on projected, future taxable income to be able to realize its deferred tax assets. Due to the Company’s continued net operating losses and its net deferred tax asset position excluding naked credits, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $1.0 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007. As of September 30, 2007, the valuation allowance was increased to $7.0 million due to the pretax loss for the quarter ended September 30, 2007. The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets at September 30, 2007 relates principally to the uncertainty of the utilization of certain deferred tax assets, primarily tax loss carryforwards in various jurisdictions. The valuation allowance was calculated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 109, which requires that a valuation allowance be established and maintained when it is “more likely than not” that all or a portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized. The valuation allowance established in 2007 was primarily attributable to the recording of deferred tax assets associated with federal and state tax loss carryforwards at full value which required a valuation allowance.

As disclosed in Note 1, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”), on December 31, 2006. FIN 48 creates a single model to address uncertainty in tax positions and clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing the minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. The provisions of FIN 48 apply to all material tax positions in all taxing jurisdictions for all open tax years. FIN 48 establishes a two-step process for evaluating tax positions. Step 1 – Recognition, requires the Company to determine whether a tax position, based solely on its technical merits, has a likelihood of more than 50 percent (“more likely than not”) that the tax position taken will be sustained upon examination. Step 2 – Measurement, which is only addressed if Step 1 has been satisfied, requires the Company to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement.

Under FIN 48 the Company determined that certain income tax positions did not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold and, therefore, required a 100% reserve. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2006, the Company recorded a non-cash cumulative transition charge of approximately $0.4 million, recorded as a reduction to beginning retained earnings. The Company records accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of December 31, 2006, the Company had accrued $0.1 million in interest and penalties. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2006 was $1.8 million. As of September 30, 2007 this amount was reduced by approximately $0.3 million and recorded as an adjustment to goodwill, as the statute of limitations expired for several of the positions. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate is approximately $0.1 million.

It is expected that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will change during the next 12 months; however, the Company does not anticipate any adjustments which would result in a material impact on its results of operations or financial position.

8. Segment Information

In accordance with SFAS No. 131, “Disclosure About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” the Company has three operating segments: the Broder division; the Alpha division; and the NES division. Operating segments are defined as components of the business for which separate information is available and is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision makers in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The following table presents information used by the Company’s chief operating decision makers in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.

 

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Statement of Operations Information

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,
     2007    2006
     Broder    Alpha    NES    Consolidated    Broder    Alpha    NES    Consolidated
     (dollars in thousands)

Net sales

   $ 101,977    $ 114,249    $ 30,191    $ 246,417    $ 98,913    $ 117,578    $ 32,702    $ 249,193

Cost of sales (1)

     85,721      95,383      25,219      206,323      81,836      94,268      26,896      203,000
                                                       

Gross profit

   $ 16,256    $ 18,866    $ 4,972    $ 40,094    $ 17,077    $ 23,310    $ 5,806    $ 46,193
                                                       

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,
     2007    2006
     Broder    Alpha    NES    Consolidated    Broder    Alpha    NES    Consolidated
     (dollars in thousands)

Net sales

   $ 280,785    $ 328,641    $ 86,968    $ 696,394    $ 277,013    $ 348,318    $ 93,021    $ 718,352

Cost of sales (1)

     234,416      268,940      73,213      576,569      229,254      280,786      77,098      587,138
                                                       

Gross profit

   $ 46,369    $ 59,701    $ 13,755    $ 119,825    $ 47,759    $ 67,532    $ 15,923    $ 131,214
                                                       

(1) Cost of sales is exclusive of depreciation and amortization included in warehousing, selling and administrative expense.

Balance Sheet Information

 

     Broder    Alpha    NES    Consolidated
     (dollars in thousands)

As of September 30, 2007

           

Accounts receivable, net

   $ 38,049    $ 46,994    $ 14,116    $ 99,159

Inventory

     58,813      124,075      25,898      208,786

Fixed assets, net

     14,796      10,962      2,929      28,687

Goodwill, intangible assets and deferred financing fees, net

     20,448      174,848      3,651      198,947

Accounts payable

     46,754      64,093      13,231      124,078

As of December 31, 2006

           

Accounts receivable, net

   $ 30,643    $ 42,732    $ 11,728    $ 85,103

Inventory

     83,272      123,401      26,614      233,287

Fixed assets, net

     15,585      6,839      1,796      24,220

Goodwill, intangible assets and deferred financing fees, net

     22,490      179,927      5,374      207,791

Accounts payable

     19,972      68,808      8,495      97,275

9. Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges

Following the acquisitions of Alpha and NES, the Company executed restructuring activities designed to reduce its cost structure by closing distribution centers, disposing of the related fixed assets and reducing its corporate workforce. During the fourth quarter of 2003, the Company’s Broder division recorded approximately $7.0 million in distribution center closure costs related to the closure of its Wadesboro, NC distribution center. The charge included the fair value of the future lease obligations as of the cease-use date, net of expected sublease rentals. The future lease obligation is expected to be paid over the remaining lease term, which expires in March 2014. During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company’s Broder division also recorded approximately $0.8 million in lease termination and other costs for the fair value of future lease obligations related to the closure of its Cleveland, OH distribution center. The future lease obligation was paid over the remaining lease term, which expired in May 2007.

The Company’s NES division recorded approximately $0.8 million in aggregate restructuring charges during fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2005 related to cash severance and related benefit payments for NES corporate staff reductions resulting from the continuing integration of NES into the Company. Approximately $0.1 million of the severance and related benefits charges were reversed during fiscal 2006.

