10-K 1 hkfi_10k-012613.htm FORM 10-K hkfi_10k-012613.htm
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549


FORM 10-K
 
[ X ] Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended January 26, 2013
or
[   ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Commission File Number 1 – 9482

 
HANCOCK FABRICS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
  64-0740905
(State or other jurisdiction  
(I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)
 
Identification No.)
     
One Fashion Way, Baldwyn, MS
 
38824
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 
  Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
(662) 365-6000

  Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act:

None.

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:


Title of Class

Common stock ($.01 par value)
Purchase Rights
Warrants to Purchase Common Stock

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes  [   ]    No [X]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes  [   ]     No  [X]

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 [  ]
 
 
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  [X ]     No  [   ]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of the Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  [   ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer  [   ]  Accelerated filer  [  ]   Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) [  ]    Smaller reporting company  [ 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]

Our common stock is traded through broker-to-broker exchanges on the OTC Markets (formerly known as the “Pink Sheets”), a centralized quotation service that collects and publishes market maker quotes for over-the-counter securities.  The aggregate market value of Hancock Fabrics, Inc. $.01 par value common stock held by non-affiliates, based on 19,634,330 shares of common stock outstanding and the price of $0.49 per share on July 28, 2012 (the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second quarter) was $9,620,822.  Such aggregate market value was computed by reference to the closing sale price of our common stock as reported on the OTC Markets on such date. For purposes of making this calculation only, we have defined “affiliates” as all directors and executive officers.  This determination of affiliate status is not a conclusive determination for any other purpose. 
 
APPLICABLE ONLY TO REGISTRANTS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY
PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS:

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.  Yes  [ X  ]     No  [   ]
 
As of April 17, 2013, there were 21,538,055 shares of Hancock Fabrics, Inc. $.01 par value common stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Certain information called for by Part III of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement for our 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the Commission within 120 days after January 26, 2013.

With the exceptions of those portions that are not specifically incorporated herein by reference, the aforesaid document is not deemed filed as part of this report.

 
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HANCOCK FABRICS, INC.
2012 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

 TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
PART 1
 
Page
 
         
Item 1.
Business
  4  
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
  7  
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
  15  
Item 2.
Properties
  15  
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
  16  
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
  16  
         
PART II
     
         
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
  16  
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
  19  
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
  20  
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
  36  
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
  37  
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
  68  
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
  68  
Item 9B.
Other Information
  69  
         
PART III
     
         
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
  70  
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
  70  
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
  70  
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
  70  
Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
  70  
         
PART IV
     
         
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
  71  
 
Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Such statements are not historical facts and reflect our current views regarding matters such as operations and financial performance.  In general, forward-looking statements are identified by such words or phrases as “anticipates,” “believes,” “could,” “approximates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “may,” “intends,” “predicts,” “projects,” “plans,” or “will”  or the negative of those words or other terminology.  Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties; our actual results could differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties, either alone or in combination, that could cause our actual results to differ from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those that are referred to in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in this annual report on Form 10-K. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.

 
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PART I

Except as otherwise stated, the information contained in this report is given as of January 26, 2013, the end of our latest fiscal year. The words “Hancock Fabrics, Inc.,” “Hancock,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Hancock Fabrics, Inc. and, unless the context requires otherwise, to our subsidiaries.  During fiscal 2012 we changed the fiscal year end date from the Saturday closest to January 31, to the last Saturday in January. For 2012 and beyond our fiscal year now ends on the last Saturday in January  and refers to the calendar year ended immediately prior to such date, which contained the substantial majority of the fiscal period (e.g., “fiscal 2012” or “2012” refers to the fiscal year ended January 26, 2013).  Fiscal years consist of 52 weeks, unless noted otherwise.

Item 1.  BUSINESS

General

Hancock Fabrics, Inc., a Delaware corporation, was incorporated in 1987 as a successor to the retail and wholesale fabric business of Hancock Textile Co., Inc., a Mississippi corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Lucky Stores, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Lucky”).

Founded in 1957, we operated as a private company until 1972 when we were acquired by Lucky.  We became a publicly owned company as a result of the distribution of shares of common stock to the shareholders of Lucky on May 4, 1987.

The Company is one of the largest fabric retailers in the United States, with 2012 sales of $278.0 million. We are a specialty retailer committed to nurturing creativity through a complete selection of fashion and home decorating textiles, sewing accessories, needlecraft supplies and sewing machines.  We believe that providing a large assortment of fabric and other items, combined with expert in-store sewing advice, provides us with a competitive advantage. We operated 261 stores in 37 states and an internet store located on our website with the domain name www.hancockfabrics.com  as of January 26, 2013.

Operations

Our stores offer a wide selection of apparel fabrics, home decorating products (which include drapery and upholstery fabrics and home accent pieces), quilting materials, and notions (which include sewing aids and accessories such as zippers, buttons, threads, sewing machines, and patterns).

Our stores are primarily located in strip shopping centers.  During 2012, we closed three stores, opened one store, remodeled one store, and relocated eight existing stores.
 
Merchandising/Marketing­­­

We principally serve the sewing, needle arts, and home decorating markets. These markets primarily consist of women who are creative enthusiasts, making clothing and gifts for their families and friends, and decorating their homes.

 
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We offer our customers a wide selection of products at prices that we believe are similar or lower than the prices charged by our competitors.  In addition to staple fabrics and notions for apparel, quilting, and home decoration, we provide a variety of seasonal and current fashion merchandise.

We use promotional advertising, primarily direct mail, email, and newspaper inserts, to reach our target customers.

Distribution and Supply

Our retail stores are served by our corporate headquarters and a 650,000 square foot warehouse and distribution facility in Baldwyn, Mississippi.

Contract trucking firms, common carriers, and parcel delivery are used to deliver merchandise to our warehouse.  These types of carriers are also used to deliver merchandise from our warehouse and vendors to our retail stores.

Bulk quantities of fabric are purchased from domestic and foreign mills, fabric jobbers and importers.  We have no long-term contracts for the purchase of merchandise and did not purchase more than 4% of our merchandise from any one supplier during 2012. We purchased approximately 13.5% of our merchandise from our top five suppliers in fiscal year 2012.

Competition

We are among the largest fabric retailers in the United States, serving our customers in their quest for apparel and craft sewing, quilting, home decorating, and other artistic undertakings.  Our stores compete with other specialty fabric and craft retailers, such as Jo-Ann Stores, Inc., and selected mass merchants, including Wal-Mart, that dedicate a portion of their selling space to a limited selection of fabrics and craft supply items. In addition, alternative methods of selling fabrics and crafts, such as internet based sales, could result in additional competitors in the future and increased price competition since our customers could more readily comparison shop.  We compete on the basis of price, selection, quality, service and location.  We believe that our continued commitment to providing a large assortment of fabric and other items that are affordable, complete, and unique, combined with the expert sewing advice available in each of our stores, provides us with a competitive advantage in the industry.
 
Information Technology

Hancock is committed to using information technology to improve operations and efficiency and to enhance the customer shopping experience.  We continue to leverage our technology investment through  inventory auto replenishment at the store level and have also enhanced our product classifications to provide better visibility to our product mix.  A refresh of point-of-sale hardware improved the performance of store systems and provided us a new platform on which to build applications.  New systems to manage fabric cuts and coupons increased productivity at point-of-sale, thereby improving the overall checkout process.  In 2011, key systems were upgraded to increase capacity and performance.  This has provided the resources necessary to develop more sophisticated replenishment and distribution applications.  Additional capacity and performance has also allowed us to improve our reporting and data warehousing.  We continued to leverage our store network to improve perpetual inventory accuracy through new applications.  Our focus remains on inventory control and maximization, and labor management through the implementation and use of efficient systems.
 
 
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Service Mark

We operate our stores under the service mark “Hancock Fabrics,” which we have registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Seasonality

Our business is seasonal.  Peak sales periods occur during the fall and pre-Easter weeks, while the lowest sales periods occur during the summer months.

Employees

At January 26, 2013, we employed approximately 3,200 people on a full-time and part-time basis.  Approximately 2,900 of those employees work in our retail stores.  The remaining employees work in the Baldwyn headquarters, warehouse, and distribution facility.  We do not have any employees covered under collective bargaining agreements.

Government Regulation

We are subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act, which governs such matters as minimum wages, overtime and other working conditions.  A significant number of our employees are paid at rates related to federal and state minimum wages and, accordingly, any increase in the minimum wage would affect our labor cost.

Environmental Law Compliance

Our operations and properties are subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, including those relating to the handling, storage and disposal of chemicals, wastes and other regulated materials, release of pollutants into the air, soil and water, the remediation of contaminated sites and public disclosure of information regarding certain regulated materials. Failure to comply with environmental requirements could result in fines or penalties, as well as investigatory or remedial liabilities and claims for alleged personal injury or property damage. Some environmental laws impose strict, and under some circumstances joint and several liability, for costs of investigation and remediation of contaminated sites on current and prior owners or operators of the sites, as well as those entities that send regulated materials to the sites. We have not incurred material costs for compliance with environmental requirements in the past, and we do not believe that compliance costs will have a material adverse effect upon our capital expenditures, income, or competitive position.

Available Information

The Company’s internet address is www.hancockfabrics.com.  The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this report and should not be considered part of this or any other report we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to reports filed pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”) are made available free of charge on our website as soon as practicable after these documents are filed with or furnished to the SEC.  We also provide copies of such filings free of charge upon request.  This information is also available from the SEC through their website, www.sec.gov, and for reading and copying at the SEC’s Public Reference Room located at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102.  The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.

 
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Section 302 Certification

The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company filed the certifications required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 26, 2013.

Item 1A.  RISK FACTORS

There are many risk factors that affect our business and operating results, some of which are beyond our control.  The following is a description of all known material risks that may cause our actual operating results in future periods to differ materially from those currently expected or desired.  The following risk factors should be considered carefully in evaluating our business along with the other information contained in or incorporated by reference into this Annual Report and the exhibits hereto.

Risks Related to Our Business

Our business and operating results may be adversely affected by the general economic conditions and the slow economic recovery following the ongoing financial crisis.

Our performance and operating results are impacted by conditions in the U.S. and the world economy.  The macro-economic environment has been highly volatile in recent years due to a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the lagging demand in the housing market, lack of credit availability, unpredictable fuel and energy prices, volatile interest rates, inflation fears, unemployment concerns, increasing consumer debt, significant stock market volatility, and recession.  These economic conditions negatively impact levels of consumer spending, which may remain depressed for the foreseeable future.  Consumer purchases of discretionary items, including our merchandise, generally decline during recessionary periods and other periods where disposable income is adversely affected.  The slow economic recovery may continue to affect consumer purchases of our merchandise and adversely impact our results of operations and continued growth.  In addition, the continuing credit crisis is causing a significant negative impact on businesses around the world.  The impact of this environment on our major suppliers cannot be predicted.  The inability of key suppliers to access liquidity, or the insolvency of key suppliers, could lead to their failure to deliver our merchandise.  Any or all of these factors, as well as other unforeseen factors, could have a material adverse impact on consumer spending, our availability to obtain financing, our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition and stock price.

We are subject to intense competition in our business, which could have a material effect on our operations.

Competition is intense in the retail fabric and craft industry, primarily due to low entry barriers. We must remain competitive in the areas of quality, price, selection, customer service, convenience, and reputation.
 
Our primary competition is comprised of specialty fabric retailers and specialty craft retailers such as Jo-Ann Stores, a national chain that operates fabric and craft stores. We also compete with mass merchants, including Wal-Mart, that dedicate a portion of their selling space to a limited selection of fabrics, craft supplies and seasonal and holiday merchandise.  We also compete with Hobby Lobby, a national chain that operates craft stores that also carries fabrics, Michaels Stores, Inc., a national chain that operates craft and framing stores, and A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, Inc., a regional chain that operates craft stores in the eastern United States.  Some of our competitors have stores nationwide, several operate regional chains and numerous others are local merchants.  Some of our competitors, particularly the national specialty chain stores and the mass merchants, are larger and have greater financial resources than we do.  The performance of competitors as well as changes in their pricing and promotional policies, marketing activities, new store openings, merchandising and operational strategies could impact our sales and profitability.  Our sales and profitability could also be impacted by store liquidations of our competitors.  In addition, alternative methods of selling fabrics and crafts, such as internet based sales, could result in additional competitors in the future and increased price competition since our customers could more readily comparison shop.  Moreover, we ultimately compete against alternative sources of entertainment and leisure activities for our customers that are unrelated to the fabric and craft industry.  This competition could negatively affect our sales and profitability.

 
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Our merchandising initiatives and marketing emphasis may not provide expected results.

We believe our future success will depend upon, in part, the ability to develop and execute merchandising initiatives with effective marketing. There is no assurance that we will be successful, or that new initiatives will be executed in a timely manner to satisfy our customers’ needs or expectations. Failure to execute and promote such initiatives in a timely manner could harm our ability to grow the business and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Changes in customer demands and failure to manage inventory effectively could adversely affect our operating results.

Our financial condition and operating results are dependent upon our ability to anticipate and respond in a timely manner to changing customer demands and preferences for our products.  A miscalculation in the anticipated demands of our customers could result in a significant overstock of unpopular products which could lead to major inventory markdowns, resulting in negative consequences to our operating results and cash flow. Likewise, a shortage of popular products could lead to negative operating results and cash flow. In addition, inventory shrink (inventory theft or loss) rates and failure to manage such rates could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
 
Our inability to effectively implement our growth strategy may have an adverse effect on sales growth
 
Our growth strategy includes opening new stores, remodeling or relocating existing stores, and introducing changes to our merchandise assortments, among others.  Certain risks involved with implementing these strategies may not be adequately addressed, and future sales and operating results may be less than anticipated, which may negatively impact the return on investment.  Future growth and profitability is dependent upon the successful implementation of our growth strategy and realizing positive returns on investments.
 
Our ability to attract and retain skilled people is important to our success.

Our success depends in part on our ability to retain key executives and to attract and retain additional qualified personnel who have experience in retail matters and in operating a company of our size and complexity. The unexpected loss of one or more of our key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business because of the unique skills, knowledge of our markets and products, and years of industry experience such personnel contribute to the business and the difficulty of promptly finding qualified replacements. We offer financial packages that are competitive within the industry to effectively compete in this area.

Interest rate increases could negatively impact profitability.

Our financing, investing, and cash management activities are subject to the market risk associated with changes in interest rates.  Our profitability could be negatively impacted by significant increases in interest rates.

We have a significant amount of indebtedness, which could have important negative consequences to us.

Our significant indebtedness could have important negative consequences to us, including:

 
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·
making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to such indebtedness;
 
·
increasing our vulnerability to adverse general economic and industry conditions;
 
·
limiting our ability to obtain additional financing to fund capital expenditures or other growth initiatives, and other general corporate requirements;
 
·
requiring us to dedicate a significant portion of our cash flow from operations to interest and principal payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund capital expenditures or other growth initiatives, and other general corporate requirements;
 
·
limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;  
 
·
placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our less leveraged competitors; and
 
·
limiting our ability to refinance our existing indebtedness as it matures.

As a consequence of our level of indebtedness, a significant portion of our cash flow from operations must be dedicated to debt service requirements.  In addition, the terms of our revolving credit facility limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness.  If we fail to comply with these covenants, a default may occur, in which case the lender could accelerate the debt.  We cannot assure you that we would be able to renegotiate, refinance or otherwise obtain the necessary funds to satisfy these obligations.
 
Our business is dependent on the ability to successfully access funds through capital markets and financial institutions and any inability to access funds may limit our ability to execute our business plan and restrict operations we rely on for future growth.
 
Our business is dependent on the availability of credit to fund working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate requirements. Our credit facilities are scheduled to expire on November 15, 2016 and our floating rate secured notes mature on November 20, 2017. We can provide no assurance that we will be able to obtain replacement financing at that time on acceptable terms or at all. While we believe we can meet our capital requirements from our operations and our available sources of financing for the next twelve months, we can provide no assurances that we will be able to do so for the long-term. If we are unable to access financial markets at competitive rates, our ability to implement our business plan and strategy will be negatively affected.
 
Significant changes in discount rates, actual investment return on pension assets, and other factors could affect our earnings, equity, and pension contributions in future periods.

Our earnings may be positively or negatively impacted by the amount of income or expense recorded for our qualified benefit pension plan.  Generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) require that income or expense for the plan be calculated at the annual measurement date using actuarial assumptions and calculations.  These calculations reflect certain assumptions, the most significant of which relate to the capital markets, interest rates and other economic conditions.  Changes in key economic indicators can change the assumptions.  The most significant assumptions used to estimate pension income or expense for the year are the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the interest rate.  These assumptions, along with the actual value of assets at the measurement date, will drive the pension income or expense for the year.  In addition, at the measurement date, we must reflect the funded status of the plan liabilities on the balance sheet, which may result in a significant charge to equity through a reduction or increase to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss).  Although GAAP expense and pension contributions are not directly related, the key economic factors that affect GAAP expense would also likely affect the amount of cash we would contribute to the pension plan.  Potential pension contributions include both mandatory amounts required under federal law and discretionary contributions to improve a plan’s funded status.

 
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Business matters encountered by our suppliers may adversely impact our ability to meet our customers’ needs.

Many of our suppliers are small businesses that produce a limited number of items.  Many of these businesses face cash flow constraints, production difficulties, quality control issues, and problems in delivering agreed-upon quantities on schedule because of their limited resources and lack of financial flexibility.  Many of our vendors rely on third parties for working capital loans.  The third parties’ evaluation of our credit worthiness can significantly impact our suppliers’ ability to produce and deliver product. Failure of our key suppliers to withstand a downturn in economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and our ability to meet our customers’ needs.  In addition, the significant product safety requirements arising under the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 and state product safety laws may represent a compliance challenge to some of our suppliers, could negatively impact the ability of such suppliers to deliver compliant products to us and thus negatively impact our business operations and performance. Delivery of non-compliant products could result in liability to our company; while we obtain indemnifications from our suppliers with respect to compliance issues, some suppliers might not have the financial resources to stand behind their indemnifications and we could also suffer damage to our reputation.
 
We are vulnerable to risks associated with obtaining merchandise from foreign suppliers.

We rely on foreign suppliers, many of whom are located primarily in China and other Asian countries, for the majority of our products. In addition, some of our domestic suppliers manufacture their products overseas or purchase them from foreign vendors. Foreign sourcing subjects us to a number of risks, including long lead times; work stoppages; transportation delays and interruptions; product quality issues; employee rights issues; other social concerns; political instability; economic disruptions; the imposition of tariffs, duties, quotas, import and export controls and other trade restrictions; changes in governmental policies; and other events. If any of these events occur, it could result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. In addition, reductions in the value of the U.S. dollar or revaluation of the Chinese currency, or other foreign currencies, could ultimately increase the prices that we pay for our products. All of our products manufactured overseas and imported into the United States are subject to duties collected by the United States Customs Service. We may be subjected to additional duties, significant monetary penalties, the seizure and forfeiture of the products we are attempting to import or the loss of import privileges, if we or our suppliers are found to be in violation of U.S. laws and regulations applicable to the importation of our products.
 
Transportation industry challenges and rising fuel costs may negatively impact our operating results.
 
