BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2015

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Basis of Presentation

The Company prepares its financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). The following is a description of the Company’s significant accounting policies.

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition

The Company derives its sales primarily from its limited use/disposable protective clothing and secondarily from its sales of high-end chemical protective suits, firefighting and heat protective apparel, gloves and arm guards and reusable woven garments. Sales are recognized when goods are shipped, at which time title and the risk of loss pass to the customer. Some sales in Brazil may be sold on terms with F.O.B. destination, which are recognized when received by the customer. Sales are reduced for sales returns and allowances. Payment terms are generally net 30 days for United States sales and net 90 days for international sales.

Substantially all the Company’s sales outside Brazil are made through distributors. There are no significant differences across product lines or customers in different geographical areas in the manner in which the Company’s sales are made.

Lakeland offers a growth rebate to certain distributors each year on a calendar-year basis. Sales are tracked on a monthly basis, and accruals are based on sales growth over the prior year. The growth rebate accrual is adjusted either up or down on a monthly basis as a reduction (increase) to revenue and an increase (reduction) to the accrual based on monthly sales trends as compared with prior year. Based on volume and products purchased, distributors can earn anywhere from 1% to 6% rebates in the form of either a quarterly or annual credit to their account, depending on the specific agreement. In estimating the accrual needed, management tracks sales growth over the prior year.

Our sales are generally final; however, requests for return of goods can be made and must be received within 90 days from invoice date. No returns will be accepted without a written authorization. Return products may be subject to a restocking charge and must be shipped freight prepaid. Any special made-to-order items are not returnable. Customer returns have historically been insignificant.

Customer pricing is subject to change on a 30-day notice; exceptions based on meeting competitors’ pricing are considered on a case-by-case basis. Revenue is recorded net of taxes collected from customers. The related taxes that are remitted to governmental authorities, with the collected taxes recorded as current liabilities until remitted to the relevant government authority.

For larger orders, except in its Lakeland Fire product line, the Company absorbs the cost of shipping and handling. For those customers who are billed the cost of shipping and handling fees, such amounts are included in net sales. Shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight are included in selling and shipping expenses and aggregated approximately $2.7 and $2.4 million in FY15 and FY14, respectively.

Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Inventories

Inventories include freight-in, materials, labor and overhead costs and are stated at the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out basis) or market. Provision is made for slow-moving, obsolete or unusable inventory.

In the year ended January 31, 2014, the Company implemented a standardized method for calculating slow-moving inventory outside the US. Previously, the Company wrote-down the inventory value on an individual product analysis basis.

While management does not expect any further significant write-downs of current inventory, no assurance can be given.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided for in amounts sufficient to relate the cost of depreciable assets to operations over their estimated service lives on a straight-line basis. Leasehold improvements and leasehold costs are amortized over the term of the lease or service lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. The costs of additions and improvements which substantially extend the useful life of a particular asset are capitalized. Repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense. When assets are sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the account, and the gain or loss on disposition is reflected in operating income.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. Goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets are evaluated for impairment at least annually; however, this evaluation may be performed more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Factors that the Company considers important that could identify a potential impairment include: significant changes in the overall business strategy and significant negative industry or economic trends. Management assesses whether it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired and, if necessary, compares the current value of the entity acquired to the carrying value. Fair value is generally determined by management either based on estimating future discounted cash flows for the reporting unit or by estimating a sales price for the reporting unit based on a multiple of earnings. These estimates require the Company’s management to make projections that can differ materially from actual results.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company measures any potential impairment on a projected undiscounted cash flow method. Estimating future cash flows requires the Company’s management to make projections that can differ materially from actual results.

The carrying value of a long-lived asset is considered impaired when the total projected undiscounted cash flows from the asset is less than its carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the long-lived asset.

Self Insured Liabilities Policy [Policy Text Block]

Self-Insured Liabilities  

We have a self-insurance program for certain employee health benefits. The cost of such benefits is recognized as expense based on claims filed in each reporting period and an estimate of claims incurred but not reported during such period. Our estimate of claims incurred but not reported is based upon historical trends. If more claims are made than were estimated or if the costs of actual claims increase beyond what was anticipated, reserves recorded may not be sufficient, and additional accruals may be required in future periods. We maintain separate insurance to cover the excess liability over set single claim amounts and aggregate annual claim amounts.

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company records the cost of stock-based compensation plans based on the fair value of the award on the grant date. For awards that contain a vesting provision, the cost is recognized over the requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity award) which approximates the performance period. For awards based on services already rendered, the cost is recognized immediately.

Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable Policy [Policy Text Block]

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Trade accounts receivable are stated at the amount the Company expects to collect. The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The Company recognizes losses when information available before the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued indicates that it is probable that an asset has been impaired based on criteria noted above at the date of the financial statements, and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Management considers the following factors when determining the collectibility of specific customer accounts:

Past due balances over 90 days and other less creditworthy accounts are reviewed individually for collectability. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, adversely affecting their ability to make payments, additional allowances would be required. Based on management’s assessment, the Company provides for estimated uncollectible amounts through a charge to earnings and a credit to a valuation allowance. Balances that remain outstanding after the Company has used reasonable collection efforts are written off through a charge to the valuation allowance and a credit to accounts receivable. Customer creditworthiness, past transaction history with the customers, current economic industry trends and changes in customer payment terms are factors used in the credit decision.

Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Research and Development Costs

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and included in general and administrative expenses. Research and development expenses aggregated approximately $90,000 and $123,000 in the FY15 and FY14, respectively.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

The Company is required to estimate its income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which it operates as part of preparing the consolidated financial statements. This involves estimating the actual current tax in addition to assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatments for tax and financial accounting purposes. These differences, together with net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits, are recorded as deferred tax assets or liabilities on the Company’s balance sheet. A judgment must then be made of the likelihood that any deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income. A valuation allowance may be required to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In the event the Company determines that it may not be able to realize all or part of our deferred tax asset in the future, or that new estimates indicate that a previously recorded valuation allowance is no longer required, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset is charged or credited to income in the period of such determination.

The Company recognizes tax positions that meet a “more likely than not” minimum recognition threshold.

The Company has not had any recent U.S. corporate income tax returns examined by the Internal Revenue Service.  Returns for the year since 2011 are still open based on statutes of limitation only.

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding without consideration of common stock equivalents. Diluted earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares and common stock equivalents. The average common stock equivalents for the years ended January 31, 2015 and 2014 were 371,183 and 341,181, respectively, representing the warrant issued with the subordinated debt financing consummated in FY14. The diluted earnings per share calculation takes into account the shares that may be issued upon exercise of stock options, reduced by shares that may be repurchased with the funds received from the exercise, based on the average price during the fiscal year.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for “income from continuing operations” at January 31, 2015 and 2014, as follows:

	Years Ended
	January 31,
	2015		2014
Numerator
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	$	8,398,704	$	(119,501)
Denominator
Denominator for basic earnings per share (weighted-average shares which reflect 356,441 shares in the treasury as a result of the stock repurchase program that ended in 2011, and 371,183 and 341,181 weighted average common equivalents relating to the warrant issued with the FY14 subordinated debt financing		6,214,303		5,689,230
Effect of dilutive securities from restricted stock plan and from dilutive effect of stock options		111,222		—
Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share (adjusted weighted average shares)		6,325,525		5,689,230
Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$	1.35	$	(0.02)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$	1.33	$	(0.02)

Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred, including selling and shipping expenses on the consolidated statement of operations. Advertising and co-op costs amounted to $455,000 and $322,000 in FY15 and FY14, respectively, net of a co-op advertising allowance received from a supplier. These reimbursements include some costs which are classified in categories other than advertising, such as payroll.

Statement Of Cash Flows Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers highly liquid temporary cash investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist of money market funds. The market value of the cash equivalents approximates cost. Foreign denominated cash and cash equivalents were approximately $6.8 million and $4.6 million at January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Supplemental cash flow information for the years ended January 31 is as follows:

	2015		2014
Interest paid	$	2,019,000	$	1,581,366
Income taxes paid	$	1,246,672	$	1,331,279
Accumulated amortization of warrant OID included in interest expense	$	1,977,041	$	260,792

Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk, consist principally of trade receivables. Concentration of credit risk with respect to these receivables is generally diversified due to the large number of entities comprising the Company’s customer base and their dispersion across geographic areas principally within the United States. The Company routinely addresses the financial strength of its customers and, as a consequence, believes that its receivable credit risk exposure is limited. The Company does not require customers to post collateral.

Our foreign financial depositories are Bank of America; China Construction Bank; Bank of China; China Industrial and Commercial Bank; HSBC; Rural Credit Cooperative of Shandong; Postal Savings Bank of China; Punjab National Bank; HSBC in India, Argentina and UK; Raymond James in Argentina; TD Canada Trust; Banco do Brasil, S.A.; Banco Itaú S.A., and Mercantil do Brasil, S.A. in Brazil; Banco Credito Inversione in Chile; Banco Mercantil Del Norte SA in Mexico; ZAO KB Citibank Moscow in Russia, and JSC Bank Centercredit in Kazakhstan. We monitor our financial depositories by their credit rating which varies by country.

Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]

Foreign Operations and Foreign Currency Translation

The Company maintains manufacturing operations in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and the People’s Republic of China and can access independent contractors in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and China. It also maintains sales and distribution entities located in India, Canada, the U.K., Chile, China, Argentina, Russia, Kazakhstan, Mexico and Brazil. The Company is vulnerable to currency risks in these countries. The functional currency of foreign subsidiaries is the US dollar, except for the Brazilian operation (Brazil Real), UK operation (Euro), trading companies in China (RenminBi), Russia (Russian Ruble), Kazakhstan (Tenge) and the Canadian Real Estate (Canadian dollar) subsidiary.

Pursuant to US GAAP, assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign operations with functional currencies, other than the US dollar, are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date, while revenues and expenses are translated at average rates prevailing during the periods. Translation adjustments are reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss, a separate component of stockholders’ equity.

The monetary assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign operations with the US dollar as the functional currency are translated into US dollars at current exchange rates, while nonmonetary items are translated at historical rates. Revenues and expenses are generally translated at average exchange rates for the year. Transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the results of operations as incurred and aggregated losses or (gains) of approximately $200,000 for FY15 and FY14, outside Brazil.

Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Comprehensive Loss

Comprehensive loss refers to revenue, expenses, gains and losses that under US GAAP are included in comprehensive income or loss but are excluded from net income or loss as these amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to stockholders’ equity. This includes translation adjustments for foreign subsidiaries where the functional currency is other than the US dollar. No tax benefit or expense has been attributed to any of these items, due to immateriality. Amounts have been reclassified into the consolidated statement of operations as appropriate based on impairment charges.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at year-end and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. It is reasonably possible that events could occur during the upcoming year that could change such estimates.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company’s principal financial instruments are its outstanding revolving credit facility, term loans, and its cash flow hedges in China. The Company believes that the carrying amount of such debt approximates the fair value as the variable interest rates approximate the current prevailing interest rate, or the prevailing foreign exchange rates in the case of the cash flow hedges.

Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications of prior period data have been made to conform to current period classification.