During fiscal 2005, the Company initiated a strategy to create multi-division distribution centers which is expected to provide the Company with several key advantages, including improvement of inventory availability, reduction of inventory levels and a moderate reduction of operating expenses. During fiscal 2005, the Company recorded approximately $1.0 million in Atlanta distribution center closure costs due to the opening of another distribution center in the Atlanta market. The Atlanta charge consisted

 

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of the fair value of the future lease obligations, net of expected sublease rentals of approximately $0.7 million, and approximately $0.3 million in non-cash fixed asset impairment charges related to the disposal of distribution center fixed assets. The future lease obligation is expected to be paid over the remaining lease term, which expires in December 2009.

During the first quarter of 2006, the Company recorded restructuring charges related to its distribution center and call center consolidation initiatives. The Company consolidated its distribution centers in its Texas, California and Midwest markets. The Company’s Broder division recorded a restructuring and asset impairment charge of approximately $0.8 million, consisting of $0.6 million in distribution center closure costs for the fair value of the future lease obligations and approximately $0.1 million in severance and related benefits, and $0.1 million in non-cash fixed asset impairment charges related to the disposal of distribution center fixed assets. The future lease obligation is expected to be paid over the remaining lease term, which expires in December 2007.

During 2006, the Alpha division La Mirada, CA distribution center was consolidated into a new dual-branded Broder-Alpha facility in Fresno, CA. As a result, the Alpha division recorded approximately $2.1 million in distribution center closure costs for the fair value of the future lease obligations, net of a $0.5 million reduction for estimated sublease payments, and approximately $0.2 million in severance and benefits related charges. The future lease obligations are expected to be paid out over the remaining lease term, which ends in 2009. The Broder division Louisville, KY distribution center was consolidated into a new facility in Chicago, IL. The Broder division recorded approximately $0.2 million in distribution center closure costs for the fair value of the future lease obligations and approximately $0.1 million in severance and benefits related charges. The future lease obligations were paid out over the remaining lease term, which ended in May 2007.

During 2006, the Company also reduced the number of call centers it operates from seven to three. As a result, the Company recorded restructuring charges of approximately $0.9 million, consisting of approximately $0.4 million of cash severance and related benefit payments and $0.5 million in call center closure costs representing the fair value of the future lease obligations. The future lease obligations are expected to be paid over the remaining lease terms, which expire at various dates through March 2015.

During the first quarter of 2007, the Company recorded additional restructuring charges related to its distribution center consolidation initiative. The Company consolidated its distribution centers in its New York and North Carolina markets and further consolidated its Midwest market. The Broder division Plymouth, MI and St. Louis, MO distribution centers were consolidated into a new facility in Chicago, IL. Also during the first quarter of 2007, the Company consolidated the Amtex distribution center into the Company’s new Chicago, IL facility. The Broder division Albany, NY distribution center is consolidating into a tri-branded Broder-Alpha-NES facility in Middleboro, MA. The NES division Charlotte, NC distribution center is consolidating into a new tri-branded Broder-Alpha-NES facility in Atlanta, GA. As a result of the distribution center closures, the Company recorded approximately $7.2 million in restructuring charges, consisting of $6.5 million in distribution center closure costs for the fair value of lease obligations and $0.7 million in severance and related benefits. The future lease obligations are expected to be paid over the remaining lease terms, which end on dates beginning June 2008 and ending March 2015.

During the second quarter of 2007, the Company committed to a plan to close its Alpha division Philadelphia, PA distribution center and open a new tri-branded facility near Harrisburg, PA and to close its Alpha division Ft. Wayne, IN distribution center and consolidate it into the multi-branded facility in Chicago, IL during the third quarter of 2007. The Company recorded approximately $0.7 million in severance and related benefit obligations during the second quarter of 2007. In addition, the Company executed two sublease agreements for its LaMirada, CA distribution center and recorded a reduction to the restructuring charge of approximately $1.5 million.

During the third quarter of 2007, the Company closed its distribution centers in Philadelphia, PA; Ft. Wayne, IN; and Dallas, TX. The Company recorded restructuring charges of $4.5 million consisting of approximately $4.4 million for the fair value of future lease obligations, net of expected sublease rentals, and $0.1 million in severance and related benefit obligations during the third quarter of 2007. The future lease obligations are expected to be paid over the remaining lease terms, which end on dates beginning June 2009 and ending January 2013.

 

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Restructuring activity is summarized as follows:

 

    

Balance at

December 31,

2006

  

Restructuring

Charge

  

Cash

Payments

   

Balance at

September 30,

2007

     (dollars in thousands)

Distribution center closure costs

          

Lease termination and other costs, net

   $ 7,698    $ 9,223    $ (2,039 )   $ 14,882

Severance and related benefits

     91      1,524      (1,373 )     242

Call center closure costs

          

Lease Termination and other costs

     438      —        (102 )     336
                            
   $ 8,227    $ 10,747    $ (3,514 )   $ 15,460
                            

The total of $15.5 million in accrued restructuring costs is recorded as $3.7 million in current liabilities and $11.8 million in long-term liabilities at September 30, 2007.