Our products are delivered to our distribution center from vendors and from our distribution center to our stores by various means of transportation.  Our ability to furnish our stores with inventory in a timely manner could be adversely affected by labor or equipment shortages in the transportation industry as well as long-term interruptions of service in the national and international transportation infrastructure.  In addition, labor shortages and increases in fuel prices could lead to higher transportation costs.  With our reliance on the trucking industry to deliver products to our distribution center and our stores, our operating results could be adversely affected if we are unable to secure adequate trucking resources to fulfill our delivery schedules to the stores or if transportation costs increase.

Delays or interruptions in the flow of merchandise through our distribution center could adversely impact our operating results.

 
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Approximately 90% of our store shipments pass through our distribution center.  The remainder of merchandise is drop-shipped by our vendors directly to our store locations.  Damage or interruption to our distribution center from factors such as fire, power loss, storm damage or unanticipated supplier shipment delays could cause a disruption in our operations.  The occurrence of unanticipated problems at our distribution center would likely result in increased operating expenses and reduced sales that would negatively impact our operating results.

Changes in the labor market and in federal, state, or local regulations could have a negative impact on our business.

Our products are delivered to our customers at our retail stores by quality associates, many of whom are in entry level or part-time positions. Attracting and retaining a large number of dependable and knowledgeable associates is vital to our success.  External factors, such as unemployment levels, prevailing wage rates, minimum wage legislation, workers compensation costs and changing demographics, affect our ability to manage employee turnover and meet labor needs while controlling our costs.  Our operations and financial performance could be negatively impacted by changes that adversely affect our ability to attract and retain quality associates.

Taxing authorities could disagree with our tax treatment of certain deductions or transactions, resulting in unexpected tax assessments.

The possibility exists that the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authorities could audit our current or previously filed tax returns and dispute our treatment of tax deductions or apportionment formulas, resulting in unexpected assessments.  Depending on the timing and amount of such assessments, they could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

Our current cash resources might not be sufficient to meet our expected near-term cash needs.
 
If we do not generate positive cash flow from operations, we will need to develop and implement alternative strategies. These alternative strategies could include seeking improvements in working capital management, reducing or delaying capital expenditures, restructuring or refinancing our indebtedness, seeking additional debt or financing, and selling assets. There can be no assurance that any of these strategies could be implemented on satisfactory terms, on a timely basis, or at all.

A disruption in the performance of our information systems would negatively impact our business.
 
We depend on our management information systems for many aspects of our business, including effective transaction processing, inventory management, purchasing, selling and shipping goods on a timely basis, and maintaining cost-efficient operations. The failure of our information systems to perform as designed could disrupt our business and cause information to be lost or delayed, which could have a negative impact on our business.  Computer viruses, computer “hackers,” or other system failures could lead to operational problems with our information systems. Our operations and financial performance could also be negatively impacted by costs and potential problems related to the implementation of new or upgraded systems, or if we were unable to provide maintenance and support for our existing systems.

A failure to adequately maintain the security of confidential information could have an adverse effect on our business.

We have become more dependent upon automated information technology processes, including use of the internet for conducting a portion of our business. The regulatory environment surrounding information security and privacy is increasingly demanding, with the frequent imposition of new and constantly changing requirements. In connection with credit card sales, we transmit confidential credit card information. Information may be compromised through various means, including penetration of our network security, hardware tampering, and misappropriation of confidential information.  Failure to maintain the security of confidential information could result in deterioration in our employees’ and customers’ confidence in us, expose us to litigation and liability, and any breach in the security and integrity of other business information could put us at a competitive disadvantage, resulting in a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

 
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Failure to comply with various laws and regulations as well as litigation developments could adversely affect our business operations and financial performance.

Our policies, procedures, and internal controls are designed to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including those imposed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as well as applicable employment laws. We are involved in various litigation and arbitration matters that arise in the ordinary course of our business, including liability claims.  Litigation and arbitration could adversely affect our business operations and financial performance. Also, failure to comply with the various laws and regulations may result in damage to our reputation, civil and criminal liability, fines and penalties, increased cost of regulatory compliance, and restatements of financial statements.

We may not be able to maintain or negotiate favorable lease terms for our retail stores.

We lease substantially all of our store locations. The majority of our store leases contain provisions for base rent and a small number of store leases contain provisions for base rent plus percentage rent based on sales in excess of an agreed upon minimum annual sales level. If we are unable to renew, renegotiate or replace our store leases or enter into leases for new stores on favorable terms, our growth and profitability could be harmed.

Changes in accounting principles may have a negative impact on our reported results.

A change in accounting standards or policies may have a significant impact on our reported results from operations.  New accounting pronouncements and different interpretations of existing pronouncements have been issued and may be issued in the future.  Implementation of these standards or policies may have a negative impact on our reported results.

Our results may be adversely affected by serious disruptions or catastrophic events, including geo-political events and weather.

Unforeseen public health issues, such as pandemics and epidemics, and geo-political events, such as civil unrest in a country in which our suppliers are located or terrorist or military activities disrupting transportation, communication or utility systems, as well as natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes and other adverse weather and climate conditions, whether occurring in the U.S. or abroad, particularly during peak seasonal periods, could disrupt our operations or the operations of one or more of our vendors or could severely damage or destroy one or more of our stores or distribution facilities located in the affected areas. Day to day operations, particularly our ability to receive products from our vendors or transport products to our stores could be adversely affected, or we could be required to close stores or distribution centers in the affected areas or in areas served by the affected distribution center. These factors could also cause consumer confidence and spending to decrease or result in increased volatility in the U.S. and global financial markets and economy. Such occurrences could significantly impact our operating results and financial performance. As a result, our business could be adversely affected.

Changes in newspaper subscription rates may result in reduced exposure to our circular advertisements.

 
12

 
 
A substantial portion of our promotional activities utilize circular advertisements in local newspapers. A continued decline in consumer subscriptions of these newspapers could reduce the frequency with which consumers receive our circular advertisements, thereby negatively affecting sales, results of operations and cash flow.

Unexpected or unfavorable consumer responses to our promotional or merchandising programs could materially adversely affect our sales, results of operations, cash flow and financial condition.

Brand recognition, quality and price have a significant influence on consumers’ choices among competing products and brands. Advertising, promotion, merchandising and new product introductions also have a significant impact on consumers’ buying decisions. If we misjudge consumer responses to our existing or future promotional activities, this could have a material adverse impact on our sales, results of operations, cash flow and financial condition.

We believe improvements in our merchandise offering help drive sales at our stores. We could be materially adversely affected by poor execution of changes to our merchandise offering or by unexpected consumer responses to changes in our merchandise offering.
 
New regulations related to “conflict minerals” may force us to incur additional expenses, may make our supply chain more complex and may result in damage to our reputation with customers.
 
On August 22, 2012, under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, or the Dodd-Frank Act, the SEC adopted new requirements for companies that use certain minerals and metals, known as conflict minerals, in their products, whether or not these products are manufactured by third parties. These requirements will require companies to diligence, disclose and report whether or not such minerals originate from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries. We will have to diligence whether such minerals are used in the manufacture of our products.  However, the implementation of these new requirements could adversely affect the sourcing, availability and pricing of such minerals if they are found to be used in the manufacture of our products. In addition, we will incur additional costs to comply with the disclosure requirements, including costs related to determining the source of any of the relevant minerals and metals used in our products. Since our supply chain is complex, we may not be able to sufficiently verify the origins for these minerals and metals used in our products through the due diligence procedures that we implement, which may harm our reputation. In such event, we may also face difficulties in satisfying customers who require that all of the components of our products are certified as conflict mineral free.  The first report is due on May 31, 2014 for the 2013 calendar year.  However, in October 2012, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers and the Business Roundtable filed a petition challenging the adoption of the rules by the SEC.  It is presently unclear if this challenge will delay the effectiveness of the rule.
 
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
 
There are risks associated with our common stock trading on the OTC Markets, formerly known as the “Pink Sheets”.
 
Effective May 4, 2007, our common stock was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange, and there is currently no established public trading market for our common stock.  Our common stock is currently quoted on the OTC Markets (formerly known as “Pink Sheets”) under the symbol “HKFI.PK”.  The OTC Markets is a centralized quotation service that collects and publishes market maker quotes for over-the-counter securities in real time.  Over-the-counter market quotations, like those on the OTC Markets, reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down, or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.  Stocks trading in the OTC Markets generally have substantially less liquidity; consequently, it can be much more difficult for stockholders and broker/dealers to purchase and sell our shares in an orderly manner or at all.  Due in part to the decreased trading price of our common stock and reduced analyst coverage, the trading price of our common stock may change quickly, and brokers may not be able to execute trades as quickly as they previously could when our common stock was listed on an exchange. Currently, we are not actively seeking to become listed on any exchange.  There can be no assurance that our common stock will again be listed on an exchange, or that a trading market for our common stock will be established.

 
13

 
 
Our stock price has been volatile and could decrease in value.

There has been significant volatility in the market price and trading volume of equity securities, in many cases unrelated to the financial performance of the companies.  These broad market fluctuations may negatively affect the market price of shares of our common stock.  Fluctuations in the market price of our common stock may be caused by changes in our operating performance or prospects and other factors, including, among others:
 
·
actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results or future prospects;
 
 
·
our announcements or our competitors’ announcements of new products;
 
 
·
public reaction to our press releases, our other public announcements and our filings with the SEC;
 
 
·
strategic actions by us or our competitors;
 
 
·
changes in financial markets or general economic conditions;
 
 
·
our ability to raise additional capital as needed;
 
 
·
developments regarding our patents or proprietary rights or those of our competitors; and
 
 
·
changes in stock market analyst recommendations or earnings estimates regarding shares of our common stock, other comparable companies or our industry generally.
 
Future sales of our common stock or other equity securities could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and our future capital-raising activities could involve the issuance of equity securities, which could result in a decline in the trading price of shares of our common stock.

We may sell securities in the public or private equity markets if and when conditions are favorable, even if we do not have an immediate need for additional capital at that time.  Sales of substantial amounts of common stock, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect the prevailing market price of shares of our common stock and our ability to raise capital.  We currently have outstanding approximately 9.8 million warrants with an exercise price of $0.59 per share and 2.1 million warrants with an exercise price of $1.12. We may issue additional shares of our common stock in future financing transactions or as incentive compensation for our executive management and other key personnel, consultants and advisors.  Issuing any equity securities would be dilutive to the equity interests represented by our-then-outstanding shares of our common stock.  The market price for shares of our common stock could decrease as the market takes into account the dilutive effect of any of these issuances.

We do not expect to pay cash dividends on shares of our common stock for the foreseeable future.

We do not anticipate that any cash dividends will be paid on shares of our common stock in the foreseeable future.  The payment of any cash dividend by us will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on, among other things, our earnings, capital, regulatory requirements and financial condition.

 
14

 
 
Item 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

Item 2.  PROPERTIES

As of January 26, 2013, the Company operated 261 stores in 37 states.  The number of store locations in each state is shown in the following table:

 
Number
 
Number
State
of Stores
State
of Stores
       
Alabama
11
Nebraska
4
Arizona
2
Nevada
3
Arkansas
9
New Mexico
2
California
10
North Carolina
14
Colorado
3
North Dakota
1
Florida
4
Ohio
5
Georgia
15
Oklahoma
10
Idaho
4
Oregon
2
Illinois
11
Pennsylvania
1
Indiana
5
South Carolina
9
Iowa
7
South Dakota
2
Kansas
4
Tennessee
11
Kentucky
8
Texas
29
Louisiana
12
Utah
5
Maryland
5
Virginia
10
Minnesota
10
Washington
7
Mississippi
6
Wisconsin
8
Missouri
10
Wyoming
1
Montana
1
   


Our store activity for the last five years is shown in the following table:
 
Store Development Program
                         
                               
Year
 
Opened
   
Closed
   
Net Change
   
Year-end Stores
   
Relocated
 
2008
    1       (7)       (6)       263       4  
2009
    3       (1)       2       265       2  
2010
    1       (1)       -       265       7  
2011
    1       (3)       (2)       263       5  
2012
    1       (3)       (2)       261       8  
 
The Company’s 261 retail stores average 14,264 square feet and are located principally in strip shopping centers.

With the exception of one owned location, the Company’s retail stores are leased.  The original lease terms generally are ten years in length and most leases contain one or more renewal options, usually of five years in length.  During fiscal 2013, thirty-five store leases are scheduled to expire.  We currently have negotiated or are in the process of negotiating renewals on certain leases.

The Company owns and operates a 650,000 square foot warehouse and distribution facility, a 28,000 square foot fixture manufacturing facility, and an 80,000 square foot corporate headquarters facility in Baldwyn, Mississippi.  These facilities, which are located on 64 acres of land, are owned by the Company and serve as collateral under the Company’s credit facility.

 
15

 
 
Reference is made to the information contained in Note 8 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for information concerning our long-term obligations under leases.

Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is party to several legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of business.  We expect these matters will be resolved without material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We believe that any estimated loss related to such matters has been adequately provided in accrued liabilities to the extent probable and reasonably estimable.
 
Item 4.  MINE SAFETY DISLOSURES

Not applicable.


PART II

Item 5.   MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

There is currently no established public trading market for our common stock. Our common stock is currently quoted on the OTC Markets, formerly known as the “Pink Sheets”, under the symbol “HKFI.PK”. The OTC Markets is a centralized quotation service that collects and publishes market maker quotes for over-the-counter securities in real time. Over-the-counter market quotations, like those on the OTC Markets, reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down, or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. The following table sets forth the high and low closing prices of our common stock for the year and during each quarter in fiscal 2011 and 2012, as reported by the OTC Markets:
 
   
High
   
Low
 
2011
           
First Quarter
  $ 1.43     $ 1.00  
Second Quarter
    1.28       0.80  
Third Quarter
    1.28       0.59  
Fourth Quarter
    1.15       0.67  
                 
Year Ended
               
January 28, 2012
  $ 1.43     $ 0.59  
                 
2012
               
First Quarter
  $ 1.01     $ 0.70  
Second Quarter
    0.87       0.45  
Third Quarter
    0.70       0.35  
Fourth Quarter
    0.70       0.46  
                 
Year Ended
               
January 26, 2013
  $ 1.01     $ 0.35  
 
 
16

 
 
As of January 26, 2013, there were 3,448 record holders of our common stock.

We did not pay any cash dividends during fiscal 2011 or 2012. We do not currently anticipate declaring or paying cash dividends on shares of our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain all of our future earnings, if any, to finance operations. Any future determination relating to our dividend policy will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on a number of factors, including future earnings, capital requirements, financial conditions, future prospects, contractual restrictions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. The Company’s credit facilities also contain covenants restricting the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to pay dividends or distributions.

See Part III, Item 12 herein for a description of our securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans.

In November 2012, the Company issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of up to 9,838,000 shares in exchange for warrants to purchase an aggregate of up to 7,385,200 shares of the Company’s common stock, pursuant to Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.  See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report.
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

This table provides information with respect to purchases by the Company of shares of our common stock during the year ended January 26, 2013:

 
17

 
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
Period
 
Total number of
Shares Purchased (1)
   
Average Price
Paid Per Share
   
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans (2)
   
Maximum
Number of Shares That
May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans (2)
 
January 29, 2012 through
                       
February 25, 2012
    66     $ 0.93       66       243,421  
February 26,2012 through
                               
March 31, 2012
    -       -       -       243,421  
April 1, 2012 through
                               
April 28, 2012
    1,426       0.82       -       243,421  
April 29, 2012 through
                               
May 26, 2012
    -       -       -       243,421  
May 27, 2012 through
                               
June 30, 2012
    500       1.02       -       243,421  
July 1, 2012 through
                               
July 28, 2012
    -       -       -       243,421  
July 29, 2012 through
                               
August 25, 2012
    143       0.36       -       243,421  
August 26, 2012 through
                               
September 29, 2012
    -       -       -       243,421  
September 30, 2012 through
                               
October 27, 2012
    1,380       0.58       70       243,351  
October 28, 2012 through
                               
November 24, 2012
    24       0.62       24       243,327  
November 25, 2012 through
                               
December 29, 2012
    286       0.56       -       243,327  
December 30, 2012 through
                               
January 26, 2013
    -       -       -       243,327  
Total January 29, 2012 through
                               
January 26, 2013
    3,825     $ 0.72       160       243,327  
 
 
(1)
The number of shares purchased during the year includes 3,665 shares deemed surrendered to the Company to satisfy tax withholding obligations arising from the lapse of restrictions on shares.

 
(2)
In June of 2000, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 2,000,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock from time to time when warranted by market conditions.  There have been 1,756,673 shares purchased under this authorization through January 26, 2013.  The shares discussed in footnote (1) are excluded from this column.

 
18

 
 
Item 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Set forth below is selected financial information of the Company for each fiscal year in the 5-year period ended January 26, 2013. The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and notes thereto which appear elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

(dollars in thousands, except per
                             
share data and other data)
 
2012
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
                               
Results of Operations Data:
                             
Sales
  $ 277,989     $ 271,993     $ 275,465     $ 274,058     $ 276,381  
Gross profit
    112,137       112,725       114,645       121,717       119,579  
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes
    (8,510 )     (11,298 )     (10,258 )     1,838       (12,181 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
    -       -       29       150       (186 )
Net (loss) income
    (8,510 )     (11,298 )     (10,461 )     1,788       (12,367 )
As a percentage of sales
    (3.1 ) %     (4.2 ) %     (3.8 ) %     0.6 %     (4.5 ) %
As a percentage of average shareholders' equity
    (104.0 ) %     (46.4 ) %     (25.5 ) %     3.8 %     (22.3 ) %
                                         
Financial Position Data:
                                       
Total assets
  $ 150,532     $ 146,387     $ 140,923     $ 148,546     $ 164,674  
Capital expenditures
    2,698       4,934       5,392       3,084       8,447  
Long-term indebtedness
    72,181       52,320       31,856       30,126       46,264  
Common shareholders' equity
    2,491       13,871       34,837       47,212       47,349  
Current ratio
    3.4       3.0       2.9       2.8       2.9  
                                         
Per Share Data:
                                       
Basic (loss) earnings per share
  $ (0.42 )   $ (0.57 )   $ (0.53 )   $ 0.09     $ (0.65 )
Diluted (loss) earnings per share
    (0.42 )     (0.57 )     (0.53 )     0.09       (0.65 )
Cash dividends per share
    -       -       -       -       -  
Shareholders' equity per share
    0.12       0.68       1.74       2.37       2.40  
                                         
Other Data:
                                       
Number of states
    37       37       37       37       37  
Number of stores
    261       263       265       265       263  
Number of shareholders
    3,448       3,489       3,561       3,676       3,785  
Number of shares outstanding, net of treasury shares
    21,570,797       20,511,123       20,068,327       19,902,148       19,716,303  
Comparable sales change (1)
    2.9 %     (0.8 ) %     (0.1 ) %     0.2 %     2.5 %
Total selling square footage
    3,194,594       3,217,307       3,250,427       3,036,444       3,232,194  
 
 
(1) The comparable sales increase for 2008 included a 0.4% benefit from 5 store closing events. The comparable sales results for 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were not adjusted for the affect of liquidations.
 