 

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

GENERAL

We are a leading distributor of imprintable sportswear and accessories in the United States. Imprintable sportswear and accessories is an estimated $8 billion U.S. market in wholesale revenues and includes undecorated or “blank” T-shirts, sweatshirts, polo shirts, fleece, outerwear, caps, bags and other imprintable accessories that are decorated primarily for advertising and promotional purposes. We source product from more than 70 suppliers, including Gildan, Russell, Hanes, Anvil and Fruit of the Loom. Other exclusive or near-exclusive suppliers include retail brands such as Adidas Golf, Columbia Sportswear and Champion.

We consider the term “near-exclusive” to represent those arrangements where, although not contractually entitled to exclusivity, we believe we are the only distributor to offer these products in an annual catalog to the imprintable sportswear industry. In addition to our distribution suppliers, we develop and source products from over 16 countries to support our private label brand initiatives, which include the brands Devon & Jones, HYP, Authentic Pigment, Desert Wash, Harvard Square, Chestnut Hill, Great Republic and Harriton. Our products are sold to over 70,000 customers, primarily advertising specialty companies, screen printers, embroiderers and specialty retailers who decorate our blank product with corporate logos, brands and other promotional images. Our decorator customers then sell imprinted sportswear and accessories to a highly diversified range of end-consumers, including Fortune 1000 companies, sporting venues, concert promoters, athletic leagues, educational institutions and travel resorts. We believe our end-consumers are increasingly recognizing imprintable sportswear and accessories as highly differentiated, cost-effective, advertising and promotional tools that help them grow their respective businesses and brand images.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth the amounts and the percentages of net sales that items in the consolidated statement of operations constituted for the periods indicated:

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2007     2006     2007     2006  

Net sales

   $ 246.4     100.0 %   $ 249.2     100.0 %   $ 696.4     100.0 %   $ 718.3     100.0 %

Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization as shown below)

     206.3     83.7       203.0     81.5       576.6     82.8       587.1     81.7  
                                                        

Gross profit

     40.1     16.3       46.2     18.5       119.8     17.2       131.2     18.3  

Warehousing, selling and administrative expenses

     33.7     13.7       32.4     13.0       99.7     14.3       97.5     13.7  

Depreciation and amortization

     5.0     2.0       5.4     2.2       15.0     2.2       14.7     2.0  

Restructuring and asset impairment charges, net

     4.5     1.8       (0.1 )   —         10.7     1.5       1.7     0.2  
                                                        

Income (loss) from operations

     (3.1 )   (1.3 )     8.5     3.4       (5.6 )   (0.8 )     17.3     2.4  

Interest expense, net

     9.2     3.7       12.6     5.1       28.7     4.1       31.0     4.3  

Income tax provision (benefit)

     (0.7 )   (0.3 )     (1.6 )   (0.7 )     (7.2 )   (1.0 )     (5.7 )   (0.8 )
                                                        

Net loss

   $ (11.6 )   (4.7 )%   $ (2.5 )   (1.0 )%   $ (27.1 )   (3.9 )%   $ (8.0 )   (1.1 )%
                                                        

 

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Three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006

Net Sales. Net sales decreased by approximately $2.8 million, or 1.1%, from $249.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 to $246.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007. This decrease resulted from the combination of a decrease in average selling prices and product mix (estimated impact of $12.4 million) partly offset by an increase in unit volume (estimated impact of $9.6 million). Trade brand revenue increased on higher units sold partially offset by lower average selling prices. We continued to sell fewer low margin white t-shirts. Private label brand revenue declined due to fewer units sold during the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. Insufficient private label inventory levels in key styles during the second and third quarters of 2006 contributed to volume declines during the third quarter of 2007 relative to the prior period due to a greater than anticipated loss of placement of some important products in customer programs.

Certain of our key trade brand suppliers experienced production constraints during the third quarter of fiscal 2007 due to new systems implementations. These issues did not result in a significant adverse impact to our trade brand unit volumes during the third quarter, but our fourth quarter revenues may be impacted by these supply chain constraints which are expected to continue into the first quarter of fiscal 2008. During the fourth quarter of 2007, we expect our trade brand revenues to approximate 2006 trade brand revenues as we implement various new marketing initiatives and as we work toward completing our distribution center consolidation plan which is expected to improve inventory service levels. We expect our private label brand revenues to be lower than 2006 levels due to the greater than anticipated loss of placement of some important products in customer programs.

Gross Profit. Gross profit decreased by $6.1 million, or 13.2%, from $46.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 to $40.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007. The decrease in gross profit was attributable to lower average selling prices in trade brand products and lower unit volumes in private label brands. Gross profit from trade brand products declined due to higher unit volumes sold at lower gross margins. We continued to sell fewer low margin white t-shirts. Gross profit from private label brand products was flat to the prior year due to lower unit volumes sold at higher gross margins. Gross margin was 16.3% and 18.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Warehousing, Selling and Administrative Expenses (Including Depreciation and Amortization). Warehousing, selling and administrative expenses, including depreciation and amortization, increased $0.9 million, or 2.4%, from $37.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 to $38.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007. The increase was primarily the result of: (i) approximately $1.5 million in higher marketing costs resulting from various marketing initiatives to stimulate unit volumes; (ii) approximately $1.0 million in incremental travel and training costs and duplicative rent expense attributable to the opening of multi-branded distribution centers; (iii) approximately $0.8 million in higher health benefits expense resulting from a higher number of high dollar self-insured medical claims; (iv) approximately $0.8 million in higher variable distribution center costs resulting from more lines picked in our distribution centers despite fewer units sold; and (v) approximately $0.6 million in higher bad debt expense due to a reduction of bad debt expense recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2006; partially offset by (vi) lower management fee expense of $2.2 million since we do not expect to achieve the $52.0 million threshold for EBITDA (as defined in the Advisory Services Agreement) in order for a management fee to be paid in fiscal 2007; (vii) approximately $0.4 million in lower depreciation and amortization resulting from less amortization expense due to definite-lived intangible assets which became fully amortized during fiscal 2007; (viii) $0.4 million decrease in consulting costs attributable to an inventory and supply chain improvement initiative during 2006; (ix) decreased amortization of prepaid catalog costs of $0.4 million due to the incremental amortization that was recorded during 2006 related to our accelerated mailing date of October 2006 for our 2007 catalogs; and (x) a $0.2 million reduction in bonus expense resulting from less than expected profitability during fiscal 2007. During the remainder of 2007, we expect to record additional incremental travel and training costs and duplicative rent expenses attributable to the opening of multi-branded distribution centers. The distribution center consolidation initiative is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2007.

Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges, Net. As more fully described in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q, we recorded restructuring charges of $4.2 million and $(0.1) million during the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The restructuring charges recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2007 consisted of $4.4 million in lease termination costs and $0.1 million in severance and related benefits charges resulting from our distribution center consolidation initiative. During the third quarter of 2007 we consolidated our distribution facilities in the Midwest, Southwest and Northeast by closing our Ft.Wayne, IN; Dallas, TX; and Philadelphia, PA distribution centers. The reduction in restructuring charges recorded during the third quarter 2006 resulted from the $0.1 million reversal of severance and benefit costs related to the NES corporate staff reductions that had been previously recorded. We expect to record additional restructuring charges during the fourth quarter of 2007 as we continue to execute our distribution center consolidation initiative, which, as noted above, is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2007. We expect to record additional restructuring charges of approximately $2.6 million during the fourth quarter. We do not expect to achieve significant operating expense reductions resulting from the distribution center consolidation initiative. Cost savings resulting from operating fewer distribution centers are effectively offset by incremental operating costs of larger distribution centers. We are consolidating facilities to improve inventory availability which is expected to improve performance and drive growth.

 

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Loss from Operations. As a result of the factors described above, income from operations decreased by approximately $11.6 million, from income of $8.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 to a loss of $3.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007.

Interest Expense. Interest expense, net was $9.2 million and $12.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006, respectively. We expect debt levels to approximate 2006 levels for the remainder of fiscal 2007.

Income Taxes. The income tax benefit was approximately $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared with an income tax benefit of $1.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. The difference between the U.S. federal statutory rate and the effective benefit rate relates primarily to the valuation allowance recorded during the quarter. Due to our continued net operating losses and our net deferred tax asset position excluding naked credits, we recorded a $6.0 million increase to our valuation allowance during the three months ended September 30, 2007. The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets at September 30, 2007 relates principally to the uncertainty of the utilization of certain deferred tax assets, primarily tax loss carryforwards in various jurisdictions. The valuation allowance was calculated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 109, which requires that a valuation allowance be established and maintained when it is “more likely than not” that all or a portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized. The valuation allowance established in 2007 was primarily attributable to the recording of deferred tax assets associated with federal and state tax loss carryforwards at full value which required a valuation allowance.

Net Loss. As a result of the factors described above, net loss increased by $9.1 million from a net loss of $(2.5) million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 to a net loss of $(11.6) million for the three months ended September 30, 2007.

Nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006

Net Sales. Net sales decreased by approximately $21.9 million, or 3.0%, from $718.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 to $696.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. This decrease resulted from the combination of a decrease in average selling prices and product mix (estimated impact $19.9 million) and a decrease in unit volume (estimated impact of $2.0 million). Trade brand revenues declined on lower volume and higher margin products as we continued to sell fewer low margin white T-shirts. Lower pricing in key styles did not increase volumes and revenues. Insufficient private label inventory levels in key styles during the second and third quarters of 2006 contributed to volume declines during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006 due to a greater than anticipated loss of placement of some important products in customer programs.

Gross Profit. Gross profit decreased by $11.4 million, or 8.7%, from $131.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 to $119.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The decrease in gross profit was attributable to lower selling prices in trade brand products and lower unit volumes in private label brands. Gross profit from trade brand products declined due to higher unit volumes sold at lower gross margins. We continued to sell fewer low margin white t-shirts during fiscal 2007. Gross profit from private label brand products was declined compared to the prior year due to lower unit volumes sold at higher gross margins. Gross margin was 17.2% and 18.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Warehousing, Selling and Administrative Expenses (Including Depreciation and Amortization). Warehousing, selling and administrative expenses, including depreciation and amortization, increased $2.5 million, or 2.2%, from $112.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 to $114.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The increase was primarily the result of: (i) approximately $3.4 million in incremental travel and training costs and duplicative rent expense attributable to the opening of multi-branded distribution centers; (ii) approximately $1.6 million in higher health benefits expense resulting from a higher number of high dollar self-insured medical claims; (iii) approximately $1.3 million in higher marketing costs resulting from various marketing initiatives to stimulate unit volumes; (iv) approximately $0.8 million in higher bad debt expense due to a reduction of bad debt expense recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2006; (v) approximately $0.7 million in higher variable distribution center costs resulting from higher lines picked despite fewer units ordered; (vi) approximately $0.6 million in higher legal, accounting and recruiting professional fees; (vii) approximately $0.3 million in higher depreciation and amortization resulting from higher depreciation due to fixed asset additions in our new multi-branded distribution centers, slightly offset by less amortization expense due to definite-lived intangible assets which became fully amortized during fiscal 2007; (viii) approximately $0.3 million in higher workers’ compensation and benefits costs; partially offset by (ix) lower management fee expense of $2.5 million since we do not expect to achieve the $52.0 million threshold in order for a management fee to be paid in fiscal 2007; (x) a $2.2 million decrease in consulting costs attributable to an inventory and supply chain improvement initiative during 2006; (xi) decreased amortization of prepaid catalog costs of $1.1 million due to the incremental amortization that was recorded during 2006 related to our accelerated mailing date of October 2006 for our 2007 catalogs; and (xii) a $1.0 million reduction in bonus expense resulting from less than expected profitability during fiscal 2007.

Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges. As more fully described in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q, we recorded restructuring charges of $10.7 million and $1.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The restructuring charges recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 consisted of $10.7 million in lease termination and other costs plus $1.5 million in severance and related benefits charges resulting from our distribution center consolidation initiative, offset by a $(1.5) million reversal of restructuring charges previously recorded due to executing a sublease for our La Mirada, CA distribution center. During the first quarter of 2007, we consolidated our distribution facilities in the Northeast, Southeast and Midwest markets by closing distribution centers in New York, North Carolina, Michigan, Missouri, Indiana, Texas and Pennsylvania. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, we recorded restructuring charges

 

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consisting of $0.5 million in call center closure costs and $0.4 million of cash severance and related benefit payments due to the consolidation of call centers we operated from seven to three; a $0.8 million restructuring charge related to the consolidation of our Broder Houston facility into an existing Alpha Houston facility, which now operates as a dual-branded Alpha-Broder facility; and $0.1 million of severance and related benefit charges for our LaMirada and Louisville distribution centers. We also recorded a $0.1 million reversal of severance and benefit costs related to the NES corporate staff reductions that were previously recorded.

Income (Loss) from Operations. As a result of the factors described above, income from operations decreased by approximately $22.9 million, from income from operations of $17.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 to a loss of $(5.6) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

Interest Expense. Interest expense, net decreased by $2.3 million from $31.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 to $28.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The net decrease was due to lower interest rates on the revolver balance partly offset by higher average outstanding balances on variable rate debt and a $0.1 million net negative effect of changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps ($0.1 million and approximately $0.2 million net positive effect of a favorable change for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively).

Income Taxes. The income tax benefit was approximately $7.2 million and $5.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The difference between the U.S. federal statutory rate and the effective benefit rate relates primarily to the valuation allowance recorded in the current year. Due to our continued net operating losses and our net deferred tax asset position excluding naked credits, we recorded a valuation allowance of $1.0 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007. As of September 30, 2007, the valuation allowance was increased to $7.0 million due to the pretax loss for the quarter ended September 30, 2007. The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets at September 30, 2007 relates principally to the uncertainty of the utilization of certain deferred tax assets, primarily tax loss carryforwards in various jurisdictions. The valuation allowance was calculated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 109, which requires that a valuation allowance be established and maintained when it is “more likely than not” that all or a portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized. The valuation allowance established in 2007 was primarily attributable to the recording of deferred tax assets associated with federal and state tax loss carryforwards at full value which required a valuation allowance.

Net Loss. As a result of the factors described above, net loss increased by $19.1 million, from a net loss of $(8.0) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 to a net loss of $(27.1) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flows

Nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006

Net cash provided by operating activities was $34.2 million and $10.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The increase in cash flows from operating activities was due principally to a reduction in the inventory balance of $24.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared with an increase of $21.3 million in the same period in the prior year. This increase was partly offset by an increase in the net loss to $(26.8) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared with $(8.0) million in nine months ended September 30, 2006 and other changes in working capital.

Net cash used in investing activities was $6.4 million and $11.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The decrease is primarily due to the $6.5 million acquisition of Amtex Imports Inc., which occurred in September 2006.

Net cash used in financing activities was approximately $25.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared with net cash provided by financing activities of $2.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The change in financing cash flows is primarily attributable to the change in net repayments on our revolving credit facility during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and a decrease in our book overdraft position during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the increase in the same period of the prior year. Borrowings against the revolving credit facility support our inventory purchases.

Liquidity Position

In August 2006, we entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (“Credit Agreement”) which provides for aggregate revolver borrowings of up to $225.0 million (subject to borrowing base availability), including provision for up to $25.0 million of letters of credit. As of September 30, 2007, outstanding borrowings on the Credit Agreement were $89.0 million, and outstanding letters of credit were $9.9 million, which left $85.7 million of available borrowing capacity as determined by borrowing base availability.

The Credit Agreement is secured by first priority pledges of all the equity interests owned by us in our domestic subsidiaries and 65% of all equity interests in any future foreign subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement is also secured by first priority security interests in, and mortgages on, substantially all tangible and intangible assets and each of our direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the equity interests of any future foreign subsidiaries. Availability under the Credit Agreement is based on a borrowing base calculated using advance rates applied to eligible accounts receivable and eligible inventory. The Credit Agreement matures in August 2011.

 

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The Credit Agreement contains both affirmative and negative covenants which, among other things, may require us to meet a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, and places limits upon capital expenditures, disposals of assets, mergers and acquisitions, further indebtedness, transactions with affiliates and other customary restrictions. The occurrence of certain of these events may accelerate required repayment. On April 2, 2007, we provided notice to the administrative agent for the Credit Agreement of the occurrence and cure of a default under Article VIII(g)(ii) of the Credit Agreement. A default existed under the indenture governing the Senior Notes and the Credit Agreement as a result of the failure by us to file our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2006 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) within the time period specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations as required by Section 4.03 of the indenture, which was March 30, 2007. The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2006 was filed with the SEC on April 2, 2007. As of September 30, 2007, we were in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement.