 
19

 
 
Item 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIALCONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

Hancock Fabrics, Inc. is a specialty retailer committed to nurturing creativity through a complete selection of fashion and home decorating textiles, sewing accessories, needlecraft supplies and sewing machines.  We are one of the largest fabric retailers in the United States, operating 261 stores in 37 states as of January 26, 2013.  Our stores present a broad selection of fabrics and notions used in apparel sewing, home decorating and quilting projects.  The stores average 14,264 total square feet, of which 12,240 are on the sales floor. During 2012, the average annual sales per store were approximately $1.0 million.

Significant financial items during fiscal 2012 include:

 
·
Sales for fiscal 2012 were $278.0 million compared with $272.0 million in fiscal 2011, and comparable store sales increased by 2.9% in 2012 compared to a decrease of 0.8% in 2011.

 
·
Our online sales for 2012, which are included in the sales and comparable sales results above, increased 8.0% to $5.2 million.

 
·
Operating results and net loss for 2012, 2011 and 2010 as adjusted for one-time and non-comparable items are summarized in the table below.
 
The Company has presented normalized operating income (loss) and normalized net loss to provide investors with additional information to evaluate our operating performance and our ability to service our debt.  The Company uses these measurements, among other metrics to evaluate operating performance and to plan and forecast future periods’ operating performance.
 
Normalized operating income (loss) and normalized net loss are not measures of operating performance calculated in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for operating loss or net loss, as an indicator of operating performance.  Since the computation of normalized operating income (loss) and normalized net loss may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies and industries, it should not be used as a measure of performance among companies.  The table below shows a reconciliation of normalized operating income (loss) to operating loss and a reconciliation of normalized net loss to net loss, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.
 
 
20

 

   
Fiscal Year
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
                   
Operating loss
  $ (1,233 )   $ (6,462 )   $ (4,948 )
                         
One-time, non-comparable items
                       
Asset impairment
    -       1,666       1,523  
Contract arbitration professional fees
    413       1,614       -  
Severance related costs
    -       401       1,272  
CEO relocation costs
    -       300       -  
Inventory obsolescence
    -       -       6,674  
Total one-time, non-comparable items
    413       3,981       9,469  
                         
Normalized operating income (loss)
  $ (820 )   $ (2,481 )   $ 4,521  
                         
Net loss
  $ (8,510 )   $ (11,298 )   $ (10,461 )
Items above
    413       3,981       9,469  
W/O unamortized discount, 2008 facility
    806       -       -  
W/O unamortized loan cost, 2008 facility
    175       -       -  
Financing breakup fees
    507       -       -  
Total one-time, non-comparable items
    1,901       3,981       9,469  
                         
Normalized net loss
  $ (6,609 )   $ (7,317 )   $ (992 )
 
During 2012 and 2011, the Company had to defend itself related to a disputed consulting agreement.  The professional fees incurred for this defense were $413,000 and $1.6 million, respectively.

As a result of the debt restructuring the Company undertook during 2012 it incurred additional or non-recurring costs which were charged to interest expense.  Those costs include $0.8 million of discount written-off related to the early retirement of a portion of the Company’s Floating Rate Series A secured notes, $175,000 of unamortized loan cost related to the revolver under the Company’s loan and security agreement dated as of August 1, 2008, which was amended and restated on November 15, 2012 and $0.5 million of legal and breakup fees paid for an uncompleted financing arrangement.

For 2011, the asset impairment charge of $1.7 million is the difference between asset values and projected future cash flows related to specific store locations.

For 2011, severance costs of $401,000 related to the departure of one Sr. Vice-President and three Vice-Presidents of the Company during the prior fiscal year. The relocation costs of $300,000 cover the relocation payment and reimbursements as provided in the Company CEO’s employment agreement.

 
21

 
 
For 2010, the significant charge of $6.7 million for inventory obsolescence resulted from a strategy initiated in the fourth quarter of 2010 to address aged and underperforming inventory on an abbreviated time cycle.  Management believed eliminating this aged product on a more expedited basis and replacing it with current merchandise would be beneficial to future operations. Previously, the Company’s practice was to carry product over to the next season.  While the Company was generally able to sell these items above cost, the existence of such inventory often made the stores’ inventory appear dated. The severance costs of $1.3 million relate to the departure of the Company’s President and CEO on the last day of the fiscal year. It represents the value of future payments as required under the former President and CEO’s contract.  The asset impairment charge of $1.5 million is the difference between asset values and projected future cash flows related primarily to certain 2008 store remodels.

Excluding the one-time charges outlined above, which total approximately $1.9 million in 2012, the net loss for 2012 would have been $6.6 million or $0.33 per basic share, excluding the $4.0 million in 2011, the net loss for 2011 would have been $7.3 million or $0.37 per basic share and excluding the $9.5 million in 2010 the net loss would have been $1.0 million or $0.05 per basic share.

We use a number of key performance measures to evaluate our financial performance, including the following:
 
   
Fiscal Year
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
                   
Sales (in thousands)
  $ 277,989     $ 271,993     $ 275,465  
                         
Gross margin percentage
    40.3 %     41.4 %     41.6 %
                         
Number of stores
                       
      Open at end of period(1)
    261       263       265  
      Comparable stores at year end (2)
    260       262       264  
                         
Sales growth
                       
      All retail outlets
    2.2 %     (1.3 ) %     0.5 %
      Comparable retail outlets (3)
    2.9 %     (0.8 ) %     (0.1 ) %
                         
Total store square footage at year end (in thousands)
    3,723       3,751       3,792  
                         
Net sales per total square footage
  $ 75     $ 73     $ 73  
 
(1)           Open store count does not include the internet store.

(2)
A new store is included in the comparable sales computation immediately upon reaching its one-year anniversary.  In those rare instances where stores are either expanded or down-sized, the store is not treated as a new store and, therefore, remains in the computation of comparable sales.

(3)
Sales growth for comparable retail outlets also includes net sales derived from E-commerce.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, selected statement of operations data expressed as a percentage of sales.  This table includes the $1.9 million, $4.0 million and $9.5 million of one-time and non-comparable charges occurring in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and should be read in conjunction with the following discussion and with our Consolidated Financial Statements, including the related notes.
 
 
22

 

   
Fiscal Year
 
                   
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
Sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of goods sold
    59.7       58.6       58.4  
Gross profit
    40.3       41.4       41.6  
Selling, general and administrative expense
    39.4       42.3       41.8  
Depreciation and amortization
    1.3       1.5       1.6  
Operating loss
    (0.4 )     (2.4 )     (1.8 )
Reorganization expense, net
    -       -       0.1  
Interest expense, net
    2.6       1.8       1.8  
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
    (3.0 )     (4.2 )     (3.7 )
Income taxes
    -       -       (0.1 )
Net loss
    (3.0 ) %     (4.2 ) %     (3.8 ) %
 
Sales
 
(in thousands)
 
Fiscal Year
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
Retail comparable store base
  $ 272,176     $ 264,863     $ 266,754  
E-Commerce
    5,164       4,782       5,190  
Comparable sales
    277,340       269,645       271,944  
New stores
    649       -       -  
Closed stores
    -       2,348       3,521  
Total sales
  $ 277,989     $ 271,993     $ 275,465  
 
The retail comparable store base above consists of sales which were included in the comparable sales computation for the year. Retail comparable store sales increased by 2.8% in 2012, and declined 0.7% in 2011 and 0.2% in 2010. This resulted from a 6.5% increase in average ticket and a 3.7% decrease in transactions in fiscal 2012, and a 1.0% increase in average ticket and a 1.7% decrease in transactions in fiscal 2011.

Sales provided by our E-commerce channel increased by 8.0% in 2012 as compared to a decrease of 7.9% in 2011 and an increase of 9.4% in 2010. We believe the downturn in 2011 was attributable to merchandising issues which were recognized during the year, but could not be fully corrected.

New stores for 2012 include the results for two locations one which was not comparable until it reached its 53rd week of operation and another, which has not reached its 53rd week anniversary.  Three stores closed in each of 2012 and 2011, and one store closed in 2010, none of which qualified as discontinued operations.

The Company routinely closes and opens stores, as leases expire or as better locations become available. The Company does not consider these strategic moves as discontinued operations.  Only when the Company closes a significant number of stores in conjunction with downsizing under a plan agreed upon by the Company’s Board of Directors, will the Company consider the requirement disclosures under discontinued operations.

 
23

 
 
Our merchandise mix for the last three years is reflected in the table below:
 
   
Fiscal Year
 
   
January 26,
2013
   
January 28,
2012
   
January 29,
2011
 
                   
Apparel and Craft Fabrics
    42 %     43 %     44 %
Home Decorating Fabrics
    12 %     12 %     12 %
Sewing Accessories
    29 %     28 %     28 %
Non-Sewing Products
    17 %     17 %     16 %
      100 %     100 %     100 %
 
We are constantly making adjustments to our merchandise mix based on anticipated consumer demand and current sales trends. Apparel and craft fabrics declined, due to continuing merchandise adjustments in this product category.  Sewing accessories increased due to strong demand for sewing machines and accessories during the year.  Non-sewing products remained constant due to the limited number of stores with craft fixtures added during the year.

Gross Margin

Costs of goods sold include:

 
·
the cost of merchandise

 
·
inventory rebates and allowances including term discounts

 
·
inventory shrinkage and valuation adjustments (including our inventory obsolescence charge)

 
·
freight charges

 
·
costs associated with our sourcing operations, including payroll and related benefits

 
·
costs associated with receiving, processing, and warehousing merchandise

The classification of these expenses varies across the retail industry.

Specific components of cost of goods sold over the previous three years are as follows:

 
24

 
 
(in thousands)
 
2012
   
% of Sales
   
2011
   
% of Sales
   
2010
   
% of Sales
 
                                     
Total sales
  $ 277,989       100.0 %   $ 271,993       100.0 %   $ 275,465       100.0 %
                                                 
Merchandise cost
    142,141       51.2 %     135,570       49.9 %     138,544       50.3 %
Freight
    9,805       3.5 %     9,506       3.5 %     8,429       3.1 %
Sourcing and warehousing
    13,906       5.0 %     14,192       5.2 %     13,847       5.0 %
                                                 
Gross Profit
  $ 112,137       40.3 %   $ 112,725       41.4 %   $ 114,645       41.6 %
 
Merchandise cost increased for 2012 over 2011 primarily due to aggressive promotional activity during the first three quarters of the year which was necessary to be competitive. Merchandise cost, as adjusted for the one-time obsolescence charge which is explained below, increased during 2011 over 2010 due to continued promotional activity and consumer sensitivity to pricing, which made it difficult to pass on product cost increases. Merchandising issues in our core product lines further impacted costs as aggressive promotions were necessary late in 2011 to regain customer traffic lost earlier in the year.

The inventory obsolescence charge of $6.7 million recognized in 2010 is included in merchandise cost and increased this cost by 240 basis points. Merchandise cost, excluding the inventory charge was $131.8 million or 47.9%.

Freight costs have stabilized during 2012 due to the lack of fuel cost increases and the efficiencies achieved in our shipping process. Rising fuel cost drove the increase from 2010 to 2011, which more than offset the efficiencies achieved in our shipping process.

Sourcing and warehousing costs for the Company vary based on both the volume of inventory received and shipped during any period, and the rate at which inventory turns.  For 2012, the sourcing and warehousing cost declined as did inventory turns and for 2011 and 2010, the sourcing and warehousing costs incurred were consistent year-over-year, as were inventory turns.

In total, 2012 gross profit declined by 110 basis points and 2011 gross profit declined by 260 basis points as compared to 2010, excluding inventory obsolescence. The continuation of promotional activity and consumer resistance to price increases have impacted gross profit results year over year. We were able to reverse this trend starting in the fourth quarter of 2012.
 
Selling, General & Administrative Expenses

Selling, general & administrative (SG&A) expenses include:

 
·
payroll and related benefits (for our store operations, field management, and corporate functions)

 
·
advertising

 
·
general and administrative expenses

 
·
occupancy including rent, common area maintenance, taxes and insurance for our retail locations

 
·
operating costs of our headquarter facilities

 
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·
other expense (income)

Specific components of selling, general & administrative expenses include:
 
(in thousands)
 
2012
   
% of Sales
   
2011
   
% of Sales
   
2010
   
% of Sales
 
                                     
Retail store labor costs
  $ 39,647       14.3 %   $ 41,291       15.2 %   $ 41,533       15.1 %
Advertising
    10,018       3.6 %     9,618       3.5 %     10,114       3.7 %
Store occupancy
    29,916       10.8 %     30,325       11.1 %     29,624       10.7 %
Retail SG&A
    19,685       7.1 %     20,953       7.7 %     21,462       7.8 %
Corp SG&A
    10,387       3.6 %     12,860       4.8 %     12,365       4.5 %
                                                 
Total SG&A
  $ 109,653       39.4 %   $ 115,047       42.3 %   $ 115,098       41.8 %
 
Retail Store Labor Costs – We were successful at improving store labor cost for 2012, as a result of greater corporate oversight, after consistent results for 2011 and 2010. We will continue to leverage our technology investment in store infrastructure to improve labor efficiency and enhance store performance.

Advertising – Our advertising medium is primarily direct mail and newspaper inserts, and as a result, our costs have remained constant. For the near term we believe this combination is the most effective, although we will continue to explore the effectiveness of other advertising channels.

Store Occupancy – These costs are driven primarily by the long term leases we enter into with the owners of our retail locations and to a lesser degree building maintenance costs. The marginal changes in the three years presented were primarily the result of renewals of leases already in place and maintenance expenditures to improve the appearance and operating standard of the retail units. We are optimistic that lease related costs will not substantially increase going forward given the current weakness in the commercial real estate market and beneficial modifications to many of our existing leases.

Retail SG&A – The decline in costs for 2012 can be attributed to reduced outside janitorial services, lower insurance related costs and a decline in credit card fees. Reduced workers compensation related costs and a decline in credit card fees, which offset increases in supplies and utilities were primarily responsible for cost reductions for 2011 over 2010.

Corporate SG&A – These are costs related primarily to staffing and operation of the Company’s headquarters.  In addition to normal recurring expenses, which include the write-off of the one remaining pre-petition obligation in 2011, this category includes one-time or non-comparable expenses of $413,000 in 2012, $4.0 million in 2011 and $2.8 million in 2010.  Excluding these one-time, non-comparable items, 2012, 2011 and 2010 corporate SG&A would have been $10.0 million, $8.9 million and $9.6 million, respectively.

Reorganization Expenses, Net
 
(in thousands)
 
2012
   
% of Sales
   
2011
   
% of Sales
   
2010
   
% of Sales
 
                                     
Reorganization expense, net
  $ -       0.0 %   $ -       0.0 %   $ 485       0.1 %
 
 
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Reorganization expenses are comprised of costs for professional fees associated with our bankruptcy proceedings.  With the filing of the final decree on August 17, 2010, and the settlement of the one remaining claim on November 4, 2011, all bankruptcy related issues have been resolved, and these costs will not continue.

Interest Expense, Net

(in thousands)
 
2012
   
% of Sales
   
2011
   
% of Sales
   
2010
   
% of Sales
 
                                     
Interest expense, net
  $ 7,277       2.6 %   $ 4,836       1.8 %   $ 4,825       1.8 %
 
 
Our interest costs are driven by borrowings on our credit facilities.  Our current credit facilities consist of both an asset based facility and a subordinated debt facility. In addition to the one-time, non-recurring items of $1.5 million included in interest expense discussed above, 2012 expense reflects the higher average outstanding borrowings and the higher interest rates under the amended and restated revolving credit agreement. Between 2011 and 2010 average outstanding borrowings increased and interest rates decreased.  Interest expense also includes non-cash bond discount amortization costs of $3.1 million for 2012 and $2.3 million in both 2011 and 2010, and amortization of loan closing cost of $466,000 for 2012 and $246,000 in both 2011 and 2010.

Income Taxes

(in thousands)
 
2012
   
% of Sales
   
2011
   
% of Sales
   
2010
   
% of Sales
 
                                     
Income taxes
  $ -       0.0 %   $ -       0.0 %   $ 232       0.1 %
 
No income tax expense was recognized in 2012 or 2011, and the amounts expensed for 2010 consist of Federal Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). All tax related items are fully reserved with a valuation allowance.

Income from Discontinued Operations
 
(in thousands)
 
2012
   
% of Sales
   
2011
   
% of Sales
   
2010
   
% of Sales
 
                                     
Income from discontinued operations
  $ -       0.0 %   $ -       0.0 %   $ 29       0.0 %
 
Discontinued operations relates to the 124 stores closed in 2007 which qualified as discontinued operations.  All of these store closures were part of a reorganization plan implemented prior to seeking bankruptcy protection. The income recognized in 2010 resulted from the settlement of bankruptcy claims for less than the amount reserved.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Hancock’s primary capital requirements are for the financing of inventories and, to a lesser extent, for capital expenditures relating to store locations and the Company’s distribution facility. Funds for such purposes have historically been generated from Hancock’s operations, short-term trade credit in the form of extended payment terms from suppliers for inventory purchases, and borrowings from commercial lenders.
 
 
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We anticipate that we will be able to satisfy our working capital requirements, required cash contributions to the defined benefit pension plan, planned capital expenditures and debt service requirements through the next twelve months with available cash, proceeds from cash flows from operations, short-term trade credit, borrowings under our revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”) and other sources of financing.

We consolidate our daily cash receipts into a centralized account. In accordance with the terms of our $100.0 million Revolver, on a daily basis, all collected and available funds are applied to the outstanding loan balance. We then determine our daily cash requirements and request those funds from the Revolver availability.

Hancock’s cash flow related information as of and for the past three fiscal years follows (in thousands):

   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
                   
Net cash flows provided by (used in):
                 
Operating activites
  $ (11,278 )   $ (13,255 )   $ 6,160  
Investing activities
    (2,439 )     (4,586 )     (5,340 )
Financing activites
    15,131       18,117       (941 )
 
Operating Activities

In 2012, the net loss plus adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash flow from operations, provided $0.9 million compared to a loss of $5.2 million for 2011; inventory increased by $5.0 million, accrued liabilities declined by $2.4 million and a cash contribution of $5.0 million was made to the defined benefit pension plan.

In 2011, the cash loss from operations was $5.2 million compared to cash income from operations of $8.0 million for 2010; inventory increased $3.6 million; and a cash contribution of $5.7 million was made to the defined benefit pension plan.

Accounts payable as a percentage of inventory was 18.5%, 20.2% and 20.3% at year-end 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The Company expects to make contributions to our defined benefit pension plan during 2013 of $5.4 million.

Investing Activities

Cash used for investing activities consists primarily of purchases and sales of property and equipment.

Expenditures for 2012 consisted of store fixtures for one new store, eight relocations and leasehold improvements. Expenditures for 2011 consist primarily of store fixtures for one new store, five relocations, the expanded craft assortment introduced in numerous locations, and IT equipment upgrades. Expenditures for 2010 consist primarily of store fixtures for eight relocations, new product lines and point of sale equipment upgrades. These activities totaled approximately $2.7 million, $4.9 million and $5.4 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 
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Financing Activities

During 2012, net outstanding borrowings on the Revolver and Notes increased by $16.9 million to fund working capital needs, fund the required cash contribution to the defined benefit pension plan and for capital expenditures.

During 2011, we increased the outstanding borrowings against the Revolver by $18.3 million to provide working capital, fund required cash contributions to the defined benefit pension plan, and for capital expenditures.

During 2010, we used $0.9 million generated from operations to reduce the outstanding Revolver balance and pay pre-petition obligations.

General

We do not currently anticipate declaring or paying cash dividends on shares of our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain all of our future earnings, if any, to finance operations. Any future determination relating to our dividend policy will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on a number of factors, including future earnings, capital requirements, financial conditions, future prospects, contractual restrictions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. Treasury stock repurchases in 2012 were minor, primarily for insignificant purchases from odd-lot shareholders and small amounts surrendered by employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations arising from the lapse of restrictions on shares of stock.

Over the long term, our ability to improve our liquidity will ultimately depend on a positive trend in cash flow from operating activities through comparable sales increases, improved gross margin, and control of expenses.

Credit Facilities

The following should be read in conjunction with Note 7 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements – Long Term Debt Obligations.

On November 15, 2012, the Company entered into an amended and restated loan and security agreement with its direct and indirect subsidiaries, General Electric Capital Corporation, as working capital agent, GA Capital, LLC, as term loan agent, and the lenders party thereto, which expires on November 15, 2016. The amended and restated loan and security agreement amends and restates the Company’s loan and security agreement dated as of August 1, 2008, and provides senior secured financing of $115 million, consisting of (a) an up to $100 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolver"), which includes a letter of credit sub-facility of up to $20.0 million, and (b) an up to $15 million term loan facility (the "Term Loan"). The level of borrowings available is subject to a borrowing base computation, as defined in the amended and restated loan and security agreement, which includes credit card receivables, inventory, and real property.  Principal amounts outstanding under both the Revolver and the Term Loan bear interest at a rate equal to, at the option of the borrowers, either (a) a LIBOR rate determined by reference to the offered rate for deposits in dollars for the interest period relevant to such borrowing (the “Eurodollar Rate”), or (b) a prime rate, in each case plus an applicable margin and adjusted for certain additional costs and fees. The initial applicable margin for borrowings under the Revolver is 2.25% with respect to the Eurodollar Rate and 1.25% with respect to the prime rate loans and under the Term Loan is 10.0% with respect to the Eurodollar Rate and 9.0% with respect to the prime rate loans.

The Revolver and Term Loan is collateralized by a fully perfected first priority security interest in all of the existing and after acquired real and personal tangible and intangible assets of the Company.

 
29

 
 
As of January 26, 2013, the Company had outstanding borrowings under the Revolver of $41.4 million and $15.0 million under the Term Loan, and amounts available to borrow of $20.0 million.

At January 26, 2013, Hancock had commitments under the above credit facility of $0.7 million, under documentary letters of credit, which support purchase orders for merchandise.  Hancock also has standby letters of credit to guarantee payment of potential insurance claims.  These letters of credit amounted to $5.3 million as of January 26, 2013.

On November 20, 2012, the Company exchanged approximately $16.4 million aggregate principal amount of the Company’s outstanding $21.6 million of Floating Rate Series A Secured Notes (the “Existing Notes”) originally issued pursuant to an Indenture dated as of June 17, 2008 (the “2008 Indenture”) between the Company and Deutsche Bank National Trust Company (“DBNTC”), as trustee thereunder, for (a) the Company’s Floating Rate Series A Secured Notes Due 2017 in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $8.2 million (the “New Notes”) issued pursuant to an indenture dated as of November 20, 2012 between the Company and DBNTC, as trustee thereunder (the “New Indenture”), and (b) cash consideration in the aggregate amount of approximately $8.2 million. After completion of the exchange, approximately $5.1 million aggregate principal amount of Existing Notes remained outstanding under the 2008 Indenture and the unamortized warrant discount on the Existing Notes was $379,000 as of January 26, 2013.

The New Notes bear interest at a variable rate, adjusted quarterly, equal to a LIBOR rate plus 12% per annum until maturity on November 20, 2017. The New Notes and the related guarantees provided by certain subsidiaries of the Company are secured by a lien on substantially all of the Company’s and the subsidiary guarantors’ assets, in each case, subject to certain prior liens and other exceptions, but the New Notes are subordinated in right of payment in certain circumstances to all of the Company’s existing and future senior indebtedness, including the Company’s Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of November 15, 2012.

On January 31, 2013, the Company retired the remaining $5.1 million of Existing Notes outstanding and wrote off the related unamortized discount of $379,000.  The funds to retire the Existing Notes were from the Revolver and did not reduce the amounts available to borrow of $20.0 million.  The Existing Notes would have matured on August 1, 2013, were subordinated to the Revolver, and were secured by a junior lien on all of the Company’s assets.  Interest on the Existing Notes was payable quarterly at a rate of LIBOR plus 4.5%, see “Note 17 – Subsequent Event.”
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
Hancock has no off-balance sheet financing arrangements. We lease our retail fabric store locations mainly under non-cancelable operating leases.  Four of our store leases qualified for capital lease treatment. Future payments under operating leases are excluded from our balance sheet.  The four capital lease obligations are reflected on our balance sheet.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

The following table summarizes our future cash outflows resulting from contractual obligations and commitments as of January 26, 2013. Note references refer to the applicable footnotes to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this report:

 
30

 
 
Contractual Obligations (in thousands)
                         
               
Less
               
More
 
   
Note
         
than 1
      1-3       4-5    
than 5
 
   
Reference
   
Total
   
Year
   
Years
   
Years
   
Years
 
                                     
 
 
Long-term debt (1)
    7     $ 2,807     $ -     $ -     $ 2,807     $ -  
Minimum lease payments (2)
    8       85,310       21,393       31,771       19,837       12,309  
Standby letters of credit
    7       5,311       5,311       -       -       -  
Capital lease obligations (3)
    8       4,682       472       944       801       2,465  
Trade letters of credit
            671       671       -       -       -  
Open purchase orders
            25,204       25,204       -       -       -  
Total
          $ 123,985     $ 53,051     $ 32,715     $ 23,445     $ 14,774  
 
(1) The calculation of interest on the Revolver, the Term Loan, the Existing Notes and the New Notes is dependent on the average borrowings during the year and a variable interest rate. The interest rates on the Revolver, the Term Loan, the Existing Notes and the New Notes were approximately 2.79%, 11.50%, 4.81% and 12.31% at January 26, 2013.  Interest payments are excluded from the table because of their subjectivity and the estimation required.
 
(2) Our aggregate minimum lease payments represent operating lease commitments, which generally include non-cancelable leases for property used in our operations.  Contingent rent, which is typically based on a percentage of sales, is not reflected in the minimum lease payment totals.  Minimum payments are reflected net of expected sublease income.

(3) Capital lease obligations include related interest.

Postretirement benefits other than pensions, Supplemental Retirement Benefit Plan (“SERP”) funding obligations, defined benefit pension plan contributions, asset retirement obligations, anticipated capital expenditures, amounts included in other noncurrent liabilities for workers’ compensation and deferred compensation have been excluded from the contractual obligations table because of the unknown variables required to determine specific payment amounts and dates.

We have no standby repurchase obligations or guarantees of other entities' debt.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions in applying our critical accounting policies that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant accounting policies we employ, including the use of estimates and assumptions, are presented in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. We evaluate those estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis based on historical experience and on various other factors which we believe are reasonable under the circumstances.

Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), FASB ASC 852, “Reorganizations,” (“ASC 852”), provides financial reporting guidance for entities that are reorganizing under the Bankruptcy Code. We implemented this guidance for the fiscal years ended January 26, 2013, January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011.

 
31

 
 
We believe that estimates related to the following areas involve a higher degree of judgment and/or complexity:

Inventories. We value inventory using the lower of weighted average cost or market method. Market price is generally based on the projected selling price of the merchandise. We regularly review inventories to determine if the carrying value of the inventory exceeds market value and we record a reserve to reduce the carrying value to its market price, as necessary. Historically, we have rarely recognized significant occurrences of obsolescence or slow moving inventory.  However, in the fourth quarter of 2010, we initiated a strategy to address aged and unproductive inventory, which resulted in a significant obsolescence charge of $6.7 million for 2010.  This policy is not expected to have a material impact on future earnings as product is sold. As of January 26, 2013, and January 28, 2012, we had recorded reserves totaling $1.9 million and $2.5 million, respectively.
 
As with other retailers, it is not practical to perform physical inventory counts for all stores on the last day of a period.  Therefore, certain assumptions must be made in order to record cost of sales for the period of time from each store's most recent physical count to the end of the period.  For the periods between the date of the last physical count and the end of the applicable reporting period, we include these assumptions as we record cost of goods sold, including certain estimates for shrinkage of inventory due to theft, miscuts of fabric and other matters.  These estimates are based on previous experience and could fluctuate from period-to-period and from actual results at the date of the next physical inventory count.

Shrink expense is accrued as a percentage of merchandise sales based on historical shrink trends. The Company performs physical inventories at the stores and distribution center throughout the year. The reserve for shrink represents an estimate for shrink for each of our locations since the last physical inventory date through the reporting date. Estimates by location and in the aggregate are impacted by internal and external factors and may vary significantly from actual results.

We capitalize costs related to the acquisition, distribution, and handling of inventory as well as freight, duties and fees related to import purchases of inventory as a component of inventory each period.   In determining the amount of costs to be allocated to inventory each period, we must estimate the amount of costs related to the inventory, based on inventory turnover ratios and the ratio of inventory flowing through the warehouse. Changes in these estimates from period-to-period could significantly change the reported amounts for inventory and cost of goods sold. As of January 26, 2013, we had capitalized costs related to acquisition, distribution, and handling in inventory of $8.9 million and expensed $13.9 million as cost of sales during 2012.

Property and Equipment.  Determining appropriate depreciable lives and reasonable assumptions for use in evaluation of the carrying value of property and equipment requires judgment and estimates.    Changes to those estimates could cause operating results to vary.  The Company utilizes the straight-line depreciation method over a variety of depreciable lives while land is not depreciated.  Leasehold costs and improvements are amortized over the lesser of their estimated useful lives or the remaining lease term as discussed in “Operating Leases” below.  Buildings and related improvements are amortized over 5-40 years, leasehold improvements over 5-15 years and fixtures and equipment over 3-8 years. Generally, no estimated salvage value at the end of the useful life is considered.

 
32

 
 
Valuation of Long-Lived Assets.  We review the net realizable value of long-lived assets at the individual store level whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate impairment testing is warranted. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value, fair values based on the projected future discounted cash flows of the site and estimated liquidation proceeds are compared to the carrying value to determine the amount of the impairment loss to be recognized during that period.  Due to the decline in operating results for 2011, we assessed our long-lived assets and determined that certain of them were impaired.  As a result, we had recorded approximately $1.7 million in non-cash impairment charges. Additional charges may be necessary in the future due to changes in estimated future cash flows. Impairment charges are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Operating Leases.  We lease stores under various operating leases.  The operating leases may include rent holidays, rent escalation clauses, contingent rent provisions for additional lease payments based on sales volume, and Company options for renewal.  We recognize rent holiday periods and scheduled rent increases on a straight-line basis over the estimated lease term beginning with the date of possession.  Additionally, renewals and option periods reasonably assured of exercise due to economic penalties are included in the estimated lease term.  Liabilities for contingent rent are recorded when we determine that it is probable that the specified levels will be reached during the fiscal year.

Often, we receive allowances from landlords. If the landlord is considered the primary beneficiary of the property, the portion of the allowances attributable to the property owned by the landlord is considered to be a deferred rent liability, whereas the corresponding improvements by the Company are classified as prepaid rent in other noncurrent assets.

Revenue Recognition.  Sales are recorded at the time customers provide a satisfactory form of payment and take ownership of the merchandise. We allow customers to return merchandise under most circumstances.  The reserve for returns was $137,000 at January 26, 2013 and $125,000 at January 28, 2012, and is included in accrued liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet.  The reserve is estimated based on our prior experience of returns made by customers after period end.

Insurance Reserves.  Workers' compensation, general liability and employee medical insurance programs are largely self-insured.  It is our policy to record our self-insurance liabilities using estimates of claims incurred but not yet reported or paid based on historical trends, severity factors and/or valuations provided by third-party actuaries. Actual results can vary from estimates for many reasons including, among others, future inflation rates, claim settlement patterns, litigation trends, and legal interpretations.
 
Asset Retirement Obligations.  Obligations created as a result of certain lease requirements that we remove certain assets and restore the properties to their original condition are recorded at the inception of the lease. The obligations are based on estimates of the actions to be taken and the related costs.  Adjustments are made when necessary to reflect actual or estimated results, including future lease requirements, inflation or other changes to determine the estimated future costs.

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Obligations.  The value of assets and liabilities associated with pension and postretirement benefits is determined on an actuarial basis.  These values are affected by the fair value of plan assets, estimates of the expected return on plan assets, and assumed discount rates.  We determine the discount rates primarily based on the rates of high quality, fixed income investments.  Actual changes in the fair value of plan assets, differences between the actual return and the expected return on plan assets and changes in the discount rate used affect the amount of pension expense recognized.
 
 
33

 
 
Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans.  A one-percentage point change in the assumed health care trend rates would have the following effects (in thousands):
 
   
One-Percentage
   
One-Percentage
 
   
Point
   
Point
 
   
Increase
   
Decrease
 
Effect on total service and interest costs
  $ 9     $ (8 )
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation
    96       (86 )
 
Our pension and postretirement plans are further described in Note 14 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.

Goodwill.  Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired. On at least an annual basis or when events or changes in circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred, a two-step approach is used to test goodwill for impairment.  First, a qualitative test is performed to determine if it is more likely that not that impairment has occurred.  If the qualitative test yields a 50% or greater probability that impairment has occurred then a two-step quantitative test is performed, For the first step of the quantitative test, the fair value of our reporting units are estimated using the discounted present value of future cash flows approach and then compared with their carrying values. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a second step is performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. In the second step, the implied fair value of the goodwill is estimated as the fair value of the reporting unit used in the first step less the fair values of all other net tangible and intangible assets of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, not to exceed the carrying amount of the goodwill. Each of the 34 remaining stores acquired in two separate transactions that resulted in the recognition of goodwill represents a reporting unit.

We performed a qualitative evaluation of goodwill for 2012 and determined it was not more likely that not that goodwill was impaired. Therefore, a quantitative test was not performed for 2012. Impairment charges may be required in the future based on changes in the fair value of reporting units and the annual goodwill impairment evaluation performed in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year and updated when events arise indicating potential impairment. Prior to the implementation of ASC 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other,” (“ASC 350”) in fiscal year 2002, the Company was amortizing and presenting goodwill net of accumulated amortization of $1.0 million.

Deferred Income Taxes.  We record deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis.  We then evaluate the net deferred tax asset, if any, for realization.  Unless we determine that realization is “more likely than not,” a valuation allowance against the net deferred tax asset is established through a provision to income tax expense or in some cases other comprehensive income (loss). Accordingly, we may be limited in our ability to recognize future benefits related to operating losses; however, if we create taxable income in the future, we may be able to reverse the valuation allowances resulting in a decrease in income tax expense or other comprehensive income (loss).

At the present time, we do not anticipate recognizing any portion of our deferred income tax benefit in fiscal year 2013.

 
34

 
 
Deferred taxes are summarized in Note 9 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.

Stock-based Compensation.  The Company applies ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, (“ASC 718”) and expenses the fair value for any unvested stock options over the remaining service (vesting) period. The amounts of future stock compensation expense may vary based on the types of awards, vesting periods, estimated fair values of the awards using various assumptions regarding future dividends, interest rates and volatility of the trading prices of our stock.

Related Party Transactions

On November 20, 2012, we completed a warrant exchange with certain warrant holders pursuant to which the exchanging holders exchanged warrants to purchase an aggregate of up to 7,385,200 shares of our common stock (the “Old Warrants”) issued pursuant to the master warrant agreement, dated as of June 17, 2008 for new warrants (the “New Warrants”) to purchase an aggregate of up to 9,838,000 shares of our common stock for an exercise price per share of $0.59. The New Warrants are exercisable at any time until November 20, 2019.

Carl E. Berg (a former non-executive Chairman of our Board of Directors) is the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock through either controlling or majority interest and/or controlling investment management in Berg & Berg Enterprises, LLC and Lightpointe Communications, Inc. (“Lightpointe”).  In the warrant exchange, Lightpointe exchanged Old Warrants for a New Warrant to purchase 4,860,400 shares of our common stock.
 
As the managing member of Lenado Capital Advisors, LLC (“Lenado Advisors”); SPV UNO, LLC (“SPV Uno”); and SPV Quatro, LLC (“SPV Quatro”); the sole member of the managing member of Lenado Capital, LLC (“Lenado Capital”); and the owner, directly or indirectly, of a majority of the membership interests in each of Lenado Advisors, Lenado Capital, SPV UNO and SPV Quatro, Nikos Heckt may be deemed to be the controlling person of Lenado Advisors, Lenado Capital, SPV UNO and SPV Quatro and, through Lenado Capital, Series A of Lenado Capital Partners, L.P. (“Lenado Partners”) and Lenado DP, Series A of Lenado DP, L.P. (“Lenado DP”).  Mr. Hecht, Lenado Advisors, Lenado Capital, Lenado Partners and SPV Quatro are each the beneficial owners of more than 5% of our common stock.  In the warrant exchange, Lenado DP exchanged Old Warrants for a New Warrant to purchase 566,400 shares of our common stock; SPV Uno exchanged Old Warrants for a New Warrant to purchase 232,000 shares of our common stock; SPV Quatro exchanged Old Warrants for a New Warrant to purchase 1,984,800 shares of our common stock; and Lenado Partners exchanged Old Warrants for a New Warrant to purchase 2,194,400 shares of our common stock.
 
On November 20, 2012, we also exchanged approximately $16.4 million aggregate principal amount of the Existing Notes held by the related parties for approximately $8.2 million of New Notes and cash consideration of approximately $8.2 million, see “Note 7 – Long-Term Debt Obligations.”
 
We did not enter into any other material transactions with related parties during fiscal years 2012, 2011 or 2010.

Effects of Inflation
 
Inflation in labor and occupancy costs could significantly affect our operations.  Many of our employees are paid hourly rates related to federal and state minimum wage requirements; accordingly, any increases in those requirements will affect us.  In addition, payroll taxes, employee benefits, and other employee costs continue to increase.  Health insurance costs, in particular, continue to rise at a high rate in the United States each year, and higher employer contributions to our pension plan could be necessary if investment returns are weak.  Cost of leases for new store locations remain stable, but renewal costs of older leases continue to increase.  We believe the practice of maintaining adequate operating margins through a combination of price adjustments and cost controls, careful evaluation of occupancy needs, and efficient purchasing practices are the most effective tools for coping with increased costs and expenses.

 
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Seasonality
 
Our business is seasonal.  Peak sales periods occur during the fall and early spring weeks, while the lowest sales periods occur during the summer. Working capital requirements needed to finance our operations fluctuate during the year and reach their highest levels during the second and third fiscal quarters as we increase our inventory in preparation for our peak selling season during the fourth quarter.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent accounting pronouncements are discussed in Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Accounting in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We did not hold derivative financial or commodity instruments at January 26, 2013.