In September 2003, we completed a private offering of $175.0 million 11 1/4% senior notes due 2010. The proceeds of the private offering were used to finance the Alpha acquisition, repay existing indebtedness and to pay related fees and expenses. In November 2004, we completed a private offering of an additional $50.0 million 11 1/4% senior notes due 2010. The proceeds of the private placement were used to repay borrowings under the revolving credit facility. All senior notes were issued under the same indenture. The senior notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by all existing and future material domestic subsidiaries, and pay interest semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year.

The indenture governing the senior notes, among other things, (1) restricts the ability of us and our subsidiaries, including the guarantor of the senior notes, to incur additional indebtedness, issue shares of preferred stock, incur liens, pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments and enter into certain transactions with affiliates, (2) prohibits certain restrictions on the ability of certain of our subsidiaries, including the guarantor of the senior notes, to pay dividends or make certain payments to us and (3) places restrictions on the ability of us and our subsidiaries, including the guarantor of the senior notes, to merge or consolidate with any other person or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets. The indenture related to the senior notes also contains various covenants which limit our discretion in the operation of our businesses. On April 2, 2007, we provided notice to the trustee for the indenture of the occurrence and cure of a default under Section 4.03 of the indenture. A default existed under the indenture governing the senior notes and the Credit Agreement as a result of the failure by us to file our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2006 with the SEC within the time period specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations as required by Section 4.03 of the indenture, which was March 30, 2007. The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2006 was filed with the SEC on April 2, 2007. As of September 30, 2007, we were in compliance with all covenants under the indenture.

We rely primarily upon cash flow from operations and borrowings under our revolving credit facility to finance operations, capital expenditures and fluctuations in debt service requirements. Availability under the revolving credit facility fluctuates due to seasonal flows of the business, which impacts our borrowing base and our decisions around investment in inventory and overall growth of the business. Historically, the low point of our availability arises during the first and second quarters of each fiscal year as revenues reach seasonal lows during December, January and February, compounded by the simultaneous consumption of availability to bolster inventory levels for the ensuing season.

We expect our distribution center consolidation initiative to lead to lower inventory levels as we progress through fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2008. We believe that our ability to manage cash flow and working capital levels, particularly inventory and accounts payable, will allow us to meet our current and future obligations during the seasonal low period, pay scheduled principal and interest payments, and provide funds for working capital, capital expenditures and other needs of the business for at least the next twelve months. However, no assurance can be given that this will be the case, and we may require additional debt or equity financing to meet our working capital requirements.

As a part of our business strategy, we may consider acquisitions of distributors with high local market share in regions that are not well served by our existing facilities. We have historically engaged in discussions with several potential acquisition candidates. Most of these discussions were preliminary in nature, with limited due diligence conducted. We cannot guarantee that any acquisitions will be consummated. If we do consummate any acquisition, it could be material to our business and require us to incur additional debt under our revolving credit facility or otherwise. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be available when required or, if available, that it will be on terms satisfactory to us.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

Our revolving credit facility contains provision for up to $25.0 million of letters of credit, subject to borrowing base availability and total amounts outstanding under the revolving credit agreement of $225.0 million. As of September 30, 2007, we had approximately $9.9 million of outstanding letters of credit primarily related to commitments for the purchase of inventory.

 

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We purchase product in the normal course through the use of short term purchase orders representing quantities for normal business needs at current market prices. In addition, we are party to two supply agreements whereby we have committed to purchase a minimum of: (i) $2.5 million of product per year in 2007 and 2008; and (ii) a total of $15.0 million at a minimum of $5.0 million of product per year through 2007. These supply agreements are more fully described in “Contractual Cash Obligations.”

 

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Contractual Cash Obligations

The following table presents the aggregate amount of future cash outflows under our contractual cash obligations and commercial commitments as of September 30, 2007:

 

     Payments Due by Period
     Total    Less than
1 year
   1 to 3
years
   4 to 5
years
   After 5
years
     (dollars in millions)

Revolving credit facility

   $ 89.0    $ —      $ —      $ 89.0    $ —  

Senior notes(1)

     225.0      —        —        225.0      —  

Operating lease obligations

     122.0      18.3      33.0      29.8      40.9

Capital lease obligations

     11.0      4.2      6.6      0.2      —  

Supply agreements(2)

     4.4      3.8      0.6      —        —  

Expected interest payments(3)

     77.8      26.1      50.7      1.0      —  

Other(4)

     0.3      0.3      —        —        —  
                                  

Total contractual cash obligations

   $ 529.5    $ 52.7    $ 90.9    $ 345.0    $ 40.9
                                  

(1)

Amounts shown do not include $0.8 million of unamortized premium that will be amortized over the term of the senior notes.

(2)

We are party to two separate supply agreements. In one supply agreement we are committed to purchase a minimum of $2.5 million of product per year in 2007 and 2008. Any shortfall in committed purchases for a given year may be carried forward or backward one year, subject to certain limits. If, after the carry forward or backward, as the case may be, actual purchases still fall short of committed levels, a penalty of 7.5% of the shortfall will be incurred. In the other supply agreement we have committed to purchase a total of $15.0 million at a minimum of $5.0 million of product per year through 2007. We do not believe these purchase commitments exceed our future consumption requirements.