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates. At our option, all loans under the Revolver and the Term Loan bear interest at either (a) a floating interest rate plus the applicable margins or (b) absent a default, a fixed interest rate for periods of one, two or three months equal to the reserve adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, plus the applicable margins. As of January 26, 2013, we had borrowings outstanding of approximately $41.4 million under the Revolver and $15.0 million under the Term Loan.  If interest rates increased 100 basis points, our annual interest expense would increase approximately $564,000, assuming borrowings under the Revolver and Term Loan as existed at January 26, 2013.

In addition to the Revolver and Term Loan, as of January 26, 2013 the Company has outstanding Existing Notes for $5.1 million and New Notes for $8.2 million on which interest is payable quarterly at the respective  issuance date anniversary. The quarterly interest is payable at LIBOR on both instruments plus 4.5% on the Existing Notes and 12.0% on the New Notes. If interest rates increased 100 basis points, our annual interest expense would increase $133,000, assuming borrowings under the Existing Notes and New Notes as existed at January 26, 2013.
 
Foreign Currency Risk

All of our business is transacted in U.S. dollars and, accordingly, fluctuations in the valuation of the dollar against other currencies will affect product costs. No significant impact was experienced on 2012 results.  As of January 26, 2013, we had no financial instruments outstanding that were sensitive to changes in foreign currency rates.
 
 
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Item 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
Hancock Fabrics, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
             
             
January 26, 2013 and January 28, 2012
 
2012
   
2011
 
(in thousands, except for share and per share amounts)
           
Assets
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 4,062     $ 2,648  
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts
    3,817       3,993  
Inventories, net
    101,245       95,925  
Prepaid expenses
    2,552       3,069  
Total current assets
    111,676       105,635  
                 
Property and equipment, net
    33,571       36,275  
Goodwill
    2,880       2,880  
Other assets
    2,405       1,597  
Total assets
  $ 150,532     $ 146,387  
                 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 18,702     $ 19,350  
Accrued liabilities
    13,995       16,306  
Total current liabilities
    32,697       35,656  
                 
Long-term debt obligations
    69,374       49,373  
Capital lease obligations
    2,807       2,947  
Postretirement benefits other than pensions
    2,481       2,429  
Pension and SERP liabilities
    35,115       35,683  
Other liabilities
    5,567       6,428  
                 
Total liabilities
    148,041       132,516  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (See Notes 8 and 15)
               
                 
Shareholders' equity:
               
Common stock, $.01 par value; 80,000,000 shares authorized; 34,978,210 and 33,914,711 issued and 21,570,797 and 20,511,123 outstanding, respectively
    350       339  
Additional paid-in capital
    90,720       90,013  
Retained earnings
    96,426       104,936  
Treasury stock, at cost, 13,407,413 and 13,403,588
               
   shares held, respectively
    (153,740 )     (153,737 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (31,265 )     (27,680 )
Total shareholders' equity
    2,491       13,871  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 150,532     $ 146,387  
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
 
 
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Hancock Fabrics, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
                   
Years Ended January 26, 2013, January 28, 2012, and January 29, 2011
 
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
                 
                   
Sales
  $ 277,989     $ 271,993     $ 275,465  
Cost of goods sold
    165,852       159,268       160,820  
                         
Gross profit
    112,137       112,725       114,645  
                         
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    109,653       115,047       115,098  
Depreciation and amortization
    3,717       4,140       4,495  
                         
Operating loss
    (1,233 )     (6,462 )     (4,948 )
                         
Reorganization expense, net
    -       -       485  
Interest expense, net
    7,277       4,836       4,825  
                         
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
    (8,510 )     (11,298 )     (10,258 )
Income taxes
    -       -       232  
                         
Loss from continuing operations
    (8,510 )     (11,298 )     (10,490 )
Income from discontinued operations (net of taxes of $0)
    -       -       29  
                         
Net loss
  $ (8,510 )   $ (11,298 )   $ (10,461 )
                         
Other comprehensive loss
                       
Minimum pension, SERP and postretirement liabilities (net of taxes of $0)
    (3,585 )     (10,008 )     (2,426 )
                         
Comprehensive loss
  $ (12,095 )   $ (21,306 )   $ (12,887 )
                         
Basic and diluted loss per share:
                       
Loss from continuing operations
  $ (0.42 )   $ (0.57 )   $ (0.53 )
Earnings from discontinued operations
    -       -       -  
Net loss
  $ (0.42 )   $ (0.57 )   $ (0.53 )
                         
Weighted average shares outstanding
                       
Basic and diluted
    20,046       19,846       19,684  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
 
 
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Hancock Fabrics, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
 
Years Ended January 26, 2013, January 28, 2012, and January 29, 2011
       
  (in thousands, except number of shares)
           
               
Additional
               
Accumulated Other
         
Total
 
   
Common Stock
   
Paid-in
   
Treasury Stock
   
Comprehensive
   
Retained
   
Shareholders'
 
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Capital
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
(Loss)
   
Earnings
   
Equity
 
Balance January 30, 2010
    33,283,944     $ 333     $ 89,128       (13,381,796 )   $ (153,698 )   $ (15,246 )   $ 126,695     $ 47,212  
Net loss
                                                    (10,461 )     (10,461 )
Minimum pension, SERP and postretirement liabilities, net of taxes of $0
                                            (2,426 )             (2,426 )
Stock options exercised
    43,511       -       36                                       36  
Issuance of restricted stock
    167,000       2       (2 )                                     -  
Cancellation of restricted stock
    (28,000 )     -       -                                       -  
Stock compensation expense
                    324                                       324  
Amortization of directors' stock fees
                    185                                       185  
Purchases of treasury stock
                            (16,332 )     (33 )                     (33 )
Balance January 29, 2011
    33,466,455       335       89,671       (13,398,128 )     (153,731 )     (17,672 )     116,234       34,837  
Net loss
                                                    (11,298 )     (11,298 )
Minimum pension, SERP and postretirement liabilities, net of taxes of $0
                                            (10,008 )             (10,008 )
Stock options exercised
    7,999       -       5                                       5  
Issuance of restricted stock
    474,857       4       (4 )                                     -  
Cancellation of restricted stock
    (34,600 )     -       -                                       -  
Stock compensation expense
                    341                                       341  
Purchases of treasury stock
                            (5,460 )     (6 )                     (6 )
Balance January 28, 2012
    33,914,711       339       90,013       (13,403,588 )     (153,737 )     (27,680 )     104,936       13,871  
Net loss
                                                    (8,510 )     (8,510 )
Minimum pension, SERP and postretirement liabilities, net of taxes of $0
                                            (3,585 )             (3,585 )
Issuance of restricted stock
    1,016,900       10       (10 )                                     -  
Cancellation of restricted stock
    (23,400 )     -       -                                       -  
Stock compensation expense
                    718                                       718  
Vesting of restricted stock units
    69,999       1       (1 )                                     -  
Purchases of treasury stock
                            (3,825 )     (3 )                     (3 )
Balance January 26, 2013
    34,978,210     $ 350     $ 90,720       (13,407,413 )   $ (153,740 )   $ (31,265 )   $ 96,426     $ 2,491  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
 
 
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Hancock Fabrics, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
                   
Years Ended January 26, 2013, January 28, 2012, and January 29, 2011
                 
(in thousands)
 
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                 
Net loss
  $ (8,510 )   $ (11,298 )   $ (10,461 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash flows from operating activities
                       
Depreciation and amortization, including cost of goods sold
    5,352       6,068       6,538  
Amortization of deferred loan costs
    466       246       246  
Amortization of note discount
    3,136       2,331       2,331  
Amortization of prepaid rent
    271       249       181  
Stock-based compensation
    718       341       509  
Inventory valuation reserve
    (634 )     (4,601 )     6,650  
Impairment on property and equipment, goodwill, and other assets
    -       1,666       1,523  
Loss on disposition of property and equipment
    144       333       21  
Other
    (55 )     (544 )     -  
Reorganization expense, net
    -       -       485  
Change in assets and liabilities:
                       
Receivables and prepaid expenses
    693       (756 )     (1,352 )
Inventories
    (5,039 )     (3,584 )     (3,023 )
Other assets
    50       (223 )     2,059  
Accounts payable
    (648 )     1,508       (900 )
Accrued liabilities
    (2,353 )     1,230       -  
Postretirement benefits other than pensions
    (963 )     (956 )     (869 )
Pension and SERP liabilities
    (3,138 )     (3,783 )     2,119  
Other liabilities
    (768 )     (1,482 )     686  
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities before reorganization activities
    (11,278 )     (13,255 )     6,743  
Net cash used for reorganization activites
    -       -       (583 )
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
    (11,278 )     (13,255 )     6,160  
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Additions to property and equipment
    (2,698 )     (4,934 )     (5,392 )
Proceeds from the disposition of property and equipment
    259       348       52  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (2,439 )     (4,586 )     (5,340 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Net (payments) borrowings on revolving  credit facility
    25,071       18,258       (489 )
Net payments on notes
    (8,206 )     -       -  
Payments for loan costs
    (1,595 )     -       -  
Payments for pre-petition liabilities and other
    (139 )     (141 )     (452 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    15,131       18,117       (941 )
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    1,414       276       (121 )
Cash and cash equivalents:
                       
Beginning of year
    2,648       2,372       2,493  
End of year
  $ 4,062     $ 2,648     $ 2,372  
Supplemental disclosures:
                       
Cash paid during the period for:
                       
Interest
  $ 3,648     $ 2,174     $ 2,174  
Income taxes
    -       42       390  
                         
Non-cash change in funded status of benefit plans
  $ (3,585 )   $ (10,008 )   $ (2,426 )
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
 
 
40

 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Note 1 - Description of Business

Hancock Fabrics, Inc. (“Hancock” or the “Company”) is a specialty retailer committed to nurturing creativity through a complete selection of fashion and home decorating textiles, sewing accessories, needlecraft supplies and sewing machines. As of January 26, 2013, Hancock operated 261 stores in 37 states and an internet store under the domain name hancockfabrics.com.  Hancock conducts business in one operating business segment.

Note 2 – Proceedings under Chapter 11 and Related Financings

On March 21, 2007, the Company filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. On August 1, 2008 (the “Effective Date”), the Company’s Plan of Reorganization (the “Plan”) became effective, and the Company emerged from bankruptcy protection. On August 17, 2010, the Final Decree was approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court closing the bankruptcy case of the Company. On October 17, 2011 the bankruptcy case of the Company was reopened, in order to settle the one remaining pre-petition claim, and closed on November 14, 2011.

Treatment of Claims and Interest

The Plan provides for payment in full in cash plus interest, as applicable, or reinstatement of equity interest in the Company. Therefore, there were no impaired classes of creditors or stockholders.

Exit Financing

On the Effective Date, the Company closed on a $100.0 million senior revolving line of credit facility, as well as issued $20.0 million of floating rate secured notes and warrants to purchase 9,500,000 shares of the common stock of the Company. On November 15, 2012 portions of the credit facility were amended (See Note 7).

Claims Resolution and Plan Distributions

The Company resolved a majority of the claims against it prior to the Effective Date through settlement or by Court order. The claims resolution process has been completed and all known claims are resolved.

Accounting Impact

Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), Accounting Standards Codification (ASC), ASC 852, “Reorganizations” provides financial reporting guidance for entities that are reorganizing under the Bankruptcy Code. This guidance was implemented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Under this guidance, the Company was not required to adopt the “fresh-start reporting” provisions of ASC 852 upon emergence from bankruptcy. Due to the Plan becoming effective and the claims reconciliation process being complete, there is little uncertainty as to the total amount to be distributed under the Plan.

 
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Subsequent Distribution

During the fifty-two weeks ended January 28, 2012, the Company settled the two remaining claims totaling approximately $730,000.  As of January 26, 2013 and January 28, 2012, there are no known unresolved pre-petition obligations.

Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Accounting

Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Hancock and its wholly owned subsidiaries.  All inter-company accounts and transactions are eliminated. The Company maintains its financial records on a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in January.  During fiscal 2012 we changed the fiscal year end date from the Saturday closest to January 31, to the last Saturday in January. Fiscal years 2012, 2011, and 2010 as used herein, refer to the years ended January 26, 2013, January 28, 2012, and January 29, 2011, respectively.  The fiscal years 2012, 2011, and 2010, contained 52 weeks.
 
Financial Statement presentation is in accordance with FASB ASC 852, “Reorganizations,” which provides financial reporting guidance for entities that are reorganizing under the Bankruptcy Code. The Company implemented this guidance for the fiscal years ended January 26, 2013, January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011.  Due to the Plan becoming effective and the claims reconciliation process being complete, there is little uncertainty as to the total amount to be distributed under the Plan.  As such, there are no known pre-petition liabilities as of January 26, 2013 or January 28, 2012 (See Note 2).

Discontinued operations are presented and accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment,” (“ASC 360”).  When a qualifying component of the Company is disposed of or has been classified as held for sale, the operating results of that component are removed from continuing operations for all periods presented and displayed as discontinued operations if: (a) elimination of the component’s operations and cash flows from the Company’s ongoing operations has occurred (or will occur) and (b) significant continuing involvement by the Company in the component’s operations does not exist after the disposal transaction. In determining whether elimination of the component’s operations and cash flows from the Company’s ongoing operations has occurred (or will occur), the Company considers the generation of (or expected generation of) continuing cash flows. Actual or expected continuing cash inflows or outflows result from activities involving the Company and the component. The effect the existence of any continuing cash flows has on the classification of the component as discontinued operations hinges on whether those continuing cash flows are direct or indirect. Both the significance and nature of the continuing cash flows factor into our direct/indirect determination.  Direct continuing cash flows exist if there has been a significant migration of revenues (cash inflows) or costs (cash outflows) from the component to the Company. Also, direct continuing cash flows exist if significant cash inflows or outflows result from the continuation of activities between the entity and the component.  When determining the significance of: (a) revenues (cash inflows) or costs (cash outflows) resulting from migration and (b) cash inflows or outflows resulting from the continuation of activities, the Company considers the cash inflows and outflows that would have been expected if the disposal did not take place and the cash inflows and outflows that are expected after the disposal takes place.

The 2010 earnings from discontinued operations resulted from the settlement of bankruptcy claims on stores that closed in prior years which qualified for discontinued operations under the requirements of ASC 360.  We have not allocated interest expense to discontinued operations.

Use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period is required by management in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Actual results could differ from those estimates and such differences could be material to the financial statements.

 
42

 
 
Revenue recognition occurs at the time of sale of merchandise to Hancock’s customers, in compliance with FASB ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition”.  Sales include the sale of merchandise at the Company’s retail stores and internet store, net of sales taxes collected and net of estimated customer returns.  The Company allows customers to return merchandise under most circumstances.  The reserve for returns was $137,000 at January 26, 2013 and $125,000 at January 28, 2012, and is included in accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  The reserve is estimated based on the Company’s prior experience of returns made by customers.

Proceeds received from the sale of gift cards are recorded as a liability and recognized as sales when redeemed by the holder. The Company escheats a portion of unredeemed gift cards according to Delaware escheatment requirements that govern remittance of the cost of the merchandise portion of unredeemed gift cards over five years old. After reflecting the amount to be escheated, any remaining liability after 60 months (referred to as breakage) is relieved and recognized as a reduction of selling, general, and administrative expenses as an offset to the costs of administering the gift card program. The liability for gift cards is recorded in accrued liabilities and was $1.4 million at January 26, 2013 and $1.3 million at January 28, 2012.

Cost of goods sold includes merchandise, freight, and sourcing and warehousing costs.

Cash and cash equivalents. Cash on hand and in banks, together with other highly liquid investments which are subject to market fluctuations and having an initial maturity of three months or less, are classified as cash and cash equivalents.

Receivables include amounts due from customers for the sale of merchandise, amounts related to insurance claims, and amounts from financial institutions for credit card payments received for the sale of merchandise.  Receivables are stated net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, which was zero for both 2012 and 2011.  Bad debt expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses and was insignificant in years 2012, 2011, and 2010.  Generally, past due receivables are charged interest and accounts are charged off against the allowance for doubtful accounts when deemed uncollectible.

Inventories consist of fabrics, sewing notions, and patterns held for sale and are stated at the lower of cost or market; cost is determined by the weighted average cost method.  The costs related to sourcing and warehousing as well as freight, duties, and fees related to purchases of inventories are capitalized into ending inventory with the net change recorded as a component of costs of goods sold.  At January 26, 2013 and January 28, 2012, inventories included such capitalized costs for sourcing and warehousing totaling $8.9 and $9.0 million, respectively.  During fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010 the Company included in cost of goods sold $12.3, $12.3 million, $11.9 million, respectively, related to sourcing and warehousing costs, and $1.6 million, $1.9 million, and $2.0 million, respectively, related to depreciation and amortization expense.

Hancock provides for slow-moving or obsolete inventories throughout the year by marking down impacted inventory to its net realizable value.  In addition, Hancock records specific reserves when necessary to the extent that markdowns have not yet been reflected. During the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company initiated an aggressive strategy to address aged and unproductive inventory, which resulted in a charge of $6.7 million.   At January 26, 2013 and January 28, 2012, the amount of such reserves totaled $1.9 million and $2.5 million, respectively.

Vendor allowances and rebates are recorded as a reduction of the cost of inventory and cost of goods sold.

 
43

 
 
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization.  Depreciation is computed by use of the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of buildings, fixtures and equipment.  Leasehold costs and improvements are amortized over the lesser of their estimated useful lives or the remaining lease term as discussed in “Operating leases” below.  Average depreciable lives are as follows: buildings and improvements 5-40 years, leasehold improvements 5-15 years and fixtures and equipment 3-8 years.

Assets under capital leases are amortized in accordance with the Company’s normal depreciation policy for owned assets or over the lease term (regardless of renewal options), if shorter, and the charge to earnings is included in depreciation expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Asset retirement obligations are created as a result of certain lease requirements that Hancock remove certain assets and restore the properties to their original condition.  The obligations are recorded at the inception of the lease based on estimates of the actions to be taken and related costs.  Adjustments are made when necessary to reflect actual results.

Long-lived asset impairment is assessed when events or changes in circumstances indicate impairment testing is warranted.  The assessment is performed at the individual store level by comparing the carrying value of the assets with their estimated future undiscounted cash flows in accordance with ASC 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment”.  If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value, the discounted cash flows or comparable fair values are compared to the carrying value to determine the amount of the impairment loss to be recognized during that period.  Fair values are estimated based on the discounted cash flows plus the proceeds from the estimated liquidation values of the assets. During 2012, the Company determined there were no events that indicate the need for impairment testing. During 2011 and 2010, the Company evaluated the carrying amounts of certain store related long-lived assets, primarily leasehold improvements, fixtures and equipment, and prepaid rent.  The net book value of long-lived assets other than goodwill, net of noncurrent liabilities for fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, was $2.0 million and $2.3 million, respectively, for stores deemed to be at least partially impaired, and the Company recorded total impairment charges of $1.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively,  primarily due to the operations of the related stores failing to produce adequate cash flows. Impairment charges are included in selling, general, and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Goodwill.  Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired.  On at least an annual basis or when events or changes in circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred, a two-step approach is used to test for impairment.  First, a qualitative test is performed to determine if it is more likely that not that impairment has occurred.  If the qualitative test yields a 50% or greater probability that impairment has occurred then a two-step quantitative test is performed in which the fair value of Hancock’s reporting units are estimated using the discounted present value of future cash flows approach and then compared with their carrying values.  If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a second step is performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any.  In the second step, the implied fair value of the goodwill is estimated as the fair value of the reporting unit used in the first step less the fair values of all other net tangible and intangible assets of the reporting unit.  If the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess not to exceed the carrying amount of the goodwill.  The fair value of the reporting unit is estimated using the discounted present value of future cash flows.  Each of the stores acquired in two separate transactions that resulted in the recognition of goodwill represents a reporting unit. Impairment of goodwill was required due to declining operating results and other factors during 2011 and 2010, and the Company recorded goodwill impairment charges of $259,000 and $71,000, respectively.  Prior to the implementation of ASC 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other,” the Company amortized goodwill.  Gross goodwill of $4.7 million is presented net of  accumulated amortization of $1.0 million and total impairment of $0.8 million.