(3)

Represents expected interest payments for the life of our senior notes and interest related to our interest rate swap agreement. The amounts included in this table exclude any interest payments which may be made related to our revolving credit facility. If the September 30, 2007 weighted average interest rate of 6.7% and balance outstanding of $89.0 million were to remain constant throughout the remainder of the revolving credit facility, our total future interest payments under the facility would be approximately $23.4 million. The expected payments on our senior notes were calculated using the principal amount of the notes outstanding of $225.0 million, the stated interest rate of 11.25% and the semi-annual payment dates of April 15 and October 15 of each year. Expected interest payments on our interest rate swap agreement were calculated using a notional amount of $10 million and an interest rate of 8%. The swap agreement matures in October 2008.

(4)

Represents note payable to former owner of Amtex.

In addition, due to the adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”) on December 31, 2006, we have recorded a $1.0 million liability as of September 30, 2007 that may be payable in the future, although timing of payment cannot be reasonably estimated. For more information, see Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.

Inflation

Prices of imprintable sportswear and accessories have in recent periods generally experienced deflation as suppliers have moved manufacturing to lower cost offshore locations. Price deflation has not historically had a material effect on our operating results during the periods presented, since falling input costs for individual products have generally been passed on to customers on a constant gross profit per unit basis. However, there can be no assurance that this trend will continue in the future. In October 2007, however, our suppliers increased their prices to us due to rising costs of cotton. We increased our selling prices to our customers and expect to achieve similar gross margins as we have earned historically.

Seasonality

Historically, the first quarter of our fiscal year generates the lowest levels of net sales, gross profit and operating profit. During 2006, first and second quarter net sales were approximately 21.9% and 27.1%, respectively, of the total for the year and first and second quarter gross profit was approximately 21.0% and 26.0%, respectively, of the total for the year. Due to the level of fixed operating expenses, operating profit is normally significantly lower in the first quarter of our fiscal year. During fiscal year 2006, 100% of our operating profit was earned in the second, third and fourth quarters.

We have historically realized, and expect to continue to realize, slightly higher gross profit in the second half of the fiscal year. On a combined basis for Broder, Alpha and NES for 2005 and 2006, approximately 52% of the Company’s net sales and gross profit occurred in the second half of the year. This seasonality is primarily a result of the sale of higher priced products during the second half of the year, such as sweatshirts and winter-oriented outerwear.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies

Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report and in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 2, 2007. While all significant accounting policies are important to our consolidated financial statements, some of these policies may be viewed as being critical. Such policies are those that are both most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and require our most difficult, subjective and complex estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. These estimates are based upon our historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Our actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe our most critical accounting policies are as follows:

Revenue Recognition. Revenue is recognized when title and risk of loss is transferred to the customer, which, for the majority of our customers who have FOB shipping point terms, is upon shipment of the product to the customer. Revenue includes selling price of the product and all shipping and handling costs paid by the customer. Under certain circumstances, customers may submit a claim for damaged or shorted shipments. Based on historical experience, we establish a reserve for potential returns at the time of sale. Revenue is further reduced at the time of sale for estimated customer-related incentives. These incentives primarily consist of volume and growth rebates.

Accounts Receivable. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments, which is included in bad debt expense. We determine the adequacy of this allowance by regularly reviewing our accounts receivable aging and evaluating individual customer receivables, considering customers’ financial condition, credit history and current economic conditions. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

Inventories. We maintain an allowance for potential losses on the disposal of our discontinued and slow moving inventory. Estimates for the allowance are based on past and estimated future sales of the product, historical realization of similar discontinued product, and potential return of slow moving and discontinued product back to the mill. Cost of sales includes (i) the cost of product, (ii) inbound and outbound freight costs, (iii) the costs of purchasing, receiving, inspecting and handling and (iv) adjustments for various incentive programs offered to us by our vendors.

Derivative Financial Instruments. We do not use derivatives for speculative purposes. However, we have entered into interest rate protection agreements whereby we have contracted to pay a fixed interest rate in exchange for receipt of a variable rate. We have elected not to apply hedge accounting for the currently outstanding interest rate protection agreements. Accordingly, we record current interest rate swaps at fair value and record gains and losses on these contracts through our statement of operations. We will evaluate any future interest rate swaps and for those which qualify and for which we choose to designate as hedges of future cash flows, the effective portion of changes in fair value will be recorded temporarily in equity, then recognized in earnings along with the related effects of the hedged items.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized; rather, they are tested for impairment on at least an annual basis. We perform impairment evaluations for goodwill and indefinite-lived assets at least annually in the fourth quarter, or upon a triggering event, using discounted expected future cash flows. In addition, we have recorded other indefinite-lived intangible assets (the trade names “Alpha,” “Alpha Shirt Company”), as well as certain finite-lived intangible assets (primarily the trade names “NES Clothing” and “Harvard Square,” and customer relationship intangibles). These finite-lived intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their average useful lives ranging from 1 to 8 years. Should our revenues and gross profit be significantly less than those achieved during 2006, we may determine that a triggering event has occurred, which would require us to perform an evaluation for goodwill and other intangible assets. As of September 30, 2007, we had goodwill of approximately $138.5 million and indefinite-lived intangible assets of $35.6 million. If we determine our goodwill or intangibles to be impaired, the resulting non-cash charge could be substantial.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, “Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments – An Amendment of SFAS Nos. 133 and 140” (“SFAS No. 155”). SFAS No. 155 is effective for all financial instruments acquired or issued after the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. One of the primary objectives of SFAS No. 155 is to simplify the accounting for certain hybrid financial instruments by permitting fair value accounting for any hybrid financial instrument that contains an embedded derivative that otherwise would require bifurcation. The adoption of SFAS No. 155 did not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 clarifies that the term fair value is intended to mean a market-based measure, not an entity-specific measure and gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets in determining fair value. SFAS No. 157 requires disclosures about (1) the extent to which companies measure assets and liabilities at fair value, (2) the methods and assumptions used to measure fair value, and (3) the effect of fair value measures on earnings. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 157 on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 permits entities to measure at fair value, at specified election dates, many financial instruments and certain other assets and liabilities that are not otherwise required to be measured at fair value. Subsequent changes in fair value will be required to be reported in earnings each reporting period. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 159 on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 Compliance

We incur certain costs associated with being an SEC registrant because of covenants in the indenture governing our senior notes. We are currently a “non-accelerated filer.” For the year ending December 31, 2007, under current rules, pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, management will be required to deliver a report that assesses the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. The SEC issued a release in December 2006, however, announcing that the Commission had extended the date by which non-accelerated filers must begin to comply with the Section 404(b) requirement to provide an auditor’s attestation report on internal controls over financial reporting. The deadline for the auditor’s attestation report has been moved to the first annual report for fiscal years ending on or after December 15, 2008.

We continue our efforts to implement process enhancements, document the system of internal controls over key processes, assess their design, remediate any deficiencies identified and test their functionality. We began documenting and/or implementing the additional processes and procedures necessary for Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 compliance during 2006, and such work is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2007. Testing of annual reporting controls and the issuance of management’s internal assessment report is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2008.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Information contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, other than historical information, may be considered forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates” or “anticipates” or the negative of these terms or other comparable words, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Examples of forward-looking statements are statements that concern future revenues, future costs, future capital expenditures, business strategy, competitive strengths, competitive weaknesses, goals, plans, references to future success or difficulties relating to acquisitions or similar strategic transactions and other similar information.

The forward-looking statements in this document are based on our expectations and are necessarily dependent upon assumptions, estimates and data that we believe are reasonable and accurate but may be incorrect, incomplete or imprecise.

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in any of our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in any of our forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and to inherent risks and uncertainties, such as those disclosed in this document and our other filings with the SEC. Risk factors that could cause our actual results, performance and achievements, or industry results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

   

the competitiveness of our industry, including competition based on price, product quality, breadth of product selection, quality of service and delivery times;

 

   

general economic conditions;

 

   

disruptions in our distribution centers;

 

   

evidence that a triggering event has occurred (i.e., a significant reduction in revenues or gross profit) and upon evaluation, we determine that goodwill or other intangible assets are impaired, which could result in a substantial non-cash charge;

 

   

ability to execute on our acquisition strategy and the related integration of acquired companies, including the realization of anticipated operating synergies and cost savings;

 

   

dependence of a significant portion of our products from a limited group of suppliers;

 

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ability to predict customer demand for our private label products to succeed and the ability to manage the additional complexity in our operations, including increases to our working capital investment and increased level of inventory risk;

 

   

ability to execute on our distribution center consolidation plan, including the realization of anticipated inventory reductions and maintaining current customer service levels;

 

   

ability to realize deferred tax assets, including the potential to record a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets in the future;

 

   

significant reliance on one shipper to distribute our products to our customers; and

 

   

our substantial level of indebtedness.

These and other applicable risks are described under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 filed with the SEC. We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement made in this report, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise, after the date of this report. All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

As of September 30, 2007, we had $89.0 million of debt outstanding under our revolving credit facility. Our revolving credit facility is subject to variable interest rates. Accordingly, our earnings and cash flow are affected by changes in interest rates. Assuming the September 30, 2007 level of borrowings, and further considering the interest rate protection agreements currently in place (see following paragraph), we estimate that a one percentage point increase in interest on our variable rate debt agreements would have increased interest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 by approximately $0.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively.

We have entered into an interest rate protection agreement whereby we have contracted to pay a fixed interest rate in exchange for receipt of a variable rate. The $10.0 million notional principal amount under the interest rate protection agreement terminates in October 2008. We have elected not to apply hedge accounting for the currently outstanding interest rate protection agreement. Accordingly, we record our interest rate swaps at fair value on the balance sheet and record gains and losses on this contract as well as the periodic settlements of this contract through our statement of operations. We recorded other expense of less than $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and other income of $0.1 million and $0.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on this evaluation, they have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes during the third quarter of fiscal 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows can be impacted by a number of factors, any one of which could cause our actual results to vary materially from recent months or from those anticipated. See the discussion in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those previously disclosed in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

31.1   Certification Pursuant to Item 601(b)(31) of Regulation S-K, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2   Certification Pursuant to Item 601(b)(31) of Regulation S-K, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1   Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished pursuant to Item 601(b)(32) of Regulation S-K).
32.2   Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished pursuant to Item 601(b)(32) of Regulation S-K).

 

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SIGNATURES

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

 

November 13, 2007   BRODER BROS., CO.
  By:  

/s/ THOMAS MYERS

    Thomas Myers
   

Chief Executive Officer and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

November 13, 2007    
  By:  

/s/ MARTIN J. MATTHEWS

    Martin J. Matthews
   

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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