Accounts Payable, as of January 26, 2013 and January 28, 2012, includes $3.5 million and $3.1 million, respectively, for checks that are issued and outstanding.

 
44

 
 
Self-insured reserves are recorded for the Company’s self-insured programs for general liability, employment practices, workers’ compensation, and employee medical claims, although the Company maintains certain stop-loss coverage with third-party insurers to limit its total liability exposure. A reserve for liabilities associated with these losses is established for claims filed and incurred but not yet reported based upon the Company’s estimate of ultimate cost, which is calculated with consideration of analyses of historical data, severity factors, and/or valuations provided by third-party actuaries. The Company monitors new claims and claim development as well as negative trends related to the claims incurred but not reported in order to assess the adequacy of its insurance reserves. While the Company does not expect the amounts ultimately paid to differ significantly from its estimates, the Company’s self-insurance reserves and corresponding expenses could be affected if future claim experience differs significantly from historical trends and actuarial assumptions.

Claims and Litigation. The Company evaluates claims for damages and records its estimate of liabilities when such liabilities are considered probable and an amount or range of possible loss can be reasonably estimated.

Operating leases result in rent expense recorded on a straight-line basis over the expected life of the lease beginning with the point at which the Company obtains control and possession of the lease properties.  The expected life of the lease includes the build-out period where no rent payments are typically due under the terms of the lease, rent holidays, and available lease renewals and option periods reasonably assured of exercise due to economic penalties.  Also, the leases often contain predetermined fixed escalations of the minimum rentals during the term of the lease, which are also recorded on a straight-line basis over the expected life of the lease. The difference between the lease payment and rent expense in any period is recorded as stepped rent accrual in accrued liabilities and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

The Company records tenant allowances from landlords as lease incentives, which are amortized as a reduction of rent expense over the expected life of the lease.  Furthermore, improvements made by the Company as required by the lease agreements are capitalized by the Company as prepaid rent expense and recorded as prepaid expenses and other noncurrent assets in the consolidated balance sheets and are amortized into rent expense over the expected life of the lease. These improvements are typically the result of negotiations with the landlords which require the Company to make a significant investment to build-out the space for occupancy, which reduces the base rent on the property. Improvements classified as leasehold improvements and amortized into depreciation expense would be those that are routine in nature, necessary to modify the property for our operation and do not result in a reduction in base rent on the property.

Additionally, certain leases provide for contingent rents that are not measurable at inception. These contingent rents are primarily based on sales volume in excess of a predetermined level. These amounts are excluded from minimum rent and are included in the determination of total rent expense when it is probable that the expense has been incurred and the amount is reasonably estimable.

Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred and major improvements are capitalized.

Advertising, including production costs, is charged to expense in the period in which advertising first takes place.  At January 26, 2013, $378,000 of advertising was reported as assets.  Advertising expense was $10.1 million for 2012, $9.6 million for 2011, and $10.1 million for 2010.

Pre-opening costs of new stores are charged to expense as incurred.

 
45

 
 
Earnings per share is presented for basic and diluted earnings per share.  Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period, which represent common shares outstanding, less treasury stock and non-vested restricted shares.  Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of Hancock. For the fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, basic and diluted earnings per share are the same because the Company was in a loss position and the effect of additional securities or contracts to purchase additional common stock would be anti-dilutive. As of January 26, 2013, warrants entitling the purchase of an aggregate 11,938,400 shares are outstanding.

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements. The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, long term debt, and benefit plan liabilities. The fair value of these financial instruments, excluding benefit plan liabilities, approximate the carrying value based upon the short term maturity of the items or the market rate terms and conditions. The Company does not have any financial instruments that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis except for benefit plan liabilities.

Income taxes are recorded using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. We also recognize future tax benefits associated with tax losses and credit carryforwards as deferred tax assets. Our deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is “more likely than not” that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the Company expects to recover or settle the temporary differences. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred taxes is recognized in the period that the change is enacted.

Uncertain Tax Positions are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”). This interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements and prescribes a minimum recognition threshold of more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination that a tax position must meet before being recognized in the financial statements. The impact of an uncertain income tax position on the income tax return must be recognized at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained.

Stock-Based Compensation is accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC 718, “Stock Compensation,” which requires the recognition of the fair value of stock compensation as an expense in the calculation of net income (loss). The Company recognizes stock compensation expense in the period in which the employee is required to provide service, which is generally over the vesting period of the individual equity instruments.

Stock-based compensation expense, post adoption of FASB ASC 718, is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, and therefore has been reduced for estimated forfeitures.  Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant based on the Company’s historical forfeiture experience and will be revised in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ for those estimates.

Comprehensive income (loss) and the components of accumulated comprehensive income (loss) include net income (loss) and the changes in benefit plan liabilities, net of taxes.

Treasury stock is repurchased periodically by Hancock.  These treasury stock transactions are recorded using the cost method.

 
46

 
 
Concentration of Credit Risk.  Financial instruments which potentially subject Hancock to concentrations of risk are primarily cash and cash equivalents and trade and other receivables.  Hancock places its cash and cash equivalents in various insured depository institutions which limits the amount of credit exposure to any one institution. Occasionally our cash deposits with financial institutions exceed federal insurance provided on such deposits but to date the Company has not experienced any losses on such deposits.

In the ordinary course of business, Hancock extends credit to certain parties which are unsecured; however, Hancock has not historically had significant losses on the realization of such assets.

Reclassifications. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2012 presentation.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In June 2011, the FASB issued ASI 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 22): Presentation of Comprehensive Income, related to the presentation of the statement of comprehensive income. This guidance provides an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity was eliminated. This guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and must be retroactively applied to all reporting periods presented. We adopted this guidance effective January 29, 2012. Other than the change in presentation, this guidance did not have an impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
 
In July 2012, (“FASB”) issued ASU 2012-02, Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. This guidance provides companies the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired and whether it is necessary to perform an annual quantitative impairment test. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. We adopted this guidance in fiscal 2012 and its adoption did not have an impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

 Note 4 – Discontinued Operations

The Company closed three stores in 2012 and 2011 and one store in 2010, none of which qualified for discontinued operations treatment in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment”.  The 2010 income classified as discontinued operations relates to the adjustment of bankruptcy related claims on the 124 stores closed in 2007 that qualified for discontinued operations.
 
Note 5 - Property and Equipment (in thousands)
 
Property and Equipment consists of the following:
 
 
47

 
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Buildings and improvements
  $ 25,899     $ 25,873  
Leasehold improvements
    5,975       6,015  
Fixtures and equipment
    62,921       63,655  
Assets held for sale
    74       324  
      94,869       95,867  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (62,511 )     (60,805 )
      32,358       35,062  
Land
    1,213       1,213  
Total property and equipment, net
  $ 33,571     $ 36,275  
 
The Company recorded $3.7 million, $4.1 million, and $4.5 million of depreciation expense for the years 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.  The Company also expensed $1.6 million, $1.9 million, and $2.0 million, of depreciation to cost of sales in 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Assets held under capital leases amounted to $3.6 million at the end of fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Accumulated depreciation related to these assets at the end of fiscal year 2012 and 2011, totaled $1.2 million and $1.0 million, respectively. Related depreciation expense amounted to $168,000, $165,000, and $170,000 for 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Note 6 - Accrued Liabilities (in thousands)

Accrued liabilities consist of the following:
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Property taxes
  $ 2,921     $ 3,051  
Workers' compensation and deferred compensation
    2,914        3,255   
Payroll and benefits
    1,914       2,061  
Short-term lease obligations
    1,594       1,492  
Gift card / merchandise credit liability
    1,369       1,313  
Medical claims, customer liability claims and property claims
    1,109        1,448   
Sales taxes
    1,044       914  
Accrued professional fees
    88       1,427  
Other
    1,042       1,345  
    $ 13,995     $ 16,306  
 
Note 7 – Long-Term Debt Obligations

On November 15, 2012, the Company entered into an amended and restated loan and security agreement with its direct and indirect subsidiaries, General Electric Capital Corporation, as working capital agent, GA Capital, LLC, as term loan agent, and the lenders party thereto. The amended and restated loan and security agreement amends and restates the Company’s loan and security agreement dated as of August 1, 2008, and provides senior secured financing of $115 million, consisting of (a) an up to $100 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolver"), which includes a letter of credit sub-facility of up to $20.0 million, and (b) an up to $15 million term loan facility (the "Term Loan"). Availability of both the revolving credit facility and the term loan facility is determined by reference to the applicable borrowing base. Principal amounts outstanding under both the Revolver and the Term Loan are due and payable in full at maturity, on November 15, 2016, and bear interest at a rate equal to, at the option of the borrowers, either (a) a LIBOR rate determined by reference to the offered rate for deposits in dollars for the interest period relevant to such borrowing (the “Eurodollar Rate”), or (b) a prime rate, in each case plus an applicable margin and adjusted for certain additional costs and fees. The initial applicable margin for borrowings under the Revolver is 2.25% with respect to the Eurodollar Rate and 1.25% with respect to the prime rate loans and under the Term Loan is 10.0% with respect to the Eurodollar Rate and 9.0% with respect to the prime rate loans. Starting on April 1, 2013, the applicable margins on the Revolver are subject to adjustment (up or down) prospectively for three calendar month periods based on the Company's average excess availability under the Revolver.

 
48

 
 
The Revolver and Term Loan is collateralized by a fully perfected first priority security interest in all of the existing and after acquired real and personal tangible and intangible assets of the Company.  As of January 26, 2013, the Company had outstanding borrowings under the Revolver of $41.4 million and $15.0 million under the Term Loan, and amounts available to borrow of $20.0 million.

At January 26, 2013, Hancock had commitments under the above credit facility of $0.7 million, under documentary letters of credit, which support purchase orders for merchandise.  Hancock also has standby letters of credit to guarantee payment of potential insurance claims.  These letters of credit amounted to $5.3 million as of January 26, 2013.

On November 20, 2012, the Company exchanged approximately $16.4 million aggregate principal amount of the Company’s outstanding $21.6 million of Floating Rate Series A Secured Notes (the “Existing Notes”) originally issued pursuant to an Indenture dated as of June 17, 2008 (the “2008 Indenture”) between the Company and Deutsche Bank National Trust Company (“DBNTC”), as trustee thereunder, for (a) the Company’s Floating Rate Series A Secured Notes Due 2017 in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $8.2 million (the “New Notes”) issued pursuant to an indenture dated as of November 20, 2012 between the Company and DBNTC, as trustee thereunder (the “New Indenture”), and (b) cash consideration in the aggregate amount of approximately $8.2 million. After completion of the exchange, approximately $5.1 million aggregate principal amount of Existing Notes remained outstanding under the 2008 Indenture.

The New Notes bear interest at a variable rate, adjusted quarterly, equal to a LIBOR rate plus 12% per annum until maturity on November 20, 2017. Under the terms of the New Indenture, the Company is required to pay interest on the New Notes in cash quarterly in arrears on February 20, May 20, August 20, and November 20 of each year with the first payment being due on February 20, 2013. The New Notes and the related guarantees provided by certain subsidiaries of the Company are secured by a lien on substantially all of the Company’s and the subsidiary guarantors’ assets, in each case, subject to certain prior liens and other exceptions, but the New Notes are subordinated in right of payment in certain circumstances to all of the Company’s existing and future senior indebtedness, including the Company’s Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of November 15, 2012.

On November 20, 2012, the Company also completed a warrant exchange with the exchanging holders pursuant to which the exchanging holders exchanged warrants to purchase an aggregate of up to 7,385,200 shares of the Company’s common stock issued pursuant to the master warrant agreement, dated as of June 17, 2008 for new warrants (the “New Warrants”) to purchase an aggregate of up to 9,838,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for an exercise price per share of $0.59. The New Warrants are exercisable at any time until November 20, 2019.

The number of warrant shares issuable upon exercise and exercise price per share is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances, including antidilution adjustments in the event of certain below or above market issuances. The New Warrants are also subject to repurchase upon certain fundamental change events in accordance with a specified Black-Scholes formula.

 
49

 
 
From August 1, 2008 through November 15, 2012 the Company operated under a financing arrangement with, General Electric Capital Corporation (along with certain of its affiliates, "GE Capital") whereby GE Capital provided the Company with a revolving line of credit (the "Prior Revolver") in the maximum amount of $100.0 million (the "Maximum Amount"). The Maximum Amount includes a letter of credit sub-facility of up to $20.0 million.

The Prior Revolver has a 60-month term. At the Company's option, all loans under the Prior Revolver bore interest at either (a) a floating interest rate plus the applicable margins or (b) absent a default, a fixed interest rate for periods of one, two or three months equal to the reserve adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, plus the applicable margins. The applicable margins ranged from 0.0% to 2.375% depending on the nature of the borrowing under the Prior Revolver.

As of January 28, 2012, the Company had outstanding borrowings under the Prior Revolver of $31.3 million and amounts available to borrow of $31.5 million.

At January 28, 2012, Hancock had commitments under the above credit facility of $0.6 million, under documentary letters of credit, which support purchase orders for merchandise.  Hancock also has standby letters of credit to guarantee payment of potential insurance claims.  These letters of credit amounted to $4.9 million as of January 28, 2012.

In addition to the Prior Revolver, the Company issued $20.0 million of the Existing Notes on August 1, 2008. Interest on the Existing Notes is payable quarterly at LIBOR plus 4.50%. The Existing Notes mature 5 years from the date of issuance (August 1, 2013), are subordinated to the Prior Revolver, and are secured by a junior lien on all of the Company’s assets. Purchasers of the Existing Notes also received a warrant to purchase shares of common stock.  These warrants representing 9.5 million shares were issued in conjunction with the Existing Notes and were exercisable upon the date of issuance (August 1, 2008) for $1.12 per share and terminate 5 years from the date of issuance (August 1, 2013).  The warrants were valued at $11.7 million using the Black-Scholes option pricing model (term of 5 years, risk-free interest rate of 3.75%, expected volatility of 72%, and 0% dividend) and were recorded as a discount on Long-term debt obligations.  The balance was being amortized to interest expense through the maturity date of the Existing Notes.  The unamortized discount attributable to the remaining outstanding Existing Notes at January 26, 2013, totaled approximately $379,000. As discussed above, warrants issued in August 2008 to purchase an aggregate of up to 7,385,200 shares were exchanged for New Warrants on November 20, 2012.  As of January 26, 2013, of the warrants issued in August 2008, there remain outstanding warrants to purchase up to 2,100,400 shares of common stock.

As of January 26, 2013, the outstanding balance of the Existing Notes was $5.1 million. The Existing Notes were retired on January 31, 2013.
 
Note 8 - Long-Term Leases

Hancock leases its retail fabric store locations mainly under non-cancelable operating leases expiring at various dates through 2024.  Four of the Company’s stores qualify for capital lease treatment.  Two of the leases expire in 2020; the others expire in 2016 and 2021.

Rent expense consists of the following (in thousands):

 
50

 
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
                   
Minimum rent
  $ 21,949     $ 21,563     $ 21,125  
Common area maintenance
    2,018       2,053       2,055  
Stepped rent adjustment
    (61 )     (12 )     108  
Equipment leases
    405       455       402  
Additional rent based on sales
    51       96       85  
Taxes
    3,838       4,036       4,321  
Insurance
    385       356       354  
                         
    $ 28,585     $ 28,547     $ 28,450  
 
The amounts shown in the minimum rental table below reflect only future minimum rent payments required under existing store operating leases and income from non-cancelable sublease rentals.  In addition to those obligations, certain of Hancock’s store operating leases require payment of pass-through costs such as common area maintenance, taxes, and insurance.

Future minimum rental payments under all operating and capital leases as of January 26, 2013, are as follows (in thousands):

    Operating Leases      
Fiscal Year
 
Payments
 
Sublease
Rentals
 
Capital
Leases
 
2013
  $ 21,393     $ (220 )   $ 472  
2014
    17,117       (203 )     472  
2015
    14,653       (203 )     472  
2016
    11,689       (180 )     430  
2017
    8,149       (36 )     371  
Thereafter
    12,309       -       2,465  
Total minimum lease payments (income)
  $ 85,310     $ (842 )     4,682  
                         
Less imputed interest
                    (1,766 )
Present value of capital lease obligations
    2,916  
Less current portion
                    (109 )
Long-term capital lease obligations
    $ 2,807  
 
Note 9 - Income Taxes

The components of income tax expense are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
51

 
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
Currently payable
                 
Federal
  $ -     $ -     $ 42  
State
    -       -       -  
Total currently payable
  $ -     $ -     $ 42  
                         
Deferred
                       
Federal
  $ -     $ -     $ -  
State
    -       -       -  
Total deferred
  $ -     $ -     $ -  
                         
Total expense
  $ -     $ -     $ 232  
 
A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective tax rate is as follows:

   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
                   
Statutory federal income tax rate
    35.0 %     35.0 %     35.0 %
State income taxes, net of federal income tax effect
    3.1       3.1       1.3  
Other permanent differences
    (0.5 )     (0.5 )     (0.2 )
Valuation allowance
    (37.6 )     (37.6 )     (36.1 )
Other
    -       -       (2.3 )
Effective tax rate
    - %     - %     (2.3 ) %
 
Deferred income taxes are provided in recognition of temporary differences in reporting certain revenues and expenses for financial statement and income tax purposes.
 

The deferred tax assets are comprised of the following (in thousands):
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Deferred tax assets:
           
NOL carryforward
  $ 25,965     $ 21,048  
Pension and other postretirement benefits
    17,386       18,242  
Deferred compensation
    2,672       2,627  
Reserves and accruals
    2,278       2,328  
Inventory valuation method
    4,285       4,138  
Property and equipment
    2,256       2,149  
Other
    (1,079 )     (957 )
Total deferred tax asset
    53,763       49,575  
Valuation allowance
    (53,763 )     (49,575 )
Net deferred tax asset
  $ -     $ -  
 
A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company established a 100% valuation allowance due to the uncertainty of realizing future tax benefits from its net operating loss carryforwards and other deferred tax assets. At January 26, 2013, the Company had a usable net operating loss carryforward of approximately $58.9 million for federal income tax purposes, which will be available to offset future taxable income until they expire between 2027 and 2032, and a usable $175.0 million net operating loss carryforward for state income tax purposes, which will be available to offset future taxable income until they expire between 2013 and 2032.  The Company recognizes its pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities as a deferred tax asset but since the realization of such tax benefit is contingent upon the future payment of such amounts, a full valuation allowance is established for these deferred tax assets.

 
52

 
 
Internal Revenue Code Section 382 places a limitation (the “Section 382 Limitation”) on the amount of taxable income which can be offset by net operating loss carryforwards after a change in control (generally greater than a 50% change in ownership) of a loss corporation. Generally, after a control change, a loss corporation cannot deduct operating loss carryforwards in excess of the Section 382 Limitation.  The Company does not currently believe it is subject to any Section 382 limitations.

The Company classifies interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of tax expense.  At January 26, 2013, the Company had no unrecognized tax differences which should have impacted the effective tax rate in fiscal 2012.  No interest and penalties were included in the balance sheet or statement of operations as of or for the year ended January 26, 2013. As of January 26, 2013, the Company files tax returns with the Federal government and approximately 37 different states. There currently are no tax audits in process. The Company believes that as part of its emergence from Chapter 11 it is substantially protected against any tax claims made prior to the bankruptcy filing.

Note 10 - Other Liabilities

Other liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Long-term workers' compensation and deferred compensation
  $ 3,156     $ 3,851  
Long-term stepped rent accrual
    1,859       1,936  
Asset retirement obligation
    311       312  
Other
    241       329  
    $ 5,567     $ 6,428  
 
Note 11 - Shareholders’ Interest

Authorized Capital. Hancock’s authorized capital includes five million shares of $.01 par value preferred stock, none of which have been issued.

Common Stock Purchase Rights.  Hancock amended the Common Stock Purchase Rights Agreement with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company as Rights Agent, as amended and restated, on November 13, 2009 (the “Rights Agreement”). The Rights Agreement governs the terms of each right (a “Right”) that has been issued with each share of common stock of Hancock (the “Common Stock”). Each Right initially represents the right to purchase one share of Common Stock.

Hancock adopted the 2009 amendment to the Rights Agreement to preserve the value of the Company’s tax assets, including the Company’s net operating loss carryforwards (“Tax Benefits”) for both the Company and its stockholders. The Company’s ability to fully use its Tax Benefits to offset future income may be limited if it experiences an “ownership change” for purposes of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

 
53

 
 
The Rights Agreement is designed to reduce the likelihood that Hancock will experience an ownership change by (i) discouraging any person (together with such person’s affiliates or associates) from acquiring 4.95% or more of the then outstanding Common Stock and (ii) discouraging any person (together with such person’s affiliates or associates) that currently beneficially owns at least 4.95% of the outstanding Common Stock from acquiring more than a specified percentage of additional shares of Common Stock. There is no guarantee, however, that the Rights Agreement will prevent the Company from experiencing an ownership change.

Stock Repurchase Plan.  In prior years, Hancock has repurchased approximately 13.4 million shares of its Common Stock.  There are 243,327 shares available for repurchase as of January 26, 2013, under the most recent authorization.

Warrants.  In August 2008, Hancock issued warrants to purchase up to 9.5 million shares in conjunction with the Existing Notes (See Note 7). Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase shares at an exercise price of $1.12 per share and has an expiration date of August 1, 2013. On November 20, 2012, the Company completed a warrant exchange with the exchanging holders pursuant to which the exchanging holders exchanged warrants to purchase an aggregate of up to 7,385,200 shares of the Company’s common stock issued pursuant to the master warrant agreement, dated as of June 17, 2008 for new warrants (the “New Warrants”) to purchase an aggregate of up to 9,838,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for an exercise price per share of $0.59. The New Warrants are exercisable at any time until November 20, 2019, As of January 26, 2013, warrants for 2,100,400 shares at an exercise price of $1.12 and New Warrants for 9,838,000 shares at an exercise price of $0.59 are outstanding.

Note 12 – Earnings per Share
A reconciliation of basic earnings (loss) per share to diluted earnings (loss) per share follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 
   
Years Ended
 
   
January 26, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
   
January 29, 2011
 
   
Net
Loss
   
Shares
   
Per Share
Amount
   
Net
Loss
   
Shares
   
Per Share
Amount
   
Net
Loss
   
Shares
   
Per Share
Amount
 
Basic  and diluted EPS
                                                     
Loss available to common shareholders
  $ (8,510 )     20,046     $ (0.42 )   $ (11,298 )     19,846     $ (0.57 )   $ (10,461 )     19,684     $ (0.53 )
 
Certain options to purchase shares of Hancock’s common stock totaling 1,680,000, 990,000 and 494,000, shares were outstanding during the fiscal years 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because the exercise price was greater than the average price of common shares.  Additionally, securities totaling 12,096,000, 10,070,000 and 10,846,000 equivalent shares were excluded in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively as such shares were anti-dilutive.
 
Note 13 – Stock-Based Compensation
The Company’s stock-based compensation consists of compensation for stock options and restricted stock.  Total cost for stock-based compensation included in net loss was $718,000 for 2012, $341,000 for 2011, and $509,000 for 2010.

Stock Options. In 2001, Hancock adopted the 2001 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2001 Plan”) which authorized the granting of options or restricted stock to key employees for up to 2,800,000 shares of common stock in total.  In 2005, the 2001 Plan was amended to increase the aggregate number of shares authorized for issuance by 350,000 shares. Additionally, the 2001 Plan was amended and restated pursuant to the Company’s Plan of Reorganization, approved on August 1, 2008, to increase the aggregate number of shares authorized for issuance by 3,150,000, to award each non-employee director installed pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization 50,000 shares of restricted stock, to allow non-employee directors to receive restricted stock and stock options, and to allow directors to elect to receive fees as restricted shares instead of cash. Under the 2001 Plan, as amended and restated, the total shares available for issuance is 6,300,000.  The options granted under the 2001 Plan, as amended and restated, can have an exercise price of no less than 100% of fair market value on the date the options are granted, vest 25% upon the first anniversary of the grant date and 1/36th per month over the next three years, and expire seven years from the grant date. Restricted stock issued under the 2001 Plan, as amended and restated, can vest no sooner than 50% upon the first anniversary and 25% upon the second and third anniversaries.

 
54

 
 
On April 16, 2009, the Stock Plan Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors amended the 2001 Plan, as amended and restated, to provide for the issuance of stock options under the terms of the Long Term Incentive Plan. In general, the Long Term Incentive Plan provides for the granting of stock options with vesting over three years conditional on achieving annual performance goals as determined by the Board of Directors. If the goals are not achieved, the shares available for vesting that year are forfeited. As of January 26, 2013, a total of 484,623 shares remain available for grant under the 2001 Plan, as amended and restated.

A summary of stock option activity in the plan for the years ended 2012, 2011, and 2010 follows:

   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
Options
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Options
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Options
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Outstanding at beginning of year
    933,366     $ 3.48       1,377,682     $ 3.19       1,545,804     $ 3.17  
                                                 
Granted
    1,540,930     $ .77       147,497     $ 1.06       168,593     $ 1.75  
                                                 
Forfeited / canceled
    (511,259 )   $ 3.97       (583,814 )   $ 2.79       (293,204 )   $ 2.99  
                                                 
Exercised
    -     $ -       (7,999 )   $ .65       (43,511 )   $ .84  
                                                 
Shares outstanding, vested, and expected to vest at end of year
    1,645,914                                          
                                                 
Outstanding at end of year
    1,963,037     $ 1.50       933,366     $ 3.48       1,377,682     $ 3.19  
                                                 
Exercisable at end of year
    576,102     $ 3.15       661,199     $ 4.34       677,586     $ 5.13  
 
The total intrinsic value of shares exercised during the years 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $0, $2,000 and $23,000, respectively.  Cash proceeds from stock options exercised were $0 during the year 2012. The tax benefit related to stock option exercises will not be recognized until the net operating loss carryforward has been utilized.

For shares outstanding, vested, and expected to vest the intrinsic value is $800 and the weighted average remaining contractual life is 3.31 years at January 26, 2013.

The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes Option Valuation Model with the following weighted average assumptions:
 
 
55

 
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
                   
Weighted average grant-date fair value
  $ 0.38     $ 0.72     $ 1.75  
Assumptions:
                       
Expected dividend yield
    0 %     0 %     0 %
Expected volitility
    102.0 %     99.0 %     102.0 %
Risk-free interest rate
    0.38 %     1.05 %     1.50 %
Expected option life (in years)
    2.41       4.19       3.98  
 
The following is a summary of the methodology applied to develop each assumption:

Expected Volatility — This is a measure of the amount by which a price has fluctuated or is expected to fluctuate. The Company uses actual historical changes in the market value of our stock to calculate expected price volatility because management believes that this is the best indicator of future volatility. The Company calculates daily market value changes from the date of grant over a past period representative of the expected life of the options to determine volatility. An increase in the expected volatility will increase compensation expense.

Risk-free Interest Rate — This is the yield of a U.S. Treasury zero-coupon bond issue effective at the grant date with a remaining term equal to the expected life of the option. An increase in the risk-free interest rate will increase compensation expense.

Expected Lives — This is the period of time over which the options granted are expected to remain outstanding and is based on historical experience. Options granted have a maximum term of seven years. An increase in the expected life will increase compensation expense.

Dividend Yield — This is based on the anticipated dividend yield over the expected life of the option. An increase in the dividend yield will decrease compensation expense.

Forfeiture Rate — This is the estimated percentage of options granted that are expected to be forfeited or cancelled before becoming fully vested. This estimate is based on historical experience. An increase in the actual forfeiture rate will decrease compensation expense.

A summary of the outstanding and exercisable options as of January 26, 2013, follows:

Options Outstanding    
Options Exercisable
 
Range of
Exercise Prices
Number
Outstanding
at 1/26/13
   
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life (Years)
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Number
Exercisable
at 1/26/13
   
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life (Years)
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
$ 0.40 to $0.65     337,865       6.00     $ 0.55       66,419           $ 0.60  
$ 0.81 to $1.275     1,274,972       5.95     $ 0.87       185,068           $ 0.93  
$ 1.295 to $2.21     251,000       2.66     $ 1.56       228,583           $ 1.57  
$ 2.43 to $12.20     57,200       1.85     $ 10.31       54,032           $ 10.73  
$ 15.84 to $15.84     42,000       .36     $ 15.84       42,000           $ 15.84  
                                                     
$ 0.40 to $15.84     1,963,037       4.60               576,102       3.27          
                                                       
Intrinsic value
  $ 800                     $ 783                  
 
Restricted Stock.  The 2001 Plan, as amended and restated, authorized the granting of up to 6,300,000 shares of restricted stock or stock options. During 2012, 2011, and 2010, restricted shares or restricted stock units totaling 1,773,519, 474,857, and 167,000, respectively, were issued to directors, officers and key employees under the 2001 Plan. Compensation expense related to restricted stock issued is recognized over the period for which restrictions apply.

 
56

 
 
A summary of the status of the Company’s non-vested restricted stock as of January 26, 2013, and changes during 2012, is presented below:
 
Nonvested Restricted Stock
 
Shares
   
Weighted-
Average Grant-
Date Fair
Value
 
Nonvested shares at January 28, 2012
    602,357     $ 1.14  
Granted
    1,773,519     $ 0.85  
Vested
    (470,513 )   $ 1.01  
Forfeited
    (255,018 )   $ 0.94  
Nonvested shares at January 26, 2013
    1,650,345     $ 0.90  
 
As of January 26, 2013, there was $964,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the 2001 Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years. The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended January 26, 2013, January 28, 2012, and January 29, 2011 was $477,000, $200,000, and $400,000, respectively.

Note 14 – Employee Benefit Plans

Defined Benefit Plans

Effective February 3, 2007, the Company began recognizing the funded status of its defined benefit plans in accordance with FASB ASC 715, “Compensation-Retirement Benefits,” (“ASC 715”). ASC 715 requires the Company to display the net over-or-underfunded position of a defined benefit plan as an asset or liability with any unrecognized prior service costs, transition obligations, or actuarial gains/losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity.

Retirement Plans.  Hancock maintained a noncontributory qualified defined benefit retirement plan and an unfunded nonqualified Supplemental Retirement Benefit Plan (“SERP”) that afforded certain benefits that could not be provided by the qualified plan through December 31, 2008; at which time the plans were frozen and do not accrue additional benefits for service. Together, these plans provided eligible full-time employees with pension and disability benefits based primarily on years of service and employee compensation. The service cost amounts shown in the table below reflect administrative expenses to be paid out of the pension trust.

Changes in projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets (in thousands)

 
57

 
 
   
Retirement Plan
   
SERP
 
                         
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Change in benefit obligation
                       
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 92,041     $ 84,018     $ 1,051     $ 1,000  
Service cost
    600       505       -       -  
Interest cost
    4,153       4,505       45       51  
Benefits paid
    (5,580 )     (4,725 )     (74 )     (74 )
Plan expenses paid
    (855 )     (632 )     -       -  
Actuarial loss
    4,927       8,370       56       74  
Benefit obligation at end of year
  $ 95,286     $ 92,041     $ 1,078     $ 1,051  
                                 
                                 
Change in plan assets
                               
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
  $ 57,335     $ 54,438                  
Actual return on plan assets
    5,263       2,555                  
Employer Contributions
    5,012       5,699                  
Plan expenses paid
    (855 )     (632 )                
Benefits paid
    (5,580 )     (4,725 )                
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
  $ 61,175     $ 57,335                  
 
Funded Status

The funded status and the amounts recognized in Hancock’s consolidated balance sheet for the retirement plans based on an actuarial valuation were as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Retirement Plan
   
SERP
 
                         
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
                         
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
                   
Current liabilities
  $ -     $ -     $ 74     $ 74  
Non-current liabilities
    34,111       34,707       1,004       976  
Net Liability at end of year
  $ 34,111     $ 34,707     $ 1,078     $ 1,050  
                                 
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income
                         
Net actuarial loss
  $ 41,838     $ 39,313     $ 365     $ 234  
 
The actuarial loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost during the following fiscal year is $1,455,000 for the Retirement Plan and $13,000 for the SERP and the estimated prior service cost/(credit) for both plans will be zero.
 
 
58

 
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost (in thousands)
 
   
Retirement Plan
   
SERP
 
                                     
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
                                     
Service cost
  $ 600     $ 506     $ 428     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Interest cost
    4,153       4,505       4,563       45       51       53  
Expected return on plan assets
    (4,153 )     (4,039 )     (3,831 )     -       -       -  
Actuarial loss
    1,293       961       976       11       7       6  
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 1,893     $ 1,933     $ 2,136     $ 56     $ 58     $ 59  
 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligation recognized in other comprehensive loss (in thousands)
 
   
Retirement Plan
   
SERP
 
                         
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
                         
Net actuarial loss
  $ 3,818     $ 9,854     $ 56     $ 74  
Reversal of amortization - net actuarial gain
    (1,293 )     (961 )     (10 )     (8 )
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss
  $ 2,525     $ 8,893     $ 46     $ 66  
 
Accumulated benefit obligation

The accumulated benefit obligation for the retirement plan was $95.3 million and $92.0 million at the measurement dates of January 26, 2013, and January 28, 2012, respectively.  The accumulated benefit obligation for the SERP was $1.1 million at the measurement dates of January 26, 2013 and January 28, 2012.

Assumptions

Weighted-average actuarial assumptions used in the period-end valuations to determine benefit obligations were as follows:
 
   
Retirement Plan
   
SERP
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
                         
Discount rate
    4.31 %     4.74 %     4.03 %     4.53 %
Expected Long-Term Rate of Return
    6.72 %     7.50 %     N/A       N/A  
Rate of increase in compensation levels
    N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  
 
Weighted-average actuarial assumptions used in the valuations to determine net periodic benefit cost were as follows:

 
   
Retirement Plan
   
SERP
 
                                     
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
                                     
Discount rate
    4.74 %     5.52 %     5.80 %     4.53 %     5.22 %     5.55 %
Rate of increase in compensation levels
    N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  
Expected long-term rate of return on assets
    7.50 %     7.50 %     7.50 %     N/A       N/A       N/A  
  
 
59

 
 
The discount rate is the rate used to determine the present value of the Company’s future benefit obligation for its Retirement Plan and SERP.  The discount rate selected for each plan was developed using the expected cash flows and the Aon Hewitt AA Above Median Curve at the plan’s measurement date.

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets reflects Hancock’s expectations of long-term average rates of return on funds invested to provide for benefits included in the projected benefit obligation.  In developing the expected long-term rate of return assumption, Hancock evaluated input from the Company’s third party actuarial and investment firms and considered other factors including inflation, interest rates, peer data and historical returns.

Plan Assets

Hancock’s retirement plan weighted-average asset and target allocations were as follows:

Hancock invests in a diversified portfolio of equity and fixed income securities designed to maximize returns while minimizing risk associated with return volatility. Risk tolerance is established through careful consideration of plan liabilities, plan funded status, and the Company’s financial condition.  Investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through quarterly investment portfolio reviews, annual liability measurements, and periodic asset/liability studies.  In addition, the target asset allocation is periodically reviewed and adjusted, as appropriate.

Fair values of plan assets are determined based on valuation techniques categorized as follows:  Level 1 uses inputs from quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 uses inputs of quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active or are directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3 uses inputs that are unobservable. The fair value of the retirement plan assets assigned to each class of asset category as defined by FASB ASC 715 and target allocations for both years presented is as follows:

 
60

 
 
(in thousands)
 
Plan Assets
   
January 26, 2013
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Total
   
Target Allocation
 
Equity securities
  $ 26,521     $ 9,446     $ 35,967       60 %
Fixed Income
                               
Mutual funds
    23,829       -       23,829          
Cash and Equivalents
    1,379       -       1,379          
      25,208       -       25,208       40 %
                                 
Total
  $ 51,729     $ 9,446     $ 61,175       100 %
 
   
Plan Assets
 
   
January 28, 2012
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Total
   
Target Allocation
 
Equity securities
  $ 25,453     $ 8,614     $ 34,067       60 %
Fixed Income
                               
Mutual funds
    21,686       -       21,685          
Cash and Equivalents
    1,583       -       1,583          
      23,269       -       23,268       40 %
                                 
Total
  $ 48,722     $ 8,614     $ 57,335       100 %
 
Contributions

Hancock made contributions of $5.0 million during 2012 and expects to make contributions of $5.4 million to the retirement plan during 2013.  This estimate is based on many assumptions including asset values, actual rates of return on plan assets, assumed discount rates, projected census data, and recently passed legislation regarding funding requirements.  Accordingly, actual contribution amounts could vary greatly from the estimated amounts. 

Contributions to the SERP are made as benefits are paid.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments (in thousands)
 
   
Retirement
Plan
   
SERP
 
2013
  $ 5,382     $ 74  
2014
    5,480       74  
2015
    5,586       74  
2016
    5,704       74  
2017
    5,787       74  
Years 2018 through 2022
    29,710       371  
 
 
61

 
 
Postretirement Benefit Plan.  Hancock maintained an unfunded postretirement medical/dental/life insurance plan for all full-time employees and retirees hired before January 1, 2003.  Eligibility for the plan was limited to employees completing 15 years of credited service while being eligible for the Company’s employee medical benefit program.  Effective December 31, 2008, Hancock revised its policy respecting postretirement benefits. Retirees that are Medicare eligible no longer receive medical benefits, and all eligible present or future retirees must pay the estimated cost of medical/dental/life insurance coverage provided by the Company.

Changes in Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation (in thousands)
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Change in benefit obligation
           
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 2,578     $ 2,490  
Service cost
    59       64  
Interest cost
    113       126  
Benefits paid
    (469 )     (444 )
Actuarial (gain)/loss
    82       54  
Plan participant contributions
    301       288  
Total
  $ 2,664     $ 2,578  
 
Funded Status

The funded status and the amounts recognized in Hancock’s consolidated balance sheets for other postretirement benefits based on an actuarial valuation were as follows (in thousands):
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
       
Current liabilities
  $ 183     $ 149  
Non-current liabilities
    2,481       2,429  
Net liability at end of year
  $ 2,664     $ 2,578  
                 
                 
Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
Prior service credit
  $ (3,907 )   $ (4,617 )
Net actuarial (gain)/loss
    (1,814 )     (2,118 )
Total
  $ (5,721 )   $ (6,735 )
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost (in thousands)

   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
                   
Service costs
  $ 59     $ 64     $ 75  
Interest costs
    113       126       132  
Amortization of prior service credits
    (710 )     (724 )     (795 )
Amortization of net actuarial gain
    (223 )     (270 )     (254 )
Net periodic postretirement costs gain
  $ (761 )   $ (804 )   $ (842 )
 
The estimated prior service credit and actuarial gain that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost during the following fiscal year are $722,000 and $190,000, respectively.

 
62

 
 
Other changes in the benefit obligation recognized in other comprehensive loss (in thousands)

   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Net actuarial (gain)/loss
  $ 82     $ 54  
Reversal of amortization - net actuarial loss
    223       270  
Reversal of amortization - prior service cost
    710       725  
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss
  $ 1,015     $ 1,049  
 
Assumptions

Weighted-average actuarial assumptions used in the period-end valuations to determine benefit obligations were as follows:
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Discount rate
    4.35 %     4.81 %
Rate of increase in compensation levels
    2.50 %     2.50 %
 
Weighted-average actuarial assumptions used in the valuations to determine net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
                   
Discount rate
    4.81 %     5.61 %     5.84 %
Expected return on plan assets
    N/A       N/A       N/A  
Rate of increase in compensation levels
    2.50 %     2.50 %     2.50 %
 
The discount rate is the rate used to determine the present value of the Company’s future benefit obligation for its postretirement benefit plan.  The discount rate selected for each plan was developed using the expected cash flows and the Aon Hewitt AA Above Median Curve at the plan’s measurement date.

Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year
    8.50 %     8.00 %
Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to
    5.00 %     5.00 %
Year that the rate reaches the rate at which it is assumed to remain
    2020       2018  
 
Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans.  A one-percentage point change in the assumed health care trend rates would have the following effects (in thousands):

   
One-Percentage
Point
Increase
   
One-Percentage
 Point
 Decrease
 
Effect on total service and interest costs
  $ 9     $ (8 )
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation
    96       (86 )
 
 
63

 
 
Contributions

Hancock currently contributes to the plan as medical and dental benefits are paid. The Company expects to continue to do so in 2013 for all eligible present or future retirees electing to pay the estimated cost of medical/dental/life insurance coverage provided by the Company.  Claims paid in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, net of employee contributions, totaled $160,000, $156,000, and $37,000, respectively.  Such claims include, in the case of postretirement life benefits, net premiums paid to a life insurance company and, in the case of medical and dental benefits, actual claims paid by the Company on a self-insured basis.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments (in thousands)

   
Net
Payments
 
2013
  $ 183  
2014
    168  
2015
    169  
2016
    170  
2017
    184  
Years 2018 through 2022
    921  
 
Note 15 - Commitments and Contingencies

The Company has no standby repurchase obligations or guarantees of other entities’ debt.

The Company is party to several legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of business.  We expect these matters will be resolved without material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We believe that any estimated loss related to such matters has been adequately provided in accrued liabilities to the extent probable and reasonably estimable.

Note 16 – Related Party Transactions

On November 20, 2012, we completed a warrant exchange with certain warrant holders pursuant to which the exchanging holders exchanged warrants to purchase an aggregate of up to 7,385,200 shares of our common stock (the “Old Warrants”) issued pursuant to the master warrant agreement, dated as of June 17, 2008 for new warrants (the “New Warrants”) to purchase an aggregate of up to 9,838,000 shares of our common stock for an exercise price per share of $0.59. The New Warrants are exercisable at any time until November 20, 2019.

Carl E. Berg (a former non-executive Chairman of our Board of Directors) is the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock through either controlling or majority interest and/or controlling investment management in Berg & Berg Enterprises, LLC and Lightpointe Communications, Inc. (“Lightpointe”).  In the warrant exchange, Lightpointe exchanged Old Warrants for a New Warrant to purchase 4,860,400 shares of our common stock.
 
As the managing member of Lenado Capital Advisors, LLC (“Lenado Advisors”); SPV UNO, LLC (“SPV Uno”); and SPV Quatro, LLC (“SPV Quatro”); the sole member of the managing member of Lenado Capital, LLC (“Lenado Capital”); and the owner, directly or indirectly, of a majority of the membership interests in each of Lenado Advisors, Lenado Capital, SPV UNO and SPV Quatro, Nikos Hecht may be deemed to be the controlling person of Lenado Advisors, Lenado Capital, SPV UNO and SPV Quatro and, through Lenado Capital, Series A of Lenado Capital Partners, L.P. (“Lenado Partners”) and Lenado DP, Series A of Lenado DP, L.P. (“Lenado DP”).  Mr. Hecht, Lenado Advisors, Lenado Capital, Lenado Partners and SPV Quatro are each the beneficial owners of more than 5% of our common stock.  In the warrant exchange, Lenado DP exchanged Old Warrants for a New Warrant to purchase 566,400 shares of our common stock; SPV Uno exchanged Old Warrants for a New Warrant to purchase 232,000 shares of our common stock; SPV Quatro exchanged Old Warrants for a New Warrant to purchase 1,984,800 shares of our common stock; and Lenado Partners exchanged Old Warrants for a New Warrant to purchase 2,194,400 shares of our common stock.
 
On November 20, 2012, we also exchanged approximately $16.4 million aggregate principal amount of the Existing Notes held by the related parties for approximately $8.2 million of New Notes and cash consideration of approximately $8.2 million, see “Note 7 – Long-Term Debt Obligations.”
 
 
64

 
 
We did not enter into any other material transactions with related parties during fiscal years 2012, 2011, or 2010.

Note 17 – Subsequent Event

Subsequent to fiscal year end, on January 31, 2013 the Company retired the remaining $5.1 million of Existing Notes outstanding under the 2008 Indenture and wrote off the related unamortized discount of $379,000. The funds to retire this debt were from the Revolver and did not reduce the amounts available to borrow of $20.0 million, which already had the debt retirement reserved.

Management is not aware of any additional subsequent events which should be reported, through the date of this report.

 
65

 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Hancock Fabrics, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hancock Fabrics, Inc. (a Delaware Corporation) (the “Company”) as of January 26, 2013 and January 28, 2012, and the related statements of operations and comprehensive loss, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years ended January 26, 2013, January 28, 2012, and January 29, 2011.  Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in Item 15(a) (2).  These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Hancock Fabrics, Inc. as of January 26, 2013 and January 28, 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended January 26, 2013, January 28, 2012, and January 29, 2011 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects the information set forth therein.
 


/s/Burr Pilger Mayer, Inc.
San Francisco, California
April 26, 2013
 
 
66

 
 
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (unaudited)
               
Years ended January 26, 2013 and January 28, 2012
               
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
               
 
   
First
Quarter
2012
   
Second
Quarter
2012
   
Third
Quarter
2012
     
Fourth
Quarter
2012
   
Sales
  $ 63,944     $ 60,455     $ 71,866       $ 81,724    
                                     
Gross profit
    26,101       25,925       28,182         31,929    
                                     
Selling, general and administrative expense
    26,351       27,010       28,103  
(a)
    28,189   (b)
Depreciation and amortization
    937       936       933         911    
                                     
Interest expense
    1,223       1,286       1,385         3,383   (c)
                                     
Net loss
  $ (2,410 )   $ (3,307 )   $ (2,239 )     $ (554 )  
                                     
Comprehensive loss
  $ (2,314 )   $ (3,210 )   $ (2,144 )     $ (4,427 )  
                                     
Basic and dilutive loss per share (1)
  $ (0.12 )   $ (0.17 )   $ (0.11 )     $ (0.03 )  
 
(a)
Includes charge of $398 for contract arbitration costs.
             
(b)
Includes charge of $15 for contract arbitration costs.
           
(c)
Includes one-time non-comparable charge of $1,488 for loan closing related costs.
 
 
   
First
Quarter
2011
   
Second
Quarter
2011
   
Third
Quarter
2011
   
Fourth
Quarter
2011
   
Sales
  $ 61,977     $ 57,789     $ 70,790     $ 81,437    
                                   
Gross profit
    27,372       25,371       30,806       29,176    
                                   
Selling, general and administrative expense
    27,340       27,084       28,517       32,106   (d)
Depreciation and amortization
    1,037       1,029       1,046       1,028    
                                   
Interest expense
    1,147       1,184       1,283       1,222    
                                   
                                   
Net loss
  $ (2,152 )   $ (3,926 )   $ (40 )   $ (5,180 )  
                                   
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (2,176 )   $ (3,951 )   $ 3     $ (15,182 )  
                                   
Basic and dilutive loss per share (1)
  $ (0.11 )   $ (0.20 )   $ (0.00 )   $ (0.26 )  
 
(d)
Includes one-time non-comparable charge of $401 for severance related costs, $300 for relocation costs, $1,614 for contract arbitration costs, and $1,666 for asset impairment.
(1)
Per share amounts are based on average shares outstanding during each quarter and may not add to the total for the year.
 
 
67

 
 
Item 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

Item 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the President  and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding the required disclosures.
 
As of the end of the period covered by this report (January 26, 2013), the Company’s management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer), performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in the Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act).  Based upon this evaluation, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of January 26, 2013.
 
Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter ended January 26, 2013, which have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Hancock’s management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 26, 2013. In making this assessment, management used the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).  Based on this assessment, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of January 26,2013.

 
68

 
 
This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.  Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

Item 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION

None.

 
69

 

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement for our 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended January 26, 2013.

Our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Audit Committee Charter, Management Review and Compensation Committee Charter as well as the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee Charter are available free of charge on the Company’s website at www.hancockfabrics.com. We will also provide copies of these documents free of charge upon request. We intend to provide disclosures regarding amendments to or waivers of a provision of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics by disclosing such information on our website within four business days following the amendment or waiver as required by applicable law.
 
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement for our 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended January 26, 2013.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement for our 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended January 26, 2013.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement for our 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended January 26, 2013.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement for our 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended January 26, 2013.

 
70

 
 
PART IV

Item 15.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)      (1)            Financial Statements

The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company are set forth in Item 8 of this Report beginning on page 37.

(a)      (2)            Financial Statement Schedules

Schedule II – Valuation and qualifying accounts. (see page 76 of this Report)

All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, or are not required, or because the required information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto.

(a)      (3)            Exhibits

Note to Exhibits: Any representations and warranties of a party set forth in any agreement (including all exhibits and schedules thereto) filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K have been made solely for the benefit of the other party to the agreement. Some of those representations and warranties were made only as of the date of the agreement or such other date as specified in the agreement, may be subject to a contractual standard of materiality different from what may be viewed as material to stockholders, or may have been used for the purpose of allocating risk between the parties rather than establishing matters as facts. Such agreements are included with this filing only to provide investors with information regarding the terms of the agreements, and not to provide investors with any other factual or disclosure information regarding the registrant or its business.
 
 
3.1
a
 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
 
3.2
j
 
Amended and Restated By-Laws
 
4.1
f
ª
Amendment to Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated November 13, 2009
 
4.2
b
ª
Amendment No. 2, dated March 20, 2006, to the Amended and Restated Rights Agreement
 
4.3
b
ª
Amended and Restated Rights Agreement with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company as amended through March 20, 2006
 
4.4
c
 
Specimen representing the Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Hancock Fabrics, Inc.
 
4.5
c
 
Indenture dated June 17, 2008 between Hancock Fabrics, Inc. and Deutsche Bank National Trust Company
 
4.6
c
 
Master Warrant Agreement dated June 17, 2008 between Hancock Fabrics, Inc. and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company
 
4.7
c
 
Specimen representing the Floating Rate Secured Notes of Hancock Fabrics, Inc.
 
4.8
c
 
Specimen representing the Warrants of Hancock Fabrics, Inc. issued on August 1, 2008
 
4.9
c
 
Form of Subscription Certificate for Rights
 
4.10
l  
Master Warrant Agreement dated November 15, 2012 by and among Hancock Fabrics, Inc. and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent.
 
4.11
l  
Specimen Warrant Certificate representing the Warrants under the Master Warrant Agreement dated November 15, 2012 (included as an Exhibit to Exhibit 4.10).
 
4.12
l  
Indenture dated November 20, 2012 by and among Hancock Fabrics, Inc. and Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as trustee.
 
4.13
l  
Form of Note Exchange Agreement dated as of November 15, 2012.
 
4.14
l  
Form of Warrant Exchange Agreement.
 
10.1
e
 
Form of Indemnity Agreement (Directors and Executive Officers)
 
10.2
d
ª
Supplemental Retirement Plan, as amended
 
 
71

 
 
 
10.3
i
ª
Employment Agreement with Steven R. Morgan, effective as of October 17, 2011
 
10.4
h
+
Loan and Security Agreement, dated August 1, 2008, by and among Hancock Fabrics, Inc., HF Merchandising Inc., Hancock Fabrics of MI, Inc., hancockfabrics.com, Inc., Hancock Fabrics, LLC, as Borrowers; HF Enterprises, Inc. and HF Resources, Inc. as Guarantors; General Electric Capital Corporation, as Agent, Issuing Bank and Syndication Agent; and GE Capital Markets, Inc., as Sole Lead Arranger, Manager and Bookrunner
 
10.5
h
ª
Form of Change in Control Agreement (Senior Vice Presidents)
 
10.6
i
ª
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement
 
10.7
i
ª
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement
 
10.8
i
ª
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (Performance Vesting)
 
10.9
*
ª
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Performance Vesting)
 
10.10
*
ª
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Time Vesting)
 
10.11
*
ª
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (Performance Vesting), as amended
 
10.12
*
ª
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (Time Vesting)
 
10.13
h
ª
Second Amendment to the Hancock Fabrics, Inc. Supplemental Retirement Benefit Plan
 
10.14
h
ª
Amended and Restated 2001 Stock Incentive Plan, effective as of January 30, 2011
 
10.15
h
ª
Short Term Incentive Plan, effective as of January 30, 2011
 
10.16
h
ª
Form of Change in Control Agreement (Executive Vice Presidents)
 
10.17
g
ª
Employment Letter Agreement with Susan van Benten
 
10.18
*
ª
Offer Letter dated December 2, 2011 between Hancock Fabrics, Inc. and Dennis Lyons as Senior Vice President, Store Operations
 
10.19
k  
Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated November 15, 2012 by and among Hancock Fabrics, Inc., HF Merchandising, Inc., Hancock Fabrics of MI, Inc., Hancockfabrics.com, Inc., Hancock Fabrics, LLC, HF Enterprises, Inc., HF Resources, Inc., the lenders from time to time party thereto, General Electric Capital Corporation, as working capital agent, and GA Capital, LLC, as term loan agent
  10.20 *
Offer Letter dated February 14, 2013 between Hancock Fabrics, Inc. and James B. Brown as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
21
*
 
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
 
23.1
*
 
Consent of Burr Pilger Mayer, Inc. – an Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
31.1
*
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
 
31.2
*
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
 
32
*
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
         
101 INS#
   
XBRL Instance Document
         
101 SCH#
   
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
         
101 CAL#
   
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
         
101 DEF#
   
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
         
101 LAB#
   
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
         
101 PRE#
   
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
72

 
 
#Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.
 
 
 
* Filed herewith.
 
+ Information redacted pursuant to a confidential treatment request. Omitted portions have been filed separately with the SEC.
   
Incorporated by reference to (Commission file number for Section 13 reports is 001-9482):
   
a
Form 8–K filed July 31, 2008
   
b Form 8–K filed March 22, 2006
   
c Form S-1/A filed June 19, 2008
   
d Form 10–K filed April 25, 1995 (File No. 001-09482)
   
e Form 10–K filed April 10, 2009
   
f Form 8–K filed November 17, 2009
   
g
Form 8–K filed September 21, 2010
   
h Form 10–K filed April 26, 2011
   
i Form 10–K filed April 20, 2012
   
j
Form 8–K filed June 8, 2012
   
k
Form 8–K filed November 19, 2012
   
l
Form 8–K filed November 21, 2012
   
   
   
ª
Denotes management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
 
 
73

 
 
SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
HANCOCK FABRICS, INC.
 
         
  By /s/  Steven R. Morgan  
     
Steven R. Morgan
 
    Director and President and Chief Executive Officer  
    (Principal Executive Officer)  
   
April 26, 2013
 
         
         
  By /s/  James B. Brown  
      James B. Brown  
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer  
    (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)  
   
April 26, 2013
 
 
 
74

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
Signature
  Date  
       
       
/s/ Steven R. Morgan
  April 26, 2013  
Steven R. Morgan
     
Director and President and
     
Chief Executive Officer
     
(Principal Executive Officer)
     
       
       
/s/ James B. Brown
  April 26, 2013  
James B. Brown
     
Executive Vice President and
     
Chief Financial Officer
     
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
   
       
       
/s/ Steven D. Scheiwe
  April 26, 2013  
Steven D. Scheiwe      
Director      
       
       
/s/ Sam P. Cortez
  April 26, 2013  
Sam P. Cortez
     
Director
     
       
       
/s/ Neil S. Subin
  April 26, 2013  
Neil S. Subin
     
Director
     
 
 
75

 
 
HANCOCK FABRICS, INC.
SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR FISCAL YEARS 2012, 2011, AND 2010
(In thousands)
 
         
Additions
             
   
Balance
Beginning of
Year
   
Charged
to Costs
and
Expenses
   
Charged
to
Other
Accounts
   
Deductions
   
Balance
Ending of
Year
 
For the year ended January 26, 2013
                             
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    -       -       -       -       -  
Reserve for sales returns
    125       49       -       (37 )     137  
Reserves for store closings
    -       -       -       -       -  
Asset retirement obligations
    312       -       -       (1 )     311  
                                         
For the year ended January 28, 2012
                                       
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    -       -       -       -       -  
Reserve for sales returns
    122       3       -       -       125  
Reserves for store closings
    89       -       (5 )     (84 )     -  
Asset retirement obligations
    314       1       (3 )             312  
                                         
For the year ended January 29, 2011
                                       
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    -       -       -       -       -  
Reserve for sales returns
    109       13       -       -       122  
Reserves for store closings
    346       -       -       (257 )     89  
Asset retirement obligations
    314       1       -       (1 )     314  
 
76